The crossing was done with practiced ease. The experienced river captain was merely making a cake run. After the heavy crates and casks were off loaded the warrior and his companion, the Maiden, whose name was Celestia, walked the pebble covered path up the hill to the ancient temple. The stone pile was huge, weathered and awe inspiring. Around the entrance where images of the four lesser gods carved in marble, these were representations of the four elements that were said to have formed the world at the command of the Most High.

As one passed through the gate an image of the Watcher Above; carved and painted on the ceiling, seemed to scrutinize each person that walked below it. Directly ahead was the golden altar of the Most High. The only sign of habitation was the smoldering embers of the braziers that flanked the walk way.

They kneeled in front of the altar and opened themselves to its power.

“Who are you?” a voice asked him.

“A servant.” He responded.

“What do you seek?” the voice insisted. “Justice.” was the only reply he could give.

“Then go, let this gift hasten your journey, for haste is essential now.”

“How can I gain a Talisman? Without it I am doomed as surely as if I had never started!” the warrior pleaded.

“The Warlock will provide you the answer. Heed his words but do not trust him, the answer lies beyond him.”

“I don’t understand!” he called out.

“Understand what?” the Maiden asked.

He could not explain, she had heard nothing of his exchange with the supernatural and he could not bring himself to speak of it. He barely believed it himself even though he had experienced more than his share of other worldly encounters. The only evidence of his revelation was the new and potent power that had been loaned him. He thought to use his gift at once and visit this Warlock’s cave but then thought better of it. It was not far and he may have better use of such power at a later date, and he knew that it would only be his to use once. He decided not to squander it, even though haste was required.

It was by round about ways and some large portion of luck that they avoided going directly through the desert. With out sufficient water it would have drained them mightily. The thought of water reminded him of the bottle pinched by the Thief and he wondered what had happened to the accursed cut purse. It gave him a moment of reminiscence and regret. It was during these thoughts that they came to the cave they sought. All of the stones were carved with strange symbols and the entrance was dark.

The warrior, unschooled in the finer points of etiquette; peered inside. In the dim light he saw a torch and pulled it from it’s mounting on the wall. The Maiden looked some what dismayed by this but said nothing. With a few strikes of his flint it was soon burning brightly as it was well saturated with pitch. Down the tunnel they went, around twists and bends until all at once they stepped into a large chamber.

The cavern was decorated with odd items that had no purpose either of them could fathom. Heaps of coins and gemstones were strewn about and, as if to highlight certain special treasures, human and human like remains were arranged around them.

They jumped at a low cackle, “So you have come at last.” The ancient Warlock became visible as the light increased. “It is well for I do not like my domain trespassed upon. A toll must be paid.”

“What do you mean?” he said boldly, looking at the jumble of items and skeletons that lay strewn about.

“My price is blood.” The Warlock grinned.

The warrior rose to his full height and stepped in front of the Maiden.

“She is under my protection...”

“Nay hero,” the sarcasm was not lost on the warrior “here, see. Thou are not alone on this quest.”

He was motioned to look into a bowl of water, within was revealed the clear view of a young woman astride a Unicorn. She brandished a spear and shield and was cautiously crossing the landscape.

“She is your chief rival. She has failed to pay me my rightful due.”

The warrior was intrigued but he was distracted by a motion in the background on the image. Perhaps it was because the movement was mimicked in another medium that he caught from the corner of his eye. Over the Warlock’s shoulder, behind his throne was a mirror that showed a different scene.

An uncanny creature that sent chills up the warrior’s neck was there. He glanced at it furtively as the Warlock spoke. It was well that he viewed it in this manner for it gave him a clear idea of the things intent. It was making to waylay the young woman!

“Bring me her blood and your way is cleared. I will then give you the gift you seek.”

The warrior looked to the Maiden and then to the Warlock.

“I will not bargain in the blood of those unknown to me. It is a cruel game that you play but I know another one.” He grasped Celestia’s hand and let go the incantation that had been placed in his mind. In a twinkling that even the Warlock could not expect they were gone.

Enraged the Warlock turned to find them but he knew that he had not put up any protections this time. Who would have thought that a sword wielding boy would have any arcane gifts! Then he saw the mirror and howled with fury.