When Khal finally awoke he found himself in a bed at the corner of the tent. He looked around and saw that the old man was still sitting next to the light with his eyes still closed. Khal felt like something had changed inside of him. He felt like a completely different person from before. "Elder..." The old man turned before Khal could finish his sentence and appeared directly in front of him. "Quiet lad, you've finally completed the awakening. Few Durmondae are capable of staying in the spirit plane for as long as you did. You're the first to do so in 100 years." Khal was taken aback by the excitement of the elder. How long had he stayed in the other plane? It felt like centuries but how many years could it have really been?

He stared at the old man knowingly. He had finally recognized who the old man was but could not remember his name. He was one of the ancestors that he had seen escaping from Durmond during the war 100 years ago. "How is this possible?" Khal asked as he stared at the man in awe. "Elementums use the spirit energy in their blood to rejuvenate devitalized tissue and slow down the aging process," said Bunsen as he stepped forward. "How much of the past did you see Khal?" Bunsen continued as he got closer to Khal. "Well...I'm not sure, I think I went to multiple time periods thanks to a spirit named Vivian. She..."

"YOU WHAT?", the elder shouted for the first time before grabbing Khal by his shoulders and shaking him. "Start from the beginning and don't leave anything out!", the man commanded as he stared at Khal intently. "After I entered the spirit plane I....." The elder listened attentively as tears began streaming down his face. He could barely believe what he was hearing. His own daughter, the last queen of Durmond, conducted the awakening for Khal. He could not contain his happiness at hearing Khal speak about his daughter just the way he remembered her. Was this a sign of their savior to be?

"Elder, it's time for us to spot whether the boy has what we've been looking for." The elder regained his composure at his subordinate's words. He nodded before digging in his pockets. Khal stared at Bunsen for a second before he turned towards the elder again, "Wait a minute elder, you're Sagdel aren't you?" The elder chuckled before saying, "I haven't been called by that name in many years lad." Khal looked at elder in a new light. He thought to himself that there must be some truth to the myths about Sagdel.

Sagdel pulled out an orange stone from his pocket before handing it to Bunsen. "This is a precious stone made of maginite ore that detects the elemental affinity of Elementum knights. There are 6 elements in our world: water, fire, earth, wind, light, and darkness. With any luck, you'll be the first Durmondae in 100 years to become a Vulcan. Just grab hold of the stone and it will do the rest boy, no pressure," Sagdel smirked before Bunsen handed the stone to Khal. Just as Khal grabbed the stone, it lit up in 3 different colors. The colors varied from blue, green and black before the stone cracked in half. "Bloody Berilin! This is impossible!!!" Screamed Bunsen.

Sagdel grabbed the pieces of stone with trembling hands as he signaled for Bunsen to call for Avery. Khal stared at the elder unsure of what was happening. He watched as his father enter the room with Bunsen behind. The elder handed Khal another stone, instructing him to repeat the test. Khal grabbed the stone and watched the same 3 elements radiate from the stone before it broke again into smaller pieces. Avery's eyes opened wide before he began stuttering to himself. Khal looked at the elder before asking, "what is the meaning of the test Elder?" Sagdel watched Khal for a few seconds before he absentmindedly answered, "My Lord, the test means that you possess 3 elements, water, wind, and darkness!" Khal watched Sagdel and Bunsen withdraw their swords before dropping on one knee. They placed their swords in front then rested their foreheads on the hilt of the weapon before shouting, "We greet his Majesty, Emperor Khal of Durmond!"

---

There was silence in the tent as the men waited for Khal's response to them. Khal was taken aback by the way the men addressed him. Avery, noticing his son's confusion turned to him and whispered, "Son, in Durmond, the monarchy is selected by an election as opposed to hereditary. We believe that prowess is stronger than blood when it comes to ruling our nation. Since you possess 3 elements, 1 more than the powerful Vulcans, that makes you the rightful King of Durmond. It is customary for the rightful King to address his subjects before they can raise."

Khal nodded vigorously before turning to the men. "I'm sorry, this is too much. I can't be your King." Avery turned towards the men before he reminded them, "We came here for an awakening, not a recruitment. My son will not be a figurehead for your foolish desires Sagdel." Sagdel and Bunsen stared at each other before turning to the father and son. "I have waited for 100 years for our new King, you cannot take this away from me Avery. You may have strayed from the path your father set out for you but Khal is our rightful ruler. It is time that we show those on the continent that the great Durmond is not dead," Sagdel urged as he raised his sword in the air. "You're so blinded by your bloodlust that you forget that Khal is but a child, old man!", Avery exclaimed as he got between Khal and Sagdel.

"Fool! I am your elder and you WILL respect me!", Sagdel gripped his weapon as the entire area became frozen. The light source was instantly outed causing Bunsen to use his arm instead. "Your Katarian blood may have clouded your better judgement BOY so I'll let it go this time," Sagdel lectured as he turned towards his young savior. Avery ground his teeth as he got ready to fight or take flight with his son. "My mind is as clear as the sky elder, I'm afraid Khal won't be staying here to help with whatever retribution you seek with the Gusto Empire." Khal watched the situation blow out of proportion before his eyes. He slowly became annoyed at everyone around him. He wasn't sure where all the anger and rage originated from. Maybe it was from his sudden change after his visit to the spirit plane or the fact that he was not in control of his own life. "STOP!", he screamed at the arguing men. A small gust of wind escaped his mouth as he spoke, blowing Bunsen's flame out completely.

Both Avery and Sagdel became quiet as they stared at Khal. "Why does everyone think that they can control my life! Lord Tommel, Sagdel and you, Pa. I will not be controlled by anyone. Only I can choose my destiny!" The men became quiet as they continued to stare at the child. Khal did not know whether he was crossing a line but he did not care. He refused to be controlled by anyone or anything. Something inside of him was urging him to remain free, to grasp his own destiny with both hands.

"Ahem, well Avery, the boy has spoken. There is no way we can disobey a direct order from our future King. Let's compromise a bit Elder," advised Bunsen as he tried to quell the fire. Sagdel slowly looked away from Khal before setting his eyes on Avery, "Fine, but I will be in charge of his training until he is ready to lead us." Avery scoffed at the elder's suggestion. "Unless you want to cause Lord Tommel to turn the entire district upside down you will not. There is no way Khal can stay here without raising a lot of questions. Trust me, Lord Tommel is the wrong noble to cross."

"Soft as always. Avery, you...." Avery raised his hands, cutting the elder off before he could finish. "Grand Knight Dor is his grandfather. Will you risk every Durmondae under your command for your idiocy?!" Avery ended before he turned towards his son. Without his mother's letters, Khal would have been shocked beyond recognition to learn of his grandfather but this just proved how much his father kept from him. How much his father was in control of his life.

Sagdel became silent, he thought about his options for a while before he finally agreed that he could not keep Khal with his unit. His only option was to use Avery as a liaison between himself and Khal. He would pass on the battleforce manual as well as any training equipment he could find to make sure his future King was well taken care of. He just hoped that Khal could help to destroy the Gusto Empire before his time was up.

---

Khal and Avery mounted the packhorse before exiting the caravan towards Talawa Stables. The atmosphere was heavy with emotions. He could not even look his father in the eyes. The display of his ability had left him tired and sleepy. He looked over his father's shoulder to see the caravan already preparing for departure through Easing Grove. His awakening had left him much to think about. Firstly, he had not come to terms with his outburst. Normally, he would never voice his disapproval for all to hear. He preferred to internalize his feelings and work around his problems. Maybe his newfound power was the reason or maybe it was the fact that he kept everything bottled up for too long.

"Khal, what you said earlier...I never meant to...." "It's ok Pa, I crossed a line. I don't know what's happening to me but maybe I'm just overwhelmed. Everything just came too suddenly and all at once but I do mean what I said. I need to have a say in my own future." Avery looked away deep in thought. It had not occurred to him that his son might have felt this way. He was so determined to protect his son that he risked dealing with Sagdel rather than exposing his power for all of Katar to see. Sure, he trusted Lord Tommel, but he couldn't vouch for everyone at the manor resisting the urge to spread rumors about his son.

"Ok son, sometimes your father just wants what's best for you. Sagdel may be our kin, but 100 years was a long time ago. I've watched my father become consumed with hating the world for Durmond's downfall. I will not allow my son to follow in his footsteps. There is much for us here in Katar, you just need to find your purpose. Maybe in time, you will come to understand what I'm saying."

Khal just nodded at his father's response. He had experienced a lifetime in Durmond while being in the spirit plane. He had felt the beauty of the nation, the love of its people as well as the power that they possessed. A power that was stripped away because the world felt that one nation could not be allowed to dominate the world. Although he could understand what his father was saying, he felt it unnecessary to explain to his father his views on the situation. He was, after all, only 6 years old.

---

Talawa Stables was surrounded by forest. It was said by Katarians that Easing Grove surrounded Gontu Market as well as Talawa Stables because Valien, the god of the forest, was born there. Khal could remember Lord Tommel's lecture on the validity of such a claim and Erik's cynicism. It was evening by the time Khal dismounted the horse at the horse stables. It had been a long journey to Talawa Stables and he could feel his feet cramping from his constant sitting. His father had allowed him to explore the establishment for at least 30 minutes while he spoke with the horse merchants.

It did not take long before Khal made his way towards Copper Mew, behind Talawa Stables. He could see the wild horses running along the plains with their graceful strides. He could feel the wind on his face caressing his cheeks and blowing away all his worries. He took a deep breath before slowly exhaling his exhaustion. "They're beautiful, aren't they?" Khal turned quickly around to see a young girl at least 8 years old in a red summer dress with brown, flowing hair smiling at him. "Yea, they're beautiful animals. The name's Khal, what's yours?" The little girl giggled before waving at Khal, "Lucy. Why are ya bein" so formal? Have ya never spoken ta a girl before?" Khal blushed and his entire face became flushed with embarrassment.

Sure, he had seen other girls his age before, but he had never bothered to talk with anyone besides Erik. Most commoners in Sydenham Town saw Khal and Erik as the sons of a noble and thus stayed away from them. "Ahem, well err...Sure I have." Lucy giggled at Khal some more before responding, "Well Khal, me Pa trains most of the horses round these parts so I know most of the kids 'round here. I haven't seen ya 'round before, where ya from?" Khal looked at the girl curiously, he watched her as she placed some of her loose hair behind her ears. "Sydenham Town, south of here."

"Lucy!" A coarse voice interrupted. Lucy's face froze before a forced smile was plastered on her face. "Gots to go Khal, it was nice meeting ya. Tehee." Khal watched as the girl ran off towards the horse stables. Khal looked at the horses still running on the meadow. At that moment he decided that he would become stronger to make his own decisions. He would work until he dropped so that he could be in control of his life. He would find his own way in this world.

The rest of his time at the Talawa Stables was uneventful. Khal helped his father carry the horses towards Sydenham Town with little issues. It wasn't until midnight that they finally reached the manor. The first thing he did when he reached his room was take off his clothes before laying in his bed and falling soundly asleep.