I was overwhelmed with a sense of victory as I had won against Dumah, well I say win. It was Brendan who had dealt the final blow, knocking him out with a surprise attack, being hit by an Ursus was like being hit by a brick wall.

“Lord Dumah,” cried Kiba.

I walked over to Kiba, being a member of my clan, he was walking the wrong path. “Kiba, you shouldn’t be following Dumah,” I said. “He will lead you to your own destruction.”

“He is our future king,” snapped Kiba.

I shook my head. “No, he is nothing but a false wannabe.”

“King Alton speaks of his betrothal to Princess Tigra,” he argued.

“All words put in his head by Dumah and as long as I draw breath, I will never let him be king,” I responded strongly, he would also never touch Tigra. “You walking beside someone who wields the darkness, shames what our clan is about, you do remember what path we walk?”

“Our clan opposes the darkness,” said Kiba.

“Make up for your mistakes and I won’t tell the current clan head,” I said my words seriously as he shrunk back. “Do not forget my ranking is much higher than yours in our clan.” As the son of the head, I would be in charge of the clan after my parents. I smirked thinking about it a little more, if clans were kingdoms, I would be a prince, perhaps Tigra and I were suited after all.

“Well done.” Master Lance was clapping. “You led and protected your team well. I also noticed your control over your talismans as they wanted nothing more than to help you, but such is their nature.”

“Not bad,” commented one of two knights who had been told to watch along with Master Lance. One was a Onca and the other a Puma concolor. The Onca looked at Dumah who was just coming around. “Not an easy task to outwit Dumah by using an Ursus strength.”

“Cheat!” coughed Dumah. “Who brings an Ursus to a fight.”

“You said I could bring anyone I wanted, plus you brought an Ursus too,” I argue. “And an extra.”

“My rules,” snapped Dumah.

“That maybe the case but you also put her highness’s life in danger with that explosion,” retaliated Master Lance. The other two immediately agreed.

Then the Puma concolor spoke. “Fang you showed much promise in this test, but we must discuss in great detail about your potential future.”

“We are uncertain if you are yet ready to lead a specialised team,” said the Onca. I saw a smile cross Dumah’s lips as Master Lance had freed him.

Dumah strode over placing his arm around my shoulders. “Shame, you showed such promise.” He was so pleased with himself.

I shook him off and walked away, glancing back I put on a huge smile. I felt frustrated that again he would stop me, but I wasn’t going to let him know that. I now knew he wasn’t impossible to defeat, a little longer and I would beat him, even with my talismans now I would not win, but soon.

“Who cares,” I said. “With a random bunch of Feles and an Ursus I beat you and your team.” I looked him right in the eyes. “And I did it with no talismans, you are no threat to me.”

“Damn you,” he cursed.

“Excuse me. I have something to retrieve.” Without another word I headed back to where my camp had been.

There was a great grater where the explosion had happened, right at the heart of our camp, then I noticed a giant piece of earth that had not been there before.

I wondered who had created it, no one in my team had a natural ability over earth, did they? I thought for a moment, thinking of the only one who fit the bill. I was told of rare occasion there were those capable of summoning their talismans power without being in contact with it.

“Thanks for protecting them, Brendan.” I glanced back to see him standing there.

“You would have done the same,” acknowledged Brendan.

“When were you going to tell me, you could summon earth at will now,” I smiled.

“I wanted to keep it a secret,” he answered. “So, no one knew my true power, but I’m guessing you already knew.”

“Well,” I shrugged my shoulders. “Athena might have mentioned something at some point.”

“Great,” sighed Brendan.

“Let me go get Diluc.” I jumped straight into the water. I had Mila guide me to the claymore’s location. It needed retrieving as it was a very special weapon, I remembered its voice telling me to save Brendan, his younger brother.

“Finally, I thought I’d be forgotten.” I heard his kind but strong voice. “Thank you, Alex.”

“You’re welcome.” I could see the spirit of Diluc.

“I still don’t know how I will ever repay you for looking after my brother,” he smiled. I still wasn’t sure how it was possible for someone to become a spirit within a talisman, but you couldn’t deny it considering I was looking at Brendan’s older brother.

“No need,” I shook my head. “He is my best friend after all.”

“Still, if you ever find a need for my power just ask,” responded Diluc.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I took hold of the hilt. “Now let’s get you back to Brendan.” I pulled; even underwater the thing weighed a ton. “A little help Mila.”

“Oh, sorry master.” Mila gave me a boost to the surface, propelling me straight out of the water to stand in front of Brendan.

“And here is one Diluc.”

Brendan hesitated to speak. “Talking to you again, is he?”

“Just thanking me,” I answered.

“Thank you,” said Brendan taking the claymore from me.

“No problem,” I grinned as Tigra came from the bushes. “Tigra.”

“Alex…” She came closer holding a delicately decorated piece of paper in gold and white. At first, I thought it might be an invitation to Tigra’s wedding as the colours matched up, but she was not of marrying age.

“What’s up?” I asked trying to act casually, was it maybe a love letter? Would she confess her hidden feelings for me? The thought had my heart pounding out of my chest, I could barely control the urge to hug her, to kiss her.

“I want to give you this invitation to my birthday party in two weeks’ time.” She held it out.

“You’re birthday party.” I took hold of it. “I’d love to go.”

“Great.” She did a little jump of excitement. “Make sure you come in appropriate clothing; it is a masquerade ball.” Tigra smiled at me. “More invites to deliver,” and she was off.

“Masquerade ball?” I repeated, seeing it written in big letters at the top. “What’s that?”