Kaidon and Amir kept on discussing when they heard a knock on their door. Thorold came through it and behind him four others came through.
"We have already decided on the tournament but we will not be telling and will be announcing it tomorrow." Thorold exclaimed emotionally. "These are the people who will be helping you with the tournament."
Thorold began to introduce them. The first to step up was Arin the Bold. He is a master of disguise and can blend into the crowd. The next was Lyra Flynn. A skilled warrior and good in tactics. Mira Shadowglow was a mysterious mage with unparalleled skill in illusion and deception. The last on was a shock to both Kaidon and Amir. Throne Blackwood was the last. He actually came and suggested himself. He has a troubled past and a grudge against Xandros. He's quick on his feet and has an network of underworld connection.
Kaidon thanked everyone and invited them to sit. Kaidon and his new friends continue their preparations and strategize for the tournament. They knew they needed to be at the top of their game to take down Xandros and his allies.
Meanwhile, Eira watches Kaidon from the shadows, her eyes fixed on him with an intensity that makes him feel uneasy. He can't help but wonder what her true motives are, and whether she's a friend or foe.
As the tournament approaches, Kaidon and his friends face unexpected challenges and obstacles. They must navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries between the noble families, all while keeping their eyes on the prize.
The night before the tournament, Kaidon and Amir share a moment of reflection and determination. They know the road ahead will be treacherous, but they're ready to face whatever comes their way.
The next morning, the tournament begins, and Kaidon and his friends are thrust into a maelstrom of magic and combat. They must use all their skills and cunning to outmaneuver their opponents and reach the final showdown with Xandros.
Kaidon and Xandros are both in the throne room facing each other. Thorold stood beside the throne and cleared his throat.
"The tournament has been decided. In a cave not too far from here. In the deepest part of the cave lies a sword held by the formal emperor. He told me that for someone to be able to take that sword then he is a true leader for not a single person can go alone. The traps and creatures in that cave need teamwork." Thorold exclaimed. Two men drought to the two men two maps.
"We have only been able to get so far. This map will help you navigate through the cave. But the map is not complete. We do not know what is in the deepest part of the cave. This is your chance to end this now." Thorold said.
No one said anything and Thorold sighed.
"Then there is no time limit. Whoever comes out first with the sword becomes the ruler of this great city."
Kaidon and Xandros nodded curtly, their eyes locked in a fierce stare. Without a word, they turned and exited the throne room, their respective allies falling in step behind them. The air was thick with tension as they made their way to the cave, the fate of Eldrador hanging precariously in the balance.
As they approached the cave entrance, Kaidon and Xandros split up, each determined to reach the sword first. Kaidon ventured deeper into the darkness, his torch casting flickering shadows on the walls. He studied the map, his mind racing with strategies and potential pitfalls. Suddenly, he heard a faint clicking sound, and poison darts began to shoot from the walls, aimed straight at him.
Kaidon dodged and weaved, his reflexes honed from years of combat training. But the darts kept coming, and he knew he had to think fast to survive. He examined the walls, searching for a pattern or a weakness in the trap. That's when Arin noticed a small indentation on the wall, shaped like a crescent moon.
He decided to press the indentation, hoping it would disable the trap. He took a deep breath, reached out, and pressed the crescent moon shape. The darts ceased firing, and the clicking sound stopped. Kaidon let out a sigh of relief and showed his gratitude towards Arin as he continued deeper into the cave, his eyes scanning the darkness for the next challenge.
Xandros on the other hand was in front and didn't even allow for his men to see the map. But suddenly a serpent appears. Xandros, confident in his men's abilities, nods to his warriors, and they spring into action. Each man had a number on their clothes. The number one takes his daggers, his daggers flashing in the dim light as he strikes the serpent's left head. Number three follows up with a precise arrow shot, hitting the central head right between the eyes. Number four casts a spell of illusion, causing the serpent's right head to become disoriented and attack its own body. Number two takes advantage of the chaos, striking the final blow that defeats the serpent.
The warriors cheer, and Xandros nods in approval. "Well done, men. Let's press on. We can't let that bastard get too far ahead."
As Xandros and his men continue deeper into the cave, they come across a rickety bridge spanning a deep chasm. The bridge creaks ominously in the wind, and Xandros' men exchange nervous glances.
Before any of them stepped forward. Xandros shouted with a deep voice.
"You fools! Do you not know who your leader is. Even if we are in a cave this is still part of Eldrador city."
He went on his knees and touched the ground. He felt it, it was all wet. He smiled and stood on his feet.
Sudden a rush of water blast from the walls. They destroyed the bridge and from a new one. With it turning to ice. Xandros walked proudly over his creations. With his men following after.
Meanwhile, Kaidon and his friends are facing their own challenges. They come across a narrow tunnel, the walls closing in on them from all sides. The air is thick with the smell of decay, and Kaidon can't shake the feeling that they're being watched.
"Amir, take point." Kaidon orders, his voice low and cautious.
Amir nods and begins to make his way through the tunnel, his eyes scanning the darkness for any signs of danger. Suddenly, he stops in his tracks, his head cocked to one side.
"What is it?" Kaidon asks, his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"I hear something." Amir replies, his voice barely above a whisper. "It sounds like...whispering."
Kaidon's eyes narrow, his mind racing with possibilities. He signals his friends, and they round a corner, they come face to face with a powerful creature. Something never seen of. A giant serpent and this one looked even more powerful that the first one.