Vaelric dusted dirt from his clothes. "I was wondering when you'd attack."
"You knew I would attack you?"
"Yes. And I was expecting it. Just didn't know when."
The guardian's eyebrow rose slightly. "You've been briefed about the journey here." It wasn't a question, but Vaelric merely smiled.
"I have."
Silence lingered between them, and then Vaelric looked directly into the guardian's eyes.
"If you already know who I am...then why stop me?" Vaelric questioned, a faint crease forming between his brows. He gestured vaguely towards the distant mountain where the pulsating aura was coming from.
"You know Skyrend has acknowledged me. It's already recognized me as its master. It will be mine, one way or another."
A low, almost humourless chuckle rumbled from the guardian. "Oh, there's no denying that. Your aura, young Stormborne, sings in perfect harmony with the weapon's own. It has chosen you, yes. It has done so from the moment your aura entered this realm."
