The suffocating mist of the swamp echoed with guttural roars. Mamir swung his sword left and right, while Runya trapped the orcs' legs in mud with her spells. Yet no matter how many they felled, more creatures crawled out of the mire.
Kabur reared and trampled the one ahead. But then three orcs surrounded Mamir at once. One swung a heavy axe—Mamir blocked with his shield—yet the other two lunged with clawed hands. Runya screamed.
Just as a hooked blade was about to strike Mamir's back, the swamp's mist split apart. A thunderous voice rolled through the air:
— "Stand tall, my friend… this swamp will not be our grave!"
A shadow emerged. A colossal sword cleaved down into the muck, cutting five orcs in a single blow. Screams echoed in the haze.
Mamir looked up, his eyes shining with shock and joy.
— "Ener…!"
Ener Tekrel stood tall amidst the swamp. His broad shoulders and muscular frame made him a fortress with a blade. His wavy brown hair clung to his sweat-soaked brow, his eyes blazing. With a single step, he swung again—two more orcs fell, crushed into the mud.
— "You began this journey without me… but you're no longer alone!" Ener roared, surging forward.
The orcs charged in a frenzy. Mamir and Kabur pressed from the left while Runya supported with her magic. Ener was a storm at the front, each strike of his greatsword breaking orcs like brittle twigs.
Soon the swamp grew silent. As the mist thinned, only the sound of their breathing remained. Runya collapsed to her knees, her hands trembling.
Mamir strode heavily toward Ener.
— "You found us…"
Ener rested his sword on his shoulder, his voice firm:
— "The order was clear. They could never expect me to leave you alone in these lands."
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⚔️ Flashback – After the Battle of Dronya
The Battle of Dronya had ended. The Orange-Cloaks under Mamir's command had fought to the last drop of blood. Victory came, but at a bitter cost. The army marched home, weary yet proud.
On the road back, a royal messenger thundered forth, delivering a sealed letter to King Visernes. The message was from the royal explorer, Krist Olp.
Visernes read aloud:
"Your Majesty, I have discovered a new continent beyond the seas. I name it Trelorp. Its lands are vast, its shadows deep. I need a small guard to begin exploration. I cannot tell yet if what dwells there is friend or foe."
Visernes drew a heavy breath and turned to his son, Kren Harlax.
Kren was not only the king's son but also the greatest warrior Trolos had ever known. Master of sword, spear, and bow—never once had he lost a duel. In the eyes of the people, he was a living war-beast.
The king commanded:
— "Take five percent of the army. You will escort Krist Olp and secure this discovery."
Kren raised his blade in salute. At his side stood Ener Tekrel, ready for duty.
Days later, within the stone walls of the palace, Visrok rushed to the throne room.
— "Your Majesty… news has come. Mamir… he has crossed alone into the continent of Elandur."
For a moment, Visernes froze. Then, in fury, he rose to his feet.
— "That reckless boy! Summon my strongest lord. Ener Tekrel will leave at once and join Mamir. This is my command!"
Visrok hesitated.
— "But Majesty, Ener rides with Kren on the expedition. To separate them would…"
Visernes' voice thundered:
— "What I command is law! Mamir will not be left alone."
And so Ener was pulled from the Trelorp expedition, torn away mid-journey. Forced to part from Kren, he obeyed the king's order, turned his steed, and rode west.
---
⚔️ Return to the Swamp
Ener took a deep breath, planting his greatsword into the mire.
— "That is why I am here, Mamir. Not only by friendship—but by the king's will. Yet know this: from here on, my choice is my own. Wherever your path leads, I will follow."
Mamir's eyes gleamed.
— "Then we'll carve our way through this swamp, and through Ostomas's shadow—together."
Runya looked at the two warriors, her heart filling with hope where despair had once reigned. Kabur neighed, pointing its head toward the path ahead.
And so the three left the treacherous marshes of Elandur behind, pressing onward to the north.
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