"Did you find him?" Victoria asked, halting in her tracks when she saw a knight walk in the throne hall. She couldn’t stay in her room with Alexander being out there. Not until she was certain he was safe.

"We caught up with the riders who had followed him earlier but they lost track of him Your Majesty. They said he went to the further north of the enchanted forest ," the knight reported.

"Oh no! What has Alexander done? He’ll die!" She whispered to herself more than anyone else. And turning to the knight," gather the troops. We are going to war!" She narrowed eyes with clenched fists, her heart pounding close to her ears. She could only hope Alexander wouldn’t do anything stupid.

- - - - - -

"Your Majesty? You won’t believe what our scouts found!" A man clad in golden armor reported to Griffin. He was seated on a throne enjoying a cup of wine as a half naked woman entertained him. Dismissing her with a wave of his hand, he rose from his seat before he stared daggers at the man.

"I gave clear orders that no one was supposed to disturb my piece. What is it general?" He asked, gripping the glass so tight that the general was afraid it would break anytime.

"A thousand apologies Your Majesty but I’m certain you’ll like this." Griffin just gave him a questioning look, signalling him to spit the words out.

"It’s the Valorian crown prince Your Majesty. He has been spotted a few meters closer to the border, alone," the general said grinning from ear to ear. "

"Did you just say Alexander was spotted, alone at that?" Griffin asked to confirm if what he had heard was correct.

"Yes Your Majesty. Only he and his horse, no one else," the general replied in exhilaration. "The opportunity has presented itself before Your Majesty. Just give the order and we’ll have him dead."

"If what you are saying is true, I would like to see it for myself and kill him with my bare hands. Ready the men and prepare my horse," he said, a evil smile now planted on his face. He had so much yearned to meet with this guy that Gareth referred to as The One. Today, he would confirm that. He smirked evilly at the idea before a serious expression settled on his face.

"Consider it done Your Majesty," the general said before he retreated to ready the men.

Griffin placed the wine on the table before he grabbed his sword. ’This is going to be more easier than I thought.’ He scoffed. Today, he would see what Alexander had to be termed as the one. That was what made Griffin worried. With Alexander dead, that meant he would be one step closer to taking over Valoria. And considering that they were weak, it was as good as his already. He wrapped the armor around his chest and sheathed his sword before joining his men in what he would term as a royal chase.

****

"What are you talking about?" Alexander still couldn’t process, or rather understand what she had said.

"I had been in hibernation for over a thousand years waiting for the day that The One would rise. It was until when you used your powers that I was prompted to wake up in your mind. I have been waiting for you Alex. You are The One, written in the prophecies and recited for over years in everyone’s mouth. A great destiny rests on your shoulders but don’t be afraid. I’m here to guide you," she said, her gaze never leaving Alexander’s. She could see the confusion on his face.

Alexander shook his head in denial. He couldn’t be the one, could he? He lowered his sword, Lylla’s would instantly healing, before she let out a sigh. Not that she would die anyways.

"With a great destiny comes great power and responsibility Alex. You, The One, can actually bring Richard back to life ," she said, igniting hope in Alexander’s flickering eyes. But how would he do it? He didn’t even know how to control his powers.

’You were never born Alexander. You existed!’ He remembered his mother’s words. So this was his purpose all along? He was meant to be the one!

"Another thing that most people don’t know, and it was actually omitted in the prophecy to protect The One is... Someone is coming Alex?" She saw, sensing danger from far.

"How do you know?" Alexander asked curiosity eating him whole. And what was it that was omitted in the prophecy?

"It’s one of my many gifts," she simply answered.

"Maybe it’s the Valorian knights. They must have followed me here," Alexander said with shrugged shoulders.

"No, it’s not. These people have I’ll intentions in their heart Alex. You have to go now!"

"What about the prophe...."

"I’ll tell you later. Hurry! They are close. I have to leave as well..." The sound of approaching horses caught the duo’s attention before an arrow hit the tree just next to where Alexander was standing. Alexander’s gaze shifted to the right and hell, knights in blue were coming towards him from all directions.

"Go!" Lylla urged him before she vanished into thin air.

"You fool! I said I want him alive," Griffin yelled at the Knight who had shot the arrow. "Get him!" He signalled his men to go forward before his eyes met with that blue pair he so much hated. A smug look appeared on his face as he held the reins of his horse in a tight grip.

"Crescian!" It now dawned on Alexander. He had gone that far! This was not the time to think about it. Fighting them was an option but taking into account their numbers, he gave up on the idea. These were Crescians for heaven’s sake, not just some ordinary humans.

He swiftly climbed midnight’s back before kicking the sandal, making him thrust the woods at full speed. Goddamit! He cursed! He was certain that was Griffin he had seen. The demon would stop at nothing to have his head served on a plate!