The group passed the bridge of guardians and headed into Ataraxia. They mounted the steps and crossed the passage ways to the black smith's shop, where a blue Ardoni stood waiting.
"I didn't believe the reports when I first heard them," he said as the Knights approached, "but here you are: Achillean Nestoris."
"Your markings are familiar to my eyes. You are a brother of Thalleous?" the Tidesinger walked to the front.
"Indeed." The other said with a small bow. "I am Galleous Sendaris."
"I am sorry to hear of your brother's death." They shook hands solemnly. "He was a powerful ally, and a good friend."
Galleous nodded gravely. "I have a gift for you," he motioned everyone inside, "but first I must know what truly happened all those years ago. Why did you vanish? How is it that you have not aged a day?"
"It's a long story, but the essential parts are this." The Tidesinger motioned everybody to be at ease. "During the final battle at the base of Mount Velgrin, I pushed through enemy lines and made my way up to the mountain top." He slammed his fist against the wall. "It is well known that the Voltaris are masters of dark magic, and during the final battle, the Voltaris created a portal. I believe it is still standing at the peak of Mount Velgrin. Ingressus pushed me over the ledge, but I hooked onto a rock and was able to climb back up. I watched as the Deathsinger walked through the portal. With only moments to act, I followed him through. However," He paused, panting. "after exiting I soon realized that the portal did not lead to another location, but rather to another time. It appears Ingressus sent himself forward to a time when his opposition would be diminished. When the Enderknights are gone, the kingdoms are weak, and I was supposedly gone. I watched as he slaughtered all the council members. I could not help since I did not have my Songs. He is gaining a head start on the hunt for the Prime Songs. We must hurry."
"Thalleous told the council about his expedition to the peak of Mount Velgrin, and he did mention an obsidian archway." Galleous recalled, "I assume that is the portal. When the council refused to believe him, he set out to relocate all the Prime Songs. If it weren't for him, the Deathsinger might have all four Prime Songs already."
"Yes," Ria said. "When they came to my village and burned everything down, they spoke of searching for a Prime Song."
"And," Senn piped up, "That attack came right after Thalleous took me from that village to relocate the Prime Song. When I returned…" His voice dwindled.
"The rest of you are welcome to resupply and rest up before you journey on." Galleous broke the silence. "Achillean, follow me please." He led the way to his cellar armory.
Galleous swung the trapdoor open and lit a torch. "When both you and the Deathsinger walked though the portal," he explained, "all of your Songs were left behind as if you had, um, passed away." They reached a door and Galleous reached for the key. "That was what everyone assumed, until you showed up at the Vault."
They approached a big and heavy wooden chest at the back of the room. Galleous lifted the lid, revealing four Songs, each of a different color. "These are your Songs, Tidesinger. Recovered from Mount Velgrin after you disappeared. I myself no longer wield Songs, but I am honored to return yours."
"Thank you, Galleous." The Tidesinger picked them up one by one. "But it seems strange to me, why do you no longer wield Songs? You were once the most famous mentor in Ardonia, you taught many great Song wielders, and Galleous has spoken many times of your ingenious ways with the Songs."
"Because" Galleous cluched his stomach. "I believe Songs are responsible for many of the tragedies that plague Ardoni history."
"I share that opinion." The Tidesigner picked up his Mobilium Song last and together they headed for the exit. "During the…Great War, I refused to wield the Prime Songs against Ingressus. They are too powerful and corrupt the mind. But the Songs themselves are not evil, rather, the power they grant the user can lead to… changes. I have used them to save many lives and bring peace to this world. You should wield your Songs once again Galleous." At the bottom of the ladder, the Tidesinger turned to hold both Galleous' shoulders in his hands and looked directly into the other's eyes. "The war has returned to Ardonia, and there will be no escaping it this time. You once taught many others to wield Songs, including your brothers. Help us once again, and teach others what you know."
The night was quiet, and Senn had invited Ria into the room he held during his stay.
"This looked exactly like your place back home!" Ria exclaimed. "The same bookshelves, the same messy table and ugh," she faked a puke, "absolutely revolting bedspreads. How do you ever sleep in that thing?"
"Heh heh," Senn scratched his head. "I don't know. I'm usually so tired after my time training or working at the forge that I never gave a thought." He tried to fluff out the sheets.
"Senn," Galleous knocked on the door. "Please come to the forge with me."
"I'll be back." Senn opened the door.
"I gather that you know Abbigail?" Galleous asked as he lit the furnace.
"You mean the girl with the dragon?" Senn said as he pulled out the tools: clamps, hammers, and a bucket for water.
"Yes, and we won't be needing those for tonight's session." Senn looked puzzled. "Today, we are crafting a set of obsidian armor for her with a Song."
"But I though you said you no longer wield Songs." Senn started putting the tools away.
"The Tidesinger changed my mind." Galleous replied. He took out a few obsidian ingots. "I will show you now how to use a Song to craft armor." Senn peered at the corner shelf where the green Song usually stood. It was not there.
"Senn, come closer." Galleous conjured a pair of green pliers and surrounded the ingots in a green bubble. Senn came beside him, looking at the obsidian with wonder. Galleous closed his eyes and pulled at the obsidian. It slowly changed shape and became a curved long strip.
"This will be a piece of her breastplate." Galleous said. "Humans females, unlike us Ardoni, have their breasts bulging out of the body in the front. So their armor must take that into consideration. As well as," Galleous looked meaningfully at Senn, "how they put on their armor."
"So you are crafting these strips so that the armor can expand around her body?" Senn inquired.
"Exactly." Galleous replied. He crafted a similar piece. "When all pieces are finished, I will apply the enchants using my anvil. This will give the armor the special ability to recognize Enderknights and levitate themselves."
"I am the last blacksmith in all of Ardonia who can still craft obsidian armor." Galleous said after about ten more strips. "When the Enderknights ruled, most blacksmiths would learn this art either to profit or to appease the Knights." He paused. "After they vanished 150 years ago, there was no longer the need for obsidian armor, and the other blacksmiths either died of old age or were killed to prevent the knights' return." He finished the last piece, which is more or less straight. Senn guessed it was a piece on the back.
"After I am gone," Galleous said as he pulled out more obsidian, "You will become the only blacksmith able to craft obsidian armor."