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-------------------------------------------The Journey-------------------------------------------

When we had traveled a day’s journey from the village and settled for the night, Hool told me more of the legend. "The items I had your father make are weapons to defeat evil. They are a source of great power and you must take care with them. They can do great good or evil. You must be careful for once they taste blood, they will have a blood lust that will have to be controlled. When the items chooses a Wielder and it is worn by the chosen ones, they will do great good and life will be prosperous for all. If the items are worn by pretenders, they will suffer agony but will also be able to prosper from the items power. The wearer may do great good or evil depending on their heart. These items see the true heart and reacts accordingly. But they will eventually abandon the pretender. The Protector’s will be chosen by the birthmark of a figure eight behind his left ear. The woman will be chosen through her bloodline and the mark of a crown behind her left ear. If all the items are controlled by an evil one like Lord Ormond Irons, then this world will be destroyed and good will be no more."

Ward and Atalaya had taken the items from the hiding place so that Lord Ormond Irons could not gain possession of them. They would keep them safe until the Wielder and Protector were chosen and they accepted their destiny.

"What happens to me, if she refuses her destiny since I have accepted mine? Does she have to pass a test as I did? What happens if the items chooses a Wielder but she does not pass the test?"

"You will fight evil but will not be able to conquer it completely. Yes, she must pass a test. When the item chooses a Wielder and they do not pass the tests then they will die.
Beware the items will also abandon the chosen Wielders should their hearts change. You will be defenseless against your enemies.”

“Tomorrow we will start on our journey to the village of Arabella (The Eagle) where the girl lives,” said Hool.

----------------------------------Taken---------------------------------

ThoraSara was out gathering wood when she was captured by a troop of Lord Iron’s men out to collect female slaves for work in his castle. She fought several of them but was finally knocked unconscious. She awoke to find herself tightly bound and could not free herself.

"She will make a great addition to the area of death."

"Lord Irons will be pleased with her. She is beautiful and he may take her for his own."

"I would love to see the fight she gives him."

"He will break that spirit of hers quick enough if he doesn't kill her first."

-----------------------------------------Papers For Sara-----------------------------------------

"Excuse me, Mr. Nottingham."

I looked up. "Please call me Ian. What can I help you with?"

"Thank you. The staff and I were wondering, what are we to do now that Mr. Irons is gone."

"I do not know. I guess carry on your duties as you would normally do except you will have more free time for yourselves."

"Do you wish the cook to prepare your meals?"

"If she would like to do so that would be nice. I do not want her to go to any trouble for me. Whatever she would choose to fix will be fine for me, just keep it simple. Are you going into town this morning?"

"Yes, I am. Can I do anything for you?"

"Yes, according to Mr. Irons' Will I have to remain on the Estate for two weeks without leaving. Could you please take this envelope to Detective Sara Pezzini at the 11th Precinct and give it only to her?"

"I will be happy to help you in anyway I can and I believe that goes for the rest of the staff as well."

"Thank you, Mr. Roweld."

^^^^

It was now nine-thirty and I had to wait another half hour. I could not even start searching the study as all the bookcase were sealed behind fireproof door for protection. The desk is the only thing I had access to and I had gone through it already.

I took out a sheet of paper and wrote out in order the names of all the men I had killed by Irons' orders. I started out with the names of the men I fought to prove my fighting abilities to Irons. I got their names from the papers I had read. I wrote down my older brother Ivan and teacher Rashid Stone.

The next names were the names on the list he had me to eliminate with all their associates and this included Mr. Coal and his two bodyguards. I next wrote down the name of the last Black Dragon, the assassin, the Bluegray Badgers, the kidnappers, the Military Officer then the Police Captain and the five Officers. I then wrote out the circumstances behind each killing and how I did it. I also wrote down the circumstances behind the attacks on the five men I had seriously injured the day I first saw Lady Sara. I had just finished writing this out when the clock struck ten o'clock, it was time to start. I placed the paper in the desk drawer. I noticed that the doors on the bookcases did not open. I guessed he was not going to allow me to start my search here.

^^^^

Mr. Roweld went to the Station and gave the envelope to Detective Pezzini.

She asked, "who is it from?"

"It is from a person who wishes to remain unknown". He said, this because she was not alone when he gave her the envelope. He then left.

"What's in the envelope, Sara?"

Sara opened the envelope taking out the printed letter. "It's a letter addressed to us. It says: ‘Detectives, The man you seek in the murder of the girl in the park is her ex-boyfriend. He is related to one of the men who kidnapped and killed Mr. Conchobar. His name is Doyle. After you became involved with Mr. Conchobar, Mr. Irons contacted Mr. Doyle and told him to tell his cousin where they could find Mr. Cochobar. Mr. Irons knew they wanted Mr. Conchobar and that this would cause you Detective Pezinni pain. Mr. Irons wanted you for himself and was determined to have you. He thought in taking away Mr. Conchobar, you would then turn to him. The girl found out about the kidnapping and Mr. Doyle killed her to keep her quiet. The address Mr. Irons has for him is 66411 Notnert St. East Bronx, NY. The phone number is 011-110-0011. Signed, someone who wants to help’.”

"Sounds like someone who knew Irons pretty well. You think it might be Nottingham who wrote it, Sara?”

"Why would Nottingham want to help us solve a murder and ruin Irons' name?"

"It was just a thought. Who better that his own bodyguard that would have that type of information on him? What do you think, Sara?"

"I can think of a number of people who might have that information. But you know what Jake I don't care who it is that sent the information as long as it pans out. It can't hurt to check out the man and the address. We don't have anything else to go on."

They went to the address and found the man. Took him back to the Station and questioned him. Mr. Doyle confessed to the murder of the girl and in the assistance of the kidnapping of Mr. Conchobar at Mr. Irons' instructions.

^^^^

The Captain came in and wanted to know how they solved the case.

"We received a tip from someone who wanted to help. They provided us with a name, address and phone. We checked out the lead and the man confessed when we questioned him. That is it, Captain."

"How did this person contact you?"

"A man came in the Station asked for me and handed me an envelope that contained the information."

"Did Doyle say why he did it?"

"He said, Mr. Irons hired him to help in the kidnapping of Mr. Conchobar and the girl got in the way, so he killed her. That's all he knew."

"Good work."

--------------------------------------------The Program---------------------------------------

Sara and Jake started working on the files that had been given to them that the other Detectives hadn't been able to solve. They were going through all the paperwork to see if there was a place to start looking that the others hadn't found.

^^^^

I headed for the East wing and found it to be sealed off and wouldn't allow me entry. I figured once he got me to where he wanted me, everything else would open up for the staff to go about their duties. They wouldn't be allowed to where I was probably. I went back to the study and spoke with Ms Bondnest.

"Ms Bondnest?"

"Yes, Mr. Nottingham."

"I understand you wish to cook for me, is that correct?"

"Yes, I would very much like to cook for you."

"I will not be eating until very late, so fix whatever you would like and I will come to the kitchen to eat it when I am hungry. Thank you for you willingness to cook for me."

"It will be my pleasure, Mr. Nottingham."

"Please call me Ian and pass it to the rest of the staff, if you would?"

"I will be happy to do that for you. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

"No thank you. Have a nice day."

^^^^

I left the study for the West wing. I was denied entry there as well. Since the study and living room were in the North wing and still sealed that only left the South wing. I didn't want to start there but it seemed I had no choice. He was directing me so I headed there. My senses were warning me of danger but to find the answers I sought I had to go.

I arrived at the hallway and saw the lower entry was open. I hesitated to start down the hall. I must have tripped an electric eye that I didn't see. When I had stopped, I heard a click and then heard Irons start to speak over a speaker.

"Hello, Ian. As you can see I have completely arranged things for you and your journey. If you want the answers to your questions then, you must follow the directions I give you and play my game."

"Why are you doing this to me?"

"Because I can. As you noticed this is a response-generated conversation. When you ask a question you may or may not receive an answer. However, should I ask you a question and not receive an answer or you do not give me the correct response you will receive a punishment. If you resist or fight the punishment then you will forfeit the clue and your search will be ended. Each section you pass will lead you to the next section. Are you ready to play, Ian?"

"Yes." I heard a low piercing sound that sent me to my knees covering my ears. It lasted for several minutes. When it ceased, I heard.

"Tisk, tisk Ian. You have forgotten already how to address your Master. Would you like to try again? Just to let you know you have one strike against you."

"Yes Master, I would like to play the game you have provided for me. If it will please you, Master." I said through clenched teeth.

"That is much better, Ian. Arise and enter your first level of the game."

I stood up placed my hands behind my back and kept my head lowered. No sooner than I passed the arch of the hallway door the doorway was sealed shut. I turned and looked it over to see if there was away to reopen it.

"Ian, do not waste your time. The door will open and allow you to leave if you pass the level. However, if by ten o'clock this evening you have not completed the level the door will open and the game is ended. All information will be destroyed. You understand?"

"Yes, Master."

"Start walking Ian as you can tell it is also a visual program. So be aware you are respectful to your Master."

I turned around and started walking with my head bowed and hands behind my back as I had done when he was alive. I had wanted to look for traps that he probably set for me but he had anticipated me wanting to do just that.

"What is this place to you?"

"Master, it is the place you tested my fighting skills upon my return to you from my training years."

"Where do you think your training took place?"

I remembered the inside of the building but I had no idea where the building was located. I knew he wouldn't accept the answer, 'I don't know'. Thinking on how much he controls things I answered with a calculated answer. "My training took place right here on the Estate, Master."

"Stop walking, Ian. You are correct, your training did take place here. Turn to your left."

I turned left and as I did the wall turned sideways allowing entrance into the room.

"Go into the room. Tell me how you knew the answer."

I entered the room expecting the wall to close behind me. It remained open. "Master, you wouldn’t want me out of your control. You wouldn't trust anyone to train me but yourself. You controlled every little detail of my training. Mr. Stone only followed your directions as to what, when and how I was taught or punished.”

"You have answered well and you may ask a question."

"Master, did you take my brother and me at the same time?"

"No, time to move on. Return to the hallway and continue."

I turned on my heels and left the room and the wall closed. I started walking.

"How many men did you kill in this hallway?"

"I killed a dozen men one for each of the rooms, Master."

"How did you feel when you killed the first one?"

"Sad and confused, I didn't understand why they had to die to prove my skill?"

Again the low pitch sounded and I went to my knees holding my head. This time the intensity was stronger and lasted longer.

"You forget yourself, Ian. You have also forgotten your speech lesson."

I knelt there for several minutes waiting for the pain to ease before I spoke.

^^^^

"Master, I beg you for sever punishment for my errors in not addressing you properly and for my language." I had come to the door whose room contained the cage I was placed in after I had killed my brother and Rashid.

"I accept your plea for sever punishment, enter the room and remove your shirts."

-----------------------------------New Punishment---------------------------------

When I had started out today I guarded my thoughts so Lady Sara would not know what might occur. I knew she would not agree with me and try to talk me out of doing this. I just let her know I was searching the mansion for clues as to who I was. I entered the room and removed my shirts.

"Take a seat in the chair. Upon you sitting in the chair it will automatically secure you. Once secured you will watch the screen and your punishment will begin."

I looked at the chair and wondered what punishment I would receive by it. I did as I was directed. As he said, the chair secured my forearms, fingers, and ankles. A metal strap came around my chest and neck and tightened making it hard to breath. When it was completed the TV screen came on and I saw him torturing me with the whip made from the barbed wire and weighted chains.

Each time I was hit on the screen I felt a slicing pain in my back as my flesh was cut. I kept my eyes open and on the screen. I figured if I didn't either what I was watching would start again and so would the punishment or everything would stop and be destroyed. When it ended the TV went off but I remained secured to the chair. The pain was intense but I remained focused.

"You have removed your one strike. Answer this question. When you placed the Witchblade on your wrist did it connect with you?"

"Yes, Master." Steel spikes from the chairs arms pierced both my wrists and hands. I gritted my teeth and held back a scream.

"Now tell me how it connected to you."

"When you had me place the Witchblade on my wrist the second time, I felt my wrist being pierced with something red hot. But, when you looked at my wrist you saw nothing and ordered me to replace it back in the case. I then looked at my wrist before I pulled my sleeve down and replaced my glove and I saw nothing. Ever since that day my left arm burned when the Witchblade activated or wanted something. Master."

The spikes retracted from my wrists and my hands.

"Why did you receive this punishment, Ian?"

"Because when you lived, I was not truthful with you and for my speech."

"That is correct, you have removed your second strike and may ask a question."

I struggled to remain conscience and ask a question. "How old were we when you took us from our parents, Master?"

"Your brother Ivan was twelve and you were two."

The chair released me and I fell to the floor from the pain in my back and from my wrists and hands.

"Get up, take the DVD and leave the room. Go to the gym at the end of the hall."

^^^^

I slowly arose from the floor and went to remove the DVD. I was bleeding from the wounds and it was hard to get the DVD out. I sat the DVD down on the table by the door and picked up my shirts putting them on. I picked up the DVD and left the room. I headed down the hall to the gym. When I walked in through the door Irons' spoke again.

"Tell me Ian, how did you feel when I told you, you killed your brother?"

"Like my heart was ripped out of my chest. I did not understand why you had me kill him? But, because of my training I knew he would not have been able to protect you. Master."

"You have answered well again and have corrected your speech, Ian. I had you kill your brother because if he found out what I had planned for you he would have tried to stop it. Besides, he was not the true Protector. Go to the first room. You will find some papers there that you have earned for passing the first level of the game. Leave now. Tomorrow we will begin again at ten o'clock. Make sure you are dressed correctly or the game will be ended.”

"Yes, Master." I left the gym and went to the first room and found the papers. When I went to the end of the hallway the sealed door opened and I went through it. It sealed again behind me. I went to the bathroom and bandaged my wrists and hands. I headed to the kitchen when I was done. It was 9:11 pm when I got to the kitchen. I found the food she had fixed for me. It tasted very good and was a simple hamburger.

As I ate it I thought now, I had proof of his torture of me and some information about my past maybe. I reasoned out that if I passed everything he has planned for me, everything would survive. If I failed everything I had earned up to that point in time would be destroyed and everything else that was left would be also. Then I would have no proof of what he had done to me and I would have no answers to my question.

I quickly ate and cleaned up. I headed for my room as everything else was shut off to me. This now included the rooms of the study and living room. I would read the papers I had earned in my room.

-------------------------------------It Has Started------------------------------------

After I entered and closed the door, it locked. Of course, when I tried to open it, I couldn't. I laid the papers on the kitchen counter then went to the bathroom taking off my clothes. Blood covered my entire back and when I unbandaged my wrists and hands they were covered in blood as well. I wondered if I would still be able to heal myself or had the poison he had given me stop it. Or did the Witchblade in healing me remove this ability from me? I would have to wait and see.

I stepped into the shower and washed the blood off. As I stood there, I thought this is just the beginning of what he plans for me. He is going to do everything he can to cause you to fail. Even if you succeed there is no way to tell if he will give you the answers you seek. No matter what it costs. I will finish his game, just on the chance he does tell me.

I finished the shower and before I dressed I looked at my back, wrists and hands. My entire back was covered once again in small scares. There were scares in the exact same spots on my wrists and hands as when I was punished for touching Evanmori. I dressed including the gloves as I sensed I was being watched by this program of his, as part of the game.

I had better follow my usual routine for I had no idea what would cause this program to shut down and the answers I sought would be destroyed. I looked at the menu and there was nothing written down.

^^^^

I sat down at the table to read the papers I had earned. Just then, I heard Lady Sara's voice.

"Ian, are you alright? I have a feeling something is wrong but the Witchblade shows me nothing neither does the necklace. I have been really busy today and did not get a chance before now to talk to you."

"I am fine, Lady Sara. I was able to find some papers today. I was just about to read them. Don't worry about me. I am just fine. I will not allow anything to happen to me."

I was sure the Witchblade had not warned Lady Sara of what was happening to me. I believed the armband was blocking it from seeing. It knew how important finding this information was to me. I also, believed that it would help me through whatever he has in store for me. The armband must be able to hid itself otherwise this program I'm sure would have picked it up and said something. I'm sure if Irons saw it, he would have had me remove it and then punished me for having it.

"Your day was very busy, did you solve any of your cases?"

"We solved one, thanks to the information you provided. The parents where very relieved we had found her killer. Thank you."

"I was glad to help you and I will help whenever I can."

"We got swamped with more work today. We were given several cases involving unsolved murders of several crime bosses, their bodyguards and their associates and several missing Martial Arts experts. Our new Captain started today, she is a good Captain. I have been put in charge of finding out who killed the former Captain and the five Officers. Other than that everything was fine. Oh, I forgot to mention, they investigated me for his murder but I have been cleared. It seems they were aware he was a dirty Captain and that he was setting me up to take the fall."

"I am glad you were cleared. Lady Sara, as for the other cases everything will work out in time. Justice will be served and Good will be protected. Good night."

"Be careful, Ian. Good night, I love you."

I again started to read the papers. It was now 11:11 pm.

------------------------------------The Revolt Begins------------------------------

We traveled quickly as we found we did not tire. We arrived in the village in a day in a half.

"The time is at hand for the revolt against Lord Irons. Those who have families must stay and care for them. You help us by staying and supplying us with the food we will need. Those of you who are left. Understand you may lose your life and the battle will not be an easy one. Who will follow?"

"We will all follow you." They said.

"Gather your gear but be light. We have much ground to cover and more villages to go to."

We traveled quickly from village to village taking only those who had no family obligations and were willing to go. We soon had several hundred fighting men and women. Even though we were a large group we moved quickly and quietly. When we came upon Lord Irons' soldiers, we fought taking no prisoners as none begged for mercy when ThoraSara judge them for their crimes.

When we had gone to all the villages in the East, South and West, we headed North to Lord Irons' castle.

We continued to pick up men and women who were willing to fight and have confrontations with his troops. The out come was always the same. None begged for mercy except for one in the last battle before we would reach the castle. He explained he was forced into service my Lord Irons' himself. Being told if he did not join and serve him that his wife, children, their mothers and fathers would be tortured before his eyes then he would also be tortured then sent to the arena of death to fight. He said, ‘there were others in the castle who faced the same plight. He wanted to join us and would show us a way into the castle telling us were everything was located.’

^^^^

ThoraSara seeing by the Witchblade the man spoke the truth welcomed him to join us. He told us how many men were in the castle and were they would be stationed. Also, were the children who had been take as slaves were kept. He said, ‘we were within a day’s journey to the castle.’

We made our plans to storm the castle at night figuring almost everyone would be asleep except for the guards on duty. We hoped to take the castle without much bloodshed.
In all the fighting so far we had lost eleven men and women.

We attacked the castle as planned and quickly overtook the soldiers. We freed those who had been taken captive to fight in the arena of death. Those who had been forced into service during the fighting helped us fight the others. Surprisingly, there were very few lives lost on both sides. The soldiers surrendered when they saw that there was no way of winning.

We found Lord Ormond Irons in his chambers sleeping. ThoraSara and I entered the room. He awoke.

^^^^

"So, you are the two the legend spoke of and those are the magnificent weapons that have defeated my army. I suppose you are here to end my reign of terror by taking my life?"

"No Lord Irons, I am here to Judge you before the people for the crimes you have committed against them. "

"ThorIan, you will guard and protect Lord Irons from harm until his trial."

"Yes, M'lady. Come along Lord Irons." I escorted him to a tower room and secured the room from all weapons then secured the door. I stood watch making sure no harm came to him and that he was made as comfortable as a prisoners could be.

The soldiers who had been his army were taken to the prison and held there until their trial. Those that guarded them where informed to treat them kindly and comfortable seeing to their needs. The soldiers who were forced in to service were also kept in a separate a part of the castle under guard until they could also be tried.

^^^^

ThoraSara sent out runners to all the villages telling them of the victory. "Inform them that in three cycles of the full moon everyone is to come to the castle as Lord Irons will be judged in front of all."

She spoke to those who were left in the castle. "As you know the legend of those that would defeat evil has been fulfilled. Know that I am ThoraSara-Justice-Keeper of Good and Wielder of the Witchblade. ThorIan who guards Lord Irons is the Protector of Justice-Guardian of Evanmori. I know you want Lord Irons' death and there are those who will seek to take his life before he is tried. ThorIan protects as well as guards him. If anyone tries to do harm to Lord Irons' then they will be guilty of his blood and I will have to Judge them accordingly. He will be judged, be assured of that. I will Judge him fairly and he will be punished.

Daily Lord Irons' taunted me with the death of my parents and friends. He wanted me to use Evanmori to end his life before he was judged by Justice. He feared what his punishment would be from her. He tried to arouse my bloodlust for vengeance against him.

----------------------------------Judged-------------------------------------------

It was the day after the third cycle of the full moon. All the people were gathered and waited to see Lord Irons. Many of them had never seen him only knew of his treachery and torture by his soldiers.

ThoraSara had the soldiers brought forward. She found them guilty of willfully choosing to do Lord Iron's bidding and were sentenced to chose either life imprisonment or death. All chose death. Those who were forced into service by means of threat to their families were given the choice of imprisonment one year for each life they took or one year of service to each of those families. Most chose the service to those families only a few chose prison.

I brought Lord Irons' in front of the people but out of harms way in irons and shackles.

ThoraSara spoke, "You all know that we are the fulfillment of the legend. Evil is defeated. Let not your hearts be filled anymore with anger and hate for that is what fuels evil and enabled it to conquer this land. We all must help each other and not live our lives for ourselves. The love and helping of other is what gives joy and meaning to our lives filling us with peace and happiness. Selfishness only brings pain, fear and loneliness. Let us learn our lesson from the period of darkness we have come through together."

All the people cheered her words.

"You may not agree with the Judgment that will be given and that is your choice. In making that choice harbor no ill will or evil will take hold again. Know that what is handed out is fair and just punishment for his crimes."

"Lord Irons, you are charged with willful murder, torture, and oppression of the peoples' will, forced slavery and service to evil. Do you wish to defend yourself of the charges set before you?"

The people listened and waited for him to speak.

"Yes, I willing served evil and you made it so easy because of your own hearts. I brought to you what you wanted. I enjoyed watching your suffering as you could not figure out why I had brought this evil to you. (Very evil laughing) You think you are innocent of wrongdoing. Not so, look into your hearts and see how black it is. If it were not for just a few who kept their hearts clean and lived to serve others the legend would never have been fulfilled. You would die not understanding the cause of your own destruction. I made sure by my actions that I kept that hate alive in your hearts so that evil could and would continue to reign. Deal out your Justice, evil will reign again and Good will be defeated. I am ready for your Judgment, I welcome death as I will return and you will reap my wrath in that time."

"Lord Irons you have been found guilty on all charges. This is your Judgment. You will live out your life in the tower. Those who wish to do you kindness will be allowed to do so. You will not be allowed to harm yourself in anyway. May you one day seek forgiveness for your crimes and change your heart."

"Nooooooo!!!!!!!!" He screamed, "this is not punishment, it is cruel. I demand death, do you hear!!!"

"This punishment is just as you must now live with all the evil you have done and see that you were not able to destroy the truth of Good. Your heart is hardened from the evil you did but maybe with kindness shown to you by the people you injured your heart will soften. I love Justice and do mercy unto you who has shown no mercy."

The crowd cheered her Judgment of Lord Irons.

"ThorIan return him to his room in the tower and sees that he remains comfortable. Choose the guards to watch over him until his natural death.

"Yes M'lady, all that you have said will be done."

^^^^

I returned him to his room and set trusted guards chosen by Evanmori to watch over him. As I returned I heard ThoraSara say.

"People of Media, you must now chose a ruler to lead and protect the land. Choose wisely amongst yourselves and learn the lesson that selfishness and hate bring evil. Know this, that they may not take hold of you again."

--------------------------------Choosing A Ruler------------------------------------

The people with one voice said. "We choose you to be our Queen, Justice-Keeper of Good and Wielder of the Witchblade and we choose the Protector of Justice and Guardian of Evanmori to be our King."

They began to chant, "Queen ThoraSara and King ThorIan" over and over.

I came forward after looking at ThoraSara. I raised my hands to quiet them. After they quieted I spoke. "You honor me with your choice but I can not be your King." They all began to murmur talking amongst themselves. I raised my hands again. They quieted. "I can not rule over you, I have a duty and I am honored bound to that duty. That duty is to protect Justice-Keeper of Good, ThoraSara. I can not do my service to her and be your King, also." The people were quiet.

ThoraSara spoke. "What ThorIan has said is true for himself. If all of you still wish me to be your Queen, I will accept. The crowd all cheered and began to chant Queen ThoraSara, Queen ThoraSara over and over."

^^^^

I knelt before her and bowed my head. The people quieted and followed. "Queen ThoraSara, I pledge my life to your service and your Protection. May you reign in Peace."

"Arise ThorIan and people. Return to your homes, live and be bound to one another in helpfulness. Those of you who fought bravely beside ThorIan and myself are welcome to stay and become the army to fight for Good and to protect your homes."

All those who fought with us stayed. The cloud of doom lifted from our land and all life improved for everyone.

Both ThoraSara and I were kept busy for several months putting things right in the land and setting up her fair laws for all to live by.

---------------------------------------------Vision------------------------------------------------

As I slept I saw a meadow with a stream running through it. There was a man and a woman with two young boys sitting by the stream. I could not see their faces but could hear them clearly. The older boy was letting the younger ride on his back. The mother called for the boys to come sit for their lessons.

"Listen and learn well my sons, for one day you may need to draw on the strength from these words. Here is the first for you to learn. 'A heart unspotted is not easily daunted.' by Shakespeare. The second is 'For they can conquer who believe they can.' by Virgil. The third is 'He conquers, who endures.' by Thomson.

I awoke to a voice telling me to remember these words. "Draw strength from what you heard." I got up and ate when I finished I cleaned up. I checked the door and it was unlocked. I left the room and headed to the study. I wondered what the dream meant and who spoke the words. I entered the study and noticed the program did not start as it had the day before. My internal clock said it was ten o'clock but when I checked the electric clock, it read nine forty-five.

I took the opportunity to take out the papers from the desk. I had to figure out how I was going to get them out of the house without that program of his seeing as I presumed he would have it programmed to detect if I took out something other than what he said I could. And these papers definitely would not be among those items.

I placed the one set of illegal papers in one envelope and the set of illegal papers that I was involved in, in another envelope. I then took out the paper I had written the explanation of my involvement on and placed it in the envelope. I placed the envelopes on the chair and pushed it under the desk so the cameras could not see the envelopes. I was just about to turn and take my usual place when I heard.

^^^^

"What are you doing, Ian?"

"Master, I was going to look for whom to tell the staff to call about the burial of your body. Since I can not use the phone."

"So you haven't gone through my desk other than the middle drawer?"

"That is correct, Master. I only opened the middle drawer to find your address book to call your lawyer regarding your will. I have not looked through your desk. It is off limits to me."

"Go to the case and remove the collar and put it on around your neck. I will then tell you what you will do today."

I went to the case and removed the collar and made sure to place the electrical prongs of it on each side of my Adam Apple as I put it on and tightened it. I returned to the desk in my customary stance. Shortly I felt a strong zap and winched.

“That is for touching what you knew was off limits to you. You should have known I would have had things handled and you should not have done anything but wait. Since you did not you will pay the consequences for your actions.”

“Yes, Master.”

^^^^

"I see you are properly attired today."

"Yes Master, I have..." I felt a zap and winched from the collar and did not finish what I was going to say.

"Hold you tongue, Ian! You will call Mr. Guides and have him make arrangements to have our bodies brought to the Estate today at four o'clock. This is the only phone call you will make. Do not try anything other than what I have said or you will know what will happen."

"Yes, Master." I dialed Mr. Guide's office number and waited.

"Hello, you have reached the law office of Mr. Guides. This is Ms Board."

"Hello, Ms Board. This is Mr. Nottingham. Please, I need to speak with Mr. Guides right away. It can not wait."

"One moment Mr. Nottingham." she buzzed Mr. Guides office.

"Yes, Ms Board."

"Mr. Nottingham is on the line. He says he must speak with you and it couldn't wait."

"Put him right through. Thank you."

"Hello Ian, how may I help you?"

"Hello Mr. Guides, I need you to make arrangements to have Mr. Irons, Ms Bronte and Eans bodies brought to the Estate today at four o'clock."

"I don't know if that is possible, Ian."

"Mr. Guides, I understand it is short notice but it is imperative that it is done today by four. Do you think I will have to sign release papers for their bodies?"

"You need me to come out tonight and help you with something, Ian?"

"Yes, I understand, Mr. Guides. If they give you any trouble just say that it is Mr. Iron's wishes. Explain you will get my signature tonight on their paperwork." I felt another stronger zap. You will make the arrangements, then. I will see you about eight tonight?"

"Yes, I will be there and get the bodies released also."

"Thank you and until later. Have a good day, Mr. Guides.

-----------------------------------Pretenders------------------------------

ThoraSara daughters watched over the bracelet and necklace. They passed it to their daughters but they did not bear the mark of the Wielder. In the third generation the daughters bore sons. They passed the bracelet to them along with the history. The sons used the bracelet and necklace for their own purposes. The eldest daughters great-grandson wore the Witchblade himself and used its power to conquer others and bring wealth to himself. The Witchblade abandoned him and was lost before his wife gave birth to a daughter. The youngest daughters great-grandson had his wife wear the necklace and they sought to help others. After the birth of their daughter the necklace abandoned them also and was lost. Neither girl had the mark of the Wielder.

Two decades later the Witchblade was found. Many men and women used it, some for good others for evil. The necklace was found and was kept safe in a Tribal cave and was only used when a great sickness hit the land. Those who found the Witchblade and the necklace had heard the oral history so knew of the powers that they could wield.

This was the oral history of the Witchblade and necklace.

Then in 500 (BC) Queen Myrene bearing the mark of the crown behind her left ear was chosen by the Witchblade to become His Wielder. Having choosing her, He would now only allow women to wear Him. If a man tried to wear Him (the Witchblade) the man would be marked and suffer torment and agony or death.

The necklace was again lost when the cave it was in collapsed in an earthquake.

^^^^

At ten in the morning I was standing in the room with the chair.

"I see you have arrived for you punishment, Ian."

"Yes, Master. What ........" The collar zapped me at full strength.

"Silence Ian. You will go to the cabinet and remove the dowel gag and put it on. You will then sit in the chair after removing you shirts. The chair will bind you except for the collar. You will watch, do not move your eyes from the screen."

I did as I was instructed putting the gag in my mouth and securing it. I sat in the chair and the chair bound my legs, arm and chest. The DVD began and I watched.

The gag I had placed in my mouth had spikes that cut into my tongue and the roof of my mouth. It quickly began to bleed I had difficulty swallowing the blood as it ran down my throat. Some blood ran out of my mouth and down my chin. I watched myself being hit with a steel whip twenty times my back was then slowly cut from left to right. The DVD paused until the cut was completed then started again. I watched another twenty lashes than came another cut this time from right to left. This continued on in this manner until I had received fifty cuts from shoulder to shoulder going down my back. It had taking two hours to complete. As each cut was made I focused my mind on the fact I may find out who I was. The DVD started again. This time the cuts were made from the top of my back to the bottom going from one shoulder to the other. I received another fifty cut in two hours. I was bleeding badly but the punishment did not stop there. The DVD started again I received fifty more cuts to my back this time from left top to bottom right. My breathing began to become labored. I did not see how I could have any flesh left on my back. Tears were coming down my face from the pain and blood was spilling from my mouth. I had made audible noises from my throat and the collar zap me full force the pain was becoming overwhelming and I began to doubt I could make it through this punishment. It was worst than any he had given me so far. I had been in the chair for six hours. As I tighten my arms from the pain the bands restraining my arms began to tighten and cut into my arms and wrist causing them to start to bleed. The band restraining my chest also began to tighten and I could not get a full deep breath. A voice spoke to me.

"Ian, remember this, focus on the armband it will help you through this punishment and strength you. You are the Protector and Guardian you can endure the pain. Remember the quotes you have heard."

The DVD started again this time the fifty cuts were made from right top to left bottom. Another two hours went by. I had concentrated on the armband and the quotes. It eased the pain and I was able to endure.

I had spent a total of eight hours in the chair and had received two hundred separate cuts to my back.

The DVD ended and Irons voice asked. "Do you think you have been punished enough for you behavior yesterday?"

-----------------------------------------------Next Level-----------------------------------------

I went to the room and the door locked behind me. I was unable to sleep from the pain in my mouth and back. I sat and looked out at the garden. Who taught me these quotes that keep coming to my mind? As I sat there more quotes came to me.

"My rage is not malicious
Of fire by steel inforced out of a flint
it is no sooner kindled, but extinct." by Goffe.

"It is sometimes necessary to play the fool to avoid being deceived by cunning me." by La Rockefoucauld.

"If anger is not restrained,
it is frequently more hurtful to us,
than the injury that provokes it." by Seneca

I fell into a restful sleep in the chair with these words going through my mind.

^^^^

At ten the next morning on day four I was standing in the kitchen of the West wing waiting for instructions as to what would happen today.

"Ian go to the freezer there you will see a timer on the lock. Program the timer for five o'clock to open and set the temperature to 32 degrees. Remove your boot, shirts and gloves. I will allow your socks to remain on. You will stand in one spot. Should any part of your feet leave the floor or you do not remain upright you shall lose. Since you enjoyed the sun the other day you should also enjoy the cold."

I did as I was told, then entered the freezer closing the door. I heard the lock click into place. I turned facing the door and took by stance. I began my wait as the temperature started falling. After about two hours I began to really feel the cold as my body began to shiver. I meditated on the quotes and on the papers I had read. Why was ThorIan and ThoraSara important? I know they wielded the weapons first. Are they the ones who now decide who will Wield the weapons next? They can't be because ThorIan lost the Sword and ThoraSara gave it to her daughters according to the paper I read. Another hour past and I could now see my breath and the cold was burning my nostrils and searing by lungs. I thought on Lady Sara and how I could best serve her and the Witchblade so she could fulfill her destiny. Another two hours passed it was three o'clock another two hours to go. My breathing became short and ragged. As I breathed sound came from my throat and I was hit with the full force of the zap from the collar. I gritted my teeth from the pain which lasted several minutes. I almost went down from the pain and the coldness I felt but I forced myself back up. Now my throat ached with pain each time I swallowed. The cold air was causing my throat to freeze. My teeth began to chatter and I could not keep them from doing so. My body was now shaking from the cold as it had penetrated throughout every part of my being. I thought of the family in the meadow and wondered who they were? Could they be my parents? Is the woman teaching the boys my Mother? Is this who I learned the quotes from? These questions came to my mind as the last two-hour went by. At five o'clock I heard the click of the lock release. I had to force my body to move. I was stiff and in pain from the frostbit that begun on the bare flesh of my body. I felt the cold all the way to my bones. Ice had form around my beard from the moisture of my breath and my hair had ice crystals in it. I opened the door and stepped out into the hot air.

^^^^

"So Ian, you have passed another of my tests. Tell me how did you block the cold from your mind? Where you thinking of your precious Sara?"

My jaw was trembling and my body was shivering from the cold and now because of the heat I was becoming disoriented. "Master, I thought on the question of 'Who I am?' Also, on the paper you allowed me to have about ThorIan and ThoraSara."

"You have earned the right to ask a question?"

"Where did the ring you gave me come from? Master."

"That is a good question. It came with you when I got you."

^^^^

When He finished saying this the kitchen lights began to strobe and audible tones varied in their pitch. I dropped to my knees then to the floor unable to move. He had disabled me and I began to have a violent seizure. I laid there convulsing unable to stop. I heard in my mind.

"Ian you can over come this part of your training. Remember, "Courage consist not in blindly overlooking danger, but seeing it and conquering it.' by Shakespeare. Irons knows if you remain in this state you will die." I concentrated on the armband and the seizure began to stop. I pushed myself up to my knees then I stood up.

"Master, may I please dress?"

"So you have learned how to overcome this part of your training. I am surprised! You have earned another question you may ask it as you dress."

"Thank you, Master." I put on my gloves and finished dressing. I was able to move easier as my body had now warmed up from the heat and the seizure. "Master, do I have any other siblings?"

"No. Go to your room until tomorrow at ten in the study. You may remove the collar and replace it to where it belongs."

I returned the collar to the study. Just as I was about to leave, I heard.

"Ian you will eat nothing and only drink one ounce of water."

"Yes, Master." I went to the room and took a warm shower to get rid of the last effects of the cold. I had first degree frostbit on my body.

---------------------------------------------History-------------------------------------------

After the battle between the Aramaeans and the Assyrians an Aramaeans soldier found the Sword of Evanmori. He had seen what She was able to do. The soldier made a vow that he would protect the Sword because ThorIan had saved his life twice in the battle. He would keep it safe until ThorIan returned to claim Her.

[In 910 (BC) the Assyrians won control of the Middle East to the Persian Gulf. The Medes and Chaldeans from Babylonia fought Assyria causing its collapse.]

[In 539 (BC) Cyrcus the Great of Persia] found and used Evanmori to [conquer and rule the territory from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indus River.]

In 480 (BC) Evanmori was stolen and taken to Cyprus by a fleeing solider.

[In 391 (BC) Evagoras led a successful revolt against Persia] with Evanmori.

[In 333 (BC) Alexander the Great took Cyprus from Persia again after Evagoras death.

After Alexander the Greats death in 323 (BC) Egypt took possession of Cyprus under Ptolemies] who used Evanmori to rule.

{In 70 (BC) on Nov 11 Cathain wore the Witchblade.}

[In 58 (BC) Rome gained control] but Evanmori was buried with Ptolemies along with the written legend of Evanmori from the oral accounts of Her beginning until then.

{In 45 (BC) the Witchblade was worn by Cleopatra VII.}

[In 1191 Cyprus was seized by Richard I of England who gave it to Guy of Lusignan, Titular King of Jerusalem.]

{In 1199 for 1000 years the Witchblade was silent then it spawned the Samurai Sect.}

{In 1428 Joan of Arc wore the Witchblade.}

[In 1571 the Ottoman Empire Captured the Island and in 1878 fearing expansion by Russia Ottoman induced the British to administer Cyprus.]

{In 1854 Florence Nightingale wore the Witchblade.}

[In 1914 Britain annexed Cyprus] A British archaeologist found Ptolemies grave and opened it. He took Ptolemies' bones and his treasures to England for display.

The Scrolls found were researched by Jara and as far as she could tell the legend spoken of was found to be recorded accurately. It spoke of ThorIan and ThoraSara and the Weapons they wielded in the fight against evil.

^^^^

I wondered how Irons came into possession of this information and what it meant to me. Did this history that I was reading going to tell me who my parents were? But, most of all will it tell me who I am? I know Irons got the information about the Witchblade history from Ms Bronte and also from outside written accounts from Roman history.

I put the papers with the ones I had gotten on the first day. I wondered what did my parent do for a living in Caldar? Did they know what happened to me and Ivan? Did they try to find us or did they fight for us if we were taken? Are they alive still or are they dead? Do I have any living relatives and where are they? I seemed to have more questions than I am getting answers to.

I had better get some sleep as I know I am in for more pain tomorrow. The last thing I thought of was what information would I find? I quickly fell into a deep sleep.

-------------------------------History Continued-----------------------------------

I woke up around eight o'clock I was not in any pain. My mind was clear and I decided to read the papers I had gotten. The papers continued with the research of the scrolls found.

^^^^

A search was approved to find the necklace, armband, and bracelet. The woman was approved to go to Media and permission was given by the Shah in 1920 for the research of their history.

Jara made several trips to Media between 1920 and 1935 to research the history of the Witchblade and the Sword of Evanmori.

In late 1935 Jara found a man who knew the legend and his family had kept the secret for generations. It was their responsibility to find the true Wearer of the armband, the Protector. He also knew where the armband was hidden. Jara had been looking for the Sword and the armband since she heard the legend from her great-grandmother who heard it from her great-grandfather who came to England from Media.

He told her "it was said that, ‘ThorIan was buried with the armband but the Sword of Evanmori was lost in the battle with the Assyrians. But truth be known ThorIan gave the armband to his son before his death’."

Jara said, "I am a descendant of the Medes my forefathers name was Magians." The man new the name from the oral history. She told him "the Sword of Evanmori was in England and asked if she could see the armband?" She asked, "if he new about the necklace and bracelet? He didn't know what happened to them.

He said, "the armband had not been used at all by a Protector since ThorIan or by anyone."

Jara asked, "Could I see the armband?"

"I don't see why not as your forefather once watched over it as I do now." He took her to the armband and allowed her to hold it. As soon as she took it the man fell over dead. She took the armband and left Media on the first flight available to England. Upon her return she said nothing about finding the armband, as she didn't want the museum to have it.

^^^^

In 1965 I learned from a Leon Steel, a weapons history buff, that the Witchblade had a Protector.

{In 1936 Hitler had possession of the Witchblade.}

In 1939 Jara fell in love with a soldier in the English army. When the war broke out she wanted to keep him safe and so gave him the armband making him swear he would not take it off until he returned to her.

He was sent to Germany in 1940 where he met Elizabeth Bronte and they worked together breaking the German Code. They had an affair but it ended when the war was over. He returned to Jara but she had found out about the affair and broke it off with him after taking the armband back. He had not realized the armband had helped him during the war and Elizabeth did not tell him anything about the armband.

{In 1950 I met Ms. Bronte the Wielder. I fell in love with her. I took the Witchblade from her when she died. I tried the Witchblade on and the Witchblade marked me and caused me great torment. For my effort to wear Him.}

{In 1959 I choose Boucher to wear the Witchblade.}

After Boucher, I searched not only for a true Wielder but also for the Protector.

^^^^

This is where the paper ended. According to Atalaya and Ward I am the Protector. Did Irons know this when he took me or was he going to make me into the Protector as he made Ms Boucher into a Wielder? Here was yet another question I wondered if I would get an answer to? It was now nine o'clock and I went back to bed not eating as he did not say I could. I did not want to chance ending the game being this close to the end. I only had to endure four more days.