The eyes of King Sirus and his thirteen disciples were fixed on Argus as he slowly walked into the chamber. His body, raging with anger only moments before, was now calm since his encounter with Stacia. As he continued further into the room King Sirus said, “So, the Benevolent Knight returns. Argus, my old friend, welcome to my chamber and to your destiny.” Argus walked closer to where the first disciples were seated. The look in Argus’ eyes could only be described as one of immense emptiness, and it was apparent to all in the room that he was a man who had lost everything. Argus’ eyes continued to sweep across the room glancing at each disciple when they abruptly stopped as he gazed upon Wu. Though weakened from his wounds, Wu held Argus’ gaze and raised his chin a fraction in an almost silent defiance. Argus continued on and cast his gaze upon Siridean. When his eyes ultimately came to rest upon Rajnish, he was struck speechless. Argus proceeded to walk over to where Rajnish was seated and, standing before him, stared deep into his eyes, cocking his head seemingly to ask “why?” Rajnish, looking into his blank eyes responded, “Argus, you need to truly understand the power of this destiny. Why must we remain in the service of benevolence when we can rule as gods for eternity?  You have tasted the pleasures of the flesh but that is only a fraction of what awaits you.” Rajnish hesitated, glancing down for a moment considering his next words then looked back up into Argus’ expressionless eyes continued, “Stacia—“

With his beloved’s name still lingering on Rajnish’s lips, Argus seized him by the throat. Hatred, which had been rapidly building inside him and what he was struggling to keep in control, was now at a boiling point. Taken over by his emotions he glanced at King Sirus. When he saw the look of satisfaction on Sirus’ face he immediately realized that this is exactly what the King wanted him to do. Argus regained his composure and managed to stop himself from nearly strangling Rajnish to death. Still holding Rajnish by the throat, he heard Stacia’s voice in his head urging him to remember his faith, and finally released the helpless miscreant from his iron tight grip.

While Argus fought to gain further control, he glanced down and turned his attention to a complicated series of grooves carved into the hardwood floor. He counted 14 wells spaced evenly along the outer perimeter of the room. A channel connected each well that lead to the center of the chamber where he recognized the symbol of the Unholy Trinity deeply engraved into the floor. His heart began beating faster when he realized that all the wells and their accompanying channels were filled with blood; except for one, and he could not help but wonder if the vacant well was meant for him. Argus gasped as it dawned on him that his blood was needed to fill the final well in order to complete the final instructions for resurrecting the 13th Prophecy.

Argus glanced back up at King Sirus with eyes as cold as steel and a low muffled laugh escaped the King’s lips as he watched Argus’ understanding unfold. He said in a low slow voice, “In due time, my brother, in due time. ” As the sound of Argus’ waiting army became audible from outside the chamber, King Sirus looked at Argus and commanded, “Kill him!”

Three of Sirus’ bravest warriors, Nikostratos, Agrona and Ivor swiftly stood. Wu struggled to join his evil cohorts, but was too injured to join the battle. A vicious, unwavering battle occurred between the four warriors. Sparks flew as sword met sword in a symphony of dazzling metal, lighting up the walls of the chamber. The sparks sent strange shards of light throughout the room illuminating the distorted faces of King Sirus’ pumpkins. With each blow, Argus’ rage grew. He rememberd Stacia and his children, and how these demons were responsible for taking away everything that he held dear. His anger made him forget that they were succeeding in taking the last thing he possessed, his faith. With the precision of a surgeon Argus quickly severed Nikostratos’ hand, sliced open the abdomen of Agrona, and ran Ivor through. The injured disciples fell to the ground in disbelief holding their wounds. In desperation Siridean hurled his weapon, the same weapon that killed Stacia, but Argus turned to block it with his sword. Argus quickly picked up the weapon and hurled it back at Siridean with blazing speed. The saber lodge in his throat. Siridean struggled, then fell to the ground.

The main doors to the chambers suddenly exploded into splinters, releasing a flood of angry warriors, their eyes filled with rage and hatred. As they entered the chambers seizing the King’s disciples, they held fast awaiting Argus’ instructions. The chamber grew silent as King Sirus rose from his throne and walked slowly down the steps to the chamber floor. “You have done well mighty Knight of the Lyte” he replied in a calm voice. A strange kind of deja vu filled Argus’ senses as King Sirus began to circle him, reminiscent of that fateful day in the pumpkin patch many years ago. Sirus contined to taunt him, “Now complete your journey Argus, you MUST feel the power in your blood. I do!” Taking advantage of the fact that he had caught Argus off-guard, he struck him with his sword and knocked him to the floor. Argus looked down at his injury and saw his blood beginning to fill the channel stemming from the remaining vacant well. As it began to flow down the channel it mixed with the blood of the other disciples and created a mysterious mist that rose from the center. Argus’ knights were are at the ready watching in amazement at the spectacle that was unfolding before their eyes.