Koda stepped out of the large shadow portal alongside Mateo. The warm tropical air of Dragon Realm Abyss caressed his skin. Memories of Tradewind City flooded his mind. Tradewind City was one of the most beautiful and relaxing places he visited on his tiresome journey. He'd enjoyed his time there, the most beautiful and relaxing visit of his tiring journey, and though the crystal clear lake before him took his breath away, he almost felt a sting of disappointment not to be back there again. He stood before a crystal clear lake, three times the size of any lake Koda knew about. It rested within a thick layer of rainforest. The hooting of monkeys and chirping of rainbow colored birds echoed around Koda.

  Standing by the lake, Koda recognized a hooded and tattooed woman as Sable, and as always, by her side stood the cheerful Calsoon.

  Calsoon greeted Koda with a sweeping bow. “A pleasure to see you again, my king.”

  “It is good to see you too, Calsoon,” Koda said with a grin. “You as well, Sable.”

  Sable nodded an acknowledgement to the young elf and then turned to her master. “Where is Strife and Inle, Master Wraslyn.”

  “They will no longer be joining us,” Wraslyn said sharply.

  Koda blinked at Mateo’s new name. How many more secrets must he endure before being taken seriously? “Wraslyn? You are not Mateo?”

  Mateo pushed back his mussed up hair. “I have many names. Some have called me Mateo, others have called me Alfinister Fen. You, Koda, may call me Wraslyn. In time, you too, shall earn a new name.”

  Koda nodded, satisfied with his answer.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  Wraslyn walked to the water’s edge and gestured for Koda to follow.

  “Look into the waters, Koda, what do you see?” asked Wraslyn.

  Koda peered into the shallows. A gigantic stone platform laid within the lake. Long grooves ran across the platform, creating intricate symbols in its complex design. It was here

  “You have found Abyss’s seal,” he said, still stunted in disbelief by its sheer size.

  “Indeed, Koda. This is your final test with us.”

  Tezhok’s voice came from behind him. He turned, surprised to hear the voice in person and not in his head.. Before him appeared large black kanis draped in ragged black and blue robes.

  “Tezhok?” Koda questioned, “Is that you?”

  The wolf bowed “It is a pleasure to meet you in person, your majesty.” said the figure with a dark growl.

  Koda looked at Wraslyn, still slightly confused.

  The vampire gave a short chortle. “He is my familiar as well as your guide, Koda.” Mateo swept his hand to Sable and Calsoon. “They have all been your guides.”

  Koda's eyes lit up eagerly as Wraslyn pulled out a black sash.

  “I wish for you to officially join us, Koda. Break the seal and reach your final destiny.”

  “And I will earn my final color?”

  “More than that, Koda,” said Wraslyn. “You will command everyone’s respect.”

  Koda looked at Sable and then Calsoon.

  “It is all you’ve ever asked for, Koda,” Calsoon offered. “The power to not cower in fear and the strength to overcome your trials.”

  “You deserve this,” Sable added with a smile

  Wraslyn inched his lips close to Koda’s long elven ear. “Break the seal and all your hopes and dreams will come true.” He handed Koda a vial of black, bubbling goo. “Join us to be our equal.”

  Koda took the vial. He was now alone in his thoughts. No Tezhok. No Wildeye. This was his own decision. The first decision of the rest of his life. He took a deep breath, thenopened the cork and then poured the contents of the vial.