III Wars Trilogy: Book 1: Visions

It was the last image however, taking shape just before the entrance to his treasure room, that shook Third's very soul and filled him with more terror and dread he had ever felt before. An imposing human warrior stood barring Third's entrance into his destiny of power and fame. The man stood resolute in his battle ready stance, and Third felt as though he was seeing death incarnate. The warrior held a metallic rod in one gauntleted hand and a shield at the defensive ready in the other. A single stonework battle tower was emblazoned upon the circular shield. Somehow, Third knew that he would forever remember this warrior's determined face. Third tried to focus his mind to remove the vision, but it remained. He tried to slow his drifting approach toward the warrior, but he couldn't. Some force was compelling them to each other. With calculating eyes the warrior sensed his presence and raised his battle rod to strike. An aqua-blue hue enveloped the metal rod as it shimmered, transformed, and lengthened into a long sword. Flames burst to life over the entire surface of the gleaming blade as the terrifying warrior raised it high overhead. With his shield held in perfect defense he lunged forward and slashed the blazing sword downward into Third's mind.