After all these attempts, the elves decided to resume their research on the water of the mythical spring of Styx the following day. Nevertheless, some speculated that the experiment might need to be performed during the full moon, which would take several days to arrive, and so they kept a quantity of water from the river Krathis. They wished one another good night and all went to rest, for they were utterly exhausted after so many hours of wakefulness.
The next day, King Begalor and his dazzling wife, Sedolida, welcomed their guests in the royal dining hall of the palace. There stood a vast table filled with a great variety of delicacies, prepared in honor of Minister Agemond and his companions. Thus, after dining with the royal couple and a few other distinguished guests of the Elven King, they later took a walk through the royal gardens to aid their digestion, and eventually bid each other farewell.
A group of elves magically teleported the guests outside the city, where flying carriages awaited to carry them back to Thessaloniki. As for the magical cup, it had been agreed that the Minister and his mages would return during the full moon to repeat their experiments. Should any new development arise in the meantime, the elves would inform them immediately. In addition, Foskýr handed over to his former master, Eithamon, the magical ring as he had promised, so that he might examine it.
Elanor also noticed that Nofeivos' ring bore an inscription carved in ancient runes, which further stirred his curiosity.
"When you return, my young friend, during the full moon, I shall return the ring of Asovi to you," he said."I had noticed the ancient inscription, but I could not decipher its meaning. It will be a fine opportunity for me to finally learn what it says.""I shall examine it. It is written in the same language as the magical Vessel of Amaltheia… quite interesting, wouldn't you say?""Just don't lose it… I will come to reclaim it.""I promise nothing… we shall see each other at the coming full moon!"
Days passed, and the elves made no significant progress regarding the magical cup. On the other hand, Elanor achieved results concerning the magical ring bearing the embossed Pegasus. This artifact too carried an inscription in ancient runes, just like the magical cup. The inscription was also a riddle, which read:"When the Sun appears in the sky, then ascend the chariot of the radiant steed, and travel without toil."
Elanor attempted to fly using the magic of the ring both by day and by night, yet he noticed no difference. He flew at the same speed in both cases and detected no other special property in its use. Thus, he attempted instead to draw a quantity of ancient magic from the Ring of Asovi using the spell "Dóliso." Indeed, Elanor succeeded in extracting a small portion of its aetheric magic, which flowed around him in a white aura.
As he examined the ring and gazed upon the carved Pegasus in relief, a sudden thought struck him."Could the riddle mean when the Sun appears — that is, at sunrise?"
Thus, the wise mage awoke early, before dawn had yet broken, and patiently waited for the Sun to rise upon the horizon. When the first rays of sunlight appeared and the edge of the solar disk emerged, Elanor, standing upon a hill, attempted to use the ring to fly to the mountain opposite.
The moment he tried, he found himself instantly upon the distant mountain he had been gazing at. The Ring of Asovi had teleported him directly to his destination. Astonished, Elanor tested the ring repeatedly, and each time it transported him instantly wherever he wished. What was most remarkable was that the ring could teleport its bearer even into locations protected by repelling enchantments. Its only limitation was that it could transport one only as far as the reach of their line of sight — and, naturally, that this ability endured only while the Sun remained upon the horizon.
This revelation led Elanor to wonder whether the magical cup might function during the time when the Moon, too, was in contact with the Earth's horizon. However, when the elves performed the experiment under these conditions, the result was the same: the water was transformed into gold. After this futile attempt, the elves resolved to test every idea and every type of water they had collected during the night of the full moon.
At the same time, Elanor informed the rest of the elves that he possessed an equally ancient and powerful magical artifact: the Ring of Asovi. Thus, the elves now knew they had sufficient quantities of ancient magic to construct the Luminous Sphere of the Ancient Ritual to imprison the Onia. However, the problem remained that they lacked the knowledge of this ancient ritual and the proper spells required to form the immense sphere of radiant aura.
"My friends," Elanor said, "even if we were to know how to perform this ancient ritual of the sphere, it would still be a grave mistake to destroy the magical cup, which most likely has the power to produce aetheric magic.""You are right, Elanor," replied the wise Lastoras, "but we are in a dire situation. Perhaps we do not have the time needed to discover how to draw aether from the cup.""I understand, wise Lastoras. And indeed, it may ultimately be the only way to defeat the Onia before they conquer the entire world."
A few days passed, and news reached the elves that Jerusalem had fallen to the Vyrsonians. Yet the magical cup was safely kept in Knossaion, and so, despite the fall of Jerusalem, the Ministry of Magic and the elves remained relieved by their wise decision to hide the cup within the Elven Kingdom. But the Onia did not stop there. The following night, they launched a surprise attack on Rome. It was evident that they knew the location of the Azure Order's headquarters, and they began interrogating their captives to uncover the identity of the mage known as Nofeivos.
It was clear that a traitor existed among the Azure Order. Nevertheless, the Azures managed to resist long enough to evacuate their secret archives and magical artifacts before the Vyrsonians overwhelmed them. Ultimately, the headquarters fell into the hands of the Onia, who were far stronger, aided by the fact that the Azures had been unprepared for such a coordinated and sudden assault. Fortunately, the Azures reacted swiftly, splitting into pairs to delay the Onia. Thus, their leader, Depate, managed to escape with all the vital records and magical artifacts before they could fall into enemy hands.
Foskýr fought alongside his skilled sister, the two battling the Vyrsonians together. The Vyrsonians desperately sought the dreadful mage of the Azures, whom they knew to be stationed in Rome, driven by their desire for vengeance. At last, the Onia located Foskýr and his sister. Five fae blocked their path and immediately realized that the young mage was the one they sought — exactly as described in their intelligence: a teenage boy with curly black hair and ties to the Elven race. Enali stood at his side, and everything became clear to the Onia as they advanced menacingly.
"Stand back, or I will show no mercy! I will kill you all!"
Unfazed, the Onia continued their slow, steady advance. Then, within his mind, he heard their telepathic voices proclaim loudly that they were Vyrsonians — and that they never retreated from battle. One Vyrsonian hurled a magical curse with a swift motion, but Nofeivos deflected it in time and immediately cleaved the unfortunate Onia in two with the spell "Zaperon."
Enali then summoned a beast in the form of a Troll to aid them, sending it against the Onia. The Onia responded by summoning magical creatures of their own, and soon the attack of a celestial-looking magical spirit merged with Nofeivos' spell. The creature's "Nefulso" and Foskýr's "Vomvartha" united, unleashing flames around the point of impact. Nofeivos ultimately overcame the demon, and a massive explosion erupted among the fae. The angelic creature, a Vyrsonian, and the beast Tholis were utterly annihilated. Meanwhile, Enali's Troll was slain by a colossal Onian beast, but the fair-haired Enali struck down the exhausted giant with "Convirgo," restoring balance to the battle.
At the same time, the young Adathos summoned Xodeinos and two other creatures, keeping the Onia occupied while overpowering their magical entities. Fearless, Nofeivos assaulted the fae with curses and the might of his beasts as they struggled to defend themselves. Seeing her brother gaining ground, Enali advanced to fight at his side. Another Vyrsonian fell dead to a magical strike from the dark Eskeinthos. The remaining Onia managed to slay Mamanta and a lion spirit, but Enali seized the moment and unleashed the devastating lightning spell "Telaunor," bringing utter devastation.
Only one Vyrsonian remained. Enraged, he hurled a green flame toward Foskýr. The young mage stood too close to react in time. But his sister, Enali, sensed the intent and leapt forward in a burst of golden aura, placing herself directly before him. She saved her brother from certain death — but fell to the ground herself, dying.
Nofeivos, aided by his dark spirit, unleashed a synchronized barrage of spells, swiftly avenging her and crushing the Vyrsonian. He rushed to his sister's fallen body and began to cry out to her, tears streaming from his eyes.
"Get up, Enali! Wake up! I killed the cursed one—do you hear me?! Wake up!"
Yet the young mage received no answer from his lifeless sister. He wiped his eyes, and after lifting Enali into his arms, he teleported with her far away from the site of the clash. Then, flying onward, he carried her to a hilltop, where—without using magic—he buried her alone, to honor her. When he was finished, he placed a massive stone above her grave, which he carried there with his staff. Upon the stone he carved:"Enali Adathi — a beautiful and benevolent soul."As he departed, Foskýr paid his respects by leaving several flowers upon her grave and swore an oath that he would exterminate all the Vyrsonians—or die trying.
Nofeivos then set out for the Forest of Echethous, to inform the elves of the Onia's surprise attack on Rome and of Enali's tragic death. As he flew, he thought constantly of his sister's demise, unable either to believe it or to accept it. At last, he made a decision and landed near the foothills of Mount Matoros in order to communicate with the shadow spirit, Eskeinthos. For a long time he had avoided forming a true spiritual bond with it, and whenever he summoned it, he kept it under absolute control—though at the cost of great mental exhaustion.
Nevertheless, now it was necessary. He needed its magical knowledge. Xodeinos is an ancient and powerful spirit, he thought. Perhaps it knows a way to bring my sister back."I must ask him," he decided.
After reaching the ground, he summoned the spirit so they could speak.
"To what do I owe this surprise, young master?""You saw what happened. Do you know of any way to bring her back to life? If you know anything, I beg you—tell me at once!""This happened because you restrain me from fighting at full strength. Had you allowed me freedom, you would not be mourning your sister now. I would have protected her, and she would be alive.""Tell me! Is there a way to revive her?!""There is something… but I must warn you: it is extremely dangerous.""Tell me! I will do whatever it takes! I do not care!""I will tell you—but from now on, you will summon me daily, as in the old days, and during battle I shall have freedom of movement. Do we agree?""We agree—but only if you tell me how to bring my sister back, and if we succeed.""Do not rush. It will not be so simple. You must understand that the method is exceedingly risky.""I am listening. Tell me—what must I do?""There exists an ancient magical scepter bearing twenty-four black stones. This scepter commands the magic of time—but it carries great peril.""What danger?""First, you must understand that time magic is the most dangerous form of magic. It is neither clever nor wise to meddle with the forces of time. Still… this scepter might be able to rewind time to before your sister was killed—perhaps even before the Vyrsonians attacked your headquarters in Rome.""Perfect! That is exactly what I need. What, precisely, is the danger?""I am not finished, child. You must also know that time magic affects the very disposition of the mage who wields it.""What do you mean?""Do you know why the Vyrsonians are forever drawn to battles, wars, and conquests?""Simple! Because they are barbarians and beasts!""Long ago… the Vyrsonians were once a mortal race as well. But they uncovered and mastered all the secrets of time magic. As a result, they attained eternal youth and immortality."
The young mage stared at him in astonishment and curiosity.
"And then? What happened?""This magic made them omnipotent and immortal—but it stripped them of their humanity. They lost everything that grants mortals a sense of fulfillment, satiety, and inner completeness, both body and soul.""What do you mean?""For example, no matter how much they eat or drink, they are never satisfied. They remain forever empty. Thus, the only thing that grants them fleeting pleasure is danger in war—through the adrenaline of battle.""Are you saying the same will happen to me if I use the scepter's magic?""I cannot say with certainty. But prolonged exposure to time magic carries this risk—it is undeniable. If you are still willing to take it, then I will reveal the location of the scepter."
Nofeivos thought for several seconds. Then he answered Eskeinthos decisively:"Take me to the Scepter of Time."
"As you wish… I merely forgot to mention that you may encounter obstacles—much like when you found the Ring of Asovi in the cave.""One thing at a time," he replied.
Thus, Foskýr mounted his magical broomstick and flew swiftly, maintaining a constant mental bond with the shadow spirit Xodeinos, who guided him toward the location of the Time Scepter. He flew for nearly four hours before finally reaching his destination. The area felt familiar—he was certain he had been there before—but without daylight he could not be sure. At last, he stood before the ruins of an ancient temple, and then he understood exactly where he was.
This temple had once been among the most important and ancient in the region. It lay half-destroyed, for as he knew from his studies and from what the elves had told him, many ancient temples and palaces had been ruined in a war long forgotten. This ancient oracle, too, had fallen victim to that primordial conflict.
Following Eskeinthos' guidance, Foskýr advanced a few steps and discovered an entrance leading into an underground cave.
"Within lies the Time Scepter of the twenty-four black stones.""Excellent. Then I proceed inside."
Nofeivos could feel the powerful aetheric magic saturating the air, along with the cold radiating from the cave due to this ancient power. He descended deeper and deeper until, as in the other cave near Rikonthus—ancient Epheira—he encountered a stone wall sealing the passage. He knew what to do. Drawing his staff, he cast Roverio, revealing the wall's secrets. A magical passage appeared, and Foskýr stepped through.
Torches burned along both sides of the path, and at its end hovered the ancient scepter, suspended in midair. Nofeivos studied it without touching it at first, noting that its length—if placed beside him—would reach from the ground to his waist. Along its shaft were set the twenty-four black diamonds. At its top stood a finely wrought eagle, serving as both ornament and grip. Yet its core material was not metal—but wood.
The young mage took a deep breath and murmured, "Forward… let us begin." He grasped the Time Scepter with his right hand.
The moment he touched it, he was instantly transported into another radiant hall—the very same chamber he had entered the first time, when he found the Ring of Asovi. Before him once more stood the beautiful woman in a white chiton, holding a spear-like magical staff. The female spirit regarded Foskýr sternly.
"What did you do with the Ring of Asovi I gave you when we last met?"Startled, Foskýr replied that he had given it to a friend for examination and that it would soon be returned.
"The Ring of Asovi and its power are meant solely for the one who passed the trial—and no one else. Leave. You are unworthy of this magical scepter. I was wrong to entrust you with the ring."
Danae turned away, preparing to send him back to the cave. But Nofeivos cried out,"My sister died because of me! I must save her!"
Suddenly he found himself high in the sky. Danae placed the scepter into his hand and said,"Hold the Scepter of Time, and your sister shall live again."
Foskýr saw time racing backward before him like a vision, while an unbearable pain tore through his chest as long as he held the scepter. Several minutes passed in the real world, while time itself rushed violently into the past. The pain intensified; his vision blurred—yet he held on, refusing to let go.
Danae accelerated time further, bringing him to the very instant his sister was about to die at the hands of the Vyrsonian. He prepared to release the scepter and the agony crushing his sternum—but at that moment, Danae hurled time violently into the future.
"Hold the scepter," she said, "and the elf shall live."
Foskýr saw Elanor holding the Ring of Asovi, examining it—then time surged forward again. Now his master stood in the forest with the ring, falling into an Onian ambush, where they slew him.
Time rushed backward once more. Foskýr would not release the scepter, no matter the pain. He saw his master again in his workshop, the ring in hand, and prepared to let go—
"Hold the staff and save Captain Ketaras from death."
Now he beheld Captain Ketaras, surrounded by Onia in a land unfamiliar to him, moments before execution. Time flowed backward again, yet Foskýr refused to release the scepter—even though he despised the man who had unjustly expelled him from the company of the Isle of Doras.
Time rewound further, and he saw Ketaras betraying the location of the Azure headquarters in Rome to the fae.
"Hold the staff and he lives. Release it, and he dies."
Rage surged within Nofeivos, yet he did not let go. Time rolled back further, revealing every ambush in which Ketaras had betrayed him.
"Release the scepter, and he dies."
Still, the young mage clung to it stubbornly. Time raced ever backward, displaying betrayal after betrayal, but Nofeivos would not risk the lives of his friend Elanor and his beloved sister. He suffered immensely, gripping the scepter with both hands, collapsed to his knees, hanging upon it—yet never releasing it.
At last, the visions ceased. Absolute darkness surrounded him.
He was transported back into the cavern hall, where Danae now stood with several other spirits clad in white chitons.
"May I have the Scepter of Zenorach?"
Foskýr placed it into Danae's hands. A tremendous weight lifted from him, and all the pain vanished instantly.
"You are worthy, young Nofeivos. You may keep it."
And Danae returns it to him.The moment he touches it, Danae and all the other luminous spirits vanish. Foskir is now alone inside the cave, holding the Sonaresh Scepter in his hands, and begins to ascend in order to exit. As he walked, Foskir examined the staff, trying to uncover its secrets. The only thing he managed to do was to unleash powerful bursts of lightning and thunderous strikes, without even uttering the spell "Telavnor" or any other incantation.