Chapter 2

The day began as usual. Rowan and Mercer met at the lake and started discussing about yesterday's incidents. The one thing that surprised both of them was Romany's reaction. "There's something very serious going on. I could see the fear in my dad's eyes.", said Mercer. Rowan was quiet all the time.

Rowan said,"I was thinking about a person who can tell us about all of this. I think there is nobody rather than the old Priest in the temple. I mean, priests know about all sorts of magical stuff." They both agreed to go to the temple. Romany was already present their, with his guards and there was some kind of ritual going on. Rowan said,"Something is not right and we have to find out what." They waited for Romany to leave. As soon as he left, they entered the temple. The priest there said,"I know why you two are here. And you have every right to be." "We have some questions and we want some answers from you!", said Mercer. The priest said,"Well, I may have answers that you may not like. So it's for you to return. You'll learn the answers when the right time comes." Mercer became furious but Rowan calmed him down and they both left. "Maybe, we should ask my dad. He never hides anything from me.", Mercer said. And they both left for Romany's court. Upon reaching Romany's room, they heard Romany's voice as if he was talking to someone. " ..... and after so many years, they've returned father. The Soul Scouts have identified Mercer and Rowan as their duo. And tomorrow, they will take their 2nd test.", said Mercer. Romany often used to talk to his dead father's picturesque. Mercer and Rowan listened to all of this and they understood that tomorrow is when they may get some of their answers. They could not sleep all night.

The next morning, Mercer woke up early and left for Rowan's house. On his way, Mercer had a sudden severe headache and started to see a vision. He saw white clouds, a snowy mountain and a priest praying at the top of the mountain. And suddenly, all the pain was gone and everything returned to normal. Mercer rushed to Rowan's house to tell him about this, only to know that something same had happened to Rowan. They were shook. Mercer said,"What if this is our second test, the old man and my dad was talking about?" Rowan couldn't agree more and suggested that they should find out about the old priest they saw in their vision. They both figured it out quickly that they were supposed to go to the Snow Mountains in the South of the Kingdom. They left without wasting any time and reached there within an hour. As they started climbing the mountain, a snow storm started and there were heavy winds everywhere. It had become very tough for them to continue. So, they forfeited their journey for the day and returned to their homes. That night, Romany came to Mercer's room and sat beside him. "Mercer, I have something to tell you and Rowan. Meet me tomorrow morning before the Royal Bell rings.", said Romany and left before Mercer could ask any questions.

The next day, Rowan and Mercer met Romany in Romany's room as he instructed them. Romany said,"Listen kids. The matter is pretty serious and you have to listen very carefully about it. Long ago, thr kingdom was protected by the two Soul Scouts. They were inhuman creatures who inspected souls and protected the good ones from the evil ones. Upon their death, they proclaimed that they would return when they would find the duo that can outpower them and give them their powers to finish the search of the Artefact. And after so many years, they've returned and identified you two as their own. Once you pass the 3 tests, that many have failed over the years, you will have the power to choose everything they possessed. And it will be your duty to search the lost Artefact. Once the search is completed, you will be the firsts to find out what the Artefact is." Mercer said,"What do you want us to do dad?" "It's an honour to be a part of the Soul Scouts. Don't let this opportunity go away. And remember one thing, no matter what happens, where you go, always have each other's back. Now go to the old priest and complete your 2nd test. You'll ave your 3rd test there as well! And remember, make us proud.", Romany replied and left.

Mercer and Rowan still had some questions but they left for the mountain. And after some time, they reached the old priest. It was the same old man praying that they saw. They said in one tone,"Give us our third test. We are ready for this!" Suddenly, the old man opened his eyes and shouted,"You seem very confident. Well, many have tried to do the 3rd challenge but failed miserably. But that doesn't mean you don't have to face it. Here it is!"

And suddenly a lot of copies of the guy that they beat in the first test appeared out of nowhere. "More of these goons?", said Rowan. "No....that's not what the test is. You think I'm that stupid?", said the old man. Suddenly, they held Rowan and Mercer and seperated them and then encircled them. "You both have to take out this dagger out of the heart of this man, without moving out of the circle. And remember, there can be only one winner.", said the old man.