Sevaril - chapter 10 (continued) After a quick race under the glow of the Moon, Darkhawk and Iphis continue their walk at a more moderate pace. Darkhawk (smiling): I didn't knew you were a cheater!?.. Iphis: In the real world there's no price to the second best...I know if I want to achieve my goals I have to go for it...as a girl in a small village I have to be the best if accepted...adopted by foster parents, my father...I think at him in this way...Some called him "Poor-Bliss" until that day I beat up the spoiled boys!...They never said that kind of words again about my father or me... Darkhawk: Sure, I've heard a little about your merits...how old were you then?.. Iphis: Twelve!..and big fuss about it, because one of them was the oldest son of the richest farmer , ... But I had friends - one half hated me, probably - and the other half were my god friends ...I had a good life there though the first half of my life was a bit rough...but I always have Eamund, my father...May he rest in peace now... Darkhawk: He was a god caring man I see it in your eyes when you mention him...Besides, is it true that the blacksmith would take you as an apprentice?.. Iphis: Yes, I helped him sometimes...I visit him when I was nine on my way home from the teaching from my teacher, Pentwahir*1..The steel, fire, and what he could do and create fascinated me - I ask my father and he said "yes", and then we went to the big blacksmith and he looked down at me in the deepest unbelief..when I took a hammer on my shoulder and smiled he was... Darkhawk: ..Caught!..Your also know how to handle men, I see...Listen, Iphis - you helped your father with his crops, you had daily lessons and teaching from Pentwahir- you practiced weaponry in secret at his place from nine, were you ever a child? My mother, the great Karheel*2 was a most caring mother, believe it or not...a mighty demoness but she taught me that things could be quite different from the normal violently and deadly life in Hell*3... Iphis: I was a restles nature, I think...knowledge was impotent, I felt - so I'm sure I got the best education in the whole Kingdom of Korr...I know the laws, the history...I did spent time with two good friends.. Darkhawk: You never wondered why a farm girl became educated by one of the best brains in Korr, maybe the higest initiated wizard in the whole world!?.. Iphis: Maybe, but we liked and had great respect for each other, so I thought, some day... Darkhawk: I'm impressed by you, girl!..And it is not often...you..hey what was that?... (to be continued) *1 Pentwahir have been Iphis personal teacher from her age of six and until recently when she left her home when she became twenty, some days ago. *2Karheel, the second strongest demon in Hell saved her daughter, Darkhawk, sending her to Earth by the help of Pentwahir who knew both. The Lord of Hell then killed Darkhawks mother. *3 Hell, in the Sevaril story is a parallel world to the Earth, linked and remote at the same time. On special ocassions persons or objects can be moved between them. When Pentwahir helped Darkhawk into our world he had his worries, because Darkhawk is the most extreme powerful living person on Earth now. Later, more about magicical powers, its limits, risks and consequenses. Thank you for all comments to my uploads! JohnnyC / Rhanagaz