A command

The next day Birch found himself sitting on the bed, waiting for something. You would have thought he was simply bored if you were there, and you would have been partly correct, for he had been waiting since he woke up, waiting to be called upon.

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Three hours later he was called upon.

Up with you. Up the stairway. Up you must go. Up! said the voice. Obediently, birch got to his feet began the climb up.

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Birch was in a gargantuan temple built of some kind of white metal, which gave the feeling of being in nothingness.

Come. said the voice. And Birch went forward. After a time, he came before a great doorway and the voice ordered him in.

in front of him was a huge throne, and on it sat a giant greater, then any other being in the world, nay, in all the worlds, all the realms. He was indescribable.

At his left was a Dove bigger then a troll, but the size of a newborn chick before the giant

On his left side was a man in white robes and gold armor.

Birch fell on his face before them.

Chosen. Up. You are here to be given a new duty. Worry not for the girl, for she is with the huntress.

You must go into the desert, the blighted one who finds you first will be your companion. He will be of great aid in this war, for he is the heir of the sun lord.

We will send you to the border of the desert.

Go.