The Legend of the Three Axes: A Tale of Time and Sacrifice
The Escape and the Druid's Secret
Mattius imprisons Lucia and Michel but manages to escape in the pouch that carries the two axes, leaving in search of the third. He rides for two days through the middle of the forest until he meets the last existing druid. This druid provides information about the Circle of Druids, where the Axis of the Past is hidden.
The Discovery at the Circle
Lucia enters the forest and, after hours, reaches the Circle of the Druids. She digs next to a flat stone and finds a wooden box containing the third axis. She places the three axes on the stone, and they begin to glow. Alinor arrives, seizes the axes, and kills Garcia and the gentleman accompanying him. Mattius, Michel, and Sirius, the dog, jump on Garcia and kill him.
The Choice of the Three
The three companions stand before the axes on the stone and take one apiece. They close their eyes, and a voice asks: "I come, I'm here, what do you want?" They reply, "We want to continue turning the wheel of time, for man is wasting away."
Visions of Past and Future
Suddenly, millions of images of the past and future from every corner of the earth flood their minds. They witness hunger, poverty, wealth, and happiness, alongside the inventions of the future and efficient machines. Michel sees the birth of a child between Mattius and Lucia.
The Spirit of Time
The Spirit of Time speaks: "You see how this old world must die, but let a thousand years pass; will man destroy himself?" Michel shows the Spirit the happiest images: births, goals achieved, and the love between friends, spouses, siblings, parents, and children. The Spirit asks Michel, "Do you still trust man after these images?" Michel answers, "Yes."
The Ultimate Sacrifice
The Spirit demands a price for a new millennium. Before Mattius or Lucia can speak, Michel steps forward: "My life; take my life so they can live a thousand years more." Michel sees a brilliant white light and feels a strange pain before everything goes dark. Mattius and Lucia bury Michel alongside the Axis of the Past, leaving his body intact like that of Charlemagne. Mattius, Lucia, and Sirius then travel to the Guild of Minstrels to recount their adventure.