Justice Society of America #5 [DC LEGENDS]

In 1241 AD, Count Ungr Markov rallied his fellow knights, all members of Knighthood of the Markovian Circle, and they rode out to the Astarian Lowlands to meet the invading Mongol army in combat. Count Makrov lead the charge as two hundred Christian knights rode out to defend their tiny nation from the barbarian threat. All seem dark as the forces of Batu, the grandson of the legendary Genghis Khan, were poised to crush Markovia as they did to the great city of Kiev only a year ago. The battle was fierce, but the Mongols were driven back at a terrible cost - Count Markov was mortally wounded.

A dark pool of blood began to form underneath him. As Count Markov whispered his last breath in a short prayer, an arc of glowing energy sparked from the ground into the air and back into the ground through Ungr Markov's blood. The blood bubbled and began to pour out leaving strange lines along the ground. These 'lines' burnt the very ground and formed a large circle around the deceased noble of Markovia. Inside the circle, many thin lines weave and zigzag about in a strange, esoteric pattern. This spot became known as Ungr's Circle. A tall, stone obelisk was set in the centre of the circle as a monument to Count Markov. The grass never did grow back within this circle. Some said that the Count's faith rewarded him with this miracle and others said he had the metagene that didn't activate until it was too late. No matter which you believe in, the circle is considered a special site to many Markovians to this day.

At least it did until the coming of Kulak and his evil minions. Kulak's sorcery had twisted and perverted the very fabric of Markovia, casting her and her people into a nightmarish mockery of the once great kingdom. Some succumbed to Kulak's corrupting enchantment to find themselves under a horrible curse - doomed to live their lives as werewolves and vampires - roaming the land in search of prey. The undead legions of Brztal scoured the land for the living. It appeared that no one dared to stand against Kulak...

Fortunately, appearances can be deceiving... deep underground, both figuratively and literally, the Resistance - loyal followers of the Markovian Royal Family - fought for their survival against the supernatural horrors that have infested their homeland. Princess Tara Markov had stepped up to act as the de facto leader of the Resistance. Even though their cause seemed doomed, the Resistance weren't ready to give up just yet. Their hearts burned slightly brighter as a glimmer of hope was been revived with their alliance with the Justice Society of America (a team divided, but not conquered).

The electrical lights flickered as the surrounding stone chamber shook. Dust and small pebbles rained on the caves' inhabitants but the walls and ceiling held firm. "I don't think Kulak has given up on us yet." Tara Markov brushed her blond hair from her eyes.

Kiku Thunder looked worriedly at the rocky ceiling overhead and nervously followed a small stone with her eyes as it plummet to the floor. "I hope this place won't fall on top of us."

"We are safe here, for the time being." Amber Salazar, a gypsy with Skartarian magicks, tried to sound reassuring. "These caves run along a mystical vein and I'm using the earth's arcane energy to hide our presence. And with Princess Markov's assistance with the caves - we are safe from the usurper and his minions." There was no hiding the rancour in her voice as she mentioned Kulak.

"For the moment." Hourman didn't like hiding in these caves. He had the ominous feeling that their time was running out. At least it got his mind off the slight burning sensation of the bite on his left leg.

"We can't hide forever." Hawkman, also known as Carter Hall, rubbed the back of his neck. He could feel the knots in his muscles. After a quick tilt of his head, a loud snap echoed through the cavern. "Ahh, that's better." He looked up at the rest of the group. "We have to do something. Kulak still has Shiera."

"Not to mention the rest of the JSA." Jesse Quick knew in her heart that the rest of the team were okay, but she wanted to make sure. "We have to do something."

"I know of an incantation that might work." Amber looked at the remaining JSA - Jesse Quick, Hourman (the son of the original Hourman), Kiku Thunder and her Bhadnesian Thunderbolt, Hawkman (who has regained his true memories) and Power Girl (who has just been transported to Markovia by Amber's magic). "I should be able to weave a spell that will bind Kulak to the Ley Lines that he is currently attempting to exploit..."

"Originally proposed by Alfred Watkins to be ancient routes used by prehistoric traders but later modified by the supernatural writings of Dion Fortune in '36. Her book, 'The Goat-Foot God' linked the Ley Lines with ancient sites of power." Hawkman paused as he saw everyone staring at him. "What? I am an archaeologist and I happened to have known Dion Fortune personally. She was a fascinating medium, and an even better card player."

"That's coming from an archaeologist who believes in reincarnation." Jesse Quick smiled. Considering the severity of the situation, it felt good to smile.

"Kulak's followers staged their mystic coup at the Markovian castle for a reason. It was once home to an ancient order of knights known as the Knighthood of the Markovian Circle. It is a nexus point for three separate Ley Lines that flow across Europe." Amber gripped her mystical dagger for comfort as the ground shook once more. "We don't have long. With the right spell ingredients I'll be able to weave Kulak's own energy into a prison. But, the conditions must be right..."

"So what do we do?" asked Jesse Quick as she kicked some caked dirt from her boots.

"We take the fight to Kulak." Hawkman stretched and flexed his arms and shoulders. His body hasn't felt this stiff in ages. Sure he was a lot younger than his age should have been, but he wasn't a spring chicken anymore. Shiera needed him and that was enough for him to go to Hell and back. "But first, we need to regroup with the rest of the JSA."

"Hawkman is right. We need to take action." Power Girl didn't like all this standing around and doing nothing. "I might not have volunteered to be here," Power Girl gave Amber Selazar an icy glare before she continued speaking, "but I'm here now so you can count on me. What's the plan?"

"If I can get some petals of the rare Zuzu Flower, then I can begin the proper binding spell." Amber looked at her allies for volunteers. "They can be found only in one location in Markovia - Ungr's Circle in the heart of the Astarian Lowlands. They're little red flowers with white flame-like patterns.

"That sounds like my cue." Jesse Quick stepped forward. "I'll go and pick some flowers and be back here before anyone is wiser."

"I'm going with you" Hourman moved next to Jesse. "You don't know what you'll run into out there."

"He's right. The JSA are a team." Hawkman adjusted the leather straps on his gauntlets in preparation for the upcoming confrontation. "This is Kulak we're facing. We have to do this right. We won't get a second chance. Take Power Girl with you while the rest of us prepare."

"Why should we trust you? You were working for him a little while ago." Kiku wanted to trust him, but something in her gut told her not to. This place was starting to get to her. It was like she could personally feel the evil presence of Kulak's magic.

"I think Hawkman is right. We need the rest of the JSA if we're going to do this right." Power Girl stood next to Hawkman. "I'll go with the Quick girl and Hourman to make sure nothing happens to them."

Lesser people might have seen Power Girl's comment as an insult but Jesse and Hourman had their minds on the job and not on their egos. "Okay, I think we better be on our way then." Jesse watched Power Girl slip her arms around Hourman's chest to better carry him aloft. He didn't seem to mind the transportation accommodations.

Amber Salazar turned to face Kiku. "Can your Thunderbolt contact the remaining JSA?"

"Or even better, bring them here?" Hawkman rested his hand on the head of the mace that hung from a leather strap off his hip.

Kiku wondered why she hadn't thought of that herself. Perhaps she feared something dire would happen. She shrugged her shoulders and spoke, "Say, you T-bolt. Bring the rest of the team back here? Okay?" Kiku hastily added... "Don't forget Dale Gunn also. That would be embarrassing."

"Sure can do, boss." The pink Thunderbolt spiralled into the cavern ceiling and disappeared.

Kiku shuffled over to Hawkman's side. Her eyes paused on Carter Hall for a few seconds before sitting down. She still wondered if they could trust him. Was he truly free of Kulak's influence? "So, I guess we wait..."

"Sometimes waiting is all we can do. For some of us, the waiting lasts a multiple of lifetimes." Hawkman smiled back at the young girl. Her wild dark hair framed her face. He wanted to tell Kiku everything would be okay but he wasn't so sure himself. Then his thoughts drifted to Shiera - they had to succeed for her sake and for the rest of the world.

Dark green hedges, entwined with blood-red weeds, choked the grounds of the Royal Markovian Country Estate. The evil presence of Kulak had infected all of Markovia, but the estate grounds were the worst. Within the centre of a maze crafted from the tall, sinister-looking hedges, was an immense statue of Kulak. The marble of the statue began to shimmer as a blue tone washed over the statue's stone skin. Suddenly the aura ceased as it melted away; the statue became a colossal living entity, Kulak himself. The undead warriors of Brztal continued to emerge in great numbers as they poured through the portal. The ancient sorcerer towered over the country grounds and all those around him, the warriors, the Wizard, the Monk, Dala and the enthralled Katar Hol and Shiera Hall. "I have won! I am free! Free to bring this miserable little planet under my dominion!" He waved his immense hands over his followers and directed them towards the JSA, who had escaped the confines of the prison below, only to find themselves face to face their enemies.

Dale Gunn grasped the ancient sword that he had liberated from a zombie warrior. He watched in awe as Green Lantern created a green shovel to push back a wave of reanimated soldiers. The undead legions of Brztal continue to pour out of the mystical portal. Dale locked swords with a skeletal warrior who stared back at him with black, empty eye sockets. "I still can't get over that you guys fight against these odds on a continual basis."

Wildcat shifted his weight and sent an attacker flying into its comrades. "You know what they say... never say..." Wildcat kicks a skeleton's head causing it to explode in a cloud of dust, "...DIE."

"How droll, but even now you are doomed." The Wizard raised his wand towards Wildcat and Dale Gunn. A bolt of crimson energy streaked across the battlefield towards them. The Wizard's face beamed with hate filled malignance.

A voice came from behind A wall of shields suddenly appeared out of nowhere blocking the mystical bolt. "We face these odds and, even worse, have to listen to cornball bad guy threats, too." The Flash paused and tipped his helmet. "Glad to been of service." He disappeared once more in a red blur zipping past, through and around the many soldiers, robbing them of their weapons, in some cases with limbs still attached.

Alan Scott, aka Green Lantern, continued to push back wave after wave of undead hordes. He knew this was a losing battle. They needed to regroup. He created a giant green broom and swept a path for the remaining JSA to make a break for it. "Time to go! I don't like these odds."

"Enough! This charade ends now!" Kulak reached out with his enormous hand and smashed Green Lantern's beam with one mighty chop. As a result, the emerald construct disappeared and the soldiers began to surge toward the JSA. "Bring me the heads of the Justice Society, my legions! Lacking the aid of the Spectre or Dr. Fate they are helpless against my mystical power." Kulak's sinister laughter permeated the land like poison penetrating a wound.

Suddenly the Thunderbolt appeared next to Wildcat, just as he elbowed one zombie while punching another. "Mistress asked me to bring all of you to her."

Wildcat smiled. "Heads up, guys, we have a ticket out of this Ray Harryhausen flick!" The pink energy of the mystical Thunderbolt began to glow around each of the team and then they disappeared

The ground shook as Kulak roared in anger. He didn't like being cheated of his prize. The JSA were his to toy with as he pleased. Still, their disappearance only delayed the inevitable. Kulak knew they would meet again - soon.

The JSA, veterans and newcomers alike, were now reunited in the underground caverns of the Markovian Resistance, with the exception of Jesse Quick, Hourman and Power Girl.

"Where's the Spectre when you need him?" asked the Flash as he shook his head. He was worried about Jesse and Rick. He felt certain that Power Girl could hold her own in any situation. Still, Markovia wasn't the friendliest place at the moment. He decided to see how Dale was doing while he waited for them to return with the much needed Zuzu Flowers. Dale was bandaging his wounds but was otherwise okay.

Kiku sat on the top of an ammunition crate. She noticed the very air around them felt different now that the JSA had been reunited with the aid of her Thunderbolt. There was a new feeling of hope in the air. She smiled, but that sinking feeling in her stomach wouldn't go away. Something still felt wrong, but she didn't know what.

Green Lantern rubbed his chin as he thought about what Salazar said about needing the JSA to distract Kulak long enough for her to complete her spell. He had a bad feeling about trusting the safety of everyone to a wildcard. "You sure your spell will take care of Kulak?"

Amber nodded. Her golden locks hid her grey eyes. "If you do as I described, it should work... but the cost may be great."

"Let us worry about the cost." Wildcat stretched his legs to work out a slight cramp. "It's getting the job done that matters in the end. Sometimes the price of success might be expensive, but it still means the job has to be done."

"They're back!" Terra concentrated to open an outer portal to allow the returning Power Girl, Jesse Quick and Hourman to enter the caverns.

Amber Salazar snatched an iron brazier and several special coals from her supplies. She was ready for the final piece of her spell. "We must prepare ourselves for the assault." The Markovian Resistance began to arm themselves with an assortment of weapons.

A young woman dressed in brown had no weapons - she doesn't need them. She was Tara, Princess of Markovia (aka Terra). With her older brother, King Brion (aka Geo-Force) under the influence of Kulak, it was up to her to lead her people to freedom. That was a lot of responsibility for a young girl, especially one who wasn't sure of her place in the world but Tara knew she had a role to play. For good or ill, she had a duty to her people.

Hawkman and Green Lantern compared tactics. It was the JSA's responsibility to keep the Covenant of Evil and the undead army busy. Green Lantern looked up at their returning team-mates. Hourman, his costume torn, hugged his left arm against his side. The costumes of both Jesse Quick and Power Girl showed similar signs of a struggle. Fortunately they also carried large sacks over-stuffed with red and white flowers.

"Power Girl! Good to see you again." Green Lantern held out his hand to her. To his surprise she threw her duffle bag into it.

"You can say that again," whispered Wildcat to the Flash. He quickly jerked his eyes from their previous location towards the ceiling as Power Girl glared in his direction.

Amber walked over to Power Girl. She handed her a talisman of feathers, crystals, and a strange metal medallion. "You'll need to wear this."

"It's a talisman of great power. It will aid you in the endeavour that must be taken..."

"It's now or never." Terra stepped forward. "We strike back at Kulak for all of Markovia!" The resistance cheered at her words. Green Lantern nodded and Kiku Thunder spoke her magical words, Cei-u, and her Thunderbolt transported everyone away in the blink of an eye.

The once proud grounds of the Royal Country Estate were now choked with blood-red weeds that had infected all plant life. In some places, vegetation had died completely leaving only barren earth and rock. The hedge maze that once held Kulak's statue had now wilted and started to crumble into dust.

Amber Salazar made her way for the centre of the shrivelled maze. "Remember, keep Kulak busy while I set up. I'll need a few minutes." Terra, Dale Gunn and a dozen Markovian Resistance members tag along, acting as Amber's bodyguards so she can perform her magics undisturbed.

The JSA quickly made their way away from the maze toward what remained of the Country Estate's main gate. Hawkman, Green Lantern, and Power Girl had taken to the air. The Flash and Jesse Quick ran point as they approached the gates. Wildcat and Hourman rode with Kiku as the Thunderbolt carried them all in a glowing emergy chariot.

The gates suddenly burst open as wave after wave of undead legions of Brztal poured into the courtyard. The gate's wall shattered and the giant version of Kulak crashed through. "I shall destroy you this time, Justice Society! You have no hope of defeating me! My followers are legion! Already the very land obeys my will!" Kulak raised his arms and the earth in front of him rumbled, shards of stone rising from the ground. "Your bones will lie bleached on these lands for centuries to come as a testament of my power."

"Yada yada yada. Enough of the gloating, already." A solid right cross smashed a skeleton's head. Wildcat followed through with a jab and a quick uppercut - finishing his opponent by tossing him into three of his undead comrades. "That's it, Hourman. Hit 'em hard and often. Just like your old man used to."

Rick Tyler, aka Hourman II, can feel the Miraclo surge through his system. He dashed one zombie into the ground and stepped on it as he propelled himself at his next two targets - a skeleton and zombie. After a while, his undead opponents began to blur as he fought on. But it was the sound of Wildcat's ever defiant voice that kept him focused. He wore his costume, his hood, with pride as he fought next to his JSA team mates. Rick knews his father would be proud.

Flash and Jesse Quick zigzagged across the battlefield defeating their undead opponents in record time. Both speedsters used their momentum to soar up the nearby stone walls escaping incoming attacks and then zipping back down again to knock all away with great force. While the zombies were no match for the combine efforts of the speedsters, their sheer numbers soon began to take their toll.

Green Lantern, bathed in an emerald aura, floated in the air above the undead hordes. He fired a fluid-like green beam from his ring and the energy surged over the undead army, trapping them. "Okay, JSA, let's show Kulak a thing or two."

Kulak lashed out at Green Lantern who formed a shield to protect himself just in time. Kulak might have surprised him the last time he struck his energy construct, but not this time. Kulak's assaults became more fierce. GL didn't know how long his shield would last. Alan hoped that Terra and Amber were able to keep up their end of the bargain.

Power Girl can see Green Lantern was taking a beating. She decided to take the most direct route - she flew straight towards Kulak's third eye. She never reached her target . She was blasted away by a mystical ray eminating from the third eye.

Meanwhile the Markovian resistance and their allies weren't having an easy time either. Their position, deep within the centre of the now wilted maze, was attacked by undead soldiers, aided by a pack of werewolves. A protective cage of earth and rock had formed itself around them as Terra concentrated to keep the supernatural horrors at bay. The resistance fired their automatic weapons at the enemy from strategic locations within the cage.

Within the protected area, Amber has used the Zuzu Petals to form a magical circle of flowers. At the edge of this circle, in specific locations, were cast iron braziers - lit and burning with a special fuel and incense mixture. Amber sat in the centre of the flowers as she chanted. Her words lingered about her. "Astee-ahm... betai-yah...shakuu...tholllllll..."

The Zuzu Petals began to twirl ever so slightly as the wind started to whirl outside the flowery circle. Amber pulled her magical dagger from its jewelled sheath and continued with her chant. "Shanuu... okaru... madah--dee... ju-kuulllll..." After a quick effortless slice, the blood dripped from her open palm to the flowers below.

Amber clenched her fist as she yelled, "Shuntaa Shulllll! Shuntaa Shulllll!" A bright light flared up from the ground as she uttered her incantation. It zigzagged out from her position, following the ley lines along the ground, in three separate directions into the surrounding countryside. The glow of the ground from Amber didn't ebb, even while covered with the mixture of her own blood and sweat.

A strange black cloud made its way towards the earthen cage. Terra could see that this cloud was peculiar as it drifted closer and closer. Then she could hear them - bats! Hundreds of them. The creatures flew through the protective dirt bars of her cage and steered straight towards her.

Three bats steer away from the cloud and flew towards the Markovian positions. While in mid air, they quickly transformed into humans - they were vampires! The Markovian resistance hadn't stayed alive this long without learning a few tricks... vampires begin to scream as they were hit with glass vials filled with holy water.

"Hold your positions!" Dale checked his ammo and waited for the next assault. He hoped the JSA could keep up with their stalling tactics. He wasn't sure how long Amber was going to take - who knew when it came down to magic.

"I can't hold the cage!" Princess Tara Markov dropped to her knees as the earth and stone crumbled to the ground, allowing the undead horde to surge toward the resistance. The sounds of automatic fire echoed throughout the area as the Resistance fought to hold their position. Dale fired his whole clip, only to see a fierce werewolf lunge for him. That's when all hell broke lose.

Suddenly the countryside was washed with brilliant illumination as lines of light crossed Markovia. The Circle of Ungr glowed brighter than any connecting ley line. Amber was now standing as she was swallowed by the radiant glow of the circle underneath her. Her voice echoed into the sky above... "Shuntaa Shulllll! Shuntaa Shulllll! Rise Count Ungr Markov - your home need your courage once more"

"Do you think I'm blind to the magics around me?" Kulak raised his arms into the air and lightning struck the ground. His voice echoed with fury. "Your cowardly assault on my link to this land has been noticed and dealt with. Even now your other comrades die. Surrender and I will grant you a quick death."

Green Lantern hovered some distance away from Kulak. "We aren't backing down, Kulak. Surrender isn't an option. The JSA has always stood against your kind and we have no plans to stop now." The JSA didn't hesitate. They pressed on and attacked Kulak's ever growing army of undead. Each member of the team fought on courageously.

Hawkman soared above the heads of the Brztal army. His mace sang out with each hit. Hawkman paused in his assault when he saw two familiar figures approaching him. It was Shiera and the other, later Hawkman (aka Katar Hol). "Shiera! It's Carter. Can you hear me?" Hawkman flew cautiously towards his wife. He looked into her eyes for any sign of recognition. "Do you recognize me Shiera? Remember... I'm your husband, Carter Hall... Carter..."

Hawkgirl suddenly stopped as she stared at Carter Hall. Her expression was confused. Unfortunately for Carter, the other Hawkman did not hesitate. Carter was barely able to block the later Hawkman's blow with his mace. Katar Hol, Hawkman II, was a second too slow and Carter Hall, Hawkman I, knocked him flying with a mace strike of his own. "Kulak has diminished your reflexes. It doesn't become you."

In a quick arc upwards, Carter intercepted Shiera. He grabbed her by the arms and stared into her cloudy eyes. "Remember our lives together, Shiera. Our bond in body and soul. Kulak doesn't have the power to defeat a love like ours. You must remember Shiera. Try!"

Suddenly two glowing lines raced through the surrounding darkness illuminating all as they streamed towards a common target - Kulak. The lines of light collided with him and he screamed. He could feel the ley lines - the very land itself - resisting his control. Chains of glowing energy exploded from the ley lines and wrapped themselves around Kulak.

Shiera screamed as she shook her head and blinked her eyes as if though waking from a long sleep. The first thing she saw is Carter smiling back at her. "What's happening? Were are we? I don't feel so good..." Shiera suddenly fell unconscious and plummeted towards the ground.

Hawkman soared after her in a race against time to catch her before she hit. He gained on her position as the ground came ever so much closer. At the last second, he caught her and swooped upwards to safety.

Katar had also lost consciousness when he was released from Kulak's domination. Green Lantern caught him before he fell too far. After depositing him on the ground, GL turned his attention back to the task at hand. 'Okay, now for our part of the plan.' Green Lantern aimed his ring at Power Girl and encased her within a thin translucent layer of green energy. "Your turn, Kiku."

She nodded. "Cei-u, I need you to do something dangerous for me. I want you to surround Power Girl and fly with her to Kulak. At the point of impact, you'll blast Kulak. Understand?"

The Thunderbolt recognized the power of the Atlantian talisman that hung around Power Girl's neck. "Big Boom. Gotcha, boss."

Kiku fought back a tear. "I wouldn't normally ask you to do this, but the world is depending on us. You be careful, T-bolt."

Thunderbolt swirled around the protective green glow of Power Girl. "Ready, boss. Big boom ready to go."

Green Lantern watched Kulak struggle as the ley lines drained his strength. "Go! We might not get a second chance." He hoped Amber's idea worked. She explained it to him when they were in the caves. Power Girl was charged with Atlantian magic (augmented by the talismans created by Amber). When this mystical energy mixed with that of the Thunderbolt and the ley lines at a specific time, the result should blast Kulak back to his own dimension. Alan hoped Power Girl's invulnerability would protect her, right now his job was to hold the two magical energies apart.

Flash watched as Power Girl soared through the air surrounded by a green and pink corona. With a deafening boom, the sound barrier was broken as Kara and the Thunderbolt flew towards their target - Kulak's third eye.

Green Lantern began to sweat and his hand shook as he concentrated to keep up the barrier between the two different forms of magic. He knew he had to wait for the precise moment or else all would be lost. His eyes stung with sweat but he maintained his concentration. He watched as Power Girl streaked closer and closer to Kulak. After what seemed like an eternity dropped his protective barrier while yelling "NOW!". A deafening explosion illuminated the sky. Kiku screamed and passed out. Hourman caught her as she fell.

"No! I was so close! The world was mine! Nooo.......!" Kulak screamed as his body became unstable. Without control of the ley lines his flesh reverted back to marble and began to crack and disintegrate into many tiny pieces. Kulak's voice faded away as his remains crumbled into dust and was blown away by a cool breeze. The sun came out as the dark clouds dispersed. Kulak's hold on Markovia had been disrupted, but at what price?

The sun shone brightly overhead. The damage done by Kulak's magics had been reversed, for the most part. The odd twisted weed still thrived along the ley lines. The biggest reminder of what had occurred to Markovia and her people was at Ungr's Circle - the stone obelisk that was dedicated to Count Markov, saviour of their nation in the past, had a large crack down the middle.

The rest of Markovia had been restored to its previous state - buildings and people alike. Unfortunately, those slain during the crisis did not return. The survivors sought their loved ones and started rebuilding their lives. Fortunately those previously affected by Kulak's corruptive magic would soon find that their memories of the possession began to fade with time.

The austere beauty of the Markovian Country Estate had returned. The elegant fountains flowed once more as the nearby flowers bloomed. King Brion walked the grounds as he inspected the area. He owed much to the Justice Society and his loyal subjects who were able to escape Kulak's grasp. This was a debt he would not be able to forget. He tried to remember what exactly happened but he can't. He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't hear his sister call out his name.

"Brion? Brion?" Tara Markov placed her hand on Brion's shoulder. She smiled as he turned to face her. "Everyone is waiting for you. You have some knighthoods to hand out." Tara fiddled a bit since she wasn't used to wearing such a fancy gown.

"So many have died." Brion's voice was soft and full of emotion. He knew that his role as King of Markovia meant he must be strong for his people's sake but he wondered about the cost sometimes. "What of Kiku Thunder? Is she still in a coma?"

Tara nodded. "She is stable but the doctors don't know why she hasn't waken up yet. There has been no appearance of her Thunderbolt either - the JSA believe the two may be connected."

"Still no appearance of them either. If they are still in Markovia, they won't resist capture for long. The whole nation is out for blood for the horror that they caused."

Brion just nodded. He hoped that the Wizard's Covenant of Evil were still in Markovia but deep down, he wasn't so sure. "They won't escape justice forever."

"Or the Justice Society." Tara slipped her arm under Brion's. "Come on, we have a banquet to go to. Smile, your loyal subjects are looking to you for support."

Brion stared at his sister. He wasn't going to fail Tara this time.* He couldn't believe this was the same girl who had nagging doubts about her place in the world. He saw hope in her eyes where there was once despair. Could something good come out of this tragedy?

[* There have been two Tara Markov's. The first was mentally unstable and was eventually killed. The second is genetically identical to the first Tara, but her origin hasn't been revealed yet - Tim with his Editor's Hat on]

Tara Markov shrugged her shoulders. "I would if they would have me, but I think I'm needed here more. Markovia will need all of the Markovian family as she rebuilds. Besides, we have a celebration to host."

Side by side, King Brion and Princess Tara walked into the banquet room where a grand feast was prepared. The Justice Society of America were seated at the head table and they talked with Markovian delegates. Everyone rose as the Markovian royalty entered the room. The King took his place at the head of the table and raised a toast to his country's liberators. "I offer this drink to honour those who have fallen in the defence of the realm. May those wounded in battle experience a quick recovery and those no longer with us find the peace that they rightly deserve."

King Brion took a large gulp of his wine. He savoured its flavour over his palate. "I also have the honour of bestowing the 'Knighthood of the Markovian Circle' to the valiant members of the Justice Society of America! You are forever welcome in Markovia!"

The cheers vibrated throughout the banquet hall as Jesse Quick and Hourman looked at each other in mutual surprise. "Knighthoods?!"

"Don't let it get to you." Shunning the glass of wine before him, Wildcat gulped from his tankard of beer. "After you've been at this as long as we have, you'll have a shoe box full of such honours. What matters is how you play the game. And after what I saw today..."

Author's Notes: Well, that's the conclusion of the first JSA story-arc that almost didn't get finished. I would like to thank Bob Gansler for stepping in and helping out when real life got in the way of writing (which happens way to often these days).