《The Dragon Realms Saga》


 Chapter 1: Fireflies

    Elucard hopped off of the rickety old boat with the day¡¯s catch slung over his shoulder. The seaworn planks of the dock creaked as he bent down to tie up his father¡¯s boat.


    ¡°Tie the knot tight, Elucard. Last thing we need is to have the boat drifting away. Storms haven¡¯t been too kind to Ravenshore as of late,¡± the boy¡¯s Father said sternly.


    Elucard peered out towards the horizon. Winds blew through his dirty blonde hair. Dark heavy clouds were rolling in from the Eastern Sea and the air was laden with moisture. A cool salty film lined Elucard¡¯s fair skin. His elven ears perked up as he heard his father call over to him.


    ¡°Get those fish to your mother before you scamper off and be home before dark.¡±


    ¡°Aw, Pa, but me and Jetta were going to catch fireflies to sell for ca¨C¡± Elucard caught himself. Candy wasn¡¯t the ideal way to spend his hard earned coin in his father¡¯s eyes. Angus¡¯ general store had a selection of the stickiest and most dazzling candy in all of Ravenshore; not only this but he also moonlighted as the local ale master. He traded bubble brew and the best mouth watering butterscotch for a jar of fireflies. Angus let them go when the children left, but Elucard didn¡¯t know that. Elucard usually spent the allowance he earned from fishing with his father on peppermint sticks. Not a wise investment, but that was the way of the youth of the old fishing village. And just another reason to keep his trap shut.


    ¡°For new trousers? A good idea, since you¡¯ve run those worn.¡± His father hid a smile as he gave his son a roguish wink, while stroking his bushy dark red beard, ¡°Hurry up now, I¡¯ll convince your mother about extending your curfew since you¡¯re planning a business venture with Jetta.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Pa!¡±


    ***


    ¡°Salene, I¡¯m home, what¡¯s for dinner?¡± River called out as he entered the small cottage.


    ¡°River, don¡¯t you dare enter this house without taking off those boots, you know they make this home stink of fish, and I won¡¯t have it anymore!¡±


    River smirked, setting his rubber boots outside the door, before hanging his long coat on a hook. They¡¯d been married for twenty-four years, and every day she scolded him for not taking off his boots. That¡¯s why he never did it; he liked consistency in his life. The cottage was small but cozy. Shafts of light illuminated the old shelves that held wooden figurines. River carved them himself for his wife when they were just children themselves. A carving of a stag or mermaid was a sure fire way to swoon Salene in their youth. These days they collected dust on the shelves, but they also had quite a collection of memories within them as well.


    ¡°Elucard went off in a hurry. Gave me a line of fish, pecked my cheek with a kiss, and was gone,¡± Salene said with a slight quiver in her voice.


    ¡°They won¡¯t pick him this year, they didn¡¯t last time. He¡¯s small and skinny. They¡¯ll pick the blacksmith¡¯s apprentice, but not Elucard.¡± River walked over to comfort his wife.


    She embraced him and began to sob. Another visit by the Black Rabbits fast approached and each time she struggled more and more to keep herself from falling apart.


    ¡°Why do they have to come here? Why do they have to take our children? We should fight back!¡± she said almost weeping.


    River rubbed her back gently, attempting to calm her down.


    ¡°They protect our town and many others. Our country doesn¡¯t have an army. We¡¯re all unfit to fight. We are tradesman, not warriors. Leave the fighting to them. They take our kids and turn them into¨C¡±


    ¡°Criminals!¡± Salene interrupted, ¡°They take our children and they turn them into criminals!¡± She still remembered the day that her brother and cousin were taken by the assassin clan. They were forced to walk the dark path of the Black Rabbits and were never heard from again.


    ¡°This is the price we must pay for safety, Salene,¡± River said stoically. He may not have agreed with their methods, but he couldn¡¯t argue with results. Bandits and raiders hadn¡¯t dared to strike their town since the Black Rabbit clan started providing Ravenshore with protection.


    ¡°I know, River. It¡¯s just that¡­It¡¯s not Elucard¡¯s price to pay,¡± Salene whispered in a slight daze as she thought about her only child being stolen away.


    River cupped her hands as she stared hopefully into his magenta eyes. It was the only feature that Elucard had inherited from his father. Although River¡¯s eyes were steely and had seen a lifetime of work, Elucard¡¯s eyes were as soft as his nature. Elucard¡¯s heart desired no violence or toil, but wonder. He was a child, not a soldier.


    ¡°Salene, He won¡¯t be picked,¡± River reassured her, ¡°They¡¯ll see he is no killer, no assassin, and he¡¯ll be passed by.¡±


    Salene was quiet. She believed him. Not because she knew he was right, but that she needed the hope he was giving her. The same hope that had sustained her for the last four years.


    ¡°River, I just can¡¯t do this much longer,¡± Salene sobbed.


    ¡°Come now. We have to be strong for him¡­for Elucard,¡± River said softly. Yet he didn¡¯t know if he believed the words himself.


    ***


    Elucard dashed down the gravel roads of Ravenshore. The small fishing village had been the only home he¡¯d ever known. He passed by the old tavern that was down the alley from his house. It reeked of ale and the salty sweat of the sailors that occupied its stools. Elucard wrinkled his nose as he hurried past it and whipped around the corner. He heard the clanking of the blacksmith¡¯s hammer as he and his apprentice worked on various iron wares. The town was especially bustling recently, from the good catches over the past few weeks. New travelers stabled their horses by the Calming Tide Inn and Elucard watched them get settled. Many had traveled a fair distance to taste the only sprite moss chowder on the azure coast of the Eastern Sea.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Elucard ran past the old schoolhouse before finally getting to the outskirts of Ravenshore. He slowed to a walk as he reached the old willow tree with its long drooping branches that hung over a tiny pond that had formed from an inlet. This was where he and Jetta spent the majority of their time together.


    ¡°You¡¯re late.¡± A small girl said doing her best to look angry with her skinny arms folded across her chest and her face squished up in a pout. She was about two years younger than him. Her auburn hair was wild and messy, a stark contrast to when Elucard first met her. When they were toddlers, Jetta was a squeaky clean girl with her hair always tied in a yellow ribbon. She would never dare get her favorite dresses dirty ¨C or any dress for that matter. They were all her favorite. However, over time her exposure to the rambunctious Elucard caused Jetta to come out of her shell. From then on it would be Elucard who needed to keep up with her.


    ¡°Sun¡¯s still out! I say I¡¯m on time.¡± Elucard plopped down by the roots near the pond¡¯s bank. He inspected two makeshift fishing poles perched in the grass, ¡°You remember to use bait this time?¡±


    Jetta thrust her hands to her hips, ¡°Yes! You take me for an idiot?¡±


    Elucard cracked a smile as he playfully leered at his friend.


    ¡°Well, I couldn¡¯t find any worms¡­¡± Jetta mumbled.


    ¡°Jetta¡­.¡±


    Jetta raised a fishing wire out of the water; a round chocolate ball had a hook poking through it, ¡°Malt ball. Fish gotta like chocolate!¡±


    Both kids burst out laughing.


    The sun dipped beyond the farthest reaches of the horizon as it made way for the night. Fireflies flickered over and around the pond. A few bobbed inside a jar that rested in the grass while crickets chirped in the reeds and Elucard lay lazily on a bough.


    ¡°Elucard, my grandma says the Black Rabbits will be here in the morning,¡± Jetta said softly.


    Elucard nodded, his parents had told him the same thing the other day. They attempted to reassure him by saying that he was too scrawny for the Black Rabbits. However, he wasn¡¯t. He was twelve, and he was growing stronger every day. His back might have been weak compared to Myler, the stable boy, but it was stronger than Jetta¡¯s. His parents thought he¡¯d stay in Ravenshore forever, but he wasn¡¯t so sure.


    ¡°Elucard, are you scared?¡± Jetta voice was tiny now. The older they got, the more likely they were to end up with the Black Rabbits.


    Elucard feigned a smile, ¡°Scared? Me? I¡¯m not a fraidy cat, like you!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not scared!¡± Jetta protested.


    ¡°Ya, I bet you still sleep with your stuffed bear!¡± Elucard teased poking Jetta in the side.


    Jetta paused shyly.


    ¡°You do, don¡¯t you?¡± Elucard laughed.


    Jetta¡¯s voice cracked as she shivered, ¡°Elucard, I don¡¯t want to leave home.¡±


    Elucard slid over to wrap an arm around his little friend, ¡°Remember what I promised you?¡±


    Jetta harkened back to the day her father was being buried. It was only three years ago, but she was still old enough to experience the pain of losing a parent. She remembered how her mother couldn¡¯t handle the sudden loss of her husband, and how she failed to take care of Jetta. And even though her grandmother took her in, it was Elucard that made Jetta feel safe. It was he who made her feel like everything would be alright.


    ¡°You said you¡¯d always be there for me,¡± she said in a still small voice.


    Elucard nodded, hugging her tighter, ¡°I meant that promise. No matter what happens tomorrow, we¡¯ll still be together and I¡¯ll always be there for you.¡±


    Jetta smiled brightly, once again comforted by her best friend, ¡°Thank you, Elucard.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Come again?¡± Dest stared blankly at the trio of bandits. Her comrades scanned the scene as they sized up their situation. The bandits were clad in green leather tunics with iron rivets studded along the seams. Two of them stood by their horses, blocking the wagon¡¯s path. The third pointed his dagger at Dest¡¯s face.


    ¡°This here is our road that you be usin.¡¯ Gotta pay a toll if¡¯n you want to pass,¡± the bandit spat.


    Dest looked back at the two men in her wagon. Vemrick smiled thinly, the other did not look amused. Dest looked back at the highwayman, ¡°We have to make Ravenshore by morning. It would benefit us all if we were on time. Please remove yourself.¡±


    The three green-clad men burst into a loud belly laugh. The bandit grinned, showing off his yellow teeth. His breath stunk of wine and rot, ¡°You talk slick. Pay up. You don¡¯t want to mess with the Black Rabbits, do you? We be the most feared men in these lands. Cross our path, we make widows of yer wives and orphans of yer children!¡±


    Dest raised an eyebrow, ¡°Oh, you be the Black Rabbits? I¡¯ve heard of your exploits. You are certainly not to be trifled with.¡±


    Vemrick was a bit younger than Dest. He slicked back his red hair and twitched his elven ears. He nudged his companion before poking his head out next to Dest, ¡°Ya know, Dest. We should just pay these fine men. The last thing we want to do is evoke the wrath of the spooky Black Rabbit clan.¡±


    The bandit¡¯s grin grew wider, ¡°Aye, pay us and ye can live.¡±


    Dest fidgeted with her haversack taking out a few gold coins from a small pouch within it, ¡°We never wanted any trouble¡­¡± she said coyly.


    The bandit scrunched his face in confusion, ¡°Weren¡¯t there three of you?¡± he said pointing at a missing body in the wagon.


    Vemrick mockingly raised his brow, ¡°Weren¡¯t there three of you?¡±


    The bandit whipped his head around and gasped in horror. His two compatriots were sprawled out on the ground. Their necks were slashed and their thick red blood soaked into the earth. A single shadowy figure slowly moved himself closer to the remaining thug. In his hand he had a long two handed sword dragging in the dirt.


    Dest spoke calmly as the mysterious individual raised his weapon, ¡°We would have paid your silly tax. We would have left you alone. We would have gone about our business, but then you had to claim to be Black Rabbits.¡±


    The sword drove through the cowering man in a wild blur. Blood spewed from his mouth as he crumpled onto his back.


    Dest continued as the victim slowly died, ¡°Legion doesn¡¯t appreciate our name being dragged through the mud. None of us do. We earned the right to be called Rabbits. You did not.¡±


    The bandit gurgled as blood sputtered and dripped from his mouth.


    ¡°We¡¯ve wasted enough time. Ravenshore awaits our arrival,¡± Legion said flatly with little emotion in his voice.


    ¡°No rest for the weary, eh, Legion?¡± Vemrick asked.


    ¡°None.¡±

 Chapter 2: Newsun

    Wiccer gripped the wooden sword tightly as he lifted it to parry an overhead attack. His dark skin glistened from the sweat that covered his face. His older brother constantly taunted him, ¡°You''ll have to be quicker than that if you want to survive going toe to toe with a Rabbit, little brother.¡±


    Avren swung his training sword deftly, striking Wiccer on the side of his arm, ¡°Still too slow, brother!¡± Avren shouted.


    Wiccer rubbed his arm as pain pulsed beneath his flesh. He brushed back his tightly curled hair and wiped away a layer of sweat. He may have only been thirteen but his brother was treating him as if he were a fully grown man.


    ¡°Hey, Avren, you¡¯re going too hard,¡± Wiccer said exhausted.


    ¡°Too hard?¡± Avren scoffed, ¡°We Newsun are trained at a higher standard. You think our mother would have settled with our father if¨C¡± Avren caught himself. He knew the subject of their mother was sensitive around Wiccer. He hadn¡¯t known her as long as Avren had. After all, Wiccer was merely a toddler when she died, but still they were close.


    Wiccer spoke up, ¡°You don¡¯t have to pretend that she didn¡¯t exist.¡± His memories of her weren¡¯t fresh, nor were they faded.


    Avren grinned awkwardly, ¡°You think I¡¯m going hard on you? Mother¡¯s training was so hard on me that my hands were bloodied and blistered from holding onto that training sword.¡± He laughed, ¡°I wasn¡¯t allowed to call her ¡®Mother¡¯ either. It was Lieutenant Cutter¡­¡± He was quieter now as he recalled his Mother¡¯s face, ¡°Lieutenant Vivian Cutter¡­¡±


    ¡°Avren?¡± Wiccer prodded his brother who was clearly lost in thought.


    ¡°Right, back to training, little brother.¡±


    Avren''s white cloak danced in the breeze of his flowing movements, in sync with his long, dreaded hair. He spun on his heel, whipping the practice sword around, glancing across the back of his younger brother¡¯s tunic, ¡°You¡¯re still not getting it. Stop trying to over-analyze my steps and pay attention to the blade in my hand, Wiccer. The White Cloaks will never accept such sloppy swordsmanship. Just because our father is Captain Marcus Newsun doesn¡¯t mean we get special treatment!¡±


    Wiccer took a step forward. This was his daily routine for the last two years. After breakfast he would practice swordsmanship and footwork. He would endure the bombardment of lectures and insults from Avren and later he would receive lessons on politics and history from his father. All this was so that he could earn a white cloak of his very own. It was a family tradition. The only family tradition he¡¯d ever known.


    A sharp rap to the side of Wiccer''s head snapped him out of his thoughts, ¡°Dead again, Wiccer. Are you even trying?¡±


    Wiccer rubbed the side of his head, ¡°Let¡¯s go again, I think I¡¯m getting the hang of this!¡±


    Avren barreled towards him whipping the training sword over his brother¡¯s head. Wiccer barely managed to block it in time. Avren pressed his weight down until Wiccer¡¯s legs buckled down into a kneeling position. Avren knocked his younger brother onto his back before pressing his foot down on his chest.


    ¡°You were saying?¡± he said jokingly.


    ¡°Why do the Elves even need us? Why can¡¯t they just defend themselves and go through all this training instead of me?¡± Wiccer roared in frustration.


    Avren tossed his brother a waterskin, before taking a seat on a nearby stump, ¡°Father hasn¡¯t covered Long Whisper politics yet?¡±


    Wiccer shook his head after inhaling a mouthful of fresh stream water, ¡°History of the human nations; not much on the elves.¡±


    ¡°He talk about his time in Alva?¡± Avren said, cracking a wide smile.


    ¡°Nothing specific. Just about the history of the war between the Queen of Chains and the Gladiator King. Why, is that important to Long Whisper? Isn¡¯t Alva in the desert realm of Scorch?¡±


    ¡°No, they aren¡¯t related. I was just curious how much Father told you about our roots.¡±


    Wiccer edged closer to his older brother, ¡°I know Mother and Father are from the desert lands of Scorch, but did Father fight in Alva? Did Mother? Why did they leave for Varis? It¡¯s such a long trek to the realm of Cypress.¡±


    Avren shook his head, ¡°Forget that I brought it up, it¡¯s a long tale and we don¡¯t have that kind of time. Let me answer your original question and you can have Father tell you everything else.¡± Avren took out a small leather pouch of deer jerky before giving Wiccer a quick lesson, ¡°About thirty or forty years ago, Long Whisper was a land that was occupied by various tribes of elves. They had no central leadership of any sort; not even a council. At some point, an elf by the name of Jaelyn Dawnedge united the tribes under one banner and was crowned king of Long Whisper. Not everyone agreed with such a change, particularly the warrior tribes who left for lands elsewhere.¡± Avren paused, ¡°Do you see where we come in?¡±


    Wiccer examined Avren¡¯s cloak ¨C an alabaster color with a silver trim, ¡°The White Cloaks are their warrior tribe now?¡± he asked, ¡°Why don¡¯t we at least train a militia or a body of law enforcement? Surely they could at least solve their own minor problems.¡± This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Minor problems are indeed solved. Thievery and other small squabbles are dealt with leaders who are elected by the people of Long Whisper. Think of them like the mayors of Varis. The White Cloaks are used for much larger problems such as protecting villages from bandits and rendering justice to murderers. We also protect the crown from all threats ¨C foreign and domestic. Do you now see why we must train so hard?¡±


    Wiccer nodded intensely.


    ¡°Good, now pick up your sword. Back to training.¡± Avren said, tying his jerky pouch tightly.


    ¡°Come on, Avren, five more minutes! I want you to tell me about Alva and our parents¡¯ role in it,¡± Wiccer pleaded.


    ¡°Dammit, Wiccer. Don¡¯t give me that look,¡± Avren sighed.


    Wiccer raised his brow and puffed his lower lip like a sad puppy.


    Avren laughed, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s make this quick. I¡¯ll be the one getting a beating if Father finds out I¡¯ve been slacking on your training!¡±


    Wiccer cheered before getting comfortable.


    ¡°Father was a sergeant who was assign¨C¡± Avren began before getting interrupted.


    ¡°Sergeant? Father wasn¡¯t a Captain?¡± Wiccer said wide eyed. He had only ever known his father as a Captain.


    ¡°Back before I was born, our father was only Sergeant Newsun and he was assigned to the desert country of Alva across the Serpent Sea. Alva was at odds with the Queen of Chains, herself, Isana. Alva¡¯s leader was Traven, who was the¨C¡±


    ¡°The Gladiator King!¡± Wiccer interrupted, happy to show he learned something from his lessons on political history.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, little brother. Now quit interrupting, or else this story will take until sundown to tell.¡± Avren waited to see if Wiccer was going to sit quietly before continuing, ¡°Isana was declaring war on Alva and our guild was chosen to assist King Traven. At the time, Father was to serve under Lieutenant Vivian Cutter.¡±


    ¡°Mother¡­¡± Wiccer whispered in awe of the story.


    Annoyed, Avren briefly glared at Wiccer, ¡°They fought countless battles together until one day Marcus was grievously injured in an ambush during a routine patrol. Vivian was the only other one left alive. She fought tooth and nail and dragged him into a nearby nomad camp. There they stayed, for months, until Marcus was ready enough to walk back to base.¡±


    Wiccer¡¯s face was plastered with wonder. His Father never told him war stories, ¡°Is that where Mother and Father fell in love?¡±


    Avren chuckled, ¡°Not at first. She saw him as a nuisance for being so easily injured, but over time, the Newsun charm worked its magic.¡±


    ¡°But they didn¡¯t stay in Alva; you and I were born in Varis¡­¡±


    Avren took a deep breath. Wiccer was starting to tread on ¡®that¡¯ story. A story that he wasn¡¯t ready to tell, ¡°It¡¯s true, our mother and father were married and set to be stationed at the guild headquarters in Varis. They had me and then later they had you.¡±


    ¡°And the rest is history.¡± A new, deeper, sterner voice chimed in, ending the tale before it could continue.


    A muscular man with a finely trimmed black beard stood behind the two boys. His white cloak draped over his shoulders, his black leather boots were polished to a shine, and his blue dyed leather armor had a silver trim that went well with his pearl colored cloak. Their father, Marcus, was the leader of the Guard of the White Cloaks for the Long Whisper division. He was a legend within the guild for his countless missions and unrivaled swordsmanship.


    ¡°Wiccer, show me what you¡¯ve learned.¡± Marcus said, folding his arms over his broad chest.


    He watched as his two sons sparred in the cool autumn morning. It was an idyllic setting. He nodded his head as Wiccer made a thrust at Avren''s chest, but the blow was met with the clunking sound of oak slapping oak. Marcus again nodded at both of them before he put up a hand, halting the lesson.


    ¡°Avren, a word.¡±


    Avren tossed his practice sword to Wiccer, who made a clumsy catch. Wiccer eyed his father and brother as they walked into their cabin. The stone house smelled of moss and rain from the past couple of days. Smoke billowed from its chimney as sounds of a lightly flowing river crossed by their small patch of land. Wiccer headed inside to hear what his father had to say.


    Marcus sat down in a chair by the wooden table where they ate their meals while Avren sat parallel from his father. Avren put his hands on the table, ¡°Well?


    Marcus stole a glance at Wiccer, who was still holding the practice swords. Eagerness to hear the news was plastered on his face. Marcus made a shooing motion to his youngest child, ¡°Wiccer, this is Guild business.¡±


    Wiccer''s face drooped, ¡°Aw, but Father, I''ve been training real hard. The White Cloak is in my blood. I''m practically a member!¡±


    ¡°Quit your whining, boy, before I tan your hide! Now be gone with you. Your brother and I have much to discuss,¡± Marcus said sternly.


    Wiccer lowered his head and sulked away into another room. Once out of sight, he crept to the edge of the wall and held his breath to strain his hearing, hoping to eavesdrop on any bit of information he could gobble up.


    Avren smiled and whispered, ¡°You know he''s still listening?¡±


    Marcus shook his head chuckling, ¡°If he wasn''t born to be a Cloak, He''d probably be a Rabbit.¡± Raising his voice, he continued, ¡°Now listen up son, I bring news from the Guild. King Jaelyn requests more Cloaks. The city he''s building around the elven home tree needs more security. I want you to take over leadership there, while I stay here to finish Wiccer''s training.¡±


    Avren grinned widely. He always wanted a chance to prove his leadership skills. Although he wasn''t taking over the Guild, this was a step in that direction, ¡°You want me to take over duties in Lost Dawns? Father, I''m honored. I won''t let you down.¡±


    ¡°See that you don''t. Also, more importantly, be careful. You shouldn''t trust half of those Elven Lords. Not all of them wanted to unite the tribes, let alone build a city around that tree of theirs.¡±


    ¡°You suspect that they''ve been hiring Rabbits?¡± Avren asked.


    Marcus crossed his arms and nodded, ¡°Aye. Though, of the eight tribes, I know not which one. So, suspect all of them until you can manage any proof.¡±


    ¡°When do I leave?¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow at sunrise, so get some good sleep. I''ve arranged a squad of Cloaks to go with you. Roads are dangerous these days.¡± Marcus turned his head to the doorway of the kitchen and the living room, ¡°Wiccer, come in here.¡±


    Wiccer jumped a bit, not knowing how his father knew he was there. He poked his head around the wall and shuffled in, hoping he wasn''t in trouble, ¡°Yes, Father?¡±


    ¡°I''ll be taking over all your training. Your brother is leaving on a mission to Lost Dawns. Go prepare dinner. This will be the last meal we''ll have as a family for a long time.¡±

 Chapter 3: The Arcane Apprentice

    ¡°Do you feel it, Grandchild? It flows through the earth as it would flow through your soul. It is the essence of life, it is the Magi. Do you feel it?¡±


    Koda strained his hands as he spread his fingers, reaching for any synapse of Magi that might exist in the ground. Sweat beaded down the side of his face as he struggled, ¡°Grandfather, I don¡¯t¡­ I don¡¯t feel it.¡±


    The ancient elf threw back his massive deep blue cape to reach for his grandson¡¯s hand, ¡°Let me help you. Together we are bound by blood. Feel what I feel, see what I see.¡±


    A jolt of energy spasmed up the young elf¡¯s arm as a flash of vivid lights blinded him turning his vibrant blue eyes to a pale white. A sound hummed as it bounced through his long ears, then it all went quiet. The lights faded until he could only see the old twisting forest. His hand felt as if he were in a warm bath: relaxing, calm, tranquil.


    ¡°Do you feel it?¡± His mentor asked again.


    ¡°I do! I feel it!¡±


    His grandfather released Koda¡¯s hand, ¡°Concentrate. Do as I say. Concentrate, young one. Do you still feel it?¡±


    Koda melded his mind with the aether¡¯s steady flow, ¡°Yes, I still feel it.¡±


    His grandfather nodded, ¡°Hold onto it. Envelope it into your hand and embrace it.¡±


    A fluxing shape of light transversed through Koda¡¯s body. His eyes gaped open with awe, ¡°Grandfather Xile, what do I do with it?¡± Koda asked, somewhat frightened.


    ¡°Wield it carefully, Grandchild. It is volatile in this form, for it is pure and raw. Quickly, pass it to me!¡±


    Koda, gingerly locked fingers with Xile and the magic rapidly passed over to the more experienced elf.


    ¡°Raw magic is found only in the rarest of mana streams within our world. Only a true master can tame it. Magic that a mage uses is not in its raw form, but bred over countless generations. It is weaker in nature, but much more malleable than its raw brethren.¡± Xile shot his hand out towards the sky. The magic sparked in a brilliant shower of lights before firing into the air and exploding in a crack of energy.


    Koda gasped at the display, ¡°Amazing!¡±


    The old elf hid a smile within his cowl, ¡°You were not the first to be amazed by such power.¡±


    Koda turned away from the remnants of the spectacle, ¡°My Father and Uncle Tull?¡±


    Xile waved a hand in dismissal, ¡°If only my sons had half the interest in the Magi as you do. No, I speak of my first two students. Boys no younger than fourteen, about your age, Koda.¡±


    Koda looked up inquisitively, ¡°Were they Dawnedge elves?¡±


    ¡°They weren¡¯t elves at all. That was my first mistake, but not my biggest¡­ teaching them anything was my greatest failure!¡± Xile spat in disgust before regaining his composure, ¡°We must keep our secrets within the family. Remember this and never make the same mistakes that I¡¯ve made, my grandchild.¡±


    Koda had never heard of such students and prodded his elder further, ¡°What did they do? Why haven¡¯t I heard of them before? What ever happened to them?¡±


    Xile rubbed his brow, ¡°I think it¡¯s time for bed, Koda. We have much to do in the morning.¡±


    Koda persisted, ¡°Please? History is as important as anything else you are teaching me!¡±


    ¡°It isn¡¯t important what became of them as long as you know whom you are to become and what you are meant to do. Koda, you must always respect the Magi; not merely as a weapon, but as something to revere, to respect, and to uphold above all else.¡± Xile kneeled down to Koda¡¯s level, ¡°Can you do this?¡±


    Koda nodded.


    ¡°Good. Now, off to bed with you. At first light, I will have a gift for you.¡±


    Koda began to walk away, but his curiosity got the best of him as he turned to ask a question, ¡°Will you ever reveal all of this island¡¯s secrets?¡±


    Xile did not answer.


    ¡°Grandfath¨C¡±


    ¡°To bed. Now.¡±


    Xile walked into the shadows of the forest, leaving Koda without an answer.


    ***


    The sun rose as the young elf boy was shaken awake. His grandfather¡¯s silver and white braided beard tickled Koda¡¯s nose as he shifted from a sleepy daze. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    ¡°Rise, grandchild. They will not wait any longer for you to make a choice,¡± Xile said excitedly.


    Koda groggily rubbed his eyes as he sat up in his moss pile bedding. He tied his long golden hair in a braid, keeping his bangs in strands behind his ears. The cave was still dark, but a dim fire glinted off the many crystal shards that jutted from the stone walls.


    ¡°Who?¡±


    Xile smirked, ¡°Follow and see.¡±


    ***


    The forest of the isle of Nashoon was the lushest forest in all of Long Whisper. Its ancient trees twisted and wove its roots among themselves forming intricate paths. Moss dangled from the boughs as will o¡¯ wisps floated within the cool mists. Streams that trickled into tiny ponds carved through the grass creating several banks. Each bank was blanketed in wild flowers and clovers. In the distance, the cracking sound of wood twisting and turning could be heard echoing through the deeper parts of the forest, for deep in the belly of the forest lay mystical beasts never seen by the elven eye. According to many tall tales, unicorns, drakes, and hippogriffs were said to take up shelter in the depths of Nashoon.


    The Wolves of the Eclipse were a special breed of wolf that were infused with Magi. Their fur coats came in all sorts of exotic colors and patterns. Their blood was so potent with magic that it flared from their eyes.


    ¡°A litter of cubs were born a few moons ago. They await for you to choose a familiar.¡± Xile picked up a green and red colored pup. The newborn licked his face, excitedly, ¡°This one would make a fine companion, but you must make that choice yourself.¡±


    Koda knelt down to play with several pups. A pack of large wolves watched patiently off to the side, eyes glowing in the shadow of the trees.


    ¡°Grandfather, what is a familiar? What does that mean to me? Is it like a pet?¡±


    Xile let the wolf pup loose to romp with his siblings, ¡°Koda, you are training to be an Arcane Guardian. Charged to protect this island and forest from anyone that would do harm to its inhabitants and the powerful forces that lie within this land. A Wolf of the Eclipse is a partner, meant to protect and share your burden. They are not pets. You will have a lifelong bond, and from that an alliance will be born. You feel its pain, as it does for you. So, Koda, look into the eyes and hearts of each wolf. The choice will be clear once you lock onto your soul mate.¡±


    Koda stared intently at each rascally pup, but no such connection was made. He was too distracted by the pack of larger wolves that stood by. He walked slowly to them. They sat frozen, with their eyes following Koda as he walked. Each one seemed to fade away in Koda¡¯s mind, until a lone female was his focus. She had a deep midnight blue coat. A single eye sparked with Magi, while the other eye was fully black with a sliver of a silver iris.


    ¡°Wildeye.¡± Koda whispered, as he slowly reached to touch the wolf. His hands carefully caressed the wolf¡¯s head and chest. She made a long howl in the morning air.


    ¡°You have chosen. She is a loyal one. She is well trusted by my familiar, Moon Treader.¡±


    An old, scarred, red and gray furred wolf made an appearance from a nearby cave that served as the wolf den as he heard his name mentioned.


    ¡°He is the pack leader. And he approves of your choice.¡± Xile said, a wide smile across his face.


    ***


    Dusk approached the island of Nashoon. Along the beaches of its shores Koda sat, his bare feet sunk into the cool sands. His new found familiar lay across his lap. A fire blazed as embers crackled from the ashy wood. Xile stood over the fire enchanting his grandchild with a wild tale.


    ¡°Long ago, before the gods were born, dragons bigger than mountains roamed a world. Each fed on the stars themselves. Each more powerful than any deity that would live. Each a lone wolf not trusting any of the others. They endlessly roamed the aether searching for power to feed on until a dragon was born, so immense, so powerful, that it let loose a torrent of destruction onto their world.


    Countless dragons would be vanquished by the cataclysm and all but seven perished. Five lay in the oceans so badly injured they were near death. The others used their powers to heal their fallen kin. They grew forests and mountains on the backs of these dragons to cover and mend their heavy wounds, but the dragons were too far gone to awaken.


    More and more lands bloomed across the dragons: deserts, swamps, rivers, and lakes. But to no avail. All seemed hopeless. Despite their best efforts, the five dragons were still dying until a being from across the skies came upon them.


    He was a curious deity of great knowledge and power. He imbued the comatose dragons with the Magi, keeping the dragons alive, but putting them in an eternal slumber. He then gave the dragons purpose by forging life on them. Finally he bestowed names upon these new dragon realms: Cypress, Stratus, Blight, Abyss, and Scorch.¡±


    Koda¡¯s eyes widened in delight from the story, ¡°The realms we live on are actually dragons?¡± he asked, amazed.


    ¡°A story, but it may yield truth.¡± Xile harkened back to the elder Dragon Walkers that told him the same story eons ago before pulling out a small scroll from his belt, ¡°Koda, a carrier hawk bearing the crest of a sword and sun came this morning.¡± He passed the scroll to the young elf.


    Koda read the message carefully, ¡°A message from my father!¡±


    Xile nodded sternly. ¡°Your father wishes you to come back to Lost Dawns. He wishes you to begin to learn your position as Prince of the new nation.¡±


    Koda was silent.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to go, Grandchild. You have much to learn before you take over my role as Arcane Guardian. Being a prince can wait.¡±


    Koda wrapped his arm around Wildeye, ¡°I have not been home in nearly five years. I have not seen nor talked to him during that time. I miss him, but¨C¡±


    ¡°He does not understand the importance of your training. He never did, nor did his brother. I urge you to stay.¡±


    Koda hung his head, ¡°I know you do, but becoming an Arcane Guardian is a lifelong commitment. I need to see him, it will only be for a couple of years. Then I¡¯ll be back! I promise!¡±


    Xile lifted his chin. Both his sons left the island and the path of becoming Arcane Guardians. Neither had interest in the forest¡¯s history or its many secrets, but Koda was different. He relished in magic and the lore behind it. He would be back, Xile knew this, ¡°Go, grandchild. Be with your father. Learn about your people. Then return to me and continue the path to your destiny.¡±


    Koda hugged Wildeye in a fit of excitement, but then gasped, ¡°What of Wildeye?¡±


    ¡°The bond has been made; she is affixed to you now as a nail to a cedar block. Try not to keep her in your chamber all day. She is a friend, not a pet, always remember this.¡± chuckled Xile.


    Koda smiled, hugging his wolf, tightly, ¡°Ready for a trip, girl?¡±


    Wildeye let a long howl of excitement.

 Chapter 4: A Dark Day for Ravenshore

    It was a sunrise that most Ravenshore villagers would see as just another day, but for a select few, it would be the beginning of a long and terrible nightmare. Clouds rolled in from the Eastern Sea, heavy and black. The cool air was thick with the smell of rain; perhaps an omen of things to come.


    Dest steered the horse drawn wagon into the town center of Ravenshore. There the people of the small fishing town were already crowding around the traveling Black Rabbits. Some of their faces were worn with the experience. Others wore a scowl of distaste. Mothers hugged their children tightly as if this was the last time they¡¯d see their offspring.


    ¡°Denizens of Ravenshore, we are representatives of the Black Rabbit clan. The time has come to call upon your town to help serve our deity Alanna and our clan. But it is also your chance to help serve your town, your family, and yourselves,¡± Dest said.


    No one dared to speak out. In the beginning there were hints of protest, but the clan truly did keep the bandits at bay.


    Dest, Vemrick, and Legion hopped down and started to grab the young children and line them up. Dest continued to address the people as she worked, ¡°Your cooperation is greatly appreciated, and this won¡¯t take long. Have your children line up quickly and quietly so that we can begin the inspection.¡±


    Standing up straight in a single file line, the children of Ravenshore stood side by side with anxious faces, waiting for the Black Rabbit clan to take their pick of new recruits. Their mothers sobbed, watching as their fearful children flinched while being prodded and inspected for any flaws that would hinder their training.


    The recruiters moved down the line, either denying a potential recruit or taking them out of the line and ushering them into their horse drawn cart.


    Elucard held Jetta¡¯s hand tightly. He looked into her face and whispered assurances that they wouldn''t be picked, not this year. Jetta nodded, too stricken with fear to say anything. Despite his own promises, he still had a nagging doubt in the back of his mind that pestered him like a mosquito. He couldn¡¯t stop thinking that this could be the year he was picked. He shook away these negative thoughts. He needed courage now.


    Courage ¨C that''s what Elucard had to show Jetta. Courage that they would get through this; and that for another year, they would be free to fish, chase ladybugs, and sleep under the shade. Elucard squeezed her hand tighter as the recruiter stepped closer. Eventually he stepped in front of Jetta. The small girl squeaked as his face loomed closely in front of hers. He pawed her tiny shoulders and picked up her arms and hands. He looked into her wide, innocent eyes and shook his head, ¡°No good, not yet.¡±


    Elucard sighed in relief. Jetta let out a weak smile, still not fully grasping that she was to stay in the village for at least another year. Elucard nodded, smiling back. He turned to look at the gruff recruiter. He was an elf, like him. Stern with weary eyes, the recruiter¡¯s short silver hair waved in the stormy air. He was strong with a cold demeanor and an eerie presence. Several scars criss crossed over his face and his eyes were a deep hue of red. His sword rested, sheathed, strapped to his back. It was a long, heavy two handed blade that looked sharp enough to chop Elucard in two. The man performed the same inspections that he did with the other children. Finally, he looked into Elucard''s worried eyes, but Elucard did not flinch or blink. The man smirked, ¡°You¡¯re a bit tame now, but I see potential in you.¡±


    The boy''s jaw slouched open, gasping. The man pointed, making a motion for his companions.


    ¡°This one!¡±


    Elucard gazed in silence, his short life was moving in slow motion as his mother screamed, clawing for her son. River grunted as he held back his hysterical wife.


    ¡°Be strong, son! Don¡¯t let them get the best of you! You¡¯re a Freewind! Never forget where you came from!¡± River shouted over the cries of Salene.


    ¡°You can¡¯t have him! You hear me? He¡¯s mine! He¡¯s not like you! He¡¯s not a Rabbit! He¡¯ll never be one!¡± Salene shrieked at Legion


    ¡°He will, or he¡¯ll die.¡± Legion sharply replied.


    Jetta embraced Elucard tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks.


    ¡°Elucard, you can¡¯t leave, you promised you¡¯d always be there for me!¡±


    The men wrestled the kids away from each other. Elucard was still stunned in disbelief that he was chosen. He was herded to the cart where three other boys sat silently. He recognized them as his schoolmates. The butcher''s son, Geven; Izian, the blacksmith''s apprentice; and Myler, who worked at the stable.


    ¡°You were chosen too, Elucard?¡± said Myler, who shivered with uncontrollable fear, ¡°We¡¯re never going to see Ravenshore again!¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Izian, a very strong kid from working with iron and hammers all his life, placed a worker¡¯s hand on Myler, ¡°We need to stick together, don¡¯t let the Black Rabbits see our sadness. They feed on that. We got to be strong for our families, they can¡¯t watch over us anymore.¡±


    The three other boys nodded.


    Vemrick and Dest hopped on the front of the cart, snapping the reins of the horse to move out. The man with the large sword jumped on the back of the cart with the boys. He smirked at the sorrow-filled kids, pointing at their soon to be former home.


    ¡°Say your goodbyes now, this is the last you''ll see of your village.¡±


    Izian hid away a scowl at the statement.


    Elucard moved to the edge of the cart and saw his best friend running beside it. Her eyes were swimming in the tears that rolled down her cheeks. Her voice became hoarse from shouting.


    ¡°Elucard, don¡¯t go! Please!¡±


    Elucard''s emotions flooded through him as he called back, ¡°Jetta, I¡¯m sorry! I won¡¯t forget you! Please wait for me!¡± he turned back around, trying hard to fight the knot in his throat as tears quivered in his eyes. Ravenshore was his entire life. Everything he knew was being stripped away from him in a single moment. There had been countless children who were taken by the Black Rabbit clan, and none ever were heard from again. Black Rabbits turned them into thieves and murders. This would be his fate too.


    He wouldn¡¯t ever forget about Jetta, but maybe it would be for the best for Jetta to forget about him. Elucard sat down hard and hugged his knees.


    Legion watched the boys saying their farewells. He knelt down to Elucard''s eye level. Putting a heavy hand on Elucard''s head, he spoke in a reassuring tone, as if he had been through something like this before, as if, he too, had once experienced this day.


    ¡°If you are to forget everything about your life here, don''t forget about her. A shred of humanity could give you an edge against your enemies.¡±


    Elucard eyed the man''s grizzly features fiercely.


    ¡°And you¡­ Did you hold onto any humanity?¡±


    Elucard searched his eyes; the man was silent briefly before speaking.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ***


    Camping for the night under an outcropping of granite, the four boys sat on the ground, their ankles cuffed and chained together. Dest, who was assigned to watch the boys, stared sleepily at them, while the other two were out hunting for food. Her head bobbed as she tried to keep from dozing off. However, to no avail. The hypnotic drizzling of the raindrops outside the rock was soothing to someone without much sleep.


    The boys looked at each other. Careful not to wake their captor, they slowly got up and tiptoed out of the camp. With Geven taking the lead, they awkwardly dashed through the forest. The boys rushed under fallen trees and past boulders. The faint moonlight seemed faded from the heavy clouds. Thoroughly soaked, the tired boys collapsed on the muddy ground. They were out of breath from trying to gain as much distance from the Black Rabbits as possible in a dead sprint. Myler struggled on the chain.


    ¡°It''s no use, we should have grabbed the key!¡±


    ¡°We couldn¡¯t risk the chance of getting caught. No doubt they will cut off our hands to make a break for it.¡± Izian said, trying to catch his breath.


    Geven glared at the ever calm Izian.


    ¡°Cut off our hands? Are you thick? They need us for recruits.¡±


    Izian grabbed the collar of Geven¡¯s tunic, bringing their faces close to each other. Izian¡¯s hands were thick and callused from working with a forge hammer. His grip was strong ¨C too strong for the squirming Geven to break free.


    ¡°Call me thick again, I dare you.¡±


    ¡°Thick.¡± Geven spat, testing Izian¡¯s threats.


    Myler shoved himself between the two boys, ¡°Guys, this is what they want! They want us fighting against each other!¡±


    Elucard ignored the bickering of his companions. He was more fixated on a warm glow coming from further up ahead. Glancing back towards the camp, he couldn''t tell if they were being chased, but now wasn''t the time to risk taking a break. They needed to find safety and shelter.


    ¡°Hey, you guys need to listen, Myler is right. Fighting won¡¯t solve anything and we need to get moving. I think there''s a camp up ahead. Maybe there will be some people who can help us out and even give us a ride back to our village.¡±


    Izian and Geven glared at each other, but both nodded in agreement. A truce between the two seemed best. They picked up the pace and headed for the light in the forest. Their legs were sore from the weight of their wet trousers and the iron chain shackled to their ankles, but they trudged on.


    ***


    Dest sat up from pretending to be asleep. Her performance was flawless as she scanned the camp for the four elven recruits. The slight jingling sound of chains echoed in the distance, nearly drowned out by the rain. Two figures appeared by her side. She looked over her shoulder before speaking to them, ¡°Vemrick, Legion; It¡¯s good to see you again. The recruits have taken the bait. How long do we give them before we go after them?¡±


    Vemrick, a handsome, olive skinned elf, rubbed his hands by the fire, ¡°I scouted the woods surrounding our position, there¡¯s a camp of some thieves nearby, no doubt they¡¯ll head that way.¡±


    Legion, who recruited the Ravenshore boys, tightened his sword strap. The sound of leather cracked lightly, ¡°Did they bother to take the key?¡±


    Dest swung the iron key from her thin neck, ¡°Funny. Most do, but not this batch.¡±


    Legion moved closer to the edge of the forest and Vemrick called out to him, ¡°Remember, we¡¯re to break their spirits, not their bodies.¡±


    Legion nodded, without turning to look.

 Chapter 5: Hunger

    Nero gripped his stomach as it grumbled in pain. He took stock of the two dead squirrels tied on the stripped branch that his companion was carrying, ¡°Brim won¡¯t be satisfied with dese two rodents. Can¡¯t ye find bigger game, Lorken?¡±


    Lorken, a scraggly man, stirred the small campfire with his sword in frustration, ¡°Oi told yer, ain¡¯t no critters in dese woods. Dem haunted. No animal gonna go anywhere near dese woods. We be wastin¡¯ our time!¡±


    ¡°Brim is gonna be losin¡¯ his patience with us. Yer don¡¯ wanna see ¡®em when he¡¯s lost his top. He¡¯ll skin us and feed us to the gang ¡®imself.¡± Nero whined with wide, fearful, eyes.


    ¡°Ya tink I don¡¯ know dat, Nero.¡± He stood up and paced back and forth in an abysmal mood. Flustered and down to his last nerve, his own hunger and the stress of finding little food was driving him over the edge, ¡°Jus¡¯ need to find some fat¡­¡± He began to stare at the husky bearded Nero, ¡°Plump¡­game. Somethin¡¯ dat will feed all of us¡­dat won¡¯ put up much of a fight¡­¡±


    Nero began to grow nervous as Lorken stared at him with his beady eyes, ¡°Lork, buddy, ya lookin¡¯ a bit stir crazy. Mayhaps we search the woods a bit more. Maybe a boar or deer will wander our way.¡±


    A shaking in the bush snapped Lorken back to reality. He drew his sword and dagger and turned towards the noise. To his surprise four elven boys stumbled into their encampment, their faces covered in scratches from passing through the brush and thicket. Their clothes were ragged and covered in muck, and a long chain interconnected shackles around their ankles.


    Nero grinned at Lorken. A gift from the gods had landed in their laps. The boys fell to their knees, breathing heavily.


    One of them looked up with pleading eyes, ¡°Please, Sirs, we need help.¡±


    Lorken swayed to the escapees, twirling his dagger, ¡°Luck be fallen ya dis day, young¡¯un. Oi be Lorken, dis here be my associate, Nero. We¡¯d be ¡®appy to help your predicament.¡±


    Myler gleefully smiled, ¡°Oh thank the All-Father! You hear that, guys? We¡¯re saved.¡±


    ¡°Can you help get this chain off us?¡± Geven asked, tugging at the bond.


    ¡°Aye, we can. Oh, but our tools be with our compatriots back at our main camp.¡± Lorken said, stifling a wicked grin.


    The four boys looked at each other and hesitantly agreed.


    Elucard spoke up, ¡°Can you lead us there? We would greatly appreciate any help you can give us.¡±


    Nero and Lorken smiled and bowed.


    ***


    The rain had simmered down by the time the group reached the thieves¡¯ encampment. A large bonfire illuminated the area where three more men sat around on logs. They stared at the boys with deep hunger in their eyes. A short, stout man with a great, wide-brimmed buckled hat welcomed the Ravenshore boys¡¯ guides. Lorken whispered in the man¡¯s ear. Elucard was able to make out the man¡¯s name as ¡°Brim.¡±


    Brim nodded keenly at the four boys, ¡°Lorken tells me you need our assistance.¡± Immediately after speaking, he beckoned the other thieves to join him as they surrounded the boys.


    Brim spoke much more eloquently than Lorken and Nero, an aspect that comforted Elucard and his companions.


    ¡°Can you lead us back to Ravenshore?¡± asked Elucard. Hopefulness heightened in his voice. Things seemed to be going his way.


    Brim flashed a toothy smile. His teeth were well taken care of and were an ivory white, ¡°Aye, something can be arranged, provided we eat first.¡±


    ¡°Oh, boy! I¡¯m starving!¡± Myler said as he leaped with joy.


    ¡°What¡¯s on the menu?¡± Geven asked, looking around for any sort of kettle or pans.


    Lorken brought his dagger under Geven¡¯s chin, ¡°Actually, you are!¡±


    The elves scrambled in shock as they tripped over themselves, getting their legs tangled in the long chain. The men grabbed the children, who struggled helplessly in their grips as Brim moved closer, baring his sword.


    ¡°Hold them still, I¡¯ll begin the carving.¡±


    Elucard gritted his teeth in fear, now fully realizing the dire straits he and the others were in, as he tried in vain to tear himself away from Nero''s grip on the collar of his tunic.


    ¡°That''s it boy, make this easy for ¨C Arrrgh!¡± Nero threw Elucard away as he trembled, holding his hand in the moonlight. Light glinted off a small dagger driven deep in his hand.


    A calm voice echoed around the camp, ¡°Leave the boys, it is not their time to leave the threshold of this world.¡±


    Lorken unsheathed his cutlass and quickly swiveled his head, searching for the source of the voice. The rest of the men drew their knives and hatchets.


    Brim sneered, spinning around and calling out, ¡°Who are you? Show yourself!¡±


    The voice continued, ignoring the question, ¡°You have acted against my clan. The only outcome for you all is death.¡±


    Brim shot an enraged glance at Lorken, ¡°Clan? What clan?¡±


    Lorken trembled, stuttering, ¡°I-I don¡¯ know, boss.¡±


    Brim swerved his head back to the blackness of the shadowy woods, ¡°These boys belong to us, who else claims them?¡±Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Nero, shivering in his boots, shouted at his partner, ¡°Lork, we''ve upset the spirits!¡± Nero fell to his knees, dropping his sword. Sobbing, he pleaded with the mysterious voice, ¡°Please Master Spirit, we ain''t meant no harm! We weren''t gonna eat dem elf boys!¡±


    Brim snatched Nero by the ear as he yanked him back up to his feet, ¡°Get a grip of yourself, this isn¡¯t some specter!¡±


    Elucard''s eyes were elven, much more adaptable to the night then the human bandits. His mouth slowly opened in awe as he saw a shadowy figure drop silently between two of the thieves. Pulling out a large sword from its back, a flash of steel cleaved through the misty air as it lopped the head off of one of the men. Blood sprayed from the severed neck of the now headless bandit as he tipped over and slammed on the forest floor.


    Brim furiously shouted for his men to pay attention to the assailant in the center of their view. The figure wasted no time dispatching another thief as he thrust his blade within his gut.


    A hatchet swung in the night, as the ghostly figure sidestepped and connected with a fierce back kick to a bandit¡¯s jaw, hurling him into another as they both crashed into the campfire. A blood curdling scream erupted from the tragic victims.


    Lorken cried out, his face a sickening white with fear, ¡°What are you?!¡±


    The threatening individual slashed expertly across Lorken¡¯s throat. As he fell to his knees, choking on oozing blood, the attacker answered his question, ¡°A Black Rabbit.¡±


    Brim pushed Nero in front of himself, ¡°Nero, my friend, do me a favor and slay him and you¡¯ll forever be my right hand man!¡±


    Nero, blubbering in tears and snot, slid to grovel at the assassin¡¯s feet, ¡°I beg ye, Master Rabbit. Spare me, I ain¡¯t know dem boys were yer kin. I¡¯m innocc¨C¡± His pleas were cut short as the Rabbit snapped his neck.


    The assassin approached Brim, staring him down with an emotionless face, ¡°These woods belong to us. These boys belong to us. You¡­¡±


    Brim dropped his rapier and took out a coin purse. He tossed it to the Black Rabbit¡¯s feet and groveled, ¡°You can have my weapon and my money, leave me be. Let¡¯s just forget this night ever happened.¡±


    Elucard watched as his savior dashed in a shadowed blur and cut down Brim in a single, bloody, motion.


    ¡°You belong to Alanna.¡± the assassin finished.


    Geven, Izian, and Myler hugged each other, frozen in fear as their mysterious elven rescuer stepped forward to them. He sunk his long sword into the ground, and went to one knee, rummaging for a cloth from Nero¡¯s bag. Without taking notice of the shivering boys, he wiped the blood off his sword.


    Elucard shook his head in astonishment, ¡°You took on six men at once! What are you?¡±


    Legion discarded the rag, ¡°I am that which can not be seen. You must tell stories of my acts to truly believe I exist.¡±


    ¡°A ghost?¡± Elucard asked, taken aback by the riddle.


    ¡°An ideal.¡±


    Elucard looked up at the older elf. He was dressed in black with a deep purple cloak draped over his broad shoulders and a mask that covered everything below his eyes. Staring in wonderment at his rescuer as he sheathed his weapon, he looked away only when the elf noticed him gawking.


    The man smirked, ¡°Legion.¡±


    Elucard looked back at him with puzzlement, ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°My name is Legion.¡±


    ***


    The tree line on the outskirts of Lost Dawns was still. The only movement came from the slowly ebbing shadows of the branches caused by the shifting clouds that passed through the white moonlight. There, the two assassins held themselves just within reach of that glow.


    Vada was First Blade, a position that was the right hand of High Blade Avalon, third in line to command the clan. A heavy mask hid her scarred but beautiful features. She was human, but her training allowed her senses to be sharp enough to be comfortable with the night. She did not command the same presence as her High Blade did. Although equal in skill, Vada prefered to stand in the wake of Avalon to lend her support and skill from behind the shadows.


    Elisa appeared at Vada''s side. Unlike her First Blade or other Black Rabbit peers, Elisa Moonshard was a Shadow Elf. A rare breed of elf that bore gray skin and deep purple hair, Shadow Elves hailed from a distant land. While most Black Rabbits were drafted from villages as children, Elisa came to the clan of her own volition to seek the skill to one day bring the clan¡¯s services to the kingdom she left. With exotic beauty and the cunning to match, she was slowly making a name for herself within the Rabbits. If she were to succeed in her mission, her dreams would become a reality.


    ¡°Elisa, what have you found out?¡± Vada spoke in a low, emotionless voice.


    ¡°My First Blade, a roaming patrol heads to the north, they won¡¯t trouble us.¡±


    Vada nodded as she spotted a faint glow of a lantern bobbing towards the north.


    ¡°A traveler approaches us. He wears rags and a long cloak. Despite his clothing, he wears a nobleman¡¯s signet on his finger. No doubt he is whom we are waiting to speak to.¡± Elisa continued.


    ¡°Well done, Elisa. Is he armed?¡±


    ¡°A dagger hangs from a belt behind his waist.¡±


    The traveler came into sight as he drew closer to the assassins. His clothes were indeed, shoddy, but a gold ring glinted in the moonlight. Vada beckoned him to follow her deeper into the forest until they could be no longer seen from the road.


    Vada made a subtle gesture, signaling Elisa to unleash a blade¡¯s edge at the traveler¡¯s neck.


    ¡°You dare draw a blade on me? Is this how the Black Rabbits do business?¡± The traveler¡¯s shrill voice cracked, flabbergasted with his situation.


    Vada reached for his dagger and tossed it aside, ¡°You were requested to bring no weapons. The last thing we need is to be double crossed before business begins.¡±


    The man chuckled nervously before the sword¡¯s edge dug deeper into his chin, ¡°What I''m about to pay you for is treason against my king. The least I should be allowed to do is arm myself.¡±


    ¡°Elisa, let him go.¡± Vada waited for her companion to sheath her blade, and return to her side, ¡°Your signet ¨C It¡¯s not of the eight. We were under the impression that one of the eight tribes would be hiring us.¡±


    The traveler fidgeted with his ring, ¡°I am of a lesser house, but a nobleman all the same. However, you are correct. One of the eight does wish of your services.¡±


    ¡°Which.¡± Vada had a hint of annoyance in her voice.


    ¡°I can not say¨C¡±


    Elisa began to draw her blade again.


    ¡°But, know that I represent that tribe in this transaction. Despite all the secrecy, you shall be greatly compensated.¡± The nobleman sped up his words before Elisa could act.


    ¡°You have our payment ready at the disclosed location?¡±


    ¡°For a payment that size, my employer expects results.¡± the man said, folding his arms.


    Vada turned to Elisa, ¡°Are you sure that you want to do this mission alone? The city is large. There is no shame in asking for help.¡±


    ¡°First Blade, I work best alone. No chance for someone to get captured and spill my secrets. A bigger city just means more places to hide and strike. To rely on just myself, I can do; relying on others will be a hindrance,¡± Elisa said, bowing to Vada.


    ¡°Construction of the city must not be completed. King Jaelyn must suffer for his arrogance!¡± The nobleman spat


    Vada turned and bowed to her customer, ¡°He will.¡±

 Chapter 6: Boot Camp

    The Black Rabbit compound was a retreat deep in the forests of Long Whisper. It was a broad, square structure with sparring grounds spanning across its center. It housed recruits and veterans, as well as officers. The camp was built out of a clearing in the woods. It was laid out like a temple compound, with several barracks buildings surrounding a main structure. Two small lodges off to the sides served as an infirmary and an armory. Within the compound were various training grounds and set down a secluded path was a small shrine dedicated to the clan¡¯s patron deity, Alanna.


    Past that, a waterfall poured into a river that fed into the city of Lost Dawns. However, the compound served as more than just a training camp. The stalwart fortress of the Black Rabbits also contained a school where the younger recruits were educated in the complex politics and history of the realms. The clan itself was headed by three figures: the Silent Master, High Blade and First Blade. The Silent Master was rarely seen. He ruled the clan from the shadows and did not make an appearance unless it was truly needed. Most commands came from the High Blade or the First Blade, who served as their lieutenant.


    The Ravenshore recruits joined a set of recruits from other villages as they lined up in front of a small cadre of senior Black Rabbits. The other boys and girls were just as terrified as Elucard and his fellow villagers. The children cowered and sniveled as the Black Rabbit veterans snickered and smiled at them. A loud aggressive command broke through their minds.


    ¡°Shut up and listen!¡± a man said, pacing by the recruits. His loud voice and angry demeanor made it clear that he was some sort of drill instructor. He wore a tight black vest with silver buckles. His arms were muscular and bare except for the swirling pattern of intricate tattoos that wrapped around his bicep, ¡°Welcome to your new home, kiddies. Your old home is just a fragment of glass that, in time, will be crushed into a fine powder to be blown away by the wind.¡±


    ¡°Says you!¡± cried a rebellious recruit. No sooner had the words escaped his mouth than he was left sprawled out on the ground by a swift, heavy fist.


    The drill instructor continued, ¡°Your families want you here. They want you to become more than just farmers and tradesmen. They want you to become Black Rabbits so that you can serve this world on a larger scale than just milking a cow for some nameless village. If this weren¡¯t true, they wouldn¡¯t have given you up.¡±


    Several younger recruits broke out into sobs.


    ¡°Your family doesn¡¯t want you, but we do. We want you to be ambitious and strong. We want you to survive, to serve. Rebel, and you¡¯ll slow your training. A poorly trained Rabbit is a dead Rabbit. When a Rabbit fails, it fails everyone, not just itself. We don¡¯t tolerate failure. Failure means death to a Rabbit.¡±


    Elucard gritted his teeth, hanging on to each word. He needed to survive for himself, but more importantly he needed to survive for Jetta. She was waiting for him, counting on him.


    The instructor pointed his finger at Elucard¡¯s chest, ¡°You, where is home for you?¡±


    ¡°Ravensh¨C¡± Elucard started but was violently interrupted by a fast punch to his gut. He agonized in pain as he coughed and sucked in air.


    ¡°Do you not listen, boy? This is your home!¡± The instructor loomed over the crippled Elucard, ¡°Help him up,¡± He commanded, pointing at Myler and Geven, ¡°You¡¯ll be divided into classes and given instructors. They¡¯ll teach you how to both handle weapons and use your body as a weapon. You¡¯ll learn to harness silence and shadows. We¡¯ll educate you on politics and how to manipulate the weak minded. By the time we¡¯re done with you, you¡¯ll be why children are afraid of the dark.¡±


    ***


    ¡°You better not be taking a nap, Myler! Get off your stomach and finish that push-up!¡± Baines shouted. Elucard and the Ravenshore boys were under the watchful eyes of the Blade Brothers: Ridge and Baines. The two human instructors were well built and wore black leather armor with gray masks that covered up the lower parts of their face. Baines had black hair that he had styled in a spiky mohawk, while Ridge had blonde hair that he tied in a long braid that fell down his back. They were Blade Brothers, bound by the sword instead of blood. Partners that knew each other well.


    They promised brutal training conditions, and Elucard¡¯s first week in the compound proved to be relentlessly agonizing.


    His first week was stamina training; building up strength and speed so that he could take more and more physical punishment each day.


    ¡°I-I can¡¯t lift my body, Drill Instructor Baines¡± Myler spat a mixture of words, sweat, and saliva as he collapsed from sheer exhaustion.


    Baines grabbed a tuft of the boy¡¯s chestnut hair and forced him to pull his body upwards, ¡°Get to your feet, recruit. You disgust me!¡±


    Izian had been holding back his spite and frustration for the Black Rabbits all week long. He saw himself as the leader of their small crew, and he considered each of the three to be his brothers. Each day his nerves were pushed a bit further and each day he swallowed the humiliation cast by the two instructors. However, now the ward was cracking, and he couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to stand up to them,¡± he whispered to Geven, who was standing to his side in the formation.


    ¡°Izian, don¡¯t even think about it!¡± hissed back Geven.


    Izian stepped forward from the line of recruits. His actions were immediately spotted by Ridge, who asked, ¡°You have something to say, Recruit Izian?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve had enough of your bullying and this life. I¡¯m going home and my friends are coming with me!¡±


    Ridge nodded as if he was in understanding with his words. He walked up to Izian and looked down into the boy¡¯s eyes, ¡°You¡¯ve got guts, kid, but you won¡¯t leave. You know why?¡±This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Izian didn¡¯t flinch, ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±


    Ridge placed a firm hand on his shoulder and gently spoke in his ear, ¡°Your friends won¡¯t follow you.¡±


    Baines called for Geven, Myler and Elucard to come front and center. All three stared blankly at Izian, ¡°Well, Ravenshore Recruits, will you be leaving us to join your leader?¡± asked Baines with a thick helping of mockery hanging in his voice.


    All three bowed their heads to look away from their friend. Izian was crushed, ¡°Guys, come on, we have to leave. Our families are waiting for us!¡± Izian pleaded.


    ¡°They fear us more than they respect you, recruit,¡± Ridge said while chuckling.


    ¡°Myler, you don¡¯t want to be here. Come on now, I can protect you! Let¡¯s go home,¡± Izian said, trying to reach Myler¡¯s thoughts.


    ¡°You can¡¯t protect us, Izian. We tried to escape, and if it weren¡¯t for Legion, we¡¯d have been dead! There¡¯s no leaving the Rabbits, No one has, no one will!¡± Geven asserted.


    Izian ran to Elucard, ¡°Elucard, think of Jetta.¡±


    Elucard looked at Izian with sorrow in his eyes. Izian¡¯s words stung him. Of course he thought of Jetta, that¡¯s all he had ever thought about since he was brought to this dark place. But it was the reality of the situation that nailed him down. The Black Rabbits were a strong gale that could not be broken through. If he was going to see Jetta or his home ever again, he needed to survive the storm that was set before him.


    ¡°Elucard, let¡¯s get out of here.¡± Izian tried again.


    ¡°Izian, stop. It¡¯s over. They¡¯re right.¡± Elucard said in a low, broken tone.


    Ridge walked over to Izian, ¡°Will you be leaving then?¡±


    Izian balled his fists and fought back tears. The weight of his situation came crashing down on him, but he tried to stay strong for the other recruits, ¡°I won¡¯t leave my friends behind,¡± he said as he fell back in line.


    ¡°A wise choice, Izian,¡± Ridge said, ¡°Now, let¡¯s continue. One hundred crunches, then fifty laps around the compound¡­ Go!¡±


    ***


    Three weeks had passed. Elucard kept himself occupied by trying to stay awake during history and politics lectures. He had little free time with physical and agility training squished in between his schooling and chores. Over time, his scrawny body was turning toned and strong. When he first arrived, he struggled to manage even five push-ups, but now he could do ninety without breaking a sweat. Mentally, he was getting to be as sharp as the blades he trained with. He found it hard to believe that there was a time that he couldn¡¯t name a single elf of nobility, but now he was well versed in the entire political history of the eight noble tribes. He gobbled up every lesson that the Black Rabbits fed him. The life that he saw as an enemy was turning into a valued ally.


    ¡°A Black Rabbit kills without thought or remorse and fears no man,¡± said Ridge as he paced around his class, ¡°The moment in which a Black Rabbit chooses to fight decides the success of the mission. You must choose the proper time to strike, and when it is wiser not to fight, you must rely on stealth.¡±


    Ridge stood with his class looking down at a path of twigs and dead leaves. The forest towered around them and rays of light stretched their long, shimmering fingers through the woods. Shadows, still fearful of the light that reached through the canopy, hid among the debris on the forest floor.


    Baines stood at the other end of the path and called back to the class, ¡°Navigate the path slowly and silently. Move with lightness in your step. Breathe steadily and avoid what light you can. Embrace silence and shadows and you will learn to master stealth.¡±


    Ridge shoved a recruit forward, ¡°Recruit Crev, you first.¡±


    Crev took a single step on a twig and it broke under his weight. A resounding ¡®snap¡¯ echoed in the woods. Crev instantly fell to a knee as a leather strap whipped across his back.


    ¡°An incentive not to fail,¡± Ridge said as he recoiled the leather whip. He turned to the rest of the students, ¡°Begin.¡±


    Night turned to morning as the recruits gingerly moved through the path. Elucard winced, his back raw from his share of failures, but took note of all that went wrong and practiced to overcome each flaw found in his technique. After a couple of days, the recruits were able to pass through the trial with little sound ¨C albeit very slowly ¨C and please their proctors.


    ¡°You¡¯ve done well, recruits. It would behoove you to practice this course in your free time. The more effort you put into each aspect of your training, the better an assassin you¡¯ll become as a whole.¡±


    ***


    A raw knuckled fist bludgeoned Elucard in the side of his face. He spun around helplessly as part of his vision faded to black. The elven boy collided into the stoney ground as his blood splattered across the rocks.


    ¡°Recruit Elucard, what did you do wrong?¡±


    It had been two months since he was taken from Ravenshore and inducted into the Black Rabbit lifestyle. This was the first week of hand to hand combat training, ¡°Learn to fight with your hands before you can learn to fight with a blade,¡± That¡¯s what his instructors told them.


    Elucard¡¯s hands were tied tightly behind his back and thirty pound weights were attached to each of his legs. Moving was awkward, but that was all part of the training. He had to learn to avoid getting hit, but not because he feared the hit. His opponent did not bear the same handicap.


    Elucard had been hit. A lot. His nose was broken, his left eye was swollen shut, and thick strands of blood stretched down from his chin and clung to the ground.


    ¡°I let him hit me, Drill Instructor Baines.¡± Elucard said, spitting out a mouthful of dark blood.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you unconscious yet then? This is the seventeenth hit you¡¯ve taken to the face!¡±


    Elucard was faint from the beating, but he didn¡¯t want to give in. Rabbits frowned on weak recruits, and he didn¡¯t want to be frowned upon, ¡°When his punches hit less like a gentle breeze, maybe then he¡¯ll be able to knock me out!¡±


    The recruits burst with the sound of laughter. Baines shook his head and smiled, ¡°Recruit Fallon, are you going to take that from him?¡±


    Fallon¡¯s ears were red to the tip with embarrassment. He watched as the half aware Elucard lifted his chin and made kissing sounds that only frustrated him further.


    ¡°No sir!¡± he cried as he threw a flurry of punches.


    Elucard anticipated the barrage of fists. He wasn¡¯t just taking hits because he was too weighed down to dodge, he was studying the sloppy attacks of his opponent. Mustering the rest of his energy, Elucard ducked beneath Fallon¡¯s attacks, and rushed a knee into his groin.


    Being as big as Fallon was for a boy, he went down hard from such a severe strike.


    Ridge untied Elucard before calling over the medic to look at the boy¡¯s mangled face.


    ¡°Tired of being the punching bag, Recruit?¡± he chuckled.


    ¡°I was done having him make me look like a failure,¡± answered Elucard.


    ¡°Well said, Recruit.¡±

 Chapter 7: A Duel with Legion

    ¡°Congratulations recruits, you¡¯ve learned the basics of swordsmanship. Some of you have picked it up better than others, so we¡¯ll be pairing you off based on your potential skills,¡± Baines said.


    ¡°Hold on, Baines. I say these recruits have earned a bit of fun. Let¡¯s see what they really learned. Let¡¯s have the two most promising blade wielders among them spar.¡± Ridge looked the batch of anxious recruits over before pointing at Elucard and Crev, ¡°You two. Show us what you¡¯ve got.¡±


    Ridge tossed the two nervous boys practice blades. Their single-edged steel blades were left unsharpened to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, but their weight was identical to the real thing. It would be very difficult to slice off a limb with blades as dull as these, but the boys could still leave a painful welt if they tried. He walked between the two boys and looked each up and down.


    ¡°Give us a show.¡± Ridge held his arm between them and then raised it quickly into the air, marking the start of the sparring.


    Elucard held his blade in an inverted position and took a shy, defensive stance. Crev rushed forward and slashed rapidly at the elf. Elucard took a quick breath and dodged backwards. Juking to the side, he slid around his opponent and hefted a heavy side kick to Crev''s ribs. The boy went crashing into a tree, rubbing his side. Baines leaned over to Crev''s side, inspecting the bruise. He nodded his head, ¡°A clean kick, but it won''t kill your enemy. Elucard, show us a killing blow!¡±


    Elucard nodded slowly, breathing hard. In the village of Ravenshore, he was the son of a fisherman. He was expected to be meek and quiet, never to take up arms and kill someone. He was Elucard Freewind, a good kid with no bright future, but a rather dull, peaceful one. Dull like the blade he held in his hand. However, here his future was one of a killer; being taught to hone a non-existent blood thirst; being taught to have a keen eye for weaknesses to exploit. Now his future had a real purpose and people would depend on him to shape the future of the world. For once in his life he was important, or at least his actions would be. But first, he needed to get through this sparring match.


    Elucard rushed in and delivered a blow of dull steel to Crev''s already bruised side. Crev dropped his blade and held his ribs, taking a knee. Elucard smiled and bowed to him. Baines patted Elucard''s shoulder, ¡°Very good. That strike would have cut through his stomach, spilling his guts. Only divine intervention could have saved him then.¡±


    ¡°And the gods know not to interfere with Black Rabbit¡¯s marks.¡± A figure dropped from the branches above and landed by the side of Baines and Ridge. Elucard immediately recognized him as Legion. He scanned the dirty and beaten faces of the new recruits until landing on a still smiling Elucard, ¡°I''ve been watching you, boy. You pick things up well. I''d like to spar with you.¡± Legion turned to the instructors, ¡°Baines, give Elucard your blade.¡±


    Elucard''s smile vanished as he took the sword from Baines, but he held the blade firmly in his hand. Legion unsheathed his large sword and hoisted it on top of his shoulder. With his free hand he beckoned Elucard to attack him.


    The crowd of recruits began whispering amongst themselves as Elucard stood frozen in fear. Legion''s ears drooped in disappointment, ¡°Fine, I guess I''ll just snap you out of your daze.¡± Quick as a cat, Legion swung his blade in a horizontal arc. The blade was not long enough to reach Elucard, but the wind still cut into the boy¡¯s gut. The impact threw Elucard backwards into a tree, knocking the sword from his grip.


    Legion frowned, shaking his head, ¡°You had so much promise.¡±


    Elucard, shook off the momentary dizziness from the blow. Looking down, he pawed the wound across his stomach. An overwhelming feeling of pain set into Elucard''s wound. He doubled over and dread set in: dread that there was still much more pain to come. Maybe his life back home was boring and simple, but it didn''t involve this level of pain or fear. Tears began to blur his vision. In a flash Legion closed the distance and lifted Elucard¡¯s frail body higher against the tree. His grip clenched around Elucard''s young elven throat. Elucard had no choice but to look into Legion''s cold eyes, ¡°To whom do you pray, Elucard? Father, god of creation? Jedeo, goddess of righteousness? Maybe you hate me right now and want to pray to the god of hate and evil, Dhalamar. That''s it, isn''t it? You want the dread lord himself to strike me down with a bolt of dark magic?¡±


    Elucard could barely breathe, but he managed to gargle a weak response, ¡°Father!¡±


    Father or the All-Father, was who he was raised to pray to. He created the fish that his Pa¡¯s net dragged from the shore. He was a kind deity and never used his powers to smite those that didn''t follow him. The other gods that shared in his covenant believed in defending peace and prosperity.


    Legion tightened his grip and threw Elucard to the ground, ¡°Father has abandoned you. None of the gods have love for you now that you¡¯re becoming a Rabbit¡­ except one.¡±


    Elucard wanted to play possum and wish all the pain away. Legion''s words were like a stake through his heart. The despair of knowing that everything that he knew and loved wasn''t here to protect him any longer tore through him. Elucard shut his eyes tight while Legion''s words echoed in his mind.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    None of the gods have love for you now that you¡¯re becoming a Rabbit¡­ except one.


    Legion loomed above Elucard''s broken body and eased in to whisper into the elf''s long ears, ¡°Only Alanna will embrace you in her wings. She is the goddess of death, and a Black Rabbit''s only salvation. As a Rabbit, you will be given a spot in her army in the next life, and with our training, you will live to avoid the Roaming Plane and will be Alanna''s messenger of death. However, if you wish to die now, you will die a coward and a disgrace.¡±


    Elucard''s eyes snapped open, now carefully listening to Legion as he continued.


    ¡°You don''t want that, do you? I saw a sense of wonderment in your eyes that night when I rescued you. You want the life of a Rabbit. You want to command respect, you want the discipline, you want your life to mean something. Elucard, it''s within your grasp, all of it. But, you have to get through this first. You have to prove to us all that you deserve it. Now, get up.¡±


    Legion¡¯s words hit home. Everything he wanted from the Black Rabbit lifestyle was in those choice words. He rose to his feet, ignoring the pain pulsing from the gash on his stomach. He wanted ¨C no, had ¨C to prove that he wasn''t a child anymore, that he was someone that could protect Jetta, that he was a Rabbit. Gritting his teeth, Elucard planned his next move.


    Legion smirked as he narrowed his eyes. He was given that speech when he was Elucard''s age and, like Elucard, it inspired him to take the path that led to a life immersed in the art of Alanna ¨C the art of death. Legion positioned himself into an aggressive stance with his sword raised over his head pointing at his target. He wanted to see if Elucard was serious now. A deep cut down the shoulder would make or break the young elf.


    ¡°Elucard, you asked what I was, once. Do you remember what I said?¡±


    Elucard shuffled his feet sideways, circling his opponent. He remembered that night very clearly. It was a keystone in his new life. Legion¡¯s words were as clear as the sky on a summer¡¯s day.


    ¡°You are an ideal.¡±


    Legion nodded, ¡°All Black Rabbits are ¡®eidolons.¡¯ Anyone can be a killer or an assassin. A Black Rabbit must become more than just a shadow. We must live in one¡¯s mind and dreams. We must be the whisper in the ear; the shadow that follows the sun. We are not the reason, but the drive. Are you prepared to become an ideal, Elucard?¡±


    ¡°I am!¡± Elucard shouted.


    ¡°Then show me!¡±


    Legion leaped forward, slashing down with a wind-sundering cut, but Elucard was anticipating the attack and dove sideways rolling towards his blade. Elucard grabbed it and charged headlong, brandishing the weapon. Legion, though taken pleasantly by surprise, didn''t allow Elucard''s advance and whipped Elucard in the face with a hefty roundhouse kick. The boy went down hard. Elucard growled through his teeth, sucking in the pain. He rolled to the side, and narrowly avoided a driving blade through his shoulder. Elucard jumped up and slashed low at Legion''s left leg. Legion dodged nimbly, jumping backward and performed a crisscross of wind slashes that exploded into Elucard. Blood erupted from the ¡°X¡± like mark on Elucard''s chest.


    Sliding back, Elucard fell to a knee, exhausted from the match. Salty sweat dripped from his forehead. Legion walked forward, stopping shy of Elucard, ¡°Do you give in? You were never meant to win this fight.¡±


    Elucard tightened his grip on the blade''s handle. He took a wild leap, exerting the last of his strength in a final attack, ¡°I haven''t proven myself yet!¡±


    Legion was caught off guard from the outburst. His eyes slid to Elucard''s slicing blade and caught it with his hand in mid swing, as it just grazed his cheek. Had the boy been stronger, the sword would have cut through Legion''s hand and slain him where he stood.


    Elucard dropped down and collapsed. Legion tossed Elucard''s blade to the ground. As he turned to walk away, he coolly spoke to Ridge, ¡°See that the boy receives medical attention.¡± Legion took a glance at Elucard who was being helped up by several of his peers. He shook his head with an admiring smile.


    ***


    Legion bowed his head and knelt in the presence of the High Blade, Avalon. She was pacing around him, attempting to read why he had requested to see her. Also within the quarters was Vada, Avalon''s First Blade and Blade Sister. She leaned against the wall, wondering the same thing.


    Avalon finally stopped in front of Legion, ¡°Word on the wind says that you made a cameo at Baines¡¯ and Ridge''s training session today. Is that what this is about?¡±


    Legion looked up. It was only an hour ago that he was sparring with Elucard. Within that hour he thought ceaselessly about the boy''s guts and aptitude. With proper molding he could get to be as proficient as Legion himself was. The clan could harness those skills. However, Legion also knew that the boy would waste away under the tutelage of a poor teacher. He didn''t doubt Baines¡¯ and Ridges¡¯ skills, but they had less prowess than he. No, Elucard needed a great teacher. Someone that he trusted, but the only one he could rely on for this task was himself.


    Legion collected himself before speaking, ¡°High Blade, I¨C¡± He hesitated slightly, ¡°I wish to take a recruit under my wing.¡±


    ¡°So this was more than just an appearance? You took a shining to one of those kids?¡± Avalon grinned. In the years she had known Legion, she had never known him to be a teacher. He was a good team member and a solid ally, but not a teacher.


    ¡°I see much in one named Elucard. I don''t want to see his potential go to waste.¡±


    Avalon looked to her First Blade, who nodded in agreement, ¡°Very well, Legion¡± she said eyeing the fresh cut on his cheek, ¡°Consider Elucard your apprentice. If he fails, you fail. When he succeeds, you succeed. Like a Blade Brother, he is now bound to you.¡±


    Legion nodded and bowed. There was much work to be done.

 Chapter 8: Rabbit Stew

    ¡°Dawnedge, Leafsong, Dreamstar, Baneberry, Redroot, Raindancer, Breezerunner, and¡­¡± Young Koda furrowed his brow trying to remember the eighth noble elf tribe. His teacher whacked a ruler down upon his old wooden desk. The desk rattled with the sharp noise as wood met wood. Koda snapped out of a shallow trance and rapped out the final tribe, ¡°Moonfall!¡±


    His teacher smiled, clearly pleased with her young student. She strolled casually to the blackboard and chalked out the eight tribes. She turned her head, glancing keenly at Koda. Tipping her spectacles down, she asked her next question.


    ¡°Young Prince, of all elven tribes found in Long Whisper, why are these eight particular tribes considered to be noble?¡±


    Koda pondered this question, but only momentarily.


    ¡°These were the tribes that joined together to form an alliance to create Long Whisper. They elected my trib-, I mean, the Dawnedge tribe to lead the alliance. All other tribes wanted no part in the creation of a nation.¡±


    ¡°Excellent! Now, for a harder query: Which tribe betrayed King Jaelyn?¡±


    Looking at the blackboard, Koda carefully read each name written there. He carefully considered his choices. He knew the answer, but it was asked confusingly.


    ¡°Ms. Tabitha, you asked a trick question.¡±


    Tabitha smirked; the prince was keen.


    ¡°Did I, young Prince?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma''am. There were no tribes that betrayed my father, just a single elf. He attempted to poison my father while at a dinner party. However, my father''s would be assassin was betrayed by his own tribe.¡±


    ¡°Very good, what was his name? What became of him?¡±


    ¡°His name was Ryjin. Ryjin Leafsong. His own tribe shunned him, stripping him of his nobility. Father exiled him from Long Whisper. What happened to him from there, I wouldn''t know. I know the Leafsongs were forgiven for Ryjin''s deeds. Though I hear there is still mistrust among the other tribes.¡± Koda gave a quick glance at the clock that quietly ticked above the doorway.


    Tabitha began to erase the board, chuckling, ¡°You''re right, my prince, time is up. Go meet up with that wolf of yours. She must be dying to see you again.¡±


    ***


    King Jaelyn strolled the bustling streets of the new city still undergoing construction. Everyday the city''s economy grew and a new shop sprouted up. The gigantic tree at the heart of the city was once the elder tree of all the elven tribes. However, once the eight noble tribes crowned Jaelyn as their leader and king of their alliance, he made the unpopular decision of constructing a city around it.


    Lost Dawns, you will be my shining legacy.


    ¡°My King!¡±


    Jaelyn turned to find his brother and adviser briskly jogging to catch up to him.


    ¡°Tull, Brother! A fine day in Lost Dawns, eh?¡±


    Tull, waved a hand, and bent over to catch his breath, ¡°A fine day indeed, I have your report, it¡¯s not good news.¡±


    Jaelyn waved his hand ignoring the last part of Tull''s response, ¡°How goes my son''s teaching? I feared Koda wouldn''t pay attention to Tabitha Breezerunner unless she floated the chalk with the Magi. That boy''s head is stuffed with all those magic lessons from our father.¡±


    Tull frowned at the subject being changed. He answered quickly, hoping to catch Jaelyn¡¯s attention with the content of the report, ¡°Koda''s teaching goes well. He¡¯s picked up on history and politics quickly. Now for the report, my King¨C¡±


    ¡°Where is my son? No doubt his class is over by now. I want to show him the new bookshop that opened today.¡±


    Interrupted again. It was as if Tull''s brother was doing this on purpose, ¡°I saw Koda walking around with his familiar. Now, about this report, it¡¯s very important¨C¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes, a familiar. I¡¯m not sure I like him being raised to take on our old man¡¯s role as Arcane Guardian. It may have been a dream we once had, but we grew to realize it was nonsense. Remember, Tull?¡±


    ¡°Indeed, life changed fast when the tribes chose the Dawnedge to lead. Fiona would be proud that her son is spending time with you¡­take advantage of that and remember he is not some heir to be groomed.¡±


    Jaelyn raised an eyebrow from the remark, ¡°My son will choose the proper path; he doesn¡¯t need to be led.¡± Finally, Jaelyn eyed the parchment with a worried look. Since the beginning of Lost Dawns¡¯ construction, workers and townsfolk had been dying in mysterious accidents or falling ill. What kind of horrible news would befall his city today?


    Tull took the silence as a cue to read, ¡°My King, as of last night, three construction workers have fallen ill after a night of eating out. They did not survive the sunrise.¡±


    ¡°Enough! Enough of all of this. They did not fall ill, they were poisoned! They did not die in some mysterious accident, they were sabotaged! They did not go missing, they were murdered! I am no fool, so do not treat me as such!¡±


    Tull rolled the parchment back up. He attempted to avoid his older brother''s gaze, but to no avail. Tull spoke quietly, ¡°Brother, the White Cloak that you sent for has arrived.¡±


    Jaelyn clapped his hands together, ¡°I¡¯ve heard much of this Marcus Newsun. His exploits are what legends are made of, let¡¯s go meet him. Where has he set up?¡±


    ¡°The old Ruens¡¯ temple, my King,¡± Tull said, hiding a stressful look.


    ***


    Ruens was the patron god of magic and insight, a favored deity of worship for most elves. The temple was a small, run down abbey that had been long abandoned after the Arcana War. It now served as a base of operations for the White Cloaks in Lost Dawns, as a proper barracks was yet to be built.


    The rickety floorboards creaked as rats scurried away from the opening oak doors. Jaeyln strode in, his face plastered with excitement. Tull hung his ears low, avoiding any eye contact from his brother.


    Jaeyln bellowed out a long call, which bounced and echoed amongst the large interior, ¡°Hello, Captain Newsun? It is I, the King! I¡¯ve come to welcome you to our great city!¡±


    Avren popped his head around the corner, dressed in simple civilian attire, a pencil in the fold of his ear and a look of exhaustion strewn across his face. In his hands were several scrolls. Upon seeing the king and his adviser, he immediately dropped his papers and ran to the presence of the elven king, bowing graciously.


    ¡°My King, forgive me, I¡¯ve been hard at work since I arrived yesterday morning. I inherited this mess from whoever handled the scrolls, blueprints, and documents of the city¡¯s construction.¡±The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Jaeyln looked Avren up and down. A look of confusion replaced his excitement, ¡°You are younger than I imagined you, Captain Newsun.¡±


    ¡°Sergeant, my king; I am not an officer just yet.¡± Avren corrected.


    ¡°You¡¯re only a Sergeant? You were hailed as a hero during the war against the Queen of Chains. You lead Varis through the Baneblood plague. You battled the pirates on the Serpent Sea. They¡¯ve written plays about your exploits and you are still just a Sergeant?¡±


    Avren raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°My King, this is not Marcus Newsun, this is his son, Avren Newsun.¡± explained Tull.


    Jaelyn clicked his tongue in a mixture of disappointment and annoyance.


    ¡°His son?¡±


    ¡°My king, he came highly recommended, from Captain Marcus himself.¡± Tull said.


    ¡°My King, I¡¯ve successfully led patrols all across Varis. I know I¡¯m up to the task of dealing with Black Rabbits!¡± said Avren zestfully.


    Jaelyn cocked his head. He knew of the incidents happening in his city were the work of ill intent, but he never could place a face or name for that which ran rampant in his city, ¡°Black Rabbits? What are they?¡±


    Avren grew serious, ¡°Not a ¡®what¡¯, but a ¡®who.¡¯ They are a clan of assassins who operate exclusively in Long Whisper. We have been doing our best to look into their activities, but they have proved to be an extremely elusive foe. They are deadly and not to be taken lightly. I know, without a doubt, at least one is in Lost Dawns.¡±


    Jaelyn furrowed his brow as his temper rose, ¡°Who leads them?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know who leads them, but we are aware of how their infrastructure works.¡± Avren paused before answering the leading question, ¡°They have two high ranking officers: a High Blade and a First Blade. The High Blade works as a captain, giving out orders with the First Blade serving as a lieutenant.¡±


    ¡°If the High Blade is just the captain, then who is the general?¡± Jaelyn asked, very interested in the information.


    ¡°Someone called ¡®The Silent Master¡¯ whose identity is still a mystery.¡±


    ¡°These Black Rabbits, how long have they been operating in our country?¡± it was Tull¡¯s turn to ask a question.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know exactly. We are under the impression that it has been as long as the Dawnedges have been in power, but this is just hearsay. Since they operate only in Long Whisper, we wouldn¡¯t know for sure since we haven¡¯t been assigned to this country for very long,¡± Avren responded, slightly wincing at the king¡¯s agitation with the lack of knowledge Avren had of this enemy.


    ¡°Well what do you know? Do you have any idea where they might be operating from?¡± The king¡¯s frustration was clearer than clean water.


    ¡°My King, we still know so little of them. We have only what we¡¯ve heard from word of mouth to go by.¡±


    ¡°Well, who hired them to sabotage my city?¡± the king roared back in frustration.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know that either. I suspect one of your lords.¡± Avren said, quickly regretting his most recent response.


    ¡°How dare you accuse my nobles of such treachery!¡± Jaelyn hissed.


    Tull was quick to step in, ¡°Brother, it is not far-fetched that one of your noblemen could be behind this; do not forget Ryjin. He was a Leafsong. It was an unpopular decision to unite the tribes. It was an equally unpopular decision to build a city with our Elder Tree as the centerpiece.¡±


    Jaelyn rubbed his chin in thought.


    ¡°If I may, my King,¡± said Avren, ¡°You have many enemies; The Guard knew that coming here. We must suspect everyone, but I will not take any action until I have proof. Until then my number one concern is the safety of the people of this city. Trust me when I say that these Rabbits will be caught, and hanged,¡± the young White Cloak had determination overflowing in his voice, ¡°As we speak I have my men scouring the city for any information on these vermin.¡±


    Jaelyn spat on the ground, ¡°Good. Rabbits make for a fine stew.¡±


    ***


    The crashing sound of leather boots and heavy armor bounded through the small abbey. Shouting echoed around the foyer as the cries of agonizing pain spilled through the halls.


    Avren raced to meet his squad of White Cloaks, and his eyes widened when he saw the scene that was before him. Two Cloaks braced a third man who was bleeding heavily from his neck and left side. Blood soaked through his tunic and trousers, dripping into a puddle forming on the ground.


    Behind them was a Cloak holding a chain that bound a shifty looking elf. He had clearly been beaten up a bit, judging by the welt under his eye and the lower fat lip that matched the shiner.


    Avren assessed the chaos of the situation and first barked commands before asking much needed questions, ¡°Clear that table, put Jefferson on it! There are towels and bandages in the storage! Grab them and get him patched up!¡±


    ¡°What of the prisoner, sergeant?¡± asked one of the men.


    ¡°Tie him to a chair. Once Jefferson is patched up, I want a full report of what happened!¡± Avren said.


    An hour went by before the injured Jefferson¡¯s cries were just groans and he slowly passed out. Avren dried his bloodied hands and changed his shirt to a fresher one before addressing his corporal.


    ¡°Higgins, what in the name of the All-Father happened out there?¡±


    Higgins¡¯ weary face was pale and tired from the events that befell him and his men, but he swallowed his exhaustion to unwind the disastrous tale, ¡°Sergeant, we were following a tip that this elf: Remmin Fairfollow, was at several places before they were hit by recent tragedy.¡±


    ¡°The Mystic Fang, the clock tower site, and Madam Sasha¡¯s Bordello?¡± Avren asked, listing the three most recent places a worker¡¯s murder had occurred.


    ¡°Yes, though he was spotted at the bordello thrice.¡± Higgins said, glancing back at the bound prisoner.


    ¡°Hey, an elf has needs!¡± Remmin called out. An armored fist rocked his jaw, shutting him up.


    ¡°Continue, Higgins,¡± said Avren nodding at the Cloak that socked the prisoner.


    ¡°We did some quick investigating and found Remmin¡¯s apartment in the Roots. We broke down the door and barged in and found him speaking to ¨C and possibly doing business with ¨C a hooded figure. Female¡­¡±


    ¡°You Cloaks are in a heap of trouble. The people I work for¨C¡± A swift backhand kept Remmin from interrupting again.


    ¡°We rushed to arrest Remmin and apprehend the hooded figure. We were four and highly trained. They were two, we didn¡¯t think¡­¡± Higgins lost his train of thought as he looked at the mangled Jefferson.¡±


    ¡°She did that number on Jefferson, but you took care of her?¡± Avren filled in the blanks the best he could.


    Higgins was silent.


    ¡°Corporal Higgins, is the hood figure dead?¡± Avren asked again, his voice raised this time.


    ¡°She escaped, sergeant¡­¡± another man piped up.


    Avren looked at Higgins frantically, ¡°Higgins, were you followed?¡±


    Remmin started to laugh. Some of his teeth were missing, blood bubbled through the gaps. It was unnerving for Avren, who realized the full gravity of his situation.


    ¡°Shut him up!¡± Avren commanded. He looked back at Higgins, but gasped as the soldier collapsed in his arms. A dagger was stuck in the back of Higgins'' neck. From the rafters, a shadow moved quickly from one wooden cross beam to another.


    Remmin continued to laugh as Avren scrambled to shout commands at his men.


    ¡°Draw your blades! Circle around the prisoner, we need to keep him safe! Banner, fire your bow and take her down!¡±


    Banner was a crack shot sharpshooter with any type of projectile. Within a minute he had fired off an impressive volley of arrows that darted into the rafters.


    The assailant somersaulted off of a beam, narrowly missing the attacks, and landed mere inches away from Avren. She removed her hood revealing her stunningly beautiful shadow elf features. Her deep violet eyes locked with Avren¡¯s dark brown ones. There was a moment of infatuation between the two before the assassin spoke.


    ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you a handsome soldier.¡±


    Avren shook off the charm, ¡°Arrest her, I want her in shackles, now!¡±


    The assassin laughed as she skillfully danced around the men, stabbing them in the thighs and backs.


    ¡°Shackles? My, you like it rough. You¡¯re a keeper, darling!¡± she laughed as she cartwheeled right up to Avren, pushing her breasts into Avren¡¯s chest.


    Avren gawked at the gorgeous woman, stumbling over his own words, ¡°W-who are you?¡±


    The shadow elf gently brushed her fingers up his chest and nipped at his ear, whispering her name, ¡°Elisa.¡±


    Avren swallowed hard before tripping backwards. Elisa back flipped away from Avren blowing him a kiss, ¡°Until next time, lover!¡± she said in a sultry tone before vanishing into the city.


    Avren shook his head, sweating from the encounter. He rushed to check on his fallen men, inspecting them for injuries before walking over to a surprisingly silent Remmin.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± Avren sighed as he pulled a dagger from the throat of the now dead elf.

 Chapter 9: An End to Innocence

    ¡°Look around you, Elucard,¡± whispered Legion, ¡°The forest seems quiet, doesn¡¯t it? But listen closer. Shadows creep along the grass like cracks on an old stone wall. Roots break through the soil with their thick, armored tendrils. However, the roots are not without vulnerability. Termites and other small creatures chew into this tough hide to build their homes. Everything is intertwined. Nature rests on the delicate balance between life and death. It is a volatile scale, prone to wild and unpredictable swings. When the scale tips in the favor of life, death must relieve it of this excess weight. This is our role, Elucard. We are the hand of death.¡± Legion sat on a thick branch, cutting into his apple with a small throwing knife. The nectar of the fruit dribbled down the bright red flesh and down to the forest floor. The mentor tossed a slice to his pupil, ¡°Do you understand the importance of the task at hand? We are not simple thugs and killers. We are keepers of that balance; a necessity.¡±


    Elucard examined the apple slice. The edge was clean, thus he knew the blade Legion used to cut it was sharp. He popped it into his mouth and savored the fresh taste. It had been six months since he was taken under Legion¡¯s wing. His master made it a point to further his training on the basics, but he made sure to also educate him in academics and philosophy.


    A blade is only as sharp as the Rabbit wielding it.


    Elucard nodded, ¡°A flower in a bed of weeds does not grow.¡±


    Legion tossed Elucard another slice, ¡°You understand what that means for you, right?¡±


    Elucard shrugged, casually, ¡°Got to pull some weeds.¡±


    Legion grinned, but slid his face into a stern look, ¡°Are you prepared for that task?¡±


    Elucard plucked a leaf from the branch over his head.


    ¡°I''ll do what it takes.¡±


    His master looked at him coolly, tossing him another slice of the apple.


    ¡°What if I asked you to kill one of your peers? Would you hesitate or would you give them the chance to run?¡±


    Elucard raised an eyebrow at the question. This didn¡¯t seem to be a philosophy discussion anymore, what was his master trying to get at?


    ¡°Another Rabbit, Master?¡±


    ¡°No, not quite; another recruit.¡±


    Another recruit was still a Rabbit to Elucard. Although it had been nearly half a year since he¡¯d seen any of the other recruits, he still felt like he was a part of that group. However, what if this was a test? What if not all marks were so simply laid out? What if the circumstances were more than black and white? Elucard pondered more. Legion interjected, as he watched his pupil think.


    ¡°My student, the Blood Forest, is fast approaching. You will be pitted against your fellow recruits and in a sanctioned trial such as this. You may have to take the life of a peer. You will be judged on your cunning, prowess, stealth, and most of all, your ability to take a life.¡±


    Elucard looked up, trying to imagine such a test, ¡°The Blood Forest?¡± he asked.


    Legion continued, ¡°An eight mile stretch of twisted, gnarled woods with a canopy so dense that it is unfathomably dark. It is the perfect battlefield for a young recruit to prove they are ready to truly become a Rabbit. All recruits will be released within the Blood Forest and will be encouraged to kill or be killed. It will take all that you¡¯ve learned to survive. So, my student, are you prepared to take a life?¡±


    ¡°If they are prepared to die, I will grant them a death.¡±


    ¡°I assure you, they will not be prepared to die.¡±


    Elucard paused, ¡°I shall grant them a death all the same.¡±


    Legion smiled, ¡°Very well, young student. Now, what of the weeds?¡±


    ¡°What of them? I¡¯ll do what it takes.¡±


    Legion gestured to a plume of smoke through a line of trees. Elucard focused his elven eyes. His eyes were more perceptive now than when he was living in Ravenshore. Legion had trained them. Now all of his senses had been heightened.


    A blade is only as sharp as the Rabbit wielding it.


    The crisp dusk air nipped at his ears. Elucard looked at Legion as he pulled up his hood, ¡°A camp?¡±


    ¡°A weed.¡± Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    Legion beckoned Elucard to follow as he jumped to the neighboring branches leading to the camp.


    A fire blazed under skewers poking into a few skinned squirrels. A ragged man with a filthy black and gray beard crawled from his makeshift tent. The shelter was as tattered as his clothes and both reeked of a foul odor. It stunk of a life full of failures.


    The two assassins perched in an overhanging tree whispering to each other. Their voices were low; too low for a normal man to hear, but high enough for a trained ear to hear. A tongue the Black Rabbits had perfected.


    Legion lightly touched Elucard''s shoulder, ¡°You are to kill this man. You are to make it quick, silent, and clean. This man has suffered a lifetime of anguish. His death does not need to be cruel.¡±


    Elucard gripped the leather bound handle of his sword. He gritted his teeth as he pulled up his mask to the bridge of his nose.


    ¡°May Alanna grant you grace,¡± Legion''s voice wove into Elucard''s mind ¨C a mind now heavy with a sense of duty, and a sense of fear.


    Not a fear of whether he would be caught or punished for failure, a fear that this would change him forever. Was he ready to go the distance? Was he ready to spill blood? Legion had him practice killing deer, but deer were different from people.


    Elucard dropped down silently into the campground. The long shadow of the tree hid his presence. Staying light and using the front padding of his feet to cautiously feel out for twigs that could give away his presence, Elucard stalked behind the vagabond. The rookie assassin''s blade quivered as it crept along the back of the homeless man''s neck. The cold steel rested coolly sending a tingling shiver down the victim''s spine.


    ¡°Please,¡± a voice squeaked, ¡°I''ve got nothing worth stealing. I don''t want to die,¡± the man wept.


    Elucard froze. Deer never begged for their life. This man wanted to live. Elucard''s hands now held more than a sword. They held this man''s life.


    The man slowly turned, his eyes red with tears, snot ran from his nose, the man blubbered as he formed his words, ¡°I ain''t never hurt no one. Please¡­¡±


    Elucard withdrew his sword, his head lowered as his heart sank. He called to Legion, ¡°Master, I can''t kill an innocent life, this man is no weed.¡±


    Legion dropped by the side of his student, making no sound, ¡°My student, not every innocent life has a purpose in this world. He serves no one but himself. He has no attachments. He loves no one and no one loves him. Give his life meaning, Elucard. Allow the starving wolves to feed on his carcass. Let the grubs devour his flesh. Let the soil take his bones. Let Alanna take his soul. Restore balance. Answer the call, my student!¡±


    Elucard''s grip on his blade strengthened. His eyes shut tightly. He hefted his blade into the air, but Legion halted his motion.


    ¡°No, open your eyes. You must bear witness to your deeds.¡±


    Elucard snapped open his eyes, sweat beads dripped off his soaked mask. This was the moment that would forever change his life. The fear of what he would become would now be a reality. Legion''s teachings cycled through his head.


    A flower in a bed of weeds does not grow.


    However, in this case, he was the flower. His fear was the weeds. His blade was the gardener. Killing this man would free him. Free him from fear, free him to flourish. The man''s cries broke his thoughts.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡±


    Flashes of Ravenshore gushed through his mind like the white rapids of a river that flowed into the ocean on which Ravenshore sat. Images of his parents seemed to be within reach, but as he went to approach them, they began to walk away. The faster Elucard ran, he still could not catch up to them.


    ¡®Wait, please, Ma, Pa, stay with me!¡¯


    No matter how hard he tried to get to them, his touch was just shy of his parents. Elucard stopped, alone in the void of his mind. Memories swirled around him like a drifting mist. Pictures of his childhood, his love for his friends and family, his friendship with Jetta ebbed about him.


    Jetta.


    The memories blew away and disintegrated like dead leaves in a harsh wind. All that was left was the tiny girl he once promised to always be there for.


    Jetta, please, I¡¯m sorry.


    The girl¡¯s head was lowered, her gaze did not meet the yearning of his own. She was silent, but in that silence Elucard struggled with himself, his promise, and his new path.


    Beside him, a new figure appeared. Legion. The assassin did not look at him, but simply put his hand on Elucard¡¯s shoulder.


    Elucard, this life is no more, it stagnates your mind. It is a waste of thought. Memories like this will only stall your progression.


    I can¡¯t forget Jetta. Elucard¡¯s mind echoed.


    Then use her memory, let it push you, let it be a reminder of when you were innocent and weak. Use her as a milestone in your past to show yourself how far you¡¯ve gone. Your memories have held you back. Instead, let them give you a boost up to the mountain that you¡¯re trying to climb.


    Elucard looked up to where Legion stood, but found he was now alone. No memories, no Jetta, no Legion¡­nothing. Yet, he didn¡¯t feel alone. Was this how he was supposed to feel? Was this what he needed to fuel his drive? The drive to kill?


    Once more, the voice of the vagabond cried out to Elucard, snapping him back to reality.


    Elucard''s voice was a whisper. As if he still was trying to convince himself more than the man, he said, ¡°You have tipped the scales and I must restore the balance.¡±


    A whipping sound sliced through the air as the man''s head rolled onto the ground. The headless body dropped hard. Elucard let go of the sword. It seemed to weigh a hundred tons. His throat became thick and heavy, choking him as he held back the need to cry.


    Legion put out the campfire, turning to smile at Elucard, ¡°You did well. It seems you have what it takes to walk this path.¡±


    Elucard was silent.

 Chapter 10: Incorruptible

    ¡°Incorruptible. That is what you must become,¡± the voice of the commander of the Long Whisper Division rang loud and true, ¡°When we don our cloaks, we not only represent ourselves, but our order as well. We must remain steadfast in protecting those that have placed their trust in us ¨C undaunting in our duties, undaunting in living our code.¡±


    A line of graduating White Cloak recruits stood before Marcus Newsun. He was dressed in cream-colored finery; a saber with a gold and silver guard hung by his side, sheathed in an ebonwood case. Behind him towered the Long Whisper headquarters, a guild hall constructed by the White Cloaks merely a decade prior ¨C a testament to the youth of Long Whisper¡¯s government and the recency of the Cloaks as a peacekeeping force in the region. Banners embroidered with the triple crossed swords were draped over the gray stone walls ¨C one sword representing each of the three founders. Brothers bound by blood, bound by duty ¨C a duty that was passed down to the new recruits who were here today.


    Wiccer stepped forth, older and wiser than the boy that he once was. His silver tunic with its white trim looked almost regal on him. Slowly, he bent to one knee and bowed his head to his superior. The man standing before him was not only his lifelong instructor and Guild Master, but his father as well. Beneath his white dress gloves, Wiccer¡¯s hands were still bruised and blistered from constant punishment. Even the smallest mistakes in his training and lessons had earned him a swift strike on the knuckles with a wooden measuring stick or a whipping rod ¨C whichever his father had handy. He had no chance to play with children his age, or even the opportunity to enjoy an autumn''s day. Honestly the thought had never really crossed his mind until now.


    For a fleeting moment, he caught himself wishing for a normal life, though he did not fully understand what that might entail. He wondered what would have become of him had he been born a farmer¡¯s son of more meager means. The idea of such a life seemed so foreign to him. Where was the glory or valor to be found in toiling in the hot sun to feed your family when a fat lordling would take a vast share of it for himself? No, this was not the life for him. Wearing the white cloak was a privilege that civilians could never understand. He banished such foolish longings from his mind. The only life worth living was one that strove for honor, duty, and the right to bear ¡®The Cloak of the Incorruptible¡¯.


    ¡°Arise, Wiccer,¡± Marcus continued. He held out a white cloak with a silver trim. The golden trim on his own cloak, a mark of leadership, glinted in the sunlight.


    Wiccer''s eyes were focused on the ivory cloak before him. He had desired nothing more in all of his life. He lived vicariously through the tales of his parents. He bled for the chance to earn a cloak of his very own. His very being desperately longed for this cloak, and now here it was in his father¡¯s outstretched hands. Marcus floated it around his son''s shoulders.


    ¡°The boy is now a man,¡± Marcus nodded as Wiccer raised his hand over his right eyebrow in a strong, but emotional salute.


    ¡°Thank you, Father,¡± whispered Wiccer.


    A formal dinner was being held for the new guild members at the guild hall. Although this particular hall was not nearly as massive as the one in Varis, it was still nothing to frown at. Pipers and lute strummers played a slow tune as the guests danced a traditional Varisian dance. They raised their hands together as they moved in a large circle and their bodies swayed back and forth to the melody that filled the air. On the banquet table, a feast of roasted vegetables, pheasant, and large goblets of fine ale were placed before each of the new members.


    Wiccer walked in wearing a pressed white dress tunic with matching polished golden buttons that adorned him. His new pearl-white cloak was draped over his right shoulder, its silver trim glistening in the candlelight. The palm of his hand rested on the ceremonial saber that he had received along with his cloak and his boots were glossed to a shine. Many young women smiled and giggled as he made his way through the ball.


    Marcus spotted him, calling him away from a night of pleasure and to a night of business. In his hand he had a long object wrapped in wolf hide.


    ¡°My son, I¡¯m so proud of you. You¡¯ve come along way and I¡¯m overjoyed that you can now serve by my side,¡± Marcus said as he greeted his son. He wrapped a hand around the back of Wiccer¡¯s head, pulling it to meet with his own.


    ¡°Thank you, Father.¡±


    Handing Wiccer the gift, he patiently waited for his son to unwrap it, revealing a fine arming sword enclosed in a white leather scabbard, ¡°It was your brother''s first sword, lightweight, faster than most blades. Avren wanted to give it to you himself when you earned your cloak.¡±


    Wiccer took hold of the blade and carefully pulled it from its scabbard. He inspected its edge and weighed its balance. He could tell that it was a finely crafted blade. Satisfied, he smiled, ¡°When you write to Avren, tell him that I''ll use it well.¡±


    Marcus sipped from his chalice, ¡°Tell him yourself.¡±


    Marcus pulled a writ from a leather-bound pouch on his belt. He tossed it to his confused son,


    ¡°Read it.¡±


    With a confused look on his face, Wiccer hurriedly unravelled the scroll and scanned the finely written words it held. The words on the small scroll seemed to be too good to be true. In disbelief, he quickly looked it over a second time before looking up into his father¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Father, Avren has sent for me!¡± He shook his head in shock. His brother had requested aid of him in the newly established Lost Dawns. Not only was he already receiving his first assignment, but it was with his brother in the the capital city of Long Whisper!


    ¡°You leave in the morning¡­Try not to celebrate too hard,¡± Marcus replied, grinning.


    ***


    Wiccer sat in a carriage looking out the window watching the many trees flash by. Flanking from either side of the carriage was a White Cloak on horseback. Marcus had taken every precaution to get his son to Lost Dawns safely. Reports from pathfinder patrols had told of ambushes from both bandits and Black Rabbits alike. No chances could be taken.


    The carriage inched to a stop at a roadside village. Wiccer¡¯s escort had been traveling all morning and all afternoon without a break and now seemed to be as safe a time as any for the horses to rest.


    The carriage door opened, ¡°Wiccer, come out and find some lunch. We¡¯ll be resting for an hour or so.¡± Elleneis was a tall, stern woman whose words were often as hardened as she was. Wiccer fostered a healthy mixture of fear and respect for his new superior and saluted her as she spoke.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    ¡°Keep your hand down, Private,¡± she scolded, ¡°Last thing I need is some greenhorn letting any lurking Rabbits know that I¡¯m in command.¡±


    Wiccer¡¯s hand quickly fell to his side in embarrassment. Elleneis murmured curses and insults as she walked away.


    Looking about the village, Wiccer scanned the various shops that dotted the sparse town: a blacksmith, a trading post, a tannery, and a tailor. Wiccer spotted a small butcher shop where several of his fellow White Cloaks had congregated. He took a moment to take in the aroma of the different meats that were cooking over several small fires behind the butcher. Mutton, steak, chicken, and even some other unidentifiable meats sizzled just feet away, and Wiccer felt his stomach rumble beneath his skin.


    ¡°What can I get you, sir?¡± the butcher¡¯s wife asked. Her face was worn and leathery, hinting that she had seen the many seasons at least fifty times over.


    ¡°A woman of your age and beauty shouldn¡¯t have to work,¡± Wiccer said, smiling politely, ¡°Surely you have a son running about?¡± Wiccer looked around and began to notice that the village was surprisingly quiet. Aside from the occasional hammering of hot iron by the blacksmith, there was something truly missing.


    ¡°Our son and his wife left our village when their second child was recruited.¡± The elderly woman grimaced as she spoke and Wiccer¡¯s smile dropped. He could sense that she had never recovered from the absence they left behind.


    ¡°Recruited?¡± Wiccer scanned the village again, ¡°Second child? Both were recruited? For what?¡±


    The other White Cloaks were silent, but gave solemn looks to the young rookie.


    ¡°To become Black Rabbits. Both of them were recruited within three years of each other.¡± She looked truly and deeply sad, ¡°But at least they¡¯ll be together. My son and his wife just couldn¡¯t suffer the losses though.¡± She began to trail off as Wiccer looked at the village around him with fresh eyes. He knew what caused the silence now. There were no children in this village. No children playing in the fields, no children chasing the ducks, and no children getting candy at the general store. Just none.


    ¡°The Black Rabbits take your children and you all just let this happen!?¡± Wiccer shouted, slamming his fist on the counter.


    ¡°And what do you propose we do, young sir? Fight them? Ha! We barely have enough strength to run this shop, much less fight off an entire clan of assassins, thieves, and murderers.¡± The truth in her words was hard for Wiccer to accept.


    Wiccer stood up, knocking his seat backwards, ¡°We should!¡± He snapped his head at his strangely quiet peers, ¡°Why aren¡¯t the Cloaks doing something about this?¡±


    ¡°Wiccer, you¡¯re causing a scene, take a seat and be quiet,¡± said an elven corporal named Rahje.


    Wiccer was flabbergasted by Rahje¡¯s response, ¡°How can you be so calm when such an injustice lays right before you?¡±


    Rahje rolled his eyes, ¡°Wiccer, we do what we can. We protect the larger cities, but we are too small of a unit to protect every town and village. What you ask is impossible.¡±


    ¡°We are called ¡®incorruptible¡¯, but we sit idly by when people need us the most?¡±


    ¡°The wolf does not try to eat every animal he sees. He leaves the squirrel alone to chase after the deer,¡± Rahje said.


    ¡°The wolf makes sure to get the Rabbit, though,¡± sneered Wiccer


    ¡°And the wolf would get exhausted chasing a rabbit instead of going for the bigger game. Wiccer, we¡¯ve known for some time that we can¡¯t protect everyone. It stinks, but it¡¯s the way the world works. You can¡¯t save everyone. Concentrate on what matters. Do what you are told and hope you can make it through another day. Now sit down and just eat your food.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m no longer hungry,¡± Wiccer said as he stormed away.


    ***


    The ancient Elder Tree that pierced the sky above Lost Dawns towered in the distance as Wiccer''s carriage passed through the city gates. Though still under a great deal of construction, the cobblestone streets were heavily crowded with elves, humans, kanis, and other races Wiccer couldn''t readily recognize. The crowd parted as the carriage passed. Plenty of faces attempted to peer through the carriage''s windows. Wiccer kept his composure, despite his urge to gawk at the splendor of the city. Although he had been raised in Varis and had seen many wondrous places, Lost Dawns was still a sight to behold.


    Buildings and small tenements dotted the sides of the roads creating a labyrinth of back alleys and side streets. Massive roots twisted over and around them. From the more low hanging branches spanned great bridges that connected the higher part of the city. The nobility of Lost Dawns resided here in their vast, extravagant homes while those of lesser stations found what meager shelter they could in ¡®The Roots.¡¯


    The carriage stopped in front of a decrepit abbey. Though it was clear that it had seen better days, its beauty still shined from its elegant stained glass windows and through the large moss covered carving of the angel god, Ruens. Wiccer¡¯s deity was the goddess of justice, Jedeo. He bowed and made a silent prayer before pulling his duffel bag off the roof of the carriage, not forgetting to tip the driver a silver piece. He inhaled a deep breath to calm his nerves. This was his first assignment and his first true day as an official White Cloak. More importantly though, he''d not seen his brother in nearly a year.


    Before he could enter the church, the doors flung open and Avren ran to Wiccer and embraced him in a bear hug. Avren chuckled, welcoming his brother, ¡°Wiccer, it''s been seasons since I''ve seen my baby brother! How have you been?¡±


    Wiccer gasped for air, trapped in Avren¡¯s well meaning clutches, ¡°I''d be better able to breathe if I wasn''t being smothered to death by you!¡±


    Avren blinked and released Wiccer, dropping him to a clutter on the ground.


    ¡°Sorry, little brother. Life is rough in this city. It¡¯s good to see a piece of home.¡± Avren took Wiccer¡¯s duffle bag and motioned his brother to follow him inside, ¡°We are most likely being watched by Rabbits. I didn¡¯t send for you because you needed a vacation.¡±


    Still sitting on the ground, Wiccer looked around bewildered by the thought of Black Rabbits being in blade''s reach.


    With a more serious tone, Avren lowered his voice, ¡°You''re right to have that look on your face. The Rabbits have been sabotaging the construction of this city. Workers have been falling ill or going missing. Either way, they are usually found dead soonafter. I¡¯ve even seen one myself, she was¨C¡± Avren stopped to think about his close encounter. His last encounter with a Rabbit left him with conflicting dreams and desires with Elisa. She haunted his thoughts with her seductive body, ¡°She was deadly.¡±


    ¡°It can''t be as obvious as their disapproval of the leadership. Assassins don''t involve themselves in politics that way,¡± Wiccer blurted out.


    ¡°Right you are, little brother. No, the Rabbits have been hired by someone that doesn''t want the city built.¡±


    Now standing, Wiccer rubbed his chin, pondering the history of the eight elven noble tribes, ¡°Leafsong?¡± he asked inquisitively.


    ¡°Leafsong would be the most obvious choice, which is precisely why the Leafsong are the least likely to be behind it.¡±


    Wiccer raised an eyebrow.


    Avren chuckled, ¡°I''ve had a year to deal with this. The Leafsong were the tribe that betrayed their king, but they were absolved of when they banished Ryjin. You remember that from your lessons, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Wiccer rubbed his knuckles, ¡°Father wouldn''t let me forget.¡±


    Avren clenched and released his own fists, ¡°Aye, little brother.¡±


    ¡°So, if the Leafsong want to keep the hides on their backs, they need to stay deep in the good graces of the king. So who''s pulling the strings then?¡±


    ¡°Before sending for you, I sent for a platoon of cloaks. We''ve been able to keep incidents to a minimum, but I want to capture a Rabbit and make it talk.¡±

 Chapter 11: The Blood Forest

    Elucard raced his way through the twisted woods. Screams echoed all around him. Some were cut short, while others slowly withered into the clutches of the Blood Forest.


    You have the skills I taught you over this last year. Stealth and combat you may think are key, but do not forget your most valuable asset: How to think.


    Legion''s final words were still fresh in his head.


    The sun''s descent was swiftly approaching and Elucard knew that soon what little light left would fall on the moon''s soft glow. An elf had better night vision than a human, but even they couldn¡¯t see in absolute darkness. They still needed at least a sliver of light to see.


    Elucard stopped for a moment and got to one knee, feeling the vibrations in the ground and listening for any foreign noise. Someone had been following him for the last twenty minutes or so. Now that the screams were dying down, he could make a move to dispatch his shadow.


    Catching a quick glance over his shoulder, Elucard ducked behind the nearest tree and vanished into the darkness. Immediately after falling out of sight, the stranger made an appearance. Garbed in traditional black training armor, the elf had a twin scar on his left cheek, a crooked nose, and dirty chestnut hair. Elucard recognized him from when he was still training under his first teachers. This elf was named Leos.


    Leos cursed as he scanned trying to find him, but Elucard continued to observe from a safe distance. Leos palmed a dirk from a sheath attached to his thigh, still cursing under his breath.


    ¡°Master, will I be able to make it through the forest without taking a life?¡± Elucard asked, accepting a cup of black tea. He quickly blew to cool the liquid before drinking it, anxiously awaiting an answer. An answer he already knew the question to. Months had passed since he killed the man in the woods and yet the nightmare he was roused from felt like it had happened only the day before.


    ¡°Elucard are you afraid to take a life?¡± Legion answered with another question. As if this question was to open up to the truth behind Elucard¡¯s hesitance.


    Elucard silently crept his way behind him and freed his sword, careful to avoid the blade gleaming in the light. With a swift action, he dashed in and sliced cleanly at his target''s leg. His opponent collapsed to one knee, but before he could let out a whimper or roar, Elucard quickly covered this mouth with his hand, ¡°Hush now, I''m not going to kill you, but I can''t have you getting me killed with your yelping.¡±


    More gagged noises vibrated into Elucard¡¯s glove.


    ¡°My master would have me kill you. Would you prefer to have it his way?¡± Elucard asked snidely. Leos bit his lip beneath Elucard¡¯s gloved hand. He knew better than to bother with a response, ¡°There, now hold still, I''m going to knock you out.¡±


    A quick bunt to the head with his sword''s pommel left Leos out cold. Elucard made sure to search his body, but found only a few shuriken and the dirk he was wielding. He quickly stuffed the shuriken into a pouch on his belt. However, he paused as he went to pick up the dirk. A small cloud of leaves came drifting down into his sight.


    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid to take a life, it¡¯s just that¡­¡± Elucard struggled with the question as if he were fighting Legion in a duel.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that you still question if taking someone¡¯s life is the right thing to do?¡± Legion finished for his student.


    ¡°Is it really our task to judge whose life gets taken? I never asked for such a responsibility!¡± Elucard shouted in an outburst deeply rooted in his conflicted emotions.


    A blurred image fell from the canopy and a swift drop kick sent Elucard flying forward onto the rough bark of the branch he¡¯d been standing on. Flipping through the air, Elucard attempted to stabilize himself as he thudded into a neighboring tree. The figure, already dashing after him, drew out his sword to strike, but Elucard deflected the blade into the wood next to him. Bark sprayed as the metal blade dug into the soft sapwood beneath it. Elucard answered back with a heavy fist to the stranger¡¯s face. The blow jogged loose a silver fox mask, revealing the face of a young teen of Elucard''s age.


    His opponent jumped back, lifting several throwing stars from his back pouch, and tossing them at deadly speeds. They sunk deep, splintering the tree''s bark, as Elucard nimbly ducked. Taking his own blade, Elucard stepped forth and slashed in an arcing motion, but barely caught his target''s stomach, releasing a drizzle of blood in the air.


    Elucard¡¯s foe slid backward along the thick, giant branch. He caught his breath, briefly checking on the close call of a wound. Elucard, peered through the darkness, taking advantage of shafts of moonlight. He gasped when he recognized the face he had been fighting.


    ¡°Izian? Izian of Ravenshore, is that you?¡± Elucard called out.


    The boy in question looked up, and matched Elucard''s gaze. Slowly it dawned on him that he had been fighting an old friend.


    ¡°Elucard? Where have you been? We all haven''t seen you in forever! We didn''t know if you were killed or what!¡± Izian exclaimed with a hint of relief in his voice.


    ¡°We?¡±


    ¡°Geven and Myler! They''re both with me. We¡¯re teaming up to get out of this Gods forsaken forest! You should come with us. You fight pretty good.¡±


    Elucard sheathed his blade, finally happy to see a friendly face. He stepped over Leos¡¯ limp body and sprung off into the forest with his old friend.


    ***


    Myler and Geven waited, alert and afraid, within a hollowed out tree. Izian told them to wait there while he scouted ahead. That was thirty minutes ago.


    ¡°He''s dead¡­ We should get moving¡± Geven said, breaking the long silence between the two. He combed his thick black hair with his fingers. He was nervous. Izian had always been the strongest of the three boys and had acted as their stalwart leader.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Let''s wait a bit longer, maybe he ran into some trouble?¡± Myler was antsy as well. He had not been taking his training too well, showing defiance whenever he could. However, he stuck with it for the sake of surviving with his childhood companions.


    ¡°If that''s the case, we should go after h¨C¡± movement through the trees in front of them cut his words short. Geven slid out a dagger and crept forward, crouching to keep his figure harder to decipher in the cool, dark woods.


    Dropping silently to the ground like an owl snatching up its prey, were two figures. Myler immediately recognized one of them as Izian.


    Myler and Geven kept their distance before breaking out into a shaky laughter that resounded with relief. Izian stepped forward, waving to them to come meet his guest, ¡°Guys, guess who I found!¡±


    Elucard lowered his mask around his collar and lifted off his hood, revealing his dirty blond hair. He gave a weak smile, unsure whether his old friends would remember him after so much time apart. His question was answered when Myler let out a big smile and slapped his arm around Elucard''s neck and shoulders.


    ¡°Elucard Freewind, where have you been? It''s so great to see you¡­ alive for that matter!¡±


    Geven shook his long lost friend''s hand vigorously, ¡°You''re a sight for sore eyes. With us four watching each other''s backs, we''ll be out of here in no time!¡±


    Elucard nodded, ¡°I''m game. The more people I don''t have to fight, the better. No skin off my hide. Let''s quit standing around with targets on our backs and move out.¡±


    The three other elves gave a short fist pump in excitement and followed Elucard further into the forest.


    ***


    ¡°It¡¯s true, you may have never asked for it¡­but the responsibility chose you Elucard,¡± Legion said softly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want it, Master. I don¡¯t want to take a life!¡±


    ¡°A true Rabbit does not want to take a life¡­but will,¡± Legion said, pouring himself and Elucard another cup of tea.


    Elucard knocked away the cup, ¡°Then I am no true Rabbit!¡±


    ¡°That remains to be seen.¡±


    Elucard and his three companions felt as though they¡¯d been sprinting through the forest canopy for an eternity. It was as if the woods were endless in their span and ruthless by their very nature. Massive branches covered in rough, splintery bark surrounded the boys and weaved through the forest much like giant threads of a rough, itchy cloth. The three boys had encountered no one and had heard nothing in the dense forest. The only sounds that they heard were the sounds of their heaving breaths that were muffled by their masks and the grinding thud their feet made as they dashed along the enormous branches.


    Elucard grew increasingly suspicious of the quiet. He raised his hand to signal those behind him to halt. He slowly lowered his hand and motioned them to crouch and stealth. Pointing quickly to several seemingly random directions, he himself jumped a short distance to a nearby branch.


    With Myler, Geven, and Izian keeping watch over several of Elucard''s blind spots, he narrowed and focused his senses to better observe the area. He held his breath and calmed his heart beat to sharpen his hearing¡­ nothing. He made use of what little moonlight glittered through the canopy to better see his surroundings¡­ nothing. But wait, he did see something. Something faint, that glinted softly in the distance ¨C a sliver of a silver metal line. Elucard noted that it cut across the gap of trees up ahead. Even if his group members had been paying close attention while hopping from branch to branch, they would have still been clotheslined by the thin wire.


    Elucard leaped to where one end of the line was tied to a tree. Undoing the knot, he inspected the wire more closely, identifying it as a garrote or choking wire. This was a trap, but where was the trapper and who was he hoping to catch? A stifled gag from behind him answered his question.


    Elucard quickly jumped back to where he had left his friends, his blade drawn. Searching frantically, he found no signs of the trio, but from the shadows stepped three new faces.They wore dark blue garbs with black trims. Muffled laughter erupted from all of them as they drew a variety of weapons.


    ¡°Keth says we can''t kill you just yet, but that don''t mean we can''t have a bit of fun,¡± said one of them. He was a bit more husky than the other two.


    Izian, Geven and Myler were the last remnants of his past. Even if the Black Rabbits attempted to beat the last inch of Ravenshore out of him, he wanted his friends to still be by his side. Rabbit or not, he needed them. Now the Blood Forest was planning to take them away. He couldn¡¯t let this happen. He wouldn¡¯t let this happen.


    Elucard clenched his teeth under his mask. The obvious move would be to question these strangers. They clearly set the trap. ''Who was Keth? Where were Geven, Myler, and Izian?'' That would be the obvious course of action, but not the logical one. No, he needed to dispatch them quickly and efficiently and leave only one conscious for questioning. Clearly he would need to save his energy for this ¡°Keth.¡±


    ¡°Ain''t you going to ask, where are you friends at?¡± The husky one said snarkily.


    Elucard mapped out the fight in his head. His eyes were closed as his eyeballs flinched left and right, projecting imaginary images. He would move to the middle one first, running low and hacking off a leg with a clean slice; a roundhouse kick to the now one-legged minion''s chest would knock him off of the tree.


    Next He would side step a vertical slash from his left and retaliate with a thrust to the kid''s left shoulder. A twist of the sword''s grip would ensure that his foe would be crippled in pain.


    He would finally turn his attention on the one he wanted to question. He didn''t know the goon¡¯s loyalty level to Keth, so he couldn¡¯t be sure that he wouldn¡¯t run. A flying jump kick to the face or the back of the head would bring him down to an appropriate position for questioning.


    Elucard was silent for only a moment. Keth''s allies cocked their heads waiting for an answer. The husky one took a step forward and spoke an annoyed, ¡°Well?¡±


    Elucard snapped open his eyes and in a matter of a few short moments, Elucard''s enemies were incapacitated, save for a sniveling husky goon with a quickly forming black eye from a well placed flying kick.


    Elucard pressed his sword under the boy¡¯s plump, thick neck and spat, ¡°No, I''m not going to ask where they are, because you''re going to tell me.¡±


    The blade pressed further into the neck fat, and Elucard''s answer was squealed out.


    ¡°Down by the tree shaped like a spider. Keth is there too!¡±


    Elucard threw a fierce jab to the boy¡¯s face, ¡°How many more are with Keth?¡±


    ¡°Four more, I swear! Please don''t kill me!¡±


    Elucard shook his blade in anger. Who was Keth? Why did he specifically want him dead? These were questions for Keth, clearly. He needed to rid his mind of the questions and distractions that plagued him. He needed to rescue his friends, if they were even still alive.


    ¡°Please! Let me live! I told you everything!¡± the fat boy squealed again.


    Elucard turned his attention back on his captive. Should he kill him? No, he needed to get through this forest without killing, he needed to keep a small piece of past self alive before the Black Rabbits killed what remained of his old life, ¡°Tell me your name, if you want to live!¡±


    ¡°Eris!¡±


    ¡°You''re lucky, Eris, You''ll live another night in this forest. I need you to bring me to this ''Spider Tree''.¡±

 Chapter 12: Hunting a Rabbit

    ¡°The aqueducts.¡± Avren said as he threw a dagger at a detailed map of Lost Dawns. The dagger stuck in the wooden table with a loud ''thunk.¡¯ The blade''s tip landed on an empty space on the city''s map. Pencil scribblings around the word ''aqueduct'' with arrows signified where the structure¡¯s various segments were to be built and when. Currently, they were still under construction.


    Avren grabbed the dagger''s handle and ripped it from the wedged resting spot. He took a large swig of a stein full of ale as he gestured thoughtfully at his brother with the weapon, ¡°It hasn''t been struck with any misfortune yet and will be finished within a day. If the Rabbits are going to strike, it will be there.¡±


    ¡°Elisa what are you thinking?¡± Avren had been in the city for almost a year now, and since their last encounter had not seen the elusive assassin. He had, however, heard accounts of an exotic elf in a purple cape moving about in the Roots. Avren knew it was her and he wanted to meet her once more, even if it were to kill her.


    Wiccer rubbed his chin as he looked over the slit left in the map by the blade. They spent the entire day and most of the night going over all the places and people who were struck by the Rabbits. The city was nearly complete despite the many delays, thanks in part to Avren''s best efforts. If something were to happen to the aqueducts it would push back the city''s progression by at least another month. Clearly someone didn''t want the city to flourish and clearly they wanted the king to suffer the fall of his beloved city ¨C his legacy.


    Wiccer nodded slowly, still locked in thought, ¡°I think they were being smothered by our presence. It¡¯s as if they can''t make their message clear. They are being choked. Soon they¡¯ll need to commit a desperate act to keep their employer happy¡­¡±


    Avren''s eyes widened once he got a glimpse of Wiccer''s train of thought, ¡°They are not going to poison some worker. They are not going to stop the construction of the ''ducts. They want them finished¡­ on purpose?¡±


    ¡°The Rabbits want to poison the water supply!¡± Wiccer slammed his fist on the table, finishing the thought.


    Avren slumped in his chair and tipped over his stein in shock, which sloshed his drink on the floor. A dumbfounded look scribbled over his face and his eyes fixated on the ceiling. If the Black Rabbits did plan on poisoning the city, then a security assignment just evolved into a mission to save the Lost Dawns.


    ¡°Avren, we don''t have much time! The aqueducts will be finished within the next three days! We need to find their operatives now.¡±


    Avren called for the White Cloaks guarding the door, ¡°Gather the men, we have a new mission. I''ll brief you in ten.¡±


    Once they were alone, Avren turned to his brother with fear in his eyes that Wiccer had never seen before, ¡°Wiccer, I need you to find out what these assassins are going to use to poison the water supply. That way we can make an antidote for it if we fail.¡±


    ¡°Where do I start? Father never trained me in poisons¡± sputtered Wiccer.


    Avren placed a reassuring hand on his little brother''s shoulder, ¡°Check the apothecary in the Roots. They wouldn''t go to an alchemist or herbalist in just any part of the city to acquire this kind of poison.¡±


    Avren grabbed the back of Wiccer''s neck and pulled him in for a headlock, ¡°I love you, little brother, and I sent for you for a reason. I trust and believe in you more than any Cloak here. I know you can do this!¡±


    Wiccer grinned, his confidence resonated back in his voice, ¡°I won''t let you down, Avren!¡±


    ¡°One last thing¡­ don''t bring your cloak.¡±


    ***


    Slowly over the course of Lost Dawns'' construction, the Roots became the epicenter for crime and poverty. Avoided by the authorities and the high class, only the desperate and the lowly stepped foot onto these streets.


    Not bringing his cloak was a careful warning more than a suggestion. Wiccer pulled up the hood of a ratty traveler''s cloak that hid his fine pressed uniform. His eyes darted from side to side, eying the vagabonds that dotted the alleyways and stoops. There were fewer lamp posts here than in other parts of the city. Thus, the clouded night made for a more precarious scene.


    Wiccer stopped in front of a shady storefront. Long curtains prevented curious eyes from peering into a slightly cracked window pane that was covered in grime and dust. The door hung slightly off its hinges and a bum lie drunk on the steps. The sign read: ¡®Angelo¡¯s Her-¡¯


    A wide crack splintered the sign, making the final wording unreadable. Wiccer stepped over the bum, careful not to disturb his stupor as he entered the shop.


    Inside, a dim lantern emitted a glow tinted by a soft green flame. Shelves covered the walls with jars of various spices and herbs. By the counter an elderly kanis watched with one good eye, as the other was a faded white, scarred and crusty. Clearly half blind. The wolflike beastman had his long silver fur tied in tight braids, decorated with small bones and teeth, possibly his own.


    ¡°Are you Angelo?¡± Wiccer asked casually, making sure his cloak covered his regal tunic. His hand rested on his sword¡¯s pommel.


    ¡°Who¡¯s Angelo? There is only Loomis here.¡± spoke the wolf, growling with a hacking cough.


    ¡°Never mind,¡± Wiccer sneered, a poor attempt at hiding the annoyed tinge in his voice. He walked to the counter, sliding a silver trit into the shopkeeper¡¯s claws, ¡°I seek knowledge on a vermin problem in the city.¡±


    The wolf let loose a sparse but toothy grin, ¡°The city is full of rats, but perhaps that¡¯s not the type of vermin you speak of¡­¡±


    ¡°Lost Dawns is overrun with rabbits.¡±


    The shopkeeper cackled, ¡°Just one, friend, just one.¡±


    Wiccer¡¯s face turned inquisitive, ¡°What do you know, old one?¡±


    ¡°I know a single silver piece isn¡¯t enough for the information you seek.¡± His claw was palm up, motioning for more money.


    Wiccer jingled a pouch in front of the wolf¡¯s muzzle, ¡°Tell me what you know, and then you will be paid.¡±


    The wolf licked his chops before indulging the information, ¡°She comes in alone, always to purchase Wickedleaf. She pays well to make sure I ask her no questions. However, Loomis is never in the dark. She is alone in this city, and when she purchases her Wickedleaf, trouble always falls over the city within the next day.¡±


    Wiccer tossed the pouch onto the counter, ¡°Where can I find her?¡±


    ¡°You seek Patches the Slim. He acts as the eyes and ears of the Roots.¡±


    ***


    The Roots only grew more dangerous as time passed. Soon even the drunks and homeless didn¡¯t call the corners and stoops home. Wiccer needed to find this contact, and fast. The time he spent with Loomis yielded excellent results, but he was sure that the Rabbit would learn of his prying. Perhaps she already knew.


    As Wiccer passed by another alley, he glimpsed a figure enter into his blind spot. Swiftly grabbing for his sword, but not drawing it, he spun around and reached into the shadows bringing a shady man into his vision.


    The man wore a tattered fedora on his head. Several scars and a stubble graced his jaw line. A long brown buttoned coat draped his body. He smirked holding up his hands innocently, ¡°Relax, Patches the Slim is a friend to all. I can see you''re looking for something. What''s your poison?¡±


    Wiccer furrowed his brow and half drew his sword that was concealed by the cape of his brown cloak, ¡°Poison?¡±


    The man chuckled, ¡°Listen, I can tell by your grip you''re a construction worker. And since I''ve never seen you in the Roots before, you''ve probably been brought in from Varis. You''re looking for something that the rest of the city can''t supply you with. You looking for some dream weed or black sap? You looking to forget your worries? Relax for a bit? The Roots can be a place of pleasure. We even have the finest women. They¡¯re experienced and know how to keep secrets.¡±


    Wiccer loosened his grip on the sword, lowered his voice to a whisper, and settled into the role of a disgruntled construction worker from Varis, ¡°Listen mate, my boss is driving me up the wall. I want to discreetly send him a message. You get my drift?¡±This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    The merchant flashed a grin, ¡°Aye, I get your drift. Follow ¡®ole Patches.¡±


    ***


    Wiccer kept his hand close to the sword hanging from his belt. His eyesight strained in the dark, filthy tunnels within the sewers below the Roots. The stench of waste was like a lingering fog. Rats scurried past their feet as the untrustworthy man kept up cheerful idle chat. Wiccer played along but kept up his vigilance.


    ¡°How much further Mr. Slim?¡±


    The merchant looked back, keeping his dimly lit oil lamp at the forefront, ¡°Mr. Slim was my father¡¯s name. Call me Patches the Slim.¡±


    Wiccer slid a weird grin, ¡°How much further¡­Patches the Slim?¡±


    ¡°Just around this bend. When we get to her, allow me to do the talkin.¡¯ She¡¯s not too keen on the customer talking directly to her, but you insisted on doing business face to face. I don¡¯t blame ya. The business she deals in is nasty work, work that would make even Dhalamar blush.¡±


    Patches stopped around the corner and walked across a canal that divided the sewer. He rapped his knuckles on a shoddy wooden door. He did it gently for the door seemed to be suffering from cracks, mildew, and rot.


    Wiccer waited carefully while wishful thinking flooded his mind. But the nagging feeling that he might be in over his head began to creep in as well. Was this the lair of the Black Rabbit? How long could he keep up this ruse?


    The merchant knocked lightly again.


    An annoyed voice came from the other side of the door. A woman¡¯s voice, ¡°Patches, is that you? You just gave me your report an hour ago.¡±


    ¡°Well¨C¡±


    ¡°Do you plan on talking through a door, come in already!¡±


    Patches took off his ragged fedora and ushered Wiccer inside. Wiccer followed, his hand clung even more tightly on his sheathed sword.


    The room was small and lit by many candles. Old, poorly made furniture decorated the area while scrolls and maps of the city were scattered about. Behind a desk sat an exotic looking elf with dark purple hair. Her skin was a light gray and her eyes were a hypnotic deep violet. Wiccer recognized her as a Shadow Elf, but he had never seen one in person. She was dressed in the traditional black and purple garb of the Black Rabbits. Surely, she was who he was searching for.


    The Rabbit sneered at the sight of Wiccer, ¡°Slim, who is this child?¡±


    Scoffing, Wiccer was taken aback by the ¡®child¡¯ comment, ¡°I¡¯m fifteen, hardly a child!¡±


    The woman chuckled and bowed sarcastically, ¡°Forgive me, sir, what can I do for you?¡±


    Patches stepped forward to explain, ¡°He¡¯s a construction worker fed up with his boss. He wants to teach him a lesson, if you get my drift, Elisa.¡±


    Elisa slowly walked forward. A slender finger brushed under Wiccer¡¯s chin seductively. She lightly grazed over his chest with her other hand as she moved lightly around him, ¡°Such dark features for a Long Whisper human. You aren¡¯t from here, I would gather somewhere in Alva.¡±


    Wiccer blushed from the attraction he had to such a beautiful woman, but attempted to keep his mind focused, ¡°My parents are from Alva. I was born in Varis.¡±


    Elisa continued to slowly inspect Wiccer, lifting up his traveler¡¯s cloak, and sliding her fingers up his arms, ¡°You have the build of a construction worker. You¡¯ve seen much hard work for a human so young¡­but¡­¡± She stopped with her intense eyes of the night staring at Wiccer¡¯s, ¡°You dress and are armed like a White Cloak. True, you might have left your cloak in Varis, but your tunic and sword shine with arrogant authority. Too bad, you could have grown into a very handsome man.¡±


    Drawing with life or death reflexes, Wiccer pulled his blade under Elisa¡¯s neck, ¡°You¡¯re under arrest by the authority of King Jaelyn! Surrender, Rabbit!¡±


    Elisa gracefully jumped backwards pulling several shurikens from her belt and whipping them through the air. Wiccer deflected several, while the rest sparked off the wall behind him. Patches gasped and crashed through the old door, making a sloppy escape.


    Wiccer shuffled, keeping one hand to steady his blade, the other to reach into his pouch for a pair of small shackles. Elisa slid a pair of sais down her sleeves and into her hands, ¡°You look familiar, Cloak. Do you have a brother?¡±


    Wiccer blinked at the question, ¡°You know Avren?¡±


    Elisa circled around the young soldier, her thoughts heavy with images of Avren¡¯s muscles glistening in oils, laying in a silk covered bed: ¡°Avren.¡± Ever since her encounter with Wiccer¡¯s brother, he had been a guilty pleasure in her mind; a constant image that gave her company at night.


    ¡°Just curious,¡± Elisa¡¯s mouth made a thin smile. Spinning her sais skillfully with several flicks of her wrist, she thrusted in a succession of attacks. Wiccer struggled to parry the swift attacks, still holding the shackles in his left hand. With a side swiping technique, Elisa locked her sai¡¯s guard with Wiccer¡¯s blade, pinning them both into a neighboring table. With a savage backhand, the other sai collided across Wiccer¡¯s jaw.


    Wiccer released his sword and fell back against a wall. Rubbing a bruised cheek, he was caught off guard by a heavy kick to his ribs that crashed him further into the wall. Wiccer crumpled to the ground. To his dismay, his own sword¡¯s tip pressed against his neck.


    Elisa grinned wickedly, ¡°A fair attempt.¡±


    Wiccer sneered, grimacing from a cracked rib. He let loose a strong low kick, attempting to sweep her off of her feet, ¡°I¡¯m not done yet, Rabbit!¡±


    Elisa somersaulted backwards, avoiding falling to the ground. However, she was caught off guard when Wiccer came barreling at her wielding a chair. Wiccer crashed the wooden chair over her head, splintering it into pieces. Blood squirted from Elisa¡¯s mouth as she hit the floor hard.


    Dazed, she struggled to move, but a sharp kick to her head ended any chance for her to continue the fight. Wiccer winced as he bent over to pick up and sheath his sword. Gingerly, he examined a large purple and blue welt growing on his side.


    ¡°A fair attempt, Rabbit.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Are you insane, Wiccer?¡± Avren was furious as he met his brother outside the cell of the unconscious Elisa, ¡°I gave you the mission to investigate the poison!¡±


    Wiccer raised his head and pointed his hand at his captor, ¡°I did one better! I captured the Black Rabbit terrorizing the city. You should be hailing me a hero, yet here you are scolding me!¡±


    ¡°Hailing you as a hero? You could have gotten yourself killed!¡±


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t!¡± Wiccer argued.


    Avren huffed a chest full of angry breath. He hung his head in a frustrated gesture, holding his hips, ¡°Wiccer. What you did was foolhardy, and although it paid off this time, you can¡¯t always act alone. You need to use your head. You were very lucky this time, but there may very well be a next time that doesn¡¯t end as well for you. I wasn¡¯t there to watch your back. No one was there to watch your back. Do you understand what I¡¯m trying to tell you?¡±


    Wiccer gently rubbed his now taped up ribs, ¡°I¡¯m sorry Avren. I¡¯ll think before I act next time.¡±


    Avren put his heavy hand on his little brother¡¯s head, ¡°It will save your life.¡± Avren looked towards his prisoner as she slowly began to wake up, ¡°Wiccer, go back to the infirmary and rest up. I¡¯ll brief you on what I¡¯ve learned from her later.¡±


    Wiccer nodded, wincing from his still aching ribs.


    Elisa murmured as she woke to a splitting headache. She opened her eyes and found herself behind bars. She scowled, ¡°Well, Avren, is it? Are you here to give me breakfast in bed?¡±


    Avren hid a smile, ¡°Breakfast? You have killed several of my men and injured even more.¡±


    Elisa moved slowly to the bars, flipping her hair away from an eye, gleaming dreamily into Avren¡¯s, ¡°Only business, Avren. You should know that.¡±


    Avren could not help but move his eyes up and down Elisa¡¯s perfect body. She was the most ravishingly beautiful woman he had ever laid his eyes on, and her flirting with him wasn¡¯t helping him keep his concentration, ¡°Elisa, your crimes in this city have rung high. You will hang from the gallows for what you¡¯ve done¡­ unless of course, you have some redeeming qualities about you.¡±


    The shadow elf reached to brush Avren¡¯s cheek gently, and then ran her finger down to his lips, ¡°I have many ¡®redeeming¡¯ qualities about me. Why don¡¯t you come into this cell, so I can show you?¡±


    Avren, snatched her wrist and pulled her up to the bars with a rough ¡®clang.¡¯


    What was he doing? No one had ever toyed with his emotions like this. He wanted her, but the militaristic discipline in him kept him from taking her on her back and thrusting himself deep within her. This was her game, she played him like a puppet, but he wanted to play this game.


    Avren swallowed hard and came in close to her luscious lips, ¡°I¡¯m serious, Elisa. King Jaelyn wants you dead.¡±


    Elisa, began to unbutton his tunic to reveal his bare muscled chest, ¡°What do you want, Avren?¡±


    Avren grabbed her by the shirt and dragged down her collar, kissing her neck. Elisa moaned in pleasure. Avren stopped, ¡°I can¡¯t do this.¡±


    Elisa pouted her face, ¡°You Cloaks are such sticks in the mud.¡±


    ¡°Talk, and I may be able to save your life.¡±


    Elisa grinned devilishly, ¡°You expect me to betray my clan for sex?¡±


    Avren released her, ¡°Your clan would let you swing by your neck. I can give you safety, a place to stay other than this prison or deep in the mire of the sewers. Provide us with information and work with us. You can have a better life.¡±


    ¡°What of the sex?¡± Elisa said coyly rubbing the spot on her neck that Avren kissed.


    Avren, still sweating, adjusted his trousers, ¡°We can arrange something. What do you say? Work with me?¡±


    Elisa¡¯s mind was fluttering with the thought of taking the deal. However, she would be breaking the highest law of the Black Rabbits: ¡°Stay loyal to the clan.¡± But Elisa¡¯s loyalty was to her Shadow Elf queen, not to the clan. The Black Rabbits were merely a means to an end. The skills she gained were to better serve Queen Ravengale. She wouldn''t be able to serve her if she was sentenced to death. The Rabbits would have her marked for death for such brazen treason, but the secrets she¡¯d learned could be such an asset to her queen and she¡¯d never get to reveal them if the Cloaks hung her first. She needed to take the deal. It was her best option; her only option.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take your deal, Avren.¡±


    Avren opened her cell, ¡°Excellent. Come, we have some work to do and people to see.¡±


    Elisa yanked his cloak, tugging him inside the prison room, ¡°That can wait. We have some unfinished work of our own to attend to.¡±

 Chapter 13: Do You Have What it Takes?

    ¡°His name is Elucard ¨C a lowly brat from some shoddy no-name fishing town. He is the first student that my fool of a blade kin, Legion, has taken under his wing. I''ve been eying them closely. You are stronger, Keth. Know this and wield it well. Elucard doesn''t have the stomach to be a Rabbit. I want him to suffer.¡±


    Malady spoke to a young elf of about fourteen years old. He had fair skin, short brown hair, and a strong back that years working as a farm boy had shaped far before his grueling Black Rabbit training. He was hand-picked by Malady along with several other lads, but it was Keth that rose to be Malady¡¯s favorite pupil.


    Keth raised an eyebrow to his master. He''d been kneeling and intensely listening. He enjoyed the power that his blade had given him over others, another attribute that his master favored.


    ¡°Elucard, master?¡± Keth asked, eager to enter the Blood Forest and make his master proud.


    ¡°Both, dear Keth.¡±


    ¡°But Master Malady, Legion won''t be in the Blood Forest!¡±


    Malady narrowed his one good eye. He had lost the other to Legion when they were younger. He sneered at his student''s vain attempt to grasp his plan, ¡°Fool, Legion will suffer when he finds his student''s mutilated body has been swallowed by the forest. He may never take another student again.¡± Malady smirked imagining the pain on his rival''s face, ¡°His legacy will die with Elucard.¡±


    Keth nodded, his eyes lit up with the knowledge of his actions bringing such pleasure to Malady.


    ¡°Take those that you would call ''friends'' with you. Share the burden with those idiots, and do not get yourself killed. Remember, allies are like mules. They only live to serve you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Master.¡±


    ***


    The spider-shaped tree was large and had countless contorted branches that wildly sprawled in several directions. Protruding from the bark were spiky thorns. Rippled leaves carved out the tree''s features like serrated razors.


    Kneeling in the heavy shadows of the tree were the three elves: Izian, Geven and Myler. Their wrists were tightly bound behind their backs. Welts and bruises marred their faces and bodies. A thick mixture of spit and blood dribbled down their mouths. Only Izian''s eyes were fixated on Keth. Spitting out broken pieces of teeth, he chuckled, ¡°If I was free, I''d teach you some manners.¡±


    Keth was growing irritated as he waited for the main event. He slowly knelt down to Izian''s level. Drawing a dagger from his belt, he slapped the flat of it on the Izian¡¯s face, ¡°You were trained by Baines and Ridge?¡±


    Izian nodded.


    ¡°Very well, it seems Elucard doesn''t care for his friends, perhaps you will save them instead.¡± Keth stood calling for his grunts to untie Izian, ¡°Toss him a blade.¡±


    Izian checked the sword''s balance and crouched down in an aggressive stance. He wondered if Elucard really abandoned them again¡­ abandoned him again ¨C but he quickly shook away his doubts to concentrate on the task at hand. He was the most skilled of the trio and a rising student as well. Without him, Myler and Geven were lost.


    Keth cast a glimmering smile, ¡°Say when.¡±


    Izian clenched his teeth with rage and let out a furious growl. He rushed at Keth, plunging his sword in the air, but Keth leaped to the side, retaliating with a smart diagonal slice up and across Izian¡¯s side. With a graceful jump, Keth spun around with a butterfly kick that crushed into Izian¡¯s jaw.


    Izian was flung backwards, flipping to the ground. Grasping in pain at the soil, he recovered quickly, and responded with a flurry of spin kicks of his own, each one nimbly dodged. Izian attacked again more aggressively. He saw an opening in Keth¡¯s defensive dance and swept at his feet. Keth effortlessly dodged the attack but was met with a surprise flash kick that sent his head reeling backwards.


    Keth sailed into the air and crashed hard onto the ground. Stunned, Keth''s minions ran to his aid, but the dazed elf violently shook them away, ¡°Enough, you idiots!¡± he roared as he adjusted his jaw. He turned his attention to Izian, ¡°Okay, enough sparring. You die first.¡±


    Taking his sword, Izian pointed it at Keth. He let out a weak grin. His body was still shaky from the excess adrenaline coursing through his body.


    ¡°Say when,¡± he chided.


    Keth, no longer in good humor, dived at Izian as he made a series of slashes, some of which clashed with Izian''s blade, but some of which hit their mark. Blood sprayed from the several gaping wounds made by Keth''s blade. Izian stumbled backwards from the onslaught and fell on his back from a heavy kick to his chest.


    Keth stomped a solid heel onto Izian¡¯s chest and leaned in with all of his weight,¡±Landing one lucky kick, does not make you a victor.¡±


    Izian squirmed under the hold, ¡°Better to die with a blade in my hands, than on my knees with one against my neck!¡±


    ¡°For you, you''ll have neither. You''ll just die!¡± Keth raised the blade, its tip facing Izian''s chest. Izian braced himself for the sting of death. At least he had fought and not died like a rabid dog. No, he would die like a true rabbit. Keth moved to thrust his blade down but withdrew his hand in agony as he found himself disarmed by a throwing dagger that struck his blade at the hilt.


    A command struck through the darkness, ¡°Enough!¡±


    Both Izian and Keth watched from the shadows of the trees as Elucard emerged from the darkness, a blade drawn in each hand.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Lifting Izian up, Keth tossed him into the nervous hands of his minions, ¡°Be ready to slay them all on my command.¡±


    Keth turned to Elucard and retrieved his blade from the ground, ¡°You killed my allies?¡±


    ¡°None will be killed by my hands,¡± he shouted over Keth, to his friends'' captors, ¡°None of you need to die here. Let my friends go.¡±


    Keth snickered, ¡°They know you are no threat.¡±


    Elucard and Keth began to circle, their eyes locked on one another. Elucard shook his head as he tried to figure out why Keth had it in for him, but no answers came to mind, ¡°So you must be Keth. I don''t even know you, why this grudge?¡±


    ¡°This bad blood is beyond you and me, there''s a larger plan at work. However, everything hinges on your death. I''d say this wasn''t personal, but really, it is.¡±


    Elucard gestured his head toward his three friends, ¡°Let them go, they aren''t part of this.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Elucard, every war has its collateral damage,¡± Keth said while shrugging mockingly.


    Elucard gripped the handles of his swords. The idea of escaping the forest without killing seemed more and more like a daydream. The reality was that Keth needed to be dealt with. This reality needed him to evolve or he would be left behind and so would the people he cared for.


    ¡°Very well, master, I won''t hold back any longer¡­¡± murmured Elucard. His eyes were now cold, his breathing was calm. He seemed to be in a new found moment of peace.


    Keth¡¯s face twisted in confusion, ¡°What did you say, rat?¡±


    Elucard dashed forward, folding his blades in a cross and unleashing them in a wave of wind that crashed towards his opponent. Keth¡¯s eyes widened in fear. Flipping backwards, he narrowly dodged the attack, but found himself fighting off a barrage of strikes from Elucard''s twin blades. Sparks showered the air as Keth worked overtime to block each swift attack.


    In the midst of his own attacks, Elucard lunged forward landing a vicious kick to Keth¡¯s chest. Keth slid backwards and barely had a moment¡¯s respite before Elucard danced amidst a storm of whirling blades, kicking up a cloud of thick dust.


    Keth vaulted over Elucard¡¯s advance, but a sharp pain let him know he hadn¡¯t made it away unscathed. He tumbled onto the ground, seeking even a moment to recover. He gingerly hobbled on his injured leg, careful not to put too much weight on the weakened limb. Keth seethed with rage, ¡°So, you do possess some skill, but not enough to keep you and your friends alive.¡±


    Elucard¡¯s mind was clear and his resolution unmoving. He took a deep breath before running forward for another set of attacks.


    Using a sly reverse sidestep, Keth twisted around to be behind Elucard, and shanked him with a surprise dagger attack. He nimbly sprung backwards and a smile began to stretch across his face.


    Elucard fell to a knee. He exhaled, grimacing in pain.


    ¡°I won''t hold back¡­ I won''t hold back any longer.¡±


    Elucard sought solace in his mind once more and pushed the pain to the back of his thoughts. He buried it deep in the darkness within him and gripped his swords tighter.


    Keth stabbed his sword into the ground and reached for a second dagger, ¡°My Master wishes you to die slowly. I think I''ll punch you full of holes until your body runs dry.¡±


    ¡°I won''t hold back¡­I won''t hold back any longer.¡± Elucard''s mantra continued as he stood once more and rushed for a breakneck attack, but Keth was like a mongoose, juking to the right and following suit with several more stabs to Elucard''s legs, arms, and shoulders. The final attack disarmed Elucard.


    He fell to his knees. How had Keth managed to bear weight on that leg? He was so sure that he¡¯d disabled him. It would seem that Keth had a mantra of his own. Keth pulled Elucard¡¯s head back with a fiery grip and slipped his dagger under his neck. Keth called out to his allies, ¡°Kill them. Start with the one who attacked me first.¡± Keth leaned in to whisper into Elucard''s ear, ¡°You see, you¡¯re a gangrenous wound on an otherwise healthy body. The body can¡¯t survive with such a festering wound, now can it? No, of course not; for the body to survive, the limb must be sacrificed. I intend to be the blade that frees the body from the clutches of disease. Treasure these final moments and know that you died so that the Rabbits could thrive.¡±


    Elucard''s body throbbed with pain from his many gushing wounds. His fingers were numb, and his vision began to fog over. Perhaps it was a gift that Keth''s taunting words began to fade. His friends'' cries bobbed above his clouded mind. His mantra seemed to fade into the same darkness he¡¯d buried his pain. However a familiar voice cut through everything that cluttered his head.


    No pain, no numbness, no distraction, just the voice. The voice of his master, Legion.


    ¡°This is you not holding back?¡±


    Elucard was silent with shame.


    ¡°Answer me, Rabbit! Is this your all?¡±


    Through the calamity of the events outside, Elucard gave a low, raspy answer, as if he was answering the voice in his mind, ¡°Yes, master. I have failed you.¡±


    Legion''s voice became stern, ¡°I don''t think it is. I think you''re still holding back. I think you''re afraid to raise yourself to a higher standard.¡±


    ¡°I''m afraid of what I will become,¡± he faintly replied.


    Keth grew silent. He called out for his allies to withdraw their blades. He looked down at Elucard who seemed to be mumbling to himself, ¡°Speak up, Elucard! We''re all waiting for your final words.¡±


    Legion''s voice grew calmer, ¡°You don''t have to be afraid. You were chosen by Alanna to serve on the Mortal Plane. Embrace your duty to her, Embrace your duty to yourself. Fight. Kill. Live.¡±


    All was silent.


    Legion continued, ¡°Are you still going to hold back, Elucard?¡±


    Keth asked again, ¡°Well, what have you got to say in your final moments?¡±


    New-found energy coursed through Elucard''s body as he once buried the throbbing pain in his arms deep in the dark soil of his mind. He grabbed a large stone that lay nearby and thwacked at Keth''s skull, making blood gush from the side of his head. Elucard wasted no time. He swiped the two daggers from Keth''s flailing hands, flinging them at two of Keth¡¯s four goons.


    The daggers violently pierced through their necks and crimson ribbons of blood gushed from the wounds they inflicted. Their lifeless bodies fell twitching on the ground as their allies rushed toward Elucard. He swiftly reached for his twin blades and made a quick set of well-aimed slices that slashed clean through their throats. They fell to their knees drowning and gurgling on their own blood.


    ***


    Izian untied his two friends before limping over to Elucard who was standing over Keth.


    ¡°You offered me my last words. I shall do the same.¡± Elucard tapped his blade on the back of Keth''s neck.


    Keth glanced over his shoulder and sneered at Elucard.¡°There will be others.¡±


    Elucard didn''t bat an eye at the idea of this ordeal not being over, ¡°So be it.¡± Moments later, Keth''s head rolled on the cold, blood-drenched ground.


    With Izian supported by Myler and Geven supporting Elucard, the four moved to the light that flooded into the forest from the clearing ahead. They had made it out together. They had made it out alive. They had survived the Blood Forest, but they were all forever changed. There was no going back to their old lives now.

 Chapter 14: Kodas Decision

    Koda sat at the foot of his bed staring at a letter that rested in his hand. It was from his grandfather, Xile. A little over a year had passed since he left the isle of Nashoon to visit his father. Time in Lost Dawns seemed to blur past him. It felt as though only a moment had passed since he was standing among the thick, verdant forest of the beautiful island staring up at the thousands of giant evergreen fingers that stretched toward the sky. But that was a year ago. The city was blossoming into something grand, and the fact that it was all forged by his father was something special. He was proud of him. Although their relationship had been strained in the past, he was learning to appreciate the work of a king, of his king, of his father.


    The letter was written in the dead language of Ancient Fey, but Koda knew the language well. It read:


    Grandchild, a full year has passed since you left Nashoon. I hope your time spent with Jaelyn goes well. The winter still does not touch our undying forest, but only because an Arcane Guardian wards the woods. You know this, Grandchild. You also know my time draws near. There was once a time when our kind would live for an eternity, untainted by age. Time, however, does not see us as equals any longer. I write to remind you that an Arcane Guardian must be trained to take on my duties ¨C to protect the forest, its runes, and its secrets. Grandchild, I will not force you, as I did not force my own children, but I can not wait much longer. An Arcane Guardian must be chosen.


    Koda lay back comfortably against Wildeye¡¯s soft fur as if she were a warm pillow. He pressed the paper against his face and sighed heavily, ¡°Wildeye, I don¡¯t know what to do. I mean, I know what to do, but at the same time¡­¡±


    He rolled onto his side to look into his familiar¡¯s flaring magical eye, ¡°Becoming the Arcane Guardian has always been the path set before me. I was practically raised on that island. My first memories were of the runes.¡± He outstretched his hand as if remembering the touch of coarse stone, ¡°Why does father hate it all? Uncle Tull, too. They both abandoned their duties, for¡­ for mother.¡±


    Koda¡¯s eyes widened as he saw a glimpse of a blurred figure. Crimson red hair is all he could remember of her. Wildeye cocked her head slanted, ¡°I don¡¯t know her. I only know of her. She died having me¡­¡± Koda grew hoarse trying to explain things to his wolf, ¡°She was the one that convinced Father to unite the tribes. It was her dream before his. He fell in love, leaving Nashoon for her. Uncle Tull left too, all three of them were close.¡±


    Wildeye licked off the small tears streaking down Koda¡¯s cheeks, ¡°Father wants me close because he sees her in me. I can¡¯t blame him, but I can¡¯t ignore my destiny.¡± Koda wrapped his arms around Wildeye, ¡°You understand, right? This is the right decision. It has to be. But then, why is it such a hard decision to make?¡± Wildeye rubbed her nose on the elf¡¯s chest in response, ¡°What¡¯s in my heart? Being an Arcane Guardian is greater than myself or even my family. That¡¯s what they never understood. It may seem cold, but it¡¯s rational. Wildeye, we have to go back. Grandfather needs me more than Father does. Greater still, Nashoon needs me more than either of them.¡± Koda pushed his forehead into the wolf¡¯s cobalt fur, ¡°I¡¯ll miss them, I really will, and Lost Dawns. The city has grown on me. We¡¯ll leave in the morning.¡±


    The sudden sound of knocking surprised the two of them and Wildeye nudged for Koda to get up, ¡°Enter, please.¡± Koda said, pushing himself upright.


    A servant walked in, dressed in a fine red tunic. He bowed before speaking, ¡°Prince Koda, the king summons you.¡±


    ***


    Koda and Wildeye walked the long marble halls of the castle. A mural of the Elder Tree wrapped both walls. Images of flowers, ancient elves, and wisps were painted in brilliant hues around the center piece. Coming up to a cherry wooden door, Koda rapped quickly on it and waited for his father¡¯s response before entering.


    ¡°You summoned me, Father?¡± Koda looked up at his father, wondering what he could have needed from him at such a late hour.


    King Jaelyn poked his head above a large stack of paperwork. A weird look hung off his face, ¡°Summoned?¡± he asked, confused.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Koda chuckled at his choice of words, ¡°You called for me?¡±


    Jaelyn slid his chair back away from his writing desk before crossing his legs, ¡°Your tutor tells me you¡¯ve finished your studies. All high marks. Any particular areas where you might consider further studying? Perhaps politics?¡±


    Koda¡¯s eye flinched with a sting of annoyance, ¡°Father, I know where you are going with this, but we¡¯ve discussed this. In fact, a letter from Nashoon arrived this afternoon. My time here is at its end, I must go back.¡±


    ¡°You are next in line to become King. You know as well as I that I won¡¯t live forever. With the amount of enemies I have, it is all too likely that it won¡¯t be age alone that kills me,¡± Jaelyn said.


    ¡°Father, don¡¯t say that!¡± Koda protested. His face flushed with anger at the thought of his father meeting a clandestine end.


    Jaelyn stood, gesturing with his hands, ¡°Lost Dawns needs an heir. I need an heir, and that is what you are and that is who you are. Stay in Lost Dawns. Be by my side and prepare for your future.¡±


    ¡°What about Uncle Tull?¡± Koda asked sincerely, ¡°He¡¯d make a much better king than I would.¡±


    Jaelyn frowned slightly at his son¡¯s words, ¡°Tull is my brother and you are my son. As long as I have a Dawnedge child in line for the crown, Tull¡¯s rightful place is at our side, not on the throne. You know this.¡±


    ¡°What of the Elven Lords?¡± Koda asked with a tinge of desperation in his voice. This wasn¡¯t his destiny. It couldn¡¯t be his destiny. Jaelyn leaned forward in a manner that did not send a welcoming message to his son. He seethed beneath the surface and Koda knew that his suggestion infuriated his father.


    Before Jaelyn could respond, Koda spoke up once more, ¡°Father, you see me as the next king, but Grandfather sees me as the next Arcane Guardian. What am I to do? I stand at a crossroads where the future of the realm hinges on my decision.¡±


    ¡°Xile, that old fool. My son, ¡®Arcane Guardian¡¯ is a dead title,¡± the king spat.


    ¡°Father! How could you say that! Guarding Nashoon and its secrets is a prestigious honor!¡± Koda lashed back in protest.


    ¡°Nashoon, like your grandfather, is a relic of the past! Its secrets were already exploited and plundered during the Arcana War,¡± Jaeylen said, attempting to use the same reasoning that was used on him.


    ¡°So because you and Tull have turned your backs on your sacred duties, I must do the same?¡± growled Koda, angrily.


    Jaelyn thrust a finger at his son, ¡°Hold your tongue! Don¡¯t you forget who I am!¡±


    Koda was silent, clenching his teeth and scowling. Hot tears formed in his eyes. Jaelyn leaned on his desk and rubbed his forehead in frustration, ¡°Koda, I don¡¯t think you realize what we¡¯ve created here; what your mother has created. We aren¡¯t some simple town. We are a nation and I lead our people. We aren¡¯t alone in this world either. There are many, many others ¨C other rulers, other nations. They will be looking to us to contribute to this world. You wish to protect Nashoon? Nashoon is now part of Long Whisper, and everyone here looks toward us for protection. The time of the Arcane Guardian has passed.¡±


    ¡°It has not passed!¡± Koda stomped his foot in aggravation.


    Jaelyn took a long breath, ¡°You wish to continue your studies? I will build a mage school at the center of Lost Dawns. You can study new advancements of magic as well as the further history of the Mage Council that you wouldn¡¯t be taught in Nashoon.¡±


    Koda raised an eyebrow, ¡°A mage school?¡± The thought danced in his mind. He thought of robed scholars who were taught and trained to shape Magi in order to tame the elements. Fire, earth, water, air, vernal, light, and even the shadows themselves. Koda dreamt of himself draped in elegant robes, a large tome in his hand, commanding the seven elements.


    ¡°Lost Dawns is a city of both progression and tradition. We can also be a beacon of academia and magic. You say you stand at a crossroads. You say that the future of the realm hinges upon your decision. That sounds like a king¡¯s quandary to me.¡±


    A smile grew across the young elf¡¯s face, ¡°I admit, my interest has piqued. I would be much better equipped to help grandfather if I stayed and trained as a mage first. Perhaps this could do Nashoon some good!¡± Koda dropped to a knee and held his familiar¡¯s paw. Wildeye whined with distress, ¡°I¡¯m sorry girl, but this needs to be done. Nashoon will have to wait a little while longer. I would be a much stronger Guardian if I knew about the side of Magi Grandfather refused to teach me. You understand, right?¡± Wildeye nudged Koda¡¯s face, a bit worrisome of being away from the isle, but nodded with the approval that Koda sought.


    ¡°Well, what did she say?¡± asked Jaelyn. He never had a familiar, so he was slightly curious of his son and wolf¡¯s relationship.


    ¡°She says we¡¯re staying.¡± Koda said gleaming widely.

 Chapter 15: Graduation

    Seventeen of the thirty elves that were recruited last year stood in a long line. They wore faces that showed both exhaustion and experience. Hands once only used to play with toys or help till a field were now used only to take lives and spill blood. Their eyes no longer widened with fear and dread at the thought of killing, but instead sought after the honor it brought upon them. These were no longer children, they were Black Rabbits.


    Elucard stood among them. Like his peers, the remaining scraps of his innocence had been stomped out like an unwanted flame. A week had passed since the trauma of the Blood Forest. His eyes were still weary. It was as if he had been forced to stare at the sun for an hour. Blinded by his experience, born again, and now as a killer. A year ago was now an eternity away and so were thoughts of his family, village, and of Jetta. His reward for crossing the threshold was now before him.


    ¡°Palms up!¡± A command echoed across the compound. Vada paced slowly in front of the remaining recruits. Avalon stood watching all of them as her blade sister went on with the ceremony. The instructors stood off to the side, kneeling and hiding the pride that they had for their students, ¡°Draw daggers!¡± she roared. The recruits unsheathed their daggers, their hands outstretched with their palms facing up, ¡°Prepare to draw blood!¡± Vada drew out a beautifully forged sword. It shimmered in the red light from the passing sunset. Although it was clearly as sharp as any other sword, it showed no chipping, for it was never used in combat.


    She held the sword flat with both hands and walked up to each recruit, ¡°Shed your blood upon this blade. For it is all that you now hold dear. It is Alanna. It is your Silent Master. It is your High Blade. It is your First Blade. It is your clan. It is yourself.¡±


    Elucard trickled his blood drops onto the blade. Each command shouted at him he followed without a second thought. He was like them now, his new heroes, his new comrades, his new family. He would kill for them and he would die for them. All for Alanna, all for the clan. Never before had he felt such loyalty for a cause.


    Vada passed the blade by each Black Rabbit who watched from the sidelines. Each bowed to the sword in silent reverence. Vada continued, ¡°You are now bound to each of us, as we are now bound to you. Your hand will heal, but this binding will never be severed.¡±


    Finally, she handed the sword to Avalon, who bowed to it and sheathed it back into its scabbard. Vada nodded to her blade sister, signaling for her to finish the speech, ¡°Even in death, you will have that bond. Congratulations, you are now Black Rabbits!¡±


    ***Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Another Autumn¡¯s moon, Elucard,¡± said Legion, ¡°You¡¯ve been with us two years and you¡¯ve been a Rabbit for one. Do you still think about that vagabond?¡±


    ¡°Everyday, Master,¡± Elucard answered honestly.


    Legion tossed another log into the fire. They were on the shore, miles away from any soul that could disturb them. Elucard always looked forward to these nights. Legion only brought him here when there was something to celebrate. A birthday, a solstice, an anniversary of an important mission¡­ But there were none of these to celebrate tonight.


    ¡°Master, why did we come here tonight?¡± Elucard shifted a little closer to the warmth of the fire and waited for Legion to answer.


    ¡°It is important for you to remember your first kill. Never forget the pain it caused you. It keeps you mortal. It makes you cherish your own life.¡±


    Elucard leaned back and gazed up at the endless blanket of stars that wrapped the night sky, ¡°It still haunts me. Do you remember your first kill?¡±


    Legion looked uncomfortable for a moment before replying, ¡°Avalon requested that I bring you on a mission. She wishes to inspect my ability to teach first hand.¡± Legion had hastily deflected his young student¡¯s question and it seemed to have paid off. Elucard quickly sat up with a glowing smile.


    ¡°The High Blade wants me to go on a mission with her?¡± Elucard didn¡¯t bother trying to hide his excitement. This was an honor he never dreamed he would have.


    ¡°We are to assassinate a nobleman. Duke Cray Redroot. Apparently, his son is impatient and wants the estate now rather than later. We will strike a carriage that will be escorted by the White Cloaks.¡±


    ¡°White Cloaks?¡± Elucard asked. He had heard of several other small forces that served as a paid militia, but this one he was not familiar with.


    Legion stirred the fire, ¡°It¡¯s hardly surprising that you¡¯ve never heard of them. Their reach doesn¡¯t usually extend as far as Ravenshore. The Guard of the White Cloaks is a guild of mercenaries that pass themselves as the law men in our country.¡±


    ¡°How do mercenaries get to be the law?¡± Elucard asked. The people of Ravenshore more or less governed themselves as best they could. Such a small town had no need of lawmen.


    ¡°When our country was established, of the eight noble tribes who joined together in the great alliance, none were of the warrior tribes, for the warriors refused to be ruled. Once the assassination attempt on King Jaelyn failed, the White Cloaks were hired to keep the peace in Long Whisper. They act as an army and as civil servants.¡±


    Elucard took a long pause before asking his next question, ¡°If the White Cloaks are the law, are we the criminals?¡±


    Legion smiled, ¡°It is true that we act outside the law, but that is because we must. We are not good, nor are we bad. We are a neutral party. We are merely a tool for those who use us. If they use us as a weapon to do evil, then they are the criminals.¡± Elucard lay back down, satisfied with his Master¡¯s answer, ¡°Rest up, my student. We meet with Avalon at dawn¡¯s first light.¡±

 Chapter 16: The Rabbits and The Cloaks Clash!!!

    Avren came into the chamber that he and Wiccer shared. He found his brother drying his hair wearing nothing but a towel around his waist. Wiccer stared at him, shaking his head, but quickly went back to his book once Avren caught a glimpse of his disapproving gaze.


    ¡°Another night with that Rabbit? The men are starting to question your judgment,¡± he said without looking up from his book.


    Avren threw the wet towel he was drying his hair with at Wiccer, ¡°She¡¯s got a lot of useful information for us. We¡¯re learning far more about the infrastructure of that clan than we ever could have hoped to before.¡±


    Wiccer ducked the towel, ¡°Has she disclosed the location of the Rabbit hideout yet?¡±


    ¡°Well, no,¡± he admitted, ¡°I¡¯m still working on that¡­¡±


    Wiccer balled up the towel to throw it back, ¡°And no doubt your girlfriend told you who the Silent Master was?¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t know their identity and she¡¯s not my girlfriend. We just have an intimate¡­¡± Avren paused while thinking of the right word, ¡°¡­business relationship. Right now I¡¯m still trying to convince her that the White Cloaks aren¡¯t mercenaries.¡±


    Wiccer gawked at the thought, ¡°Mercenaries? Far from it! We are paid for our protection, not for our ability to put others to the sword. These filthy rabbits on the other hand¡­¡± Wiccer spat in disgust, ¡°They are the mercenaries! Not us!¡±


    Avren pulled up a pair of trousers, nodding to everything his brother shouted, ¡°I agree little brother. Elisa has just been indoctrinated by this bunny cult. Give her time and she¡¯ll come around to our way of thinking.¡± Picking up a letter from the neighboring dresser, Avren spun the envelope to his brother, ¡°A letter from Pops arrived.¡±


    It had been a year since the White Cloaks put a stop to the Black Rabbits¡¯ attempts at sabotaging the city. King Jaelyn ordered that a guild hall be established within Lost Dawns walls and Avren had been selected to lead the newly established division.


    Wiccer jumped from his bunk tossing his book onto a nearby desk. He snatched the letter in mid flight with curiosity and quickly tore it open to read the parchment inside.


    ¡°Congratulations little brother,¡± Avren smiled.


    Wiccer hooted with excitement, ¡°I¡¯ve been promoted to Sergeant! How long have you known about this?¡±


    ¡°Pops wrote to me a week ago asking if you were ready for the responsibility.¡± Avren had been promoted to Captain himself after successfully protecting Lost Dawns and establishing a base in the city.


    ¡°And you kept this a secret from me?¡± Wiccer said, crossing his arms and arching an eyebrow.


    Avren laughed a bit, ¡°I have a mission for you, Sergeant.¡±


    Wiccer¡¯s chest rose with pride, ¡°What do you have for me, Captain?¡±


    You¡¯ll be taking a squad of Cloaks to escort Duke Cray¡¯s carriage back to his manor. He was here for an opera last night. Although we haven¡¯t heard a peep of Rabbit activity in Lost Dawns in a while, Elisa assures me it¡¯s only because they have been preoccupied training their new recruits. This mission should be safe enough, but be prepared to run into them. The carriage leaves in the morning. Be safe, little brother.¡±


    ***


    Avalon was a young human in her mid twenties which made her only slightly younger than Legion. A black mask veiled her upper features save for her cool green eyes, and a silver hood and cloak accented the mask. A crude scar ran diagonally below her left ear reaching to the edge of her mouth ¨C a loving gift from her Blade Sister, Vada. She gripped her lightly crafted sword that was sheathed behind her waist, ¡°Be on your guard, our target approaches.¡±


    The three Rabbits: Avalon, Legion, and Elucard were concealed within the branches of a tree that still had much foliage left to shed. The autumn leaves were turning a vivid red, bright as the sunset that broke through the dusk. The road snaked along a rocky ravine where a small stream flowed.


    Avalon placed her hand on Elucard¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Calm your nerves. You have been on missions before, and this will be no different.¡± It was true, Elucard had completed several missions. All successful. He had been sent on them alone, with a team, and by Legion¡¯s side; however none had been done alongside the High Blade. Elucard took a deep breath, trying to rest the thoughts that plagued his mind.


    Will I impress Avalon? What if I fail? I can¡¯t screw this up!


    The clopping of hoofsteps making their way down the road cut through the silent morning air.


    Avalon whispered so low only trained ears could pick up the wispy sounds, ¡°I see three Cloaks on horseback leading the carriage, and two in the rear with their commanding officer; just a Sergeant by the looks of him. Elucard, he looks about your age.¡±This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Elucard, you can handle the rear. I¡¯ll take the vanguard,¡± Legion said, pointing at the three White Cloaks in front of the carriage.


    ¡°That leaves me with the mark,¡± Avalon drew her blade waiting for the carriage to go under the large branch where the three were perched, ¡°May Alanna grant us grace.¡±


    Elucard watched as his Master and High Blade dropped effortlessly from their hiding spot. Legion landed without a sound on top of the middle guard, driving his long sword in between the shoulder blades of his victim. Before the adjacent guards could cry for help, Legion launched twin daggers from either side of him into their throats.


    Elucard watched in complete awe at his master, but shook his head to concentrate on the task at hand. Somersaulting and twisting into a flying drop kick, Elucard connected with a rear guard¡¯s jaw. The loud crack rocked him off his horse and onto the dirt path. He gracefully sent several daggers soaring into the neck and face of the second guard, who screamed in pain.


    Wiccer¡¯s eyes widened in horror and panic. His mission was going to hell right before his eyes. He drew his blade and called for the carriage driver to make a break for it. With the snap of a whip, the carriage took off in a mad dash with Avalon clinging tightly to its roof.


    Wiccer turned his attention toward the young Elucard. Storming forward with his horse, he attempted to make a sweeping slash at him, but the assassin was too agile. Elucard sidestepped the attack, grabbed Wiccer¡¯s outstretched sword arm, and yanked him off his horse. The Cloak fell to the ground with a loud thud.


    Slightly dazed, Wiccer scrambled to get to his feet and raised his sword in a defensive stance. Elucard slowly began to circle him. Wiccer stood firm, watching Elucard¡¯s steps, waiting for the assassin to make his move, ¡°Draw your blade Rabbit,¡± he growled.


    Elucard scanned his surroundings, seeing Legion chasing after the carriage, ¡°I fear I must make this quick. Forgive me, kid.¡± Elucard slid his blade out, flipping its grip as he rushed headlong toward Wiccer, slicing through the air. He expected to feel his blade tear through flesh as he brought it down on Wiccer, but was instead met with the hard clanking of steel meeting steel. Sparks flew each time the warriors exchanged glancing strikes.


    Elucard flipped over Wiccer, switching up tactics and connecting with a roundhouse kick to his foe¡¯s head. Wiccer stumbled, his vision momentarily blurred as he dug his sword into the dirt to stabilize himself. Elucard followed through with a flourish of kicks, backing Wiccer further to the edge of the deep ravine.


    Elucard smirked as he let loose a savage straight kick at Wiccer¡¯s chest. Replying with a smirk of his own, Wiccer dodged with a sidestep and made for a slashing attack. Elucard was quick to avoid the strike, but lost footing and tumbled down the jagged hillside. Elucard heard a brutish ¡®crack¡¯ of a bone in his arm as he landed on the hard stones. Skidding to a stop and into the shallow waters of the river, Elucard laid unmoving from intense pain. His hand shook as it strained to reach for his sword that was resting on a nearby rock.


    Still inching with his good arm, the blade was suddenly kicked away as a different sword slapped the side of his face, ¡°What is your name, Rabbit?¡±


    Elucard grimaced from the sharp pain jolting down his fractured arm, ¡°I did ¨C I didn¡¯t think White Cloaks would come so young.¡±


    ¡°Nor did I know murderers would come so young,¡± spat Wiccer.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a murderer. I¡¯m a tool. We work outside the law to bring balance to the world.¡± Elucard took pride in his words, but he struggled to get them out.


    Wiccer lifted Elucard upright, by his collar, ¡°You would have the world burn!¡±


    ¡°If the world were to become overgrown, it would smother itself until its own destruction. So yes, to save the world, I would burn it!¡± Elucard sweat as he managed to smile despite the overwhelming discomfort.


    Wiccer shook his head in disbelief. He raised his sword preparing to thrust into the would-be assassin. Elucard¡¯s face turned serious as he looked with pity at Wiccer, ¡°You¡¯ll always remember your first kill.¡±


    Wiccer clenched his teeth and tightened his now sweaty grip on his sword, ¡°I¡¯ve killed plenty!¡± he lied.


    Elucard eased his voice, ¡°No, I don¡¯t think you have.¡±


    Wiccer thrust the blade forward, but stopped just short of Elucard¡¯s stomach. Frustrated, he threw Elucard to the ground. Elucard grunted, gingerly rolling to avoid further injuring his arm. Wiccer stepped away from him, ¡°Do not think me sparing your life is a sign of weakness. What is your name, Rabbit? Give it to me, I deserve to know.¡±


    ¡°Aye, you¡¯ve beat me. My name is Elucard Freewind of the Black Rabbit Clan. Allow me yours, so that I know who bested me.¡±


    Wiccer sheathed his blade and grinned from the compliment, ¡°Sergeant Wiccer Newsun, Son of Marcus Newsun of the Guard of the White Cloaks. Know this Elucard, the next we meet, you will not be spared.¡±


    Elucard nodded before passing out.


    ***


    The carriage careened down the path as Avalon held on for dear life. Struggling from the wind, she made a daring play and swung herself through the door of the carriage, landing inside. A startled elf with red rusted hair and a goatee to match gasped, startled from Avalon¡¯s appearance. In his lap was a small elven girl, no older than a toddler.


    Avalon brought her blade¡¯s tip to the neck of the duke. Cray Redroot sobbed at the sight of the sword, ¡°Please madame, if you must kill me, spare my daughter. Her mother would be devastated if she were to lose me and our little Bess on the same morning.¡±


    ¡°Call for your man to stop the carriage,¡± commanded Avalon.


    With the carriage stopped, Avalon took a hard look at the saddened little girl and clenched her teeth. In the past she had killed many men, many women, and even needed to kill a child or two, but each death chipped away at her weary soul. She was tired of this lifestyle, tired of the needless bloodshed. Her soul longed for redemption, but as High Blade of the Black Rabbit clan, such a wish would never be granted.


    ¡°Please, spare my child,¡± the pleas echoed over and over again in Avalon¡¯s head. It was as though she was caught in a shallow trance, half listening to the duke and half listening to her own thoughts. Avalon¡¯s blade fell to her side as Legion entered the carriage.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Legion¡¯s voice pierced through Avalon¡¯s heavy-hearted mindset. She sheathed her blade and stepped out of the carriage. Passing Legion she spoke softly, ¡°Kill the mark, spare the child.¡±


    Legion coldly answered back, hiding his suspicions, ¡°Yes, my High Blade.¡±


    A child¡¯s cry cut through the autumn¡¯s morning, a cry that would haunt Avalon for eternity.

 Chapter 17: Betrayal in the Rabbit Warren

    Within a small room flickered the many candles of Alanna¡¯s shrine. Each half melted candle sent warm wax dripping down into tiny puddles on the floor. Dusty and broken stained glass windows depicted the Death Goddess drawing her bow before reaping the souls of those who were to pass on to the Roaming Plane.


    Beneath the shadows of an altar, Avalon prayed. Five days ago her cowardice had crippled her so far that Legion was required to kill in her stead. Not only that, but now a fear festered deep in her heart that she could never kill again. While it was true that she possessed the skill and ability to kill, the desire was what she found herself lacking. She thought of the little girl''s eyes as they peered back at her in despair. Guilt pierced through her soul and the weight of all she had done settled on her shoulders with the heaviness of an anchor.


    ¡°Alanna, I need your guidance. I fear I can not carry the burden of your task any longer,¡± Avalon prayed, desperately seeking a sign ¨C any sign ¨C from the deity that she served and worshiped all of her life.


    ¡°Sister, what burden do you speak of?¡± Avalon snapped open her eyes and spun her head, her hand half-rested on the blade next to her. Although it was only Vada, she still felt tense by her presence. Vada stepped out of the shadows of the temple and into the dim, flickering light of the candles. She knelt down beside her blade sister and lit a new candle. She chanted a small prayer, hoping to ease her friend¡¯s troubled mind.


    Alanna, please come hither,


    And string your bow with lace,


    Draw an arrow from your quiver,


    And lay her fears to waste,


    Without you she will wither,


    So, Goddess please make haste,


    Alanna please forgive her,


    And forever grant her grace,


    Vada finished before turning to her lifelong friend, ¡°Avalon, what troubles you? You''ve been aloof in training and distant ever since your last mission.¡±


    Avalon tightened her eyes and went back to praying, ignoring the questions. Vada prodded further, ¡°Avalon, we''ve know each other since we came here as recruits. We might not be from the same village or related by blood, but we''re best friends. You know me better than I know myself. We have a connection that is as true as the bond that real sisters share.¡± Vada took hold of Avalon''s hands. They were shivering as Avalon began to cry, ¡°Don''t let this eat you up from the inside. Please Avalon, tell me what weighs upon you. I want to help.¡±


    Avalon''s tears rolled down her cheeks as Vada wiped them away with her sleeve. The High Blade whispered her response at first, barely able to croak out her words. She was ashamed of the feelings she had in her heart. She felt that they betrayed everything she was taught, ¡°I ¨C I don''t want to kill any longer. It breaks my heart each time I take a life. It''s all wrong! What we do is wrong. I want this pain to end.¡±


    Vada''s nurturing face turned grim, ¡°Avalon, what you speak of is treason to this clan. You are High Blade, you can''t mean these words.¡±


    ¡°But I do mean them!¡± Avalon''s voice was quivering. She had served the Black Rabbits since she was ten. In those years she had committed unspeakable acts, but now more than ever, she was confused as to why she had done them.


    Vada put her hands on her blade sister''s shoulders, ¡°It''s alright to feel lost. Sometimes we need to step back to see the bigger picture. What Alanna asks of us is¨C¡±


    ¡°Bullshit! It¡¯s bullshit, Vada! I''m done with it all. I want out! I regret everything I''ve done and will no longer take part in it.¡±


    Vada slowly shook her head in disbelief, ¡°Where will you go, what will you do? You know they''ll send someone after you.¡±


    Avalon stood and began to pace the temple. For years everything was within her control, but now she was disheveled. She was a mess, ¡°There''s a guild of warriors that serve Jedeo. I could join their ranks, redeem myself¡­¡± Her eyes widened, ¡°Come with me, Vada!¡±


    Vada looked at her blade sister with utter contempt, ¡°Never. The Silent Master will hear of this. If you have resigned yourself to treason and cowardice, then you are no sister of mine.¡± This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Avalon picked up her blade and moved towards the archway, ¡°Please, come with me.¡± She spun around beckoning her blade sister to follow, ¡°You and I, together¡­ We don¡¯t have to repeat the mistakes of those that came before us! We can break this chain. Please, come with me, Vada. I don¡¯t want to do this on my own.¡±


    Vada turned to face away from her, disgusted by the very sight of her, ¡°I''ll give you until nightfall to leave.¡±


    ¡°Sister, please..¡±


    Vada mustered all her power to fight back her tears, ¡°Go¡­ just go.¡±


    ***


    Elucard woke in the infirmary with a dull pain in his arm. It had been bandaged and was finally free from the tyranny of what he considered to be the itchiest sling ever made. The sages had done a phenomenal job at repairing his arm. He had always wondered how the Black Rabbits recovered from severe injuries so quickly, and now he knew first-hand. Alanna had once walked among the sages and showed them how to stave off death, or so the story goes.


    Legion sat at Elucard¡¯s bedside, lost in a complete daze. News of Avalon''s defection had traveled quickly. An elite troupe of Rabbits had been tasked with putting down the former High Blade and Vada had been charged with leading them. With the seat of the High Blade vacant due to treason, the First Blade was stripped of her rank. Vada would have to return with proof of Avalon¡¯s demise in order to regain her standing and ascend to the position of High Blade. In the meantime, Legion had been personally asked by the Silent Master to serve as High Blade.


    ¡°Master, are you ok?¡±


    Legion snapped out of his trance to a worried Elucard. Rumors filled the air like a thick smoke. Some said that Avalon abandoned the clan to form her own. Others said that she fled due to her own deep-seeded cowardice and spat on the ground. But rumors are just rumors. They may as well be tales of Alanna walking among the sages. Nevertheless, the leadership feared that dissension was sure to follow within the lower ranks in the absence of a strong High Blade.


    ¡°Elucard, how''s your arm?¡±


    ¡°It''s stiff.¡± Elucard carefully measured his mentor¡¯s face before asking the question that had plagued his mind since news of Avalon¡¯s treason had reached him. A long silence hung in the air for what felt like several moments before he decided to proceed with great caution, ¡°Master, why did Avalon leave?¡±


    Legion sighed greatly. He was present when Vada informed the Silent Master of Avalon''s betrayal. He learned of Avalon''s doubts and how she had openly blasphemed Alanna to her blade sister, ¡°Elucard, do you believe we are a family?¡±


    Elucard nodded. In his early days of becoming a Rabbit, he didn¡¯t quite know what he wanted from the clan. He just knew he wanted something. Soon, he felt camaraderie with the other clan members and had a father figure in Legion; a father that had grown to replace even the memories of his own real father.


    He hadn¡¯t really thought about family since he was taken from Ravenshore. His mother¡¯s face was a faded blur, his father was now just an idea, and Jetta¡­


    The Black Rabbits were all he had now. It was clear to him as he sat and stared back at his mentor, ¡°I suppose the clan is my family. It¡¯s more of a family than I can even remember having before.¡±


    ¡°Elucard, Avalon no longer believed that the clan was her family, and her betrayal has grievously wounded us all. If a Rabbit leaves the clan, they must be dealt with. When you take up a blade for the clan, you do it for life. Do you understand that, my student?¡±


    ¡°Master, I would never betray my family!¡±


    Legion nodded, pleased with Elucard¡¯s response, ¡°Very good. Now, let¡¯s see to you getting out of this bed and back to training.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Silent Master, the morale of the clan is low. The loss of Avalon dealt a tremendous blow to our leadership. There are reports of a small group of deserters who fled under cover of the night.¡± Legion knelt in a small, shadowy room hidden deep within the main compound of the Black Rabbit retreat. It was the meditation quarters of the Silent Master. Only those closest to him were allowed entry.


    ¡°They must be dealt with. Made an example of¡­¡± The Silent Master spoke in his low, gravelly voice.


    ¡°I''ll send Baines and Ridge to track them down,¡± Legion said, quickly.


    ¡°No, that will not do.¡±


    ¡°Master, Ridge is our best tracker, and Baines will make quick work of the defectors. With the oncoming weather, these deserters will be tough to catch,¡± Legion said, confused with the Silent Master¡¯s refusal.


    ¡°Send your whelp.¡±


    Legion raised his head in shock, ¡°Elucard? Master, wouldn¡¯t it be far more efficient to send Baines and Ridge? This task needs to be carried out with the utmost precision.¡±


    ¡°Why do you hide his talents from me?¡±


    Legion paused, Elucard was growing into a fine assassin, and his peers could see this. Although this task would be an excellent mission for Elucard to undertake, there was still more to the situation than Legion was letting on, ¡°Master, I fear Elucard¡­¡±


    ¡°The ones who ran, were they the boy¡¯s friends?¡±


    Legion left a long pause hanging delicately in the air between them.


    The Silent Master continued, ¡°This will be Elucard''s final test. He may be a Rabbit in name, but he is not yet a Rabbit in his heart. It is true that he learned much from the Blood Forest, but his greatest trial has yet to come. This task must be his and his alone.¡±


    ¡°As you say, Master,¡± Legion said, the words nearly getting tangled in his throat.


    The Silent Master grinned beneath a sea of shadows.

 Chapter 18: The True Rabbit

    Elucard admired the fine craftsmanship of his new blade as he carefully inspected it and weighed its balance. The sword glinted in the dim candlelight of his master¡¯s quarters. Elucard grinned excitedly, ¡°Master, I¡¯m honored by this gift, but why?¡±


    Legion lowered his eyes, unsure how to give Elucard this task, ¡°I give you this sword with the hope that you will swiftly and fully devote yourself to Alanna. The blood you will soon spill will be heavy and the blade you formerly carried was brittle and chipped.¡± Legion put one hand on the new blade and another on his pupil¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Elucard, I have one last task for you. A set of marks is all that stand between you remaining my underling or becoming my equal.¡±


    Elucard looked back at his mentor with a puzzled look, ¡°Your equal?¡± How could he ever be equal to the man he had looked up to and revered for so long? His expression straightened as he contemplated the prospect before him, ¡°I won¡¯t let you down, master.¡±


    Legion¡¯s mouth formed a tight line, ¡°I pray to Alanna that you won¡¯t.¡±


    ***


    Cold rain besieged the muddy earth, filling the air with the harsh sound of pattering in an otherwise ominously silent night. Nestled within a cave a day¡¯s journey from the Black Rabbit compound shone the soft glow of a campfire. Myler, Geven, and Izian huddled around its warmth. Bound by their mutual need for protection, along with a healthy helping of foolhardiness, the three fled the Black Rabbit compound soon after the defection of the High Blade.


    Myler let out a sneeze, ¡°Aaa-choo! Figures that the second time we¡¯d run away from the Rabbits, it would rain again!¡±


    Geven stirred the embers with a stick, ¡°On the bright side, it¡¯s much harder for them to track us in the rain. Haven¡¯t you picked up anything from your training?¡±


    ¡°I learned¡­ stuff¡­¡± Myler trailed off, trying¡ªand failing¡ªto think of some witty retort as he wiped the mucus from his face with the back of his sleeve.


    ¡°Enough, you two! We need to move out if we¡¯re going to reach Lost Dawns in the next couple days,¡± Izian wrapped up his rations and went to smother the fire with his cloak.


    Myler dazedly looked at the long travel ahead of him. Muddy, rainy, cold, ¡°Aw, Izian, can¡¯t we leave at sunrise? At least wait ¡¯til this rain has passed. Alanna¡¯s angels will reap us in an hour if we take off in this weather.¡±


    Izian pursed his lips to snap back, but a new voice broke through the cave.


    ¡°Sooner.¡±


    The shadowy figure of Elucard stood at the mouth of the cave, his blade gleamed in the moonlight. The three companions jumped and shuffled back, completely taken off-guard. Elucard stepped closer, entering the cave.


    Myler cautiously inspected the stranger, ¡°E-Elucard, is that you?¡±


    Geven sighed, ¡°It is Elucard! Relax guys. He¡¯s come to join us.¡± Geven walked over to extend his hand, ¡°Sheath the weapon, Elucard, you¡¯re among friends.¡±This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    Elucard glared at the outstretched hand. A look of anger and disgust scried across his face, ¡°You think we are still friends?¡±


    Izian slowly reached for his blade. A sheen of metal flashed from Elucard¡¯s hand as a dagger struck Izian. Izian grimaced in pain as he grasped his wounded hand. He grunted through clenched teeth, ¡°Elucard, the clan has been brainwashing us! Snap out of it! We are your friends! We¡¯re from the same village! Who are you going to trust? Us, or a group of assassins that have been teaching you to murder?¡±


    Elucard sneered and lowered his head, examining the blade his master had given to him. Raising the sword, he pointed it at the three frightened boys, ¡°You never understood the work we did ¨C the divine privilege that we undertook. You are all weeds in this world, choking the life out of those who strive.¡± Elucard walked forward, not batting an eye, and with no tears to be shed, ¡°Those who are striving to make this world a better place. There are those who build, there are those who burn¡­¡±


    Myler¡¯s eyes widened with fear, ¡°Elucard, please¡­¡±


    ¡°Finally, there are those who do nothing. They are a waste. They sow nothing and they reap nothing. They only feed and grow fat from all the work that everyone else does. You three have grown fat!¡±


    ¡°The Black Rabbits have poisoned your mind, Elucard!¡± Myler pleaded for Elucard to see reason. He was terrified, as were the rest of them.


    ¡°No, they have enlightened me,¡± said Elucard.


    Geven took out his blade, ¡°You can¡¯t fight all three of us.¡±


    Elucard shook his head and stared at them coldly and without emotion, ¡°I can, and I will.¡±


    ***


    The rain was a soft drizzle the next morning. Elucard walked slowly back to the compound in a shallow trance. His eyes were fixated on the sky, but his mind lingered on the past night. Violent, fractured images collided with his thoughts. All were of the massacre that he brought down upon his friends.


    His friends. He couldn¡¯t say that anymore. They ceased to be his friends when they abandoned his family. They needed to be dealt with. He was the only one that could deliver the proper punishment. Only he could set things on the correct path once more; to bring justice to the crime of betraying the clan.


    The cries of Myler were like a loud howl in his mind. His clothes were wet and sticky with blood and the taste of iron filled his mouth. He couldn¡¯t escape the images of milky-eyed stares coming from the lifeless bodies of his¡­ enemies. This was the true foray into a new chapter of his life. He was no longer ¡°Elucard, the boy who wanted to be a Black Rabbit,¡± no, now he was ¡°Elucard, the man that became a Black Rabbit.¡±


    There was no turning back now.


    ***


    Elucard kneeled before his master and High Blade. Ridge and his blade brother, Baines, stood on either side of Legion, ¡°It is done.¡± Elucard hefted a large duffle bag from his back that Geven had been carrying supplies in.


    Baines crossed his arms, ¡°They were your closest friends. It will take more than a supply bag to prove that you have completed your task.¡±


    Elucard shot a glance at Baines¡¯ unconvinced eyes and moved to open the bag. He placed three swords on the grass. His hands had shaken since the night before. Not from chill or trauma, but from adrenaline.


    ¡°I am still not convinced,¡± Baines said with more than a hint of disappointment and annoyance in his voice.


    Elucard rummaged further into the bag and began to pull out the severed heads of his former companions one by one. Ridge grabbed the tuft of Izian¡¯s black hair, looking at the pallid, grim face of the dead boy.


    ¡°What did you feel, Elucard?¡± Legion asked in a very solemn tone.


    ¡°Satisfaction,¡± Elucard whispered without a hint of emotion.


    Ridge grinned wickedly, patting Legion on the shoulder, ¡°You made a cold hearted bastard, Legion.¡±


    Legion shook his head, ¡°No, I made a Rabbit.¡±

 Chapter 19: Mastering a Forest

    The Verdant Academy of Lost Dawns was the newly established school for green mages within the kingdom of Long Whisper. Koda had spent the last six months within its high walls and winding hallways, studying the ways of malleable magic. Long ago, the Council of Mages learned to tame the chaotic energy of raw Magi and shape it into each of the seven elements or spheres. Mage schools could be found all over the five realms and each one was dedicated to a single sphere. Once a student mastered their school¡¯s sphere, they were given a colored sash that represented it. Purple for light, black for shadow, red for fire, blue for water, brown for earth, white for wind, and green for vernal. Only upon earning their sash were students given the title of Mage. If they wished to further their knowledge and gain the other six sashes, they had to travel to the schools of other spheres. There, they had to earn the right to enroll by defeating a mage of that sphere in single combat. If a student mastered all seven spheres, they were given the prestigious title of Archmage. To Koda¡¯s knowledge, only two mages had ever achieved such a feat.


    Koda stood in front of a small council of his teachers within a large lecture hall. He fidgeted with the stuffy green scholar robes and nervously gripped the silver sash that was wrapped tightly around his waist.


    ¡°Disciple Koda, you have shown the aptitude of one who has been around magic all his life. We are not surprised by the way you grip the concept of vernal magic. You tame like a true master. However, we are unsure if we are ready to consider you a Green Mage.¡±


    The teachers before him were human, and all of them had traveled from across the globe to teach at this new school. Despite their time studying vernal magic in vast forests, none had seen an elder tree, and never would have imagined that a city would be erected around one. These four teachers were unaware of Koda¡¯s history with far more volatile magic. Learning vernal magic came easily to him.


    ¡°I do not understand. I¡¯m the top of my class and have learned all there is that you could possibly teach me. I can restore the autumn leaf to its summer state. I can cause a forest to blossom in the driest desert. Why am I still not ready to be a Green Mage?¡±


    ¡°You are untested in applying your skills,¡± declared a new voice coming from the entrance behind the young elf.


    Koda spun around to find himself face to face with a tall human woman with broad shoulders. Her face was aged, but toned. Her hair was red with twin streaks of gray on either side of her head. She bore the robes of a Green Mage, but her sash was gold with a blue strand. She was Megan Silverson, headmaster of the Verdant Academy.


    ¡°All I have been learning is how to apply my skills,¡± Koda said, still a little taken aback by the headmaster¡¯s appearance.


    ¡°And yet you have no combat training,¡± she replied, sternly.


    ¡°Combat? Why do I need combat training?¡±


    Megan¡¯s eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms, ¡°You are young and naive. You have not seen war, but you may in the future. Magic is not a piece of art to be admired in a gallery. It is a weapon meant to be harnessed.¡±


    ¡°Then I question your ability to teach! Magic is meant to be respected! ¡®A weapon, meant to be harnessed¡¯, you know nothing!¡± Koda shouted, thrusting his finger at Megan.


    Megan paced around the student, brushing off his words, ¡°It is true that magic is to be respected. It is a powerful energy, still not completely understood by even the Mage Council. It is a tool that can benefit this world, but if it were to fall into the wrong hands ¡ª which it will one day ¡ª what then, Disciple Koda? Do we let our enemies trample us, enslave us, and bring those too weak to fight to the brink of extinction?¡±


    Koda was silent. Everything Xile had taught him was diametrically opposed to the ideas before him. He had always been told to treat the Magi as a force to be revered and respected, not to be harnessed for power and personal gain.


    ¡°We must arm those who are willing and able to fight with the ability to defend themselves using magic. We must also be the defenders of those who can not defend themselves. Magic is only what people use it as ¡ª a weapon¡­¡± Megan said, interrupting his thoughts.


    Koda went to speak up again, but shut his mouth quickly.


    ¡°¡­But, it is up to us to make sure it is only used for good. What say you, Disciple Koda?¡±


    ¡°My grandfather warned me of mages. He told me that they were the cause of the Arcana War; that they forced their ways upon everyone else. I thought the mages had learned their lesson and had been humbled. It seems I was mistaken,¡± Koda said, an air of disapproval in his words.


    ¡°I was a young mage in the Arcana War. I¡¯ve seen what misery my people wrought on the world. The first mages were foolish to think they could control both magic and those who used it. But that was a long time ago. The council was formed to ensure that another Arcana War would not rise¡­¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s to say it won¡¯t?¡± Koda interrupted.


    ¡°It might. There are those that will never see eye to eye with the rest of the world. When that day comes, will you defend the masses with your knowledge and prowess or will you cower on your island like the Arcane Guardian? People who watch the wildfire and do nothing are as much to blame as those that started it.¡±


    ¡°The Arcane Guardian does not cower on Nashoon! He defends and protects the Magi¡ª¡±Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    ¡°From what? From evil?¡± Megan interrupted, ¡°A mage can do that! But a mage must also share their knowledge with those who can learn from it so that we might all be better equipped to protect the Magi. No one person can be entrusted with such a monumental task. Sooner or later, when the darkness comes, it will take more than an Arcane Guardian to defend the realm.¡± Megan ended the debate with a small grin. She knew that she had broken through to Koda and that it was just a matter of him admitting it.


    Koda lowered his head. He thought about all of the lessons his grandfather had taught him. Then he reflected on Megan¡¯s words. Arcane Guardians and Mages seemed to be no different anymore. Both were using magic to keep it from falling into nefarious hands, ¡°You are right.¡±


    ¡°Very well then, follow me.¡±


    Koda looked up in confusion, ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    ¡°Somewhere for you to apply your skills.¡±


    ***


    Koda never knew there was a room under the school, but there it was. The Battlefield was an impressive arena that spanned underneath the base of the large academy. Opposite sides were marked with a large circle where either mage would stand¡ªa challenger and a defender. Under normal circumstances, the defending mage would be a top rated student tasked with testing the mettle of those who dared to challenge their sphere. These, however, were no normal circumstances, and so Megan stood before him.


    The battlefield was surrounded by lush green trees entangled in twisting, flowered vines. No doubt they were all grown by magic ¨C no need for water, no need for sunlight.


    ¡°Are you ready, Disciple Koda?¡± Megan called from the other side of the arena.


    ¡°I¡¯m to fight you? Shouldn¡¯t I be tested against one of my peers?¡± He looked at Megan, somewhat puzzled.


    Megan shrugged his questions off and widened her stance, ¡°Hit me once and you shall have your title,¡± she said, rolling up her sleeves.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Koda did not bother to hide his disbelief.


    ¡°Enough banter!¡± Megan jumped forward, rapidly thrusting her arms into the air. As if in unison, massive roots erupted from the ground around Koda and began to close in on him, attempting to encase him in a wooden coffin.


    Koda was startled as he tumbled to the side before the roots could trap him. Hesitating, he stood frozen in fear. Megan did not waste time by coddling her student with encouragement; instead she magically commanded the trees behind her to fire a rushing flow of leaves at Koda.


    The relentless barrage of leaves slammed into Koda¡¯s lower back and lifted him high into the air before dispersing and dropping him onto the ground with a shuddering slam.


    Koda grimaced in pain, arching his back.


    ¡°You surrender already, Disciple Koda? Are you ready to go home to your large castle and hide behind your books and your father?¡± Megan taunted.


    Tears swelled in Koda¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t want to give in, but he was well and truly afraid. Clenching his teeth, he gripped the earth beneath him tightly. Pain began to surge through his right arm as he began to sign an incantation. Soon his arm began to harden as bark began to cover it. He roared and shot his hand out at Megan ¨C a giant oaken arm the size of a large tree was now gripping Megan¡¯s hands tightly, preventing her from signing any spells.


    Megan was caught off-guard as the branches wrapped around her wrists. Suddenly, a line of thorns began to erupt through the bark and tiny wooden daggers rushed toward Megan¡¯s bound wrists. Thinking fast, she pressed her fingers along the branches that bound her and nimbly managed to sign a spell that withered them. She broke free just as the thorns were about to reach her.


    Jolting to the side, Koda took his giant arm and tried to smash Megan with a mighty swing.


    Megan transformed into a figure of leaves as the attack passed through her body. Reforming to the opposite side of Koda, she could already taste the sweetness of victory as his arm quickly began to return to its normal state. It was clear that he could no longer maintain such an exhausting form. Her hand came in contact with his chest and implanted a seed that sprouted into a myriad of vines that wrapped tightly around him, constricting them to his sides. She quickly commanded the vines from the trees behind him and they rapidly thrust forward, coiling tightly around his neck and pulling him taut against a tree.


    Koda gasped for air, but managed to find little respite.


    Megan shook her head, ¡°What was that Koda?¡± she said as she clenched her fist to tighten the vines.


    Koda squirmed, ¡°I don¡¯t give up! I want to be a mage!¡±


    Megan walked up to the tree where Koda was bound. She squeezed her fist once more and the vines began to force the very breath from his lungs, ¡°No. I don¡¯t think you have what it takes. You learn from books fast, but you have no real skill in magic.¡±


    Koda struggled to breathe as the vines began to crush his ribs. Closing his eyes tightly, he began to scream in agony.


    ¡°Give in and go home, Koda!¡± Megan shouted fiercely.


    ¡°G-Give me¡­¡± Koda gasped as he gulped for breath.


    ¡°What?¡± Megan said, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Give me your strength!¡± Koda roared as the trees behind him exploded into splinters and the vines that bound him disintegrated. A shockwave of raw Magi sent Megan soaring backwards, crashing into the ground splayed on her back.


    Koda fell, panting for air. He writhed in pain from his broken ribs. Excess magic rushed through his body in blue flames before vanishing as quickly as they had arrived.


    Megan sat up, stunned, ¡°I¡¯ve never seen such a use of magic. What was that?¡±


    Koda struggled to rise to his feet, ¡°I-I don¡¯t know. I-I just wanted to be free, so I tried to tap into any Magi that I could. I-I didn¡¯t know what would happen.¡± His grandfather had warned him of the dangers of raw Magi, but he had never had cause to use it before. It was thrilling and it was a craving he never knew he had. He was afraid of it, and yet entranced by it. If this was raw Magi, he wanted more of it.


    Megan gingerly touched a fresh gash on her cheek, ¡°Fascinating. We will have to learn how to tap into this newfound power. There is much we¡ªyou can learn from it.¡±


    Koda managed a weak smile, ¡°Am I a mage now?¡±


    Megan helped Koda up, ¡°Not yet, but I will make a fine mage of you yet. None of the other teachers can give you the attention that I can. I¡¯d like to personally take you under my tutelage.¡±


    Koda nodded, still in agony, ¡°I¡¯d like that.¡±

 Chapter 20: The New Rabbits

    Seasons had passed since Avalon defected from the Black Rabbits and Vada had not been heard from in just as long. In those months Elucard had grown into a formidable assassin and the grizzly memories of slaying his friends slowly faded from his mind. No one realized this transformation more than Legion.


    Elucard entered the High Blade¡¯s quarters and knelt before his master, ¡°You wished to see me?¡±


    Legion sipped tea from a clay cup. He smiled fondly as the warm cup rested in his hands. Winter had been unreasonably harsh that year. Winds howled outside as a light layer of snow packed onto the dirt pathways.


    Legion watched as Elucard brushed off drifts of snow from his shoulders and mask. He nodded and gestured for Elucard to fill a cup for himself when he caught his student eying the kettle with yearning eyes.


    ¡°Elucard, winter will pass next month. By then we expect to have a new batch of recruits. This will also mark the beginning of a new division.¡±


    Elucard hastily poured himself a cup of tea, shivering and wet from the snow. He took a long sip before finally responding, ¡°I¡¯ve heard rumors that we¡¯ll be pairing medics with our assassins on missions. I doubt they will be of any use when they are neck deep in danger.¡±


    Legion nodded, ¡°This is true, which is why this division will be a new breed of Rabbit ¨C Veiled Menders. We will be training them in stealth as well as a bit of combat. In the future, assassins will work in alongside Veiled Menders.¡± Legion gestured to Elucard¡¯s right arm, ¡°Too many missions would have gone a lot smoother had a medic been present.¡±


    Elucard looked pained, remembering the battle he lost against the White Cloak. He quickly redirected the conversation, ¡°Master, why did you really call me? I don¡¯t believe you called me here because you dearly missed my company.¡±


    Legion smiled. He found it endearing that Elucard still referred to him as ¡°Master.¡± These days he had seen less and less of his former student. His role as High Blade had kept him busy and prevented him from doing many missions. So his time with Elucard was usually brief, but always time he considered well spent.


    ¡°I wish for you to be by my side when the new recruits come in. I was wondering if you had given any thought to becoming a teacher.¡±


    Elucard looked up from his drink, ¡°Master, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m prepared to teach. I still consider myself a student.¡±


    Legion shook his head, ¡°You underestimate yourself, my student. You have gained much cunning and prowess over these last few seasons. Despite your lack of experience, you are able to stand toe to toe with many of the veterans here. I would urge you to think about taking at least one student under your wing. You still have much to give to this clan.¡±


    Elucard listened to each word and imagined himself as a Ridge, Baines, or even Legion. A student of his own, it might be a good move for him, ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all I ask,¡± said Legion.


    ***


    An old wagon that had seen its fair share of use pulled into the Black Rabbit retreat. In it sat children of varied ages and genders. The Rabbits driving it ushered them all out the cart and filed into a single line.


    Elucard and Legion stood off to the side, watching as several men gave the recruits the same frightening speech and directions that Elucard had heard when he first arrived. That his old life was over, a new one was to begin. Quitting meant death. Escaping meant death. Failure meant death. He smirked in amusement.


    One newcomer in particular seemed to have already caused the instructors much grief. He was a teenager, Elucard¡¯s age. He had gray skin and long, deep purple hair. He wore a porcelain clown mask that hid his silver eyes.


    ¡°Remove your mask, Elf!¡± an instructor demanded.


    ¡°It is a memento of my true home,¡± the teenager said, speaking in a quiet voice.


    The instructor sneered and went to snatch the mask, however the disobedient elf slammed his head into the instructor¡¯s face. The thrust crushed the instructor¡¯s nose and impaled his cheeks and eyes with shards of porcelain.


    He cried in agony as he fell to his knees. Immediately several other instructors brought their blades to the boy¡¯s throat.


    ¡°Enough!¡± A command pierced through the commotion. It came from the High Blade. Legion turned to Elucard, ¡°This one could use guidance, Elucard. He has the spirit of a wild horse.¡±If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Elucard stared intensely at the elf, but shook his head, ¡°I¡¯m not the one that will break that horse.¡±


    Legion put a hand on Elucard¡¯s shoulder, ¡°My student, you don¡¯t break wild horses. You forge a connection with them. A horse that chooses to bear your weight is a far greater ally than one that is forced to.¡±


    Elucard raised his head and looked into Legion¡¯s eyes with a satisfied grin, ¡°I suppose so.¡±


    Legion turned back to all the Rabbits, still poised to strike down the elf, ¡°Let him be. He will be instructed by Elucard! Medics, take your recruits to the new Veiled Mender division grounds!¡±


    Several teenage elves were ushered by Elucard and Legion, but one confused elven maiden caught Elucard¡¯s eye. Her eyes widened with surprise when Elucard met her gaze.


    ¡°Jetta?¡± Elucard said, utterly perplexed. Before she could respond she was rushed away by a medic. Elucard quickly turned back to Legion and asked, ¡°Master, was that Jetta?¡±


    Legion raised an eyebrow, ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Jetta Breezelark! My old childhood friend from Ravenshore!¡±


    ¡°Calm down Elucard. We use your old village as a recruitment point every now and then. This time we recruited potential menders for the new combat medic division. Does she have any medicinal experience?¡±


    ¡°Her grandmother owned an apothecary.¡±


    ¡°So she would have been taught the basics of medicine. That knowledge will be very valuable for her,¡± Legion said, trying to walk away.


    Elucard shook his head in disbelief.


    Legion pointed at the gray skinned elf, ¡°Concentrate, young Master. Your student is him, not Jetta. Jetta will be a Veiled Mender. She¡¯ll learn quickly and serve you well.¡±


    ¡°Or she¡¯ll fail and die¡­¡±


    Legion put his hands heavily on Elucard¡¯s shoulders, ¡°That too could be the case, but you need to trust that Jetta will do her job so that you can do yours.¡± Legion waited for his former student to nod, ¡°Now get to work.¡±


    Elucard nodded as Legion disappeared into his quarters. Taking a deep breath, Elucard walked over to his new student, ¡°Elves don¡¯t usually come in gray around here. Where do you hail from?


    The elf was silent, curiously peering into Elucard¡¯s magenta eyes.


    ¡°I saved you from a slit throat. I¡¯m not your enemy. My name is Elucard. I¡¯m originally from a fishing village a few days north of Lost Dawns called Ravenshore.¡±


    ¡°Lost Dawns¡­ my troupe performed there for the winter Moon Festival!¡± said the elf, pleased to make some friendly conversation.


    Elucard smiled, ¡°You¡¯re from a circus?¡±


    The elf smirked, ¡°Assassin Elucard, I was once masked, but no longer am. I think it would be fair if we stood on equal footing before I divulge any further information about myself.¡±


    Elucard smiled underneath his own mask, ¡°That¡¯s not how this works. I am the master, you are the student. We are not equals.¡±


    The gray elf bowed down in an exaggerated motion, ¡°Ah, but of course, Master. After all, I am merely a wild horse. You are not to break me, but make me your ally. Feed me a carrot, and I will allow you to saddle me.¡±


    Elucard smiled and decided to play along. He lowered the mask that covered his mouth and nose and then lowered his hood. The student smiled thinly at the sight of such a handsome young face.


    ¡°A handsome face such as yours should not be hidden from the world. Now that neither of us are hiding anything, I can trust you. I was born and raised in my family¡¯s troupe, ¡®The Ebonpath Traveling Circus.¡¯ My family couldn¡¯t afford the protection that the Black Rabbits offered while we traveled across Long Whisper. So, to avoid¡­repercussions, I was offered in return.¡±


    ¡°Ravenshore, as well as other villages, offers recruits in exchange for protection. What is your name?¡± Elucard asked, knowing the story all too well.


    ¡°Inle Ebonpath,¡± the elf said, still staring dreamily into Elucard¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Well Inle, I know nothing about the life of a circus performer, but I can tell you that the new life before you is fulfilling. It will be hard at times, but if you persevere, you will find the servitude to Alanna rewarding. I will teach you skills of stealth and combat, politics and philosophy. You¡¯ll see the world through a new lens ¨C one of shadow and truth. Are you prepared to undertake the challenge?¡±


    Inle thinly smiled, ¡°What choice do I have?¡±


    Elucard paused, ¡°I will give you a choice never offered to me or any of the other Rabbits. If you do not wish to serve as a Rabbit, you may go back to your life as a clown. But know this: There is no feeling in any realm, mortal or roaming, quite like the feeling of committing to something greater than yourself. You will become more than an assassin or a servant of Alanna.¡±


    Inle looked at the woods behind him. He didn¡¯t know his way back to his troupe, but that really didn¡¯t concern him. At the moment, Elucard¡¯s words intrigued him. He never thought a life outside of his troupe was possible, and though he had traveled the world, he felt that there was always something missing in his life. Perhaps Elucard¡¯s life offered him that missing piece.


    Inle looked back to Elucard, interested in hearing the rest of Elucard¡¯s thought, ¡°What will I become?¡±


    ¡°A Black Rabbit.¡±


    Inle chuckled, ¡°Another troupe, another performance. This time as a rogue instead of a clown.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but this time you¡¯ll juggle with life and death instead of balls and pins.¡±


    Inle¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°Well then, Master Elucard, show me the world of the Black Rabbits.¡±

 Chapter 21: Jettas Trial

    Alue, please whisper in my ear,


    Guard me from the wicked in this world,


    In your grace I shall find no fear,


    Your mercy is my shield, your love is my sword,


    ¡°Don¡¯t let him die, Mender!¡± A voice broke out as Jetta tried desperately to triage the wounds of the dying man before her. Her hands were a clumsy, shaky mess. She prayed again, harder.


    Alue, please whisper in my ear,


    Guard me from the wicked in this world!


    In your grace I shall find no fear!


    Your mercy is my shield, your love is my sword!


    ¡°His life is in your hands, and your incompetence is killing him!¡± The voice lashed out again. The dying man did not flinch or cry out in agony as she weaved the needle in and out of his raw flesh. He just lay there ¨C a bloody, motionless heap. A deeper, more severe panic began to set in on Jetta and she desperately tried to mend the broken body before her.


    Alue, please whisper in my ear¡­


    ¡°He¡¯s dead,¡± Tyric stood across from Jetta with his arms folded and a disgusted look scrawled across his face.


    Jetta folded forward in agony and wept, her eyes hot with tears. Her hands were drenched in blood. She slowly lifted a blood soaked gauze from a gaping puncture wound under the ribs of the corpse in front of her.


    ¡°Not everyone can be saved. You must come to terms with this,¡± The medic¡¯s voice was emotionless as he spoke. He gestured for the other medics to come and carry the corpse away. They swiftly moved forward and lifted the body.


    Jetta was mortified at her abject failure. Her mind raced. What could I have done differently? A million different scenarios played out in her head at once and she found respite in none of them. Then a dark anger rose up inside of her, ¡°There was nothing I could do, was there?¡± Her voice did not even thinly veil her fury and disgust. She looked up from her bloody, quivering hands, ¡°Why would you purposefully kill this man? To teach me some petty lesson?!¡±


    The instructor shrugged off her reproach and placed a hand on Jetta¡¯s shoulder, ¡°He was a criminal, a no name vagabond. His life did not matter until he was used for this lesson. We gave him a purpose to fulfill. Do you weep when you tug a weed from a flower bed?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Jetta hotly replied and wiped the warm tears from her face.


    ¡°Then you do not have to weep now.¡± Tyric passed a warm wash cloth to the student, ¡°Clean yourself up. In the future you¡¯ll see weeds be pulled and their death will allow flowers blossom. Weep when you must, otherwise make sure that above all else, you did your job.¡±


    Jetta took the towel and walked away, shaken and angry from the ordeal. Alue, where are you?


    ***


    Jetta rested under a large gnarled tree. Its branches were dotted with tiny flower buds and a crisp early spring breeze waved the leaves in a slight rocking motion. She held a medallion in her hands. Its silver linked chain was wrapped around her wrists and locked her hands together. Her eyes were shut in concentration as she whispered a set of prayers in a now forgotten tongue.


    Speak to me o angel of mine,


    And let the sun upon me shine,


    Take me to your world above,


    Fill my heart with mercy, grace, and love,


    Chase away the wings like shadow,You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    And calm me in your gentle meadow,


    The shadow of a figure broke her focus, ¡°The angelic tongue. Your dialect is a bit off, but I can tell you were educated. You are no normal fishing village girl.¡±


    ¡°Master Jesevik, I¡­I thought I was alone,¡± Jetta said, slightly taken aback by her medical instructor¡¯s presence.


    Jesevik was an elf like she was. His hair was silver and tied in a long braid that fell down his back. He wore the traditional gray and deep purple robes of a Black Rabbit medic, and was revered as such, but was classically trained. New medics, or menders, were now expected to also be present on combat missions.


    ¡°Jetta, you and your peers were given this time off to hone your skills. Yet, I find you here praying instead.¡±


    Jetta draped her necklace hastily around her neck and tucked the medallion into her tunic. Jesevik took notice of the symbol, ¡°That is not the emblem of Alanna,¡± he said, with an air of suspicion and disappointment.


    Jetta attempted to stand and walk away before the conversation turned troublesome, ¡°You are right, Master. I should go practice my craft.¡±


    He grabbed her by the arm, ¡°You¡¯d be wise to aim your prayers toward Alanna. The goddess of mercy can not help you here.¡±


    Jetta eyed the darkness in her master¡¯s eyes, ¡°Alue protects me. I shall not fail her.¡±


    ¡°Your prayers fall on deaf ears, child. Only Alanna listens to a Rabbit.¡± Jesevik whispered harshly.


    ¡°I tend to Rabbits, but I am not one of them,¡± Jetta spat, now seething with anger. She could not hide her frustration with her situation. Her master¡¯s words hung heavy on her heart. The last few weeks had been an era of darkness in her otherwise enlightened life. A year prior she had been given the opportunity to travel the world with a priest of Alue, but chose to stay with what was left of her family. Now she did not even have that. She had nothing anymore but her faith.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say such ridiculous things, Jetta. We are not your enemies. Your enemy is your own doubt. Doubt in yourself and your future. This is your new life. We are your new family and Alanna is your new god.¡±


    New life, new family, new god. The impact of this reality hit her like a heavy oak club to the gut. She stumbled back against the rowan tree, her face scrunched up in anguish. She stammered as she attempted to collect the revelation, ¡°I ca-can¡¯t go home. I-I¡¯m stuck here, fo-forever. My family, friends, village¡­ Alue, why have you forsaken me?¡±


    Jesevik lifted her chin to expose her teary eyes, ¡°Jetta, the quicker you leave your past behind, the faster you can go on living your new one. Alue may have abandoned you, but Alanna will always embrace you in her wings.¡±


    ¡°I want to speak to Elucard. Where can I find him?¡±


    ¡°An old friend from your village? And here we all thought he severed the ribbon of his past,¡± Jesevik smiled, ¡°It will do you some good to speak to a friend that has been where you stand. I will arrange some time for you to spend with him.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Master,¡± she said calmly.


    ***


    Elucard found Jetta waiting on a small wooden bridge that spanned across a brook. Jetta smiled as her old childhood friend approached her, ¡°Elucard, it¡¯s been so long. I¡¯ve nearly forgotten what you looked like. This bridge isn¡¯t exactly the old willow tree, but it¡¯ll have to do.¡±


    Elucard did not break a grin, his eyes were vacant compared to Jetta¡¯s, which were still full of life. Jetta¡¯s smile vanished in his cold presence, ¡°Elucard, what¡¯s wrong? You and I are reunited. Friends forever, just like it¡¯s suppose to be.¡±


    Elucard cupped her hands and gave her a faint, hollow smile, ¡°Jetta, things are never going to be like they used to be. The life we had as children is frozen in time, far in the past.¡±


    Jetta¡¯s eyes swelled up, ¡°Elucard, not you too¡­¡±


    ¡°Jetta time stands still when you¡¯re a kid. You hold onto meaningless things, but when you grow up¡­ when you mature, you have to let go and learn what is truly important.¡±


    ¡°Meaningless things? Like our friendship? Like the promise you made me?¡± she shouted, flustered by the fact that everything she held close was now escaping her like a withered leaf breaking apart in the wind.


    ¡°Jetta, Jesevik tells me you are having trouble adjusting to your new home,¡± Elucard said, ignoring Jetta¡¯s questions.


    ¡°Elucard, you are all that¡¯s left of¡­ of¡­¡± Jetta stuttered, trying to keep her composure.


    ¡°I¡¯m here Jetta, but I¡¯m different now. I had to let go of the weak-willed child that I was. I had to let go of silly dreams. I had to let it all go in order to survive.¡±


    Jetta collapsed into his arms and sobbed. She did not want it to change, but she knew her old life would soon be just as dead as the man she could not save. The Rabbits had cut and stabbed it and left it for her to mend, and she knew already that doing so was an impossible task. No one was better at killing than the Rabbits.


    ¡°Jetta, you need to embrace your new lifestyle. This new world wants to chew you up and spit you out. It''s a harsh, bleak world. It will shove you and kick you when you''re down. You need to take in what the clan teaches you. The Rabbits don¡¯t want you to fail, but will discard you if you do. Please listen to me. I¡¯ve seen what happens when you don¡¯t adapt¡­ first hand.¡± Elucard hung on those last words reflecting on that night in the cave.


    They both fell to their knees, Jetta¡¯s crying slowly stopped, ¡°Elucard, will you be there for me if I fall, or will you be the one kicking me down?¡±


    ¡°Jetta, I serve the Rabbits now. If you become a Rabbit, I¡¯ll protect you, but I can¡¯t stand by you if you defy us. Forgive me Jetta, this is my life now.¡±


    Elucard brushed her aside as she still shivered. He walked away, hoping he got through to her. She sat alone on the bridge until the sun went down, and contemplated the choice before her. Fight or submit.

 Chapter 22: Elucard and Inle Train

    Inle¡¯s strained to move his arm to block the incoming attack. The weights on his wrists slowed him down considerably and his body could no longer exert the energy to keep up with Elucard¡¯s quick and graceful movements. A spinning butterfly kick connected with Inle¡¯s jaw and he twirled chaotically to the ground. Inle lay motionless, struggling to find the will to stand again.


    The two Rabbits had been sparring for at least three hours. Inle¡¯s wrists, shoulders, and ankles bore heavy weights that hindered his otherwise naturally agile movements. Elucard, however, was free of such a handicap.


    Inle slowly rose to a knee and then managed to stand. Exhausted, battered, and bruised from the bout, he did not know how much longer he could press on. His vision was blurred from a swollen eye and his eyes stung from the sweat that dripped into them. Every inch of his body ached. Even all his years as an acrobat in the circus had not prepared him for such excruciating work, but he loved every second of it.


    Elucard floated from toe to toe. He danced around Inle¡¯s worn and pathetic defenses before landing a series of jabs to Inle¡¯s kidneys and a devastating hay-maker to the side of Inle¡¯s face. The blow sent a mixture of saliva and blood whipping from the shadow elf¡¯s mouth. Inle¡¯s entire world crashed sideways as he slammed into the hard frozen ground.


    ¡°Enough. Rest,¡± Elucard said before removing his tunic. His toned muscles glistened from the sweat that beaded down his body.


    Inle watched entranced. Elucard was a young attractive elf. Even with the scars that crossed over his back and chest, it made Inle¡¯s heart skip a beat as he watched in infatuation. Since the moment Elucard stepped in front of Inle and removed his mask, every movement, every exchange, every moment, Elucard was locked in Inle¡¯s heart.


    Elucard tossed a water skin to his student, ¡°Hot day today. You¡¯re starting to give me a work out.¡±


    Inle smiled, struggling to grab the water skin that fell just shy of his reach. Even stretching his arm was a feat for Inle. He rolled to his back as he poured the reward down his throat.


    ¡°Easy Inle, don¡¯t hurt yourself.¡±


    Inle nearly passed out from the pain as he burst out laughing, ¡°Master, you¡¯d make a good clown. You have a knack for comedic timing.¡±


    Elucard sat down next to his apprentice, cracking a smile when he realized where the joke came from, ¡°What was it like entertaining a crowd in Lost Dawns?¡±A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Inle sat up, reminiscing about the life of an entertainer. The Ebonpath Traveling Circus. It consisted of his parents, three uncles, and seven sisters. He was the youngest of them all. They were a close family, which made it harder when the Black Rabbits took him. However, life in the circus, as adventurous as it seemed, slowly became monotonous. The same routines, the same laughs, the same gasps. The only thing that changed from performance to performance was the city they were in.


    ¡°Inle?¡± Elucard poked, seeing his student lost in thought.


    ¡°Lost Dawns is a grand city. I¡¯ve never seen a tree so big. The people are a traditional crowd. They laugh and cheer when queued like marionettes. If you know which string to pull, they¡¯ll do whatever you want.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t like being a clown?¡± Elucard asked curiously.


    ¡°I grew bored of it. It¡¯s nothing like being an assassin. I can feel my body tightening, growing stronger. I¡¯m reaching a new level. What¡¯s more, I¡¯m making more of a difference now than I was delivering trite punchlines.¡±


    Elucard took back the water skin and took a sip. He fell silent for a moment or two before speaking quietly, half mumbling to himself, ¡°I wish Jetta had your fortitude.¡±


    ¡°Jetta?¡±


    ¡°An old friend from my village; my only real friend. She counted on me for everything¡­ but then¡­ I became a Rabbit.¡± Elucard drifted for a moment, remembering the promise he had made to her. How he said he would always be there for her, that he would be the brother she did not have.


    ¡°She was recruited wasn¡¯t she? She must be somewhere around here training then.¡± Inle pressed his hand to his brow and imitated the gesture of a scout searching high and low for her.


    Elucard laughed and released a distant sigh, ¡°She doesn¡¯t really understand the good we do here. She¡¯s fighting every step of the way and she¡¯s going to suffer because of it.¡±


    ¡°Have you seen her yet, since she¡¯s arrived?¡±


    ¡°Yesterday.¡±


    Inle nodded, slowly seeing the picture that Elucard was painting of Jetta, ¡°It comes down to you not giving up on her. Now more than ever, she needs you. The Black Rabbits aren¡¯t going to salvage her. You need to. You want her to survive? Well, then you have to be there with her. You must think of her as your Blade Sister.¡±


    ¡°I see that now. You¡¯re wise beyond your years, Inle.¡±


    Inle winced as he let out a meek, bloody smile.


    ¡°Inle, the Blood Forest comes in less than two months. Veiled Menders will be assigned to each group. I¡¯m going to arrange that you be paired up with Jetta.¡±


    Inle nodded quickly, ¡°Say no more, Master. If she can keep me alive, I¡¯ll be sure she makes it out of that forest.¡±


    Elucard jumped up and grabbed Inle¡¯s hand, lifting him to his feet, ¡°Well then, we¡¯d better make sure you¡¯re ready. How about another round?¡±

 Chapter 23: Another Blood Forest

    Inle¡¯s polished blade moved silently and smoothly through the pale moonlight beneath the canopy. The would-be assassin choked as he retched a stream of blood onto the cool, dark forest floor. Inle¡¯s new steel mask gleamed under a ray of moonlight, spotted with streaks of blood. He thought back to the day that Elucard had given him his new mask as he slowly dragged two fingers through the warm, sticky blood that had spattered on it.


    ¡®Inle, your old mask represented the family and life that you once had. It is for the best that it was broken. However, I give to you a new symbol of the life you have now; of the family that surrounds you. Together, we will make you a stronger person.¡¯


    Inle stood motionless with eyes closed and breathed softly. His jet black leather armor would have been spotless were it not for several small, wide arcs of blood that had sprayed across his torso. He breathed a quick sigh, shaking away the memories and faces of his recent victims, then cleaned the blood from his blade. He needed to be precise. The Blood Forest was not his only test. He was tasked, like many others in the forest, to protect a Veiled Mender. He, however, had the added weight of having to protect the childhood friend of his mentor, and Jetta was making this no easy task.


    ¡°Jetta, we must move quicker. I hear another pair not far from the east.¡± Inle wanted to keep Jetta safe, but also reveled in the idea of spilling more blood beneath the dark, dimly lit canopy. Jetta knew this but took no comfort in it.


    ¡°We could make our way quicker if you would quit killing everyone who had the misfortune of crossing our paths,¡± Jetta said with slightly more reproach in her voice than she had intended, ¡°This is supposed to mirror a real world escort mission, not a siege,¡± her voice carried less edge this time. It was almost soft.


    Inle grinned wickedly beneath his mask. She made a fair point. He had been going slightly, out of his way to kill off the competition. Elucard had regaled him with stories of the Blood Forest for the past couple of months. His mentor had told him how he was originally sickened by the thought of taking a life, but Inle felt nothing inside when his blade sunk through cloth and skin. In fact, apart from his strong feelings for Elucard, he was almost completely empty inside. He did, however, revel in his role as one of Alanna¡¯s harbingers of death. The power that came with ending a life and the notion each death could tip the scales of balance in the world thrilled him.


    Although Jetta¡¯s new life had left her numb and unfazed at the sight of death, she would have preferred to be fighting to preserve life. In her eyes, even the death of a Rabbit seemed a great waste. She had trained countless long hours to keep death at bay, and yet here she was, surrounded by it. Even so, she seemed to slip into the role of a Veiled Mender naturally. Her hands were steady and quick with stitching and bandaging. She also worked exceedingly well under pressure. Yet, deep inside she knew she was saving those who would go on to kill for a cause she did not believe in.


    Over time, Jetta struggled less with her skills as a mender and more with identifying as a Black Rabbit. She had to pray to her goddess, Alue, in secret because praying to any god besides Alanna was treasonous. To make matters worse, ¡®mercy¡¯ was not an attribute praised by the Rabbits. She remembered a common prayer that she was taught:


    Born of shadows, the light I¡¯ll face,


    My blade is silent, swift, and sleek,


    My dear Alanna, grant me grace,


    And I shall slay those I seek,


    A prayer that she noted even Elucard would whisper before going out on a mission. She, however, could not stomach such a vile hymn. A deity should not give their blessing for anyone to kill, especially for such nebulous reasons as the Rabbits apparently had. She simply could not fathom such a god.


    Jetta whispered a prayer to clear her mind:


    Fill the wicked with purity,


    Find those who wander in the darkness,


    Alue will give the weak security,


    And breathe life into the heartless.


    ¡°What was that, Jetta?¡± Inle called to her as he finished scouting up ahead.


    ¡°Come on, Inle. Can we avoid any further bloodshed and just get out of here? This place gives me the creeps. I can¡¯t help but feel like we¡¯re always being watched.¡± Jetta looked around nervously as she pushed ahead, but could see nothing behind the infinite black lurking beyond the trees.


    Inle had to admit that the Blood Forest was the most unnatural forest he had ever stepped foot in. The soil was as bathed in blood as the trees were in shadow. He appeared to be comfortable deep within the wretched forest, but in truth, he wanted nothing more than to put the forest¡¯s eeriness behind him, ¡°Fine, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ***


    Elucard stood high in the branches of the Blood Forest, keeping a watchful eye on a lone assassin stalking Jetta and Inle. With each step that he made, Elucard gripped the handle of his blade even tighter.


    ¡°Do not interfere with their test,¡± he murmured to himself. He could sense the tension building within himself and was worried that he would act rashly.


    Elucard¡¯s eyes darted over his shoulder. A figure emerged from the thick shadows behind him. Elucard loosened his grip, ¡°Master, I was only¨C¡±


    Legion took Elucard¡¯s hand and slowly peeled the blade away, ¡°You were only keeping an eye on your student and your friend. You do not have to explain your actions to me.¡± Legion watched the skulking assassin below and saw that he was quickly drawing closer to the two recruits, ¡°Nevertheless, we shouldn¡¯t be here. You know the rules as well as I.¡±


    ¡°His name is Keir,¡± Elucard said, brushing off Legion¡¯s words, ¡°He¡¯s a student of Dest. As you can see he excels in stealth and tracking. He chose not be paired with a veiled mender, and now I see why. It¡¯s much easier to stalk alone. He¡¯s been following Inle¡¯s trail of blood all night.¡± Elucard¡¯s eyes dashed wildly through the trees as he tried to keep Jetta and Inle in his line of sight.


    Legion frowned slightly as his gaze followed the two students below, ¡°With each kill Inle has exerted more and more energy, and Jetta has apparently opted out of learning basic self defense. Instead she has honed her ability to mend her allies. But if Inle keeps going at this pace¡­¡± Legion looked up at Elucard and saw a face that was tight with tension. Elucard¡¯s face was hard as stone and a fierce protective anger seethed behind his eyes.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    The trio below dashed out of Elucard¡¯s line of sight, so he jumped from tree to tree until he was looking down upon them once more. Keir was just upon Inle and Jetta now. Legion landed beside a crouching Elucard. He knew Elucard¡¯s thoughts and motives well and he knew that Elucard was fighting a deep, fiery urge to interfere.


    ¡°Elucard, you¡¯ve done all you can for Inle. You¡¯ve taught him our philosophies and sharpened his skills. Like yourself, Inle must walk the Blood Forest and discover his own way out; and he must do it alone.¡± Legion placed a firm hand on Elucard¡¯s shoulder and turned to pull him away, but Elucard did not move.


    ¡°Jetta did not have the luxury of our teachings. She¡¯s a lone sapling in the storm.¡±


    Elucard¡¯s words brought about a sudden flood of realization. He was not fighting to suppress his anger. He was fighting to suppress his fear. Fear that Jetta and Inle would not have what it takes to survive the Blood Forest. No ¨C fear that Jetta would not survive.


    Legion spoke softly, ¡°If she survives the storm, she¡¯ll grow into a tree that can survive any storm afterward. You must trust them, Elucard.¡±


    ***


    ¡°You look tired. Maybe we should rest.¡±


    Jetta knew Inle could probably keep this pace going for quite some time, but she was well and truly exhausted, ¡°The forest is silent. I think we¡¯re alone,¡± Jetta said, kneeling down to take a swig from her water skin.


    Inle crouched beside her, lifting his mask up from his mouth and panting heavily, ¡°Thanks, I could use a few minutes,¡± he lied. He knew she needed a break and that leaving her behind was not an option. Elucard was fond of her and so she was important to him.


    Jetta tossed him her water skin, ¡°Keep hydrated. The last thing we need is for you to pass out at the exit.¡±


    Inle caught the canteen, but seemed to stare intensely at Jetta. It was unsettling to her.


    ¡°Copper for your thoughts?¡± Jetta asked timidly.


    ¡°I heard your prayer a little while ago. It was not a prayer of Alanna. Why do you pray to her? Alue? You alienate yourself from your clan by worshiping a false goddess.¡± Inle pointed at his ear to show that her whispering had failed.


    Jetta was silent at first. She did not know what to say. Inle was right. Right that she continued to alienate her peers and ¡®allies.¡¯ They were villainous souls, but wayward nonetheless. They had good intentions, but were steered in the incorrect direction. If they focused their efforts for good, then she could only dream of what they were capable of, ¡°Alue isn¡¯t false. She¡¯s very real, and if you opened yourself to her, you¡¯d see she has sent me to help you.¡±


    Inle smirked, ¡°Well, you can help me by passing me a ration,¡± he said as he lifted the canteen¡¯s mouth to his. However, only a droplet fell in. Inle¡¯s eyes grew wide when he saw that a shuriken was lodged in its side and that water was pouring from the massive gash it left.


    ¡°Get down!¡± he yelled as a volley of glinting iron shuriken flew in the night and sank deep into his arm.


    Jetta dropped to the leafy ground, her hands rising swiftly to protect her head. As more shuriken sliced wildly through the air, Inle flipped backwards, attempting to dodge the flurry of iron. However, his exhausted body moved sluggishly. Several shuriken found their marks in the elf¡¯s thigh. Inle crashed and skidded across the moss and fern.


    ¡°Inle!¡± Jetta cried, as she slid to her partner¡¯s side. With a volley of shuriken flying by them, her hands dove into her haversack of medical supplies. Grabbing ointments and bandages, she examined the wounds that were in Inle¡¯s arm and leg, ¡°Hold still, I¡¯ll get you patched up.¡±


    ¡°Make it fast. I¡¯ll try to deflect any shuriken that I can.¡± Inle raised his blade and prepared to block any incoming attacks.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try. Keep that left arm and that leg still!¡±


    Inle grimaced as Jetta worked fast dislodging the star shaped metal shards. She slapped a concoction of disinfectant and medicine into the wounds, and wrapped them tightly with linen bandages, ¡°That¡¯ll have to do for now. Go, quickly!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll do fine! Stand back!¡± Inle winced in pain as he began to gather himself for an attack. He drew his blade and peered into the darkness. If there was ever a time for him to be proud that he was a shadow elf, this was it. Accustomed to dark caves and tunnels, his eyes were likely more suited for low light combat than his opponent. His attacker would not be safe in the shadows for long. Inle scanned the mist of shadows that surrounded them but saw nothing. The assailant was most likely hidden in the tall ferns that overran the forest.


    ¡°Come out, I wish to dance with you!¡±


    A long moment passed and nothing happened until the sound of movement stirred in the brush behind Inle.


    Keir slowly stepped into the moonlight. His traditional black garbs had tight belts and sashes all around his waist, chest, arms and legs that were packed with foliage, giving him a makeshift camouflage. He looked past Inle and let out a toothy white grin at Jetta.


    Inle slowly shook his head, ¡°Pay no mind to the girl. I, Inle Ebonpath, shall be entertaining you tonight.¡± Inle made a gracious bow as if he were back in the circus once more, entertaining a crowded audience.


    Keir winked at Jetta and spat, ¡°Let me deal with this clown. Don¡¯t go anywhere.¡±


    Inle smirked, ¡°Heh, ¡®clown¡¯.¡± Inle dashed headlong, pulling out a dagger, sending it soaring in front of him whilst wielding his sword in his other hand. Keir quickly equipped a cat claw, deflecting the thrown dagger before clashing with the blade.


    Inle parried a slash, spinning around with a slick roundhouse kick that slammed into Keir¡¯s jaw. Keir twisted in the air before smashing to the ground. Rolling to his side, Keir nearly missed a driving impalement that instead struck the firm ground.


    Keir leaped backwards, landing in a standing position, ¡°You move fast, clown, but I see the night has slowed you down.¡±


    Inle was breathing heavily. He did not recover during the little rest he had. He needed to finish this fast. Keir had a point. If they continued this battle much longer, it would not be on equal footing.


    Keir unleashed a flurry of shuriken as Inle ran toward him. The elf made his best to avoid the attack with a skillful attempt at deflecting them, but to no avail. Stumbling, he crashed to the ground as a series of shuriken lodged in a tall arc across his chest. He struggled to raise a knee, breathing heavily as the iron stars sent furious tremors of pain scrambling through his body with each breath.


    Keir laughed, ¡°Not everyone is cut out for this life, clown.¡±


    Inle made an effort to stand, wobbling under the pain, exhaustion, and labored breathing.


    Keir took out another shuriken, ¡°You want another go? Fine with me!¡±


    Inle mustered the last of his energy and once again sprinted sword first at Keir. Concentrating on the shuriken¡¯s path, Inle lowered his back and neck, deflecting the stars with his armored mask.


    Keir gasped at the surprise deflection, as Inle drove his blade deep through his stomach, driving him backwards and pinning him to a tree.


    ¡°I guess you weren¡¯t cut out for this life,¡± Inle said faintly as he collapsed against the tree just beneath the impaled body, chuckling to himself.


    ¡°Inle!¡± Jetta screamed as she scrambled to his side, ¡°Alanna was with you tonight,¡± she said, attempting to keep Inle in good spirits as she worked to remove the countless shuriken buried deep in his chest as painlessly as possible.


    ¡°Lucky me,¡± Inle said, taking off his mask and giving a wry smile.


    They smiled at one another and rested beneath Keir¡¯s corpse until they were ready to exit the Blood Forest through the clearing ahead.

 Chapter 24: The Teams are Chosen

    ¡°Quickly, Inle, don¡¯t lose him!¡± Elucard dashed past a series of thugs, his blade slicing through the legs of the men that stood between him and his mark.


    ¡°Easier said than done, master! These men are as big as bears!¡± Inle leap-frogged over the goon in front of him and released several daggers that sank deep into the back and shoulders of the next man blocking his path. In the distance, Inle could see the weaselly man that was their mark run down the corridor of a dimly lit safe house.


    ¡°Bears; heh, I bet they are just as hairy too!¡± Chided Jetta as she kept pace with Elucard, nimbly flipping over and sidestepping countless guards. It had been a year or so since the Blood Forest and Jetta had made large strides in her role as a veiled mender. She kept up with Inle and Elucard. The three had excellent chemistry as a team.


    A heavy wooden chamber door crashed open as Elucard ran in, sword at the ready. Jetta followed with Inle tagging just behind. A small, thin man huddled in the far corner, breathing heavily and sweating profusely. He shivered as he sputtered, ¡°L-Listen, I can get the money, I just need a bit m-more time. I swear; it¡¯s all tied up in my various shops. I swear to Father that I¡¯m good for it.¡±


    Inle balanced a dagger on the tip of his finger before tossing it and snatching it in mid air, ¡°You pray to the wrong god, my friend.¡±


    Elucard slipped his sword¡¯s edge under the frightened man¡¯s chin, ¡°You failed to pay for our clan¡¯s protection. We are tired of your excuses. Now it¡¯s time you pay with your life.¡±


    The man dropped to his knees, ¡°Please, I¨C¡±


    His pleas were cut short by a quick swipe across his neck with Elucard¡¯s blade. Inle drooped his ears in dismay, ¡°Master, you killed the last one. This was my turn.¡±


    ¡°No doubt you had your share from all those hired muscles I skipped.¡±


    Jetta scowled, folding her arms, ¡°We shouldn¡¯t revel in taking lives even though we must. This isn¡¯t a game. We don¡¯t kill for sport.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Jetta,¡± Nodded Elucard, ¡°Let¡¯s head out.¡±


    Inle rolled his eyes beneath his mask, clearly annoyed, ¡°You¡¯re just the medic. You don¡¯t even carry a weapon. Who are you to talk down to me about taking lives?¡±


    Jetta snapped her head back to Inle, ¡°Excuse me?¡± Jetta walked up to Inle and thrusted an index finger into Inle¡¯s chest, ¡°I may just be the medic, but I am just as much an accomplice in these murders as the both of you.¡±


    ¡°Murders? That implies we¡¯ve committed a crime. Jetta, you still don¡¯t understand the work we do, even a year after you¡¯ve become a Rabbit?¡± snarled Inle. He moved dangerously close to Jetta, lowering his masked face to meet hers.


    Jetta shoved him back, ¡°I do what¡¯s asked of me. I keep you alive! Nothing more than that.¡±


    Inle took out a dagger and thinly grazed the side of her face with its point, ¡°Dear Jetta, perhaps Alue fogs your mind. Distance yourself from our family, and you also become lost in that fog.¡±


    ¡°A¡¯lunis sik mereth J¡¯Dio sh¡¯lunis Alann alanoon!¡± Jetta spat.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Inle said, his voice now raised.


    ¡°Hope is my beacon in Death¡¯s shadow,¡± Elucard said with disappointment in his voice. He stepped between Inle and Jetta and raised a hand to mediate between the two, ¡°Inle, that¡¯s enough.¡± Elucard turned to Jetta, ¡°Relax, Jetta. Every now and again it¡¯s good to let out a bit of steam. Our work no doubt hangs heavy in our souls.¡±


    Jetta nodded and bowed to her friend, ¡°Elucard, you are right, I didn¡¯t mean to¨C¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright Jetta, no harm done,¡± Elucard shot a glance at Inle, ¡°Inle?¡±


    Inle bowed his head, ¡°Forgive me, master, I was out of line. I ask forgiveness from you as well, Jetta.¡± Inle¡¯s voice seemed a bit sharper as he spoke Jetta¡¯s name.


    Elucard returned the bow in respect to his student, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Our team functions best when we are all in accordance with one another. We¡¯re going to have our differences, but we need to leave that aside when it is time to get a task done. Master Legion speaks highly of our teamwork. Let¡¯s continue to earn that praise.¡±


    ***


    The Black Rabbit compound was widespread with commotion as both recruits and assassins gathered in front of High Blade Legion. He raised his hands to simmer down the whispers, ¡°The rumors are true. We have been given a task larger and more important than any mission this clan has ever been given before.¡±


    Immediately the whispers started back up. Theories of what the mission could be spread like wildfire. Voices began to call out to Legion to lay the clan¡¯s curiosity to rest.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been given the task to assassinate King Jaelyn during the Lost Dawn Completion Ball!¡± A sweep of silence fell over the crowd as Legion gave the announcement.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Malady stood in the back leaning against a pillar. He found this announcement more interesting than most. To him, it was a clear chance to finally prove that his students were the most finely skilled assassins in the clan. However, the past failures of his pupils to defeat Legion¡¯s students left a foul taste that lingered in his mouth. Nevertheless, this was his chance to gain the Silent Master¡¯s favor. Perhaps he could even aspire to become First Blade; a position that was still vacant with Vada¡¯s absence ¡ª and most importantly¡ªleave him in a strategic spot to someday become High Blade.


    Malady¡¯s voice broke through the utterly flabbergasted crowd, ¡°And who, dear Blade Brother, shall be the lucky Rabbit to fell a king?¡± He continued before Legion could answer back, ¡°May I suggest my apprentice, Tesha? She is a cut above the rest and has proved to be both equally precise as she is lethal.¡±


    Before Legion could consider the suggestion, the rice paper door slid open behind him. A collective gasp resonated amongst everyone in the retreat. The Silent Master had made a rare appearance.


    Legion immediately collapsed to his knees, bewildered by the clan master¡¯s presence. The Silent Master gazed at his subjects as they all quickly fell prostrate before him. Most had never seen the man who commanded the High Blade.


    He was an elf like most of his Rabbits. Unlike most elves he had large imposing muscles that rippled through his body. He had a shaved head that was nearly bald, although short silver hair could still be seen. His eyes were black with a slight edge of near-white irises hugging his pupils. Decorative tattoos covered his arms and half of his face which was accented with a thin scar crossed diagonally over his lips. He was robed in black and violet silks. A pair of short swords were sheathed on either side of a red sash around his waist.


    The Silent Master held quiet briefly before speaking, ¡°The first attempt on Jaelyn¡¯s life was a failure. I was betrayed by my own tribe. However, I have since forsaken those traitorous fools. This clan is my tribe now. You are all my family.¡± He paused for a moment and gazed out at the crowd, ¡°I have taken some time to deliberate who should carry the weight of this mission on their shoulders. One who has shown promise over these years, one who was trained by our most skilled fighter, most of all, one whom I can trust.¡± The Silent Master motioned his finger, ¡°Elucard, come forth.¡±


    Elucard¡¯s eyes widened with disbelief. Inle patted him on the back and whispered for him to hurry.


    The Silent Master continued as the young elf hustled forward, ¡°Elucard, each test we¡¯ve given you was performed with prowess and finesse. You¡¯ve proven to be a student of our ways and philosophies. You¡¯ve grown from the whelp you once were to the assassin you are today. You and your team of two others shall travel swiftly and silently to the gods-forsaken city of Lost dawns. You shall carry out your duty to slay Jaelyn and thereby cement your own legacy. When you return victorious, you will take your place alongside your former teacher, Legion, as my First Blade.¡±


    Elucard was stunned.


    ¡°What say you?¡±


    Elucard looked back to Inle and Jetta and then smiled as he bowed before the Silent Master, ¡°May Alanna coat my blade with the same honor you bestow upon me. Like a shadow, my team will descend upon our enemies and drown them in their own blood.¡±


    The Silent Master smiled thinly, ¡°Very well Elucard, reap the night.¡±


    A dull blade smashed against a heavy iron buckler. Wiccer danced backwards as Avren recoiled from the block and struck out with an attack of his own. The training sword deftly sliced through the air, but missed its mark. No longer forced to reside within walls of the run-down temple, the Long Whisper Division of White Cloaks now had a barracks and headquarters built within the newly formed military district of Lost Dawns. There, a training ground was built in a lot outside the barracks, which was a common place to find Wiccer and Avren in the early hours of the rising sun.


    ¡°You¡¯re getting better each day, little brother.¡±


    Wiccer smiled, ¡°Better than you,¡± he said as he spun around, slashing at Avren.


    Avren caught the blade with his own sword, and with the twist of his wrist, sent Wiccer¡¯s sword flying out of his hand.


    ¡°Not quite,¡± he laughed.


    Wiccer walked over to his sword sulking before getting back into a defensive stance in preparation for another round, ¡°How¡¯s your girlfriend doing? No doubt she¡¯s been bored held up in the city. I¡¯d imagine she wants to get back to her clan so she can stab us in the back.¡±


    Avren smirked thinking about Elisa¡¯s new hobby of trying on pretty dresses to impress him. Afterward she would steal the ones she liked. It was true that Elisa was not meant to be a caged bird, but the opportunity to use her in the field had not quite presented itself. Avren suggested that she become part of the Guard, and each time he brought it up she would laugh in his face.


    ¡°White doesn¡¯t suit me,¡± she would say. Avren did his best to convince her otherwise. The White Cloaks had learned just about all they could from Elisa, and he knew that she needed to continue to prove herself useful or she would quickly find herself back in a cell.


    ¡°Although, she might prove of some use if she were to go back to her clan,¡± Wiccer said as he ducked under a quick attack.


    ¡°How so?¡± Avren deflected a brutal slash with his shield.


    ¡°What we need are a well trained set of eyes and ears on the Rabbits. If Elisa is too afraid to tell us where their compound is, the next best thing is for her to be a spy in their little rabbit hole.¡±


    Avren nodded before crashing his shield into Wiccer¡¯s chest, bowling him over, ¡°I¡¯ll run it by her. Could be more danger than she¡¯s up for.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really starting to care for her!¡± Wiccer laughed, mimicking a hugging motion with his hands and puckering his face.


    ¡°Hey, we¡¯re just mutual partners. It¡¯s purely business.¡±


    ¡°Business and sex,¡± Wiccer snickered, picking himself up off the ground.


    Avren smacked him on the back of his head, ¡°Enough out of you. Hand me that water skin.¡± Avren took a long drink and wiped the water from his mouth with the back of his sleeve, ¡°Speaking of business, we have an order from the king.¡±


    Wiccer sat and rubbed the back of his head, ¡°The city is buzzing about the ball that is coming up. Is that what the order is about?¡±


    Avren nodded, passing him a scroll, ¡°According to Elisa, the Roots are buzzing too. No doubt word will get out to the Rabbits. The king is throwing a ball to celebrate the city¡¯s completion. Jaelyn wants us to provide security and he wants us personally to be at his side.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a big honor. The Rabbits wouldn¡¯t risk such an appearance with that much security. It would be foolish.¡±


    ¡°A chance we can¡¯t take. Best to be prepared all the same. The ball is three days from now. So get your finest tunic pressed and use your ceremonial saber. This could be a night to remember.¡±

 Chapter 25: Dont Look Back

    ¡°Elucard, I urge you to reconsider your team,¡± said Malady, ¡°Allow my apprentice Tesha and I to accompany you instead. We have more skill and experience between the two of us than your whole team. You will regret not taking us.¡±


    The one-eyed elf repeated this over and over to Elucard in an effort to snake his way into the mission of a lifetime.


    ¡°Sorry, my mind is made up. The Silent Master must see great potential in me and I must trust my own judgment. I¡¯d be daft not to.¡± Elucard turned to leave and signaled Jetta and Inle to follow him.


    At the last second Malady pulled Inle to the side, ¡°You and I both know you should be First Blade. Elucard has skill, yes, but I¡¯ve watched you, Inle. No one has the drive quite like you. Even my apprentice admits you belonged under my tutelage. Now, I can¡¯t take you under my wing for training, but I can take you under my wing to make sure you truly grow. Elucard is going to take all the glory away from those that truly shined.¡±


    Inle smiled wickedly, ¡°You flatter me, sir. You wish to see me grow, but to what end? Where do you benefit?¡±


    ¡°I do not need to directly benefit. You becoming the rightful First Blade is benefit enough. I can make this happen. Are you interested?¡±


    Inle looked back to Elucard before giving his answer, ¡°I have to admit, I am a bit interested.¡±


    ¡°Just make sure Elucard does not return alive. That is it. Things can happen in the heat of battle. Accidents happen all the time. Enemies can get the upper hand¡­understand?¡±


    Inle stared fiercely at Malady, ¡°Afraid I don¡¯t. In fact, I think it would be best if you just walked away, or else I¡¯ll make sure an accident happens to you. Do we understand one another?¡±


    ¡°Perfectly,¡± Malady smiled and chuckled through his teeth, before he walked away.


    ***


    Kneeling in the shade of the Blood Forest, the silence enveloped Malady like a pair of shadowy wings. He locked himself within the depths of thought. Memories of his youth crashed through his mind like the rapids of a river.


    He slowly stood, reaching for two of his five swords fanned across his back. Unsheathing them, he coolly went through the motions of a meditative kata. Flowing through different combative stances he imagined his enemies were in front of him. The image of Legion; the image of Elucard; finally, the image of Leandra. In slick fluid motions he swiped at the illusions skillfully killing his targets one by one, until they were gone.


    ¡°You held me back!¡± He shouted, calling out to no one but himself, ¡°You were only ever in my way!¡±


    ¡°Master, who are you talking to?¡± Tesha asked as she slid from the shadows behind Malady. She was an elf from a similar fishing village to Ravenshore. She was dressed in the traditional black and purple clothing of the Black Rabbits. Her long red hair matched the scarf that coiled around her neck and made her stand out among the rest of the clan, as did the small butterfly tattoo on her wrist.


    Malady sheathed his blades, still furious from his own thoughts. His face was covered in pure anguish, but he slid it back to his normal, more calculated demeanor. Taking a deep breath, he turned on his heel to approach his apprentice, ¡°Were you followed?¡±


    ¡°Of course not, you take me for an amateur?¡± Tesha seethed a smile, ¡°So what is your plan? Are we going to steal the kill from Elucard, his apprentice, and that mender bitch?¡±


    Malady steepled his fingers as he brought them to his lips. His plan was the very definition of ¡®insane¡¯.


    Tesha tapped her foot impatiently, ¡°Well, spit it out already!¡±


    ¡°You are to go to the king, but instead of killing him, you will warn him of the coming attack and will help him kill Elucard and his comrades.¡± Malady shined a toothy smile.


    ¡°But Master, that¡¯s treason!¡± Tesha could not even begin to fathom what must have driven her master to such madness.


    ¡°It is justified treason!¡± roared Malady. His smile vanished in a flash, ¡°I should be High Blade! You should have been given the opportunity to become First Blade! All this clan has ever done is humiliate me!¡± Malady panted in frustration before continuing, ¡°You are still young, Tesha. Have I ever told you about my last high apprentice? A young boy about your age named Keth? Deep within the very forest where we stand, Elucard relieved my dear Keth of his head. Keth was much stronger than you are, but you show boundless cunning. You have what it takes to succeed where Keth failed, I know it. The clan does not want me to thrive, it never did, and now it will not let you flourish. You have seen how everyone brushes you off. You have seen how the clan praises Elucard and Legion for even the most minuscule of victories.¡±


    Tesha was silent.


    ¡°She always praised him; I worked harder than him; Than all of them!¡± Malady paced back in forth, his hand waving in the air.


    ¡°Master?¡± Tesha was lost in Malady¡¯s ramblings.


    Malady gritted his teeth, collecting himself, ¡°My dear Tesha, you and I will no doubt become High Blade and First Blade if Legion and Elucard are taken out of the picture. However, first you need to leave at sun break for Lost Dawns. Reach the king and tell him the danger he is in. Then help him fend off and kill Elucard, Inle, and Jetta. The city will raise you up as a hero. We will no doubt earn an alliance with the King to do tasks the Rabbits had no access to before. Legion will be crushed that his beloved prodigy has fallen in the line of duty. He will step down to wallow in his misery. Good fortune will finally shine down on us. Life will be grand!¡±


    Tesha grinned, imagining herself as the hero of Lost Dawns and First Blade of the Black Rabbits, but quickly questioned Malady¡¯s plan, ¡°But master, if I betray the Silent Master, why would he make me First Blade?¡±


    ¡°The Clan will be aligned with Lost Dawns. If that old fool of a Silent Master can not see the rewards in that, I will see to it that he steps down. We must think outside of the box. They have pushed us to this road. Now child, leave at once!¡±


    She bowed before him, ¡°I shall do this for you.¡±Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Malady bowed back, ¡°For us.¡±


    ***


    Lost Dawns was a sight to see from where the three stood atop the clock tower. The elder tree stood a force of pure beauty in the center of the city. Buildings dotted the landscape all around its mighty trunk. Elucard and Jetta were stunned by the sheer size of it all. In the distance, the Dawnedge castle watched over the slumbering city. The moonlight cascaded over the three Rabbits as they sat on the ledge of a looming tower.


    ¡°We move in three hours. Inle, scout the castle perimeter and get us a count of White Cloaks,¡± said Elucard.


    Inle bowed before dropping into the night.


    Jetta folded her legs, adjusting her position on the ledge. Long ago she was afraid of climbing too high on the old willow tree back in Ravenshore. Now she was sitting on the edge of an enormous clock tower. She looked over at Elucard. He had changed as well. No longer was he the peaceful young elf boy. He was once curious and kind, but now he was a ruthless killer. Perhaps that boy was still in him, trapped as a prisoner of his new Rabbit soul. Maybe it wasn¡¯t too late for him to rejoin the living, instead of being a slave to the damned.


    ¡°Elucard,¡± she whispered, ¡°Do you ever think of what could have become of us if you weren¡¯t taken by the Black Rabbits?¡±


    ¡°Jetta, you must stay focused. This isn¡¯t some slumlord or lesser baron we are going to kill. It¡¯s the king of all of Long Whisper.¡±


    She went silent. Did he not grasp what he just said?


    ¡°Elucard,¡± her voice was higher now, ¡°We don¡¯t have to do this. This is terrorism. Please tell me that somewhere inside of you a shred of humanity still exists. That you haven¡¯t let the little boy you once were succumb to the killer you are now.¡±


    ¡°I¨C¡± Elucard stopped himself short; ¡°Humanity.¡± Legion once told him to save the humanity in him. That it would be an edge against his enemies. He had forgotten that. He had lost all humanity until only a husk of himself existed. He needed to sever that tie to survive. But did he survive? He was alive, but he felt nothing now. Emotionless, cold, empty.


    ¡°Jetta, now isn¡¯t the time for this. I need you to focus and act like the Rabbit we¡¯ve trained you to be. The moment we stumble is the moment we will fall.¡±


    ¡°Elucard, I know the good in you is still there. I know the Rabbits haven¡¯t turned your into soul into complete darkness. The moment we assassinate Jaelyn¡­ Well, that¡¯s something we can never turn back from. Do you understand that we¡¯ll have to live with such a deed over our heads for the rest of our lives?¡±


    ¡°Such a deed? Jetta, listen to yourself. Have you learned nothing? What we do must be done. It is a divine duty to kill for Alanna! I can¡¯t believe I have to debate this with you!¡±


    Jetta reached out for Elucard, ¡°Alanna is a neutral goddess. She doesn¡¯t wish for us to go around killing people! She is a goddess of nature. The Rabbits have twisted everything, including the will of the fates. Even I can see that, Elucard. Why can¡¯t you?¡±


    Elucard jerked backwards in complete disbelief of Jetta.


    ¡°Elucard please. Please see reason. You can¡¯t possibly believe that what we are about to do is justified. We kill the innocent, we make widows and we make orphans. Look into your heart and see what you¡¯ve become.¡±


    Elucard¡¯s eyes were blanketed with anger and confusion. How could Jetta be saying this, especially now? He thought she understood the cause. That she believed in it¡­


    ¡°Jetta¡­ I thought you were with me. We are a team, you, Inle, and I¡­ a team.¡±


    ¡°Elucard, I¡¯ll always be by your side, but I just wish you would understand that the Rabbits are poisoning you,¡± Jetta said tenderly. She now saw a lost little boy looking back at her on the ledge of that clock tower.


    The Black Rabbits have poisoned you! Myler¡¯s words echoed in his head. Flashes of him slaughtering his friends scattered across his mind.


    ¡°Jetta, you don¡¯t know what I¡¯m capable of. What the Rabbits are capable of. The things I¡¯ve done could never be forgiven. What we are about to do¡­ I can¡¯t protect you from the path we¡¯re about to embark on. You need to go¡­ now! Run far away from me, the Rabbits, all of it, until you are safe.¡±


    Jetta shook her head, furrowing her brow in sadness, ¡°Elucard, I see that you want to protect me from the life we lead, but when we separated for that first time it cracked us in two. Together we are strong. I want you to be strong Elucard¡­ I want to be strong with you.¡±


    Elucard embraced his friend, a tear rolling down his eye, ¡°Jetta I promised to keep you safe, but I don¡¯t know how long I can do that.¡±


    ¡°Elucard, I¡¯ve grown up. I want to be the one to keep you safe.¡±


    Elucard smiled meekly, breaking from the hug. Still keeping a hand on hers he whispered, ¡°We¡¯ll protect each other, then.¡±


    ¡°Elucard,¡± Inle broke the moment like lightning through the sky.


    Elucard stood and bowed to his student, the side of his eyes wet from the tears. Inle took notice, darting his attention to Jetta and scowling under his mask.


    ¡°Elucard, there were nine guards covering the wall, only four around the castle roof. I found a balcony that is unguarded. An excellent place to slip in.¡± Inle said, hoping to have Elucard snap back to attentive state.


    Elucard nodded, ¡°We¡¯ll lea¨C¡±


    ¡°We should leave now,¡± Inle said cutting off his master. He spoke again, still eyeing Jetta, ¡°Before more guards accumulate.¡±


    Elucard patted his student on the shoulder, ¡°Good job, Inle.¡±


    He stole a glance at Jetta. A new feeling was emerging from him that laid dormant in his mind for so long¡­ joy. Not the joy from a kill or the joy from satisfying his peers and master. This was a different type of joy. A hopeful one. He could not pinpoint it, but it felt like his childhood.


    Inle watched as his master¡¯s eyes seemed to wander off into his thoughts. Inle needed to take control of the situation, whatever Jetta had said needed to be undone. He needed his master¡¯s head to be in the game.


    ¡°A blade is only as sharp as the Rabbit wielding it,¡± he said to his master, ¡°You need to clear your head. There is a lot of madness in this mission. We are here to do what no one could do before. Kill the king. You¡¯re not doing this alone though. You have me. You have Jetta. We are the team that the Silent Master hand picked. Master, we are it. The true elite. We have your back. The clan has your back. It is time that we Rabbits do what we were trained to do. Purge a life and rebalance the scales.¡±


    Elucard looked through the thin eye slits of Inle¡¯s mask.


    ¡°Yes, Inle. You speak the truth.¡±


    He turned to Jetta putting a hand on both her and Inle¡¯s shoulder, ¡°We are the true elite. We need to prove to not only our clan, but ourselves, that we can perform the most daunting task of our life. Whether we succeed or fail, this will be a trial that all will speak of for the rest of history.¡± Elucard took out his blade and nodded to the two teammates.


    Inle smiled, taking out his blade, ¡°We are with you, Master.¡±


    Jetta lowered her head, still in doubt of the cause, but complied all the same, ¡°Until the end, Elucard.¡±


    Elucard pointed his blade at the castle.


    ¡°May Alanna guide our blades!¡± Elucard roared as he dropped down.


    Once Elucard was out of sight, Inle grabbed Jetta¡¯s arm, ¡°I do not know what you said that shook him up like that, but you need to stop playing your little game with Elucard¡¯s head. He needs to be at one hundred percent to complete this mission, and if he is second guessing himself¡­¡±


    ¡°Relax Inle. Let me go. We have work to do,¡± Jetta said, yanking her arm away, ¡°Don¡¯t be distracted by me. Elucard isn¡¯t the only one of us that needs to be at one hundred percent to walk out of this alive. Have you forgotten? We¡¯re about to kill a king,¡± Jetta sneered, disgusted by her own words.


    Fury washed over Inle¡¯s face beneath his mask, ¡°I¡¯m watching you, Jetta.¡±

 Chapter 26: One Long Night

    Wiccer leaned against the marble railing of the small balcony that overlooked the blooming city below. His pearl-white cloak swam in the cool evening air and his thoughts scattered like the infinite sands of Scorch: unsteadily, listlessly, and utterly directionless. Then at once, his thoughts violently washed over him and there was nowhere he could run or hide to escape the coarse avalanche. His mind raced back hours ago, to the castle keep where he and his brother kept watch¡­


    ¡°Wiccer, get the king out of here!¡± Avren roared. His sword shimmered in the glaze of the daylight that seeped from the open window where Tesha had entered. She stood on the war table, unfazed by Avren''s blade. A series of daggers whizzed into the floorboards, stopping Jaelyn and Wiccer in their tracks.


    ¡°I think it would be best that the king hears what I have to say,¡± she said. She gave Wiccer a thin smile as he moved himself in front of the elven king, ¡°If I wanted the king dead, I would have killed him when you two noble idiots weren''t here.¡±


    ¡°What did you call¨C¡± started Avren.


    ¡°We are losing valuable time here,¡± Tesha interrupted, ¡°Jaelyn, I''m here on a mission to protect you from my clan. As we speak, my clan has sent a squad of assassins to deal with you. As much as I hate to admit it, they are very skilled. Without my help, you may perish this night.¡±


    Wiccer cautiously moved his hand away from his blade''s handle, ¡°Why should we trust a Rabbit? Especially one working against its own clan?¡±


    Tesha flipped her hand through her wavy, vibrant red hair. Her amber elven eyes gazed into Wiccer''s, ¡°An excellent question, my handsome White Cloak. My clan is much like the sun. It nourishes one flower, while the rest wither in the shade.¡±


    ¡°What do you gain from your clan''s failure?¡± Wiccer asked, still unconvinced.


    ¡°I would have saved the king''s life. No doubt I would have gained enough trust to build the foundation of a relationship between our people; exclusive contracts, perhaps. After all, don''t we all wish to be praised as heroes?¡±


    ¡°I would indeed hail you a hero for turning against your clan to protect me,¡± said Jaelyn, ¡°We shall set a trap for these villains. With my White Cloaks aligned with a Black Rabbit, they will stand no chance.¡± The king brandished a wide smile and clapped his hands, ¡°I want to be present for this.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Avren gestured his hands in a motion to display that he completely disagreed with the entire situation.


    ¡°It''s not your call. You may lead your Cloaks, but I hired them. You take commands from me. This isn''t the first time someone has tried to kill me, and I¡¯m sure that this will not be the last,¡± The king turned to Tesha, ¡°You, Rabbit, who is coming to assassinate me?¡±


    ¡°Elucard leads two. Inle, his student, and a medic known as Jetta.¡±


    Jaelyn scrunched his face in disgust, ¡°This Elucard and his team will hang from broken necks in the town square tomorrow. I will personally see to it.¡±


    ¡°Your Grace, I highly advise against this plan. If this Elucard intends to kill you, why should we give him such an opportunity?¡± Avren said, this time remembering his courtesies.


    ¡°Captain, I do not fear what goes ''bump'' in the night. For when it does, I ''bump'' back.¡±


    Wiccer anxiously thumbed the edge of his blade. So, Elucard. My honorable deed will haunt me. He resolved then and there that he would not spare him a second time.


    ¡°What troubles you, sergeant?¡± The quiet but kind voice broke up his thoughts. Wiccer turned and found himself looking at an elf, roughly his age. He was clothed in fine nobleman threads. The circlet around his forehead and a Dawnedge signet ring marked him as royalty. By his side stood a large wolf that had brilliant cobalt fur eye an eye that sparked wild with magic. It nudged at the elf''s hand.


    Wiccer knelt in the presence of the Prince of Long Whisper, ¡°Prince Koda. I-I was only thinking¡­¡±


    Koda chuckled, ¡°Yes, I can see that. What about?¡±


    ¡°Yes, a dumb response. I was thinking about tonight, and my responsibilities, my future, everything, I suppose.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see. Everything often gets cluttered in one''s mind,¡±Koda knelt down to playfully run his hands through the thick fur of his familiar. Wildeye hefted her giant paws onto Koda''s shoulders and licked him mercilessly, ¡°It helps to have a friend that can clear out that mess in your head!¡±


    Wiccer leaned on the railing and looked towards the horizon. The sun was setting and crimson and purple clouds covered its retreat, ¡°I have the stress of protecting an entire city, commanding men, battling for my life. You have it easy. You share little responsibilities with your father. I can''t just have a dog lick me and have it all just be better.¡±


    Koda''s face went stiff.


    ¡°Forgive me my Prince, I¨C¡± Wiccer bowed baffled by his poor choice of words.


    Koda waved him off, putting a light grip on Wiccer''s broad shoulder, ¡°My friend, it is true that we have different worries and duties. But no matter which boots we walk in and which roads we are led down, we must always keep an open mind. An open mind is a clear mind. A clear mind is a sharp mind. A sharp mind¡­ that is a weapon you must favor. Nevertheless, have a good night, my friend. Think well on what I have said here tonight.¡±


    Koda walked away with Wildeye softly panting at his side as Avren and Elisa stepped out onto the balcony.


    ¡°Avren, we''ll have to be getting ready soon. Has she decided to help us spy on her clan?¡±


    ¡°As of now things are too heated. I can''t risk going back to the compound. I learned from my contacts that both the High Blade and the First Blade are missing,¡± Elisa said, slightly anxious with the mood of the night.


    ¡°High Blade and First Blade; so, Avalon and Vada, as you called them. How are they missing?¡± Wiccer asked, a bit annoyed by Elisa''s lack of cooperation.


    ¡°Avalon left the clan and Vada was tasked with hunting her down. Desertion from the clan is punishable by death. You see why I can''t go back,¡± Elisa continued.


    ¡°All I see is a Rabbit losing its usefulness,¡± Wiccer sneered.


    Elisa looked earnestly towards Avren, who scowled at his brother, ¡°Wiccer, enough. Elisa brings news of who this Tesha might be and whether she can be trusted.¡±


    ¡°Well?¡± Wiccer said, tapping a nervous foot.


    ¡°According to my contacts, Tesha is the new apprentice of Malady. His previous apprentice was killed by Elucard. Overall I know very little of this Tesha. Malady, however, I know. He''s a cunning man ¨C a snake in the grass. He can not be trusted, but in this case he works for your advantage. But do not forget, he works only toward his own ends.¡±


    ¡°So this isn''t a trap?¡± Avren asked.


    ¡°No, I don''t believe so. This is some sort of revenge against Elucard at the very least. At the very most it is a power play against his own clan,¡± Elisa finished.


    ¡°Nice work, Elisa. Wiccer, let''s head out and get ready for our guests,¡± Avren said, nodding approvingly at Elisa.


    ***


    The moon was a sliver in the night, partially shrouded by navy blue clouds. The air was laden with the thick scent of rain. Inle led Jetta and Elucard passed the guards and to a small marble balcony. The trio slipped in smoothly.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°It''s all so quiet,¡± Jetta whispered, ¡°There should be guests arriving and music playing. The ball is tonight, isn''t it?¡±


    Inle checked a pair of double doors before scanning the stairs leading downwards, ¡°No servants either.¡±


    ¡°Let''s check the throne room. Perhaps the king is awaiting guests there,¡± Elucard said, beckoning his team to follow.


    Elucard deftly navigated through the rafters. Slipping between the large wooden doors, Inle and Jetta followed suit. The team dropped down into the shadows of two large adjacent pillars.


    King Jaelyn sat patiently on his throne. Elucard slowly retrieved a small throwing knife from his belt, taking aim at the king''s throat; he let it loose.


    To the shock of the three, Tesha dropped from the shadows of the rafters, deflecting the steel dagger with a throwing knife of her own. Elucard''s projectile ricocheted and lodged into the pillar inches from his head. Immediately the thundering sound of marching boots flooded into the throne room and an army of White Cloaks surrounded the Rabbits. Wiccer and Avren entered from parallel doors and walked to either side of the king.


    Tesha waltzed, shrugging towards the stunned Elucard, ¡°A pity it turned out this way, Elucard. I admit, you are kind of cute.¡± She gently brushed a finger down his black leather armor.


    ¡°Tesha, you traitorous bitch!¡± he furiously whispered.


    ¡°Now, now, Elucard, doesn''t it feel awful to have everything you worked for just stripped away from you?¡±


    Elucard seethed with anger as he clenched his teeth and balled his fists.


    ¡°You now know how my master, Malady, has felt for years. But don''t worry, Elucard, you won''t feel this way for nearly as long,¡± Tesha continued as she walked back to the throne, taking a seat on one of its arms and crossing her legs.


    ¡°Master, what are your orders?¡± Inle whispered. His hands shook nervously.


    ¡°Elucard, we have to get out of here! Abandon this mission and get going while we''re still able to,¡± Jetta pleaded.


    ¡°No, we have a mission and we''re getting it done. Inle, you and I will deal with these lesser Cloaks. I have a feeling the real challenge will be with those officers next to Jaelyn. Jetta, stay back, join the fray only if you have no other choice.¡±


    Inle grinned wickedly under his mask. Jetta nodded and backed into a corner, her hand hovered slightly over her haversack.


    Jaelyn, silent until now, lifted a single hand, ¡°Arrest them.¡±


    Several White Cloaks rushed headlong toward Elucard and Inle, whose hands sprung backwards before leaping forwards in perfect unison, as only a teacher and student would. They made quick work of their opponents, exerting as little effort as possible by targeting vital spots with lethal precision.


    In mere minutes, the last White Cloak fell slain at the feet of the two assassins. Elucard''s brow still furrowed from the betrayal.


    ¡°Inle, the king is the primary target, but do not let your guard down. I recognize one of these men. He is strong. No doubt his captain will be stronger.¡±


    Wiccer approached, sword in hand, ¡°Ah, so you remember me, Elucard. Have you mentioned to your friend here how I left you for dead in a ravine?¡±


    Elucard moved to meet Wiccer, ¡°That was some time ago,¡± Elucard swung his blade, clashing against the steel of Wiccer''s steel, ¡°You''ll find it much more difficult to best me a second time!¡±


    Inle smirked and dashed for Avren. However, his opponent was ready and rammed his shoulder into Inle¡¯s chest. Inle skidded and tumbled backwards. Jetta ran to Inle''s side but he pushed her away, ¡°I''m fine! Get back to cover!¡± Jetta quickly retreated back into the shadows, furious.


    Avren lunged into the air, bringing down his sword with a heavy swing. Inle sprung up and quickly parried, swinging back around and viciously slashing at Avren''s side. Grunting, Avren kicked Inle into a neighboring pillar, dazing him. Avren followed through, thrusting his blade into Inle''s shoulder. Inle roared in pain, ¡°Jetta!¡±


    Inle kicked Avren backwards, tearing the blade out of his body. He collapsed into Jetta''s arms, ¡°You¡¯re going to have to make this quick, Jetta!¡± Avren began to gather himself for another attack.


    Jetta quickly examined the deep wound. She took out a patch of cloth that glowed bright red and placed it on top of the wound. She pressed down hard as the cloth made a sizzling sound, cauterizing the injury. Inle groaned in complete pain when she removed the cloth.


    ¡°Sorry, Inle. I know blister cloth hurts like hell.¡± Blister cloth was aptly named. Inle''s wound had blistered and scarred, but he was able to tenderly rotate his shoulder again. Nodding to the medic, Inle leaped at Avren and landed a swift kick to his chest.


    Avren slid back and followed through with a hefty swing, but was met with a clash of steel. Both men matched attacks with skillful parries.


    Inle sent a stream of twirling daggers at Avren, some of which lodged into his arm and shoulder. Avren charged, grabbing Inle''s collar and bashed him repeatedly in the face with the guard of his sword. Luckily for Inle, his mask took the brunt of the strikes, but he felt the concussive blows all the same. Inle dropped to the floor, completely dazed.


    Meanwhile, Wiccer led with a flurry of swings, leaving Elucard to duck, tumble, and dodge the relentless attacks. Circling around, Elucard jumped for an abrasive counter of his own, sneaking a slash into Wiccer''s torso.


    Inspecting the wound, Wiccer found it was non-fatal, and he rushed in close, elbowing the assassin under the jaw. Elucard grimaced and Wiccer grabbed the elf''s arm and ruthlessly kicked at his chest. There was a gruesome popping sound as Elucard''s right arm went limp. Elucard swiftly switched his sword into his left hand, just barely making an awkward parry from a deadly thrust. Elucard''s face twisted as Wiccer backhanded him with an armored fist. Blood spewed from his mouth as he collided with the ground.


    Elucard clenched his teeth in pain as he struggled to stand. Stealing a glance at Wiccer''s attempt at a savage kick to the ribs, Elucard held his breath as Jetta leaped over him to land a drop kick, blowing back Wiccer. Jetta turned, ¡°Keep still!¡± she commanded.


    Elucard did as he was told, but arched his back in agony as Jetta pushed his dislodged shoulder back into place, ¡°Ahh! Jetta! Are you sure you aren¡¯t doing more harm than good?!¡± Elucard teased, still wincing as he stretched his arm, gingerly testing his shoulder.


    ¡°I have no clue how you''re supposed to be the new First Blade,¡± she joked.


    Wiccer held his broken nose from the surprise kick, as he recovered his blade, ¡°You still lack the necessary skills to beat me.¡±


    ¡°Then perhaps I''ll quit holding back,¡± said Elucard as he juked and slid behind Wiccer. Seizing his opportunity, Elucard drove his blade into the back of Wiccer''s thigh, dropping him to the ground. While Wiccer was screaming in agony, Elucard grabbed the tuft of his hair and whispered into his ear, ¡°You spared me. I suppose it is only right that I return the favor.¡± Elucard slammed the Cloak''s head into the ground, knocking him out cold.


    Inle was now fairing better as well. Spinning to avoid another thrust to his injured shoulder, Inle backed into Avren, following up with a hand chop to Avren''s throat. Avren went down hard, choking and gasping for air. Inle took the moment to run Avren through with his sword, before kicking him onto his side. Turning his head, Inle caught Jaelyn and Tesha escaping towards a side door, ¡°Elucard, the king!¡±


    Elucard reached into his side pouch, grabbing a smoke pellet and breaking it between Tesha and Jaelyn. Tesha shoved Jaelyn to the side, sending him crashing through a nearby door, ¡°Make haste, I''ll deal with Elucard.¡±


    Tesha could barely see through the densely clouded room. She lifted her magenta scarf over her nose and mouth, trying desperately to hold in her coughs. Several shurikens darted through the smoke. Tesha managed to deflect two of them, but a third grazed her cheek. She launched an attack of her own, sending a fan of daggers flying through the smoke. She listened carefully and heard a grunt. She smirked and careened a kick in that direction.


    Elucard allowed the strike to catch him in his chest, pushing him back as he grabbed Tesha by the ankle, swinging her into a wall. Taking advantage of a stunned Tesha, Elucard thrusted his sword into the traitor¡¯s gut. Tesha smiled as blood bubbled out of the corners of her mouth. With the last ounce of her strength, she palmed two daggers and drove them under Elucard¡¯s ribs, ¡°A parting gift from Malady.¡±


    Elucard screamed, filled with rage and twisted the handle of his blade savagely before tearing it out of her flesh. A gruesome flood of blood spilled onto the white floor.


    Jaelyn scrambled down the hall calling for any help that he could find. Several shuriken found their mark in his back and he fell into a messy heap on the marble floor. He sloppily moved to get back up. Running from the end of the hall, Koda and Tull rushed to Jaelyn''s aid.


    ¡°It''s too late, Jaelyn,¡± Elucard said in a low, tired voice. He limped, holding his pain-stricken side with one hand. A freshly blood soaked magenta scarf wrapped around his sword handle. The assassin mustered the last of his strength as he dashed, slicing the back of the elf king''s legs. Jaelyn fell to his knees. Elucard''s sword rested on Jaelyn''s shoulder, tapping his neck gently.


    ¡°Spare my son,¡± Jaelyn said in a soft voice.


    Elucard locked eyes with the fallen King, nodded, and swung his blade. The loud clanging of a crown hitting the ground filled the air. Elucard lifted his eyes to find Koda standing only an arm¡¯s length away. Unfathomable sadness and fury filled the prince¡¯s face all at once. Elucard lifted his blade at the prince, warning him to stay back.


    ¡°Elucard, we need to leave now!¡± Jetta shouted firmly. She grabbed his arm, tugging him away from Koda, who was utterly frozen in place, ¡°Come on!¡±


    Elucard turned to look at Jetta, her eyes begged him to feel something, anything.


    ¡°Come on, you bastard! We have to go!¡±


    She continued to pull on him to no avail, and silence floated between the two for a moment that felt like an eternity. Elucard''s aching arm was still raised with his blade pointing at the grief-stricken Koda. Tull stood still, unable to make a move while his nephew was so close to danger. A minute, maybe more, passed. The ambiance of the rain outside was the only sound that sunk through the moment.


    Elucard, exhausted both physically and mentally from the turbulent night, managed a single soft word, ¡°Sorry.¡±

 Chapter 27: A Prince No More

    Beads of radiant energy ascended from the ground and absorbed into the thick aura surrounding Koda. He grunted as the task strained him greatly.


    ¡°Good work, Koda, now concentrate the Magi into your hands. Let your fingers be a foci,¡± Megan encouraged from his side.


    Sweat ran down his forehead and dripped off of his chin. His eyes became bloodshot as he quaked with stress. The Verdant Academy shook from the immense power being drawn. Dust and stone rumbled and swirled around the two spell casters.


    ¡°You almost have it, a little more¡­¡± she said, coaching her student. The Magi ebbed in a globular form within Koda¡¯s hands. Its form convulsed as the strain became greater than Koda could handle, ¡°No, Koda, don¡¯t let go! Focus! Focus!¡±


    ¡°I-I c-can¡¯t! I-t¡¯s it''s too much power!¡± Koda screamed as the Magi exploded in his hands triggering a surge of light to blow across the underground battlefield. Both Megan and Koda were flung backwards in its mighty wake.


    Recovering slowly, Koda sat up and punched the stone floor. He mashed at the ground screaming until his hands were bruised and bleeding.


    ¡°Koda, we¡¯ll get there, we¡¯ll get there,¡± Megan reassured him.


    ¡°What use is all this power if I can¡¯t control it?! What use is any of this if I can¡¯t use it to save the people I love?!¡± Koda heard a bone crack in his hand, but continued to beat the ground until his hand was a blood-smeared mess.¡±


    ¡°Koda, stop it!¡± Megan grabbed his hand to restrain him, ¡°It¡¯s broken. Come we¡¯ll get it taken care of.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Nothing matters anymore,¡± Koda whispered, defeated.


    ¡°Listen to yourself. Really listen. Do you hear yourself?¡± Koda was silent. His hand and heart throbbed in agony, ¡°You want to know what I hear?¡±


    Koda frowned, ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood for your lectures.¡±


    ¡°Too bad,¡± she said firmly, ¡°I hear a boy who wants to give up because for the first time in his precious, sheltered life things have taken a dark and terrible turn.¡± Megan manifested a thick stick and took her gold sash, wrapping her students hand tightly with the splint. Koda winced, either at the pain or the sharp reproach.


    ¡°My father was killed in front of me!¡± Koda protested.


    ¡°Yes, Koda, he was. Now what? Where do you go from here? Do you pick up the mantle of king and try to salvage the great kingdom that your father fought so hard to forge? Will you scurry off to Nashoon to become the so-called ¡¯Arcane Guardian¡¯ while the other tribes fight to take the reigns of power from you? Or will you cower even lower and vanish into absolute obscurity and leave your life behind? What you do now, Koda, is all that matters.¡±


    Koda inspected the dressed hand gingerly, taking in what she had said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Koda said flatly, ¡°What would you do?¡±


    Megan spoke without even the slightest trace of hesitation, ¡°If it were my decision, I would have already had myself crowned.¡±


    ¡°Will you be there with me when I address the nobles?¡± Koda asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s not my place to be in that room.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your place if I want you there,¡± Koda stood up, favoring his broken hand, ¡°and I want you there.¡±


    ¡°Well, then, I suppose I¡¯ll be there, your grace.¡±Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    ***


    ¡°The king is dead,¡± a cold, stern voice called out.


    Koda sat in the dimly lit war room. Around him were the seven lords of the united tribes. Tull, Megan, and Marcus stood by his side. His father¡¯s blood-stained crown rested on the heavy oak table. Carved in the center of the table was an exquisitely detailed image of the elder tree. The leaves were painted meticulously with a vivid emerald green. Arching above the tree were the sigils of the seven noble tribes. In the center of the trunk was the sigil of the Dawnedge tribe.


    Koda stared wordlessly at the crown, still in a daze. It taunted him. He wished that the night before had never happened. He wished he was alone in his room with Wildeye, the only one that he cared to be with at this particular moment. Most of all, he wished he was not Koda Dawnedge. He had always looked up to his uncle Tull for breaking with tradition and chasing his own ambitions rather than accepting the fate handed down to him by his father. But even Tull seemed every bit as nervous as Koda. Would Tull accept the crown if he left for Nashoon? Megan stood at his other side, clearly anxious by the stillness in the air and feeling quite out of place. Then there was the commander of the White Cloaks, Marcus Newsun, attempting to save face after the most monumental failure of his lifetime. Koda sneered.


    The noblemen were silent, waiting for the prince to say the words they all waited to hear. Eyes locked on Koda¡¯s sleepless face. Athar Moonfall broke the uncomfortable tension, ¡°My Prince, I said the king is dead. We are all awaiting your decision. Will you ascend to the throne or should we begin to discuss another successor?¡±


    Koda sluggishly turned his head toward Athar.


    ¡°Yes, I know my father is dead. I was there when he was killed. Where were you again?¡±


    Athar attempted to maintain his composure in the face of such an insult. He spoke, ignoring Koda¡¯s question, ¡°We, the Seven, feel that perhaps¡­¡±


    Koda¡¯s heavy eyes narrowed as he replied, ¡°You think I should walk away from all this? My father counted on me to carry on his legacy. There was a time when I fought him every step of the way, but that time is far behind us.¡±


    Tull put a gentle hand on his nephew¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Koda, it is okay if you wish to take a leave of absence and mourn. You don¡¯t need to make such a decision right now.¡±


    Athar stood to interject, ¡°Actually adviser Tull, this needs to be decided now. We need a leader now more than ever. The city is in a panic. The Black Rabbits not only killed our king, but laid siege to the hopes and dreams of this city. No one will want to live, trade, or study here anymore. We must act decisively.¡±


    ¡°My Prince, I will send for double the amount of White Clo¨C¡± Marcus started.


    ¡°Are you suggesting, Captain Newsun, that we ought to invest even more time, money, and resources into hiring countless more of your cloaks?¡± Koda said with a biting charm, ¡°How convenient. They were so worth the money the first go round. No, I do not believe that even more cloaks will solve the problems facing us here today.¡± Koda locked eyes with Commander Newsun, weighed his next words carefully, and spoke, ¡°The White Cloaks, however, have not overstayed their welcome in Lost Dawns. There is a way that we can increase our military might without paying for the quartering of hundreds more cloaks. Instead, we must raise an army of our own, trained by the White Cloaks. We, our people, can stand up against those who would dare rise against us.¡± He stood up and slid back his chair.


    The room broke out into a loud murmur of argument between the seven lords, but all were stricken with silence as Koda pounded his good fist on the table.


    ¡°The White Cloaks alone can not defend us. We need a standing army of our own!¡±


    The nobles began whispering amongst themselves. The wooden table vibrated as Fendrick Redroot slapped his hand down, ¡°What utter foolishness! Who among us can fight? You, Prince Koda? Do not be so rash.¡±


    ¡°Do you have no faith in our people at all, Fendrick? With proper training anyone can fight!¡±


    Fendrick looked back at Koda, considering the boy¡¯s words. Koda turned toward Megan, ¡°High Mage Megan, what are your thoughts.¡±


    ¡°My Prince,¡± Athar said before Megan could speak, ¡°she is but a mage, she has no say in th¨C¡±


    Koda silenced him with his hand and beckoned Megan to speak.


    ¡°Lord Moonfall, I have seen more war than you, and I can see that the White Cloaks have failed at the most important task put before them. It is clear to me that Long Whisper needs its own army.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes. That is exactly what I have been thinking. The people of Lost Dawns love this city, not because we pay them to do so, but because it is their home. They would take up arms to defend their home¡ªour home¡ªfrom those who would see us perish,¡± Koda spoke with fire in his eyes.


    ¡°Even though we are without the warrior tribes, I think he is right. Our people could be trained to battle,¡± Tull agreed.


    Koda rose from his chair, ¡°These may be the darkest of days,¡± Koda stared into the faces of the seven nobles before him, ¡°but I will lead us out of them.¡±

 Chapter 28: Open Wounds

    Wiccer groggily woke up. His surroundings were alien to him, but he recognized that he was in an infirmary. His brother lay in an adjacent bed across from him. Elisa sat sleeping in a chair at Avren¡¯s bedside. Wiccer slipped out of the sheets and jumped out of bed. It cost him dearly, as his head spurted with a burst of pain and his leg buckled underneath him. He crashed resoundingly to the floor.


    Wiccer gingerly inspected a heavy wool bandage wrapped around his head and grasped his throbbing leg. Reaching for a crutch leaning against the wall, Wiccer hobbled to his brother¡¯s bedside.


    ¡°Avren, what did they do to you?¡± Wiccer quaked with heartache as he looked down at his brother. A deep, crimson red seeped through the bandages on his chest. His once ebony features were now deathly pale, his breathing a weak wheezing. Avren slowly motioned his hand up. Wiccer shivered as he grabbed it with both hands, ¡°Avren, you¡¯re going to be okay. I¡¯m going to make those Rabbits pay for this!¡±


    Elisa awoke to find Wiccer collapsed in depression and shock, ¡°I¡¯m sorry Wiccer, I truly am.¡±


    It was clear that she had been up all night and day by Avren and Wiccer¡¯s side.


    Wiccer burst out in a depressing chorus of tears, ¡°How can you say that! You¡¯re one of them! You¡¯ve always been one of them!¡±


    Elisa shook her head, tears forming in her eyes. She just wanted to be there with Avren, ¡°I am not one of them! I never could convince you¡­¡±


    ¡°Then why did you protect them! As far as I¡¯m concerned you did this to Avren. If my brother dies, it will be on your hands!¡±


    Elisa¡¯s lips quivered with anguish, ¡°Wiccer please, Avren is¡­is¡­¡±


    ¡°What? What is he to you other than someone to lay with?¡±


    Elisa burst into tears, ¡°He is all that I have!¡± she turned to Avren, gently caressing his face, ¡°¡­All that I want,¡± she sobbed.


    ¡°Wic-Wiccer¡± Avren¡¯s voice was a shriveled husk of what it once was, ¡°Enough. Do¡­do not be blinded by your hate.¡±


    Wiccer shivered in rage, ¡°Do you not hear yourself, Avren?¡±


    Avren attempted to tighten his grip, weakly pulling Wiccer close to him, ¡°E-Elisa is one of us. Y-you need to gr-grow as a leader. K¡­keep a clear mind,¡± Avren¡¯s grip fell loose, his breathing began to slow.


    ¡°Avren, please. Don¡¯t leave me, not you too!¡± Wiccer tightly squeezed Avren¡¯s limp hand. He bawled into his brother¡¯s chest. Elisa did her best to comfort him.


    ¡°I-I love you little¡­¡± Avren rasped with his final words to his younger brother.


    ***


    Elucard leaned on Inle. The patch job done to his wounds was wearing away as the trio made their way through the woods. The cold rain washed away any chance that they could be tracked, but the heavy water pounded upon their weary shoulders, weighing down their clothes. They had traveled all day and all night, but were still another night¡¯s travel away from home.


    ¡°I hope Jetta finds some shelter soon,¡± said Elucard. His cold breath wisped in the air. He struggled each step of the way, both physically and mentally. His mind was fractured like glass scattered all over the ground. Jetta¡¯s words pierced him like a lance.


    Jetta¡­He still saw her as the child he remembered ¨C innocent, pure¡­naive. His life as a Black Rabbit wasn¡¯t easy, but it was simple. He merely took orders and would someday die by the blade. He was growing into this life. However, this all changed the day that Jetta came back into the picture. His promise to her bubbled to the surface and complicated his once simple life. She spoke a truth that he once would have lived by. It was not the code of the Rabbit, but the law of the rest of the world. It did not comply, but it made sense. But she could not possibly understand the sacrifices he had made. She saw him as who he had been, not who he was in the present. What did he see himself as? Who he was? Who he is? Who he could be?


    Damn her!


    ¡°Master, I¡¯m proud of what you accomplished back there,¡± Inle said, breaking Elucard¡¯s train of thought, ¡°You are a legend now, both famous among our people and infamous among everyone else.¡±


    ¡°Infamous for the wrong reasons,¡± Elucard whispered in a daze.


    There was a silence between the two. Inle felt the sting of his master¡¯s words. He stopped, the rain still pouring on their heads and shoulders. Inle lifted his mask. His cool and tired silver eyes locked onto Elucard¡¯s tired magenta ones.


    ¡°Elucard, my master, listen to me. Whatever doubts you have in your life, your actions are praised by the true people that care for you¡­and love you,¡± Inle said.


    Elucard stared down at his muddy feet, slightly light headed from his loss of blood. He raised this student on the philosophies of his master, Legion; the same philosophies that turned him into the efficient assassin that slew a king. Inle was the prime example of a perfect Rabbit.


    ¡°Inle, if you were asked to, would you kill the person you were closest to?¡±


    Inle smiled weakly. Closest to him? His family was long gone and the only person he felt true affection for was the person he was holding in the downpour. He loved Elucard more than just as a brother. He saw the Black Rabbits in a light of chivalry and servitude. He yearned for a way to mix his love for Elucard with his love for his clan; a sentiment, it seemed, that Jetta did not share.


    ¡°Elucard, a blade is only as sharp as the Rabbit wielding it. You taught me this, Master. Do not let the heart lead where the mind will not follow.¡± Inle put a gentle hand upon his master¡¯s cool, wet cheek. He slowly moved his unmasked face closer to Elucard¡¯s, ¡°Unless that heart leads you to me,¡± Inle whispered, raindrops bouncing off his nose.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Elucard was exhausted, locked within Inle¡¯s hypnotic charm. He had feelings for his student, but could not requite the feelings Inle had for him, ¡°Inle, I can¡¯t¡­¡±


    Inle moved slowly until he could feel Elucard¡¯s breath. With his other hand he removed Elucard¡¯s soaked through hood.


    ¡°Inle¡­¡± Elucard¡¯s worn eyes sunk within the shadow elf¡¯s. A moment in time froze for the two men.


    ¡°Guys, over here, I made a fire!¡± Jetta called from a short distance to the east, ¡°Let¡¯s replace those bandages, Elucard!¡±


    Inle quickly moved away from Elucard, clearly annoyed by Jetta¡¯s ill-timed interruption. He fastened his mask and whispered into Elucard¡¯s ear, ¡°I will wait for you.¡±


    ***


    Under a thick canopy of branches and leaves, the fire blazed. Elucard slept peacefully by its warmth. Fresh bandages hugged his ribs. Inle watched the elf with a sense of fondness as Jetta cleaned his wounds.


    ¡°I can tell that you care for him very much,¡± Jetta said, gesturing over to her best friend.


    Inle grimaced from a rush of pain as an alcohol soaked cloth burned a tender gash in his arm, ¡°More than you¡¯ll ever understand,¡± Inle responded with a slight chill.


    Jetta was briefly silent, taken aback by the insult, ¡°I¡¯ve known Elucard since we were children. He¡¯s my best friend. He¡¯s like an older brother to me. I think I¡¯d understand.¡±


    Inle turned to face her fiercely, ¡°Then why do you torture him so? Why won¡¯t leave him be?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? I would never hurt Elucard!¡±


    ¡°You play with his heart and mind with your heresy. You think I can¡¯t see the turmoil he¡¯s in?¡± Inle snapped.


    Jetta bit her lip, her heart rising in her throat, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know I was hurting him. I only want to help him.¡±


    Inle sighed heavily, ¡°Jetta, I don¡¯t know what Elucard was like as a child, but he¡¯s a Rabbit now. It¡¯s one of his greatest achievements, and when we return he¡¯ll be honored as our First Blade. But he won¡¯t be able to function if you keep twisting his conscience with these thoughts.¡±


    ¡°Twisting? I¡¯m trying to be rational. I want Elucard to¨C¡±


    ¡°I suggest you keep your ideas and philosophies to yourself¡­for Elucard¡¯s sake and for yours,¡± Inle said, interrupting her.


    A silence cut deeply between the two. Only the soft pattering of the rain bouncing off the leaves could be heard. Jetta had only wanted to help Elucard. It had never crossed her mind that she was ¡®torturing¡¯ him. No, she could not be torturing him. She was purging the infection from his mind. Elucard still saw the good in her words, but it was clear that arguing with Inle would get her nowhere. She needed to keep her path steady and illuminated, for Inle was like the rest of the Black Rabbits, an obstacle that would keep her from moving forward.


    ¡°Get some rest, Jetta. We have a long road ahead of us,¡± Inle said.


    Jetta finished tying off the bandage around his arm and lightly smiled at Inle. I must stay strong for Elucard. I must.


    ***


    The clan roared in celebration as the three returning victors entered the retreat. Elucard made his way to Legion, his High Blade, and knelt in respect, ¡°Master, it is done.¡±


    ¡°What did you feel, Elucard?¡±


    The clan went silent and awaited his response. Elucard paused. He was reminded of the last time he stood here. He was asked the same question before. The proper response would be the same as before. Satisfaction.


    But this was not what he felt. This was the biggest mission of his life, a kill that would raise the bar for all Rabbits. This was ¡®it.¡¯ The moment in his life he had worked toward. To be respected, praised, loved. And yet he didn¡¯t want this.


    Did Jetta¡¯s words have so much weight in them? He tried to reflect on Inle¡¯s words instead. His student, a brother in arms, the friend he could always count on. Inle understood everything that he was going through. They fought and bled for the same cause. Everything he built, Inle strived for and supported. Inle¡¯s words were what really should have held the most weight in his heart. Then why were Jetta¡¯s more important to him?


    ¡°Elucard, we¡¯re all waiting,¡± Legion said, breaking through the awkward silence.


    ¡°Satisfaction,¡± Elucard said, rather mechanically.


    Jetta hid an annoyed sigh, while Inle started a cheer for Elucard. The compound erupted again. Elucard stood, admittedly pleased with the excitement, Legion leaned into his ear, ¡°We have much to discuss about your future.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but first there is some business that must be dealt with,¡± Elucard nodded before scanning the many faces of the clan.


    Elucard snaked through the crowd until he was standing opposite of Malady. Malady was leaning against a pillar. He begrudgingly smiled, ¡°Welcome home, Elucard. It is good to see you alive and well.¡±


    Elucard lifted his chin in displeasure, ¡°No thanks to you.¡±


    Malady scoffed, ¡°What do you mean? We all wished you a fortunate mission and a safe return.¡±


    ¡°Enough with the lies and the scheming! You sent your apprentice ahead to tell the king of our mission and laid a trap for us!¡± Elucard shouted furiously.


    A resounding gasp fell over the onlooking crowd. Legion pushed forward, ¡°Elucard, is this true?¡±


    ¡°It is,¡± Elucard said sternly, crossing his arms.


    Malady sneered, ¡°Quite an allegation!¡±


    Elucard pulled a bloody magenta scarf from his garb and dropped it on the ground, ¡°I took this from your traitor of a student after I spilled her guts.¡±


    Malady scowled at the sight of Tesha¡¯s scarf, but gathered his composure, ¡°Clearly Tesha sought to sabotage you out of jealousy of your success. Either way, I had nothing to do with it.¡±


    ¡°Liar!¡± Elucard yelled aggressively.


    Legion got between the two quickly, ¡°Elucard, enough.¡± Legion turned to Malady, ¡°Your petty rivalry is tearing this clan apart.¡±


    ¡°Rivalry? Rivals are equal, you¡¯re just some stooge my mother chose to be my sparring partner,¡± growled Malady.


    ¡°Leandra didn¡¯t choose you because you would have made a weak leader! You see that, don¡¯t you? You hold onto your childish grudges and let them taint your future!¡± Legion spat. His frustration with his Blade Brother flared into anger.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare mention her! You want us to end this? I would challenge you to a final duel, but how would that look dueling the High Blade? However, I will challenge Elucard instead.¡±


    Elucard¡¯s eyes widened in fear.


    Legion, pushed Elucard behind him, ¡°No, not Elucard.¡±


    Malady flashed his teeth, ¡°You don¡¯t want to end this rivalry?¡±


    Legion glanced over to see Ryjin standing by his quarters. The Silent Master made a small nod as if approving Legion¡¯s future actions. Legion unsheathed his massive blade and thrust it into the stone ground, ¡°I am your Blade Brother before I am your High Blade. It is my duty to end this before any more needless blood is shed. In two days, we will fight in front of everyone, to the death.¡±


    Malady drew a sword from his back and thrust it in the ground, inches from Legion¡¯s, ¡°Accepted.¡±

 Chapter 29: Crowns Creed

    Koda sat among the vast collection of tomes and scrolls in the library of the Verdant Academy. Books of ancient histories, lore, and magical theories piled up like a miniature fortress around the young elven prince. His familiar slept peacefully at his feet. His once broken hand had nearly fully healed. Koda noted that this must have been a side effect of working with the Magi.


    ¡°You know, there isn¡¯t really anything about the origins of the Mage Council here, Wildeye,¡± Koda whispered to the wolf, not really expecting a response of any sort from her. He continued his train of thought all the same, ¡°I mean, there is a vague description here and there of how the council was formed, but most of these stories are just accounts of the Arcana War that discuss the council¡¯s role in it. All of it is also clearly biased towards the mages.¡± Wildeye opened a single eyelid and arched her brow, clearly a little annoyed by the interruption from her afternoon nap, ¡°But there isn¡¯t really anything here that tells me who the first mages were or how they gained access to the Magi.¡±


    ¡°That is because they don¡¯t want to teach that the first mages stole from Nashoon!¡± a familiar voice cut through the solitude of the library.


    Xile hobbled into the massive gallery of tomes, gripping his gnarled staff tightly. He looked around at the thousands of ancient books, with disgust scrawled across his aged face. He had always revealed the notion of confining knowledge to boring books and delicate scrolls. The forest was where all knowledge was meant to be kept, not some man-made structure.


    ¡°Grandchild, Tull told me this is where I would find you,¡± Xile spoke with a heavy rasp. He was growing older and any youthful energy he managed to hold on to was fleeting.


    ¡°Grandfather! This is a most welcome surprise! What are you doing here?¡± Koda asked, pushing the stacks of books out of his way. Wildeye sprung to life and leapt up to lick the elder.


    Xile patted the wolf on the head, whispering in an ancient wolven tongue to calm her down, ¡°My son is dead. Nashoon¡¯s forest may be timeless, but alas, the world around it still withers. I¡¯ve come to pay my respects and to take you back home.¡±


    Koda sighed with a grim expression on his face, ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±


    Wildeye circled around Xile, and whined at Koda.


    ¡°Your wolf knows it¡¯s time to leave this place behind. Come, we will mourn your father and continue your training together. We¡¯ve lost far too much time.¡±


    Koda lowered his head. Being the Arcane Guardian had always been his future, his destiny. However, ever since he left the safety of the forest and came to be a part of his father¡¯s world, life had made new plans for him. He was becoming a mage, and more importantly, he was to be a king, ¡°I can¡¯t go with you.¡±


    Xile limped closer to his grandchild. He fidgeted with the fine threads of Koda¡¯s green mage robes. He pursed his lips, eying Koda with disappointment, ¡°You can¡¯t or you won¡¯t?¡±


    Koda lifted his head to meet his grandfather¡¯s gaze, ¡°I am to become the mage king of Long Whisper. My people need me here. I won¡¯t¡­¡±


    Xile sneered, ¡°A mage! Such a vile thing to be; mages are the complete opposite of everything I raised you to be. How can you do this to me, Koda? And a king? King of what? These elves do not need a king, they need no leader. They need the forest and their traditions. You are lost, my grandchild, but I am here to lead you back to Nashoon. Now forget these foolish and childish dreams and come home!¡±


    ¡°The mages are good for this world. They have taught me the things you refused to teach me! The Magi needs to be explored and used for the good of the people. It needs to be shared, not hidden!¡±


    Xile shook his head and scowled, ¡°You need to be retaught, Grandchild. Those mages have corrupted you. Now come, child, enough with your silly games.¡±


    ¡°Everyone wants me to be pulled their way, but never had I realized the responsibilities that were truly put before me. Grandfather, more than ever, the people of this land look for a leader. They willingly chose to leave the old ways behind because as you said, the outside world isn¡¯t timeless. Everything changes. This includes the Magi. I chose to become a mage to learn how to better protect my people, and I will become their king to better lead them.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    My parents sought to create more than a new legacy. They had a vision of the united tribes. One banner for one united people. My father died a martyr for this cause and I will not allow his sacrifice to be in vain,¡± Koda knelt to hug Wildeye, ¡°I¡¯m sorry girl, but our fates are no longer intertwined.¡±


    Xile looked baffled, ¡°What of your responsibilities as Arcane Guardian? Who is to take my place?¡±


    Koda shook his head and spread his arms out, spinning around, ¡°Grandfather, you already left Nashoon. Travel the lands. There is more to the world than just Dawnedge.¡±


    Xile turned and walked away in complete frustration. Once at the doorway he called for Wildeye, ¡°Come, Wildeye. Your pack will be overjoyed to see you again.¡±


    Wildeye slowly walked forth, but halted to look at Koda. Her eye flared before she trotted back to the side of her companion.


    Xile nodded in approval, ¡°Take care of him. He makes foolish decisions, so he¡¯ll need you to protect him.¡±


    ***


    Within the court of Lost Dawns gathered all the nobles of the eight tribes dressed in their finest clothes. They lined up in two columns lowering their heads in elegant bows to their prince as he walked slowly by. His blue furred familiar strode by his side, decorated with fine jewelry. Wildeye had a bracelet on her right leg, and a gold and silver linked collar draped around her neck.


    Koda wore finely threaded deep purple and green robes. A golden silk cape hung from his left shoulder. He bore the amulet of his late father that marked him as Dawnedge royalty. On his back was sheathed an ornate sword, encrusted with various rare gems.


    As Koda reached the throne, he sat down and placed the sword across his lap. Tull delicately picked up the ornate wooden crown from the throne and hovered it like a halo just above Koda¡¯s head. It was carved from the Elder Tree. High priests had inscribed an ancient angelic prayer in the wood with golden runes that read:


    Eternally I will serve my kingdom


    Eternally I am a student of life


    Eternally I will seek your wisdom


    Eternally I will avoid all strife


    Koda closed his eyes, grasping at a fleeting memory of himself on the bank of a pond reading a book of ancient tales with his wolf lying beside him. He opened his eyes to recite his oath.


    ¡°Ruens be my witness as I wear this crown,


    Protecting the smallest farm to the largest town,


    Bestow upon me your perception and foresight,


    And forever I will represent the Lost Dawn¡¯s light.¡±


    An ovation swept the room as Tull placed the crown of Long Whisper on Koda¡¯s head. A new king had risen.


    ***


    King Koda paced in his study, listening to a new report on his fledgling project.


    ¡°My King, as predicted, the people have signed up in droves for your new military. The people are tired of being victims and wish to take a more active role in protecting the land that they love.¡±


    ¡°What of the White Cloaks?¡± Koda asked frankly.


    Tull unfolded a letter from Marcus, ¡°The Long Whisper division of the Guard of the White Cloaks will be dissolved. Only a few White Cloaks will remain to act as drill instructors for the new military. Guild Master Marcus Newsun will personally lend his skills and knowledge as both a military adviser and lead instructor.¡±


    Koda nodded, pacing the around the tribal council table, ¡°Any news of the Black Rabbits, particularly the ones responsible for my father¡¯s murder?¡±


    ¡°Our wolf riders haven¡¯t returned, no doubt they were slain or have lost the trail,¡± Tull said, with a low voice.


    Koda nodded, slightly vexed by the lack of information, ¡°Tull, how do they get their recruits?¡±


    ¡°According to our Black Rabbit informant, they recruit from small towns and villages in exchange for protecting those towns. We never had enough White Cloaks to protect those areas, so they have had an easy time recruiting.¡±


    ¡°Make sure to send our newest soldiers to protect any community from which the Black Rabbits might pull recruits. I hate to sound cruel, but if we can¡¯t catch them, we¡¯ll starve them.¡± Koda said, disgusted by the image of starving an animal.


    Tull nodded and grinned, ¡°As you say, my King.¡±

 Chapter 30: The Funeral

    The first snow began to fall during Avren¡¯s funeral. The White Cloaks drove ceremonial daggers into their fallen commander¡¯s coffin one by one making echoing thunks as each Cloak stabbed the wooden box and paid their respects. Wiccer winced at each the piercing sound of each thud. Then it was his turn. Wiccer limped over, supporting his weight on a cane. The silver trim of his white tunic shimmered from small shafts of light that pierced the dreary clouds.


    Before driving the blade into the coffin, he held still. Light flurries danced around him as he whispered his final goodbye, ¡°Farewell, my Captain, my friend, my brother.¡± He struggled with the words and fought with everything in him to keep from collapsing on the coffin, if only to cling to his brother one last time. Keeping his composure, he slammed the dagger and slowly limped to his place alongside his father. As the coffin was lowered into the ground, the White Cloaks drew their swords to salute a hero.


    ***


    The Mystic Fang tavern was a popular destination in Lost Dawns for the White Cloaks. Its location was a short walk from their headquarters. It opened early and closed late. The bartender often gave Cloaks a discount and today was no different. Cold drinks were passed around as the Cloaks told very tall tales of Avren¡¯s exploits and embarrassing deeds. Those who knew and loved him celebrated his life with a long night of stories, laughing, and drinking. Surely his spirit lived on in their revelry.


    Marcus drank silently, not looking up to make eye contact with his only remaining son. Wiccer did the same. They may well have been complete strangers. Were it not for their similar features and the blood that bound them, they would have been.


    Wiccer moved to break the uncomfortable silence, but was unexpectedly interrupted.


    ¡°I hear that you fought hard,¡± said Marcus, still not looking up from the untouched foam head on his ale.


    Wiccer opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. Moments passed before he was able to say anything, ¡°Not hard enough, apparently.¡±


    ¡°I guess not,¡± Marcus shrugged. Wiccer had trouble reading him, he wasn¡¯t depressed, just disappointed.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°Next time father¨C¡± Wiccer started, but all that was on his mind was his own failure and his hatred for Elucard. The elven assassin was directly linked to his biggest failures in life. All he wanted was to watch the Black Rabbit clan burn. His heart and soul were consumed by visions of Elucard¡¯s lifeless corpse swinging quietly from the gallows. But it was not merely vengeance he sought in this, but his own redemption.


    ¡°There won¡¯t be a next time,¡± Marcus spat before rising from his seat, he clanged the iron stein a few times with a fork from the table. The bar quickly settled down until it was dead silent. Marcus looked around before making his announcement, ¡°I have something to tell you all, lads. This seems like hard news to say on top of an already somber day, but I¡¯ve been informed that King Koda will be releasing us from our duties.¡±


    A mixture of worries and questions erupted in the Mystic Fang. Marcus clarified, ¡°Long Whisper is putting together their own military. I¡¯ll be personally overseeing the training of this army, alongside a select few of you. We are to act as drill instructors, but we will no longer be needed for protection.¡± Marcus eyed his son¡¯s distraught face, ¡°Protection¡­ We failed miserably in that regard and Lost Dawns has taken note of that.¡±


    Wiccer clenched his teeth in anger, ¡°Father, I volunteer to instruct the elves!¡±


    Marcus ignored his son, ¡°The rest of you will be reassigned to other countries. This division has been disbanded. Finish your drinks. You will be contacted if you will be needed to train the future soldiers of Lost Dawns.¡± Marcus placed his drink on the table and walked out of the tavern with Wiccer limping after him.


    ¡°Father, I said I volunteer to be a drill instructor,¡± Wiccer shouted at his back.


    Marcus stopped abruptly and stood still. Snow crept down slowly from the sky and bathed in the glow of the street lamps, ¡°No, you¡¯re going home to our cabin in Long Whisper.¡±


    ¡°Father my leg will heal, and I¡¯ll be able to perform any¨C¡± Wiccer begged his father for another chance to prove to himself that he was worth the effort put into him, but his cries fell on deaf ears.


    ¡°No!¡± Marcus interrupted, raising his voice, ¡°I¡¯m retiring you.¡±


    Wiccer was taken aback, tears formed in his eyes. He hung his head low, choking out his words, ¡°Why? Why do you hate me? I already know it¡¯s my fault Avren is dead. If I trained harder, I could have saved him. If I listened to his lessons I could have saved the king. Please give me another chance to make up for all my failures. Please, I need this!¡±


    Marcus walked away calling back to Wiccer in a low voice, ¡°Pack up and go home. You¡¯re dismissed.¡±


    Wiccer slammed the side of his fist on the tavern wall. Everything he had ever worked for and loved was gone.

 Chapter 31: Legions Origin

    Thirty years ago Ryjin Leafsong failed in his attempt to assassinate Jaelyn Dawnedge. Ryjin was spared, but was exiled from Long Whisper, never to be heard from again.


    Ten years passed before Ryjin formed an alliance with three elves from the renowned warrior clans who had refused to join Jaelyn¡¯s new kingdom. They were Kilid Windspear, Ronos Pathrunner, and Leandra Nighthunter. Together with the newly named Silent Master, these four elves created the shadowy Black Rabbit Clan. These assassins would wreak havoc on Long Whisper and slowly grew in number.


    Kilid, Ronos, and Leandra admired Ryjin for his ideals and boldness. Over time, Leandra fell madly in love with him. Her passion for him flourished, and although Ryjin returned no emotion, he still sired a child with her all the same. Malady was born.


    Years passed and Kilid and Ronos left the clan to pursue their own ambitions elsewhere in the world. Ryjin saw this as an unforgivable betrayal. With the loss of two of his most trusted friends and advisers, Ryjin grew paranoid of whom he could trust. He created two new ranks for him to oversee that would serve to enforce his laws ¨C the High Blade and First Blade.


    ***


    A young Malady, about the age of thirteen, sweated profusely as his raw knuckles beat into the tree. He knew he needed to train hard to impress his mother and even harder to impress his father. His skill as a fighter came naturally, but it was the praise of his parents he really worked for.


    A familiar voice called from the woods, ¡°Malady, where are you? I have excellent news for you!¡±


    Malady smirked. His mother had the news he had been waiting to hear since he had been told of the Silent Master¡¯s new ranks. Finally his mother would bestow upon him his birthright and he would finally sit at his father¡¯s side, lording over the clan.


    ¡°I¡¯m here Mother. You wish to see me?¡±


    Leandra was a toned elf. She wore a black leather tunic with violet belt straps crossing her chest. On her back were two claymores. She had the strength and skill to wield both in each hand, a feat that most men would only dream of.


    By her side was a small child, a bit younger than Malady. His frame was small for his age, even for a new recruit. He was an elf like himself. He had light silver hair that had been cut short and his eyes were a deep red.


    ¡°Mother, who is this recruit with you?¡± Malady asked, confusion plastered on his face.


    ¡°Malady, this is Legion. He is to be your sparring partner,¡± Leandra said, pushing forth the small Legion.


    ¡°Sparring partner? I don¡¯t need a sparring partner. My skill is nearly perfect!¡± Malady scoffed.


    ¡°Well, I think it could use some work. Also, Legion could learn a thing or two from you. Being able to teach is an aspect of leadership you¡¯ll need to have if you plan on being High Blade.¡± Leandra placed a sheathed sword into the arms of Legion before stepping away.


    Legion held a blank stare on his face, not knowing what he was in for.


    ¡°Well, what¡¯s your story kid? Where do you come from?¡± Malady asked, trying to make the best out of his situation.


    Legion stared at his sword, hesitant to speak at first, ¡°My father gave me up to pay off his gambling debt.¡±


    ¡°Your Father sounds like a bastard,¡± Malady said with a disgusted smile, ¡°But you¡¯ll be missing him once we get started. Draw your blade, kid.¡±


    ¡°My name is Legion,¡± the young boy sneered.


    Malady rushed at his sparring partner, swinging his blade, disarming Legion and leg sweeping under his feet. Legion crashed to the ground and Malady pointed his sword under Legion¡¯s chin, ¡°Learn to hold your blade right, then we¡¯ll see about you earning your name.¡±


    ***


    Years passed and Malady grew strong. Legion grew stronger. Malady was no longer in a position to teach Legion. Now they were truly equals.


    Far away from the Black Rabbit retreat, the soft glow of a campfire blazed under a starry night. Malady and Legion sat together. Across from them stood Leandra Nighthunter regaling them with tales of how the Black Rabbits came to be and how the warrior tribes once lived wild in the forests of the land.


    She sat down cross legged by the fire. Opening a large leather bag, she took out a set of swords wrapped in animal pelts. One was much longer than the others.


    ¡°You two have grown in these last few years. My son has proven himself a natural teacher, while Legion, you have proven to me that you are worthy to be called a son of my own. You are brothers now. Not only in arms, but like the old ways, I wish to make you Blade Brothers.¡±


    ¡°Blade Brothers?¡± Malady asked, a look of whimsy in his eyes.


    ¡°When one of you succeeds, both of you succeed. When one of you fails, you both fail. You will be brothers in skill and in soul. You will become one.¡±


    Legion grinned widely as Malady nodded with approval at his new Blade Brother.


    Leandra unwrapped the swords, giving the long sword to Legion, while Malady received a set of five arming swords, ¡°Legion I want to train you in the form of the Giant¡¯s Blade. You were weak once, barely able to wield your sword, now I will teach you to use a claymore, the choice weapon of the Nighthunters.¡±


    ¡°I will use it well, Leandra,¡± Legion said, stoically.


    She turned to Malady, passing the five blades to him, ¡°You have always shown a prowess for blade skills. Now I shall test you with the form of the Many Blade. Using each blade quickly and precisely will throw off your opponents and give you an edge in the heat of battle.¡±


    ¡°Mother, I am honored,¡± Malady said, bowing his head.


    ¡°My sons, you are both on the path to greatness.¡±


    ***


    Malady led Legion through the shadowy woods. They dashed from branch to branch, surrounded by a sea of leaves that reflected the moonlight from the rain that came before. Both were dressed in dark leathers, their deep purple cloaks dancing behind them.


    ¡°Malady, when will you tell me where you are taking me?¡± Legion called ahead.


    ¡°Brother, tonight you will become a true Black Rabbit. I am to oversee this,¡± Malady shouted back, a smile strewn wide across his face.


    Legion had been training for years, but had never been regarded a true Black Rabbit by his peers and teachers, despite his great skill and potential. Malady stopped just shy of a small tavern on the outreaches of a small farming village. The tavern was a shoddy building. Its walls were made of wood that was splintered and rotting. Its thatch roof had holes poked through to let plumes of smoke billow out. The lights shown through the window lit up the silhouettes of patrons having a good time inside.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Malady, are we on a mission?¡± Legion asked as he tried to find a reason of them to be there.


    Malady grinned, ¡°Come, Brother, follow my lead.¡±


    Once inside, the two assassins found the pub full of life. Whores and drunks danced and drank and made merry. But the two were more interested in an older man who sat a deep stupor. His face had a patchy peppered beard and his eyes were tired and half closed. His tunic was filthy and his vest had splotches of food stains on it. He looked up and burped loudly as Legion and Malady moved toward him.


    ¡°This is him. Grab him and bring him outside around back,¡± Malady told Legion.


    ¡°Who is he?¡± Legion inquired.


    ¡°A weed,¡± Malady said, ¡°Quickly¡±.


    ***


    Behind the tavern, Legion threw the old drunk to the ground. Malady massaged Legion¡¯s shoulders, ¡°Are you ready for your first kill, Brother?¡±


    Legion shot a wild glance at Malady, ¡°What? Kill him? Why?¡±


    ¡°The man is a stain on society, much like the stains on his vest.¡±


    ¡°Who is he?¡± Legion asked, watching the man stumble around before falling on his bottom.


    ¡°Legion, you don¡¯t recognize him? Has it been that long for you?¡±


    Legion gave Malady a curious look. His Blade Brother motioned for Legion to study the man. Legion crouched down to examine the features of the worn and weathered elven man. Slowly it began to dawn on Legion who he had been sent to assassinate.


    ¡°This¡­This is my father!¡± Legion exclaimed, slack jawed.


    ¡°Yes, my brother. It seemed only right that you were to be the one to kill him.¡±


    Legion backed away, shaking his head, ¡°I-I can¡¯t do this, I can¡¯t kill my own father!¡±


    Malady pulled Legion back, keeping an arm around his shoulder, ¡°Legion, he stopped being your father when he gave you up. He sold you to settle his gambling debts. This man is a leech. He is worth nothing. He is good for nothing.¡± Malady kicked the drunkard backwards before asking him, ¡°Do you know who we are? Do you know who he is?¡± Malady pointed at Legion.


    The man hiccuped as he wobbly looked Legion over, ¡°Should I?¡±


    Legion pulled down the mask that covered his mouth and pushed his face into his father¡¯s, ¡°Look at me! Really look! Do you know who I am?¡±


    The man shook his head.


    Malady drew a sword and put it to the throat of the man, ¡°Do you recall now?¡±


    The man¡¯s eyes widened as he felt the gravity of the situation, ¡°I don¡¯t know him! I don¡¯t know him!¡±


    Legion grabbed the man by the shirt and lifted him into the air, bringing his face so close to his that he could smell the rancid odor of booze on his breath.


    ¡°You drove my mother away, you sold me to settle your gambling debts, you drank your way into a bottle, and your whole life is nothing but a failure. I always wondered what I did to deserve the life you forced me into! I was ten! Ten when you sold me to a clan of assassins. Six when you beat my mother half to death because you lost our house in a game of cards!¡±


    The man began to sob, ¡°I¡¯m sorry! I¡¯m so sorry!¡±


    ¡°Who am I?¡± Legion shouted, enraged by the memories that boiled in his mind.


    ¡°You¡¯re my son! Legion!¡±


    Legion dropped his father to his knees before swiftly drawing his blade, ¡°No, now I¡¯m the man who is going to kill you!¡± Legion said before viciously parting his father¡¯s head from his body.


    Malady watched as Legion still shivered with raw anger, ¡°Brother, how does it feel? Do you have retribution?¡±


    Legion was breathing heavily as he turned to look at Malady, ¡°Alanna has given me purpose,¡± Legion cleaned and sheathed his blade, ¡°And now she has given me vindication.¡±


    Malady nodded, ¡°A night to remember, brother.¡±


    ***


    As Legion and Malady became adults, it grew clear to Leandra that Legion was surpassing Malady. Not only she, but the Silent Master saw this as well. In time, no matter how hard Malady pushed himself, he could not garner the same praise that Legion was showered with by his parents.


    When the time came to choose a High Blade, the two Blade Brothers knelt in the shadowy presence of the reclusive Silent Master. Leandra stood by his side.


    ¡°Leandra, you have shown much attention to these two elves. Is one to be our High Blade?¡± Ryjin¡¯s thick voice growled in the darkness.


    Leandra pursed her lips, pacing before her two sons, ¡°My Master, one was born with promise but has not shown that he can live up to his own potential.¡±


    Malady¡¯s head shot up in surprise, a baffled look on his face.


    Leandra continued, ¡°While the other started with absolutely nothing, but clawed his way to greatness.¡±


    ¡°Mother! You would choose Legion over me? I am the son of Ryjin Leafsong! I am entitled to the title of High Blade! It is my birthright!¡± Malady blurted out. He was completely livid by his mothers apparent betrayal.


    ¡°Birthrights are a fool¡¯s delusion!¡± barked Ryjin, his voice cracked through Malady¡¯s gripes.


    Leandra helped Legion rise to his feet, ¡°I choose you to be High Blade, Legion.¡±


    Legion backed away, shaking his head, ¡°Please, Leandra, Silent Master, I do not want this. My bond with my brother is too sacred to me to soil it by taking something from him that I know he has wanted since he was a child. Please choose someone else.¡± Legion bowed before them.


    Leandra looked crestfallen, ¡°You are perfect for this role Legion. It is you that we want.¡±


    Legion refused once more, ¡°I can not accept this title.¡±


    The Silent Master looked up to Leandra, ¡°Who else?¡±


    ¡°There are two humans ¨C Blade Sisters. They show much promise. They are younger than Legion and Malady, but in time will be as strong. Avalon shows slightly more initiative. Vada, the other, is fiercely loyal to her. I recommend Avalon to be High Blade, with Vada as First Blade.¡±


    The Silent Master nodded before leering at Malady, ¡°Leave my sight. You disappoint me, my son. You couldn¡¯t share a moment¡¯s glory for your own Blade Brother? Pathetic.¡±


    Malady ground his teeth and balled his fists. He sprouted up and grabbed Legion by the collar of his tunic, ¡°You have embarrassed me! I challenge you to a duel. Only blood will make this right!¡±


    ¡°Malady, brother, please. I never meant to hurt you,¡± Legion cried out, anguish quivered in his voice.


    Malady bared his teeth, ¡°You will duel me. You owe me this!¡±


    Leandra pulled the two apart, ¡°Legion, duel Malady, end this pettiness. It defiles the title of Blade Brother.¡±


    ¡°As you wish, Leandra.¡± Legion sighed.


    ***


    In the opening in the forest where the two boys first sparred, the two blade brothers stood facing one another. Off to the side, Leandra stood next to the newly appointed High Blade and First Blade.


    Avalon stepped forward, ¡°May this duel, no matter its results, end this quarrel. You may begin!¡±


    Malady drew two blades and lunged forward, unleashing a series of slashes aimed at Legion. Legion side stepped and circled around, landing a clean kick into Malady¡¯s back that sent him rolling to the ground. Legion had not even drawn his blade yet.


    Malady scrambled to his feet and reached for another set of swords. He twirled them in a skillful fashion then thrust them both forward at Legion. Legion dodged and responded with a quick elbow to his Blade Brother¡¯s throat.


    Malady fell to his knees choking for air. The sound of steel being slowly released from its scabbard rang out through the silence of the battlefield. Legion had finally drawn his blade.


    ¡°You know I¡¯m stronger than you. Please submit, Brother. There is no need for this to go any further.¡±


    Infuriated, Malady dove at Legion, swiping his swords, but striking only air. Legion lifted his sword as if it had the weight of a feather and gracefully slashed into Malady¡¯s left thigh. Legion quickly brought down another strike that sank deep into Malady¡¯s right thigh.


    Malady collapsed onto the grass, unable to stand. He screamed with a primal rage.


    ¡°Submit! Let this be over. Let us put this foolishness behind us, Brother,¡± Legion repeated.


    ¡°I have no father, no mother, and now I have no brother. Kill me,¡± Malady sneered as he threw his blades to the ground and lowered his head.


    Legion¡¯s hand shook as the edge of his blade hovered over Malady¡¯s neck. Now his sword was too heavy to lift, much like his heart.


    With a single swipe, Legion sliced a gash across Malady¡¯s eye and walked away.


    ¡°I am sorry, Brother, but I can¡¯t.¡±

 Chapter 32: Blade Brothers Duel

    Elucard winced as Jetta slowly removed the blood soaked bandages from his side. Dried blood stretched and broke as it was peeled from the surface of his skin.


    ¡°I swear to Alue, Elucard, if you break your stitches one more time, I¡¯ll kill you myself!¡± Jetta said as she examined the slowly healing wound.


    Elucard gave her a wry look, ¡°Alue?¡±


    Jetta glanced around quickly before attempting to cover up her misstep, ¡°Alanna¡­ I meant Alanna.¡±


    Elucard prodded her curiously, ¡°Your medical instructor told me you can speak the angel language fluently. My master taught me a bit but I doubt I could speak it so freely. Where did you learn such a skill?¡±


    Jetta sighed, remembering the old priest of Alue that passed through Ravenshore. He was an elderly man, not dressed in fanciful religious garb, but in beggar''s rags. Had it not been for her kind ways to offer the man a free meal, she would never have learned of his true nature, ¡°I found a teacher in a kind old man.¡± She paused and a reminiscent wonder filled her eyes, ¡°Ambrose of the Wandering Winds, a nomad of the cloth. He passed through Ravenshore one rainy autumn¡¯s eve and I had the good fortune of offering him what small comforts I could.¡±


    Elucard was captivated by the idea of such a stranger, ¡°He took you as an apprentice?¡±


    Jetta tightened the bandages around Elucard¡¯s wounds, ¡°Aye. He preached kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. He passed on to me Alue¡¯s words and her lore. Through him I learned to speak Angelic,¡± Jetta trailed off, lost in a gentler time, ¡°¡­all useless to me now. The Angel of Mercy is but a weakness in the eyes of the Angel of Death.¡±


    Elucard lifted up her chin to expose her eyes swelling with tears, ¡°Hush now, Jetta. It is your job to show strength to those that need it most. Alanna values that in her Rabbits.¡±


    ¡°Trev Alann zsesh A¡¯lunis O¡¯blivis,¡± Jetta whispered in Angelic. Her words went unnoticed by Elucard as he limped away.


    ¡®Even Death will seek mercy in the end.¡¯


    ***


    Elucard knelt before Legion and Ryjin within the quarters of the Silent Master. Elucard was still covered in bandages, and despite his weariness, he was more than excited for this moment.


    ¡°Elucard, as you know, Vada has yet to return. She is either dead or has joined her traitorous Blade Sister. Either way, a new First Blade must be named,¡± Legion said, turning to the Silent Master who nodded approvingly from the shadows, ¡°You have shown tremendous growth, prowess, finesse, wisdom, and patience. All of which are required of a First Blade.¡± Legion took out his own blade and passed it to Elucard, ¡°Rabbit, will you be my First Blade?¡±


    Elucard gazed into his master¡¯s eyes. He cut his hand on Legion¡¯s sword and smeared the blood on his own blade, ¡°I accept, my High Blade.¡±


    ***


    The clan gathered around the two combatants in the center of the compound. The sun was setting, sundering the azure sky. Elucard stood beside Ryjin, anxious to see his master display the legendary skills he had always known him to have. Even so, a small part of him was afraid that Malady¡¯s malice would give him an advantage in this particular bout. Skill versus drive. It could go either way, and Elucard knew that.


    Ryjin held a hand to quiet the clan¡¯s collective chatter, ¡°Legion and Malady. This rivalry has corrupted the unison of this clan. It must cease, for the sake of the Black Rabbits¡¯ future.¡±


    Legion nodded, unsheathing his long sword.


    Malady turned and shot a grim smile at his Silent Master, ¡°You were my father, but you never treated me as a son. No, that honor was given to him! Well, Father, I will destroy everything that you love. I will crush him beneath my feet, and when he begs for forgiveness, I will cut out his heart and give it to you!¡±Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Legion shook his head in disbelief at the statement, ¡°You never understood, Brother.¡±


    Malady drew two swords from his back, ¡°You dare speak to me as if I don¡¯t understand, Legion? I watched as you snaked your way into my life and into my family! I let it happen. I was a fool! But I shall correct my mistakes!¡±


    ¡°No, it is my mistake to correct. I should have killed you when you begged me to!¡± Legion roared as he ran at Malady, dragging his edge along the stone ground.


    A lightning fast swing connected with the dual swords in a deafening clatter of steel, Legion recoiled, swinging another hefty blow at Malady¡¯s side. Malady parried, countering with his own attempt for Legion¡¯s left shoulder.


    Legion leapt backwards and hacked savagely into the ground, creating a thunderous shock wave of air that drove straight for Malady.


    Malady rolled to the right as the wave collided into a crowd of dodging assassins. Malady snorted with anger as he lunged towards his opponent, spinning his swords like whirling buzz saws.


    The deadly attacks ripped at Legion, catching him in his upper arm. Legion backed away, lowering his blade to examine his wound. Sneering, he charged forth with a flurry of excessive swings, each deflected by Malady¡¯s incredibly fast rotating weapons.


    Legion saw an opening as his claymore clanged off a deflection. Thrusting his sword into the ground, Legion heaved himself up and over the blade¡¯s guard and landed a solid kick that sent Malady flying onto the ground.


    Recovering his blade, Legion swept his sword, knocking his Blade Brother¡¯s dual swords out of reach. Malady windmilled his legs, spinning himself back to his feet before sliding three new swords into his hands.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t lost a step, Legion,¡± Malady said, admittedly impressed with his Blade Brother¡¯s prowess.


    Legion rested his gigantic long sword on a shoulder, ¡°As well with you, Brother. In fact, you¡¯ve greatly improved.¡±


    Malady grinned ruthlessly before taking off and twisting a series of slices with his three blades. Each sparked as they clashed against Legion¡¯s sword.


    Legion deftly swiped upwards with his sword and then combined it with a piercing thrust. Malady side stepped and parried the attack before spin kicking into the small of Legion¡¯s back.


    The High Blade collided into the ground, but tumbled to recover, kneeling as he caught his breath, ¡°This ends now, Malady!¡±


    Malady dashed forth, mustering his energy to increase his speed. Legion lifted his blade to counter the reckless attack, but Malady knocked Legion¡¯s sword downward with flat of his own blade. With all of his might, Malady drove two of his blades into Legion¡¯s shoulders and laughed wickedly.


    Legion gasped in complete agony as he struggled with the pain. Malady twisted both the impaling blades as Legion screamed. Clasping his hands around Legion¡¯s throat, Malady smiled viciously. Legion grunted as he grabbed a dagger from his opponent¡¯s belt and drove into Malady¡¯s side. Malady collapsed backwards, clutching his new wound. Both men sat on the blood splattered ground heaving, staring at each other.


    ¡°I took you under my wing. I took you in as my friend, my brother! I am the reason why you are so great! Me!¡± Malady hissed, too exhausted to raise his voice.


    Legion swayed as he struggled to stand. He stumbled as he walked over to Malady and grabbed him by the collar, ¡°Everything I achieved¡­¡± He huffed as he began to punch Malady, sluggishly in the face, ¡°Was because of you. You pushed me. You drove me. You were my ambition, you were my sword.¡± Legion increased his speed as blood sloshed from the raw facial wounds his fists left on Malady¡¯s face, ¡°You are my heart! You are my soul!¡±


    Legion released a half conscious Malady into a pool of his own blood, ¡°You are my Blade Brother.¡±


    Quelled by the emotion, Malady flashed back to the days of meeting Legion, his training with him, laughing, friendship, brotherly love, ¡°W-Where did it go all so wrong¡­my brother?¡±


    Legion stood over the defeated Malady, ¡°When you held your ego over the love we had.¡±


    ¡°I betrayed my clan. I betrayed you, all for my envy. I am deeply sorry, my brother. Forgive me.¡±


    ¡°Malady, I can forgive you, but this clan can not.¡±


    Malady choked up bubbles of crimson liquid, ¡°Leave me to die. It¡¯s all I deserve now.¡±


    Legion removed the two blades from his shoulder, grimacing greatly. He scanned over the eyes of his kin before finally resting his sight on the Silent Master. Turning back to the surrendered Malady, Legion sheathed his claymore, ¡°This clan has seen too much bloodshed between Rabbits in these last few days. Malady, you will leave the Black Rabbits and this land. You are exiled for all eternity.¡±


    Malady closed his eyes ¡°Do you remember when I took you to kill your father?¡±


    Legion listened to the wind whistling past his ear, ¡°Always.¡±


    Malady turned his head on its side, coughing and wheezing greatly, ¡°You said Alanna gave you a purpose and vindication. What does she give you now?¡±


    ¡°Clemency.¡±


    Even Death will seek mercy in the end.

 Chapter 33: Life Moves On

    The wood cracked as it split in two. Wiccer tossed the pieces into a small woodpile. Spring was settling into the void left by the dreary winter. However, the wind was still cold, and unlike his shivering body, his heavy heart and bitter thoughts didn''t need a warm hearth to melt away the lingering of the past season.


    A set of footsteps crunched the dead leaves. Wiccer paid the new presence no heed. He was neither a stranger nor a welcomed guest.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, my son,¡± Marcus said. His voice broke the long silence between the two.


    Wiccer ignored him, grabbing a handful of logs, as he headed for the cabin. Marcus struggled with the awkward silence, ¡°Let me help you with those.¡±


    ¡°Do as you wish,¡± Wiccer spoke flatly, with much disdain in his voice.


    Marcus grabbed the young man¡¯s shoulder, forcing Wiccer to face him, ¡°Listen, there is no need to make this harder for me than it already is.¡±


    Wiccer dropped the logs down on the ground, outraged, ¡°Harder for you? Do you even remember how you left me?¡±


    Marcus bit his lip as he stressfully combed his hair with his fingers, ¡°Wiccer, son, I did what needed to be done. I di¨C¡±


    ¡°You did ¡®what needed to be done¡¯?¡± Wiccer blurted out the words angrily, ¡°Do you have any idea how that affected me? You not only shut me out of my closure, but you destroyed any way for me to cope with my pain! My pain, Father! My mother is dead, my brother is dead, and the only thing that kept me going was the White Cloaks. And you took it all away! You did what needed to be done? Can you even grasp how that sounds to me?¡±


    Marcus was silent.


    Wiccer¡¯s eyes showed an edge of fury and sadness, ¡°Answer me!¡±


    ¡°I ¨C I didn¡¯t want to lose the last member of my family. Vivian¡­your mother, wouldn¡¯t forgive me if I lost both of you. I just wanted to protect you, I didn¡¯t know how to act, how to cope with losing Avren. I didn¡¯t want to lose you as well.¡± Marcus choked with the last words, ¡°Wiccer, I¡¯m so sorry that I caused you so much pain.¡±


    Wiccer¡¯s scowl turned to a weak smile as he went to hug his father, ¡°We¡¯re all that¡¯s left, but we''re not alone. They watch over us in spirit. Can¡¯t you feel them?¡±


    Marcus tightened his squeeze, ¡°Every day, my son. Every day.¡±


    ***


    Wiccer placed a cup of strong coffee in front of his father. He himself drank it light with cinnamon and a single teaspoon of sugar, which was how the men of Scorch usually took their coffee, but his father was a breed of hardened souls and drank it black. Wiccer sat at the old oak table wondering what really brought the former guild leader to the cabin.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    ¡°How goes the training of the troops? Do the elves learn fast? How strong are Long Whisper¡¯s forces becoming?¡±


    Marcus gulped a large swig of his coffee taking little notice of the scalding temperature, ¡°The people of Long Whisper are done being the victims, they grow fast and strong. Many new soldiers have been placed among each village and town in the country. There haven¡¯t been reports of Black Rabbit sightings yet, but it¡¯s been three months, no doubt they¡¯ll be recruiting soon, now that the roads have been cleared of the winter¡¯s snow.¡± Marcus paused, eyeing his son, waiting for the right moment to tell him the other set of news, ¡°Elisa¨C¡±


    ¡°What about the Rabbit?¡± Wiccer sneered, still clearly upset with her and her lack of cooperation.


    ¡°Elisa has agreed to be a spy for Long Whisper. She says she heard that there was a new First Blade but didn¡¯t know who. She wants to help us bring down the Rabbits¡­for Avren.¡±


    Wiccer was silent. Perhaps Elisa did care for Avren. Perhaps he was too stubborn to see that, ¡°That is good. What of leading you to the compound?¡±


    ¡°I told her that we¡¯d hold off on that until we had a more elite squad of soldiers. Despite our leadership, these elves are not ready for real combat. The Rabbits would decimate any soldiers we bring and, no doubt, escape and set up somewhere different.¡±


    Wiccer rubbed his chin, ¡°Are you planning on training an elite unit?¡±


    ¡°Truthfully, I was hoping Elisa would train a unit of troops in the ways of the Black Rabbit; use their own techniques against them. Have our troops think like a Rabbit to flush out a Rabbit.¡±


    ¡°What did she say?¡±


    Marcus took another sip of coffee, ¡°She¡¯d rather help as a spy, but did mention it was a good idea.¡±


    Wiccer nodded, ¡°It is an interesting idea¡­ an anti-rogue op.¡±


    ¡°Just a thought, until Elisa changes her mind, that¡¯s what it¡¯ll stay.¡± Marcus stood up to pour himself another cup of coffee, ¡°Wiccer, strife in Varis and Estinia grows in the south. There may be a war coming. Long Whisper may want to stay out of this with its army still so small.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean for you?¡±


    ¡°The majority of the White Cloaks take residence in Varis. Guild Master Petrove wishes me to enlist as an officer in the Varis army if war does break out.¡±


    ¡°What of King Koda¡¯s army? Who will you send in your stead? Danica? Maxwell?¡± Wiccer asked, his curiosity piquing.


    ¡°You, actually,¡± Marcus smiled.


    Wiccer raised an eyebrow, ¡°But you retired me? And I was only ever a sergeant!¡±


    ¡°Wiccer, I trust you most to keep a level head and to be the eyes and ears of the elven forces. They will need a leader who is well trained and who is honest and hardworking. I want you to enlist in King Koda¡¯s fledgling army. You have the experience that is desperately needed.¡±


    Wiccer¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He thought he wanted this, but he didn¡¯t know if he actually wanted it or still needed it for closure.


    Marcus chuckled, patting Wiccer¡¯s hand, ¡°You need some time to decide. It¡¯s bigger news than you could have hoped for. I¡¯m home for the next week on leave. If you say yes, come back to Lost Dawns with me. If not, I¡¯ll understand.¡±


    Wiccer, nodded. He would need those days to think.

 Chapter 34: Returning to Ravenshore

    The horse trotted down the puddle-spotted path toward Ravenshore. At its rear, it pulled a cart used to haul newly gathered recruits for the Black Rabbits.


    Inle balanced a knife on his fingertip before spinning it into the air and catching it. He did this repeatedly when he was bored. Elucard had pointed this out on several occasions. Jetta took inventory of her herbs, medical supplies, and instruments. Elucard, taking hold of the reigns, smiled pleasantly on the cool spring day.


    It was his turn to head into a village to recruit potential Rabbits. This was a task that a First Blade had to be familiar with. He was excited at the responsibility, but also at the prospect of returning to Ravenshore. It had been six years since he was a useless kid destined to be a fisherman. If it were not for the Black Rabbits, life as he knew it would have been drastically different and far more boring.


    A large wooden wall with a pair of armored guards posted outside came into sight. Elucard, bewildered by this unfamiliar sight, halted the cart.


    ¡°Master, is this Ravenshore?¡± Inle asked, lifting his head just above the rim of the cart.


    ¡°Elucard, why is there a wall around our village? Who are those men? They don¡¯t look like White Cloaks,¡± Jetta spoke with a mixture of curiosity and surprise in her tone.


    Elucard scanned the perimeter. Several men in polished bronze armor adorned with the Dawnedge insignia marched back and forth along a tall wooden wall. This was very discomforting to the new First Blade.


    ¡°Inle, Jetta, throw on your traveler¡¯s cloaks,¡± Elucard ordered. Jetta was right, these men were not White Cloaks. They were different.


    ¡°Are we still recruiting?¡± Inle asked as he pulled up his hood and removed his mask.


    ¡°No. We are on a new mission now.¡± Elucard¡¯s eyes remained fixed on the armored sentinels as he spoke, ¡°We¡¯re investigating the changes made to Ravenshore. Find out who these men are, when they got here, and how long they are staying. Jetta, you and I are going to ask our families. Try to find out as much as you can. Meet up at the local tavern called the Rusty Hook.¡±


    The two teammates nodded with understanding.


    ***


    The old docks creaked under the Elucard¡¯s feet as the salted air pelted his eyes and nostrils. Spotting the rickety old fishing vessel, Elucard watched motionless as he saw his father tying a heavy rope onto a post. The grizzled elf hadn¡¯t changed one bit. His crimson beard covered his sea worn features. A heavy woolen coat hung on his body as he hopped past Elucard.


    His father didn¡¯t bat an eye at the man staring at him, but he ordered him around nonetheless, ¡°You going to stand around looking useless all day, or are you going to grab that batch of fish? Your mother is making a stew and she¡¯s going to need something to put in it.¡±


    Elucard snapped out of his nostalgic daze, ¡°Pa?¡±


    ¡°You better hurry it up. I ain¡¯t going to wait all day,¡± his father said, gruffly.


    Elucard, still confused, shouldered a string of fish and followed the old man to his former home.


    ***


    Elucard followed River into the small cottage. The familiar smell of his mother¡¯s cooking floated through the air and a fog of memories clouded Elucard¡¯s head.


    ¡°It¡¯s been awhile, hasn¡¯t it, Elucard?¡± River asked in a low voice before calling to his wife, ¡°Salene, set a third plate, we have a visitor.¡±


    A sing-song voice chimed from the kitchen, ¡°Is Lyra Breezelark paying us another visit?¡± Salene walked around the corner, cleaning her hands with a dish towel. When her eyes locked onto him she dropped the towel and stood frozen in the doorway.


    Elucard was similarly afflicted. He slowly lowered his hood and attempted to find the words to say. In a moment such as this, they did not come easily, ¡°¡­Ma¡­I¡¯m home,¡± he managed.


    Tears bubbled in Salene¡¯s eyes as she ran to her lost son and embraced him in a tight hug, ¡°Elucard, you¡¯re here! You¡¯re really here!¡±


    River put a rough and heavy hand on Elucard¡¯s shoulder, hiding his emotional urge to never let go of his only son again, ¡°Welcome back home, Elucard.¡±


    Elucard, careful not to get too attached to this moment, spoke quickly, ¡°Ma, Pa, I¡¯m not here because I¡¯m on leave. I need information on Ravenshore.¡±


    River tried not to rush the fleeting time that Elucard had, ¡°First we eat, then we¡¯ll discuss your Black Rabbit business.¡±


    ***


    Dinner was quiet for a time. The only sounds in the air were of spoons clanking on wooden bowls and teeth chewing the potato and fish stew. Finally River had to ask the question that burned in him since he heard the rumors, ¡°Were you responsible for the assassination of Jaelyn, Son?¡±


    Salene thrust him an ice cold stare, ¡°River, we promised we wouldn¡¯t talk about that,¡± she turned and smiled at Elucard, ¡°We¡¯re just happy you came back home.¡±


    Elucard shot him a glance. How could he tell his parents that he was the one that killed their king? He was celebrated among his peers, but reviled by the rest of the world. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    River egged on further, ¡°It¡¯s true though, isn¡¯t it?¡± River searched his son¡¯s dark eyes for an answer, but what he found sunk his heart, ¡°More than that. You killed him, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°What if I had?¡± Elucard blurted, dropping his silverware onto the table.


    ¡°How can someone from Ravenshore¡ªour son¡ªbecome the most infamous criminal in all of Long Whisper?¡±


    Elucard stopped chewing. He glared at the man that used to be his father, before Legion came into his life. It was in another lifetime in the distant past that he had lived in this household. Now he was one of the most notorious assassins to ever bear the name ¡°Black Rabbit.¡± He was the First Blade now. He was the monster every child feared was hiding under their bed. He relished in it all.


    ¡°Criminals break the law, Rabbits don¡¯t live by the same law that civilians do. Our code allows us to carry on the work of Alanna; to balance the scales when they tip over. We are the wildfire that purges the overgrown forest. Father, my assassination was a necessity.¡±


    River was irked by the statement, ¡°So you are an outlaw? And do you really believe everything you just said? Not even Alanna herself would stand for such blatant madness.¡±


    Elucard turned to face away from his father, ¡°I would never expect a fisherman to understand my duties. It takes an evolved individual to become a Black Rabbit. Not like those other three that came from Raven¡­¡± Elucard let his voice trail off before finishing.


    River stood up, ¡°What of them? The blacksmith¡¯s apprentice, the stable boy? What happened to them?¡±


    A darkness shrouded Elucard¡¯s mind as he thought about his past actions, ¡°They didn¡¯t evolve,¡± he said coldly.


    River moved around the table and lifted Elucard up by the cowl to face him ¡°No remorse. What happened to you Elucard? Do you see what you¡¯ve become?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve become a Rabbit,¡± though, he wasn¡¯t completely sure what he¡¯d become. He spoke the words he was trained to say, but they became hollow. They were just words that no longer carried the weight they once had. He had everything that every Black Rabbit dreamed about, that he dreamed about. But now that he had it all in his grasp, he was unsure if he was happy with it at all.


    Salene rocked the table by slamming her hand on top of it, ¡°Enough! Both of you! We¡¯re together. Maybe not for long, maybe not for the right reasons, but isn¡¯t being together enough?¡± She began to weep in her hands, ¡°I¡¯ve wanted this more than anything, and now that I have it, I don¡¯t want it anymore.¡±


    River went to comfort his wife, ¡°I¡¯m sorry Salene, I really am.¡± He turned to Elucard, ¡°Aren¡¯t you happy you¡¯re home? Tell your mother how much you missed her.¡±


    Elucard sat motionless. The cold realization dawned on him there. He hadn¡¯t missed either of them. He had to get out now. It was not fair or right to stay and lead them to a false hope that he knew was as hollow as he had become, ¡°I have to go,¡± he said, coldly.


    River snapped a growl at him, ¡°Leave then! Go back to your Black Rabbits. I hope you find happiness in your pitiful life, because there¡¯s nothing left for you here!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Elucard said before walking out the door.


    ***


    The Rusty Hook was formerly a bar for the fisherman and traveling merchants that docked their ships in Ravenshore¡¯s port. However, with the influx of soldiers, it had became the hangout of guards looking to get a drink and a bite to eat after a long day of keeping the fishing village safe.


    Inle, Jetta, and Elucard sat at a corner table, their hoods shadowing their faces as they spoke in secretive whispers too low for anyone but them to hear.


    ¡°The wall was raised a month ago when the guards were assigned to Ravenshore and its neighboring villages,¡± Inle recounted his information.


    ¡°The new king, Koda of the Dawnedge, has raised an army. They are being trained by the former Long Whisper division of White Cloaks,¡± Jetta added.


    ¡°They are attempting to block us from recruiting. We must tell Legion at once,¡± Elucard said, sneering at the sight of the guards walking about the bar.


    ¡°Ungrateful fools,¡± Inle spat, ¡°It¡¯s an honor to be recruited by the Rabbits! We do good work for this nation¡±


    ¡°This is what the people want. For years the Black Rabbits have kidnapped the children of these villages and turned them loose against their own country. How can you blame them for standing up for themselves?¡± Jetta retorted, leering at Inle.


    Inle scowled at her, ¡°You never believed in our cause. You would betray us the first chance you got. Now¡¯s your chance, Jetta. Turn us in! Save your own cowardly skin. Forsake the Black Rabbits. Forsake Alanna!¡±


    ¡°Enough, Inle!¡± The argument with his father had almost completely eroded his patience. A fresh outburst from the everlasting feud between the two teammates was the last thing he needed.


    Inle drove a knife into the table, turning some of the guards¡¯ heads, ¡°Elucard, why do you protect her? She brings nothing but venom to our clan. I¡¯ve seen her medallion, a mark of Alue, not Alanna. She wears a mask to hide her two faces. She needs to be dealt with, as any traitor to the clan would be!¡±


    Jetta stood fast, clenching her teeth in anger. She hated the clan, but was fiercely loyal to Elucard. Nonetheless, she could hold back her fury no longer, ¡°Betray the clan? The clan is a blight on this land. You speak of purging and reaping the weeds that keep the world from flourishing. The Black Rabbits are the real weeds in the garden!¡±


    Inle crashed the table away from him, shaking with unquenchable rage. He grabbed Jetta¡¯s collar and slammed her against the wall. A knife gripped tightly in his fist, pressed against Jetta¡¯s neck, ¡°You bitch! I will gut you right here in front of everyone, and we¡¯ll see that you bleed black like the color of your heart. All you do is twist Elucard¡¯s mind! No more, I won¡¯t let you do anymore harm to him or my clan!¡±


    Jetta spat a slimy wad of mucus into Inle¡¯s face, ¡°Water for your garden!¡±


    Inle¡¯s silver eyes widened with animosity, unleashing a backhanded blow to Jetta¡¯s cheek. Without hesitation Elucard pulled his student off of her and caught him in the gut with a heavy punch. Inle fell to his knees groaning in pain. Elucard¡¯s blade sheened under his student¡¯s neck.


    ¡°I said enough, Inle.¡±


    Inle sneered at Jetta, trying to calm himself in the shadow of his master, ¡°Master,¡± he lowered his voice, fury still under his breath, ¡°You can¡¯t protect her. She speaks blasphemy.¡±


    Elucard tensely looked around at the growing crowd of soldiers and sailors edging closer to their incident. He sheathed his sword and dragged Inle to his feet, whispering in his ear, ¡°Our enemies are too close to be dealing with your feud against Jetta.¡±


    ¡°But Master¨C¡± Inle whispered back.


    ¡°Drop it, Inle. This is not your call!¡± Elucard hissed.


    Jetta gathered her composure and addressed the gathering crowd, ¡°My friend has just had one too many beers. Excuse us, we were just leaving.¡±


    Elucard slapped a few gold trit onto the counter, ¡°Sorry to sour the mood. Drinks are on me.¡±


    A wave of gleeful cheers erupted from the patrons of the tavern. Elucard put a sincere arm around Jetta, comforting her. Inle shot them both an irritated glare. Elucard, I will save you from the witch¡¯s clutches.

 Chapter 35: A Distraction

    ¡°He is a crooked nail. Nothing but a defective tool in this state. Completely ineffective to us,¡± The Silent Master¡¯s low growl of a voice passed through the dark quarters. Legion knelt before him, Inle stood off to the side, enamored by the presence of the legendary High Blade and the Silent Master.


    ¡°Blinded by the words of the girl, my Silent Master. She is a fragment of his past with great influence over him. Moreover, she has defied our teachings, giving her even more control over his mind. Elucard is just the symptom, Jetta is the virus,¡± Legion spoke frankly.


    The Silent Master turned to Inle, ¡°You have seen this venom affect our First Blade? How can I be sure you are not merely jealous of his affection for her?¡±


    Inle chuckled at the concept of being jealous of Jetta, but bowed his head reverently, ¡°Jetta was, at first, a harmless comfort to Elucard. But over time I have watched as she rotted away in his mind with one blasphemy after another.¡± A look of disgust spread across his face, ¡°The longer you allow people like Jetta to fester within our clan, the further away our Elucard will become.¡±


    ¡°Legion, he is your apprentice, so it falls to you to deal with this problem. Kill the girl.¡± The words left Silent Master without emotion or pity.


    Legion¡¯s eyes widened, knowing full-well what an act would do to his relationship with Elucard, ¡°Master, Jetta¡¯s loss to Elucard may do more harm than good. Allow me to banish Jetta. Within time, Elucard will forget about her as he once did, but if I kill her, Elucard will lash out. He will lash at m¨C¡±


    ¡°No!¡± interjected Ryjin. He was disgusted by Legion¡¯s weakness, ¡°I allowed you to spare a life once before. The life of scum who directly worked against me¡ªagainst our clan! No, I will not allow you to show mercy once more. You will kill this girl and make an example out of her. We will not have another¡­another Avalon!¡±


    ¡°I will do this task, my master, but Elucard must not know it was me. If he does, it will tarnish¡­¡± Legion knew that killing Jetta would shatter any trust or love Elucard ever had for him. He was like a son to him. Destroying that relationship would be the end of Legion. He would need to keep this secret, even if it killed him to do so. The Silent Master was right, he showed great weakness when he spared Malady. He would need to keep his reputation intact or he feared he would be the next target in Ryjin¡¯s sights, ¡°¡­my influence over him.¡±


    The Silent Master rubbed his chin, ¡°The boy will overcome whatever pitiful affection he has for the girl, but your secrets are yours to keep. He will not to find out from me who killed her. Legion, send Elucard and Inle on a mission. Have it be an evaluation of Inle¡¯s accumulated skills. When they return, the deed shall be done.¡±


    Inle and Legion bowed.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ***


    Elucard and Inle perched in the shadows looking down at Galdo¡¯s butcher shack. Galdo was a mercenary that had a knack for poaching jobs from the Black Rabbits¡ªan action the clan had taken notice of.


    ¡°Listen up Inle, Legion has seen fit to have you complete this mission as a final test to ascend from being my student, to my colleague.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Master,¡± Inle said, nodding intently. A wild ball of several emotions hung in the back of his mind. This was the night that Jetta was to be taken out of the picture. His master would be set free of such a twisting weight. Inle was free as well¡­to be with him.


    ¡°This Galdo is not to be taken lightly. What he lacks in speed and agility, he makes up ten-fold in power and resilience,¡± Elucard continued.


    ¡°Yes, Master¡± Inle replied as he fingered through his satchel full of tools and weaponry.


    ¡°Stay light on your feet and keep moving. We¡¯ll tire him and take him down before he has a chance to fight back,¡± Elucard said, taking a mental note of a large gathering of clouds moving in from the east.


    ¡°Master,¡± Inle pointed at the door to the shack, ¡°Movement. This could be our opening.¡±


    ¡°Aye, well spotted, Inle,¡± Elucard whispered, quickly turning his attention back to the cabin.


    Moments later, a towering man with thick, muscular arms covered in matching dragon and demon tattoos exited the shack. Hoisted over his shoulder was a massive chunk of steel, shaped into a jagged sword.


    Elucard signaled Inle to drop from their hiding spots and follow his lead. Their feet strode along the grass as if gliding in the shadows. Elucard silently drew his blade and drove it straight into Galdo¡¯s back. Inle appeared in front of the giant man and struck into his lower chest.


    Galdo cried out in pain before swinging his thick sword in a wide arc at the two assassins. Blades in hand, they nimbly dodged the attack, regrouping some feet away.


    Low to the ground, Elucard gestured to Inle. The shadow elf complied and dashed forward, slashing at Galdo¡¯s legs, spraying blood from long cuts. Galdo roared ferociously and caught Inle by the throat with a titan¡¯s grip.


    Inle gasped for breath and clawed desperately at the giant¡¯s arms. Galdo mercilessly slammed Inle into the ground. Elucard made his move, jumping and slashing downwards Galdo¡¯s right shoulder. Galdo barely flinched as he backhanded Elucard away, sending the elf flying into a large tree.


    Galdo raised his sword over his head and brought it crashing down toward Inle¡¯s crumpled body. At the last moment, the Rabbit shoulder rolled away. Recovering, Inle slid behind the man and cut through his tendons, bringing the incredibly large man down to his knees with a thundering crash.


    Elucard shook off the daze and lunged at the fallen mercenary with a series of muscle slicing swipes aimed at the behemoth¡¯s chest and arms. Galdo grunted as he tried to stand, but fell back down as Inle skewered him in the back.


    Galdo fell to his hands scowling at the two Black Rabbits. Elucard sheathed his blade, bowing to Inle, ¡°Do the honors.¡±


    Inle nodded, dropping his blade in a savage arc, cleaving Galdo¡¯s neck almost entirely free of his body. The giant¡¯s head hung by what few threads of muscle fibers, tendons, and veins tethered it to his mutilated body.

 Chapter 36: Sins of the Father

    ¡°Are you sure you don''t want me to come? You two might get hurt,¡± Jetta said. Her medical satchel was packed up and slung around her shoulder. She stood in the First Blade''s quarters already prepared for another mission.


    Elucard placed his hands on her shoulders and gazed into her enthusiastic eyes. Inle stood in the archway leaning against the frame. Elucard removed her satchel and placed it on the ground, ¡°Not this time, Jetta. Master Legion told me this is to be a special test for Inle. He''ll need to be able to take on this mark with little assistance from even me,¡± Elucard smirked as he watched Jetta''s disappointing eyes lower, ¡°Cheer up Jetta, we three will still have plenty of missions together.¡±


    Jetta watched as the two boys walked out of the quarters, she waved them goodbye, ¡°May Alue watch over you, Elucard,¡± she whispered.


    ***


    Jetta carefully dug into the ground with a small spade to extract the delicate feverroot from the cool soil. Clipping the thin tendrils off the root with her shears, she put what she gathered into her bag. She brushed off the dirt the best she could from her trousers. She then pulled out her waterskin and poured a small amount of water onto her dirty hands to wash them.


    She looked around the quiet forest and shivered in the brisk evening air. A cluttered sound in the trees directed her attention. She peered into the tall pines to see a large crow cawing at her. The oily black feathers sheened in the rapidly falling sunset. Two more crows sailed into the tree to join the first. Each cackled at her before moving closer to another tree near Jetta.


    ¡°Oh bugger off, I''m leaving,¡± Jetta muttered. Jetta took account of what she was able to gather up, slightly disappointed that she was unable to find any emberwart to make new blistercloth, but the several bushels of feverroot was a lucky harvest.


    Jetta walked through the woods as the shadows grew longer and the air grew crisper. She picked up her pace to make her curfew, knowing full well a Rabbit unaccounted for would be a punished Rabbit. However, she slowed down to a slow walk as she approached the small bridge that went over a creek. This bridge was where she first reunited with Elucard. It was where she vowed to be a stronger person for him; for her friend. She rested on the banister and lazily watched as a leaf moved chaotically around the rocks and into slower waters.


    It was how she felt these days. She struggled with the Black Rabbits, trying to fight back against the current, but anytime she was with Elucard, she knew he and her would someday find their slower waters. That one day they would find peace.


    ¡°You''re out late.¡±


    Jetta quickly looked to her side, startled by the sudden appearance of Legion. She always liked Legion. They didn''t know each other well, but Elucard always spoke with admiration about his Master.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Forgive me, my High Blade, I was¨C¡± Jetta clumsily hobbled over her own words, knowing it was nearly past the curfew.


    ¡°No need to apologize. I know you were out gathering medical supplies,¡± Legion walked closer, smiling faintly. He leaned over the same banister and mused over the gentle stream, ¡°I come here when I want to think about what weighs the most on me.¡±


    Jetta turned back to watch the stream, ¡°The thing that weighs the most on me¡­ I often think about that as well.¡±


    Legion glanced at the young elf, ¡°What burdens you now, young one?¡±


    Jetta furrowed her brow as tears slowly swelled in her eyes. She rubbed her eyes with her sleeve, ¡°High Blade, I was never meant for such a life, and even its goddess rejects me. I feel like I am a leaf caught in a storm, endless floating lost and alone. I seek my tree.¡±


    Legion nodded, ''her tree.¡¯ Her tree was Elucard. He let out a heavy sigh and put an arm around the grieving elf, ¡°Jetta, Elucard is but a leaf in the storm too. Do you know why he flourishes though?¡±


    Jetta looked up at the scarred man, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Elucard does not seek an end to the storm, because he knows that as a leaf, he does not matter. Some day he will fall to the ground and wither into the soil like any other leaf.¡±


    Jetta looked away, a metaphor she couldn''t have articulated better herself. Elucard was at the mercy of the Black Rabbit storm.


    ¡°Jetta, the storm will always blow, no matter if you are trapped in it or not. What you must realize is that just because we are in it, doesn''t mean we are ''trapped.''¡± Legion grasped Jetta in a long hug, ¡°I am sorry if you always felt trapped. I am sorry you were always so aimless, that you couldn''t find your peace or happiness.¡± He slowly unsheathed a dagger.


    Jetta clenched her eyes shut, tears dropped over and down her cheeks, ¡°Please¡­please let Elucard go. He deserves to be free from your storm. I''ll stay in his place,¡± her words were a raspy whisper now. She tightened her grip on Legion''s cloak as she pleaded.


    Legion pushed Jetta off of him, the dagger brandished in his hand, ¡°Jetta¡­¡± he spoke shaking. Of all the lives he was ordered to take, this was the one he regretted before taking. Even when he killed his own father, he had no remorse. However, staring into the eyes of this young woman, he knew this death would set off a chain reaction of events that would bury him in sorrow for the rest of his life, ¡°Jetta, someday I''ll save Elucard for you. Someday he''ll be set free, but he will have to be in this storm without his tree¡­ without you to be his beacon¡­ without you to show him his way home.¡±


    Jetta stumbled backwards, but then stood still. She knew the Rabbits would one day try to separate her from Elucard. She lifted her chin not in submission, but in defiance, ¡°I''ll pray for you, Legion.¡±


    Legion swiped cleanly across her throat and threw the knife into the wooden planks in anguish. Jetta gurgled trying to breathe as blood gushed from her wound. She fell to her knees but kept her chin up, tears streaming from her eyes. She shakily held her hands in contrition.


    Alue can you hear me?


    Jetta collapsed at Legion''s feet. His head bowed in depression. He crushed Elucard''s last breath of hope. His last tether to his past. His last piece of himself. Crushed beneath the feet of the Black Rabbit. He would either rise to be the soulless assassin the Silent Master would want him to be, or he would become the withered leaf on the ground. Either way he would be lost without guidance.


    Alue I want to go home.

 Chapter 37: A Broken Promise

    The clouds rolled in, setting a grim shadow upon the Black Rabbit compound. Elucard stood quivering. The entire clan knelt around a bridge that ran over a creek. Ryjin stood cold and still, his hands folded across his chest. Jetta¡¯s lifeless body lay strewn on the stone ground. Her clothes were soaked through from a gaping opening in her throat. Her eyes, stricken open from witnessing her own traumatic demise, stared blankly at Elucard¡­


    His nails dug into his palms as his fist tightly closed, turning his skin a ghostly white. His body trembled as he struggled to stand, ¡°J-Jetta¡­¡±


    A silence blanketed the retreat.


    Elucard¡¯s face wrinkled in complete anguish as he began to bawl uncontrollably. He fell to her body, cradling her in his arms. Her blood seeped into his clothes as he held her tightly in his embrace. He felt that if he held her tighter, he might rouse her from her bloody slumber.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t there¡­ I wasn¡¯t there to protect you. I¡¯m sorry! Please don¡¯t do this. I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    Inle slowly moved forward, crouching down beside his grieving friend, ¡°Elucard, it was for the best. Now you can move on without conflict or confusion.¡±


    Elucard clenched his eyes shut, he sucked in lungs of air, and stopped his crying before exhaling a single question, ¡°Inle, what do you mean?¡±


    Elucard turned and stared at his masked pupil with eyes hot from tears.


    Inle placed a hand on Elucard¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Elucard, you knew this day was coming. You knew she needed to be dealt with. She was corrupting your mind. You couldn¡¯t think clearly with her around. A blade is only as sharp as the Rabbit wielding it.¡±


    Confusion scryed over the elf¡¯s face. Elucard spoke quietly, ¡°Inle, did you know about this?¡±


    Inle shook his head, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who was involved, Elucard. You need to let her go. With the king¡¯s soldi¨C¡±


    ¡°Who did this?¡± Elucard asked with a biting chill.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, Elucard,¡± Inle said again.


    ¡°Who did this?! Who killed Jetta?!¡± Elucard shouted at the top of his lungs. Elucard snapped his head, searching for any Rabbit brave enough to come forth with the truth. Finally, his eyes rested on Ryjin.


    Elucard softly laid down Jetta¡¯s body and made his way toward the Silent Master, ¡°Tell me. Who did this?¡±


    Ryjin slightly raised his chin, ¡°Take her body and bury her. Put her to rest and beg Alanna to take pity on her traitorous soul. Mourn for however long you must, and then put it behind you. That is what I expect¡ªno, command of my First Blade.¡±


    Elucard¡¯s eyes shifted from a tormented sadness to a deathly coolness as thoughts raced through his head, ¡°Ryjin. Who killed Jetta.¡±


    The Silent Master replied slowly with a dangerous edge in his voice, ¡°Bury her, and bury your hatred with her. I will not tell you again.¡±


    Elucard gently picked up the lifeless body of his childhood friend and walked toward the woods. Calling back to the assassins watching, ¡°Pray to Alanna I never find the Rabbit who did this.¡±


    ***


    ¡°You saw stars in even the cloudiest of nights, Jetta. I don¡¯t know how you did it, but you never gave in. You never surrendered and they tried to extinguish the flame that burned inside of you. And here we are,¡± Elucard chuckled as he stood over the makeshift grave marker. Her blood stained his garbs and gloves. He had no more tears to shed for his fallen friend, ¡°I made a promise to protect you, and in the end, it was you who protected me. You know, my father and you might have been right all along, but I don¡¯t know if any of that matters now.¡±


    Elucard quickly drew his sword. He wasn¡¯t alone anymore, ¡°Have you come to pay your respects?¡±


    Inle had a hand resting on his blade¡¯s handle and stepped cautiously from the shadows. He knelt in front of the grave and said a silent prayer to Alanna, ¡°You should have played your cards better, Jetta. In another lifetime, perhaps.¡±


    Elucard turned to Inle, ¡°I never told you about what I did to become a Rabbit, Inle.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard rumors¡­¡± Inle said quietly, not sure of the purpose of the conversation.


    ¡°Three of my friends from Ravenshore ¨C we survived the Blood Forest together. They ran away from the Rabbits, hoping to start a new life away from it all. I had the chance to join them, but I killed them instead.¡±


    Inle nodded, ¡°You did the right thing, Master.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know that I did. I don¡¯t know that anything I do is the right thing anymore,¡± Elucard said. Exhaustion and confusion set in as he buried his face in his palms.


    ¡°Master, that¡¯s Jetta talking. Do not listen to her, remember your lessons, remember who your family is.¡±


    ¡°My family¡­ my family is in Ravenshore wondering how their son became so lost. My family is in the ground before our feet. My family would never have me kill my king or my friends. My family is who I promised to protect!¡± Elucard spat as he turned his head to face the shadow elf, ¡°My family is not the Black Rabbits!¡±


    Inle stepped backwards, a hand still on his sword handle, ¡°Elucard, please, I don¡¯t want to harm you. No blood has to be shed tonight.¡±


    ¡°You forget so soon? Blood has already been shed,¡± Elucard sneered, sliding his blade from its sheath, ¡°Stand aside, Inle. This clan has manipulated me long enough. It is time I dealt retribution.¡±


    Inle drew his blade, ¡°The Silent Master was right, you are a defective tool. That bitch has twisted you too much. Her death was supposed to put her mind games to rest. I wish I cut her throat myself!¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Elucard roared, tears flowing from his eyes as he rushed his former student, ¡°The Rabbits have poisoned every aspect of my life. They strip away the potential you have and replace it with the drive to murder, and for what?¡± Elucard yelled as he savagely swung his blade.


    Inle parried and unleashed a ruthless backhand, swiveling Elucard¡¯s head, ¡°The drive to murder? Have you forgotten our divine purpose in life? There is no greater honor than to live and die by the Black Rabbit¡¯s blade!¡±


    Elucard snapped his head back fast enough to dodge a series of thrusts from Inle¡¯s sword, ¡°How can you think Alanna would want us to slay the innocent for coin? Inle, they feed us lies! I saw the prince¡¯s eyes when I took his father away from him. I was a fool to think that a man uniting his people deserved to die! It brought me no closer to the glory the Rabbits promised! How is a society supposed to function if there are individuals that live outside the law?¡±


    Inle jumped, spinning into a roundhouse kick that sent Elucard sliding backwards, ¡°You spew the same bile as Jetta. It pains me to see you as an enemy. I loved you!¡±


    Elucard took out a fan of shurikens, ¡°Rabbits are incapable of love, Inle.¡±


    Even before the shurikens plunged into his chest, it was as if Elucard clenched and crushed Inle¡¯s heart. Wide eyed and speechless, Inle stood entranced as he took a flying kick to the head and crashed to the ground. He slowly recovered to his feet, his head lowered, his mask veiled in the shadows.


    Elucard readied his blade before charging once more into the fray. Inle broke from his daze and fired several mad swipes with his blade, slicing gruesomely into Elucard¡¯s side and right shoulder.


    Elucard ignored the sharp pain and unleashed a flurry of slashes. Several connected, spraying blood from the grievous wounds. Elucard finished with a heavy kick to Inle¡¯s chest, making him reel backwards.


    Inle slid, catching himself with an arm and knee as he fell to the ground. Lifting his sword, Inle leaped at his former Master, cutting deeper into Elucard¡¯s side. The clown-assassin spun neatly, attempting to lop off Elucard¡¯s head, but the elf from Ravenshore was quick to raise his sword behind and block.


    Both blades were locked in a struggle. Inle¡¯s energy and rage slowly rose, ¡°I did it all for you! For you, Elucard!¡±


    Elucard slowly lifted Inle¡¯s blade away from his exposed neck. With the flick of his wrist, he was able to fling it out of Inle¡¯s grip, sending it deep into a tree, ¡°Don¡¯t let your sick delusions fool you, Inle! You did it all for yourself!¡±


    Inle slid a pair of small daggers into his hands and threw them at his enemy. Elucard back flipped several feet, dodging them with grace.


    Elucard landed, breathing hard. The gaping wound in his side poured blood onto the grassy forest floor. Inle frantically ran to his sword, which was still stuck in the tree. Elucard snapped a shuriken through the air, catching Inle¡¯s palm as he reached for his weapon.


    Inle growled in pain, giving Elucard enough time to dropkick Inle onto his back. While kneeling on top of him, Elucard heaved his sword, face down, over Inle¡¯s chest and stabbed downward. Elucard stopped just short of the shadow elf¡¯s chest, ¡°Pull off your mask, Inle!¡±


    Inle slowly complied, removing his mask, eyes wide in fear.


    ¡°You won¡¯t die tonight, not you.¡± Elucard hissed, thunder bellowed across the heavy night skies.


    ¡°No one will ever love you the way I did!¡± Inle whispered, his eyes now flared with passion.


    The rain came down fast and hard. Blood seeped into the pores of the wet ground. Elucard stood, towering over his apprentice, his sword still pointed at Inle¡¯s cut up chest, ¡°I want you to understand this, Inle. I want you to watch this clan burn. I want you to have it all come down around you. And when you have suffered as much as me, then I will kill you.¡±


    ¡°Elu¨C¡± Inle started.


    A hefty kick across Inle¡¯s face rendered him out cold.


    ***


    The winds howled as Elucard entered the compound. The rain was relentless. It pounded on his shoulders and the wind bid him to turn around. But his hatred possessed him and so onward he marched.


    Staggering into the familiar center of the Black Rabbit compound, Elucard hunched over, leaning slightly on his and Inle¡¯s swords, as if they were canes. Elucard lifted his head and sneered at Ryjin, who seemed unmoved by his dramatic reappearance.


    ¡°The Black Rabbits have tipped the scales¡­¡± Elucard could hardly speak, faint with the loss of blood.


    Ryjin snapped his fingers, signaling for all the assassins to draw their weapons and move closer to Elucard, ¡°You are nothing but a rabid dog. You must be put down.¡±


    Blood dripped down both sides of his mouth as Elucard responded, ¡°Will you put me down, Ryjin, or will one of your other dogs do it for you?¡±


    Ryjin smirked, ¡°Kill him.¡±


    The Rabbits roared as nearly a hundred bodies leapt into the night to strike Elucard down. Elucard spun wildly, parrying and deflecting steel with his two swords. Taking well placed strikes, Elucard moved his way through the crowd, decimating and maiming his former clan mates. Bodies dropped into a bloody heap behind him. However, Elucard moved slower and slower as swords, sais, and daggers shredded and punctured his body. The closer he moved to Ryjin, the weaker and more sluggish he became.


    Elucard fell to his knees at the feet of the Silent Master, blood and rain soaking through his clothes. He could no longer lift his arms nor his head.


    ¡°Who k-killed J-Jetta?¡± he murmured, barely aware of his surroundings.


    Ryjin grabbed the weary Elucard by the throat, lifting him up so that they were eye to eye, ¡°You¡¯ll die, never knowing,¡± the Silent Master whispered in his ear.


    With adrenaline pumping through Elucard¡¯s body, he let out a soul shattering scream as he lifted both his swords and cross cut the hand that choked him. Ryjin reeled his head back in pain as his handless wrist gushed and sprayed blood across Elucard¡¯s face.


    Ryjin sneered, gritting his teeth as he landed a savage blow to Elucard¡¯s chest with his remaining fist. Elucard¡¯s chest compressed as his heart rattled. Landing hard, several feet away, Elucard lay sprawled on his back, drifting dangerously close to death.


    The rain patted down on Elucard¡¯s sleepy face, ¡°Jetta, wait for me. Wait for me at the old willow tree.¡±


    Elucard heaved in a great whiff of breath as he rolled over. Sputtering up the iron taste of blood, he used his last bit of new found energy to stand. Rabbits to either side of him cautiously shuffled forward, over their fellow clansmen that blanketed the ground. Ryjin seethed pure anger, shivering in pain while grasping his bloody stump.


    It was as if all time paused in a brief moment of solace. Elucard reached into a pouch and exploded a smoke pellet on the ground, concealing a last ditch effort to escape the dire situation.


    ¡°After him!¡± Ryjin shouted over and over as the pursuing assassins pierced through the smoky cover.


    ***


    Elucard ran as fast as his battered body could take him, but collapsed at the cliff face of a waterfall. The waters rushed, more powerful from the stormy weather. Elucard gripped his swords with a slippery, blood-soaked grip, waiting for any assassin to catch up to him. Legion moved into the moonlight from the shadows.


    Elucard surrendered his blades to the feet of his friend and mentor, ¡°So it ends here?¡±


    Legion kicked the swords aside in a clatter. He lifted up his student¡¯s bloody heap of a body, ¡°Elucard, do you remember when you asked me if I kept any humanity?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Master,¡± Elucard sputtered.


    ¡°You are my humanity, Elucard,¡± Legion kissed the forehead of the dying elf, before dropping him over the waterfall.


    Several assassins approached Legion, ¡°Where is he?¡±


    Legion passed them heading back to the compound, ¡°It is done.¡±

 Chapter 38: The Kings New Storm

    ¡°Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve learned,¡± Megan said. She stood on the opposite end of the underground arena, surrounded by enchanted trees.


    Koda nodded and bowed his head before jumping into the air and landing with a heavy impact that shook the ground. The crackling and tightening sounds of roots exploded from beneath Megan, attempting to bind and encase her. However she was quick and rolled out of harm¡¯s way, only to find Koda manifesting several leaves with serrated edges to soar in her direction.


    Megan roared as her skin transformed into a hard bark. The leaves bounced off of her armored skin and Megan answered back by transforming her hand into an outstretching vine laden with thorns, whipping and slapping at the ground, trying to catch the elf as he nimbly dodged out of the way of each attack.


    Koda tumbled toward Megan¡¯s right flank and mustered his courage to grab the next attack. He winced as the thorny vine wrapped around his arm, and used the entanglement to yank Megan into close range. With trained reflexes and cunning, Koda conjured a small pile of dust into his hand, and blew it into Megan¡¯s face.


    She sneezed before falling sleepily to the ground. Drowsily, she tied the thorny whip around her hand. The sharp pain kept her from falling asleep. A massive trunk rose beneath her feet, bringing her into the air, ¡°Your clever tricks won¡¯t win the battle against me, your grace! Show me what you have really learned!¡±


    Koda smirked, knowing well what she meant. Thrusting his hand into the air, he began mustering his focus into his palm. Light flashed around him as a brilliant blue aura enveloped him. His hand quivered as it lit up with bright light.


    Megan smiled, but her face quickly turned to dread as she was slowly lifted from her tree. Her arms fell to her sides as if she was bound by an unknown force. She struggled against the alien power but to no avail.


    Koda¡¯s thoughts raced wildly and his vision became blurry. Sweat dripped from his forehead and his face went pale. The strain overcame him as he swung his arm downward, crashing his teacher to the ground.


    Megan dazedly stumbled as she tried to stand. A laceration bled from the side of her head, ¡°The power to control life itself. That is just the surface of the Magi¡¯s power. We must learn more.¡±


    Koda collapsed to the ground, heaving, ¡°W-we will. W-e must to protect my people.¡±


    Megan grinned, ¡°You have done well, Koda.¡±


    ***


    Koda stood before the council of teachers once again; now older, now wiser, and now a mage in his own right. Megan bowed as she presented him with the official robes of a graduated Vernal Mage, ¡°You¡¯ve earned the right to wear these robes more than most, Koda. You have untapped potential that needs molding. In the future, you will find that you will be challenged physically, mentally, and spiritually. May you remember what this school has taught you and may success follow you wherever you go.¡±


    Koda bowed and accepted the robes from his master. He proudly donned the ornate threads and tied the green sash around his waist tightly. Pride swelled in his heart, ¡°I will apply what you have taught me. You will see.¡±


    ¡°I have seen, already,¡± Megan said, smiling.


    ***


    Koda sat, holding his goblet aloft. Wine sloshed around the rim as he rose to his feet. Large quantities of smoked meats and roasted vegetables laid across the long banquet table. On either side of him, lords and their advisers sat enjoying the feast put on by the royal family. The noise that echoed in the large dining room quieted as the elves turned to see what their young king had to say. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°Friends, I gather you all to feast in a period of new found peace. Our army grows in power each day. It has been a mere three months since we began training up our own forces, and yet we have received numerous reports from several towns across the country. The Black Rabbits have not dared to make any appearances. It is safe to say that their numbers are dwindling. Our city flourishes and our people are no longer living in fear. I raise to you all, a toast to Long Whisper. May we continue in our prosperity!¡±


    All but one noble raised their drink. Athar stood, unimpressed, ¡°What of the inevitable war in the south? King Dallin of Varis and King Aric of Estinia have failed to reach a treaty. Aric will no doubt invade Varis and attempt to conquer and enslave the people there.¡±


    Eyes turned and locked onto a nervous Koda, ¡°I was unaware of such a conflict.¡±


    Athar laughed with a mocking tone, ¡°Here we have a green king, completely oblivious of his own borders. My lords, this is our leader!¡±


    Koda began to sweat, unable to handle this level of criticism, ¡°What news have you heard from Varis?¡±


    ¡°Elven refugees afraid of an oncoming war are flocking to our lands. Varis supported your father¡¯s rise to the crown, no doubt we should support Varis in their time of need,¡± Cass Baneberry suggested.


    ¡°Our army may be growing, but they have never seen a real battle. Our forces would be crushed in actual combat,¡± Fendrick Redroot said flatly.


    ¡°We can¡¯t just ignore Varis!¡± Aisling said, raising her voice over the shouts from the various noblemen.


    Tull leaned into Koda¡¯s ear, ¡°My King, you must take control of this situation and make a decision.¡±


    ¡°But Tull, what if I make the wrong choice?¡± Koda asked, afraid of such a decision and what devastation it could do to the nation¡¯s fledgling peace.


    Tull patted him on the shoulder reassuringly, ¡°Koda, any decision is better than no decision. Show them that you can lead a nation, not just in time of peace, but in a time of need as well.¡±


    Koda, raised his hands, simmering down the arguing, ¡°My lords, we must raise the shield of courage for our people and for those seeking our protection. Estinia wishes to burn Varis, so who is to say they will stop there? We must stand beside our allies and quell this threat!¡± Koda said. The confidence he gained from becoming a mage resonated in his voice.


    ¡°Well said, young King. You will be remembered as the hero that led Long Whisper to victory!¡± Athar Moonfall cheered, smiling and clapping.


    The nobles rose from their seats clapping in awe, inspired by the bravado of Koda.


    ***


    Cast in the weak lighting of the rose garden, Athar Moonfall whispered angrily with his most trusted adviser, ¡°Silva, you pea-brained rat! That¡¯s the second time you were wrong about Koda!¡±


    ¡°My Lord, my eyes are everywhere in this city, I swear the information I had was to be trusted!¡±


    ¡°The same eyes that assured you he would not take the crown?¡± Athar spat, mockingly.


    Silva nodded anxiously.


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to orchestrate the fall of the Dawnedge house, and yet with each blow I strike them with, they recover with double the force. This war, however, could provide an opportunity for Koda to¡ªfor lack of a better word¡ªperish in combat, and I, myself to rise a hero.¡± Athar Moonfall grinned delightfully at the thought.


    ¡°My eyes tell me that the Rabbits have trouble in their warren. Perhaps we should wait for them to get reorganized before making our next move,¡± Silva whispered, looking around as if the Black Rabbits were watching her every move.


    ¡°Tell me, who are these ¡®eyes?¡¯ I must know this.¡±


    Silva shook her head, ¡°If identities were revealed, My ¡®eyes¡¯ may go blind.¡±


    ¡°Very well. Keep your secrets, Silva, but fail me again and your ¡®eyes¡¯ will be the least of your worries,¡± Athar warned.

 Chapter 39: Wiccers Turmoil

    Marcus sat by the river bank with a fishing rod resting in his hands and a long blade of grass fixed between his teeth. He turned to watch as his son sat beside him with heavy bags beneath his eyes. Marcus moved to shield him from the glare from the morning sun.


    ¡°Not used to waking up at dawn anymore?¡± Marcus chuckled, passing him a mug of coffee.


    ¡°What makes you think the fish aren¡¯t still sleeping?¡± Wiccer said, taking a sip from the mug and frowning from the lack of cinnamon and sugar.


    ¡°Believe it or not, it was your mother that got me into fishing. Your great grandfather taught her the secret of fishing at daybreak. She fished every morning. Even when she got sick, she still fished,¡± Marcus grew silent, remembering Vivian.


    Wiccer let a moment pass between them, taking in the silence, before speaking again, ¡°I was too young at the time, but how did you deal with losing her?¡±


    ¡°I never did. Avren took care of me. He became the man of the house while I wallowed in depression and self pity. I had to shut out all the love I had for your mother to move on. I don¡¯t¡­I don¡¯t take death very well.¡± Marcus let out a sigh, ¡°I know you see me as this great commander and strong figure, but when your mother died, when the baneblood sickness wilted her body to a shell, I just couldn¡¯t handle it.¡±


    ¡°Father¡­¡±


    Marcus choked, closing his eyes tightly, ¡°When Avren fell, I shut you out. I reverted to the same weak-minded man I once was. Wiccer, in many ways you¡¯re a stronger man than I am.¡±


    Wiccer paused, but tried to lighten the tension that hung in the air, ¡°I¡¯ve decided to take your offer. I want to join Long Whisper¡¯s ranks. Avren wanted me to not be blinded by hatred. He wanted me to be a stronger leader.¡± Wiccer nodded to his own words, ¡°I want to be that leader.¡±


    Marcus grinned as a low laugh escaped him, ¡°Well, for your first duty, why don¡¯t you brew me another cup of coffee.¡±


    Wiccer laughed, taking the mug and walking across the field back to the cabin.


    Marcus turned back to his fishing line. From the corner of his eye, he saw a large object floating downstream. At first he could not make out what it was. A villager¡¯s laundry gone rogue? Perhaps a river-trader¡¯s boat had lost some small cargo? As it drew closer his eyes widened. It was a body. Lifeless and bobbing with the ebb and flow of the river. Marcus tossed his fishing rod aside and leapt into the water. He pulled the battered body to the shore, ¡°Wiccer, hurry! Come back!¡±


    Wiccer ran to his father¡¯s side as Marcus felt for any signs of life.


    ¡°Wiccer, fetch the medical supplies, this elf is still alive! Wiccer?¡±


    Wiccer stood utterly frozen as he looked down upon the broken body of the elf that had caused him so much misery and strife.


    ¡°Wiccer?!¡± Marcus yelled, hoping to snap Wiccer out of the trance he was in, ¡°Son?¡±


    ¡°Let him die,¡± Wiccer said, with no hint of emotion or pity.


    ***


    Elucard gazed at the old willow tree. The dry, leathery bark had moss sparsely growing on its north side. Its leaves drooped, providing a small shelter from the blistering sun. The water from the small fishing pond gently caressed its roots. Stolen story; please report.


    Jetta sat on a low hanging bough, beckoning Elucard to sit by her. Her blue summer dress waved in the breezy air. White lace hemmed the end of her seams. Her auburn hair was tied into a loose ponytail, complete with an adorable yellow ribbon.


    ¡°Elucard, come sit with me. It¡¯s a beautiful day, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Elucard cautiously stepped closer but stopped just short of his lifelong friend. She called out to him again, her voice softer, almost a whisper.


    ¡°Elucard, come sit with me. It¡¯s a beautiful day, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Her voice was scratchy and labored as she spoke again. It was as though only some of her words were vocalized, while others were nothing more than gargled chokes.


    ¡°Elu ¨C come ¨C with. Beautiful day ¨C think?¡±


    Elucard gasped in horror and stumbled backwards as a thin red line spread across Jetta¡¯s throat. Blood seeped from the thin wound slowly at first, but soon the blood was gushing forth, tearing the pulsing wound wide open. Her eyes grew wide and she teared up, reaching forward¡ªyearning for her friend.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Jetta! Please, stay with me!¡± Elucard shouted as he ran to catch her falling body from the tree branch. However, when she collapsed into a heap in his arms, her lifeless corpse wilted like a flower and turned to ash, sending fragments of her broken body floating in the air like a fine smoke.


    Elucard choked up as hot tears bubbled in his eyes. His hands tightened into fists. An unfamiliar voice echoed within his scattering, dreary thoughts.


    ¡°His fever is spiking.¡±


    Marcus lifted his hand off of Elucard¡¯s clammy forehead. Moans shakily escaped the dying elf. Wiccer hurried to give his father a washcloth, freshly drenched in ice water. He sneered at the battered elf¡¯s body, squirming about in the bed.


    ¡°Father, we should just let him die. He doesn¡¯t deserve our help!¡±


    ¡°Wiccer, we talked about this. We are not executioners, we are men of law. By Jedeo¡¯s blade, we shall not let him die until we have healed him and brought him to justice.¡±


    ¡°He assassinated King Jaelyn! He had Avren killed! My brother! Your own damn son!¡±


    Marcus snapped his head at Wiccer, his eyes flaring, ¡°You think I need you to remind me of that? You think I don¡¯t want to break this elf¡¯s neck?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Wiccer spoke quietly, avoiding his father¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Louder!¡± Marcus commanded.


    ¡°No!¡± Wiccer shouted instinctively as if he was a White Cloak once more.


    Marcus let out a labored sigh. He, too, had fought the urge to let Elucard die. But he knew that this could be the opportunity he had been waiting for ¨C a chance for Long Whisper to be rid of the Black Rabbit menace, once and for all. To that end, Elucard could yet prove to be an invaluable ally.


    ¡°Wiccer, the truth is¡­¡± He began. He knew that telling Wiccer his plan would not go over well. He knew that it was taking every fiber in Wiccer¡¯s body to restrain him from killing Elucard, but he also knew that his son trusted him above all else, ¡°The truth is, I have plans for Elucard beyond bringing him to justice.¡±


    Wiccer shook his head. He had suspected as much.


    ¡°Wiccer, the elf¡¯s been ripped apart for a reason. Maybe the Rabbits turned on him. Perhaps he could be convinced to side with us. He owes us his life,¡± Marcus said, mostly attempting to persuade his son to join his cause, and partly to convince himself that he had not lost his mind.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you. I can¡¯t ¨C I can¡¯t even talk to you right now!¡± Wiccer began to pace around the tiny bedroom. His brother was dead, his cloak stripped from him, and his life was in shambles all because of Elucard. Now his father was telling him that they ¨C no, he, had to save Elucard.


    ¡°We¡¯re out of Sunwart Root. We could also use some more bandages,¡± Marcus spoke quietly, as if ignoring Wiccer¡¯s anger, ¡°Head to the old guild hall. It¡¯s a military outpost these days. Tell them that you¡¯re my son. Get Sunwart Root for his fever, bandages, and try to scrounge up some dullweed for his pain.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, wouldn¡¯t want him to suffer¡­¡± Wiccer mumbled under his breath. His father didn¡¯t seem to catch the comment.


    ¡°We went through a week¡¯s worth of medical supplies in three days, make sure to pick up double. Take the cart, but do not tell them who we are treating!¡±


    Wiccer curled his lip defiantly at first, but then nodded when he met his father¡¯s stern gaze.


    ¡°Make haste, boy.¡±

 Chapter 40: Common Enemies

    The old guild hall was once a common destination for weary travelers on the roads of Long Whisper. The White Cloaks often shared their lavish feasts with those in need. From the winter¡¯s moon to the summer solstice, the guild hall was always ready to accommodate anyone with tired feet who had time to hear stories of challenge and triumph.


    These days, the banners that once hung from its stone walls had long since fallen. The once welcoming doors were now hidden by a crude wooden palisade wall. The aroma of fine baked goods was now the rancid stench of burning mystery meat.


    Wiccer stopped his cart just outside the gates of the crudely constructed walls. A guard inspected the empty cart before prying a few answers from a tired Wiccer.


    ¡°What brings you to Outpost Wolfcry?¡±


    Wiccer looked up at the weathered guild hall, remembering the time he had spent safe within its walls. Calling it Outpost Wolfcry salted a still open wound. The wound that he was no longer a White Cloak, and that the building no longer belonged to his White Cloak family.


    ¡°Is that what it¡¯s called, these days?¡± huffed Wiccer.


    ¡°Are you from around here?¡±


    Wiccer nodded, ¡°I live a night¡¯s travel north of here. My family has run out of medical supplies, and we are in need of them.¡±


    The guard looked Wiccer up and down. Not only was he no elf, but he was clearly a foreigner, ¡°Are you sure you are from here?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have time for these games. I am in urgent need of medical supplies! General Marcus Newsun sent me!¡±


    The guard snapped to attention, as if Marcus himself were sitting at Wiccer¡¯s side, ¡°General Newsun sent you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m his son,¡± Wiccer said flatly.


    The guard called for the wooden gates to open up before hastily turning back to Wiccer, ¡°Sorry for the trouble, sir.¡±


    Wiccer shook his head. Why did this task bother him so much? Perhaps it had less to do with fetching supplies for someone that he wanted to let die and more to do with the lack of notoriety he had with these new soldiers. He was once a sergeant in the Guard of the White Cloaks. His very presence demanded respect. Now¡­ now he commanded nothing.


    As he steered the cart next to the quartermaster, he gawked at the amount of travelers and children that crowded the inner outpost. A staggering line of elves in ragged attire waited for a large iron cauldron of boiling beef stew. The quartermaster was busy too. Wiccer stood in the crowd, waiting as soldiers passed out fresh clothes and blankets to the travel-worn elves.


    Wiccer caught the attention of a passing guard, ¡°Who are all these people?¡±


    ¡°Refugees from Varis. They are traveling north from Sparrow Port.¡±


    Wiccer mapped out Long Whisper in his head. Sparrow Port was a large coastal city to the south that bordered the Serpent Sea.


    ¡°Long Whisper is gearing up to go to war alongside Varis. That is one reason why the refugees are heading north instead of taking up residence in Sparrow Port. If Estinia breaks through Varis, Sparrow Port will be the first to be razed,¡± the guard said.


    ¡°King Koda is going to war?¡± Wiccer asked. He was wide-eyed in disbelief. The Long Whisper army was in no condition to go to war yet. It was true that recruitment had spiked since the country learned of the Varis-Estinia conflict, but the soldiers were still green.


    ¡°You, there, what supplies do you need?¡± shouted the quartermaster, trying to capture Wiccer¡¯s attention.


    Wiccer snapped out of his daze, ¡°Medical supplies. Two weeks¡¯ worth. Sunwart Root and bandages mainly. Dullweed if you can spare some.¡±


    Wiccer found himself drifting back into his thoughts as the quartermaster had a few men load up the cart. Wiccer was so wrapped up with Elucard, that he¡¯d had forgotten that his father was going to war and that he would soon be training Long Whisper¡¯s recruits. Whatever qualms he had with Elucard seemed somewhat petty in comparison now.


    ***


    ¡°Father, I¡¯m back!¡± Wiccer called as he stepped back inside his house. In his arms he carried a crate of medical supplies.


    Marcus emerged from the bedroom where Elucard was still being cared for. His hands were crusted with dried blood. His eyes drooped with dark, heavy bags under them, brushing the sides of his nose. Wiccer could tell he had not slept much in the two days that it had taken him to make the supply run.


    Wiccer rested the crate on a nearby table, and led Marcus to his own room, ¡°You need to sleep, father. I¡¯ll watch over the elf. Get some rest.¡±


    Marcus made no attempt to protest, ¡°He needs his bandages changed. I found a small amount of Sunwart by the river, but he could use some more. The elf is fighting a battle in those dreams of his,¡± muttered Marcus in between a long yawn.


    Wiccer laid his father down, removing his leather boots. He pulled a wool quilt over him as he reassured Marcus, ¡°I will take care of him. I promise. Now go to sleep before you keel over and die.¡±


    Wiccer quietly moved across the cabin, making sure to grab the crate before entering the room where Elucard feverishly thrashed and wailed. Slicing into the root with a small knife, Wiccer held Elucard¡¯s mouth open to let the juice drizzle in. Taking out a mortar and pestle, Wiccer ground the Dullweed and remaining Sunwart juice into a fine paste. He gently removed the soaked bandages and applied the salve to the elf¡¯s wounds before replacing the used bandages with fresh ones.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t kill him.¡±


    Wiccer looked up from his task after hearing the hoarse voice. He dismissed it, thinking it was another fever dream of Elucard¡¯s.


    ¡°Your brother, I didn¡¯t kill him.¡±


    Wiccer listened quietly this time. He glanced down at Elucard to see if he was addressing him, or not.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that you lost your brother.¡±


    ¡°How did you know he was my brother?¡± Wiccer asked, now realizing Elucard was speaking to him.


    Elucard gingerly opened his eyes. The morning light intensified his headache, ¡°I heard you speak of him and how I was responsible for his death.¡±


    ¡°You are responsible!¡± Wiccer snarled.


    ¡°I am. But my hand did not slay him. We have the same enemy, you and I,¡± Elucard coughed. The Sunwart juice had a sharp taste, like a fire blazing in his throat.


    ¡°Enemy? Was he not your ally that night?¡± Wiccer looked befuddled by Elucard¡¯s comment.


    ¡°At the time I would have gladly served at his side, fought along with anyone in my clan. Not anymore. I tell you this because we clearly share a common foe now.¡±


    ¡°My goal is to see you hang!¡± Wiccer growled as he shook his fist in the face of the half-awake elf.


    ¡°I am guilty of my crimes, I know that. But vengeance is a stronger form of justice. Don¡¯t tell me you feel otherwise.¡±


    Wiccer leaned in close. He remembered the night of the battle with Elucard and his squad vividly. He remembered the elf that fought his brother, but he did not recall his name, nor did he know his true face, as it was covered by a clown mask, ¡°Who killed my brother?¡±


    ¡°His name is Inle Ebonpath. Like you, I wish death upon him¡­and the rest of my clan.¡±


    ¡°Your clan did this to you? What did you do?¡± Wiccer asked astonished by the ruthlessness of what Elucard¡¯s clan could do. Ghastly wounds covered Elucard¡¯s body. He was bruised from broken ribs and pale from the intense amount of lost blood. He clung to life by his sheer willpower and thirst for revenge alone. Wiccer saw this and wondered what his clan could have done to warrant such an unquenchable hatred.


    Elucard felt light headed as he tried to produce images of that night. Flashes of violence screamed through his mind like a diving falcon swooping in for a field mouse. He grit his teeth as his head began to burn up. His body pulsed with great pain, curling his back.


    Wiccer placed a firm hand on Elucard¡¯s bare chest. He dabbed a cold wet cloth onto his patient¡¯s face, ¡°Rest up, it seems we still have much to discuss.¡±


    ***


    The fog roamed from the river to the Newsun cottage. The clouds rolled and churned ever so slightly as the morning sun¡¯s shafts barely penetrated the mist to light the room where Elucard woke.


    At first his eyes cracked open slightly to examine the bedroom where he stayed. The grainy wooden walls were a dark tint of red. A silver chain bearing the silver emblem of Jedeo hung from the banister of the headboard. A platter with a glass of water and an untouched sandwich sat atop an old wooden nightstand. On the opposite side of the room, Elucard saw himself in a mirror above an oak dresser.


    Elucard reached for the banister to support himself as he slowly attempted to get up. He grunted as he accomplished his goal, but now that he was sitting up, the next feat would be to stand and walk. Feebly, he rose to his feet, but collapsed onto the nightstand, knocking over the platter of food.


    Wiccer and Marcus rushed into the room at the sound of the clatter. Elucard leaned onto the bed, breathing heavily through the pain and stiffness in his legs.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been out for a week. You¡¯ll need to practice walking to get the blood flowing through your muscles again. Give it time, you have plenty of that,¡± Marcus said, helping Elucard back into the bed.


    ¡°What is your game here? Why haven¡¯t you killed me yet?¡± Elucard said, grimacing from the numbness in his feet. It was as if a hundred tiny daggers were poking the flat of his feet.


    Marcus turned to his son, ¡°Wiccer, fetch Elucard a glass of water, be quick, I¡¯d like you here when I present this proposal.¡±


    Taking the glass from Wiccer, Elucard gulped down the water like a fish that had just been released. He gave his thanks before setting the glass aside.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m interested in your plans. So let¡¯s hear them,¡± Elucard said. For all the crimes against Long Whisper and the strife he had personally caused Wiccer¡¯s family, finding why they kept him alive was a point of great curiosity for him.


    ¡°Elucard, my name is Marcus Newsun. I am a general in the Guard of the White Cloaks, and up until recently I served as a military adviser for the fledgling Long Whisper army. It is true you were once a great enemy of mine and my family. You are certainly still an enemy of Long Whisper for¡­ obvious reasons.¡±


    Elucard lowered his head.


    ¡°But, I believe in redemption. I do not believe that even you are so far gone that you cannot atone for your crimes and serve a higher purpose,¡± finished Marcus.


    Elucard looked at Wiccer, who quickly looked away.


    ¡°A higher purpose?¡± Elucard seemed confused still.


    ¡°Elucard, my son tells me you are an enemy to your clan now. I understand that it was them who left you in such a mess?¡± Marcus inquired knowingly.


    Elucard nodded, not yet ready to retread on that subject.


    ¡°The Black Rabbits are still a great threat to Long Whisper. And despite the hindrance that the ever-present soldiers pose, I believe that they are ill-equipped to actually bring down the assassins. Would you agree?¡±


    Elucard thought back on his training. How he was practically reborn in order to become a Black Rabbit. He had been bred to kill at even the slightest provocation. He was sure that even the strongest soldier in Long Whisper was no match for even the weakest Rabbit.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t believe your soldiers could survive an encounter with the Black Rabbits.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think so. They would need specialized training. Training tailored specifically to combat a Rabbit.¡± Marcus looked over at Wiccer.


    ¡°An anti-rogue operative? Father, do you really want to go through with this?¡±


    Marcus turned to Elucard, ¡°Would you be able to teach a select group of soldiers to become Rabbit hunters?¡±


    Elucard looked at Wiccer. His scowl now replaced with a look of intense interest. They were serious. They wanted Elucard to teach Black Rabbit secrets to soldiers, to go to war with his clan. This is why they kept him alive and tended to his wounds.


    A higher purpose.


    This would give his life a whole new meaning. A better use of his skills than having them waste away in a cell, ¡°I am willing to do this.¡±


    Marcus rubbed his hands in excitement, ¡°Good! Redemption is within your reach, Elucard. This is merely the first step.¡±


    Wiccer looked excited as well but then frowned as a large hurdle came up in his mind, ¡°Father, what of the king?¡±


    ¡°Ah, my son. That would be the next step!¡± Marcus grinned.

 Chapter 41: Inles Promotion

    ¡°You were taught speed, prowess, cunning, and strength. All things in which you have become adept. In our most dire of times, you proved your loyalty. Where Elucard failed, you will succeed. Inle Ebonpath, will you be my First Blade?¡±


    Inle knelt before Legion and Ryjin. This was the proudest moment of his life¡ªto become the successor of his master, Elucard. However, this day could only have been better if Elucard were there to see him. He raised his face, covered by the battle-scarred clown mask, and spoke four simple words, ¡°Yes, my High Blade.¡±


    Legion¡¯s eyes were emotionless. Without Elucard, he no longer had the same passion for life that he once had. He failed as a teacher and he failed as a father. His son had turned against him and had attempted to destroy everything that he held dear. The philosophies that he thought Elucard lived by were spat upon and disregarded. A betrayal he knew was inevitable after Jetta¡¯s death. He once wondered how a single push could be enough to corrupt a mind. Presumably the same way that a single pull could save a mind. Legion shook away his thoughts.


    ¡°Then arise, Inle, and stand by my side,¡± Legion said, nodding to the shadow elf.


    ¡°This is a great honor. I shall not let my clan down!¡±


    Ryjin stood and walked over to the new First Blade, ¡°Look at you, Inle. Be proud of yourself. Many would give anything to experience even a fragment of a moment such as this, child. Do not let those who would frown upon your accomplishment burden you.¡±


    ¡°My Silent Master, why would they frown?¡± Inle asked, a hint of sadness and confusion mixed in his voice.


    ¡°Inle, you were the student of the traitorous Elucard. Despite your former master¡¯s death, his mark was left on the clan. Eight died that night, twelve more injured. He took my hand. All because we tried to free him. And how did he repay us? How did he repay you?¡±


    Inle felt the scars over his body flare as he remembered how Elucard looked at him with sheer spite. How he chewed up Inle¡¯s love confession and spat it into the dirt. He stomped on his heart, on his friendship, and on the bond they had.


    ¡°I am not Elucard,¡± Inle sneered.


    ¡°No, you are not, but the clan does not fully trust you,¡± Ryjin croaked, ¡°They don¡¯t know you like I do, Inle. They do not yet see your dedication.¡±The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°How can I prove my loyalty?¡±


    Ryjin smiled, ¡°I am sending you to Lost Dawns. You are to find King Koda and take his royal signet. Be sure to confront him and send a message. Do not kill him, just send a message.¡±


    Inle nodded at the directions, ¡°What will be the message, my master?¡±


    ¡°The Black Rabbits still control Long Whisper.¡±


    ***


    Elisa waited outside the Silent Master¡¯s quarters, straining to pick up any information that she could. However, she only caught bits and pieces, nothing of any use. She had been back with the Black Rabbits for two weeks now, flabbergasted by how much everything had changed. Any friend that she once had was either gone, dead, or saw her as no more than a stranger. Even the Rabbits she had recruited no longer acknowledged her as a Rabbit. She had spent too much time away from her clan to be of any use to the White Cloaks.


    The quarters opened up and Inle walked out. From what she heard, he was the one who killed Avren. A feat that, although she despised him for, was actually a badge of honor amongst her clan.


    She bowed to him, but he did not seem to take notice of her.


    ¡°Typical. Even the clown sees me as a ghost,¡± mumbled Elisa.


    ¡°How are you adjusting to life back in the clan, Elisa?¡± a voice called out to her.


    Elisa looked up to find Legion standing in front of her. Legion had always been the quiet sort. She never worked with him, but he respected her all the same.


    ¡°It goes slowly, High Blade,¡± she muttered truthfully.


    ¡°You were a prisoner of the White Cloaks for years, I¡¯m surprised they didn¡¯t hang you. You were tasked with infiltrating Lost Dawns. Had it not been for your relationship with Vada, we¡¯d have sent a Rabbit to assassinate you.¡±


    Vada, just another friend lost to the winds. She was once Elisa¡¯s best friend in the clan. She personally recommended Elisa for the job in Long Whisper.


    ¡°I never broke. They must have admired that,¡± Elisa replied, trying to sound as convincing as possible.


    ¡°And Koda just let you go?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Elisa had not thought this far into her lie, ¡°When the White Cloaks dissolved, the soldiers that took over were going to hang me, but I managed to escape. The guards that the fools stuck me with had a drinking problem. Not to mention I had other tools at the ready.¡± Elisa slowly ran her hand from her inner thigh, up along her exposed stomach, before resting it sensually in the cleft of her breasts.


    Legion was somewhat taken aback, ¡°I see. It¡¯s good to have you back. We¡¯ll try to find some work suited for a veteran such as yourself.¡±


    Elisa held a weird and wiry smile until Legion left. She exhaled a long breath, sinking into the shadows. It seemed the difficult task of regaining the trust of the clan was yet before her.

 Chapter 42: Avalon the Silent One

    The enormous cathedral of Jedeo had been built as a centerpiece in the mountainside city of Jedeoheim. The city itself was a triumph of engineering, with its Gothic structures, towering granite statues, and enormous walls carved with the history of Jedeo during the Night Wars. It was a black stone building, adorned with watchful gargoyles and decorated with intricate stained glass windows, depicting the heroes of Jedeo¡¯s lore.


    Avalon walked down the long hallway, banners of the Silent Ones draping the walls to either side of her. A depiction of a sun with a downward blade in the foreground adorned each banner with its white and gold colors. The arched buttresses webbed all around her. Keystones etched with incantations were inlaid on each doorway she walked through.


    Avalon¡¯s white and black trimmed coat billowed as she raised her hood. Her sword was sheathed on the small of her back. She bowed to each monk she passed. She had found her calling as a Silent One, a holy warrior dedicated to serving the divine light of Jedeo.


    It had been nearly five years ago to the day that she first stood in front of the massive golden oak doors of this very cathedral.


    Avalon grabbed the cast-iron knocker and pounded it on the door for a third time before it slowly creaked open. Before her stood a rotund old man with a white wool habit. He looked the travel-worn Avalon up and down. She reeked something fierce and was wrapped in a stained tan cloak. Her face was covered by a large scarf so that the monk could only see her fierce eyes.


    ¡°You girl, what is it that you want?¡±


    Avalon undid her scarf, ¡°Please sir, I¡¯ve been traveling for years to reach this sacred place. I have heard countless tales that this is the citadel of the Silent Ones. I have killed many to reach this place. I beg of you, please teach me!¡±


    The man stood silent, muttering unintelligibly, before walking back inside, slamming the door behind him. Avalon was motionless. Before she could knock again the door opened. This time a woman in a long white coat with a silver trim, appeared before Avalon.


    ¡°You girl, what is it that you want?¡±


    Avalon was silent with annoyance. She had just told the monk why she was here, and she did not care much for having to repeat herself.


    ¡°Speak up,¡± the woman said sharply.


    ¡°I am here to become a Silent One.¡±


    ¡°Is that all?¡± said the woman, clearly unimpressed, ¡°Why should we make you a Silent One?¡± she asked, lifting up the ragged cloaks that Avalon was wearing in disgust.


    ¡°I have traveled very far¨C¡± Avalon started.


    ¡°So have many before you.¡±


    ¡°And I have killed many¨C¡±


    ¡°So have many before you.¡±


    ¡°I seek redemption!¡± Avalon blurted out, fearing she would be interrupted again.


    The woman sized her up before arching her brow, ¡°It is true, you have seen your share of scraps. The life of a Silent One is not for the faint of heart. Do you have the patience and discipline required of a Silent One?¡±


    Avalon nodded, ¡°I do. Just give me a chance!¡±


    The woman rubbed her chin, ¡°I don¡¯t think you do.¡±


    Avalon steepled her fingers, ¡°Let me prove myself!¡±


    The Silent One walked back into the cathedral, slamming the door behind her.


    Avalon stood at the door, waiting, wanting. For days she stood without sleep, without food. Even through the pouring rain and the deathly chill night she waited.


    Days passed, and finally the door opened once more. The same woman as before gracefully stepped out. She looked at the shivering girl before her and spoke firmly, ¡°Walk away now and I will see that you are given shelter and food, perhaps new clothes and a warm bath. Just admit you are not ready to become a Silent One.¡±


    Avalon closed her eyes, her tears were cold to the touch. Walking away would have been an easier choice for a lesser woman, but she was not ready to give up herself.


    ¡°I will become a Silent One,¡± Avalon stated, her diligent attitude rung in her voice.


    ¡°We shall see,¡± The woman said slamming the door in Avalon¡¯s face once more.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Three more days passed. Avalon shivered in the cold seaside air. Her tired body was giving up on her as she stood swaying back and forth in utter exhaustion. The thought of the door opening was the only thing that kept her going. She could not quit now. She had survived becoming a Rabbit, so surely she could survive becoming a Silent One.


    As she was reaching the bitter end of what she could handle, the rotund monk came out with a heavy quilt and bowl of steaming porridge, ¡°For you, ma¡¯am,¡± he said, trying to hand it off to the nearly non-responsive Avalon.


    Her hands trembled as she went to take the quilt and food, but stopped short. Her face was gaunt, her lips were parched and cracked, and her body shook from the cold that lay deep in her bones.


    ¡°I will become a Silent One,¡± she said with a weak, shaky voice.


    ¡°You would rather die than quit?¡±


    ¡°I would rather die than live another life as the criminal that I am.¡±


    The man nodded and quickly slammed the door. However, Avalon did not have to wait much longer to see the familiar woman again.


    ¡°I have seen that you have patience and discipline, but so have many that came before you.¡±


    Avalon lowered her head, readying herself for another few nights of mental and physical torture.


    ¡°But, unlike many that have come before you, you show determination. A trait that we seek in all of our Silent Ones. You, girl, are ready to join us.¡±


    Avalon¡¯s head shot up, her eyes wide with joy.


    ¡°Quickly, come inside. You must be freezing.¡±


    Avalon smirked. The trial that she went through was much harder than the training, moreso because she was already finely tuned in her Rabbit training. A Silent One could fight hard, but she knew that a Rabbit would fight harder. Perhaps this was the reason why she rose through the ranks so quickly. Perhaps this was the reason why the Red Wing wished to see her.


    Avalon knocked on the wooden door to the study of with a quick rap. Instantly, she was beckoned to enter.


    The Red Wing¡¯s study was nothing more than a prayer mat and a shrine to Jedeo. Several swords were displayed on the walls. The Red Wing herself had her Silencer sword placed on the shrine, which she prayed to.


    ¡°Iron Wing Avalon, remove your Silencer in the presence of your Red Wing. Have you been taught nothing?¡±


    Avalon bowed quickly and unbuckled her belt and scabbard, placing her sword on the ground, ¡°Forgive me, Master. I forget who I am, sometimes.¡±


    The Red Wing turned to face her, an eyebrow raised, ¡°It seems you forgot again. I am your Red Wing, not your master.¡±


    ¡°Red Wing Sa¡¯veen, I am truly sorry,¡± Avalon apologized, bowing several times before Sa¡¯veen motioned for her to stop.


    ¡°Avalon, do you have any idea why you¡¯ve been summoned here?¡±


    ¡°No, my Red Wing.¡±


    ¡°How well-versed are you with Jedean lore?¡±


    Avalon pondered, she was keen with combat and meditation. She reveled in the history of Silent One battles, especially battles involving Jedeo, but in the lore itself, she was no scholar.


    ¡°I¡­ know enough to get by,¡± She admitted.


    Sa¡¯veen smiled, ¡°Why are we called the ¡®Silent Ones?¡±


    Avalon knew this one. It was the same question she first asked her instructor, ¡°My Red Wing, we are called ¡®Silent Ones because we silence the Night.¡±


    ¡°What is our Silencer?¡±


    ¡°Our sword, imbued with a sliver from Jedeo¡¯s own blade.¡±


    ¡°Who was the first of our kind?¡±


    Avalon stopped short of this. She always assumed that Jedeo was the first Silent One, but she was not, ¡°Autumn, sister of Jedeo.¡±


    ¡°When Autumn created the first order, she took a vow of silence. Why?¡±


    Avalon was not sure of this one either. This was getting into the deeper and more obscure parts of Jedean lore. She also wondered the purpose behind the quiz? Was this all a final test? She knew she had to make a guess, ¡°Because¡­Jedeo was mute.¡±


    ¡°Yes, partially right. Do you remember how Jedeo¡¯s voice was lost when her throat was cut during an attempt on her life? Autumn established the first order on the anniversary of that day. In homage, Autumn took a vow of silence. Another reason why we are called ¡®Silent Ones¡¯,¡± Sa¡¯veen stood, taking her blade from the shrine, ¡°Avalon, you have proved to be a most valued Silent One. It is time that you take on more duties. I wish to make you Silver Wing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m skipping a rank?¡± Avalon gasped.


    ¡°Not just that, I wish to send you to Lost Dawns in Cypress to start a temple there. You¡¯ll need that extra rank to start training Silent Ones,¡± Sa¡¯veen said seriously.


    Cypress, Avalon¡¯s old home. She knew that one day her past would catch up with her, but she was not sure she was prepared for such a day.


    ¡°Silver Wing Avalon, what do you say.¡±


    ¡°When do I leave?¡±


    ¡°In the morning, I¡¯ve prepared a platoon of thirty Silent Ones to assist you, as well as a Bronze Wing to serve as a lieutenant.¡±


    Avalon gawked at the news, ¡°Thirty Silent Ones? Why so many?¡±


    Sa¡¯veen snapped her fingers, ¡°Ah yes, I did forget to mention that Long Whisper is going to war with Estinia alongside Varis. You will be joining the young king.¡±


    Avalon raised an eyebrow. The news got wilder and wilder, ¡°Why would we be getting involved in such a conflict?¡±


    ¡°With the Silent Ones establishing a presence in Long Whisper and Varis, it shows good faith to assist those countries in times of great need. Are you prepared to assist in such a task?¡±


    Avalon had seen combat all her life. All she knew was how to take lives. Whether it was under the banner of the Black Rabbits, Silent Ones, or anyone else, it was all the same to her.


    ¡°Jedeo will grant me strength,¡± Avalon said, holding her fist to her heart and bowing her head.


    ¡°Amen.¡±

 Chapter 43: Putting on a Show

    Elucard poked his head out of the covered wagon. Marcus sat quietly at the reins, scanning the path ahead. Elucard had not been in Lost Dawns since he slew King Jaelyn. Now, the city was more alive than ever. He had never seen a place as loud and crowded as this. When last he came, everything was so calm. It was as if the city itself was already mourning the king it had yet to lose. But now, the city was bustling and alive with the sound of joy. As the wagon approached the city¡¯s center, Elucard could not help but be amazed by the sight of the elder tree. Its enormous branches stretched far and wide, reaching toward the heavens, and its roots twisted and burrowed along the lowest depths of the city.


    Once they arrived, Marcus led Wiccer and Elucard through the castle halls toward the throne room. Elucard was appropriately shackled between them as a precaution. The three pushed through the large ebonwood doors and were met by a gasping court filled with nobles from the seven noble tribes and the countless advisers Koda had in his service.


    Upon the sight of the chained assassin, several guards unsheathed their blades and rushed at Elucard. Elucard did not flinch, but held his neck exposed as if greeting his certain fate.


    ¡°At ease, men,¡± Marcus commanded.


    Koda raised himself from his throne, his wolf growling with exposed fangs. Koda watched the nobles as they whispered amongst themselves. However, this time Koda was not the child he once was. No longer was he helpless and scared.


    Fury set into his face as he raised Elucard into the air with the Magi. Koda walked forward as Elucard struggled with his new situation. With one hand holding the assassin in place, he morphed the other into a frightening mass of tangled thorns. He kept his grip stern so that he could impale Elucard in a single thrust.


    ¡°You have a mere moment to explain yourself, Marcus Newsun. I will grant you that much because of the respect I have for you,¡± Koda said in an angry and impatient tone.


    ¡°Father, this isn¡¯t going to work, let¡¯s cut our losses short and just hand him over!¡± Wiccer lowly said in Marcus¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Have faith,¡± Marcus replied.


    Marcus moved Elucard behind him, away from the glaring king and cautiously approached the steps of the throne.


    ¡°My king, I bring not a Rabbit, but an ex-Rabbit. He wishes to serve you by hunting down his former clan.¡±


    ¡°Rabbit or not, the kingslayer himself stands shackled and bound behind you. You will hand him over, and he will hang for his crimes!¡± His voice was sterner and louder. He exuded authority and his words resounded in the great hall, snuffing out the whispers of the noblemen.


    ¡°My king, the Black Rabbits have not simply disbanded. They will find an alternative way to increase their numbers, and when they do, they will continue to hold this nation hostage,¡± Marcus retorted.


    Koda approached closer, and although Marcus¡¯ large frame towered over him, he was still the one in control. Wildeye followed closely at his side.


    ¡°In which case the soldiers you are to be training will cut down any Black rabbit threat,¡± Koda spat harshly.


    ¡°Your soldiers can not defeat a Black Rabbit. I do not know how to counter their training,¡± Marcus said flatly.


    Koda was silent but furious. The new army was his only answer to the Black Rabbits and here the great Marcus Newsun was telling him that they were not enough to defeat his foe. He looked down at his familiar, as if looking for advice. After a moment, he walked back to his throne and sat down.


    ¡°Tell me what this ex-Rabbit is here for, then,¡± Koda said with defeat in his voice.


    ¡°My king, my lords, I propose that we use a former Rabbit to kill Rabbits. Elucard may, at one point, have been your most dangerous fugitive¡­ but now he can be your most dangerous asset. He, under the watchful eye of my son, will train a squad of soldiers to become assassins that will have the knowledge and training to hunt assassins. They will be the ARO, Anti-Rogue Operatives,¡± Marcus explained, as if he had rehearsed this pitch many times, before.


    A Leafsong princess looked eyed the mysterious Elucard with great interest, ¡°I am curious, Marcus, does this criminal really possess the skill to defeat one of our soldiers with such ease?¡±


    Marcus grinned. He had captivated the nobles, and convincing the nobles of this crazy plan was half the work. He winked at Elucard, who was both bored and insulted by the question that the princess had asked.


    ¡°My dear, this Black Rabbit would not bother showcasing his skill unless he was fighting at least three men.¡± Marcus waited as the nobles gawked in shock and excitement before continuing, ¡°And he¡¯ll do it whilst still shackled!¡±


    Elucard did not know how to feel about being on display like some circus animal. He knew Marcus meant well, but he seemed to be enjoying himself a bit too much. It was true, he could take out three soldiers, even while chained, but his skills were never meant for showing off.


    Three guards ushered close to Elucard, their swords poised to strike. Elucard stood completely still, his hands, heavy with the iron chains, hung in front of him. The assassin watched as each man got into position, forming a half circle around him, before one man charged, slashing down with his weapon.


    Elucard moved quickly, dashing into the swing of the man on his right, thrusting a pin-point strike into the under-arm of his assailant. The attack stiffened the man¡¯s arm, dropping his weapon. Instantly afterwards, Elucard swung the guard in a shoulder throw into the man that was on his left. Both barreled to the ground.


    The remaining soldier cleaved horizontally into Elucard. With swift thinking, Elucard tightened his chain straight, blocking the swing. Elucard then flipped over the man and used his chain as a garrote to choke him.


    ¡°Elucard, enough!¡± Marcus broke out, halting the fight.


    Elucard kicked the gagging man away from him and bowed to Koda.


    Marcus nodded to Elucard, as if silently thanking him before turning to Koda, ¡°Elucard is aptly trained. He told me that before becoming an enemy to his clan, he was of a high rank. All the same, a lesser skilled Rabbit is still capable of defeating our men.¡±Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Koda held his words, watching his nobles discuss what they had just seen. They gobbled up the excitement of such savagery and chirped with thrill. They were like a flock of chickens clucking ceaselessly in a coop. He studied Elucard, and then Wiccer, who seemed to be avoiding eye contact with anyone, caught his eye.


    ¡°Wiccer. You have as much justification to despise this elf as I do. I wish for your opinion to weigh in. Can I trust such a person?¡± Koda asked.


    Wiccer, who was leaning against a pillar with his arms folded, walked forward. He jeered at Elucard, before letting out a heavy sigh, ¡°This is beyond a matter of trust, my king. It is a matter of necessity.¡±


    Koda slowly nodded, ¡°What of the other Rabbit? Wouldn¡¯t she suffice?¡±


    Wiccer knew Koda spoke of Elisa. While she could train the soldiers to an extent, Wiccer knew that she would not be as willing or as adept at it. It was true that she was a formidable opponent, but she was not the same as Elucard. Elucard was ARO¡¯s best hope of becoming everything his father wanted it to become.


    ¡°My king, Elucard is the only one who can train our soldiers to be strong and brutal enough to defeat the Rabbits for good.¡±


    Koda looked at the wave of interested noble faces that surrounded him. They had bought into this little performance, but he had not. However, it was difficult to argue with such results displayed by Elucard.


    ¡°I will need time to make a decision. Until then, Elucard will be held in a cell,¡± said Koda.


    Elucard nodded, allowing himself to be taken into custody.


    ***


    Koda sat with Wiccer for a late dinner in the dining hall. Wildeye curled up against Koda¡¯s leg. Marcus had called it an early night, and was slumbering peacefully in a guest room.


    Koda sipped the smoothing honey mint tea, taking in the sweet aroma. Wiccer likewise enjoyed his tea. Their conversation was an echo of the one earlier in the throne room.


    ¡°You can¡¯t sit there and tell me that it is not a matter of trust,¡± Koda said, in between sips.


    ¡°Trust could play a small part, my king, but not as much as you might think,¡± Wiccer strained.


    ¡°What¡¯s keeping him from turning around and stabbing me in the back?¡±


    Wiccer bit his lip. He did not trust Elucard either, but he did seem sure he could be trusted enough not to harm the king.


    ¡°His vendetta keeps him on our side.¡±


    ¡°Vendetta?¡± Koda asked, not knowing what brought Elucard to their custody in the first place.


    ¡°His clan must have turned on him violently. They left him for dead and now he wants their throats. As far as he is concerned, he would go to any means necessary if it meant it would take down the Black Rabbits.¡±


    Koda tried to imagine what could have pushed a loyalist such as Elucard to the point of no return.


    ¡°This vengeance¡­Will it keep him on our side?


    ¡°We can only h¨C¡±


    ¡°Hold on!¡± Koda said sharply, cutting Wiccer off.


    Wildeye snarled viscously. Koda received images flashing in his head of a shadow in the rafters. Everything in his mind screamed danger. Where was this premonition coming from? Was it from Wildeye? His train of thought was interrupted by the clatter of a figure landing on their table. The figure was draped in a deep purple cloak. He was dressed in black and gray assassin¡¯s garbs. Belts fastened around his waist and legs held knives and utility pouches. His long hair was a vibrant purple, a color similar to Elisa¡¯s. A silver steel clown mask covered his face. In one hand he pointed a sword at Koda.


    Wiccer knew exactly who it was, ¡°You!¡± he roared.


    ¡°You are a difficult one to find, my king. Nevertheless, here you are.¡± Inle¡¯s voice was low, but sounded amused.


    ¡°Guards!¡± Koda shouted at the top of his lungs. Several soldiers with long halberds thundered through the doors to come to their king¡¯s aid.


    Inle chuckled, hopping joyfully off of the table. After a sudden flash of blades, he stood atop the table once more, wiping his blade from the collapsing guards¡¯ blood.


    Wiccer unsheathed his sword, moving between Inle and Koda, ¡°I do not know why you are here, but I will have my vengeance all the same.¡±


    Inle cocked his head, and snickered, ¡°Yes, yes, you do look familiar. I¡¯m guessing your superior did not survive his wounds that night.¡±


    Wiccer clenched his teeth, his anger overriding his collective discipline, ¡°He was my brother!¡±


    Inle bowed, ¡°I will then take credit for that deed. However, we¡¯ll have to play this little game later. I¡¯m on Black Rabbit business here.¡±


    Wiccer rushed him in a fit of rage, ¡°This is no game!¡±


    Wiccer swept downward but missed as Inle side-stepped him and ran forward toward Koda. Wiccer rotated to his right and swung at the passing assassin. Inle dropped to his knees to slide under the attack.


    Between Inle and Koda, Wildeye leaped at the assassin, bearing her fangs. Inle ducked and continued his advance toward the king. Koda jumped backward and manipulated Wiccer¡¯s wooden chair to grow rapidly and knock the attacker sideways. Inle, taken off-guard, spun violently, crashing onto the table. Wiccer did not hesitate as he brought his sword down on Inle. Inle rolled to the left and pushed himself back onto his feet.


    ¡°It seems this king has more fight in him than the former one,¡± Inle said, devilishly.


    Koda hovered the chair in front of him, while Wiccer circled behind Inle. The shadow elf put his second hand on his sword, now putting more effort in his advances. Before Inle could attack, Wiccer and Koda advanced first.


    Wiccer slashed for Inle¡¯s head, but was parried by the Rabbit¡¯s blade. At that same moment, Koda rushed an overgrown mess of roots from the chair, hurdling at Inle. Always a step ahead, Inle jumped and ran along the roots towards Koda. The king moved backwards, manipulating twisting branches from the neighboring chairs and table, but Inle tumbled and dodged each wild attack.


    Inle landed beside Koda and caught him with a side kick, knocking him across the dining table. Wildeye slid into Inle¡¯s peripheral vision, lunging for the shadow elf¡¯s throat, but caught Inle¡¯s forearm as he went to intercept the deadly attack. Wiccer leapt forward with a series of steel flurries. Despite his other hand being held by the wolf, Inle worked overtime to block the majority of attacks, before parrying the last into Wildeye.


    Wildeye yelped as she released her grasp on Inle. Inle spotted Koda wincing from an unseen wound before the Rabbit cartwheeled over the table to go after the king.


    Wiccer jumped over to follow but was met with a combination of kicks and punches rendering him dazed. Inle grabbed Wiccer by the throat, laying him splayed out on the cold ground.


    Recovering quickly, Koda attempted to cast another spell, but a trio of well placed daggers lodged into the king¡¯s hands and arms. Koda hissed in pain as he stumbled backward in fear. Inle dropped down and swept his foot, tripping Koda¡¯s legs. Spinning with the grace that only a Rabbit could have, Inle flourished his blade into Koda¡¯s face.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fret, my king. I am only here to bring you a message,¡± Inle said, grinning wickedly under his mask.


    Koda swallowed hard, still frightened by the figure towering over him.


    ¡°Know this. We Black Rabbits are not threatened by your attempts to quell us. We still control your roads. We still control your villages. We still control you!¡± Inle¡¯s emphasis on the word ¡°you¡± lingered in Koda¡¯s mind as he grabbed the king¡¯s hand. With a vice-like grip, Inle squeezed his finger and removed a golden ring.


    ¡°Use this knowledge well, my king, and have pleasant night,¡± Inle said as he bowed and vanished into the shadows.


    After he was convinced Wildeye¡¯s wound was non-threatening, Koda scrambled to Wiccer, who was just coming to, ¡°You were right.¡±


    Wiccer eyed him fuzzily, his head still foggy, ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Bring me Elucard.¡±

 Chapter 44: Hints of the Past

    The sands whipped in the hot winds as the dry earth cracked underneath the weight of her feet. All around her the crowds cheered.


    ¡°Night Whisper!¡±


    ¡°Night Whisper!¡±


    ¡°Night Whisper!¡±


    It was all she¡¯d known for years. Her other name was like dust. It took no form or shape. It had no meaning. All that existed now was that of ¡°Night Whisper.¡±


    Sweat dribbled down the side of her face. Blood blotched across her hands and armor. The sun above was unforgiving; a blessing for a cold desert night, but a curse on a day such as this.


    Across from her was a mountain of a man. He dwarfed her small frame. From his shoulders to his waist were intricate tattoos; each represented a horde he fought for. His veins bulged over his ripped muscles. His jawline was hard and chiseled. His brow pushed forward leaving his white eyes in a layer of shadow. He needed no weapon, for the bones in his hands had become rock solid over the many years of breaking them over others¡¯ bodies and faces.


    Although the crowd cheered her name, she was the underdog. It was Uther Ironsoul that she could never defeat. Today would be no different.


    Night Whisper dashed forward thrusting her short gladius into Uther¡¯s abdomen. The giant man grinned with an arched upper lip. He showed that the pain was but another pleasure in his life, akin to the naked body of a helpless woman. With a heavy fist, he backhanded Night Whisper away, having her body slam backwards at least six feet.


    Dazed, Night Whisper found a spear at her side and flung it keenly into his shoulder. Uther took little notice of the protruding shaft as he rushed forward. Night Whisper stepped to the right and landed a series of jabs to his side, ending with a sturdy kick that would have splintered the ribs of a lesser man. Not Uther though. Grabbing her by the throat, he lifted her up in the air and brought her smashing into the ground on her back.


    Night Whisper¡¯s vision blacked for a brief second, hearing the jeers and gasps of the arena audience. Struggling to stay conscious, she came to at the same time a large foot came crashing down onto her.


    Screaming, Avalon woke up from her nightmare. Her breathing was a labored pant, her eyes wide with fear from a long past of trauma. She slid to the side of her bed and inhaled deeply, slowly trying to calm herself. It was only a dream. She looked around her cabin, calmly feeling the gently rocking of the boat. She tightly gripped her blanket as she swallowed the nightmare to the back of her mind. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Her cabin door swung violently open.


    ¡°Silver Wing Avalon, are you alright?¡± said the Silent One approaching the room. She inspected the cabin, sword in hand. Satisfied that they were alone, she sheathed the long sword onto her side and quickly tried to inspect Avalon for any signs of an attack.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright¡­what is your name?¡± Avalon swatted the Silent One¡¯s attempts to check on her.


    ¡°Bronze Wing Adema. I¡¯ll be leading your platoon in your stead.¡±


    Avalon had to struggle to keep from staring at Adema¡¯s strange features. Avalon had seen several types of elves in her travels. Mist elves, dune elves, shadow elves, but this elf had long black veins that seemed to carve cracks into her face. Her eyes were amber, and her hair was a pale white. Avalon brushed past Adema and made her way to the deck of the ship. The waters swayed the transport boat in a soothing fashion. It seemed her nightmare only awoke Adema, for the rest of the ship was quiet.


    ¡°So you are my ¡®First Blade¡¯,¡± Avalon said, amused with the idea that Silent Ones might use Black Rabbit ranks.


    ¡°I don¡¯t follow, my Silver Wing,¡± Adema followed her out, still unaware of the reason behind Avalon¡¯s terrified scream.


    Avalon walked out of her cabin and onto the deck of the ship. The night was cool after a light rain. She leaned against the railing, still visibly shaken from the nightmare. Adema rested her hand on her Silencer¡¯s pommel and attempted to prod the issue, ¡°That must have been some nightmare. Do you need to talk?¡±


    Avalon lowered her head and was silent for a long stretch of time, ¡°I left my past behind to stop the needless killing¡ªto stop my needless suffering. However, before I reached my sanctuary, I was sold into slavery as a gladiatrix. With the Black Rabbits, they give you a purpose. It might be a false sense of purpose, but you truly believe you kill for a purpose greater than yourself. Do you understand, Adema?¡±


    ¡°I admit, my Silver Wing, I could never understand the road you walked without walking it myself. I was trained to become a Silent One as a small youth. It is the only life I have known.¡±


    Avalon smiled, ¡°You and I, we may have grown up on opposite ends of the sword, but we are much alike. The Black Rabbits gave me a false purpose, but it was something I could hold onto. When I became a gladiatrix, killing was a means to survive. There was nothing noble in it. I admit I was good, but¡­¡±


    Avalon gently touched her face, softly running the back of her hand over the several scars that riddled her face. In her years in the slave pits, she had been beaten to near death over and over. However, like bones that broke, she healed and grew stronger. Avalon was reborn over and over, harder and stronger than before.


    ¡°He was better than me. He could take more punishment and he was stronger. I had speed, I had skill, but I still lost. I lost every time. And every time I recovered, I became more determined to end his life. I had never felt as much bloodlust in my entire life than I did when I fought him.¡±


    Adema grew tense as she saw the look of murderous intent creep up on Avalon¡¯s face. She watched as Avalon¡¯s hands trembled. It wasn¡¯t fear that caused the shaking, but excitement.


    ¡°Avalon?¡±


    Avalon stopped as a flood of adrenaline flushed from her body. She noticed her hands were tightly clawing into the railing.


    ¡°Get some rest, Adema.¡±

 Chapter 45: A New Mission for the Black Rabbits

    Vada kneeled before her Silent Master, weary and defeated. Her once crisp Black Rabbit clothes were now old and tattered. Her sagging eyes were a testament to the fact that she had gotten little or no sleep in the years that she spent hunting her former blade sister. She held quiet as Ryjin studied her.


    Finally she broke the silence, ¡°Master I¨C¡±


    ¡°Is she dead?¡± Ryjin said, not letting Vada finish.


    Vada lowered her head. She did not have a real answer for that question. Her mission was to find and kill Avalon. Neither of which she was sure she did. All she knew was that after hunting her down for over three years, she was tired and wanted to go home.


    ¡°Master I tracked Avalon to the desert realm of Scorch. There I learned she was captured and sold as a slave to be thrown into the arena pits. I heard rumors of one called ¡°Night Whisper.¡± I could never get close enough to this gladiatrix to see if she was Avalon, but she fought like her.¡±


    ¡°Is she dead?¡± Ryun asked once more.


    ¡°If she is Night Whisper, she will die a gladiatrix or die serving as a slave,¡± Vada replied, her head still lowered as Ryjin glowered over her.


    ¡°Vada you have been gone for too long. I welcome you home. However you should know that in the time you were gone, you were replaced as the First Blade.¡±


    Vada bowed. She knew that with her absence, the clan would have a new High and First Blade. She was no fool. It just meant she would have to prove herself all over again¡ªa task she was ready for.


    ¡°My Silent¨C¡± Legion appeared in the entrance, Inle by his side. A look of surprise covered his face when he saw that Vada had returned. He stepped further in the quarters, ushering Inle to follow.


    ¡°My Silent Master, Inle has returned from his mission,¡± he continued, trying to keep from asking questions about Vada and her pursuit of Avalon.


    Vada looked up, eager once more to be a part of the inner workings of her clan. She studied Legion, but found him hard to read. He seemed to have love, loss, regret, and confusion swirled together in an emotional mess deep within his eyes. Vada was unsure what to make of it, but it was clear that she had missed more than she knew.


    The Silent Master nodded toward Vada, ¡°You may leave us.¡±


    Legion quickly caught her arm and objected, ¡°My Master. This is Vada, she was the former First Blade. I must insist that she stays. Not only does she need to get caught up on the status of our clan, but I value her opinion.¡±


    Inle¡¯s eyes lit up at the idea of being in the presence of some type of legendary former First Blade.


    ¡°Very well; Vada you may stay,¡± Ryjin said quietly.


    Vada nodded, showing her thanks. Legion gave Vada a quick summary of what she had missed before having Inle give his report.


    ¡°I have returned from Lost Dawns to say that the mission was a success.¡± Inle held up the glinting gold signet as proof, ¡°I defeated the Mage King, his wolf, and a former White Cloak. Showing them that no matter how hard they fight, they will alway be a step down from a Rabbit.¡±Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    ¡°A daring power play, Inle. It is true, this will show King Koda that the Rabbits still hold power over Long Whisper, but we must do something about our recruitment situation,¡± grinned the Silent Master.


    ¡°If I may,¡± Vada started, ¡°I heard through my travels that King Dallin of Varis and King Aric of Estinia are going to war with each other and that King Koda is already gearing up to aid Dallin. Perhaps we can use this knowledge to our advantage.¡±


    Legion nodded as if forming an idea, ¡°What we need is to do is form an allegiance with Estinia. Find a way to sell our services and, in exchange, gain recruits from their soldiers.¡±


    ¡°Master, I will travel to Estinia and put this plan into motion with your permission,¡± Inle said quickly, eager to prove himself once again.


    Ryjin nodded in approval of Inle¡¯s request.


    ¡°Master, I seek permission to join him!¡± Vada pleaded, not willing to let her chance to prove herself a new pass.


    ¡°Very well. The both of you must prepare to leave at tomorrow¡¯s first light,¡± Ryjin said, dismissing them.


    ***


    ¡°You just got back today, and now you¡¯re leaving?¡± Elisa whined as she plopped backwards on Vada¡¯s cot. She was thrilled to have her best and only friend in the clan back. But Vada was about to disappear just as suddenly as she had reappeared.


    ¡°Elisa, I need to do whatever it takes to get in the good graces of the Silent Master again,¡± Vada said as she packed a large bag.


    Elisa strolled over and swiped the bag over her head, ¡°At least tell me about this mission that¡¯s so important.¡±


    ¡°You know I can¡¯t tell you that, now give me back my bag!¡± Vada frowned as she reached to snatch back her belongings from her persistent friend.


    Elisa began tossing the contents out in a successful effort to annoy her friend, ¡°Can¡¯t or won¡¯t?¡±


    Vada grabbed her bag back, her reach as a human was longer than that of her shadow elf friend, but the damage was done, she had to repack, ¡°Both.¡±


    Elisa stole the bag back and jumped onto the cot, holding the bag high in the air, ¡°Well, I¡¯m going to make sure you can¡¯t pack until you tell me something! You forget I held Lost Dawns in terror for a year, this will be nothing!¡± she said, giving a smarmy grin.


    ¡°Elisa Moonshard, you are insufferable! Alright, you broke me. Inle and I are traveling to Estinia to strike an alliance and gather Rabbit recruits from its army. I¡¯ll probably be gone for a while, so you¡¯ll have to hold down the fort. Now give me back that bag!¡±


    Elisa¡¯s eyes widened with the news. This was exactly the type of thing Wiccer needed to hear. The sound of the door sliding open shook her back to reality. Inle stood at the entrance.


    ¡°Vada, Legion wishes to see you.¡±


    Vada nodded, walking out. Inle slowly walked into the quarters, approaching Elisa, ¡°I spent a bit of time at your former home.¡±


    ¡°My home?¡± Elisa asked, unsure of Inle¡¯s intentions.


    ¡°You spent a good of time with the White Cloaks,¡± Inle said as he backed Elisa into a wall


    ¡°I was their prisoner, if that¡¯s what you mean.¡±


    ¡°That must have been a terrible time for you,¡± Inle came in close so that she could see his bright silver eyes underneath his mask.


    ¡°I managed,¡± Elisa squirmed trying to get past Inle


    Inle thrusted his hands against the wall, trapping Elisa, ¡°I think you and I both know how you managed.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got to go,¡± Elisa said, trying to push Inle away from her.


    Inle smiled fiercely under his mask, letting Elisa quickly walk away from him, ¡°Don¡¯t go too far, shadow kin.¡±

 Chapter 46: Rounding Up the Recruits

    ¡°Atten-tion!¡± Wiccer¡¯s voice rang out across the large squad of young soldiers out on the parade field. Each elf snapped straight, their heels clicked together, and their arms fell flat against their sides.


    ¡°Listen up, men! I¡¯m Sergeant Wiccer Newsun. A former White Cloak and current instructor of you Long Whisper lot!¡± Wiccer walked slowly, but intimidatingly, in front of each soldier before falling back next to Elucard.


    ¡°This is Elucard Freewind. He¡¯ll be instructing those of you who decide to join us.¡± Wiccer finished by motioning to Elucard to take over.


    Elucard was quiet for a moment. He walked up to each soldier, inspecting their arms, testing out their balance, and checking the strength of their backs. He was pleased. These elves would prove to be excellent recruits. Marcus did promise that he would find the best recruits for them. Sadly, Marcus would not be able to see his idea come to fruition from his outpost in Varis.


    ¡°Sergeant, permission to ask a question!¡± shouted out a soldier on the far end. He waited for Wiccer to nod before continuing, ¡°Sergeant, we were told that you would be putting together a special unit that was specifically designed to combat the Black Rabbits.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Wiccer replied. He could already tell where this line of questioning was going.


    ¡°Sergeant, this soldier¡¯s question is: Who is this elf that is inspecting us and what are his qualifications?¡±


    Wiccer smirked, these soldiers were, indeed, well trained, ¡°Men, Elucard Freewind is not some random mercenary we picked up off the road. He is a high ranking Ex-Black Rabbit.¡±


    A wave of sneers crashed over the squad, another soldier piped up, ¡°Sergeant, permission to speak freely?¡±


    ¡°Speak freely, Private,¡± replied Wiccer.


    ¡°You expect us to take orders from a Black Rabbit? The scum of Cypress? He¡¯s probably killed more of our people than we¡¯ve killed of his kind! What if he was related to the killing of Jaelyn?¡±


    Several members of the squad rumbled in agreement.


    Elucard walked up to him, staring him dead in the eyes, ¡°You will listen to me, because I am the only one that can teach you to kill those like me!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll never take orders from you,¡± the soldier jeered, walking away. All but one followed him.


    ¡°Well, damn,¡± Wiccer cursed, ¡°I guess that went over better than I thought it would.¡±


    Elucard glanced at the one remaining soldier. He was a thin elf. He had messy platinum hair, vibrant sky blue eyes, and a slightly pointed nose. He grinned, showing off his pearly white teeth.


    ¡°Do you actually know the Rabbit who killed Jaelyn?¡± the lone soldier asked.


    ¡°I killed Jaelyn,¡± Elucard said flatly, giving him his full attention now.


    ¡°Well, then I would like to join your unit. Training under a Rabbit isn¡¯t as interesting as training under the Rabbit.¡±


    Wiccer waved him away, ¡°There isn¡¯t going to be a unit.¡±


    The soldier raised an eyebrow, ¡°I¡¯m guessing you need a few more bodies. Perhaps I can be of service.¡±


    Wiccer looked at Elucard, then back at the soldier, ¡°What is your name, Private?¡±


    ¡°I am Calsoon. I will lead you to your new squad.¡±


    ***


    Calsoon led Wiccer and Elucard into the deepest reaches of the Roots to find his first recruit. Keeping one hand on his coin purse and the other on his sword hilt, Wiccer thought back to his last venture into the Roots. The Roots seemed have decayed even more and more as the years passed by. Elucard looked unfazed by the state of the city, but all the same, he kept his wits about him as he followed their guide.


    They stopped at a dilapidated tavern. Several apartments were stacked on top of it in a precarious manner. A maze of fire escapes and gutters framed the structure. Calsoon rapped on the front door. A peephole opened up before a gruff voice called out behind the heavy door.


    ¡°Password.¡±


    ¡°Shadows in the wind weep silently,¡± Calsoon whispered.


    The peep hole closed and a sound of chains sliding and locks turning clattered from behind the door. Soon the door opened, and a large black furred Kanis stepped aside. His arms were folded across his chest as he eyed Wiccer and Elucard suspiciously.


    ¡°What is this place, Calsoon?¡± Wiccer asked with worry blanketed on his face.


    ¡°Welcome to the Drain. Try not to make direct eye contact with anyone. It¡¯s seen as a threat,¡± Calsoon said with a cheerful tune.


    Inside the Drain, the air was heavy with a musky smell that was mixed with the thick smell of burning tobacco. The window had a film of grime letting only sparse light through. The tavern was loud with the sounds of patrons throttling each other in harsh scuffles and cat calling of the bar wenches for a refill of ale. Calsoon, Wiccer, and Elucard had to watch their step as they avoided broken glass and puddles of vomit still dripping over the tables from collapsed drunks.


    ¡°I thought you were leading us to new recruits. Why are we here?¡± Wiccer asked, his frustration slowly getting the best of him.


    ¡°How much money do you have on you, sergeant?¡± Calsoon asked as he led the two to the back of the pub.


    ¡°Thirty dawn-face. Why?¡± Wiccer asked as he grew more and more anxious. The patrons of the Drain leered at his clean, pressed clothes and straight, trimmed hair.


    Calsoon stopped at another wolf-folk bouncer, ¡°We¡¯re here to see Basilisk.¡±


    The bouncer moved aside and Calsoon beckoned for Wiccer and Elucard to follow him into a small room that served as an office. There, sitting behind a desk was a sharply dressed, rather heavy set human. He had olive skin and was balding. He was dressed in red nobleman¡¯s attire. A teal kerchief sat in his front pocket. He smiled once he saw Calsoon, standing up with his stomach slightly pushing his desk away.


    ¡°Calsoon, my favorite runner. Do you have my fifty-seven trit?¡±


    ¡°Ah, Basilisk, afraid I could only rummage up thirty,¡± Calsoon said while bowing down graciously.


    ¡°What do you suppose you are to do about the twenty-seven trit you owe me?¡±


    Calsoon grabbed Wiccer¡¯s sword and tossed it onto the desk, ¡°A finely crafted sword is at least worth another forty knotted-leaves, consider the extra a bonus for your patience.¡±


    Wiccer snatched his sword back and sheathed it, now livid, ¡°Calsoon, I order you to tell me who this man is and what we are doing here.¡±


    Calsoon smiled and bowed, ¡°Of course, of course. You see our mutual friend Blayvaar has a small debt to pay Mr. Basilisk here. If I can¡¯t find the money to pay it, he will take Blayvaar¡¯s hands as payment. Blayvaar would be a tad bit useless to us if he were to lose his hands.¡±


    ¡°Who is Blayvaar?¡± Wiccer roared, still fuming.


    ¡°He is your soon to be recruit. A skilled thief and master of the throwing knife.¡±


    Elucard tossed a sizable purse of silver trit onto the desk, coins spilling off onto the floor. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Wiccer leaned over to Elucard¡¯s ear and whispered, ¡°Where did you find that money?¡±


    Elucard spoke from the side of his mouth, ¡°When Calsoon asked you how much money you had, I assumed having some would be important. So I swiped some from a drunk.¡±


    Basilisk finished counting, looking quite pleased, ¡°This will do nicely,¡± he said, snapping his fingers. A door opened up behind him and two goons tossed a wily looking elf on the ground. His hands were tied and he was gagged with a dirty rag.


    Calsoon helped him up, brushed him off, and removed his gag, ¡°Blayvaar, my friend. I think it would be best if we made our exit.¡±


    Outside on the streets, Blayvaar vigorously shook Calsoon¡¯s hand, ¡°I can¡¯t thank you enough Calsoon! I owe you my life!¡±


    ¡°My friend, as much as I¡¯d love for you to owe me your life, it was these fine gentlemen that deserve your thanks. And they don¡¯t need your life¡­well, not entirely,¡± Calsoon quipped as he slipped his hand free from the vice-grip of the ever grateful Blayvaar.


    Blayvaar blinked at Elucard and Wiccer, ¡°How can I thank you two?¡±


    Wiccer looked at Elucard, who nodded, before looking back at Blayvaar, ¡°We would like to recruit you to use your services to hunt Black Rabbits.¡±


    Blayvaar smirked, ¡°Not my usual thing, but I¡¯ll join you.¡±


    ***


    Trek knelt down to study the the mud and stones on the path. His brother stood over him, blocking out what little light Trek had in the thicket.


    ¡°Which way?¡± Rulan said, clearly impatient.


    Trek brushed his fingers over the wet mud while muttering to himself.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re distracting him, Rulan,¡± A smaller elf said. Like her two brothers, her hair was a dark shade of red. She wore it tied up in a twisted bun. She sat down with one leg curled under the other on a boulder while inspecting the medicinal supplies in her haversack.


    ¡°Well I think some of that mud is stuffed in his ear. I said, ¡®Which way?¡¯¡± Rulan flicked the tip of his brother¡¯s elven ear.


    ¡°Hey, quit it! He went this way,¡± Trek shouted, ¡°Essie, maybe you should stitch Rulan¡¯s mouth shut so I can concentrate better.¡±


    Trek and Rulan dashed down the path and across the brook. As the triplets darted through the woods, Trek stopped suddenly. Rulan and Essie bumped into the back of their halted brother, nearly toppling him over.


    ¡°Trek, what is it this time? We¡¯re going to be the last ones to finish!¡± Rulan huffed.


    Trek stared into the deep brush, squinting his eyes and going over various details in his mind, ¡°There something amiss. We¡¯re being watched.¡±


    Essie peered at the direction Trek was looking in, ¡°I don¡¯t see anything.¡±


    ¡°Guys, the finish line is just over there, I can hear everyone. We¡¯re going to be the laughingstock of the scouts if we''re last again!¡±


    Trek turned to look beyond the forest border. He listened to the cheers of celebration as another team of scouts passed the finish line. He turned back to the brush, but the feeling that he was being watched had subsided, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Trek, Rulan, and Essie reached the finish line with their peers chuckling at them.


    ¡°Well, well. The Windfoot Triplets are the last ones again,¡± chided their platoon leader. He turned to a group of men, ¡°Sergeant Wiccer, you¡¯ve seen them work. Any scouts catch your fancy?¡±


    Wiccer turned to Calsoon, ¡°You¡¯re sure we want the Windfoot siblings? They performed the worst.¡±


    Calsoon grinned delightfully as he watched Elucard emerge from the woods.


    ¡°They were the only ones that knew I was watching,¡± Elucard said as he walked up to Trek, ¡°You knew I was there. How?¡±


    Trek blushed, not used to receiving compliments, ¡°There were two set of tracks. The first was from our platoon leader. The other was there, but it was very faint; I¡¯m guessing you wanted to be tracked, but only by a scout with true skill.¡±


    ¡°You have that skill,¡± Elucard said simply.


    ¡°I ¨C I suppose,¡± Trek said modestly.


    Wiccer turned to the platoon leader who was surprised by Trek¡¯s skills, ¡°We¡¯ll take the triplets.¡±


    ***


    Lear laid about sluggishly on a swinging hammock. The sun was setting and a nice breeze rushed through his shady retreat by the creek. He gnawed on a long blade of grass between his teeth. His long whiskers bounced slightly as a gnat buzzed on top of them. His long tail swayed back and forth, dangling off of the hammock. His ears twitched as he noticed a small group of people gathering around him.


    ¡°A cat folk? In Lost Dawns?¡± Wiccer asked befuddled.


    Lear opened one eye and retorted with the grass still clenched in his teeth, ¡°This yikahti doesn¡¯t like to be called ¡®cat folk¡¯!¡±


    Calsoon bowed to Lear, ¡°Forgive Wiccer. Despite his own origins, he is not used to the more exotic visitors of Lost Dawns.¡±


    Lear rested his eyes once more, ¡°This yikahti is forgiving. Be on your way.¡±


    Calsoon bowed again, ¡°Actually, my friend, they are here to see you. To test your talent and perhaps offer you something you¡¯ve always wished for.¡±


    Lear snapped his eyes open and leaped out of the hammock, drawing his saber, ¡°Who wishes to test This yikahti¡¯s talent? He who dares test the talent of Lear Crescenteye better bring his own.¡±


    Calsoon smiled smugly at Wiccer, ¡°Go ahead, Sergeant, test his talent.¡±


    ¡°He wants to duel me?¡± Wiccer asked, slowly drawing his own sword.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that why you are here?¡± Lear growled, annoyed by his challenger¡¯s hesitance, ¡°Perhaps you are not worth This yikahti¡¯s time.¡±


    ¡°My dear Lear, haven¡¯t you always wished that a true challenge would present itself to you in Lost Dawns? You once heard of the great warrior clans of Long Whisper. Did you not wish that they would accept you as one of their own? Well, you may know that they are gone, but instead there is an army,¡± Calsoon explained.


    ¡°Bah, this army is full of talentless hacks,¡± Lear said as he leapt back into his hammock. He waved Wiccer off and ignored him.


    ¡°You just haven¡¯t been looking in the right places. Duel me and I will show you that my talent is greater. When I defeat you, you will have a chance to fight for us and find the challenges you seek,¡± Wiccer stepped in, seeing where Calsoon was leading Lear.


    Lear twirled his saber in an expert display of swordsmanship before pointing his blade in Wiccer¡¯s face, ¡°You say you have more talent than This yikahti? Then show us!¡± he demanded as he moved once more out of his hammock.


    Wiccer thwacked the blade away and dashed in close, slashing diagonally upwards. Lear back flipped on top of the hammock, balancing himself effortlessly. He smiled cockily, then somersaulted over Wiccer, smacking the back of his head.


    Wiccer waited for him to land before lunging at him with a thrusting advance. Lear attempted to parry, but Wiccer anticipated the technique and spun, countering with a skillful disarm of Lear¡¯s saber. The blade clattered on the ground. Wiccer pressed his sword on the yikahti¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Such talent!¡± Lear said in awe.


    ¡°The Black Rabbits possess more talent than I. If you join us, we will teach you to combat that talent and you will win,¡± Wiccer said, sheathing his weapon.


    Lear grinned a wide and toothy grin, ¡°You have a recruit. This yikahti shall join you.¡±


    ***


    Wiccer and Elucard stood in the tall grass of a wide field. A single wooden silhouette of an upper torso stood above the grass next to them. Calsoon wore his typical silly grin that the two men had become accustomed to.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bite first. Calsoon, what are we out here for?¡± Elucard spoke up.


    ¡°Wait for it,¡± Calsoon said quietly.


    ¡°For wha¨C¡± Elucard started, but ducked as an arrow whizzed past him and stuck into the wooden target with a loud ¡®thunk¡¯¡±


    Wiccer dropped down for cover, ¡°Calsoon, what¡¯s going on here!?¡±


    ¡°Your unit could use a crafty marksman. I¡¯m here to get you one.¡±


    Elucard poked his head above the grass, another arrow whipped through the air, landing with another solid ¡®thunk¡¯ into the target.


    ¡°I think you convinced them enough, Timber. Why don¡¯t you come over here and join us?¡± Calsoon called across the field.


    Wiccer and Elucard watched, stunned as the grass slowly grew and morphed into a standing mound. Tossing off the grassy gillie suit, a black cloaked, golden furred Kanis made her way to the small group. She brushed a long fur braid that was slung over her shoulder to her back. Her thin smile wiped away when she grew closer.


    ¡°This is Timber. She is one of the better archers you will find in this army,¡± Calsoon said, introducing her to Wiccer and Elucard.


    ¡°Calsoon tells me you two are putting together a special unit to deal with the Black Rabbits,¡± Timber said. Her voice was smooth and quiet, like a whisper.


    ¡°Welcome to our team,¡± Elucard said, still shaken from his recent encounter with her deadly aim.


    ¡°The pleasure is all mine.¡±


    ***


    The new squad lined up on the parade field. Wiccer moved in front of the squad, doing his best to instruct them how to stand at attention before addressing them.


    ¡°You seven are the first of a new unit called the Anti-Rogue Operatives, or ¡®ARO.¡¯ You will be trained to think and fight like a Black Rabbit in order to better combat and counter a Black Rabbit! Your training will be tough! You might not like it, but you will like what you become! You will enter a soldier and emerge a new type of hunter! Are you prepared for this transformation?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the squad shouted in unison.


    ¡°Anything else, Elucard?¡± Wiccer said, pleased with the new squad.


    ¡°Yes, fall in, Wiccer,¡± Elucard said sternly, his arms folded against his chest.


    Wiccer looked at him baffled.


    ¡°You were always our first recruit,¡± explained Elucard.


    Wiccer smirked and fell into the formation.


    ¡°Recruits, let¡¯s get to work!¡± Elucard commanded.

 Chapter 47: Entering Estininia

    Imperious City was a dark metropolis. Ominous black-stone walls spanned the city¡¯s perimeter. They loomed over the shadowy city, standing one hundred feet tall. Hardened stone and mortar reinforced the walls and blades guarded them from any who would dare attempt to breach them. If the sun were in reach, no doubt this city would have blocked that out as well.


    The city itself bloomed from the center outward. The fine architecture of noble establishments could be found closest to the center, forming a gradient of deteriorating buildings and poverty that reached toward the shadow of the walls. The Estinian castle was the centerpiece of it all.


    Inle and Vada found themselves moving through the city streets with a personal escort. The soldiers made sure no one came close to their carriage, going so far as to brutally beat any civilian that dared come within an arm¡¯s length of it.


    ¡°You look nervous, dear Vada. Have you never been to a city such as this before?¡± Inle asked half-mockingly. His knees were crossed, and he seemed to be enjoying the ride as best he could. But no matter how much of a front he put on for Vada and the Estinian soldiers, it was merely a mask that covered his true thoughts. On the boat trip to Estinia he had heard horror stories of the king and queen. One admittedly drunken sailor told of how the king had ordered a peasant to be publicly disemboweled for having the audacity to criticize a lesser nobleman. Others sang the praises of the monarchs. Inle surmised that the truth must lie somewhere in between, but was nevertheless grotesque. However, his training as a performer allowed him to swallow his unease and move forward. After all, he had performed in front of much tougher crowds than this.


    ¡°I have done my fair share of traveling,¡± Vada calmly replied, ¡°I have seen many cultures, but none such as this. If we do not watch our step, we may trip into a cell.¡± Vada kept a keen eye on their escorts who marched alongside the carriage just beyond the window.


    ¡°You traveled as far as the deserts of Scorch, yes? My troupe never made it out there. What was it like?¡±


    Vada took her attention off of a soldier and his blackened, imposing armor to face her shadow elf companion, ¡°Lawless,¡± she simply said before turning to look back out the window.


    ¡°I see,¡± said Inle, smirking under his steel clown mask.


    The carriage passed over several bridges before entering a smaller inner wall, but stopped just outside the castle itself. Its looming towers sent a chill down Vada¡¯s spine as she exited the carriage. The entire city, including the Gothic castle, was a far cry from Lost Dawns. She was in awe of the city. It was a different kind of impressive. The very architecture of the buildings around her sent chills scrambling down her spine. Imperious City commanded respect, and few would dare to refuse.


    As Inle stepped out of the carriage, a tall, thin man stepped before him. He was flanked on either side by a squad of men in shining black armor. Each stood as tall as a bear. Their armor was decorated with etchings of ravens. Their left pauldrons looked liked outstretched wings, with each feather denoting their different ranks in the metallic colors of gold, silver, and bronze.


    The man in the middle was unarmored, instead wearing regal noble clothing of reds and silvers. His sniveling face and slicked-back, black hair gave him the appearance of a rat. He spoke with an air of boredom and bowed in an exotic over-exaggerated manner. His thick Estinian accent would have been difficult to understand if it were not for the extensive traveling that both Inle and Vada had done in the past.


    ¡°Velcome to de home of de Div¡¯Rah. Bow to Osalin.¡±


    ¡°Div¡¯Rah. That is the title they have given their king. It means ¡®God-King¡¯,¡± Inle explained. Although the Ebonpaths had never traveled to Estinia, he had heard countless stories from merchants of the Div¡¯Rah and his great army.


    Vada nodded before whispering back, ¡°Who is Osalin?¡±


    ¡°He is, I assume,¡± Inle replied, nodding toward the rat-faced man standing before them.


    They both looked blankly at Osalin before taking a deep bow before the strange man. He let out a wide grin.


    ¡°Rabbits show respect, but de Div¡¯Rah des not trust you, yit.¡± Osalin snapped his fingers and the guards marched forward, pulling out chains and shackles, ¡°Chain dem, nice en tight. Squeeze dem of any rebellion dey may hev en dey bodies. Crush bones ef you hev too.¡±


    Vada moved to resist, but Inle quickly grabbed her arm, ¡°Let them do as they like, we are guests here. We must make a good impression,¡± Inle said in the silent whisper of the Rabbits.


    Osalin waited for his men to restrain the two Rabbits before having them ushered into the castle. As he lead them to the throne room of the Div¡¯Rah he told grandiose tales of how an ancient raven bestowed King Aric and his queen, Natal, with immortality and great power. The raven promised the two powers greater than any other god so long as he helped overthrow the raven¡¯s rival gods. With such power Aric had Estinia rise from the ashes of the ancient dragons that Aric had slain with only his voice. Aric let the other civilizations blossom under his shadow and allowed the sun to burn as long as it paid tribute by transforming into the moon each night. In the end it was the raven god that saw Aric as his god.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Vada rolled her eyes at such stories, but Inle was thoroughly entertained by the lore, though he was not convinced of it himself. It did allow him a quick study of how King Aric and his queen saw themselves.


    Osalin lead them through two darkwood doors before halting in front of twin golden thrones adorned with jewels. Rich patterns of silver filagree intertwined into the gold, engraved images of ravens holding a crown and scepter. Standing before them was an aged man with a pointed beard and moustache. He wore silk threads of silver and reds much like Osalin, but bore a thick golden and silver chain around his neck that clasped onto a beautiful rare stone which gave off a soft glow. His wife was likewise dressed in a long silver and red dress with a cape of woven raven feathers draping down her back and along the floor.


    ¡°My Div¡¯Rah. I hev brought you dese Rabbits dat hev traveled from Long Vhisper to seek audience vith you,¡± Osalin said, making a sweeping bow to his king.


    ¡°Vhy are dey en chains?¡± Aric asked, puzzled by the condition of his guests.


    ¡°My love, they are from Long Whisper. They clearly can¡¯t be trusted,¡± Queen Natal said with her elegant silk-like voice. She did not have an Estinain accent, and her eyes locked into Aric¡¯s as she spoke.


    ¡°Keep dem in chains, dey can¡¯t be trusted,¡± Aric commanded.


    ¡°My King, we have come a great distance just to see you. It is an insult to keep us in such a state!¡± Vada spat. Her tolerance for this circus had come to an end.


    ¡°Silence, Rabbit!¡± the queen roared. Turning her gaze back to her king, she gently rubbed his chest and brushed his cheek, ¡°My king, these Rabbits are wasting your time. They have nothing of value to offer you.¡±


    ¡°Dese Rabbits are vasting my time. Take dem away and lock dem en a prison until I¡¯ve decided vhat to do vith dem,¡± Aric said, motioning to remove Inle and Vada from the throne room.


    ¡°My Div¡¯Rah, we can¡¯t leave without giving you the gift we brought for you,¡± Inle calmly said, lifting his closed hand to the best of his ability.


    ¡°Gift?¡± Aric asked, blankly.


    Inle attempted to step forward, but was met with the clinking of heavy armor. In a moment¡¯s notice, several spear heads were pointed at his neck.


    ¡°If I may, my Div¡¯Rah,¡± Inle said holding out an extended hand.


    Aric moved forward, confident that Inle was no threat to him. He grasped the small object from the masked Rabbit. Upon examination he saw it was a noble¡¯s signet, ¡°De Dawnedge Tribe? Dis es a Long Vhisper ring.¡±


    ¡°My Div¡¯Rah, I took that from King Koda Dawnedge himself. You have no doubt heard that the Black Rabbits slew the previous king, however¡­¡± Inle trailed off.


    Aric raised an eyebrow waiting for the elf to finish.


    ¡°This new king is quite the nuisance,¡± Inle chuckled, ¡°I removed his signet with ease, but I wish for nothing more than to remove his head as well!¡± Inle¡¯s mask quaked with the laughter that bellowed from the elf.


    Aric too erupted in a heavy belly laugh, ¡°Your face es lek a clown, you funny lek one too. Dis one I lek. Unchain em!¡±


    Natal gracefully moved over to Aric to interject, ¡°My love, that is not a wi¨C¡±


    ¡°Unchain em now!¡± Aric commanded again.


    After the iron shackles and chains were relieved of Inle, the shadow elf bowed graciously, ¡°My Div¡¯Rah, your kindness will be sung from here and back to Long Whisper. I will personally make sure of this.¡± Inle spotted the quivering impatience on Vada¡¯s face, ¡°Perhaps onto business, my Div¡¯Rah?¡±


    ¡°Vhat es et you are here for, clown?¡± asked Aric, sitting down on his throne.


    Inle bowed once more before speaking, ¡°The Black Rabbits have sent my colleague and I to offer you aid in your war against Varis. We are aware of your might, but we assure you that the Black Rabbits would be a valuable asset to your forces.¡±


    Aric fiddled with the golden signet again, eying its beauty, and caressing the raised crest of the Dawnedge, ¡°Vhy help us? Vhat do de Black Rabbits hope to gain?¡±


    ¡°We wish for recruits. We ask that a fraction of your soldiers be trained under Vada.¡± Inle gestured toward his chained companion. She bowed at the queue.


    ¡°Unchain her,¡± Aric told the nearest guard. He turned to his queen, ¡°Vhat do you tink my queen?¡±


    Natal sneered at Inle, she did not like to be undermined by a foreign elf, but it was clear even to her that the Black Rabbits could prove themselves useful in the future, ¡°You should trust them, my love; they are not your enemies.¡±


    Aric stood, making a decision, ¡°I trust dese Rabbits. Dey are not my enemy. Clown, vhat is your name?¡±


    ¡°Inle, my Div¡¯Rah.¡±


    ¡°You vill personally lead my Black Rabbits ento battle.¡±


    ¡°I only ask that my High Blade be at my side,¡± Inle said quickly trying to adjust to the turn of events.


    ¡°Dis High Blade, he es your Rabbit leader in Long Vhisper?¡±


    ¡°Yes, my Div¡¯Rah.¡±


    ¡°Very vell, dis High Blade vill stand by your side. Come, ve celebrate our new alliance!¡±

 Chapter 48: Bar Fight!!!

    Rulan sailed through the air, landing hard on his back to join his brother who was still grimacing from the soreness that throbbed all over his body. Lear and Blayvaar were the next to be sent flying into the air, flipping into a cluttered mess on the summer¡¯s grass. Timber and Calsoon both joined forces for an attack but met a similar fate as Elucard tossed them away, sending them rolling into the ever-growing dogpile of recruits.


    Elucard shook his head in disappointment. He turned to Essie, who was anxious to come to the defense of her fellow recruits. She shrieked as Elucard grabbed her by the tunic and sent her flailing head over heels onto the ground with an abrupt slam.


    ¡°Essie, are you a coward or a medic? You waited until your friends were tossed into a bloody heap before you decided to come to their aid. As an ARO medic, you will fight alongside everyone else,¡± Elucard said lecturing the winded medic, ¡°Wiccer, get them into the weighted vests, they¡¯re running another mile before we try this again.¡±


    A resounding groan came from the recruits as the dread of a fifth mile set into their minds. The ARO recruits had been training for the last few weeks under Elucard¡¯s leadership and each day they regretted signing up for such a grueling experience. Although the majority already served in the military, this level of rigorous training was not something they were used to. At times it felt to the recruits that Elucard had a grudge against them.


    ¡°Elucard, they could use a break. The men have been running exercises and routines for five hours straight! They can barely walk, never mind run. No one could possibly function under this regiment,¡± Wiccer intervened. Not even his father had him go through such physical abuse.


    Elucard looked over the exhausted faces of his men. They were not Rabbits. They did not have the same fear that a new Black Rabbit recruit had, and they did not have the work ethic that he was accustomed to. Maybe he was pushing them too hard.


    ¡°Run the mile with the vest, then you can have your break,¡± he commanded.


    Wiccer brought Elucard out of earshot of the recruits, ¡°You¡¯re pushing them too hard. They¡¯re not like us. They haven¡¯t been training since childhood. You ca¨C¡±


    ¡°If you coddle them, they¡¯ll never be like us. They need to be ready to fight men that have been trained to kill since they were children. A Rabbit won¡¯t hesitate to slit their throats. A Rabbit thinks they¡¯ve been commanded by the death goddess to bathe in the blood of their enemies. Our men won¡¯t stand a chance unless I train them like a Rabbit.¡±


    ¡°Elucard, they¡¯ll break before they follow you.¡±


    Elucard shoved a weighted vest into Wiccer¡¯s chest, ¡°A bone grows stronger after it breaks.¡±


    ***


    The seven recruits knelt in a circle on the edge of the tall grassy archery range. The sun had set and the moon was giving Wiccer very little light to go over his plan of attack. Elucard stood in the center of the field, waiting for his ARO recruits to try to take him down using strategy, physical force, and stealth. If they succeeded then the month of gruesome training had paid off. If they failed, then he would double their workload to beat their failure into their bodies.


    Wiccer spoke in a low whisper as he surveyed the field, ¡°We can¡¯t use weapons in this exercise so we¡¯ll have to use our individual skills to our full advantage. So this is how we¡¯re going to execute this¡­¡±


    Elucard stood motionless in the grass, his eyes fixated on a lone shadowy figure walking on the outer edge of the grass.


    A decoy.


    Elucard watched the figure for a bit longer as the grass began to move unnaturally in his peripheral vision. Keeping his attention on this new distraction, he was taken off-guard as both Rulan and Trek dove at him from behind.


    Two decoys, clever.


    Elucard threw Trek over his shoulder, quickly stomping on his face, knocking the young elf unconscious. Enraged, Rulan wrapped his upper arm around Elucard¡¯s neck and locked his other arm behind Elucard¡¯s head in a fortified blood choke.


    Elucard did not have much time to react, as Lear, Timber, and Blayvaar soared from the bushes and surrounded him. Assessing the situation using the years of experience at his disposal, Elucard jabbed his elbow sharply into Rulan¡¯s ribs, causing him to release the choke. At the same time, Elucard swung himself over Rulan and kicked him in the small of his back, flinging him into Lear.


    Blayvaar came in from the side with a leg sweep as Timber jumped into the air for a high kick. Elucard back-flipped into the tall grass, disappearing from sight.


    ¡°Don¡¯t split up, it¡¯s what he wants!¡± Wiccer barked as he, Calsoon, and Essie came in from the shadows.


    ¡°What do we do, sergeant?¡± asked Essie.


    ¡°Stay tight, make a circle, and watch each other¡¯s blind spots. Remember what we were taught!¡±


    The recruits corralled up, scanning the tall grass in the blackness of the night. Elucard made no attempt to make a move.


    The recruits grew weary as they waited and waited. Slowly their eyes began to droop as the lack of sleep began to finally catch up to them.


    ¡°Stay awake, recruits!¡± Wiccer shouted, trying to keep their morale high.


    The moonlight faded as clouds roamed across the sky. All went black, all went quiet. The ARO members peacefully drifted in and out of sleep as the soothing, chilled night calmly wrapped around them.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°He¡¯s here, He¡¯s her¨C¡± the recruits were stirred awake by Blayvaar¡¯s screams as a series of painful kicks and swift punches laid everyone out with the exception of Wiccer.


    Elucard shook his head once again in disappointment, ¡°You think you recruits deserve sleep? Put on your vests, three miles, now!¡±


    ¡°What are we supposed to learn from you running us into the dirt over and over again?! Nothing! I haven¡¯t learned a damn thing, except how much I hate you!¡± growled Rulan.


    Rulan helped a groggy Trek to his feet, ¡°Come on guys, who¡¯s with me?¡±


    Elucard¡¯s memory flashed to Izian making the same stand against Ridge and Baines.


    Lear stepped up to Elucard, ¡°You have much talent, Elucard, but This yikahti wants nothing to do with this challenge.¡±


    Elucard was stone faced as one by one each recruit began to walk away.


    ¡°Give them some time, friend,¡± said Calsoon before hurrying to catch up to the group.


    Elucard lowered his head, ¡°You were right, Wiccer.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I am,¡± said Wiccer, resting a hand on his shoulder.


    ***


    The Merry Wolf was a popular destination for the soldiers in Lost Dawns. Besides an excellent selection of regional brews, excellent food, and a close location to the barracks, it also provided a small discount to those in military uniforms. The tavern was warm in the winters and cool in the summers. It had a rustic interior that harkened back to the small town inns that many soldiers were accustomed to with a stone hearth that had a pot of lamb stew bubbling and ready for its hungry patrons.


    The ARO recruits sat at a large oak table. Timber stared meanly at Rulan who swayed sloppily as he slurped the final drops from his empty mug, still in a miserable stupor. Lear balanced his chair on the back two legs, watching the kanis.


    ¡°This yikahti thinks you have something you¡¯d like to get off your chest, Timber.¡±


    Blayvaar looked up from his lamb stew, ¡°She thinks we should have never left.¡±


    Calsoon grinned cooly, ¡°Then why did she leave?¡±


    Blayvaar shrugged as he leaned back, pretending to stretch and catching a small handful of copper trit from a nearby patron.


    ¡°I¡¯m a wolf, I stick to the pack, no matter how foolish they are,¡± she muttered.


    ¡°I¡¯m with Timber,¡± Trek spoke up, favoring a large bump on the side of his head, ¡°Elucard might be a mad man, but I could feel myself getting stronger. I got stronger under him in one month than I would have from a lifetime under any other instructor.¡±


    ¡°Trek, Elucard would end up killing us before he¡¯d be satisfied with our performance,¡± Rulan said as he tried to wave down a server.


    ¡°Essie, you¡¯ve been quiet, what are your thoughts?¡± Calsoon asked, prodding the issue further.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I agree with Rulan. Elucard¡¯s methods would kill any normal soldier.¡±


    ¡°Exactly, Essie!¡± smiled Rulan.


    ¡°But, I also think that we weren¡¯t meant to be normal soldiers. We were meant to be ARO.¡±


    ¡°Did you say ¡®Elucard¡¯?¡± A nearby soldier approached the table. The thick stench of ale rose from his breath. He leaned into Essie and asked again, ¡°Did you say Elucard was training you?¡±


    Essie pushed the soldier¡¯s face away from her, ¡°Yes, what of it?¡±


    A small group of soldiers gathered around their table as the drunk soldier ushered himself back into Essie¡¯s face, ¡°Elucard killed our king. He¡¯s a criminal that should be hanged and any soldier that accepts his teachings should swing beside him when he does. You¡¯re all traitors to your kin!¡± The crowd of soldiers all echoed the drunken soldier¡¯s rant.


    Rulan stood up to the best of his ability, ¡°That¡¯s my sister you are threatening! Make another move and I¡¯ll show you what I learned from that criminal!¡±


    ¡°Rulan, sit down, you¡¯re drunk,¡± Trek pleaded, trying to reason with his brother.


    ¡°Sober enough to beat this guy into a bloody pulp!¡± Rulan pushed his chair away and staggered his way to the other side of the table.


    ¡°You mess with the 12th Spearman Division, you mess with all of us!¡± shouted the drunk. Immediately several more soldiers rose out of their seats, each sporting a 12th Spearman Division unit patch on their coats and tunics. The ARO recruits all stood to support Rulan.


    ¡°We are outnumbered seven to twenty-four,¡± Blayvaar estimated.


    ¡°The odds are in our favor, we were trained by Elucard,¡± Timber grinned.


    ¡°This yikahti admits he likes this challenge!¡± Lear chimed in as he rubbed his claws together.


    The soldiers rushed the recruits grabbing chairs and brandishing bottles. Several of the ARO recruits hopped up on the oak table thrashing kicks at the soldiers, knocking teeth loose and breaking noses. Lear made his way through the crowd slashing his claws left and right, dodging countless heavy punches. With expert footing, he twirled a sent spinning heel kicks into several chins, sending them flying into neighboring tables.


    Blayvaar¡¯s fast fingers, coupled with his new combat training, allowed him to swipe a belt and use it as a makeshift whip, slapping the leather across faces while still nimbly dodging incoming attacks.


    Timber jumped from table to table, making her way to the bar. A pair of soldiers climbed the counter top after her, but were quickly dispatched with a series kicks followed by a shoulder throw that slammed one soldier into the other, sending them both shattering through a window.


    The Windfoot triplets somersaulted from the table and landed in front of the first drunk soldier. Trek swept the soldier¡¯s feet, tripping him into Rulan¡¯s oncoming uppercut. Essie finished the combination with a heavy front kick that sent the soldier crashing into a nearby table.


    The tavern door flung open and a troop of city guards marched into the fray to bring much needed order to the scene.


    ¡°ARO let¡¯s vanish!¡± Calsoon cried from the shadows of the backroom.


    ***


    The orange sun cracked the skies as it rose, signaling for another morning on the parade field. Elucard and Wiccer stepped onto the field ready to start a new day of recruiting, but were met with a surprising but very welcome sight. Standing at attention in a perfect line were the seven ARO recruits. Their training uniforms were ragged and blood stained, their knuckles were bruised, and their eyes had dark bags under them. It was very clear that they had not seen a night¡¯s sleep. Over their tunics were vests strapped full of weights.


    Wiccer smiled at Elucard, who nodded for Wiccer to fall into formation. Elucard walked up and inspected his eight recruits as if checking for imperfections. He stopped in front of Rulan, ¡°A bone grows stronger after it breaks.¡±


    Rulan looked at his comrades to the left and right of himself before replying, ¡°We¡¯re strong, but not broken.¡±

 Chapter 49: Another Rabbit for ARO

    Wiccer had spent many years sparring against only his brother. In his younger years he had always been one step behind and one swing too slow to keep up with the older and more skilled Avren. However, Wiccer was a quick learner, and had Avren still been alive, he was sure he would now have the upper hand as he stepped up to face Elucard.


    Wiccer moved, furiously rocking on the balls of his feet, leaping backwards, and dashing quickly forwards. He danced and juked about gracefully, knowing that being even a hair off in his timing would lead to a blundering disaster. Everything he had learned as a White Cloak betrayed him when he started to learn the ways of the Rabbits. Wiccer saw this quickly and rectified it just as fast. His once rigid footwork and traditional combat style was being replaced by the erratic footwork and adaptable combat style of a Black Rabbit. The thought of using this vicious training against the very clan that created these techniques electrified him.


    Wiccer slid to the side and spun around to slash in a winding attack, but met Elucard¡¯s blade. Wiccer smirked. The two had been sparring three hours a day for the last month and he had learned to anticipate Elucard¡¯s reactions and favorite defensive maneuvers. Using his freehand, Wiccer grabbed his sparring partner¡¯s wrist and locked it into a painful position. Elucard wretched in pain but before he could react, Wiccer sent him sprawling onto the ground with a hefty kick to the chest. Elucard sat up, rubbing his throbbing wrist.


    ¡°You¡¯re getting better, sergeant,¡± Elucard cheered. The compliment bore a bit of teasing. Wiccer had recently been promoted to captain, skipping a full rank to match the same command that his father had once held in Long Whisper. From the moment they had met up earlier in the morning, Wiccer had been showing off and buffing the new double silver bars on his collar.


    ¡°Captain,¡± corrected Wiccer.


    ¡°Regardless, you¡¯ve gotten better. I have to admit that these days. How old are you now?¡± Elucard asked, still in disbelief at how well Wiccer had been coming along.


    ¡°Twenty,¡± Wiccer stated, reaching for his water skin.


    ¡°Twenty? And when did you start training?¡±


    Wiccer paused, trying to remember exactly when his training with Avren and his father started, ¡°Twelve, I believe.¡±


    ¡°So you have had eight years of the wrong training and bad habits beaten into your head. I didn¡¯t know you had that much of a disadvantage compared to the rest of the ARO recruits,¡± Elucard teased. He laughed as he ducked the water skin being flung at his head. Wiccer raised his sword for another round of sparring, ¡°I¡¯ll show you who¡¯s at a disadvantage, Rabbit!¡±


    Elucard glanced behind Wiccer to see a strangely dressed woman approaching the two. It had been a month since Elucard had seen one, but his eyes weren¡¯t playing tricks on him. A Black Rabbit stood before him. Elucard leapt past Wiccer, brandishing his dull training sword. He knew he would not be able to cut her with it, but with enough force he could plunge it into her despicable heart. A Black Rabbit, inside the heart of Lost Dawns? He marveled at her arrogance. Plus, she was smack dab in the heart of the military district. What was she thinking?This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    ¡°Elucard, stop!¡± Wiccer blurted out.


    Elucard halted in his tracks, still bearing his teeth at his sworn enemy. Wiccer hastily ran between the two.


    ¡°Elucard, she¡¯s one of us.¡±


    Elucard was more puzzled than enraged at this point, ¡°One of us?¡±


    Wiccer turned to Elisa, who was wide eyed with fear, as she was not expecting a brush with death. She slowly relaxed her grip on the dagger she held behind her back. She was hesitant to call Elucard an ally, but after spending a month with the Black Rabbits, she was ready for a change.


    ¡°Wiccer, I need to talk to you,¡± Elisa said, keeping a close eye on Elucard.


    ¡°Elisa, this is Elucard. He was a Black Rabbit once like you,¡± Wiccer said, introducing the two.


    Elisa smiled, relaxing to her normal, collected self, ¡°So this is Elucard? All that is on everyone¡¯s mind is the Elucard that went mad and turned on the clan. I¡¯ve heard many things. How you were this cool, devilishly handsome, and cunning elf. You rose to First Blade fast. You were the one that surpassed all. You made the proudest man jealous and the most jealous man fall in love with you.


    Elucard Freewind. I don¡¯t know whether I should love you, hate you, or fear you.¡±


    Elisa¡¯s words stirred a stew of disdain and yearning for his former life. It might have all been a farce, but he invested more effort and time into that farce than anything else in his life.


    ¡°Is that all they said about me?¡± Elucard asked, a bit curious.


    ¡°No, they also said you were dead,¡± she said in a matter-of-fact manner.


    Wiccer smiled smugly, ¡°Well, I suppose we¡¯ll have a few surprises for those Rabbits when we see them again!¡±


    ¡°As they will for you as well, I fear, Wiccer,¡± Elisa replied, remembering why she was there.


    Wiccer¡¯s smile vanished as his attention returned to Elisa, ¡°What have you learned?¡±


    Elisa relayed everything she had heard from Vada. She learned about the Rabbits seeking an alliance with Estinia and joining alongside them in the coming war against Varis in hopes of gaining Estinians as Black Rabbit recruits.


    ¡°I wish not to go back, Wiccer. I fear that they suspect me of a traitor. They all seem on edge since both Avalon and Elucard left their ranks. Please don¡¯t make me go back there!¡± Elisa pleaded.


    Wiccer looked grimly towards Elucard. Then back to Elisa, ¡°You¡¯ve done well. Avren would have been proud of you. We could use your help in the ARO.¡±


    Elisa raised an eyebrow. Marcus did mention an ¡®Anti-Rogue Operatives¡¯ unit to her. He even asked her to help lead it, but she wasn¡¯t interested at the time. However it seemed the opportunity to be involved in Marcus¡¯s passion project had arisen again. Although she knew no one would stop her from leaving with the freedom she had more than earned, she could not simply leave. It was Avren that she still owed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll join you. You¡¯ll always be able to count on me,¡± said Elisa.


    Wiccer nodded with a smile before turning to Elucard, ¡°We need to get this information to the king.¡± Wiccer started to walk away, but stopped with a question lingering in his mind, ¡°Is ARO prepared for war?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Elucard said simply and flatly.


    ¡°Then you still have much work to do,¡± Wiccer replied.

 Chapter 50: Avalon Returns to Long Whisper

    Avalon and Adema approached the throne where King Koda Dawnedge sat. They were weary from the long journey across the Omni Ocean, but there had been no time for rest on such an urgent mission. War was at Cypress¡¯ doorstep and the rest of the realm held its breath in suspense, wondering whether Varis and its allies would be able to overcome the warmongering nation of Estinia. Avalon¡¯s presence indicated that the order of the Silent Ones had waged their bets on the fledgling nation of Long Whisper.


    ¡°My King,¡± Avalon said with a sweeping bow that seamlessly led into a kneel, ¡°I am Avalon Bellerose. I have traveled from far beyond your horizon to offer you our allegiance.¡±


    Koda sat still, his back uncomfortably straight against the back of the wooden throne. At his feet, Wildeye sat vigilantly. Wiccer and Tull stood on either side of the throne. Wiccer¡¯s hand rested on the pommel of his sword. It had been only two months since Inle infiltrated the castle and attacked him. Despite the reputation of the Silent Order, Wiccer took no chances. Even though he was at Koda¡¯s right hand alongside Wildeye, Wiccer was still anxious. Twice Wiccer had failed Koda. Twice the Black Rabbits had taken Wiccer for a fool. There would not be a third time.


    Koda nodded to his two guests, ¡°My adviser tells me that the Silent Ones are a guild of warriors that spread the word of Jedeo through military might. Is this true, Avalon Bellerose?¡±


    Avalon looked pained by the description that Koda gave the Silent Ones. Adema scoffed as well. Avalon had never seen the Silent Ones as a military force nor as merely evangelists spreading Jedeo¡¯s word.


    ¡°I¨C¡± Avalon started but Koda interrupted.


    ¡°That¡¯s why you are sending me a small army. You wish to secure a temple in Long Whisper. You want Jedeo¡¯s word to reach all of Varis. Perhaps once Estinia is defeated, you will convert the people of that nation as well. Complete global domination by a single religion? All in the name of righteousness and piety?¡± Koda said, continuing his assault on the two Silent Ones¡¯ beliefs.


    ¡°Young King, how dare you besmirch the name of Jedeo! We will not stand for insults to our Order!¡± Adema growled.


    Avalon rested her hand on her companion¡¯s shoulder, ¡°No, Adema, the king is right,¡± Avalon said calmly, ¡°Almost right, at least. King Koda, we are not merely another priesthood that praises our god with fanciful tales of great deeds and heroic acts. Although Jedeo¡¯s tale is full of that and had inspired me during some of my lowest points. We are an order of skilled warriors. We do kill in the name of Jedeo, but we protect those that need protection. The people we touch and help are not merely means to our own ends. We do good work for good people. Our Silencers slay the vile creatures of the Night so that the weak may finally be at¡ª¡± Avalon ended her speech abruptly, looking off into the nearby shadows and slowly drawing her blade.


    Koda, taken aback, stared at her bewildered, ¡°What do you think you are doing?¡±


    ¡°Silver Wing, what do you sense?¡± Adema asked anxiously.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    ¡°There¡¯s something amiss,¡± Avalon snarled as she let loose a dagger that was sheathed beneath her long, white coat.


    The dagger carved through the air and vanished into the shadowy rafters above, but was deflected with a low clatter. Elucard dropped to the ground from the crossbeam he had made his hiding place. He did not draw his sword, but instead raised his arms in a sign of peace. But Avalon would not have it. Lunging fiercely at Elucard, she made several swipes at the elf.


    ¡°My King, I have snuffed out a Black Rabbit spy!¡± Avalon shouted as she continued a barrage of slices at Elucard who somersaulted several times backwards avoiding each of the skillful attacks, ¡°Adema, give no quarter!¡±


    Elucard drew his sword and locked blades with Avalon, ¡°I am no Rabbit, Avalon. I¨C¡± Elucard could not get a word in edgewise as Adema launched towards him wielding her Silencer.


    Elucard leapt backwards, ducking as Adema swung horizontally and then parried Avalon¡¯s ninjato with his own. Avalon stumbled slightly before spin kicking into Elucard¡¯s gut. Elucard collapsed to one knee, but tumbled forward as Adema came down hard, hacking at the stone floor.


    Elucard dashed forward, rolling on his shoulder before sliding in a half-circle, readying his blade for another advance from the Silent Ones. He spoke again, quicker this time, ¡°I¡¯m no Rabbit! I defected like you, Avalon!¡±


    Avalon, still scowling, hesitated to continue her attack, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Elucard Freewind, student of Legion.¡±


    ¡°Your exploits have reached far, Elucard. You have slain a king. You expect me to believe you are welcomed in the court of the eight tribes?¡± leered Avalon.


    ¡°It¡¯s true, Avalon. As much as I despise his very shadow, I¡¯ve come to realize his usefulness,¡± Koda said as he stepped down from the throne, his hand raised as he tried to defuse the situation between the two Silent Ones and Elucard, ¡°I must say, I am far more curious as to why you know so much about the Black Rabbits,¡± Koda prodded.


    Avalon paused as she tried to come up with a convincing explanation that did not reveal too much about her disgraceful past, ¡°As I said, word travels. Elucard¡¯s deed was a popular topic in taver¨C¡±


    ¡°Avalon was the leader of the Black Rabbits when I was training under my Master,¡± Elucard chimed in.


    Avalon stared daggers at Elucard, ¡°I have since renounced and condemned my former clan,¡± she said quickly, hoping to mend any potential damage dealt to her already fragile reputation with the king.


    ¡°It seems you started a trend, Avalon,¡± Koda said amusingly, ¡°We have another former Black Rabbit, besides Elucard, in our service.


    ¡°Elisa Moonshard,¡± Wiccer said as he inched closer to the relaxed Avalon.


    ¡°You said you found a use for Elucard? What usefulness keeps him from swinging from the gallows?¡± Avalon asked with a mixture of curiosity and contempt.


    ¡°I¡¯m teaching Black Rabbit techniques to a squad of Long Whisper soldiers so that they can hunt down the Rabbits,¡± Elucard said, sheathing his sword.


    Avalon smirked, ¡°An interesting idea. I should consider training the next generation of Silent Ones like that once I have established a temple in Long Whisper¡ª¡± she stopped herself and turned, kneeling before Koda once more before finishing her thought, ¡°¡­with your permission, my king.¡±


    Koda nodded, ¡°You and your god are more than welcome here in Lost Dawns if you wish to protect my people. You may open the doors of your temple in our city¡¯s abandoned Ruens abbey, provided we survive the war.¡±

 Chapter 51: AROs First Mission

    Wiccer stood side by side with the rest of the ARO recruits. What he assumed would be just another long day of training on that old, familiar parade field quickly turned into something new and exciting. Standing next to Elucard was a Long Whisper soldier. He was an older looking elf. His hair was trimmed neatly short. His straightened gold and green jacket had various emblems denoting his rank as an officer, letting everyone know that he was due a certain amount of respect. His insignia of rank on his lower arm displayed three chevrons balancing on a fulcrum, which meant he was a Staff Sergeant. He was most likely in charge of a platoon. Above it, but below his shoulder, was his unit patch. The patch depicted a true north arrow with an eight pointed star in the background.


    ¡®The 2nd Roving Protectors Detachment.¡¯ Wiccer¡¯s father put together the first three RPD units to patrol each village and city within Long Whisper as well as the borderlands. ¡®Our vigilance is immeasurable¡¯ was the Rovers¡¯ creed.


    ¡°This is Sergeant Ilaird Jackdaw,¡± Elucard finally said, gesturing a hand to the Rover, ¡°He has agreed to allow you recruits to accompany his patrol to Outpost Wolfcry.¡±


    Wiccer knew that outpost well. It once served as his former guild hall and was half a day¡¯s travel from his home. It would be a three day¡¯s march from Lost Dawns. However, it was not the travel time that concerned him. It was the location of the road leading to the outpost that was so disconcerting. He knew Elucard¡¯s reason for picking this particular mission. This route bordered Black Rabbit territory and could be the mission that would make or break the ARO. This was their final test.


    ¡°Ilaird¡¯s patrol will be escorting a supply convoy to Wolfcry. The road rubs against Black Rabbit territory and though I doubt they will make a move against such a protected train of wagons, you¡¯ll be seeing that the convoy makes it to the outpost in one piece,¡± Elucard said, confirming Wiccer¡¯s thoughts.


    ¡°Will you be leading us, Elucard?¡± asked Timber. Her voice was unusually shaky from either anxiety or excitement.


    ¡°No, Elisa and I will not be joining you. Wiccer will be leading this mission.¡±


    Murmurs erupted from the recruits. A chance to confront the Black Rabbits and Elucard was not leading them?


    ¡°Succeed in this mission and you¡¯ll officially be ARO,¡± said Elucard. He motioned for Wiccer to step in front of the squad, ¡°They¡¯re all yours, Captain.¡±


    Ilaird nodded to Wiccer, ¡°We¡¯ll be waiting outside the gates¡±.


    Wiccer stood motionless in front of his waiting soldiers, each wearing worry on their faces. This would be Wiccer¡¯s first true mission since his failed attempt at saving Jaelyn, and he was not sure if he was prepared to be responsible for so many lives. His hands shook as he choked on the words within his dry mouth, ¡°M-Move out!¡±


    ***


    ARO had been trained in escort maneuvers just as Black Rabbits were. Hidden deep in the shadows, a Rabbit can watch without interruption and keep the element of surprise if its objective were to be attacked. Those that would attack would be unaware of the Rabbit and thus lose any upper hand they would have had otherwise. Not only this, but if several Rabbits were escorting, Rabbits could break away and scout ahead or hunt for possible ambushers before a trap was sprung. A Rabbit was at home within the shadows. ARO had been trained to be no different.


    Wiccer stalked closely alongside Sergeant Ilaird, using a variety of bird calls that Elucard and Elisa taught him to communicate with his team. This allowed him to be able to coordinate with his men who were too far to whisper to.


    ¡°Rulan and Trek, keep alert in the eastern woods,¡± Wiccer signaled with a long coo.


    ¡°Roger that, captain,¡± A series of stuttering chirps echoed from the trees on the eastern side of the road.


    Lear sprinted up to Wiccer, making sure to stay light on his feet and incognito. He had been running about the convoy keeping tabs on all the ARO in their various positions.


    ¡°What do you have to report, Lear?¡± Wiccer whispered lowly.


    ¡°This Yakahti reports that Timber spots no one following us. Calsoon¨C¡± Lear stopped suddenly as Blayvaar appeared before them, urgency in his eyes.


    ¡°What is it Blayvaar?¡± asked Wiccer, scanning frantically ahead of the convoy.


    ¡°A fallen tree lies ahead of us, captain. A single path heads west into the forest. It is very narrow with very little light.¡±


    ¡°Did you scout out the path?¡±


    ¡°I did.¡±


    ¡°Well, what did you find?¡± asked Wiccer, growing a bit impatient.


    ¡°I heard silent whispers ¨C the kind that Elucard and Elisa taught us. They were saying, ¡®The caravan is heading this way.¡¯ They were Rabbits, I¡¯m sure of it, captain.¡±


    Wiccer bit his lip. He knew that Blayvaar was right. ¡®This is it. This is what we trained for.¡¯ However, a simple ambush was a breezy morning stroll for the Black Rabbits. It was in their blood. ¡®How would Elucard react?¡¯ He checked his surroundings, hoping that the answer would present itself in some obvious way. And in a sense it did. All at once his training kicked in. ¡¯With precision.¡¯Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    ¡°Lear, relay the possibility of an ambush to the Rovers. I¡¯ll call the rest of the team about the situation.¡±


    The western path was a thin wooded road that took a longer route to the southwest. It would pour into a large highway that would eventually arrive at Outpost Wolfcry. However, it proved to be a very precarious method of travel for the convoy. The trees were huddled close together and encroached onto the already narrow road. The RPD patrol needed to march single file or else they would bump clumsily into the trees.


    Despite it being mid-afternoon, the sun barely breached through the canopy of the arching branches. Had it not been for most of the soldiers being Elven, they would be traveling at an even more labored rate.


    ¡°Be on alert, men. That fallen tree was probably not a coincidence,¡± Ilaird called out to his Rovers. Although he had been briefed on the eminent ambush, he was specifically told not act as though he knew about it.


    At this point, it was Wiccer¡¯s job to flush out any and all Black Rabbits that were skulking about. Both Calsoon and Timber took to the trees. Trek and Rulan used their combined tracking skills to hunt the Rabbits, while Blayvaar and Lear stayed at the caravan¡¯s rear. Essie was on standby with the Rover medic, awaiting any sudden emergency.


    Wiccer attempted to rest his pulse as he kept his senses strained for any sign of danger. As a White Cloak he was trained to expect attacks, but never had he expected an attack that he knew about in advance. This was the single most nerve-racking moment in his life. If he were in the heat of battle he would feel at home, distracted from his fears and anxiety, but the anticipation of battle was more than he could bear.


    A whiffling sound ripped through the air as a wagon driver let out a short scream of agony. Another similar series of sounds broke through the previously silent scene. Two more wagon drivers screamed, signaling that the convoy was under attack.


    A screeching whistle echoed through the treetops followed by a careening arrow flying from one side of the road to the other. Wiccer watched as a shadowy Black Rabbit fell from his perch in the trees. Its body crashed to the ground, one of Timber¡¯s arrows lodged into his chest.


    In a fraction of a moment, a hail of shurikens showered from the trees into the convoy below. Rovers slid under the wagons for cover as Wiccer scrambled for the nearby wood line. Keeping a steady mind set, he whistled commands to his nearby allies, telling them to scurry up the trees and relieve the Rovers from the hailstorm of deadly attacks.


    Wiccer watched as the nimble soldiers rushed up the trunks of the trees, daggers clenched between their teeth. The clashing of steel rang out throughout the canopy as ARO engaged the Rabbits. One by one, assassins fell from the trees and smashed into the woodland floor below.


    From either side of the caravan burst bands of Rabbits from the shadowy brush, all brandishing swords and hatchets. Wiccer shouted out several orders commanding ARO and the Rovers to defend the supply wagons at all costs. An all-out battle ensued as blade sparked against blade. Blood sprayed onto the nearby leaves and gathered in pools in the grass beneath the warriors¡¯ feet.


    Between engaging the advancing enemies, Wiccer made sure to keep an eye on his own forces. He kept his ears open for reports from each area of the battlefield and watched as both medics ran frantically to the aid of any fallen soldier. Arrows whizzed past Wiccer and his allies as Timber sniped out any unaware Black Rabbits. Calsoon and Blayvaar lurked from behind the Black Rabbit lines, slicing open unsuspecting throats. Lear, Trek, and Rulan slowly battered back the Rabbit offensive. Wiccer grinned widely, the battle was won.


    Outpost Wolfcry opened its gates as the caravan entered. Arrows and shuriken protruded from the splintered wooden sides of the three wagons. New drivers were assigned from the squad of Roving Guards.


    ¡°Well done, captain. We were weary of having ARO assist us in this mission, given the reputation of your commander, but you proved useful. You aren¡¯t the scumbags you are rumored to be,¡± said a relieved Ilaird at the breach of the outpost¡¯s gate.


    Wiccer nodded. ARO¡¯s had a reputation as a motley crew of losers and rogues that came together under the wing of the vilest criminal Long Whisper had ever known. Not only this, but they were sanctioned by the king to learn the very techniques that were used against other soldiers. It was easy to question ARO¡¯s trustworthiness with such a pedigree. And yet Wiccer witnessed first hand that ARO was worthy to carry the banner of Long Whisper. He was proud of his ragtag unit. He was proud to be a part of it too.


    ¡°Thank you, sergeant. We¡¯ll be heading back to Lost Dawns in the morning,¡± grinned Wiccer.


    ¡°My men and I would be more than happy to have ARO watching our backs on future missions. You may never earn the complete respect of our forces, but I don¡¯t think that you¡¯ll lose much sleep over that. You seem to only care about getting your mission accomplished successfully.¡±


    ¡°Aye, respect is overrated, Sergeant.¡±


    ¡°Rogues who hunt rogues. The shadows that guard the light,¡± mused Ilaird.


    Wiccer smirked at the thought.


    Ilaird threw a salute to Wiccer before joining his men in the soup line.


    ***


    ARO returned to their city victorious in the following days. They all stood in formation on the parade Field. Before them Elucard stood beside a large, mysterious crate. Elucard himself was no longer dressed in his familiar training armor, but instead donned light armor that was a deep black. A black half mask covered his lower face and a crimson hood and a long red cloak covered the rest of his head. His ninjato was strapped behind his waist. His upper arms stuck out the most. On his right shoulder was the patch of Long Whisper¡¯s flag: An elaborate eight looped knot with a ring of leaves encasing it. On his left shoulder, a patch depicting a red lightning bolt with an eye in the foreground. Below that patch was the triple chevron and fulcrum of a staff sergeant, just like the one that Ilaird wore. Elucard was officially a Long Whisper soldier now.


    ¡°Looking slick, Elucard,¡± Blayvaar said, grinning widely.


    ¡°Sergeant Elucard,¡± Elucard corrected. He kicked open the crate, revealing a stack of black leather armor and red cloaks, ¡°Wiccer reported to me that you all ran into Black Rabbits.¡± The squad smiled and chuckled. Elucard continued, ¡°And despite some injuries, there were no deaths.¡±


    Several of the ARO recruits hooted in excitement


    ¡°Quiet down!¡± harped Wiccer.


    ¡°Thank you, captain,¡± Elucard said, nodding toward Wiccer, ¡°Men, you have performed with precision and perfection. Three months of training. Three months! I have worked you like dogs. Hell, worse than dogs. Instead of snapping like a rust-eaten sword, you cut into those Rabbit bastards like a freshly forged blade. You are now ARO.¡± Elucard paused, watching their grins grow wider, ¡°More than that. You are now a clan. Every clan needs a name ¨C a name that the enemy will utter in fear when your shadow falls upon them.¡±


    ¡°What name would that be?¡± questioned Essie.


    ¡°The Watchers,¡± Elucard replied with a sliver of menace woven into his tone, ¡°And we Watchers need to look the part. Come get your new uniforms!¡± Elucard passed the newly sewn ARO uniforms to the soldiers.


    ¡°Elucard, a suggestion for our unit¡¯s motto?¡± Wiccer piped up dawning his new red cloak.


    ¡°What do you have in mind?¡±


    ¡°The shadows that guard the light.¡±

 Chapter 52: The Varis War Begins

    The Verdant Academy¡¯s botanical garden was one of Koda¡¯s favorite destinations. Its winding pebble paths wove throughout lanes of exotic trees and vivid wildflowers. A small pond accented the garden with its lush lotuses growing from the lily-pads that calmly floated on its still surface. Koda rested dazedly on the pond¡¯s bank, a book spread open on his chest. Wildeye amusingly played with a toad.


    ¡°Imagine if this was our life, girl; just lazing about without a care in the world. So much has changed¡­¡± He trailed off, lost in thought. His armada was to leave within two days¡¯ time. He could not help but wonder how many young souls he had sent to die on the shores of Varis. But before those thoughts could send him spiraling into a deep despair, a voice called out, distracting him from all of his worries.


    ¡°You will be bored by the end of the week.¡± Koda looked behind him to see Megan approaching.


    ¡°I suppose so. I guess we¡¯ll never find out, will we?¡± Koda smirked teasingly.


    ¡°Word on the wind says you were looking for me,¡± Megan said, plucking an apple from a nearby hanging branch.


    ¡°I was. Then I got distracted by the allure of a lazy afternoon,¡± he admitted.


    ¡°You wish that my school and I join your forces,¡± she said bluntly. She did not need to be a seer to know what was on his mind.


    If she was going to get right down to it, Koda figured it best to be frank, ¡°And?¡±


    Megan knelt down to scoop up the toad that Wildeye had been unknowingly frightening. Wildeye gave off a whine as her newfound playmate was abruptly taken from her.


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Megan replied, sounding genuinely let down.


    ¡°You can¡¯t?¡± Koda questioned, taken aback by the response.


    ¡°I am the Headmaster of a mage academy, Koda. The Mage Council forbids us to take sides in ¡®petty political disputes.¡¯¡± She mockingly spoke the last words.


    ¡°But I need you by my side!¡± Koda insisted.


    ¡°My hands are tied, my pupil.¡±


    Koda took a deep breath to calm his thoughts. He set his disappointment aside, seeking ways around the problem, ¡°Could you send me volunteer mages? I can really use any skilled spell caster that I can get my hands on.¡±


    ¡°I will see if we have any students willing.¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Koda bowed before his master, ¡°I thank you¡­ for everything. You have gone above and beyond to not only be my teacher, but a guide and friend as well.¡±


    Megan bowed back, ¡°Same to you, Koda.


    ***


    The Serpent Sea separated Long Whisper from Varis. It was aptly named for the many snake-like sea serpents that lurked in the murky depths below. Once, long ago, the sea serpents were not the only thing that struck fear into the hearts of seafarers, but also the pirates that terrorized the Serpent Sea. However, the glory days of swashbucklers and buccaneers had long passed.


    Koda¡¯s armada was two hundred ships strong and was now closing in on the northern beach after a two days¡¯ journey. However, it was not a dangerous voyage. Estinia currently dominated the waters of the Serpent Sea and was currently laying siege to Varis¡¯ capital city.


    ¡°How close are they now, captain?¡± Koda asked Captain Faircloud. He and several other nobles watched the line of Estinian ships slowly trudging closer to their position. Although they seemed a ways off, they were still a threat. As Koda¡¯s fleet drew closer to the northern beaches it was apparent that part of the sea had a ¡°welcome party¡± of sorts waiting for them, consisting of several enemy ships.


    ¡°They be in our cannon range in half an hour,¡± The captain said as he lowered his looking glass from his eye, ¡°M¡¯Lord, It ain¡¯t the blasted ships that be scarin¡¯ me, but them drakes in the sky.¡± Faircloud pointed a shaky finger up towards the skies. He took a swig from a wine bottle to calm his sea-worn nerves.


    Koda and the nobles peered through the sky, spotting the large shadows of the dragons. Soaring through the clouds, a flight of forty lesser dragons could be seen. Each being manned by a drake rider and flying in sync with one another.


    ¡°My king, it would seem we are sailing to our deaths,¡± Lenfell Raindancer said fearfully, his cerulean eyes glinting in the high noon sun.


    ¡°Those drakes will decimate us, never mind the twenty ships on either side of us preparing to blow us out of the water!¡± exclaimed Sove Breezerunner. Her voice was just shrill enough to grant Koda a slight headache.


    ¡°Captain, Varisian banners await us on shore, do you see them?¡±


    ¡°I see banners, M¡¯Lord, but not Varis,¡± the captain said with slight disdain in his words.


    ¡°Southtail?¡± Koda said, slightly hopeful. But he knew the truth. The Estinains had been laying siege to Varis City for at least a week. Stonewall, the mountain pass city to the south, had been under Estinian occupation for even longer. The chances that Varis could actually send troops or aid to Long Whisper for their landing was a long shot. Koda would have to split his forces in order to both relieve Varis City and to reclaim Stonewall. But the question remained: How many forces could he safely land on the beaches?


    ¡°Estinians, M¡¯Lord,¡± said Faircloud, confirming Koda¡¯s fears.


    Koda¡¯s face was stiff, but turned grim. His options were few. He had enough ships to win a naval battle, but with the drakes above and the forces on the beach, he was not sure how much of his army he would have left at the end of it all.


    ¡°What are your orders, your grace?¡± Lenfell asked.


    ¡°We suppress the ships with a cannon barrage while we push as many landing craft onto the shore as possible. We need to strike hard and fast. We¡¯ll win no matter what, but the victory is hollow if we lose too many of our forces. Varis awaits our aid!¡±


    ¡°What of the drakes?¡± asked Sove, a bit more calmly than when she spoke before.


    ¡°I will leave them for the Silent Ones. We shall see just how great Jedeo¡¯s might truly is.¡±

 Chapter 53: The Silent Ones vs the Drakes

    Avalon knelt down on the deck of the Wave Skimmer. Adema slowly made her way toward her and knelt at her side. Avalon had already informed her Silent Ones about the drakes and they were all-too-eager to tackle the issue head on. Together, the Silent Ones discussed their plan of attack. After a long deliberation a plan was hatched. For them to be successful, they would need the help of the volunteer mages that were aboard the ship.


    ¡°Would it be possible for you and the other mages to get us into the skies?¡± Avalon had asked a young Kanis vernal mage named Tobian.


    Tobian looked into the skies, as if estimating the distance from the ship to the drakes. He rubbed his chin as he thought of a solution to the question. Nodding, he called over two of his colleagues and then turned back to Avalon, ¡°I have a plan, so prepare yourselves.You¡¯ll hit the skies fast and reckless. I¡¯m not sure how you¡¯ll make it back down safely, though.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll play it by ear,¡± she responded, curious as to how the mages planned to launch her and her comrades skyward.


    ***


    As the Long Whisper armada neared closer to the shore, a shuddering noise broke through the grassy plains like a rolling thunder, followed by the explosive crack of splintering wood as cannonballs blew through the anchoring ships. Orders rang out as numerous skiffs filled with soldiers attempted to make their way to the unwelcoming beaches.


    As the Long Whisper soldiers neared the beach, a storm of steel tipped arrows launched from the Estinian rear lines and showered onto the army of skiffs. The men raised their shields to shelter themselves from the hailstorm, but several arrows found crevices between the shields and armor, piercing soldiers as the sailors desperately attempted to move forward to unload their passengers.


    Blood stirred within the ocean as wave upon wave of arrows blanketed the skies, whistling down upon the grieved soldiers. An order broke out to push forward as the elves jumped into the waist deep salty waters. Their shields remained raised above their heads and their swords and spears were ready for battle.


    Fiery globes spewed from the mouths of the war drakes and crashed destructively onto the clippers below, splashing an oily fire across the decks and onto the sails. Sailors screamed in agony as their skin melted under the intense heat of the corrosive chemical. The drake riders sent their beasts in for a swooping maneuver, heaving a stream of blazing fire across several more ships before pulling the drakes back into the safety of the clouds. Large plumes of black smoke rose, creating a fog that stung the eyes and choked sailors.


    ***


    The thirty-one Silent Ones crouched on the deck, their Silencers poised upwards tracking the movements of the drakes. On either side of the platoon of holy warriors were vernal mages that awaited Avalon¡¯s call.


    Avalon nodded to the Silent Ones before cuing Tobian, ¡°Do it.¡±


    Tobian and five other vernal mages waved their arms in wide counter-clockwise circles before ending their cast in a powerful upward thrust. Underneath each Silent One popped a piston of wood that launched them into the air and through the smoky fog.


    Avalon¡¯s eyes watered from the stinging smoke and air. Her white coat flapped wildly, trailing behind her as she careened toward her target. Unbeknownst to the rider, Avalon performed a graceful moonsault over him as she grabbed his head, flipped him off his saddle and landed in his place. The rider echoed a scream as he fell through the clouds.


    Quick to check her surroundings, she found her Silent Ones dispatching their foes in a similar fashion. However, some were not as lucky and either over shot or grabbed onto whatever body part of the drakes they could.


    Avalon raised her sword over her head and rammed it between the drake¡¯s shoulders. The scaly beast screeched in agony as it spun upside down attempting to rid itself of its unwelcome guest.


    Instinctively, Avalon swiftly tangled her hands in the reins just before she found herself dangling from the saddle above her. Straining, she grunted as she brought her feet into the iron stirrups. As the drake spun right side up, Avalon used the opportunity to grab her blade which was still stuck in the drake¡¯s spine. Jumping cat-like onto the saddle, she carefully ran down the beast¡¯s neck. The wind whipped at her and tossed her from side to side. Avalon mustered all her skill and dexterity to stay balanced. Soon, her efforts paid off as she found herself on top of its spike-rippled head. With a sharp strike, Avalon drove her Silencer into the crown of the drake¡¯s skull. The kill was instant, and immediately the drake dropped into a dangerous free fall. Avalon knelt down, gripping her blade¡¯s handle as the drake¡¯s dead body picked up speed. To her right she saw two more limp drakes plummeting through the sky. Above them were two falling figures. Avalon spotted a drake¡¯s talons driving at her from her left. Avalon was too surprised to react as the drake slammed into her in mid air, her Silencer flipped wildly from her hand.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    Avalon gathered her senses as she flew, rolling around. She outstretched her arm and grabbed her blade before she crashed into the drake¡¯s tail. With one hand tightly gripping her blade and her other arm wrapped around the drake¡¯s tail, Avalon scrambled up its back and made her way to the riding saddle. She grabbed the Estinain rider by his collar and ran him through with her blade before kicking the rider from the saddle.


    ¡°That was a little too close,¡± she muttered under her breath.


    Streams of fire swiped across the sky as Silent Ones acrobatically leaped from drake to drake, leaving a trail of death in their wake. Avalon desperately pulled her reins attempting to tug a drake away from an oncoming fire breath, but to no avail. Before she could be burned to a charred husk, Avalon dove downward and landed on the neck of a swooping drake below. A hand reached out and pulled her to the safety of the seat.


    ¡°Never rode a horse before, Silver Wing?¡± Adema teased, glowing with the thrill of battle.


    Avalon sucked in a long breath as the two veered to the right, avoiding a collision with a falling drake. She snapped her head back to watch the drake fall into a spin as two Silent Ones cut through its wings. Avalon looked back toward Adema and pointed to drakes all plummeting from the sky, ¡°Signal to the Silent Ones and kill your drake. Our mission is complete!¡±


    Avalon jumped to the side and landed a kick on a drake rider that flew close by. The rider¡¯s jaw rocked unnaturally sideways before the jolt knocked him through a cloud. Avalon watched as her sword burned a bright gold, giving her a sense of urgency to follow Adema. Plunging her sword into the neck of the drake, she twisted the handle and ran her Silencer horizontally, brutally slicing the drake¡¯s head nearly off. All that was left was to find a way down.


    Avalon searched for a solution to her rapidly arriving demise. If she landed with the drake corpse, the suction of the impact would swallow her quickly. Avalon released her sword from the drake and leaped forward before the body splashed into the ocean. Avalon sailed forward, aiming for a set of skiffs safely away from cannon barrage and the shore. Within a matter of moments, Avalon had sheathed her Silencer and dove in a beautiful splashless arc into the sea. Above her she saw a skiff floating just beyond her reach. With a stroke of good fortune or perhaps divine providence, a hand grabbed her and pulled her onto the skiff. Avalon collapsed onto the ground, grateful for any help.


    ¡°Oi saw what ya did, lass. Unbelievable!¡± the sailor said, patting her on the back.


    ¡°Jedeo was under my feet,¡± she said, still coughing up seawater. Once she had assured herself enough that she was unharmed, she swiveled her head searching the skies for her descending allies.


    ¡°You be lookin'' fer yer kin? Oi saw ¡®em fall not too far to our east. They were snatched up likes you. Jedeo may not control the winds like Nayovi but I¡¯d be mad not to think she ain''t got some ''ole magic fer ya,¡± the sailor said reassuringly to Avalon.


    A ram''s horn could be heard blurting from the shores. Estininia''s forces were quick to retreat as the bulk of Long Whisper¡¯s forces made it to the shores. Banners were struck into the ground to signify to the anchored ships that the Northern Shore was captured. By sunset a full encampment would be raised. Avalon''s skiff arrived on the shore soon after. She did not have to go far to reunite with Adema.


    ¡°Any deaths?¡± Avalon asked anxiously.


    ¡°None. A few injuries, but nothing that will keep them from battle,¡± reported Adema.


    Avalon nodded as she removed her soaked coat and draped it on her shoulder.


    ¡°You did well, Silver Wing. Perhaps you wish to gather your Silent Ones and lead them in prayer?¡± Adema suggested as they both walked over to where the Silent Ones were gathered.


    She searched the eyes of the Silent Ones. Some of their coats were stained black from the grime and smoke. Perhaps prayer was precisely what they needed.


    Adema knelt next to the other Silent Ones and bowed her head, ¡°Our Silver Wing wishes to lead us in prayer.¡±


    Avalon stood silently. She gripped her leather-bound sword handle as it cracked. She had been an assassin, a gladiatrix, and now a Silent One. In the end, she was raised to be a killer, lived to be a killer, and would die a killer. Alanna or Jedeo. It did not matter. They both used her for her skill with a blade. Jedeo had her heart, but Alanna still held her soul.


    ¡°Avalon, we are waiting,¡± Whispered Adema.


    ¡®Until the final light of the final morn,


    We will forever serve as Jedeo¡¯s Bloodborne,¡¯


    Avalon paused, wondering if she was jaded by her duties. The same duties that she held as a High Blade were the same she held as a Silent One.


    Adema grabbed her and pulled her to the side, ¡°Silver Wing, we must not falter in the Night. When we fall, we must pick ourselves up. We depend on each other as much Jedeo depends on us.¡±


    Avalon lowered her head and whispered in Adema¡¯s ear, ¡°I sought Jedeo to be free from the blood that I bathed in. Now I am asked to return to that blood and bathe in more.¡±


    Adema lowered her hood and the mask that covered her lower face. Her black veins pulsed across her cheeks and her amber eyes searched Avalon¡¯s, ¡°Jedeo has chosen you so that you can protect many with your skills. Do not run from them, but embrace them. These Silent Ones look to you as a leader. You need to lead them.¡±


    ¡°Who will lead me?¡±


    Adema lifted Avalon¡¯s chin and smiled brightly, ¡°My friend, Jedeo leads you.¡±


    Avalon grinned meekly. She moved back to the kneeling Silent Ones and finished her prayer.


    ¡®And until that final light of that final morn,


    We will forever guide those as Jedeo¡¯s Heavensworn.¡¯


    ¡°Amen.¡±

 Chapter 54: Rest and Relaxation

    It took all day and night to establish a base camp on the Northern Shore. Large tents and canopies were erected ¨C a quartermaster, a medical bay, a chow line, a resting area, and one particularly enormous tent in the center that served as a war council.


    Koda gathered the seven lords along with Avalon, Wiccer, and his commanding general, Ashmer. They looked over a large territorial map of Varis, sticking a dagger into the various points of interests. A dagger marked the location of the capital city of Varis, the mining city of Stonewall, a clearing just beyond the Southern Shore, and their beach camp on the Northern Shore.


    General Ashmer was an older elf dressed in a green and gold dress jacket. His golden star insignia glinted on his collar. His unit patch depicted a spear in the foreground of a gold tree with eight branches protruding from it, representing the 1st Spearman Division. He lit his pipe, taking in the smooth tobacco before delving into his plan.


    ¡°Varis City is under siege, Stonewall is currently occupied by the enemy, and the Southern Shore holds the main concentration of Estinia¡¯s reserve forces,¡± he paused as his pipe puffed up a ring of white smoke. The smoke danced in the air with a thick cherryroot scent, ¡°Varis¡¯s forces won¡¯t be able to assist us until the city has been relieved. Stonewall both serves as a gate past the Sarkeir Mountains to the south and as a supply complex for steel weapons and armor for the Estinian siege. The clearing beyond the mountains north of the Southern Shore would be an ideal spot for a final battle.¡±


    Wiccer rubbed his chin, looking over the map and nodding passively to Ashmer¡¯s briefing, ¡°A good assessment, but what is your proposed course of action, general?¡±


    Ashmer removed the Varis City dagger and thrust it into the large map next to the clearing¡¯s dagger, ¡°We send a large force to stop the siege and rally the Varisian army to the clearing,¡± he then took the Northern Shore dagger and the Stonewall dagger and placed them with the other two daggers next to the southern clearing, ¡°The remaining forces liberate Stonewall, meet up with the forces from the southern clearing, and run Estinia out of Varis!¡±


    Long Whisper¡¯s officers muttered in agreement. He pointed to several lords, ¡°Lady Aisling, Lady Sove, Lord Fendrick, Lord Lenfrell, and Lord Eris ¨C take your forces and drive back the siege to unite with King Dallin and head to the clearing. Lord Athar and Lady Cass, your forces will stay with the Silent Ones and myself. Together we¡¯ll reclaim Stonewall for Varis and rendezvous with the forces from Varis City.¡±


    Koda caught Wiccer looking aloof as he balked at the king¡¯s assignment of the dividing forces, ¡°Your father is in Varis City, isn¡¯t he Captain Newsun?¡±


    Wiccer looked up, caught a bit off guard. The White Cloaks originated from Varis City and his father had been recently stationed there to assist the Varisian army. Wiccer had been deeply worried for him. His anxiety had been exacerbated ever since the city fell under siege. He had hoped that it would be his unit that was sent to Varis City, and he could not hide the disappointment on his face, ¡°Yes, my King,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Do you wish to go save Varis City with the other forces?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Every fiber in his body wished to say yes, but he knew he needed to stay with his Watchers, ¡°¡­My place is leading the ARO¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± said Ashmer, cutting his way back into the conversation, ¡°because we could use the ARO to scout out the forest before Stonewall. The last thing we need is to be ambushed by Black Rabbits as we make our way there,¡±


    Koda, both concerned and curious, asked, ¡°ARO had three months to train. Are they ready to take on the Black Rabbits?¡±


    I hope so. Wiccer thought to himself. That would have been the correct response, but was not the one he went with, ¡°Our Watchers are an apt group of individuals that were rigorously trained by the best of the best. We are more than capable of dealing with anything that the Black Rabbits can throw at us!¡± Wiccer said with slightly feigned confidence.


    ¡°Excellent, captain. Gather your men and clear that forest of any Rabbit scum!¡± General Ashmer said with more than a hint of thrill in his voice.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Wiccer responded with a neat salute. He bowed to his king and lords before exiting the tent.


    ***


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have medic things you¡¯re supposed to be doing?¡± Rulan asked, frustrated with Essie¡¯s insufferable giggling and teasing.


    Trek had set up a chess board in one of the more quiet spots of the encampment. He and Rulan sat on logs with the checkered, wooden board resting on a barrel between them. Rulan shifted on his log, squirming as if he were being bitten by invisible ants. The thought of another loss to his more mentally agile brother made him fidget uncontrollably. Essie¡¯s commentary did not help the atmosphere. She hissed through her teeth every time Rulan made a foolish move that would cost him a piece.


    ¡°And what, miss watching your precious ego take another beating? I don¡¯t think so!¡± laughed Essie. She patted her brother on his head in a patronizing manner, ¡°Come on Rulan, haven¡¯t you learned anything from Grandpops Sirbik? Never let your opponent control the middle rows.¡±Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    ¡°I know, I know!¡± yammered Rulan.


    Trek smiled amusingly, ¡°I miss those days. I miss all the goodies that Grandma would set out for family gatherings. She always had those wooden figures covering the shelves, and a few cats curled up by the hearth. She served the piping hot vegetable and lamb pies on the coldest of winter nights. Grandma Betts gave you that old white stuffed bear, right Essie?¡±


    Essie chuckled, shoving Trek to the side to make room on the log besides him for her to sit, ¡°Snowflake. I still remember him.¡±


    Rulan reached over and flicked Trek¡¯s ear tip the way he always had to get his attention, ¡°Hey, stop concentrating on the past, and focus on the present, I just took your bishop!¡±


    Trek rubbed his ear, ¡°I have time to concentrate on the past when I move three moves ahead,¡± Trek slid his knight into position and trapped Rulan¡¯s king, ¡°Checkmate! You owe me three trit!¡±


    Rulan zeroed in on his king¡¯s position, eying the checkmate in disbelief, ¡°Wait a minute. I can¡­ well I can¡­ damn, I can¡¯t believe I lost again!¡±


    Trek grinned from ear to ear, ¡°Statistically speaking you should have won at least after the eighth game.¡±


    Rulan reached into his coin purse and pulled out three bronze coins. Each had a picture of king Jaelyn on the front and crescent moon on the back, ¡°Three Jae-faces. There, are you happy now? I¡¯m broke. How bout you let me win some trit back in a sparring match?¡±


    Trek began packing up his chess set, a wide grin still plastered on his face, ¡°How bout I give these trit to Essie and you spar her for them?¡±


    Essie slid up to Rulan and flicked his ear, ¡°How bout it Rulan?¡±


    Rulan backed up, ¡°Oh no, I err, just remembered ¨C I¡¯m pretty hungry. How about we find Timber and Calsoon and grab some chow?¡±


    ¡°Anything but fight your sister, eh, Rulan?¡± chuckled Trek.


    ¡°Anything!¡± blathered Rulan as he jogged away.


    ***


    Blayvaar and Lear stood in line for fish stew at the chow tent with growling stomachs. Neither had seen so much as a bread crumb since they left for Varis. Blayvaar gripped his stomach to quiet his hunger, but to no avail. He sighed heavily, turning to his Yakahti friend, ¡°This line needs to hurry up. My stomach is growing louder than a cat having its tail step¨C¡± he caught himself as Lear raised a brow, ¡°¡­I like cats.¡± Blayvaar finished blankly as he could not readily find a way not to offend the expert swordsman.


    ¡°This yikahti likes cats too,¡± Lear grinned with a snaggletooth smile.


    Blayvaar and Lear finally came to the front of the line and eagerly held out their tin bowls. The cook eyed their uniforms and scowled, ¡°Move aside, I ain¡¯t got no stew for you lot.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Blayvaar questioned, flabbergasted by the rejection.


    ¡°You heard me, move aside. There¡¯s plenty of hungry soldiers more deserving of food than the two of you,¡± the cook sneered.


    ¡°This yikahti doesn¡¯t understand. We waited in line just like the others.¡± As calm as he seemed, Lear was furious on the inside.


    A soldier shoved Lear from behind, ¡°Get lost, Rabbit! You¡¯ve got no right to our food!¡±


    Lear spun around, a claw reaching for his sword¡¯s hilt. Blayvaar grabbed his wrist as he pushed himself in front of his companion.


    The soldier thrust a finger into the former thief¡¯s chest, ¡°Got something to say?¡±


    Blayvaar smirked and he crossed his arms over his chest, relaxing his stance, ¡°Don¡¯t I know you?¡±


    The soldier shook his head.


    ¡°No, I swear we¡¯ve met,¡± Blayvaar insisted.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mingle with Rabbits.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I remember. Me and six of my ¡®Rabbit¡¯ friends handed you and twenty plus of your friends your asses that night in the Mystic Fang. Sad day in the 12th Spearman Division¡¯s short history, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡±


    The soldier¡¯s face flushed red as he began to grind his teeth in fury, ¡°Well there¡¯s two of you and all of us ready to have our payback! What do you say to that?¡±


    Blayvaar drew his two daggers and licked his lips, ¡°I¡¯d say you¡¯re welcome to try!¡±


    Before the chaos could ensue, a command broke out in the area, ¡°Atten-tion!¡±


    Wiccer pushed his way to the root of the commotion. He flashed a hard-nosed face at Blayvaar before addressing both hungry Watchers, ¡°Get your food to go, we have a mission.¡±


    ¡°I ain¡¯t serving those two,¡± the cook butted in, repeating his stance.


    Wiccer gave a cold, iron-eyed stare to the cook who might as well have crawled away into a dark corner.


    ¡°I say you will,¡± Wiccer sternly growled.


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± The cook meekly said, quick to fill up Lear and Blayvaar¡¯s bowls.


    Wiccer turned to the Spearman¡¯s face, ¡°Do you have a problem with my men?¡±


    ¡°No, sir.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your name, soldier?¡±


    ¡°Rith, sir,¡± he said with much disdain.


    ¡°You won¡¯t start anything with my men again, or I will smoke you so hard the skies will rain with the tears of the gods from watching you sweat! Is that clear, Private Rith?¡±


    ¡°Crystal clear, captain,¡± the soldier said, grimacing with every syllable, then swallowing hard as if he were swallowing a mouthful of glass shards.


    ¡°We¡¯re never going to get their respect,¡± Blayvaar whispered to Lear.


    ¡°The shadows that guard the light, my friend,¡± Lear whispered back.

 Chapter 55: Scattered Chaos!

    The edge of the looming forest just beyond the encampment on the northern shore gave off a haunting presence. It sent chills down the spines of the youthful ARO members. Shadows reached out to each one of them with desperation as if the shadows themselves were trying to escape the clutches of the forest from whence they came. The silence was unsettling as well. No chirping, no sounds of small animals scurrying up trees. Nothing could be heard in the belly of the woods.


    Elucard peered through the seemingly endless forest before signaling for his men to follow his lead. He, Elisa, Lear, Calsoon, and Timber leaped into the trees and made their way jumping lightly from branch to branch. The others followed silently on foot.


    The Watchers trekked slowly through the thick forest, scouting a suitable path for the army to march through. The one that stood out was an old merchant route that had seen little travel over the recent years, but the ground was visibly worn. The trees had been cleared away to make room for horses and wagons. As far as Elucard could tell it passed through the forest and led into the mountains. Their mission seemed to finish without conflict and they made preparations to report their findings to Ashmer. Elucard signaled for those following him in the canopy to drop down to meet the ground squad.


    Wiccer took a knee before taking a sip from his water skin. It was cool on the forest floor, but exceptionally dark without the presence of the sun. However, the strange forest toyed with his body. His chin and nose were numb from the cold autumn air and his eyes could not quite make out the far off figures of those ahead of him. He was the only one in ARO that had to work extra hard to train his eyes to adjust to the darkness. The Elves, Kanis and the yikahti were genetically gifted when it came to low light vision. They could easily see their surroundings in the dark. If he had only taken more than just three months of training with Elucard, his eyesight may have been more attuned. Although his skills had greatly risen to meet the challenges that Elucard had put before him, his eyesight was still a weakness. One, he would soon realize, that would cost him dearly.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Lear?¡± Wiccer said confusingly as he finished a quick head count.


    Elucard stared blankly back at the trail towards the camp, ¡°He took the rear. Who was adjacent to him?¡±


    Calsoon piped up, still befuddled as to how Lear could be by his side one minute and gone the next, ¡°I was; although I am at a loss as to where he went.¡±


    Wiccer was reminded of the lessons Avren had given him about this exact scenario. A squad leader was to do head counts regularly. Those keeping the rear were easily taken captive. It was exceedingly dark in this forest. Was Lear snatched up by a Black Rabbit or was he merely lost? He knew that there was a possibility that the ARO was walking into a trap. His troops needed to keep a clear mind and not panic.


    ¡°We¨C¡± Wiccer started.


    ¡°Split up in pairs,¡± Elucard spat, quickly interrupting Wiccer, ¡°Stay in the trees. Look for any sign of Lear and show no mercy if you cross paths with the enemy. This has Rabbit scum written all over it!¡±


    ¡°Belay that order!¡± Wiccer said sharply. He glared at Elucard who narrowed his eyes back at Wiccer, ¡°Now is the time to think clearly. We¡¯ll get picked off one by one if we don¡¯t move in a pack. We have a better chance of survival if we stay together.¡±


    ¡°Wiccer, do not forget I know the Rabbits better than you. We¡¯ll cover more ground if we split up!¡± argued Elucard.


    ¡°I appreciate your wisdom here, Elucard. However, don¡¯t forget your place. I out rank you and the ARO is under my command.¡±


    There was a moment of harsh silence between the two.


    ¡°Your inexperience is going to get them killed,¡± spoke Elucard finally.


    ¡°Hold your tongue, sergeant,¡± spat Wiccer, grimacing from the sharp remark.


    ¡°You¡¯re still thinking like a Cloak. When Cloaks underestimate Rabbits, they get killed,¡± continued Elucard.


    ¡°I said hold your tongue, sergeant!¡± commanded Wiccer, his voice clearly rising.


    ¡°Have you learned nothing from me? At least learn from your brother¡¯s deat¨C¡±


    Wiccer lashed out with a ruthless backhand across Elucard¡¯s face, silencing the cold hard truth that Elucard was treading upon. The former White Cloak stood over a sneering Elucard still on the cold forest floor. A resounding gasp followed by murmurs erupted from the onlooking ARO members.


    Wiccer was breathing heavily, and slowly realization of what he had done set upon him. Finding his composure, he directed himself to his unit, ¡°Stay together, keep an eye on each other. Search the forest for Lear. Don¡¯t let the Rabbits separate you.¡± Wiccer waited a brief period as he saw no response or movement from his men, ¡°That¡¯s an order!¡± Wiccer barked.


    Elucard watched as the troops vanished into the shadows of the forest before eying his former rival slightly spitefully. Wiccer offered Elucard his hand to help him up to his feet.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± said Elucard after he brushed pine needles and dirt off himself.


    Wiccer¡¯s face was still sour, ¡°You¡¯re in the military now, Elucard. You will listen to my orders or I will see that you are back in chains and in a cell.¡±


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have brought up your brother,¡± said Elucard, ignoring Wiccer¡¯s threat.


    ¡°Just drop it,¡± said Wiccer, flatly. He shook his head and proceeded in the direction of his men, ¡°Let¡¯s go find Lear.¡±


    ***


    The members of the ARO hustled through the woods with adrenaline coursing through their veins and determination burning in their eyes. The Rabbits had one of their own and they would pay dearly for such a brazen action.


    Up ahead of the pack, Trek raised his fist to signal the group to stop. Each ARO member moved to face a separate direction, keeping eyes on each other¡¯s blind spots. Their hands gripped their swords with anticipation.


    Rulan crept up beside his brother, careful to stay within the shadows. He looked up at the surrounding trees, sweat beading down the side of his face despite the cold air. His eyes were wide with strain and worry. His mouth had been parched since Wiccer¡¯s outburst.


    ¡°Trek, did you find something?¡±


    Trek looked curiously at the scratchings on the trunk of a tree not too far in the distance. He narrowed his eyes as he followed the markings on the trunk upward and gasped as he saw the quick movement of a shambling blur in the tree¡¯s branches. Before he could piece the image together, he felt a sharp pain in his chest and he yelped in shock. He fell backward from the invisible force and writhed in the dead leaves that blanketed the forest floor.


    Trek¡¯s vision blurred and his hearing was muffled by his own constant shouting. He heard an array of voices coming from all around him.


    ¡°Essie! I need you over here!¡±


    ¡°Find cover, find cover!¡±


    ¡°Where is he? Did anyone see where the arrow came from?¡±


    Trek felt a desperate tug on his cloak as he was swiftly dragged behind a tree. The soothing voice of Elisa who was steadily calm during the calamitous time lulled him.


    ¡°Fret not, young one. All will be fine. Your sister in battle is here.¡±


    Reassuring as Elisa¡¯s words were, the pain was unbearable. He was sure the arrow tip had been coated in some type of poison or burning agent. Grunting and breathing hard, he shakily inspected the wound and confirmed his theory. His skin was corroded around the arrow shaft. He continued to scream in agony.


    Essie shoved her face into his, ¡°Trek, you need to get a hold of yourself. We need to know where the shooter is. You saw something and you need to point it out for Timber.¡±


    Another familiar voice came after Essie¡¯s, ¡°Aye, in which tree did you see the marksman?¡±


    The sound of his comrades¡¯ voices could be heard over the thud of arrows penetrating wood and dirt all around him. Trek heard Timber muttering to Essie, ¡°It¡¯s no use, Es. Trek¡¯s out of this one. If we could flank that general area, I could find a good shot to deal with the marksman. We¡¯re all pinned down here. The situation is fucked.¡±


    Elisa took out and polished a grimy mirror the size of her palm. Timber raised a brow annoyingly, ¡°This isn¡¯t the time to apply makeup, sweetheart.¡±


    Elisa smiled and winked playfully. Carefully, she guided the reflective glass around the cover of the tree, using it to view everything behind her. Despite her best efforts, the mirror did not give a clear picture. A well placed arrow shot the mirror out of her hand.


    ¡°The marksman is about twenty yards ahead of us. There¡¯s a cluster of about three trees over there. The archer is well hidden, even from my shadow elf sight,¡± reported Elisa, frowning.


    Essie nodded as she broke the shaft protruding from her brother¡¯s chest. She examined the wound as best she could, ¡°Timber, Elisa, this arrow is in deep. He needs medical attention that I can¡¯t give him here.¡±


    Timber took off her cloak and propped it onto her bow. She poked it the opposite side of where Elisa attempted her mirror trick. Within seconds the cloak was punctured by several arrows. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°Can¡¯t get a clear shot with this kind of suppression,¡± a frustrated Timber said cursing under her breath.


    Essie waved to get the attention of her other brother and Blayvaar who were behind a dirt mound across the way. Rulan watched as Essie made a series of hand gestures and nodded, understanding the code. He quietly relayed the message to Rulan.


    ¡°Trek needs serious medical attention,¡± Blayvaar said with urgency hanging onto his words.


    Calsoon slowly crawled under the ferns until he reached Rulan and Blayvaar. Rulan moved slightly over to make room for Calsoon to share their cover. Calsoon arched his back to peer over the mound, ¡°Ah, so that¡¯s what¡¯s keeping us pinned down,¡± he said with a thin, amused smile.


    Blayvaar took a turn to peep over the mound but saw nothing, ¡°You see something, Calsoon?¡±


    Calsoon nodded as he drew a dagger, ¡°The archer is covered in heavy camouflage but my eyes are too sharp to be fooled.¡± Calsoon scribbled a drawing in the dirt using acorns as their own position and pebbles as Timber, Essie, Elisa¡¯s and Trek¡¯s position. He marked an ¡®x¡¯ where he spotted the marksman.


    ¡°There isn¡¯t a way to get this information to Timber without giving away that we know where the enemy is,¡± Rulan said as he came to the painful conclusion.


    ¡°Calsoon, where are Wiccer and Elucard?¡± Blayvaar asked, trying to formulate a plan.


    ¡°A very good question, friend. Elucard spotted a Black Rabbit in the shadows behind us and took off as if Dhalamar himself were on his heels,¡± Calsoon chuckled to himself amused by the imagery, ¡°Wiccer followed after him.¡±


    ¡°Dammit,¡± cursed Blayvaar, ¡°We¡¯re on our own, boys.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the plan, Blayv?¡± Rulan asked.


    ¡°You and I will run to Timber and your sister¡¯s position, acting as decoys while Calsoon flanks the enemy and takes them out,¡± Blayvaar said, leaning a heavy shoulder on the still smiling Calsoon.


    Rulan measured the distance between the two points, ¡°That¡¯s about three seconds of distraction, Calsoon. Does that give you enough time?¡±


    Calsoon grinned from ear to ear, his pearly teeth almost shined in the darkness, ¡°My friend, there is nothing to worry about. It is a fine day and I am in high spirits.¡±


    Rulan shook his head, perplexed by Calsoon¡¯s response, ¡°I suppose it¡¯s good that one of us is.¡±


    Blayvaar turned from his back and knelt into a sprinter¡¯s knee, ¡°Let¡¯s pray to Father this all goes right.¡±


    ¡°Or, whoever,¡± shrugged Calsoon, cheerfully.


    Blayvaar and Rulan dashed out from the cover, ducking as arrows whizzed past their heads. They ran, their hearts beating wildly in their chests and slid into position next to their comrades. Breathing heavily, Blayvaar frantically tried to spot where Calsoon was, but could not find him.


    Timber tried to follow Blayvaar¡¯s gaze, ¡°What? What is it?¡±


    ¡°Calsoon. Do you see him?¡±


    Timber shook her head and then moved to the other side of the tree, quickly waving her hand out in the open in an attempt to draw more fire. But nothing happened. The wolf carefully poked her head around the trunk and began to crawl to a neighboring tree. She nocked an arrow as a figure approached from up ahead, a dagger drawn in both hands.


    ¡°Calsoon?¡± Timber called to the shadowy figure.


    Eyes golden like an eerie moon shinned in the night before flashing to a familiar icy blue. Timber furrowed her brow in slight confusion before seeing Calsoon emerge from the darkness, ¡°Calsoon, you startled me.¡±


    ¡°Forgive me, friend,¡± Calsoon said, elegantly bowing in apology, ¡°I took care of our troublesome acquaintance.¡±


    Timber looked beyond him, ¡°Did you keep him for interrogation?¡±


    ¡°He had very little to say. I do know where they are keeping our cat, though.¡±


    Timber looked back toward the others.


    ¡°Go help them with Trek, I will be fine on my own,¡± offered Calsoon.


    Timber looked back to Calsoon, but was surprised to find he was already gone.


    ***


    ¡°Elucard we need to go back! Our men are pinned down and need our help!¡± Wiccer shouted ahead of him to Elucard as the two dashed through the forest with explosive energy.


    Elucard ignored Wiccer, blinded by rage from who he saw in the shadows. His mind was clouded from any rational thought, but he was dead sure he saw Baines.


    Wiccer burst with an extra spurt of speed to grab Elucard¡¯s shoulder and spun him around to face him, ¡°I don¡¯t know what you saw that made you take off and abandon your men in their time of need, but we have to go back now!¡±


    Elucard¡¯s eyes darted beyond them, his lip arched up in a sneer. They were not alone.


    ¡°Did you hear me? I sai¨C¡± shouted Wiccer before Elucard gagged him with a hand.


    ¡°Quiet. He¡¯s here,¡± whispered Elucard. Elucard swung his head around and threw a pair of daggers into the shadows behind him. He listened to the silence before he heard a vile snickering echo in the trees around them. From behind one of the trees appeared his former teacher, Baines.


    Wiccer drew his blade as did Elucard. However, Elucard still searched the surrounding woods.


    ¡°What is it, are there more?¡± Wiccer asked, still focused on the threat before them.


    ¡°Where there is Baines, Ridge is close to follow,¡± Elucard whispered sharply.


    Baines¡¯ snickering quickly halted, his smile vanished from his face. He looked hard at the masked and hooded figure in front of him, ¡°Alanna¡¯s bow! Is that you, Elucard?¡±


    Elucard lowered his mask to around his neck, his magenta eyes sunken with pure hatred.


    ¡°You¡¯re supposed to be dead! What game is this?¡± Baines exclaimed, his voice louder. His eyes were wide and face was pale as if he were looking into the eyes of a wight.


    ¡°I¡¯ve come back from the brink of Alanna¡¯s grasp to finish what I started!¡± Elucard snarled as he stepped forward.


    ¡°We Rabbits are the ones that will clean up your mess!¡± Baines said, smiling snarkily as his eyes jolted upwards.


    Elucard had mere moments to look upward and even less than that to tackle Wiccer out of the way as Ridge rained down, driving his sword into the ground.


    Elucard roared as he viscously lunged at Ridge, slashing upwards, but hitting only air. Ridge side-stepped and spun around with his own attack. Elucard met the attack with a clashing block and pushed forward with enraging power. Ridge grunted, unable to hold firm as his feet slid back across the dirt.


    Elucard broke the test of mettle and thrust forward, puncturing his enemy¡¯s side. With a savage kick, Elucard threw Ridge flying backward into a tree. Ridge clenched his teeth, calling for aid from his Blade Brother, but found that he was already pre-occupied with Elucard¡¯s partner.


    Wiccer ducked and slid a half-circle around Baines as the Rabbit slashed into the air. Wiccer plunged his sword forward but only grazed his enemy¡¯s side. Baines grabbed Wiccer¡¯s sword arm and flung him forward.


    Wiccer tumbled over the forest floor and twisted to land back on his feet, adjusting his cloak that wrapped around him.


    Baines twirled his sword in his hand, calling back to his Blade Brother, ¡°Red and black assassins. It looks like Elucard found a new clan.¡±


    Ridge kicked Elucard away from him and wiped blood from his mouth, ¡°Is that what you¡¯ve been up to these last four months? Joining another clan of assassins?¡±


    Elucard lunged into Ridge, jutting his elbow into Ridge¡¯s chest, following with a swerving slice. Ridge stumbled backward as Elucard finished his attack with a roundhouse kick that sent him sailing into the trunk of a tree.


    Dazed, he called out for his Blade Brother, ¡°Baines, I need you!¡± but there was no answer.


    Now, seeing he was alone with an Elucard fueled with vengeance, Ridge stepped forward from the tree, his blood smeared on the bark. He gripped his sword¡¯s handle and rushed forward, slicing at his opponent.


    Elucard was drowning in his malice for his former clan, but he was extremely focused. He would not allow his anger to be his folly. It drove him, but did not rule him. Defending with lightning fast reflexes and a well timed parry, Elucard made short work of Ridge, pushing him back into the tree again and impaling his blade into the Rabbit¡¯s shoulder, pinning him to the long trunk.


    Ridge grimaced in pain, and desperately looked for Baines.


    ¡°Focus on me!¡± Elucard ordered, grabbing his chin.


    ¡°Baines, my Brother! Where are you?¡± Ridge called out in fear.


    Elucard glanced over his shoulder spotting a victorious Wiccer wiping his blade over the corpse of his former teacher. Smirking, he turned his attention back on his prisoner, ¡°You have info I need.¡±


    ¡°Elucard! Is he still alive?¡± Wiccer called to his companion, ¡°Tie him up and we¡¯ll bring him back to camp.¡±


    Elucard narrowed his eyes and brought his mouth to Ridge¡¯s elven ear, ¡°Who killed Jetta?¡±


    Ridge smirked, ¡°A one track mind, eh Elucard?¡±


    Elucard twisted his grip sending a spurt of extreme pain blazing into his captive¡¯s shoulder. Ridge roared in anguish.


    ¡°Who killed Jetta?¡± Elucard asked again, no change or fluctuation in his voice.


    ¡°I-I h-hope the answer to that question brings you more pain than what I¡¯m suffering from right now!¡± Ridge spat, saliva dribbling from his lips and off his chin.


    ¡°You want to see pain?¡± Elucard hissed. He drew a dagger and with the same motion drove it under Ridge¡¯s ribs, twisting the blade wickedly.


    Ridge cried out in sheer agony before Wiccer could wrestle Elucard from him, ¡°Enough! You¡¯re going to kill him!¡± Wiccer ripped up Ridge¡¯s cloak and attempted to stop the profusely bleeding wounds. But the damage was done. Within moments Ridge was dead.


    Wiccer pulled the sword from Ridge¡¯s body and threw it between Elucard¡¯s feet, ¡°What was that? What is wrong with you?¡±


    Elucard took his sword and sheathed it. He walked past Wiccer in a dark silence.


    ¡°Answer me!¡± Wiccer tried again.


    ¡°I caught a second set of tracks a little ways back here. Lear is this way,¡± Elucard replied, deflecting Wiccer¡¯s questions.


    ¡°We need to be on the same level here. We¡¯re at war with Estinia! You¡¯re going to get us killed with your petty feud!¡±


    Elucard stopped in his tracks. Without turning to Wiccer, he repeated his response, ¡°This way. Lear is this way.¡±


    Wiccer opened his mouth to pursue his original question, but decided against it. He knew Lear was the bigger priority at the moment and his questions for Elucard would need to wait.


    Following Elucard through the forest, the two were surprised to find a scene of recent bloodshed as three Black Rabbits were strewn about, daggers in their chest, and throats slit. Untying a clearly shaken Lear, they found Calsoon.


    ¡°Calsoon, did you do all this?¡± Wiccer asked in amazement, stepping over the bodies as Elucard inspected the handiwork.


    ¡°Indeed, dear captain,¡± Calsoon said, amused with himself.


    ¡°Impressive, Calsoon,¡± Elucard said, taking pouches of shuriken and any daggers he could find off the corpses.


    Calsoon grinned with satisfaction.


    Wiccer checked Lear for any wounds, but found none, ¡°Can you walk?¡±


    ¡°This yikahti would just like to get this day over with, Captain.¡±


    ¡°I think we can all agree with that,¡± Wiccer sighed, looking back at Elucard.


    Elucard caught Wiccer¡¯s gaze. He stared back darkly. Helping to shoulder an exhausted Lear, they all made their way back to camp. A long and dangerous day was behind them, but they knew even grimmer times lay ahead.

 Chapter 56: Losing One of their Own

    The weary Watchers sat outside the medical tent in the Northern Shore camp. Essie assisted the surgeons dealing with Trek¡¯s egregious chest wound.


    As they carried him on a makeshift stretcher made of boiled leather belts, his clothes began to soak through from hemorrhaging. Despite Essie¡¯s best efforts and determination to save her sibling, she knew Alanna wanted him more.


    ¡°I swear to Father¡­¡± A distraught Rulan started, mumbling under his breath just loud enough for Wiccer to hear, ¡°¡­if he dies, it will be on your head.¡± He rose from the log he was seated on and turned to face the two leaders.


    Blayvaar rested a gentle hand on Rulan¡¯s shoulder, ¡°It was a Rabbit arrow that hit Trek, not Wiccer¡¯s blade,¡± he said, attempting to calm his friend.


    Rulan turned to respond to Blayvaar but the sight of Essie emerging from the medical tent caught his attention. Her apron was drenched in blood and her hands were shivering uncontrollably as she wiped them clean with a rag. Her teeth were clenched and tears rolled down her cheeks.


    ¡°Tr-Tr¨C¡± she stuttered trying to overcome the pain that wrung her like a wet towel.


    Rulan did not let her finish. He knew the truth even before she spoke. But it was not the loss of Trek alone that sent him into a spiraling rage on the inside. His anger was pointed directly at Wiccer and his incompetence as a leader on the battlefield.


    Rulan charged Wiccer. He grabbed him by his red cloak and brought him close to his face. Rulan¡¯s eyes were red with tears and anger, ¡°You! You did this! You did this to Trek! Your hands are covered in his blood!¡±


    Wiccer was silent.


    ¡°You refused to listen to Elucard and then vanished when we were ambushed.¡±


    Wiccer continued with his silence.


    Rulan pushed his captain, sending him stumbling backwards, ¡°Say something! Answer for yourself!¡±


    What could Wiccer say in his own defense? He agreed with Rulan wholeheartedly. He had failed his men once again. He was their captain, charged by their country to lead them to success and to protect them with erudite leadership. He accomplished neither in his eyes. His father was a fool to think he was ready to be a leader of men. Wiccer was even more foolish to have believed such a thing. Now Trek was dead and it was on his hands.


    ¡°Have you nothing to say?¡± Rulan shouted again.


    ¡°Stand down, private,¡± a voice called out.


    Wiccer looked behind him to see Elucard. Rulan gawked teary eyed and hot-faced.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°The Black Rabbits played us all. Something we should have expected. They are masters of manipulation. They¡¯ve been training for years to deal with any form of threat to their ways.¡±


    ¡°Then what was the point of all our training? If we can¡¯t beat them, why try?¡± Rulan spat, now angrier than ever.


    ¡°We are at war with the Black Rabbit clan. When you go to war with someone you must expect battles and defeats. Do not let a single defeat deter you from pursuing vengeance. They have trained for years, you have trained for months. Right now we have the taste of our own blood on our tongue, but not for long. Retribution will be ours!¡±


    Rulan narrowed his eyes. A thin smirk appeared on his face. He continued to listen, swayed by the bloodlust in Elucard¡¯s words.


    ¡°We are not Koda¡¯s shield. We do not protect him from the Rabbits. We are not his sword. We do not fight along side him. We are his dagger. We hunt in the shadows, dealing sinister blows to the enemies that his soldiers can not see.¡± Elucard moved his sight from battered man to battered man. He finally rested his gaze on Wiccer, who was paying close mind to Elucard¡¯s words. Wiccer had forgotten what he was transforming into. He had forgotten that he was no longer a White Cloak, ¡°We are rogues who hunt rogues. We are the shadows that guard the light. We are the Watchers! Never forget that!¡±


    A cheer erupted from his men. Wiccer nodded in approval to Elucard.


    ¡°We have a long march ahead of us, but before we head out, we must see to Trek¡¯s final walk to Alanna¡¯s embrace,¡± Elucard said as he wrapped an arm around Rulan¡¯s shoulders.


    ***


    Gathered around a shallow grave just beyond the dunes of the beach, The ARO members surrounded Trek¡¯s final resting place. A short tower of stones served as a grave marker. The rocks were smoothed from a small stream that washed out into the ocean.


    Timber knelt down and placed an arrow shaft wrapped in wild flowers from a nearby field, ¡°Alanna will train you to become her archer. Here is your first arrow, Trek. Use it well.¡±


    Elisa placed a silver coin on top of his grave, ¡°Show your respects to Alanna. Give this trit to to her as a gift.¡±


    Lear unsheathed his rapier. It was his personal blade. He had been unsatisfied with the ninjato Elucard tried to assign him. He leaned it against the grave marker, ¡°Take this with you. It will serve you better than any blade you will find in the Roaming Plane.¡±


    Blayvaar produced a small piece of black root with dark green stripes running around it. He dug a small pocket in the loose dirt of the grave and buried the root in it, ¡°Blissroot, my friend. Illegal in Long Whisper, but you are in Long whisper no more,¡± he stifled a smile as he chewed on a bit of blissroot of his own.


    Essie took a knife and cut her hand and passed the knife to Rulan. Together they dripped their blood unto their brother¡¯s grave.


    ¡°Trek¡­¡± Rulan tried to speak, but lowered his head unable to finish.


    ¡°Trek, we are triplets. Forever bound like no other. Take a part of us with you and we will be with you for eternity.¡± Essie¡¯s gentle voice warmed the hearts of her comrades.


    Wiccer took out one of his daggers and thrust it hard into the dirt. He stood back up straight and gave a long salute, ¡°You died a hero. No one could argue that. At ease, soldier.¡±


    Elucard bent down and took a small handful of dirt and trickled it back unto the grave. A small drift of wind caught it as it danced away in the breeze, ¡°Mera nahv alanoon shen Dalm¡¯na.¡±


    Not all shadows are meant to be feared.

 Chapter 57: Splinters

    Koda strode upon his gray riding wolf through the forest. The elves of Long Whisper had long used these giant wolves as a mode of transportation as opposed to the common horses used by most other countries. They were only slightly smaller than a horse and easily carried the light weight of the elves. Athar Moonfall and Cass Baneberry rode on either side of him, both matching his slow pace. His familiar, Wildeye, trotted just ahead of the three as they followed the long train of their armies on the old merchant road. The morning light failed to cut through the thick canopy, transforming an otherwise serene morning into a dim one.


    ¡°I heard your ARO did a piss poor job of clearing out this forest. I also heard that one of the scoundrels died in the quarrel. Are you sure it¡¯s safe to take this route, my king?¡± asked Athar as his head darted about suspiciously.


    Cass answered back, ¡°That scoundrel, as you put it, died so that our men could pass through this forsaken forest with little to no strife. Luckily for you, it was he who took that vile arrow and not you. It¡¯d be a shame to fill your fine cloak with poisoned arrows. What a waste of good cloth.¡± Every word he spoke was coated in disdain.


    Athar sneered without making eye contact with the lord, ¡°We are fools to trust ARO. They were trained by the king killer himself.¡±


    ¡°That may be the case, but if King Koda trusts them, I would be willing to trust them myself,¡± Cass said without hesitation.


    ¡°Once a Black Rabbit, always a Black Rabbit,¡± Athar responded snidely.


    ¡°It takes a Rabbit to hunt a Rabbit, my Lord,¡± finished Cass.


    The three of them turned to see Avalon galloping up from the rear on her own wolf. She caught up to their pace before pulling her reins to slow the wolf¡¯s speed. She made an extra effort to learn to control her mount as she remembered her utter failings as a drake rider.


    ¡°The mountains rise in the distance. We are close to Stonewall. Has the scout returned to report his findings?¡± Avalon asked pointing to the tall mountains seen from a clearing in the trees.


    ¡°We¡¯ve heard no word from our scout, nor the one we sent before him,¡± Koda said. When the first scout did not return he felt a justified concern, but Athar convinced him that the forest was large and it would be easy for one to get lost.


    The realization set in and Avalon became distressed, ¡°My king, we are walking into a trap!¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°Nonsense, Silent One. Stonewall has no clue we are even coming,¡± Athar retorted lightly.


    ¡°Surely you jest?¡± Avalon replied in disbelief, ¡°Stonewall has known of our arrival since we reached the shores. Why do you think the ARO ran into Rabbits two days ago? If you do not halt our men, I will do it for you!¡± spat Avalon.


    Athar¡¯s face grew sour, ¡°Do you forget yourself, Silent One? I should have you in chains for such insolence!¡±


    Avalon turned to Koda with desperation on her face, ¡°My king, listen to reason. What waits beyond this forest is death. We need to send Elucard to investigate what Stonewall has in store for us.¡±


    Koda turned to Athar and then to Cass, as if looking for an answer to a question he did not know.


    ¡°My king,¡± Athar complained, ¡°if we send Elucard to investigate, who is to say he won¡¯t join his former Black Rabbit companions? If I remember correctly, Captain Newsun did mention that Elucard chased after and killed a potential prisoner during their mission. Elucard is no soldier of Long Whisper. He cannot and should never be trusted.¡±


    A large crash and the splintering of trees filled the air from up ahead, interrupting their conversation. Blood curdling screams rang out as wooden shrapnel lodged itself into the flesh of dozens of men. Several more loud sounds came crashing in from the distance, as if a giant were barreling through the trees, shaking the forest by the roots. Panic ran rampant throughout the caravan.


    ¡°Athar Moonfall, you¡¯ve doomed us all,¡± spat Avalon as a scowl grew on her face.


    Athar hid a cruel smile, he knew what he had done. He had played Koda to look like an inexperienced fool, but his work was not complete yet.


    Koda swallowed hard, his face was a ghostly white. A voice in his head told him to take a deep breath and remain calm. He did as the voice said. He collected himself so that he could lead his army.


    ¡°Cass, Athar, Avalon, on me!¡± he ordered as he kicked his heels into the wolf¡¯s side and rode past countless soldiers, making his way to the front lines.


    The leading point of the army was a complete disaster. Fallen trees had collapsed on top of unlucky soldiers. Blood was splattered across the dirt. Limbs were scattered about as mangled men crawled for cover. Far in the distance, the city of Stonewall was nestled in a valley of the mountains. A vanguard of Estinian soldiers and siege weaponry were set up beyond the edge of the forest. Ballistas recoiled and fired gruesome, flaming steel-tipped bolts into the forest as they collided into the frantic men below. The trees exploded from the impact of the bolts, cracking their trunks into deadly wooden shrapnel. Catapults launched large flaming boulders into the canopy crashing down with sundering force, decimating soldiers below.


    ¡°Fall back! Fall back!¡± the commands of General Ashmer could be heard cutting through the chaos like an axe.


    Koda took another look at the destructive enemy force outside Stonewall before running back deeper into the forest, leaving the apocalyptic scene of his inexperience and failure behind.

 Chapter 58: Essies Night

    Deep in the night, the soft sounds of scurrying feet could be heard as Essie moved across the forest floor. She used her ARO training to muffle her footsteps while the collar of her cloak masked her cold breath in the frigid darkness. In the distance beyond the forest¡¯s edge, the camps of Estinain forces could be seen. Large fires blazed as groups of enemy soldiers huddled around the welcoming warmth.


    Koda¡¯s men had no such opportunity to light even an ember. A single spark would give away their position and another onslaught of attacks would befall the already shaken forest. During the first week, the king¡¯s mages were able to shield the soldiers from most attacks. However after a while their magic waned and several of the mages were killed. That left the remaining six mages hesitant and defensive.


    Essie leaned against an uprooted tree. Its trunk was large enough to provide temporary cover as she took a moment to count her supplies. She bit her lip when she found herself low on dullweed, a plant used to numb the pain of a patient. She tried to think how her supply could have run out so quickly. They had been entrenched in this forest for the last week. She started with at least twenty pieces of the weed, and that was enough for forty patients. The attacks left soldiers completely mutilated and maimed. Dullweed was given out liberally at first, but all that changed after the third night.


    I should find some bitterbark.


    Bitterbark was not as potent as dullweed, but kept the pain low enough to avoid sending a patient into shock. Finding it would be the tricky part, but at this point it would not be as scarce as dullweed.


    Noticing a flash of shadows weave into an adjacent tree, she whistled a low call to grab the attention of a fellow soldier. The soldier poked his head around the corner, showing that he was a fellow medic. Essie motioned for him to run to her, but the medic seemed too fearful to expose himself. After another failed attempt at convincing him to come over, Essie darted and slid to his tree.


    ¡°Private Essie Windfoot, first Anti-Rogue Ops,¡± Essie rapped out her name, rank, and unit in a single heavy breath. Sure to keep her tone low so that he could hear, but not those around her.


    ¡°Corporal Jempsen Rivertread, second Medical Corps. I¡¯m attached to the first Wolf Lancer Division. Can¡¯t find any of them though. Have you seen any Wolf Lancers, Private?¡± His eyes were tired and blank. The unit he was attached to was part of the front line. The Wolf Lancers were scattered after the first day, and Jempsen had been wandering among the forest ever since.


    Essie instinctively checked Jempsen for any visible wounds. He was shaken to the core, but was not physically injured. She frowned and shook her head, ¡°Sorry, Corporal, I¡¯ve not run into your kin,¡± She pointed a ways off, and Jempsen turned his head to where she pointed with a delayed reaction, ¡°I know if you walk a bit that way, you¡¯ll run into a Sergeant Elimder Barkwick. He¡¯s a platoon sergeant for the second Tactical Information Relay Division. If TIR doesn¡¯t know where the Wolf Lancers are¡­Well, he¡¯ll know.¡±


    Jempsen continued to stare off in a daze. After a minute or two, he finally responded, ¡°Thanks, Windfoot.¡±


    Essie grabbed him by the sleeve as he was getting up, ¡°Corporal, do you have any dullweed you can spare? Maybe some bitterbark?¡±


    Jempsen reached into his haversack and pulled out a stack of dullweed tied by twine and tossed it into Essie¡¯s shivering hands. She smiled weakly and carefully stashed the dullweed in her medical satchel. She watched as Jempsen slowly trudged through the forest once more. She took a long breath and moved out of her resting place herself.


    ***


    The night grew colder as the pale moonlight revealed itself from the navy blue clouds. The night was at the pinnacle of danger when the moon came out. What was once a safe and quiet time within the foxholes became a troublesome rat race to keep from being hit by bombarding boulders and piercing ballista bolts.


    Essie dashed quickly, sliding into the nearest foxhole as the delicate moonlight dawned on the forest floor. The frosty air hung silent. Not a howl from a wolf nor a peep from a soldier could be heard throughout the lines.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Blayvaar and Lear smiled lightly, happy to see the familiar face of Essie as she dove into their foxhole. They wrapped their cloaks around themselves to keep warm. Lear nibbled on the carcass of a vole he found in the loose dirt. He tried sharing the mutilated rodent with Essie, but she made a squirming face and politely refused the offer.


    Blayvaar prodded Essie on the arm and used his ARO training to whisper lowly, ¡°Hey Es, any word on when more rations are coming this way? We haven¡¯t eat¨C¡± he scrunched his face at the sight of Lear happily chewing the small critter¡¯s bones and intestines, ¡°I haven¡¯t eaten in three days.¡±


    Essie took out her last loaf of bread and broke off a sizable piece. She then tore that piece in half and gave the pieces to Blayvaar and Lear.


    ¡°Chew slowly. When you eat too fast after having not eaten for so long, you can get awful stomach cramps,¡± Essie warned as she inspected her two companions for any physical damage, ¡°Which way to the captain¡¯s foxhole?¡± she finally asked after being satisfied with her inspections.


    ¡°This yikahti saw him taking a piss further to the east. Be careful Essie,¡± Lear said between mouthfuls of bread.


    Essie nodded as she jumped out of the hole and sprinted to the east.


    ***


    Essie crawled on the flat of her stomach as she moved closer to Wiccer and Ashmer¡¯s foxhole. Once already, a fiery boulder had careened through the night, crashing somewhere in the northern lines. Cries for medics broke through the thin air, giving away the fact that Estinia had landed another triumphant strike. Essie squeezed her eyes shut, drowning out the screams of anguish, attempting to concentrate on the task at hand. She needed to find out if there were any more supplies coming from the north to refill her dwindling resources, and hopefully garner word on any reinforcements.


    ¡°Captain?¡± Essie whispered at the edge of the foxhole. She was surprised to find that the foxhole was filled with several people. Along with Wiccer and Ashmer, Avalon and Elucard were in the foxhole as well.


    Wiccer reached over and gingerly pulled Essie into the warmth that the several bodies gave off. They were huddled in a circle looking over a topographical map of Stonewall and the surrounding forests and mountains. Several ¡®x¡¯s¡¯ were scratched onto the map, each indicating the locations of the different units and overall forces of Koda¡¯s men. A set of lines and circles marked the Stonewall side of the map, indicating Estinia¡¯s large force.


    ¡°I¡¯ve reported to King Koda, Lord Athar, and Lady Baneberry that we¡¯ve lost a quarter of our men to wounds, injuries, and sickness. Another quarter is also in rough shape and will probably add to our casualties if we stay in this position another week,¡± spoke Ashmer in a low raspy voice. He coughed and hacked as he attempted to the get the string of words in one go.


    Essie took out her water skin and a few herbs. She placed the herbs into a wooden cup and poured in the water. She had to make a crude paste, ¡°It¡¯s not hot tea, general, but this will help with your cough.¡±


    Ashmer gratefully accepted. His face puckered from the bitter taste, ¡°Could use some sugar, private.¡±


    Essie frowned lightheartedly, ¡°Fresh out of sugar, sir.¡±


    ¡°Fresh out of a lot of things,¡± added Avalon grimly.


    ¡°When are we getting fresh supplies, captain?¡± Essie asked Wiccer.


    ¡°We were supposed to get new supplies two days ago. We¡¯ve heard nothing from the quartermaster. No raven, no scout, nothing.¡± His mind was heavy with the entire situation, not just the lack of information coming from the Northern Shore.


    ¡°Elucard, what are your thoughts? Are Black Rabbits cutting off our supply caravans?¡± asked Ashmer between wheezes.


    Elucard looked at Avalon as she nodded the answer that he already knew, ¡°No doubt, General.¡±


    Ashmer¡¯s mood soured even more. He took the final sip of the cold paste before turning his attention to Wiccer, ¡°I don¡¯t know how many Rabbits are on the road to the north; obviously enough to interrupt a large supply caravan. Can your ARO recapture that access road?¡±


    Wiccer¡¯s eyes darted to Essie, then to Elucard, before finally giving his gloomy answer, ¡°General, my men haven¡¯t had rations in at least three days. They are stricken with sickness and have not slept in a week. To ask them to deal with a squad of Black Rabbits would be unwise. I would advise taking a platoon of men to secure that road.¡±


    Ashmer frowned from the answer, ¡°I will advise Koda and the two lords to make a decision. As of now, we have no food, no medical supplies, sick men, and nowhere to bring our injured. If we do not take swift action, the king¡¯s best option will be to surrender and hope that Estinia takes prisoners!¡±


    Essie scrambled up the foxhole. Supplies or not, defeat or not, her job was not done. She pressed onward into the cold, somber night.

 Chapter 59: Cut Off

    While it was true that Varis¡¯s army was occupied defending the capital, its police force still roamed the countryside. The men of the Varisian mounted police, who normally responded to bandit attacks or simply escorted travelers to their destinations now did their part to perform harassing actions against Estinian troops wherever they could, performing hit-and-run style guerrilla warfare, made possible by their quick and nimble courser horses. The mounted police would enter Estinian scouting camps in the forest, kill as many men as they could, and then leave before they could suffer a single casualty of their own.


    One such force, the Arborvale County Gendarmerie, under the command of Lieutenant Lucerne Foseman, had arrived on the outskirts of the forest were ARO and the Long Whisper regulars were surrounded.


    The police had followed the trail of Estinian bodies that their allies had left in their wake to this section of the wood. Lieutenant Foseman had every intention of joining up with them. This was before he saw a regiment sized group of Estinian troops close in on the area and surround it. His men had to wait until nightfall to attempt to break the encirclement. Now that the moon was up, they would not allow their comrades to suffer any longer.


    A group of sixty policemen stalked through a poorly lit forest trail in the undergrowth with their horses, riding as quietly as they could towards the trapped army of Long Whisper. The trail was straight and narrow, flanked by thick ferns on either side. What little moonlight the men had trickled through the thick forest canopy.


    The men kept their mounts calm and silent by stroking their manes and whispering in their ears as they walked. All it would take for them to lose their advantage of surprise was a single Estinian lookout.


    ¡°Sir,¡± said one of the men, "I hear the sound of a bowstring stretching.¡±


    ¡°There are all kinds of trees here, Ferenc,¡± whispered Lieutenant Foseman in reply, ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s a branch or something.¡±


    In the back of his mind, Foseman agreed with Ferenc ¨C that was a bowstring. But he desperately wanted to be wrong. There was very little he could do to react to an ambush in this darkness anyway. The men were following sounds ¨C foreign voices in the darkness. Under the low visibility of the moonlight, the horses were leading the men down the forest trail just as the men steered the horses.


    Another stretching creak came from the treetops.


    ¡°There it is again,¡± Ferenc mumbled.


    Foseman said nothing in reply. He just wished that the archers ¨C if they were truly there at all ¨C second guessed themselves and believed that there was nothing to shoot at. If he could perfectly mimic a deer or an elk to throw them off, he would. He could almost feel the eyes staring at him from the trees, but the feeling of helplessness was very real.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    A quick whistle cut through the air, ending in a loud thud.


    ¡°I¡¯m hit! Sir, I¡¯m hit!¡± cried a voice from the middle of the formation.


    The horses began to neigh and rear ¨C no smooth caresses or gentle whispers could calm them now.


    Without a second thought, Lieutenant Foseman wheeled his mount around and galloped towards his screaming companion. As he did this, more whistles came down from the tree tops ¨C there was not enough moonlight to see where they came from.


    ¡°Shields up, men!¡± Foseman bellowed as he saw to the first man that was hit. He felt around in the darkness on the injured man¡¯s body, checking for the protrustion of the arrow or the stickiness of blood.


    ¡°What¡¯s this? What are you screaming for?¡± Foseman said as he grabbed the shaft of the arrow and broke it off, ¡°You¡¯re fine, you idiot! Your armor saved you!¡±


    The policeman let out a nervous laugh and opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted as an arrow struck him through the top of his unprotected head.


    More arrows rained down from the forest canopy. The men now joined their horses in panicked screaming as arrows struck the men¡¯s shields and the ground around them. Foseman himself grabbed his small buckler and raised it over his head, just in time to stop an arrow.


    ¡°Damn it! Troop ¨C on me! We¡¯re getting the hell out of this kill zone!¡±


    The men did not wait for another word ¨C with loud shouts, the mounted police sped through the forest at full gallop, with branches and leaves smacking the faces of riders as their horses raced towards anywhere-but-there.


    ¡°Stay in formation, men!¡± Foseman yelled as he spurred his horse to catch up with the broken troop, ¡°Regroup on me! We have to rescue the Lost Dawn contingent!¡±


    It was no use. The horses were scattering in the darkness. Arrows pierced thighs, heads, and hands. A lifeless policeman clung to his still fleeing horse with an arrow sticking out of his neck that pinned him to the animal.


    Foseman could say nothing more than ¡°Go!¡± as he rode as fast as he could to get out of the woods.


    He could see a clearing just a few meters ahead. If he could reach it in time, his men could regroup and form a counter-charge. There was hope for a moment.


    Then it was gone ¨C an arrow struck Foseman¡¯s horse and threw them both to the forest floor. As he landed, he heard the sound of a bone breaking ¨C his leg refused to obey him. Mustering up what strength he could, he crawled towards his horse, which lay thrashing and screaming on the earth.


    ¡°Ember!¡± he said as he cradled the animal¡¯s head in his arms. The horse had been with him for years, and had saved him from countless enemies. Now it was time for him to rest, ¡°There¡¯s no need to suffer anymore.¡±


    As the rest of his men who were still mounted galloped aimlessly around him in a rout, Lieutenant Foseman pulled out a dagger and stabbed his horse in the throat. The creature¡¯s pitiful crying ceased, and Foseman allowed himself to cry before an arrow struck him in the side of the head.

 Chapter 60: Seeing a Ghost

    ¡°Ve hev King Koda jus vhere ve vant him, cowering en de forest vith his men dying all around him,¡± said Commander Unrick, smiling with bloodthirsty satisfaction. He was the leader of the Estinian force occupying Stonewall. He was a weaselly man with a long nose, a thin minute-hand mustache, and a boney chin that matched his cheeks. At the tip of his chin, he sported a neatly trimmed tuft.


    Unrick gazed out of a circular window as his siege machinery continued their horrific onslaught on the forest. Turning around, he sat back down at the desk within the room that once had been the office of Stonewall¡¯s mayor. He spent a solid minute wiping his teeth clean of any remnants of pheasant meat before turning his attention to the two men that waited patiently to be addressed.


    ¡°Inle, vhat news of de Northern Shore do you bring me?¡± he finally asked.


    Inle bowed graciously, as he had learned quickly to do in the presence of his volatile allies. They were easy to upset and quick to be offended, ¡°My Lord, my High Blade has sent a large squad of our kin to capture the roads. Please allow him to make the report.¡±


    Unrick nodded towards Legion, indicating for him to pick up where Inle had left off.


    ¡°My men have captured and burned several supply caravans and reinforcements heading to Koda¡¯s front lines. We also shot down several messenger ravens both requesting more supplies and warning the front lines of the road being captured. We have effectively stopped all flow of support to Koda.¡± Legion reported. His voice was monotone and without emotion. It was unsettling to Inle.


    ¡°Dis es good news to hear! De Div¡¯Rah vill be pleased vith my performance,¡± Unrick said, sitting back and smiling.


    ¡°As you can see, my Lord, we Black Rabbits are an excellent al¨C¡± Inle started.


    ¡°De Div¡¯Rah vould indeed be happy vith you Rabbits, ef you could preform von more task.¡±


    Inle looked at Legion before responding to Unrick, ¡°What task would that be, my Lord?¡±


    ¡°Koda needs to die tonight. Can you do dat, Rabbit?¡±


    ¡°Of course that can be arranged, my Lord,¡± said Inle as he bowed pompously.


    Outside the office, Legion glided gracefully but aggressively into Inle. Grabbing him by the collar, he slammed him against the wall, ¡°Do not let this power trip go to your head, First Blade. I am High Blade; I am in command of this operation. I accept the missions, I deal with everything while the Silent Master is not at hand!¡±


    Legion was fierce and a legend in his own right; one to be feared and revered. Inle knew this, but he also knew Legion was in no position to make threats. The Div¡¯Rah saw Inle as the commander of the Black Rabbits and so long as they were to continue this campaign, Inle would be sure to play that part. He was a performer after all and he saw himself fitting this part perfectly. But he would have to handle Legion delicately all the same. Without Legion on his side, the rest of the Rabbits would not give him his due respect.


    ¡°My High Blade, I would never overstep my boundaries. I am simply the liaison of our clan for the Estinain people. Nothing more, nothing less.¡±


    ¡°Do not play coy with me, Inle. I am fully aware of the kind of elf you are capable of being,¡± snapped Legion, tightening his grip.


    ¡°Let us not forget who is partially responsible for crafting me into that elf,¡± Inle hissed.


    Legion narrowed his eyes and released him, ¡°Take Dest and Vemrick with you.¡±


    ¡°Koda is but a mouse in a corner. I will go alone.¡±


    ¡°A cornered mouse will bite. Take them. The collective experience will be good for the mission.¡±


    ***


    The moon was cloaked in a veil of clouds as it had been for the last several nights. The lack of moonlight made for excellent cover as the Black Rabbits slipped through the front lines of Koda¡¯s forces. The trio moved around several foxholes, searching each one for Koda.


    ¡°Look how they slumber Inle, it would be a shame to not kill each one,¡± Dest mused as she loomed over a nest of soldiers sleeping in a huddled clump within the foxhole.¡±


    Inle took a brief moment to watch a soldier stir innocently before going back to searching for Koda¡¯s foxhole, ¡°We have work to do, Dest. Don¡¯t get distracted.¡±


    Dest unsheathed her blade silently and chuckled, ¡°Well, what about you Vemrick? Want to slit a few throats while we¡¯re here?¡±


    Dest¡¯s smile disappeared as Vemrick¡¯s response did not reach her ears.


    ¡°Vemrick?¡± Dest turned to find her companion missing. She swiftly scanned her surroundings, calling for Vemrick as loud and as far as her whispers could reach, but still no answer back from the elf.


    Inle took in a long sigh, clearly annoyed with the performance of the supposedly experienced Dest and Vemrick, ¡°Will you two quit fooling around?¡±


    He, too, was met with silence; twice the silence as before. Quickly he spun around, blade at the ready. To his curious delight, he found three oddly dressed assassins. They looked like Black Rabbits, but instead of the traditional black and violet colors, they bore crimson and black uniforms. Inle¡¯s curiosity got the best of him. His perplexed face grew a wide smile once he saw the bodies of Dest and Vemrick laying at the feet of the three strangers.


    ¡°Assassins from Varis?¡± Inle asked, tapping his sword on his shoulder in a casual manner.


    One of the assassins removed her hood to show off her exotically beautiful shadow elf face. She twirled a dagger around in her fingers, ¡°It¡¯s been a long time, Shadow Kin.¡±


    Inle¡¯s pleasure was slowly turning into quivering rage at the sight of Elisa, ¡°I see you are running with a new clan.¡±


    Lear removed his hood revealing his keen yikahti eyes, ¡°We be no assassins, Rabbit!¡±


    Blayvaar lowered his mask and took a pair of daggers from a set of sheathes behind his waist, ¡°We¡¯re Watchers. Born and bred to hunt assassins. Now watch us work!¡±This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Inle was furious. Had Elisa trained Koda¡¯s men in the Black Rabbit ways to hunt Black Rabbits? He did his best to mask his anger and simply bowed. A new show was about to start. His audience had taken their seats and it was now time to be the show stopper he was born to be.


    Blayvaar, Lear, and Elisa rushed him, enclosing on all sides. Lear¡¯s reach was longer, forcing Inle to deal with the yikahti¡¯s rapier first. Inle spun into the inside reach of Lear, and struck the cat¡¯s chest with an elbow, knocking Lear backwards.


    Blayvaar sliced furiously with his set of knives, but Inle leaped and flipped over Lear, gathering distance away from the ARO members.


    Elisa cartwheeled with a single hand to match the speed of Inle¡¯s movements, finishing off with a graceful roundhouse kick at Inle¡¯s head. Inle snapped his forearm up and blocked the kick, dropping his own body down and sweeping his leg into Elisa¡¯s legs, tripping her backwards. Inle took advantage of his off-balance opponent and thrust a side kick into her ribs. The blow sent her flying into a nearby tree.


    Inle spun his sword in his hand as he neared Elisa¡¯s crumpled body, but was caught by a dagger driving into his side. Furious at the sneak attack made by Blayvaar, Inle viscously back handed the former thief. Blayvaar was knocked into the air, twisting like a rag doll and slamming into the cold ground. Inle raised his blade to strike down and finish Blayvaar, but Lear slid into sight, parrying Inle¡¯s blade to the side.


    Inle huffed in annoyance, attempting to reach for his weapon, but Lear slapped it further away.


    ¡°Before ARO, this yikahti was an accomplished swordsman, perhaps better than you, Rabbit.¡±


    Inle feigned to reach for his blade again, but pulled out and threw several daggers into Lear¡¯s throat and right shoulder. Lear reached for his wounds in shock, giving Inle ample time to grab his blade and thrust it into Lear¡¯s stomach. Inle finished his advance by kicking the yikahti off of his blade.


    Inle grabbed Blayvaar by the tuft of his hair and brought the elf¡¯s head close to his, ¡°Where is Koda?¡±


    ¡°Find him yourself,¡± hissed Blayvaar.


    Inle glanced about his surroundings, no doubt the commotion from the fight would bring others to investigate. He was wasting time dealing with this nuisance. With a hefty backhand, he rendered Blayvaar unconscious, ¡°Very well,¡± he whispered as he left to look for Koda¡¯s foxhole.


    ***


    The back of the forest was quieter than the front lines. Although the cold night enhanced how sound traveled through the forest, the rearward lines were relatively undisturbed by Inle¡¯s skirmish with the Watchers.


    The shadow elf crouched over the foxhole of Koda and his two tribal lords. Koda stirred in his sleep as Cass and Athar slumbered in the much needed peace that the unattacked forest provided. Taking out a thin garrote wire, Inle carefully wrapped it around the throat of the mage king, raising the two ends ever so slightly so that the wire tightened at a slow pace. At first there was not much movement from Inle¡¯s victim, but soon Koda¡¯s feet fidgeted as he began to choke and struggle.


    ¡°Drop him, Inle.¡±


    A burning memory shot through Inle¡¯s ears and drove deep into his mind like a meteor crashing through the atmosphere. That voice. A voice he could never forget. The voice that was carved into his heart, mind, and soul. But it could not be him.


    Inle hesitated, haunted by the familiar voice. He turned around to face where it came from, nearly gagging on a flood of emotions.


    ¡°M-Master? Is that you?¡± whispered Inle. He raised his mask from his face to get a better look. He struggled to quell an enormous amount of questions and revived hopes and dreams.


    Elucard¡¯s cold, dead stare would have slain any common man, but Inle was no common man. Elucard signaled for the remainder of his ARO team to surround the smitten Inle.


    The wire in the Rabbit¡¯s hands slacked and Koda lurched forward gasping for air. Inle¡¯s hands shivered as he tried to quell the clutter of feelings. Anger, longing, confusion, and love coursed through his heart and mind, ¡°M-Master, you are a-alive? How can this be?¡± Inle sputtered.


    Elucard attempted to step closer, but Inle snapped out of his stupor and snatched Koda by his collar and brought him into his arms. A sharp dagger rested under Koda¡¯s chin, pressed hard against the king¡¯s throat.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen your tricks my king. Make a move and I¡¯ll bleed you dry, right here!¡± Inle threatened. The young elf had always had a firm grasp on his actions and emotions, but now he was a mess. His thoughts were erratic and this night had been a brewing storm of unpredictability and failure. How could Elucard be alive? Why did he wait until now to reveal himself? Inle lowered his mask.


    ¡°Inle, drop him. There is no winning this battle,¡± said Elucard, ignoring Inle¡¯s questions and trying to reason with his former student.


    ¡°Master, you will be proud to know I am the First Blade now. I have sway in the clan. Come back with me and you can rejoin us. All can be forgiven, Master. We can be a family once more,¡± said Inle as he slowly backed away with his hostage.


    ¡°Let him pass!¡± Wiccer exclaimed, ¡°Timber, keep an eye on him.¡±


    Elucard gingerly kept up with Inle as the shadow elf retreated.


    Inle recanted tales of a happier time for him, ¡°You and I were an unstoppable team. Can you imagine what we could do together now? You can even be First Blade again, I wouldn¡¯t mind. I¡¯d do anything for you, Elucard.¡±


    Elucard knew the situation was delicate. His student was as delusional as ever, but now he had Koda¡¯s life at knife point.


    ¡°Inle I don¡¯t want you to die this night. Not by their hands. You and I could be together, but not if my team kills you. You need to let the king go and come with me.¡± Elucard spoke as calmly as possible. Thoughts raced through his head as he tried to defuse the situation as best he could, with whatever words he thought would appease the delusional Inle.


    Inle breached the clearing bordering the Estinian siege line. He pressed the dagger¡¯s edge into the flesh of Koda¡¯s neck until he drew blood.


    ¡°Is that true? You and I are no longer enemies?¡± a hopeful Inle asked his master.


    ¡°Inle, I only wish I could forgive you,¡± Elucard said.


    ¡°Even in death, Jetta twists your soul.¡±


    Seeing that Elucard and Inle were now distracted with the baggage of their past, Calsoon slid a dagger down his arm into his palm. With a flick of the wrist the knife whistled through the air and impacted Inle¡¯s steel mask with a loud ¡®thud.¡¯ Inle¡¯s head reeled back in an awkward stumble. Elucard dashed forward and pulled Koda to safety.


    Wiccer made a quick glance to Timber, ¡°Now!¡± he shouted.


    Timber let loose an arrow straight for Inle¡¯s chest, but Inle was fractions quicker, grabbing the arrow just as it penetrated his leather armor. He danced lightly into the shadows making a gracefully bow, as if the theater curtains had drawn to a close.


    Calsoon indulged the clown with a long and exaggerated bow of his own, ¡°Until next time, friend,¡± he whispered under his breath.


    ***


    Inle walked the streets of Stonewall, thoughts swirling in his head like a tropical storm. Too distracted to even see where he was going, he passed Legion leaning against the side of the local tavern.


    ¡°You failed your mission. Your Estinian friends won¡¯t be happy about this,¡± Legion sneered, almost smugly.


    Inle held his mask in one hand, the other held his heavy face. He was in no condition to be the First Blade tonight. In the past he had come to the terms with the fact that the love of his life was dead, but now that reality had been crushed into a fine powder.


    ¡°What¡¯s more, you let Dest and Vemrick fall under your watch. They were useful veterans of our clan. I will not forget this failure, nor will the Silent Master,¡± Legion¡¯s callous words continued.


    Inle slowly raised his gaze to meet his High Blade. His eyes were sunken and watery from tears. His mental state was a shambled mess.


    ¡°What do you have to say for yourself, Inle?¡± Legion finished.


    ¡°He¡¯s alive,¡± Inle choked out a short whisper.


    ¡°Who?¡± Legion asked.


    ¡°Elucard.¡±

 Chapter 61: Desperate Measures

    Koda knelt at the side of the injured Lear, holding his hand tightly as Essie did her best to tend to his bloody wound. A bandage was wrapped around the bruise on his neck. It throbbed, but it let him know he was alive. Alive, that is, thanks to Elucard¡¯s efforts. The man that had slain his father and left him alive as an act of mercy had now saved his life as well. He was at Alanna¡¯s feet; even a single second of hesitation and he would have been dead.


    Lear winced as Essie cleaned the wound with a bottle of whiskey that she had scavenged from the neighboring Eighth Spearman. Her dwindling medical supplies did not deter her from working at her utmost peak with what she had.


    ¡°Is he going to be alright?¡± Koda asked, his eyes wide with hope and worry. The yikahti was a hero to him. All of ARO proved to be more than he expected. The amount of dirt they had to endure from himself and his military had all been unwarranted.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m using the last of my dullweed on Lear here. I have to clean his wounds with this half empty bottle of whiskey. I don¡¯t have any blistercloth to close his wound. On the bright side the Rabbit¡¯s blade missed any vital organs and I think the bleeding will stop once I get him stitched up. So as long as he doesn¡¯t fight anymore Rabbits and break his stitches, he should be fine. Of course, if he does break them, he¡¯ll bleed to death because I don¡¯t have the supplies to save him. But we¡¯ll cross that bridge when we get there,¡± Essie said, her tone rife with dark humor and sarcasm. Koda did not find the dire situation as humorous, however. Essie was pleased that her cat-folk friend meekly chuckled.


    ¡°Bring word of any changes to Lear¡¯s condition, positive or negative,¡± commanded Koda as he stood and brushed the soil from his trousers. He moved quickly, making his way back to the northern lines.


    ***


    Cass moved quietly through the back lines, checking on the weary and sleepless men, reassuring them that the end of the nights in the ¡°Forest of the Splintered Skies¡± was at its end. Men with bloodstained bandages swathed around their faces and arms in slings were happy to see their Lady. They swore an oath to serve their tribe and would not falter, however this forest was known to make weak even the strongest men. No common elves such as these were safe from the demoralizing effects of another two weeks of dire straights. Koda¡¯s army had been held at Estinia¡¯s mercy for nearly a month now. They had no supplies, they had no access to fresh men, and they had no way to retreat. They had only themselves and the hope that their leaders gave them.


    Cass slid into the foxhole with her king and fellow lord. Cass knew her situation was grim, but she kept her misery low. Athar, on the other hand, let his misery shine.


    ¡°My King, this is the twenty-third sunrise that we¡¯ve endured in this forest. We have run out of fresh water and when we sent men to find a river, only half of them returned. No doubt Black Rabbits were the culprits. We have run out of food, and the same fate that befell the water scouts have struck the foragers as well.¡±


    Koda stared bitterly at Athar. He had given his report every day since they arrived in this mess. Koda ignored Athar, but he continued.


    ¡°My King, our medics say that over half our army is either injured or have fallen ill. We can not wait to die any longer, action must be taken.¡±


    Koda slowly turned his head away from Athar. Indeed, something needed to be done. A full on assault was never advised by Ashmer. At their best, his army would have been decimated by the siege engines.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°My King, an Estinian officer requests a parley to speak with you,¡± called out a voice, breaking Koda¡¯s depressing thoughts.


    Koda looked up to see a messenger staring back down at him. His young, dirt covered face bore witness to the fact that he had seen too much for one lifetime. However, there was still vigor in his eyes. He was still ready to fight for the freedom of Varis and Long Whisper.


    ¡°Athar, come with me. Cass, fetch Wiccer, Avalon, and Ashmer, then come join us on the front lines. We shall see what Estinia has in store for us.¡±


    On the field between the Estinian lines and the forest border, Koda and his company stood facing Estinian soldiers on white horses. They were not in any sort of armor, but in clean and pressed tan military tunics adorned with various medals and ribbons. By their sides were sheathed ornate golden sabers.


    ¡°King Koda, et es a pleasure to finally meet you. I em Commander Unrick. I command dis great army of Estinian soldiers. As you can see ve hev come to vish you to be en no more harm¡¯s vay.¡±


    Koda bowed politely, ¡°Commander, what do you have to say?¡±


    ¡°King Koda, ve are prepared to march ento your forest en slaughter every von of your men to capture and enslave you. However, dat is not necessary. Ve hev the resources, do not forget dat. Ve are allowing you to surrender your men and your crown. Your men vill be taken en to continue dere service, but in de service of the von true king. De Div¡¯Rah.¡±


    ¡°Surrender?¡± said Koda, taken aback. He saw this ultimatum coming from leagues away, but to have it stated to him so plainly caught him slightly off guard. It was all too real.


    ¡°Ve vill give you entil dawn to dink et over. Good day, King Koda,¡± finished Unrick before nodding and trotting back to Stonewall.


    ***


    ¡°You must surrender, my King,¡± Athar urged.


    Koda, Avalon, Wiccer, Ashmer, Athar and Cass stood in a secluded, but well guarded section of the woods. Athar¡¯s negativity must have finally worn through Koda¡¯s mind, because it seemed like the best option.


    ¡°Ashmer, can anything else be done?¡± Koda asked his general, desperation throttling his voice.


    ¡°My King, our men are prepared to fight¨C¡± Ashmer exclaimed but was cut short by Athar.


    ¡°You mean prepared to die!¡±


    Avalon shoved herself in front of Athar to pull Koda¡¯s attention to her, ¡°My King, we can no longer pretend that a soldier or king¡¯s way will solve this dire situation.¡±


    ¡°What do you suggest, Avalon?¡± asked Wiccer, although he had a keen guess as to what the Silent One was alluding to.


    ¡°We must think like a Black Rabbit,¡± Avalon said, cracking a thin smile, ¡°Hear me out. I was trained as a Rabbit before I became a Silent One. I can not help but to still think like one. Your soldiers and noblemen see a bleak situation. As a Black Rabbit I see an obvious action to be taken by you, my King.¡±


    ¡°You wish to assassinate Unrick?¡± asked Koda, already irked by the thought.


    ¡°Take him prisoner. He commands the Estinians. Cut off the head of the dragon and it can no longer breathe fire. With Unrick in our possession, he will command his army to surrender and open Stonewall¡¯s gates.¡±


    Everyone around Avalon nodded to the plan.


    ¡°Who do you suggest sending?¡± Wiccer asked.


    ¡°Myself, Elucard, Calsoon, and your sharpshooter, Timber,¡± she said, counting on her hand. She then pointed to Wiccer, ¡°You and the rest of ARO protect Koda. He could still be in danger. I don¡¯t trust this Inle.¡±


    Wiccer nodded and turned to Koda, ¡°My King, do you approve of this mission?¡±


    ¡°I do. May the gods grant you strength in your hearts and sanctuary in your souls.¡±

 Chapter 62: Infiltrating Stonewall

    Slipping through the siege lines as silently as the clouds passing through the sky, Elucard, Avalon, Timber, and Calsoon made their way to the walls of the mountain pass city. The walls reached high and were not smooth. Stones jutted out and were riddled with various cracks, allowing them to serve as fine footholds. The shadowy team crouched in the darkness of the walls waiting for a pair of night patrolmen to pass. Elucard had his team inch closer to the wall to avoid the rim of the illuminating torchlight. Once the two patrolmen had passed by completely, Elucard nodded to Timber. Timber moved to an appropriate angle from the wall and a watch tower on top of the battlements and, with excellent accuracy, shot a guard above. The arrow was well placed and quick to kill, piercing the throat. Beyond the reach of the ever watchful eyes of the enemy, the infiltrators made their way up and passed their first obstacle.


    Upon making it to the battlements, the squad leapt like the Rabbits they were from rooftop to rooftop. Timber held the rear, spotting and taking out several rooftop archers guarding the city sky.


    ¡°This seems too easy, Elucard,¡± Timber whispered as she sniped a third archer, ¡°Or are we just that good?¡±


    ¡°A little of both, I suppose,¡± smirked Elucard, although a bit on edge.


    ¡°Rabbit!¡± Avalon hissed as she spied an assassin fleeing a neighboring building.


    ¡°I¡¯m on it!¡± Timber called out in a low voice. However her arrow did not fly true. It skimmed off the Rabbit¡¯s right shoulder as he dropped out of sight behind an adjacent building


    ¡°Calsoon, take him out! We¡¯ll continue forth,¡± Elucard ordered.


    Calsoon swiftly leapt after the enemy. He soared through an open window and hurdled through the upper room, landing next to the now surprised assassin.


    The assassin did not pause for introductions and dashed out of the building with breakneck speed, knocking over crates and hopping over wooden fences. Calsoon followed closely by making his way through the makeshift obstacle course.


    The chase made its way throughout the wide array of alleys and across the cobblestone streets. They raced, passing over hay carts, under horses, and around wagons. Finally Calsoon stopped dead in his tracks as the Rabbit crashed into the doors of a large temple. Just inside the archway, the assassin could be seen. His labored breathing echoed off the walls. He stumbled on his backside, further into the church as he watched the motionless Calsoon.


    Calsoon smiled a wicked grin. His toes barely grazed the border of the temple¡¯s doors.


    ¡°Sala¡¯Esh Ru¡¯Ala Vey¡¯Dako.¡± ¡®No angel¡¯s embrace will save you from my reach,¡¯ Calsoon hissed in a bizarre ancient tongue; a tongue that no elf or any priest of that temple had ever heard.


    Calsoon¡¯s eyes drained into a dark amber, he beckoned to the now frightened assassin, ¡°Come friend, you and I are kindred spirits. We both worship the same god. We both want to walk out of this night alive. In another lifetime we could have been friends.¡±


    The Rabbit shivered uncontrollably as he walked toward Calsoon, ¡°I don¡¯t want to die. Promise me I won¡¯t die.¡±


    ¡°Hush now, my friend. Allow me to sing you a soothing song; a song that will put your mind at ease in such a troublesome time as this.¡±


    May the angels sing to you, my dear child


    May they bring comfort to the king and the exiled


    Let them come forth when you are helpless and scaredThe narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Let them give heart to the cowards and the unprepared


    Until sunset, angels will fight until they must sleep


    The assassin now stood before Calsoon swaying in the cool night breeze. He was calm, locked in Calsoon¡¯s hypnotic gaze. Tears rolled down his cheeks. Somewhere deep inside, he knew he was in the deadly grasp of an adder. With a flash of steel and a cool slice, the assassin¡¯s head bounced onto the ground.


    ¡°Until sunrise, in the darkness I shall reap,¡± Calsoon whispered, finishing the song. His eyes returned to a cold blue once more as he wiped his sword clean from the Rabbit¡¯s blood.


    Calsoon looked up at the stain-glass window that embellished the archway above the entrance¡¯s keystone. It was decorated with an image of the All-Father. His eyes seemed to look saddened. Calsoon bowed to the decorative piece.


    ¡°Not everyone can be saved, my friend.¡±


    ***


    A trail of blood made its way through the city hall¡¯s courtyard and up its steps. Soldiers¡¯ bodies lay crumpled on the ground, throats neatly slit. Through the lobby, guards leaned against the walls, daggers and arrows pinning them upright. Elucard, Avalon, and Timber made their way up the curling stairwell silently. Each step was measured so as not to burden the old wood with too much pressure. The last thing they needed was for the floor to creak, alerting their prey of their presence. Avalon reached the top floor and glided to the door. With her Silencer at the ready, she pulled the door open, but stopped short of rushing inside.


    In front of her stood thirty soldiers armed to the teeth. A barrage of polearms thrust forth with surprising speed. Avalon was caught off guard as one of the iron spades pierced her shoulder. She leapt backwards, nearly stumbling down the stairs. Elucard grabbed her by the coat to keep her stable. Timber fired several arrows in rapid succession, trying to cover the retreat of her companions, but the platoon of soldiers barreled through the storm of arrows and forced the trio down the stairs.


    Elucard pushed Avalon against the banister on the lower part of the stairs just long enough to examine her wound.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, do you have any blistercloth?¡± Avalon winced as she flexed her sword hand. The pain would be too much of a burden, so she opted to use her left hand instead.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure Essie would kill me if I had blistercloth,¡± Elucard said jokingly as he ripped off a piece of his red cloak and wrapped it tightly around Avalon¡¯s wound.


    ¡°Will you two stop bantering? I¡¯m dangerously low on arrows here!¡± Timber yelled. Her arrows flew wildly at any solider that dared make his way around the bend.


    ¡°Master,¡± a familiar voice called from on top of the stairs, ¡°did you really think Legion wouldn¡¯t have thought that you and your little Red Rabbits would come and take our commander this night? The final night before the great King Koda¡¯s historic surrender? You disappoint me.¡±


    Elucard narrowed his eyes and made his way to charge back up the stairway, but was caught by Avalon.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so foolish, Elucard. He¡¯s toying with us. He wants us to be on his territory. Let us make our way back outside and figure out a way to out maneuver him. Don¡¯t play into his hand!¡± She could feel the hatred seething off the young elf.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Elucard said, nodding to Timber to follow him and Avalon as they ran to the city hall¡¯s exit.


    As the trio barged out into the courtyard, it became exceedingly clear that they had just walked into the actual trap that Inle had set. Forty guards quickly swarmed them while the others closed in behind them. Commander Unrick and his lieutenant waltzed up to the defeated squad as they were having their weapons confiscated.


    ¡°So, dis es how Koda dinks he can vin dis battle?¡± The lieutenant scoffed as he lifted the chin of a furious Avalon, ¡°By sending his biggest failures to assassinate you, my commander?¡±


    Avalon clenched her teeth and palmed a dagger beneath her sleeve. In a flash, she took the officer by his head and sliced his throat open. The lieutenant gurgled blood as he lurched awkwardly toward Unrick before collapsing in a bubbling and bleeding mess at his boots.


    ¡°You vill be de first to die, girl!¡± Unrick shouted. He snapped his fingers to have a soldier move forward, but a shadowed figure stepped between him and Avalon.


    ¡°Commander, my clan will pay your Div¡¯Rah handsomely to keep these three as our prisoners,¡± said Legion as he eyed Elucard. Elucard glowered at the sight of his former master.


    Unrick gazed at the three would-be assassins and thought for a long moment, ¡°Very vell. Take dem to the prison tower.¡±


    Calsoon watched from above, hidden in shadows of the rooftops as his companions were ushered forward, unable to help them.

 Chapter 63: Learning the Truth

    The cell where Elucard, Avalon, and Timber were being kept was silent, save for the pattering of the soft rain outside the cell window. Moisture drizzled down the rusty bars.


    Lying on a damp pile of hay, Timber counted the many stones that tiled the ceiling. For each crack, she snapped her fingers. For each web she counted, she clapped her clawed hands. Avalon flinched in annoyance at Timber¡¯s monotonous game.


    ¡°Will you quit that? I¡¯m trying to think of a way out of here!¡± Avalon snapped.


    Timber held still, then sat up, ¡°It¡¯s nearly dawn. Estinia will soon be marching to trample over Koda¡¯s army. They¡¯ll take the king prisoner, they¡¯ll capture the northern beach camp, and then they¡¯ll send a large army to take take over Long Whisper and burn Lost Dawns to the ground.¡± Her voice was thick with defeat.


    Elucard stirred in his silent stupor, but said nothing.


    Avalon shot an angry glare at Timber, ¡°We haven¡¯t failed our mission yet. We need to keep our senses sharp.¡±


    ¡°A blade is only as sharp as the Rabbit wielding it.¡± Legion appeared from the shadows of the cell, walking closer to the prison bars. His face had a grim look to it. He peered into the prison cell and examined Elucard and sighed greatly, ¡°Elucard¡­ I¡­¡± he began, but hesitated. He struggled with his words as if they were caught in this throat, ¡°I wished you died when I threw you over that waterfall. The fate planned for you now will be far worse than death.¡±


    Elucard slid his eyes to glance at his former Master.


    Avalon stood from the stool she was sitting on and approached the bars, ¡°I have traveled the world and killed many more after I left the clan, but even I eventually found peace. Peace in Jedeo. She is a merciful goddess, even to Rabbits like us. You can find peace in her as well. Serve a new clan, serve as a Silent One, old friend.¡±


    Legion lowered his head and shakily rubbed his hands together, ¡°No, I think mercy is out of my reach, Avalon.¡±


    Elucard swiftly moved to the bars, gripping the black iron tightly in his hands, ¡°You taught me nothing but lies! Twisted lies. Your philosophy, your way of life, it¡¯s worthless!¡±This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Legion stepped closer to his former student, ¡°My lessons kept you alive in a world that would have otherwise swallowed a whelp like you whole.¡±


    ¡°I survived, but Jetta didn¡¯t,¡± Elucard hissed in a raspy voice.


    Legion lashed out and snatched Elucard by the throat, squeezing tightly, ¡°You want to know who killed Jetta, Elucard?¡±


    Elucard gasped out, ¡°Tell me!¡±


    ¡°You did!¡±


    Elucard screamed in anguish and struggled to grasp at Legion through the bars.


    Legion pulled him into the bars and brought his face closer to Elucard¡¯s ear, ¡°That will be the closest you ever come to the truth. Now bury your hatred and move on with your life.¡±


    Elucard quivered, clenching his teeth in frustration, ¡°Why won¡¯t you tell me? You were my father when I had none. I loved you and now you torture me by withholding from me what I need to know!¡±


    Legion struggled to hold his cold demeanor and loosened his grip on Elucard¡¯s throat, ¡°I hold back the truth because I know it would ruin you as it has ruined me.¡±


    Elucard peered into Legion¡¯s sorrowful, crimson eyes. Legion took a hold of Elucard¡¯s shoulder and raked his fingers downward, dragging his shaking hand down Elucard¡¯s armor. He bowed his head and fell to his knees. The weight of the guilt was too much to bear, ¡°Elucard, it was the only way to save you.¡±


    Elucard stumbled backwards and slid down the prison wall, he stuttered as he began to bawl, ¡°M-Master h-how could you?¡±


    Legion grabbed the bars and rattled them. He knelt silently before glancing over his shoulder, ¡°You know the truth, now do what you must.¡± He picked himself up and exited the prison.


    Avalon knelt beside Elucard to comfort him, ¡°You must forgive him now, Elucard. He has confessed his sins. For both of you to heal you must drop your vendetta.¡±


    Elucard turned to face her, ¡°He deserves no forgiveness, and I no peace.¡± Elucard squeezed his fist tightly, his leather glove cracked, ¡°The only one who deserves peace is Jetta and she will have none until every Rabbit pays for it in blood!¡±


    Avalon furrowed her brow, ¡°I will pray for you.¡±


    The clanking sound of keys brought the attention of the three prisoners to the cell door where they found Calsoon hastily opening it.


    ¡°Calsoon!¡± Timber exclaimed in surprise.


    ¡°Come quickly, we haven¡¯t much time! I found your weapons, we must complete our mission before it is too late!¡±


    Elucard nodded, ¡°We¡¯ve wasted too much time already, the fate of Koda¡¯s army rests on our shoulders.¡±

 Chapter 64: Hope and Morning

    ¡°I suppose this is as fine a morning to die as any,¡± Koda whispered; half to himself and half to the leaders at his side. The king had gathered his men at the edge of the forest. The front lines were made up of whatever men could stand. Any who were not bound to crutches and arm slings stood as the final bulwark of their king. These men, as battered and bruised as they were, were Koda¡¯s last hope; barely strong enough to hold their swords and only strong enough to take a command.


    Koda stared in fear at the Estinian forces. To surrender now would save many lives, but in the end Varis would fall, and without their king, Long Whisper would follow soon after. With that, centuries of tyranny would befall Cypress. He had failed King Dallin, his lords, his people, but most of all, he had failed his father.


    ¡°It¡¯s over,¡± Koda finally choked.


    From across the field, Commander Unrick called out, ¡°Do you surrender, King Koda?¡±


    Koda reached for his words. At first he spoke nothing, unable to grasp the reality of his situation. Then he felt a hand grab him by the shoulder. Koda followed the hand to find it hand belonged to Adema. Until now Koda had never got a good look at Adema. She was an elf of some sort. Her hood hung low over her face and she wore a gold mask that covered the lower portion of her face. The shadow of her hood covered her eyes. She wore silver leather gloves that neatly accented her white long coat. A dark orange trim finished the coat¡¯s detail. She wore light silver armor beneath her coat, and her beautifully crafted sword hung sheathed on her left side. She was indeed a mystery, rarely ever speaking. She preferred to let her actions speak on her behalf.


    ¡°My King, this is why we were sent to aid you. Allow us to handle this,¡± she said in a low, calm voice.


    ¡°Handle? As if it were so simple.¡± Wiccer turned to her looking as confused as his king.


    Adema slowly walked beyond the front lines and pressed forward down the field. She stopped halfway between the two armies. Without turning to look, she commanded her thirty Silent Ones to fall in behind her, ¡°Silent Ones, to me!¡±


    Immediately, flashes of white darted in a row behind her. Adema began to walk again, but at a brisker pace this time. She gripped her blade and drew it from its sheath, creating a piercing sound. Unrick clenched his teeth and winced at the noise.


    ¡°When all hope fades, we will continue to fight. For we are her courage, her strength, her light. So draw your blades touched with Jedeo¡¯s might,¡± Adema chanted as she hastened into a sprint, her Silencer raised in the air.


    Upon uttering the third verse, the thirty Silent Ones pulled out their blades in unison. The ringing was so sharp and loud that the front lines of the Estinian army dropped their weapons to cover their ears in agony.


    Unrick realized that this mysterious person was a true threat and despite the overwhelming odds against the Silent Ones, he was afraid, ¡°Attack dem! Do not let dem reach de lines!¡± ordered Unrick as he scrambled further into the back lines of his army.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°And together we shall silence the Night!¡± Adema called out as she crashed into the front lines, viciously hacking into soldiers too caught by surprise by the sudden advance to react properly. The thirty Silent Ones clashed into the fray, joining their leader.


    Together the Silent One forces pushed back the Estinians as they toppled over each other to get away from the deadly Silencers. From far behind his army, Unrick could be heard shouting orders to destroy the Silent Ones. But the zeal of the Silent Ones was not to be underestimated. Each had been tested by the trials of the Blade Range and was willing to die for the glory of their goddess. The Estinians were ill equipped to deal with such a foe, and that disadvantage gave Koda¡¯s forces the upper hand.


    Koda looked on in awe at the spectacular feat as less than forty men pushed back a force of one thousand. His men took notice too. They cheered with a new spurt of hope in their hearts, waving their hands and weapons in glee.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s time, my King,¡± said Wiccer, stoically.


    Koda trotted his wolf onto the field ahead of his men and raised the Long Whisper banner, ¡°Chaaaarge!¡±


    Koda¡¯s men ran across the field crying blood and thunder in their battle cries, most limping, some refreshed in a dead on sprint. All with vinegar pulsing through their veins as they broke into the now terrified Estinian lines. The enemy forces clambered backward, falling over the corpses of their fallen comrades as they broke into a fearful retreat. However, they were halted in their tracks by the sight of Unrick, who had a dagger to his throat. The Estinians dropped their weapons and cowered on their knees, unsure of what to do.


    Koda broke through to where Unrick was crying out for a formal surrender. There he found Elucard holding a thin knife under the chin of the Estinian commander. Timber, Avalon, and Calsoon had several other officers tied and gagged.


    ¡°Well done, sergeant. I¡¯ll take it from here,¡± Koda nodded to Elucard to let go of his prisoner. He then peered into the furious eyes of Unrick, ¡°I admit, you had me beat, but it wasn¡¯t me you needed to defeat. It was the spirit of Long Whisper that defeated you.¡±


    ¡°You vere a vorthy adversary, King Koda. It vill be a delight to vatch you squirm vhen my Div¡¯Rah burns your Lost Dawns to de ground.¡±


    Koda¡¯s smile faded quickly, ¡°Take him away,¡± he said solemnly.


    ***


    ¡°You let them escape! You let them win!¡± Inle snarled at Legion.


    The two Black Rabbits stood on a ledge in the mountains overlooking the now liberated city of Stonewall.


    Legion turned to look at the young shadow elf. His steel clown mask cast a dark shadow in the sunset, ¡°This is not how we want to beat Elucard. Imprisoned by Aric and handed to our clan as some kind of bargaining chip to be at the mercy of the Silent Master.¡± Legion thrust an index finger into Inle¡¯s chest, pushing him off balance a bit, ¡°That¡¯s not how you imagine his death. Is it?¡±


    Legion read Inle like a book and even as clever as Inle was, he knew Legion was right. He continued to let Legion talk, ¡°You want Elucard all to yourself. You need him to see that you aren¡¯t just his student, but his equal. Elucard sitting in some scum filled cage isn¡¯t the proper ending for him.¡± Legion walked past him back to the road, ¡°It¡¯s not how I imagined his death either.¡±


    Inle took one final look at Stonewall before chasing after his High Blade. Elucard had to die by his hands and his alone. No one deserved Elucard more. No one.

 Chapter 65: An Overdue Break

    Night had settled on the newly liberated city of Stonewall. A calmness hung in the air as the exhausted soldiers found their way to the warmth of soft beds and cozy inns; a sharp contrast from the weeks before. The townsfolk were more than willing to share a home cooked meal and open a fine wine for Koda¡¯s weary men.


    Wiccer, Ashmer, Athar, Cass, and Koda sat at a dining table in the home of the mayor. Dinner plates were cleared away as a much needed meal was eaten by the five guests. Small glasses were refilled with the mayor¡¯s finest brandy, once hidden from the Estinian men.


    ¡°We will stay in Stonewall one more day, and then we march hard to meet up with our divided forces and the Varisian army on the other side of the mountains,¡± Ashmer stated as he sipped a glass of the smooth alcohol.


    ¡°I think we should keep our most injured and ill here in Stonewall. They will be no good to us if they can¡¯t march,¡± suggested Cass.


    Koda curled his hands together, resting his chin on top of his knuckles, ¡°How many men do we have if the injured and ill stay here?¡±


    Ashmer calculated on his fingers and did a quick bit of math in his head, before finally answering, ¡°About seven hundred, including the thirty-two Silent Ones, and six Vernal Mages. We picked up about twenty working catapults and ballistas too.¡±


    ¡°Well, we¡¯ve seen the Silent Ones work. They each fight like twenty men,¡± Wiccer mused as he remembered the incredible feat from earlier in the day.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s settled. We¡¯ll stay one more day in Stonewall and then take our most well-off men and march through the mountain pass,¡± Koda said, perking up after taking a swig of the welcoming drink.


    ***


    The Crooked Sword was filled to the brim with soldiers desperately seeking a cold drink and a warm hearth after the hellish experience in what they named ¡°The Forest of the Splintered Skies.¡± The ARO members, save for Elucard, Wiccer, and Lear, relaxed to the best of their abilities as they sipped on their ales and slurped down the hot beef stew. But no one spoke between them, for their once sharp wit and keen senses were now dull like rusted blades.


    Blayvaar broke the silence, ¡°We should bring Lear some ale when we get a chance.¡±


    ¡°This yikahti would appreciate a cold one,¡± Rulan grinned as he joked.


    Smiles broke from the tired Watchers as they agreed that they should pay Lear a visit.


    ¡°Well, look who it is,¡± a familiar and unwelcome voice broke through the good spirits like a war hammer.


    Blayvaar turned to find Rith and a large gathering of the 12th Spearman division chuckling crudely with their arms crossed over their chests.


    ¡°Me and the boys were about to head out and find some fun in this town, but there seems to be some fun to be had right here,¡± Rith said, cracking a snide smile. He nudged one of his fellow spearmen.


    ¡°Not now Rith, I don¡¯t have the patience to deal with your bullshit,¡± Blayvaar spat before turning back around to his stein.


    Rith¡¯s face curled as he grabbed Blayvaar by the collar and spun him around in his seat to face him, ¡°I see you don¡¯t have your captain here. Me and my boys are going to get some hard earned respect from you ARO bastards, even if we have to beat it out of each one of you!¡±


    Immediately seats could be heard screeching back across the floor as each one of the ARO members came to the aid of their companion, ¡°Now is not the time to mess with us, spearman!¡± Timber snarled.


    Rith moved to Timber, but Rulan stepped into Rith¡¯s face until the elf was close enough to see his reflection in Rith¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Stand down Rith, we¡¯ve both been through some shit and none of us want to be tested.¡± Rulan spoke calmly, though his eyes were stressed and sunken from the lack of sleep


    ¡°Get out of my face, Rabbit,¡± Rith sneered.


    Rulan narrowed his eyes and butt his forehead into the bridge of Rith¡¯s nose. A hard thump followed a sharp crack as Rith¡¯s nose bent unnaturally. A thick, long droplet of blood dripped to the wooden floor. Rith was taken by surprise as he stumbled backwards into the arms of his fellow soldiers.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Swords were quickly drawn all around the ARO soldiers as Rulan and the others prepared for a melee to ensue. However, a loud order rocked the tavern, ¡°Stand down, spearmen!¡±


    Pushing his way between the two units came a scarred and gray haired elf. A heavy woolen bandage covered his left eye and the rank of Staff Sergeant was stitched on his shoulder, above it was the ¡°12th Spearman Division¡± unit patch.


    ¡°Sergeant Aloth!? We were just¨C¡± Rith wheezily tried to explain himself.


    ¡°You take me for a fool, Rith?¡±


    ¡°No, sergeant!¡±


    ¡°You think I didn¡¯t see you harass these soldiers?¡±


    ¡°No, sergeant!¡±


    ¡°Are these the Estinains?¡±


    Rith held silent, knowing full well what kind of trouble he was in.


    Aloth¡¯s face turned beet red and a vein protruded under his skin, ¡°Then tell me why you are harassing this unit!¡±


    Rith clenched his teeth trying to think of a suitable enough answer that did not land him in an endless session of push-ups, ¡°They are Rabbits, sergeant.¡±


    ¡°Rabbits?¡± spat Aloth.


    Another soldier pipped up, ¡°They were trained by Elucard, sergeant. They shouldn¡¯t be treated with the same respect as any of the other soldiers.¡±


    Aloth nodded and then turned to Blayvaar, ¡°You, private. Did you just spend three weeks in the Forest of the Splintered Skies?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sergeant,¡± Blayvaar said, his face still sour.


    Aloth pointed to Elisa, ¡°What about you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sergeant.¡±


    Aloth pointed to Timber, ¡°And you? Were you there too?¡±


    Timber grinned, ¡°Indeed I was, sergeant.¡±


    Aloth turned to his unit, ¡°ARO shared the same experience as all of you in that god-forsaken forest. They slept in the same shit-holes, they bled the same blood, they shed the same tears. They are as much as part of this army and country as the rest of you. Trained by Rabbits? Yes, but they were trained by them to fight and save you pieces of shit from the Rabbits. Don¡¯t you forget that!¡±


    The spearmen all lowered their heads.


    ¡°I want all of you outside after you apologize to each one of those ARO soldiers. We¡¯re going for a discipline jog until you learn how to give proper respect to your peers!¡±


    The Watchers looked at each other in bewilderment but each grew a new smile on their faces as it seemed that they finally gained the respect they yearned for.


    ***


    Elucard sat in the large temple of Father. The moonlight danced in fragmented colors as it passed through stained glass windows depicting battles against an evil that came from the skies. His head was bowed and eyes were closed shut as he muttered words of prayer and confusion to the goddess he was once faithful to, ¡°Alanna can you hear me? I know you must be disappointed in me. I know I served you without question at one point. Or at least I thought I was serving you. I was really serving a twisted version of you.¡±


    He opened his eyes, now red with tears from remembering such a tumultuous period in his life. He had no one to turn to for guidance, no god to lean on for understanding. Everything in his life was a lie and now he did not know whether he wished to live in that lie or be free from it.


    ¡°Alanna, I seek your blessing. I am on a path of war and many will die. At one point I believed I did your work and that I was your hand. Now I seek to kill for myself and I need to know if you will not shame me when I run my blade across the necks that deserve my wrath.¡± Elucard held silent. He used this moment to reflect on his own thoughts and words, ¡°Not for myself, but for her. I wish to kill for Jetta. I know she has Alue, but Alanna, she lived a life full of trauma and strife. She needs protection. Please, while I slay those that harmed her, watch over her soul. Maybe some day Jetta and I can meet once more and I can finally have my peace¡­¡±


    ¡°Peace can be sought without the shadow of hate in tow, Elucard.¡±


    Elucard¡¯s eyes widened at the sound of what he thought was the voice of the one he so desperately missed, ¡°Jetta?¡± He turned looking for his lost friend, but found Avalon sitting in a pew behind him instead.


    ¡°Is it she who drives you?¡± Avalon asked thoughtfully. She had seen many tormented hearts since she had begun her service as a Silent One. It was her duty to protect and spread the word of Jedeo. Naturally, putting the restless at ease was also a large part of her duties.


    ¡°No,¡± Elucard spoke simply.


    Avalon leaned forward and spoke quietly into Elucard¡¯s ear, ¡°I was once like you, a Rabbit betrayed by her own life. I traveled the lands, seeking redemption. I was a slave to an endless nightmare of hatred and sorrow, but then Jedeo found me. She gave me my Silencer and a new purpose. I still fight. I still kill. I am still an assassin, but now for a greater purpose. I fight for the light and the truth,¡± she said, gripping her sword¡¯s handle tightly.


    Elucard stood up and began to walk out of the temple. Avalon grabbed Elucard¡¯s hand as he passed her, ¡°Elucard, don¡¯t let the darkness swallow you. If you let that happen, you will never find peace.¡±


    Elucard snapped his hand away from her, ¡°You want to know what drives me? The darkness drives me. I want it to swallow me so that I can be strong enough to face my demons!¡±


    Avalon lowered her head in prayer as Elucard stormed out of the temple.


    Jedeo, give Elucard the strength to walk away from the path he walks. Give him the strength to find his way to the light and find his peace.

 Chapter 66: Marching On

    Koda¡¯s remaining forces marched through the long mountain pass, knowing the journey would last two days. Despite spending an extra day in Stonewall, Koda¡¯s men were not revitalized enough to start another trek and even less ready for a battle at the end of that trek. The mountain pass was a narrow stretch of road that sliced through a single mountain. A set of high rock-face walls bordered the road and wind rushed through the makeshift valley with its cool autumn air.


    Wiccer and Elisa marched behind the train of troops, watching its rear. Wiccer was still very tired. Leading ARO and acting as a military advisor had taken its toll on his body and mind. His eyes drooped and his movement was slow, as if he walked through mud. His joints creaked stiffly as he trudged along.


    ¡°You should get some rest. There are a few wagons not too far ahead. No one would look down upon you if you hitched a ride,¡± Elisa said softly.


    Wiccer jolted his head in a quick shake to wake up. He sleepily smiled at the shadow elf, ¡°I¡¯ve always treated you like dirt, but you¡¯ve been nothing but kind to me.¡±


    Elisa paused before responding, ¡°I was a prisoner in the past. I¡¯ve killed many and caused much strife to many others. I would treat me like dirt too.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve changed so much, Elisa. Do you know that?¡± Wiccer asked. He rapped his scabbard with his thumb while trying to choose his words, ¡°It¡¯s like you¡¯re one of us now. No it¡¯s not that, it¡¯s more like ever since you and Avren were together you¡¯ve just been trying to make things right.¡±


    ¡°Avren¡­¡± said Elisa faintly, still pained by his loss.


    ¡°You¡¯ve gone above and beyond to show me that you really cared for him, I think I was too upset with myself to see that,¡± Wiccer swallowed his shame hard, ¡°I¡¯m sorry Elisa. You are a true friend.¡±


    Elisa smiled gently, blushing up to her ear tips, ¡°You¡¯ve changed a lot yourself, Wiccer. You no longer see ARO as just some asset. You really care for each and every one of us.¡±


    Wiccer nodded and looked away, ¡°It took a war for me to finally see that the lot of you are my family.¡±


    ¡°Even Elucard?¡±The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Wiccer held silent, not ready to admit he now saw Elucard as a friend.


    ¡°Someday, perhaps,¡± Elisa sighed.


    ***


    Timber and Calsoon looked down from their perch, high on top of one of the stone walls. They sat looking down at the marching army, silence filling the gap between them. Finally Timber spoke up, although seemingly to herself, ¡°My grandmother was a wise wolf shaman. She was very religious and often told me stories of times long ago. She once told me a story of five individuals and the sacrifices they made to vanquish an evil that descended from a new moon.¡±


    Calsoon turned curiously to his companion, but she did not return the gaze. She continued all the same as she regaled the tale:


    ¡°Long ago, before there were no gods. A time where there was only ¡®Nihilio.¡¯ The world had its magic, but only for a select few. Man lived in fear of the wickedness that the shadows brought. At the time, the wicked were ruled by the vampires and the Night was not nearly as frightful as it would soon be. For once the Black Moon appeared in the sky, the Night would rule. Demons descended from the new moon, and with them brought a war that man would fight for one hundred years.


    At first, man did not fight alone. Following the demons came the angels. Skin like gold, wings as pure as pearls. The angels fought valiantly, but were overwhelmed by this menace. Save for six, the angels retreated from whence they came. The six angels were indeed fantastic warriors in their own right, but the demons were greater.


    It seemed all hope was lost, until Nihilio stepped down from his celestial throne and gifted five mortal beings with the power of a second soul. The second souls were of a new magic, a magic crafted to hunt the demons. Embedded with the souls of the Jade Hawk, these five men and women fought back the demons in a final bout. The demons were defeated, but not destroyed. They crept back in their shadows. The five Jade Warriors vanished, now that their purpose was complete.


    The six angels ascended to become gods, a mortal leader was chosen to ascend with them. Once the new gods were established, they saw Nihilio as their All-Father. After one hundred years of a brutal war for survival, man found peace again.¡±


    Calsoon grinned, ¡°I¡¯ve been told that story before, but you tell it so eloquently.


    Timber finally turned to face Calsoon. Her eyes were steely and her face was grim to match,


    ¡°My grandmother told me that the demons still lurk among us. She tells me to watch for anyone with amber eyes that the Night shines through like an amber moon.¡±


    Calsoon chuckled lightly, ¡°You granny is full of stories.¡±


    Timber smiled thinly, ¡°Perhaps¡­¡±


    But stories are always born from a shred of truth.

 Chapter 67: Blade Sisters Reunite

    The gigantic Estinian camp was bustling as Legion and Inle entered. Soldiers sparred and blacksmiths repaired armor. On the outskirts of the encampment, they found Vada leading fifty new Black Rabbits in a kata. They were fresh faced and of Estinian blood. However, despite being green, they looked well trained and strong. After all, Estinian soldiers were known as merciless and tenacious in the first place. Now that they trained as Black Rabbits they would be a force to be reckoned with. Vada finished her kata and bowed to dismiss them before turning to her High Blade and First Blade.


    ¡°Fifty Rabbits trained and ready, my High Blade,¡± Vada said, proud of her quick work.


    Inle inspected the new Rabbits as they walked off, ¡°They look a bit rough.¡±


    Vada winced at the criticism, but made the best of it, ¡°They are indeed rough around the edges, but the bones are there. They will do fine in combat.¡±


    ¡°Inle, report to the king¡ªthe Div¡¯Rah¡ªthat we have returned and share what we know of Koda¡¯s army,¡± said Legion, catching himself. He waited for Inle to bow and hustle off before pulling Vada off to the side, ¡°Vada, there is something we discovered while we were in Stonewall.¡±


    ¡°Go on,¡± said Vada, slightly confused.


    ¡°Avalon is alive and is with Koda¡¯s forces.¡±


    Vada stumbled backwards, her jaw slouched open in bewilderment, ¡°H-how can this be? I-I was sure she was enslaved in the gladiator pits of Scorch!¡±


    Legion grabbed hold of Vada, shaking her to her senses, ¡°Whatever the case may be, can I count on you to finish your mission?¡±


    Vada furrowed her brow, still taken aback, ¡°M-My mission?¡±


    ¡°To finish off Avalon!¡± Legion snarled.


    Vada ran her hands over her head. She needed to sit down and reflect on this news, but Legion did not allow her such time, ¡°Avalon will fall under my sword, my High Blade,¡± said Vada finally.


    ¡°Good. I have no doubt you two will meet on the battlefield,¡± nodded Legion, pleased with himself.


    Vada walked slowly away. She was now focused. She was confident she would see Avalon on the battlefield, but now hoped to meet her before then as well.


    ***


    Koda¡¯s army had made camp under a large overpass of rock. The Silent Ones slumbered as Adema conversed quietly with her Silver Wing across the glow of a dimly lit fire.


    ¡°You know who the first Silent One was?¡± Adema asked Avalon. Not a true question, but a test to begin a conversation. Her long white and orange jacket rested beneath her, serving as a pillow against a boulder. Her pale white skin gleamed in the fire, as did the black veins that seemingly clutched her cheeks. Her Amber eyes hauntingly cast in the night.


    ¡°Autumn, sister of Jedeo,¡± Avalon responded. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    ¡°Do you know why she was the first Silent One?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Avalon asked, slightly confused by the question.


    Adema sat up, ¡°I¡¯ve heard stories about you, Avalon. I¡¯ve learned about who you were before you dedicated yourself to Jedeo¡¯s blade.¡±


    Avalon shifted nervously.


    Adema shined a toothy smile, ¡°No need to worry, dear Avalon. As you can see a lot of us came from troubled and dark pasts. I¡¯m a tainted elf, for example; an elf born with the blood of the Night.¡±


    ¡°What have you learned about me then?¡± Avalon questioned Adema, now more curious.


    ¡°You were once an assassin. One of the best in your clan. You had a sister of sorts and were very close.¡±


    Avalon lowered her head. She had never forgotten about Vada. She thought about her constantly, and it hurt her heart each time her memory surfaced.


    ¡°You left her behind in your old world so that you could ascend to the high honor of being a Silent One. You, Avalon, are Jedeo. Your Blade Sister is Autumn. Separated by an entire world, your sister stayed behind to carry on the work she believed in. One day you two will be reunited. But unlike Jedeo and Autumn, you will have to make a choice,¡± Adema continued.


    Avalon widened her eyes with the realization of that choice.


    ¡°The choice of whether you will save Vada or kill her. I pray you find the strength to make the right decision,¡± finished Adema.


    ¡°I-I need to take a walk,¡± Avalon said as she took her leave from the fire.


    Avalon wandered far from the sleeping army, deep in a whirlwind of thoughts. What would she do if she had to confront Vada? ¡°Blade Sister, we must speak,¡± she whispered to herself, unable to clear her head.


    ¡°I am here, my sister,¡± a voice called from the shadows as a figure dropped from a low hanging cliff.


    Startled, Avalon instinctively drew her blade. Peering into the shadows, she whispered to the stranger, ¡°Vada, is that really you?¡±


    Vada approached from the reaching shadows. She placed her hands out so that Avalon could see she was no threat, ¡°I see you still wield a blade like a Rabbit.¡±


    Avalon arched a brow, unable to tell if Vada was here for a fight, ¡°A fragment from my past. I doubt I¡¯ll ever relearn to fight like anything other than a Rabbit,¡± responded Avalon.


    ¡°Avalon, there is a battle on the horizon. You and I will be on opposite sides of that field. We will be enemies, and truthfully, I do not want that,¡± Vada said, stepping closer to her Blade Sister.


    Avalon sheathed her blade and offered her hand, ¡°Then come with me, Vada. Become a Silent One. We can stand together as we once did!¡±


    Vada sneered at Avalon¡¯s offer, ¡°You wish me to forsake my ways? The only path I walk is that of Alanna. You of all people should know this.¡±


    Avalon looked at her own empty hand and curled it into a fist. She bit her lip in frustration, ¡°Ever still the stubborn one, Vada. Once again you stand on the precipice of a new destiny and you still do not see that the ways of the Rabbit are wrong!¡±


    Vada looked away silently. Avalon continued.


    ¡°I have been in your shoes. I have seen the errors of my ways. Jedeo will save your soul. She will shape you into a warrior of the Light. Where Alanna turns her back on you, Jedeo will embrace you in her crimson wings.¡±


    Vada opened her mouth to speak. She could see it herself, dropping the ways of the Black Rabbit to run and join Avalon. However, she was afraid. Afraid of the clan and afraid of herself, ¡°I-I can¡¯t Avalon. I-I have to go,¡± stuttered Vada as she leaped back on top of the wall and vanished into the shadows.


    Avalon watched as her friend disappeared once again. Tears began to swell in her eyes, ¡°You are not too far gone, Blade Sister. I will wait for you,¡± she whispered, knowing Vada was not around to hear her.

 Chapter 68: A King No More

    Koda¡¯s army pushed through the morning at a quickened pace and arrived at the Varisian encampment by noon. Koda¡¯s forces were relieved to finally get some proper rest and meet up with old friends from different divisions. Wiccer found his father discussing plans with his friend and fellow White Cloak, Petrov. Wiccer was hesitant to approach his father, but Petrov nudged Marcus, alerting him of his son¡¯s presence.


    Wiccer threw a smart salute, ¡°General Newsun, I¨C¡± Wiccer was broken off by the heavy embrace of a bear hug from his overjoyed father.


    ¡°Wiccer, it¡¯s good to see you. I¡¯m so happy you survived Stonewall!¡± Marcus shouted in a booming voice as tears streamed from his eyes, ¡°I¡¯ve heard the reports of what you had to go through. I prayed to Alue for mercy and Jedeo for you to have the strength to pull through!¡±


    Wiccer blushed, crushed by his father¡¯s large arms, ¡°Father, not in front of the men!¡±


    Marcus chuckled, dropping his son, ¡°Right. It¡¯s good to see you alive and well, captain,¡± he said, finally returning Wiccer¡¯s salute.


    Wiccer smirked, going in for a hug of his own, ¡°I¡¯m happy to see you too, Father.¡±


    Marcus sat down, pulling a barrel for his son to sit next to him, ¡°Speaking of your men, you must tell me how ARO turned out.¡±


    Wiccer flashed a wide grin, ¡°We are the scourge of the Black Rabbits. I¡¯ve learned much from Elucard and I¡¯m inclined to believe I could even beat you in a sparring match.¡±


    Marcus chortled a belly laugh and slapped his knee, ¡°Well then, I¡¯d like to take you up on that offer once we win this war.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really good to see you again, Father,¡± Wiccer mused


    ¡°Aye, the same to you, my son.¡±


    ***


    Koda walked into the large war tent set up for the various leaders. There, he met with King Dallin of Varis. The King was about thirty, but his face was weathered and his hair was dark with streaks of gray. He had a well kept beard that was red at the tips. Despite his age, he looked tired and dreary, the way a king should when his capital was under siege. The seven Long Whisper lords stood conversing around a circular table with a large map of Varis spread on top of it.


    King Dallin relayed his information to Koda, ¡°Now that you¡¯re here, Koda, we can begin this meeting. The Estinians are three thousand strong. Their forces are well rested and well fed, a stark contrast from my own. We were at siege for weeks with our supply routes cut off from Stonewall. We have the numbers with our forces combined, but my men are in no shape to fight. How are yours?¡±


    Koda gulped nervously, ¡°I was hoping your men could carry mine to victory. Three weeks in that forest have left my men just as battered.¡±


    ¡°The two of you have sentenced us to death with your arrogance!¡± spat Athar.


    ¡°Silence, Moonfall!¡± snapped Koda.


    Athar¡¯s negative attitude over the course of the war had grounded Koda¡¯s patience into a fine powder, and Athar knew this. He was delighted to see Koda¡¯s defenses finally giving way.


    ¡°Koda, your constant foolishness has cost us dearly,¡± pushed Athar.


    ¡°I said enough!¡± Koda shouted, clearly stressed by a combination of Athar¡¯s criticisms and his own failures as a leader.


    ¡°You see, my fellow lords, Koda can not handle the crown. Unlike his father, he is not¨C¡± a sharp backhand from Koda reeled Athar backwards. He was then lifted in the air with his arms tightly bound to his side by an invisible force. Athar watched in horror as Koda stared at him menacingly with his raised hands quivering in anger. His breathing was labored and deep. Athar clenched his teeth and pushed on defiantly, ¡°I would be a fool to think our king is a coward. But to say that he is drunk with power would be a catastrophic understatement. How can we entrust the realm to such a volatile child?¡±


    The other lords gasped and whispered amongst themselves. Koda¡¯s eyes darted around the tent before he released Athar from his Magi-infused grip. He was in complete shock of his short temper and unforgivable actions. To strike a lord was appalling, but to use the Magi against him was unforgivable. He stormed out of the tent embarrassed and afraid. Dallin ran after him.


    ¡°Koda, wait!¡± Dallin called to him.


    Koda turned, his face tense as tears streamed from his eyes, ¡°I d-don¡¯t know w-what happened. I just lost it. A-Athar is right, I am not my father and I am no king!¡±The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Dallin grabbed Koda¡¯s shoulder and lifted his chin, ¡°I was the youngest in my family, fourth in line for the throne. I hadn¡¯t a care in the world¡­¡±


    Koda sniffed and rubbed his eye, ¡°You¡¯re making me feel worse.¡±


    Dallin smiled and continued his story, ¡°I had my whole life planned out. I was going to marry my long-time love and travel the world, but then the Baneblood plague spread through Varis. I lost everyone. I was alone with no family and no mate. At seventeen I had to take the throne and lead my nation through a troubling time.¡± Dallin paused as he remembered the painful memories, ¡°Koda, I know about the pressures of the throne. I know what it¡¯s like to take the crown young. You need to stay strong for your people and yourself.¡±


    Koda wiped his tears away and nodded.


    ¡°Take some time and then come back and lead your nation.¡±


    ***


    Koda sat in his private tent with a chessboard between him and Elucard. The two were locked in epic duel of wits. Finally, Elucard moved his knight in place, cornering Koda¡¯s king.


    ¡°Checkmate,¡± Elucard said as he knocked the king over with his knight.


    ¡°Who taught you to be so good?¡± asked Koda as he reached for a cup of water.


    ¡°My master. He wanted to train my mind as hard as he trained my body.¡± Elucard picked up the wooden knight piece and felt the grooves that made up its mane, ¡°He always said, ¡®A blade is only as sharp as the Rabbit wielding it.¡¯¡±


    ¡°A wise man,¡± nodded Koda, approving the quote.


    ¡°He was like a fa¨C¡± Elucard started but halted so as not to offend Koda, whose own father was taken by Elucard¡¯s blade.


    Koda frowned, but then smiled gently, ¡°It¡¯s true, you were responsible for my father¡¯s death. By all rights we should be enemies. However, you are my ally now. You serve to protect me and my people. It¡¯s funny how life works out sometimes.¡±


    Elucard opened his mouth to respond, but quickly stood watching as the tent flap opened and in stepped the seven lords.


    Athar kicked aside the chess board to stand in front of Koda, ¡°I see you are with your pet Rabbit. No matter, this will be short.¡±


    Elucard sneered behind Athar¡¯s back.


    Koda stood and put his hand up to calm Elucard, ¡°Athar, what do you want?¡±


    Athar smirked and turned to the lords. Sove Breezerunner stepped forward and spoke up, ¡°Koda, we seven have discussed the crown and your future with it. We have come to the decision to elect Athar Moonfall to take your place as the king of Long Whisper.¡±


    Koda gawked at Sove, floored by the news, ¡°How can the seven betray the Dawnedge? My father forged this nation with his own hands!¡±


    Athar bobbed his head and chuckled, ¡°You father was a great elf, but you are not your father, nor are you the same caliber of an elf.¡±


    ¡°We can not falter now! We can not break our binding with such a great battle on the wings of dawn!¡± exclaimed Koda as he looked desperately into each one of his lord¡¯s eyes, finally resting on Cass Baneberry, ¡°Even you Cass? You were my mother¡¯s best friend. The Baneberry were the first to support the construction of Lost Dawns! You must still respect the Dawnedge tribe!¡±


    ¡°It is not about respect for the Dawnedge, Koda. You have driven yourself beyond reason. You are drunk on the Magi. You are blind and unstable and must abdicate,¡± stated Fendrick.


    ¡°I¨C¡± Koda stopped, he knew he had lost the crown. He knew he lost it all.


    ¡°As king I will make a deal with Aric Stine to salvage the freedom of our country under his guiding rule,¡± said Athar, almost smugly.


    Elucard flashed in front of Athar and drew his blade, ¡°Shall I kill him, my king?¡±


    Athar stepped back and shouted in a shrill voice, ¡°Keep your Rabbit¡¯s leash taut, Koda!¡±


    ¡°Lower your weapon, Elucard. He may speak of treason, but only because he is a coward,¡± snapped Koda.


    ¡°I speak treason?¡± spouted Athar in mock bafflement, ¡°You forget that the same elf by your side slew your father and brought our country to its knees! You let Black Rabbits into your home, you sent away the White Cloaks, you sent us to war ill prepared, you marched us to our deaths, and when hope and prosperity presents its self to you, you dismiss it for further destruction. You are unworthy of that crown, now hand it over!¡±


    Koda shook his head, hot tears dripped down his face, ¡°You can¡¯t do this!¡±


    ¡°It is already done,¡± sneered Athar.


    Koda slowly removed his crown and handed it over to Athar.


    ¡°You utterly failed as a leader, but I will make sure you are spared if you bow to me now,¡± said Athar as he snatched the crown and placed it on his head.


    Koda trembled, but before he could move, Elucard put his hand on Koda¡¯s chest and faced the lords, ¡°Koda will not bow to a traitor. Will none of you five stand by this man¡¯s side? The burden he carried was more than the weight of the crown. The war is not over, this upcoming battle with prove that to us. Leave to lick Stine¡¯s boots and Long Whisper will fall. Stand by Koda¡¯s side and we will overcome and triumph, I promise you this!¡±


    Cass balled her fists and stepped to stand by Koda¡¯s side, ¡°I can not carry on with this. Bowing before Stine is wrong,¡± she turned to Koda, ¡°I will stand with you, Dawnedge. I would rather die than serve under a traitor to our nation!¡±


    Athar snarled in disgust, ¡°Very well Cass, be the worthless dog I¡¯ve always known you to be,¡± Athar snapped his fingers and walked out of the tent with his five lords following behind.


    ¡°We may have lost an overwhelming number of men, but the Baneberry will fight with honor alongside your men, my king,¡± Cass said reassuringly.


    Koda lowered his head. In his own mind, he was no longer a king. He had failed himself, his people, and most of all, his father.

 Chapter 69: The Calm Before the Storm

    Dawn¡¯s sun had finally risen and two armies stood on opposite sides of a grassy field. Where once two forces stood, equally matched, Varis¡¯ forces were now dwarfed by the combined armies of the Estinians and the traitorous forces of the newly deemed king, Athar Moonfall.


    Koda sat saddled on his riding wolf. Wildeye was by his side, geared in a lightweight leather armor set. She looked up anxiously and whined. Koda reached over to calm her nerves.


    ¡°I know, girl. This may be our last day together. If that is the case, it was an honor to be your familiar,¡± cooed Koda.


    Wildeye rubbed her muzzle against his leg in compliance. Dallin nodded to Koda, signaling him to follow him to the center of the field where Aric and Athar waited.


    The four nobles gripped their leather reins while an uncomfortable silence swirled around them. Finally Dallin spat on the ground and yelled across the field at Athar, ¡°The crown doesn¡¯t fit you, traitor!¡±


    Athar only raised his chin and grinned.


    Aric gathered Dallin¡¯s attention before speaking, ¡°King Dallin, I advise you to surrender. Your men are grossly outnumbered now dat Long Whisper hev come to dere senses and turned on you. As Div¡¯Rah, I em merciful end reasonable. I vill lit you rule Varis under my banner, as I hev allowed Athar to rule.¡±


    ¡°Even sharing the same sun with you and your swine this day is an insult to my men and I. I will look for you on the battlefield!¡± Dallin snapped.


    Aric looked taken aback by the ruthless insult, but regained his composure, ¡°Very vell King Dallin, as you say.¡±


    ***


    The Silent Ones and ARO knelt in a large circle behind the main lines of battle. Wiccer relayed his plan of action to Avalon and Elucard as they listened intensely.


    ¡°Aric will no doubt send his Rabbits to take down King Dallin. They will easily break through the lines in the chaos of the battle. We need to protect the king.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Legion, Inle, and Vada will lead the Black Rabbits, together we three need to intercept them,¡± said Avalon as she nodded at Wiccer¡¯s assessment.


    ¡°Our boys will form a circle around Dallin and Koda to stave off any Rabbits, but we won¡¯t last forever,¡± Wiccer added.


    ¡°Leave the outer ring to the Silent Ones,¡± Avalon offered.


    Wiccer turned to Elucard, ¡°Elucard, can I count on you to stay focused.¡±


    Elucard flashed an iterated glare, the same glare Wiccer knew he was going to receive, ¡°Inle will be there. Are you going to stay focused?¡±


    ¡°Point taken,¡± said Wiccer, wincing from the retort.


    ¡°We all have our grudges with these Rabbits. They¡¯ve all caused us great pain, but we must all stay focused. If we stumble, we will fall,¡± Avalon said sternly.


    Wiccer rose and looked at the members of ARO. Each had tired but ready faces. Each feared the outcome of the eminent battle.


    ¡°Listen up Watchers! Today will be a day of reckoning. We stand at the edge of a battle of insurmountable odds. Among our enemies are a God-King, the deadliest assassins in Long Whisper, and those we once bent our knees to,¡± he paused, taking a large sigh as he thought about how participating in this battle made him a criminal in his own country, and the challenges the coming onslaught would be. He took a deep breath and continued, ¡°Well, we serve no God-King, and we are not in Long Whisper. Each one of you has tasted Black Rabbit blood. We also no longer serve a king. What we once sought to protect, we must now seek to destroy. As you are no longer part of the Long Whisper army, you may turn and walk away now. No one will shame you if you do.¡±


    Each ARO member looked at each other and nodded. Rulan spoke up, ¡°We¡¯re all with you, Wiccer.¡±


    ¡°To the end!¡± called out Timber.


    A large group of men, mostly made of remnants of several units that once belonged to the various lords, surrounded the ARO members.


    Blayvaar looked in disgust, ¡°What do you want, Rith?¡±


    Rith gestured to the various scattered units, before speaking, ¡°We are no longer whole as an army, which is why we need to stick together now more than ever. You had our backs from the very beginning. Now it¡¯s time we had your backs, ARO.¡±


    Blayvaar stood and offered his hand. Rith responded by shaking it.


    Wiccer flashed a joy filled smile. He looked onward to the Estinian army, they were ready.

 Chapter 70: The Final Battle Begins

    ¡®May the bards of time and lore,


    Sing a song of my fate in this war,


    A ballad that will not crumble with age,


    Nor its ink fade from the page,


    Its story will tell of soldiers¡¯ blades that clash,


    Fallen warriors taken by angels, wings like ash,


    And among the chaos of this blood soaked field,


    I will forever rest or a victory shall be sealed.¡¯


    -Song of the Soldier


    A stillness hung in the air as each and every soldier clenched their teeth in fear and intimidation. The grass waved in the wind, carefree and unaware of the anarchy that would soon sweep over the field like a giant wave crashing through the forest.


    The Div¡¯Rah raised a single hand from the rear of his lines, prompting a standard bearer to wave a red flag. Immediately, hundreds of arrows were nocked and relased into the air, flying like a flock of sparrows careening down onto the Varisian forces below.


    ¡°Shields!¡± Dallin shouted as his men moved to raise wooden shields to deflect the shower of arrows. Thunks from the arrow heads piercing and splintering into the shields resounded through the ranks.


    Another volley, then another, then another pounded down onto the now arrow covered shields. Suddenly, there was silence.


    ¡°Recover!¡± Dallin yelled.


    The men lowered their shields, relieved to find that many of them had survived. One or two soldiers had been nicked in their armor. Their chainmail had saved their lives. Relieved laughter resounded throughout the ranks.


    ¡°Battle groups will prepare to defend!¡±


    The laughter died. Men began to jump on their heels in anxiousness, while others began to whimper in fear as spears were lowered and swords were held at the ready.


    Across the field, the men could hear a single Estinian officer shout, ¡°Chaaarge!¡±Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    The ground shook as thousands of men and horses rushed towards them.


    Koda leaped his wolf over the the protection of the ARO and Silent Ones and ran to the Vernal Mages, ¡°Quickly, we must disrupt them!¡± in unison the six mages and Koda made an elegant but swift motion with their hands and channeled their energy into the grass, commanding it to grow wildly and capture the charging force in a jungle of choking grass blades. Cavalrymen were thrown from their own horses as infantrymen struggled to chop through the new forest of grass.


    Koda smiled, pleased with his actions. He turned back to his fellow mages and said, ¡°Lift us up!¡±


    Once again, Koda and the mages made intricate casting motions with their arms and with a final upward thrust, pushed gigantic roots from under their own forces and led them high over the tall grass and over the trapped forces.


    ¡°Attack!¡± Dallin shouted to the men running from the large roots and jumping down onto the helpless enemy.


    Furious, Aric called for his catapults to blow through the roots and choking grass, not worried about the lives of his own men.


    Koda watched in horror as boulders slick with oil and fire sailed through the air, crashing in plumes of black smoke into the center of both forces. A command for the Varisian forces to fall back rung through the chaos. Fire roared as it spread through the roots and grass. More boulders were released into the skies, this time launching further into the Varisian main forces.


    Koda channeled magic to spring up massive wooden hands to catch one of the boulders, but the rest fell into a destructive impact, sending bodies and limbs flying.


    ¡°Forward ¨C march!¡± Aric ordered as his men finally overcame the magically grown obstacles. As soon as they were close enough for another head on charge.


    ¡°Prepare to defend!¡± Dallin called out as the Estinian and Long Whisper forces clashed into a full on battle with the Varisian forces.


    Koda hurdled alongside Wildeye over bodies and fighting men, but a bolo tangled his familiar¡¯s feet, sending her tumbling across the ground. Koda jumped off his saddle to come to his wolf¡¯s aid. A vision of several soldiers charging behind alerted him to the oncoming dangers. He swung around and lifted his hands into the air. Emerging roots tangled the bodies of the enemy soldiers with stunning efficiency.


    Koda quickly untied Wildeye¡¯s legs. Once free, she instantly jumped up to snatch a swordsman¡¯s arm within her jaws. The swordsman cried in anguish as she threw him to the ground. Quickly, Wildeye lunged for the throat of another enemy that came to flank Koda. Koda found himself overwhelmed as he earnestly tried to keep more and more men at bay with serrated leaves and whipping vines, but finally a pike plunged into his side. Wildeye yelped in pain as she collapsed to the ground. A magic empathic wound formed the familiar, seeping warm, red blood just as the pike wound did on her master.


    Koda roared in agony as he sent the assailant flying with the crack of a vine whip. Marcus and several White Cloaks fought hard to reach Koda.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look so well, Koda. We need to get you to a medic!¡± yelled Marcus, between heavy breaths.


    Koda gripped Marcus¡¯s cloak in pain, and hovered his hand over the gaping wound. His palm began to glow a faint cerulean as his wound slowly began to close. Koda grunted through the strain to use the Magi under such a great deal of pain and stress, finally giving up with a half-way closed wound, ¡°Protect me, I need to rest a bit. Then I¡¯ll be able to fight more.¡±


    Marcus smirked, ¡°You heard the elf, form a ring! Let¡¯s get this mage back to tip-top shape!¡±

 Chapter 71: Within the Storm

    Through the dark smoke created by the great fire, Black Rabbits glided through the ranks of the battle, making their way to King Dallin. Under the cloak of low visibility and the chaos of the ensuing battle, the fifty Black Rabbits made quick work of the unsuspecting Silent Ones, causing the ARO members to react in order to protect their Silent One allies from being completely swallowed by the ambush. The circles were broken.


    Elucard, Wiccer, and Avalon swiftly attempted to join the fray with their men. However, they were deterred by a new set of shadowy figures. Legion, Inle, and Vada intercepted the three, catching them off guard.


    Legion swiped in a horizontal arc, pushing Elucard away from his companions. Legion chased after him, locking his great sword with Elucard¡¯s own blade. Inle ran and drop-kicked Wiccer into the chest, sending him flying backwards. Inle drew his blade and slowly approached him, grinning under his mask.


    Avalon stood motionlessly facing Vada.


    ¡°Make your move, Sister,¡± smiled Vada.


    ¡°I take no pleasure in this, Vada,¡± replied Avalon.


    Avalon ran headlong into Vada, caressing her blade against the grassy ground, ending in a furious slash. Vada dodged to the side and followed through with her own attack, but frowned as Avalon easily parried the strike.


    Avalon circled around Vada and lunged forward. A quick slice connected into Vada¡¯s side. Avalon followed up with a side kick that sent her Blade Sister sliding backwards. Enraged, Vada charged forward and leaped over Avalon¡¯s head, landing a slash to the Silent One¡¯s cheek. As she landed on the other side of Avalon, Vada flipped and kicked off the ground with her feet to boost her speed.


    Avalon inspected the gash on her cheek with barely enough time to dodge the next attack. Avalon twirled around and slashed at her Blade Sister¡¯s back, landing a gruesome strike. Vada tumbled across the ground, seething in anger.


    ¡°You can¡¯t win, Blade Sister,¡± spoke Avalon, a hint of sadness trembling in her voice.


    ¡°The day isn¡¯t over,¡± snapped Vada.


    Avalon sighed before dashing at Vada once more. The two traded strikes with each other before Avalon sidestepped and grabbed Vada by the back of the neck, thrusting her knee into Vada¡¯s face. A brutal crack let the assassin know her nose was broken. She tried to break free, but Avalon launched her other knee into a heavy blow under Vada¡¯s chin.


    Vada sailed through the air, landing hard on her back. She lay motionless in a complete daze. The side of Avalon¡¯s sword slapped her cheek to awaken her from her stupor.


    ¡°I learned much from the pits. I learned to fight better than you. Much better,¡± Avalon said coldly.


    Vada tried to scoot backwards to escape her sister¡¯s edge, but Avalon held the blade firmly at her throat.


    ¡°I¡¯m prepared to end this,¡± Avalon continued.


    ¡°Then end it!¡± spat Vada.


    ¡°Join me. I will fight you no longer!¡±


    Vada narrowed her eyes, ¡°Join you or die?¡±


    Avalon tossed her blade to the side, ¡°Join me or kill me. I am done fighting you.¡±


    Vada grabbed her sister¡¯s blade and swung it at Avalon stopping a hair¡¯s inch from her throat. She furrowed her brow and snarled, ¡°Damn you, Avalon!¡± she threw the blade away and embraced her long lost Blade Sister in a tight hug, ¡°I won¡¯t fight you any longer either. I¡¯ll join you. I¡¯ll join you.¡±


    ***


    Legion swirled his large blade in an arc, keeping Elucard at bay while cutting into Elucard¡¯s chest. Elucard jumped further backwards before dashing into the edged fray. Catching the great sword in mid swing, Elucard grunted under its immense weight as he pulled a dagger from his belt and struck out to Legion¡¯s gut.


    Legion smiled fondly before spinning around Elucard and slashing at the elf¡¯s back with ease, ¡°You haven¡¯t been training as hard. A common disadvantage to training the youth.¡±


    Elucard growled as he attempted a set of slashes followed by spinning across the grass on his knees and jumping up with a ferocious upper slash. The combination of attacks surprised Legion as he desperately avoided the final slashing attack, catching a slice to his armor and chin.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t have a scar there yet. I was wrong, you have grown stronger, my student.¡±


    ¡°Why do you toy with me?¡± Elucard shouted, his voice shaking and tired.


    Legion unleashed a vicious kick to Elucard¡¯s chest, sending him onto his back. Legion stomped down, cracking Elucard¡¯s ribs.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to die here,¡±he said as he looked around, sensing an unworldly power emitting from somewhere in the battlefield, ¡°The tides are about to turn, I can feel it. It¡¯s like a force I¡¯ve never felt before¡­ It frightens me.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re running away, I¡¯ve never known you to be such a coward!¡± spat Elucard.


    ¡°If you still wish to finish it all, meet me in the place where it all began,¡± said Legion before thrusting his sword into Elucard¡¯s thigh.


    Elucard screamed as he grabbed his leg in agony, ¡°There will be nowhere you can run, Legion! I will find you!¡±


    Legion walked away, but called back to his student, ¡°Trust me, I¡¯m not going to run.¡±


    ***


    Wiccer dashed angrily at Inle, slashing savagely at the shadow elf. However, Inle parried before catching Wiccer¡¯s right wrist. With a flick of his hand, Inle ruthlessly held Wiccer in a painful wrist lock. Inle put more pressure on the now numbing wrist and rendered Wiccer to his knees.


    Inle smiled, ¡°Little White Cloak is now a Red Rabbit. My, how the world has changed.¡±


    ¡°Damn you! I will have my vengeance!¡± Wiccer winced.


    Inle pulled Wiccer¡¯s arm forward and drove his sword at his opponent¡¯s stomach, but Wiccer was quick and grabbed the blade¡¯s edge firmly. Wiccer grunted under the sharp pain of his slicing hand, but raised his deathly eyes up at Inle.


    ¡°Ruining the fun?¡± sneered Inle.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    Wiccer stomped a foot into the soil from under him and slowly rose with a rush of strength pumping through his blood, ¡°The fun is just about to begin!¡±


    Inle twisted Wiccer¡¯s wrist to its breaking point and attempted to thrust his sword into Wiccer¡¯s stomach again. However the sword did not budge. Wiccer roared as he rammed his shoulder into Inle, toppling them both over and freeing him from the clutches of Inle¡¯s torment.


    Wiccer made sure to move a knee against Inle¡¯s chin. The pressure put the Rabbit¡¯s face against the ground. Inle thrashed his hand around wildly trying to grasp Wiccer¡¯s red cloak. Wiccer grabbed Inle¡¯s arm with both hands and fell to the side, locking Inle in a straight arm bar.


    Inle desperately struggled to free himself, but Wiccer mercilessly pressured Inle¡¯s elbow until his arm snapped in the grim hold. Inle screamed in pain, rolling over to favor his splintered arm.


    ¡°We¡¯re not done yet, clown,¡± Wiccer spat, as he situated himself on top of Inle.


    ¡°No, I think we are done,¡± giggled Inle half-heartedly, as he gestured to the Black Rabbits now overtaking King Dallin.


    Wiccer watched in horror as the Black Rabbits pushed back the remaining Silent Ones and surrounded ARO, who desperately guarded the king. Wiccer looked over to the battlefront to find Estinian reinforcements thundering though the Varisian ranks and powered onward to a sure sighted victory.


    ¡°It¡¯s over, Red Rabbit,¡± chuckled Inle.


    ***


    From the fog of the black smoke, fifty Black Rabbit trained Estinians rushed the Silent One lines. Their blades were furious as they overcame the holy warriors. The Silent Ones fought with the force of twenty men each, but these new Rabbits were able to adapt to the style of Jedeo¡¯s knights.


    Adema fought hard as she parried and slashed. A set of knives were flung at her side as she retreated back into ARO¡¯s lines. More Estinians rushed her as she struggled to hold her own, eventually falling onto one knee. She grunted as sweat stung under her eyes. The immense weight of several swords clashing down upon her was too much to bear.


    A barrage of arrows flew past and relieved her of her strife as the Watchers sprinted to the aid of the Silent Ones. Elisa somersaulted to Adema¡¯s side as she slashed the neck of an oncoming Rabbit. She helped Adema to her feet.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever get used to fighting those who used to be my allies,¡± huffed Elisa as she spin kicked a Black Rabbit off his feet.


    ¡°I said the same thing when I killed my first demon,¡± said Adema as she inspected her blood soaked side.


    ¡°Worry not Silent Sister, the are no demons here,¡± said Calsoon, giving a sly wink.


    Adema nodded awkwardly, unsure if Calsoon knew of her linage. She wobbled on her feet as the pressure of the daggers ached in her side and thigh. She dislodged each knife and focused on her silencer until it glowed a bright white. Laying the blade on her wounds, she grimaced as her flesh seared and closed shut.


    Calsoon watched curiously while deflecting several attacks around him, ¡°That¡¯s a useful trick.¡±


    Elisa rolled over Calsoon¡¯s back dodging several shurikens, ¡°You two can talk later. We have business to attend to!¡±


    Adema groaned as she limped back into battle, ¡°The shadow elf is right. Enough chatter! Let¡¯s get these Rabbits cleared from the king!¡±


    Calsoon nodded happily, ¡°I suppose we should do that.¡±


    Timber let loose several close ranged shots from her bow as she hopped nimbly from side to side. Behind her, Lear gracefully danced, disarming Rabbits and diving forward lethally with his sword. He grunted as one hand held onto his stomach. He frequently checked the hand for any sign of his stitches breaking.


    Timber glanced behind herself and called to the cat folk, ¡°Essie is going to murder you herself if you keel over now.¡±


    Lear chuckled. The light threat reminded him of his shameless begging not to be left back in Stonewall, ¡°Fret not, Timber. This yikahti can handle a bit of bleeding.¡±


    Timber dodged a wayward arrow, leaning backwards against Lear so that it would miss him too, ¡°Well ¡®this yikahti¡¯ better take extra care of himself.¡±


    Lear kicked away an Estinian soldier, ¡°Cheeky,¡± he replied, amused by Timber¡¯s impression of him.


    Rulan jumped backwards and clattered down his sword against a pair of Estinian attacks as Essie slashed her sword across the two Rabbits. She slid back to the side of her brother and wiped her brow.


    ¡°I miss those days where we just followed Trek in the woods all day. This is too stressful,¡± sighed Essie. She looked upon the battlefield and found that despite their hard work, the Estinian forces were still encroaching closely to King Dallin, ¡°Rulan, we might not survive this.¡±


    Rulan grunted as he locked a Rabbit in a head lock before snapping his neck, ¡°Essie just do your best and watch my back¡­¡±


    Essie growled as an Estinian rushed her with a spear. Grabbing the pike with both hands, she leapt backwards and landed hard on the ground. The enemy unsheathed his sword and raised it to strike down on the medic, but fell in a heap as Rulan drove him through.


    Rulan knelt down next to her shivering sister, ¡°Like I was saying, watch my back and I¡¯ll watch yours. All we have is each other now.¡±


    Essie smirked and reached to flick the tip of her brother¡¯s ear, ¡°I can live with that.¡±


    Blayvaar held the final ranks next to King Dallin, watching as the Rabbits continued to push through the two lines of Silent Ones and Watchers. His hands were moist from the sweaty grip of his daggers. His mouth was parched from his crumbling nerves. His heart pounded, still weak from the weeks before. As more and more Estinians broke through the lines, his adrenaline finally overcame his fear. Lunging headlong into the fray, he diced left and right, slicing into necks, arms, legs, and chests of Estinains. Finally, a slash ripped into his side, bringing him onto his knees.


    He looked up into the autumn sky, watching as the sun set, perhaps for the last time. However, as he began to faint from the trauma of his wound, a blurred shadow drove his spear into several oncoming Estinians. Blayvaar collapsed into the shadow¡¯s arms. He heard a familiar voice as he began to bleed out.


    ¡°You can die later, Rabbit. The twelfth Spearmen are by your side, now!¡±


    Blayvaar smiled as Rith dragged him to the safety of the medical corps, ¡°You glory hounds.¡±


    Rith chuckled, ¡°You got us read like a book, Rabbit. Rest now, let us have a shot at these guys.¡±


    Blayvaar nodded as he laid back to let the medics work on his large wound.


    ***


    ¡°Sire, we are being overrun! We need to retreat!¡± Marcus grunted at Koda as he pushed away yet another attacker. Bodies piled all around the circle of White Cloaks as Koda sat propped up by his familiar, both breathing heavily.


    ¡°This is not how it ends. Not here, not today,¡± Koda wheezed, exhausted. He struggled to stand, resting one hand on Marcus¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do. We¡¯ve been overwhelmed. We need to retreat.¡±


    Koda limped past the circle of White Cloaks, a large horde of enemies rushing toward him with spears poised forward. Koda was steadfast as he raised his hand outward, ¡°It¡¯s time I let go,¡± he whispered.


    A shockwave exploded from the young mage¡¯s feet knocking the rushing soldiers off balance. Koda raised his other arm and pointed away from his side, pulsing an energetic, invisible force that pushed hundreds of enemies in a wave across the ground. This got the attention of Aric and Athar.


    The two trotted toward the weakened Koda on the backs of their cream white horses. Athar gingerly approached Koda, ¡°What are you doing, Koda? The battle is lost for you. Do what must be done and surrender already!¡±


    Koda¡¯s nose bled profusely. Sweat dripped and soaked into the ground creating a small puddle at his feet. He was hunched over, bleeding through his now drenched side and down his once vibrant emerald robes.


    ¡°I-I w-will not f-fail my father¡­¡± Koda murmured, half conscious now.


    Athar smirked, ¡°It¡¯s far too late for that.¡±


    Koda¡¯s eyes snapped open and rolled to the back of his head, unleashing a blood curdling roar, ¡°I will not fail my father!!!¡±


    A teal aura turned bright red as it exploded all around Koda, sending thousands of orbs of Magi streaming through the ground and up the feet of every enemy soldier on the battlefield. Each of the still attacking Estinian and the Long Whisper forces struggled in vain as they found themselves frozen by the alien energy.


    ¡°Vhat es de meaning of dis Athar?¡± Aric screamed at the top of his lungs to his ally.


    Koda¡¯s eyes burned an array of vivid colors and flared much like the magical flare his wolf gave off. He slowly lifted each of the captured soldiers into the air and suddenly clenched his fist. A resounding crunching sound rang through the ranks of thousands of soldiers as their bodies twisted and contorted. Athar and Aric could only watch in grotesque horror as their once overwhelming force was reduced to crumpled up corpses.


    ¡°Enough! Please, Koda!¡± Marcus¡¯s terrified scream called out to the unresponsive mage.


    Koda¡¯s eyes sparked and sputtered out less and less Magi as he reeled his fist closer to his chest, flinging both Athar and Aric closer to him until they were eye level.


    ¡°Do you yield?¡± Koda growled, his voice booming a loud echo across the field.


    Athar and Aric looked at each other¡¯s frightened faces, before stuttering a ¡®yes.¡¯


    In unison the lifeless, mangled Estinian bodies fell to the ground like a heavy rain. Koda stumbled forward as his eyes returning to normal before he collapsed in complete exhaustion.

 Chapter 72: Kodas Aftermath

    <div>


    Koda was groggy when he finally awoke. His mouth was parched and his body was still very weak. Propping himself up in the grand bed was out of the question, so he simply turned his head to view his surroundings. The room was rather large. Sunlight drifted through the windows giving the silk curtains a soft glow. The room looked eerily similar to his own bedroom back in Long Whisper. It was beautifully furnished with a rosewood writing desk and wardrobe. A small, round table accented the center of the room with three comfortable chairs placed around it. In a chair next to his bed he found King Dallin looking curiously at him.


    ¡°Welcome back to the world of the living, Koda,¡± said Dallin with a light chuckle escaping him.


    A blinding pain spurted from his forehead, making Koda wince, ¡°Ugh, It doesn¡¯t feel that way. How long have I been out?¡±


    Dallin stood up, stretching his back, ¡°About a week, maybe more. As you can see, you are in Varis City. There is much for you to¨C¡±


    Koda rapidly spat out a succession of questions that nearly bowled Dallin over, ¡°What of Aric? Is the war over? What will happen to Long Whisper now that Athar is king?¡±


    ¡°Easy, easy, Koda. You are far too weak to deal with Long Whisper¡¯s troubles at this time. Just know that Athar and the five traitorous lords are in my prison.¡±


    ¡°Well, what of Aric?¡±


    ¡°Aric is also locked up and we are currently working with Queen Natal on an agreement for his release in exchange for their surrender to Varis.¡±


    Koda sighed with relief. The war was finally over. With much of that stress having now passed, he found himself sleeping once more.


    ***


    Another week had passed. Koda stood beside the throne of Dallin leaning on a crutch. He was still weak, but no longer bedridden. It was time to address the future of Long Whisper. He looked at Cass who was on the opposite side of the throne. She was loyal and fierce. She stood by his side throughout the war. Perhaps she was even more fit than he to lead Long Whisper ¨C another question to add to the pile in his mind.


    ¡°You six stand before us for committing the crime of treason during a time of war. What say you?¡± barked Dallin at the chained up King Athar and his five shackled lords.


    Athar wrestled with his shackles, still astonished that he was in such a dire situation. When he convinced the other lords to betray the young Dawnedge king, he thought things were finally going his way. He was promised more power and riches than he could ever dream of when Aric Stine showered him with dreams of victory. Now he was locked with iron bolts in front of the wretched human, Evritt Dallin. To throw salt on his already deep wounds, Koda may well be the one deciding his fate, the boy that he so easily manipulated. The boy whom he regarded as nothing more than a fool was now the single greatest threat to his life.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    ¡°I am the king of Long Whisper by rite of the eight tribes! Release me and I will forget this incident!¡± Athar snarled in humiliation and rage.


    ¡°You dare call yourself king of Long Whisper? I should hang you by your slimy neck right now! You betrayed our alliance at our most vulnerable time!¡± Dallin spat before turning his attention to the cringing lords, ¡°You five, do you still see this man as your king? Speak wisely or share his fate!¡±


    Athar attempted to step forward but the guards at his side raised their pikes to his neck. He shouted from behind the spear tips instead, ¡°What kind of choice is that?¡± You dare bully my brethren into insulting their crown?¡±


    Dallin stood, shouting at the top of his lungs. His booming voice echoed off the walls of the throne room, ¡°Silence! Which of you stand by the side of the true heir of Long Whisper, Koda Dawnedge? And which of you stands by the side of the traitor, Athar Moonfall?¡±


    The five lords stepped forward away from Athar, their heads lowered in fear and shame.


    Koda looked on with sunken eyes, still drained from his overuse of the Magi. The sounds of the throne room were muffled as memories of the past war drowned his thoughts. Only fragments of those thoughts breached the surface of his mind ¨C thoughts of his lords betraying him. The same families that swore allegiance to his father were so quick to turn on him. They would rather side with a tyrant that would enslave his own people than fight alongside their rightful king. How could he trust these lords? He couldn¡¯t. That was the answer.


    ¡°These five lords¡­¡± muttered Koda, half dazed, Dallin and Cass turned to the drowsy Koda, ¡°these five lords do not deserve amnesty¡­¡±


    Cass Baneberry gawked at Koda¡¯s words, ¡°Koda they have distanced themselves from Athar.¡±


    Koda drooped his head and took a large breath, ¡°They are just as guilty as Athar. They betrayed Varis and Long Whisper in a time of war. They have committed treason and therefore must be punished.¡±


    ¡°You are still weary from the battle, you are not thinking straight,¡± Cass said, attempting to quell Koda¡¯s wrath. She walked over to him and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.


    Koda jolted his shoulder away and hobbled over to the five lords, each watching with an intense fear, ¡°How dare you treat me as some child! My innocence died when I watch my father¡¯s head roll at my feet! My foolishness died when I watched my men starve in the blasted forest! Today I am a man, and today I must no longer be weak minded! You say I am not thinking straight. I have never thought so clearly in my life. These five lords will swing beside their beloved king. If they wish to follow him to war, then they can follow him to death!¡±


    Cass stepped back to her place as Dallin stood from his throne, ¡°Koda is the rightful king, his word is law.¡±


    Athar¡¯s eyes brimmed with fury as he began to spit his words, ¡°You think you are no longer a child? You think wearing that crown hides your failures from your people? You do not des¨C¡±


    Koda thrust his hand forward, silencing Athar. The shackled elf froze, still struggling against the painful grip of the Magi¡¯s binding.


    ¡°T-this is h-how you handle criticism?¡± stuttered Athar.


    ¡°Be quiet, worm,¡± Koda snapped ruthlessly. He released Athar from his ethereal grip, dropping the prisoner to his knees.


    King Dallin waved his hands to send the six elves back to their cells, ¡°You will all be hung in the morning, may Alanna have mercy on your souls.¡±


    ¡°It is more than they deserve,¡± whispered Koda.

 Chapter 73: Planning for an End

    The Varis City infirmary was a large building with multiple floors and several rooms, each filled to the brim with soldiers recovering from wounds inflicted during the war. The small group of ARO members jumped onto the small medical bed, rudely awakening an injured Blayvaar. He groaned as he gripped his freshly bandaged side. Sitting up gingerly, and after his initial grumpiness, he found himself excited to see his visitors.


    ¡°Glad to see some pretty faces. The only company I¡¯ve had was a nurse and my neighbor¡¯s ugly mug.¡±


    Everyone looked to see that Rith was on the bed next to Blayvaar. Rith put down the book he was reading, puckered his lips, and blew Blayvaar a teasing kiss, ¡°You know you can¡¯t get enough of me!¡±


    Blayvaar chuckled and turned back to his friends, ¡°I¡¯m ready to get back out there. Being laid up in this bed is driving me crazy!¡±


    Lear gave a sour look, ¡°This yikahti wished he had been laid up in a bed and not in a cold forest, bleeding out.¡±


    ¡°Some guys have all the luck, eh Lear?¡± joked Blayvaar.


    Essie moved to Blayvaar¡¯s wounded side and gently undid the bandage to inspect the healing wound, ¡°Pretty good stitching. That must have been a pretty, big slash.¡±


    ¡°It was a big sword,¡± added Blayvaar, widening his arms to show how big the sword actually was, perhaps indulging a bit.


    ¡°Blistercloth is too small for that one, but the stitches seemed to be doing fine, your wound will heal just in time.¡±


    Blayvaar arched an eyebrow inquisitively, ¡°Just in time for what?¡±


    Rulan spoke in a low voice so that only trained ears could hear, ¡°Elucard wants to strike the Black Rabbits as soon as we get back.¡±


    ¡°The compound?¡± gasped Blayvaar.


    ¡°It¡¯s time we finished them while they can¡¯t recruit,¡± Timber growled.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Blayvaar flashed a smile, ¡°Then let¡¯s end it!¡±


    ***


    Wiccer stood in the dank and dimly lit prison cell. Shadows danced around the cell from the torches that hung on the walls. He jeered through the bars at an unmasked Inle who sat alone in his cell. His healing arm was still wrapped in a bandage and resting in a wool sling.


    ¡°You will finally hang for the crimes you have committed,¡± sneered Wiccer. He glared with venom across his face.


    Inle turned to look up at the former White Cloak, ¡°I will hang, but it¡¯s because I killed your brother. Isn¡¯t it? You seek vengeance. It was never about justice. The whole reason why you became a Red Rabbit was to kill me,¡± He ended with a nasty smile.


    Wiccer grabbed the bars in anger, ¡°Do not play your mind games with me, Rabbit!¡± he howled. His face flushed with rage. He first planned to approach Inle to find some closure, but he thought he¡¯d have more control over his emotions. He seemed to underestimate Inle¡¯s cunning. He seemed to always underestimate the Black Rabbits, a mistake that had constantly haunted him.


    Inle ran to the bars and placed his face as close to Wiccer¡¯s as the bars would allow. He chomped his teeth with a crude smile that made Wiccer back up, ¡°You play mind games with yourself, dear friend. A game you already lost when you buried your brother.¡±


    Wiccer fumed as he opened the cell and entered. He savagely backhanded Inle against the wall and thrust out his hand to choke the Rabbit. Wiccer tightened his grip as Inle gasped for any air that he could.


    ¡°I will end your pathetic life here and now!¡± Wiccer shouted.


    Inle¡¯s eyes cracked red as he let Wiccer squeeze his throat, ¡°I-It f-feels good to give into your e-emotions? D-Doesn¡¯t it?¡± Inle croaked.


    Wiccer¡¯s eyes widened and he released his grip. Inle collapsed coughing and sucking in air. He lifted his chin to look up. Although his face was always a light gray complexion, he was slightly paler now. His neck began to bruise with a bluish-purplish color. Inle smiled a maddened smile, ¡°Finish it Cloak! Take your vengeance! Avenge him! Avenge your brother, Cloak!¡±


    Wiccer looked at his trembling hands and stepped backwards. He shook his head whispering to himself, ¡°No, I mustn¡¯t be blinded by my hatred. This isn¡¯t what Avren wanted.¡±


    Inle snatched Wiccer¡¯s wrist and pulled it to his neck, ¡°Finish it!¡±


    Wiccer pulled his hand away and swiftly left the cell after locking it back up. Inle laughed loudly as Wiccer made his exit.


    ¡°See you around, Wiccer!¡±

 Chapter 74: Inles Farewell

    The town square of Varis City was bustling like a festival. Traders peddled balloons and roasted snacks. Clowns and jugglers entertained on the sides of the streets. Minstrels sang jingles of silly tales in up beat tunes. Peasants crowded around a large wooden platform with the Long Whisper lords and Inle Ebonpath standing on top of it. Their necks were inside nooses, preparing to be hanged. Off to the side on top of a stone second platform sat King Koda and King Dallin on their respective leather-bound thrones. Dallin calmed down the excitement of the crowd with a raised hand, before calling out to the six lords.


    ¡°Any last words?¡±


    Athar¡¯s face was pale with fright, he pleaded to Koda to listen to him, ¡°My king, I regret how I wronged you. Please show mercy!¡±


    Dallin leaned his chin on his hand, ¡°What say you, my friend. Will you show mercy to these criminals?¡±


    Koda stood so all could see him, ¡°When Ryjin Leafsong attempted to assassinate my father, my kind and just father spared the Leafsong tribe from the same fate their kin shared. I won¡¯t be so foolish. Your families will be stripped of their lands, their wealth, and titles. They will be exiled from our country and I will find new lords to take their place. Consider that my mercy!¡±


    The former lords gasped as a trapdoor fell beneath them and their ropes snapped taut. The gallows creaked as the six elves hanged dead from their nooses.


    Dallin looked at Inle, repeating the same question to him, ¡°Inle Ebonpath, any last words?¡±


    Inle¡¯s face held still and cold. He showed no fear or any emotion at all, ¡°My final words are for Elucard Freewind!¡±


    Dallin looked down to Elucard and nodded, giving permission to walk up the steps of the gallows.


    Elucard ascended the wooden steps. He paused for a brief second to watch the swaying bodies of the former noblemen before coming face to face with his student. Several years had passed since he considered the young shadow elf as an ally and a friend. Perhaps even more than a friend. Had his life not turned into a mess, he could have been happy. Happy with Inle, Jetta, and his world within the Black Rabbits. But life has a funny way of pulling you away from the comfort of your happiness and burying it under pain and suffering. For when you survive what life throws at you, you become a stronger person.


    ¡°What do you have to say, Inle?¡± Elucard asked Inle. At first Elucard made no effort to make eye contact with Inle. It wasn¡¯t shame nor hate. He dared not look at a former life when he still secretly longed for it.


    Inle gave a meek smile, ¡°I was once masked, but no longer am. I think it would be fair to stand on equal footing,¡± the words were familiar to Elucard.


    Elucard finally glared with his cold magenta eyes into Inle¡¯s, he was not playing any games with Inle.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°Please, master¡­¡±


    Elucard gave a long sigh, but then lowered his mask and removed his hood. Inle smiled again and looked lazily at Elucard¡¯s features. He was now older and more refined, but Inle still found him the handsome elf he had fallen in love with.


    ¡°Is that all, Inle?¡± Elucard asked, impatiently.


    ¡°A final request?¡± whispered Inle.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Inle leaned into Elucard, the rope around his neck tugged, but he was as close as he needed to be. Inle brushed his lips against Elucard¡¯s and kissed him. At that moment, for those few fleeting seconds, Inle was at peace. Even amids the chaos of war and despite the hatred carved into his heart, he still had feelings for his master.


    Elucard closed his eyes and remembered a simpler time as a Black Rabbit, but then pushed away those memories as he pushed Inle away, ¡°Goodbye, Inle.¡±


    The trapdoor fell beneath Inle¡¯s feet, but before the rope could go tight, a dagger whizzed past Elucard and severed the rope. Inle fell underneath the platform, in complete shock. A strange cloaked figure grabbed him and together they sunk into the shadows as if they were being transported through a void.


    The town square was in complete disarray. Dallin and Koda barked orders to the guards to find and recapture Inle. Elucard stood in silence, locked in a stupor as memories of being a Rabbit clashed with being part of ARO. He would have his vengeance whether Inle lived or died. He knew it was all coming to a close.


    ***


    Miles from Varis City, within a lush forest, a shadow seeped from the ground. Growing rapidly until its darkness overtook the surrounding area. From that shadow two figures formed from ashes. Inle was still collapsed on his knees, his arms bound tightly to his sides. The remains of a noose hung limp around his neck. The stranger cut his bindings and threw the noose to the side. He helped Inle stand up before lowering his hood and unraveling a black scarf from his face. It was Calsoon.


    Inle stumbled backwards in bewilderment, ¡°Y-You¡¯re one of Elucard¡¯s Red Rabbits! I recognize you from the night in the forest, when I tried to assassinate Koda!¡±


    Calsoon bowed gracefully, ¡°At your service, Inle.¡±


    Inle stepped closer, looking at the shadows that webbed around the forest, almost choking it, ¡°You are no normal elf.¡±


    Calsoon raised his hand to cover his face then moved it away to reveal a new scaly black face. Straight black horns protruded out of his head, slightly curved towards the tips. His eyes were the color of burning amber instead of his normal icy blue. He grinned, exposing deadly pointed teeth. His hands were now sharp claws and he had a thin, long barbed tail.


    ¡°You¡¯re a demon!¡± Inle exclaimed. He had heard old wives¡¯ tales of demons taking the form of others to spy on men from the bards in his troupe. However, they were just that, old wives¡¯ tales. Inle was still taken back from the reveal. He collected his wits, ¡°Why did you rescue me?¡±


    Calsoon licked his fangs before speaking, ¡°This world that we live in is a complex chess game. You and everyone you know are the pieces.¡±


    Inle squinted his eyes, carefully choosing his next question. This demon spoke in riddles, but if he asked the correct questions, he would see the answer, ¡°Then who are the players?¡±


    Calsoon let out a cackle, ¡°Ah yes, a fine question, my friend. Come with me and find out for yourself!¡±

 Chapter 75: ARO vs the Silent Master

    Snow gently drifted in the cool night as lofty clouds roamed across the skies. Shafts of silver moonlight barely lit the Black Rabbit compound as the Watchers slid past the gates one by one. Within the frigid shadows, the ARO members strangled sentries with thin stretches of garrote wire and dragged their bodies into the woods. The snow was still light on the ground with little chance of making noticeable tracks. The Watchers were well-trained assassins and the Varisian War gave them experience with the Rabbits that no training could have provided.


    At the center of the compound, the Watchers gathered in a circle, each member keeping a sharp eye out for additional Rabbits. As they kept their wits heightened, the door to the Silent Master¡¯s quarters slid open. The Silent Master approached the center of the grounds. Scars criss-crossed on his imposing frame. His tattoos seemed to ripple as he moved forward. He wore only a long, dark leather kilt. His right hand was no more than a bandaged stump ¨C a memento from his prior encounter with Elucard. Veins raised and pulsed down his left arm and over his only hand. By his side was a solemn looking Legion.


    Elucard stared at the pair, raising his sword in caution, ¡°This is the end of the Rabbits, Ryjin.¡±


    A vile sneer lurked upon the Silent Master¡¯s face, ¡°Legion, it is time you dealt with your whelp.¡±


    Legion stepped between his master and his student, drawing the long and heavy claymore in a single hand. The Watchers immediately surrounded the two Black Rabbits. Legion turned his head to look at each Watcher before turning his eyes back onto Elucard, ¡°Withdraw your men. They don¡¯t have to die tonight.¡±


    Wiccer shuffled himself closer to the Silent Master, ¡°Elucard, we¡¯ll handle the Silent Master, you deal with your old master.¡±


    ¡°Be careful. I maimed him, but he¡¯s still deadly,¡± Elucard said, nodding in acknowledgment to Wiccer.


    Legion took in a long breath, ¡°I want you to know that I am sorry it has come to this. You were never meant to be my enemy.¡±


    ¡°Somehow I believe you, but it¡¯s too late for apologies now, master,¡± Elucard said softly. He gripped his blade¡¯s handle tightly before lunging forward at Legion.


    Legion shook his head and spun quickly to land a back kick into Elucard¡¯s chest, launching him backwards. Legion ran headlong, twirling his large sword in his hand before dropping the edge in a chopping swing. Elucard held up his sword horizontally, watching sparks burst as the blades clashed together. Inching his arms upwards, Elucard struggled to push Legion¡¯s sword away from him and jumped up to snap a kick under his master¡¯s jaw. Legion¡¯s head rocked backwards as he swayed sideways.


    Dazed, Legion bent over as Elucard launched a flying knee into his gut. Elucard used his momentum to twist his body upside down and land a hard kick to the side of Legion¡¯s face. The strike threw Legion off balance and he crashed into the stone ground.


    Elucard stood over Legion¡¯s crumpled body, pointing his sword at him. He used a foot to turn the elf over onto his back. Legion knocked the sword away, thrusting his body from the ground. He flew into his student, catching Elucard in a headlock. Legion¡¯s fingers interlaced around the back of Elucard¡¯s neck and he sent a series of devastating knees slamming into Elucard¡¯s chest and side, with the final strike cracking Elucard¡¯s ribs. Legion grabbed his student¡¯s hood and let loose a brutal uppercut that clasped his jaw shut and flung him into the air.


    Elucard landed on his back and tumbled several feet backwards. He sluggishly picked himself up and moved his hands in front of his body, readying for another painful round of attacks.


    Legion picked up Elucard¡¯s blade and wielded it alongside his own sword. He tossed the smaller blade to Elucard and shook his head, ¡°We can fight until the sun comes up. We can beat each other into a bloody pulp. You can kill me, I can kill you. None of it will get us closer to peace.¡±


    Elucard caught his blade. He spun it expertly in one hand before dashing at Legion again, ¡°This is our fate¡ªeternal damnation. Neither of us deserve peace!¡±


    Elucard slashed a succession of attacks at Legion, half were parried to the side, while two found their mark. The swings carved into Legion¡¯s upper arm and lower side. Elucard snarled and took a dagger from his belt, attempting to drive it into his master¡¯s shoulder. Legion grabbed his wrist and his back into Elucard before throwing him over his shoulder. Elucard slammed down on his backside, his dagger clattered and slid across the snowy, wet ground. He tugged on his arm but found that his wrist was still locked within Legion¡¯s grip. Legion pulled Elucard toward him and held his neck in his forearm, choking him.


    ¡°Look at them!¡± shouted Legion, tightening his hold and forcing Elucard to watch the other battle unfold, ¡°My Silent Master will destroy them, and then you! Is this what you wanted? How many more will suffer? How many lives will you take until your hate and anger consume your entire world?¡±


    The Silent Master sidestepped and countered as each Watcher leaped and dashed at him with blades glinting in the moonlight. Timber fired several arrows from the rear, each found their mark burying themselves deep into the Silent Master¡¯s back, but it did not quell his fury. Instead, he shifted his attention to the Kanis and dove at her.


    ¡°Rulan, Elisa, use your weighted chains to slow him down! Lear, Calsoon, Essie and Blayvaar attack him while he¡¯s bound!¡± Wiccer shouted, throwing out a flurry of commands.


    Rulan and Elisa whipped a pair of chains with heavy iron weights attached to the ends. Together they ran circles around Ryjin and tied the Silent Master¡¯s arms behind his back. They grunted as they pulled the chains tight.


    As soon as the Silent Master was chained, Lear dashed in to cut at the Silent Master¡¯s legs. Blayvaar jumped onto his back, wielding dual knives, and Calsoon and Essie dove to impale him through the stomach.


    With a roar, the Silent Master flexed his muscles, popping the links of the chains until his arms were free. Wrapping the remains of the chains in his left hand, he pulled both Rulan and Elisa into his awaiting arms. Elisa and Rulan flipped head over heels as they collided with his muscular right arm.


    Turning to Lear, he lifted his leg and nailed a solid kick into the yikahti¡¯s jaw. Lear¡¯s eyesight lit up and then faded to a blurred darkness as he smashed down to the ground.


    Rocking his head back, Rjyjin bashed his skull into Blayvaar¡¯s face. Blayvaar¡¯s jaw snapped shut with a loud pop as the former thief reeled backwards, falling with a loud thud onto the floor.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    With Ryjin¡¯s free hand, he thrust at Calsoon¡¯s neck. Clenching tightly, he lifted the elf up and smashed him into the ground, creating several cracks into the stone tiles. While the Silent Master was distracted by Calsoon, Essie managed to run her blade partially into Ryjin, however the large elf stiffened his abs, bending the sword until it buckled and snapped from the force. He savagely backhanded the young Windfoot into a frightened Timber. Both flew backwards, rolling into a mess on the ground.


    The Silent Master turned to Wiccer and smiled, ¡°Your clan lacks the skill to defeat me.¡±


    Wiccer shot a worried glance to Elucard.


    Elucard began to fall in and out of consciousness. His eyes rolled back into his head as Legion continued to squeeze Elucard¡¯s neck. Elucard gargled out a response the best he could, ¡°J¡­ust tw¡­¡±


    ¡°What was that?¡±


    Elucard grabbed onto Legion¡¯s arm and sunk a large bite into it. Legion yelped as he lunged backwards, holding onto his now bleeding arm.


    ¡°Just two,¡± Elucard wheezed. He smirked as he steadily got to his feet. He looked over his shoulder to see his Watchers strewn about, barely able to keep up with the surprisingly nimble Ryjin, ¡°I need to end this.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Legion said sternly.


    Both rushed at each other, swinging, clashing, and slicing. Elucard dodged right as a heavy strike came crashing down. Thinking fast, Elucard stomped onto the blade with one foot and jumped into the air as Legion pulled it upwards, struggling to free it from the ground. Elucard sailed up and over Legion, Plunging his sword deep into Legion¡¯s shoulder.


    Legion fell to his knees as his shoulder sagged, letting his arm fall limp. Elucard painfully yanked and rested the blade against Legion¡¯s neck.


    ¡°I taught you well, Elucard,¡± Legion managed to say despite the overwhelming pain he was in.


    ¡°You taught me well? You taught me nothing but lies!¡± shouted Elucard as he swung Legion to face him, ¡°You filled my head with delusions of honor and purpose ¨C and for what? So that I¡¯d turn my back on the real people who cared for me!¡±


    Legion looked away from Elucard in shame. The drive to protect his clan and kill Elucard had eroded over time. He was now just a husk of the Black Rabbit he once was. He wanted only to die at the hands of the last person he cared for, Elucard, ¡°I taught you only what I thought would keep you alive. I taught you to think and fight. I didn¡¯t want to make you the perfect weapon, but a perfect man,¡± Legion turned to face Elucard once more and tears swelled in his eyes, ¡°I am honored to say you turned out well; a good and just adult. You¡¯ve grown into the leader I always hoped you¡¯d become. You are my humanity, for I never had it on my own. I am proud of you¡­my son.¡±


    Elucard brought his face closer to Legion¡¯s, ¡°You don¡¯t deserve that huma¨C¡± he couldn¡¯t finish the sentence. He clenched his teeth as the words choked in his throat. Tears formed as they dripped down his cheeks. Legion may have killed Jetta, but he still loved him like a father. Like the father that was there for him. Like the father that raised him. Like the father that protected him. Like the father he needed. That he would always love.


    ¡°You were always too weak, Legion,¡± Ryjin¡¯s familiar low growl cut through the winter night. In his hand he held Wiccer by the face, dragging him on the ground as he walked over to Legion and Elucard.


    Elucard gently laid Legion onto the ground and met Ryjin half way, ¡°You are the root of all this! You take the innocent and contort us into vile killers! Bred to turn on our own world and do your bidding! You are the true reason why Jetta is dead! You will corrupt the youth of this world no more!¡±


    Wiccer groaned as he was released from Ryjin¡¯s clutches. Ryjin grabbed Elucard by the cloak and brought him close to his face, ¡°I did not corrupt your mind! I merely surfaced your desires!¡±


    Elucard squinted, holding his face slightly askew from Ryjin¡¯s, ¡°What desires?¡± he asked.


    Ryjin flashed a nasty smile, ¡°Your desire to serve and your desire to kill!¡±


    Elucard let loose a blood shivering roar as he tried to strike out at Ryjin with his blade, but the Silent Master threw him aside. Elucard clattered onto the ground, weakened from his long battle with Legion. With his newfound rage rising, he mustered the energy to stand.


    Ryjin barreled towards Elucard, punishing him with a punch to his gut, following with a hefty elbow to his upper back. Elucard lay flatten on the ground. As he struggle to stand again, Ryjin smashed his foot down onto Elucard¡¯s head. Elucard¡¯s face bounced off the ground as blood splattered into several directions.


    Ryjin knelt down and lifted Elucard¡¯s bloodied face by the tuft of his hair. He sneered sadistically as he spoke lowly into the elf¡¯s ear, ¡°You led a glorious life.¡±


    Elucard gagged and spurted blood as he clawed at Ryjin¡¯s grip.


    ¡°A shame that it ended so anti-climactically,¡± Ryjin continued.


    ¡°His life isn¡¯t over yet,¡± Wiccer¡¯s voice called out from behind Ryjin.


    Ryjin dropped Elucard, turning around to face Wiccer, ¡°You alone will not be able to save this one.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing he didn¡¯t come alone,¡± Blayvaar said, limping to Wiccer¡¯s side and flipping a dagger in his hand.


    Ryjin jeered as one by one each Watcher came to Elucard¡¯s aid, ¡°I¡¯ve already defeated you all. What makes you think you can win this time?¡±


    ARO readied their weapons. Wiccer smiled, ¡°Because now we are whole.¡±


    Ryjin growled in confusion as a sword grew from his stomach, spraying a fountain of blood onto the snowy ground. Ryjin spun to find an exhausted Elucard smiling with half slit eyes.


    ¡°Watchers attack!¡± Wiccer called out as each ARO member hacked and sliced at Ryjin.


    In a ballet of blood, the Watchers danced around the Silent Master as he desperately attempted to overcome the flashes of steel before finally falling to his knees. Blood flowed like several rivers from hideous wounds all over his body. His head slouched forward as his breathing became labored.


    Elucard raised Ryjin¡¯s chin with the tip of his blade, ¡°The Black Rabbits are done.¡±


    Ryjin grinned a ghastly smile, ¡°The Black Rabbits were but one day in an endless winter.¡±


    Elucard snarled and ruthlessly sliced Ryjin¡¯s head off. He took a great sigh. He dropped his blade and stumbled backwards. He was lightheaded from exhaustion and the loss of blood. He took a knee and whispered a low prayer.


    Alanna, tonight I have slain a man,


    I have shown him no love, no remorse,


    Alanna, take this man¡¯s soul in one hand,


    With the other mend my hatred¡¯s source,


    Finally sever our bond and give me my release,


    So that I can remember those I¡¯ve lost in peace.


    Elucard fell silent after finding his atonement before making his way back to his resting master, ¡°Essie, can you patch him up?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do what I can.¡±


    Elucard cradled Legion in his arms. His nightmare was over and all he wanted now was to dream. Dream for a time of peace. A peace to share with his new family, perhaps even with his old one. To share with Legion, ¡°Master¡­I¡­¡±


    Legion winced as Essie examined Legion¡¯s gruesome wounds, ¡°You saved us all, Elucard.¡±


    ¡°Master¡­I¡­¡± Elucard started, unable to find the right words¡ªmuch less the perfect words for this moment.


    ¡°She would be proud of you¡­¡± said Legion, as slowly fell into a slumber.


    ¡°Master¡­I forgive you.¡±

 Chapter 76: The New Apprentice

    In the newly refurbished Ruens abbey, Elucard relaxed on the floor next to Avalon as they watched the new Silent Ones train under Vada¡¯s watchful eye. Elucard stirred uncomfortably in his new finery. His waistcoat was tight around his ribs and his fluffy ascot made his throat itch. He was older now and wanted to focus his attention on a new life instead of bloodying his hands and hunting down those responsible for his hatred. He had finally found a world of peace and wished to hold on to it.


    ¡°Vada is falling in well as your First Blade once again,¡± Elucard said as he desperately scratched at the ascot.


    ¡°She returned from the Blade Range as an Iron Wing, rising through the ranks faster than I ever did. She requested to serve under me, which is good because I seem to be attached to her,¡± Avalon explained, fondly watching her Blade Sister move through a kata.


    ¡°What of Adema?¡± Elucard asked, remembering the fierceness of the mysterious woman.


    ¡°She was assigned to me only to aid in the war and establish this new temple. Although this was once an abbey for Ruens, it will now serve Jedeo well. I believe Adema is being assigned to the Holy Front. I wish her the best. It¡¯s not a pleasant assignment.¡± Avalon took a sip of wine from the glass sitting next to her and brushed her hair away from her eye, ¡°These new Silent Ones will be the first of many generations that will be taught to fight like Rabbits. We learned much from the war in Varis. To mix teachings will craft the perfect weapon for Jedeo.¡±


    ¡°A blade is only as sharp as the Rabbit wielding it,¡± Elucard mused.


    ¡°Speaking of which, it¡¯s been almost a year since you and the rest of ARO put down Ryjin. How are things going?¡± Avalon asked.


    ¡°It has, hasn¡¯t it? Despite our best efforts, Dallin has reported that new assassin clans are popping up in Varis. Black Rabbit copycats no doubt: the Ghost Fox clan and the Twisted Skies clan.¡±


    ¡°Looks like Varis will need to form an ARO unit,¡± Avalon said grinning.


    ¡°We¡¯re already on top of that. Wiccer is being sent to Varis City to start the unit. I¡¯ll be taking over command of ours.¡±


    ¡°Wiccer is off to Varis? Who will be your second in command? Lear? Blayvaar?¡±


    ¡°Legion, actually. He picked up the military life very well. Go figure. I¡¯ll really need his help too because ARO has tripled in size! Several new faces came from the 12th Spearman Division alone.¡±


    ¡°Will Long Whisper need ARO to be so large?¡±


    ¡°The Rabbits are dead but not finished. No doubt someone will pick up the mantle of Silent Master once again,¡± Elucard said grimly.


    ¡°Any word from Inle? I heard rumors that you were responsible for his escape.¡±


    Elucard balled his fist and grit his teeth. All the work put into gaining the trust of Long Whisper nearly decimated by the hidden stranger, ¡°No one has seen or heard from Inle since that day. If it weren¡¯t for Koda, Dallin would have arrested me for conspiracy to commit treason. Hopefully Wiccer will be able to smooth out our relationship with Varis.¡±If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°Well it looks like we have our work cut out for us.¡±


    Elucard stood up, quick to pat off the dust on his new clothes, ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    ***


    Elucard walked down the streets of Lost Dawns. Since his promotion to captain, he had a lot more trit to burn. He had loaded his wardrobe with the latest in Long Whisper fashion and found himself filling up a newly furnished book case. Things in his life he once shrugged off now seemed to be coming to the forefront. He was domesticated now.


    The streets were becoming lively as the noon sun sat high in the sky. He stopped to look into the glass pane of a store front. Staring at his reflection, he adjusted his green and orange waistcoat that seemed to have slightly climbed his chest while he was at the Silent One abbey. He took a comb from his pocket and brushed his hair into a neater look. Before he had the chance to put it back into his pocket a small boy bowled him over.


    ¡°Sorry, mister!¡± the elven child said.


    Elucard propped himself up and took a good look at the boy. He was around twelve. Dirt covered his fair skin and messed up his stark white hair. His eyes were a vibrant green. He wore a filthy tunic and patched up trousers. Elucard lifted himself up and patted the dirt off his pants, ¡°Not a problem. I¡¯ve had my shares of bumps in the past.¡±


    The boy snickered, ¡°I¡¯m sure, mister,¡± he made an over the top face as he picked up a silver trit resting on the ground, ¡°Mister, you dropped this!¡±


    Elucard smiled, ¡°Honesty should be rewarded. You keep it. Run along now.¡±


    The boy flashed an over exaggerated smile and dashed off.


    ¡°Nice kid,¡± Elucard said to himself. He wondered exactly how many of his coins had dropped from his purse before realizing that his coin purse was missing. He frantically scanned the ground before it dawned on him that the boy had conned him. Elucard sneered as he looked at where the child had scampered off to and gave chase.


    Elucard leaped onto the shoulders of several citizens before pulling himself onto the roof of a shop. He ran to the edge and looked down into an alley to see the boy counting the contents of Elucard¡¯s purse.


    ¡°Hey! Hand over the money and I won¡¯t hurt you!¡± Elucard shouted down at the street urchin.


    The boy looked up in surprise. He tied the purse on his belt and hopped over the fence behind him. Elucard dropped down and flipped over the fence, chasing after the thief.


    The boy fled, climbing a ladder to the nearest roof and leaping over wide alley gaps. He glanced behind him and found the strange ¡°nobleman¡± keeping pace, not tiring from dodging strenuous obstacles. The boy spotted a gap ahead that this man would be mad to attempt to jump. Picking up his speed, the boy mustered all his dexterity and energy to leap across an incredibly wide berth between two buildings, but despite his best efforts he came up short. He fell inches from the target ledge and thrust out a hand in a desperate attempt to latch onto the building. There he dangled, certain death waiting for him below.


    An older hand grabbed the boy by his tunic and lifted him onto the safety of the building. It was the nobleman.


    Elucard kept his grip tight so the boy could not escape, all-the-while contemplating the insane lengths the boy took to get away from him, ¡°You¡¯ve got some talent, kid. That potential is going to waste out here in the Roots. How would you like to work for me?¡±


    The boy squirmed himself free and pouted his face, ¡°Doing what?¡± he asked in a nasty voice.


    ¡°Doing the world some good.¡±


    The child sneered, ¡°The world ain¡¯t done nothin¡¯ for me.¡±


    Elucard smirked, ¡°What¡¯s your name kid?¡±


    ¡°Kyzo.¡±


    Elucard dropped down to one knee so that he was eye level with the boy, ¡°Kyzo, the world hasn¡¯t seen what you can do yet. Come under my wing and I will give you that opportunity. Come under my wing and learn from me.¡±


    Kyzo looked curiously, ¡°What will I learn?¡±


    ¡°To hunt assassins.¡±

 Chapter 77: The Celestial Seals

    The sacred island of Nashoon was not at all how Koda and Wildeye left it. The once verdant forest was now blanketed in vivid white. Withered leaves fell from the grasps of their branches and danced on the snow covered forest floor below. Koda looked on in astonishment as winter had found its way to Nashoon for the first time.


    Xile sat on a stone with a litter of wolf pups playing on his lap. Koda slowly approached his grandfather, yet Xile did not bother looking up at the grandson he had not seen in such a long while. His voice was tired and worn, and he coughed hard in between his words, ¡°I traveled the world as you told me to and I found a pupil. She is an elf of Stratus descent. She is not well accustomed to warm climates, but she shows great aptitude and willingness to learn. Her name is Lore Starfrost. Perhaps you will become friends in time.¡± He gently pushed the pups away and gingerly used his staff to stand. His joints popped and he grunted and his back ached, ¡°It seems the Dawnedge were not meant to be Guardians.¡±


    Koda rushed to support him, but was brushed away, ¡°What were we meant to be?¡± Koda asked.


    ¡°Leaders,¡± smiled Xile.


    Koda grinned, but his face turned serious. He pointed to the glistening ice that gripped the canopy above, ¡°I¡¯ve never seen seasons change on Nashoon. What is happening?¡±


    Xile shuffled over to pet Wildeye, who arched her back to get an extra bit of attention from the ancient elf, ¡°Koda, I am dying. As the Arcane Guardian, my life force is connected to this forest. When I finally pass, the forest may well never come out of this winter. When that happens, evil will swallow this land whole.¡±


    ¡°What of your student?¡±


    Xile¡¯s face wrinkled, ¡°Lore is wise beyond her years, but not ready to protect the seal.¡±


    Koda¡¯s brow perked up, ¡°Seal?¡±


    ¡°The Celestial Seal of Cypress. One of five, each one written on each of the Dragon Realms. They ward the gods from the mortal plane. However, if broken, the gods will continue their deity wars on our world and Draak Terra will crumble. Even now the seals are slowly cracking and fading. I am too weak to repair the seals and Lore is far from being fully trained still.¡±


    Koda shook his head, ¡°I thought the Arcane Guardian protected the Magi?¡±


    ¡°They protect all of the world¡¯s secrets. The Magi is just one of them.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me about something with such dire consequences? I could have helped!¡± Koda fumed, angrily.


    ¡°I was wrong to think you were prepared to become a guardian. I know how much you latch onto the Magi as if it is some sort of nectar. I have felt you growing darker. I only envisioned your fate as a flicker, but as time passed¡­ Koda I fear the worst.¡±


    Koda¡¯s face hardened like the frozen ground beneath him, ¡°Darker? Fear the worst? I have grown vastly stronger than the child I was when I left!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s far too late to prove yourself to me. However, it is not too late to prove yourself to those that depend on us.¡±


    ¡°Tell me how, grandfather!¡±


    ¡°Use your influence to find the seals and protect them. I sense I am not the only one that knows of the seals¡¯ waning,¡± Xile wheezed. Wildeye leaned her large body against the aged elf, so that he could rest.


    Koda nodded solemnly, ¡°I will do this for you.¡±


    Xile placed a trembling hand on his grandson¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Do this for the world.¡±


    ***


    Inle walked for what seemed like an eternity to the shadow elf. He trekked alone through a dark void. The walls were black but shimmered with a magenta light while the road was lit with a soft, white glow. The path seemed to twist and rotate with each step he took.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°How much further?¡± he asked, although he felt like he was talking to himself because Calsoon seemed to have vanished months ago. Inle had no choice but to walk down the strange corridor without the aid of his mysterious guide. He did wait at first. However, much like the journey he was on, the waiting seemed to be never ending as well.


    Calsoon¡¯s delightful voice came from behind Inle, ¡°We¡¯ve just arrived, my friend.¡±


    Inle spun around, surprised by Calsoon¡¯s sudden reappearance, ¡°Where have you been?¡±


    Calsoon grinned and bowed, ¡°A thousand apologies, my friend, but perhaps it is best if you didn¡¯t know.¡±


    Inle narrowed his eyes. The abundance of vague puzzles were starting to wear on him, ¡°How long have I been here?¡±


    ¡°I mean not to confuse you any further, but time has no meaning here. Once you leave to go back to the mortal plane, it will be as if you never left.¡±


    Inle shook his head in disbelief before asking one final question, ¡°Where is here, exactly?¡±


    Just as the question left to escape his mouth, the world around them warped and vanished. Around them appeared a large room with a circular table in the center. At the table sat five men and a woman. Each one wore a long black cloak and an oversized hood that masked their face. The table was made of dark ebonwood with a large, black, eight-pointed snowflake carved into the table. The carving was outlined with a thin line of silver paint so that the black design would be better seen on the dark colored wood. In the foreground of the snow flake were twin crescent moons painted blue that faced away from one another. Circling the room were stone walls and invisible pillars that took the form of falling snow. There were two empty seats, one of which Calsoon took.


    Inle looked around confused. He stood silently, waiting for an explanation before finally speaking, ¡°Are you the players of this game?¡±


    Calsoon clapped his hands in delight. A man next to him rose from his seat and and unveiled his face. He was a devilishly handsome man with delicate features and faintly silver eyes. His skin was pale and matched his short, platinum hair. He spoke with an elegant dialect, as if he were highly educated and had noble blood, ¡°Welcome Inle, to Dead of Winter¡ªA collection of unique individuals such as yourself.¡±


    Inle was even more confused, ¡°How did you know my name?¡±


    ¡°We always keep an eye on those we take a special interest in.¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Inle asked. A whole batch of new questions hatched in his mind.


    The mysterious gentleman bowed, ¡°I am known as Wraslyn to my peers. However, others know me by other names. I will introduce the other members of our guild, but over time you must take it upon yourself to learn each of their strengths.¡± He moved his hand to each of the six other members. As he stated their name, they stood and bowed, ¡°Uther, Aazeren, Strife, The Collector, Sable, and you have already met Calsoon who serves as Sable¡¯s servant.¡±


    Inle nodded to each but looked blankly at an eighth seat, ¡°Who sits in the last seat?¡±


    Wraslyn walked over to the empty chair and rested his hands on its back, ¡°His name was Ryjin Leafsong. I believe you knew him?¡±


    Inle looked flabbergasted, ¡°The Silent Master was one of your members?¡±


    ¡°He was merely a Leafsong. Who did you think trained him?¡±


    ¡°We all assumed it was one of the warrior tribes who disapproved of the founding of Lost Dawns,¡± Inle responded.


    Calsoon snickered out loud, ¡°We trained him, we set up his funds, and we gave him his opportunity for the vengeance he craved against the Dawnedge.¡±


    Inle shook his head in confusion, ¡°The Black Rabbits were all a part of your game?¡±


    Calsoon strolled over to comfort Inle, ¡°My friend, I told you that you and everyone you know are just pieces in our game.¡±


    Inle pushed him away, ¡°Why? Why go to such lengths?¡±


    Wraslyn flashed a wide smile, ¡°Now we are getting to the good questions. By straining Jaelyn¡¯s power, we knew he would send for Koda to come home. By further pressuring Koda, he would become king.¡±


    Inle furrowed his brow, ¡°How does Koda becoming king have anything to do with this?¡±


    ¡°You see, without Koda in Nashoon, a new Arcane Guardian can¡¯t be trained. Soon the seals will be ready for us to make our move.¡±


    Inle leaned against the wall, ¡°I still don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°But you will in time,¡± Calsoon finished.


    Wraslyn motioned to the eighth chair, ¡°Take a seat, Inle. A new Silent Master must be named.¡±


    Inle grinned and slowly stepped toward the seat, but halted shy of sitting down, ¡°I wish to be a player, not a pawn.¡±


    ¡°We knew you were more ambitious than Ryjin. That is why we sought you out,¡± Calsoon said, giving a cunning smile.


    ¡°Then I will join and become the new Silent Master,¡± Inle answered as he finally took the eighth seat.


    ¡°To the dawning of a new season, darker than the last,¡± Wraslyn toasted, a pleased look strewn across his face.

 Chapter 1: Runaway Rabbit

    Twelve years ago


    Dragon Realms Cypress


    Avalon tried her best to shelter herself from the chill of the early morning¡¯s wind. She wrapped herself tighter with her cloak, knowing she only had another hour before she needed to be on the move again. It was only three days ago that she left the Black Rabbits. She would no longer be a tool for a cult of murderers, kidnappers, and torturers. She was once proud to wear the black and purple of that clan, now she was more content to simply be Avalon the Wanderer. Three days ago and it all seemed like only a minute had passed.


    Sparrowport was just beyond the forest¡¯s edge. She would charter a boat to Jedeoheim and serve the rest of her life as a Silent One.


    A lifetime. That will be how long it will take to atone for my sins.


    A mist of rain swept through the forest, numbing Avalon¡¯s skin. Her clothes were soaked and musty from last night¡¯s rain. She knew it would be foolish to create a campfire with the Silent Master sending Rabbits to track her down. A glowing coal could be seen with ease at night and smoke would make it even easier. A warm fire was a luxury she could not afford.


    Avalon¡¯s ears twitched and her sagging eyes sharpened; she was no longer alone. Snatching her sword that rested against the tree, she rolled forward to the center of the camp and focused her already alerted senses.


    ¡°Who did the Silent Master send? You are foolish to think you can sneak up on the High Blade of the Black Rabbits!¡± Avalon spat keeping a vigilant eye in all directions.


    Finally from the shadows of the woods came a slender figure. With a sword already drawn, she slowly approached Avalon, ¡°The Silent Master didn¡¯t send me, Sister. I volunteered to hunt you down.¡±


    Avalon leaped backwards and unsheathed her sword. Her hilt trembled within her hands. Her heartbeat picked up its pace as she saw the murder in her Blade Sister¡¯s eyes.


    Has it come to this? My sister, my lifetime friend¡­now my enemy?


    ¡°Vada, it is not too late to leave with me, Blade Sister,¡± Avalon sputtered.


    Vada dropped her hood and swished her sword back and forth. Each swing inched Avalon backwards, ¡°How could you leave our home. How could you leave me? After all that we¡¯ve been through, you could just do that?¡±


    Avalon clenched her teeth and gripped her hilt with both hands, inching backwards, ¡°The Silent Master. The Black Rabbits. They are both poisonous! Venom which withers our very minds so we can hurt the innocent. Now this? Your master wants to turn us against each other! Vada, you and I share something that he can never touch! I-I-¡±


    ¡°Enough of your lies, Avalon! I swore to the Silent Master I would bring you to justice. Alanna be my witness. You will come back kicking and screaming or dead, it does not matter which to me!¡±


    Vada dashed forward and within seconds she crossed the camp and slashed at her Blade Sister.


    Avalon deflected the attack, but was unable to find the mindset to fight back. She was betrayed and confused that her best friend was so dead set in murdering her. Every thought in her mind told her to run, while her body wished to fight.


    Taking advantage of Avalon¡¯s momentary weakness, Vada kicked the outside of Avalon¡¯s knee, buckling her to the ground, and slicing down at her in a heavy cleave.


    Avalon raised her sword to block.


    Vada¡¯s blow glanced off with such force that Avalon¡¯s sword tore from her hand and whipped through the air, driving into a neighboring tree.


    ¡°I expected more fight from you, Avalon,¡± Vada sneered, grabbing Avalon by the throat raising her closer to her.


    ¡°I can¡¯t fight you¡­¡± Avalon whispered. She slowly edged her hand to Vada¡¯s belt and rummaged through one of her pouches.


    Vada slammed her prey against a tree, caressing her blade against Avalon¡¯s cheek. She smiled fondly as it grazed over an old scar, ¡°Do you remember our sparring sessions?¡±


    Avalon tilted her head away from the sword¡¯s pricking edge.


    ¡°You and I danced. Better than anyone. Even better than Legion and Malady. We were perfect for each other,¡± continued Vada.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°We still are¡­¡± Avalon said meekly. She grasped what she was looking for in Vada¡¯s pouch.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to kill you, Avalon. You forced his hand. I can¡¯t come back a failure.¡±


    A tear streaked down Avalon¡¯s cheek and over Vada¡¯s blade, ¡°I know, and I¡¯m sorry,¡± Avalon said before breaking free of Vada¡¯s hold and slinging a handful of white powder into Vada¡¯s unsuspecting face.


    Avalon went straight for her weapon while Vada howled, furiously in the background. However the sword was lodged too tightly into the trunk. Gripping with two hands and a foot pressed against the tree, she growled while tugging on the handle, but it would not budge. She took a moment to watch Vada frantically search for a way to wash away the blinding powder, before sprinting off to Sparrowport.


    ***


    The gates of Sparrowport were already crowded with traders and travelers attempting to enter the city. The White Cloak guards inspected and questioned every traveler coming into the port city, looking for contraband or possible Black Rabbit criminals.


    Avalon hid within the crowds, being sure to keep her Black Rabbit garbs hiding within the shadows of her cloak. Waiting patiently for one of the guards to become overwhelmed with peasants and merchants pushing their way to the entrance, Avalon slithered around the guards and slipped her way into the city.


    Sparrowport itself was built in the valley of hills spilling out into the ocean. Despite all the roads directing to the bay, there was a maze of weaving streets, alleyways, and bridges connecting to layers of buildings.


    It was all too easy to hide within the masses of the people moving about their daily routine, but hiding was not the only thing on her mind right now. Her fight with Vada was unexpected


    and with that came the loss of her weapon. She needed to replace it and find her way onto a boat going to Dragon Realm Blight, before Vada recovered and found her again.


    Making her way into a stretch of streets that served as a bazaar, she found herself caught off guard by the allure of the many exotic vendors. Fruits from Abyss, Furs from Stratus; Sparrowport seemed to have it all, even swords.


    Spread out on a blanket, Avalon knelt down to inspect a line of finely crafted steel weaponry. She hovered her hand over the glinting sheen of a scimitar and then brushed the smoothness of a long shamshir. Both swords were from the deserts of Scorch. Although she was curious how they might handle, they were not what she was trained in.


    The vendor tending to the stall flashed a keen smile and moved his long beaded hair over his shoulder. Adjusting his turban he spoke in a silky voice, ¡°Ah, a fair maiden that has fine tastes. This shamshir was forged in the free lands of Alva and brought over the ocean to grace your hands alone,¡± he ended with a smirk and wink.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking for an elven shadow blade.¡± Avalon said, ignoring his flirtatious efforts.


    ¡°Ah yes, the ninjato. That is an interesting sword. They say that the Leafsong developed the blade after receiving the teachings from a yikahti. It is why the ninjato is favored by assassins and appears so foreign compared to the claymore or longsword of Dragon Realm Cypress.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the history lesson-do you have one?¡± Avalon huffed, tapping her foot. ¡°Patience,


    child. Of course I have one. However, as one knows, Long Whisper is at war with


    Black Rabbits. Trading a ninjato to someone dressed in their colors is hazardous to my well being,¡± grinned the vendor.


    Avalon darted her eyes looking for signs of patrolling White Cloaks.


    ¡°Relax, I shall sell you your shadow blade, as well as a set of robes. The blade isn¡¯t illegal, but being a Rabbit is. Fifty trit, my friend,¡± the vendor chuckled.


    Avalon counted the coins on her. She had only seventy-five trit and was unsure how much passage to Blight would still be. However, if a vendor could see she was a Black Rabbit, it was only a matter of time a White Cloak may find her, or worse, Vada. ¡°Very well, here, take it.¡±


    ***


    The towering white sails were a sight to see as the salty air tickled her nose. The creak of the barnacle covered hauls cut through the mantra of working seamen. She had never been so far


    south in Long Whisper and although she had seen the sea, she had never experienced boats as large as these.


    Approaching a dock master from a smaller merchant ship, Avalon held out what she estimated would be enough to get to her chosen realm. She raised her chin and swelled her chest. She may have been a skilled assassin, but she was clueless in the ways of the barter. The best she could do was entice what seemed like a worthy deal.


    The dockmaster glared at her open hand. ¡°What is this?¡±


    Avalon¡¯s face drooped as her best laid plan seemed to collapse from underneath her. She straightened her face hoping to salvage her deal. ¡°I need passage to Blight. Fifteen is what I''m offering.¡±


    The sailor snorted and spit out a wad of mucus. He seemed to mull it over as he scratched his rough beard. He then held up his hand, spreading his fingers, ¡°Fifty and were leaving in ten minutes.¡±


    Avalon blinked at the price. ¡°I still need to eat, fifteen is a fair price,¡± she said reaffirming her offer.


    ¡°Fifteen¡¯ll get you to Scorch.¡±


    ¡°Scorch would only get me halfway there. I would be stranded in the desert realm!¡± she said, raising her voice.


    ¡°Fifteen''ll get you to Scorch,¡± he repeated, now crossing his arms.


    Avalon turned her head back toward to Sparrowport¡¯s gates. Vada would be in the city by now and heading to the docks. A trip to Scorch was not the ideal realm for her journey to becoming a Silent One, but it would throw Vada of her trail. Perhaps the Angel of Luck was with her today.


    ¡°Deal.¡±


    Heading onto the ship, she paused for a moment. Reflecting on her past life that she was about to leave behind, she readied herself for the adventure to come.

 Chapter 2: Confronting Your Past

    Present Day


    Dragon Realm Cypress


    The old Ruens¡¯ abbey chimed across the city as dawn splintered the horizon. Long ago the priests of the Blue Angel walked the hallowed halls. Now new priests of a different deity graced the grounds and with them came the Silent Ones. An ancient order of knights serving the Mortal One. The Angel with the Red Wings. Jedeo. Avalon led her Silent Ones of the abbey. Once a deviant assassin serving the death goddess, she and her old Blade Sister long since sworn their blades to Jedeo''s order.


    Avalon sat up in the straw stuffed bed and stretched out her stiff muscles from a hard night of routine training between her and Vada. She twisted her neck, unleashing a ripple of cracks before swinging her jaw from side to side. A pop reminded her that her Blade Sister had gotten in her share of strikes before Avalon finished her off in their friendly sparring. She gently grazed the bruise underneath her eye and winced, but with a smile. ¡°You didn''t need to be so aggressive, Sister,¡± she called to the neighboring room,¡±I think you nearly killed me last night!¡±


    ¡°Is it morning already?¡± a low voice strained from the exhausted Vada.


    ¡°Time to get up, Vada. You can''t lie lazily all day,¡± teased Avalon.


    Vada wrestled around her covers as she smothered her face in her pillow, ¡°The others get to sleep in for another three hours, why can''t I? I''m First Blade aren''t I? Surely that comes with its perks.¡±


    Avalon crept into her Blade Sister¡¯s room, grinning ruefully as she snatched away Vada¡¯s blanket. A rush of cold air sent shivers through Vada''s body. She instinctively curled up, tightening her grip on her pillow. Avalon shook her head disapprovingly and smirked. She pitied her Blade Sister. She had only been in the order for three years, while Avalon had been in the order for five. Already the ways of the Silent Ones were eroding away Vada¡¯s Black Rabbit past, but she clung onto its customs and morals unconsciously.


    ¡°Vada, you are an Iron Wing, not a First Blade,¡± Avalon chided, ¡°Now get up. You want perks? How about the fact that you no longer have to mop the floors or dust the pews?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been a Silent One long enough, when will I get a vacation? I want to be assigned to a hot spring, or a tropical beach, or... or anything other than this depressing church.¡±


    Avalon sat on the side of her bed and lifted the clutched pillow to reveal the pouting face of Vada, ¡°No one said this life would be easy, but at least you have me.¡±


    Vada cracked a smile, ¡°You think that''s good enough?¡±


    Avalon did her best to look angry, but blurted out with laughter. She stood and swatted her friend with the pillow, ¡°It''ll have to do, now get up!¡±


    ***


    With the sun still rising breakfast was being served in the dining hall of the newly. Portraits of the former high priests of Ruens still hung on the walls, Their stern eyes made even the most steadfast Silent One shudder. No windows washed the stale air out or let natural sunlight to perk up the stuffy room, instead an old iron chandelier accented the already gloomy atmosphere of the hall, Providing the only light source. The young Silent Ones stood motionless at a long dining table. Instead of their traditional long white coats, they wore canvas-colored linen tunics and trousers, marked by rank with sashes of various colors. White for the lowest, next, dark gray, orange above that, followed by silver, which only Avalon wore. There were no gold sashes in the hall, and red was reserved for the commander of the order only.


    The Silent Ones began to fidget in hunger waiting for Avalon to give them the signal to eat. Their simmering bowls of porridge filled their noses with a delightful aroma of sweet cinnamon and honey. Sticky cinnamon buns glazed with melted sugar rested on the table alongside plump, sizzling, spicy pork sausages. Irresistible to the hard working men and women of the abbey, but untouchable until Avalon picked up her fork first.


    Finally, Avalon nodded to her followers; at once chairs scraped across the stone floor and a whirlwind of hungry Silent Ones dug into their long awaited meal. Avalon barely touched her food when the double doors to the dining hall crashed open and a pair of priests ran to either side of her, distress scarred on their faces, eyes wide with concern. Vada furrowed her brow in confusion as a priest whispered into Avalon''s ear.


    Avalon slowly pushed back her chair to leave, not wanting to cause any alarm in the hall.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°Vada, with me. The rest of you, finish your meals,¡± she said, addressing the table.


    Resting in the pews of the connecting chapel sat Long Whisper soldiers. Their faces wrought with horror and exhaustion.


    The commanding officer of the squad popped to his feet at the sight of Avalon and Vada.


    Avalon bowed to the captain as she snapped a salute.


    ¡°You are part of Koda¡¯s Range Patrol. Judging by the eyes of your men, I suspect you have come across something of interest.¡±


    The captain shifted his gaze back to his men before responding, ¡°Aye ma¡¯am, We are from the Second Range Patrol unit.¡± He swallowed hard before delving into his report. ¡°We were patrolling west of the City, three days'' march from here. I sent my ARO soldier up ahead at the border of a thicket. Looking for bandits and what not, but he found something far more menacing.¡±


    Avalon looked past the captain looking for the scout, but could not find him. She smirked, looking into the rafters and found the ARO soldier perched on a cross beam. ¡°You, lad, come down here.¡±


    The young elf dropped down silently and cautiously approached Avalon, ¡°Private Mariv Embercloud, ma¡¯am,¡± he said.


    Avalon nodded in acknowledgment. ¡°Tell me what you saw in that forest.¡±


    ¡°The forest was caked with ash, as if there was a nearby fire blazing, but there was no smoke. No smell of any sort of fire. I won¡¯t forget the silence, not a single chirping bird. No scurrying of squirrels. Nothing, ma¡¯am.¡± He swallowed hard and adjusted his belt. ¡°I explored further and found that the trees were being choked by an alien substance. I can¡¯t describe it, but I¡¯ll try. Like worms, slimy and soft. Wrapping around the trunk, spreading across the bark. It numbed my fingertips upon touching it.¡± His hands shivered as he continued his story. ¡°I knew there was a nearby village, so I rushed back to my patrol to report my findings.¡±


    Avalon knew the village as well. Woadhollow.


    The captain dismissed Mariv and continued, ¡°Ma¡¯am, Woadhollow is located past the forest. We trekked through the Dahlamar forsaken forest. Only the Torn One could call such a darkness upon the soil.¡± He shuddered. ¡°The forest was haunting and Woadhollow was frightening. The ground was bubbling black, much like tar. The outlining homes were covered in what Mariv described¡­veins of some sort. We didn¡¯t enter the village. We figured this was the work of the Night. Demon, perhaps vampire. We came here first, ma¡¯am,¡± he finished.


    Avalon was now locked in a hypnotic gaze. With each description mentioned about Woadhollow, she fell further into her depths of her mind.


    Vada placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. ¡°Avalon?¡±


    Avalon refocused her attention. ¡°Captain, I will make this my priority to look into the goings-on of Woadhollow. Indeed, this sounds like the work of the Night.¡± She turned to her Blade Sister, ¡°Gather the Silent Ones and three priests. We head west at noon.¡±


    ***


    Woadhollow. My past has finally found me.


    Avalon sat lotus style in her mediation chambers. Candles flickered around her and her


    Silencer rested across her lap. Sweat dripped from her chin as she struggled with her past sins.


    She clenched her jaw and furrowed her brow. Bowing her head she whispered a prayer to herself.


    Jedeo I won¡¯t give in, I won¡¯t surrender,


    I¡¯ve ran all my life, I won¡¯t run anymore,


    I¡¯m not afraid of the Ashes,


    Grant me your Silencer,


    From which all others are born,


    And give me Wings so White.


    A prayer of comfort. It gave her courage to face her challenges. She raised her head, now calm, now in serenity. Looking to a tapestry hanging on the wall she nodded. The embroidered canvas evoked the graceful Jedeo and her angels battling the demonic forces of the Black Moon. If Jedeo could shine with eternal bravery, then so could Avalon have a fraction of that to head back to Woadhollow.


    She snapped her head to the sound of approaching footsteps followed by a knock on her chamber door.


    ¡°Enter.¡±


    A graying man, dressed in a red habit with a gold trim, pushed open the door. His skin was dark, and his tightly curled hair only grew around his bald head. ¡°Avalon, I have heard word around the abbey that you are heading on a mission to the west?¡±


    ¡°I am Gold Wing Andros.¡±


    ¡°And you are aware I am here to observe your leadership?¡± Andros said. He raised his voice ever so slightly.


    Avalon knew where this was going. ¡°My Gold Wing, the mission to Woadhollow will be very dangerous. I didn¡¯t want you aboard; for I fear for your safety,¡± Avalon explained, ¡°You are a clerk in Jedeoheim, hardly battle-hardened.¡±


    Andros narrowed his eyes, entering the chamber. ¡°I am a Silent One, just the same as you. I carry a Silencer across my back. I trained at the Blade Range as a recruit just like every other recruit. I can handle myself.¡±


    ¡°As you say my Gold Wing.¡± Avalon bowed. ¡°I will have your horse readied.


    Andros bowed back. ¡°Very well Silver Wing, I look forward to seeing your unorthodox methods in action.¡±

 Chapter 3: The Names Guster!

    Dragon Realm Scorch


    Three men sat around a crackling campfire as a skinless skewered jackrabbit slow roasted over the fire. A cool wind swept through the badlands chilling them through their silky garbs. The third man shivered, jingling his heavy iron chains and shackles.


    Vroke stirred the campfire, watching glowing embers dance in the night like fireflies. ¡°Sometimes I wonder where the damn heat goes when night falls,¡± he rotated the rabbit to inspect his handiwork, ¡°The Badlands wouldn¡¯t be so bad if it stayed this temperature during the day.¡±


    Brizz threw up his hood, ¡°Pay attention to the food and less about the weather. You¡¯re going to burn it!¡±


    ¡°Brizz, brother, let me do the cooking. All you have to do is eat it and here you are, complaining already,¡± Vroke huffed.


    Brizz looked at the third man, who was dressed in a ragged kilt and drab, gray tunic. A canvas bag was masked over his face. Brizz inspected the collar for any sores before responding back to his partner. ¡°Well hurry up, We¡¯d have this one returned by the time you finished.¡±


    ``You wouldn¡¯t be so hungry if you didn¡¯t eat all your vittles this morning,¡± said Vroke.


    ¡°Can you blame me? You-¡± Brizz was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a stranger


    bumbling into their campsite.


    His skin was pale for someone in Scorch, unlike the two men native to the Dragon Realm. Dark red hair peaked under his derby hat. As well his goatee and light scars made up his rugged features. His long duster swept back and forth, catching on the rustling thorn bush as their unexpected guest kicked aside a tumbleweed before plopping down on one of the large stones that were scattered around the camp. ¡°I¡¯ve been walkin¡¯ dese parts for a bit,¡± he scratched the side of his face. Now eyeing the charred rabbit over the fire, ¡°I''m pretty lost and hungry. You folks wouldn'' happen to be in de mood to trade some of your food for good company tonight, would you?¡±


    His accent was crude and not easy to understand. As if he spent his life in some backwood swamp. The two men caught the glint reflecting off several rows of daggers fastened in the stranger¡¯s coat with. He caught their roaming eyes and chuckled.


    ¡°Right, dose daggers aren¡¯t for you boys. Here, let me take off dis coat. It may be a bit chilly dis night, but your blazin¡¯ fire will do de trick,¡± The man dropped his coat in a heap to his side before continuing, ¡°Name''s Guster. What names you fellas go by?¡±


    Brizz warmed up a bit more to Guster once he disarmed himself. He seemed friendly and his bayou charm was curious and endearing to him. After weeks in the Durran Badlands, Guster was a welcome distraction. ¡°I¡¯m Brizz and this be my partner Vroke. Welcome, brother.¡±


    Vroke nodded politely to Guster, took out a serrated dagger, and sawed off a haunch off the cooked meat before tossing it across the fire to the eager hands of their new guest. Guster savagely tore into the tough, dark meat. ¡°I''m new to dese badlands,¡± he said between mouthfuls. Specks of rabbit meat spit out of his mouth. ¡°I can see why dey are so bad. Just an empty strip of land covered head to toe with rattlesnakes and sand vipers. My lizard-cow of a borgren stirred up some trouble and went and got bit by one of dem diamondback bastards,¡± He picked at a bit of meat wedged in his teeth with his finger, ¡°I¡¯ve been lookin¡¯ for help wanderin¡¯ like a headless chicken before I saw your campfire. Any of you two have an antidote for snake venom?¡±


    ¡°My friend, you can''t go trekking through these lands without antidotes. We can spare a vial or two for you,¡± Brizz said as he rummaged his hand through a linen satchel. ¡°You were lucky we were here, else you''d be a dead man.¡±If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Guster nodded, sucking the oily grease off the leg bone. ¡°Aye, ole¡¯ Guster is quite the unprepared fool. Y¡¯all are lifesavers.¡± He tossed the bone over his shoulder and licked his fingers clean before pointing at Brizz and Vroke''s prisoner. ¡°Hey, what''s de story with dat one? Is he someone important?¡±


    Vroke walked over and smacked the back of the prisoner''s head. ¡°An escaped slave. We are bringing him back to his master.¡±


    Guster cocked his head in a curious manner, examining the exposed large and toned muscles of the prisoner¡¯s arms. Both brimming with shapes of old scars. ¡°He is a bit fit for just some servant. Is he a gladiator?¡± Guster prodded.


    ¡°Right you are, brother. This is Treylun''Vey,¡± Brizz said, swelling with pride for his prisoner.


    Guster eyes widened in awe. ¡°Treylun''Vey. Dat one''s pretty famous in de arena. He killed many men. Worth a bigger purse dan thirty lesser gladiators put together.¡± Guster squinted his eyes and shifted his face to a slanted frown, ¡°Y¡¯all aren¡¯t pullin¡¯ my leg, are you?¡±


    ¡°He is the real deal, brother,¡± Brizz asserted.


    ¡°Show me his face den. I don''t believe you.¡±


    Brizz chuckled and lifted the sack off the gladiator''s head to reveal an olive skinned elf. He bore wild blue dyed hair and twin green feather tattoos under his eyes, the signature appearances of Treylun''Vey.


    Guster nodded and stood up nonchalantly, draping his coat back on. He stretched his back, removed his derby hat, and bowed to his hosts, ¡°Ole¡¯ Guster needs to thank you for doing de legwork, but I¡¯ll be takin¡¯ Trey off your hands now.¡±


    Brizz and Vroke raised an eyebrow in confusion. Vroke moved around the fire and approached Guster. ¡°Say that again?¡±


    With a flurry of movements, Guster tossed Vroke his hat before bowling him over with a stiff kick to the chest.


    Brizz attempted to rise to his feet, fumbling for his scimitar in a panic. A whistling dagger twirled through the air and lodged deep into his forehead.


    Vroke crawled backwards, kicking sand with each motion. A sick crunch shattered the night air as Guster stomped on his ankle. Vroke hollered in pain, chattering his teeth as he desperately formed his words, ¡°Q-Queen Ylynn Isana paid the Network d-double the sendatti s-so no competing slave master c-could hire a bounty hunter for t-this one!¡±


    Guster applied more pressure on the fractured ankle as he leaned over. ¡°Is dat so?¡±


    Vroke wretched and squirmed under Guster''s weight but nodded furiously. ¡°T-turn in that s-slave to anyone other than our q-queen and the Network will know!¡±


    Guster cracked a ruthless smile before drawing out a dagger, ¡°I''ll take my chances,¡± he said, driving his knife into the skull of Vroke.


    Retrieving his hat and daggers, the bounty hunter made his way to his prize.


    Treylun¡¯Vey had only made it a short distance during the skirmish, due to his heavy shackles bound to his wrists and ankles. Guster growled under his breath taking off in a dead sprint before tackling his bounty.


    ¡°Give me my freedom! At least give me the chance to fight you for it!¡± the mist elf wrestled underneath Guster.


    ¡°You want to rumble with me?¡± Guster rocked the elf¡¯s head sideways with a hefty punch, ¡°I just killed two men without breakin¡¯ a sweat!¡±


    ¡°Your borgren will be dead by now,¡± Treylun¡¯Vay spat, ¡°My master will have your head on a spear by sunrise. I can¡¯t be worth it!¡±


    ¡°My lizard-cow hasn¡¯t been bit by a rattler. Dat was just a lie to get cozy with dose fools.¡± Guster threw another jab. ¡°And my employer would love to see de face of Isana when she loses her favorite slave!¡±


    The prisoner grew silent, knowing now his chance at freedom had passed.


    ¡°Let''s get goin¡¯; we have a long ride back to Ra''Sheer,¡± the bounty hunter huffed as he tugged on the chain attached to Treylun''Vey''s collar. Guster paused to pick up a bottle from Brizz''s satchel and snatched the rest of the cooked jackrabbit. ¡°A little dry,¡± he commented, looking over the carcass, ¡°but will make some fine company with this whiskey.¡±

 Chapter 4: Patriots

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    The twilight mists rolled over the streets of Dagger Row¡¯s shadows as Long Whisper¡¯s Anti-Rogue Ops silently materialized. The band of humans and elves slowly drew their daggers and swords as they adjusted their crimson red cloaks, waiting for the signal to raid the Vile Goat. They had been briefed that the tavern served as a front for a group of domestic terrorists planning to overthrow King Koda. Each young operative itched with anticipation as they tightened sweaty grips on their blades'' hilts.


    Long Whisper never truly recovered after its participation in the war against Estinia. Although some chose to forget and move on, hundreds of veterans looked towards the leadership of their king for comfort, but the inexperience of the Mage King left them in perpetual disappointment.


    Wiccer hid between two crates in an alley. Sitting against the brick wall, he clenched his quivering fist and grunted through short breaths.


    I can do this, I can do this. I''ve led missions at least a hundred times before! Some more dangerous than this¡­.


    He held his eyes shut and chattered his teeth to persevere through the dread and doubt. ¡°Then why does it get harder each time?¡± he whispered. He looked up and found his sergeant, Elucard, hovering over him. ¡°I''ll be ready in a moment, Elucard.¡±


    Elucard looked up to the clear night sky. ¡°Nerves again?¡±


    Wiccer rubbed his shoulders to calm his body, ¡°The dreams get worse every night. It''s like I''m back there...in the Forest of the Splintered Skies.¡±


    Elucard stayed silent. He brushed his forehead before adding to the conversation. ¡°I think we all lost a part of our soul back there. I know I have.¡±


    ¡°How do you push on? Will it ever get better?¡±


    The elf lent out his hand to help Wiccer to his feet. He patted his captain on the back. ¡°You just do. Soldier on, Wiccer.¡±


    Wiccer clenched his fist once more. He waited for the shaking to reside before giving the signal for the raid to begin.


    ***


    Crashing doors and shattering windows rang through the Vile Goat as twenty ARO members rushed through every possible entrance of the tavern. Both the ground floor and second floor flooded with red cloaks rounding up and arresting the opposition inside.


    Wiccer and Elucard approached from the rear, stepping around overturned tables and scattered chairs. The surprise invasion left little conflict from the terrorists inside the pub. Their meeting was quickly dismantled from the superiorly trained Anti-Rogue Ops. The Watchers shackled their prisoners and kicked the back of their legs, buckling them to their knees. The cries of the men and women rattled through the tavern.


    ¡°We Reckoners won''t be silent any longer!¡± ¡°The king has forgotten, now he must fall!¡± ¡°Hollow be the crown that belongs to a coward!¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Wiccer shook his head, not out of disgust or disbelief, but from the sympathy he had for these wayward citizens. They were veterans of the Varis War, like himself. Soldiers that signed on to defend their home and came back maimed and broken. Some had lost their farms not able to maintain the harvest after being drafted, while others lost work from war-time injuries.


    Although Wiccer''s king promised them compensation, he did not deliver. It was only a matter of time before these soldiers would rise against the throne.


    A group of his soldiers crowded around a defiant veteran. One of the Watchers slapped him across the face with a hefty backhand before spitting in his eye. ¡°Traitorous scum! May you be buried separate from your head, forced to walk the Roaming Plane a freak!¡±


    The veteran was young, but his eyes were worn. He has seen his share of horrors already. ¡°You call yourself a soldier, Watcher?¡± he hissed, ¡°Aye, the ARO of Long Whisper proved themselves. They cut their teeth in the Forest of the Splintered Skies, but what have you done?¡± He lifted his chin and puffed out his chest. ¡°You ride on the coattails of true heroes. I''ve seen


    Alanna''s hand, I¡¯ve felt the cold chill of her angels. I spent a day collapsed in the mud. Three arrows in my back, one in my leg.¡± His voice grew louder, which rillied the chants of his peers again. ¡°You know nothing of sacrifice. You are just another leashed dog for the king!¡±


    ¡°Take that back!¡± shouted the ARO private. He struck down the prisoner once more. The young man sucked in his busted lip and ignored the bruise forming on his cheek. He


    closed his eyes a sang an excerpt of an old Varisian dirge,


    ''Angels swirl around me, waiting for my last breath, Eyes soulless and black, wings white like ash, I fear many things, but today I just fear Death.''


    ¡°We all know that song, but only until that day I laid in the mud did I understand the true emotion behind it,¡± he finished.


    The Watcher sneered at the poignant words and pulled back his fist to further punish the steely eyed prisoner.


    ¡°Enough, Private!¡± Wiccer barked as he came between the veteran and his tormentor. ¡°They are kin, our brothers. Lost and neglected by the very country we all served. They don''t deserve to be seen as enemies, but to be listened to.¡± He knelt down so he was eye level with the former scout. ¡°What is your name?¡±


    ¡°Nechles Grey. I was a Private. Proud of my rank,¡± he responded.


    ¡°Please, tell me your story, private,¡± asked Wiccer. The Watchers around him jeered and shook their heads, but he ignored them.


    ¡°I was discharged because of my injuries. Like the lot of us, I lost my rank, respect, and my home. My leg was too weak to keep a job; I was on the streets a year after the war ended.¡± Nechles lowered his head and grew quieter, ¡°Koda turned his back on those that won him the war...Understand this, Watcher: what choice does a broken man have but to fight back?¡±


    Wiccer lingered hard on Nechles'' words. He knew the same day was bound to arrive at his doorstep when he too, became too scarred or old to continue to fight. Perhaps his will would break before his body did, but he knew the day would come. He knew all too well that the life he led was dangerous. Wiccer turned away, but strengthened his resolve enough to respond, ¡°None.¡±


    ¡°Then you understand why we have taken our stance.¡±


    Wiccer rose to his feet, his face stern but solemn. ¡°But you still have taken arms against the king I have sworn to protect and serve, and I must fight my enemies, foreign...¡±


    The veteran lowered his head in gloom, knowing the final words to come. ¡°...and domestic,¡± he whispered.


    ''We are the many,


    And came home misused,


    We may be the forgotten,


    But we will not stay abused.''


    The prisoners¡¯ chant shook the floorboards of the tavern as the Watchers marched them down the streets. Wiccer took the bold words to heart, ¡°May your words not fall on deaf ears.¡±

 Chapter 5: Returning Home

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    The noon sun locked into place over the marching Silent Ones on the third day. Twenty hand selected by Vada, a mixture of veteran and some still green made up the platoon as well as the three priests for divine support. Each was trained to battle the creatures of the Night. Some have slain lycan and the lesser vampire, none were prepared for what was laid in Vada¡¯s report. An entire village swallowed by smokeless ash. Slithering vines choking trees. Horrors, but it came with the territory of a Silent One, warriors ordained by the Red Angel.


    Avalon drifted further away in a daze. Attempting to escape Woadhollow and the problems that it would bring. A past she once ran from. A past she wanted to never return to. A past she could never return to, and yet, here she was.


    Her horse''s reins slipped from her grip ever so slightly as Vada chatted on. Avalon lazily nodded, only half listening to her Blade Sister. The other half of her attention remained on the mission at hand. Their journey grew closer with every step. A three day trip that already felt like an eternity.


    Avalon lifted her head and adjusted herself within the uncomfortable saddle. She glanced at Vada with a blank stare, who only answered back with a stink eye.


    ¡°Forgive me, what were you saying, Blade Sister?¡± asked Avalon. She tried hard to dodge Vada''s scolding gaze.


    ¡°I was saying that you need to talk to him. Avalon, you know as well as I that an observer from Jedeoheim could halt everything we''ve accomplished here!¡±


    Avalon nodded in agreement, but left it at that. She responded no further nor attempted to signal for the observer to ride up to them. Vada glowered until Avalon finally broke. ¡°Fine! Fine, I''ll talk to him!¡±


    ¡°Why are you avoiding this? He outranks us, and could shut us down is a single quill stroke...¡± Vada trailed off, weighing in on such power. She squirmed on her horse, passing a


    meek smile to Avalon. ¡°Come now, he''s still just a man. He¡¯s no Silent Master! Now that was a phantom to fear!¡±


    ¡°The Silent Master is dead. Elucard made the final blow himself. This Andros, he is still alive and well and can end us on a whim,¡± quipped Avalon. She slid her index finger across her throat and made a ''croaking'' sound topped off with her eyes rolling back into her head.


    Vada giggled, but quickly sucked in a breath of air as the sound of scrolls, quills, and bottles of ink rattled and brushed between them. Andros pursed his lips before pushing himself into their conversation.


    ¡°Ladies,¡± he started, continuing before either could respond, ¡°Silver Wing Avalon, we have quite the trip to this Woadhollow. I would like to believe now is as good any time to discuss the training you are giving our White Wings.¡± He pulled out a leather bound journal from his saddlebag. Licking his thumb he flipped past several heavily written pages settling on a fresh one. ¡°I¡¯ve interviewed several of your trainees as well as your more seasoned men and women. I have to admit, I am more disturbed then interested in what you have been filling their minds with. However any attempts to speak to leadership, such as yourself, has been difficult.¡±


    ¡°You''re right, my Gold Wing,¡± sighed Avalon. ¡°I''ve been preoccupied with other matters. I¡¯ve dug heavy into my work and your visit really has been a lower priority. Now with this Woadhollow mystery I-¡±Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°I suggest you treat me as much of a priority as ridding this village of this possible Infestation,¡± jeered Andros. He paused briefly. ¡°I still have a question that needs your attention. You may have Red Wing Saveen sold on the idea of using the assassin''s choice blade as a Silencer, as opposed to the traditional claymore, but I would like an explanation to this disconcerting fact.¡±


    ¡°A ninjanto-designed Silencer is quicker, lighter, and more balanced than the brute force of the claymore Silencers,¡± proudly explained Vada. ¡°We are training our Silent Ones to rely on subtlety and cunning for their tactics, instead of intimidation and strength,¡±


    Andros had already taken out a pen and scribbled down Vada''s dictation. He murmured each of her words slowly before looking towards Avalon.


    ¡°Would you like to add anything, Silver Wing?¡±


    Taken aback and still unprepared for the impromptu interview, Avalon fumbled for her words. ¡°Er, yes. You see, the Night is like a horde.


    Disorganized, led only by the strongest of


    their kind, though they possess no loyalty and follow for their own personal gain. They can''t be stopped by our traditional means, only slowed down. They don''t respond to our nature. They will brush us off and come back with ten times the savagery.¡± She recovered her composure, responding with the sharp answer. The Black Rabbits were villainous, chaotic, and had tainted her in the past, but their teachings provided an advantage for her Silent Ones. Jedeoheim could send ten thousand Andros¡¯s, none would stand in her way.


    ¡°And changing our type of swords? That is your answer?¡± Andros responded snidely.


    ¡°A Silent One must match ruthlessness with ruthlessness. It is what the Night only knows,¡± Avalon said grimly.


    ¡°Exactly how far do you plan on taking this?¡± asked Andros, attempting to search Avalon''s eyes for an answer he already knew.


    ¡°Until the Night buckles and breaks,¡± answered Avalon.


    ¡°We are not vengeful, Avalon. We slay for justice. We protect those that can not protect themselves. We act for her, the Angel of Righteousness. Lest not forget this,¡± lectured Andros. ¡°Your words lack these values. You lead with malice within your soul,¡± he continued.


    ¡°My soul was blackened by my twelfth birthday and I lost it before my twentieth.¡±


    ¡°Jedeo would return you your soul- Had you ever wanted to save it.¡± Andros almost sneered. ¡°Jedeo can not return what she does not have. The Rabbits sacrificed my soul to The Ash


    Winged Angel long before Jedeo gained my servitude.¡± Avalon glared at Andros. ¡°You lecture me about justice and righteous heroics? Jedeo struck down her first demon in hatred. Not to save mankind- but to punish those that wronged her.¡±


    ¡°Jedeo rose to heavens for her selfless deeds. She became the mortal goddess because she chose the Immortal Light over the Unforgiving Darkness,¡± Andros Argued, ¡°You of all people should understand our scripture.¡±


    ¡°You carry a Silencer, Gold Wing, but you are no Silent One.¡±


    ¡°I beg your pardon?¡± scoffed Andros. Clearly flustered by Avalon¡¯s jab.


    ¡°We are not the law. We are not of the cloth. We are the executioners. Our holy symbol is not a book, but a sword. Why is that?¡± asked Avalon. She did not let the man answer, ¡°Because you read a book, you kill with a sword. Jedeo was a hero to mankind, but she was also a ruthless killer to her enemies. It is why she is so revered. She earned that reverence through her strength and cunning.¡±


    ¡°This is what you''re teaching our students? Savagery and being a blackguard? You think so little of Jedeo that you twisted her lore to fit your demented teachings?¡±


    Avalon moved in close to Andros, ¡°Woadhollow was my home. Trust me when I say this, I seek no justice for this, for justice can only be granted conscientiously. Ethically. In a civilized manner.¡± Avalon¡¯s words could slice open Andros¡¯s throat. ¡°This. This is personal.¡±


    Andros shook his head. ¡°I think it best if you-¡±


    ¡°Enough,¡± interrupted Avalon. The caravan halted before a tree line. Black, suffering, alien and unnatural. All how the range patrol described it. A frightening sight that would ward of any normal soul. Even the Silent Ones themselves were hesitant to enter. Their horse whined and fought to keep from entering the forsaken woods.


    ¡°What manner of unholy magic is this?¡± uttered Andros.


    ¡°We¡¯re here to find that out,¡± responded Avalon.

 Chapter 6: A New Job

    Dragon Realm Scorch


    Guster exited the harsh desert winds and burning sun and stepped into the cool, dark ¡®Spotted Jackle¡¯ cantina. He wiped his brow making a beeline for the bar. Smacking his dried lips, he slid a sendetti coin to the barkeep.


    ¡°Ale¡­ And Water.¡± His voice was hoarse like sandpaper, coming out more like a cough then his normal rugged sound that the barkeep was used to. ¡°Make sure it has dat chilled rune on de mug dis time.¡±


    ¡°Well, well, Guster Laroux.¡±


    Guster sneered, shaking his head in annoyance. He turned around finding his attention drawn to a woman tipping her cowboy hat. She was similarly dressed like Guster, sporting a long duster, but with white leather opposed to his brown. She grinned moving a strand of her auburn hair away from her face.


    ¡°What rock did you slither from underneath?¡± Her smile vanished ¡°My, you stink. Why don¡¯t you use that water to bathe with?¡±


    Guster chuckled. He removed his hat and placed it innocently on his chest. ¡°Siv, a pleasure to see you, too. It¡¯s been a month now, right?¡±


    ¡°A month. Not long enough. Three months would be too short before seeing your dog face again.¡±


    Guster paused. He hid his agitation with a sly grin. ¡°I ought to be goin¡¯. Network business awaits.¡± Guster reached for his glass of ale, leaving the water behind and strolled to the darker end of the bar. Pushing a door open, he swung a single gulp of his alcohol before smashing the rest against the neighboring wall.


    Siv always got the best of him. Like a chigger under his skin. Itching, crawling, gnawing in his head. He couldn¡¯t stand her.


    Aw Siv, what happened to you, girl? You and I used to be best friends. Back when we ran together we were untouchable. How come you turned out to be such a bitch?


    The hallway bent into a wrapping stairwell before ending at a thick steel door with a peak hole. Guster rapped three times, pausing before knocking a fourth. The peak hole slid open. A set of eyes took a short glimpse at Guster before a set of locks chinked behind the door and the entrance creaked open.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Inside Guster walked and sat down at a stool. A low table set between him with a lanky and scraggly man at the other end. He wore a leather skullcap, accented with a set of dingy, bronze goggles. His breath reeked of cigarettes and he wiggled his skinny fingers before tossing a copper chip to Guster. The coin bounced once before Guster slapped his hand down, catching it in mid motion.


    ¡°Lord Brinshaw¡¯s brat ran away from home. Making a mess for the nobleman. He wants you to bring him home.¡±


    Guster narrowed his eyes and slid the chip back to the man. ¡°Chump change, Dozer. Rookie¡¯s work,¡± he scoffed, ¡°I want what Siv has. I know de Network has been treatin¡¯ me like dirt since I left her partnership.¡±


    Dozer sucked in deep through his yellow, stained teeth. ¡°Well, Laroux, the truth is we feel you haven¡¯t proved yourself as a solo act.¡±


    ¡°Proved myself!?¡± Guster kicked his stool from beneath him. ¡°I ran with my ole¡¯ man learnin¡¯ de ropes years before I met Siv. And me and her were the legendary Knife and Needle crew. I got more experience in dis game then all your bounty hunters combined!¡±


    ¡°Well-¡±


    ¡°I ain¡¯t finished yet!¡± raged Guster. His face fumed red as he paced around the room, rattling off his resume, ¡°We took on de biggest bounties durin¡¯ de War of Chains. White Cloaks! Gladiators! Even slavers! Ain¡¯t no one gave us de slip!¡±


    ¡°Sit down.¡± Dozer waited for Guster to calm down before the bounty hunter once again took his seat. The director flipped him a different chip into Guster¡¯s hands. This one was marked with a shallow groove signifying that a bounty hunter had taken the challenge already. It was not uncommon for multiple bounty hunters to be on the same job at once. Healthy competition was often encouraged within the Network. Although it also led to unwanted murders or career ending injuries.


    ¡°You want to compete with Siv? Don¡¯t let it get out of hand,¡± warned Dozer, ¡°Lady Sheena is looking to put Uther Ironsoul in her collection. Normally this would be a job for a slaver, but-¡±


    Guster rolled the chip down his knuckles before squeezing it. ¡°De Iron Soul? He¡¯s dead


    though.¡± He cocked his head with curiosity. ¡°Saw him go down with my own eyes.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want the job¡­¡± Dozer reached out his hand.


    Guster pulled back the chip, ¡°How much is de bounty?¡±


    ¡°Thirty thousand sendetti.¡±


    Guster let out a long whistle. ¡°And Siv is on dis one?¡± He caught the director¡¯s nod. ¡°Den I¡¯m on dis one too.¡± Flicking the chip into the air, Guster snatched it on its way back down. ¡°To prove myself and junk.¡±

 Chapter 7: A New Threat

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    The investigators scoured the Vile Goat from the ceiling to the floorboards, searching every nook and mouse hole for evidence pointing to more revelations on the creation of the coup. Wiccer leaned against a wall, overseeing the hunt. Whoever supplied their funding remained a mystery but their motive was now uncovered and it deeply troubled Wiccer. Nechles¡¯s words echoed within his mind. With his own deteriorating state, the coup¡¯s cause struck close to home.


    They were one step away from becoming the next Black Rabbits and any one of us may have joined them.


    ¡°What have we found?¡± Elucard appeared within the destroyed entrance of the tavern. The elf propped up an overturned chair to sit down in and lowered his mask and hood, revealing his tired face. Like Wiccer, the prospects of a coup besieging the city left the Watchers many sleepless nights.


    Wiccer gestured his sergeant to follow him down the cellar.


    ¡°Tell me something interesting, Wiccer,¡± said Elucard, lowering his head to avoid a crossbeam.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been here all morning with the investigators. Down in the cellar behind several barrels of vegetables, we found a false wall.¡±


    ¡°That is interesting.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know the half of it.¡± Wiccer could barely contain his excitement.


    The two stepped forth on the cool floor of the basement to the sight of several soldiers organizing and reading through a jungle of paper stacks.


    A stout man with a large sideburns looked up from the pile of scattered papers only to shrug, ¡°There''s something here, cap''n. We''re just not sure what.¡±


    Wiccer smiled back to Elucard before bending over the soldier¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Perhaps I can shine some light on it, O''Meric.¡±


    O''Meric motioned to a neat pile of documents. ¡°The terrorists had made a habit of recording their businesses with some yikahti. At first we thought the yikahti was some High or First Blade from a local assassin clan.¡±


    Wiccer scanned the papers mentioning the yikahti. No name, only descriptions of him carrying several swords and always with a masked figure at his side. He let O''Meric continue.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Long Whisper has seen its share of clans pop up after the downfall of the Rabbits, but never does it seem to mention a clan here.¡±


    ¡°There were twenty-three arrests last night, all were accounted for as former soldiers enlisted during the Varis War,¡± pipped up Elucard, ¡°None had ties with assassin clans. I doubt these men would sink to accepting funds from murderers, especially after risking their lives to fend off the Black Rabbits during the war.¡±


    ¡°Right, that''s why we don''t think the yikahti is involved with any one particular clan...¡± Wiccer peeked above the brim of the paper, his face transfixed with curiosity and a dab of


    concern. ¡°But you still think there is a clan at work here?¡±


    ¡°Sir, the papers imply something.¡± O''Meric snatched a paper from a steadily teetering tower of files. ¡°Listen to this one,


    Year 1457, the 10th Moon, the 3rd sun


    Tomorrow night will be the third meeting with the panther yikahti. I have decided that we should accept his offer to fund our project. None of us own land and none of us could afford our operation without his help. The yikahti which was to ask no questions from him or where his funds came from. I believe our cause is too delicate to become involved with a shadow organization, but I have always been known to be easily enticed.


    - Bremscott


    Wiccer shuffled through more papers from the pile that the journal entry was pulled from. ¡°Bremscott has already been caught and interrogated. It''s how we learned about the Vile Goat, but he made no mention of secret meetings with a cat. I need to learn about this third meeti-¡± Wiccer stopped abruptly as he came across the entry he sought out.


    Year 1457, the 10th Moon, the 4th sun


    I returned pale as a ghost. I saw Alanna and she was the entertainer. I told the yikahti we would accept the funding with the accompanying answers to our questions. Who were they? Who did they work for? What was their cause? I know we were instructed to not ask questions, but how could I not.


    The yikathi humored my wishes to an extent. He explained he was a ¡®collector¡¯ and his associate was an ¡®entertainer¡¯. They were part of an organization that had an interest in public affairs such as our plight. The answers would suffice my men, but not myself.


    I told him we planned to overthrow the Dawnedge crown and to install a new government. If the yikahti had ties to a neighboring nation, I would need to know.


    The cat did not look pleased, but it was the ¡®entertainer¡¯ I feared the most. He was faster than any warrior I¡¯ve trained with. He pulled an elven assassin blade from his cloak¡­I am a large fellow, but even I cowered within the clown¡¯s shadow.


    Needless to say I was given the ultimative of dying or taking their funds.


    Since I am here to recount the tale, we have a sponsor for our movement now. I hope I have made my bed with an ally.


    -Bremscott


    Wiccer¡¯s grip nearly tore the document.


    ¡°Faster than any warrior I¡¯ve trained with.¡¯ ¡®Elven assassin blade¡­¡± Elucard¡¯s thoughts trailed out loud.


    ¡°¡­Within the clown¡¯s shadow¡­¡± Wiccer finished Elucard¡¯s train of thought. ¡°Inle has returned.¡±

 Chapter 8: The Collector

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    Inle Ebonpath relaxed on top of the elevated clock tower in the center of Lost Dawns. The air breezed through his violet hair as he gripped his steel clown mask close to his chest, watching a pair of red-clad elves training in the distance. Elucard and his new student, Kyzo.


    Inle had spent a considerable amount of time spying on Elucard; getting close to his life- the life he was no longer a part of. Seeing Elucard so quickly pick up a new student flustered Inle. The fact that this new ''brother'' of his had Elucard''s attention while Inle remained exiled was more than his heavy heart could bear.


    Inle looked over his shoulder. ¡°It seems you always know where to find me, Collector.¡± he sighed as a figure stepped out of a shadowy portal behind him.


    The black-furred yikahti, his cat ears jingling with jewelry and trinkets and missing a whisker or two, narrowed his eyes as he sneered, exposing his crooked fangs. He unbuckled his heavy belt bearing four different swords and placed them onto the ground before sitting next to Inle. ¡°You are never hard to find, my student.¡±


    Inle rubbed his mask, his mind still trapped in solace. His memories wandered from his childhood, to his life as a Black Rabbit, to losing everything he worked towards.


    ¡°Our plans for Lost Dawns have failed, but here I still find you spying on Elucard¡± the yikahti said. ¡°Why do your waste our time dealing with him?¡±


    ¡°Our time?¡± Inle sat up with a violent jerk. ¡°I am my own elf! Ordained to be the new Silent Master. What I do with my time is none of your business, cat!¡±


    A twisted laugh wheezed out of the panther. ¡°Forgive me my Silent Master, I have overstepped my boundaries.¡± His tone writhe with mockery.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Inle stepped out towards the edge of the clocktower, sliding on his mask. ¡°Like or not, we¡¯ve been assigned as partners, cat,¡± spat Inle, ¡°Master Wraslyn and the rest of the council chose me to pick up where Ryjin failed. It would do you some good to show me a little respect.¡±


    ¡°The council may have voted for you, but I did not.¡± The yikahti slowly moved to behind Inle, as a lion would inch towards its prey, ¡°Until you¡¯ve sworn your loyalties with my master, I


    shall not-¡± With a stiff arm the Collector grabbed Inle¡¯s collar and shoved the elf off the ledge of the tower.


    Inle made a sharp yelp as he flailed for his life, only to find himself dangling by the collar of his cloak. The dark linen material tightened and rubbed deep into his throat as he gagged trying to call for help.


    ¡°-allow you to think of yourself as my equal!¡± finished the yikahti with a long hiss, ¡°Where do your loyalties lie!? Yourself or my guild?¡±


    Inle desperately clawed the cloak as the cape dug deeper into his skin, rubbing it raw.


    ¡°Well?¡± the cat loosened his grip, ¡°My arm tires, elf!¡±


    ¡°The guild!¡± gasped Inle, the very act of speaking while in utter terror of being dropped overrode the need to use the time to suck in air.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you! You are a sociopathic insect; only out to further your own obsessions!¡± the Collector roared


    ¡°G-Guild!¡± Inle gasped out once more, his eyes now bulged and shifted pink.


    The yikahti¡¯s murderous face morphed into a playful smile. He pulled up the shivering, young elf, who collapsed at the cat¡¯s feet. ¡°I still don¡¯t believe you.¡±


    ¡°G-guild. Guild. Please, please,¡± sniveled Inle forcing a series of dry coughs.


    ¡°No.¡± The yikahti fastened his swords back to his waist. ¡°But there is time to win my vote just yet, dear Inle. You and I have much work to do. Come, we must find another way to burn this city to the ground. Any ideas?¡±


    Inle rubbed the sore marks on his neck. Unsure whether the Collector was back in good spirits, he decided to keep his ego in check. ¡°There are other veterans,¡± he croaked. His labored voice ached, but he was still determined not to be further humiliated. ¡°Let us find more and see if we can¡¯t send them into a frenzy.¡±


    The Collector rubbed a claw over his upper lip, ¡°Yes¡­if there are still roses, there will still be bees. Let us shake a hive and see who comes out.¡±

 Chapter 9: Entering Woadhollow

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    The Silent Ones broke past the forest line entering the town border of Woadhollow. It took every inch of discipline and fortitude for the divine soldiers not to quake with fear. The haunting journey through the thicket was decisively a highway into the twisting nightmare that would become Woadhollow. A seeping wine colored mist hovered slightly off the ground, disguising the oscillating vessels that wove through the soil and tightened like putrid vines upon the shops and homes.


    Avalon eyes twitched in disgust, confusion, and horror. Breathing the fumes of pungent rot that tasted like spoiled vegetables baking for the countless days in the sun. But where was the sun? It was high noon by the time they reached the forest, and although the sky was cloudless, shadows still enveloped the village like a suffocating blanket. No light could escape. However it was the eerier stillness in the air that was the most disturbing. Akin to silence within the eye of a storm. Knowing fully aware that the storm was there, watching, waiting for you. Ready to strike you with its full fury, but helpless to do nothing until it attacks. This was the eye of the storm.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like this, Avalon. Where are all the townsfolk?¡± asked Vada. Her fist wrapped around her hilt until her knuckles broke white.


    ¡°Send in the Silent Ones.¡± It was the only answer Avalon needed to speak. Her body took over within the moment they arrived. Her mind flushed with useless thoughts. Ideas of fear. Concerns. Worries and wishes. The thoughts dragged her mind into a state of mush instead of action. This is where her Black Rabbit training shined. This is what made her a stone cold killer. Throughout her time with prayers and meditation, it would be the rabbit cage locked away in her mind that would open to free the true Avalon once more. ¡°Find where the Night is hiding and cut it down. I want it done without honor or remorse.¡±


    Vada narrowed her eyes and nodded, ¡°Yes, my Silver Wing.¡±


    ¡°And Vada- Make them suffer.¡±


    Andros dismounted besides Avalon. Together they watched as Vada and the rest of the Silent Ones meld into the shadows and fog, vanishing without a sound nor trace.


    ¡°I see nothing. Where did they go?¡± asked Andros


    Avalon covered the Gold Wing¡¯s mouth. They may have as well been invisible to the untrained eye, but Avalon followed their movements as clear as a torch in the darkness. She watched as the Silent Ones gathered around a small chapel. ¡°Stay here.¡± Ordered Avalon.


    Avalon crept to Vada¡¯s side, her Silencer drawn. She felt lightheaded, her thoughts more like the mist below, clouded. She fumbled with her words, unsure why. ¡°W-what is your re-report, Vada?¡±


    Vada, likewise dizzy, leaned against another Silent One. ¡°This town¡­ is empty. We h-have yet to check the chapel.¡±


    ¡°This mist..it is like a gas. Cover your mouths.¡± Avalon raised her violet turtleneck collar over the bridge of her nose. Still dazed, but more confident she could handle the toxic environment; she gave the signal to break into the church.


    Avalon, Vada, and twenty odd Silent Ones charged into the chapel startling the community of townsfolk that were discovered inside. The corruption that swallowed the town found its way into the church, as well. However the vines that may have been smaller outside were as thick as oak branches within. They sprawled from a mass growth at the altar of the All-Father. It seemed to breathe, squeezing in and out, squelching juices from pores that coated its body.


    At the center of the growth, a single black rose bloomed and radiated a strange, ethereal energy.


    ¡°What is this? What is going on here?¡± demanded Avalon from the, almost catatonic villagers.


    Each townsfolk sat upright in the pews, their eyes dark and baggy. Their mouths gaped open, drool stretching down from their mouths. They seemed to be heavily drugged.


    Avalon approached the bizarre flower with caution. Her blade, not unlike the other Silencers ebbed a red glow. An indication that the Night was at work.


    ¡°Do you like what you see, my child?¡± A man dressed in the white robes of a preacher slowly pushed from the cancer with the sound of slime releasing from a jar. Grotesque, his face covered in a film of a waxy, pink substance. His body did not completely squeeze out. Part of his spine and arms were allowed to move freely, the rest of himself was still attached to the freakish


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    abomination. His eyes reflected with a glass-like blackness. As if his eyes were polished steel. ¡°Welcome to our sleepy village.¡±


    ¡°Welcome!¡± The townsfolk repeated in chilling unison. Their eyes mirrored midnight as well.


    Once again Avalon¡¯s instincts pumped through her body before her thoughts could hinder her. Inverting her sword¡¯s grip, she sunk the blade into the skull of the priest. A wave of shock overcame the mindless townsfolk. Then came the laughter. The freakish sound shook the tiny chapel¡¯s floorboards in a sickening mania.


    ¡°Avalon, look!¡± Vada pointed past her Blade Sister at Avalon¡¯s plunged sword. It flared with red fire as a crawling ooze lifted it from the preacher¡¯s wound.


    ¡°Bless your efforts, child,¡± cackled the priest. The sword fell to a clatter on the ground. ¡°My children, welcome our guests, show them the love that our gods hath brought us!¡±


    The Silent Ones backed against the walls as the townsfolk clawed over each other towards them.


    ¡°Defend yourselves but don¡¯t kill them!¡± Avalon called out. She lifted her hand above her sword before the blade returned to her hand as fast as two magnets clicked together. She turned her attention back to the priest. ¡°I want answers! What manner of vile is this? Demonic Infestation? Vampiric Blight? Tell me!¡±


    The priest¡¯s ghastly smile only grew wider, ¡°A gift from the gods.¡±


    Avalon glanced back to Vada fending off mountains of villagers, rushing, tripping over themselves. Cascading as a horde of rats, each struggling to grapple and gnaw the Silent Ones. None fearing for their lives as the templars sliced into the manic villages knowing full well that their wounds were non lethal. Calling the bluff that they won¡¯t be killed, each villager taking their sword wounds with stride.


    ¡°Tell them to halt their attack,¡± hissed Avalon.


    ¡°You surrender so easily, Avalon?¡±


    ¡°You know who I am?¡± Avalon questioned back.


    ¡°Did your sister surrender just as easily too¡±


    Avalon¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°What did you say?¡± Who was this man that knew a secret so secure that Vada, her Blade Sister, did not even know? If he knew who she was, he was from her past,


    but to know the fate of her little sister¡­ that was truly impossible! The shock gobbled her defenses like a glutton into a feast.


    The priest¡¯s smile vanished, ¡°Did you think you could run away and just forget what you had done to this town.¡±


    ¡°W-what?¡± stammered Avalon. Her Black Rabbit now faded back to its cage. Her thoughts opened the floodgates, crashing through her mind breaking down any wall she built over the years.¡±


    ¡°These people have suffered so much at your hands. It is time for you to do the suffering.¡± ¡°Call them off!¡± Avalon commanded.


    ¡°You can not stop the Plague Reach. It grows stronger with the more souls that cultivate it.¡± ¡°Call them off!¡± Avalon roared with all the ferocity she could muster.


    ¡°Avalon! Help! They are overwhelming us!¡± cried Vada as the swarm grew too unbearable to fight off.


    Avalon took a savage swing at the rose in desperation, it had to be the cause of all of this.


    However her sword deflected off an invisible force harmlessly. Screams of anguish from her


    Silent Ones drowned the rest of her courage. Avalon collapsed to her knees. ¡°Call them off¡­¡±


    ¡°Say it, Avalon,¡± the priest said softly. He grinned at the defeated Silent One. ¡°Say it and this maddening nightmare will end for you once and for all.¡±


    Angry tears streaked down Avalon¡¯s cheeks. ¡°Kill them,¡± she whispered.¡± ¡°Again.¡±


    ¡°Kill them,¡± repeated Avalon, her voice still low.


    ¡°Louder!¡± hissed the preacher.


    ¡°Kill them all!¡± roared Avalon in a booming voice. Like a kill switch, the Silent Ones tore into the townsfolk overcoming their advances in a torrent of blood and gore.


    ¡°Well done, my child.¡± Taunted the priest. His arms open, as if offering Avalon a hug. ¡°You sentenced this town to its death much like you did to your own sister. Once a Black Rabbit, always a Black Rabbit.¡±


    A blood-stained hand calmed Avalon¡¯s shivering shoulder. ¡°He speaks only in lies, Avalon.¡± It was Vada. ¡°Do not listen to him. It is the chattering of a forsaken demon.¡±


    ¡°Are they?¡± responded the priest.


    ¡°He does not¡­¡± Avalon¡¯s lips quivered as she whispered the harsh truth. Avalon stood and shuffled out of the church in a dark stupor. The mocking laugh of the alien monster in the background.


    ¡°Avalon, wait!¡± Vada called out.


    The Silent One leader turned back and stared with soulless eyes. ¡°Burn this place to the ground. All of it.¡±

 Chapter 10: A New Anti-Rogue

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m here. What is this all about?¡± Wiccer entered the tall and twisting forest. Dark and foreboding, The Blood Forest had been renamed to the ¡®Stomping Grounds¡¯, used exclusively by the Anti-Rogue Ops for training purposes.


    Wiccer signaled for Elucard to drop down from a tree branch, but the elf refused. Annoyed, Wiccer leaped and landed besides Elucard with little struggle. Years ago, such a feat would have seemed impossible. These days, however, his body has become accustomed to agility and speed training. The formal, rigid White Cloak in him was now dead; replaced by the sly and shrewd Watcher.


    ¡°You know we have our own headquarters?¡± Wiccer folded his arms. ¡°Lit better than this dingy forest too.¡±


    ¡°I needed to talk to you privately,¡± responded Elucard. He didn¡¯t look up at Wiccer as he scanned the wooded path for anyone who might have been trailing his captain.


    ¡°I have an apartment.¡±


    ¡°I prefer the woods.¡±


    Wiccer rolled his eyes. ¡°Ah yes, the assassin prefers the shadows, how silly of me.¡± Satisfied they were alone, Elucard loosened his grip on his hilt and motioned Wiccer to move


    closer. ¡°What we are about to discuss could mean treason.¡±


    ¡°Treason!?¡± exclaimed Wiccer, quick to heighten his voice despite the displeasure of Elucard, ¡°What are you going on about!¡±


    Elucard raised his hands to Wiccer¡¯s mouth, ¡°Quiet. You do know we train soldiers to spy on these types of meetings?¡±


    Wiccer glared at Elucard, but then relaxed. ¡°Enough dancing around, Elucard. Spit it out¡±


    Elucard darted his eyes left to right before finally speaking, ¡°I thought about what we read in


    the Vile Goat¡¯s cellar; about Inle¡¯s sighting and the coup¡¯s funding.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°And I think we should keep this information hidden from Koda.¡±


    Wiccer¡¯s face widened in surprise but then turned sour. ¡°We are his Anti-Rogue Ops; this is exactly the type of thing we would tell him.¡± He placed a hand on Elucard¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I have already prepared my report for a debriefing, you can accompany-¡±


    ¡°Koda isn¡¯t in any kind of condition to take such news,¡± said Elucard, ¡°You were there when he hanged his lords, only the Baneberry clan survives.¡±


    ¡°Elucard, they betrayed the king before a crucial battle,¡± Wiccer argued.


    ¡°And the nation has yet to recover. Already his citizens have plotted to overthrow him. He is too inexperienced as a leader to deal with the news that his most lethal enemies may be rebuilding their clan.¡±


    The rebirth of the Black Rabbits was a fear that Wiccer often imagined. Although ARO grew in numbers and skill, the Black Rabbit influence had already reached across the seas to other realms. Several kingdoms had requested for trained Watchers to establish new ARO units as a response. Even Long Whisper broke off into creating new ARO units to attach to Range Patrols and infantry divisions. The stereotype of the Watchers being criminals and misfits was a thing of the past. Now being trained by Elucard was far more desired than being trained by any other instructor, despite his still infamous reputation. However, If Inle returned and the Black Rabbits rose from the Silent Master¡¯s ashes, perhaps even a stronger ARO would not be enough to save the city this time around.


    ¡°We have already assigned Koda bodyguards,¡± assured Wiccer, ¡°Calsoon has even volunteered to lead the detail. As we speak, we have three ARO units formed across the country, as well as two more sister units in Varis. What else do we need to do, Elucard?¡±


    ¡°If the Black Rabbits are reforming under Inle¡­¡± Elucard lowered his voice to a whisper, ¡°We need to get involved.¡±


    ¡°Involved, how?¡± asked Wiccer, ¡°We are already involved.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Elucard¡¯s expression grew hard like iron. ¡°I mean go undercover.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Wiccer couldn¡¯t stop himself from snickering. ¡°How? We are famous throughout the realm. I needn¡¯t remind you of your title, Elucard the Kingslayer. You would be recognized in mere seconds.¡± Wiccer had to stop himself from chuckling further. Elucard¡¯s idea was outrageous. ¡°Go undercover, indeed.¡±


    ¡°We would create an organization that would bring down the city. Much like the veterans tried to,¡± explained Elucard. He was undeterred by Wiccer¡¯s mockery.


    ¡°You are serious about this?¡±


    ¡°Inle will seek us out and bring us into his cabal,¡± Elucard finished his thought.


    Wiccer nodded, pondering the idea. It was crazy, but it had potential. After all, he thought his father¡¯s plan of the Anti-Rogue Ops was wild too. ¡°Then we arrest Inle?¡±The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Simple as that?¡± teased Wiccer.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s a work in progress,¡± admitted Elucard with a sly smile, ¡°First we have to get our men on board.¡±


    ¡°Fine then.¡± Wiccer reached out for a handshake. ¡°Let me be the first.¡±


    ***


    Wiccer waited for the final ARO member to arrive at their meeting spot at the old Black Rabbit compound. Once a thriving spot for conspiracy and terrorism, it was now a shambling relic of Long Whisper¡¯s woods. The moon¡¯s light barely broke through the canopy, fracturing apart by the Autumn leaves. All was silent, not even the patterning of the running mice interrupted the stillness of the secret meeting.


    As the Watchers gathered in the square, Wiccer raised a single hand to calm the chirping gossip and conversation. He nodded Elucard, sitting on the steps behind, to begin.


    ¡°Thank you for all coming, my Watchers,¡± said Elucard in a low voice. ¡°I¡¯m sure you are all wondering about the urgency and secrecy.¡±


    ¡°Aye, Elucard. This yikahti wants to know why you dragged us to this Alanna forsaken grave,¡± Lear spoke out. Others shouted with their agreement.


    ¡°As you are aware, either through rumor or through word of mouth, we believe Inle has resurfaced.¡±


    ¡°Are we finally going to do something about this? It¡¯s bad enough you let him escape his death sentence!¡± blurted out a younger ARO member.


    Elucard cast a glance at the fresh recruit that could put down a bull. It is true that Watcher recruitment had hit an all-time high since the Long Whisper¡¯s victory in the Varis War, but Elucard¡¯s standing with other soldiers had not improved. No longer was he just the Kingslayer, but now he was seen as the Black Rabbit spy that allowed a war criminal to escape. It would seem not even his own recruits respected him.


    ¡°Quiet, private!¡± snapped Wiccer, ¡°Continue, sergeant.¡±


    ¡°What I am asking you soldiers to embark on is a journey through the Lost Dawns underworld. You will become traitors to the crown and undertake crimes punishable by death.¡± The crowd of Watchers erupted in frenzied murmurs, but Elucard raised his hands to silence them.


    ¡°Please, Please, if I can have your attention.¡±


    ¡°Everyone shut up and listen to my master!¡± It was Kyzo¡¯s turn to handle the commotion. The young elf had only been a part of ARO for a year, but had joined them on missions ever since he could wield his own blade.


    Elucard smirked at his pupil¡¯s loyalty, ¡°What I ask you is not for the faint of heart. What I ask of you, I know, is too much¡­¡± he paused, ¡°but what I ask of you is to save the city.¡±


    ¡°Already Inle¡¯s new allies have spent a considerable amount of resources to see our city burned into a pile of embers.¡±


    Wiccer stepped in at this point. ¡°Inle will not rest there. He will find a new way to dismantle our government and destroy our way of life.¡±


    ¡°What are you two proposing, Captain?¡± asked Essie.


    ¡°We once again become the shadow that protects the light,¡± recited Wiccer. His voice was stern. Commanding. Full of the confidence he thought he had lost in the months he dealt with the nightmares of his time at war. Restless memories of that forest bled his ability to lead dry. He glanced at his hand. It shook uncontrollably, but he knew in his heart that his voice had to have the conviction to show his soldiers the courage that his presence could not.


    The more seasoned Watchers nodded and hooted a low ¡®hooah¡¯. Their unit¡¯s motto had a revered power in its words. A power that kept them going during the harshest of times. Through nights where no speech could push the horror that befell upon them. Their motto kept them united in solidarity.


    Wiccer smiled and allowed Elucard to explain their plan.


    ¡°We will be creating a clan to infiltrate and uncover Inle¡¯s allies. We will earn the clown¡¯s trust working against Koda and the city.¡±


    ¡°We are to kill no one. Harm if you must, but no one shall die by our blade,¡± said Wiccer, firmly asserting the rule.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, captain,¡± nodded Elucard, ¡°We will be a splinter cell of ARO, no one will know we exist except for everyone present here.¡±


    ¡°And if we oppose the plan?¡± Blayvaar asked.


    ¡°You will not be forced to join, but we will ask you to be sworn to secrecy,¡± answered Wiccer, ¡°Step forward if you wish to join.¡±


    ¡°And what if we break our oath to secrecy, what then?¡± Blayvaar pushed further. ¡°Do you really want to find out?¡± said Elucard. He brushed his neck with his thumb. Without hesitation Kyzo and Lear stepped forward. Rulan and Essie were next to fall into


    line.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been happier than ever being a hero finally, cap,¡± said Blayvaar, ¡°I really don¡¯t want to give that up now.¡±


    ¡°Friend, Blayvaar. Wiccer and Elucard gave you a purpose,¡± pleaded Lear, ¡°Join us, at least for this yikahti.¡±


    Blayvaar cursed under his breath. He rolled his eyes with a long sigh and begrudgingly joined Lear¡¯s side.


    ¡°Captain, you know I am now the leader of my own ARO unit,¡± reported Timber. The wolf saluted, ¡°We head out to march with an expedition to establish a new colony in the Risen Forest. I can¡¯t jeopardize my position. I am sorry. I wish you the best of luck.¡±


    ¡°I understand, lieutenant, and congratulations on your promotion.¡± Wiccer saluted back, casting his sights on Elisa, the last of his ARO veterans. He knew that he would be hard pressed to gather the new recruits for his crazy scheme, but he would at least have the original members join him. ¡°Elisa?¡±


    Elisa avoided his gaze, ¡°I was a criminal of this nation once, I won¡¯t be again.¡±


    ¡°Very well. I understand.¡± Wiccer turned to the other eight recruits that didn¡¯t step forward. ¡°Those of you that have decided to join us, we will compensate you with the appropriate hazard pay. On paper you will be assigned to fake Range Patrols heading out across Long Whisper. The rest of you will have your pay increased as well.¡±


    ¡°Hazard pay, Captain?¡± asked one of the rookie recruits. He gulped as he watched Elucard unsheathe and rub a dagger with his thumb.


    ¡°We don¡¯t want to call it that, private, but it is what we will pay you for your silence,¡± explained Wiccer. He eyed Elucard¡¯s grim smile, ¡°As you know, the Kingslayer has no objections dealing with those he does not trust.¡±


    All of the Watchers that were not a part of the plan nodded in understanding and exited the compound, leaving all those left within Wiccer¡¯s fold.


    ¡°What will this new clan be called, Wiccer?¡± asked Rulan. Elucard looked over to Wiccer, ¡°Well, Wiccer, what say you?¡± Wiccer grinned. ¡°The Ghost Fox.¡±

 Chapter 11: Guster on the Hunt

    Dragon Realm Scorch


    With his borgren''s reins in one hand and his map in the other, Guster trekked through ¡®Traveler''s Prison,¡¯ a canyon in Eastern Alva that was true to its name. Hundreds of pillars and ridges divided the center of the canyon creating a confusing labyrinth for those unfamiliar with the bright orange and red striped terrain. A constant warm wind kicked up a thick cloud of dust, choking his parched throat. He raised a bandana over his nose and lowered his derby hat''s brim to shelter his eyes. Flecks of grainy sand stung his exposed skin as the gale became stronger. The wind swirled faster and harder the further he pressed, until its impenetrable force halted him entirely.


    A booming voice bounced off the canyon, echoing around him. ¡°You know you are not welcome here, Slave Catcher!¡±


    Guster anticipated this level of hostility from the canyon locals. Luckily, they didn''t kill him outright. ¡°I¡¯m not on dat sort of business today.¡±


    ¡°Your word crumbles as quickly as the sand we walk on,¡± the voice responded.


    ¡°Yeah, well I''ve fought against a few earth mages, so I know sand swords can get de job done,¡± called out Guster, still unsure what direction the voice came from.


    After a strain of silence, the wind walls subsided and from the cloud of dust approached several figures. Dune elves. Dark skinned, small framed, with long dreaded hair either bound on top of their heads, or left to drape down their backs. Gold jewelry adorned their pointed ears. One wore rich brown robes tied at the waist with a white sash, the attire of an earth mage. Each elf stood balanced on the back of large sand serpents; gold scaled reptiles with white, armored platforms where their riders stood. The serpents surrounded Guster¡¯s wagon, hissing and baring their fangs. Finally, one last elf approached on his own Sand Serpent. Visibly older than the first elves, he wore vibrant purple and red silk clothing and jewelry. In one hand he held the reins of his serpent, in the other a bramberwood staff carved like a snake clenching its jaw on a sun. A decorative headdress of glistening red phoenix feathers adorned his head.


    ¡°Chief Drokaz Newsun, it¡¯s been a long time. How have you-¡± started Guster, feigning friendliness in his voice.


    ¡°What is your game this time, Slave Catcher?¡± asked the chief in a dominant tone despite his apparent age.


    ¡°I told your kin dat I ain¡¯t here on dat sorta business,¡± Guster said innocently, raising his hands. ¡°Listen Droky, didn¡¯t I smuggle your kin out of de slave camps durin¡¯ de War of Chains?¡±A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°You did,¡± an annoyed Drokaz admitted.


    ¡°And didn''t I lead dem White Cloaks through de tunnels of Isa City to launch a surprise attack on de queen?¡± Guster continued to plead his case.


    ¡°It is why you are alive right now,¡± Drokaz grimaced.


    ¡°And wasn''t I de one dat introduced your son to his wife?¡±


    ¡°Actually, no, that wasn''t you.¡±


    Guster buttoned his mouth at the mistake before continuing, ¡°Well, two out of three ain¡¯t so bad!¡±


    ¡°What do you want, Guster?¡± hefted Drokaz, tired of the bounty hunter¡¯s apparent feats. Guster took hold of a canvas blanket covering his wagon and threw it off to the side to reveal


    a cache of spears, swords, and shields. The finely crafted steel radiated in the glare of the sun, and a gasp of thirsty wonderment came from the dune elves. Guster smirked at the awed elves. ¡°Well, now dat I have your attention, dese weapons come from my contacts in de Rutug Bazaar. Dey are all yours¡­¡± Guster held onto a dramatic pause. ¡°If I can get some info from y''all.¡±


    The chief did not flinch at the site of the weapons, but narrowed his eyes at the name ''Rutug''. ¡°The Rutug Bazaar is known for Issian contraband.¡±


    ¡°Droky, always de downer.¡± Guster frowned. ¡°You aren¡¯t in Isa anymore. You are a free elf and your kin can wield any weapon dey want¡­ includin¡¯ weapons from de Issian Scarlet Guards.¡±


    At the mention of the ''Scarlet Guards'' a resounding clatter could be heard from the elves dropping their armaments.


    Guster lowered his mask and lit a bliss stick, exhaling the smoke. ¡°Listen, we both know you Newsun could use de extra protection. I¡¯m not de only slave catcher in de business and my truce isn¡¯t going to last forever. I need info dat ole¡¯ Guster knows you have. Get my drift?¡±


    Drokaz rubbed his chin before signaling his subjects to unhook the wagon from Guster''s borgren. ¡°We''ll take the weapons, what is the information you need?¡±


    ¡°Uther de Ironsoul. I know he passed through your desert recently, and I need to know anythin¡¯ your scouts have on him. Where he''s been and where he''s goin¡¯?¡±


    ¡°My scouts saw him enter the Citadel of Keepers. That is all we know, now be on your way.¡±


    Guster remembered hearing tales of the Citadel of Keepers from drunk patrons of cantinas he


    had passed through. The greatest of libraries that held the history of Draak Terra''s people. Once public, it had since closed its doors after the mages took over during the Arcana War. Now only those of the highest credentials were allowed near its ancient texts and tomes. But how and why was a former slave like Uther able to get into the Citadel? The answer, Guster surmised, would put him one step closer on Uther¡¯s trail.

 Chapter 12: The Duelist

    Twelve years ago


    Dragon Realm Scorch


    The city of Na''Jharubes was the diamond of Isa; an attraction for the wealthy and those looking for a wide selection of servants and gladiators. Despite the rest of Scorch becoming a slave free nation, slavery remained Isa¡¯s main import. Nal''Jharubes may have not been the capital of the slave trade, but it was still an important destination for it.


    Avalon arrived to the unwelcoming heat of Scorch. Used to the temperate climate of Cypress, this new realm¡¯s sweltering weather would have left her burdened had it not been for the light clothing she had acquired before her trip.


    Stepping off the boat and onto the docks she could not help but get swept into the wonderment of her alien surroundings. Slender palm trees towered over the sun-colored buildings, widespread beaches glistened with ivory sand, and monkeys perched on the shoulders of various vendors. Ignoring the city¡¯s allure, she made her way to the dockmaster.


    ¡°How much for passage to Jedeoheim?¡± she asked.


    The dockmaster inspected her up and down in disdain, ¡°Our boats are not for your class. Away with you.¡±


    ¡°My class?!¡± she exclaimed, ¡°Surely there are merchant vessels that will welcome a traveler that pays,¡± she said, undeterred.


    ¡°One hundred gold sendetti and I will see to it that you leave with no further problems.¡± ¡°One hundred!? Problems?!¡± she sputtered, ¡°I¡¯ll see to it that you have-¡± she halted with her


    thought. She was in a foreign country with their own customs. If she were to leave Na¡¯Jharubes, she would need to play their game. ¡°Very well,¡± she grumbled, defeated.


    Walking away from the docks, she passed into the crowded streets. Despite her lingering displeasure, she allowed herself to be overtaken by the aromas of incense and spices. She thought that perhaps, this could be a city she could get used to. As of now, she needed to continue with her plan.


    She peeked down alleys and hopped up stairs looking for the familiar sight of two bodies locked in combat and the welcoming sounds of steel on steel.


    Upon turning a corner, Avalon found what she had been searching for. The sounds of swords clashing and crowds cheering left her heart fluttering with thrill. Nothing could beat the excitement of a good fight.


    Squeezing her way to the front of the crowd, she watched as two duelists paced around in a circle, swords poised, ready to strike. They stared at each other with determination, waiting for the other to make a move. Finally, in a whirl of action, one stabbed true, driving his thin rapier into the other''s shoulder. The crowd erupted. Avalon could not help but smile. They seemed skilled, but she knew herself more skilled.


    The victor flourished his hand in the air and gave an elegant, over-the-top bow for his audience. Silver rained upon his leather boots. The man grinned, waiting for another opponent.


    ¡°Just another day for Don Juan Diego the Third. Perhaps there is another who will finallyThis novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    give me a challenge?¡± He mockingly held his hand over his brow as if searching for the challenger. ¡°None? None wish to shower me with their sendetti? No one is brave enough to take on Undefeated Don Juan Diego the Third?¡±


    Avalon smirked, gripping her sword, and moved into the circle. ¡°I will take your challenge.¡±


    Don Juan brushed his fine mustache and snapped his fingers. At the sound, a small boy


    dressed in fine servant''s clothing handed his master a wide-brimmed purple hat with a fluffy pink plume. Though far too big for his head, it matched his outrageous purple and red clothes. He daintily placed the hat on his head, then promptly took off to bow pompously with., ¡°Don Juan Diego the Third. Undefeated duelist of Scorch. Master of the sword. Dashingly daring dancer determined to date you, my dear,¡± he said all in one breath, after which he tossed his hat back to the boy.


    Avalon raised her lip in disgust. ¡°Not a chance.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps when I win the duel, you''ll reward me with a kiss?¡± he tried again.


    Avalon unsheathed her sword. The blade sang as it slid out and swished at the coin purse that hung from the duelist¡¯s belt. ¡°We fight for coin.¡±


    Don Juan removed the small purse and juggled it in his hand. It jingled with each catch, and Avalon''s eyes bounced up and down with it. It had been quite some time since her last hearty


    meal and decent place to sleep. It would not nearly be enough for her fare, but easily enough for a night at an inn.


    ¡°Are you ready, girl?¡±


    Avalon removed her desert cloak and adjusted her silky trousers, bound at the shins. She snapped her head from side to side to loosen up her neck, then sucked in a belly full of air and breathed out. She had not fought anyone since her battle Vada back in Cypress. She knew she had an edge. He had never seen a Black Rabbit fight.


    Don Juan swiped his rapier back and forth, and laughed before addressing the crowd. ¡°Ladies and Gentlemen, prepare yourse-¡±


    Avalon did not let him finish as she stepped off her back foot and dashed at her opponent. Like a dance she had mastered long ago, she slid along the gravelly stone, spinning and sweeping her leg underneath Don Juan.


    As he fell backwards, she slammed the blunt side of her sword into his chest, crashing him to the ground with a dull thud.


    The crowd went silent. Her technique had no art to it. No style. No honor. It was ruthless, but the crowd loved it! The town square erupted in admiration for this mysterious woman that came and embarrassed the defeated Don Juan.


    Avalon snatched her winnings from her opponent''s hand. ¡°A pleasure, Mister Diego.¡±


    ¡°Anytime...¡± Don Jaun managed before he passed out.


    ***


    Avalon¡¯s winnings didn¡¯t last long. After a single night at the inn and a rather overpriced meal in the cantina, only a few measly coins remained, not even enough for a crust of bread.


    Perched on a low stone wall along the Na¡¯Jharubes¡¯ streets, Avalon counted out her money once more and sighed. No choice but to earn a little more. Another duel wouldn¡¯t hurt.


    One meal a day would be scant for any person, especially for Avalon after exerting all her energy for her earnings. But she could afford no more, she realized, counting the coin again. It had become a habit to sit on the wall every morning and stack her money, hoping that somehow, miraculously, there would be more than she¡¯d had last night. At this rate, she¡¯d never have enough for passage to Jedeoheim.


    Avalon swept the money into her purse and stalked off in search for another duel. Sacrifices would have to be made.


    Day by day passed. Day by day her purse became lighter and lighter. No one was willing to duel the assassin that never lost. Don Juan drew a crowd with charisma and showmanship. Avalon dispersed a crowd with her technical skill. She won too fast, fought too aggressively. Now she was cast to live on the streets lucky only to find the occasional duelist that didn¡¯t hear about her reputation.


    Jedeoheim may as well have been a destination further to reach than the heavens.

 Chapter 13: No Biz Like Show Biz

    Twelve years ago


    Dragon Realm Scorch


    ¡°Wake up, girl.¡±


    A savage kick brought her awake to another warm day in Nal''Jharubes. Avalon sheltered her eyes from the brilliant sun, still dazed from sleeping. Staring down on her was the always finely dressed Don Juan Diego the Third.


    He snapped his fingers and his young servant appeared, this time with a velvet cushioned chair. The man took a seat, pulling a foot to rest across his knee. He did not talk, but instead made grunting sounds with his throat until he started to annoy the woman lying in her bed of trash and flea ridden rags.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± snapped Avalon.


    Don Juan leaned in his chair, held from toppling backwards by the struggling boy. ¡°Do you know the difference between you and I?¡±


    Avalon wrestled in her trash pile to get comfortable again. She shut her eyes, pretending to go back to sleep. After a moment she gave in. ¡°You''re not covered in shit?¡±


    ¡°You beat me, but I have not beaten you,¡± he responded, ignoring Avalon''s cynical answer.


    Avalon rolled on her back and pointed to her face. ¡°For a hot meal, I''ll let you beat me to a


    pulp.¡±


    Don Juan kicked the chair away and crouched next to her. ¡°Listen to me, girl. I know your opponents aren''t taking your challenges. That''s why you sleep with the rats. I can offer you a chance to have that glory once again.¡±


    ¡°I don''t want glory, I want out of here.¡±


    ¡°How about a chance to never sleep in a trash heap again? Financial support for whatever you want for the rest of your life?¡±


    Avalon sat up. ¡°What exactly do you need from me?¡±


    ¡°We put on a show!¡±


    ¡°A show?¡± repeated Avalon, already losing interest.


    ¡°Yes, a show! You and I will fight for a crowd, the biggest crowd for a duel this city has ever seen. But it will all be for a friendly bout. Like an over-glorified sparring match with a scripted outcome.¡±


    Avalon tilted her head.


    ¡°I can see you are not convinced,¡± He stood once more and pulled a large coin purse from his vest and dropped it into Avalon''s lap. ¡°Clean yourself up, buy some new clothes, and enjoy this money. Spar with me and you''ll see more.¡±


    Avalon had never seen such wealth before, at least none that belonged to her. Spending her nights half-starved and covered with a thick layer of filth. She cascaded the silver coins into her hand. At least a week¡¯s worth of meals and then some.


    All I need to do is spar with this idiot and more good days will follow? I can do that!


    ***


    The sendetti was a welcome addition to her miserable life. She used a quarter to purchase a day at a bathhouse, relaxing in the steamy water and scrubbing off a life she would never go back to. She then used another handful to buy her a new set of clothes, light desert garbs, but with the darkest dyes available. Instead of the black and violet colors she was used to, she opted for dark blues and reds. Perhaps it was her training as an assassin, but she felt more at home with deep colors over vibrant ones.


    After a filling meal, she made her way to town square per Don Juan¡¯s instructions. A constructed wooden stage spanned half the square, and a massive crowd gathered around it. Upon the stage there was no play or concert, but Don Juan spinning a grand tale.


    ¡°Long ago, before the lands covered the sleeping dragons, there were two warriors of old. Eternal rivals, competing in both sport and war. None could defeat them, though all had tried. Giants, serpents, beasts - none prevailed. They were gods among men, and could only be defeated by each other. So, they clashed! Not even death could end their rivalry, for rebirth would follow each defeat. They fought thousands of battles for a thousand lives.¡± He stopped to let the crowd catch their breath from the awe-inspiring story. ¡°Now that battle shall be concluded


    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    here! On this very spot, for I am Jalil the Exalted; one of those heroes! The other is...¡± he swept his hand over the crowd until finding Avalon, ¡°...Aida, the One Who Returns.¡±


    The crowd cheered as Avalon climbed up the steps to the large stage. She bowed to the audience, then drew her ninjato. She smiled, enjoying the fanfare.


    Don Juan drew his rapier and saluted to the people before pointing it at Avalon. ¡°Aida uses the blade of an assassin! Only Jalil can defeat such a criminal¡± he shouted. ¡°Have at thee, fiend!¡±


    Avalon danced around the platform, tumbling around and sweeping her sword as she played


    the role of Aida. However, the crowd looked bored. Some yawned while others walked off. Avalon¡¯s heart sank. They¡¯d come for a battle? She¡¯d better give them one. That, or digging for scraps and begging for coins.


    As Don Juan struck forward, Avalon ducked underneath the rapier and shoved a deep elbow into his side.


    The attack threw Don Juan back, heaving for breath. He barely had time to recover as he went flying head over heels from an acrobatic kick. Roars filled the air as the audience watch the spectacular act.


    Don Juan wobbled on his feet as he rose from the ground. ¡°Don''t forget I''m supposed to be the hero here,¡± he whispered.


    Avalon grinned, lunging forward and slashing wildly at the parrying duelist. Sparks flew from each clash of steel.


    Avalon wove around each of her opponent''s attacks before finishing with a series of backflips across the stage. The people hung on each moment, shouting for their hero to overcome the cunning villain.


    ¡°They are loving this!¡± called Avalon to her partner.


    ¡°Let¡¯s bring it home!¡± Don Juan laughed. Together they matched movements and footing until Don Juan skillfully pierced Avalon''s robes, skimming her flesh. To the audience it looked like a killing blow - and that''s how Avalon sold it. She cried out with a choking gag, complete with her tongue popping out of her mouth. She twirled in the air before flinging herself to the ground, convulsing.


    Don Juan made an exaggerated bow and collected the sendetti being thrown to him. ¡°Thank you, one and all!¡±


    ***


    Avalon found Don Juan and his servant counting the earnings in a cantina across the way.


    She pulled up a seat and ordered a glass of wine in celebration.


    ¡°You did well, girl.¡± He passed a small pile of silver coins to Avalon¡¯s side of the table. ¡°Don''t spend it all in one place.¡±


    Avalon looked down with a wide smile. ¡°When is our next performance? Should we travel to another city?¡±


    ¡°You seem confused, girl. This was a one-time show.¡±


    ¡°What!?¡± snapped Avalon, slamming her hand down on the table. The coins clattered as the tower toppled. ¡°You said-¡±


    ¡°Listen, I know what I said, and I''ve changed my mind.¡± He calmly took a sip from his wine and popped a cheese cube into his mouth. ¡°But the hero can''t lose and I''m sure the people would get sick of the same story over and over again.¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°Here, take an extra bit as a severance payment; but that is what we are from here on out, severed.¡± He snapped his fingers and the boy slid the rest of the sendetti into a large satchel before following his master out of the cantina. ¡°Come, boy, we are done here.¡±


    Avalon sat speechless, her eyes glossing over the thirty-five silver sendetti scattered around her corner of the table. She clenched her fists until her veins bulged, then pounded the table again in frustration.


    ¡°I couldn''t help overhearing about your business falling through,¡± a husky voice came from behind. Avalon turned her head to find a plump, short man standing between two well-built slaves. The man wore fine threads and glittering gold chains hung from his neck. As he continued to speak, he sounded like food was stuffed into his mouth, muffling his words. ¡°I''ve been keeping my eye on you, girl. You are a very good fighter. Do you have a name?¡±


    ¡°Avalon,¡± she said as she sized him up warily.


    ¡°Avalon. I like it.¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡± she said, returning the question.


    ¡°I am Airenfal. I am a very important man here. Some would say Nal''Jharubes is my city.¡±


    ¡°What would a man like you want with me?¡±


    ¡°I need your talents, your skills as a fighter to make sure my businesses run smoothly.¡±


    Avalon folded her arms and looked at him skeptically. ¡°You want me to be an enforcer. I''m not interested in that type of work,¡± she said, shaking her head. She gathered her sendetti and prepared to make an exit.


    ¡°Thirty-five sendetti will last you, what? Two days at the most, three if you are mindful?¡± Airenfal called out to her. He smirked as she stopped to turn around. ¡°Then you''ll be back to competing for trash with the rest of the slobs out there.¡±


    Silent, she looked at the ground, searching for her moral compass.


    Airenfal continued, ¡°I can give you a job, money, a home, things to call your own¡­ a purpose. You just have to knock around a few heads, that''s all.¡±


    ¡°I- I won''t kill anyone,¡± said Avalon, half to her conscience, half to Airenfal.


    ¡°No one wants you to kill anyone. What do you say Avalon?¡±


    Just until I have enough to get out of here.


    ¡°Well?¡± Airenfal asked again


    ¡°Deal.¡±

 Chapter 14: The Torn One Takes

    Present Day


    Dragon Realm Cypress


    A knock on the door frame echoed in the dim house. Vada walked in slowly. Cobwebs and dust welcomed Vada as she gingerly avoided tripping over overturned furniture and broken glass. She eventually found who she was looking for.


    ¡°You''re avoiding them,¡± Vada quietly said to Avalon. Her Blade Sister sat in the corner of a smaller bedroom. Vada folded her arms, waiting for a response despite knowing the conversation was doomed at the start. However, it was her duty as her friend to council Avalon in her time of discomfort.


    As expected, Avalon said nothing, only grunted with annoyance. She adjusted her hood to hide her face more.


    ¡°I said-¡± Vada tried again.


    ¡°I heard what you said,¡± snapped Avalon. ¡°I-I am in no condition to lead right now. I need a moment,¡±


    ¡°Take your time, Blade Sister.¡± Vada slowly paced around the room resting her eyes on a small, wooden fox figurine on a curio shelf.


    ¡°Baella loved foxes,¡± Avalon whispered, ¡°I remember Father bought her a fox doll from a traveling merchant.¡±


    Vada smiled, letting Avalon continue the memory.


    ¡°She ran that doll ragged. Muddy puddles, grass stains, soaked in the summer rains. She


    loved that damn thing¡­¡± Avalon chuckled,¡± ¡­She even tried to take it with her when we rec-¡±


    Vada knelt down next to Avalon. ¡°When we came to Woadhollow as Rabbits¡­ to recruit¡­¡±


    Avalon¡¯s lower lip trembled as she struggled to hold back her tears, ¡°We recruited Baella. I


    promised my parents no harm would come to her- that being a Rabbit would make us stronger as a whole.¡±


    ¡°Avalon¡­¡±


    ¡°They cursed me to the deepest reaches of Dahlemar¡¯s underworld. I couldn¡¯t protect her¡­ I wasn¡¯t there for her!¡±


    Vada took her Blade Sister into her arms and held her tightly, ¡°Sister it wasn¡¯t your fault.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it was. How could I return back to Woadhollow with Baella¡¯s blood on my hands?¡±


    ¡°It must have been so hard for you not to tell me this,¡± Vada cooed. She rested her chin on


    top of Avalon¡¯s head and rocked back and forth. It seemed to comfort Avalon.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see my parents among those killed tonight. Maybe they left before all of this happened.¡±


    Vada leaned against the wall as Avalon calmed herself. ¡°It¡¯s possible.¡±


    Avalon joined her Blade Sister against the wall, her sadness had subsided for the moment. ¡°I have never seen a Night curse such as that. It resembled demonic infestation, but it affected the villagers as if they were¡­I don¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°Hypnotized. Caught in some trance.¡± Vada finished Avalon¡¯s trail of thought. ¡°Before I came to fetch you, I was to tell you that the priest has completely emerged from the tumor. It seems his power waned once the villagers were slain.¡±The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Avalon hopped to her feet, ¡°Good, I want answers before I¡­¡±


    Vada moved to her feet as well. ¡°Do you still plan to burn Woadhollow down?¡±


    Avalon nodded. ¡°Woadhollow has suffered too much misery. It needs to be purged from this realm. A fire to cleanse its affliction.¡±


    Vada moved past Avalon and out to the exit of the cabin. ¡°So be it.¡±


    Avalon followed her Blade Sister out and together they made their way to a circle of Silent Ones who held the enemy priest captive outside the chapel.


    The priest was no longer attached to the mass abomination, but black veins still sprawled from his neck, growing to his head, and across his cheeks. His eyes, once a mysterious solid ebony, were now a milky white. His hands were tightly tied behind his back as he recited a prayer over and over again.


    ¡°So it is written in the book of Woe


    That we will bask in the moon¡¯s soft glow


    Then the day will fall prey to the Night


    And we will follow without fear nor fight


    For the Torn One gives, The Torn One takes


    Within our hearts, He stirs, He wakes


    He is the Withered, the angel with the shredded wings


    Charred feathers, His seething only brings


    Love our Hatred''s avatar


    Walk beside our Dahlemar


    For one day his face shall show


    So it is written in the book of Woe¡±


    Andros furiously scribbled the words into his journal as the priest spoke them. He glanced up to Avalon and Vada. ¡°We await your leadership, Silver Wing.¡±


    Avalon acknowledged the Gold Wing and lifted the priest to his toes with his collar so that he was forced to face Avalon. ¡°Who are you?¡± she asked.


    ¡°So it is written in the book of-¡±


    Avalon threw down the priest back to the misty ground and unsheathed her Silencer. ¡°Do not make me ask again!¡±


    Andros pulled Avalon¡¯s arm. ¡°Perhaps you are still not emotionally ready for this task.¡±


    Avalon yanked her arm free. ¡°You are her to observe, not to interfere.¡± She turned her attention back to the priest. ¡°Dahlemar has abandoned you.¡± She crept closer to the priest with


    every word, straining on the god¡¯s name. ¡°Alanna cannot save you and Alue ignores you.¡±


    The priest widened his eyes as the sacred steel of Avalon¡¯s blade grazed his cheek. It seared


    his flesh like a cattle brand.


    ¡°Tell me who you are,¡± Avalon repeated.


    The priest grit his teeth and then bowed his head, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± he said, ¡°I have already failed to protect the Plague Reach. I was once called ¡®Revic¡¯.¡±


    ¡°What is the Plague Reach, Revic?¡±


    ¡°The Darkest Shadow watches me. He will not let me reveal his plans.¡±


    The moon hung at its zenith but its light failed to illuminate Woadhollow as a widespread hand of shadow wrapped its fingers around the Silent Ones, casting the area in an impenetrable cloak of blackness. Avalon circled around, attempting to gain her bearings in the dark fog.


    However, even with her blazing Silencer used as a makeshift torch, she still couldn¡¯t even see her own hands.


    ¡°What is happening?¡± Avalon called out, ¡°Vada? Where are you?¡±


    ¡°Avalon, I hear you but you are so distant!¡± Vada¡¯s voice pierced the shadows but came from all directions.


    Avalon reached out for Revic. His laughter seemed miles away, now a faint echo. ¡°What is going on, Revic?¡±


    ¡°He is here! My Master has come for me!¡±


    Is this Dahlemar¡¯s work? Has the Torn One¡¯s magic reached the Mortal Plane? I can¡¯t even see where I am, how am I supposed to fight h-


    As quickly as the shadow came, it vanished just as fast. Once again Avalon was surrounded by her peers. Revic lay a mutilated corpse, with only a raspy voice bubbling out through globs of black venom and blood. Avalon slid to his side. ¡°Revic! Who is the Darkest Shadow? Is he Dahlemar? I need a name! Tell me!¡±


    Through labored breathing and gurgling chokes, Revic could only manage a single word, ¡°Win-ter-tide.¡±

 Chapter 15: Bar Room Blitz

    Dragon Realm Scorch


    The Fire Breach Post served both as a small military installation and trading post just on the edge of the Ember Sands. The desert heat stagnated the air with its dryness while the perpetually angry hot sun glowered on the outpost from high in the sky.


    Guster threw his leather coat over his shoulder as he entered the Buzzard''s Cantina. Ever thankful for the miracle of frost magic, he ordered a chilled glass of beer and situated himself in a far corner of the cantina, where he could keep an eye on the entrance. The glass''s frost rune gave off a soft glow as it rapidly cooled the mug. He kicked a cowhide boot on top of the sturdy wooden table and leaned his chair back, creaking on the dusty floorboards. Tipping his derby hat down to the bridge of his nose, he closed his eyes and listened to the various chatty gossip from the patrons at the neighboring tables.


    ¡°I swears there''s a city in the Nightlands! I seen it in a dream!¡± a young prospector told his companion.


    ¡°Oh, I''m sure ye did, Erik. An'' I be the Queen of Chains! Pour out ye beer, ye had enough.¡±


    ¡°Mayhaps you''re right, Treth, I''ve had enough. You do look a bit more attractive,¡± said Erik,


    ending with a high-pitched hiccup.


    Guster smirked and listened to another conversation.


    ¡°Hey Valik, hear those mages be gathering up their best students for a secret tournament,¡± nudged a salt trader.


    ¡°Yeah, if it''s a secret, how did you hear about it?¡± asked Valik, unconvinced.


    ¡°Me brother''s friend has a cousin, who has a sister, who has a friend, who heard it from a mage apprentice.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a trustworthy source.¡±


    Guster shook his head and strained his hearing towards an old man mumbling between gulps of mead.


    ¡°I was there, I seen it. A city of dragons! They guard somethin'', I swear, knights wielding swords that can melt through stone. I ain''t never heard of steel that sharp! Not even the Ironguard has an armory like that!¡±


    Guster grinned at the thought of having a set of daggers like that. He imagined never needing matches to light his bliss sticks again. He took notice of a scraggly, pale man limping towards him. Several long scrolls filled his arms. He collapsed into a chair and spilled them across Guster''s table and spoke with a rushed wheeze as if he¡¯d run across the wastes on foot with no rest.


    ¡°I have them all, as promised,¡± the gaunt man said, ¡°but I need your help!¡±


    ¡°Sket, you done well. Dese everythin¡¯ I asked for?¡± asked Guster, pleased with the thief. He pawed each scroll, quickly scanning their wax seals. Each bore the emblem of the Citadel of Keepers pressed into the red wax.


    ¡°Guster, Citadel Hounds are chasing me,¡± quivered Sket with fear looming in his golden eyes, ¡°they''ll be here soon to sniff me out and kill me. You need to protect me,¡±


    ¡°Wait, wait, wait! Need to protect you?¡± Guster held up his hands and shook his head. ¡°I ain''t got to do a damn thing! I paid you to steal de info dat I needed. You¡¯re supposed to be de best thief in Scorch! How are you goin¡¯ to get caught?¡±


    Sket narrowed his eyes, ¡°I''m not the best thief, I''m the cheapest! I''m altering the deal. Protect me and you can have these scrolls.¡±


    Guster broke the seal on the scroll closest to him and glimpsed it over. A map of a wide-stretched desert with a Guardian Phoenix sketched in the corner. Guster recognized the mark of the nearby city of Nacsirri; this was the Desert of the Damned. An interesting marking at the center puzzled him. He''d never seen something like that on a map before. He curled up the parchment all the same and went to grab a second, but Sket snatched it away.


    ¡°You can look at them when you agree to protect me from the Hounds.¡±


    Guster growled in annoyance. ¡°Gimme de scroll, Sket, else it won''t be de Hounds you need to worry about.¡±


    Sket dropped the scroll in defeat and slumped into a chair. Guster unraveled the scroll.


    Year 1457, the twelfth moon, the seventh sun


    A man of gargantuan size approached the Citadel gates, draped in a long, black, hooded traveler''s cloak with a notable symbol on its back: a white-trimmed black snowflake with twin blue crescent moons in its center. The man claimed he represented one Duke Alifinster Fen. When asked what Lord Fen needed, he said he wanted information of a particular rune and its location. We have quite the catalog of runes, their meanings, and last known locations. Acquiring the information was not the problem. However, our records are not open to the public and we pride ourselves in our exclusivity. Lord Fen''s servant was informed as such. The man introduced himself as Uther Irohsoam and that under any normal circumstances he would not be asking for information, but taking it. We were not intimidated¡­ perhaps only slightly.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    He continued to inform us that his master was prepared to donate a handsome amount of gold sendetti to the Citadel in exchange for the information he sought. Several parts of the Citadel are in desperate need of maintenance so we reluctantly agreed to give Lord Fen what he asked for. Replications only, nothing original, of course. What he sought from such a rune might concern kings and great men, but we are observers to history, not players in it; we record, not question.


    Guster finished reading and took hold of the last scroll, however he frowned in disappointment. ¡°Dis one''s water logged. Like wine was spilled onto it.¡±


    Sket fidgeted in his seat, ¡°I may have been a bit clumsy while procuring that one.¡±


    ¡°Damn it, Sket!¡± Guster looked over the map again, studying the distance of Nacsirri from his own location. ¡°If Uther is travelin¡¯ to de Desert of de Damned, he¡¯ll need a guide.¡± Guster calculated how long it would take to get to Nacsirri on foot. ¡°Nacsirri is where he¡¯d find dat guide. Only yikahtis know dere way through dat desert- besides myself. Yikahtis are pretty rare in dis part of Scorch.¡± Guster rolled the scroll back up and stuck it in his jacket. ¡°Uther''s goin¡¯ to be in Nacsirri for sometime, dat be my chance to catch up with him.¡± Guster gritted his teeth, he needed a quicker way to Nacsirri besides by wagon. ¡°Your uncle owns a merchant ship, don¡¯t he? I need passage to Nacsirri.¡±


    Sket''s sunken eyes lit up. ¡°Protection for passage!¡±


    Guster glanced at the entrance of the cantina as two looming men entered the bar. They wore ornate leather armor of basilisk hide, and brilliant green capes with a sea-blue trim draped their


    left shoulders. They bear the emblem of the Citadel around their necks and armed with wickedly curved scimitars.


    Guster snarled. These Citadel Hounds¡¯ tracking skills were only matched by their combat prowess. It would not be an easy fight for him, but he needed this deal. The two men nodded to the bartender, who ran out of the establishment, more than happy to leave the Hounds to their business.


    ¡°Fine, stand back, Sket.¡± Guster pushed Sket behind the table as he strolled up to the two Hounds.


    Guster darted his keen blue eyes towards the bar and grimaced. Entering the Buzzard''s Cantina automatically meant that one would abide by the establishment¡¯s no-weapons rules for the duration of one¡¯s stay, and ordinarily, a whole armory¡¯s worth of swords, knives and other weapons was tucked safely away behind the bar. Normally Guster wouldn''t volunteer to part with his coat full of throwing knives, but as it were, Fire Breach Post was the only hint of civilization in the Ember Sands for miles in any direction. If Guster wanted to defeat the Hounds and get onto that merchant ship, he would need to be creative. Luckily, he fancied himself an artist.


    One of the Hounds up heaved a table, clattering it to the ground. The commotion did the trick as the cantina quickly emptied save for Guster and Sket. One of the Hounds stared fiercely at the nervous thief before focusing his attention on Guster, who casually approached them.


    ¡°Out of our way!¡± the Hound commanded, ¡°we are on Citadel business. It does not concern you,¡±


    ¡°Your business is my business, Hound,¡± replied Guster.


    The Hounds brandished their swords. ¡°You will regret crossing us.¡±


    Guster stepped backwards and threw up his hands. He made a quick search of his surroundings. Tables, chairs, tin dishes, glass mugs, glass bottles, a bar, and two enemies.


    Sket gulped as Guster doubled backed on his side of the agreement. The Hounds grinned cruelly as they passed by Guster.


    Taking two glass bottles from a neighboring table, Guster smashed them across the back of the mens'' skulls. ¡°Waste of a good drink,¡± he muttered underneath his breath.


    The savage attack left both men collapsing to their knees.


    As they tried to recover to deal with their assailant, Guster plunged the jagged broken bottles into his opponents. One into the side of a throat, the other not as accurate, ending up into a shoulder.


    The lesser wounded of the men lunged and tackled Guster, crashing the bounty hunter through a table.


    Guster lay dazed in the splintered mess as the Hound, now disarmed, chose to pummel his face with his good arm.


    Guster put up a single arm as a guard and grabbed the next fist about to collide with his face. Heaving his torso up, he rolled his opponent over him so that he was now on top of him. He grabbed the Hound¡¯s throat and throttled it.


    The Hound slid a kris from his sash and plunged the wavy dagger into Guster¡¯s thigh. The bounty hunter yelped in pain and leaped off of him.


    Guster inspected his wound, ripping out the blade and throwing it to the ground in frustration.


    ¡°You finally got a shot in!¡± Guster smirked.


    The Hound eyed his sword laying out of reach and then refocused his attention back on Guster. ¡°It would benefit you to surrender,¡± he responded, ¡°leave the thief in my custody.¡±


    Guster raised his fists and took a large step forward to close the gap between them. Ignoring the gash in his leg, he threw a right hook that rocked his opponent¡¯s jaw and threw him off balance.


    Guster grabbed a nearby chair. Spinning around with the backrest tightly gripped, he smashed it across the back of the man, slamming him hard to the ground.


    Sket slowly shuffled over to the Hound, who struggled to rise and reach for his sword. With a series of swift kicks to the back of his head, Sket dispatched him for good.


    Guster limped to the bar, leaning on his good leg, he poured himself a glass of whiskey.


    Downing the drink in a single gulp, he beckoned Sket over to him.


    ¡°You owe me a boat trip.¡±

 Chapter 16: Sparring with the Cat

    Unknown Location


    The sounds of clashing swords echoed throughout the cavern as Inle leaped backwards on top of a boulder. He darted wall to wall until he scaled the cliff face. Confident he¡¯d made enough distance from his instructor, he took a breather.


    His break was cut short as the Collector bounded up to him in a single leap, nearly toppling Inle as he swung his sword of pure light madly about.


    Inle sprung back against a large stalagmite, stumbling over the natural structure. He cartwheeled to the side to dodge a strike from the Collector''s sword. The light blade cut into the stone with a brilliant array of sparks, like fireworks lighting the bleak cavern. The Collector grunted as he dislodged his weapon and lurched forward. He lashed out left and right at Inle, who parried each attack. Each deflection left him blinded by the flashing explosions.


    ¡°What will you do, young Silent Master? Block me, and your sight will blink away each time! You will also find your movements cumbersome in this terrain! What will you do?¡± shouted the Collector amongst the flurry of slices.


    Inle ignored the question and gave his answer with a driving stab through his teacher''s cape, pinning it and its wearer to the cave wall. Without a moment to allow a response, Inle pushed off the sword''s hilt and flailed his legs, smashing his opponent''s face. The Collector¡¯s light blade skidded across the rough ground and into a shallow puddle.


    Inle raced to retrieve it, but a snap of chains lassoed his ankle and tripped him. He rolled to his back as the chain retracted, clinking together to form a sword in the Collector''s hand. With his other claw, the cat removed Inle''s sword from its position in the rock and tossed it to him.


    ¡°No, the Lightsworn is mine,¡± snarled the Collector.


    ¡°Wh-where did that chain sword come from? You were completely disarmed!¡± a baffled Inle stammered.


    The Collect smirked, ¡°Hand me my blade, whelp.¡±


    The shadow elf reached over and gently picked up the magical, luminescent sword. He shuffled slowly to the Collector, but tightened his grip. ¡°How many swords do you really have?¡±


    The Collector blinked as if thinking about the number but instead laid his palm out once more. ¡°Give it here, Inle.¡±


    ¡°Inle examined the blade for a moment. He considered withholding it, wielding it, turning it against his partner to gain an advantage. But the urge passed, and he returned it ¡°Well?¡± he asked again.


    The cat took Lightsworn and slid both it and his chainsword into his cloak. Inle¡¯s face lit up with astonishment as the swords vanished within the fabric.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The Collector flashed a toothy smile. ¡°The real question is how many can I carry,¡± he pointed out.


    Inle could hardly believe his elven eyes. The Collector allowed him to take a hold of the tail end of the jet black cloth. Squinting to see finer details in the fabric, he searched for secret pockets, hidden sheaths, anything that would explain where two swords went to. He found nothing.


    ¡°Look at the lining closer,¡± the Collector hinted.


    Indeed, there was something amiss with the cloak''s silky lining. Inle stared, peering for any missing details. Then he saw it. Color. A sheen of a familiar magenta. The same color of the tunnels he used to travel to and from the guild''s hideout.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Inle asked, his curiosity at its zenith.


    ¡°Oblivion cloth. It gives clothing a pocket dimension to hold an infinite supply of whatever you like. In this case, a dimension full of swords.¡±


    ¡°Then why carry four on your belt?¡±


    ¡°Normally one carrying four sheathed swords is not trifled with,¡± the Collector said casually.


    ¡°Where can I get oblivion cloth?¡± Inle asked, eager to get his hands on something so unique. It would be perfect to carry shurikens and knives, perhaps in a pair of oblivion cloth gloves. The possibilities were endless.


    ¡°Perhaps Wraslyn will give you an oblivion item when you prove yourself. For now, you still have to deal with me and your challenges.¡±


    Inle furrowed his brow, his hopes dashed.


    ¡°Ah, yes, speaking of which¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Inle looked up, hopeful to get back to business and skip the Collector¡¯s training for now. He enjoyed training with the Black Rabbits, but training with this cat and his seemingly,


    the endless supply of magical swords put him at a disadvantage. Inle did not like to be put at a disadvantage.


    ¡°Our Woadhollow garden has been compromised. We will need to find a new cultivator.¡±


    Inle recalled several meetings with the Dead of Winter council. For plans to take place all


    over Draak Terra and the responsibility each member received with finding the Celestial Seals. With himself and his partner dealing with the dismantling of Lost Dawns. However, he remembered no talks of a ¡°Woadhollow garden¡± whatever that may have been.


    ¡°Compromised?¡± Inle hid his ignorance.


    ¡°Silent Ones have found our Plague Reach and Gardener.¡±


    Inle had heard mentions of ¡®Plague Reach¡¯ before, but could never find out exactly what it was. Nonetheless, he knew it was important to their cause.


    ¡°Is the Plague Reach still salvageable?¡± asked Inle.


    ¡°A question I intend to find the answer to once the Silent Ones abandon Woadhollow.¡± He pawed Inle¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Onto matters that can be dealt with until then. Have you set up the rally in Lost Dawns?¡±


    Inle nodded. ¡°I made the necessary arrangements. The rally will be held tomorrow night.¡±


    ¡°Excellent, we¡¯ll cast our line and see who bites.¡±

 Chapter 17: Black Rabbit Methods

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    ¡°Hello Avren.¡± The crisp Autumn air nibbled at Wiccer¡¯s nose as he placed a prayer stone on his brother¡¯s headstone. ¡°It has been awhile since we last talked.¡±


    Wiccer stood silent, letting time pass him as if Avren¡¯s ghost were responding. The cemetery seemed emptier than usual. Nearly a thousand fallen souls filled the graves, each a victim in the Varis War or by the hands of Black Rabbit attacks. His brother was no different. A monument in Wiccer¡¯s mind of his failure to honor his brother¡¯s memory. A reminder that he aligned himself with Elucard the Kingslayer.


    ¡°The nightmares grow worse, Avren. I try to push them down. Power forward. Be a good soldier, like you¡­ but I¡¯m not as strong as you.¡± Wiccer¡¯s hand began to shake. He quickly hid it beneath his wool cloak in shame. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can keep this front up forever ¨C now I have this Ghost Fox act to hold up.¡± Wiccer knelt down and placed his trembling hand on the smooth marble gravestone. It calmed his nerves but not his mind. Still fragile and withering away in the storm of his past. ¡°Why¡¯d you have to go and die, leave me to Pa? I want you here with me, big brother. I need you here¡­¡±


    ***


    ¡°We¡¯ll have one shot at this Elucard. Let¡¯s not screw this up.¡± Wiccer and Elucard walked down the spiraling dungeon staircase on the way to the prison cells. Wiccer led the way with a torch in one hand while his other hand felt along the crumbling walls of the dank dungeon. His companion leading ahead of him.


    ¡°I know, I know. Multiple visits will lead the Psy-Ops to be suspicious. ARO has no grounds to interrogate prisoners.¡± Elucard pushed open a heavy oak door and entered the prison.


    Wiccer saluted the warden who shot up from his desk. The stocky elf glared at the two Watchers with a mixture of resentment and curiosity. He waved away his two guards. ¡°You two ain¡¯t supposed to be here¡­ Well, maybe just you,¡± he said, smirking at Elucard. ¡°Got a cozy cell set up just for the Kingslayer.¡±


    ¡°Funny,¡± Elucard said dryly.


    ¡°Delvar Lightwood, isn¡¯t it?¡± Wiccer slid a scroll from his belt and handed it to the warden. ¡°Orders from the higher ups. Sergeant Freewind and I are to interrogate the prisoner.¡±


    Delvar unraveled the scroll and scanned the orders, but did not have enough time to properly read it before Wiccer snatched it back.


    ¡°All is in order then?¡± Wiccer didn¡¯t so much as ask, but tell Delvar. The dumbfounded elf stepped aside as Wiccer and Elucard pushed through him and further into the dungeon.


    ¡°How much time do you think that bought us?¡± Elucard asked once he was confident they were out of earshot of Delvar and his guards.


    ¡°Hard to say. I¡¯d say the amount of time that it takes him to fetch his superior,¡± answered Wiccer. He and Elucard halted outside an iron door. ¡°The keys, Elucard?¡±


    Elucard smiled as he produced a ring of dangling keys he swiped from the warden earlier when he was distracted with the scroll. ¡°Rabbit trickery never fails.¡±


    Unlocking the heavy door, they entered and approached the prisoner who sat cross-legged against the opposing wall. A bucket within the corner reeked of pungent droppings and urine. A wooden bowl of gruel fed a plump rat. The sound of the opening door sent the rodent scurrying into a nearby crack.


    ¡°Ah, guests. It¡¯s my lucky day,¡± said the prisoner. His tone was cheerful, but his face presented him as frail and sick.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t here for pleasantries, Bremscott. We¡¯re looking for information.¡± Wiccer kicked away the bowl of slop and signaled for Elucard to lock the door behind them.


    ¡°Captain¡­ Newsun, yes?¡± Bremscott didn¡¯t bother to stand up. ¡°I was unaware that ARO had the power to interrogate prisoners. Now, I was only a spearman, but a man in my position knows about the importance and duties of the Anti-Rogue Ops. It¡¯s in your namesake, isn¡¯t it?The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    You handle would-be assassins and thieves? Politics aren¡¯t really your area of expertise,¡± he said smugly.


    Wiccer¡¯s lip curled in embarrassment. So easily deflated by the knowledgeable opponent. He glanced at Elucard who sighed.


    ¡°Listen, up Bremscott, enough games.¡± Elucard lifted the prisoner up and slammed him against the wall by his ragged shirt. ¡°This is how it will work. The captain will ask you a question and if you don¡¯t answer him with something he wants to hear, I¡¯ll break a finger.¡± Still


    bracing Bremscott, Elucard grabbed the prisoner¡¯s hand and slowly pressed Bremscott¡¯s index finger backwards.


    ¡°I always knew you ARO types were thugs!¡± Bremscott spat.


    Elucard sneered and without hesitation snapped the finger completely backwards.


    Bremscott howled in agony.


    ¡°Elucard!¡± flared Wiccer.


    ¡°Am I making myself clear?¡± snarled Elucard, a deviant smile carved across his face.


    ¡°Argh! Y-yes!¡± Bremscott stuttered through pain and sweat.


    ¡°Go ahead Wiccer.¡±


    Wiccer hesitated, no longer on board with their plan, but was afraid to push Elucard further in his methods. ¡°We know you still have connections with the outside. We want to know if the other veterans are planning a meeting and when?¡±


    Bremscott, still wriggling in pain, sucked in lungs full of air. ¡°G-get this maniac Rabbit off of me!¡±


    *Crack* Another finger. His middle one.


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste my time, Bremscott!¡± threatened Elucard.


    ¡°Elucard! This isn¡¯t our way!¡± Wiccer pulled the tormenting elf away from Bremscott. ¡°You¡¯ll put him in shock before we get a straight answer out of him!¡±


    Elucard glowered with dark eyes at Wiccer. ¡°You¡¯d rather he run circles with us? You think he¡¯d give up his allies so easily?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t compromise my morals for this path. It¡¯s not worth it!¡±


    ¡°You compromised your morals once you dawned the Red Cloak, Wiccer. We are the shadow that protects the light. Or does our sacrifice mean nothing to you now?¡±


    Wiccer moved in close to Elucard, his dark complexion now flushed with anger. He ground his teeth but he still had the conflicting urge to back off. It was not that he agreed with Elucard, but he felt he could not defend his position. They did not have the luxury to interrogate Bremscott multiple times and neither did they have the resources to research other veteran gatherings. If they wanted the Ghost Foxes to succeed, Elucard¡¯s way was, unfortunately, the most efficient way.


    ¡°Do it your way, Elucard,¡± settled Wiccer.


    ¡°N-no wait!¡± Bremscott gripped his mangled fingers with his hand and desperately tried to back as far as he could against the wall. His feet slid across the grimy surface with each attempt. ¡°Newsun! I c-can see you just want to do what¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Get to the point,¡± barked Elucard.


    ¡°You do what you do for your country? A t-true soldier?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard enough of this nonsense.¡± Elucard bent over to pick up where he left off with Bremscott.


    ¡°Elucard, stop. I want to hear this.¡± Wiccer knelt beside the former spearman. ¡°I am. I would do anything to protect my men. I live and die by my flag.¡±


    ¡°Y-yes. So w-would I. T-that is why we went against the k-king. For the good of our brothers. To bring honor back to L-Long Whisper,¡± Bremscott hissed with each short breath, the pain being unbearable.


    ¡°We are alike. Dedicated soldiers, bound by duty. Will you help us?¡±


    Bremscott swallowed hard, now going in and out of consciousness. ¡°N-not the Kingslayer, just you.¡±


    Wiccer leaned Bremscott closer to his ear. ¡°Tell me.¡±


    ¡°T-there is a rally, tomorrow n-night. Held by the y-yikahti. H-he will find a new coup to f-fund.¡±


    ¡°Tell us where!¡± order Elucard.


    Bremscott glared at the Watcher until Wiccer shooed Elucard back towards the door. ¡°Tell us where, please.¡±


    ¡°The old armory. In the Roots.¡±


    Elucard unlocked the door and gestured for Wiccer to follow. Wiccer remained until Bremscott passed out from his pain. ¡°For what it¡¯s worth, Bremscott, I¡¯m sorry.¡±

 Chapter 18: Making an Entrance

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    Elucard perched in the rafters hidden by the flickering shadows of the old armory factory. To his sides and on parallel crossbeams, hid his new Ghost Fox brethren. Like him they wore darkly dyed leather jackets and wooden theater fox masks. Their outfits were accented with white hooded cloaks that ended in a pointy, grey tail, which resembled fox tails. They chose the uniforms to stand out from the traditional Black Rabbits or ARO garb. A sight to evoke curiosity and gossip.


    The veterans gathered around a fire fueled with broken furniture and debris once found around the abandoned building. The crackling flames kept the immediate area warm, while a chilled wind blew through the open windows. A small stage stood at the foot of the fire where a lone panther yikahti counted the heads of the rally participants.


    Wiccer hopped to Elucard¡¯s side. ¡°He must be the yikahti from Bremscott¡¯s journals.¡±


    Elucard rubbed his hands for warmth. ¡°Any idea who he is?¡±


    ¡°He carries four swords and bears a black snowflake and twin moons on his cloak.¡± Wiccer glanced at Lear, then back to Elucard. ¡°Lear has never heard of such a cat.¡±


    ¡°No sign of Inle either.¡± Elucard¡¯s tone broke with a hint of disappointment. He had hoped to come to blows with Inle, not so much for his still seeded hatred of the young shadow elf, but he had come to miss his rival. As he learned to recall his Rabbit teachings as a tool more than a shame, he yearned for more memories he could call pleasant. His old mentor, Legion, felt differently. Elucard could never tell him of his torture methods. His mentor had locked away any Rabbit teachings that Elucard once held onto. Legion was closer to Wiccer than Elucard now, and Elucard had no clue how to feel about that.


    Is the Rabbit still in me? Do I want to go back to my old¡­ familiar ways? Jetta, please guide my conscience.


    ¡°Elucard. Focus.¡± Wiccer pressed his hand down on the elf¡¯s shoulder. ¡°The cat speaks.¡±


    ¡°Not many of you have gathered this time around,¡± spoke the Collector in his raspy voice. He


    paced the stage, dabbing a single claw in the air as he counted each veteran. ¡°Not many at all. Have you all decided your cause is no longer worth the effort?¡±


    An older veteran, one who served as a White Cloak before joining Long Whisper¡¯s military, stepped forward. ¡°The Anti-Rogue Ops dismantled Bremscott¡¯s gang! They all are to be hanged in the town square by the end of the week!¡±


    The Collector mocked the veteran with an exaggerated frown, ¡°You were all blood and thunder about seeing your king dethroned before the arrests¡­¡±


    ¡°We still want justice for our brothers!¡± another veteran shouted.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Then who of you is prepared to strike back at the Dawnedge?¡± the Collector roared. Another wave of silence. ¡°There is heart here, but no soul.¡±


    ¡°We will fight for the broken!¡±


    The voice cracked the rally like lightning from the rafters.


    ¡°Step forth into the light!¡± called out the Collector. His eyes strained to peer far into the shadows, but despite his keen senses, he only made out abstract forms.


    Elucard leaped from the ceiling and stomped down onto the wobbly stage. The yikahti was a head taller than the elf. The cat¡¯s lanky frame and many swords dominated the former Black Rabbit¡¯s presence, but the mystique of the Ghost Fox caught the Collector off guard. The panther reached for a sword and tried to slide it from its sheath, but Elucard whipped out his ninjato slightly faster.


    The Collector sneered at his own reflection in Elucard¡¯s sword. The edge rested on the flat of the yikahti¡¯s hand. One false move and he would leave the rally short one limb.


    ¡°You are quick, assassin, but how quick?¡± said the Collector, coolly.


    Elucard had only mere seconds to react as a shadow descended upon him. He rolled backwards just as Inle drove his sword into the stage floor.


    Elucard¡¯s narrowed his eyes as Inle¡¯s steel mask met his gaze. After two years, the Black Rabbits were united, but only momentarily.


    ¡°He is skilled,¡± reported Inle to the Collector. He stood and sheathed his blade. ¡°I would have sliced a lesser warrior in two.¡±


    Elucard staved back all feelings and emotions to rip Inle apart.


    Several more Ghost Foxes dropped to the stage, blades drawn. Elucard inched closer to Inle, preparing himself for an all-out war. Wiccer moved in front of Elucard, holding a hand up as an act of peace.


    ¡°We are not here to fight with you. We are here to fight for you,¡± Wiccer said slowly.


    ¡°Forgive my haste, assassin. Your companion took me off guard.¡± The Collector nodded.


    Wiccer lowered his sword to the ground and knelt. ¡°We wish to fight for the broken and


    abused.¡±


    ¡°What do you call your clan, Assassin?¡± the Collector asked.


    ¡°We are the Ghost Foxes. We will take the weight off our veterans to deal with the throne, provided¡­.¡±


    ¡°Provided?¡± Inle asked, enticed by the prospect of the Ghost Fox¡¯s request.


    ¡°You bring us into your fold,¡± finished Wiccer.


    The yikahti snickered, showing off a wide smile of fearsome teeth. ¡°Our fold? What is your angle Ghost Fox?¡±


    ¡°What is your angle, cat?¡±


    Inle drew his sword again.


    ¡°No.¡± The Collector gestured for Inle to back down. ¡°Very well. You wish to join our organization? Then you must work, Cunning Fox.¡±


    Wiccer crossed an arm over his chest in a salute. ¡°What do you ask from us first?¡±


    The Collector smiled. He paced around Wiccer as other Ghost Foxes watched with weary eyes. Finally, the yikahti spoke again, ¡°Koda has a treasure caravan approaching Lost Dawns from Sparrowport. The funds are to supply his military. Rob the caravan and redistribute the wealth.¡±


    ¡°For the people.¡± Wiccer nodded.


    ¡°Indeed.¡± The Collector grinned.

 Chapter 19: Woadhollows Fate

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    Woadhollow crumbled in a fantastic glow of the blight fueled fire. Avalon may have been watching her home village burn into cinders, but her past shrieked and stripped down the walls that she had built against her memories of the Black Rabbits. The misdeeds that she wrought onto others such as her own family seeped into her consciousness once again. It left her weakened within her heart and soul.


    ¡°Are you ok, Avalon?¡± asked Vada, ¡°You haven¡¯t said a word since we started the fire.¡±


    Avalon still stared deeply into the dancing flames, mute and caught in a trance.


    ¡°We still have no clue what this Plague Reach might have been,¡± Vada tried to reach Avalon once again. However, Avalon remained quiet. ¡°Avalon?¡±


    Finally, breaking her long solitude within her silence, Avalon spoke, ¡°Woadhollow is dead. Both to its denizens and to me. Let us leave this place.¡±


    ¡°And what of the mysterious shadow and message?¡± Vada pushed further. ¡°What is ¡®Wintertide¡¯ supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°I keep reciting a prayer in my head,¡± Avalon ignored Vada¡¯s questions. ¡°Over and over again. Hoping it would somehow make me stronger,


    ¡°Jedeo, I won¡¯t give in, I won¡¯t surrender,


    I¡¯ve ran all my life, I won¡¯t run anymore,


    I¡¯m not afraid of the Ashes,


    Grant me your Silencer,


    From which all others are born,


    And give me Wings so White.¡±


    ¡°Where did you hear that one?¡± asked Vada. The prayer was unique in its nature, none of it flowed or rhymed. Of all her training at the Blade Range, she had never read such a prayer in any tome or scripture.


    ¡°I listened to it. From my heart.¡± Avalon¡¯s words almost rang like a song or more like a dream. Haunting yet beautiful. Strange yet truthful.


    ¡°And do the words help you?¡±


    ¡°Not yet,¡± Avalon whispered, half to Vada, half to herself.


    ¡°Then why do you continue to listen?¡±


    A Black Rabbit¡¯s question. Why listen to the heart when the mind yields your strength and determination?This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    ¡°A question I shall meditate on, Sis-¡± Avalon broke off as Andros made his way towards the pair with his journal crossed in his arms clutched against his chest, ¡°Gold Wing Andros, I fear what you have to say about our mission. I admit it was not the best showcase of my leadership¡­¡± she trailed off as Andros lifted his finger to interrupt the Silent One leader.


    ¡°You may stop right there, Silver Wing,¡± he said, ¡°Your leadership was only affected by the deep rooted, personal nature of this mission. You were vengeful and acted in haste rather than properly assessing the situation.¡±


    ¡°I-¡±


    ¡°I am not finished, Silver Wing,¡± Andros continued, ¡°Your new Silent One techniques are brutal, but I see potential. I feel that if I were to observe your abbey for longer, I would be able to effectively investigate what I was sent here to find.¡±


    ¡°You wish to stay longer?¡± questioned Vada.


    ¡°Indeed, Iron Wing Vada.¡±


    ¡°This is good news then,¡± said Vada, pleased with the announcement.


    ¡°It is news, that is all,¡± stated Andros.


    ¡°I suppose any news is better than bad news,¡± agreed Avalon, ¡°Then we shall not let you down a second time!¡±


    ¡°See that you don¡¯t.¡±


    ***


    Inle covered his mouth with the collar of his cloak as he choked on the soot hanging in the air like a wall of fog. Meanwhile, the Collector sifted through the smoldering debris of what remained of Woadhollow.


    ¡°What are we looking for again?¡± asked Inle as he kicked through a pile of white ash, ¡°Plague Reach, I know, but do we just scoop it from the ground?¡±


    The Collector sneered at the thought of the elf¡¯s ignorant question. He grunted as he attempted to lift a large shaft of timber, ¡°Help me with this, whelp!¡±


    Together they heaved the cross beam and pushed it aside, revealing an encrusted, black growth. It was miraculously unharmed by the fire. Like a very thick oil, it receded to reveal a jet black rose. The yikahti plucked it with the utmost care, whispering an incantation as he did so.


    ¡°This is the Plague Reach?¡± asked Inle. He was rather disappointed. He imagined the Plague Reach to be an insidious weapon. Volatile and god-like. The secret power of the mysterious Wraslyn, but it turned out to be some dumb flower.


    ¡°Consider this village a garden. Instead of a bed of roses, it¡¯s dedicated to growing a single one. From this flower we can gather what we need to make Plague Reach.¡± The Collector pulled a small vial from his belt. He tipped the rosebud until a dense solvent trickled from it into the vial. The liquid gathered at the bottom of the glass until nothing else came from the rose. ¡°In the next few days this will form a seed and we will have what we need from Woadhollow.¡±


    ¡°All this destruction and misery for a single seed?¡±


    ¡°A necessary sacrifice. The nursery requires souls to bloom.¡± Once harvested, the rose wilted and shriveled in the Collector¡¯s hand. ¡°Uther will be pleased.¡±


    ¡°The giant seeks one of the seals? What does Plague Reach have to do with any of this?¡±


    ¡°All in good time, Inle.¡± The Collector smirked. ¡°We still have a task before we can assist


    Uther¡¯s mission.¡±


    ¡°How much longer will we waste our time toying with Lost Dawns?¡±


    The Collector drew a large circle in the air with his claw, creating a doorway to another dimension. ¡°You make a good point. We shall move forward with our plans. I also tire of these games.¡± He bowed, gesturing Inle to step through first. ¡°Let us see how far our new Ghost Fox friends will push forward to prove their worth.¡±

 Chapter 20: A Brawl With Uther

    Dragon Realm Scorch


    The rowdy cries bounced around the walls of the small warehouse. Once, the building served as a factory for siege engines during the War of Chains; now long abandoned and run down, it had since been delegated as housing for underground activities within the more deviant community. Last night it was a bazaar for contraband weapons, today it served as a gambling circuit for animal fighting.


    Guster pushed himself further through the crowd of war veterans, dock workers, tradesmen, and the wealthy looking for a quick sendetti and a good time. Dolled up prostitutes served liquor and cigars as promoters shouted out the odds for each match. Several creatures were brought into make-shift pits built out of crates circling around each battlefield. Rough hands prodded the small, frightened creatures into the center of the ring with ember-burning sticks - into the fight for survival.


    Guster stopped to watch a fight between a wing-clipped falcon and a bulky rat. The falcon had a natural advantage from the air, but the rat made short work of it by sinking its gnawing incisors through the neck of the bird. Guster grimaced at the screeching of the falcon as it gasped for air, drowning in its own blood. He reached for a glass of whiskey as a server passed by, swallowing the drink in one gulp. Spotting a stout-bellied man watching a scorpion battle a rattlesnake, he tapped the short man on the shoulder. The man turned, exposing his bushy face, covered in a sticky sauce from a meaty appetizer. He looked Guster up and down, smiled, then turned his head back to the action.


    ¡°You McDunder?¡± shouted Guster over the load roars of the crowd.


    The man glanced back at Guster. ¡°I am,¡± he rattled off before focusing back on the scorpion.


    Guster narrowed his eyes. He''d prefer to command McDunder''s full attention for this


    exchange.


    ¡°You¡¯re my contact. You¡¯ve got info I need. Let''s talk away from all dis.¡±


    The man raised a single finger.


    Guster shot a stare full of daggers at the arrogant man. ¡°Listen up McDunder, I''m in a bit of a rush. So how bout we chat now and you deal with your critters later.¡±


    McDunder turned back around, his face annoyed with Guster¡¯s impatience. He finished the drops of ale from his glass and responded with a gruff, ¡°You came to see me? You need info from me? As far as I¡¯m concerned, you can wait for this match to finish or you can gather the intel on your own. Understand, Guster?¡±


    Guster''s mouth curled as he pursed his lips. He tipped his brown hat, then pushed between McDunder and the other patrons. ¡°Oh, Guster understands alright. You can''t talk to me until your lil'' critter fight is over.¡±


    McDunder''s eyes widened with worry as Guster climbed over the wooden boxes and into the ring. ¡°Guster, what are you doing?¡±


    Guster raised a boot and thrust it down, crushing the scorpion with a crunch. The arachnid''s guts spewed out under the weight of the foot. A resounding ''boo'' called out all around the bounty hunter as he scraped the remains of the creature along the floor, attempting to clean his boot. He kicked a crate to the side and strutted past the shocked McDunder. ¡°I want my info,¡± spat the bounty hunter. He looked behind him. His contact had yet to move. ¡°Now!¡± he shouted with ferocity in his voice.


    ¡°Guster, Guster, Guster. Always charging at your problems head first like a squealing hog, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Guster rolled his eyes in annoyance as Siv stepped in front of him, wearing her long, white bounty hunter duster and an irritated grimace.


    ¡°I ain¡¯t got no time for you, Siv.¡±


    ¡°You better make time, swamp rat!¡± growled Siv, ¡°I know you took the same job as me! ¡°You afraid of a little race?¡± Guster swept his thumb underneath his nose and smirked. ¡°Dat


    ain¡¯t the Siv I used to know.¡±


    Siv scowled darkly, balling up her fists.


    ¡°Tell you what, Siv, why don¡¯t we team up? Be like de ole¡¯ days. You, me, de Knife and Needle crew!¡± Guster smiled as Siv pondered the idea.


    ¡°You ain¡¯t going to stab me in the back like the snake you¡¯ve grown to be, right?¡±


    ¡°We take down Uther together. Split de boon. Promise, no funny business.¡± Siv chewed her lip, but reluctantly offered her hand to mark the truce.


    Guster shook her hand fervently. ¡°Dat¡¯s my girl!¡± Guster turned back to his contact. ¡°Now about my-our info.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Your mark is indeed in Nacsirri. He searches for a guide to get him through the Desert of the Damned. However, he has found himself in a jam because the only guides are yikahti and they haven''t been seen in Nacsirri in decades. Word on the wind says he is looking to buy a yikahti slave that can serve as a guide. The problem with his plan is the fact that Nacsirri is known as ''the City of Freedom''; slavery has been banned for years. You two are in luck. Uther is going to be stuck here for a while until a trader can smuggle in a yikahti slave that is also knowledgeable about that desert. I''ve heard he spends his time waiting in Madam Blackrose''s bordello, most likely taking in the finer pleasures of a freed man and dulling his senses with opium. I would advise you to strike then. Madam Blackrose may not approve of slave catching in her territory, but she might turn a blind eye for a Laroux.¡±


    Guster brushed away a waft of white smoke hanging in the air like a coat of Lost Dawn''s mist. The aroma of foreign spices and sex flared in his nostrils as he kicked into each room of the brothel. Women hailing from each of the five Dragon Realms, dressed in the finest threads and adorned with gold, silver, and gemmed jewelry ran their hands over Guster¡¯s body. They smiled and giggled, whispering lewd ideas into his ear and wavering their graceful hands down his shoulders and back. He grinned from the attention, but kept his focus on his task at hand.


    ¡°McDunder mentioned a Laroux connection with this brothel. This was before our time?¡± asked Siv as she trailed behind her partner. She kept a keen eye for their mark, not letting the mystique of the Blackrose distract her.


    ¡°De mistress dat run dis place was my ole¡¯ man¡¯s contact,¡± explained Guster. He looked back to Siv before continuing, ¡°I used to spend part of my youth around dis place when I ran with him.¡±If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°Home sweet home?¡±


    ¡°Somethin¡¯ like dat.¡±


    Making their way to the third floor, the two bounty hunters finally came into the sight of the exquisitely dressed shadow elf. She had cunning silver eyes and smooth violet skin. She dressed


    in only an open silk black robe and her neck bore a long scar across its width. A black rose tattoo displayed above her right breast with its thorny stem wrapping around her back ending towards her navel.


    ¡°You''re lucky your father was a gentleman, Guster, else I wouldn''t even allow you to spend a gold sendetti on my girls,¡± sneered Madam Blackrose.


    ¡°Looks like you two have more history than Guster let on,¡± said Siv with a quick smirk. The elf inspected Siv with a look of disdain and boredom. ¡°It would seem your standards in


    women have made you settle for those of a¡­ homelier persuasion, Guster.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, where is he, Velna?¡± Guster braced back Siv with his arm, dousing a flame instead of his usual stoking.


    Her eyes briefly darted to the door that she blocked, then redirected back to Guster. ¡°He spends good money here.¡±


    Guster pushed the madame out of his way. ¡°Yeah and I''m sure he''s real good in de sack too. Out of my way Velna, I got business with him,¡± he finished before he kicked in the door, which threw off the lock, making it across the floor with a loud clunk.


    Uther the Iron Soul lay in a round bed, propped up by the headboard. A tall and slender hookah sat next to the bed, made of polished silver engraved with ancient kings riding on horseback around it. A long hose rested in the former gladiator''s bear claw-sized hand as three naked women slumbered against him, only waking when Guster barged in.


    They screamed, grabbing the silk covers to hide their breasts from the stranger. Uther, himself wearing nothing save for a leather kilt, growled from the sudden intrusion. His tanned skin rippled over his humongous muscles, covered head to toe with thin scars. His jawline was a chiseled block, covered in a dark shadow of a spiny beard, his nose crooked as if every day of his life it was smashed in by a brick. One eye was a milky white, while the other had a cracked blue iris. Any question of whether he could still see was shattered as his good eye scanned Guster intensely before darting to Velna. She immediately ducked away, knowing a fight was coming.


    ¡°Who be you?¡± Uther shouted, his accent thick, from a remote part of the Dragon Realm Abyss, known for its rain forests and thousands of small islands.


    ¡°Out! Now!¡± Siv ordered the exotic women with a sharp bark.


    Guster kept up his front of intimidation, swiftly kicking over a velvet bound chair and flipping over a nearby table of food. ¡°We be de ones takin¡¯ your ass in!¡±


    Uther pushed off the bed and stood up, towering over the regular sized bounty hunters. ¡°What you mean, ''taking''? Uther be a free man. Uther goes where he pleases. Uther been wit women, Uther been wit men. Uther eats, Uther drinks. Uther takes commands from one man and you not be him!¡±


    Guster had to step back just to look at the man''s face, as he was at least triple his height. He grinned, almost regretting his decision to take this job, but he had been in worse scraps. ¡°My employer ain¡¯t gonna want me to come back empty handed. Now you can come to her walkin¡¯ in chains, or we can rumble and you can come to her on a stretcher!¡±


    At first Uther chuckled, but soon it turned into a deep belly laugh.


    Guster smiled and nodded his head to Siv. He rolled up his sleeves, revealing his hands clad in a pair of iron cestus battle gloves. Mustering as much strength as he could, he landed a bone-shuddering punch to Uther''s gut. The giant didn''t seem phased.


    Replying with his own attack, Uther thrust out a large foot that threw Guster out the room''s exit and crashed him into the wall across the hall. The ceiling shook with dust as large dent cracked around the Guster¡¯s impact


    The bounty hunter stumbled forward in a daze, but Uther roared and rammed into him with a shoulder charge.


    Guster crashed further back into the plaster of the wall. Shaking himself back awake, he took hold of Uther''s bald head and threw out several hay-makers, smashing his armored fist into the gladiator''s cheek.


    Siv fanned several venom coated needles in her fingers and released them up Uther¡¯s back.


    Uther grimaced, paying no mind to Siv and instead grabbed Guster''s jacket collar and


    slammed him into the wall, then into furniture, and into anything that could break. Determined


    to slow down the gladiator¡¯s advances, Siv unloaded another dosage of the tranquilizer.


    Uther scrunched and twisted his grip before dropping the dazed bounty hunter and winding up a titan¡¯s upper cut underneath Siv¡¯s jaw, sending her flying up through the ceiling above.


    Although Uther was numbed, but not listless, he torpedoed his fist back at Guster. Guster''s pupil''s shrunk with alarm as he ducked just in time for a thundering blow to break


    straight through the wall, erupting into an unsuspecting room of guests.


    He reached into his coat, pulled out a dagger, and stuck Uther in the ribs, twisting as he grinned with satisfaction. He lifted himself against the wall, reeled back his legs and planted both his feet onto his opponent''s chest and grunted as he pushed Uther off of him.


    Uther tripped backwards, freeing his arm from the collapsing wall. He fell onto the bed, breaking the frame under his immense weight, and crashing his skull into the headboard with a thud.


    Siv dropped down from the dusty hole and wobbled into Uther¡¯s room. ¡°I¡¯m nearly out of poison Guster.¡± She said, reaching for her leg strap of needles.


    ¡°Save them, I¡¯ll finish him off,¡± Guster responded. He took advantage of the downed Uther and leapt on top of him. He placed half his weight on Uther''s chest and popped a jab into the man''s throat, gagging him. Wasting no time for Uther to recover, he threw a flurry of strikes into the gladiator¡¯s face, splattering blood from his lip and nose.


    Uther clenched his teeth in rage, grabbing the man by the shirt and yanking him towards his head. With a rattling crunch, Uther collided his brow into the bridge of Guster''s nose. The bounty hunter careened backwards as blood squirted in an arc. He toppled onto the floor in a cloud of pain. Now it was Uther''s turn to pummel Guster with a set of bludgeoning hits. Guster squirmed as he tried to hide from the onslaught, but to no avail.


    Taking a fist full of needles, Siv jammed them into the side of the berserker¡¯s neck.


    Uther nearly collapsed from the drug flowing through his blood. He supported himself with one arm and took hold of Siv with the other. ¡°You bitch!¡± he drunkenly spat.


    ¡°Sleep, it¡¯ll be over soon,¡± she whispered.


    Uther raised his lips, saliva dribbled from his lips and hefted Siv across the room with a mighty swing.


    Siv collided against the wall, blacking out immediately from the concussive impact.


    ¡°Your¡­fight¡­is with me¡­asshole,¡± the battered and beaten Guster managed to croak. ¡°No man has ever beat Uther! All men have tried, but no man has ever beat Uther! Why do


    you think you any different?¡± Uther lifted Guster with one hand into the air.


    Guster grinned through bubbling glops of dark, red liquid. He groaned and coughed, wheezing his a taunt, ¡°Yeah¡­ b-but a woman beat you¡­ didn''t she?¡±


    Uther''s eye quivered. ¡°You are no Night Whisper!¡±


    Flinging Guster, the bounty hunter crashed through the nearby window and landed like a sack of stones into a pile of waste in the alley below. Guster ached as he rolled over. He reached for his derby hat that landed besides him and placed it over his battered face. ¡°I ain''t¡­ no Night Whisper¡­ but I''m goin¡¯ to find her¡­ and she¡¯s goin¡¯¡­ to light your ass up. You wait and see...¡± muttered Guster as he passed out.

 Chapter 21: Ghost Fox Duties

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    A curtain of thick mist rested within the thicket. A wet drizzle of rain blanketed a wagon as its wheels attempted to pass through the muddy ground that threatened to swallow half the cart. The convoy found itself in a dead halt within the wide, brown puddle.


    ¡°Cursed mud,¡± sighed one of the caravan guards. ¡°Naonis, you tease us with your elements. Why did you send us such weather last night?¡± There were six of them, all charged with protecting the caravan containing the chests of golden trit. Two ARO members were assigned to the party, but had not been seen for hours. Despite the unit still being new, it became crucial to assign at least one ARO to patrols and security details. Being able to deal with thieves and assassins at their own level had become a game changer for military tactics.


    The guards organized themselves so that three would protect the vanguard and flanks of the convoy while the other three would push the stuck wagon through the puddle.


    ¡°Heave ho, lads. Let¡¯s get this thing moving, now!¡±


    ¡°Push! Push! Push!¡±This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The soldiers grunted and wheezed in strain of the labor, but the vehicle wouldn''t budge. The three slumped down to take a break.


    ¡°Alright, boys, let''s try one more ti-Aaargh¡±


    The cry of a guard ripped through the thicket as a throwing knife lodged itself in his thigh. He crumpled over in pain as the rest of the guards took up arms. However, a flock of knives spun through the deep fog to find their marks, creating non-lethal, but still painful, wounds. The guards doubled over in agony, crawling for any cover they could find, but the enemy seemed to be everywhere.


    ¡°To the left!¡±


    ¡°Over here on the right!¡±


    ¡°There! There, did you see them?¡±


    The guards¡¯ tactics fell into a scrambled disarray, throwing out commands to each other in a babbling mess of suggestions. None had weight or logic when they all contradicted each other.


    Light blurs crisscrossed in between trees until the mystery assailants fell upon the convoy. Clad in pearly white cloaks and fox masks, it became clear to the men that these were not just a gaggle of bandits, but a guild of assassins. Each criminal climbed into the wagons and relieved them of their chests before disappearing back into the fog. until only one stayed behind. He crouched down to look deep into the fearful eyes of the sergeant in command. Speaking with a low rasp to disguise his actual voice, he said, ¡°Tell them the Ghost Foxes did this.¡± With that he vanished as well, leaving the guards in complete bewilderment.

 Chapter 22: The Tunnel Bar

    Dragon Realm Scorch


    Guster walked through the long, extensive corridor. His head pounded with each echoing step and his vision partly blurred from his left eye being swollen shut. Only yesterday he¡¯d woken up in a garbage pile; bruised, broken, and without his coin purse. Had he been any more sluggish to awaken, his other belongings might have been taken by street urchins as well.


    The walls were a dingy brown and were crusted with old dust and mold. The ground had the occasional rat scurry from a crack in the wall to another. The air smelt of a stale musk and the hall was dimly lit by a set of lamps every few paces.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re up for this, Guster?¡± asked Siv. She limped, tailing slightly behind, clutching her bruised side.


    ¡°Maurice has always had de back of a Laroux. I promise, I won¡¯t cause any problems¡­ dis time.¡±


    ¡°This time?¡± Siv arched an eyebrow but Guster didn¡¯t bother to respond.


    The two halted before a large man. Between the low light and his own injuries, Guster could not make out what the man looked like, only that he was huge and bulky.


    The man put out his giant hand and pushed Guster backwards. ¡°You ain''t allowed here no more.¡± He looked once at Siv and opened the door. ¡°Welcome back, Siv.¡±


    Siv nodded with a smile and walked inside. ¡°Sorry, Guster.¡±


    Guster popped his loosened jaw in agitation. He already knew he wasn''t welcome in the Tunnel Bar, not after certain activities he became involved with. He adjusted his jacket, still torn and reeking of sun baked, rotten fruit. ¡°Brunos, ain''t it?¡± started Guster. He waited for the bouncer to nod before continuing, ¡°No one''s blamin¡¯ dem for kickin¡¯ me out. What ole'' Guster did wasn''t right, but I forgive you.¡±


    Brunos scrunched his face in confusion, but before he could respond, the bounty hunter went on, ¡°And I know dem boys were all free men under protection of de Tunnel Bar, but dey all came back to you in one piece.¡±


    Brunos opened his mouth once more, but Guster was quicker., ¡°And before y''all say dat dey escaped, y''all need to look at de bigger picture. Dey be here and free again. So as you can see, Guster be an innocent man because he did no harm. And as a wise man once said¡­¡± Guster put on his most solemn expression and held out a hand of peace. ¡°No harm, no foul. So, what do you say, Brunos, we savvy?¡±


    A long pause followed before Brunos stepped aside and pushed open the large, beachpine door.


    ¡°Much obliged, Brunos,¡± said Guster as he tipped his hat and entered.


    ***


    The Tunnel Bar was an upscale establishment found in the dampest and dankest of places. A sparkling gem in an otherwise grimy sewer. Guster and Siv walked into a circular room decorated with portraits of once great nobles covering its brick walls. Comfortable leather-bound chairs with velvet cushions rounded a small fighting ring where beautiful young men fought tooth and nail for the affection of the patrons. Off to the side was a fully stocked bar with a thin man dressed in a violet vest and a short, trimmed mustache shaking up tasty cocktails. The room was lit by a deep red glow from a large, ornately decorated chandelier.


    The bounty hunters passed the young men beating each other into a bloody mess and made their way to a seated man. He was handsome, yet aged. His peppered-gray hair was wavy and he had a small tuft of hair just below his bottom lip. He wore stark white clothing and gold tinted spectacles. On either side of him were a set of shirtless male escorts. The man stared up at Guster''s battered face before raising an intrigued eyebrow. ¡°Guster Laroux, as I live and breathe!¡± he said, his accent was close to Guster''s swamp drawl, but more refined.


    Guster looked down, removed his hat, and bowed. ¡°Maurice Benoit, it''s been a minute, hasn''t


    it?¡±


    Maurice gestured to the male escorts and introduced, ¡°Boys, I would like you both to meet Guster Laroux. We used to do business when he ran with his father.¡± He turned back to his guest. ¡°I would offer you a drink, but I sense you are not here for pleasure. What can I do for you?¡±


    Guster grinned politely towards the escorts and waved a hand to his partner, ¡°Maurice, you remember Siv? We used to run for Airenfal together.¡±


    Siv gave a wry smile, letting Maurice kiss her hand.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    ¡°I am happy you two overcame your differences.¡± He pushed his spectacles with his finger. ¡°So, what do I owe pleasure of this visit?¡±


    Guster rested his hat back on his head and clapped his hands. ¡°I need a favor. Work your magic to find me someone.¡±


    Maurice dismissed the men before responding. ¡°Mister Laroux, you know my talents are only reserved for Master Airenfal, and we both know neither of you no longer work for him anymore.¡±


    Guster wanted to reach for Maurice¡¯s collar, but he quickly stuffed his hands back into his coat pockets in frustration. ¡°I ain''t workin¡¯ for Airenfal, yeah, but I am doing work for de Network. How about you cut de bullshit and give me a break?¡±


    ¡°My, my, Mister Laroux, you¡¯ve developed quite the temper,¡± chuckled Maurice. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll humor you. Who are you chasing these days?¡±


    Guster sighed. ¡°I need to find de Night Whisper.¡±


    Maurice barked a laugh. ¡°Oh my, I bet you are regretting freeing her now, aren''t you?¡± Maruice quickly changed the subject as Guster glared at him. ¡°I can find her, but it will cost more than you are accustomed to.¡±


    Guster reached for his spare coin purse hidden in his jacket. ¡°Just tell me how much I owe you.¡±


    ¡°Two hundred.¡±


    ¡°I ain¡¯t got that!¡± Guster looked at Siv who shrugged. ¡°We don¡¯t have that! It used to be a hundred sendetti. Why de price hike?¡±


    ¡°You used to work cheap for bounty hunters like us, Maurice,¡± said Siv, ¡°Can¡¯t you give us a deal, for old time¡¯s sake?¡±


    ¡°What can I say, I have grown fond of a finer lifestyle.¡±


    Guster snarled as he finally let loose the urge to grab Maurice by the collar. He shook him violently. ¡°You scrawny, rat-faced scumbag. You don''t know de week I''ve had. I''m going to beat your face ''till it caves in!¡±


    The Tunnel Bar went quiet. Drinks stopped halfway to meeting mouths. The fighters in the ring ceased their contest and watched with fear and intensity. All eyes were on Maurice. Guster could feel the ominous silence. The security around the walls stood stiff, but no one came to stop him or rescue the man he held. Guster looked back at Maurice. His spectacles were knocked


    loose, revealing eyes that flashed with a golden light, but had no discernible pupils. He seemed blind, but Guster felt as if the strange eyes stared straight into him.


    ¡°Guster let go of him,¡± whispered Siv.


    ¡°I got dis handled, Siv.¡±


    ¡°Release me, Mister Laroux.¡± Maurice¡¯s tone stern but flat. Monotone in nature.


    Guster¡¯s muscles strained as he lost control of his own actions. He quickly dropped Maruice, as commanded. Maruice crawled back into his chair and adjusted his spectacles, once again hiding his eyes. ¡°Do you know why you have such an easy time within the Network''s inner workings, Mister Laroux?¡±


    Guster swallowed hard, he hated this. He hated talking about his father, ¡°Cause of my ole¡¯ man.¡±


    ¡°Because Richter Laroux was an honorable man, Alanna rest his soul. He worked with the Network, built up a good partnership with us. You are not your father, and frankly we are all growing tired of you rampaging around and taking advantage of our hospitality.¡±


    ¡°I-¡± tried Guster.


    ¡°You want to find the Night Whisper?¡± interrupted Maruice.


    ¡°Ye-¡± stuttered Guster, unable to get a word in.


    ¡°She has made a name for herself as a Silent One. Lost Dawns, that is where you will find her.¡±


    Guster paused, waiting to see if Maurice would speak again. He squirmed with embarrassment.


    ¡°Away with you, Mister Laroux. Your time with the Network grows near, I suggest you make the best of it.¡±


    Guster bowed and walked away. He was unsure what just happened, but wise enough to know he might have been inches from his own death.


    ***


    Guster and Siv slushed through the sewers, both silently reflecting what had just transpired.


    ¡°Go ahead, say what you got to say!¡± snapped Guster finally. He stopped and turned around


    to Siv.


    ¡°Alright, you want to hear what¡¯s on my mind?¡± exploded Siv.


    ¡°Dats what I said!¡±


    ¡°Nothing¡¯s changed with you!¡± she sneered, poking her index finger into Guster¡¯s chest, ¡°You still take advantage of the Network- you¡¯re still that same spoiled child!¡±


    ¡°Hey, I get things done!¡± shouted Guster, pushing Siv against the wall, ¡°I do whatever it takes to get paid!¡±


    Siv pulled out a needle, brandishing it under Guster¡¯s chin. ¡°You think Maurice is just going to roll over for you? You think the Network is just going to look away this time?¡±


    Guster punched the wall besides Siv¡¯s head. ¡°I¡¯m a damn Laroux!¡± he roared, ¡°My ole¡¯ man broke his back for de Network and dey ran him straight into de ground. I don¡¯t owe dem a damn thing!¡±


    Siv pushed away Guster and started to walk off again. ¡°You¡¯re so full of yourself! I can¡¯t believe I thought this would go differently!¡±


    Guster was silent. He ran to catch up and pulled her shoulder to face him. ¡°Wait, you breakin¡¯ up our partnership again?¡±


    ¡°Guster, I can¡¯t deal with you,¡± she said, ¡°You¡¯re on your own.¡±

 Chapter 23: Loan Sharks

    Eleven years ago


    Dragon Realm Scorch


    Avalon stood silent in the corner of the cluttered office. Papers and books had been carelessly strewn about the bookcases and spilled onto the floor. Lanterns swung on thin chains from the ceiling, casting their dim light about the room. The shadows danced playfully while Avalon''s rat-like partner, Krew, violently shook a bookkeeper.


    ¡°You owe Airenfal a few hundred sendetti and you keep saying it¡¯s been misplaced, is that correct, Carbunkle? Is that the story you want us to tell him?¡±


    Carbunkle''s spectacles bounced around the bridge of his bony nose as his body rattled. He swallowed hard, fearful of the quiet stranger in the corner. ¡°I swear I can get it back, please! I know I can get it back!¡± he said. Beads of sweat dripped down his leathery face.


    ¡°Avalon, you¡¯re up,¡± called out the thug.


    Avalon rolled her eyes and sighed. She adjusted her black duster and took out her sword from a sheath inside her coat. She strutted up to the begging Carbunkle as she rested her blade on her shoulder. ¡°How do you want this done, Krew?¡±


    ¡°Give him something to remember us by,¡± giggled Krew. He flashed the trembling bookkeeper a vicious smile.


    Carbunkle squirmed behind his desk to get enough distance - any distance he could from Avalon. ¡°P-please-¡±


    Avalon hefted her sword arm down, slicing the stout wood desk completely in half. Papers and dust scattered into the air as both ends popped up and folded from the impact. Avalon lifted her sword back onto her shoulder. ¡°Get the money to Airenfal.¡±


    ¡°I-I will! I will, please don''t hurt me!¡±


    Avalon shot a cold stare at the bookkeeper, a stare telling him to shut up while he still had all his fingers. Avalon turned to Krew. ¡°Let''s go.¡±


    Krew danced around in glee, tearing down bookcases on his way out. ¡°It''s always so much fun working with you, Avalon,¡± he snickered. Krew wrung his thin hands and narrowed his


    beady eyes. ¡°What do you want to do next? The family man that can''t pay his debts? Or should we go to secure Airenfal''s cut of the dream powder shipment?¡±


    Avalon ducked a precariously shouldered basket of melons as the two entered a crowded street of vendors and peddlers. ¡°Are you happy with this job, Krew?¡± asked Avalon as she fixed her passing attention on a display of glinting necklaces.


    Krew pushed an elderly man out of his way before responding. ¡°Of course, Avy, I think I was meant for this calling. I mean, the pay could be better, but I can''t complain. You?¡±


    Avalon shoved her hands in her coat pockets as a set of children passed her by. ¡°I had a job like this in the past. You get tired of it quickly; it wears you down like grinding two stones together. I''m not interested in repeating my mistakes.¡±


    ¡°So, debt or shipment?¡± Krew asked again, ignoring his partner''s comment.


    Avalon shook her head, but spotted a small cafe tucked into a corner. The aroma of vanilla and chai was too enticing to pass up, ¡°Come on,¡± she paused, ¡°Let¡¯s get lunch.¡±


    Krew gorged on spiced bread and slurped down a large glass of sharp desert wine while Avalon chewed mechanically on a stalk of grapes, her mind wandering off.


    ¡°You said you did this all before,¡± said Krew.


    Avalon popped another piece of fruit into her mouth. ¡°When I was younger, it was my entire life.¡±


    Krew brushed crumbs from his scraggly beard. ¡°You were a killer.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    He pointed to the hilt barely visible in her coat. ¡°It''s an assassin''s blade, ain''t it? So you killed people.¡±


    ¡°I''ve killed people, many people and I''m not proud of that fact. That''s why I''m getting out of this city.¡±Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    ¡°Where you running to?¡±


    ¡°Jedeoheim,¡± Avalon mused, half daydreaming. She worked with Krew for a year now. He was the only friend she really had, or at least close enough to feel comfortable to talk about her aspirations with ¡°I''ve almost saved up enough sendetti to get far, far away from here. I just - I don¡¯t know - got distracted by all this.¡± She scowled, turning her head to the glass pane to watch the merchants and tourists. ¡°Complacent, really. I used to hate it here, but I have a job now, an apartment¡­¡±


    ¡°And you think Jedeoheim would make everything you do here disappear? Join the cloth and you think that killer mindset just, poof, goes away? Nah, Avy, you¡¯re a killer for life. Embrace it.¡±


    Avalon pushed aside her plate and rubbed her temples in frustration. This conversation was getting to her. Against her own desires, she shifted the conversation towards her partner, ¡°Debts or shipment?¡±


    Krew smiled, showing his gold teeth. ¡°Debts. I like watching you rough up people in front of their kids.¡±


    ***


    Avalon woke to a gentle breeze flowing through her seaside apartment. She sat up on her bed, still drowsy from yesterday¡¯s work, and let out a long yawn while she stretched to greet the day.


    She rummaged through her cupboards for a block of cheese and a half-eaten loaf of bread, then sat at her table to admire the ocean view outside her window. An urgent knock interrupted the moment.


    ¡°Avalon, come on! Open up!¡±


    Krew. He was earlier than usual, which Avalon found odd. She opened the door to let him in, ¡°Get your coat and sword, Airenfal has a job for us.¡±


    Avalon took her coat from a wall hook and reached for her sword in the corner. ¡°He always has a job for us, Krew,¡± she said flatly.


    ¡°Yeah, but this time he has a job that will better suit your finer talent,¡± he smiled, trying to sound more sophisticated.


    ¡°My what?¡±


    Krew adjusted Avalon''s jacket collar and slapped the sides of her arms. ¡°You''ll see. Let''s go, job''s on the other side of town.¡±


    ***


    The beautiful Cascade, reserved for only the wealthiest of slave owners and nobles, was typically closed off to all others. It¡¯s winding mazes of exquisite gardens of rare plants and flowers attracted those with the sendetti, but it was also known for its poisonous ointments. Gentle waterfalls, powered by engraved magic runes, flowed constantly along the labyrinth walls.


    The vibrant hues of the plants were straight out of a painting and dazzled Avalon as she followed Krew down the confusing paths. They arrived at the center where a peaceful gazebo stood, decorated as well with deadly plants.


    Krew walked under the structure and bowed to three women. The middle woman waved her servants off. She held onto her bronze bracelet tightly, and hid her opal amulet with her other hand. A look of disgust and resentfulness ran down her face.


    ¡°Did Airenfal send you to buy my collection again? I keep telling him my pearls are not for sale. He should just give up already, it''s beginning to look pathetic.¡±


    Krew rocked on the balls of his feet and looked back to smile at Avalon. He slicked back his greasy hair and clumsily bowed to the noblewoman. ¡°Nah, Lady Zeyla. We ain''t here for that.¡±


    ¡°Then begone, your odor is overpowering this garden,¡± Zeyla commanded.


    ¡°We are here for business concerning you.¡± Krew waved his hand for Avalon to come forth. ¡°Avalon, if you will.¡±


    ¡°I don''t understand what we are doing here, Krew,¡± Avalon said, as she stepped forward scratching her head. Her confusion matched Zyla¡¯s expression.


    ¡°Yeah, that''s right. Avalon.¡± Krew rubbed Avalon¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Airenfal wants you to take care of this woman. She refuses to sell, then he''s gonna take them pearls. Use that talent you have deep in you. Embrace it.¡±


    Avalon spun so hard on Krew, he was nearly bowled over. ¡°Airenfal wants me to kill her!?¡± ¡°I told him ¡®bout your past, that you¡¯ve been holding out on us. He wants you to step up your


    game. Earn some extra coin for that vacation you want to take.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me!?¡± Zeyla cried. She looked to her two servants. ¡°Ferdie, Samantha, Fetch the guards!¡±


    Avalon growled at Krew. What else did she expect from a thug like Krew? Eventually the life of a criminal would catch up and get the best of her.


    Avalon glanced shortly at Zeyla and her two handmaidens. ¡°Leave, now!¡± Avalon focused her attention back on Krew. ¡°I told Airefal when I took this job that I would not kill anyone.¡± The weaselly man backed up and nervously pointed at her sword. ¡°Job requirements have been altered, Avy. You¡¯re moving up in the world. Now you run after Zeyla and cut her up real


    good. I''ll tell Airenfal you didn''t hesitate.¡±


    Avalon drew her blade and brought the tip under Krew''s pointy chin. ¡°You¡¯ll tell Airenfal that I am not his hound to command. I won''t be sicced on his enemies any longer.¡± Avalon shouldered her former partner as she stormed away. ¡°I¡¯m out!¡±


    ¡°You crossed the wrong man, Avy!¡± Krew howled and hooted like a lunatic, ¡°You hear me! Airenfal won''t let you leave this town peacefully! He''ll be coming for you, girl!¡±


    Let him come!

 Chapter 24: Avalon vs Guster

    Eleven years ago


    Dragon Realm Scorch


    Avalon dashed into her apartment and locked the door behind her. She dropped her coat on the floor and grabbed a traveler¡¯s bag from under her bed. She flew to the cupboards, snatching several days¡¯ worth of food to stuff in the large backpack. Taking out her sword, she jammed it into the ground and pried up the floorboard; unearthing a black lock box. She shook the contents out into a large coin purse until the silver sendetti overflowed from the pouch.


    A short rap came from her door.


    Avalon tied the coin purse to her belt and picked up her sword. ¡°Krew, is that you?¡± she cautiously asked.


    ¡°No Krew, just Guster.¡±


    Avalon walked closer to the door. Another knock.


    ¡°Don''t you have any manners, girl? Open de door, we have business to discuss.¡± The smooth voice grew louder from the other side.


    Avalon stood motionless in front of the wooden door, breathing deep. before letting out a short roar. She kicked the door forward having it fly off its hinges. It slammed the stranger into the wall across the hall. Without taking a moment to see who he was, Avalon darted past him and leaped down the stairwell onto the ground floor.


    Guster pushed the loose door off of him and smirked. ¡°Dey never want to talk,¡± he said quietly to himself.


    Avalon burst through the complex gates and into a parade of travelers walking the crowded streets. A quick glance behind her found the bounty hunter not too far behind. He wedged his way through the crowd, hot on her trail.


    Avalon slid into an alleyway and crossed into the bazaar. Sprinting at a breakneck pace, she crashed crates of mangoes and melons onto the street to inhibit her pursuer. Taking a moment to catch her breath she jumped upwards and jammed her fingers into the shallow cracks of one of the neighboring walls. Like a cat, she scampered up to the roof of a temple.


    Avalon hurdled and slid down the various slopes and tiles of the building and bounded across a wide gap to another rooftop. She ended her chase by shimmying down a long Issian banner before ducking into a dead-end.


    Avalon gathered her breath and wits. She had to have lost this Guster, whoever he was.


    An Airenfal stooge, no doubt.


    She took the time to count her sendetti, hopeful despite what she already suspected. Not enough for passage to Jedeoheim. But perhaps enough for Alva? a free state in Scorch. She could find work there; work that didn''t involve killing.


    ¡°You''re a tough one to catch, girl,¡± came a familiar voice from around the corner. Guster had found her. Guster tried to walk towards Avalon, but halted in his tracks at the sight of her sword. He instead put up his hands. ¡°We can make dis real simple. You''d like to get away from ole¡¯ Guster, I can understand dat, but I got a job to do and a rep to keep. Tell you what, you beat me, you can go on your merry lil'' way.¡±


    Avalon narrowed her eyes. ¡°And if you win, Airenfal has me buried in the sands.¡± ¡°Not at all. He wants you in de pits, to teach you de meanin¡¯ of the word ''obey''.¡± Avalon examined him. Medium build, athletic, and well-armed by the looks of his many


    daggers dangling like icicles within his duster. The light scars on his face suggested he could take a beating, and the marks on his knuckles told her he could deliver one too. The fact that Airenfal only sent this one man demonstrated his confidence in the hitman¡¯s skill. ¡°Who are you?¡± she asked, ripping her sleeve from the dagger.


    ¡°Guster Laroux, my blueberry.¡±Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    ¡®Let¡¯s get this over with!¡±


    She kept her movements swift, wasting little energy with tricks.


    She threw a sharp jab, following it with a thrust of her blade. Both attacks were sidestepped by Guster, who bounced around on his feet, juking his movements and ducking around his head looking for his opportunity to strike back.


    Avalon swiped at his dancing legs again and again. Each evasion forced Guster a few steps back, until the wall stopped his retreat. Then she sprung into a flip, whipping both feet under his jaw.


    Guster''s teeth crunched together as he slammed against the alley wall, but he shook off the daze in time to duck. Avalon''s sword sparked and carved a groove across the stone behind him.


    The Bounty Hunter shouldered the Black Rabbit in the gut, driving her across the alley while pummeling her with kidney shots.


    Avalon winced as her tender side started to bruise. She returned several hefty elbows to Guster''s upper back until he growled and lifted her into the air.


    Avalon squirmed, trying to get loose by battering at his face. Her attempts were in vain as she was thrown to the ground with a shattering body slam. Rolling to the side, she recovered her blade.


    ¡°Had enough of ol¡¯ Guster, blue?¡± he said between labored breaths. He lowered his hands to the knives hanging in his jacket.


    Avalon had only moments to react as Guster whipped a handful of daggers towards her, his hands a blur. She flicked her wrist and deflected the daggers in midair with a spin of her sword. Sparks flew and metal rang as she swatted each blade.


    Guster¡¯s movements became erratic, harder to predict. He spun around, danced from side to side, anything to foil Avalon¡¯s counters. Finally she slipped. Missing one as it burrowed into her shoulder, the impact of the throw caught her off guard as her sword went flipping backwards


    ¡°Damn it!¡± she spat.


    Reaching for the collar of Guster¡¯s jacket, Avalon pulled it below his shoulders and constricted his arms. Before the bounty hunter could wriggle free, she bashed her forehead into his face. Guster''s nose splintered in a spurt of blood.


    Guster stumbled backwards, blood pouring out of his nostrils and splashing onto the street.


    He firmly held both sides of his broken nose and snapped it back into place.


    ¡°Ya-ow!¡± he cried. ¡°You went and did it now, blue. I ain''t goin¡¯ easy on you no more!¡±


    Avalon checked on the dagger in her shoulder, her arm tingled with pain and became limp, refusing to move. Clenching her teeth, she ripped the lodged knife from its wound. A wave of agony swept through her body, but she pushed it back down.


    Both fighters shuffled wearily towards each other. Avalon''s fought the burning pain in her right arm and willed it to move, a tear rolling down her cheek as she did so.


    ¡°Let''s end dis lil'' dance,¡± smirked Guster. He raised his hands to guard his face, his fingers fidgeting.


    Avalon struggled to keep her guard up with her left arm. She could almost feel her muscles grinding against her bones. Guster''s dagger did a worse number than she first perceived. It didn''t matter, she had a few other tools in her arsenal. As they inched closer to each other, Avalon made her move. She lifted her knee and flashed a series of solid kicks into Guster''s thigh, shoulder, and face.


    Guster stumbled sideways as another flurry of kicks came his way. He raised his hands to protect his nose, but took heavy shots to his ribs. The combination wrapped up with a strike to the inside of his knee, dropping him. ¡°Shit!¡± he grunted.


    Avalon drew a dagger from Guster¡¯s jacket and slid it underneath his jaw. ¡°I win.¡±


    Guster did his best to smile between the welts on his face. ¡°Not quite.¡±


    Avalon dropped the dagger as her left arm went completely numb. She grimaced as she turned to face her new assailant. A bounty hunter in a matching white cowboy hat and leather duster.


    She tipped her hat sending three more needles into Avalon¡¯s calf. ¡°She giving you too much trouble, Guster?¡±


    Avalon growled falling to her knees, struggling to fight against the urge to sleep.


    ¡°Where you been, Siv?¡±


    Avalon mustered all of her strength to grasp onto Siv¡¯s boot.


    ¡°I got lost!¡± Siv kicked Avalon¡¯s hand away. ¡°No one told me that this bitch could jump a twenty-foot gap!¡±


    Guster wobbled as he pulled himself to his feet. He nudged Avalon onto her back. ¡°Fair.¡±


    Avalon fiercely fought to stay awake. To move. To escape. But it was impossible. She was


    beaten and captured.

 Chapter 25: Prayer Under the Red Wings

    Present Day


    Dragon Realm Cypress


    And upon the fields of battle


    When all hope seemed lost


    She grew her wings of Red


    And her Chosen, wings so White.


    And upon the fields of battle


    When all hope seemed lost


    Jedeo and her Mighty Few


    Silenced the children of the Night


    Avalon closed the Book of Red and kissed her Silencer¡¯s scabbard. Whispers swept through the church like a gentle breeze. Avalon smiled. The holy traditions brought her a serenity she tended to forget about during her missions. In fires of war, one seeks the peace of a simple prayer. Faith is a comfort not every soul seeks, but faith is a comfort that welcomes everyone. Avalon learned this the hard way, but she was thankful that she had.


    A familiar face caught her eye as she stood to light a candle at the altar. Wiccer knelt by a pew, the Book of Red clutched tightly in his left hand, with his right wrapped in a set of clay prayer beads.


    Avalon sat on the bench behind him and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. ¡°What troubles you my friend?¡±


    Wiccer opened an eye and turned to see Avalon¡¯s scarred but kind face. ¡°It has been a while Avalon.¡±


    ¡°Aye, the last we saw each other was¡­¡± She pretended to think about the memory. ¡°Last Winter¡¯s Moon festival?¡±


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    ¡°I could have sworn we bumped into each other during the Summer¡¯s Feast,¡± laughed Wiccer.


    ¡°Ah yes, you were that yikahti that hurt his paw juggling daggers!¡± teased Avalon


    ¡°Come now, I know I need to shave, but I look nothing like Lear!¡± Wiccer jabbed the Silent One nearly off the pew.


    ¡°Wiccer, Lear, I tend to get you two confused,¡± she teased.


    ¡°Yes, the Summer¡¯s Feast. It was a good night,¡± mused Wiccer, ¡°I wish these days were as good as those¡­¡±


    The smile faded from Avalon¡¯s face.


    ¡°I have a confession,¡± said Wiccer. ¡°I can¡¯t tell a priest.¡± He tightened his grip on his book. ¡°No priest would understand the trials of a warrior ¨C not like a Silent One would.¡± Wiccer¡¯s voice lessened to a whisper.


    ¡°Pass me the weight on your mind, so I may bear it.¡± Avalon knelt down to Wiccer¡¯s level. ¡°I have taken a mission that my king knows nothing about.¡± Wiccer swallowed hard. ¡°He


    knows nothing about it because the mission is to devise anarchy against him and Lost Dawns.¡± Avalon nodded, but paused to let him continue.


    ¡°We gathered volunteers from ARO to form a new clan to go deep undercover. We are trying to infiltrate a new shadow organization. One that Inle is a part of, but to do this we have volunteered to be completely controlled by them. I fear what they will ask of us next.¡±


    Avalon placed a hand on Wiccer¡¯s head. ¡°Do you wish to be absolved of your sins?¡± ¡°No one can absolve the sins of man, no one but the gods.¡±


    ¡°Then what do you wish of me?¡±


    ¡°I wish for you to understand that what I do is in keeping with the Angel of Justice¡¯s divine plan.¡± He turned to Avalon. He was wrought the competing spirits of both determination and frustration, as if he tried but couldn¡¯t believe his own words. ¡°That Jedeo will see I am not another lost soul.¡±


    Avalon searched the soldier¡¯s eyes, they were worn. Heavy. No longer full of the zeal he once had for a challenge. ¡°Are you lost?¡±


    Wiccer furrowed his brow. Tears bubbled in his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t know anymore. All I know is that forest still haunts me when I sleep and when I am awake. I can¡¯t¡­ I can¡¯t move on.¡±


    Avalon knew Wiccer sought her for solace, but in truth, she couldn¡¯t even console herself. She tried to confide in her Blade Sister, but Vada, as much as she had a deep seeded connection to her, might have as well been made of wood.


    ¡°I see your troubles, I understand memories are powerful weapons when used against us¡­¡± ¡°But you can¡¯t cleanse them from me,¡± finished


    Wiccer. ¡°It¡¯s something you have to work out yourself, my friend. Work out, alone.¡±


    Avalon rose to her feet and lowered her head. Her next words cut her deeply. ¡°For most of us.¡±

 Chapter 26: Treason

    Dragon Realms Cypress


    The daybreak sky coated Lost Dawns in a film of cooling tones in a crisp winter air. Already the first season¡¯s snowfall had begun; not yet sticking, but still noticeable.


    Wiccer and his Ghost Foxes watched the city from the rooftops of the lower set buildings of the Roots. The seedy district of Lost Dawns was the prime spot for a new meeting with Inle and his shadowy yikahti. The Ghost Fox were spread around the closely built rooftops, each within earshot of each other. The local ARO unit had been commanded by Wiccer to ignore the Roots while their meeting took place.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like this,¡± whispered Wiccer to Elucard, ¡°They are late.¡± ¡°Calm yourself Wiccer. What did the message say?¡± asked Elucard. ¡°It just said, Eveningtide, the Roots.¡±


    Elucard glanced at the giant clocktower that towered over the city. ¡°We still have an hour or two until the sun has fully risen.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps this is a test?¡± Rulan piped in as he adjusted his fox mask, ¡°To see if we can manage the stress of being watched.¡±


    Wiccer and Elucard both nodded.


    ¡°Let us not disappoint them,¡± said Wiccer.


    ¡°You have not disappointed us, yet,¡± the yikahti¡¯s ragged voice broke from nowhere as he and Inle stepped into their midst from out of thin air. A swirl of vacuuming wind sucked air around the Collector and Inle into an alabaster sword that the Collector wielded. At last the illusion faded and the Ghost Fox members could see that the mysterious yikahti and Inle had been hiding in plain sight this entire time.


    The cat¡¯s strange, white sword disappeared into the void of his oblivion cloak before he graciously bowed to his waiting audience.


    ¡°Thank you for your punctuality, my friends,¡± he said.


    Elucard went to speak, but Wiccer gestured him back, answering for the Ghost Fox himself, ¡°We have been doing these small tasks as you ask, starting with robbing the convoy. Then robbing the granaries. And now dealing with ARO and getting them to not patrol the streets as tightly.¡±


    ¡°How did you pull that one off?¡± Inle looked around for the Red Rabbits but saw no ARO bounding from the roofs.


    ¡°We are highly skilled assassins. Picking off ARO soldiers one by one until they are too afraid to stay vigilant within the streets is child¡¯s play for a Fox.¡±


    ¡°Very well. Very well indeed.¡± The Collector wrung his hands, pleased with the grunt work of his newfound allies.


    ¡°Will you invite us into your organization now?¡± asked Wiccer. His undercover Watchers inched closer as they itched to take down Long Whisper¡¯s most wanted criminal, Inle.


    ¡°You have done good work for us,¡± said Inle, ¡°but Lost Dawns has yet to feel the true impact of its people.¡±


    ¡°What else do you ask of us?¡±


    The Collector stepped forward and lowered his head, smiling as he did. ¡°We wish you to kill the Mage King¡¯s advisor.¡±


    Wiccer gasped underneath his wooden fox mask and leaned back towards Elucard. ¡°He wants us to assassinate Tull,¡± he said using the rare silent whisper technique, ¡°We are getting in over our heads.¡±


    Inle shoved his way in between them, and grabbed Wiccer by the cloak. ¡°Black Rabbits!? You are Black Rabbits?¡± Inle moved to remove Wiccer¡¯s mask, but the Watcher knocked his hand away. ¡°Only a Rabbit knows how to silent whisper...or a Watcher!¡±


    Of course Inle could hear us. How foolish of me!


    ¡°We were all Black Rabbits! We left the clan to become mercenaries when Avalon defected,¡± Elucard quickly spoke up in order to cover for


    Wiccer¡¯s blunder, ¡°We thought the Rabbits were doomed without a real High Blade to lead them.¡±


    Inle stared hard at Wiccer¡¯s mask. He tilted his head until his clown mask touched the fox mask. The tension between the two mortal enemies boiled. A long silence coursed through the air like the blast of a gale force wind.


    ¡°My kin.¡± Inle finally silent whispered, ¡°You were before my time.¡±


    Wiccer hid his trembling hand behind his back and did his best to suppress his heavy breathing. ¡°In another time we might have killed together,¡± You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Wiccer whispered back. His voice was raspy and weak, unable to form the correct level of sound to properly silent whisper.


    Inle nodded and walked back to the Collector¡¯s side.


    ¡°What say you, my ghostly friends?¡± asked the Collector, seeing that the incident had passed. ¡°We will need a moment to discuss this amongst ourselves,¡± said Elucard as he patted


    Wiccer on the shoulder. His captain seemed frozen in a daze. ¡°Please allow us some privacy.¡± The Collector bowed once more. ¡°We shall give you fifteen minutes.¡±


    The yikahti motioned for Inle to walk to the edge of the building as the Ghost Foxes gathered on the other side. Elucard jolted Wiccer out of his nervous stupor. The White Cloak shook his head and then nodded to the rest.


    Lear was the first to speak up, ¡°This yikahti thinks he speaks for everyone, we shouldn¡¯t go through with this.¡±


    Blayvaar, Rulan, and Essie agreed. Kyzo spoke against the vote, ¡°Master Elucard, Master Wiccer, this is a chance for us to dig in deep and learn about Inle¡¯s plans. If he is as clever a criminal as you all say he is, then he has something up his sleeve.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just a kid, you don¡¯t grasp the consequences of killing a noble, especially King Koda¡¯s own uncle!¡± argued Blayvaar.


    ¡°I agree with Kyzo,¡± said Elucard, ¡°Tull¡¯s loss will hurt the King, but we could gain more than we lose. Inle is the scent that will lead us to a bigger game.¡±


    Essie turned to Wiccer. ¡°Whichever you decide, we are with you, Captain.¡±


    Wiccer stared blankly at Essie. Her words gradually became distant and muffled. He slowly twisted his head, scanning the rooftop, but saw no Ghost Foxes. No buildings. No city. Just grave sites. And his brother. Avren stood in front of him, dressed in his fine guild clothing, draped in his admirable white cloak. Neither stained by blood. Immaculate, as if he were to attend a ball.


    ¡°A-Avren?¡± stuttered Wiccer. Confused to see his brother in such a condition. Seemingly alive and well.


    ¡°I am here to help you, little brother,¡± Avren¡¯s light hearted personality was still intact, his tone gentle and nurturing. ¡°Why do you hesitate? What troubles you?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t do this anymore, Avren!¡± Wiccer¡¯s knees hit the soft bed of soil. ¡°I can¡¯t lead, I could never lead. Every failure has eaten at my soul! Now people are going to die no matter which decision I make!¡±


    Avren knelt down and placed his gloved hand on Wiccer¡¯s head, ¡°No one said this would be easy, little brother.¡±


    ¡°T-tell me w-what to do?¡± Wiccer sniffled.


    Avren helped his brother up. ¡°You know what to do. Trust your instincts.¡±


    Wiccer thought back to his training as a child. Lessons with Avren and his father flooded his memories. ¡°Trust my instincts. Look at the bigger picture of this mess.¡±


    ¡°Inle isn¡¯t the focus anymore.¡±


    ¡°Inle isn¡¯t the focus anymore,¡± repeated Wiccer, ¡°He was rescued by this shadow organization. Inle¡¯s revenge is not their concern. They want Lost Dawns to burn...but as a distraction.¡±


    ¡°Distraction for what?¡±


    ¡°That is what we must find out!¡± Wiccer pounded his fist into his hand.


    ¡°Just like old times, eh Wiccer?¡± Avren smiled.


    ¡°I have my answer.¡± Wiccer found himself back on the rooftop looking onto the waiting faces of his unit. ¡°Elucard and I will dispatch Tull. The rest of you will be on standby.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s settled then,¡± said Elucard.


    ¡°Master, I should be by your side,¡± whined Kyzo.


    ¡°Do as you are told, Kyzo,¡± affirmed Elucard. He placed a hand on his student¡¯s head and ruffled the boy¡¯s white hair.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be a part of this!¡± snapped Blayvaar, ¡°I spent two years in jail for lesser crimes than this. I am not going back!¡±


    ¡°We understand, Blayvaar,¡± nodded Wiccer, ¡°You may quit, but you are still sworn to secrecy.¡±


    ¡°Your secret is safe with me, but for Tull¡¯s sake and the good of this country, I hope you fail,¡± said Blayvaar. He waved goodbye to Lear before leaping off the roof.


    The fifteen minutes had finally passed and the remaining Ghost Fox regrouped around the Collector and Inle.


    ¡°You are one fox short.¡± cackled Inle.


    ¡°The mark intimidates him, he will not compromise us,¡± said Elucard standing with confidence.


    ¡°See that he doesn¡¯t.¡± The Collector looked around at the assassins. ¡°I take it you have made your decision to continue our partnership.¡±


    ¡°Only if you promise us membership after this mission,¡± sneered Elucard.


    ¡°We do.¡±


    ¡°Then it is settled, we accept your task.¡± Wiccer offered his hand.


    The Collector grasped it and shook it rigorously. ¡°May Alanna grant us grace.¡±


    ***


    The final morning hours slowly lifted the remaining shadows from the Roots as the Collector and Inle strolled through the winding alleyways, discussing the business that had transpired.


    ¡°You seemed to have had quite the stand against the Ghost Fox High Blade,¡± said the yikahti, not bothering to look at Inle as he spoke.


    ¡°It''s weird, but they seemed familiar, like I knew them.¡± Inle removed his mask and hooked it to his belt as the people of the Roots emerged from their shacks. ¡°Like I¡¯d wronged them.¡±


    ¡°It would explain the fear they had.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but in any case, they are to kill Tull.¡±


    ¡°If they do not betray us first¡­¡± snarled the Collector.


    ¡°They won¡¯t, I have a gut feeling we can trust them whether they fear us or not.¡±


    The Collector turned into a dead end and waited for Inle to follow. ¡°If they get the job done, Lost Dawns will burn. Let us hope we can move onto the next step of our plan. There are other matters that concern us at this moment.¡±


    Inle pulled his hood up and leaned his shoulder against the nearby wall.


    ¡°Explain.¡±


    ¡°Your former clansman, Malady, has resurfaced-¡± ¡°Malady!?¡± exclaimed Inle.


    ¡°Yes, yes, lower your voice,¡± shushed the cat, ¡°He has reformed the Black Rabbits in Varis. We will need to deal with him.¡±


    ¡°I agree, I will take his place!¡±


    The Collected formed a shadow portal with his finger. ¡°We have other plans for the true Silent Master.¡±


    ¡°What kind of Silent Master doesn¡¯t have his own clan?¡± Inle¡¯s ears drooped in disappointment.


    ¡°You will command the largest clan this world has ever seen.¡± the cat ushered the shadow elf into the portal. ¡°All in due time, of course.¡±


    ¡°What of the Black Rabbits?¡± stalled Inle.


    ¡°The matter will be considered,¡± scoffed the Collector as he pushed Inle into the portal. it closed behind the two only leaving a faint wisp of magi behind.

 Chapter 27: The Silent One and the Swamp Rat

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    Avalon sat with her legs crossed and her blade resting across her lap. A still, quiet aura filled her quarters. A set of candles lit the dim room with their flickering wicks. She took a deep breath through her partially open lips, holding steady until her heart drowned out the silence and then let the air slowly drain from her nostrils.


    Two weeks had passed since she had been home in Lost Dawns. Woadhollow was long behind her, but it still clung to her like a ball and chain: dragging her back, sinking her down. She had hoped meditation would relax her, but the thoughts only grew louder.


    A knock came to her chamber door.


    ¡°Enter,¡± sighed Avalon.


    Vada pushed open the door and poked her head into the room. Her eyes darted left to right as if paranoid that someone knew a secret of hers. ¡°Sister, a strange man is here asking for you.¡±


    Avalon looked at her confused blade sister. She herself was puzzled by Vada''s expression, ¡°Who is he?¡±


    ¡°I do not know, my Sister.¡±


    Avalon got to her feet and placed a hand on her sword''s hilt in concern. ¡°Then why do you look so bewildered?¡±


    ¡°Because he isn''t asking for Avalon, he¡¯s asking for the Night Whisper.¡±


    Avalon''s face shifted from intrigued to angered faster than an owl would snatch up its prey and stormed out of her chamber. Vada was quick to get out of her way, but closely followed.


    Guster stood at the center of the church surrounded by Silent Ones and priests praying in pews. Although he wanted to, he was mindful not to light up a bliss stick. Soon a fuming Avalon emerged from the back end of the abbey.


    Guster cracked a wide smile as if reuniting with a longtime friend. ¡°''Hey, blue! Don''t you look fine as ever?¡±


    Avalon took hold of Guster''s collar and pushed him up against a stone pillar. The commotion stirred the priests from their prayers and halted the Silent Ones from their watch duties.


    ¡°You! Swamp rat! How did you find me?¡± shouted Avalon. She tightened her grip on his shirt''s collar and brought the edge of her sword under his chin. ¡°Don''t even try to lie!¡±


    Guster raised an eyebrow, as if wounded by the question. ¡°Lie to you, blue? I wouldn''t dare. All Guster had to do was ask anyone where to find de most beautiful woman in de whole world.¡±


    Vada snorted, but covered up her mouth when her Blade Sister shot her a glance sharp enough to stun a bird out of the air. Avalon turned back to Guster and sneered, ¡°Don''t think you can butter me up with your swamp rat charm. You know what you did! I should cut you down where you stand.¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Guster daintily brushed the inching blade away from his neck and loosened Avalon''s hand on his shirt. ¡°Oh, I know what ole¡¯ Guster did alright, and you know what I did too.¡± Guster threw up his hands as Avalon pressed further into his throat. ¡°Dat''s why I''m here, and dat¡¯s why you won''t kill me.¡±


    Avalon''s eyes burned with hatred, and her arm tensed to strike Guster''s head from his shoulders. But as she''d demanded, he told the truth; she lifted the edge of her Silencer and backed away.


    Vada stepped forward, inspecting the man''s features. ¡°Avalon, who is this man and why does he trouble you so?¡±


    Guster took Vada''s hand and gently kissed it, then tipped his derby hat, flashed a devilish smile, and said, ¡°Guster Laroux, darlin¡¯. If Avalon didn''t already have my heart, I''d give it to you instead.¡± Guster ended his introduction with a sly wink.


    Vada cocked an eyebrow and yanked her hand away


    ¡°Guster, why are you here?¡± asked Avalon, her expression turned flat and her patience thin.


    Guster adjusted his jacket and straightened his ruffled collar. ¡°It''s really simple, blue. I need your help to bring in Uther de Iron Soul. You remember him? After all, only de Night Whisper


    ever beat him.¡±


    Avalon balled her fists and clenched her teeth. ¡°I killed the Iron Soul when I killed the Night Whisper! I left both buried in the sands!¡±


    Guster mocked a frown and waltzed around her, jamming his hands in his coat''s pockets. ¡°Iron Soul be alive and well, but dat be a shame you killed de Night Whisper, ¡®cause she owes me a favor. Dat¡¯s what she promised me ¨C unless her honor has an expiration date.¡±


    ¡°I may not understand the history you two have,¡± said Vada as she pushed herself in front of Guster. ¡°But I can plainly see Avalon wants nothing more to do with you!¡± She saw how broken Avalon was by his words, and was determined to do something to aid her Blade Sister, and possibly avert bloodshed. ¡°I¡¯d not wait around if I were you.¡±


    Guster leaned into Vada and smiled smugly. ¡°Ain''t you sweet. Sharp, too, like a peppermint. But she knows I ain''t leavin¡¯ Tree-Town without de Night Whisper.¡±


    Vada''s patience with Guster''s charming demeanor ran its course and crashed in a blazing inferno as she unsheathed her blade and brought it so close to his throat it nicked his skin. ¡°Then I will remove you from her presence!¡± she hissed scathingly.


    Guster glared at Vada, then grabbed her head and pulled it closer to his face, brushing her cheek with a dagger. ¡°You and I can have a party, mint. But at de end of de night, I''ll be walkin¡¯ away with de Night Whisper and you¡¯ll be lucky to walk away at all.¡±


    ¡°Try it!¡± Vada spat, digging her sword in harder.


    ¡°Vada stop!¡± barked Avalon. She pulled her Blade Sister off Guster, and addressed the bounty hunter. ¡°You are right, I have a debt to repay. I¡¯ll beat the Iron Soul for you.¡±


    Guster playfully blew a kiss to the enraged Vada. She deepened her scowl and bared her teeth even further. ¡°Boat to Nacsirri leaves in three days; pack your things, blue.¡±


    Vada grabbed Avalon¡¯s hand. ¡°You can¡¯t leave! What of Andros, what of m-¡± she cut herself short, ¡°-You have Silent Ones to lead.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Vada, I have to go,¡± sighed Avalon, ¡°it¡¯s a long story.¡±


    ¡°Do you really need to help that swamp rider?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like him either, but it¡¯s the right thing to do,¡± said Avalon, ¡°You¡¯ll have to handle things around her until I get back.¡±


    ¡°Guster!¡± Vada called out to the bounty hunter just as he was leaving the church. She waited for him to acknowledge her before giving him the message, ¡°If anything happens to Avalon, no god in the heavens above will be able to save you from my fury!¡±


    Guster smirked and tipped his derby hat in sympathy.

 Chapter 28: Felling a Giant

    Nine years ago


    Dragon Realm Scorch


    Clad in a jet-black breastplate, black leather kilt, and a glossy black face mask, the Night Whisper circled the sand-packed pit while clouds of orange dust kicked up with every step. In one hand she clutched a chipped and blood stained ninjato, in the other a slender parrying dagger. New scars from her two years fighting tooth and nail had ravaged her firm athletic body, the new overlapping and shaping the old. She maintained a state of serene, complete control. The state of a killer.


    Her opponent, a mangled kanis, thrust his trident at her. The wolf man whined in desperation as he fought to keep the distance between them.


    His eyes widened as she inched in past his guard, and any minute she expected him to panic like the others. After all, she had built not only a reputation, but a sizable body count. She was unstoppable, as if she had made a pact with Alanna herself to rid the world of every gladiator in Scorch. She dealt with any fighter thrown against her with merciless efficiency. Her armor and demeanor were as black as the night and her heart and soul were just the same.


    The kanis stumbled over a stone, and she seized the opportunity to bring in a single deadly strike. Her long blade pierced the side of the wolf folk''s throat, spraying blood across her mask. She pushed the lifeless body off of her sword and threw up her arms in triumph. A crowd that once cheered her every victory was now a dull and bored audience. A lengthy chorus of ¡°boo''s¡± waved through the crowd as rotten fruit fell to her feet. A common problem she had met before. The price of being the best was a hard one to overcome, even more so now that failure meant a lashing or death.


    Only one could ever beat her, but out of amusement he never killed her; knowing that each bout they faced each other would be the best battle he ever fought in. Bitter rivals, tangled together by hatred and the need to survive. However, the kanis wasn''t Uther the Iron Soul. No, he was just another hapless warrior destined to be crushed under the foot of the Night Whisper.


    She sneered through her mask, then smiled. What did she care if she no longer entertained them? She battled for necessity. She killed to survive, not for the show. She once thrived on the bloodthirsty cheers, now she was disgusted by them. They gave her the moniker ¡°Night Whisper¡± the Black Rabbit captured and shown to all. She had the refined talent to gut and slay every body thrown into the arena with her, as well as the hatred and disgust towards everyone who would dare to challenge her. Now only she saw herself as Avalon.


    ***


    Avalon slouched against the bars of the caged wagon. The wretched red sun turned the desert around her into a giant oven. Her only comfort from the heat was the shade of a tarp tightly wrapped over her prison. The wagon entered the Ashita Canyon, giving the slaves an hour of relief in the shade as they traveled home to their master''s villa. It was on the border of the city of Nal''Jharubes. The cage in front of Avalon''s held a rugged Draconian, a twelve-foot-tall red dragonkin, with scales chipped and torn off in gruesome scars. One of his horns had been broken and cracked and an eye was branded shut by a fire mage''s burning hand. He fancied himself the last remaining friend of Avalon''s, as she was forced to slay the rest.


    ¡°The crowd has turned on you Avalon,¡± spoke the draconian in his harsh, gruff tone. His throat was punctured by a spear last month and he had lost his once smooth voice.


    ¡°You think I don''t know this, Embercall?¡± Avalon raised an eyebrow sarcastically.


    Embercall stared through his cage''s bars at buzzards scraping flesh off an unlucky jackrabbit. ¡°See that rabbit? You will share an equal fate if you don''t find a way to entertain the masses once more.¡±


    Avalon pondered on the metaphor before responding, ¡°They want me to lose, to show them tension and drama. They want an underdog to cheer for.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that would do,¡± Embercall laughed as he turned around. ¡°Make your fights more exciting!¡±


    ¡°They can choke on the blood I spill. They tire of me? Dahlemar''s mark, I tire of them!¡± Avalon spat with a voice full of ire.


    ¡°Do not say this, Avalon. The Master will have you flayed alive if-¡±


    ¡°Damn Airenfal to the deepest recesses of the Shredded Angel''s circle. I would die a thousand deaths before I try to please him. I gave him too many years of my life! I will give him no more satisfaction!¡± she roared.


    ¡°Quit your damn ruckus!¡± a husky overseer shouted as he rattled Avalon''s cage with a wooden billy club. He hefted up his belt, making sure to show off his whip to the rowdy Avalon. He eyed her until she settled down, albeit with much spite in a glare towards him.


    ¡°Damn him or not, Avalon, he owns you and he will get what he wants. You better wise up or you will suffer a thousand deaths at his hands,¡± Embercall whispered.


    ¡°Let him try,¡± she sneered.


    ***


    Airenfal relaxed in his throne, kept cool by slaves waving palm fronds on either side.


    ¡°Blast this heat,¡± he muttered to himself.


    ¡°It ain¡¯t dat bad once you get used to it.¡±


    Aierenfal turned to see that his two favorite bounty hunters had entered his private box in the gladiator arena.


    ¡°Mr. Laroux, Ms. Sivella!¡± Airefal opened his arms to welcome his guests. ¡°I trust you have good news for me.¡±


    Siv folded her arms and frowned, ¡°When Guster made this deal with you, he kept me in the dark about the details.¡±


    Airenfal looked towards Guster. ¡°Has my arrangement caused a rift between you two? Were my slaves not procured?¡±


    Guster wiped his mouth in frustration. ¡°Listen, we have de slaves ready for you, but we had to break a few minor rules to get dem-¡±


    ¡°A few minor rules!?¡± Siv threw her hands into the air. ¡°Guster we broke the whole damn code! Straight up tore the book in half and pissed on it! The Network will have our hides!¡±


    Guster lowered his derby hat to hide his face from the wrath of Siv. ¡°It ain¡¯t dat bad Si-¡±


    ¡°Ain¡¯t your old man teach you anything, Guster?¡± Siv ripped his hat away. ¡°You never


    double cross another Network employer! Especially one we¡¯ve done business with!¡±


    ¡°Alright. Ok.¡± Guster snatched back his hat. ¡°But have you seen how much we''re bein¡¯


    paid?¡±


    Airenfal snapped his fingers and two servant boys brought over two small chests loaded to the brim with silver and gold sendetti.


    ¡°Think of what we can buy with dis, Siv!¡± Guster dipped his hands into the coins.


    ¡°The Network will take their cut, and more for what we did to them,¡± said Siv. She leaned against a wall to sulk in the shadows.


    ¡°Bah!¡± Airenfal waved a hand away from Siv and turned to Guster. ¡°Come my friend, take a seat.¡± He snapped his fingers for wine to be served to his guest. ¡°The matches have already begun. I hear you have been earning a bit of sendetti on the side betting on fighters. Any take your fancy in particular?¡±If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°I have.¡± Guster slurped down a goblet of wine. ¡°I like Avalon. She fights pretty good and she keeps gettin¡¯ better.¡±


    Airenfal sneered at the name. ¡°I should have had you two kill her when I had the chance. The Night Whisper has always been a thorn in my side.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°She kills everyone she faces in record time; that bores the crowd, which makes my ticket sales go down. I¡¯m giving her a final shot to draw the crowd.¡±


    Guster licked the last droplets of his drink from the goblet. ¡°She always had hands full with Uther. You can always put dem together again.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know. I¡¯ve told Uther to kill The Night Whisper and he can have his freedom.¡± Airenfal smiled.


    Guster blinked. ¡°You can¡¯t kill Avalon.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s already done.¡±


    ¡°Den why don¡¯t you give her freedom if she wins?¡± offered Guster, ¡°If she does win, she¡¯ll be out of your hair.¡±


    Airenfal brushed his thick beard. ¡°You really like this one?¡± He pondered the idea. ¡°Fine, if she wins, she can have her freedom. Now let us watch, her match is next.


    ***


    Avalon saw the hulking Uther charge her again. He carried no weapons, favoring only his meaty fists. They hit like a sack of stones. He wore little armor as his skin was tough like leather and his bones were as hard as iron. He felt no pain; he felt no remorse.


    Avalon arched backwards, nimbly dodging another swing. The air from the attack blew her blonde hair sideways. She replied by stabbing her sword between Uther''s ribs and spinning a roundhouse kick into its pommel to drive the sword even further.


    The giant man grunted and wrapped his massive hand around Avalon''s face. He lifted her upwards and smashed her into the sandy floor, quaking her body with the force of the impact.


    Avalon lay stunned, but recovered fast enough to roll to the side as Uther stomped at her with a weighted foot. Pivoting around, he caught Avalon in the face with a kick, sending her head over heels tumbling over the ground.


    The crowd cheered once more as the myth of the untouchable Night Whisper was shattered.


    ¡°Iron Soul! Iron Soul! Iron Soul!¡±


    The chant sundered the air over the clatter of armor and steel, scraping sand, spattering blood.


    Avalon winced in pain as she pushed her dislocated shoulder back into place. She rotated it, testing her movement, and spat a mouth full of salty blood across the sand as she slid out her dagger.


    He¡¯s being rougher than usual. I wonder if Airenfal finally wants me dead?


    Uther limped forward as he pumped his fists, cracking his shoulders in a satisfying pop. He squatted then leaped into the air.


    Avalon skittered backwards, keenly watching as the monster gladiator dropped down in front of her.


    He swung a devastating punch, breaking through her guard, and into her gut. The blow popped her off her feet and knocked the wind out of her.


    She heaved up blood and stomach bile onto the bulked up arm of her opponent, but smirked.


    Idiot, he¡¯s becoming predictable!


    Snatching his wrist and pushing herself on his arm like a springboard, she leapt up, twirled her knife in her hand, and drove it into the base of Uther''s neck.


    Uther roared in anguish, throwing Avalon off him and slamming her into the high walls. He rounded on her before she recovered and crushed her, pushing her with each hefty punch further and further into the stone.


    ¡°Iron Soul! Iron Soul! Iron Soul!¡±


    Avalon collapsed onto her knees, bruised and bloodied. The crowd went silent in anticipation of her loss.


    ¡°Y-you might have t-the Night Whisper beat¡­¡± Avalon gagged before she reached into her mouth and broke out a molar. She smirked, spitting out a mouthful of iron tasting blood, ¡°But as a Black Rabbit, I¡¯m undefeated!¡±


    Uther stumbled backwards, exhausted from the sensation of agony and light headed from the pooling blood and sweat gathering around him.


    ¡°Give up, Night Whisper. Take death in peace,¡± Uther boomed.


    Avalon glared upwards, blood pouring from her numerous wounds. She scowled, red saliva seeping between her teeth. ¡°I will never surrender!¡±


    ¡°You think you can beat Uther?¡± he laughed, shaking his body.


    ¡°I already beat you.¡±


    Avalon clenched a pile of sand in her fist and threw the makeshift blinding powder into Uther''s face.


    As the giant recoiled in surprise, she unleashed a torrent of body shots as Uther clawed at his eyes, weakening his already raw muscles. Avalon took hold of her sword, still impaled in his side, and mustered enough energy to rip through his back with a barbaric slash.


    Uther''s eyes rolled upwards and he groaned loud and long. He took a single step forwards and then fell backwards like a chopped tree crashing through the forest. The undefeated Uther had taken his first loss.


    Avalon rested her bloody sword onto her shoulder and scanned the silent crowd before catching the eye of Airenfal quivering in rage.


    ¡°Would you look at dat!¡± Guster hooted and hollered. ¡°She beat ¡®em!¡±


    However, Airenfal ignored him as he called forth all his guards, overseers, and the rest of his gladiators into the pit. ¡°Kill her! Slay her where she stands! I will not be humiliated by some common slave!¡±


    Avalon faced the mob of armed guards and lifted her hands, gesturing for them to come after her. ¡°Come and die,¡± she spat. She limped forward, dragging her sword across the sand. ¡°Fight me or kill me, it matters not. I will take every last one of you with me to the Roaming Plane!¡±


    ¡°Wait! Now hold up!¡± Guster shouted over the crowd. He turned to Airenfal, ¡°She beat de Iron Soul, she earned her freedom!¡±


    Airenfal raised a lip and hissed, ¡°I own her, I say when and where she dies.¡±


    ¡°Guster, come on,¡± called out Siv, ¡°We don¡¯t want to piss off another Network employee.¡±


    Guster glanced down at the doomed Avalon and back to Airenfal. ¡°Give her to me, let me


    buy her freedom. I¡¯ll give you my share of what I earned today.¡±


    Airenfal stared long and hard into the eyes of the bounty hunter. ¡°All of your sendetti?¡±


    ¡°All of it,¡± Guster said sternly.


    ¡°Fine, she''s yours.¡± He called down to his overseers, ¡°Get her out of my sight!¡±


    ***


    Avalon limped to where the Bounty Hunters stood arguing outside of the arena.


    ¡°First Lady Ellana and now Airenfal don¡¯t want our business!¡± Siv held her hips and shook her head. ¡°When¡¯s this going to end, Guster.¡±


    ¡°Listen, Siv. You saw her out dere, she earned her freedom!¡± Guster spat back, ¡°I have a code and it says I ain¡¯t gonna let a fellow scraper get screwed!¡±


    ¡°Oh, you have a code now?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I do, Siv!¡±


    Siv bared her teeth. ¡°Then why can¡¯t you follow our code that you swore allegiance to?¡±


    ¡°I-¡± Guster turned to Avalon. ¡°Hey, blue, how are you feelin¡¯?¡±


    Avalon glared at Siv and then to Guster, ¡°A few broken ribs, a concussion, and I¡¯m in a world of confusion- Why did you buy my freedom?¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t know, he¡¯s just some damn fool,¡± sneered Siv.


    Guster shot Siv a stink-eye, ¡°Don¡¯t listen to her, blue. I just thought we underdogs should look out for each other.¡±


    ¡°You could have started by not capturing me in the first place!¡± Avalon stole a dagger from Guster¡¯s coat and held it up to his neck. ¡°I¡¯m going to kill you where you stand!¡±


    ¡°See, Guster, she doesn''t care about your code.¡± Siv smiled, smugly and turned to Avalon. ¡°He saved your life, hon. He lost a big pay-out and an employer. You owe him your life.¡±


    Avalon squinted her eyes in disbelief, ¡°You did?¡± She waited for Guster to nod before dropping the dagger. ¡°Fine, I owe you... I suppose. I¡¯ll come to your aid if you ever need me for something.¡±


    ¡°Wait-¡± Guster reached into Siv¡¯s loot chest and scooped out a handful of sendetti, ignoring Siv¡¯s protests. ¡°Take it, blue. It¡¯ll buy you enough for a charter passage to Alva and then some.¡±


    Avalon looked at the coins in her hand and shook her head, ¡°This doesn¡¯t make up for the misery you put me through. As far as I¡¯m concerned, we are still enemies.


    Siv watched as Avalon walked off and then picked up her chest. ¡°Guster, we¡¯re through.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m saying the Knives and Needle crew is no more,¡± she explained, ¡°I can¡¯t deal with your spontaneous rule breaking. I still want to do right by the Network and if I¡¯m going to do that, you have to be out of my life.¡±


    ¡°Wait, Siv!¡± Guster reached out for Siv and tried to pull her back, but she kept walking. ¡°Siv, come on! Don¡¯t be like dat! Siv! Siv? Siv¡­¡± Guster lowered his head when he realized he was now alone.

 Chapter 29: Who is the True Silent Master?

    Present Day


    Dragon Realm Cypress


    Inle stood at the edge of a pine forest and placed a hand on the rough trunk of a nearby tree. Before him was a massive quarry. The quarry was shaped like a horseshoe and caves dotted its walls. The stony ground itself had swords scattered across it like grave markers.


    He turned his head to the Collector. ¡°So, this is it? This is where Malady''s Rabbits lurk?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Inle redirected his attention back to the quarry. ¡°I¡¯m nervous about facing him. He was nearly equal to Legion.¡±


    The yikahti brushed past the elf. ¡°He is strong- stronger than you.¡±


    ¡°You have no confidence in my skills?¡±


    ¡°Why should I?¡± asked the cat, ¡°You have no confidence in your own.¡±


    Inle caught back up to the Collector. ¡°Then how will I beat him?¡±


    ¡°Fight him as normal. I will not allow you to lose.¡±


    They stopped at the center of the quarry. Nothing stirred but the wind in the sand for several minutes. Then a flicker of movement caught Inle''s eye, and he turned in time to see two¡­ five, perhaps six¡­ even more. Dozens of black-and-purple figures armed to the teeth with ninjatos, sickles, and daggers poured out from the surrounding caves until they smudged the golden cliff walls with shadow.


    ¡°They don''t look happy to see us, Collector,¡± joked Inle.


    ¡°Perhaps you should make your introduction, Silent Master,¡± the Collector suggested.


    Inle sneered under his mask but grew a smile as he danced forward.


    ¡°Just another performance.¡± He swung back his black cloak with its Dead of Winter insignia and gave a long bow, gracefully crossing his feet. ¡°Good evening ladies and gentlemen. We have come quite a long way to meet you all. I am Inle Ebonpath and this is my merry cohort. We are here to formally absorb you into the Black Rabbit clan.¡±


    Murmurs rose from the assassins above. Questions about who this clownish elf was and why he claimed they were not yet Black Rabbits were on the lips of all the assassins. A figure approached from the highest of the caves. As he came closer to Inle, the elf could see his face was twisted from a large scar on the left side of his cheek. An eye was covered by a black leather patch, trimmed with small bones. His long hair was a pale gray and tied by a purple silk wrap. He wore light armor, and on his back, a large black brace sheathed five arming swords. As he strode out into the light, his scarred arms rippled with tight muscles. He gritted his teeth in disgust by the very presence of his unwelcome guests.


    ¡°Inle Ebonpath. You are a welcome sight. A truly skilled warrior that can teach my men a thing or two about ruthless cunning,¡± he said, ¡°To what do I owe the pleasure?¡±


    Inle lifted his head, and with a smooth gesture removed his mask as a sign of respect. ¡°I have come to claim my clan.¡±


    Malady outstretched his arms and widened his mouth into a ghastly smile, part of his face caved in by his gruesome scar. ¡°My men will only follow the Silent Master! I have built this clan from the ashes you left it in!¡±


    Inle''s face soured, but he kept his spirits high. ¡°I am the true Silent Master, the successor to Ryjin! You will learn your position!¡± he shouted back.


    ¡°I already have a clan, why should I risk it dueling you?¡±


    ¡°I will do what I must to prove that I am the only true Black Rabbit left,¡± sneered Inle. He fitted his mask on once more.


    Malady did not look pleased. ¡°It is you who shall learn to bow!¡± He extended his hand and closed it in a fist. ¡°Kill them! Kill them both!¡± roared Malady.


    The sky darkened with a swarm of shurikens whistling down at the two Dead of Winter members. Inle furrowed his brow in horror, but his gut took over. ¡°None of them are to be hurt!¡± he ordered the Collector.


    At first surprised by Inle''s gall to give him commands, the Collector flashed a wicked grin. From his cloak he drew a blade formed of flowing sand and thrust it into the ground. Sand popped up all around them to form a dome of earth over Inle and himself. The steel rain pattered harmlessly against the shell.


    ¡°Child''s play,¡± the Collector hissed. He swung the mystical sword and dispersed the sand back to whence it came; with it the shurikens dropped into a clutter on the ground.


    The Rabbits all looked at each other in bewilderment. The cat drew a sword from nothing and commanded the very earth to protect himself and Inle. How were they to compete with that?


    ¡°Enough!¡± cried out Malady as the yikahti put away his sword. ¡°I see now that you possess a powerful ally. I say that we finish this as you wished.¡± The one-eyed assassin took a single step off his ledge and fell with grace onto the dirt below. ¡°You and I shall settle this debate. Who is the Silent Master? Who rules supreme over this clan?¡± He placed a hand out towards the shadow elf. ¡°You?¡± He placed his palm on his chest. ¡°Or I?¡±A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    The Collector nodded approval to his partner and stood aside. Inle drew a slender blade from behind his waist.


    Elucard was stronger than me as well, but since then I have grown in cunning and technique. Maybe the cat is wrong? Maybe I can beat him!


    Without any further words, Malady unsheathed two swords into both hands and rushed headlong at Inle. With skill and finesse, he sliced with both swords and spun in a flourish like a steel tornado. Inle tried in vain to parry the attacks. Ribbons of blood spewed from his upper arms and across his stomach where Malady¡¯s blades slipped past his defense.


    Inle slid backwards and collapsed to a knee, sucking in lungs full of air. The pain shot through his body and reminded him of his last duel with Elucard. He rose once more, readying himself for another onslaught.


    Malady grinned and flipped his two blades in the air. Inle shot a glance upwards, fooled by the decoys. Malady took two of the swords standing in the ground and whipped them into Inle¡¯s shoulders, before grabbing two more swords from his back, jumping and spinning horizontally in the air. He finished his showmanship by throwing the two blades into Inle''s thighs. As Inle fell, Malady landed from his leaping attack and spun around, kicking the falling swords into Inle¡¯s chest and stomach.


    ¡°Outclassed, clown,¡± sneered Malady.


    Though in sheer physical agony, Inle couldn¡¯t help but be astonished by the technique of the Many Blade. Malady¡¯s skill threshold had risen since his duel with Legion. It was too much for him to handle. He fought against his master who demonstrated the same technique, but no amount of training prepared him for this level.


    Inle''s eyes widened with terror as he wobbled backwards. The swords in his legs threw him off balance and he crashed to the ground. He tried to remove his mask as he gurgled up blood from his mouth, but was in too much agony to even twitch his arm.


    Malady smiled thinly and shook his head. ¡°Tsk, tsk, Inle. Is this all that I''m to get from the great Silent Master?¡±


    Malady stepped onto his chest and tilted his mask up with the tip of one of his swords. Inle screamed under the pressure.


    Malady sighed in dismay by the lack of fight he was receiving from the elf. He applied more pressure with his foot.


    Inle cried out in pain and weakly kicked Malady away from him, then dragged himself further away, coughing up a thick droplet of blood that stretched down to the ground. He reached out for the Collector, choking on blood that drained down his throat. ¡°Co-Collector, h-help me. I beg y-you!¡±


    The Collector only nodded and smiled. He knelt down and placed his hand on the ground.


    His claw bubbled and a strange shadowy ooze seeped into the sand.


    Malady chuckled as he watched Inle struggle to rise to his feet. He faced his Black Rabbit audience and shouted, ¡°This is the great Silent Master to take my place?¡± He twirled back around and pointed a sword at his opponent. ¡°I will cut him down piece by p-¡± Malady''s rant died out as Inle rose from the bloodstained gravel and stood, seething with anger. An infection, a dark corruption, grew from the quarry''s sand. Plague Reach.


    Inle''s wounds closed and shut out the weapons impaling him. No scars. A fire coarsed through his body. An unknown energy that made him feel limitless¡­ and hungry. His hands shivered with adrenaline. Was this enhancement of the Plague Reach that covered the quarry? Was this Wraslyn''s gift to the Dead of Winter? There was only one way to find out.


    Inle slid a foot backwards and dug into the dirt to gather grip before pushing off. He flew past Malady and with the same motion, grabbed his sword and sliced past his opponent.


    Malady staggered from the impact. He patted a fresh wound on his side with his hand. His eyes widened, but quickly turned with a scowl. He did not understand how Inle found his second wind but he did not care. He would strike him down a second, a third, a fourth time. He would strike him down for an eternity to prove to his clan he was the rightful leader. The true Silent Master.


    Malady drew his final sword from his back, preparing for a second round. Inle''s new found speed and prowess made short work of his rival. Dashing left to right, juking past slices and swipes like a true Rabbit, too swift to catch. Inle slashed wide across Malady''s stomach, and once again deep into his thighs. As Inle finished his whirlwind of attacks, Malady crashed to his knees as a defeated and broken man.


    ¡°I-I don''t get it! Y-you were finished! Where did you f-find such power?¡± Malady stammered.


    Inle answered, ¡°I am not who you think I am anymore.¡± As his power drained, Inle collapsed onto his knee, succumbing to a torrent of pain. He checked his body. No blood. No wounds. Even Plague Reach, power beyond comprehension, came with limits.


    ¡°F-finish it. Let me h-have my honor, my d-dignity,¡± Malady coughed, his blood dripping into the earth.


    ¡°We have other plans for you, Malady.¡± The Collector walked toward the former Silent Master. ¡°Our Plague Reach requires a cultivator. You will forever serve a higher purpose.¡±


    ¡°I will not! Rabbits, destroy them! Protect your master!¡± roared Malady.


    Hundreds of Black Rabbits descended from the ledges and surrounded the cat and shadow elf, blades at the ready. Each hesitant to inch closer.


    Inle panned around. ¡°It seems they fear us, cat.¡±


    The Collector drew a grotesque sword, covered in various animal eyes. Each blinking or darting its sight. ¡°Then we shall use that fear. Hold onto me Inle.¡± The Collector waited for Inle to place his hand on his shoulder before thrusting the large sword into the ground.


    A booming, distorted sound blew from the impact and a wave of pink energy spanned the quarry. Each Rabbit dropped and writhed in terror. Screaming. Crying. Quivering.


    ¡°What did you do?¡± asked Inle. His worrisome eyes looked around. He tried to calm an assassin, but to no avail. ¡°We need them! We need them for my clan!¡±


    ¡°As long as my Fearmonger is in the ground, they will remain like this. Their fear for us amplified tenfold.¡±


    Inle dashed for the Fearmonger, but the Collector was quicker. With a swift back hand, Inle fell to the ground.


    ¡°Idiot. The garden needs souls!¡± the yikahti spat, ¡°You know this. You knew this was an outcome. With this many souls, we shall have a far bigger garden than Woadhollow.¡±


    Inle rubbed his cheek in contempt.


    ¡°You wish to fight me further?¡± sneered the Collector, ¡°Take it up with Master Wraslyn.¡±


    ¡°I will!¡±

 Chapter 30: The Vampires Embrace

    Unknown Location


    Inle and the Collector arrived at the familiar Dead of Winter council chamber. The enchanted snowflakes that fell at each corner of the room still mystified him, no matter how many times he had visited this chamber. It was empty today, but normally the chamber was occupied by eight members, including himself. Inle brushed his hand against each cool, stone chair before turning to meet the Collector¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°You really didn¡¯t need to escort me,¡± Inle said, ¡°I can talk to him myself.¡±


    ¡°I am here to make sure he doesn¡¯t kill you.¡± The yikahti gestured to a wall. Its stone bricks warped until it formed a tunnel. ¡°This way.¡±


    Inle followed the Collector through the mysterious passageway. He¡¯d never seen this part of the chamber before. He knew of several other tunnels that led to armories, beds, or training rooms. Anything that a council member might find could be found at the end of one tunnel or another. This one was no different.


    The path spilled into a large meditative chamber. Lit incense burners dotted the room billowing thin lines of smoke that wafted strong aromas into the air. Although there were no candles, a small light illuminated the room from no discernible source. A young and handsome man knelt at the center of the room. His hair was white, with hints of a silver sheen streaking through its strands. He was dressed in a fine black jacket and red gems accented his cuffs. A sort of mystical, shadowy fog flowed around him with every long breath that he would take. Hands morphed from the clouds to reach out to the vampiric Wraslyn, always close enough to touch, but it seemed that even these shadow creatures feared him.


    The Collector pushed Inle forward. The shadow elf found his footing and shuffled into the imposing presence of the shadow master.


    ¡°Lord Wraslyn¡­¡± Inle struggled to find his voice. His words didn¡¯t connect together in his mind. Everything seemed lost in the miasma of thoughts, and his mind was racing so fast that he


    couldn¡¯t catch what his own thoughts were. He knew he was frightened. He knew he needed to be there. But that¡¯s all that he knew, the rest may have been lost to the wind.


    ¡°Lord Wraslyn... I... I-¡± Inle looked backed to see the Collector had abandoned him. He turned his attention back to Wraslyn, but found he was gone too. He spun around. The shadows snuffed out the little light there was. His shadow elven eyes were more evolved to cut through the darkness of underground caverns, however this was deeper darkness that came from evil magic. The type that birthed the Night. The type that mankind feared that would consume their pathetic world. It terrified Inle.


    Inle reached and brandished his weapon against the unknown. He peered as hard as he could through the shadows until he saw an image. He ran to it, but stopped short as Elucard stared back at him. The elf dressed in his Black Rabbit attire reached out his hand.


    ¡°I¡¯ve come to save you, Inle.¡± Elucard said, ¡°Hurry we must leave!¡±


    Inle¡¯s eyes widened and he back pedaled until he was a sufficient distance from Elucard. ¡°E-Elucard? You mustn''t be here, it''s too dangerous.¡±


    ¡°It is you who shouldn¡¯t be here, Inle. Come, I¡¯m here to bring you home!¡±


    Inle searched deep within himself, but found the same conflicted thoughts. He wanted to leave with Elucard, but knew his duty was to destroy him.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    What if this is a test?


    Could Wraslyn do something like this? Create an Elucard to test him? To tease him? If Elucard really was here, would he actually try to save Inle? Questions flooded his heart and mind. Rational thoughts faded away and his emotions slowly grew too much to handle.


    Inle finally cracked, ¡°Run, Elucard! Run!¡±


    Elucard¡¯s face went from caring and warming to cruel and cold in a heartbeat. ¡°We can assassinate Wraslyn. Together, we can be free from his grasp.¡±


    Inle¡¯s eyes darted to the ground, he bit his lip and clenched his sword tighter.


    This is a test. I know that now.


    Inle allowed Elucard to step closer. With a face wrenched with anguish he sliced wide and fast, decapitating the shadow clone¡¯s head. A flash of light banished the darkness, echoing a hiss as if it were being cooked from a sizzling fire. Wraslyn and the Collector appeared in front of Inle. Their faces glowed with amusement and pride.


    ¡°It seems I can trust you after all, young Inle.¡± Wraslyn¡¯s voice was smooth as satin.


    Inle looked into Wraslyn¡¯s deep gold eyes, where he could see his reflection and be lost in the shimmering beauty of the eyes themselves. Looking into this vampire¡¯s eyes only allowed him to fall into an infinite abyss. Inle quickly looked away. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you trust me?¡±


    Wraslyn took Inle¡¯s hand and kissed it. His lips soft like a feather, ¡°I only trust those who¡¯ve sworn unwavering allegiance to me.¡±


    ¡°I swear to you, Master. You can trust me,¡± Inle¡¯s voice was more mechanical than natural.


    The vampire rubbed his cheek on the elf¡¯s shoulder, grazing his hands over the clown¡¯s body.


    Inle breathed heavy, sweat dripped down his warm face, ¡°You can trust me, Master.¡± repeated Inle. He was locked in a euphoric trance. His body melted in Wraslyn¡¯s arms, his legs gave way.


    Wraslyn took hold of Inle and exposed Inle¡¯s neck, ¡°Who do you love more? Elucard or I?¡±


    ¡°You. I would die for you, my Master.¡±


    The strange ecstasy that had waved over Inle¡¯s mind drained away until he had control over it once more. Inle collapsed to his knees. ¡°I need you.¡±


    Wraslyn formed a thin smile. He bit his thumb, silently chuckling to himself. ¡°I have many plans for you Inle, but you can no longer doubt my council members.¡± Wraslyn knelt down and lifted the elf¡¯s chin. ¡°Do you understand me?¡±


    ¡°I do,¡± said Inle, his breath still labored, Now grasping for that moment he felt just then. ¡°The Collector tells me you wish to keep the Black Rabbits for yourself instead of using


    them for a garden?¡±


    ¡°I-¡±


    ¡°I think it would be fine for you to take half. We could use them as Shadow Stalkers.¡± Wraslyn looked towards the Collector. ¡°I will remove a share that I think is fair from the Fearmonger¡¯s grip.¡±


    The Collector bowed. ¡°As you say, Lord Wraslyn.¡±


    ¡°Shadow Stalkers? What are they?¡± asked Inle.


    ¡°A gift for my Silent Master.¡± Wraslyn stood Inle up. ¡°But you are not to unwrap your gifts until Wintertide.¡±


    Inle smiled meekly.


    ¡°I believe you and the Collector still have work to do in Lost Dawns before you must meet up with Uther?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Master. We were just leaving.¡± The Collector pawed Inle¡¯s shoulder and led him to the tunnel entrance. ¡°Come, Inle.¡±


    Inle turned back to the vampire shrouded in mystique.


    Wintertide?

 Chapter 31: Turning on the Dawnedge

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    Elucard and Wiccer stalked silently through the great halls of the Lost Dawns castle. Although Elucard had passed through these halls many times before as ARO security, he recalled the time that he killed Koda¡¯s father, the late King Jaelyn, and how even after that he was able to gain Koda¡¯s trust. Now he was about to murder another member of the king¡¯s family, and the thought of this second betrayal made him uneasy, however he knew that certain sacrifices had to be made for the greater good.


    How can I call Koda my friend when all I do is hurt him?


    It was a question Elucard continued to ask himself every day since first he donned the fox mask. A mask that represented a darker side of him, a side he had not confronted since leaving the Black Rabbit life. Confliction. Anger. Turmoil. Each raged within him like a hurricane. He had crammed these furious emotions into his subconscious, and at any moment they could explode like a bomb. However, he had a job to do.


    Wiccer leaned against a wall and peeked around the corner. Four heavily armored guards were posted outside Tull¡¯s chamber and two more patrolled down the hallway.


    ¡°Tull usually only has two guards outside his door,¡± Wiccer whispered, ¡°Why the increase in security?¡±


    Elucard attached his climbing claws to his hand. ¡°Because we¡¯ve been betrayed by one of our own.¡±


    Elucard made his way up the stone wall and into the ceiling while Wiccer followed closely behind. Together, they clung to the surface and jumped nimbly to the chandeliers until they were directly above the watchmen. Elucard signaled his plan to Wiccer.


    ¡°Drop onto the center guards and then take out the two men next to them. Sneak up to the patrollers and finish them.¡±


    ¡°No one dies tonight, Elucard,¡± ordered Wiccer. He waited for the former Rabbit to nod before the two carried out their plan. Wiccer fell silently into the guard¡¯s shoulders. The guard fell flat onto the ground; unconscious.


    Wiccer swiftly turned his attention to the neighboring guard chucking blinding power into his eyes. A swift kick sent him backwards in a heavy crash; unconscious.


    As the patrolling guards veered around the corner, Wiccer and Elucard were ready to pounce. They swept at the guards¡¯ legs, tripping them backwards. In unison, Wiccer and Elucard vaulted onto the guard¡¯s chests and pierced their necks with needles coated with a sleeping agent; unconscious.


    Elucard listened for the footsteps of any reinforcements. Satisfied that none were coming, he moved to Tull¡¯s door. He tried to push it forward, but found it wouldn¡¯t budge.


    ¡°It¡¯s locked.¡± Elucard knelt down to the level of the key hole and pulled out a set of lockpicks. ¡°This is no coincidence, Wiccer.¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think so. Tull was tipped off,¡± said Wiccer.


    The door¡¯s lock clicked open. The two Ghost Foxes crept inside and snuck to Tull¡¯s bed. Elucard, with a dagger raised, pulled away the blanket. The bed was empty!


    ¡°He¡¯s not he-¡± Elucard rolled to the side as Blayvaar charged from behind, his sword raised.


    Wiccer snatched Blayvaar¡¯s wrist, pulling him towards him, and then kicked him in the gut.


    Blayvaar stumbled backwards, groaning in pain. Elucard, taking advantage of his enemy¡¯s opening, leapt into the air and whipped his leg into Blayvaar¡¯s face with a spinning crescent kick.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Blayvaar tripped over a chair and crashed to the ground.


    Elucard grabbed him by the collar and flung him through a writing desk. He took hold of him again and smashed him through a standing mirror. Blayvaar laid motionless on the ground.


    ¡°Tie him to the chair, Wiccer.¡± Elucard adjusted his cloak and wiped dust from his shoulder. ¡°He has some explaining to do.¡±


    ¡°What do you plan on doing?¡± He overturned a chair and dragged Blayvaar to it. He then stripped the bed sheets into long strips, proceeding to tie Blayvaar¡¯s hands behind his chair''s back.


    Elucard smacked Blayvaar awake.


    ¡°Elucard. No one dies tonight,¡± Wiccer ordered his sergeant once again.


    Elucard growled and smacked Blayvaar savagely with the back of his hand.


    Blayvaar gurgled awake. His head rolled side to side and backwards before realizing where he was. He struggled against his bonds and gnashed his teeth. ¡°Let me go, Elucard. I didn¡¯t tell anyone your identities, just that the Ghost Fox clan planned an assassination attempt on Tull.¡±


    Elucard grabbed a tuft of Blayvaar¡¯s hair and pulled back his head. ¡°Where is he? Where is


    Tull?¡±


    Blayvaar wrenched his neck in pain. ¡°You¡¯ve lost control, Elucard!¡±


    Elucard slugged his fist across his prisoner¡¯s jaw. ¡°Trust me, I¡¯m still in control.¡±


    ¡°Elucard!¡± Wiccer caught Elucard¡¯s wrist in mid swing of another punch. ¡°He¡¯s one of us.


    Not some terrorist you can torture.¡±


    Elucard yanked himself free. ¡°One of us? This scum betrayed us! He¡¯s no better than a Rabbit at this point.¡±


    Blayvaar lifted his head, Blood oozed from his nose and mouth. ¡°You hear him captain? He¡¯s lost it! This mission is FUBAR!¡±


    Elucard reeled back around and backhanded Blayvaar again, nearly topping him over. ¡°Shut up!¡± He turned back to Wiccer. ¡°We can still save this mission. We are so close to finding what Inle has gotten himself into. Blayvaar is between us and the fate of this city¡­ maybe the realm.¡±


    Wiccer looked at Blayvaar¡¯s beaten face. He didn¡¯t like the dark turn that the Ghost Fox had


    led him down, but his gut told him Elucard was right. Blayvaar did betray them. He had turned against ARO. Wiccer patted Elucard¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I trust you to do the right thing, Elucard. Find out the information, but don¡¯t kill him. No one dies tonight.¡±


    Elucard bowed to Wiccer and turned back to Blayvaar. He slid out one of the thief¡¯s daggers and slowly grazed Blayvaar¡¯s cheek. ¡°We are about to go down a road you won¡¯t mentally recover from,¡± he whispered, ¡°Tell me what I need to know.¡±


    Blayvaar shivered his seat. ¡°You¡¯ve gone mad, Elucard!¡±


    ¡°Oh, we haven¡¯t reached madness yet.¡±


    ***


    Elucard kicked open the tower door, the bodies of half a dozen guards strewn on the ground behind him. Inside, Elisa ¨C loyal to ARO and the king as ever ¨C brandished her sword, Tull cowered behind her.


    Wiccer dashed at his friend, deflecting an attack and stabbing through her shoulder. Elisa clutched her wound and dropped her weapon. Wiccer whacked the blunt side of his sword across Elisa¡¯s skull. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I wish it hadn¡¯t come to this,¡± He whispered to Elisa¡¯s unconscious body.


    Elucard edged towards Tull. Blood stained his coat, gloves and mask. A darkness settled in his eyes. A darkness he had not felt since he murdered his own friends as a Black Rabbit all those years ago. A darkness he strangely welcomed, like an old friend he had not seen for many years. He smiled underneath his mask.


    He was quiet when he slid out his sword. Cold. Unfeeling. A Black Rabbit once more.


    Tull backed into the wall, slipping his feet, attempting to meld into the stone.


    ¡°No one dies tonight, not even Tull.¡±


    Elucard narrowed his eyes, but nodded. He pointed his blade at Tull¡¯s chest. ¡°Advisor Tull. A message from the people.¡±


    Tull eyed the blade, raising his sight until it met Elucard¡¯s.


    ¡°We are in control.¡± Elucard drove his blade forth. An agonizing scream echoed through the castle.


    No one dies tonight.

 Chapter 32: Burn Notice

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    Guster led Avalon through the twisting alleyways of Sparrowport. Down narrow steps and following thin paths until they arrived at a sheltered market place. The bazaar was ripe with merchants and tent stands. Races of all sorts displayed rugs of even stranger wares, some too dangerous to be sold in Cypress. Avalon had traveled through Sparrowport many times and not once had heard or seen such a place.


    ¡°What is this place, Guster?¡± Avalon asked. With childlike wonderment, she ran her fingers through the peculiar trinkets and bobbles. Her eyes widened at the rare shaped swords. Some she recognized from her time in Scorch, others she did not know even existed.


    ¡°Stick with me, blue.¡± Guster pulled her away from the wares and ushered her to another merchant selling glinting weapons, who sat quietly beside an exotic fruit vendor yelling out advertisements.


    Guster sat cross-legged before two rows of finely crafted daggers of solid ice, though they showed no signs of melting. A frosty vapor rose from their razor-sharp edges, and white leather wrapped intricate hilts below an accented sapphire in each pommel. Avalon knelt down to inspect one, checking its balance and admiring the craftsmanship.


    ¡°You like?¡± The harekin peddler asked, his long rabbit ears twitching, ¡°Tis made of crystal ice, from the ice elven empire of Frostblade. They do not allow foreigners in or out of their country. I had to pull a lot of strings to come by one, never mind twelve. For you, because I can see you are very skilled, I''ll sell it for sixty gold trit. We have a deal?¡±


    Avalon nodded and smiled. A fine compliment from this harekin, and a fine story too. ¡°Sorry friend, I am just window shopping.¡±


    ¡°Window shopping is still shopping, no? Can I tempt you with forty?¡±


    Guster snatched the dagger from Avalon and placed it back on the rug. ¡°You know why I¡¯m here Albev.¡±


    The rabbit-like merchant¡¯s grin sunk and nodded. ¡°Today I am not a merchant, but your holder.¡±


    Guster nodded. ¡°I need my sendetti, I¡¯m headin¡¯ to Nacsirri for a bounty.¡± Guster handed Albev a purse of trit to exchange for the Scorch currency. ¡°And I need extra.¡±


    ¡°I should warn you, my friend,¡± said Albev, his voice now whispered, ¡°This is the last time I can help you. You¡¯ve been blacklisted from the Network.¡± Albev handed Guster a light red leather coin purse.


    Guster gripped the purse. He sneered at the thought of the Network betraying him. Was it bad luck or had the gods put a target on his back? ¡°Cut de crap, Albev! What gives?¡±


    ¡°No crap, my friend.¡± Albev looked around. ¡°All your contacts have been ordered to not deal with you or assist you in any way. Why, I could be killed for helping you out, but years of business with your father gives you a bit of leeway with me.¡±


    Avalon stifled a smile as Guster glanced angrily back at her. He turned back to Albev. ¡°I can¡¯t believe dis! Was dis about the Tunnel Bar? Dat damn Maurice can¡¯t take a joke?¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Albev rolled his eyes and sighed. ¡°This has been building up for some time, Guster. You knew this would happen if you kept poking the dragon. Well, dragons breathe fire.¡±


    ¡°Anythin¡¯ else?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve helped you too much as it is¡­¡± Albev lowered his head and covered one side of his face with his paw. Guster and Avalon inched closer to hear him. ¡°You didn¡¯t hear this from me, but you are now wanted dead or alive. A bounty hunter has been sent after you.¡±


    ¡°Who? Damn it, who?¡± snapped Guster


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell you more than th-¡±


    Guster grabbed Albev by the collar and lifted the short harekin into the air, rattling him back and forth. ¡°You tell me who, Albev! Else I¡¯ll skin your hide for a new coat!¡±


    ¡°Guster, enough!¡± Avalon tugged Albev away from Guster¡¯s clutches. ¡°It¡¯s over, you don¡¯t need me anymore.¡±


    Guster snatched Avalon¡¯s hand and pulled her back towards him. ¡°Wait blue, I still need you.¡±


    Avalon raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°If I capture Uther, I might be able to get in good with de Network. Dey might take me back, but I can¡¯t do dat alone.¡±


    ¡°Alright. What is our first step?¡± sighed Avalon.


    ¡°The first step-¡± Guster stopped short as a familiar face pushed through the crowd. ¡°Is to make sure she doesn¡¯t see us.¡± Guster pointed to Siv and darted around a corner, yanking Avalon behind him.


    ¡°Was that your old partner?¡± asked Avalon as she tore herself free from Guster¡¯s grip.


    ¡°Yeah, blue. It¡¯s just like de Network to send Siv after me.¡±


    Avalon pushed Guster against the brick wall and peeked around the corner. Siv hadn¡¯t seen the two yet. Avalon held Guster¡¯s hand and stalked down the alleyways until they merged into the main path leading to the docks. Melting into the crowd of merchants and tourists they weaved around the townsfolk and ducked behind a wagon of apples. Avalon checked to see if they were being followed, and low and behold Siv was on their trail.


    ¡°You see her, blue?¡± asked Guster.


    ¡°She¡¯s close. She¡¯ll find us soon,¡± answered Avalon, ¡°Any ideas?¡±


    Guster smirked. ¡°A distraction.¡± Detaching the yoke of the wagon from the horse, Guster slapped the animal¡¯s flank and jumped out of the way as the horse reared up with a terrified neigh and barreled forward into the crowd.


    The commotion was exactly what Guster expected. The frightened animal bucked and kicked trading stalls and trampled guards and villagers. Siv was completely baffled by what had caused such a racket. It gave Avalon and Guster ample time to slip away from her.


    The salty air was a crisp reminder of Avalon¡¯s first journey to Scorch. As she prepared this path with Guster, she thought about reopening that wound in her past. She still couldn¡¯t help but reminisce about the nightmares she had being a beggar, thug, and gladiator. A time she locked and chained tightly in her memories. After nine years, she had forgotten what the Scorch desert heat felt like against her skin, or a slave pit¡¯s sand between her toes. Most of all she had long forgotten her debt to Guster. A fact that she did not regret, however a debt was a debt and she valued her honor above all else. The sight of the docks ahead roused her from her melancholy thoughts.


    ¡°Two for passage to Nacsirri,¡± Guster told the wharf master.


    ¡°Hold up Guster. Does Siv know that you are hunting Uther?¡±


    ¡°She does.¡±


    ¡°Then she would think of going to Nacsirri first. Buy passage to somewhere close, but not there.¡±


    Guster looked at the wharf master who was still waiting for the payment for the Nacsirri trip. Guster smiled. ¡°Sorry, passage to Whately Coast for two.¡±

 Chapter 33: Back to Scorch

    Dragon Realm Scorch


    Guster disembarked immediately and let the crowd sweep him away. Scowling, Avalon pressed after him, flinching as the stench of close-quarters sweat and laborers'' filth washed over her in the throng of people.


    The stables lay before them. Several types of creatures wandered in their individual pens: horses, borgren, ostriches, and sand striders, all adequate for traversing Scorch''s rough terrain, and all priced according to their utility. Horses were reliable but expensive, while a reptilian sand strider lacked speed but was attuned for the desert.


    Guster leaned on the thick wooden fence of the pen housing the large, hippo-like borgren. He eyed one with greenish-yellow scales sloppily chewing the hay and swinging its flat head about to look at them. Bigger than his old one; stouter too. Avalon joined the bounty hunter after inspecting two cream-spotted horses.


    ¡°Do you have enough sendetti for those?¡± she asked, pointing to the steeds.


    ¡°Just enough, but we ain¡¯t gettin¡¯ horses.¡± Guster smiled as he pointed to the slow-moving beast, ¡°What we are gettin¡¯ is dis here good ole¡¯ borgren.¡±


    Avalon raised an eyebrow. ¡°Horses are faster,¡± she argued.


    ¡°Faster, sure, but for de price of two horses, we can get a borgren and a wagon. Our scaly friend will weather de heat better, trust me, blue. Besides, you''d rather nap in a wagon over sittin¡¯ on a saddle.¡±


    Avalon squinted an eye at the lumbering creature then back at Guster''s silly grin. ¡°It''s your coin,¡± she finally sighed.


    ***


    Between the borgren and the rations for the trip, Guster counted two silver sendetti in his palm. He let out a long drawn out moan. the Network would no longer provide him with the connections that he took for granted. They were a family to him. He was raised in the Network. Bounty Hunting was all he ever knew. He ran with his father and then partnered up with Siv for


    their Knives and Needle crew, now he had none of that. Now he was tossed like a piece of trash to fend off the elements all by himself. He needed to capture the Iron Soul, now more than ever.


    A punch into his shoulder broke through his thoughts.


    ¡°Hey, I asked you a question!¡± Avalon shouted.


    The two of them drove along the side of a small canyon. The red cliffside spilt over pebbles and dust as the wagon creaked forward. A roaring river cut through below, keeping a mist of cool air from overpowering the two travelers with the cruel heat.


    Guster rubbed his arm, adjusting his seat at the driver side of the wagon. so that he was a bit further from the wrath of his traveling companion who sat next to him, ¡°I ain''t hear you, girl! No need to beat me to death!¡±


    Avalon growled and glared at the bounty hunter. Guster caught her deathly stare and shrunk his head into his coat so that the collar hid his sheepish face. ¡°Alright, blue. What''s your question?¡±This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°How far are we from Nacsirri?¡±


    ¡°Eh well, Whately Coast ain''t a short detour. We have to head south for a while. Look to your right. You see de Zacheriah River?¡± he waited for Avalon to peer over the rocky ledge and down to the rushing waters below, ¡°The Zacheriah cuts west, but if we follow it for de next few days we''ll be halfway dere... if we were heading to Nacsirri¡±


    ¡°I thought we were going to Nacsirri?¡±


    Guster chuckled, ¡°Uther will have his guide by now. Traveling from Whately Coast was unexpected. Nah, we have to meet him in de Deserts of de Damned now.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe Uther is still alive.¡± Avalon watched the river wash over the slick rocks below. ¡°And now I have to fight him again... to enslave him.¡±


    Guster held silent. He harkened back to when Avalon was beaten and bloodied after she was granted her freedom from the arena. The same day he lost his connection to the one friend he had.


    Aw Siv, why do we have to be enemies? I miss our chemistry. If only my apology would mean something to you.


    He sneaked a glance at Avalon, hoping she''d let it pass. Her stern eyes met his. She definitely had not let it pass. ¡°Thorton''s spear, girl! You know what I do for a livin¡¯.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d prefer to kill Uther instead of enslave a man. I would have never agreed to your favor if I had a choice!¡±


    ¡°You forget who bought you your freedom? I did!¡± snarled Guster.


    ¡°After you put me in chains in the first place!¡± Avalon snapped back baring her teeth.


    ¡°Maybe I should have left you to rot in de pits, maybe den you''d learn some respect!¡±


    ¡°Respect for you? Oh, that''s rich!¡± Avalon threw up her hands with a dry laugh. ¡°You stuck up bitch! You owe me your life!¡±


    There was an uncomfortable silence between the two for a while. Guster was partially embarrassed he let the Silent One get the best of him. Before, only Siv had the guts to challenge his attitude. He gritted his teeth in frustration before pulling out his box of bliss sticks.


    Avalon crawled into the covered wagon to sort through their supplies but took quick notice of a figure in the distance. The light bouncing off the heat made the view wavy, but Avalon was sure she was looking at a rider on horseback. She strained her sight harder, focusing her Black Rabbit senses to increase her perception of the stranger. White coat and a cowboy hat. The stranger¡¯s face was hidden by a red bandana, but those distinct features could only belong to Siv.


    ¡°Guster, I think we are being followed,¡± reported Avalon.


    Guster looked over his shoulder. Sure enough, a rider was gaining speed on their slow borgren.


    ¡°Damn it, dat can¡¯t be Siv!¡± he cursed, ¡°We lost dat woman in Sparrowport.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure all she had to do was ask the wharf master about us and chart one of the other boats to Whately Coast.¡±


    ¡°She always was a clever hunter.¡±


    ¡°Do you have a plan?¡± asked Avalon.


    Guster¡¯s eyes followed the pathway to a thin foot bridge going across the canyon. He formulated their next course of action, although it would be a gamble. However, he considered himself a betting man.


    ¡°Her horse would catch up to us in no time. Running isn¡¯t an option.¡± Guster pointed to the rickety bridge far on the cliffs. ¡°See dat bridge?¡±


    ¡°You want us to make a stand up there?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s outnumbered. We got dis, blue!¡±


    Avalon frowned just thinking about the idea. ¡°I hope you¡¯re right about this.¡±


    Guster took a drag of his bliss stick. ¡°Trust me, blue.¡±

 Chapter 34: Lost Dawns in Flames

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    A cool night set into Lost Dawns as winter dusted a white powder down onto the houses and streets. The moon was just a dim glow, barely piercing the cloudy skies.


    Wiccer bundled up extra tightly as he exited the local Mystic Fang. The daze of the tart shineberry wine still freshly bubbled his head. An easy way to forget last night¡¯s event. An event that already haunted him worse than Avren¡¯s death. An event that led him to betray everything he stood for.


    Although he only had a few drinks, he was walking around like he had downed enough wine to nearly kill a man. He stumbled and swiveled down the streets into the merchant district of the city. As he leaned his shoulder across the store panes, he rubbed his forehead as it pulsed with the unfamiliar pain of Maedros¡¯ wine-induced debauchery. In the distance he could hear a large crowd of people gathering by the fountain in the town square.


    ¡°And we won¡¯t take this treatment of our country laying down any longer!¡± cried a man that led the crowd.


    The crowd chanted back in unison, ¡°No more!¡±


    ¡°The Dawnedge king has crossed the line!¡±


    ¡°Enough is enough!¡±


    ¡°Tull was the one noble we could get behind and Koda took him away from us as well!¡±


    ¡°Hollow be the crown that belongs to a coward!¡± The crowd grew louder. Rowdier. Stoking


    the fire that was about to explode.


    ¡°I say we march to the castle and take back what¡¯s ours!¡± the leader shouted.


    The mob roared with rage, raising torches and upheaving wagons and benches.


    Wiccer¡¯s eyes widened in horror, compounded with confusion. How could they have learned about Tull so fast? It didn¡¯t make any sense! The royal family had kept their doors shut on this matter, barely anyone knew about it. In any case, the people now knew and they would be no


    longer be complacent to Koda¡¯s failures as a leader. Even if that failure was caused by Wiccer himself.


    Wiccer mustered his concentration and darted down the street ahead of the protesters. Fires erupted in the wake of the riot. Thrown stones shattered windows, store fronts were set ablaze. Wiccer dived down an alleyway as Lost Dawn¡¯s town guards marched down the other end of the street to clash with the citizens.


    ¡°Why was the royal family silent?¡± cries echoed into the night, ¡°Don¡¯t we deserve to know?¡±


    Panic struck Wiccer as wobbled to his knees.


    I did this! I did this! I did this!


    The same stream of thoughts raced through his mind over and over again. His hands trembled and his lips quivered. Why did he become a Ghost Fox? Why did he commit such a heinous crime? He was toyed with like a marionette. Strings plucked and pulled. The clown was his master and he was just a tool, a pawn in Inle¡¯s game. How could he be so foolish as to listen to Elucard?


    Wiccer collapsed in the snow, clutching his chest. Ever part of his body wrenched in pain, but he felt nothing save for the rapid throb of his own beating heart.


    I just want to die. Over and over again, it¡¯s all that I deserve.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ***


    Elucard watched on with astonishment as vernal mages raised a wall of giant roots to divide the oncoming masses of angry civilians from the castle. Charging from either side of the alleyways came armored guards attempting to quell the riot. They bashed and battered the angry mob with large tower shields and cudgels, attempting to knock them down. The protestors only fought back harder.


    Elucard dropped down a gutter and into a smaller alley and took off. He made sure not to be caught in the chaos.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want this to happen¡­¡± Elucard stumbled across an elderly man sobbing on a trash heap, his head damp with cool blood, ¡°The Fox people were supposed to rally us, not destroy us.¡±


    Elucard faltered, unable to move forward. He hung his head in shame.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, old man,¡± Elucard whispered, ¡°None of this anarchy was meant to happen.¡±


    The man looked up to the somber Elucard.


    ¡°But it has happened¡­¡± Elucard turned to the tearful man. ¡°And it''s what we do moving forward that the world will judge us by.¡± Elucard took in a large breath and disappeared into the madness of the night.


    ***


    Wiccer curled in silence. His tears had since frozen over his dark skin, and the shivering in his hands was now more from the snow that covered him than from his inner turmoil, and his labored breathing became calm and quiet. The howls of the ruckus still stirred near him, with the warm glow of fires burning down the city from afar. His thoughts no longer raced, but still wandered in and out of his head.


    I did this¡­ I did this¡­ I did th-


    ¡°Hey, get up!¡±


    Wiccer¡¯s thoughts broke apart and scattered as a rough kick to his thigh disturbed him


    ¡°Get up, Wiccer!¡± Elucard grabbed Wiccer¡¯s cloak and dead lifted the man over his shoulder. After Elucard set him down near a pile of firewood, he saw that Wiccer¡¯s eyes were glazed over in weakness and mental agony.


    ¡°Snap out of it!¡± Elucard threw a sharp slap across his friend¡¯s face. The pain burned like the fires in Lost Dawns, ¡°I don¡¯t want to hurt you, but I will!¡±


    ¡°I know you will¡­¡± whispered Wiccer.


    Elucard stepped back, his hand clenched in a tight fist. ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to... I promise.¡±


    Wiccer slumped his head back against the wall. ¡°Everything you touch crumbles to ash,


    Elucard.¡±


    ¡°I-¡±


    ¡°Have you noticed that?¡± Wiccer coughed a crude chuckle. ¡°It¡¯s not just you. Anyone who follows you has a- a death touch on those we care about. I¡¯m partially to blame. I let you loose into this world¡­ just for you to swallow it whole.¡±


    Elucard looked away. ¡°You- You¡¯re drunk, Wiccer. You don¡¯t mean any of this.¡±


    ¡°Maybe... or maybe I¡¯m seeing the world clearly only now... now that it¡¯s all burning down.¡±


    A long silence swept over Elucard.


    ¡°We did all this,¡± Wiccer continued, ¡°You and I. We brought this city down to its knees.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not- It¡¯s not over yet!¡± Elucard blubbered out, tears now streaking from his eyes, ¡°We


    can fix this- I can fix this!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s there to fix, Elucard?¡± Wiccer¡¯s voice was now hoarse.


    ¡°We are still in Inle¡¯s inner circle,¡± pleaded Elucard, ¡°We will bring him to justice, show everyone they¡¯ve been manipulated. This is far from over.¡±


    ¡°And what of Tull?! We nearly killed the man!¡± Wiccer snapped, his voice cracking like the fire around them, ¡°How can I look Koda in the eye and tell him I¡¯m responsible for that?!¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t... we can¡¯t,¡± said Elucard. His tone now somber, ¡°We must take that secret to our graves.¡±


    ¡°How am I supposed to live with that weight over my head?!¡± ¡°You just do.¡± Elucard bowed his head.


    Jetta.


    ¡°Every death you are responsible for, whether you killed them or left them to die... stays with you. Tull will heal, we will not,¡± finished Elucard.


    The two men stared at each other. The words they said crushed them as if they carried the weight of the moon on their shoulders. What was left unsaid was what truly hurt them. In a night of fire and flame, Elucard and Wiccer¡¯s relationship was now a frozen wasteland.

 Chapter 35: Encounter with Siv

    Dragon Realm Scorch


    With a grunt, Guster and Avalon''s borgren came to a stiff halt at the edge of the canyon. A rope bridge stretched across, but the lumpy reptile refused to move. The rope that held the old, rickety bridge together was tattered and worn, far past its prime. The bridge itself swayed back and forth as the taunt ropes creaked under stress and age. The two looked over the edge to see the Zacheriah river bob in waves as it sliced between the two cliffs below. It rushed around a maze of rocks, crashing into small waterfalls heading to a gentler part of the river miles to the south.


    ¡°Come on, you scabby beast! We need to make it across de bridge before Siv gets here!¡± Guster swatted the beast with a thin riding crop, as if the animal would understand him. Finally, he gave in. ¡°It¡¯s no use, we¡¯ll have to go de rest of de way on foot.¡±


    Guster climbed down from the wagon and inched closer to the first wooden plank. He gingerly tapped the bridge with his foot. His flesh turned a pale yellow as a wave of dizziness invaded his head.


    ¡°Ugh, never been one for heights¡­¡± he said. He looked at Avalon and bowed, ¡°Fair maidens first, blue.¡±


    Avalon rolled her eyes and hopped off the wagon. She patted the gentle borgren on its head and pushed Guster to one side. He stumbled, teetering on the cliff''s edge as Avalon started across the bridge with careful, catlike steps.


    As the two trekked slowly across the treacherous bridge, their pursuer galloped to a stop behind them. Siv pulled on her reins and dismounted off her horse. Taking stock of her arsenal hanging on leather straps inside her coat, Siv produced a thin needle from her white duster. Pushing back the flap of her coat to not be over-encumbered by the heftiness of the clothing, she flung the needle, taking aim at Guster.


    Guster felt something like a mosquito nip him. His leg went limp. Numb. It dragged behind him as he flopped forward. Another mosquito bite tagged his upper back. With a yelp he called out to Avalon but the Silent One had already hurdled over him to come to his aid.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    She slid out her Silencer and knelt on the wobbly planks. With one keen eye on her opponent, she glanced at Guster, ¡°Can you walk?¡±


    Guster winced as he desperately dragged him himself at a sluggish pace. ¡°Nah, I¡¯m out of dis fight, Avalon, see ya!¡±


    ¡°Then we can¡¯t fight, we have to hurry across.¡±


    Siv glared angrily at the woman that stood between her and her bounty. ¡°Get out of here, Avalon. This is between me and my partner!¡±


    Avalon grunted as he shouldered Guster¡¯s limp body. ¡°I owe this man a life debt. My conscience won¡¯t be cleared until it is paid off.¡± She took a step back. ¡°I suggest leaving before this gets any uglier.¡±


    Siv fired a single needle towards Avalon. Just a warning shot. Just to show that she wasn¡¯t leaving this bridge until Guster was dead or in her clutches. She didn¡¯t care which came first.


    Avalon deflected the thin steel needle with prowess and finesse.


    ¡°Siv, join us, we can still capture Uther together!¡± Guster huffed. His energy waned as he struggled to keep upright against Avalon.


    Siv shook her head. ¡°You don¡¯t get it, do you? The Network didn¡¯t just blacklist you!¡± She pulled out a buck knife from her belt and motioned to the ropes that anchored the bridge. ¡°They threatened me, too! They gave me an ultimatum: deal with you; whether that means bring you in or kill you, or they cut ties with me forever!¡± Siv began to cut the woven ropes. One by one each strand plucked apart. ¡°I never wanted it to come to this. Your friendship always meant a lot to me¡­¡± She clenched her teeth in resentment, ¡°But it seems all you did was walk all over me.¡±


    Avalon sheathed her sword and threw Guster over her shoulder. She grimaced under the weight as he dashed across the bridge. The end was in her sight, if she could be a hair faster, she could make it to safety. Before-


    The bridge gave way underneath her! She made for a last-ditch leap for the other end. She scraped and scrambled for any earth that she could take a hold of, but all that there was to grab was air. Guster and Avalon howled as they fell into the river below.

 Chapter 36: White Rapids

    Dragon Realm Scorch


    The Zacheriah river crashed against the protruding rocks as Avalon struggled to keep her head above the water. Her coat and Silencer hung heavy, hindering her movement, and her boots became like weights tied to her feet as she struggled to stay afloat. She twisted and turned in the currents as she slammed against nearby rocks and knocked the little air she¡¯d managed to keep. The river threw her against a large wet boulder and she desperately clung to it. She screamed out, fear rolling through her body like the rapids themselves. Her fingers finally gave out and she was swept under the water once more. As her head dunked up and down, she spotted the swamp rat bounty hunter grasping a rock not too far away from her. Fighting against the bashing waters and blinking away the stinging droplets, Avalon swam to Guster. The current nearly pulled her away, but she grabbed his coattail, then the hand he extended, and clawed her way to the boulder. Guster grunted as he pulled Avalon to the jutting stone. Despite the quartz surface being so slick, she found a decent grip.


    ¡°Hey blue, you miss me?¡± Guster gasped, still out of breath. He did his best to keep a calm demeanor, but in truth, he was terrified. His body was still feeling the effects of the poison, which made each limb feel like it was tethered to an ox.


    By Thorton, I could use a cigarette right now.


    ¡°Shove it, Guster. Can you move your legs yet?¡±


    ¡°Heh, ¡®fraid not.¡±


    Avalon heaved herself higher onto the stone and extended her arm. ¡°Come!¡± she commanded. Zooming from downstream came her sword, whipping into her hand. She breathed a sigh of relief and sheathed her Silencer.


    Avalon wrapped her arm over Guster''s shoulder and gripped his tunic. ¡°We need to get to the calmer part of this river and make it to shore. Don¡¯t drown until then.¡±


    Guster clenched his eyes closed and took a deep breath as Avalon pushed off the rock and let the currents engulf them once more. Avalon¡¯s free arm ached as she kept Guster''s head from dipping underneath the water. She could feel her tired muscles burn and her mind roaring to stop. Stop to save herself. To abandon this role of being the bounty hunter¡¯s savior. She pushed down her negative thoughts and concentrated on the task at hand. One step at a time.


    Soon the rapids slowed into a gentler part of the Zacheriah. With the last ounce of strength she had left, Avalon paddled to the shore and dragged Guster onto the bed of pebbles.


    Guster rolled onto his side, spurting out water. His throat was still swollen and throbbing. A thin film of mucus dribbled from his nostrils and around the rim of his lips. His eyes were red and irritated, but he was alive. He would later thank the angel of chance and chaos for the sliver of luck he was granted this day.


    Avalon''s body shivered, not just from the cold dampness soaking her through, but from the strength she''d just exerted. Her body tried to give in, but she knew better. Siv would be looking for their bodies to confirm the kill. Avalon would do the same thing if she was in her shoes.


    Avalon grabbed Guster''s jacket and tried to drag him into the brush.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°Hang on, give me some time to rest up. If you haven''t noticed, I nearly drowned,¡± coughed Guster.


    ¡°I''m in no condition to fight Siv off you this time. We need to get moving before she finds us.¡±


    Guster pushed off the ground and sat up. ¡°I can feel dis poison wearin¡¯ off. I think I can walk on my own.¡±


    With the Silent One''s help, they both limped off the bank and made their way to the golden grass that lined the shores.¡±


    Avalon managed a weak chuckle. ¡°It looks like you lost your hat.¡±


    Guster reached up and pawed his damp hair. ¡°Damn, dat was my favorite one too,¡± he sighed. ¡°Hey, dere''s a town not too far from here, de ole¡¯ Irvine colony. You can trade your sword in for a pair of horses and maybe a new hat if dere''s a haberdashery.¡±


    Avalon glared at him. Trade her sword? ¡°I will kill you myself, Guster.¡±


    ¡°What blue, you ain''t buyin¡¯ me a new hat?¡± Guster innocently asked.


    ¡°I''m not trading my Silencer.¡±


    ¡°Blue, dat rusty thing can easily buy us a couple of horses at the least. Oh! Maybe a hot meal and to stay at de inn. Imagine it, blue! A soft bed, warm blankets, a cushy pillow...¡± Guster drifted his head into the clouds just thinking about a good night''s sleep.


    ¡°I would never sell this sword. And while we¡¯re on the subject, my blade is not rusty!¡± Guster grinned stupidly. ¡°Just think about it, blue.¡±


    Avalon tapped a finger on her chin and gazed off into the distance as if pondering the decision, then turned back to Guster. ¡°No.¡±


    Avalon grunted as her leg gave out. Her legs buckled underneath her and he dropped to the ground.


    ¡°Avalon, you ok?¡±


    ¡°Let us rest here,¡± Avalon said weakly.


    Guster rested his head against a small stone and did his best to get comfortable. He laid one hand onto his chest and instinctively went to cover his face with his hat, but stopped short with a groan. ¡°Blue, I don''t think I can go any further without my derby.¡±


    Avalon collapsed on the ground, unbuckling her belt and opening up her coat so that she could breathe easier. She spread her arms across the ground and stared up at the sky. ¡°You''ll manage,¡± she finally responded. ¡°How far are we from the desert?


    Guster gestured to a large formation of spear shaped rocks out in the distance. ¡°Deres de Pike Rocks; Irvine is a day''s walk beyond dem. De desert¡¯s a three day journey on foot, but a pair of horses would get us dere faster. We need dem horses if we are going to catch him.¡±


    ¡°What is Uther doing in the Deserts of the Damned?¡± asked Avalon.


    ¡°His new master is after some seal dere.¡±


    ¡°Seal?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, sound familiar?¡±


    Avalon harkened back to her history lessons on ancient Draak Terra lore.


    A council of mages created five powerful wards upon the realms to banish the gods into the Heavens¡­


    ¡°Vaguely, though I have no clue why Uther would be involved with them,¡± said Avalon.


    ¡°It don¡¯t matter anyways. Uther is goin¡¯ to be just another gladiator in a few days once he dances with the Night Whisper again,¡± Guster rolled to his side. ¡°Get some sleep, blue.¡±


    Avalon looked to the clear night sky.


    Vada, every time I see the stars of Scorch, I seem to think of you. I miss you. I miss you so much. I wish I could be by your side, but I have to do this. This final fragment of my past lingers between us, but once it¡¯s been shattered, you and I will be together again. Wait for me, Vada.

 Chapter 37: Picking up the Pieces

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    Inle and the Collector walked through the scattered wreckage of the ruins of Lost Dawns. The shadow elf¡¯s feet crunched onto the shattered glass scattered throughout the streets. Clay shingles that made up the roof tops lay broken on the ground. Smoldering remains of fires cooled down to small embers. The city looked like it had been ravaged by a natural disaster, and it made Inle smile.


    ¡°We did fine work here, Inle.¡± said the yikahti. ¡°You should be proud of yourself.¡±


    Inle nodded. He stopped to watch a lone protestor sprint down an alley way calling for the dethroning of the king.


    ¡°But to what end does the fall of Lost Dawns do for us?¡± asked Inle.


    ¡°The Mage King is distracted with his city,¡± explained the Collector, ¡°Koda will now be susceptible to manipulation by our Master.¡±


    Inle paused with the thought of Koda joining the side of his guild. What would that mean for them? How easily could Wraslyn turn Koda against his allies? ¡°So are we playing the long con?¡±


    ¡°I suppose you can say that,¡± the Collector let out a raspy laugh. ¡°Koda shall bring the seals to us. That is the Master''s plan for the mage brat.¡±


    ¡°And my plan?¡± asked Inle. ¡°What is my end game in all this chaos?¡±


    The Collector turned to the clown. He tilted his head in silence but continued to walk instead of answering.


    ¡°Do you not know?¡± Inle asked again.


    ¡°I am not privy to reveal your own destiny, Inle.¡±


    ¡°But what of my near future?¡± Inle slid in front of the Collector, determined to get at least one straight answer from the cat. ¡°What is my goal now that we shut down Lost Dawns?¡±


    The Collector raised his chin and grazed a thin whisker with a claw. ¡°Uther nears the Celestial Seal of Scorch. We are to protect the Plague Reach as it breaks the seal.¡±


    ¡°And what of the Ghost Foxes?¡±


    The Collector pushed aside Inle. ¡°What of them?¡±


    ¡°We promised them a seat to watch the chess game.¡±


    The Collector halted and smiled at Inle. ¡°You like them, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°They entertain me,¡± said Inle, ¡°They did well.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± agreed the Collector, ¡°They will be a useful asset, but we will see how much more use we can get out of them.¡±


    Inle nodded in satisfaction. He did not know why, but he showed an admiration for the Ghost Foxes. Perhaps they reminded him of his time with the Black Rabbits. Perhaps it was their unfaltering dedication to their cause. Whatever it was, he was pleased with them. Perhaps they could be by his side as his new clan.


    ***If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Dragon Realm Cypress


    ¡°About the other night, Wiccer¡­¡± Elucard sat on the steps leading to the old Silent Master¡¯s quarters in the Black Rabbit compound. He watched as Wiccer paced back and forth, hands shaking in agitation. The former White Cloak furrowed his brow in deep contemplation.


    ¡°Save it, Elucard,¡± spat Wiccer, ¡°The only thing that should concern us is what the rest of the team wants to meet us for.¡±


    One by one the Ghost Fox soldiers revealed themselves from the compound¡¯s shadows, dressed in their red and black ARO attire.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± Wiccer took a step back, something was amiss. Were his men planning a mutiny against him? ¡°Why aren¡¯t you in uniform?¡±


    Lear stepped forward, the others lowered their heads, unable to face Wiccer or Elucard.


    ¡°We feel things have escalated too far out of your hands, captain,¡± said Lear. His eyes


    wandered from Wiccer¡¯s to the anger written in Elucard¡¯s eyes. ¡°It¡¯s time we give in.


    Wiccer shook his head in disbelief. ¡°We are this close to learning of Inle¡¯s plan,¡± he repeated what Elucard told him, as if it was something he believed himself. ¡°He can¡¯t give in now.¡±


    ¡°Wiccer, listen to yourself!¡± pleaded Essie. ¡°We burned down the city three nights ago!¡±


    ¡°I-¡± tried Wiccer.


    ¡°No, Wiccer. They are wrong.¡± Elucard stepped forward, moving in close to Essie.


    ¡°I always knew you had it in you to push too far,¡± Essie spat, ¡°I just never thought you would.¡±


    Elucard sneered, but let her continue.


    ¡°Blayvaar is in the infirmary. You did that to him¡­¡± Essie¡¯s voice grew louder, ¡°To one of our own!?¡±


    ¡°I did.¡± it was all that Elucard could say.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand you¡­¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll live.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the point, Elucard!¡± Rulan pushed forward and thrust his index finger into Elucard¡¯s chest. ¡°We don¡¯t hurt our own! We are a family. We look out for one another... we''re a clan... we¡¯re the Watchers.¡±


    Elucard grabbed Rulan¡¯s hand and squeezed it until his face contorted with pain. ¡°Blayvaar should have thought about that before he betrayed us,¡± hissed Elucard. His voice was dark and grim. He had no remorse for what he had done. No sympathy. None.


    ¡°Wiccer, you have always been the logical one,¡± said Lear, ¡°Tell this yikahti you know what we are doing is wrong.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t answer him, Wiccer,¡± snapped Elucard.


    Wiccer stared at his friend, then back to Lear. It was true, things were wildly spinning out of his control. Like a runaway horse, coursing with confusion and adrenaline. Unable to stop. Which was why they needed to follow through. ¡°We are undercover, Lear. You knew the risks when you signed up.¡±


    ¡°The risks!?¡± roared Essie.


    ¡°Yes. The risks, Es.¡± Wiccer¡¯s voice grew with more confidence as he led with conviction. ¡°We are on the verge of success with this mission. All the sacrifices we made will pay off. We just need to persevere further.¡±


    ¡°We knew this would have been an outcome. This yikahti speaks for the rest of us,¡± Lear said slowly, ¡°We are out.¡±


    Wiccer nodded, ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°We shall keep the secret safe, for your sake, Wiccer.¡± Lear glared at Elucard. ¡°Not his.¡± Elucard and Wiccer watched as Lear, Essie, and Rulan filed out of the compound until only he and Wiccer remained. Elucard snatched a rock from the ground and chucked it at one of the wooden walls that surrounded the training grounds. As it bounced off, he screamed at the top of his lungs in frustration.


    ¡°We don¡¯t need them!¡± Elucard growled, ¡°We don¡¯t need anyone!¡±


    ¡°We have no choice now. We are on our own,¡± responded Wiccer.


    ¡°We¡¯re too far up river to turn back now, Wiccer.¡±


    Wiccer looked silently to Elucard.


    Elucard allowed the silence to linger further. ¡°We¡¯re too far gone, Wiccer,¡± he finally said.


    ¡°Too far gone,¡± Wiccer repeated, ¡°Too far.¡±

 Chapter 38: Accepted Amongst the Winter

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    A still peace lingered over the city as dusk broke its magenta streaks across the skies. Soldiers marched through the streets alongside mages and Silent Ones, their presence meant to serve as a deterrent to any rebellious citizen, while a curfew kept the law-abiding ones indoors.


    Wiccer observed the remnants of the once mighty Lost Dawns as Elucard argued with the last remaining other member of Ghost Foxes.


    ¡°Master, I don¡¯t want to leave your side!¡± pleaded Kyzo.


    Elucard shook his head, his hands placed on his hips, ¡°This is not a request, I¡¯m making this an order.¡±


    Kyzo looked to Wiccer for help. ¡°Captain, say I can sta-¡±


    ¡°You heard him, Haze. You take orders from him, not me.¡± Wiccer hid his grin. Kyzo Haze, loyal to the end.


    ¡°The mission has grown too dangerous for you, my student.¡± Elucard placed his hands on Kyzo¡¯s shoulders. ¡°I want you to stay with Legion until I return.¡±


    Kyzo looked up to meet his master¡¯s gaze. ¡°And if you don¡¯t return?¡±


    Elucard glanced away. ¡°Then Legion will oversee the rest of your training.¡±


    Kyzo stepped back and bowed to his mentor. ¡°It¡¯s been an honor, Master.¡±


    Elucard returned the bow, ¡°Likewise, Kyzo. Now go!¡±


    Kyzo broke into a sprint before leaping into a dive off the clocktower, vanishing like a shadow into the new night.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Elucard turned to Wiccer who stepped to the edge of the tower. ¡°Let¡¯s head to the Roots, we don¡¯t want them waiting for too long.¡±


    ***


    Though it never had the same attention or love as the rest of the city had, now more than ever, the Roots was a disaster area. The shanty town, once characterized by ramshackle houses and dank alleyways, was now even worse off, with abandoned buildings and charred foundations


    dominating that part of Lost Dawns. Broken glass and rubble covered the narrow streets. Blackened remains of wagons and stalls dotted the rest of the landscape. The homeless no longer sought shelter in its alleys ¨C those that did not escape the flames were now smoldering corpses by the roadside. The Roots were now a no man¡¯s land, prime territory for conspirators to hold their meetings in the shadows.


    ¡°We thought you may have grown weak after the riots,¡± chuckled Inle. He watched as the two Ghost Foxes dropped from an overhanging tree root and landed onto the rooftop where he and the Collector waited. ¡°But here you are.¡±


    Wiccer stepped forward. ¡°We did as you asked. The royal family is still reeling from our attack.¡±


    A wide smile carved across the Collector¡¯s face, ¡°Tull did not die, but the city still fell. You did well my friends.¡±


    ¡°Then we are in?¡± asked Wiccer.


    Inle pretended to count the heads of Wiccer and Elucard. ¡°I could have sworn there were more of you¡­¡±


    ¡°They couldn¡¯t stomach where this journey has brought us,¡± said Wiccer.


    ¡°And they were dealt with?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± lied Wiccer, ¡°We are what¡¯s left. Is that going to be a problem?¡±


    ¡°You wish an opportunity to join our inner circle? We shall provide that. We have a final task for you two. Continue to please us and you will be rewarded,¡± explained the Collector.


    ¡°More tasks?¡± Elucard threw up his hands in frustration. ¡°At least grant us some good faith; what do we call this organization you belong to?¡±


    ¡°All will be explained in due time, my friends,¡± The Collector bowed and opened a shadow portal to his side, ¡°My masked associate will contact you when we are ready for you.¡±


    Inle bowed and followed the cat through the portal leaving Wiccer and Elucard alone in the Roots.

 Chapter 39: Showdown in Irvine

    Dragon Realm Scorch


    ¡°De Irvine colony is a town at de border of de Desert of de Damned. Nomadic dune elf tribes used it as a tradin¡¯ post for dere salt trade and medical supplies.¡± Explained Guster as he and Avalon set foot onto the long single street of the colony, ¡°It¡¯s also de only place we can escape dis heat for miles.¡±


    Flanked on either side of the long strip were shops and taverns, as well as the occasional brothel and church. ¡°First thing we need to do is find us some grub¡± he said, smacking his parched lips. A cool mug of frothy mead was exactly what he needed.


    ¡°The first thing we need to do is to set up an ambush,¡± corrected Avalon.


    ¡°We just fought off a monster river ¨C I nearly died twice!¡± Guster waved his hands around, gesturing to the threat of their ordeal, ¡°You can¡¯t tell me you ain¡¯t hungry, blue!¡±


    Avalon heard her rumbling stomach, which had not kept quiet since her last meal before the bridge. She frowned but nodded, following Guster inside a nearby saloon.


    ¡°Listen,¡± said Avalon between slurps of a piping hot beef stew, ¡°we can''t deal with Siv and Uther at the same time. Uther fights like three men and Siv nearly killed us. We need to take down Siv before we leave Irvine.¡±


    Guster let out a wretched burp before sloping down his own bowl of stew. He wiped a drip from the side of his mouth with his sleeve and grabbed a bread roll from Avalon''s bowl. ¡°You gonna eat dis, blue?¡±


    Avalon pushed the scraps of her meal towards Guster. ¡°I''m serious, we need to discuss our next course of action.¡±


    Guster mopped the remains of gravy, soaking the bread and shoving it into his mouth. ¡°Mrmm. Yeah, I got you, blue. I¡¯ve been to dis town a few times in de past. I know where we can ambush ole¡¯ Siv.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°De bank has de best vantage point to throw down a rain of knives, if you can keep her distracted with your sword,¡± said Guster, picking his teeth with his pinkie finger.


    ¡°I can-¡± Avalon¡¯s eyes widened with surprise as a figure swung past the saloon doors. Avalon kicked her table forward, sliding it into Guster, pushing him against the wall. A flurry of needles flew into the space where Guster had sat at moments before. Tin dishes popped into the air with each needle crashing into them. ¡°New plan! She¡¯s here!¡± cried Avalon.


    Guster dropped to the floor and dragged himself under a set of tables as a series of needles rippled across the wall above him.


    Cattle wranglers and colonists funneled out of the saloon in fear for their lives. Siv leaped onto an adjacent table to search for the scampering Guster. Avalon twisted and spun her foot out across the table, tripping the bounty hunter. Siv bounced off the table and slammed to the ground.


    ¡°You deal with me, Siv!¡± Avalon drew her blade.


    Siv pulled herself up, snatching a knife off the table. ¡°Fine by me!¡±


    Siv thrusted forward, her knife making contact with Avalon¡¯s jacket before the Silent One blocked her hand. Siv reared back for another attack, slicing for Avalon¡¯s stomach.


    Avalon flipped backwards, realizing how fast Siv really was. Finding her footing, Avalon took hold of her hilt with both hands and dashed forward with a series of wild strikes.


    Siv slid backwards, bailing her knife, favoring a fist full of needles instead. With a skillfully placed throw, she struck Avalon in the hand, making her drop her sword.


    Avalon shook her hands, struggling to keep the feeling in her fingers as Siv¡¯s poison coursed through her hand. She ducked behind a wooden beam and ripped out the needles stuck in her skin.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    She¡¯s faster than me, being up close is no good and her needles are troublesome as well. She has me beat at a distance. So how can I defeat Siv?


    ¡°Hang on, blue!¡± from behind the bar counter, a number of daggers launched towards the needle armed bounty hunter. Siv heaved up a table and rolled behind it as Guster¡¯s throwing knives splintered partially through the wood.


    A low whistle sung from behind the table. ¡°Looks like we have a regular dune elf standoff, eh Guster?¡±


    Guster vaulted over the bar, a bottle of whiskey in hand. He took a swig, tossing the rest over his shoulder. ¡°It don¡¯t have to end like dis Siv. We outnumber you!¡±


    Avalon punched a wooden beam with her right hand until she could feel pain again. She circled the other side of Siv¡¯s table opposite Guster.


    Siv loaded needles into both hands and took in a long breath. She popped into sight and flung a flock of darts at both of her enemies.


    Guster turned to his side, raising his arm to shield himself as best as he could. The needles pelted down on him, sagging his arm like a rag doll.


    Avalon flipped backwards, twisting in the air, dodging the majority save for two which stung her thigh and wrist. She landed with a thud on one knee.


    ¡°How much venom can you both take before you can take no more?¡± chuckled Siv as she closed onto Avalon. The Silent One¡¯s breathing now labored, sweat streaked down her face. Siv yanked Avalon up by the collar. The bounty hunter slid a needle into her hand and pricked Avalon¡¯s throat. ¡°How ¡®bout I finish this right now?¡±


    Avalon looked away. Her blood flooded with the needle¡¯s numbing agent. She couldn¡¯t feel her arms or one of her legs. Once again, she was at Siv¡¯s mercy. ¡°Do what you must,¡± she sneered.


    Siv reeled back her arm. ¡°Just know, this ain¡¯t personal-¡±


    ¡°Siv wait!¡± cried Guster. He raised his good hand and walked over to her, waiting for her to look at him before continuing. ¡°Siv please, don¡¯t kill her.¡±


    Siv scowled down to Avalon, but lowered her hand. ¡°Why? What does she really mean to you?¡±


    ¡°Sh-She-¡± stuttered Guster, jumbling his words.


    ¡°The truth this time, Guster.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s better than me,¡± surrendered Guster, ¡°She¡¯s everythin¡¯ I¡¯m not. A fighter in whatever she chooses to believe in.¡±


    Siv glanced back at Avalon. The Silent One was also rendered silent.


    ¡°She¡¯s a good person Siv. Someone I hoped to learn from¡­¡± he admitted, ¡°...but never did.¡±


    Siv released Avalon from her grip and dropped her needle. ¡°Is that the truth, Gus?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Siv,¡± he sighed, ¡°dats de truth, honest to Thorton.¡±


    Siv shuffled to the saloon doors and pushed one open. ¡°Don¡¯t make me regret this, Guster.¡±


    ¡°Siv?¡±


    ¡°I want you to go!¡±


    Guster froze in confusion.


    ¡°Get out of here!¡± growled Siv.


    Guster pulled Avalon against his shoulder. Both limped to the exit. ¡°Siv, I¡¯ll do right by you.


    I promise,¡± thanked Guster.


    ¡°Be that man I always hoped you could be.¡± Siv grabbed Avalon by the shoulder. ¡°Take care of him.¡±


    ***


    The morning sun rose into the sky as Avalon and Guster trotted with their horses into the desert. Their bodies rested after their battle with Siv.


    ¡°Are you ready for dis, Avalon?¡±


    Avalon smiled meekly. Her stomach churned and her legs twitched. She had never been more nervous in her life. Another encounter with Uther? Was she stronger now? Was he? Could she win? She swallowed hard. ¡°There¡¯s no turning back now.¡±


    ¡°No, I suppose dere ain¡¯t.¡± Guster adjusted in his saddle. ¡°All my life I¡¯ve been garbage to anyone I worked with. My ole¡¯ man, Siv, even de Network. I want dis bounty to be what changes me. Changes it all¡­¡±


    Avalon nodded in understanding. ¡°You and I are a lot alike in that regard, Guster.¡±


    ¡°How so, blue?¡±


    ¡°All my life I¡¯ve run from my troubles. I buried everything in my past and never once asked for help to solve them on my own.¡± She looked at Guster and smiled. ¡°I thought helping you might help me face the problems of my past to become stronger in the future.¡±


    Guster beamed a smile back at Avalon. ¡°Blue, we just had a tender moment, guess we a couple now?¡±


    ¡°Not in your life, swamp rat,¡± giggled Avalon.


    Guster laughed back, ¡°Can¡¯t blame a man for tryin¡¯.¡±

 Chapter 40: Scorchs Secret

    Dragon Realm Scorch


    Orange sand swept for miles around Uther, an empty plane of curving dunes. He lifted the collar of his black cloak against the warm sand pelting his face as he waited. The body of a small female yikahti laid at his feet, her neck twisted and broken. A shadow portal opened up mere feet from him as four individuals stepped out. Two he knew well; the other two, clad in white, not so much.


    ¡°You late. Uther be waiting here for many time. Sand gonna bury the seal further,¡± spat Uther.


    ¡°Patience, friend,¡± said Inle as he walked besides the towering man. He squatted to cup and trickle the grainy sand through his hand. ¡°The seal is under here? How are we supposed to find some puny seal under an ocean of desert like this? How was anyone supposed to find this place?¡±


    ¡°Young Silent Master, no one was supposed to find it, that is the point,¡± said the Collector, unsheathing a sword of a constantly flowing wind. It let out a long whistle as the yikahti handled it. ¡°Stand aside you two. You don''t want your skin blasted off.¡±


    ¡°What is going on here?¡± asked Elucard. ¡°Who is the giant?¡±


    The Collector lowered his strange sword and bowed. ¡°Ah yes. Uther, I would like you to meet our Ghost Fox friends. I suppose it is as good a time as any to finally learn your two names.¡±


    ¡°Gevin,¡± Elucard said coolly.


    ¡°Cutter,¡± said Wiccer, just as quick as his partner.


    The Collector grinned. ¡°Now step behind me, my friends.¡±


    The two Dead of Winter and two Ghost Fox members stepped backwards, giving the Collector space, weary of his condensed hurricane-like blade.


    The cat raised his sword aloft and struck it down into the sand. A massive burst of dust and particles exploded away from him and scattered with the rush of wind manifested by the sword.


    In moments, the sand was cleared away leaving a massive stone platform that lay just under the surface. On top of the platform was an intricate design of shapes encased by several overlapping circles. The seal was huge, spanning the size of a small city.


    ¡°My, my, this wasn¡¯t some tiny glyph after all,¡± said Inle with a high pitched, excited whistle, ¡°shovels alone would not come close to unveiling such a wonder.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Inle, this complex symbol took an assembly of the most skilled priests and scholars to write the seal. It would need to take that level and number of adept scholars to break it,¡± explained the Collector, ¡°It¡¯s a shame we are not adept scholars.¡±


    Uther chuckled.


    The Collector lifted his eyes to the sky and smiled. ¡°All that Wraslyn spoke of was true. The seals exist. The world will soon change and begin a religious revolution like no other has ever dreamed before.¡±


    ¡°A Celestial Seal?¡± Elucard fumbled out, then clamped his mouth shut, regretting his outburst. He knew a thing or two about celestial studies, thanks to Jetta''s knowledge of angelic lore, but it would be unwise to reveal that to their enemy. However, the sight of something so grand, so magnificent, in both power and beauty, had gotten the best of him.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    The Collector turned curiously to Elucard. ¡°You are educated, Gevin?¡±


    ¡°My Master had me study ancient academics as well as speak the old tongues. I am no scholar, but I am no idiot either,¡± lied Elucard, not missing a beat.


    ¡°A blade is only as sharp as the Rabbit wielding it, eh my friend?¡± said Inle, with a cool smirk strewn across his face.


    ¡°Wise words to live by,¡± Elucard scowled under his mask. Sweat beaded down his face. The desire to slice Inle¡¯s throat ran through him, flaring higher now more than ever. Both Inle and Elucard had to keep a dark silence in this dangerous game they played.


    ¡°Gevin, a word.¡± Wiccer pulled Elucard off to the side, out of earshot of the Dead of Winter members. ¡°A Celestial Seal? What exactly are we dealing with, Elucard?¡±


    ¡°They mean to break the gateway between the heavens and the Mortal Plane. The gods will be unleashed onto our world ¨C but it can''t be done. Not even Atila himself ¨C the greatest mortal hero that our world has ever known ¨C could break this seal alone.¡±


    Uther knelt down, taking a small vial from his belt. It was filled with a strange, black, volatile substance. Once he pulled the cork top loose, the gloop seemed to jump out and pour into the carved grooves of the seal.


    The great rumbling of stone breaking down and cracking underneath them drowned out the the sound of the sticky, bubbling ooze.


    ¡°It looks like they are doing it. What will this lead to?¡±


    ¡°We''re well over our heads, Wiccer.¡± Elucard scratched his head nervously. ¡°The seals were created because the wars between the angelic pantheon left a wake of destruction and misery on this world. Men were forced to fight in their wars. Millions died, countries were torn asunder.


    The world wouldn''t survive another war of the gods. We have to put a stop to this.¡±


    Wiccer froze. They were the only two that could keep this seal from being broken.


    ¡°Wiccer?¡± Elucard snapped his fingers, ¡°Can you do this?¡±


    Wiccer clenched his teeth. Could he do this? The more optimal question was, did he have a choice? No. But it was time to push his past failures back into the shadows of his mind and take up his sword once again. Could he do this? It didn¡¯t matter, he had to. Wiccer pulled off his mask and drew his sword.


    Elucard smiled and matched his companion''s actions. ¡°We might die here. No one will bury our remains.¡±


    ¡°Then I will die a soldier, proud to serve the realms. No more running,¡± grinned Wiccer.


    ¡°No more running, I can get behind that,¡± smirked Elucard.


    They approached the three villains with purpose, quickening their pace into a full-blown sprint. They did not roar a war cry. Their feet were light, and their steps were silent. They leapt into the air, lifting their blades over their heads, to slay their enemies in one fell swoop.


    The Collector and Inle perked their ears to the soft sound of air drafting against Elucard and Wiccers'' flapping white cloaks. Both Inle and the Collector raised their swords to deflect the incoming ambush.


    Inle¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Elucard?! You were a Ghost Fox?¡±


    Elucard kicked off Inle¡¯s blade and slid backwards on the polished stone. ¡°Hello, Inle.¡± ¡°Inle, handle the other one!¡± shouted the Collector, ¡°I look forward to seeing if the stories of


    Elucard''s raw talent are true.¡±


    ¡°Another time, Elucard,¡± Inle spat begrudgingly.


    ¡°We must allow the Plague Reach to fracture the seal,¡± barked the Collector.


    Inle could already feel the Plague Reach toxins seep into his nostrils, pumping adrenaline and energy into his muscles like a dose of drugs.


    Wiccer gripped his hilt with both hands and sneered. ¡°Let''s finish this, clown!¡±

 Chapter 41: Avalon and Guster Join the Fray

    Desert Realm Scorch


    ¡°You fight good.¡±


    Avalon raised an eyebrow to Guster. They had been riding alongside each other in complete silence.


    ¡°Well,¡± she corrected him.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Never mind,¡± she sighed. ¡°Thank you. You fight well too.¡± she chuckled.


    There was a brief pause between the two. Guster lit a bliss stick before continuing his small talk again. ¡°What are you doing after dis, Blue?¡±


    ¡°After what?¡± she asked, confused.


    ¡°All dis. You helpin¡¯ me out. What does ''Avalon'' have to go back to? Who is waiting for you to return?¡±


    Avalon bit her lip, ¡°My work as a Silent One I suppose, I haven¡¯t really thought about it much.¡±


    Guster grinned stupidly. ¡°Ah blue, you¡¯re lyin¡¯ to yourself. I''ve seen you up at night, missin¡¯ someone. Wishin¡¯ you were with dem and not me.¡±


    Avalon scowled. ¡°I always wish I was with someone other than you!¡±


    ¡°What about dat mint leaf. Sharp but pleasant. She has a thing for you. I can see it in her eyes.¡±


    ¡°Vada!? I- she''s my Blade Sister!¡± Avalon blurted out as she blushed. Yes, Vada had always had her back, even when they were enemies, they only wanted what was best for each other. Was there something more between them than just sisterhood?


    ¡°For someone fast enough to deflect my knives, you sure are slow,¡± chuckled Guster. He ducked as Avalon threw a punch.


    Avalon adjusted her jacket as she found her composure, hiding a smile by pulling her hood lower around her face. ¡°What about you, Mister Laroux? Lost Dawns could always use your services,¡± suggested Avalon.


    ¡°Nah, my ugly mug wouldn''t last a day with dem pretentious elves,¡± snorted Guster. ¡°Once I¡¯m back in de good graces with de Network, I ain¡¯t ever lettin¡¯ go again.¡±


    Avalon stifled a giggle as she imagined the gruff bounty hunter trying to live in high society. A rolling cloud of dust blew past them in a quick rush. Both riders had to throw up their arms over their eyes from the sand. The wind was so harsh it nearly toppled them both off their horses.


    Then as fast as it came, it passed.


    ¡°What was that? A sandstorm?¡± asked Avalon, rubbing the crust from her dry eyes.


    ¡°Don''t think so, blue, dey tend to last longer. Someone or somethin¡¯ created dat.¡±


    Avalon focused her sight and peered into the distance. The horizon wavered in the desert


    heat, but she could make out blurred images and the glint of steel. ¡°There''s people up ahead, a battle!¡± she said.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    ¡°One of dem Uther?¡±


    Avalon rode up ahead to get a better look. Indeed, one of them towered over the others. ¡°Maybe... yes, I believe so.¡±


    Guster rode to catch up to Avalon, but stopped. The horse¡¯s hooves now sounded as if they were back on a road instead of shifting sands. ¡°Avalon, look. Look at de ground,¡± Guster called out to her.


    As she looked behind her, she watched Guster dismount his horse and examine the ground. It was not sand, but a smooth polished stone. Guster moved his hand over the carvings, feeling the grooves until his fingers caught into a jet-black liquid. He pulled his fingers away as the slime thinned and then snapped back like an elastic band.


    ¡°I ain''t ever seen anythin¡¯ like dis. What do you think it is?


    ¡°A Celestial Seal. It has to be,¡± she said. Her mind flashed back to her ancient realm studies. She passed the lessons off as folklore, but here it was right in front of here. Real as Jedeo. Avalon drew her sword. It gave off a soft red glow as it ebbed and wisped off of the metal like smoke in water.


    This black substance is demonic in nature. Like Woadhollow...


    ¡°I think Uther is trying to destroy the seal. He must have gotten mixed up with the Night,¡± Avalon finished her thought out loud.


    ¡°Breaking the seal, what¡¯s dat mean for us?¡±


    Avalon pulled her reins trying to settle her spooked horse. ¡°Catastrophe.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not paid enough for dis,¡± he said, shaking his head and wiping his hand on his pants leg.


    ¡°Heroism is its own reward,¡± said Avalon, ¡°Come we must hurry!¡±


    Riding fast and determined, she made her way closer to the battle before her. Two fighters fended off Uther and his companions. They wore white and used a fighting style that resembled the Black Rabbit martial art.


    Not one of my Silent Ones...who are they?


    As Avalon drew near, she rose on top of her saddle. Her left foot back on the cantle, her right balanced herself on the horn. Taking her sword in both hands, she leapt from the horse, sailing over the combatants and driving her blade into Uther''s shoulder.


    ¡°Remember me, you bastard?!¡± she roared.


    Uther grunted, dropping his hold off Wiccer and ripped Avalon away from him.


    She tumbled and rolled through the air, landing gracefully on her feet. Avalon held out her palm and whispered, ¡°Come.¡± From Uther''s wound, the sword wriggled free and spun to Avalon''s awaiting hand.


    From Avalon¡¯s flanks, the two white clad warriors slid to her.


    Elucard? Wiccer?


    ¡°Avalon, what in the name of Father are you doing here?¡± exclaimed Wiccer.


    ¡°Avalon, you¡¯re a welcome sight,¡± grinned Elucard.


    ¡°I could ask you the same question, Wiccer,¡± said Avalon. ¡°Right now, we need to stop them from destroying the seal.¡±


    Avalon and Elucard clashed their blades against Inle¡¯s. They grunted pushing the clown backwards.


    ¡°Glad we¡¯re on the same page,¡± said Wiccer. He rolled out of the way as Uther pounded at the ground.


    ¡°Hey blue, you gonna introduce me?¡± said Guster as he jumped off his horse and strutted behind them.


    Avalon rolled her eyes, ¡°Wiccer, Elucard, this is Guster.¡± She parried Inle¡¯s sword and kicked him away.


    Elucard examined the bounty hunter up and down, ¡°Can you fight?¡±


    ¡°Ole¡¯ Guster''s been in enough scraps to hold his own,¡± smirked Guster as he opened his long coat to reveal the thirty odd throwing knives fastened within the jacket''s lining. Guster threw an ugly punch, connecting the Collector in the jaw.


    Wiccer pawed a fresh wound on his side. ¡°This is more than a scrap. The seal is being infused with something they call ''Plague Reach''. It makes them faster and stronger. We can''t underestimate them,¡± explained Wiccer.


    ¡°What''s the plan?¡± asked Elucard.


    Wiccer paused looking at his allies, assessing his new strengths, ¡°I''ll handle Inle. I feel the Collector is a bigger threat, so I''m going to leave him to you, Elucard,¡± he waited for his friend to nod before continuing, ¡°I don''t know what this Uther is capable of, but something tells me you two are here for him,¡± said Wiccer looking to Avalon and Guster.


    ¡°You just leave him to us,¡± smiled Guster, ¡°I have a dance to finish with Uther.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Now that''s settled, let''s do this!¡±

 Chapter 42: Sword Fight

    Desert Realm Scorch


    Elucard rolled across the smooth ground, sand kicking up as he slid to a stop. He propped himself up onto his knees and wiped a smear of blood from his lip. Elucard glanced at his sword that had fallen in the near distance and cursed.


    The yikahti walked calmly toward the elf, his arms outstretched to either side, a ghastly smile with full fangs bared.


    ¡°The great Elucard Freewind. The Kingslayer. The one who brought down the Black Rabbits.


    Is this all that I have to look forward to? Where is your fight, elf?¡± sneered the Collector.


    Elucard rose to his feet. Growling, he ran to the cat and threw a flurry of jabs, followed by a series of kicks. With every success of attacks, he was matched by blocks and deflections.


    He¡¯s quicker than me. Better than Legion too. Who is this cat?


    The Collector caught Elucard''s fist in his own and pulled him into a shoulder throw. Before the elf could free himself, he was slammed to the ground.


    Elucard held tight, wrapping his legs and body around the cat''s arm, bending his back into a straight arm bar.


    The Collector smirked coyly before his face soured. He lashed out at Elucard with savage kicks and stomps until the elf had no choice but to release him.


    Elucard sprung and flipped backwards, gaining distance. He adjusted his jaw, cracking it with a snapping shift.


    Something tells me he isn¡¯t even trying.


    ¡°I suppose it¡¯s time for the main course,¡± said the Collector. He reached into his cloak and pulled out the sword he¡¯d used to clear the seal. The blade whirled with the fury of several hurricanes within its tight form.


    Elucard''s legs tensed, ready to spring at a moment''s notice as the Collector slid into a stance with both hands on his blade. The yikahti shuddered, as if in pain. Was it his wound? Elucard threw a glance at his fallen sword; he might be able to reach it in the Collector''s brief distraction.


    He sprinted for his blade.


    A roar ripped through the air and something heavy slammed Elucard into the ground with the force of a ballista. The Collector stood over him, teeth dripping with Plague Reach as the substance powered his limbs and closed his wounds. With a swing of his sword and explosion of wind, he sent Elucard flying backwards.


    Elucard grit his teeth. It took all his strength to take control of his own body. Twisting and scraping his hands and knees across the ground, he slowed to a stop. He grimaced as he wiped his scorched, bloody hands across his pants. He was now hundreds of feet away from the yikahti and his body moved like tar. He huffed, staggering to his feet.


    Elucard¡¯s reprieve was short-lived. In an instant the Collector closed the distance and swiped his sword upward, spinning Elucard into the air.


    Elucard tensed in fear. The ground shrunk further and further as he sailed through the clouds. The centrifugal force scrunched his face as all his muscles tightened. The wind battered his body and tore at his clothes. He let out a long scream now ¨C everything was out of his control as he could do nothing but sail higher and higher through the sky.


    Whipping through the clouds after him came the yikahti, his Storm Blade replaced by a massive sword, six feet long and a foot wide, dwarfing both wielder and target. The Collector lifted it above his head as he neared the helpless Elucard.


    In desperation, Elucard pulled out a fan of shurikens and flung each one at The Collector.


    They sunk deep into his chest and shoulders.


    Elucard pulled another set. Each found their mark, ripping gashes into the Collector¡¯s clothes and fur, forcing him to lower his gigantic weapon to guard himself.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Almost... Almost¡­


    At last, he was at arm''s reach. Elucard''s hand shot out and snagged the Collector''s cloak; he swung himself over the cat''s head as they fell. With one movement, Elucard slid out a dagger and jammed it into the Collector''s eye.


    The Collector screeched and grabbed for his wound and Elucard simultaneously. The massive sword tumbled from his grasp and spun away in the wind towards the ground, and the cat screamed again in anger. He ripped the dagger from his eye, and the Storm Blade materialized once more from the depths of the cloak.


    Not that damn sword again!


    Elucard seized the Collector''s arm before he could use the wind magic again and wrestled for control of the weapon. With the Storm Blade in his possession a rush of power flushed through his body. He felt as though the might of the All-Father''s winds churned through his muscles. Clutching the hilt tighter, he twisted and flew himself faster to the ground, landing with the wake of storms erupting from his feet.


    Amazing! I could run across the oceans in minutes with this power!


    He lifted the blade to block as The Collector careened to the ground like a meteor rocketing from the heavens, a new vibrating sword in his claws. The air rippled around the Collector as he propelled closer to Elucard until both connected like black powder exploding through a mountain.


    Elucard''s legs buckled as his body quaked and shook. He bared his teeth and with the energy he could gather, he parried the blow, driving the Collector¡¯s sundering sword into the stone beside him.


    The yikahti roared, slashing out with his claws, but Elucard countered with a slice that launched the cat backwards like a cannonball.


    Elucard took a moment to gather his wits. He smiled at the wondrous sword in amazement.


    The grace of the angels. The speed of the gods. All within his hands.


    Elucard dashed forward, covering the ground with a cloud of dust ramping behind him. His feet almost glided off the seal as he raced towards the Collector. He reeled the blade back with intent to impale.


    Ahead, a new sword appeared in the yikahti''s claws. The blade rang out haunting whispers as soft, blue lights waned and danced off the edges.


    As fast as Elucard was, the cat was still more skilled.


    Rolling forward, Elucard raised the wind blade to attack, but the Collector darted past his slower attack and thrust his blade into Elucard''s stomach.


    He gasped, waiting for the agony sure to follow, and dropped his eyes to the dreadful wound.


    What? The blade wafted through him like smoke - incorporeal, intangible, and unharming.


    Elucard dwindled to a stop. The desert was no more; in its place, only darkness. A familiar and kind voice came from behind him.


    ¡°Elucard, do it for me. So that we can be together.¡±


    He turned to find Jetta. He choked in shock and disbelief. Tears streamed down his cheeks; how could this be? His longtime friend. The friend that was taken from him at the hands of his former master. The friend that he failed to protect.


    ¡°Jetta? I-I don''t understand,¡± the confused Elucard stuttered.


    Jetta stepped closer. She brushed her soft hand upon Elucard''s arm.


    ¡°Do it for me, so that we will never be apart. So that the Black Rabbits will let us be free.¡±


    Elucard''s eyes searched his feelings. He tried to weigh in the logic that Jetta was dead. This had to be an illusion, but it felt so real. He wanted it to be real. It was real. His hands suddenly felt heavier. He found a dagger in one, Wiccer¡¯s neck clutched in the other.


    ¡°Elucard, what are you doing? Please, don''t,¡± begged Wiccer.


    ¡°I- I must. To be with Jetta,¡± sputtered Elucard. His thoughts of confusion solidified into a new cold state. ¡°Jetta will not be taken away from me again.¡± He drove his dagger into Wiccer¡¯s chest.


    The lifeless body dissipated. Reality tilted, dizzying, then snapped back to its previous


    position with a clean dagger in Elucard''s right hand, and a living, breathing throat in his other.


    But not Wiccer''s. His master''s, Legion.


    Jetta moved closer to Elucard and took hold of his hand, helping him to hold the trembling dagger. She whispered into his long ear,


    ¡°He murdered me, Elucard. Kill him, kill him so that we can be together.¡±


    Legion¡¯s grizzled face trembled, crimson eyes teared. ¡°I only did what I thought was right, my son.¡±


    Elucard''s face wrinkled in anger. ¡°I saw you as a father and you betrayed me!¡± and he once again drove the knife into someone he cared for.


    Over and over again. His father, River, his friend Izian, his king Koda. All those he wished to protect, he killed for her. Essie. Myler. Avalon. He killed to keep Jetta safe. His thrusted and thrusted until his hands soaked and dripped with blood. He stabbed and stabbed until his body could no longer stand. He fell to his knees, shivering.


    I must protect her. I must protect her. I must...


    Jetta smiled cruelly.

 Chapter 43: The Power of the Plague Reach

    Desert Realm Scorch


    Inle rushed behind Wiccer, outmaneuvering his opponent with the speed and strength gifted by the Plague Reach. Spinning around, Wiccer lashed out with his sword. His attack was sloppy, driven by frustration and anger. His opponent only continued to toy with him, dodging his attacks and pointing out his failures.


    ¡°You think yourself sly, Rabbit?¡± spat Wiccer between breaths. ¡°You are nothing without your power. I beat you back in Varis! I can beat you again!¡±


    Inle smirked and twirled around on his toes. He threw back his head and let out a heavy laugh. ¡°Look at yourself,¡± said Inle, ¡°You are a sham, Wiccer. You were lucky to beat me the first time, but your luck has changed. I possess the power of the Plague Reach and you are still that pathetic, brotherless, stain in life.¡±


    Wiccer gritted his teeth and curled his lip. Inle¡¯s words cut deep. His dead brother Avren watched him from Jedeo¡¯s side. He watched every step towards failure that he made. He watched him as he helped harm Tull and Blayvaar. When his own Watchers turned their backs on him. He was ashamed of what he turned into. A failure ¨C no ¨C a monster. Something that his brother and father raised him better than... he failed them both. Inle¡¯s abuse continued.


    ¡°You think I haven¡¯t watched your hands tremble from your fear? Fear of what, Wiccer? Fear that you can¡¯t live up to your brother¡¯s standards? Fear of the darkness you faced in that forest? Fear that you have become... me?¡±


    Wiccer clenched his shaking wrist. His heart pounded through his chest. His thoughts flooded through the gates that secured them in the back of his mind. He couldn¡¯t go on. Inle was right. He couldn¡¯t push forward.


    ¡°I- I am not a failure!¡± Wiccer roared through a quivering voice. ¡°My brother did not- He did not die in vain!¡±


    Wiccer picked up his sword and swayed towards Inle. Taking his hilt in both hands he made for a wide slash. No skill, just rage. His body barely reacted to his commands. He couldn¡¯t think clearly, couldn¡¯t remember any training he had once received.


    Inle blocked the attack and powered forward, disarming Wiccer. The sword flipped and slid across the seal.


    ¡°So, this is what you¡¯ve become?¡± taunted Inle, ¡°A shred of your former self. A small, whimpering boy?¡±


    Wiccer grabbed onto Inle and ripped off the clown mask. His eyes met Inle¡¯s silver eyes for the first time since he tried to kill him in the prison years ago. The face of his brother¡¯s killer still frightened him. Inle was a soulless, unfeeling part of him. A cancer he couldn''t cut from his life. A tumor that snuffed out his yearning to move on, to find peace.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    ¡°Leave me alone!¡± cried Wiccer, ¡°I want to be alone.¡±


    ¡°You are alone,¡± Inle chuckled, ¡°I made sure of that. Did your brother weep before he died?¡±


    Wiccer clutched 1nle¡¯s cloak. His knees wobbled and buckled. His urge to collapse was


    strong, but his rising anger was stronger.


    ¡°He did, didn¡¯t he?¡± Inle continued to taunt Wiccer, ¡°Beg me, Wiccer.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Wiccer¡¯s breathed in short breaths. Tears soaked his cheeks. Tormented thoughts wailed in his head.


    You know what he means. Beg. Beg, Wiccer. Beg to end it all. Let him kill you!


    ¡°Beg for me to reunite you with Avren.¡± Inle flashed a toothy grin.


    Beg for your death. You are nothing! Pathetic. A waste of life! You never deserved to live on that night in the throne room while your brother died!


    No... No. No!


    ¡°No!!!¡± Wiccer screamed at the top of his lungs. He reeled back his fist and slugged Inle¡¯s jaw with all his pain, anger, and strength. The shadow elf flew off his feet and crashed onto the hard, stony ground.


    Kill him. Kill him for hurting you!


    Wiccer leaped on top of Inle and let loose a flurry of punches into his sworn enemy. Each hit exploded with sweat and blood that danced off his fist before splashing to the warm stone surface. Inle¡¯s face warped with each strike, deforming and swelling into a horrifying mess.


    Make him suffer. Make him pay, Wiccer.


    ¡°He¡¯s paid enough, little brother. Walk away.¡±


    Wiccer froze mid swing. A kinder voice than the others rose above the rest.


    ¡°You won. It¡¯s over¡±


    Wiccer lowered his bruised fist, and calmed his labored breathing. ¡°It¡¯s done, Avren.¡±


    ¡°N-Not...yet,¡± Inle¡¯s voice squished and choked under the drowning of blood in his damaged


    throat. Black ooze stretched over Inle¡¯s beaten face, reconstructing his cheekbones and eye sockets until his face was whole once more. ¡°A good effort, Wiccer. But the nightmare continues.¡±


    Wiccer crawled backwards in grim horror as Inle rose to his feet and reached for his sword. ¡°Get up, you pile of sniveling snot,¡± hissed Inle, ¡°Take this as a man!¡± Inle grabbed Wiccer¡¯s


    throat and forced him to his feet. ¡°I said get up!¡±


    Avren, please help me!


    Inle shook his head and in an instant impaled Wiccer through the chest.


    Wiccer collapsed to his knees, gasping for air. His fingers twitched, clawing at Inle¡¯s legs.


    ¡°Relax, did you think I would kill you so easily?¡± Inle asked, ¡°No, I want you to remember this Wiccer. I want you to know I am in control of you. I own you and I will tell you when you


    can di¡­¡±


    All sound faded. All colors were blurred. Once again the forest surrounded Wiccer and all went dark.

 Chapter 44: Wings So White

    Dragon Realm Scorch


    Avalon and Guster stood in awe as Uther¡¯s muscles rippled through his body. His veins pumped the insidious fluid through him as his skin tightened over his hulking body. Fumes rose from his pores and his eyes cracked red and bulged from their sockets.


    Uther twisted his spine backwards, letting out a gurgling roar that echoed for miles in all directions. He pounded on his chest and curled over, dragging his massive knuckles over the smooth marble ground. ¡°You be the Night Whisper,¡± he said to Avalon, his voice a raspy growl. ¡°Uther remembers what you did. You be a dead girl now!¡±


    Guster stepped backwards, readying a knife in each hand. ¡°What¡¯s de plan, blue?¡±


    Avalon reared her sword and bent her knees. She sneered at the contorted mess that was now the Iron Soul. Whatever Night-fueled evil he had given his soul to, it would be her duty to vanquish it and keep the seal from releasing. ¡°Kill him.¡±


    Avalon dashed forward with Guster trailing behind. She feinted to the side, whipping her sword to make a clean slice across Uther¡¯s stomach while Guster threw his knives at Uther as soon as Avalon left him an opening.


    Uther let out a demonic cackle. Strands of dark ink threaded his wounds shut, pushing out Guster¡¯s weapons.


    Avalon huffed and leaped back towards the giant, driving her sword deep into his side. With a single breath, she bounced off the ninjato¡¯s hilt, gaining a breath of stillness in the air before she swung a hefty kick into his face.


    Uther¡¯s nose buckled and caved in with a satisfying ¡®crunch¡¯. His head reeled back, blood spraying in an arc.


    Avalon grabbed her sword on the way down, spinning and ripping her blade loose in a gruesome display of gore.


    Not missing a beat, Guster unleashed a torrent of knives, peppering Uther¡¯s thigh. Uther limped several paces forward and squeezed his fists, pulsing his veins and spilling


    massive quantities of blood before howling into the sky. Once again, the Plague Reach closed his


    lacerations. His nose inflated and popped back into form and the many knives that were once in his leg, clattered onto the ground.


    ¡°You no get it! Uther is king! Uther is god!¡± he said, sliding his right foot back and gathering footing with his left, ¡°and Uther will show you why!¡± With a flash, he vanished.


    Avalon only had a fleeting second to realize the looming shadow over her before a wide backhand rattled her head and sent her flying through the air.


    Uther disappeared into a blur once more before cutting off Avalon midair and catching her by the shoulder, his thumb pressing into her chest. He grinned while furrowing his brow, and crushed her in his hand.


    Avalon screamed in agony as her shoulder and chest compressed. Thoughts of fire raced through her head.


    It¡¯s too much! I need to escape! Concentrate! Keep the pain behind me, keep focused!


    Remember your training as a Rabbit and as a Silent One!


    Gripping her sword tightly, she ran it through Uther¡¯s wrist like a skewer.


    Uther¡¯s eyes widened as he swiftly released his prisoner. He clutched his trembling hand, as his finger twitched from the throbbing pain.


    Avalon hit the ground like a sack of rice. She squirmed and crawled with her good arm towards Guster.


    Guster sprung to aid the Silent One. He pulled her up and threw her arm around his shoulders as they ran away from the enraging giant with all the strength Avalon¡¯s limp legs could muster.


    ¡°Blue, we need to get out of here!¡± cried Guster. He looked behind him to find the beast of a man charging them.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Guster grunted, rolling head over heels as the giant bowled him over and apprehended Avalon by her collar.


    Uther curled his lip as he lifted her to meet his gaze. With his free hand he slid the Silencer out of his wrist and waved it before her. A mere toy in his hand. ¡°You be Silent One now? You worship false warrior. Jedeo no can save you now. No one can!¡± He raised her head with the ninjato¡¯s blade. ¡°You will beg for fast killing before this day ends.¡±


    Avalon glowered, spitting into Uther¡¯s face, ¡°I won¡¯t give you the satisfaction!¡±


    ¡°We shall see,¡± said Uther, tossing the blade to one side and dropping Avalon on her back. He placed his foot on her chest and began to lean, ¡°What will Uther break first, bones or will?¡±


    Avalon struggled to take in a breath as the weight of Uther¡¯s massive foot bore down on her. Her teeth clenched as she fought back the need to scream. Closing her fist, she brought it to her


    lips and looked towards the heavens.


    Jedeo I won¡¯t give in... I won¡¯t surrender...


    I¡¯ve ran all my life, I won¡¯t run anymore...


    I¡¯m not afraid of the Ashes...


    Grant me your Silencer...


    From which all others are born...


    And give me Wings so-


    A grotesque crack ripped through her body.


    ¡°Hear that one, Avalon?¡± taunted Uther. ¡°Uther thinks it was yo- Aaar!¡± Uther roared in anguish as Guster drove his knives into Uther¡¯s eyes leaping atop the monster¡¯s shoulders.


    The bounty hunter tugged violently further into Uther¡¯s skull. Oozing puss dribbled down his cheeks. The Plague Reach chugged through Uther¡¯s body feverishly as it removed the blinding daggers. Guster growled in frustration as he stabbed the sides of Uther¡¯s neck. Blood sprayed, soaking Guster¡¯s hands in a wet coat of red.


    ¡°You were supposed to be my ticket back into de good graces of de Network!¡± shouted Guster as he ducked Uther¡¯s reaching hands. ¡°But I¡¯ll be just fine if I kill you instead!¡±


    Uther¡¯s smirked as he snatched Guster by the collar and lifted the pest over his head.


    ¡°Hey! What¡¯chu think you''re doin¡¯?¡± said Guster as he wriggled in Uther¡¯s hold.


    Uther dropped Guster over his knee, shattering his spine.


    Avalon watched on in horror as Guster¡¯s body went limp. She tried to scream, but could not find the will to, she could only grimace in spurts of agony as she crawled on her knees. She winced as each painful breath left her crushed sternum and her left arm dangled from its misshapen socket. She swayed back and forth, stumbling as she rose to her feet. Her prayer was a jumbled mess in her head, whispering it now with a hoarse voice.


    ¡°Jedeo I won¡¯t give in... I won¡¯t surrender...


    I¡¯ve ran all my life, I won¡¯t run anymore...


    I¡¯m not afraid of the Ashes...


    Grant me your Silencer...


    From which all others are born...


    And give me Wings so¡­¡±


    Uther looked up from his new plaything. ¡°Haven¡¯t had enough, girl?¡±


    ¡°...And give me Wings so¡­¡± she tried again, her energy drained.


    Uther dropped Guster and inched towards Avalon, raising his fist over her. ¡°What was that?¡±


    Avalon rolled her eyes upwards to meet Uther¡¯s. She reached out her arm, ¡°And give me


    WINGS SO WHITE!!!¡± she roared.


    A brilliant shockwave of light erupted from Avalon, ripping away Uther¡¯s Plague Reach. Terrified, Uther swung down his fist like a sledgehammer, but was met with Avalon¡¯s Silencer, which had flashed back into her hands.


    Avalon held her blade across her head. Translucent feathers billowed away from her shoulders, scattering into the wind. A soothing coolness draped over Avalon¡¯s body. She lifted her weak arm and gripped the bottom part of her hilt. Her lungs breathed freely. No pain, only peace.


    With a flick of her wrist she deflected away Uther¡¯s attack.


    ¡°What is this? Uther beat you! Uther beat you-¡±


    With another snap of her wrist, Avalon plunged her Silencer through Uther. ¡°It¡¯s done,¡± she whispered.


    Cracks of white light fractured like glass from Uther¡¯s stomach across his chest and shoulders as his body disintegrated into white ash. The Iron Soul fell to his knees. Every fiber of his being crumbled until he was just a heap of dust.


    Avalon¡¯s Silencer settled from its intense state to just a shimmering glint, then finally restored to normal steel. Avalon dropped her blade and collapsed in exhaustion.


    A crack echoed through the desert as the massive seal caved into itself and a pillar of light shot out from the center of the seal into the air. With a roaring wave of wind, tumultuous walls of sand rushed from all directions. They crashed into Avalon¡¯s and Guster¡¯s fallen bodies, sweeping them up as if they were leaves caught in a gale.

 Chapter 45: Guster Redeemed

    Dragon Realm Scorch


    Inle was picked up by the sandstorm like a rag doll, wrenched away from his dying prey. Now he was at the mercy of the sandstorm as he flipped head over heels, twisting wildly in a mini vortex created by the multiple storms that continued to clash into each other.


    He tried to guard his mouth and eyes from the bombardment of sand grains. Each pelted him like tiny fragments of glass, quickly leaving small cuts on his exposed skin.


    A glint of metal sheened in the distance. Inle felt himself being pulled towards it. Finally, he pierced through the eye of the storm, clattering to the ground.


    Looking up, he watched in amazement that he was in a berth of calmness, a dome like forcefield kept the swirling devastation of sand at bay as it churned around Inle and two other figures. Inle rolled to his knees to find the Collector before him, holding a golden sword in the air. At his feet was a writhing Elucard.


    ¡°Master, what have you done to him?¡± Inle said, hovering his hands over the tortured elf''s body.


    ¡°I struck him with the ¡®Darkened Vision¡¯. A weapon that entrances a victim in an endless dream of their desire, contorted into something truly cruel,¡± responded the Collector. In his other hand was the ghostly, evanescent blade, ¡°One who wields the blade can peer into the victim''s vision.¡±


    Inle looked up with concern and curiosity, ¡°What do you see?¡±


    The Collector grinned wickedly, ¡°Something our master can use,¡± He sheathed the blade back into its leather scabbard, ¡°Come, we are done here.¡±


    ¡°What of Uther? What will become of Elucard?¡± asked Inle. He glanced nervously at the shadows pooling from the Collector and his feet, and then back to Elucard.


    ¡°I see why you admire him now. He was a worthy opponent. It would have been wasteful to slay him. He will live. I cannot say the same for Uther.¡±


    Both the cat and shadow elf slipped into the shadowy portal as the sandstorms raged on.


    ***Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    Guster gingerly reached out from the sand. His legs refused to move, his body stiff. Although still weak, his arms brushed away the sand that covered his broken form. He dipped in and out of the darkness and his body slowly gave in to death.


    He looked up into the sky hearing them flap. Black, blurry wraiths circled above him with long gray wings.


    Dis is where it all ends. I wish I led a better life. I wish I at least had someone to share that life with. I wish¡­


    ¡°Be better den dat, Guster,¡± he muttered to himself. He reached into his jacket and shakily pulled out his cigarette case. ¡°Wishing for things you never had. Now¡¯s no time to wish, just to die.¡±


    He struggled to open the case and fumbled for a bliss stick. He rested one in his mouth and searched for a match in his coat.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± he cursed, finding none. He looked up and witnessed a pinto horse trotting up to him.


    ¡°Avalon? Avalon is dat you?¡± he called out. His throat swollen and hoarse.


    ¡°Guster what have you gotten yourself into?¡± said Siv as she dismounted. She stood over the battered body of her friend. ¡°Couldn¡¯t go a day without finding trouble?¡± tears formed in her eyes.


    ¡°Blue?¡± Guster coughed a splatter of blood. His eyes rolled around. ¡°Siv¡­¡± he finally realized Avalon wasn¡¯t by his side any longer.


    Siv squatted down and tilted her head. She moved a hand over her mouth. ¡°Look at yourself, Guster.¡±


    ¡°Siv¡­¡± Guster swallowed hard. ¡°I... I ain¡¯t got much time-¡±


    Siv pulled out and struck a match, lighting Guster the cigarette. ¡°You look like a million sendetti, Gus.¡±


    ¡°Siv¡­ please,¡± Guster took a long drag. The smoke burned his throat, but the sensation relieved his tense mind. ¡°I want you... to take my jacket. Turn it into de Network.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter to me,¡± refused Siv. She tugged Guster¡¯s jacket to pull him up, but stopped short when Guster screamed out in pain. ¡°I-I need to get you out of here.¡±


    ¡°Siv, Alanna¡¯s angels are here.¡± Guster pushed away Siv¡¯s hands. ¡°It¡¯s too late for me, but you got a whole life waitin¡¯ for you. Take my jacket. Let me do right by you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be in the Network without you, Gus.¡±


    ¡°Siv... I ain¡¯t makin¡¯ it out of dis one.¡± Guster hacked and heaved more blood. ¡°Please...let me have dis. Let... me finally do somethin¡¯ good for... you.¡±


    ¡°Guster I-¡±


    Guster¡¯s cigarette slipped from his lips, his eyes clouded over, his body went limp.


    Siv collapsed on Guster''s body, gripping his collar. ¡°Guster, damn it! You selfish prick!¡± she whispered. She pulled back onto her knees and wiped away her tears. ¡°I¡¯m going to miss you, swamp rat,¡± she chuckled.

 Chapter 46: Wiccer the Newsun

    Desert Realm Scorch


    The forest quieted to a dull silence.


    Snow drifted like falling ash, melting on his warm skin.


    He shivered uncontrollably in a deep-seated fear.


    An empty well.


    A pitch black hole.


    A prison for him.


    With no key.


    Wiccer wrapped his arms tightly around himself.


    He tried to hold back his tears.


    He was a child again, lost and far from home.


    The forest taunted him.


    It always had.


    It teased him when he thought he had confidence.


    It scolded him when he lost it.


    Trees for miles.


    Only around him.


    A calm voice broke his thoughts.


    Wiccer. I am here for you, little brother.


    The trees laughed at his plight.


    The voice came louder.


    Wiccer, I won''t let you be here alone.


    He lifted his head and searched for the voice


    It spoke once more.


    I have found you, little brother.


    A silhouette tore down the trees.


    The forest burned.


    The forest was quiet save for his subtle whimper.


    A new voice soothed him.


    My child, do not cry.


    She was of remarkable strength and beauty.


    But her touch was soft and cooling.


    You are safe now, my son.


    A third presence stood over him.


    Like a shawl of protection.


    A soul born with courage.


    We will always be together, Wiccer.


    The boy reached out for the three.


    Now as one in a bond the forest could not break.


    Sanctifying his mind.


    Solace for his heart.


    ***


    Wiccer woke to find himself in a leather tent. He lay next to soft greying embers wafting with heavy smoke. He gingerly propped himself up off the colorful beaded bed to look around the room.


    Strands of teal and red beads decorated the ends of the tent beams. Painted spiraling snakes decorated the walls. Clay saucers filled with a minty smelling liquid rested next to him. Avalon slept motionless across the smoldering fire. Elucard leaned against the tent wall near her.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been asleep for two days,¡± he said.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Wiccer felt his rough chin.


    ¡°You look like shit,¡± Elucard chuckled.


    Wiccer reached for his chest wound. His skin was smooth, not bearing any cuts or scars. He looked down at his chest in confusion. ¡°I should have died in the desert. What happened?¡±


    Elucard squeezed his scabbard laying across his lap. ¡°We should all have died out there.¡± He clenched his teeth, shaking his head. ¡°We didn¡¯t have a chance against them.¡±


    ¡°Where are we, Elucard? Who saved us?¡±


    Elucard paused, and then tilted his head to the tent flap. ¡°The Newsuns.¡±


    ¡°The who?¡± Wiccer asked again. The Newsuns? How can this be? Wiccer¡¯s legs tightened and ached as he struggled to his feet.


    ¡°Wiccer, you need to res-¡±


    ¡°I need to see them!¡± Wiccer burst outside into the glaring sunlight and sizzling heat and out to a large camp. Dozens of tents and lean-tos like his own covered the wide area. Dune elves caught up in daily routines moved about the small village as they tended fires, crafted pottery, or tanned leather. Some patrolled the edge of the camp on the backs of huge gold-scaled serpents.


    Newsuns? These are just dune elves.


    ¡°You have the jaw-line of your father, but your mother¡¯s face. The will of our people and the courage of yours,¡± came a stoic voice besides him.


    Wiccer quickly spun around to face an elder elf with a slender build and clothed in vibrant red and yellow toned feathers, ¡°H-How do you know my parents?¡± Wiccer searched the elf''s face but found no familiar features. Surely his brother''s stories... No, impossible.


    ¡°Of course I do,¡± returned the elf with a soft smile, still gazing across the camp. ¡°Marcus and Vivian saved my people from enslavement in the War of Chains and in turn we saved them from death. They took the Newsun name as their own. We are all one kin now.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­¡±


    The elf smiled and nodded.


    ¡°You were the tribe of nomads that took in my parents?¡±


    ¡°We are,¡± he said. The stories were all true. No longer tall tales to satisfy Wiccer¡¯s fantasies of his parents¡¯ mysterious past, ¡°Your forest elf friend told me your name was ¡®Wiccer¡¯.¡±


    Wiccer gave a polite nod.


    ¡°I see you were given an elven name.¡±


    Wiccer¡¯s eyes widened in wonder. ¡°What of Avren? That was my brother¡¯s name!¡±


    The elf chuckled. ¡°Yes, Avren is a strong dune elf name as well.¡±


    Wiccer lowered his head in sadness.


    ¡°What is wrong, my child?¡±


    ¡°Avren has passed on to the Roaming Plane. So has my mother.¡± Wiccer choked out the words. His dream was still fresh in his mind. So real he could feel their touch. To awaken and not see them greatly hurt him.


    The elder elf gave a sympathetic nod and placed his hand on Wiccer¡¯s shoulder. ¡°When a Newsun dies their soul is reaped by Alanna¡¯s angels, but a part of their spirit stays with their loved ones to watch over them.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate your kind folklore, sir, but my family were not dune elves,¡± said Wiccer, brushing off the elf¡¯s hand.


    ¡°We are all Newsun, Wiccer.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. That means a lot to me,¡± said Wiccer, ¡°What is your name? so I may write to my father who saved my friends and I.¡±


    ¡°I am chief Drokaz, leader of the Newsun.¡± Drokaz waved his hand to span the entire camp.


    Wiccer bowed before him. ¡°You do me a great honor, Chief Drokaz, but now I must discuss


    amongst my friends the next actions we must take against our enemies.¡±


    ***


    Wiccer sat crossed legged in his tent, while Elucard still rested against its wall. They both silently whispered to each other, agreeing not to wake up Avalon. Despite the miraculous healing properties of Newsun medicine, Avalon was still in great agony. Covered in bandages and oddly colored mud, Avalon moaned in her sleep.


    Elucard padded Avalon¡¯s forehead with a damp cloth. ¡°She might not pull through.¡±


    ¡°She is strong,¡± said Wiccer. He sipped from a cup of raptor bone broth. It smelled pungent, but had a pleasantly salty taste. ¡°Stronger than most anyone I know.¡±


    ¡°Stronger than Inle and the yikahti?¡±


    Wiccer placed down his cup and glowered at Elucard. ¡°Perhaps not.¡±


    ¡°They are not a threat we cannot ignore, Wiccer.¡± Elucard tightened his grip on the cloth until drips of water trickled down his wrist. ¡°And the seals breaking... This isn¡¯t good.¡±


    ¡°How many seals are there?¡±


    Elucard rubbed his chin. ¡°I don¡¯t know. And I don¡¯t know how many have been broken.¡±


    ¡°At... least one... now,¡± Avalon groaned, still half asleep, ¡°You know I can hear silent


    whispers. They are like normal whispers, but louder with this headache.¡±


    Wiccer ducked his head sheepishly. ¡°We¡¯re glad you can join the conversation.¡±


    Avalon arched her back until a grotesque set of cracks rippled down her spine. ¡°Jedeoheim must be notified of this news at once.¡±


    ¡°Aye, Long Whisper as well,¡± agreed Elucard.


    ¡°But who is Inle working for? The giant was not there as a coincidence,¡± Wiccer pondered out loud.


    ¡°Uther,¡± corrected Avalon, ¡°No, I believe he was working alongside the cat and Inle.¡±


    ¡°Who leads them?¡± asked Elucard, ¡°Someone is pulling their strings.¡±


    Wiccer nodded. ¡°One thing I am sure of, their work is not done yet.¡±


    Elucard and Avalon muttered in agreement.


    ¡°When Avalon is well enough to travel, I will ask the Newsuns for passage to the closest port,¡± said Wiccer.


    ¡°I will need to see how Guster is before we leave,¡± said Avalon.


    Elucard lowered his head in silence.


    ¡°What? What is it, Elucard?¡± asked Avalon, but she already knew the answer. ¡°We were the only ones that made it from the desert. I¡¯m sorry for your friend.¡±


    Avalon closed her eyes, but showed no tears and swallowed hard. ¡°He-he wasn¡¯t any friend of mine... just some pain in the ass I owed a favor to¡­¡± she lied.


    Elucard and Wiccer looked at each other.


    ¡°L-Let¡¯s get some rest, I should be fine in the next few days,¡± Avalon¡¯s words quivered out, crying for loss on the inside.

 Chapter 47: Consequence

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    Elucard and Wiccer knelt before their king in the Vernal mage botanical garden. Their heads were lowered, waiting for Koda to address them. They had avoided all contact with the king ever since they started their deep undercover mission as the Ghost Foxes.


    ¡°I suspect you two have much to explain,¡± said Koda. He flicked his fingers and summoned a long wooden staff from out of the ground. ¡°You have been absent in my time of need during the city¡¯s troubles. Both with the assassination attempt on my uncle and with the riots.¡±


    Elucard remained silent, sneaking a glance at Koda¡¯s wolfen companion. Her cobalt-blue fur shone in the sun. Her left eye sparked with untamed magi. Elucard¡¯s attention snapped back to Koda as his king continued.


    ¡°My ARO are supposed to protect me from these types of threats, yes? Or am I mistaken?¡±


    Wiccer raised his eyes. ¡°Yes, my king.¡±


    Koda snatched the staff from besides him and brandished it under Wiccer¡¯s nose. ¡°Then why were you not there to protect my uncle?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve been deep undercover within the coup.¡± Wiccer swallowed hard, unable to predict how Koda would take his explanation. ¡°We swore our Watchers to secrecy so that we could investigate the shadow organization that has been funding the rogue veterans.¡±


    Koda loosened his grip on the staff. ¡°Who is responsible for all this?¡±


    ¡°We do not know who they are, only that that Inle works with them and what they are after,¡± responded Wiccer.


    ¡°Inle?¡±


    ¡°Yes, my king,¡± said Elucard, ¡°We suspect this organization were the ones that rescued Inle from his execution.¡±


    ¡°And you mentioned you know what they are after?¡± Koda leaned on his staff.


    ¡°The Celestial Seals,¡± Elucard¡¯s voice lowered and turned grim, ¡°They wish to destroy them.¡±


    Koda raised an eyebrow. ¡°How interesting. You know this to be a fact or is it merely theory?¡±


    ¡°We were there with them, my king,¡± said Wiccer. He rubbed his armor where Inle¡¯s sword drove through him. ¡°We fought against them. We tried to save the seal in Scorch... but we failed.¡±


    ¡°So they have made their first move,¡± whispered Koda. He stroked his chin in thought, ¡°We shall not let them take another.¡±This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Elucard and Wiccer both nodded in unison.


    ¡°I have a final question about your report.¡± Koda tightened his fist around the staff until it splintered and cracked. ¡°The Ghost Foxes that nearly killed my uncle and injured two of your own ARO. Who were they?¡±


    ¡°They wer-¡± Wiccer fumbled with his words.


    ¡°They were Inle¡¯s Black Rabbits,¡± Elucard quickly interrupted Wiccer, ¡°They were dealt with.¡±


    Wiccer flashed a glare to Elucard.


    ¡°I am relieved to hear that justice was served.¡± Koda nodded. ¡°With a war criminal behind the manipulation of this city I have no doubt in my mind the people will be put at ease.¡±


    ¡°We apologize for the secrecy, my king.¡± Elucard crossed his hand across his chest in a salute to Koda.¡±


    ¡°No need to apologize, Elucard,¡± thanked Koda, ¡°You two have done a great service to myself and our kingdom. I am sorry to ever have doubted you two. You both deserve a much-needed respite. You are both dismissed.¡±


    ¡°A word, sergeant?¡± Wiccer pulled Elucard down a hallway once outside the garden and well beyond the presence of Koda.


    Elucard nodded, although in confusion.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell him the truth,¡± said Wiccer, sure to keep his voice down while a pair of mage students walked by.


    ¡°Of course I didn¡¯t, Wiccer,¡± scoffed Elucard. ¡°You rather that I tell him we attempted to slay his uncle and help conspire against his throne? That we were the cause for his city burning that night?¡±


    Wiccer stifled a growl, holding silent as the words stung his soul. Elucard was right, but he despised the mere thought.¡±


    ¡°Jetta was too honest for her own good too,¡± sneered Elucard, ¡°It¡¯s what got her killed. I plan to protect my family from everything that I can... even from themselves.¡±


    Wiccer scowled, choosing to no longer face the elf. ¡°Just another thing I have to live with, right?¡±


    ¡°We all have our demons now, Wiccer.¡±


    Wiccer shook his head. ¡°No, Elucard you have your demons and you want to drag everyone down with you because of them.¡±


    ¡°Wiccer, calm down,¡± Elucard raised and lowered his hands while looking for unwanted attention.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Wiccer took hold of Elucard¡¯s collar and slammed him against a nearby bookshelf. ¡°You are nothing but a disease in my life. You helped kill my brother and I tried to forgive you for that, but this¡­ this I can¡¯t forgive.¡±


    Elucard looked away in shame at the mention of Avren.


    ¡°What I had left from my family was my moral compass! You took that away from me and dismantled it before my very eyes! You are a wretched soul, Elucard,¡± hissed Wiccer.


    Elucard¡¯s face trembled. ¡°Wiccer, please be reasonable. What I did- what we did was neces-¡±


    ¡°Yes, and at what cost?¡± asked Wiccer, ¡°At what cost was it worth turning me into- into you!?¡± He released his hold on Elucard and stepped back. Reaching for his shoulder, Wiccer ripped his ARO patch off and tossed it to Elucard. ¡°I¡¯m done with ARO and I¡¯m done with you.¡±


    Elucard couldn¡¯t speak. He could only watch as his friend walked away from what they built together.


    At what cost?

 Chapter 48: Consoling

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    Elucard hiked through the small thicket outside the city. He walked the winding path, his body wrapped in a large wool poncho, covered with the snow that had been falling since the previous night. The striped birch trees gradually gave way to a log cabin nestled near a frozen river.


    The cabin had only been around for the last few years, but Elucard spent most of his free time there either fishing or relaxing within the shade. He considered the cabin a place of serenity from his chaotic life as a soldier, even though he didn¡¯t call it his home.


    Elucard rapped his fist on the cabin door. He tucked his frigid nose into his poncho collar, blowing air into the wool to warm up his face. As winter continued, the days had gotten colder, but in the darkness of his thoughts, blizzards raged. He¡¯d hope he would find respite at the cabin today.


    The door opened and Elucard shuffled in, minding to kick the excess snow from his boots.


    ¡°It has been some time since you¡¯ve visited, my student.¡±


    ¡°I come seeking guidance, Master.¡± Elucard bowed to his old mentor, Legion. Since becoming a Ghost Fox, Elucard didn¡¯t have the time to visit Legion¡¯s home anymore.


    The battle-scarred elf took Elucard¡¯s poncho and hung it on a bronze hook along the wall. He pulled out a chair by a table for his student to sit as he fixed a kettle of hot tea.


    ¡°What troubles you?¡±


    Elucard stared at Legion¡¯s longsword displayed on the wall. It had seen much bloodshed, but now was retired as a reminder of the death in his master¡¯s life.


    Perhaps it is time to hang my sword up as well, before I hurt any more of my friends.


    ¡°I fear the Rabbit in me has returned,¡± said Elucard, ¡°A part of me thought I had hidden it away forever so that it might see the light of day again.¡±


    ¡°That which we hide, will eventually see the light.¡± Legion placed a small cup in front of Elucard before pouring it full of steaming tea. ¡°You know you cannot run from your past, you have to live with it and the sins you have committed.¡±The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Elucard wiped his finger around the rim of his cup. ¡°It''s as though no matter how much I try to forgive myself- the more I try to live with my Black Rabbit self, and I end up relying on it in the end.¡±


    Legion pulled a chair next to his troubled student. ¡°What have you done, Elucard?¡±


    ¡°I hurt those I swore to protect,¡± whispered Elucard, ¡°My friends, my brother, my king. I betrayed their trust... and I did it without hesitation.¡±


    ¡°I feel this is my fault.¡± Legion placed his hand on Elucard¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I trained you well. I have severed your morality from your heart. I did it so you could die as a child, but survive as a Black Rabbit.¡±


    Elucard lowered his head. ¡°What I did to them... needed to be done.¡± Elucard looked to Legion, his magenta eyes burned with a cold fire. He had no love in his heart, only bitterness and pain. ¡°They may never forgive me and I know I need to live with that, but am I a monster because of this?¡±


    Legion stayed quiet, only bowing his head. Finally, he broke his silence, ¡°I tried to turn you into a monster, Elucard, but monsters feel no regret.¡±


    Elucard¡¯s eyes blurred from forming tears. ¡°All I know is regret.¡±


    Legion tightly gripped Elucard¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Then you are no monster, my son. The actions you take from here shall prove to others what I already know in my heart.¡±


    Elucard grew a wide smile.


    ¡°Tell me, my son, have you found someone special to bring over yet?¡± laughed Legion, ¡°You aren¡¯t getting any younger.¡±


    ¡°I can say the same for you, Master!¡± Elucard blushed red to the tip of his ears.


    The two elves chuckled over their tea well into the night.


    ***


    Wiccer brushed the snow off his brother¡¯s tombstone and placed his silver captain¡¯s insignia on top of the cool stone. He wrung his hands, nervous of his new placement in life. No longer a soldier. No longer a fighter. Only Wiccer now.


    ¡°Avren¡­¡± he said, ¡°Thank you for always being there for me. Even- Even when you don¡¯t seem to be there at all¡­¡± Wiccer choked up, his chest became tight. ¡°I know you are still there. Helping me find my way through the forest... you, Mother, and Father.


    Wiccer let out a long sigh and squatted down to get closer to Avren¡¯s gravestone. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to tell you this, but I no longer want to carry my sword. I¡¯ve become something I am ashamed of when I take a life.¡± He grazed his hand over the inscription on the marble stone. ¡°I¡¯m not as strong as you, I¡¯m sorry. Not as strong as Father, either. Just not strong, I suppose.¡±


    ¡°Strong enough to know when to find peace, Wiccer¡±


    Wiccer grinned. ¡°Thank you, Avren. I knew you would understand.¡±

 Chapter 49: I am Home

    Dragon Realm Cypress


    ¡°They wish to unlock the gateway between the Mortal Realm and the Heavens?¡± Andros paced back and forth as he read Avalon¡¯s report back at the old Ruen¡¯s abbey. The aging man''s face dropped into concern. ¡°This is most troubling, Silver Wing. What is this cult? What do they hope to gain?¡±


    ¡°I swear to you we shall find that out, my Gold Wing,¡± said Avalon. She tightened her fist hanging on her words. Swearing upon her soul to stop this mysterious organization.


    Andros stepped closer to Avalon. He looked with curiosity into her eyes. ¡°You seem different, Silver Wing,¡± he said, ¡°Your irises seem brighter than usual, they actually shine like emeralds¡­ fascinating. Tell me, what else happened during your battle?¡±


    Avalon looked to her hilt and pulled out her sword. She held the blade flat across her hands.


    She stared into the steel, but instead of seeing her reflection, she saw only descending feathers.


    Like cherry blossoms in the summer breeze.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really recall what happened. When I thought all was lost... I felt Jedeo¡¯s presence,¡± Avalon whispered, ¡°I felt her touch me, giving me a sliver of her power. Long wings grew from my back. It was like a warm bath. Soothing. Calming.¡± She shook her head in confusion. ¡°I am sorry, that is the best I can explain it.¡±


    Andros nodded. ¡°I do not pretend to know the will of the gods, but I think Jedeo gifted you the power of a White Angel.¡±


    Avalon thought back to the passage.


    And upon the fields of battle


    When all hope seemed lost


    She grew her wings of Red


    And her Chosen, wings so White.


    ¡°But what does this mean, my Gold Wing?¡±


    Andros rested his hands on Avalon¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Only time will tell, Silver Wing.¡±


    Avalon frowned.


    ¡°In any case,¡± Andros spoke up again, ¡°I wish for you to continue your training, alongside Vada, in Jedeoheim. If you were selected to become a White Angel, your services will be better appreciated at the high cathedral.¡±


    Avalon¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°But what of my Silent Ones and my teachings.¡± ¡°Where better to recruit than the Blade Range?¡± Andros lifted his chin, ¡°I still question yourIf you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    methods, but I don¡¯t question your results. I will personally see that you are able to continue your project.¡±


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know what to say,¡± Avalon stammered, ¡°Thank you!¡±


    ¡°You earned it, Silver Wing Avalon.¡±


    ***


    Avalon found Vada still sleeping in her bed within their dormitory. It was a testament to Vada''s meditation proficiency that not even the tolling of the bells could wake her.


    Avalon smiled at her peaceful Blade Sister, tenderly pulling a stand of her hair away from her face. She sat just at the edge of Vada''s bed and waited for her to come awake.


    Vada opened her eyes only now piecing together that Avalon had returned. ¡°Y-you''re here.


    You''re really home?¡± Vada propped herself up and grabbed her Blade Sister in a tight hug.


    ¡°I''ve missed you so much, Vada,¡± said Avalon. ¡°I''m ready to talk, to open up. I''ve taken you for granted. You''ve always been there for me and-¡±


    ¡°Tell me what happened in Scorch!¡± Vada blurted out.


    They both laughed and blushed. Avalon returned Vada¡¯s hug. She took a hold of Vada¡¯s hand and squeezed it. She released a wide smile, slightly blushing. ¡°There will be time for that. Time for... everything.¡±


    Vada grinned and cuffed her fist gently under Avalon''s jaw, ¡°And I missed sparring with you.¡±


    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s wrong that we communicate best when fighting each other?¡± chuckled Avalon as she pushed Vada back.


    ¡°For most couples, perhaps. But we are Rabbits,¡± Vada responded, tugging Avalon''s coat to nuzzle Avalon¡¯s forehead.


    Avalon reached for Vada''s sword and placed it in her arms. ¡°Then I''ve missed our talks. Let''s catch up.¡±


    EPILOGUE


    Dragon Realm Cypress


    Inle sat on the ledge of Lost Dawn''s tall clock tower. The morning sky rippled with the horizon in a breathtaking array of colors. He turned to a shadow portal opening to his side.


    ¡°Come to scold me for skipping out in our lessons again?¡± he asked the yikahti that materialized from the portal.


    The Collector unbuckled his belt and let his swords drop from his waist. He nudged Inle over to make room as he plopped down next to his partner. ¡°You are a full member of the council now. You may do as you please.¡±


    Inle hid his smile. ¡°Uther was killed breaking the seal. You wouldn''t call that mission a disaster?¡±


    ¡°I would call it a necessary sacrifice,¡± said the Collector. He leaned back, awed by the sunset. ¡°The seal was broken, and you showed your enemies how powerful you''ve become. A victory in my eyes and his as well.¡±


    His. He spoke of Wraslyn.


    ¡°Elucard¡¯s red rabbits infiltrated us. Now all of Long Whisper and, I would assume, the rest of Cypress will learn of Dead of Winter. We will be exposed eventually.¡±


    The Collector slapped his claw on Inle''s back and laughed. ¡°Every child knows they cannot touch their shadow.¡±


    Inle paused in thought, before nodding.


    ¡°Come, Silent Master, there is still much work to do.¡±

 Prologue: Shadow Man

    The guards gave their captain a wide berth dividing a crowd full of peasants and merchants, all looking to get a glimpse of the fearsome Black Rabbit that dared try to enter their city. With his deformed face, patched eye, and fan of swords strapped to his back, Malady stood just outside the gates of Lost Dawns. He chuckled as one enforcer inspected his weaponry and another five brandished their spear tips inches from his neck. Seven more soldiers kept a sweaty grip on their swords.


    Captain Lesahn, a silver furred kanis clad in silver armor and adorned with a her rank, flashed her wolfish teeth in a ferocious snarl.


    "What is your game here, Rabbit?" she spat, her neck fur spiking up.


    Malady only smiled coyly as a response.


    "We should arrest and hang you where you stand. Alanna only knows how many of our soldiers you¡¯ve taken as a free man!"


    He shrugged. "Hm, honestly I lost count after the fourteenth."


    Lesahn glared with utter contempt but shut her mouth as Wiccer, Elucard, and Lear arrived. She nodded to the Watchers and her major, saluted Wiccer, and stepped back to give them room to speak.


    "To what do we owe the displeasure, Malady?" sneered Elucard as he drew his sword and twirled it in a swift circle with a snap of his wrist.


    "Elucard, you know this man?" asked Wiccer. He ordered the guards to lower their weapons.


    "He was a former member of the Black Rabbits and the rival to my master, Legion. He is a very dangerous man and should not be trusted."


    Lear walked around the deadly assassin, taking note of his five swords fastened to a harness on his back. "The Many Blade. He is indeed dangerous¡ªeven skilled beyond most swordsmen. The Many Blade is a lost art and any practitioner of the style should be revered," ended Lear as he faced Malady and gave a respectful nod.


    Malady smiled graciously. "You know your stuff, cat." Malady turned towards his former kin. "You forget I left exiled and reformed. Your master forgave me and I have not forgotten that. I¡¯ve come here in peace asking only for a truce," pleaded Malady. He unfastened his mounted swords. They dropped with a loud clatter on the dirt road.


    Wiccer and Elucard traded a long look, as if having a silent conversation. "So, why exactly did you request to see me?" asked Wiccer.


    "I seek to join ARO¡ª " started Malady.


    "Absolutely not!" Elucard snapped, cutting the Rabbit short.


    "In exchange for information about Inle!" hastily finished Malady before Elucard could shut him down again.


    Lear tugged Elucard and Wiccer to the side, out of earshot of the assassin. "If he has any information on Inle or the organization he serves under that would be an opportunity we could use to our advantage."


    "We can''t trust him. He''ll say anything to snake his way into immunity from a hanging," hissed Elucard in a loud whisper.


    "I understand where you are coming from, Elucard, but do not forget how you came into ARO," argued Wiccer.


    "Excuse me!?" snapped Elucard.


    "You were a criminal, just like him. My father and I gave you a chance and you became a valuable ally to Long Whisper." Wiccer glanced at Elucard¡¯s ARO patch. ¡°Don¡¯t make me regret that decision any further.¡±


    "That was different and you know that,¡± growled Elucard. ¡°You would understand that if you remember just one ounce of our friendship!¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    "Friendship!?¡± blurted out Wiccer, ¡°You used me, Elucard. Just like you used Lear, Essie, and everyone else you¡¯ve come across in life¡­¡±


    Wiccer jerked his head forward as Elucard averted his eyes. ¡°...Don¡¯t you ever wonder why you couldn¡¯t cut it as a Rabbit? Why did your clan turn on you?¡±


    Elucard ground his teeth. ¡°You know nothing of that night. You have no idea what I went through.¡± Elucard¡¯s words sliced through his lips.


    ¡°Why? Did you use someone in the Black Rabbits too? Betray Inle? Get someone kill¡ª¡±


    Wiccer¡¯s mouth clenched shut in shock as Elucard whipped out his dagger and pushed it underneath Wiccer¡¯s adam¡¯s apple. He glared with pure spite and hatred now.


    Malady smirked as the circle of guardsmen moved in closer to stop Elucard from beheading the company commander.


    Lear moved his eyes back and forth from the two. "This yikahti thinks you are both acting like cubs.¡± He chopped his claw between them to get their attention once more focused on the topic at hand. ¡°Malady is the priority here. He has the advantage because we are in the dark. At the mercy of whoever Inle¡¯s new master is. He must have been visited by him. This yikahti suggests we take Malady''s deal. We''ll keep a watchful eye on him. He can prove more useful as a soldier than an informant."


    Wiccer raised his hand, calling off the encroaching guards. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Elucard allowed him to take a step back. ¡°What do you say, Captain?¡±


    Elucard narrowed his eyes, but sheathed his dagger. ¡°Fine, but he will deal exclusively with Legion until we know he can be trusted. I won¡¯t have him in 2nd Anti-Rogue Ops, Rulan wouldn¡¯t know how to deal with him.¡±


    The three headed back to Malady and gestured for Lesahn to join them.


    Wiccer folded his arms. "We agree to your terms. You''ll need to sign some papers in order for us to officially enlist you.¡± He waited for Malady to nod before continuing. ¡°However, we''ll be sending you to Elucard''s unit, 1st Anti-Rogue Operatives Division. You''ll start your training under drill instructor Legion."


    "Oh that''s cute. Legion, train me?" scoffed Malady.


    "If you have a problem with that, we can always just send you to a cell and let Psy-Ops deal with you," Wiccer responded flatly. He grinned when Malady raised an eyebrow. "Good, now that that''s settled, tell us what you know."


    The new recruit¡¯s smug face vanished as it morphed into sheer concern. ¡°The cat was right, Inle and some yikahti with a dozen swords challenged my leadership as the new Silent Master. I made short work of Inle, but the yikahti conjured some vile substance to heal Inle¡¯s wounds and increase the brat¡¯s speed tenfold.¡±


    ¡°Vile substance?¡± Elucard asked


    ¡°It was some sort of  black sludge. The fumes granted Inle powers that I really can¡¯t explain.¡±


    Wiccer exchanged a knowing glance to Elucard. "Continue, Malady. What came afterwards?"


    Malady swallowed hard before recounting the events. ¡°My Rabbits attempted to save me. They were loyal to the core, but that shadow man bastard took half of them and released me¡ª ¡°


    ¡°Slow down,¡± asked Elucard, ¡°Shadow man? A third person?¡±


    Malady scrunched up his face. ¡°Inle and the cat weren¡¯t there at the time¡­ and it was at night. I must have lost at least six hours, or days¡­¡±


    Wiccer tossed up his hands. ¡°This is a waste of time! Will you get your story straight?¡±


    ¡°The yikahti used his magic sword to freeze all of us,¡± sneered Malady. ¡°I don¡¯t recall what happened between then and when we were released. I blacked out, but when I woke up, a man, some wealthy noble, stood before me. Shadows billowed all around him, I never felt so relaxed. When I think about that night, I want to be back there¡­.¡±


    Malady closed his eyes and took in a large breath through his nostrils. ¡°His aura was so intoxicating. I felt drawn to him. I wanted to be with him, feed off of him. I can''t really explain it. He is like a drug¡ªan addiction. Blissroot or Dreampowder, either one can not compare to what I felt that night.¡±


    ¡°Who was he?¡± Elucard pried for more information. ¡°Malady?¡±


    Malady let out a long sigh. ¡°He was¡­ he was¡­¡±


    Wiccer snapped his fingers in the Rabbit¡¯s face. ¡°Any time now!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember¡­ I, h-he told me his name, I could have sworn I memorized his face¡­ but it¡¯s all a haze now.¡± Malady¡¯s face went blank and then flooded to anger. ¡°Wh-where am I? Elucard!? What are you doing here?¡±


    Wiccer signaled for Malady to be restrained in shackles, then turned to his captain. ¡°Whoever the shadow man is, he can tap into someone¡¯s mind.¡±


    ¡°Or has someone that can in his ranks.¡± Elucard stared hard at the madness in Malady¡¯s face. ¡°Send him to Psy-Ops. Let him calm down in a prison cell.¡±


    Wiccer nodded. ¡°Once he makes sense again, I¡¯ll send him to your unit.¡±


    Elucard pursed his lips. ¡°Fine. I suppose a deal¡¯s a deal.¡±

 Prologue 2: New Profession

    The Collector grunted as he took all his might not to fly backwards from Inle¡¯s sidekick. He clutched his side in discomfort.


    Inle removed his mask. ¡°I heard a rib or two break with that one.¡± He walked over to the shadow-mist walls that enclosed around the training room and whispered ¡®towel¡¯. Then he reached into the darkness and pulled out a white towel. He tossed it to his sparring partner. ¡°Clean yourself up, you¡¯re done.¡±


    The towel fell short of the Collector¡¯s feet. ¡°I¡¯m a yikahti, I don¡¯t sweat.¡± He stepped over it and sheathed his two blades.


    The bloody puddles that were splattered across the floor seeped into the ground as thin, ethereal tendrils wrapped around the two men. Their long gashes mended shut. Welts were returned to a normal fleshy color and the Collector¡¯s broken bones set back into place.


    ¡°Six months ago you could barely keep up with me, now your skill exceeds my own.¡± The Collector bowed graciously before the shadow elf. ¡°You held the title of the Silent Master, but now you are just as adept as he was.¡±


    ¡°You flatter me, I will never be at Ryjin¡¯s level.¡±


    The Collector clasped Inle¡¯s shoulders. ¡°I trained you and I trained him. You are better than him. Not even Malady is a match for you now.¡±


    Inle raised his eyes to the cat¡¯s. ¡°What of Elucard?¡±


    ¡°Elucard continues to push his training beyond even me, at this point you two are on equal footing. But continue to learn from the lessons we each teach you and Elucard will be but a plaything in your hands.¡±


    The Collect clapped Inle¡¯s shoulders. ¡°You have Draak¡¯Terran language study with Sable now, yes?¡±


    ¡°Angelic tongue today,¡± Inle sighed. ¡°I almost wish I hadn¡¯t mastered Draconian. Angelic tongue is too complicated. How did anyone communicate with such a nonsensical language?¡±


    ¡°Elucard can speak it.¡±


    ¡°Not fluently,¡± corrected Inle.


    ¡°The more you advance your mind, the deadlier you will become.¡±


    Inle chuckled. ¡°A blade is only as sharp as the Rabbit wielding it.¡±Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°Wise words to live by, my friend.¡± The Collector looked up towards the room. ¡°Library,¡± he commanded.


    Within moments the sparring room¡¯s sand bags and rows of spears, axes, and swords dissipated into a mist, vanishing as a maze of book-stuffed shelves surfaced from the floor. Desks readied with parchment and quills, and lanterns lowered from the ceiling, illuminating the newly formed atheneum that appeared before the elf and yikahti.


    A man draped in regal midnight-blue robes appeared before Inle. He stroked his silvery goatee and adjusted his clockwork-gold monocle.


    ¡°Strife? Isn¡¯t Sable supposed to tutor me today?¡± asked a befuddled Inle.


    ¡°From this moment on, if you are to address me by name, it shall be Stryneth Squall¡­ but here in this hall, I answer to no other title but Master.¡±


    The Collector turned to the hydro mage. ¡°Why the unnecessary formalities? You speak to our Silent Master, not some pathetic knave.¡±


    ¡°Yesterday he was a Silent Master, today he is my Hydro Shroud.¡±


    ¡°Hydro¡ª On whose authority?¡± Inle blurted both confused and angered.


    ¡°Whose do you think?¡± hissed Strife.


    ¡°What is this all about, mage?¡± asked the Collector.


    Inle placed a hand on the yikahti¡¯s chest. ¡°I can speak for myself. I am just as much a member of the council as the both of you. No longer am I some whelpling trainee.¡±


    The Collector lowered his head in Inle¡¯s presence. ¡°Forgive me, Silent Master.¡±


    Inle turned to the mage. ¡°Why does Wraslyn wish me to serve you? What cog am I in his new plans?¡±


    Strife lifted his fingers and three droplets of liquid swirled around his hand ending at the tip of his index finger. Inle watched as the water merged into a singular gobbet before Strife snatched it exploding between the gaps in his fist.


    ¡°This I still wish to know as well, Strife,¡± The Collector said.


    ¡°Since when do we question the ways of Wraslyn? Has he ever, once, steered you astray?¡± Strife looked to the Collector. ¡°When you were still a kitten called Ashire, who took you in and gifted you with your first sword?¡±


    ¡°Wraslyn,¡± The Collector sneered.


    ¡°Who taught you to speak without that ridiculous yikahti accent?¡±


    ¡°Wraslyn,¡± The Collector said again.


    ¡°If Wraslyn wishes for our Silent Master learn the ways of Shroud magic and combat, who are we to question his decision?¡±


    The yikahti narrowed his eyes, annoyed by the lecture. ¡°No one.¡±


    Strife turned his attention to Inle. ¡°Who are we to question Wraslyn¡¯s decision?¡±


    Inle was quicker to answer than the cat. ¡°No one¡­ Master.¡± He was still curious about the need to be a ¡®Shroud¡¯ and what that would entail, but if he knew one thing about the Dead of Winter, their lessons were always a new and exciting venture.


    ¡°Come, we travel to my mage school in Jhoone. Perhaps dress lightly, Dragon Realm Abyss¡¯s climate is tropical and humid.¡± Strife smiled.

 Chapter 1: The Discovery

    ¡°And there it stood. A city for both angels and elves.


    ¡°The angels would call it, ''Sik J¡¯Dio Sahde Alanoon''. Which in our language would be ''The beacon under shadow.''


    ¡°A proper name for it as well. The city was built by ancient elves within a vast cavern. It would become a fortress that would attract all those that would soon find themselves living in fear of the Night.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, how many times do I have to read the same passage?¡± Koda mumbled to himself as he skimmed through the ancient records of Jethen Cloudpraiser. The elf¡¯s knee shook under the study table as he grew closer to the answer to his question.


    Koda closed the old tome. A cloud of dust puffed from the old husk causing the elf king to sneeze. A hush snapped from behind him. He instinctively apologized, in which another hush from his left followed.


    Koda leaned in his wooden seat, balancing on its back legs and tickling his quill against his cheek. The Verdant academy¡¯s library had been donated a slew of old books that would take years for Koda to get through. He was excited about such a prospect; however, his heart was set on finding where the Celestial Seals rested.


    Two years had already passed since the Scorch seal had been broken by Inle¡¯s mysterious allies. More than ever now he dedicated his life to protecting these monuments. With his power he wanted his forces to establish bases across the lands to guard the seals; perhaps even erecting schools to study their rich history and magic. It was an endeavor of great magnitude, but his foremost problem at hand was to find them. He had his suspicion that one may be on Nashoon, but his grandfather would only scoff at the thought of allowing military onto the isle. Maybe an Arcane Guardian was enough to protect that seal.


    Another theory Koda had was that each dragon realm had its own Celestial Seal. If he were to script several runes powerful enough to ward away the gods from Draak¡¯Terra, then one rune per realm would be required. Which led to studying old folklore and ancient text. Most historians stated the seals were placed much later after the War of the Black Moon. Others believed it was the cause for the angels to flee during the war in the first place. Koda believed in the latter. There was no rhyme or reason for the angels to retreat during the war, and why would the angels that were given godhood leave Draak¡¯Terra? It must have been because of the Celestial Seals.


    Since the destruction of the Scorch seal, sailors had reported a fractured sky looming over most of the realm. Within the court of Naonis, the goddess of all nature, discord ruled over her firmament. The rain and winds howled in anguish at the disorder of the broken seal, and storms brewed fiercer than ever before. However, in the realm of Nihilio, father of creation and gardener of life itself, the wheat grew tall and the fruit trees bore the largest harvest many had seen in two years. Along Stratus, Alanna brought ice, wind, and death a month early, catching farmers off guard and ruining the harvest season. The desert gods of Scorch saw fit to bow to the whims of its water spirits, and roaring flash floods of water browned by desert sands swept away many a caravaneer, none of whom had ever seen so much water before. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Dragon Realm Scorch had always been a harsh and lawless land, and Stratus had taken much delight in tormenting its impoverished citizens; this could be the gods punishing the mighty for enslaving the meek. Koda reached under the table and patted his wolf familiar on her head. The merging of the Heavens and Draak¡¯Terra has done more good than harm, perhaps there is a philosophical discussion here, eh girl? Koda shook away the captivating thoughts before continuing to another entry.


    ¡°As well as I, Sik J¡¯Dio Sahde Alanoon brought many visitors, some foolish to think that the Skyfallen would never find this refuge. Many battles were fought within the streets of the city.


    ¡°Finally, the fate of all was planned by the Council of Archaics and Sik J¡¯Dio Sahde Alanoon was chosen as the third site.¡±


    ¡°The third site?¡± Koda fervently read on.


    ¡°A door only to be opened by an Archaic would wall in the city, soon to trap its secret within.¡±


    ¡°This is one of Cloudpraiser¡¯s last recordings,¡± Koda whispered to Wildeye, knowing full well that his wolf would continue to ignore him. However, speaking to her allowed him a clear train of thought. ¡°His apprentice would take over his duties shortly after this entry¡­¡±


    Koda rummaged through the ancient books, scanning the text of each date stamped on its spine. His grandfather taught him to read using old records. Jenthen¡¯s was his favorite, but he never properly studied them. Memorizing events and long past battles was a task fit for a scholar, not an Arcane Guardian. No, understanding the Magi, tending to a forest, watching over its secrets, those were the duties of an Arcane Guardian. Secrets he was forbidden to learn. Secrets that were hidden from even him. His grandfather never intended for him to be an Arcane Guardian. This he now knew.


    I am a king now. My people trust me with their lives, while Grandfather couldn¡¯t even trust me with his forest.


    Koda shook away his frustration with his grandfather, finally finding the book he searched for. ¡°Ambros Ivywood, apprentice to Jenthren.¡± Koda flipped to the first page, careful not to tear the leaf. He could not bear the thought of hundreds of years of knowledge being damaged thanks to his sticky fingers. With great care befitting a surgeon, he gingerly lifted the page, and his eyes widened with the glee of a treasure hunter at the contents of the next chapter. There it was; the entry that would answer his question.


    ¡°I had formally taken over the duties of Jenthen Cloudpraiser. His last record was marking the Daybreak having left Mervious. They chose to continue to build their empire within the Shadowearth of Blight¡­¡±


    ¡°Mervious? Why does that name sound so familiar?¡± Koda unraveled an old world map of Draak¡¯Terra. He slid his finger across the exaggerated drawings of the ocean. He smirked at the pictures of sea serpents and mermaidens until he reached the land of Dragon Realm Blight.


    Blight had been sketched to resemble more of a dragon than the terrain man knew it as. Scales replaced the mountains and trees, and bloodied wounds replaced the lakes and rivers. Each section of the dragon¡¯s body had the name of long past nations written on them. Mervious marked Blight¡¯s head.


    ¡°New Estinia was once Mervious ¡­¡± The realization that Koda found a new Celestial Seal dawned on the elf. A flash of wonder sparked in his eyes but was quickly snuffed out. New Estinia was part of the Estinian nation long established in Cypress, the same country he had gone to war with nearly five years ago. If he were to take on an expedition to the Celestial Seal, he would need to treat this matter as delicately as he treated these books. Any misstep could lead to disaster.


    Koda rubbed his chin, locked within his new worries. His council would never allow him to take a journey to New Estinia, despite the new treaty of peace between their nations. However, the chance to find and protect a seal was far more tempting to Koda than his personal safety. He would still need to bring the proposition to his council of lords, but sending a letter to the New Estinian Div¡¯Rah couldn¡¯t hurt either.


    Koda carefully rolled up the ancient map of Blight and cleared his work from the study table. ¡°Come, Wildeye,¡± he said to his familiar. ¡°There is much work to be done.¡±

 Chapter 2: Reporting In

    Elucard clenched his teeth as he throttled Wiccer¡¯s neck. The human¡¯s face flushed blue as he gasped out for air. Elucard squeezed tighter as Wiccer scratched his fingernails down Elucard¡¯s black armor.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Elucard whispered. Tear stains streaked down his quivering face. ¡°I must do this!¡± His voice shook, but louder now.


    Wiccer¡¯s eyes cracked red as his body went limp.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    Elucard¡¯s eyes snapped open, he gripped his covers and sat up in bed. He panted, breathing in gulps of air. Sweat dampened his linen sheets.


    ¡°All-Father¡­¡± Elucard¡¯s voice croaked through labored breaths.


    ¡°The same dream as last night, Master?¡± Elucard¡¯s student Kyzo reared his head around the corner. He untied his long white braid and took off his shirt. The scars from Elucard¡¯s rough training shimmered in the morning sunlight.


    Elucard swung his feet to the side of his bed. He pressed his hand on his wet forehead, his eyes still wide from the nightmare.


    ¡°Every night since the cat¡¯s blade cut me. I¡¯ve seen those visions¡ªthe ones where I slay my loved ones over and over again.¡± Elucard sucked in air through his nostrils and calmly exhaled. His racing heartbeat fell to a crawl.


    Kyzo sat down on his bed next to his master¡¯s. ¡°Have you been able to interpret any of it yet?¡±


    ¡°I can only assume it¡¯s about my past¡­¡± Elucard lowered his head. ¡°¡­How my actions always destroy those closest to me. Jetta, Wiccer, Koda¡­ No one is safe.¡±


    Kyzo reached a hand to comfort Elucard, but pulled back when Elucard lifted his eyes. His stomach churned as he turned away from Elucard¡¯s painful eyes.


    Elucard moved to the nearby bureau and dunked his face into a washbowl that rested on top of it. The cold water sent a shock down his spine, pushing his dark thoughts back into the recess of his mind.


    He thought about holding his face longer. Every morning grew harder to wake up. To live his life. To see the disgust on faces who were once his closest friends. Every day he ruined his life just a little more and every day he thought he¡¯d hold his head in the water just a little longer too.


    But he didn¡¯t.


    He looked up to the grimy mirror that hung on the wall and practiced hiding his broken thoughts. He curled his mouth into a ridged smile and blinked away his icy glare. He turned to Kyzo, now preparing for bed.


    ¡°How was the night patrol? Any trouble?¡±


    Kyzo raised his blanket over his shoulders and he sunk his head into the feather-stuffed pillow.


    ¡°The streets are as restless as ever. Even with three new ARO units and larger presence of guards, crime still rises.¡± Kyzo turned to his side facing his master. ¡°Will the streets ever return to normal? Or will we have the unrest of civilians for more years to come?¡±


    Elucard reached for his armor and scarlet cloak. ¡°I¡¯ll see that you get a break and have you join me on the morning patrols next week.¡± He ignored his apprentice¡¯s concerns. The chance to bust a head or two always kept his mind busy. The streets always needed his Watchers, it felt good to be needed. Elucard looked over his shoulder and saw that his student was already fast asleep.


    Get some rest, Kyzo.


    ***


    Elucard sprinted like a cat over the thick roots and branches sprawling throughout the city of Lost Dawns. Leaping over wide alley gaps and bounding across the rooftops, he lived for this part of his day. Patrol.


    It was the one time he could be himself and live carefree in the canopy of the city. Away from worries and responsibilities. Where he wasn¡¯t a former criminal or the captain of a military unit. He was just Elucard Freewind, and just like his namesake, he felt free as the wind.


    Diving off a tower into a long drop, the elf tucked his knees in, wrenching his body into a spin before rolling as he hit the clay tiled roof below.


    The yikahti, Lear, leaned against a chimney waiting for his captain, who was punctual as always. The striped cat slid a straw from his ear and stuck it into his mouth.


    ¡°Captain, this yikahti has something to report.¡±


    ¡°Speak, Sergeant.¡± Elucard crouched at the edge of the roof, watching the townsfolk below as merchants set up their peddle carts and wares.


    ¡°The king gathers the council of tribes for a meeting to discuss the possibility of a venture to New Estinia.¡±


    Elucard nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure Calsoon is present for the meeting. He¡¯s done an excellent job of guarding the king so far.¡±


    ¡°Aye, sir.¡± Lear took out a folded parchment and a stick of charcoal, jotting down Elucard¡¯s order.


    ¡°What else?¡±


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°There are rumblings of a small extremist group called the Spellbreakers,¡± said Lear.


    Elucard raised an eyebrow. ¡°Extremist group? Connected to the riots and the Varis War?¡±


    ¡°According to our reports they are on the rise connected to the Arcana War. An Anti-Mage movement,¡± finished Lear.


    Elucard collected his thoughts. ¡°Okay. This could become something bigger down the road, but for now keep an eye on them. This could just be hot air.¡±


    ¡°As you you say, Elucard.¡±


    Elucard walked to the edge of the roof and looked out into the city. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°Recruitment is still dry, Captain. We lost two more members over the past month.¡±


    ¡°No one trusts me anymore,¡± sighed Elucard, ¡°Any of the vets?¡±


    ¡°No, sir, just wet behind the ear rookies.¡± Lear grew a thin smile. ¡°Malady has stayed, of course.¡±


    Elucard twitched his ears in annoyance. Taking in the traitorous elf may have not been his idea, but Wiccer saw to it being Elucard¡¯s responsibility.


    ¡°He has been a thorn in my side ever since we gave him amnesty,¡± growled Elucard. Each jeer and critique Malady made at his expense had Elucard wishing for the chance to hang the Rabbit himself.


    ¡°He has been a valuable asset. His swordsmanship rivals Legion and his prowess with stealth and hand to hand combat is greater than your own,¡± responded Lear.


    Elucard gave a long and defeated sigh. ¡°Don¡¯t remind me,¡± he muttered underneath his breath. ¡°Having him as a recruit is worth having ten greenhorns.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll get more. The allure of warriors who don''t play by gentlemen''s rules is what drew them to us in the first place.¡± Lear grinned. He licked his pencil tip and pretended to jot down a set of words before speaking again. ¡°Word on the wind says that Wiccer has been taking lunch at the Mystic Fang these days. Perhaps-¡±


    Elucard¡¯s ears perked up at the name ¡®Wiccer¡¯. ¡°Have you been spying on him?¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡±


    ¡°Lear, you know I don¡¯t want to talk to him, and he doesn¡¯t want to hear a damn thing that I have to say.¡±


    ¡°Elucard, you still have to work with hi-¡±


    ¡°We work together just fine. He leads our company, not ARO. If that¡¯s what he wants, then that¡¯s what I want. No friction.¡±


    ¡°But-¡±


    ¡°Anything else, Sergeant?¡± Elucard raised his voice and his blood began to boil with the image of his dreams rising to the surface of his mind again.


    Lear took a long breath before answering. ¡°Timber has returned from her mission in the Risen Forest.¡±


    Elucard stood up and tightened his gloves with a frown on his face. Another member that he would, no doubt, lose. ¡°Thank you, Lear. Go grab some breakfast chow.¡±


    Elucard hid a smirk as Lear lowered into an exaggerated bow. The cat had been an ARO member since the beginning and still he struggled to salute an officer.


    ***


    Elucard trekked through the tall grass. He was careful to mind his step, for this was the field where marksmen trained in camouflage. He channeled his Rabbit-trained senses into his eyesight, searching for a shadowy shape that could be an elf in a ghillie suit or a kanis.


    ¡°You looking for me, Sergeant?¡± the unmistakable gruff voice of Timber echoed around Elucard.


    He still couldn¡¯t make out the image of his wolven subordinate. ¡°That¡¯s captain to you, Corporal.¡±


    Elucard spun around fast as an indistinct bulk of grass and foliage rose from behind him. The figure drew back a canvas hood to reveal the kanis face of Timber. ¡°Lieutenant now, Captain.¡±


    Elucard nodded with a grin. ¡°Congratulations on your commission. The new colony in the Risen Forest must have treated you well.¡±


    Timber pulled off her netted hood. Its green and brown fabric shook with the movement. ¡°I can¡¯t complain, honestly. But I missed true civilization. A meal and a drink at the Mystic Fang will always trump army rations.¡±


    Elucard motioned his hand towards the chow hall. ¡°Walk with me, Timber. Let¡¯s discuss your future plans.¡±


    Timber shouldered her bow and followed Elucard.


    ¡°You were gone for two years in the Risen Forest,¡± started Elucard, unsure how to tackle the conversation. ¡°Had any of the Watchers written to you during your expedition?¡±


    Timber didn¡¯t look up as she walked beside her captain, choosing to let the dismal tension stew.


    ¡°Have you talked to anyone since your return?¡± Elucard tried again.


    Timber bristled her claws across the fletching of her arrows, counting each one under her breath. She gave Elucard a quick glance.


    The elf narrowed his eyes. She was playing mind games with him. Timber had always been the silent type, but she was loyal to the core and always spoke her mind when it was called for.


    ¡°You heard about the difficulties of our mission as the Ghost Fox, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Timber pushed her quiver away before finally speaking up. ¡°Essie has been writing to me. She told me of your departure into cruelty, how your methods tore away everything the Watchers respected about you, leaving only a misshapen creature in its stead.¡±


    ¡°She said all that?¡± Elucard shook his head with a faint smile. Poetic but true.


    ¡°You nearly killed the king¡¯s uncle, beat Blayvaar within an inch of his life, and drove away Wiccer. You single handedly destroyed everything we worked towards.¡±


    Elucard bit his lip; it was a hard aspect of his past to swallow. Her words struck him like a morningstar to the head.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be trusted any longer, Elucard.¡±


    Elucard searched her eyes for any form of forgiveness but found only apathy.


    ¡°Then why do you stay?¡± The logical question. Perhaps there was still a sliver of hope that he could earn his place among them again.


    ¡°We are still soldiers. We serve Long Whisper, not you.¡±


    Elucard paused. He regretted digging up these events.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry for how I handled the mission.¡±


    ¡°How you handled the mission?¡± she snorted, ¡°How about being sorry for being an emotionless dirtbag?¡±


    ¡°I am¡­¡±


    ¡°Was it worth it, Elucard? Completing the mission but having the Watchers ¡ª your family turn their backs on you?¡± Timber prodded.


    He paused, letting a berth of silence mask his true thoughts. Yes. Anything to complete the mission. He narrowed his eyes, slamming the door on his controversial thoughts. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Well hopefully you¡¯ll have a better head on your shoulders for future missions.¡± Timber pulled her ghillie suit off and tucked it into her rucksack.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long day, I can walk the rest of the way to the barracks on my own,¡± she said with a dry inflection in her voice.


    Elucard bowed his head and walked away from Timber. The conversation didn¡¯t relieve his state of mind.


    ***


    Elucard walked into his apartment


    The moon had finally risen and he was ready for bed. Taking off his armor and tossing his cloak on a wall hook, he fell face first into his pillow.


    Kyzo had already gotten ready for his night patrol.


    ¡°Rough day, Master?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about it.¡±


    Kyzo shook his head. He fastened his scabbard to his belt and carefully creaked open the door. ¡°Good night Mas-¡± He smiled as he found Elucard already fast asleep.

 Chapter 3: Convincing the Council

    ¡°I thank you all for coming at such short notice.¡± Koda sat around the wooden tribal table. Although it was older than Koda¡¯s rule, the Long Whisper crest carved into the center showed no wear or chippings. Like its king, the table was sturdy enough to deal with the flaws of age and experience.


    Around the table sat the elven lords. All seven of them had been replaced since the betrayal during the Varis war, save for Cass Baneberry who remained at his and his father¡¯s side. Now the eight tribes were composed of Baneberry, Riverflow, Treadheart, Swiftleaf, Fieldrunner, Starvow, and Songbrook, all under the leadership of the Dawnedge tribe. These new tribes were of lesser nobility, but Koda was sure he could trust them.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you have your own lands to tend to, but I ask for only a moment of your time,¡± continued Koda.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure I speak for everyone when I say that we are all here for you, my king,¡± said Cass. Everyone in the room nodded. Some pounded on the table in agreement.


    Koda smiled and took a breath of air. He knew his idea would not be taken well, but all the same he needed to try. ¡°As you are all aware, I¡¯ve taken it upon myself to locate the heaven marks of the five Dragon Realms. I feel their security is of the utmost importance.¡±


    ¡°I know you have, Koda, but I still don¡¯t understand why?¡± It was Vala Treadheart¡¯s time to speak up. She was not the only elven lord with confusion written on her face.


    ¡°The people of Lost Dawns haven¡¯t even recovered from the riots two years ago. The rubble may be clear, but their anger is still fresh in their eyes. What is so important that you would ask us to neglect them? ¡± asked Brenen Riverflow. His question attracted mummers from the rest of the lords.


    Koda raised his hand to quiet down the commotion. ¡°Please, if you will hear me out.¡± He waited for the lords to give him their attention again before speaking. ¡°My grandfather raised me to be an Arcane Guardian, to guard the old ways of our people. I chose to become your king to lead us into the modern age of our culture, but the secrets of our world still must be protected. The seals are one of those secrets and they must not be destroyed. If so, our way of life will be threatened.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps if we just located the seal on our realm and guarded that, we could let other nations guard their own?¡± suggested Senri Swiftleaf. Her emerald eyes flickered in the candle light. She was Koda¡¯s first choice to join the council. Despite her being several years younger than him, her wisdom matched his father¡¯s.


    Senri¡¯s words were once pondered in Koda¡¯s thoughts, but after the fiasco in Scorch, he was sure it would be his nation that would take the task on alone.


    ¡°I can not trust other nations to deal with something with such dire consequences,¡± said Koda. His voice rose as he continued, ¡°We will be the vanguard of Draak¡¯Terra. We must be!¡±


    ¡°Then what do you propose, my king?¡± asked Halar Fieldrunner. He scratched his red beard, still unconvinced.


    ¡°I have a gut feeling that the seal of Blight is somewhere in New Estinia-¡± started Koda.


    ¡°New Estinia!¡± shouted Cass, ¡°You can¡¯t possibly want to go to war with an Estinian nation!?¡±


    ¡°No, no. Not go to war,¡± Koda calmly explained, ¡°I wish to go there on a diplomatic mission. To try to join forces with them to protect the seal.¡±


    ¡°I feel this wouldn¡¯t be a wise move, Koda. Not only is a journey to meet our longtime enemies ill-advised, but the fact that you are going at all puts the entire realm at risk. My king, you have no heir. If they were to kill you, we would be plunged into chaos,¡± replied Cass.


    ¡°I am in agreement with Baneberry,¡± spoke out Levric Songbrook.


    ¡°I need to go myself. I must show faith in our treaty with the Estinian people. For them to see we are no longer enemies,¡± said Koda.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    He looked around the room. His council announced their disapproval with their silence.


    ¡°Aster Starvow, we haven¡¯t heard anything from you?¡±


    Aster''s people were the blacksmiths of Long Whisper. During the ancient era of tribal warfare among the elves, it had been Aster¡¯s family that supplied those tribes with their weapons and armor. The Starvow had always shown fierce loyalty to the Dawnedge, thus earning their namesake.


    However Aster could not show any today. He shook his head.


    The council had spoken against Koda¡¯s plan. He thanked them all for their time and stormed out of the chamber.


    ***


    ¡°They don¡¯t understand the severity of our duties, Wildeye!¡± Koda told his familiar. The bitterness of his frustration hung on his voice.


    The wolf rested her head on Koda¡¯s legs as they both laid on the elf¡¯s bed. Her once blue fur shimmered with a shade of lavender. Both eyes now flared with sparks of wild magic and as she walked, trails of stars floated from her paws.


    Koda had noticed the wondrous changes in his familiar as well, chalking it up to the mysteriousness of the Wolves of the Eclipse. The pack had a deep connection with the Magi and the secrets of Nashoon. Things he would never understand or uncover.


    Koda tried to relax as he brushed his fingers through the wolf¡¯s thick coat. "It must be so simple being an animal. Going through your daily life sleeping and eating. Never to worry about the stress of being a king.


    ¡°As a wolf, yes, but as your familiar I sense your troubles deep in my veins.¡±


    Koda immediately sat up, his hands snapped away from Wildeye as if her fur scorched him. He heard an older woman¡¯s voice echo within his mind. Wise and soothing. He closed his eyes to hear if the voice would speak again.


    ¡°I was enjoying that rub, please do continue.¡±


    There it was again! He looked down at the wolf, who stared back at him. Was it the voice of Wildeye? A telepathic link to him?


    ¡°Can you understand me, girl?¡± he asked the wolf, feeling slightly foolish that he was trying to have a conversation with an animal.


    ¡°I can.¡±


    When did this happen? Koda thought. Wildeye¡¯s Magi was growing stronger by the day. Much like his control with the magic. Perhaps his skills to the Magi and Wildeye¡¯s growth were connected.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, Koda. I¡¯m as bewildered about it as you.¡± Wildeye¡¯s words echoed in Koda¡¯s head.


    You can read my thoughts, too?¡± Koda¡¯s curiosity blossomed like a flower. Can you hear this?


    ¡°I can! It seems our thoughts are one.¡±


    Koda laughed in excitement, but his face flattened to one more serious expression. What is your take on my mission? To protect the Celestial Seals?


    ¡°My opinion is that of a wolf, not a royal councilor.¡±


    You are my friend. Your opinion is just as important as my lords''.


    ¡°Very well. I believe finding the seals is all that matters right now. You have already failed Xile when you abused the Magi during the Varis war. Do not disappoint him with a broken promise.


    Koda¡¯s face tensed up at the mention of his Magi use. The allure of the Magi still wracked his body. He ached to use it once more, but feared its potential and further effects on his mind. Could his connection with his overuse of the Magi be what was altering his familiar?


    Koda massaged the brim of his nose. Communicating through thought took a lot of concentration and tired him out. He chose to physically speak to his wolf for the rest of the conversation.


    ¡°So I should go to New Estinia and try to create an alliance?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I believe it is the wisest course of action.¡±


    Koda nodded. He looked towards the shadows of the room. ¡°Calsoon, alert Elucard and Wiccer. They are to set sail with me to New Estinia.¡±


    There was a long silence in the room. As far as Koda could tell he spoke to no one, but he knew the skills of an Anti-Rogue Operative were not to be laughed at. He was aware that his elven bodyguard was by his side at all times, from day till night. He wasn¡¯t even sure if Calsoon ever slept.


    Finally a lean elf with silver hair and vibrant blue eyes stepped forth from the shadows. He gave an elegant bow and smiled. ¡°As you wish, my king. Shall I be attending as well?¡±


    ¡°I think you have earned a rest, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡± chuckled Koda.


    Calsoon frowned. ¡°With all due respect, my king, Elucard hand picked me to watch over you. It would be a shame to falter now.¡±


    Koda lifted his chin. Elucard¡¯s Watchers had been extremely effective with their duties. As scouts in the Varis War, working undercover during the uprising, or even while protecting him from any threat of assassination, they were never known to fail.


    ¡°Very well, Calsoon. I shall grant you this request.¡±


    Calsoon bowed once more. ¡°I take pleasure in working for you, my king.¡±


    ¡°Find Major Newsun and Captain Freewind. We shall depart in the morning.¡±

 Chapter 4: Sable the Runewriter

    Crimson runes covered the walls of the Ruens temple as they hummed, projecting a soft, white glow. With each step that the ominous stranger took towards the arch priest, he stumbled backwards until he was pushed up against the chilled, stone wall.


    A black robe draped the strange woman. The symbol of her guild, a black snowflake with a threaded white outline and twin blue moons, marked her a member of Dead of Winter. Her red-runed skin flickered by candlelight from the shadows of her hood. She had desecrated the temple with her cursed aura.


    ¡°How dare you¡­¡± the priest croaked out. His frightened voice shook with each word. ¡°...How dare you enter this place of worship!¡±


    She stopped, caressing a finger down his cheek. ¡°Your gods can not save you from the heavens. Ret sel ahv¡¯los Al¡¯unis,¡± she finished with the ancient language of the angels, although she was the farthest thing from one. A thin smile appeared on her face.


    ¡°What you bring can¡¯t be hope. We mortals could never experience the raw power of the gods. Their presence alone would destroy us. They must be revered from afar."


    The light of the runes faded as the woman¡¯s mood fell dark. ¡°So you will not tell me where the seal of Dragon Realm Blight is?¡±


    ¡°Let me answer it in the tongue you are familiar with, MERA!¡± The priest gnashed his teeth.


    The woman¡¯s face soured with disappointment. She pushed her thumb against his forehead. ¡°Never is a long time, and an answer I do not seek,¡± she snarled with the final word.


    A brilliant red light engulfed her thumb. The priest''s eyes rolled back into their sockets and his face withered until his skin stretched thin over his cheeks. He crumpled to the ground, gaunt and starved of his life essence. Where her thumb used to be now appeared an abstract, divine symbol.


    She huffed with her failure to obtain her information. The air around her cooled. Surprised, she quickly turned her head. Peering into the shadows of the now vacant temple she spotted a scaly figure emerge from the darkness. His hair shined silver, long springbok horns protruded from his head, and a spaded tail swished about behind him.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s just you, Calsoon.¡± she sighed with relief. ¡°I thought you were him.¡±


    Calsoon knelt before her. ¡°Lady Sable, my assignment has yielded information you might find interesting.¡±


    Sable nodded for her servant to continue.


    ¡°The Mage King may have discovered the location of a Celestial Seal.¡±


    Sable¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement and intrigue, but kept the composure of a stoic elder.


    ¡°New Estinia may have an ancient city underneath it and a seal may hide there. Koda seeks an alliance with the nation¡¯s queen.¡±


    ¡°You will be at his side?¡±


    Calsoon grinned. ¡°Yes, m¡¯lady.¡±


    Sable stroked her lips in thought. ¡°Div¡¯Rah Tashna rules New Estinia within her iron clutches, much like her father does with their old country. She will be hard-pressed to join the side of the Dawnedge brat. This may work to our advantage.¡±


    ¡°Master Wraslyn would part with anything to get his hands on Blight¡¯s Celestial Seal,¡± added Calsoon.


    ¡°Indeed.¡±


    ¡°Do not forget that we have been expressly forbidden to bring harm to Koda,¡± Calsoon reminded the mysterious woman.


    It was true. Wraslyn, the master of the Dead of Winter cult, expressed a deep interest in Koda. Neither Sable or Calsoon knew the reason why their master bothered with the likes of the elf. He only served to stand in Wraslyn¡¯s way. To Sable and Calsoon, as well as the rest of the guild, Koda was the opposition to their plans. One that needed to be crushed.


    ¡°I will make sure the elf is kept alive, but I will not guarantee what state of health he remains in. This is not my priority or duty as Wraslyn¡¯s Runecarver.¡± Sable brushed past Calsoon to the temple¡¯s exit. ¡°If Wraslyn so desires me to be a babysitter, then he should send his whipping boy. Who was he again? The shadow elf?¡±


    Calsoon turned his head to answer. ¡°Inle, m¡¯lady.¡±


    ¡°He earned the respect of the Collector, but if he wishes to earn my respect, he will need to show he is more than some mere assassin.¡± She stopped at the archway.


    ¡°Inle is more than a mere assassin. His skills have grown considerably in these last two years. I and the cat have seen that.¡±


    ¡°I suppose.¡± Sable was still unconvinced, but she left it at that. ¡°You and I shall meet the Div¡¯Rah ahead of the Mage King and see to his capture. We must find this seal before him. Return to your post before you are missed. You will be called again when I need you.¡±


    Calsoon nodded. ¡°As you say, Lady Sable.¡± He sank into the ground as his form melded with the shadows.


    Sable smirked with satisfaction. Finally, something was going her way, but she would be apt not to fail her master once more. Wraslyn was notorious for his lack of empathy. If she wanted to keep her head attached to her shoulders, then this mission would need to be conducted with delicate hands. If Tashna was anything like her father, any misstep could spoil her chances at obtaining her goal.

 Chapter 5: New Orders

    Wiccer threw open the double doors and stormed into the Long Whisper throne room. Within the room Elucard knelt by the king, who clutched a scroll in his hand. Wiccer walked to his mark on the marble floor and saluted Koda. He glanced down towards his former friend kneeling before the king. Elucard returned a faint smile.


    Wiccer had made little contact with Elucard since leaving the Anti-Rogue Ops save for the business of conducting command and mission assignments to the division as a whole.


    Wiccer¡¯s face bore a stone-grim expression as he addressed his king, ¡°My king I advise against sailing to New Estinia; it will only lead to disaster.¡±


    Koda nodded and placed a firm hand on Wiccer¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I appreciate the concern, my friend, but I have just received word from Queen


    Tashna.¡± Koda waved the scroll he was holding below Wiccer¡¯s eyes. ¡°She accepts my request to see me and assures a safe visit. She expresses no ill will towards me and will honor the treaty between our nations.¡±


    ¡°I have little faith in this course of action. Just the same as you do, Major,¡± said Elucard in a low voice.


    Major and Captain were the extent of the pleasantries that Wiccer and Elucard shared with each other these days. Elucard did not prefer this, but if it was the only way to hold a conversation with his friend, then so be it. ¡°But it is what our king wants, so we should honor this request.¡±Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    Wiccer curled his lip. ¡°If I wanted your advice, Captain,¡± Wiccer¡¯s tone stung with contempt, ¡°I would ask for it.¡±


    Elucard lowered his head in defeat.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, I¡¯ve made up my mind.¡± Koda broke through the awkward air between his two soldiers. ¡°Your concerns are noted, but fortunately for me, I need no approval from either of you.¡±


    ¡°As you say, my liege.¡± Wiccer bowed. ¡°Shall I prepare you for an escort of your royal guard?¡±


    ¡°Not quite, Major. I wish only to bring you as an advisor and three ARO to serve as protection. Any larger escort will be seen as threatening to an Estinian. I trust Elucard will keep me safe as he has done in the past.¡±


    ¡°I wish you would reconsider; the Anti-Rogue Ops are not suited for this type of mission.¡±


    Elucard shot his commanding officer a glare¡ªwhich Wiccer ignored.


    ¡°I beg to differ, Wiccer. Calsoon has proven to be quite the royal guard himself. I trust Elucard and his men are vastly more prepared for any situation where my life is on the line than any stiff-footed, tight-lipped ceremonial guard,¡± argued Koda.


    ¡°We are, my king,¡± added Elucard.


    ¡°Very well, although I am not convinced, your grace.¡± Wiccer turned to Elucard. ¡°Who do you recommend we send as the third? I trust Calsoon will be joining us?¡±


    Elucard rose to his feet. ¡°Calsoon knows Koda well enough to predict when the king is in any threat of danger. I suggest my ward, Kyzo. He is experienced enough for such an important mission.¡±


    Wiccer nodded. ¡°I agree, Kyzo shows much promise under your tutelage.¡±


    ¡°Then it is settled.¡± Koda shook his fists in excitement. ¡°We shall leave at once!¡±

 Chapter 6: Hail to the DivRah

    Tashna Stine stared up at the raven and the gauntlet emblazoned upon the giant banner that hung above her throne. It symbolized her connection to the Raven-God and her father, who ruled all the way in the mother country. Estinia¡ªit had been far too long since she returned to Cypress and even longer since she had seen her parents. However, she preferred the reclusiveness of ruling the colony of New Estinia. She was entrusted to rule as a Div¡¯Rah and she had always done her best for the Raven-God to smile upon her reign. She smirked, as if everything was just as the raven intended.


    The double doors to the throne room burst open, and an officer clad in dark iron and silver armor strode down the crimson-red carpet, ignoring the attendees that tried to stop him. It was only when the palace guard barred his way that he stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°My Div¡¯Rah,¡± he said with a half-hearted salute. ¡°I bring news from-¡±


    Tashna sneered at him with a glance so cold it froze him in mid speech.


    ¡°You insult me vith such a lackluster salute, Captain Segvox,¡± she said, raising her lip. ¡°Has your time in my military made you so jaded?¡±


    Captain Segvox used up all his might from his legs buckling in fear. He took a large gulp and made a smart salute with as much gusto as he could muster. It nearly came off as comical.


    Tashna chuckled. ¡°Proceed, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Yes, your grace. Ve have made several attempts to employ the Blood Bog orcs to our ranks, as requested, m¡¯lady, but still they refuse. How do you vish to proceed?¡±


    ¡°I vant those orcs to recognize that I am the only crown in this country. Threaten to raze their svamp and then burn it to cinders if they do not comply!¡±


    Segvox bowed his head.


    ¡°If I may, my Div¡¯Rah?¡± a deep voice rumbled next to Tashna.


    She turned and looked up to her tall draconian bodyguard, Ro¡¯Tan. Like the dragonfolk that walked the lands of ancient Draak¡¯Terra before him, Ro¡¯Tan had dark, violet scales that coated his tall frame and rippling muscles. Spikes ran down his back between two large wings and along his maw. His eyes were a vibrant yellow, as fiery as the sun. He had no need for armor, as most strikes would just glance off his skin; nor had he a need for a weapon, for his razor sharp claws already served that purpose. He was a behemoth among other men; no one would dare threaten Tashna with a dragon by her side.


    Once the draconian had his confirmation to speak, he continued, ¡°The Blood Bog is an excellent strategic point to have on our side, my queen. It serves as a natural defense against any invading force. If we let the orcs have their autonomy, they would keep everyone out of their swamps¡ªfriend or foe. By provoking them, we merely create another front for our already thinly-stretched border militias, and if we are invaded, the greenskins would side with the enemy of their enemy. I would recommend allowing the orcs to be used as a deterrent. They may prove useful if the time of war were to touch your shores.¡±


    ¡°Ah, Ro¡¯Tan, I see you are more than a bodyguard and friend, but also a clever advisor,¡± she applauded the draconian with a bright smile strewn across her face.


    Captain Segvox nodded his head. ¡°Vith your permission I vill alert the general of your decision to leave the orcs be?¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain, ve shall try Ro''Tan¡¯s vay.¡± she waved the soldier away. ¡°You are dismissed.¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°As you say, my Div¡¯Rah.¡±


    No sooner had the words left his mouth than a whirling portal, dark as the void and as loud as the wailing of a thousand souls erupted in the middle of the throne room. The palace guards drew their weapons, and Segvox reached for his sword. Tashna stood, startled but defiant.


    Appearing from the portal walked a woman hidden in large, black robes, an elf garbed in red and black assassin clothing by her side. The woman opened her arms in a gesture of peace. She pressed her hand on the elf¡¯s chest and pushed him behind her. The gaping vortex shut with a piercing roar before vanishing completely from sight.


    Ro¡¯Tan step towards the two, baring a set of bone-yellow teeth. ¡°Who in Urd¡¯Draak¡¯s name are you?¡± he growled.


    The woman lowered her hood revealing her deep orange hair and runes scryed over her face. Each glyph hummed with a faint light. The ring of her eyes burned with a white light. ¡°Urd¡¯Draak? An interesting choice. I have not heard that name invoked by anyone in quite some time.¡±


    The draconian snarled at the stranger¡¯s curious take in his words. ¡°Answer me!¡±


    The elf slowly reached for his ninjato that hung on from his belt.


    ¡°Calsoon, that won¡¯t be necessary,¡± she said to her companion. She looked past the dragon guard and addressed the queen before her. ¡°You may call me Sable.¡± She made a deep flourishing curtsy. ¡°I represent His Grace Duke Alifinster Fen, and I hope our presence has not distressed her royal majesty.¡±


    Tashna sat back down and signaled for her men to lower their weapons. ¡°It is unusual for one to force their presence upon the god-queen, but I must admit you made quite the entrance.¡±


    Sable bowed once more. ¡°My master always has that effect on people.¡±


    Tashna glanced at Calsoon carving a slow smile on her face. ¡°And your elf. Who is he?¡±


    Calsoon raised an eyebrow.


    Sable gestured for Calsoon to take a knee. ¡°He serves as my bodyguard, your grace. Calsoon is but a lowly elf, faithful to a fault.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I have little patience for elves,¡± said Tashna. She rested her head on her hand, already bored with Calsoon.


    ¡°My Div¡¯Rah, we have traveled farther than any Estinian reach to offer our servitude and an exuberant amount of gold dren for the freedom to traverse your countryside.¡±


    Tashna tilted her head in confusion, ¡°You vill give me your services and large sum of gold to valk around my land? Vhat is your game, Sable?¡±


    ¡°I suppose that was a tad bit vague,¡± Sable chuckled. ¡°You see, my master is interested in the archeological aspects of New Estinia, but he knows he can not explore it without your permission.¡±


    Tashna rubbed her chin. ¡°The Dawnedge king of Long Vhisper wrote to me about the same request. I see this as more than a coincidence.¡±


    Sable smile. ¡°Ah yes, the famous Koda Dawnedge. He helped thwart your father¡¯s expansion, did he not?¡±


    ¡°He did, master. I would say it was about five years ago!¡± said Calsoon, his eyes slid to the side, coy as a fox.


    Tashna¡¯s face grew flush, her finger dug into the wooden armrest.


    ¡°Tisk, tisk, such a humiliating defeat for the Estinians¡­¡± Sable continued.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Tashna roared, ¡°I am not my father! Do not try to coax me into a foolish confrontation vith the Mage King.¡±


    Sable walked side to side with her hands behind her back. ¡°No, I wouldn¡¯t dare tell you how to rule your kingdom, but if I were the queen of the defeated Estinian people, I wouldn¡¯t let a chance like this so easily slip through my fingers.¡±


    Tashna rose from her throne. ¡°A chance to do vhat?¡±


    ¡°I assume the king offered to meet with you in person? To discuss his request to dig up your nation¡¯s secrets?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t trust these people, your grace,¡± hissed Ro¡¯Tan in Tashna¡¯s ear.


    She sneered but chose to ignore her trusted bodyguard. ¡°And vhat if he did?¡±


    It was Calsoon¡¯s turn to speak up. ¡°Capturing Koda would showcase a power in your rule that your father could never achieve.¡±


    ¡°This is a mistake, my queen.¡± Ro¡¯Tan¡¯s words once again nudged their way into Tashna¡¯s thoughts.


    ¡°Ro¡¯Tan, a dragon should know that trust and peace are not as coveted in a leader as vengeance is to a people who experienced embarrassment and loss.¡± Tashna turned to Sable. ¡°You offer your services? Can you help me deal vith Koda¡¯s Magi? If he vas merely a mage, my soldiers vould have vays to deal vith such a threat, but his power vith the Magi is a magnitude not seen in any vizard.¡±


    ¡°Leave me to deal with the Mage King, my Div¡¯Rah. He shall give you no grief.¡±


    Tashna let out a fierce laugh, ¡°Dragon Realm Cypress vill finally kneel to the might of a Stine!¡±

 Chapter 7: Embassy Mission

    The horse-drawn carriage trotted on the cobblestone road, easily parting the crowd of peasants and merchants to one side as it passed. On the roof of the carriage Kyzo sat cross-legged, his sword resting in his lap. Calsoon chose to ride by the driver¡¯s side, keeping a vigilant eye for assailants who may overstep their boundaries and try to overtake the king¡¯s escort. Within the velvet interior, Koda sat uneasy, flanked by Elucard and across from Wiccer. Wildeye miraculously slumbered squished between the three pairs of feet.


    Kyzo had never traveled outside of Long Whisper; the elf mainly stayed within the borders of the capital city itself, only briefly visiting seedy or dangerous locations on the outskirts of Lost Dawns for his missions. Traveling to Varis was a desire, but he never could have fathomed traveling to a whole new Dragon Realm.


    New Estinia did not disappoint. It was far more foreign and fearsome than any book described it to be. Indomitable iron walls protected Aric City, serving to encircle but also to divide districts of the city. Citizens were housed according to the different castes they occupied within New Estinia¡¯s social structure in fortified rings that radiated outwards. The nobles, as well as the queen herself, lived in the center of the city, while merchants and soldiers occupied the middle section. Finally, the street urchins, peasants, and other undesirables found their home at the edge of the city.


    However, as impressive as towering walls were, it was the security of the city that had grabbed Kyzo¡¯s attention. Guards armed to the teeth patrolled the streets and battlements, archers were stationed in watchtowers, and, much to his amazement and alarm, dragons! Flights of red drake riders soared overhead, nearly blotting out the sky.


    Kyzo swung to the door of the carriage and rested his elbow on the window¡¯s ledge. His eyes still clouded in wonderment and excitement and his raised voice matched them as well.


    ¡°Master, have you seen the dragons? I¡¯ve heard stories about them, but never thought to see them.¡±


    Elucard hid a grin. ¡°They aren¡¯t so fascinating when they are spewing a stream of fire onto your ship.¡±


    Koda and Wiccer nodded in agreement.


    Kyzo¡¯s eyes widened even further. ¡°You¡¯ve fought against a dragon?¡±


    Elucard fidgeted in his seat. ¡°Well, not personally, but they were present during the Varis War. They attacked our fleet when we arrived on the Varis shores. A team of skilled Silent Ones were the ones who did battle with them, slaying them all in mid-flight.¡±


    Kyzo¡¯s mouth fell open. ¡°Why doesn¡¯t Long Whisper have Drake Riders?¡± he eventually asked.


    Koda was quick to answer the young elf. He enjoyed the opportunity to teach an impressionable boy, and he relished Kyzo¡¯s eagerness. ¡°Drakes are not native to our country,¡± he said. ¡°Long Whisper is too thick with forest, there wouldn¡¯t be a good prospect for a dragon brood to sleep, hunt, or lay eggs.¡±


    Wildeye twitched her ear, listening in on the conversation.


    ¡°Dragons are overrated,¡± she inserted into Koda¡¯s mind.


    Koda stifled a giggle. ¡°Hush, you,¡± he communicated back to her.


    ¡°What about the Risen Forest? Not much is known about that area, could there be dragons hiding in those mountains?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± Koda smiled. ¡°We¡¯ve only recently set up a colony out there, maybe they will see one.¡±


    ¡°I have heard that Southtail has trained a unit of their own Drake Riders,¡± added Wiccer. ¡°If you are lucky we might someday fight alongside that nation and you will see a drake up close.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve trained to scale buildings as high as the Lost Dawn clocktower, but to fly up that far in the sky, I don¡¯t think I would have the stomach for it!¡± Kyzo laughed.


    Elucard joined in Kyzo¡¯s laughter. ¡°Neither would I.¡±


    The carriage finally rounded to the castle¡¯s entrance and halted by a grand cascading fountain. Along the edges of the fountain perched a flock of ravens cawing and glaring at the Long Whisper visitors with ink-black eyes.


    ¡°Not a good sign,¡± Elucard muttered under his breath.


    Koda and his escort entered Queen Tashna¡¯s throne room which, although half the size of Koda¡¯s own throne room, was still all the more intimidating.


    Despite the two windows on either side of the room, a gloomy darkness still dimmed the interior. Iron crowned torches lined the limestone walls. At each corner of the room stood heavily armored men, battle axes clawed tightly in their hands. The insignia of Tashna¡¯s Raven Guard was etched into their breastplates. Banners from both Estinan nations draped from the ceiling above. Like the city itself, ravens roamed freely in the rafters. Some perched on the Div¡¯Rah¡¯s throne, while one clutched Tashna¡¯s shoulder like a familiar of her own.


    Koda inspected the large, deep purple draconian bodyguard that stood to Tashna¡¯s left. His shadow alone was enough to unnerve the King of Long Whisper. Koda felt like he shrank two feet before him. On Tashna¡¯s right stood a black robed woman. Koda caught a glimpse of magical runes tattooed on her face. Her large hood made it difficult to read the runes, but Koda felt the woman couldn¡¯t be trusted. All the same, he approached the Div¡¯Rah with good intention pulsing through his heart.


    Tashna snapped her fingers just as Koda took a step forward. Immediately a group of servants bounded through the double doors. They bowed to her and then to her visitors, offering their hands.


    ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind that I relieve you of your veapons? Just a security measure. You understand, don¡¯t you?¡± Tashna asked politely.


    Wiccer made a sweeping bow and unbuckled his belt and scabbard, placing them into the waiting hand of the servant. He nodded to the others, signaling to them to do the same.


    Tashna looked over her guests, attempting to analyze their nature and demeanor, but other than Koda, they were emotionless. Stone carvings of humans and elves. Similar to how her own Raven Guard were trained, how interesting. She finally settled on a familiar face. Calsoon, what could he be doing here? And among Koda¡¯s men? Was he a spy? Perhaps a double agent? Dangerous.


    Tashna scanned Sable for any sign that her assumptions were correct, but like Koda¡¯s soldiers, she too put up a stone front.


    Koda inched closer to Tashna¡¯s throne and gave a low bow. ¡°Your grace, we haven¡¯t formally met. I am King Koda Dawnedge of Long Whisper. It is an honor to be in your presence.¡±


    ¡°The honor is all mine, Dawnedge,¡± returned the pleasantries with genuine kindness in her voice. ¡°I have been looking forward to your visit as vell as I have been curious about your request.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I have done extensive research of your land before it was New Estinia-¡±You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    ¡°It has alvays been New Estinia. It vas ordained by the Raven-God himself,¡± corrected Tashna. She brushed the breast feathers of her raven pet.


    Wildeye paced back and forth, glowering at Tashna. ¡°She plays games with you, Koda.¡±


    Koda gave her a weak smile, ignoring the wolf¡¯s warning in his mind, and continued, ¡°I believe New Estinia hosts a heaven¡¯s mark somewhere in its lands.¡±


    ¡°A heaven¡¯s mark? Pray tell vhat is that?¡± Tashna asked. Her interest was slowly rising, as Sable told her very little of her own plans.


    ¡°Long ago¡ªtowards the end of the Demon War¡ªa council of runecarvers set five powerful seals into the Dragon Realms. These highly complex seals were mighty enough to banish the gods and angels from the mortal plane and into the celestials above. Since then the history of these heaven¡¯s marks have been lost to time.¡±


    ¡°Sik Yohm Rueh odov het,¡± Sable said with a sly smile.


    ¡°Merv yolma Rueh yolmo,¡± responded Koda, not at all fazed by the strange words.


    ¡°Seeking education is an admirable trait to have, your majesty.¡± Sable ended their small exchange with a polite bow.


    ¡°Please Sable, enlighten us vith vhich you both discuss?¡± Tashna asked, befuddled by the secret conversation that Sable and Koda were having. However, she noticed that the other two elves were following the conversation well enough.


    ¡°I complimented the young king¡¯s knowledge of forgotten history.¡± She gestured a kind hand to Koda. ¡°The Dawnedge speaks Salrothian¡ªAngelic tongue, my Div¡¯Rah. And quite well, if I may add.¡±


    Koda folded a hand over his heart in respect of the choice words.


    ¡°Thank you, ancient studies have always been a hobby of mine, I credit that to my grandfather. He taught me Angelic while I was a child,¡± said Koda. He was gracious to speak well of his upbringing.


    ¡°So,¡± Tashna rounded Koda¡¯s attention back to her, ¡°you vish to send forth an expedition in the land of your nemesis? Vhat shall you do vhen you find this heaven¡¯s mark?¡±


    ¡°This is a trap, Koda!¡± Wildeye¡¯s words echoed in Koda¡¯s head like a blaring alarm


    ¡°No, it is only a misunderstanding¡ªour treaty. This can be fixed.¡± Koda told Wildeye, but really it was himself he was trying to convince.


    ¡°Nemesis? Is our treaty a sham?¡± Koda scoffed. He ran his fingers through his hair in agitation.


    Wiccer stole a glance to Elucard. The elven assassin narrowed his eyes. Wiccer nodded to Kyzo and watched the boy slip a dagger down his sleeve and hide it behind his back.


    ¡°You tell me, little king. You humiliated my father and my people! You think I, the daughter of Aric Stine, vould just roll over like a dog?¡±


    Koda¡¯s eyes widened. The sound of clanking armor marching through the halls rang through the air.


    ¡°Please, Queen Tashna¡ª¡± pleaded Koda. He lifted his arms innocently as an attempt to smother the flames of anger that sizzled from the Div¡¯Rah.


    A line of Raven Guards barreled through the double doors and surrounded Koda and his men. Battle axes poised to cleave.


    ¡°I have you as my golden trophy of war. My father vill finally see me as the supreme god-queen that I have alvays deserved to be!¡± Tashna rose from her seat and pointed to Koda. ¡°Seize them!¡±


    ¡°Elucard! Save the king!¡± Wiccer commanded as he kicked the nearest guard.


    Elucard may have given up his sword, but as his master Legion once taught him, a Black Rabbit is never without a weapon.


    Elucard spun to avoid a slashing axe and pulled the weapon away from the guard in a single sweeping motion. With that axe in hand he swung in a wide arc to clear an opening for Koda to run to the window.


    Wildeye snarled, foaming at the mouth, and baring her fangs as the soldiers stepped closer to her. She turned and caught the eye of Kyzo. He nodded in understanding.


    Kyzo took hold of the king¡¯s wrist and yanked him away from the encroaching soldiers. ¡°Come, this way, my king!¡±


    Calsoon dove backwards, avoiding a deftly cut, but tripped and tangled himself into Koda¡¯s legs. Together both elves tumbled to the ground.


    ¡°Elucard, take the queen hostage!¡± Wiccer barked his second order.


    Elucard used the blunt end of the tall battle axe to vault himself up and over the row of Raven Guards and in front of a twelve-foot tall draconian blocking the path to his target.


    ¡°I think not, elf!¡± roared Ro¡¯Tan.


    A fierce backhand from the draconian''s enormous leathery claw sent Elucard sailing through the air and crashing to the hard floor.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Koda screamed. A surge of gnarled roots jutted from all directions of the mage, pinning the guards to the walls and ceilings. Koda¡¯s eyes flared a fluorescent green, his chest heaved with labored breathing, and a grim sneer curled over his face. ¡°How dare you¡­¡± He clenched his teeth, bending the roots away to forge a path to Tashna. ¡° ...break on your word!¡±


    Ro¡¯Tan unfurled his scaly wings to protect his ward. ¡°Do not tread closer, Dawnedge brat!¡±


    Tashna let out a shrill shriek. ¡°Sa- Sable! D-deal with him!¡±


    Too quick for Koda to react, Sable stepped in front of the mage king and grazed her fingers against Koda¡¯s forehead, writing a spell break rune. As soon as she drew back her hand, the rune activated, shutting down Koda¡¯s connection to his magic. The roots wilted and crumbled into ash, releasing their trapped prisoners.


    Koda collapsed to the ground, rapidly sucking in air and choking as his body forcibly locked up. His skin flushed red and veins bulged from his neck and arms. Wildeye let out a howl of anguish as her once-blazing eye snuffed out like a blown candle.


    More guards funneled into the already crowded room, piling onto Koda and grabbing his shoulders and arms.


    ¡°Wiccer! You must escape! Send for help!¡± Koda yelled in desperation. Where his soul for this mission was once filled with hope and excitement, it now drowned in fear and panic.


    ¡°I will not leave you my king!¡± Wiccer shouted back, clawing and wrenching guards away from the man he had sworn to serve.


    Elucard tackled Wiccer, pulling him towards an open window. ¡°Idiot! Do as he says!¡±


    ¡°Unhand me, Elucard!¡±


    With a sudden kick to his chest, Wiccer flew through the window and plummeted towards the ground. Elucard and Kyzo followed suit, with Calsoon and Wildeye choosing to stay at Koda¡¯s side.


    Wiccer flailed his body in the air until his ARO training took hold. He twisted his body and pointed his feet down. He instinctively dropped into a roll as he landed on the roof of a lower building. He grunted from the impact, but his acrobatics absorbed most of the shock.


    Elucard and Kyzo recovered just behind Wiccer and together they took off in a dead sprint across the roof and leaped onto the wall that protected the castle.


    Archers fired a volley of crossbow bolts at the oncoming Watchers. The missiles grazed shoulders and ribs, but ultimately missed their marks. Wiccer and the others landed on the battlements, quick to dispatch the archers by flinging them off the wall.


    Wiccer grabbed Elucard by his collar. ¡°Never do that again!¡±


    ¡°What? Save your life!?¡± sneered Elucard. He ripped himself free from Wiccer.


    ¡°Now¡¯s not the time to fight each other!¡± Kyzo shouted, pointing to a crowd of Raven Guards running across the courtyard.


    Both nodded and bounded from the wall and onto the roofs of the neighboring buildings. They hurdled over alleyways and nimbly balanced across narrow archways. They climbed through windows, darting through apartments and scurrying up back to the roofs. Each time passing by scrambling guards trying desperately to keep up with the Long Whisper soldiers.


    ¡°We need to lose them for good!¡± huffed Kyzo through quick breaths.


    ¡°Agreed!¡± Elucard panted.


    Wiccer skidded to a stop and pointed to a passing haywagon below them.


    Elucard spotted the crowd of Tashna¡¯s men further down the street. It was a gamble, but one they needed to take. The three stepped from the building¡¯s ledge and dropped into the large pile of hay. Each made sure they were not noticed and were sufficiently hidden in the straw. Once satisfied, they remained quiet as the horse-drawn wagon halted at a barricade of soldiers.


    Elucard poked an eyehole to peer through his cover, watching as a gruff man drew his sword and stabbed into the hay. The long blade slid by him. A hair closer and it would have sliced his cheek.


    The guard motioned for the wagon driver to move on.


    A wave of relief washed over Elucard, Wiccer, and Kyzo as the haywagon exited the city and headed for a village on the coast. They escaped the madness of Aric City, now it was their duty to alert Cypress that Long Whisper¡¯s king had been captured!

 Chapter 8: Koda Imprisoned

    Koda¡¯s head slammed against the grimy dungeon wall. He watched in a daze as a glowing golden collar was fastened to his neck. His thoughts were a jumbled mess. Cluttered. Clouded. Unable to decipher the events that were transpiring before him.


    ¡°Koda¡­ wake¡­ up...¡±


    Wildeye¡¯s words stumbled through his head. The Magi that bound them thinned out to a wisp of smoke, no longer strong as the iron chains that now shackled him.


    ¡°Wildeye¡­ are you¡­ there?¡±


    Koda''s half-focused eyes darted around the cell, searching for any signs of his familiar. He let out a sigh of relief finding the blue wolf bound to the adjacent wall.


    A savage kick to his legs snapped him out of his stupor.


    ¡°Listen ¡®ere now, elf!¡±


    Koda looked up to where the heavy voice came from.


    ¡°I¡¯m ''ead Jailer ¡®ere. The name is Grune and we¡¯s gonna be the best of friends.¡±


    The man¡¯s face was swollen. Round and pudgy, lips red and building. He spit with each word and slapped his cudgel into his hand to stress his sentences. He didn¡¯t carry the same accent that a normal Estinian had, but like his name, it sounded crude.


    Koda snarled, reaching his hand out and snapped his fingers. He wanted Grune to be tightly strangled by enormous vines, but to his dismay the jailer remained unharmed and untouched by any sort of vernal spell. Koda¡¯s collar warbled, glowing gold once more.


    ¡°Ah, we won¡¯t be doing that now, elf,¡± Grune chuckled, lifting his prisoner¡¯s chin with his cudgel. ¡°This ¡®ere dampening collar will keep you from using any sort of magic nonsense.¡±


    Koda grasped his collar.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother fidgeting with it. It¡¯s on there pretty good.¡± Grune cracked another smile. He thrashed Koda with another kick. ¡°I¡¯ll let you get acquainted with yer new home. We have plenty to chat about later.¡±


    Another man, pale and gaunt with a long, thin nose made an appearance before Koda¡¯s heavy prison door shut for good.


    ¡°It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Mage King.¡± He rubbed a spindly finger down the ridge of his nose. ¡°Make no mistake, you vill not be treated any different from the most petty criminal here in Aric City. I am Dalg Abathen and I take great pride in my vork as the varden here. Grune vill serve as your prison guard for the remainder of your stay. I trust you and him shall get along quite nicely.¡± He gave Koda a final smirk before slamming the door. A jingling set of keys locked both the cell and Koda¡¯s fate.


    Koda furrowed his brow and struggled to rip the dampening collar off his neck, but like Grune said, it would not budge.


    ¡°Wildeye, are you still with me?¡± Koda¡¯s concentration was still muddled, but he had to make sure that the Magi that allowed Wildeye to communicate with him was still open.


    He waited for his wolf to respond before attempting again. ¡°Please, girl, please tell me I am not alone.¡±


    However, what little magic that collar had not sapped before was now gone.


    Koda slammed his fist against the stone wall. ¡°Damn it, I am alone!¡±


    ¡°How odd, I was thinking the same thing.¡±


    Koda¡¯s eyes lit up. The voice was muffled coming from beyond the wall behind him, but it was a familiar voice all the same.


    ¡°Calsoon? Is that you?¡± Koda asked. He rubbed his hands along the wall, looking for a crack or peep hole to see his loyal Watcher.


    The cell was cramped and dark. The musty air hung stale in the air. The smell of dried blood and piss filled Koda¡¯s nostrils leaving him in a panic.


    He needed to find Calsoon; with his presence, he wouldn¡¯t be alone in this terrible ordeal.


    Feeling the wall, his elven eyes cut through the darkness and found a crack in the wall. He dug away loose mortar from the wall with his nails. They chipped and bled, but he continued to claw a loose stone and jostled it. Pushing it forward, it scraped until Calsoon was able to pull it from his side. Koda crouched to his knees and peeked through the hole. He smiled as he spotted Calsoon¡¯s icy blue eye.


    ¡°Calsoon, Alue shines upon us this day!¡± laughed Koda.


    ¡°Indeed, someone watches over you, my king.¡±


    Koda¡¯s smile slipped away, his face grew serious once more. ¡°Do you think the others made it to Long Whisper safely?¡±


    Calsoon raised an eyebrow. ¡°A silly question, my king. Do I think Cypress¡¯s greatest assassin and the Watchers he personally trained made it out of the city?¡± Calsoon paused but did not allow Koda to respond. ¡°Of course they made it out, and they will return with the might of your army at their side.¡±Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Koda rested his back against the wall and let out a deep sigh. ¡°I hope so, my friend. I don¡¯t know how long I¡¯ll be able to last here.¡± He turned his head and watched Wildeye whine from across the cell. ¡°I am not as strong as you, as strong as a soldier.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Calsoon scoffed. ¡°You commanded men in the Varis War. You are stronger than the mightiest warrior in Long Whisper.¡±


    Koda hid a smirk. ¡°I appreciate the vote of confidence. I really do, Calsoon, but even I have my limits.¡±


    ¡°We all do, my king.¡±


    ¡°I am sure Grune will find that limit as well,¡± said Koda. His voice shook grimly. He did his best to hold back his tears and show the courage that Calsoon said he had, but truthfully he was frightened. Never had he imagined being a prisoner in a foreign country. A prisoner to an Estinian.


    He cursed under his breath.


    This was the naivety that his lords warned him about. Once again he put his hopes, dreams, and trust into the hands of his enemies and once again he had paid dearly for it. How could he be so foolish? The good within all hearts? A concept for children!


    ¡°My lord? Are you okay?¡± Calsoon¡¯s voice broke across his thoughts.


    ¡°Yes, forgive me.¡± Koda rattled his chains and adjusted his dampening collar. ¡°I-I think I will try to get some sleep.¡±


    ¡°You will be rescued, Koda,¡± Calsoon said softly.


    It may have been the comfort that Koda needed to hear, but it did not faze the dread that erected the walls of doubt in his mind. The only thing he saw in his future was the pain Grune was to inflict with his cudgel.


    ***


    Books filled to the brim with ancient knowledge and tales of great heroes lined the walls of the royal library. The library didn¡¯t just spiral up several flights of floors but also wound down hallways like a labyrinth. No collection of books was as grand as Tashna¡¯s royal library, not even the Hall of Wisdom within the holy city of Jedeoheim. The queen had, of course, not read them all, but just as New Estinia''s fortresses projected her nation''s power, this library was meant to be a symbol of her wisdom.


    Sable grazed her fingers along each dusty spine, reading titles and flipping through the golden etched leaves. Not even her family had tomes as rare as these. However Tashna obtained her selection of books was a wonderment. All that Sable could tell was that the books were pulled from all corners of Draak¡¯Terra.


    ¡°Have you found any that suit your interest?¡± asked Tashna. She smiled as Sable tucked a red-bound book under her arm.


    Sable smiled and hugged the book tightly. ¡°Do you mind if I borrow this? I have not read it since I was a little girl.¡±


    Tashna gently took the book and wiped away the dust from the front cover. It was old, perhaps older than any of her living relatives. The cover featured a pearl-colored unicorn standing upon a lake. The title read, Fables of the White Lady.


    ¡°Ah, yes, I remember this story. I know some of it by heart.¡±


    ¡°Under the heart of the dragon¡¯s light


    Danced a maiden, fair and white


    Beauty unmatched, power untold


    Silver mane, her eyes like gold


    From the mists a legend was born


    Youthful and wild, but never worn


    I wish someday that I will see


    Though I know it shall never be.¡±


    Sable bowed. ¡°You recite with such elegance, Your Majesty.¡±


    Tashna handed the book back to Sable. ¡°Please, keep it. I can alvays find another copy.¡±


    Sable could only bow again. ¡°Your Majesty is much too generous.¡±


    Tasha lifted the runcarver¡¯s chin. ¡°I vish for knowledge in return.¡±


    Sable blinked in confusion.¡°Knowledge?¡± But she knew what the Div¡¯Rah alluded to.


    ¡°I vant to know the truth about your servant¡¯s nature.¡±


    ¡°His nature? He is but a simple elf, my lady.¡±


    Tashna sneered with dissatisfaction. She pinched Sable¡¯s chin and jerked her closer. Her eyes sunk deeper and her voice fluxed into an entrancing song. ¡°Perhaps he is more than just an elf, yes?¡±


    Sable¡¯s face loosened, her concentration drifted, mesmerized by Tashna¡¯s words. ¡°He is no mere elf¡­¡±


    ¡°For¡­?¡±


    Sable attempted to fight off the siren¡¯s spell, but failed as Calsoon¡¯s secret slipped through her teeth. ¡°For he is a demon in disguise¡­¡±


    Tashna''s face transformed into a ghastly smile. She pushed Sable away and let out a haunting cackle. ¡°Of course he is. This Calsoon is an extremely talented shapeshifter.¡±


    Sable shook away the hypnosis and snarled, ¡°You are not what you seem either, are you?¡±


    ¡°You have a strong vill, runecarver. I am very impressed by your recovery.¡±


    Sable lifted her hands and ignited her fingertips in a midnight-blue glow.


    Tashan stepped back, her eyes warped into an amber-gold.


    Sable slid a foot forward, posing her index fingers, ready to inscribe runes at a moment¡¯s notice. ¡°What are you, Tashna? What are you really?¡±


    Tashna tapped her cheek in thought and smirked. ¡°Very vell, I shall divulge a secret or two to you. After all, ve are friends, no?¡±


    Sable narrowed her eyes.


    ¡°Vhat is vith this distrust, Sable?¡± Tashna approached her without caution and caressed Sable¡¯s glyph covered cheek. ¡°I am half demon. Calsoon serves you, I serve my mother. She is demon as vell.¡±


    Sable shook her head in disbelief. How could she not have known these details about Estinia? Did her master, Wraslyn, know about this alarming information?


    ¡°What other seats of power have the demons infiltrated?¡± asked Sable. Her throat grew dry and chalky. Anxiety coursed through her body. She was no longer in control and it frightened her.


    ¡°Now, now, Sable. Don¡¯t be so greedy,¡± replied Tashna, ¡°I have given you two secrets already, you have given me but one.


    Sable swallowed hard. ¡°Yes¡­ Forgive me, Majesty.¡± She desperately attempted to gather her wits. Demons shouldn¡¯t be trifled with. ¡°A final request?¡±


    Tashna smiled curiously. ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°The Mage King. He does not belong in a cell.¡±


    ¡°You convinced me to capture him in the first place, now you vant him to roam free?¡±


    ¡°No, you misread me,¡± explained Sable, her normal confidence rose to her standard once more. ¡°I am merely suggesting that one of nobility would be best suited with better accommodations. A guest room¡ªguarded, of course.¡±


    ¡°Of course, noble blood and vhatnot does not deserve a dank cell.¡± Tashna chuckled darkly. ¡°I simply thought that Koda should be treated vith the same respect that my father vas given,¡± she spat coldly.


    ¡°I never saw the great Estinian people as petty.¡± Once again Sable snaked her way into Tashna''s mind. ¡°Koda would be broken easier if he thought he could trust you.¡±


    Tashna pondered the choice of words carefully. ¡°Perhaps I could instill an idea or two into our young king.¡± Tasha snapped a glare at Sable. ¡°You have more to gain from this than I do, don¡¯t you, dear Sable?¡±


    Sable gave a long and low bow. ¡°Ah, always the clever one, my Div¡¯Rah. The Duke Alifinster Fen sees much potential in Koda that he wishes to use for personal gain. Thus, I would like Koda to be in good health.¡±


    ¡°Potential? I suppose his use of the Magi vould make him desirable to anyone,¡± sighed the queen. ¡°Very vell, your request is granted.¡±


    Sable nodded. ¡°My master will be forever grateful, my lady.¡±


    ¡°I hope you enjoy the book, my friend,¡± said the Div¡¯Rah as she turned around to walk. ¡°Knowledge is alvays the most useful tool to have.¡±

 Chapter 9: Gathering for a War

    Murmurs and gossip clouded the council room. Each chair around the Long Whisper table seated an elven lord, but there were two extra chairs as well. In one sat the human king of Varis, Evritt Dallin. The seat next to him was used by a silver-furred rabbit-folk, Aemor Greyblade. He ruled over the harekin nation of Southtail. Between the two nations and Long Whisper, they formed the Cypress Alliance. However, with one of the three kings missing, talks of war edged over the lips of the remaining rulers.


    The double doors crashed open and Koda¡¯s advisor, Tull, briskly walked in and slid into his chair. He took a moment to address the room. His once calm demeanor now showcased anxiety and angst. His nephew was in another Dragon Realm, within the clutches of an enemy, and his throne without an heir. These were dire times and now he was expected to rescue him.


    Tull threaded his fingers through his long auburn hair. His eyes looked around nervously, unable to speak to his guests.


    King Dallin rose from his chair. He knew Koda through his time fighting in the Varis War and gave both funding and engineers to help rebuild Lost Dawns after their riots two years ago. Koda was the heart of Long Whisper, and a land without a heart could lead to the death of a nation.


    Evritt chose to start the meeting. ¡°Acting Regent Tull Dawnedge, you called us here with much urgency. My spies within Estinia have alerted me that Koda has been taken prisoner. I ask you what you plan to do about this?¡±


    A loud commotion of whispers erupted around the room between the elven lords. A furred fist pounded the table, instantly causing the voices to silence. ¡°Let him speak!¡± Greyblade shouted. For his small frame, his voice carried much weight. He winked his one good eye to Tull. ¡°Continue, lad.¡±


    Tull nodded to the harekin. ¡°I thank you all for coming with much haste. I know some of you traveled across Long Whisper to be here, as well as some of you across the Serpent Sea.¡± Tull swooped his hand around the table. ¡°Again, I thank you all.¡±


    ¡°Get to the po¡ª¡± Halar buttoned his lips after Greyblade gave him a menacing stare.


    Tull waved off the rabbit king. ¡°You all are wondering what I wish to do about our king¡¯s perilous situation. I have thought about it for quite some time after Koda¡¯s escort reported to me the horrible news. What should we do? Do we set off to war, demons on our heels, and demand our king back?¡±


    Half the table hooted, with Greyblade as one of them.


    ¡°Or do we try a more diplomatic approach? Send a council of messengers and ask for the Div¡¯Rah¡¯s demands?¡±


    The other half nodded, Dallin remained quiet.


    ¡°Koda has gone to war before in support of this alliance. It was a harsh burden for our people. Most never recovered. Can I call upon the elven lords to support me?¡± asked Tull, but he continued without seeking an answer. ¡°And Koda attempted to seek a peaceful approach with the


    Estinians and they threw him in a cell in return.¡±


    ¡°So what have you decided, Tull?¡± calmly asked Cass, ¡°You have the support of the Baneberry tribe no matter which decision you choose. I haven¡¯t betrayed Koda in the past and I won¡¯t now!¡±


    A silence held in the air. Each lord and king gripped their armrests in anticipation.


    Finally Tull answered. ¡°I have chosen war.¡±


    ¡°Hazaah!¡± hollered Greyblade. ¡°As excited as I am to bash in more Estinian heads, I must warn you, I can not give you many troops. Southtail borders Estinia and the moment I send my full force away, that snake in the grass, Aric, will capture my capital without a thought.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± said Tull, slightly disappointed.


    ¡°But I plan on sending you a regiment of soldiers as well as my best drake riders,¡± added Greyblade. ¡°Southtail''s Skyborne troops never falter, and our drakes are the most fearsome creatures in the sky.  We use them for recon missions as well as air support. An army isn¡¯t ready without them.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, King Greyblade.¡± Tull turned to Evritt. ¡°Will Varis aid us once more?¡±


    Evritt smiled. ¡°Varis will always aid Long Whisper. I will send a brigade of my finest men to bring Koda home.¡±


    Tull nodded and looked onwards to the elven lords. ¡°And the rest of you, does Long Whisper have your support?¡±


    To the surprise of Tull, several of the lords raised a hand to their necks and nodded. Others shifted in their chairs uncomfortably and then nodded as well. None truly wanted this war, but all knew it was necessary.


    Tull stood and raised his fist in pride. ¡°I will be sure to report to Koda for all your bravery, my friends, but for now there is much to do. Cypress shall go to war with New Estinia!¡±


    ***


    Lost Dawns bustled with energy and cheers as both the Varisian army and Southtail harekins marched down the streets. The emerald Cypress banners of the visiting nations waved in sequence with the cadence of rapping snare drums, each man and woman in sync with the beat of the parade.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    As awe inspiring as the decorative armor of the Varisian cavalry appeared to be, it was the smartly dressed harekins that stole the show. Each harekin wore vibrant colored coats and matching cavalier hats. The hats were accented by long, bristled plumes of rare birds only found in the mountains of Southtail. No harekin unit triggered a reaction from the crowds quite like the Skyborne Military Operation.


    Clad in the black in blue colors of the night, the harekins flew above the parade on the backs of large, green-scaled drakes. One by one they spun their drakes in death-defying aerial maneuvers that left the civilians below stunned and breathless.


    ¡°I¡¯m not impressed.¡±


    Kyzo snapped his head to the kanis that perched on a balcony railing.


    ¡°Not impressed?! There are dragons flying through the streets, and you aren¡¯t impressed?¡±


    Timber picked a wedge of last night¡¯s dinner from her teeth before responding, ¡°Dragons are just slightly bigger lizards. One well placed arrow can bring them down.¡±


    Kyzo nearly fell over in laughter, but steadied his balance on the railing. ¡°Do you hear yourself? One arrow can¡¯t take down a dragon!¡±


    Timber nocked an arrow into her bow. ¡°Want to find out?¡±


    Kyzo stifled a giggle, but then raised his brow in concern. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re serious?¡±


    ¡°You two, anything to report?¡± Lear peeked his head above the balcony.


    Timber lowered her bow and looked over her shoulder. ¡°Nothing out of the ordinary here, sergeant.¡±


    ¡°Besides the dragons!¡± added Kyzo, still bewildered by Timber¡¯s relaxed demeanor.


    Lear flattened himself against the tiled roof as a careening wing nearly took his head off. ¡°Besides the dragons,¡± grumbled the yikahti.


    ***


    Mave Silvertail lightly knocked on Major Newsun¡¯s office door. She removed her cavalier hat and adjusted her navy blue cape. Her long rabbit ears twitched about as she patted down her black hair tied in the back with a braid. She heard ¡®enter¡¯ from the other side of the door and took in a long breath before walking into the room.


    Wiccer sat at his large cherryoak desk, his brother¡¯s old sword displayed on the mantle behind him. Elucard leaned with arms folded in the corner. He glared at the harekin as she strolled into the office.


    ¡°Mave Silvertail, Commander of the 1st SMO division, reporting in, sah.¡± She raised the edge of her hand to the tip of her brow in a smart salute and clicked her large rabbit heels together.


    Wiccer returned the greeting with a small nod and motioned her to take a seat.


    ¡°The Skyborne Military Operations, correct?¡± aked Wiccer. He flipped through a packet of files. His eyes trailed from side to side as he read out loud, ¡°Captain Mave Silvertail. Veteran of the Varis war. Ten years of honorable service as a drake rider and previously as a flight instructor.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sah,¡± Mave answered. Her eyes wandered around the decorated room, inspecting the bear skin rug, the beaded dune elven blankets hanging on the walls, and one forest elf leering at her.


    Any ordinary person would cower under the weight of Elucard¡¯s cold eyes. However, she was no ordinary person. She glared back at him, squinting one eye and widening the other in a fearsome stink eye.


    Elucard scowled and looked away.


    ¡°You have requested to join a combat arms unit?¡± asked Wiccer.


    Mave turned her attention back to the officer addressing her. ¡°Yes, Major. I felt I wasn¡¯t living up to my full potential as a flight instructor. So I enlisted into the SMO program with my brother.¡±


    ¡°What are the primary responsibilities of a drake rider?¡±


    ¡°We are mainly used for aerial combat against other riders and to give air support in battles. Honestly I¡¯m surprised you ¡®Longers¡¯ did so well without our assistance,¡± she ended her answer with a chuckle.


    ¡°Well what does a unit specializing in reconnaissance, deceit, and unconventional warfare have to do with riding the backs of cumbersome dragons?¡± said Elucard. His tone was flat, coming out more as an insult than an actual question.


    ¡°Cumbersome!?¡± the harekin scoffed. ¡°You are asking for a walloping ya long-eared elf!¡±


    Elucard smirked and patted his sheath. ¡°I kill rabbits on a daily basis.¡±


    Mave kicked away her chair and grinned wickedly. ¡°Then we duel at noon!¡±


    Wiccer slapped down on his desk. ¡°No one¡¯s dueling anyone. You two are to get along!¡± The major addressed Elucard without bothering to look at him. ¡°Southtail has graciously given us their most experienced SMO unit to train a select team of our own men. I leave you to hand pick them, Elucard.¡±


    ¡°Select? Why not all of us? We are going to war, we¡¯ll need our full force.¡±


    Mave raised her chin. ¡°I see they don¡¯t keep miscreants like yourself in the loop.¡±


    Elucard narrowed his eyes, but ignored the rabbit¡¯s jab. ¡°What exactly is ARO¡¯s role in this war?¡±


    Wiccer stood and walked to his fireplace. ¡°We want you to drop behind enemy lines, secure key points ahead of the army, and then eventually rescue our king.¡±


    Elucard nodded. All things he¡¯s trained his men for. ¡°We can do all that, but what do you mean by drop?¡±


    ¡°That is where we come in.¡± Mave patted her chest with pride. ¡°You¡¯ll be jumping from our cumbersome dragons onto the ground.¡±


    Elucard raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°Not quite, Captain Silvertail,¡± said Wiccer.


    ¡°Excuse me, sah?¡± Mave said with confusion scrawled on her face.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be dropping with them, I want this a joint effort,¡± explained Wiccer. ¡°I read in your files the SMO are also trained in dropping behind enemy lines to cause mayhem for the opposing forces.¡±


    ¡°Aye, Major, and we are quite good at it too.¡±


    ¡°We can do this on our own, Wiccer,¡± pleaded Elucard.


    ¡°It¡¯s Major, and you will not,¡± snapped Wiccer, ¡°I am ordering you to work with Captain Silvertail.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not part of the command structure,¡± spat Elucard.  ¡°We only take orders from our own. You can tell your regulars what to do when they fight on the battle lines, but the night attacks in the shadows are ARO¡¯s realm, and we don¡¯t take orders from you,¡± finished Elucard with a dark sneer.


    Wiccer¡¯s rage fueled eyes glared at the insubordinate Elucard. ¡°You dare make me look like a fool?¡± Wiccer whispered low enough to not be caught by the harekin. ¡°You should be so grateful I stayed in the army at all after the stunt you pulled two years ago. You¡¯ll never run from that as long as I breathe, Elucard.¡±


    Under his mask, Elucard opened his mouth, but said nothing.


    ¡°The high and mighty Kingslayer; without me you would have been dangling from the gallows years ago. Do not forget that,¡± Wiccer growled. He brought his face closer to Elucard¡¯s and smiled. ¡°Is that clear, Captain?¡±


    Elucard flared his nostrils with the urge to maim his former friend, but he pushed his emotions to the back of his mind once again to lower himself to his superior. ¡°Crystal, Major.¡±


    Wiccer gathered his composure. ¡°You will select a squad of your best men and introduce them to Silvertail¡¯s unit.¡± Wiccer spoke in a normal volume now.


    Elucard saluted and stormed out of the office.


    ¡°Cheery lad, isn¡¯t he?¡± smiled Mave.


    ¡°The cheeriest,¡± replied Wiccer dryly.

 Chapter 10: Building the Team

    Elucard sat on the old stump that overlooked the gentle stream. The woods were silent, save for the odd kingfisher that eyed a minnow. Elucard watched quietly as the bright blue-feathered bird speared the surface of the water with its beak, before turning his head back to his task at hand. He twiddled a small, thin dagger in his hand. With a bit of practice and a lot of dexterity he spun the blade around his thumb and walked it between his knuckles. He took a distant pleasure in this mindless mannerism. It kept his thoughts away from any worries and stress that he had been confronting in his current life.


    ¡°Tea?¡±


    Elucard looked up to find his master, Legion, offering him a white, porcelain cup. Elucard sheathed his knife, carefully took the small cup, and sipped the hot liquid.


    ¡°Mint,¡± he said with a wide smile. He warmed both his hands around the cup. ¡°This is nice.¡±


    Legion plopped himself on the creek¡¯s bank, dipping a toe into the cold water. ¡°Trouble at work?¡±


    Elucard cocked his brow. ¡°Why does there have to be trouble? Can¡¯t a student visit his master without a hidden agenda?¡±


    Legion hid his grin with a dark glare. ¡°Oh, just here for the tea, are you?¡±


    Elucard took a quick swig of his drink, which he nearly choked on. He scrambled his brain for a question to steer his snooping teacher away from his morning. ¡°You know what I¡¯ve always wondered?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Elucard crept closer to the age-worn elf. ¡°Why were you named Legion? Malady, I understand. He was the son of the Silent Master. But it never added up why you were called Legion?¡±


    His master chuckled. ¡°The great Black Rabbit mystery finally comes to an end.¡±


    ¡°No one¡¯s ever asked you this before?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard rumors swirl in the clan, but all were too frightened to ask the gruesomely scarred, giant-sword-wielding assassin.¡±


    ¡°This has to be good. Your old master called you Legion because you were to be High Blade and command a legion of killers?¡± guessed Elucard.


    Legion looked up and rubbed his chin. ¡°No¡­ but that would have made sense.¡±


    Elucard sat cross-legged next to his teacher. A wonderment lit in his eyes he had not had since he was a boy. ¡°You weren¡¯t given the name in the Black Rabbits?¡±


    Legion pulled out two blueberry stuffed scones from a small basket beside him. He drizzled a dab of honey onto each before passing one to the eager hands of his student. ¡°My mother named me after my great grandfather, Legion Bladeheart.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± Elucard blinked in confusion. ¡°That sounds like a warrior tribe name.¡±


    ¡°Correct. My mother was of the warrior tribes; one of the few that remained at least. She chose not to migrate to other lands with her tribe. She foolishly left them to marry my bastard father.¡±


    ¡°Legion is a family name, then!¡± realized Elucard.


    ¡°When I was smaller, my mother used to regale me with stories of her tribe¡¯s many conquests when Long Whisper ran foul with orcs and ogres.


    Legion was the name given to my great grandfather, for he fought with the might of one thousand elves,¡± explained Legion with pride swelling in his heart. He laughed after catching Elucard¡¯s face stricken with amazement. He wrapped his arm around his student and pulled him in for a long hug. ¡°I told you my story, now it is time to tell me yours. Do not make me guess, Elucard.¡±


    Elucard lifted his head and sighed. ¡°Are you aware of the coming war?¡±


    ¡°It is hard to ignore the hundred odd troops marching into the city.¡±


    ¡°ARO has been tasked to work alongside a Southtail unit. We have to go behind enemy lines and secure enemy territory.¡±


    ¡°Yes, an excellent way to showcase your training.¡± Legion nodded


    ¡°I know I can do this and I know my men can do it too¡­¡± Elucard trailed off.


    ¡°But you do not trust these new soldiers to carry their own weight,¡± gathered Legion.


    ¡°I know nothing about this Mave or her harekins. How am I supposed to trust someone with such an important task if we know nothing of each other?!¡± Elucard threw up his hands in aggravation.


    ¡°Well,¡± started Legion, ¡°your first task would be to get to know these¡­ hare-people?¡±


    ¡°Harekins. Rabbit folk from Southtail,¡± corrected Elucard.


    ¡°Right¡­¡± Legion took a sip from his now cold tea. ¡°Meet up with these harekins, assign them into pairs with your own men and together you will all build a working relationship.¡±


    ¡°Hrm.¡±This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ¡°If I never took a chance on you, do you think you would be as skilled as you are today?¡±


    Elucard raised an eyebrow in honesty. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Consider these new troops like recruits. Bad habits or not, they need to be given the benefit of the doubt that they can help out ARO,¡± said Legion.


    Elucard broke his scone in half. Crumbs fell to his lap. He held silent, munching on the pastry before deciding to admit he had acted like a child.


    ¡°Yes, I suppose you are right.¡±


    Legion ruffled Elucard¡¯s blonde hair. ¡°Who did you choose for this mission?¡±


    ***


    ¡°Timber, Elisa, Kyzo, and Essie.¡± Elucard paced down the line of his soldiers, nodding to each one as they saluted him. ¡°I¡¯ve hand picked you four for this mission. Each of you brings something desirable to this table.¡±


    Elucard halted in front of the kanis. ¡°Timber, you are ARO¡¯s best shot. Your eye is deadly and you are more than experienced enough to know when you release your bowstring and when to hold it steady. I want you to be our hawkeye on this mission.¡± Elucard looked behind his shoulder to


    Mave and her three harekin soldiers who stood stiffly at attention. He had to admit, they were a cut above the rest when it came to discipline.


    Each rabbit squared their shoulders level and heels clicked together in a neat, tight row.  Each was adorned with the Skyborne colors of black and blue. Even Mave herself was no longer dressed in her flamboyant threads, but a sleek black jacket with a navy blue trim. Patches lined down her sleeve marked her unit, country, and rank. Mave caught Elucard¡¯s eye and winked. Elucard shook his head and continued his assignment.


    ¡°Timber, you will be with Corso.¡±


    Mave rapped out a short command and a Harekin dressed in a drab, brown habit¡ªthe only one out of uniform¡ªshuffled to meet with the wolven marksman.


    ¡°You¡¯re a monk?¡± Timber greeted Corso. ¡°I figured I¡¯d be paired with another archer or a spotter at the least.¡±


    Corso stared at his feet, but gestured a sulking nod all the same. Together they formed a separate line to the side of the other two.


    ¡°Elisa,¡± called out Elucard.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the shadow elf piped up and snapped to attention.


    ¡°Although I was still a recruit with the Black Rabbits, your files reads you were arrested as a terrorist against the city of Lost Dawns.¡±


    Elisa began to sweat. ¡°That was a long time ago, Captain¡­¡±


    ¡°This White Cloak report states that you are proficient in poison applications, demolitions, and a master of sabotage and espionage.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true, I was trained in those aspects as a Black Rabbit. It was why I was sent to cripple the city alone.¡±


    Elucard cracked a smile. ¡°I admit we¡¯ve poorly utilized your skills, then.¡±


    Elisa lowered her head, unsure if she should be proud or ashamed of her deviant past.


    ¡°I want to pair you with Quinn Silvertail. He too specializes in sabotage and other chaotic professions. Elisa, we will never underestimate your prowess again.¡± Elucard placed a firm hand on Elisa¡¯s shoulder.


    She revealed her devilishly violet eyes as a shorter harekin in a black and muted-blue coat stepped forward. He let loose a cocky grin and folded his arms.


    ¡°The world ain¡¯t ready for us, elf!¡± spoke Quinn as he stuck a toothpick in his mouth. He placed his hands in the pockets of his cobalt blue jacket. As he trotted forward, the many grenades dangling from the bandolier jingled. He let loose a roguishvsmile, his one silver tooth glinted in the morning sun. ¡°New Estinia is going to learn the meaning of havoc before the war is through.¡±


    Elisa tilted her head, unsure of what to make of her new partner.


    ¡°Kyzo Haze!¡± Elucard shouted.


    ¡°Yes, Master!¡± Kyzo barked.


    ¡°You have shown promise in your training. Rising to the challenge in both combat and stealth.¡±


    Kyzo beamed.


    ¡°But where you excel in practice, you lack experience in any major mission,¡± said Elucard. He watched as his apprentice¡¯s large smile morphed into a small frown.


    ¡°I need a steady blade to rely on this mission. One not to falter in the face of insurmountable odds and stay sharp and cunning when called upon.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if that would be me, Master¡­¡± Kyzo¡¯s voice shook with doubt. He had participated in smaller missions around the country and served in several range patrols, but he was still untested in anything truly dangerous like the rest of the ARO veterans. ¡°Maybe you should have picked Lear or Rulan?¡±


    ¡°No, my student, I want you by my side. Someone I can depend upon when the flames grow more intense than the courage of Rulan or the darkness grows dimmer than Lear¡¯s moral light. I need someone I can always count on.¡± Elucard lowered his voice and inched closer to Kyzo¡¯s pointed ear. ¡°In a time where I have no one I can truly trust, are you the one I can count on? Would you betray me like everyone else has?¡±


    Kyzo glanced at Elisa and slid his sight towards Essie. Both failed to stay by his master¡¯s side when they went undercover during the ghost fox mission. Elucard was right. He was needed. Kyzo had more purpose than just another infantry soldier. When the chips fell, would Kyzo do what it took to rescue Koda, even if it meant harming those he cared about? Could he be the soulless Black Rabbit that Elucard lived as?


    ¡°I await your answer, Kyzo,¡± Elucard whispered.


    Kyzo grit his teeth and swallowed hard. ¡°Yes, Master. You can always count on me.¡±


    Elucard nodded in approval. He gestured to a harekin at least a foot higher than the others. The bulky rabbit wore blue leather armor. Belts were strapped around his legs, chest, and arms holding knives and other small weaponry. His vambraces featured barbaric, pointed studs and a brown eyepatch covered a hideously burned eye that accented his already brutish appearance.


    ¡°Bruce Brawnwood, you¡¯re up chum!¡± chirped Mave.


    The lumbering blackguard of a soldier stuck out his hefty hand to Kyzo, who did his best to put on an unintimidated front.


    ¡°I don¡¯t bite, lad,¡± Bruce chuckled. Even though his words carried no malice, the deep bass in his voice made every word sound like a threat.


    Kyzo gave him a hesitant grin and shook the rabbit¡¯s hand.


    Bruce yanked Kyzo close to him and winked his only good eye. ¡°I break!¡±


    Kyzo turned a ghastly white matching his hair.


    Bruce let out a deep belly laugh and walked to the line with the others.


    Elucard turned to his last soldier. ¡°Es, we need a medic and I¡¯d rather have someone battle hardened than someone green.¡±


    Essie nodded and hustled to join her companions


    Elucard and Mave marched over to the team of soldiers.


    ¡°Alright, buckos,¡± Mave addressed the elves and harekins. ¡°You¡¯ve been assigned your field-wives and field-husbands, so remember to function as a good couple should. Our commanders have seen fit to have the Anti-Rogue Ops attached to our unit. They will be trained to ride with us and together we¡¯ll be joining them in a little holiday behind enemy lines.¡±


    Elucard picked up the briefing from there. ¡°Our primary objectives will be to assist in the capture of key points of interest for the Cypress Alliance. We are to sabotage fortresses, disrupt supply lines, and all around be a damn pain in the ass to the Estinians.¡±


    The soldiers grinned and hooted.


    ¡°Once we¡¯ve made our way across the map, we¡¯ll be tasked with breaking the king out of prison and securely escorting him back to the safety of our army.¡±


    ¡°Are we to expect any support from the Cypress Alliance or a way to pull out in case of failure?¡± asked Quinn.


    Mave shook her head, grimly. ¡°¡®Fraid not, little brother. Once we pull our ripcords and leave the safety of our saddles we are on our own for the rest of the campaign.¡±


    ¡°No one to find our bodies, no one to mark our graves,¡± muttered Corso under his breath.


    ¡°Well then, enjoy the luxury of the city and get to know your partner. Because they will be your priest, sibling, parent, and lover for the rest of our journey together!¡± ordered Mave. ¡°You¡¯re all dismissed.¡±


    Elucard watched the soldiers disperse and turned to Mave. ¡°I suppose we should learn to get along with each other as well.¡±


    ¡°Why yes, Elucard.'''' She took off her hat and bowed. Her long ears flopped to the ground. ¡°You can buy me lunch!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t offer to buy you lunch, Mave,¡± grumbled Elucard.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t... but you implied it.¡± Mave raised an eyebrow and released a stupid grin. ¡°I think I¡¯d like a salad,¡± she said as she walked off to the training field.


    Elucard rolled his eyes and followed in a defeated drag.

 Chapter 11: Building Trust

    Elucard clenched his teeth. He narrowed his magenta eyes with concentrated intensity. He inched his weapon closer and struck!


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, Elucard!¡± Mave deflected his fork away from her toffee cake.


    ¡°You had two slices more than me!¡± complained the elf. His stomach craved for more sugary goodness.


    Mave stabbed her butter knife into the pastry and scarfed it all in one bite. She taunted him through mouthfuls of cake as Elucard glared at her.


    ¡°So-¡± Mave coughed as she swished down a glass of water. ¡°I wish to know more about your unit.¡±


    ¡°And what do you hope to learn?¡± smirked Elucard, ¡°Are you looking to learn how to actually fight instead of fly around on your lizard?¡±


    Mave picked at her teeth with a fingernail. Not at all amused. ¡°You know, it would behoove you to learn to saddle our lizards if you don¡¯t want to fall to your death from the sky.¡±


    Elucard chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of heights.¡± He pointed behind Mave. ¡°Do you see that clock tower? I routinely sit up there in my free time. I¡¯ve been climbing around this city since I was an adolescent.¡±


    Mave jiggled her head with a stupid grin on her face. ¡°You call that high? Dropping from that tower would be equal to tripping to the ground compared to a skydive from my drake. You don¡¯t know the first thing about heights,¡± Mave finished with a hearty laugh.


    ¡°We don¡¯t need your help, drake rider,¡± growled Elucard. ¡°ARO works better alone without a bunch of flea-ridden bunnies flopping around looking like a bunch of prancing idiots!¡±


    Mave calmly reached for her water once more. She took a sip and eyed the elf before thrashing out and grabbing him by the collar. She dragged him over the table and shoved her face into his.


    ¡°You want to take that back, elf?¡±


    Elucard looked to his side, watching as people began to gather around the tiny outdoor cafe. He grappled Mave¡¯s hand and yanked at her ear.


    ¡°You¡¯re making a scene; restrain yourself, Captain!¡±


    Mave glared at a woman hugging her child in fear. She smiled and nodded her head. ¡°¡®Ma¡¯am.¡± Mave looked back to Elucard. ¡°I expect you to give that courtesy to me as an officer and a lady.¡± Mave released Elucard and pushed him back into his seat. ¡°Nothing to see here,¡± she said as she turned to the crowd. ¡°Just a Southtail scuffle, that¡¯s all!¡±


    Elucard adjusted his tunic. ¡°Did I hit a sore spot?¡±


    ¡°Listen¡ªElucard was it? We clearly have gotten off on the wrong foot.¡±


    Elucard bit his lip and swallowed his pride. Legion¡¯s lessons bounced off the walls of his mind. He offered his hand in peace. ¡°Sorry, I know I come off a bit strong sometimes. I¡¯m not very social.¡±


    She shook his hand. ¡°I can tell,¡± she chuckled. ¡°So how about it, Elucard, show me your world?¡±


    Elucard waved down the waiter and tossed him a pair of silver coins. ¡°Do you think you can keep up with me?¡±


    Mave gave a wide smile showing off her pearly teeth. ¡°Can you?¡±


    ***


    ¡°Lyra, if you don¡¯t hustle on your own, you can be damn sure I¡¯ll give you a reason to.¡± Legion¡¯s low growl cracked through the recruit¡¯s body like the sound of lightning splitting an oak tree. All the recruits knew Legion as the master of Elucard and any master of the Kingslayer must be ten times more frightening.


    Elucard and Mave entered the training ground. A light timbered area where shurikens peppered down lines of targets hanging on thin trees and recruits learned how to properly throw a punch or kick against wooden training dummies. Within the shadows crept red and black clad elves as they learned to stalk and tread silently along the forest floor. Like how Elucard was trained, the ground was littered with old leaves and twigs. Any heavy step would alert Legion to a recruit¡¯s failure and would result in a punishment. Perhaps not as ruthless as a Black Rabbit punishment, but enough for that recruit to remember to work harder next time.


    Elucard materialized from the shadow of Legion. Mave approached from behind, doing her best to disguise her exhaustion. Elucard glanced at the harekin and smirked.


    ¡°Well, you kept up with me, color me impressed.¡±


    Mave doubled over, trying to catch her breath. ¡°Who travels across the city over the roofs? Wouldn¡¯t it have been quicker to take a carriage?¡±


    ¡°I thought you wanted to see my world, Captain?¡± mocked Elucard.


    Legion turned to greet his new guests, ¡°Ah, my student, you have finally found someone special?¡± Although an elf, Legion towered over Mave. His red eyes glinted in what little light the training ground offered. ¡°It is a pleasure to meet you.¡±


    The harekin gave Elucard a sly smile and batted her eyelashes. ¡°Oh, has Elucard been single for a long time? He¡¯s such a handsome and kind hearted elf.¡± Mave gave Legion a curtsy. ¡°Mave Silvertail, of Southtail.¡±


    Legion bowed his head. ¡°I am only known as Legion. I serve as the drill instructor for the Anti-Rogue Ops.¡±


    Elucard shook his head in disbelief at how fast his master had made friends with Mave. Legion always had trouble opening up to new faces, something that rubbed off on Elucard. How did he manage to hide his prickly shell so thoroughly in front of Mave?


    He scanned the grounds. He observed the various recruits and how they handled their training.


    ¡°Any that stand out, Legion?¡± asked Elucard.


    Legion folded his arms and huffed. ¡°A sorry class this season, Elucard. One does seem promising¡ªdespite his looks.¡±


    ¡°Show me.¡±


    Legion let out a high pitched whistle. Within moments each recruit halted their tasks and looked over to their drill instructor.


    ¡°Lugthic! Front and center!¡± Legion ordered.


    A small-framed human sprinted up to his sergeant. He sported a more ragged attire, opposed to his perm pressed, polished buckle, and well groomed peers. His clothes were tattered, he kept a dark green beanie snugly on his head instead of a military beret that most soldiers would wear. However the first thing Elucard noticed was his arm: he was missing one.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Elucard asked, stunned by Lugthic¡¯s handicap.


    ¡°This is Lugthic, mate.¡± Mave stifled a giggle.


    Elucard rolled his eyes. He stepped in front of the one armed recruit and inspected him up and down.


    ¡°Like what you see?¡± Lugthic sneered.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°Captain,¡± corrected Elucard.


    ¡°You ain¡¯t my captain,¡± spat the recruit. ¡°Not yet, anyhow.¡±


    Elucard moved in close, his stare could freeze a charging bull in its tracks. ¡°Who do you think you are, recruit?¡±


    ¡°Lug-thic.¡±


    ¡°Do you have a deathwish, Lugthic?¡± snarled Elucard.


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t kill me the first time¡­¡± Lugthic bumped his forehead against Elucard¡¯s. ¡°What makes you think you can kill me now?¡±


    Elucard moved away, now more confused than angry. ¡°Do I know you?¡±


    Lugthic waved his stump. ¡°You did this to me four years back! You cut me down and left me to die!¡±


    Mave shook her head. ¡°You maimed this man and can¡¯t even remember his face?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve maimed many and killed more. All their faces blur together in the end,¡± admitted Elucard. He turned back to Lugthic. ¡°I have wronged you, have you come to seek vengeance?¡±


    Lugthic laughed. ¡°You are so full of yourself, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s got you pegged, mate!¡± snickered Mave.


    Elucard ignored Mave¡¯s jab. ¡°Then why are you here?¡±


    ¡°To show you I¡¯m not some common bandit. You killed my best friend! He trained me to pickpockets and how to wield a knife. Ninirick was the closest to a brother I¡¯ll ever know¡­¡± Lugthic swallowed hard. ¡°And you took him away from me, you bastard.¡±


    Elucard¡¯s eyes remained cold. Unfeeling. Void of the emotion that Lugthic wished he had.


    ¡°You never had a friend like that! How could you understand?¡±


    Elucard stayed silent. He had Jetta, Inle, Wiccer¡­ All his friends were driven away by his actions. How could he understand? Even Ninirick wasn¡¯t safe from Elucard.


    ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t need your pity.¡± Lugthic looked away. ¡°You left me minus one arm and minus one brother. I¡¯m here to show you I ain¡¯t helpless¡±¡ªhe looked back at Elucard and raised his chin with pride. ¡°That I can move forward and live without fear. I¡¯m not that sorry sod you left to die in the Roots. I am Lugthic, Son of the East, and you can¡¯t cut me down!¡±


    Elucard nodded. What more could he do to Lugthic that he hadn¡¯t already done? ¡°Very well then. Just don¡¯t slow the rest of them down. Be better than the man I tried to kill.¡± Elucard winked at Legion. ¡°He¡¯s a little hot-headed, but he¡¯s got potential.¡±


    ¡°Elucard!¡±


    Elucard caught a figure waving him down from the corner of his eye.


    ¡°I would have a word with you, Red Rabbit brat!¡±


    Choosing to ignore the commands, Elucard attempted to usher Mave away from the training grounds. ¡°We¡¯ve bothered Legion enough, let¡¯s get out of his hair.¡±


    Mave smiled. ¡°Are all your recruits former enemies?¡±


    Elucard grinned and shook his head. ¡°You¡¯d be surprised!¡±


    ¡°You dare ignore me!¡± Malady¡¯s hand roughly torqued Elucard¡¯s shoulder so fast, Elucard was left dizzy from the movement. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of the mission to New Estinia, I want in!¡±


    Mave¡¯s eyes swept over the fearsome former Black Rabbit. Although he may have looked like a normal Anti-Rogue Operative, it was his five swords strapped to his back that made her curious.


    ¡°Introduce me to your friend, Elucard?¡± asked Mave. She smiled towards the new elf.


    Malady responded by spitting a wad of mucus at the harekin¡¯s feet.


    ¡°Malady,¡± Elucard growled, ¡°play nice.¡±


    Malady folded his scarred arms and sneered. ¡°Why did you leave me out of the mission?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been with ARO for a year, hardly enough time has passed to be put on something so impo-¡±


    Malady raised his chin; his frame was far more grizzled and muscular than Elucard¡¯s. His very shadow dominated the conversation.


    ¡°You had more experience than me as a Black Rabbit, but you''re a Red Rabbit now and I call the shots.¡± Elucard stretched his neck to push himself into the taller elf¡¯s face.


    ¡°You denied me my experience to slay Long Whisper¡¯s king, now you deny my experience to save the new one?¡±


    Mave darted a look to Elucard. ¡°To slay the king, wot?¡±


    Elucard chose to ignore her. ¡°You want to serve Long Whisper? You want to have a worthy mission?¡±


    ¡°That is what I¡¯m asking, whelp,¡± seethed Malady.


    ¡°I shall assign you as Major Wiccer Newsun¡¯s bodyguard in the invasion. Do well and keep Wiccer alive, and I¡¯ll see about putting you on better missions.¡±


    ¡°You want me to prove myself by protecting some White Cloak brat?¡±


    Elucard nodded.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    ¡°One last thing, private.¡± Elucard hid a smile as Malady winced at his demeaning rank. ¡°Master Sergeant Legion will keep an eye on you.¡±


    Malady¡¯s eyes widened with flabbergast. ¡°What!?¡±


    Legion grinned. ¡°As you command, Captain.¡±


    Elucard patted his master on the back. ¡°The two of you report to the major for further instructions.¡± Elucard¡¯s face quirked in fear, he tugged on


    Mave¡¯s arm. ¡°Time to leave!¡±


    The two captains made a quick exit as Malady¡¯s frustrations exploded in the background.


    ***


    Corso and Timber strolled down the cobblestone streets of Lost Dawns. Still lively with the visiting soldiers of the other countries, the Long


    Whisper merchants were having a field day peddling their wares.


    Timber stared at Corso¡¯s habit from the corner of her eye, mumbling a snide comment to herself from time to time.


    ¡°You wish to know if I go into combat dressed as a holy man?¡± Corso finally spoke up.


    Timber whipped her head to the side embarrassed that she was caught.


    ¡°It is fine, Timber,¡± the harekin said. ¡°Look, you see that beggar up ahead?¡±


    Timber nodded.


    ¡°Watch closely.¡±


    Timber observed the panhandling man as he stuck out his hand to the various people walking by, each doing their best not to get close to the outcast or ignore his pleas. He looked up with hopeful eyes as Timber and Corso came by. The beggar hesitated at the sight of Corso, but decided against asking the rabbit before turning to Timber.


    ¡°Spare some trit, marm?¡± the beggar croaked out, his breath reeking of ale and his teeth yellow as corn.


    Timber raised an eyebrow at the smiling harekin, before rummaging through her coin purse. She pulled out three copper coins and tossed them into the beggar''s hand.


    ¡°Alue bless you, marm!¡± The beggar smiled graciously.


    ¡°Go in peace, my son.¡± Corso bowed to the beggar before briskly walking away.


    Timber caught up to Corso. ¡°What was that?¡± she asked in surprise.


    ¡°My dear kanis, no one asks a monk for a coin.¡± chuckled Corso. He slowed down in front of a noisy tavern. He read the swinging sign that hung above him. The Merry Wolf. ¡°This place looks nice. Let¡¯s stop for a drink.¡±


    ¡°I thought monks don¡¯t carry coins?¡± Timber ribbed sarcastically.


    Corso smirked. ¡°We don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°No-Hops!¡±


    Twenty or so harekins raised up their steins and hollered with admiration as Corso and Timber entered the tavern. Corso acknowledged them with a slight nod as he glided over to the bar. Timber followed him, locked a curious gaze.


    The barkeep slid a frosty mug of ale to the awaiting hands of Corso.


    ¡°One on the house, brother. Please bless the Merry Wolf in your prayers tonight.¡±


    ¡°May Thorton bring you much fortune, my son,¡± replied the harekin, wiping away the froth from his black nose.


    Timber punched Corso in the arm. ¡°So you just masquerade as a monk to get free drinks?¡±


    Corso rubbed his bruised shoulder. ¡°Sometimes I get a free meal too,¡± he said innocently.


    ¡°You¡¯re disgusting.¡±


    Timber pushed through a group of dancing harekins while on the lookout for a free table. The gleeful rabbits laughed and sang Southtail ballads that filled the air up to the rafters.


    Timber shoved over an elf collapsed in a drunken stupor off a relatively clean table.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± she murmured. Taking her cloak, she wiped off the elf¡¯s drool hanging from the table¡¯s ledge and pulled up a seat. ¡°Corso, here!¡±


    Corso slid up another chair and joined the wolf at the newly acquired table.


    ¡°No-Hops! W-whadda think of this jungle city?¡± A wobbling harekin stumbled over to Corso. He hiccuped and waved a sloshing glass of beer.


    ¡°I think you¡¯ve had too much, Remus,¡± responded Corso. He took Remus¡¯s mug and turned him to the exit. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go find an inn and sleep it off?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ I think yer right, No-Hops!¡± Remus staggered for the door.


    Timber giggled. ¡°Everyone seems to know who Corso No-Hops is.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m familiar with most rabbit folk.¡±


    ¡°So do all harekins just know each other? Or are you really that good at playing a ¡®priest of the people?¡¯¡±


    Corso took a gulp from his drink. ¡°We all have such big families back in Southtail. If we aren¡¯t related to someone, then we¡¯ve grown up with them.¡± Corso watched as Remus stopped to take a drink from a snarling kanis. The wolf rose from his seat and wound back his fist before walloping the harekin in his eye. Corso shook his head. ¡°You dogs always run in packs,¡± he said, turning back to Timber. ¡°Do you know that scruffy looking one over there?¡±


    Timber growled in annoyance. ¡°We don¡¯t all just run through the woods like savages!¡±


    Corso continued to watch as the revelry from his fellow harekins halted and began to gather around the kanis. ¡°But you do know him, right?¡±


    Timber lowered her head in shame. ¡°Valentino.¡± She squirmed in her seat. ¡°He¡¯s tried out for ARO a few times, but he¡¯s got a temper like a wild bull.¡±


    Shouting broke out between the gang of harekins and Valentino as he shoved back several of the rabbits that grew closer to him.


    ¡°Well your friend has gotten himself in quite the jam. Should we help him?¡±


    Timber snickered. ¡°I think he¡¯s got this handled, but we should really slip out before this gets ugly.¡±


    Corso¡¯s ears stiffened as Valentino thrashed a flurry of hooks and jabs at the angry encroaching rabbits.


    ¡°Come, let us find the back exit.¡± Corso trotted backwards as the fur began to fly in the Merry Wolf.

 Chapter 12: Elisa Returns to her Roots

    A sewer rat scampered into a crack in the stone wall as Elisa and Quinn trudged deeper into the musty tunnels underneath Lost Dawns. Cool in the summer, humid in the winter, Elisa had not set foot back into any form of underground since she was arrested some time ago. Long she¡¯d yearned for her old kingdom in the complex underearth of Blight, however she served a new royal figure now. Koda Dawnedge.


    Quinn Silvertail whiffed a nose-full of the grimy and sour scent of the sewer water, doing his best not to gag on the smell of rotting filth. ¡°A beautiful place, darling, I see why you shadow elves call it home.¡±


    Elisa rolled her eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t live down here, nor do I want to.¡±


    The harkin gingerly stepped over the bloated corpse of a dead rat floating down the trickling stream of water. ¡°Ah, yes, this must be ribbing you Anti-Rogue lads like to play on the new recruits. I¡¯m honored, really, but perhaps a drinking contest instead, next time?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re here to get supplies.¡± Elisa rounded the corner, coming to a stop to where the remains of a small door to a familiar dwelling resided. She hovered one hand on a dagger as she stepped inside, ready to deal with any street urchin or unruly squatter.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like much of a shop,¡± complained Quinn. He popped his head inside the stone chamber as Elise entered before him.


    The room once served as a base of operation in the past, however it was always a cluttered mess. Elisa nudged wood scraps that littered the ground. She lifted an overturned bookshelf and pushed back in place against the wall. The shadow elf rubbed her fingers together, doing her best to remember the layout of the room and any secret stashes it might still have.


    Quinn knelt down to uncrumple a letter. To the untrained eye it read as a gibberish mess of words, but the harekin quickly recognized it as a code. He looked back to Elisa. ¡°This isn¡¯t some beggar¡¯s home. Scrambled codes, broken chairs, up-ended shelves. No, I don¡¯t think so; soldiers were here, looking for something.¡± Quinn inspected a red stain splattered across the floor. ¡°Blood.¡±


    Elisa said nothing. She scanned the wall in front of her. ¡°One of these stones¡­¡± she pondered outloud, hoping it would jog her memory. Has it been so long?


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard rumors of your little running crew. Former thieves, murderers, and army washouts. You are the black sheep of the Long Whisper military.¡± Quinn paced around Elisa.


    ¡°Some of us have a checkered past,¡± said Elisa, trying to ignore the hare.


    ¡°Lost Dawns went through a lot of trouble being built¡­ Black Rabbit trouble.¡±


    ¡°Spit it out, Quinn.¡±


    The harekin halted in front of the shadow elf, staring deep into her dark violet eyes. ¡°I think you were a Black Rabbit too. I think you were the Black Rabbit. The one the soldiers came looking for, the one who terrorized the contruction of this city!¡±


    Elisa smiled and lifted her chin. ¡°Well done, master detective. Want to solve another puzzle? Help me look for the discolored stone in this wall.¡± She pointed behind him. ¡°Behind it is my old poison kit.¡±


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Quinn frowned. ¡°How is Elucard going to pair me up with some scheming elf responsible for the deaths of countless White Cloaks and Long Whisper citizens?¡±


    ¡°You do know who Elucard is, don¡¯t you?¡± she chuckled.


    ¡°The Kingslayer, but he turned his life around¡­¡±


    ¡°And what do you think I¡¯ve been doing?¡±


    Quinn paused.


    ¡°Who better to cripple a country than an elf that was trained to cripple countries? We can¡¯t all be straight laced angels.¡±


    ¡°I-I¡¯m-¡± stammered Quinn. He gave a sheepish shrug and hid his embarrassed face. The harekin twisted on his heel to help his partner look for the false stone.


    ¡°Here it is!¡± Elisa slid out a rough dark grey rock once placed over a decade ago and pulled out a medium sized wooden box. She wiped a layer of dust off the top of it and smiled fondly. ¡°We¡¯ve had some good days, you and I.¡±


    The box was well preserved and safe from rats, termites, and worms while hidden within the wall. Elisa checked the contents. Inside she found several pouches of odorless powders of assorted colors, vials of tasteless liquids, syringes with different style needle tips, a set of still-sharpened scalpels, and various anatomical notes for elven and human bodies. She also found a wooden mortar and pestle stuffed further in the compartment behind where the box was.


    Quinn shook his head, his ears flopped back and forth. ¡°You can have your sneaky toxins, nothing replaces the effectiveness of a good explosive.¡±


    Elisa packed the poison kit within her leather snapsack. ¡°Yes, but sometimes it pays to be subtle.¡±


    Quinn leaned on a wobbly table. ¡°To each their own.¡± He gripped his belly and smacked his lips. ¡°How ¡®bout a proper place to socialize? I saw my sister heading to a quaint outdoor cafe.¡±


    ¡°How about a bath instead?¡± Elisa laughed with a grin.


    ***


    ¡°Wow!¡± A childlike wonder washed over Kyzo as he reverted back to a young lad listening to stories of legendary dragons consuming the very stars for sustenance and ruling over Draak¡¯Teraa with their sheer god-like might. ¡°And you ride these?¡±


    Essie jerked Kyzo back as he tried to rub the sharp, emerald scales of the Skyborne drake. It eyed the boy with a menacing stare.


    Bruce Brawnwood gave a deep chortle. ¡°Of course, young elf, and you and your medic will be riding them too!¡± Bruce patted the giant beast. ¡°But maybe you shouldn¡¯t touch Nigel until he¡¯s grown accustomed to you.¡±


    If Kyzo could widen his eyes anymore, his eyelids would peel back over his scalp. ¡°When are we riding them?¡±


    ¡°Hopefully never,¡± Essie muttered with a dry tone.


    Bruce gave Essie a roguish wink, ¡°Word on the wind says you two start training on the way to Blight. Nothing quite like a flight over the ocean.


    Wind picks up pretty heavily, but it¡¯s very relaxing.¡±


    Kyzo squeezed his eyes shut and danced in place. ¡°You hear that, Es? We¡¯re going to be dragon riders!¡±


    ¡°Hooray,¡± Essie said sarcastically. She twirled her finger in a circle. ¡°I¡¯m overcome with joy.¡±


    Bruce slapped Essie on the back so hard she stumbled forward. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit, Essie!¡±


    ¡°I do my best work firmly on the ground. If elves were meant to fly, Father would have given us wings.¡±


    ¡°Or dragons!¡± Kyzo exclaimed. He still couldn¡¯t contain his excitement.


    ¡°Exactly, me bucko!¡± Bruce flexed his bulging muscles. He chuckled as Kyzo did the same. ¡°There you go lad! Show off those cannons! Flex what Sythellis gave you!¡±


    Essie giggled as she watched the harekin and elf make fools of themselves.


    ¡°Come on lass, show us those army muscles that you Longers are known for!¡±


    Essie folded her arms while shaking her head. ¡°Look at you; you¡¯re too much, Brawnwood.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Es, have some fun with us!¡± said Kyzo. His face turned red from holding his pose for so long.


    Essie laughed and struck a stunning pose, her stiff arms bulked up as she raised her lip and growled. Years of carrying the wounded on her shoulders had given her quite the chiseled physique.


    The three grunted and giggled as they tried to impress the onlooking harekin soldiers that patrolled the parade grounds where the Skyborne Drakes rested.


    Kyzo, Bruce, and Essie collapsed on the ground, worn out from a good ten minutes of ¡®Showing what Sythellis gave them¡¯, laughing beside one of the large winged serpents that they would soon be flying.

 Chapter 13: Brunch with the DivRah

    Koda stepped forward into the once vibrant forest of Nashoon. An icy gloss blanketed the trees, turning them crystal white. Koda waded through the deep, crunchy snow. He rubbed his arms for warmth, for his verdant school robes provided little protection from the onslaught of Winter. Winds picked up and howled through the woods, pushing Koda back. Back from his grandfather. Back from his once destined past. Back from what was once his world to be.


    ¡°Why do you turn me away, Grandfather!?¡± shouted Koda. He grit his teeth and fought the wind with every ounce of his strength until he collapsed to his knees. His hands stung from the frosty touch of the cool snow. ¡°Please, let me help!¡±


    I want¡­ I want to¡­


    Koda arched his back and let out a blood curdling roar. ¡°Help!!!¡±


    Koda snapped his eyes open, sweat soaked through the bed linen, but he was awake. It was a dream¡ªno, a nightmare, like the night before and the night before that. In fact it had been the same dream for the last month.


    Koda propped himself against the headboard. Despite the comfort of a guest quarters that his captor provided, he was still a prisoner. Another day passed without word from his beloved Long Whisper. Had they abandoned him? Was his folly worth a rescue attempt? Was he to be a hostage until the Div¡¯Rah grew bored of him?


    The elven king touched his neck, feeling the strange collar still latched to it. He rubbed the grooves of the runes etched into the dampener.


    Are we still cut off from each other, girl? Wildeye? Koda tried to reach out to his familiar. Each morning that Koda woke from his mysterious dreams, he attempted to call out to Wildeye, to test for any weakness of the dampener. To no avail.


    ¡°K-da.¡±


    Wildeye!? Koda clasped the collar, although not to pull it off. He concentrated, focusing his Magi into a central point. He had endured a month of the pressure from the dampening collar, he had nearly forgotten the warm, liquid-like feeling of the Magi flowing through his body. It did not flush though, more like a trickle. He snarled, concentrating harder, attempting to align the magic to his palm.


    The Magi was a more potent and wild form of magic. Both were suppressed by the collar, but Koda had a theory that the Magi could break the collar with enough force. He just needed to pull enough magic from his being. From the world around him. He would break from this collar and escape and no prison would ever dare to hold him again!


    Wildeye, assist me, tell me that you still hear me! Koda grunted, sweat slid down his temples. His hand shook under the strain.


    ¡°K-od¡­¡±


    Please, please Ruens, grant me your Magi, break me free from this PRISON!!!The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Veins bulged from Koda¡¯s neck. He pushed himself harder. Harder. Harder!


    Koda¡¯s eyes rolled back into his skull as he passed out. His hand dropped to his side, red and singed.


    Wildeye¡¯s ears twitched from a new, but faint sound. Like the crinkling of dead leaves in autumn.


    ¡°Koda.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Ah, so good of you to join me for breakfast, my friend.¡±


    Koda¡¯s heavily armed escort bowed and took their place at either side of the balcony. Tashna, draped in her crimson finery, motioned for Koda to


    take a seat at the table across from her. Crows cawed and pecked at the spicy sausage and freshly baked pastries sitting on the table.


    Koda bowed to the queen and took his seat. Tashna almost never allowed him to attend a meal with her. Only when the queen wished to gloat in his face about the lack of news from Cypress. Another occasion would be for a new dress, while Koda still wore the same threads that he entered the prison in. He was allowed to bathe, but never has he been provided fresh clothes. Sometimes, she grew bored and just wanted to chat. Koda never indulged her with a conversation, but today he was famished from his eventful morning. His hand still ached from the burn he gave himself during his attempt to free himself from the dampening collar. He made sure not to use that hand to eat with, opting for his left hand instead.


    ¡°What do I owe the pleasure, Tashna?¡± Koda fiddled with his silverware. Gripping his fork with his less dominant hand proved difficult.


    ¡°I bear news from Cypress. I thought you might vish to hear it.¡±


    Koda raised an eyebrow. Perhaps a lie? Did Wiccer really make it back to his elven shores? ¡°Indeed, please tell me,¡± he responded. He would take any news from her with a grain of salt.


    Tashna gave him a coy smile. ¡°My father tells me that the Cypress Alliance has declared var in hopes to rescue you.¡± She took a long sip from her wine glass, letting her words stew within Koda¡¯s mind. ¡°Vonderful news, yes?¡±


    Koda¡¯s eyes wavered back and forth, his breath became shortened. A rescue attempt? The full Cypress alliance has declared war to rescue him!


    He drew back his composure. ¡°Why are you telling me this? Why not just keep me in the dark?¡±


    Tashna grew a cruel smirk. She had been waiting for this very answer since receiving the word from the motherland. ¡°To crush your hope.¡±


    Koda lowered his head. ¡°My people will do whatever it takes to free-¡±


    ¡°Come now Koda. Ve all know vhat your people are villing to do to free themselves from your rule.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Tashna rose from her chair and waltzed to the other side of the table. Koda watched her closely.


    ¡°Your lords betrayed you during my father¡¯s var. Aftervards your own subjects razed your capital city,¡± she laughed. ¡°My friend, you have had no control of your people since day one of your coronation.¡±


    ¡°I have been taught politics, languages, magic, and economics. Never once have I learned to rule a nation,¡± said Koda. Her words conjured memories of doubt, failures, and insecurities.


    Tashna rubbed Koda¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Yes, ruling others is not for the faint of heart. It takes a strong vill to do vhat is best for those that know nothing of the veight of a crown.¡±


    Koda shot her a stern glance. ¡°And you? An Estinian knows how to lead their people?¡±


    ¡°Of course I do. As you say, I am an Estinian, ve Estinians are natural born leaders.¡±


    Koda scoffed.


    ¡°You laugh, Koda, but never have my people risen against me. Not in var nor in peace time.¡±


    Koda turned back to his food. ¡°I thought a kind heart would be best for my people. Time and time again, I have been wrong. Kindness and mercy do nothing for my enemies¡­¡±


    ¡°And kindness does nothing for your people,¡± finished Tashna. ¡°You vill learn, Koda. You vill learn.¡±


    Koda pushed his plate forward. His stomach churned with a familiar feeling. Hopelessness.

 Chapter 14: Learning to Fly

    Elucard tightened his hold around Mave¡¯s waist as the drake made a sudden movement to push upwards. With a small kick to the creature''s side, it spun around in a spectacular flourish. Elucard quickly reached for the black strap fastened to the saddle. He made a short yelp as he briefly hung upside down.


    ¡°Are we having fun yet?¡± Mave chuckled. She enjoyed tormenting Elucard with her dynamic feats and death-defying stunts.


    ¡°A-are we going to be doing all this in battle?¡± stuttered Elucard, clearly not enjoying his time in the air.


    Mave rapped the drake with her stirrups twice and the drake dropped like a brick. Down, down. Further and further. Faster and faster. Elucard gripped his straps so tightly his flesh turned a bleached white.


    ¡°You need to get used to this speed Elucard!¡± called back Mave. ¡°In a real battle we¡¯d have to dodge fire breaths and other dragons.¡±


    The rushing wind stretched out the elf¡¯s mouth. He shut his eyes as tears whipped away from his face. His crimson red hood and cloak flapped in the air as the drake blasted through the sky with a blistering velocity.


    ¡°You can do it, Elucard! Head low, eyes forward, like you¡¯re running through the trees! That¡¯s what you ARO types do, isn¡¯t it?¡± Mave looked over her shoulder. Elucard¡¯s head bobbled back and forth. Mave watched as Elucard¡¯s eyes rolled back. She snatched Elucard¡¯s collar and yanked on her reins until the drake cruised at a more gentle pace. ¡°The bloomin¡¯ elf passed out.¡±


    ***


    ¡°And then Bruce and his dragon careened across the ocean surface. I could taste the salt and feel the mist!¡± Kyzo shouted excitedly between mouthfuls of food. He and the other Anti-Rogue Ops members sat in the galley of the Sea Sprinter, a Southtail frigate bound for the shores of New


    Estinia, eating salted pork and cornmeal porridge.


    Timber nodded in agreement. ¡°It was frightening at first, I think we can all attest to that, but Corso started slow for me.¡±


    ¡°Aye, Quinn let me get accustomed to flying before really pulling out the speed. It was exhilarating!¡± mused Elisa. She stabbed at another slice of gray pork with her dagger and brought it back to her plate. ¡°What about you, Elucard? Is Mave a good teacher?¡±


    Elucard lowered his head in embarrassment. ¡°I-¡±


    ¡°He passed out,¡± Essie blurted out. She had practiced her flying with Bruce, albeit less intense than the others. As a field medic, she wouldn¡¯t be needed in the air battles. Her time to shine was dropping from the drakes and parachuting into an enemy fortress. The harekins coined it a ¡®devil jump¡¯.


    ¡°Yes, thank you for reporting that to them.¡± Elucard leered at the medic until she looked back to her porridge. ¡°Mave is the ¡®trial by fire¡¯ sort. If I can master my Black Rabbit training, I can master this as well.¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t much time, Elucard,¡± said Elisa, ¡°We¡¯ve been out at sea for a week now and we are fast arriving to the shores of New Estinia.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know. It¡¯s just this is different from clandestine combat. It will take more time to develop these new skills.¡±Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°Maybe you can switch partners?¡± suggested Kyzo. ¡°Bruce is a fantastic flight instructor!¡±


    ¡°I hear someone call my name?¡± The gruff voice of Bruce Brawnwood entered the conversation as he, Quinn, Corso, and Mave sat next to their students.


    ¡°We were just discussing all the different SMO teaching methods, Bruce,¡± explained Timber. ¡°Elucard seems to be having difficulty picking up drake flying.¡±


    Mave slapped down on Elucard¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Cheer up, bucko! We all had trouble with the skies at one point.¡±


    Elucard gave a weary smile.


    ¡°Of course, we had six months to learn, while you lads,¡± Mave lowered her voice to a murmur, ¡°only have a month.¡±


    ¡°You chaps are the Cypress-renowned Anti-Rogue Ops!¡± exclaimed Quinn. His hand swept around the table. Each ARO soldiers¡¯ chests swelled with pride. ¡°You are highly skilled individuals. You can slice the moon in half and swipe away the stars. A little drake riding isn¡¯t going to keep you lads down!¡±


    The galley erupted in cheers, but Elucard sulked even more. His ability to save Koda from his imprisonment relied on him learning how to ride a drake, and he believed his stomach was not quite up to the task.


    ¡°You want to give it another go, Captain?¡± Mave whispered to Elucard.


    Elucard nodded and Mave led him out of the galley and to the bow of the ship. The Sea Sprinter followed closely to one of several drake-roost crafts. A drake-roost craft was larger than the average clipper, but was used for the sole purpose of transporting the SMO dragons across the ocean. Although they could fly great distances such as across realms, it wasn¡¯t possible without rest.


    Mave pulled a thin bone flute from a small leather strap around her forearm. She brought it to her lips and blew, however no sound came forth. Across the way, a white and green scaled drake landed by her side. She patted it on the dragon¡¯s muzzle and hefted herself onto the deer-hide riding saddle. Mave offered her hand to Elucard and pulled him up.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t hear anything, is your flute broken?¡± asked Elucard.


    ¡°It¡¯s a sky-serpent flute. They are magically attuned for the rider and their drake. Each drake hears their own melody and only the attuned player can use that flute,¡± she explained. ¡°You are not attuned, thus you could not hear the melody. It is perfect when we need an extraction.¡±


    Mave jerked her reins. ¡°Are you ready to go up?¡±


    Elucard only patted the harekin¡¯s right shoulder three times. He was taught that physical signals were used instead of vocal ones. In the air, shouting over the wind was difficult; if Elucard needed something, he needed to pat a shoulder. Left shoulder, right shoulder, one pat, two pats, each meant something different.


    Mave held up her thumb, affirming Elucard¡¯s response. ¡°Up we go! Hang on!¡±


    ***


    Elucard grit his teeth, holding onto the leather strap with a firm grip. They had been flying circles around the boat, each pass they went higher in elevation and with each loop, Elucard¡¯s confidence rose as well.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing well, Elucard! Are you ready for something more advanced?¡± Mave asked loudly, shouting over the blustery wind.


    Elucard patted three times on her right shoulder.


    Mave stuck out her thumb again and prodded the creature with her stirrups. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Maisy! Show ¡®em how we ride!¡±


    The dragon growled a loud roar. She wrenched her body in a spin and let her wings fold. The riders sailed down through the air. Maisy screeched in excitement as she straightened her body and tail. With another kick from Mave, the drake lurched her wings forward and shot them backwards, torpedoing the trio through the sky.


    Mave straddled her rear off her seat while Elucard narrowed his eyes from the intense movement.


    I can do this, I can do this! Elucard told himself. Don¡¯t pass out, be one with the drake. She is my sword. Elucard clenched his eyes shut and concentrated. Focusing only on the wind blowing through his baggy clothing and whipping his cloak tail around. I am the wielder. We are a team. We. Are. ¡°A team!!!¡± Elucard shouted at the top of his lungs. A rush of adrenaline coursed through his body, tightening his muscles and freeing him from his fears.


    ¡°Wooh!¡± Mave celebrated with a fist pumping in the air. ¡°You¡¯re doing it, Elucard! You¡¯re a drake rider now!¡±


    ¡°Woohoo!!!¡± cried Elucard. He arched his head backwards and enthralled himself with the act of riding a dragon through the skies.


    ¡°Are you ready to jump off the thing now?¡± Mave asked with a sly grin creeping across her face.


    ¡°Come again?¡±

 Chapter 15: The New Devil Jumpers

    Elucard and the rest of his Anti-Rogue Ops squad stood at attention before the harekin dragon riders. Each ARO member no longer donned their traditional Red Rabbit battle gear, but were now dressed in special midnight blue and black gear. Winglike strips of cloth were attached from their elbows to their waist and their pants were baggier than they were used to. The fabric that the extra cloth was made from was a light silk-like material. Ribbed pockets lined the cloth to make gliding in the air possible. Their leather breastplates had wider armslots to make room for the flying squirrel-like webbing. Their once long red cloaks were replaced by shorter navy blue cloaks that fell no further than the small of their backs.


    This was to prevent drag when gaining speed for their descent. Finally, each ARO and SMO member was equipped with small parachutes strapped to their backs.


    Mave pointed out each feature of the new wingsuits that equipped Elucard¡¯s squad.


    ¡°Your duty will be to jump from our drakes and navigate yourselves through any air obstacles and into an enemy stronghold,¡± explained Mave.


    She waited for her students to nod before finishing, ¡°From there, we expect your infiltration and sabotage training to kick in. Tactical Black Operations one-oh-one, folks.¡±


    Essie eyed her companions. Each had a mix of doubt and nervousness written upon their faces. ¡°So, let me get this straight; you want us to jump from a perfectly good drake, drop hundreds of feet into the air, and land¡ªalive¡ªon the ground?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the gist of it, mate,¡± answered Quinn. He tossed a grenade up into the air and caught it casually like a ball.


    ¡°Okay, just wanted to be sure,¡± squeaked the medic.


    ¡°You¡¯ll do fine, Es!¡± reassured Kyzo, ¡°This is still training and I, for one, am excited about this!¡±


    Elucard placed a shaky hand on his apprentice¡¯s shoulder. Just three days ago he had gotten over his fear of flying, now he would be dealing with falling. Heights were never a problem when he was training as a Black Rabbit. The Lost Dawns clock tower was not a small structure and he could dance blindfolded on its ledge. However, Mave was right, falling from such a dizzying height dwarfed any clock tower feat he had under his belt.


    ¡°Mave, might we be getting to practice skydiving, at all?¡± asked Elucard.


    ¡°We like to call it ¡®devil jumping¡¯ and yes, dear Elucard, we don¡¯t plan to throw you to the sky wolves without proper training.¡±


    ¡°There are sky wolves too?¡± Kyzo whispered his question to Timber.


    The kanis chuckled at the naivety of her younger peer. ¡°It¡¯s just an expression, Kyzo.¡±


    Mave clapped her hands. ¡°Alright buckos, get with your riding partner, let¡¯s get this show on the road!¡± She turned to Essie and pointed to Quinn. ¡°You are riding with my brother. I trust his flying more than any other, besides myself. I would like our medic to survive the jump.¡±


    ***


    Tumbling waves rolled through the ocean, splitting upon impact against the hulls of the Cypress Alliance armada. Far above in the sky, a large flight of drakes flew in several Vic formations resembling a wedge. Pairs of two broke off in a sideways bank and practiced combat drills overhead. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    To the rear of the dragon fleet, Mave¡¯s squad flew in a Finger Four formation, Mave taking the lead, Quinn to her left, and Corso and Bruce trailing in a slant to her right.


    Elucard relaxed his grip on the saddle strap. He had been flying for nearly two weeks now and his air legs had just been settling in. Dives, spins, and rolls no longer made his stomach jump out of his throat and he gained a friendly understanding between him and Mave¡¯s drake, Maisy.


    ¡°Remember, Elucard,¡± the harekin shouted behind her, ¡°fold in for speed, wide and out to slow down. Lean in the direction you want to turn and parachute early when you want to land.¡±


    Elucard rapped her shoulder in understandment.


    Mave patted Maisy¡¯s neck and slid out a blue flag from a quiver of other different pennants. The material glimmered and reflected in the sunlight.


    Mave began to count. ¡°Three.¡±


    Elucard looked over his shoulder to the other devil jumpers and gave a thumbs up.


    ¡°Two,¡± she continued. ¡°From here to the Sea Sprinter. Any farther and you¡¯ll be shark bait!¡±


    ¡°Onto a moving ship?¡± said Elucard, with the faintest shiver in his voice. ¡°But that¡¯s like trying to fall into a bucket from¡­¡±


    ¡°The back of a dragon from fourteen thousand feet? Exactly!¡± Mave smiled.


    Elucard nodded, forgetting to pat her shoulder. His thoughts raced as he tried desperately to keep them in check. He went over her instructions, over and over again. Fold in. Wide and out. Lean in to turn. Open his chute early.


    Got it!


    Mave waved her flag signaling to the other riders to prepare to drop their passengers. Maisy breathed a stream of smoke that trailed below her in a straight cloud.


    ¡°One! Go, go, go!¡±


    Elucard sucked in lungs full of air and leaped off the side of the dragon. He floated motionless for mere moments before tumbling into a slow flip. Twisting his body so that he could position his head to look forward. He straightened himself out, folded in his arms, and took off like a lightning bolt.


    Elucard squinted his eyes as the sharp wind blew in his face. His heart pounded fast and faster as he coursed through the sky.


    Thump.


    Thump.


    Thump.


    Elucard growled as his speed picked up and thoughts and fears rushed through his mind, colliding into each other with a spectacular explosion called adrenaline.


    I am one with the wind. I am a falcon diving through the sky. I am no longer a Black Rabbit and I am no longer a Watcher¡­ for now, I am a devil jumper!!!


    One by one the ARO members filed behind Elucard as they made their way to the Sea Sprinter. Elucard stretched out his arms, lessening his speed and gliding more naturally through the air. He leaned sideways, heading closer to the ocean surface with his squad following suit. The salty breeze pelted his skin and flowed through his nostrils. His reflection rippled across the churning waves as he followed them towards the Sea


    Sprinter.


    Cries of glee erupted from the line behind him. A wide smile broke his nervous demeanor. This was like no rush of excitement he ever had before. The thrill of the hunt, the urgency of a stealth mission, the blood pumping energy of a duel. Nothing. None of it compared to devil jumping. Had he been born a harekin, no mortal man or divine god could keep him from the skies!


    With the quarter deck fast approaching, Elucard tucked in his knees and deployed his parachute. A black fabric popped from his backpack and billowed in the wind, catching itself in the fall, and slowly brought Elucard onto the deck of the Sea Sprinter.


    Elucard turned back to find his soldiers neatly landing on the quarter deck beside him.


    ¡°Amazing!¡± Kyzo cheered and hooted in excitement.


    Timber let out a long howl.


    Essie kissed the planks of the ship. ¡°Sweet, sweet ground.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Es, you have to admit that was unbelievable,¡± Elisa chuckled.


    ¡°It was something, alright.¡± Elucard hid his real emotions from the rest of his men, but training was training, he had to make sure that they could perform under pressure. He began rolling up his chute and stuffed it back in the pouch. ¡°Sure we can do it now, but we will really be tested when we do it in combat.¡±


    He turned to all the devil jumpers. ¡°Are you all prepared for that?¡±


    Each nodded.


    ¡°We¡¯ll find out,¡± said Elucard.

 Chapter 16: An Estinian Family Reunion

    Tashna¡¯s herald cleared his throat and clicked his heels together.


    ¡°Announcing the arrival of His Imperial Majesty, Div¡¯Rah Aric Stine, ruler of all Estinia, protector of¡­¡±


    ¡°Out of my vay you damned fool!¡±


    The mainland Estinian king shoved the courier aside as he barged through the throne room doors. Queen Natal, trailing behind her husband, was annoyed as well, but not to the same degree as her husband.


    Tashna rose from her throne; her startled ravens took to the rafters as Aric began to wail.


    ¡°You silly little girl!¡±


    Tashna bowed politely to her aging father. ¡°It is good to see you too, Father. You must be tired fr-¡±


    ¡°Vhat vere you thinking!?¡± Aric shouted.


    Tashna looked from her father to her mother with stony eyes. She brought her attention back to the king and addressed him. ¡°I take it you speak of the capturing of Koda Dawnedge?¡±


    ¡°You must release him immediately!¡± warned Aric.


    ¡°No Father, I shall not.¡± Tashna stood her ground and paced back to her throne. ¡°Did you bring the men I asked for?¡±


    ¡°No amount of men vill stave the fury of the storm you wrought upon this realm!¡±


    Tashna stole a glance at her mother once more before turning back to her visibly shaken father. ¡°Did you bring me the men I asked for?¡± she repeated


    ¡°I brought enough men to enforce Aric City, but there isn¡¯t a need for a var. You can still stop this madness!¡± answered the Estinian king.


    Tashna curled her lip in disbelief. ¡°The great Aric Stine. Son of Larn the Conqueror. The most fearsome Div¡¯Rah that Cypress has ever seen. Cut in half by an army of hares and an elven child! Do you hear yourself, Father? Release my prisoner? Bow to my enemies? I shall do no such thing!¡± Tashna¡¯s tone was rife with resentment.


    ¡°My child, your father only vants vhat is best for you,¡± Natal cooed.


    Aric raised his hand. ¡°No Natal, she can not be babied now.¡± He moved closer to his daughter and tightly gripped her shoulder. ¡°You know the truce I vas forced to agree to vhen I lost my var with the Cypress Alliance. You know I have no army to raise for you. Yet still you think it vise to go to var with them?¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°New Estinia shall not kneel like our motherland has. Ve are strong, Father, and ve shall find victory where you see non-¡±


    Tashna recoiled her face from a sharp slap across her cheek. Hot tears bubbled in her eyes. Never had her father punished her with violence. She sucked in her pain. ¡°Y-you hit me?¡±


    Aric took a hold of her other shoulder. ¡°You forced my hand, Tashna. You are endangering all of our lives.¡±


    Tashna shot a sharp look to her mother. ¡°Mother, please.¡±


    ¡°Listen to him, Tashna,¡± she responded.


    ¡°Do you think Dallin vill let me live for aiding you? Can you even fathom the consequences for kidnapping the Long Vhisper king? He spared my life before, he shall not do it again.¡± Aric grimaced at the thought of a noose. ¡°You must release the boy!¡±


    Tashna pushed away from her father¡¯s hold and marched to Natal. ¡°Mother, vill you please!?¡±


    Natal¡¯s stern face shrunk to a gentle smile. She caressed her daughter¡¯s cheek and then glided to Aric¡¯s side. Her dark brown eyes faded to the color of a golden moon. ¡°Dearest Aric, our daughter knows vhat she is doing.¡±


    Aric¡¯s anger flushed from his mind as his face locked into a hypnotic daze. ¡°Tashna knows vhat she is doing.¡±


    ¡°Vhy don¡¯t you retreat to the parlor?¡± the queen suggested.


    ¡°I think I shall head to the parlor,¡± Aric said very slowly.


    ¡°Enjoy a glass of brandy,¡± Natal told him.


    ¡°I vill enjoy a glass of brandy.¡± Aric turned and stumbled out of the room.


    Natal let out a deep sigh before addressing her daughter. ¡°My Tuner informed me that Cypress¡¯s army shall reach your shores in three days.¡±


    Tashna balked at the news. A mentalist¡¯s visions were never known to be inaccurate. ¡°Are they sure?¡±


    ¡°You know Tuners speak no falsehoods.¡±


    Tashna bit her lip in penance. ¡°Father did not bring his fleet vith him?¡± she asked the question, but she already knew the answer.


    ¡°Ve brought enough men to protect your city, no more than that,¡± explained Natal.


    Tashna collapsed on her throne. The weight of her actions finally rested on her crown. ¡°I still feel I can vin this. The people despise Koda as much as I do.¡±


    Natal knelt in front of her only child and took her hand. ¡°I vish for your empire to not fall, but I sense it shall.¡±


    ¡°Vhy do you have no confidence in my abilities? I am a Div¡¯Rah! I am the daughter of Aric Stine. You raised me to succeed, yet you hope for me to fail?¡±


    Natal rubbed Tashna¡¯s hand and brought it to her chest. ¡°I am Skyfallen, demons bear no soul. You are my heart, my little raven. I vill alvays support you¡± - she slipped a light chuckle - ¡°no matter how foolish you are.¡±


    Tasha leaned her forehead against her mother¡¯s. ¡°I vish you vouldn¡¯t say such things about yourself. Demons can have souls. How else vould you show me your love?¡±


    Natal let out a tearful laugh. ¡°I vill always love you, my child. More than the Black Moon itself.¡±


    Tashna kissed her mother¡¯s forehead. ¡°Cypress vill regret embarrassing our family. And Koda shall kneel to us. You vill see, Mother, I shall make you both proud.¡±


    ¡°I have been proud of you since the day you vere born, little raven.¡±


    Tashna wiped a tear from her cheek and sniffled her nose. ¡°Pray for me, Mother. Ask the Pit Lords for a svift victory. Give me the Vintertide so that I can rain it down upon my enemies. Show them I am a daughter of the Night.¡±


    ¡°I pray to the Moon you vill find victory, Tashna. I pray for all of us,¡± whispered Natal.

 Chapter 17: The Brevity Before War

    ¡°With our superior firepower and mightier size, we shall have little trouble punching a hole through the New Estinian defenses.¡± King Dallin crossed his arms, satisfied with the plan he laid out for Aemor Greyblade and Marcus Newsun.


    ¡°It is not the Estinian ships that concern me, it is their dragon flight that stiffens my fur,¡± said Greyblade. He moved forward a long rod to push a group of miniature dragon figures across a plotting board with a hastily drawn map of the New Estinian beachhead. ¡°My dragon flight will meet them head on, so that Dallin¡¯s armada may push onwards to Ghostoc Port.¡±


    Marcus picked up one of the blue dragon figures and tossed into the air. ¡°What little good your flight would do, Greyblade. You only brought, perhaps, thirty dragon riders?¡±


    Greyblade shot a nasty glare to the White Cloak.


    ¡°Meanwhile your scouts report seeing a flight close to double that amount,¡± finished Marcus.


    ¡°What do you suggest then, lad?¡± asked the harekin king.


    ¡°I believe sending in your dragons as a way to extinguish a small army of Estinian dragon riders is a death sentence¡ªno matter how good you say your SMO are.¡± Marcus placed the figure back down onto the plotting board. ¡°I say we use the tools we brought with us more than rushing headlong into a death charge.¡±


    Marcus gestured his hand to Dallin. ¡°How many of your ships are equipped with scorpion ballistas?¡±


    Dallin rubbed his chin, estimating his number. ¡°One for every three ships.¡±


    ¡°Ten, good.¡± Marcus turned back to Greyblade. ¡°And what of your ships?¡±


    ¡°Hm, I have four fully rigged frigates. Although they are used to transport the drakes, I have them armed with a row of cannons and each has a scorpion ballista at the stern.¡±


    ¡°Excellent. Long Whisper only has twenty armed merchant vessels, but where we lack in artillery, we make up for in mages. We have ten battle mages trained and ready to go,¡± said Marcus.


    ¡°So we draw the enemy dragons close to our ships and attack with the fierceness of our defenses?¡± asked Dallin.


    ¡°With my dragons as air support!¡± asserted the Greyblade king.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what I had in mind,¡± confirmed Marcus. ¡°However, my theory is that the dragons will not be the bulk of their defenses. According to our scholars, blueprints show that Ghostoc Port is an impregnable fortress, capable of withstanding any invasion.¡±


    ¡°Even the hardest of defenses shall crumble to a barrage of cannonballs!¡± laughed Dallin.


    ¡°Do not be foolhardy, my king,¡± warned Marcus. ¡°Their walls are of the strongest iron in all of Dragon Realm Blight.¡±


    ¡°Then we shall make our landing elsewhere and we will force their gate to buckle!¡±


    ¡°Have you not paid attention to the reports of New Estinia?¡± scoffed Aemor Greyblade.


    Dallin held his tongue in embarrassment.


    ¡°The cliffs are too sheer to land or climb. The waves will break any wayward ship upon the crags that make up their shores. Only Ghostoc Port can be breached,¡± the harekin explained.


    ¡°It will most likely fall onto the SMO and ARO joint task force to open the gate, but we will cross that threshold when we get there,¡± said Marcus.


    He walked to one of the port side windows and gazed across the ocean to the fast approaching silhouettes of the New Estinian dragon riders.


    ¡°Majesties, get your men in order; we will enter this war tonight!¡±


    ***Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Essie leaned against the Sea Sprinter¡¯s banister with her chin snuggly tucked into the cowl of her cloak. Her nose rubbed the deep blue wool material as the chilly night air nipped at her cheeks. Her elven eyes cut through the darkness that would otherwise only be illuminated by the soft glow of the white moon. All was silent on the decks save for the light rocking of the gentle ocean waves.


    As calm as the night was, Essie¡¯s mind was not. She was about to enter another war, and with the last one taking such a toll on her, she felt ill-prepared for this one as well.


    Rulan, keep me in your prayers tonight, she thought to herself.


    ¡°May I join you?¡± came a gruff voice from beside Essie. She turned to find Bruce Brawnwood approaching her.


    Essie gave him a polite nod. The harekin gave a long sigh as he planted himself next to the elf. He clapped his hands and rubbed them vigorously to warm them up.


    ¡°With all the chaos happening, I never got much time to talk to you,¡± Bruce said.


    Essie nestled her head further into her cloak. ¡°I¡¯m not one for talking.¡± Her voice came out muffled under the cloth.


    Bruce gave her a slight grin. ¡°Now why is that? You don¡¯t seem as troubled as your fearless leader, and Elisa and Kyzo are a joy to be around.¡±


    Essie gave the rabbit a quick glance. If she stayed silent maybe he would go away.


    ¡°You and I might be spending long nights in the trenches, we should get to know each other,¡± Bruce pressed further.


    Essie bit her lip. ¡°How much would you like to know?¡±


    ¡°How about why you are up on these decks while everyone is spending what could be their last nights together in the company of friends?¡±


    Essie looked down at her feet.


    Maybe just having a friend to be there is good enough?


    ¡°I was thinking about family¡­ back home.¡±


    Bruce gave her shoulder a gentle pat. ¡°Yes, and who do you have back in Long Whisper?¡±


    Essie¡¯s lip quivered as she remembered her only brother, and the one they lost.


    ¡°Rulan, my twin,¡± she said with a choked up sigh.


    ¡°You have a twin?¡± Bruce asked.


    Essie wiped away a tear. ¡°I am a triplet¡ªI was a triplet. We lost our other sibling in the Varis War. It¡¯s why this war lays heavy on my mind.¡± Essie chewed on her lip again, having trouble finishing her thought. ¡°I¡¯m afraid something will happen to me and Rulan will become an only child¡­¡±


    Bruce pulled Essie into his warm chest. ¡°Come now, Essie. You are with the two most elite units in all of Cypress. We won¡¯t let anything happen to you,¡± Bruce cooed.


    Essie allowed Bruce to embrace her. She felt a little bit better in his huge arms.


    ¡°I lost someone too, thanks to the Estinians. A family member, just as close as a brother,¡± Bruce said.


    Essie looked up. ¡°You did? Do you want to talk about it?¡±


    ¡°No lass, I¡¯d rather not. Some things need healing, other things just need to be left alone.¡± Bruce stared off into the watery night. He squeezed Essie tighter. ¡°But thank you anyways. Sometimes just having a friend to be there is good enough.¡±


    Essie gave him a wide smile. ¡°Yeah. Yeah, it is.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Listen up, lads and lasses!¡± Mave leaped down the flight of stairs leading to the galley. She waved a parchment in her hand. With an exaggerated wind up, she slapped it on the long wooden table that both the Anti-Rogue Op members and her harekin soldiers ate at. ¡°We have our orders for tonight!¡±


    Quinn snatched the paper from his sister and read it outloud.


    ¡°1st SMO Division, those of you assigned with the attachment of the Anti-Rogue Operatives are to fly at the rear. Your primary objective is to clear the skies of fire bomber drakes and riders to support landing operations at Ghostoc Port. If you find yourselves within range and clear of any immediate danger, attack them with extreme prejudice. Let no bomber escape. Use any available methods to take on stragglers. If need be, deploy your ARO jumper.¡±


    ¡°Seems simple enough,¡± said Quinn as he finished reading.


    Elisa pulled the orders for herself to read. ¡°Wait, there¡¯s a bit more.¡±


    ¡°Orders pertaining to the 1st ARO division attachment, If you are deployed to chase after a bomber, proceed with caution. We understand you are freshly trained in the usage of your wingsuits and aerial combat. If you believe you can down a bomber rider, then execute your attack. If you deem it too dangerous, do not proceed.¡±


    Elisa handed the orders back to Mave and sat down.


    ¡°So we are the backup. The little cousins to the actual dragon riders,¡± Elisa said quietly.


    ¡°Only because our squad is too valuable. Chin up, Elisa. Do you really think they¡¯d train you to sit on your hands all night?¡±


    Elisa grew a wide grin.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, bucko! Who are we lads?¡± Mave shouted so loud that her voice echoed across the ocean.


    ¡°Angels in the skies!¡±


    ¡°Devils in the Night¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re the bloody SMO!¡±


    The harekins cheered and roared, pounding their fists on the table and whistling through their teeth.


    Not wanting to be out done by a bunch of boisterous rabbits, Kyzo leaped up onto the table and waved his hands in the air. ¡°Come on guys! Who are the Anti-Rogue Ops?¡±


    ¡°Kyzo!¡± Elucard shot his apprentice a deadly glare. ¡°Do not make a fool of yourself.¡±


    The galley fell silent. All that could be heard was the waves brushing against the ship as it gently rocked back and forth.


    ¡°Listen,¡± whispered Elucard. He lowered his hood and strained his Black Rabbit senses.


    ¡°I hear nothing,¡± Mave said, still miffed by Elucard¡¯s serious demeanor.


    ¡°Listen carefully,¡± repeated Elucard. He rose from his seat and walked slowly to the edge of the bottom step leading up to the deck.


    From the distance came the sounds of beating wings and war drums. The New Estinia dragons had finally arrived.


    ¡°It¡¯s time.¡±

 Chapter 18: Elucards First Dragon Battle

    Trails of crimson fire streaked through the midnight sky from the nostrils of each dragon. The embers within their nostrils glowed as each breath of air stoked them like coals in a forge. The moon illuminated the soft clouds as they passed by, leaving shadows dancing on dragon scales. With the sound of the booming war drums, both dragon flights neared one another.


    Elucard gripped his saddle strap tighter with each beat of the drums, leathery wings, and his own racing heart. Blood trickled through the cracks of his fingers as the strap dug into his hand. The pain kept him centered for the rest of his body felt numb. He had not seen a true battle since his fight with the Collector and he had not been to war since his time in Varis. He was rusty. Complacent with skirmishes against low grade thugs and crooks. Dealing with problems so petty and beneath his skill level that some days he¡¯d have rather not bothered with them at all.


    What was wrong with him? When he was a Black Rabbit, he¡¯d relish the chance to showcase his abilities¡ªto prove his worth. No job was too petty and no mark was too low grade. Now look at him, Legion would be ashamed¡ªhe was ashamed. Well, now it was a matter of life and death; time to blow off the dust and show the world what the Kingslayer was capable of.


    Mave pulled out a green banner made with a reflective material so it could stand out in the dim moonlight. She waved it high enough for Quinn, Bruce, and Corso to see, then she waved it to the right. With the signal set, Mave pulled her reins on Maisy and the large serpent crooked its head and dipped thirty degrees to the right.


    The remaining squads of the Cypress dragon riders swept in a fiery rage into the Estinian ranks. Blazing streams of flames criss-crossed through the night. Claws ripped across screeching, enemy dragons, and one by one, dragon riders careened to their deaths.


    Swooping from the rear, the Estinians brought dragons of their own to terrorize the alliance fleet. In mere minutes, oily flames ate up many of the wooden vessels, their glow providing much needed visibility to the SMO riders up in the sky. At that distance, it was as if the sea itself was on fire. Ballista bolts fired back in retaliation. Each hissed through the night, some finding their marks, others crashing into the depths of the waves. However, in the cover of smoke and darkness, the dragons were harder targets than anticipated.


    Mave and her squad circled wide, approaching the rear of the enemy ranks, spotting smaller or wounded drakes, Mave signaled for the harekin riders to strike fast and hard.


    ¡°Brace yourself, Elucard! There¡¯s a good one!¡± she shouted back to her elven partner.


    Maisy folded her wings back and elongated her neck, sending the two into a dive like a falcon after its prey. With a crack of her reins, Maisy unleashed a spray of fire, igniting the enemy dragon¡¯s tail and saddle. The enemy rider screamed in agony as the fire engulfed him and his drake.


    Mave grinned savagely as she pulled Maisy away from her charred victim.


    ¡°Who else?¡± Mave asked Elucard.


    Elucard scanned the battle site before pointing to Corso and Timber narrowly avoiding a fireball. The Kanis let loose an arrow, nailing it in the muzzle, but it only enraged the dragon further.


    ¡°We have to help them!¡± cried Elucard.


    ¡°Right you are, bucko! Come on Maisy, let¡¯s help out your mate Argyle!¡±


    Mave pulled in tight, heading towards Corso¡¯s drake and grazed them overhead.


    ¡°Our men are too close to use Maisy¡¯s breath. You¡¯ll have to deal with the rider,¡± said Mave.


    Elucard tapped the harekin captain on the shoulder and climbed to the lower side of their drake. Steadying one foot on her side and holding the strap with his off hand, Elucard leaned out and unsheathed his ninjato. As his target chased Argyle, Elucard made a clean slice through the Estinian rider¡¯s skull, splitting it in two.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°Woohoo!¡± Mave hooted in excitement. ¡°That¡¯s how it¡¯s done, Elucard!¡±


    Elucard couldn¡¯t help but smile, even he had to admit that he liked being back in his old boots. The rush of a kill and the thrill of kissing death was what he missed most in life. He sheathed his weapon and climbed back into his saddle.


    Suddenly Maisy roared in terror as a larger drake collided with her. The drake, who was twice the size of her, glimmered with red and black scales and its tail swung back and forth, sporting a set of spikes resembling a morning star. Elucard clenched the saddle strap with both hands as he heaved himself upright. He caught a glimpse of the Estinian rider as he untangled his beast with Mave¡¯s. The rider was draped in a magnificent red cape with black flames embroidered along the back. He had a bushy white mustache and wore a black helmet decorated with a long golden spike on its top.


    Mave grit her teeth and pushed away from the red and black rider.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t good,¡± she said.


    Elucard grabbed the harekin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Who was that?¡±


    ¡°I only know him by reputation. Baron Wallenstein, the most feared drake rider alive.¡±


    Mave prodded her drake with her spurs, gaining altitude. Baron Wallenstein followed.


    ¡°Hold on tight, Elucard!¡± Mave grunted as she pushed Maisy higher and higher into the clouds where the air was colder and thinner. ¡°Come on, you bastard, you don¡¯t want to be up here¡­¡±


    Elucard took in gulps of air as his lungs closed up and his tears froze to his cheeks. ¡°Mave¡­¡± he managed to gasp.


    Mave Silvertail glanced backwards and found the baron picking up speed. She suddenly pulled back on her reins, launching them backwards in a free fall.


    Faster and faster Elucard and Mave fell. Passing through misty clouds, passing the dragon melee below, until Mave yanked the reins again, breaking the surface of the ocean and driving forward creating a wake of waves behind them.


    ¡°Do you think we lost him?¡± asked Elucard.


    A streak of fire singed his arm and leg as a fireball exploded into a cloud of steam beside Maisy. Mave twisted her drake in a serpentine, just barely avoiding fireballs as they rained from the red and black drake above.


    ¡°Not a chance,¡± growled Mave. She tugged on her reins, desperately trying to weave away from the baron¡¯s onslaught, but with each breath-taking maneuver made by Mave, the baron matched that and more. There was no shaking the more experienced and deadlier drake rider.


    Mave snarled with frustration. ¡°I have one more idea!¡± she shouted. The harekin patted the side of Maisy¡¯s neck and the serpent responded by exhaling a massive cloud of white smoke. The haze grew bigger and bigger until it covered a large portion of the sky in a dense fog.


    Elucard covered his eyes with his arm, the arid smoke burned his throat and blinded his eyes. He hacked and coughed, desperately fighting for air. ¡°I can¡¯t breathe!¡± Elucard croaked in desperation.


    ¡°I know mate, and I¡¯m sorry, but hopefully, neither can Wallenstein!¡± Mave apologized.


    Mave yanked on her dragon¡¯s reins and she halted creating the choking veil. Together with her riders, Maisy dove under the cover and zipped through the night sky.


    Elucard wiped his eyes and inhaled a deep breath of the ocean air. ¡°We had to lo¡ª¡±


    A fire blast exploded just shy of Elucard¡¯s cheek. The elf ducked in alarm, gripping Mave¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Nevermind! He¡¯s right behind us!¡±


    ¡°Elucard, we¡¯re out of options. I need you to do what you do best!¡± said Mave.


    Elucard pulled his sword out, once more and nodded. ¡°Pull up¡ªhigh. As high and as fast as you can get Maisy to move.¡±


    Maisy lifted upwards, thrusting her wings back and forth, climbing higher and higher. Until, once more they were above the clouds. Mave looked back and saw the baron was still on their tail.


    ¡°Elucard?¡±


    ¡°Wish me luck.¡±


    Releasing his strap, Elucard flipped backwards, wrenched his body and zoomed forward like a javelin! Elucard¡¯s blue and black suit blended in with the night sky, allowing him to be unnoticed by his target. As he grew nearer and nearer, the former Black Rabbit gripped his sword with both hands and swung it hard. The swing sent him into a wild spin like a buzzsaw.


    The baron panicked and tried to bank right as Elucard ripped through his side, spraying blood through the air. Elucard popped open his webbed wings and caught himself in a graceful drift. He turned his head and watched with satisfaction as the baron retreated.


    Mave glided next to Elucard and tipped her hat. ¡°Need a lift?¡±


    Elucard twirled and neatly landed back behind his partner, snuggly gripping his saddle strap once more. He watched as the remains of the Estinian dragon flight called for a retreat back to Ghostoc Port.


    ¡°A well earned victory, mate,¡± cheered Mave.


    ¡°We¡¯ve only just begun,¡± said Elucard.

 Chapter 19: Snafu

    Elucard sat on the railing of the quarter deck, watching the waves churn and splash as the Sea Sprinter forged its path towards Ghostoc Port. Trailing behind the ship, Elucard observed a pod of dolphins playfully chasing after the ship. Elucard chuckled.


    The reprieve was what he needed most after his first Skyborne mission. Although he fell in love with devil jumping and dragon riding, it was when he experienced combat with those aspects that terrified him. Fear? How could this be? He had been born through the trials of fire and blood since he was a child. He killed more men and women than he could possibly recall. He tasted cold steel upon his flesh and now he felt fear? Why? Why was killing in the sky any different than killing on foot?


    I have no control in the sky¡­ I am at the mercy of gravity and the winds up there.


    Between smoke and the jaws of a dragon, Elucard needed to regain his battle hardened wits or face a gruesome death.


    He shook off his worries and focused on the strange water creatures. At least they didn''t have a care in the world.


    ¡°What amuses you, my student?¡± Legion pawed Elucard¡¯s shoulder with his taped up hand. The aging elf leaned against the railing beside his apprentice and grinned as he also saw the dolphins click and crackle their voices as they dove and jumped into the sea. ¡°They are called dolphins, Elucard. We do not get them near the Long Whisper shores.¡±


    ¡°Dolphins,¡± repeated Elucard. He turned to his master. ¡°You survived the night, I am glad.¡±


    ¡°We were lucky¡ª¡±


    ¡°Luck had nothing to do with it, blade brother!¡± Malady stepped on the other side of Elucard. He had a bowl of stew in one hand and a spoon in the other. He continued to voice his opinion between loud slurps. ¡°Alanna was with us. We are too valuable to her to be killed in a pathetic lizard battle.¡±


    Lizards. Mave would strangle Malady for saying that about Maisy and the other drakes. Elucard kept the thought to himself, choosing not to warn his former enemy about mispeaking of dragons and their imposing size.


    ¡°Malady, it is good to see you alive and well too,¡± lied Elucard. He did his best to hide his scowl by lifting his mask to the brim of his nose. ¡°Chilly out today.¡± An excellent cover, Malady would surely be fooled.


    ¡°Heh? Chilly? Back in my day, Long Whisper¡¯s winters lasted six months and we wore nothing but our Black Rabbit gear. The nights were so cold that birds froze in mid flight. Dahlemar¡¯s fury! We didn¡¯t even wear footwear, because we weren¡¯t wimps like you!¡± bragged Malady.


    Legion shook his head. ¡°We only had one winter that lasted a few weeks more, but it most definitely wasn¡¯t six months. And if I recall, you refused to train outside, opting for indoor exercises instead.¡±


    Malady grumbled. He stuffed his spoon into his mouth to disguise his embarrassment.


    ¡°Shut up, Legion!¡± Malady stormed off cursing under his breath.


    Legion smirked. ¡°You must excuse my blade brother, Elucard. He is threatened by your position over him.¡±


    ¡°He only annoys me, Master. Why I agreed to let him join us, Ruens only knows.¡±


    ¡°Given the chance you will see him as a valued asset,¡± said Legion. He wrapped his arm around Elucard. ¡°Are you nervous about the coming battle? Taking Ghostoc Port will prove much more difficult than that little skirmish last night.¡±


    ¡°Truthfully?¡± Elucard turned to the scarred elf. ¡°I am.¡±


    Legion lowered his head and pulled Elucard closer. ¡°I am too, my son.¡±


    ¡°You?¡± Elucard scoffed. ¡°You have seen more battles than anyone else on this ship. You may have even shed more blood than Wiccer¡¯s father! How could you be nervous?¡±


    Legion paused. He stole a glance to Elucard before hiding his face. He walked away, whispering just barely enough for Elucard to hear him, ¡°If we survive this war, perhaps I shall tell you. Something for you to look forward to.¡±


    Elucard took a hard look at his master, deciding to pay him no mind. He turned back to the animals. ¡°Dolphins,¡± he muttered to himself.


    ***


    Elucard sliced a long gash into the side of the passing Estinian drake. The creature screeched in agony as it banked to the side, bleeding profusely as it fell from the sky.


    ¡°Excellent move, Elucard!¡± exclaimed Mave as she wrapped her hands around the dragon¡¯s reins. She kicked Maisy¡¯s ribs and leaned forward. The dragon arched downward picking up an unnatural amount of speed. Together Elucard and Mave ducked and dodged through a labyrinth of dragons sealed in combat. Fire sprayed and exploded in the sky, but down they continued. Faster and faster!


    Mave reached backwards and slapped Elucard¡¯s thigh. Elucard responded by patting her shoulder. His moment had arrived.


    ¡°Get ready!¡± she shouted.


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    Mave pulled out a black and blue banner from a collection of other banners. Each represented a command for the drake riders to follow. It flapped in the wind, proudly bearing the symbol of the Skyborne Military Operations, the familiar dragon wings flanking a halo.


    ¡°Three!¡± counted Mave.


    Elucard raised himself off his saddle in preparation.


    ¡°Two!¡±


    Elucard caught a glimpse of Timber and Elisa in similar positions on their respective drakes.


    ¡°One! Go, go, go!!!¡± Maved waved her flag back and forth signaling Elucard and the rest of the Watchers to leap off their drakes and take flight in the air.


    Elucard flew backwards, his webbed wings catching a flurry of wind as he tried to slow himself down. He looked around him, finding his team falling into a v-formation behind him. Once locking himself at the vanguard, he steadied his body and slightly adjusted his arms until he was flying smoothly.


    ¡°Remember!¡± Elucard called to his squad. It was difficult to hear himself, much less for them to hear him, but Elucard knew where vocal commands might fail, they had practiced these techniques over and over again. He was sure they were now ready for the real thing. ¡°We need to drop into the city and open the gate!¡±


    Each ARO member made a small nod of understanding. Even if they couldn''t hear him, every soldier knew his place. The plan had been chiseled into their brains until they knew the strategy by heart. Elucard lowered his head. Over by the shore the Alliance army led by the Varisian marines disembarked their landing boats and clashed with the Estinian army that waited for them. The enemy wouldn¡¯t hold such a force for very long, and the troops guarding the beach head were most likely placed as a delaying force. The Estinians would very likely consolidate their defenses at


    Ghostoc Port, where they would be able to hold their ground indefinitely, unless a weakness in the city''s defenses could be found and exploited.


    That was why it was imperative for Elucard and his Watchers to succeed at their mission.


    The Devil Jumpers lowered into a descent as they passed over a massive steel wall surrounding Ghostoc Port. Their shadows swam over the many houses, apartments, and shops until they grew closer to the gate. However a strong gust of wind propelled them backwards.


    Elucard tumbled and spun head over heels as he tried to recover mid-flight. Then he felt his entire body get sucked forward to the battlements above the gate. He grunted as he fought the vacuum. One by one invisible arms grasped the Watchers until they dangled in the sky, their arms and legs spread apart held by bonds of wind lassoed around their arms, ankles, and waists. Elucard struggled against his restraints.


    ¡°Vell, vell, vell. Vhat do ve have here?¡± On top of the battlements three human mages within alabaster robes held out their hands. Wind streamed from their fingertips. The center wind mage cackled and spoke once more. ¡°It seems Southail has stepped up their game. Vingsuits, how clever.¡±


    Elucard gnashed his teeth and flailed helplessly. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°From the lack of rabbit ears and fur, I vas about to ask you the same thing,¡± responded the mage.


    Elucard closed his eyes and took in a long breath. He concentrated on only his arms and with all his might began to pull them close to his chest.


    The strain burned his muscles but he fought through the pain. His hands quivered and sweat beaded down his forehead. Finally he broke the wind chains that wrapped around his arms. Elucard felt a rush of air flow around his wrist again, but he only needed a small moment! A second! An opportunity!


    He palmed a dagger from under his sleeve and snapped open his eyes. With lightning reflexes he launched the dagger at the mage that imprisoned him.


    The dagger coursed through the air fast and true, sinking between the eyes of the center mage. His legs wobbled beneath him before he collapsed to the ground.


    Immediately the wind that held Elucard exploded in a burst of air and the elven assassin dropped to the city below.


    ¡°Kill them! Kill them all!¡± cried one of the mages.


    The remaining Watchers still trapped by the mages were whipped violently through the air. Kyzo smashed into the side of a building, Timber was thrown through the window, and Essie came crashing through its roof.


    ¡°No!¡± shouted a distraught Elucard. He bit his lip as he gazed at the winch that opened the gate and then back to his mangled comrades.


    Memories of his fist bludgeoning Blayvaar senseless flooded his mind.


    The mission or his men? The mission or his men?


    Elucard gripped his head as he screamed for the memories to leave him alone. Nightmares resurfaced of his hands around Wiccer¡¯s neck.


    Elucard¡¯s vision blurred as he clenched an imaginary knife and stared blankly at Jetta¡¯s lifeless body before him in a pool of darkened blood.


    The mission or his men? The mission or his men?


    Elucard collapsed to his knees as his hands shook uncontrollably.


    ¡°Elucard, help!¡± Essie¡¯s harrowing pleas broke Elucard from his cruel trance.


    Elucard snapped his head away from the winch and took off into a dead sprint to the damaged building where his men were sprawled all over.


    Leaping onto a nearby cart, he latched onto the rocky wall and scrambled up the building to its highest floor. He slid his hands side by side across a ledge until he reached the crumpled body of Kyzo, collapsed in a partially broken wall. The boy was barely conscious by the time Elucard found him.


    Kyzo¡¯s once pure white hair was now damp with red blood. Elucard gingerly pulled him inside of a smashed window. There he saw Essie tending to an unconscious Timber. Elisa propped herself against a wooden post, cradling an injured hand.


    ¡°What¡¯s her status, Es?¡± Elucard asked the medic.


    Essie cracked a smelling salt under Timber¡¯s nose. The wolf scrunched her muzzle and coughed. She rolled onto her hands and pushed herself onto her feet. Immediately she stumbled to the stairwell banister, favoring a sprained ankle.


    Essie knelt next to Kyzo and wrapped a deep blue bandage around the young elf¡¯s head. A chill rushed through the boy¡¯s body. Kyzo groaned and muttered as he slowly opened his eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s not blistercloth, what kind of bandage is that?¡± asked Elucard. He watched in amazement as Kyzo slowly recovered, seemingly completely healed.


    Essie took out a thin roll of the dark blue linen. Small runes glowed dimly within the fibers themselves.


    ¡°Runecloth.¡± Essie put the roll back into her medicine bag. ¡°Kyzo will make a full recovery with some rest. Runecloth doesn¡¯t raise the dead, but it will mend recent injuries. The window for a runecloth dressing is short, so it is not always practical to use it. In this case it seems we were in time to save Kyzo. It''s rare, expensive, and can only be used in the hands of an expert. Every Runecloth is precious, and we should not use it carelessly. I can only use it on larger, life-threatening wounds.¡± Essie turned to Elisa. ¡°Sorry Elis, a splint and some tape will have to do for your broken finger.¡±


    Elisa winked. ¡°Growing up as a Black Rabbit, you get used to surviving much worse injuries.¡±


    ¡°And the rest?¡± Elucard asked, trying to get back to his assessment report.


    ¡°Right, some cuts and bruises. I had to use a runecloth on a nasty gash along Timber¡¯s side. I pulled out a piece of glass the size of my hand.¡± Essie displayed her hand and pointed to it. Like everyone else, Essie had her own share of scrapes and bruises covering her palm and small frame. ¡°She¡¯ll also need some rest before we start moving.¡±


    Elucard shimmed his back next to the open window and slightly leaned his head to see outside of it, but still remained hidden. Outside he witnessed soldiers march down the streets, each platoon flanked by a wind mage. He counted at least five mages and sixty men from his vantage point alone. The two mages that dealt his squad such a devastating blow still stationed themselves along the battlements. His chance to open the gate was long behind him.


    ¡°Damn,¡± he cursed. He looked around the dark attic, lit by only the hole in the ceiling and what little light that beamed through the window, their SMO uniforms blended perfectly with the shadows. If they waited until night, they could slip to the docks and steal a skimmer back to the Cypress forces.


    ¡°Well rest here until nightfall,¡± decided Elucard.

 Chapter 20: Trapped in Ghostoc Port

    ¡°How¡¯s her ankle doing, Essie?¡± asked Elucard. He grunted as he rested the Kanis against a nearby merchant stand.


    Elucard slid a dagger into his hand and waited for any sounds of footsteps coming up the street. He heard none. He looked back to Essie massaging the wolf¡¯s sprained ankle.


    Essie glared at Elucard. ¡°This is insane, Captain. There needs to be a better way to transport Timber besides running all the way down to the docks!¡±


    Elucard muffled her with his hand. ¡°Lower your voice, Es,¡± he whispered.


    Essie ripped away Elucard¡¯s hand. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare touch me!¡± she whispered back loudly.


    Elucard narrowed his eyes but then looked past the medic. Timber, Essie, Kyzo¡­ where was Elisa? He frantically checked his surroundings. The street they were on was only a few hundred feet from the building they took shelter in. She couldn¡¯t have gotten far. He turned back to Essie.


    ¡°Corporal, you¡¯re in charge. Tend to Timber.¡±


    Elucard turned his attention to Kyzo. His apprentice¡¯s timing and movements were off. He was either too slow following Elucard¡¯s instructions or he ended up running too fast and stumbled when trying to stop. Elucard tenderly tugged at Kyzo¡¯s chin. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Kyzo doggedly nodded his head. ¡°I-I¡¯m fine, Master. I am just weary, I need to sit down.¡±


    Elucard gave him a crooked smile. He plodded down his apprentice next to Timber and pulled out a dagger from Kyzo¡¯s belt. The dagger was made of a blackened steel, and thus didn''t glint in the heavy moonlight that blanketed the city.


    Elucard took one of Kyzo¡¯s hands and firmly placed the dagger in the boy¡¯s hand. ¡°Rest for now. Protect Essie and Timber if any trouble arises.¡±


    Kyzo rested his head against the boards of the stand, his eyes rolled back ready for sleep. Elucard sighed and stalked away to go search for Elisa.


    Elucard didn¡¯t move more than ten feet before the sound of a horse trotting on the cobblestone street came to a stop in front of the merchant stand. It pulled along a small black carriage with two rose-tinted windows so no one could see the wealthy nobles within. The horse pulling the carriage had a deep black coat that glistened underneath the stars. It neighed as the hooded driver tugged at its reins.


    Elucard looked up to the driver with worried eyes, he spun his dagger to an inverted grip, ready to strike.


    ¡°Calm your nerves, Elucard.¡± the carriage driver said in a light tone. Her voice was silky, smooth. She almost sounded like she was mocking Elucard or at least playing with him. The driver lowered the hood of her gray cloak, revealing Elisa¡¯s beautiful violet eyes and shadow elven skin. ¡°I found our ticket to the docks, hurry up and get in.¡±


    ¡°Where did you-¡± started Elucard.


    ¡°I said hurry,¡± Elisa pressed with urgency.


    Essie and Timber pushed Elucard off to the side as they hobbled the injured archer into the coach. Elucard shook his head and assisted Kyzo in as well before hopping beside Elisa. The shadow elf threw Elucard an extra servant¡¯s cloak and lifted her hood up. She clucked her tongue and signaled for the horse to ride on.


    ***


    Wiccer relaxed in his hammock, his foot pushed gently against the ship¡¯s bulkhead. He rocked back and forth, much like the ship against the ocean¡¯s current. The sunrise attack on Ghostoc Port was a complete failure with devastating losses. No progress had been made in capturing the shore nor city.


    Of course it had been a failure. Putting faith in Elucard either meant failure or sacrificing everything for success. In this case it was the former. Wiccer would have to explain to grieving wives and mothers that their loved ones were killed over the folly of a single elf with a death wish. Despite royal funding and joint training with Southtail¡¯s drake riders, Elucard still managed to screw that up and what more, he got himself and his men killed.


    It would require considerable manpower to force the Ghostoc gate open from the shoreline. The New Estinian soldiers were more driven to protect their country than the Estinian invaders that he faced in Varis. They had a fire in their hearts that drove them to fight like men possessed, disregarding their own safety or any basic instinct of self preservation. They fought to the very end. Cut off their arms they kicked, cut off their legs they clawed, and if their heads were cut off they would probably still bite.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Wiccer admired their persistence, but feared that surrender was not in their blood. If the Cypress Alliance could not find a way to sack the city, then this, he thought, might very well be the bloodiest siege in Draak¡¯Terra¡¯s history.


    Wiccer¡¯s thoughts faded as the faces of Essie, Kyzo, Timber, and Elisa broke through. His friends. Had he just lost them? Comrades he experienced gloom and joy with? Celebration and tragedy?


    Wiccer¡¯s lip quivered. Even Elucard¡­ They had been through so much together¡ªall of them. They were his Watchers, and he sent them to their deaths.


    ¡°Major?¡± a young runner entered the sleeping berth and tip-toed his way past the various slumbering troops and sailors until he reached the only high-ranking officer in the entire room.


    Wiccer hid away his emotions. ¡°Speak, private,¡± said Wiccer, still half awake.


    ¡°Sir, General Newsun requests your presence in the captain¡¯s quarters.¡±


    Perhaps his father had a new plan to set in motion? He sat up in his hammock and slid on his deer hide boots. ¡°Very good, Private. Inform my father that I am on my way.¡±


    ***


    Wiccer knocked on the oak door with a quick rap. He waited briefly before entering. This was it, now his father would have his new plan in motion to lay siege to Ghostoc Port or burn it to cinders. The city was all that stood before them and the rescue of his king. There wasn¡¯t a doubt in his mind that his father wouldn¡¯t think twice to show the New Estinian people that Marcus Newsun was not one to be trifled with.


    Wiccer entered the captain''s quarters. The maps and charts had been cleared off the captain¡¯s table for bowls of stew and cups of cider. Mave


    Silvertail stood with her arms folded discussing the morning¡¯s attack with Marcus. Wiccer scanned the room for other officers and leaders, but only saw Elucard Freewind, alive and well.


    Wiccer gasped, his eyes widened. He felt the urge to both strike and hug his former friend all at once. ¡°You should have reported directly to me that you were alive,¡± he finally said.


    Elucard ignored him.


    ¡°I command the Anti-Rogue Ops.¡± Wiccer turned to his father. ¡°Why was I not informed that Elucard survived? And why haven''t the gates been opened if Elucard stands breathing?¡±


    ¡°Easy, Major,¡± said Mave. She raised a hand to calm Wiccer¡¯s nerves. ¡°Elucard reported to me first, as I command the Skyborne Military Operations and his unit is attached to mine.¡±


    ¡°Enough idle chat about who reports to who, what of the new plan?¡± snapped Elucard, irritated by the stall in the conversation.


    Marcus gestured for his son to take a seat. ¡°Now that Major Newsun has arrived, we can finalize the new mission.¡± Marcus waited for Wiccer to sit down and listen. ¡°As we all know, the initial plan to fly to the gate was blocked. According to Captain Freewind, three wind mages guard the gate.¡±


    ¡°I took out one, but no doubt he will be replaced. I was pretty sure I saw a mage school while flying over the city,¡± Elucard informed the room. He walked over to the table and pointed to a section of the Ghostoc Port layout. ¡°There.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± Marcus rubbed his chin. ¡°Silvertail, explain your proposal.¡±


    Mave gulped down the remainder of her cider and slammed the wooden cup onto the mapping board. ¡°We suicide dive!¡±


    ¡°You what?!¡± exclaimed Wiccer.


    ¡°We bloody suicide dive, Major. Am I not being clear enough?¡±


    ¡°I think what the major means is he''d like a detailed explanation, Captain,¡± chuckled Marcus.


    ¡°Right-O, Chief.¡± Mave dipped the tip of her hat downwards and cleared her throat. ¡°My brother, Quinn, and I used to have this game when we were still training to become dev¡ªer¡ªparachutists. We flew high on Maisy and Basil¡ª¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± asked Wiccer.


    Mave shot Wiccer an annoyed glance, but answered his question. ¡°Our drakes, Maisy and Basil.¡±


    ¡°You named your dragons Maisy and Basil?¡± Wiccer cracked a wry smile.


    ¡°And what is your dragon named? Oh, that¡¯s right, you don¡¯t have one!¡± spat Mave.


    ¡°Children please, can we get back to the topic at hand?¡± scolded Marcus.


    ¡°Sorry, sah.¡± Mave adjusted her tunic, visibly still flustered. ¡°So my brother and I would take our dragons real high in the air. Higher than we would normally need to fly and then we¡¯d drop. We challenged each other to see who could pull their chute first. The last to do it would win.


    ¡°It¡¯s dangerous, I know, but what we¡¯d be doing here is a low opening to avoid detection,¡± finished Mave.


    ¡°How?¡± Elucard asked this time.


    ¡°Drakes make a lot of noise, and parachuting in can be seen too easily. Wingsuits are stealthy but they require an artificial manipulation of wind, so the mages would feel us coming,¡± said Mave


    ¡°So we suicide dive into the city and open the wingsuits just as we are about to hit the ground. Unseen by guards and undetected by the wind mages!¡± Elucard smirked. ¡°Brilliant!¡±


    Marcus turned to Wiccer. ¡°It is a good plan; what do you say, Major?¡±


    ¡°It could work.¡± nodded Wiccer. ¡°How are your men, Elucard? Will they be ready for another shot at the gate?¡±


    Elucard shook his head. ¡°No, they need some time to recuperate.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be using my men as well as Elucard for this mission,¡± said Mave, ¡°We are trained in jumping and infiltration. Perhaps not to the same skill level as an Anti-Rogue Operative, but better than most.¡±


    ¡°Then it is decided, but this time you can not fail,¡± ordered Wiccer. He was weary about the new plan. A suicide dive did not sound ideal for a flawless plan, but then again, what plans were flawless?

 Chapter 21: Desperate Measures!

    The five drake riders climbed the skies through the night. Each time they passed through the damp clouds, the riders shook off a film of moisture from their cloaks and gloves. Rolling thunder permeated across the horizon as flashes of lightning lit up the heavens.


    Elucard took in a series of deep breaths; the jump laid heavily on his mind. He always fancied himself quite the daredevil, but up to now, wingsuit flying through the air was the most daring spectacle he had performed. Now he would be dropping from the air and deploying his wingsuit moments before he splattered on the ground. Mave¡¯s antics and hobbies were becoming increasingly more and more dangerous to the elf.


    The drakes hovered just above the clouds and twenty-seven thousand feet above the city¡ªleast to say they were very high up. Mave stuffed her midnight blue cavalier hat in her shoulder bag and rose onto her saddle with the agility and reflexes of a cat. She motioned for Elucard to follow suit.


    ¡°No turning back now, Elucard. It¡¯s useless to ask if you are prepared to jump, but I¡¯ll ask anyway,¡± said Mave. She assisted Elucard to steady himself on Maisy¡¯s back.


    Elucard nodded and rotated his arms and pounded his fist into his palm to psych himself up.


    ¡°Ready!" Elucard snarled.


    ¡°Alright, then,¡± said Mave. She pulled out her reflective banner. It glinted faintly enough for Corso, Quinn, and Bruce to see it with each flash of lightning. Mave waved the banner in the air and, one by one, each harekin leaped from their respective drakes and into the void of the night.


    Mave stowed away her signal banner and kicked Elucard off the dragon before jumping herself.


    Elucard twisted and twirled, recovering his control in mid-air. He tucked his arms into his body and tightened his form until he propelled through the sky like a ballista missile.


    The assassin¡¯s cloak flapped and flailed through the wind as Elucard continued to fall. His speed climbed and climbed, closer to his death. He punched through black rain clouds as lightning and thunder stirred all around him. He could smell the burning air with each lightning flash.


    The distinct odor of Elisa¡¯s chemicals brewing together brought him back, distracting him for a moment.


    A crack of lightning and rumbling thunder raised his hair in fear for his life. If the fall wasn¡¯t enough to worry about, being flash fried mid flight through this storm cloud was. All he could do was narrow his eyes and pray to Alanna that his time walking beside her was not tonight.


    Within the haze of clouds, Elucard found himself blinded, but as he breached the other end of the miasma he entered a downfall of pouring rain. His clothes were soaked through and the icy wind pierced his chest and froze his fingers until they were tingling with numbness. Faster he fell as the ground closed in.


    10,000 feet¡­


    9000 feet¡­


    8000 feet¡­


    His impact drove death closer and closer to him, but he couldn¡¯t open his wings yet¡ªnot just yet. He needed to wait.


    7000 feet¡­


    6000 feet¡­


    5000 feet¡­


    His heart pounded so hard that he felt like it would loosen and jump out of his throat.


    4000 feet¡­


    3000 feet¡­


    2000 feet¡­


    He looked on either side of him to grasp his bearings, pleased to see the harekins had made it through the storm in one piece.


    Elucard watched intently as he fell closer and closer towards the roofs and streets of Ghostoc Port. Mave drove past him, as well as Quinn, the other more experienced suicide divers. Elucard paid close attention to their shadowy forms.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    As they broke past the level of buildings, Mave and Quinn opened their arms and caught a gust of wind to safely land on the cobblestones below. Elucard gulped down his fear and, like his companions, spread open his arms and deployed his wingsuit. The webbed wings captured a gale of rushing air and lifted Elucard slightly up as he glided onto the streets below. He rolled forward, slid out his ninjato, and then dashed into an alleyway to join the rest of the devil jumper rabbits.


    Mave hugged a grimy wall and snuck a glance at the battlements above the gate. Three white robed mages patrolled the walkway. Periodically one would drink from his wineskin, while the other two conversed and chuckled. They were distracted; now was the perfect time to strike!


    Elucard crouched low and gestured for the harekins to follow. He would normally speak in silent whispers to his Watchers or Black Rabbits, as it was the language of the clandestine, but the harekins were not raised or trained by an assassin clan. Hand signals and steady movements would have to do.


    Elucard stalked quietly to a group of fish barrels, making sure to hide away from the dim circle of light from a nearby street lantern. Two guards chatted and laughed just on the other side of the barrels. Despite the ever-looming presence of the war and siege, they were not dressed in heavy armor, but a light leather chestpiece and vambraces. Short swords hung at their sides and they leaned on their spears. One took a bite out of a juicy apple and wiped his lips as he continued an old wives tale.


    Elucard clenched his sword and motioned for the harekins to stay low to the ground. He listened to the story through the pattering sounds of the rain pounding on the road. In close intervals, boomed thunder too loud for the guards to hear each other. The pattering of raindrops and the crashing thunder gave Elucard the perfect noise silencer for one opportunity to make his move.


    With the next rumbling of thunder ringing through the city, Elucard leaped over the barrels and with the swift movements of an assassin trained since childhood, impaled the first guard and decapitated the second. The harekins quickly followed Elucard¡¯s cue to drag the bodies into the next alley over, hiding them within a heap of rubbish and rotten vegetables. The rain washed away the rest of the evidence of Elucard¡¯s deeds.


    Now within reach of the gate winch, only a handful of soldiers stood in between the devil jumpers and their goal.


    ¡°If we attack the guards, the mages will be alerted. If we attack the mages, the guards will notice,¡± whispered Mave to Elucard.


    Elucard gestured for Corso to move up to him. ¡°Corso, you are the marksman of our squad, how many mages can you take down if we distracted those Estinian soldiers?¡±


    Corso patted his custom crossbow, designed for faster reloading without sacrificing the power and lethality of a compound bow. The rabbit grunted as he pulled back the string to its proper tension.


    ¡°I can take out up to five targets with relative precision within a minute, given the cover, of course,¡± No-Hops whispered back.


    Elucard nodded in understanding. ¡°Two to spare, I like those odds.¡±


    Corso shouldered his crossbow and scampered up the rain gutter of the closest building. Elucard waited for the archer to find the perfect position where he had a clear view of the three mages, but still hidden enough to not be seen. Corso signaled to the elf when he was ready.


    Elucard glanced at Mave and she nodded back. Together the remaining four darted towards the guards, blades out and ruthlessly engaged.


    Elucard slid across the slick, wet ground aiming low and lopping off his opponent¡¯s leg. The guard screamed and tumbled over the elf as Elucard raised his shoulder to throw him. Elucard quickly made his way to the winch.


    Putting his sword away, he grasped two of the crank handles. Elucard caught a glimpse of the battlements and let out a sigh of relief to see Corso was true to his word. The mages dropped like flies, crying as they stumbled over the walls with well placed bolts to their chests. Elucard looked behind him to find Mave and the rest kept the other guards away from the winch.


    Elucard groaned under the strain of the stiff wheel. He dug his feet into the ground and struggled to push down the cranking handles. Little by little the winch whined and rotated, as the chain slowly pulled the giant, iron clad gate up.


    ¡°I need help!¡± Elucard shouted over the loud rain. His clothes were heavy and soaked through. ¡°Bruce Brawnwood, lend me your strength!¡±


    The bulky rabbit smashed two of the guards¡¯ skulls together and dusted off his hands. He shrugged his shoulders and popped his neck. ¡°One side, elf!¡±


    Elucard moved away, rubbing his blistered palms. Bruce grabbed two of the cranking handles and grunted. The winch squealed as the chains pulled up the gates faster than Elucard¡¯s efforts. Outside the walls echoed the war cries of the Cypress Alliance, but another sound cried through the night as well. A fearsome roar followed by the frightful drums of the New Estinian dragon flight.


    ¡°We have to help them!¡± Mave commanded over the pouring rain.


    Elucard frantically watched as the dragon flight passed over their heads and collided with the bulk of the Cypress SMO. The elf glanced at Bruce and then to the slow raising gate.


    ¡°Finish off those guards and help Bruce!¡± Elucard cried. ¡°Our mission is a bust if we leave without raising those gates!¡±


    With the last guard slain, Mave, Quinn, and Elucard took hold of a cranking handle and together with Bruce¡¯s might, they finished raising the gate.


    Corso sprinted to meet up with the rest and each harekin pulled out their sky-serpent flutes and blew into them with all of their might.


    Screeching through the city swooped in the four drakes, Maisy, Basil, Argyle, and Nigel. Each landed onto the walls patiently waiting for their riders to mount them.


    Mave yanked on her dragon¡¯s reins just as Elucard grasped his saddle strap. Maisy beat her wings, taking off from the wall and immediately a black and red scaled drake slammed her into the ground. The sudden impact drove Maisy across the mud, bowling over a crowd of soldiers.


    Mave anxiously kicked her spurs several times as Maisy dazedly recovered.


    ¡°Come on, Maisy, get up!¡± pleaded Mave. Her pleas were met with relief as Maisy pushed off the ground.


    The red and black drake hovered just above the rabbit and elf. Mave looked up and snarled. She was about to face Baron Wallenstein once again!

 Chapter 22: Chaos at Ghostocs Gates

    Mave soared with intense speeds far above the battlefield. She snaked left and right avoiding near misses of fire breaths and fireballs, the storm poured down on her, hampering her vision. Brief moments of clarity came only with each flash of lightning strikes; other than that, she was flying blind.


    ¡°Do you see him, Elucard?¡± Mave called back to her partner.


    Elucard strained his elven eyes. While his vision was more accustomed to the darkness unlike the harekin, the rain and clouds made it near impossible to see where anything was.


    ¡°No¡ª¡±


    The blaze of a fireball closed in and exploded upon Maisy¡¯s rear. The dragon screeched in anguish and rattled Mave and Elucard.


    Another fire attack struck the serpent once more and sent them into a tailspin. Mave kicked and prodded into Maisy¡¯s side, trying to rouse her dragon awake.


    ¡°Come on, girl, come on!¡± Mave screamed at the top of her lungs as they continued to descend.


    Elucard struggled to keep his grip on the saddle strap as his knuckles turned white. He grunted, then reinforced his hold once more.


    Finally with one last yank of the reins, Maisy came to and swooped up just before she could crash into the city below. Mave took a long sigh of relief and Elucard said a silent prayer to Alanna. They climbed back into the air and on the prowl for Wallenstein.


    A silhouette of a large drake¡ªlarger than any other in the sky, came into view. Mave took no chances on guessing whether it was one of her own.


    Another direct attack on Maisy would finish them off for good. She needed to be unpredictable. Wild. To play this like a Silvertail!


    Maisy shot a long range fireball at the shadowy figure. As the flaming orb came nearer to its target, the familiar red and black scales of Wallenstein¡¯s dragon glowed from the light. The baron only had mere seconds to avoid the attack as he banked to the side and flew downward.


    Mave anticipated the reaction and headed straight towards him. As she closed the gap between the two, she commanded Maisy to let out a stream of flames, and caught the belly of the baron¡¯s dragon. Mave smiled¡ªnot in glee, but in madness! She lifted her reins, raising Maisy¡¯s body into position for a head on collision with Wallenstein.


    Wham! The two drakes collided in mid air, wrestling each other in flight. The impact was so massive and sudden that it stunned Elucard and knocked him off his saddle.


    All Elucard could hear was his breathing and racing heartbeat. The rain swept sky was a blur. The flapping of his clothes faded into the background. He flipped and tumbled as he careened to the ground.


    Elucard¡¯s body remained stiff and his mind clouded. Louder and louder he continued to breathe. Rain drops hammered, relentless against his body as he continued to lose more time to recover.


    Now short breaths.


    Breathe, Elucard, breathe.


    Elucard spread open his wings and strained his body to stop rotating. The wind gushed to his back, rapidly slowing his fall. He twisted his torso just quick enough to see the ground filling his vision.


    ***


    Mave ducked as dragon claws swiped at her small frame. Maisy crunched down into the enemy dragon¡¯s neck as she awkwardly beat her wings. Together the two dragons twisted and tangled up their bodies, flailing in the air, spinning in a wild circle.


    Wallenstein¡¯s dragon spurted streams of fire in a desperate attempt to loosen Maisy¡¯s death grip. It raked its claws across her side and beat its heavy, leather wings, one slapping Maisy, the other just barely keeping it afloat.


    Maisy crushed down harder into its meaty neck, but snorted in agony as the enemy dragon continued to shred into her muscles.


    Mave patted her drake, whispering words of reassurance. ¡°You''re doing good, mate, keep it up. I¡¯ll be back in a jiff!¡±


    With that, Mave unsheathed her saber and recklessly leapt off her saddle and onto the back of the other dragon. She rotated her arms to catch her balance as the two beasts continued to turn, locked in melee. The dragon¡¯s back shifted in a constant swerve, disorienting Mave. Taking one step forward made her wobble. She approached the rider slowly until she was sure she had her bearings before rushing toward the rider¡¯s saddle. With each swing of the dragon¡¯s back Mave nearly toppled across the spine, She braced against the bone spikes that lined the serpent.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Wallenstein turned with his mace to block the advance. He rose from his seat. His size over shadowed Mave; daunting, just like his dragon.


    Mave was not deterred. She moved forward, thrusting her shoulder into Wallenstein¡¯s chest. The Baron threw back his foot and took the attack head on. He caught the harekin and with a single hand pushed her backwards.


    Once again the battleground shifted, throwing Mave off her feet as she rolled down the dragon''s body. She stabbed her sword into its flesh and dragged herself to a stop. Wallenstein walked forward slowly as if not affected by the moving battlefield.


    The baron took a mighty swing, catching Mave across the chin. Blood burst from the rabbit¡¯s mouth as the strike rocked her further back.


    Mave collapsed on the backside of the dragon, sliding down its tail. She shook off her daze and crawled back to her sword. She cracked her jaw and blood gushed from a long gash across her cheek. No time to worry about that now. With a series of grunts, she took a hold of the spikes and climbed up the scaly dragon mountain.


    With a final pull, she made it to her sword and gripped the blood-soaked handle.


    ¡°You big, ugly brute!¡± she spat between labored breaths. ¡°I¡¯ll show you what for!¡± She snatched her sword and carved it across the Estinian¡¯s black armor.


    Ineffective as the attack was, it did take the baron off guard. Mave saw her chance and jumped into the air, kicking Wallenstein in the chest.


    Mave watched as he stumbled backwards. She took a large gulp of air and snatched his arm. With a hard grunt, Mave lifted the overbearing Estinian over her shoulder and off the dragon.


    Wallenstein tousled through the air, bouncing off Maisy and frantically reaching for Elucard¡¯s saddle strap.


    Mave growled, grit her teeth, and leaped wildly down to her saddle. With one strong heave, she drove her blade into the baron¡¯s forehead. Mave kicked off Wallenstein¡¯s lifeless corpse down to the skies below.


    Maisy released her opponent from her jaws of death. Thick blood stretched from the enemy dragon¡¯s throat to Maisy¡¯s fangs. With the last of her might, Maisy kicked the dragon off of her and its lifeless body followed its master to its grave.


    Blood dribbled thin from the rider¡¯s lip. Mave wrapped the leather reins around her hands and collapsed.


    ¡°Take me down, Maisy¡­¡± she managed to mumble before passing out.


    ***


    Wiccer ran in a dead sprint alongside his father. Soldiers flooded around him pushing for the open gates. Archers rained arrows down from the sky, finding their marks on unlucky Cypress warriors. Roots blasted from the mud and splintered against the walls, impaling enemy soldiers by the dozens. Lighting zapped from the sky and electrocuted rows of pikemen as light mages rushed onwards.


    Marcus raised his kite shield and barreled into the line of spears awaiting him. Like clockwork, the rest of his shieldmen followed, pushing, pressing, forcing the enemy back into through the gates.


    ¡°Come on you, grunts! That gate isn¡¯t going to stay open forever!¡± roared Marcus over the sounds of war cries and screaming.


    ¡°Push!¡±


    ¡°Push!¡±


    ¡°Push!!!¡±


    Finally the Cypress Alliance broke through the lines and flowed into the city like a tidal wave.


    Wiccer continued to stick to his father¡¯s side, slicing and stabbing at encroaching enemies. Confusion and clanging of weapons ran deep throughout Wiccer¡¯s head as he tried to stay within the moment. He spun every which way, deflecting, slashing, and slaying men and women left and right.


    ¡°Wiccer!!!¡± Marcus¡¯s voice, charged with pain, erupted through his ears.


    He turned on his heels and ran to his father. Two large wounds spurted blood through Marcus¡¯s white armor, one in the shoulder the other in his side. The redness poured to the ground as Marcus crashed to the mud.


    Wiccer slid to his father¡¯s aid, shocked and afraid for Marcus¡¯s life. He clenched his teeth, rage overcoming his fear. He looked up to find an older man with a long, silver beard, and murder written on his face. He wielded two shortened, elven assassin blades and had made the peculiar choice to enter the battle barefoot.


    ¡°Dost thou wish for the earth to drink thy blood next, ye wretched cur?¡± he said. His accent was ancient and difficult to understand. He was most definitely not from New Estinia or its motherland.


    Wiccer gnashed his teeth and roared, ¡°I¡¯ll kill you!¡±


    ¡°Thou shalt try,¡± chuckled the mercenary.


    Wiccer whipped his blade savagely, putting on a heavy offensive front. However, each slash was met with a parry. The mercenary dodged, side stepped, and spun around on Wiccer¡¯s back with grace and ease. He kicked Wiccer in the rear, laughing as he did.


    "Thy arm is feeble, and thou dost fight as a child," he said. Not as a taunt, but as a matter of observation. "Come, ye insect, so I may crush thee, for thy gods have abandoned thee."


    Wiccer growled and snorted. He closed his eyes. I must calm down. I must channel my anger into my techniques. Elucard trained me better than this!


    Wiccer snapped open his eyes and lunged at his opponent. With each new attack, the mercenary continued to parry with his dual blades. It was a defense that Wiccer had never dealt with before.


    I need to disarm one of his swords and make this fight even!


    Wiccer reached for his belt and took out a parrying dagger. He provoked the mercenary with another swing. Blocked! Wiccer¡¯s enemy struck back. With a flick of his wrist, Wiccer deflected the attack, and hacked off the enemy''s hand.


    The strange warrior screamed in agony as blood sprayed across the ground. He snarled and answered back with a sweep to Wiccer¡¯s legs.


    Wiccer tripped to the ground and rolled onto his back. His eyes widened as an assassin blade rushed to his chest.


    Suddenly, without warning or sound, a pair of swords drove through his opponent¡¯s back. The mercenary gagged and cried out, but was quickly silenced as a large sword sent his head flying to the side.


    ¡°Can¡¯t handle your own fights, eh, whelp?¡± Malady sheathed his swords and offered his hand to Wiccer. ¡°On your feet, Major.¡±


    Legion cradled Marcus in his arms, applying pressure to one of his wounds. ¡°Wiccer!¡± he called out. ¡°He¡¯s still alive, but needs urgent medical attention!¡±


    Malady tore two strands from Legion¡¯s cloak and dressed Marcus¡¯s wounds the best he could. ¡°Then what are we waiting for? Let¡¯s go!¡±

 Chapter 23: Recovery

    Angels swirl around me, waiting for my last breath


    Eyes soulless and black, wings white like ash


    I fear many things, but today I just fear Death


    Elucard¡¯s vision blurred as he opened his eyes. The world around him moved sluggishly and sounds echoed for an eternity. A black furred harekin knelt beside him firing a lilac colored bow. She looked at Elucard and took hold of his collar. Elucard watched as the battlefield grew further and further away until all grew dim, then black.


    ***


    ¡°He¡¯s a captain, looks like SMO, but he¡¯s an elf.¡±


    ¡°Probably fell from the sky. I see his flag is Long Whisper, probably attached to Silvertail¡¯s unit.¡±


    ¡°I found him pretty banged up¡­ is he dead?¡±


    ¡°No¡ªwait he¡¯s waking up!¡±


    Elucard¡¯s eyes slowly opened once more and found himself in a tent. Humans dressed in medical uniforms walked in between soldiers swathed in bloodied bandages. The smell of charred flesh filled his nose forcing him to roll on his side and gag.


    A medic placed his hand on Elucard¡¯s side and spit out a rapid series of questions. ¡°Captain, do you know where you are? Do you know your name? Do you remember your unit?¡±


    Elucard heaved up a wad of mucus and blood before rolling onto his back again. He struggled to sit up. His back was stiff and his head pounded. His entire body ached. He looked around at the faces waiting for his answer. One was a human medic with a square face and a rugged jawline. The other was the harekin he saw before. Her fur was all black except for the white tufts about her face, which resembled a skull.


    He stared blankly for a moment or two, trying to remember the information the medic sought from him. His memory was foggy. Bits and pieces of Mave and Baron Wallenstein floated in his mind, small like a dot. Others bounced around. Lightning, rain, falling. Falling. Falling.


    The pieces grew bigger in size, interlocking together and the puzzle soon became a full picture. He was knocked from his drake and fell to the ground. He didn¡¯t remember how he survived, but he did know where he was, and most importantly, who he was.


    ¡°Captain Elucard Freewind, 1st Anti-Rogue Ops division,¡± he answered. ¡°I¡¯m in New Estinia¡ªon the shores of Ghostoc Port¡­¡± he continued with a hoarse voice. His throat felt ragged and weak. He reached for a tin cup of cool water, pouring it down his burning throat. It quenched his thirst, but did not cure him of his other ailments.


    ¡°Excellent!¡± exclaimed the medic. ¡°Other than a few scrapes and bruises, no injury seems serious. You are a very lucky elf, Captain.¡±


    The harekin sighed with relief. ¡°You escaped the Hands of Alanna tonight, but be sure as a wine wets your whistle that they¡¯ll keep their eyes on you!¡±


    Elucard groaned as his side sent a sharp pain down his leg. ¡°What¡¯s your name, rabbit?¡±


    The harekin shot to attention and gave Elucard a smart salute. ¡°Corporal Oleanader Tardrane, 3rd Company of Bows, 10th Regiment of Foot. I¡¯m with the Southtail army, sah!¡± she said.


    Elucard winced as he returned the salute. ¡°Well Corporal, thanks for saving my life.¡±


    ¡°Merely doing my duty, sah. I was just passing through,¡± Oleander said with a humble nod.


    The nuance that Oleander was a black rabbit was not lost on Elucard. The elf hid a small smile and chuckled to himself at what must have been a small cosmic gag set up by Alanna herself. He gingerly laid back down, minding any unseen cuts or bruises, and closed his eyes for some much needed rest.


    ***


    Mave Silvertail rested at the beach camp next to the warm bonfire as troops celebrated over the successful sacking of Ghostoc Port. Essie knelt next to her, examining the harekin¡¯s swollen face. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    ¡°Surprisingly, nothing¡¯s broken,¡± Essie said as she took out a small needle and a spool of thread from her medicine bag. ¡°But you¡¯ll need some stitches for your cheek.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a Silvertail, we¡¯re more durable than we look.¡± Mave winced with each word she spit out. ¡°Any word on Elucard?¡±


    ¡°I saw him in the medical tent as I was fetching some supplies. He¡¯ll be fine, just a little bruised up,¡± said Essie. ¡°It''s not like another scar or two will bother him.¡±


    ¡°I suppose he¡¯s a lot tougher than he looks too?¡± Mave flinched as the alcohol-dipped needle poked her flesh. ¡°Ow! Slowly there, love.¡±


    Essie rolled her eyes.


    ¡°So why don¡¯t you tell me a bit about our brooding elf? Has Elucard always been so moody?¡± asked Mave.


    Essie huffed, but answered the question all the same. ¡°As long as I¡¯ve known Elucard, he¡¯s carried a lot of baggage on his shoulders. He never talks about his days as a Black Rabbit¡ª¡±


    ¡°The assassin guild, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the Long Whisper based assassin clan,¡± clarified Essie. ¡°A notorious band of mercenaries who had a bone to pick with our fearless leader.¡±


    Mave paused, biting her lip as the thread sewed her long gash shut. ¡°You don¡¯t like him, do you?¡±


    ¡°He is highly trained and a good teacher. It was very appealing at first, and dare I say¡­ fun?¡± Essie lowered her head, giving up a long berth of silence. ¡°But the longer you are with him, the more the cracks begin to show. He¡¯s a broken man. His darkness runs deep. He can¡¯t be trusted to do the right thing.¡±


    ¡°As long as he finishes the mission, I can work with broken,¡± said Mave.


    ¡°It¡¯s all about the mission with him. It¡¯s his Black Rabbit nature, I think. He¡¯ll burn down anything and anyone in order to complete his mission. Even his friendships.¡±


    ¡°An assassin has no friends, it¡¯s what keeps them ruthless enough to take a life without remorse.¡± Mave grew quiet. She could feel the conversation turn heavy.


    ¡°No. No I suppose they don¡¯t. Elucard certainly cares for no one¡­¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Mave searched for a way to lighten the mood. ¡°Well, how about we grab some grub and find the rest of the crew?¡±


    Essie cut the excess thread with a pair of scissors. ¡°I suppose I could stomach another day of stew.¡±


    ¡°Oh-ho, love! Can''t be blue about me crew when there''s a pot of bean stew, eh wot? Stew''s what''s for breakfast, and stew''s what''s for dinner!


    Give a man something less, and he''ll get a lot slimmer!!¡± Mave danced around the sulking Essie as they made their way to the soup line.


    ¡°Always the cheery one, eh, Mave?¡± asked Essie.


    ¡°Someone has to be!¡± laughed Mave. Happy the mood had shifted. ¡°I bet Quinn saved us a spot in line! Come on, let¡¯s go!¡±


    ***


    As dawn broke the horizon, Marcus laid barely conscious in a yawl. Wrapped tightly in wool blankets, he reached out for Wiccer.


    Wiccer bowed his head, Dallin stood above him with his hands placed on Wiccer¡¯s shoulders for comfort. Greyblade rested on his battle ax off to the side.


    Wiccer grasped his father¡¯s hand. Memories of Avern welled in his mind. ¡°Father, you will be okay. We¡¯re sending you back to Varis to heal, and then you can come back and lead our men to victory.¡±


    Marcus hacked and coughed. He groaned and winced from his aching wounds. ¡°Yes, I will be okay. Do not worry for me, but I will not return to lead these men.¡±


    Wiccer tightened his grip and searched Marcus¡¯s eyes for an explanation. ¡°Why? What are you saying, Father?¡±


    ¡°You¡­ will lead¡­ them, Wiccer.¡±


    ¡°No, I am not ready for this! The men deserve a veteran leader! I beg of you Father, you can''t just hand the lives of our soldiers to me like this!¡± Wiccer begged. Not yet ready to be a leader of this caliber.


    Marcus struggled as he brought his other hand to cover Wiccer¡¯s. ¡°We both know you¡­ are ready, my son.¡± Marcus turned to the two kings. ¡°See to it my son learns¡­ a thing or two¡­ from the both of you.¡±


    Dallin nodded in understanding. ¡°Your son will make a fine general.¡±


    Greyblade slapped Wiccer¡¯s back. ¡°I shall see to it that Wiccer earns us a victory!¡±


    Marcus turned back to his son. ¡°You have what you need¡­ to be the true leader¡­ that I know you are. Apply it, Wiccer. Apply your cunning¡­ wit¡­ and experience. Never second guess yourself. Don¡¯t back down¡­ from a challenge. I believe in you¡­ my son.¡±


    Wiccer nodded his head, but the news clouded his mind. He had led ARO and his company, but even as a major, how could he replace his father?


    The legendary Marcus. Hero of the Serpent Seas and War of Chains. How could he step into boots of that magnitude?


    Father believes in me. Avren did too. It is time I believe in myself, he said to himself.


    The sailors pushed off and paddled the yawl back to the Sea Sprinter. Wiccer stood on the shore. The low tide waves splashed against his boots and the misty air left a film of dew on his skin. Wiccer knew what he had to do. His father was right, he had the tools of a general at his disposal and he had the skill and experience to apply them.


    Wiccer swelled his chest and saluted his father. I¡¯ll make you proud.

 Chapter 24: Going Behind Enemy Lines

    Elucard inspected the large New Estinian land map carefully. He scanned the proposed route that his new mission would bring him, studying the various biomes and ¡®X¡¯s¡¯ that marked villages, and the large red ¡®X¡¯ that indicated the location of Aric City. He turned to Wiccer who he learned now commanded the war effort as a whole, as well as his own unit.


    Within the large tent, Elucard noted King Dallin of Varis, King Greyblade of Southtail, and Mave Silvertail. Wiccer continued his briefing.


    ¡°Your mission is straightforward, but dangerous. You will need to secure the path to Aric City ahead of our forces. You will be expected to neutralize any possible threats and weaken points of interest for us to capture,¡± explained Wiccer. He pointed to an area with small lakes and trees. ¡°First, you are to explore the wetlands known as the Blood Bog.¡±


    ¡°Wetland, Major?¡± questioned Elucard.


    ¡°A large area of marshes and swamps. Generally difficult terrain to navigate,¡± said Wiccer.


    ¡°We''ll take to the trees.¡±


    Mave nudged Elucard. ¡°Afraid to get your feet wet?¡±


    ¡°It would be wise to follow Elucard¡¯s lead, Captain. Avoid the water at all costs. We don¡¯t want you to be devoured by an alligator,¡± warned Wiccer.


    Mave raised an eyebrow in curiosity. ¡°Alligators?¡±


    ¡°Large reptiles with sharp rows of teeth and powerful jaws that can snap a harekin or an elf in half without a thought. They roam the rivers of the swamps lurking in the murky waters for a chance to strike. Even in knee deep water they can be troublesome,¡± answered Wiccer.


    Elucard folded his arms and nodded. ¡°What other threats can we expect in these wetlands?¡±


    ¡°Venomous snakes, and orcs. Word on the wind says they are aligned with Tashna. Which is why we want you in Blood Bog in the first place.¡±


    Elucard stroked his chin recalling his history lessons with his master, Legion. ¡°Ah yes, orcs. Like their cousins the dwarves, they were descended from the giants of old, who walked amongst the draconians before the first elf.¡±


    ¡°Stone-smashing barbarians, the lot of them. We dealt with them in Southtail in the early days. Right chief?¡± Mave asked her king. Greyblade nodded in agreement.


    ¡°In any case, can they be bartered with? Coin for safe passage?¡± asked Elucard.


    ¡°We do not know, but if the opportunity arises, then take your chance. We do not want a war with the orcs as well.¡± Wiccer pointed to the prominent red ¡®X¡¯. ¡°And when you reach Aric City, do as you must to rescue the king. If we can end this little adventure without sacrificing thousands more Cypress lives, we will.¡±


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    Elucard stole a glance from Mave. They both nodded.


    ¡°Gather your needed supplies, you are to leave at once.¡±


    ***


    Wiccer knelt on the beaches of Ghostoc Port. It had been three days since the capturing of the city. With any civilian rebellions quelled and his soldiers having a well deserved rest, tomorrow would begin the march to Aric City.


    The horizon of another dawn painted the skies with fire. It was the beauty of nature he cherished most in times of war. For with every life that was taken and blood that was spilt. Beauty always brought him serenity.


    He picked up a clump of sand and jostled it slowly in his hand, allowing the grains to slip out between his fingers like the slowly trickling sands of an hourglass. Time. He did not know how much he had left before Tashna would grow impatient with Koda and execute the elf. For now he needed to take it slow. Slow enough to move an entire army through unknown land with as few casualties as possible. It was one thing to command a company or a unit, but to take the reins of every living soul that trekked across the ocean? This was another responsibility entirely and he was not ready for it.


    Wiccer sat down. He watched as a hermit crab scuttled across the beach to find home in a new shell. He removed his boots and aired out his toes. He needed to relax and enjoy the one moment of peace he would have for this entire campaign.


    ¡°May I join you?¡± a voice came from behind Wiccer.


    Wiccer twisted around to find Legion standing behind him. He nodded and the red eyed elf drove his sword into the ground so hard that Wiccer was sure he heard it grunt in pain.


    The assassin plopped down beside the White Cloak. He had a red and yellow apple in his hand and pulled out a small dagger from a sheath attached to his arm, giving it an absent-minded twirl before slicing into the apple. He carved a thin slice and offered it to Wiccer.


    Wiccer raised his hand. ¡°No, I¡¯m not hungry.¡±


    Legion narrowed his eyes and murmured a hrm before eating the piece.


    ¡°Elucard is leaving for a dangerous mission soon, perhaps you should say your goodbyes,¡± suggested Wiccer.


    ¡°Elucard has been raised since he was ten to deal with missions of the deadliest of natures. I am not concerned for him.¡± Legion chewed on another apple slice. ¡°You on the other hand¡­¡±


    ¡°I am not in any danger out here, you may go re¡ª¡±


    ¡°Elucard assigned me to watch over you,¡± said Legion. His voice was gruff and more stern than Wiccer¡¯s own father. He found it strangely comforting.


    ¡°Fine, but as you can see¡­¡± Wiccer swept his hand across the beach showcasing the amount of danger that they were in. ¡°Behold: the enemy.¡±


    Legion ignored Wiccer¡¯s attempts to be sarcastic. ¡°You needn''t be afraid.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not¡ª¡±


    Legion cut off his commanding officer. ¡°You have just been handed the fates and lives of every single man and woman on this beach.¡±


    ¡°I¡ª¡± Wiccer paused. Once again the weight of his newly appointed responsibilities reared its ugly head and began to crush him like his boot upon a snail. ¡°I¡ª¡±


    ¡°I may be a fool at times, believing in the rhetoric of the Black Rabbits for so long. But know that I have witnessed true leadership in my time with them.¡± he rested his hand on Wiccer¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You, Wiccer, are a true leader.¡±


    ¡°You barely know me,¡± spoke Wiccer under his breath.


    ¡°Elucard speaks highly of you. As do the other Red Rabbits.¡±


    Wiccer raised a brow in doubt. ¡°Elucard speaks highly of me?¡±


    ¡°He does.¡± Legion offered his last apple slice to Wiccer.


    Wiccer gently took the apple and pawed at it. ¡°We no longer see eye to eye, Elucard and myself. I am surprised he still mentions me.¡±


    Legion let out a heavy sigh. ¡°Elucard¡¯s history with friendship is a tainted one. Decrepit, crooked, and gnarled. Anyone he gets close to turns to ash¡­¡± Legion lowered his head and gripped Wiccer¡¯s shoulder tighter. ¡°That is my fault.¡±


    Wiccer shook his head. ¡°Elucard is his own man now, you shouldn¡¯t take the blame for his mistakes.¡±


    Legion rose to his feet and retrieved his claymore. ¡°I am his father, Elucard¡¯s mistakes are also my own.¡±


    Wiccer nodded in respect more than understanding. He watched as Legion hiked back to the encampment, then looked back down at the apple slice. He smirked and ate it.

 Chapter 25: Lessons From the DivRah

    What little Magi that Koda could part with was channeled into the dampening collar that was still latched around his neck. With each ounce of magic, the collar slowly showed more signs of new flaws and fractures.


    Koda grit his teeth, struggling with each pulse of magi that streamed through his fingers. The reservoir deep within his body was running dry, but he continued to persevere through the stress and strain that the collar put him through. He knew the Magi acted as a more potent, wild form of magic, more than the collar could truly bear. However he also knew using the Magi had its own consequences; according to his grandfather it weakened one¡¯s mind, made one more susceptible to the darkness within.


    Did all Arcane Guardians have such darkness? Was that what drove the first Guardians to ravage the first Sphere of Magi, to forge it into that of the mage¡¯s magic the world knew today?


    How could something so pure and vital to the realms and its life essence be so dangerous? It was true, his overuse of it in the past led to unimaginable devastation, but it did end the Varis war, saving the countless lives of the Cypress Alliance.


    No, his grandfather was wrong, one couldn¡¯t get addicted to a good thing, and the Magi was a force for good. Using as much as possible to break free from this collar could never lead to something wrong. If his mind grew weak¡ªif he could not discern from right and wrong, if he couldn¡¯t decipher manipulation or true darkness, then that wasn¡¯t the Magi. What it was, was the mental torture that Tashna and his imprisonment put him through. He was safe to use the Magi, he was stronger than its so-called consequence.


    What about now, girl? Can you hear my thoughts?


    Wildeye lifted her large, purple colored paw onto his lap and looked with yearning into the elf¡¯s eyes. ¡°More¡ªwe¡ªneed¡ª¡±


    ¡°More magic, yes, I agree,¡± Koda finished Wildeye¡¯s sentence. With a deep breath, he growled and flooded the collar with the last bit of Magi he could muster.


    Crack! The dampening collar splintered once more. Koda laughed through labored breaths. Yes, I believe that will do.


    ¡°Koda, you¡¯ve done it. I am able to speak freely!¡± Wildeye wagged her tail and leaped on top of her familiar, lapping his face with her slobbery tongue.


    ¡°Okay, okay!¡± he chuckled and scruffled her heavy coat. ¡°It¡¯s good to hear from you again, Wildeye. I missed your voice.¡±


    Wildeye pushed her muzzle against the collar. ¡°It is still whole.¡±


    Koda brushed his fingers over the now ridged and cracked surface of the golden collar. ¡°Yes, but not for much longer. I must rest for another day or so and then I am sure we can split it apart.¡±


    ¡°And then we will make our escape!¡±


    Koda embraced his colorful wolf. She was soft and warm to the touch. He would be lost without her presence. ¡°I hope so, my friend.¡±


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    Footsteps beyond the door alerted the two that either it was time for another gloating session with Tashna or perhaps someone else came to see the royal prisoner.


    The door swung open and a servant appeared. Folded within his arms was a freshly laundered change of clothes. The intricate geometric patterns were typical of the Estinian nobility, complete with dark dyes of blacks, purples, and blues. The occasional red accented the robes on the trim. Koda eagerly grabbed the bundle, desperate to change out of what had once been his fine royal raiments, now reduced to tattered, crusty rags that smelled like a disregarded corner of a stable after his month-long captivity. No amount of bathing that he was allowed could get rid of the sour stench.


    ¡°Her majesty, the Div¡¯Rah, demands that you join her for breakfast. Cleanse yourself and dress in your new clothing,¡± said the servant with his nose pinched and turned upward


    Koda nodded and smirked to Wildeye. Wish me luck.


    ***


    Once more an elaborate feast of simmering eggs, fresh Estinian fruit, spicy sausages, honey drizzled porridge, and seasoned potatoes were displayed across the banquet table. Koda¡¯s stomach growled and he couldn¡¯t help but drool.


    Tashna smiled and bowed. ¡°Take your seat, dear king. There is exciting news to relay to you. Vhat better way to tell you than over a meal?¡±


    Koda cautiously hid his optimism. Surely his army had made landfall by now and Tashna was just playing mind games with him. He studied her body language and examined each fluctuation of her facial expression, trying to determine what she was really trying to tell him.


    Koda did his best to use his table manners, but he could not hide his true hunger for very long. He couldn¡¯t help himself as he quickly scarfed down every morsel of food that was on his plate.


    Tashna chuckled. ¡°Vell now, Koda. It vould seem the veracity of your people vas stronger than mine.¡±


    Koda slowed down his chewing and shot a curious look to his captor.


    ¡°Yes, your varriors claimed a victory at Ghostoc Port. Congratulations are in order.¡± She gave a mocking smile and clapped her hands sarcastically. ¡°My father has advised me to let you go. To end this var before even more blood has been shed.¡±


    Koda swallowed his food in a hearty gulp. ¡°If you free me now, Tashna, I will see to it you are not punished.¡±


    ¡°How fair and merciful of you, Koda.¡±


    ¡°Then you will release me?¡±


    Tashna slammed her fist onto the table so hard Koda¡¯s wine sloshed over its brim. ¡°No, I vill not release you!¡± She bared her teeth and hissed,


    ¡°Have you learned nothing from me? Do not show veakness to your people nor mercy to your enemies! Your bleeding heart vill be the end of your short reign, Koda!¡±


    Koda huffed and rose from his chair. ¡°What game are you playing Tashna? You have shown me nothing but true hospitality. It would be the right thing if I were to show the same grace to you by calling off my armies if you allowed me back into the hands of my countrymen.¡±


    Tashna let out a long sigh. ¡°Do not tempt me, Koda. I have shown you this level of kindness as a favor, but I vould throw you to the volves if I had my vay. My varden would take delight in having his prisoner back.¡±


    Koda continued to examine her expressions and it frightened him that she spoke the truth.


    ¡°Pray that I do not get my vay,¡± sneered Tashna. ¡°The var continues, Koda, and your armies vill quickly find that New Estina can be a hostile place to journey through. The situation is getting desperate. If your men vin too many victories and the palace is vithin reach, I''m afraid ve shall have to end our cordial relationship. I may have to sacrifice you to my god in the hope that he vill grant me favor, and the Raven-God looks poorly upon a malnourished sacrifice."


    Would Tashna really execute him if his army pushed their way to the Aric City gates? Could this be a fate that only she looked forward to? If so his days were on a countdown to his final sunset, and even if his army found victory in their advance, Tashna would grow desperate enough to murder him.


    A gruesome beheading or perhaps a neck-snapping hanging was now in his cards, and the only card to play would be his daring escape.


    He brushed his fingers against his dampening collar. He needed to eat what food she granted him and to conserve his energy; breaking from his bonds would not be a simple accomplishment, but it was doable. Let Tashna play her games, his Magi was stronger. It would protect him and destroy her plans to imprison him further. Nothing would stop him from freeing himself and burning this city to ashes. The Magi made this all possible and she did not possess it, only he had it, and only he could wield a power not deserving of an Estinian.


    ¡®Poison my mind.¡¯ No, the Magi shall free my mind. Wait and see Tashna, wait and see.


    The Div¡¯Rah picked up a sausage and tossed it to Koda¡¯s plate. ¡°Eat, little king. Enjoy each succulent bite, for one day soon I shall kill you.¡±


    You may try.

 Chapter 26: Hidden Knowledge

    ¡°Your silly legends led us to a dead end, Sable,¡± chided Calsoon. He stood at the top of a cliff edge. Unlike the others that he had found along the New Estinian shore, this one was not jagged and mangled with crags, roots, and rocks, but a polished stone, glossy like a well-built library or mage school. Reaching over the edge he rubbed his hand against the smooth, glass-like stone. Warm to the touch as if baking in the sun all day.


    Calsoon looked to the sky. Overcast, like every other day he spent searching for the seal. How odd.


    ¡°Hold your tongue, demon, and you might learn something.¡± Sable held a large leather-bound tome in her arms. The pages were old and could crumble to powder if she was not delicate. The ancient script in the book was written in a mixture of common and angelic tongue. Under her arm she held a scrolled map of Mervious, the land that had become New Estinia.


    Sable moved her finger along the lines of the words, reading out loud.


    ¡°To the west of Sik J¡¯Dio Sahde Alanoon stood the largest library constructed by either man or angel. A tower of knowledge that housed vast secrets and histories of the universe to be shared with anyone with eyes to see and minds to understand.


    ¡°The angels named it ¡®Sel Rosh Rueh¡¯. Which translates to¡®Our House of Wisdom¡¯ in the common tongue.


    ¡°It was a fitting name, so we all agreed upon it.¡±


    Calsoon rolled his eyes. ¡°If you know where Sik-something or other is, why do you need to seek the library?¡±


    Sable looked up from her page. Her face retched in annoyance. ¡°I have a map to tell me where the library is, but I haven¡¯t the slightest idea where the underground city of Sik J¡¯Dio Sahde Alanoon is.¡±


    Calsoon threw up his hands. ¡°There is nothing but ocean out there! I see no library!¡±


    ¡°Patience, dear Calsoon. The demons are in the details. Allow me to read on?¡±


    Calsoon frowned but nodded. His spaded tail swooshed about as he moaned for Sable to just get to the point.


    ¡°Sel Rosh Rueh stood as a pinnacle of innovation and progression for decades, until they brought their war to Mervious. It had been foretold, and we knew of its coming, but alas, we were caught unaware when sword and strife were brought down upon us.


    ¡°The demons and angels fought, their power beyond that of the common man or elf. Finally, the ¡®wielder¡¯ arrived with his five heralds by his side. This was the day we had dreaded the most. For none had ever survived in the wake of the ¡®Thell Yol¡¯Roth O¡¯blivis¡ª¡±


    ¡°In common?¡± Calsoon interrupted with agitation in his voice.


    ¡°You should really learn your enemy¡¯s tongue,¡± she sighed. ¡°It would literally translate to ¡®Weapon of the Sky Destroyer¡¯, but I think you of all people would know what man called it.¡± Sable gave Calsoon a coy smile.


    Calsoon¡¯s mouth dropped open, his eyes wide with a mixture of wonderment and fear. ¡°By Thorton¡¯s spear, The Skyripple!¡±


    ¡°Yes, quite literally, ¡®Thorton¡¯s Spear¡¯,¡± said Sable. She continued to read.


    ¡°With one thrust of his lance, Thorton wiped out an entire legion of demons, but likewise swept away the armies of men, elves, and angels. Our library, too, was razed in the wake of this mighty weapon. For the ground itself severed from the mainland and collapsed into the ocean. Forever, all who perished on that day will rest underneath the sea.¡±


    Calsoon crouched down to examine the Skyripple¡¯s handywork. This was where the lance tip struck the ground, the rock around it melted instantly and turned to glass. The stone never grew cold over time, the power of the Skyripple was that great.


    Sable closed her book and shoved it into her haversack. ¡°We now know that the library is under the ocean. Can your shadow magic bring us into the structure?¡±


    ¡°Is it imperative that we risk death by drowning to find this city?¡±


    Sable folded her arms. ¡°Would you rather tell our master we were unable to find the city because you were afraid to drown?¡±


    Calsoon slapped his hands together and rubbed them vigorously. ¡°Time for a swim!¡±


    ***


    From a cloud of shadows, Sable and Calsoon apparated down in the sunless depths. Water rushed through Sable¡¯s nose and began to suffocate her lungs. She let out a muffled scream as precious air bubbles escaped her mouth. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    With desperate movement she scryed a white shimmering rune over her palm. The light illuminated her bleak surroundings and instantly formed a sphere of oxygen around her. The magic pushed away the water and once again Sable could breath. She frantically searched for her servant, finding him thrashing below her. She extended her magical bubble and pulled him to safety.


    ¡°You idiot!¡± she blurted out. ¡°Your blunder nearly killed us!¡±


    Calsoon heaved and huffed, sucking in the enchanted air. ¡°Forgive¡ªme¡ªSable,¡± he struggled to speak any words at this point. Even demons could not breathe water. ¡°I¡ªI didn¡¯t¡ªknow¡ª¡±


    ¡°Take some time to breathe, Calsoon. I need your wits and shadow control to find the library. Concentrate. Locate the library in your mind, do as Master Wrasyln taught you.¡±


    Calsoon clasped his hands and closed his eyes. He slowed down his racing heart and calmed his mind.


    ¡°Feel for each surface of shadow. Sense what it touches. The sea, its floor, its creatures, coral, rock formations. What else do you sense?¡±


    Calsoon strained his muscles, reaching further and further, as far as his power could take him. He was not Wraslyn, but the vampire trained him well¡ªwell enough to¡­ locate¡­ the¡­ library!


    ¡°I found it!¡± he shouted in joy.


    Sable took a hold of Calsoon¡¯s hand. ¡°Good, now bring us to it.¡±


    ***


    Sable scanned the rubble of the once glorious Sel Rosh Rueh. However, time had not been kind to the library, nor had the sea. Collapsed pillars and walls were piled on top of one another and water cascaded through the many ceilings. Books and bones lay strewn about the ground. Caved in roofs and large boulders created walkways to the other floors. The walls were a testament to its craftsmanship, as they held up under the crushing weight of the sea.


    ¡°I doubt we could ask a librarian where we could find books about Sick Jadey,¡± said Calsoon as he stepped down on a brittle skull.


    ¡°Sik J¡¯Dio Sahde Alanoon,¡± corrected Sable. She grunted as she struggled to lift a fallen bookshelf. ¡°Come here, Calsoon. I have an idea.¡±


    Calsoon cocked his head in curiosity and stepped before Wraslyn¡¯s runecarver. He watched as she rubbed her index finger on his forehead. An aquamarine light in the form of a strange rune appeared where she touched him.


    ¡°Do not touch me with holy magic, we Skyfallen should keep far away from the enchantments of the angels,¡± warned Calsoon. His voice was only slightly high pitched with weariness.


    ¡°Worry not, my horn-headed friend. I am using good old fashioned water magic to write a seeking rune on you. You¡¯ll be able to see the entire room in this library, provided you are near water.¡±


    Calsoon¡¯s amber eyes filled with blue light and as he swiveled his head a trail of mist followed. The demon laughed and danced around playfully.


    ¡°It¡¯s like I have the eyes of a fly!¡± he giggled.


    ¡°What do you see, Calsoon?¡±


    Calsoon leaped onto a boulder and spun around on his toes. ¡°My vision has been split into many honeycombs of sight! With each pocket I can see every angle of this library and the more I move the more I can see! It¡¯s fascinating!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t spend a year studying in Jhoone without learning a few new runes.¡±


    Calsoon chuckled. ¡°So does Wraslyn have sight with all shadows?¡±


    ¡°Enough games, Calsoon, focus!¡± Sable quickly shifted the subject back to their search.


    ¡°Right, what am I looking for?¡± asked Calsoon.


    Sable took out a parchment and a stick of charcoal and wrote ¡®Sik J¡¯Dio Sahde Alanoon¡¯ onto it. ¡°This is how you spell the city¡¯s name. Find anything with that word on the title of a scroll or book. Shadowstep to it and retrieve it for me.¡±


    Calsoon nodded and left Sable alone as he searched.


    ***


    Calsoon tossed aside books and parchments with little care for their rarity and age, searching for anything that had the same words of what Sable wrote to him. He eventually came to a set of scrolls. He unraveled them and scanned the letters until he came across the underground city¡¯s name.


    Finally, he sighed.


    He stowed the scrolls in his backpack. From the corner of his thirty-seventh vision he saw a glass case with a peculiar scroll inside. He moved aside a stack of books and damp papers until he found the case. Smashing it open with the butt of a dagger he delicately pulled out the scroll, not to tear it a shard of the broken glass. The paper was black and the words were written in dried blood. Something from this library he had yet to see.


    Interesting.


    The title of the scroll read ¡®Sik Odek Dalm¡¯na¡¯.


    He looked tilted his head and hid it in his vestments. Then he made his way back to Sable.


    ***


    Two hours and forty-five minutes passed until Calsoon brought Sable three leather scroll slip cases. Each had a crescent circle with the pattern of flames hovering above the crescent¡¯s edge embroidered at the top of each case.


    Sable opened one slip case and read the first line to confirm that it was a scroll relating to Sik J¡¯Dio Sahde Alanoon. She inspected the heraldry of the symbol once more.


    ¡°These look vaguely like the Dawnedge seal.¡± She scanned through the words of the first scroll and scoffed. ¡°This is written in ancient elven and angelic.¡±


    ¡°Can you read ancient elven?¡± asked Calsoon.


    Sable scoffed once more. ¡°The others are also written with angelic and ancient elven as well!¡±


    ¡°Well, what do they say?¡±


    Sable gently placed each scroll back into their cases. ¡°I know very little about the ancient elven, for there aren¡¯t many teachers left in the world that could teach it.¡±


    ¡°You know angelic,¡± said Calsoon.


    ¡°Salrothian has scholars that will teach to those that have the patience to learn, but ancient elven¡­ those teachers are far rarer. What we need is someone that can read both languages.¡±


    Calsoon cocked his brow and grinned. He opened a shadow portal for them.


    ¡°I supposed it is time to pay a visit to our young Mage King,¡± Sable said as she walked through the portal.

 Chapter 27: Swamp Troubles

    The trees shook as the SMO harekins struggled to keep up with the more agile and nimble ARO members. With each jump, Bruce fell to his chest, clawing and scratching the thick maple branches as he struggled to keep himself from falling. Kzyo stayed behind the pack to assist Bruce.


    ¡°Lad, I don¡¯t need your help,¡± Bruce Brawnwood grunted. With another leap he sailed through the air to the next tree, but fell short of his target branch, tumbling down to the next branch below.


    Kyzo landed gracefully on the bough above him and snickered. ¡°From where I¡¯m standing, you could use all the help you could get!¡±


    The harekin ignored the boy¡¯s taunting.


    Further up ahead, Elucard and the rest of the squad made their way through the swamp. The murky water swallowed any signs of a road to follow. Elucard planted his hand on the next branch and swung below. Low enough to get his bearings, but high enough to be out of danger from any unseen threats. He yanked out a map tucked under his leather armor. Mave landed with a thud just above him and climbed down.


    Elucard unfolded the map and looked around for any landmarks. ¡°See any weird looking trunks, Mave? There should be one that resembles a stag around here somewhere.¡±


    Mave slid further down so that the canopy did not obstruct her view. She narrowed her rabbit eyes and inspected the fallen trees and large lily pads until she saw a gnarled willow stump. It didn¡¯t exactly look like an elk, but it was split down the middle and the wood was charred and singed. Each side of the trunk twisted and contorted, reaching high. It looked just like antlers!


    ¡°There, Elucard, see it?¡± Mave pointed to the tree trunk that she found.


    Elucard squinted his eyes and searched where she pointed. Far across from the tree they were in, he saw the stag-like landmark. He followed his finger from the start of their journey to a sketch of the trunk, and then followed further up ahead. The route took them northeast.


    ¡°This way,¡± said Elucard. He balanced himself on the thickest branch he could find in the tree and sprinted down. With a mighty leap off he took off into the air. Had he needed the extra distance, he could have easily opened his wings, but Elucard had cut his teeth in the Blood Forest as a child. Jumping from tree to tree was a breeze. Once ARO had pushed out the Black Rabbits from Long Whisper, he took his own unit to the Blood Forest so that they could learn how to fly through the trees just as the squirrels did.


    He landed without a sound and looked back to make sure each of his squad mates made it across. The distance between these two trees was slightly farther than the rest of the path. It may have still been easy for one of his own, but for a harekin, he had his doubts.


    One by one, each ARO and SMO found their way across. All had made the jump except for Bruce.


    ¡°Come on, Brucey Boy, you can do it!¡± cried Quinn. He and the other two harekins hooted and howled, cheering their friend on and making quite the racket.


    ¡°Quiet, we are supposed to be covert!¡± hissed Elucard. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    ¡°Come on Brucey Boy, you can do it!¡± said Quinn in a loud whisper.


    Elucard rolled his eyes.


    Bruce bent his knees up and down and waved his arms back and forth, as if imagining his jump. ¡°Okie dokie, Bruce, you got this,¡± he muttered to himself. He swallowed hard and jumped off the branch. He spread open his wings to catch a small amount of hang time before he missed his mark completely and crashed into the water.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± Elucard mumbled.


    Bruce flailed his arms in the water and took hold of a floating log. Between labored breaths he lifted his head up to the tree and gave a thumbs up. ¡°I¡¯m oka¡ª¡±


    Suddenly, he felt a tug on his leg and was pulled under the water. He held his breath with what little air he had and peered through the muddy water. Something sharp and painful had a tight hold on his foot.


    He thrashed at the shadowy figure as he was pulled further and further under, but it was no use. With a bit of quick thinking and a little desperation, he unsheathed his cutlass and stabbed the beast in the snout. It did the trick, he was free!


    Bruce swam to the surface and took a wide gulp of air. ¡°Help!¡± he cried.


    Mave didn¡¯t second guess herself. Without a moment to lose, she clenched a dagger between her teeth, and dove head first into the swampy waters below.


    The alligator snarled and opened its maw for another bite out of Bruce. The burly harekin took hold of its jaws and grimaced as he pressured the alligator¡¯s mouth to stay open. The weight of the reptile pushed Bruce back into the water. He screamed as he vanished once more into the belly of the swamps


    Mave splashed down and swam to meet the wrestling pair under the water. She grabbed her dagger and began to stab wildly at the serpent. Blood rose from its many wounds clouding the water like a red smoke. Come on you big oversized log, get away from my soldier!


    The alligator let out a loud and long hiss, turning its attention to Mave. Her eyes widened with surprise and pushed herself away from the eighty razor sharp teeth that snapped at her as she pedaled backwards to gain more distance.


    Bruce growled and grabbed its tail and with one strong swing of his sword, chopped it off, sending the alligator into a roar of anguish. As the tailless beast awkwardly retreated into the swampy depths, both harekins swam back to the surface.


    Mave shouldered her now exhausted sergeant and dragged him to the nearest tree. Elucard and Quinn fell to the lowest branch and dropped a cord for them to climb. Several alligators let loose a low growl as their shadows followed the two escaping harekins.


    Bruce hobbled up the tree to meet with Essie, pain pulsed up his leg from his mangled foot. Blood stained his once chestnut brown fur. With each motion he had to make he doubled over in agony.


    ¡°Easy there, Bruce. I¡¯ll have you on your clumsy feet in no time,¡± she said. She quickly opened her medicine bag and took out a roll of runecloth and wrapped it around his leg. The bandage glowed and set the bone back in place with a quiet snap. Bruce sucked in a breath as a chilled rush flooded his leg. Slowly the bite marks from the alligator closed up and his torn muscles regenerated.


    ¡°See, you¡¯ll be okay, Sergeant.¡± Essie smiled and patted his shoulder. Her smile faded as she turned to Elucard and Mave. ¡°I have plenty of linen bandages and blistercloth left, but only one more usage of runecloth.¡±


    Elucard folded his arms. ¡°No more mistakes,¡± he said. ¡°Mave, do you think your harekins can pull their own weight when they aren¡¯t in a saddle?¡±


    Mave shot him with a stink eye. ¡°Are you implying that Bruce¡¯s injury was his own fault!?¡±


    ¡°If the shoe fits,¡± growled Elucard.


    Essie glowered at her captain. ¡°This really isn¡¯t the time for an argument, Elucard. Bruce just survived an encounter with an alligator, but he will need some rest.¡±


    Elucard gave Mave an ice cold glare. ¡°We¡¯ll break for three hours. Everyone get some shut eye.¡± he narrowed his eyes. ¡°Mave, make sure none of your harekins fall out of the tree as they sleep.¡±

 Chapter 28: Mave and the Orcs

    Kyzo perched on the lowest bough of the maple tree as his companions rested. He could not rest himself, for he was too excited for the mission ahead. His elven eyes scanned the surrounding swamp for any sign of nearby danger, but only found the now familiar forms of the alligators floating in the cool water. They resembled the mossy logs that also drifted down the river. Complete with buzzing dragonflies that teased the toads.


    Kyzo¡¯s ears twitched as Elucard climbed down and sat down next to his apprentice. Elucard pinched a mosquito between his fingers, squashing it before it could sample his blood.


    ¡°Disgusting creatures, mosquitos.¡± he wiped the bug juice on the bark. ¡°Kyzo, you need to conserve your energy, go get an hour of sleep while you still can.¡±


    Kyzo brushed his chin on his knee and turned to Elucard. ¡°Tell me about the Varis War. Was it anything like this one?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve heard the stories many times from Lear. What else do you need to know?¡±


    Kyzo swung his body to face his master and crossed his legs, neatly balancing on the strong branch. ¡°I need to know how it changed you?¡± He paused before finishing his thought. ¡°And will it change me?¡±


    Elucard was taken aback from the question. ¡°Changed me, huh?¡± He took a moment to ponder the query. He thought carefully about what to exactly tell Kyzo. Would he speak about losing Trek and that his death would weigh heavy on his mind? That the loss of a student would be a trial for things to come and that creating ARO was a need for redemption? The Varis war did change him. It was an ugly blemish on his already scarred life.


    ¡°Varis changed me no more than any other moment in my life had.¡± A half truth. Kyzo could live with that. ¡°But will this war change you? The short answer is, yes.¡±


    Kyzo frowned. ¡°In what way?¡±


    Elucard pursed his lips. What could he say not to diminish his student¡¯s morale? ¡°You will become stronger¡ªbattle hardened.¡±


    ¡°Battle hardened?¡±


    Elucard nodded slowly, unsure if that was the correct answer.


    ¡°I like the sound of that.¡±


    Elucard gave the boy a gentle smile. ¡°Get some sleep, Kyzo.¡±


    ***


    The path that the squad took eventually led to firmer ground. No longer an obstacle course of endless water and tree hopping, but now a mud covered road. Elucard trudged through the muck and puddles dragging his feet through the mud while the weight of the mission laid heavily on his mind. Mave had only replied with short glares and sarcasm after the alligator incident. The unit¡¯s cohesion was near breaking point. He had burned this bridge, much like his burned bridge with Wiccer.


    ¡°There should be an orc village up ahead. Mave, take point; my men will be in the shadows in case of an ambush,¡± said Elucard.


    ¡°Do you think us harekins can handle such complicated orders?¡± sneered Mave.


    Elucard ignored the jab and slit his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t get yourself killed.¡±


    ¡°Aye, aye, fearless leader,¡± said Mave as she used a finger to pull down her lower eyelid and stuck out her tongue.


    Mave waited for the Anti-Rogue Operatives to vanish from sight before addressing her soldiers. ¡°Look alive, mates. We¡¯ve been entrusted with making a deal with these bloody orcs and I don¡¯t like them, not one bit.¡±


    Bruce punched his hand. ¡°Weapons drawn, Captain?¡±Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    Corso shoulder his crossbow and Quinn gleefully played with a dagger.


    Mave shook her head. ¡°No, we need to look like we are willing to be allies, but keep your wits sharp. ARO claims to have our backs, but I don¡¯t want you all to lean on that crutch, SMO can give as good a licking as any assassin!¡±


    The other rabbits nodded their heads and grinned.


    ***


    Farther down the road, Mave and her harekins approached the large village of the Blood Bog Orcs. Animal bones and skulls hung from the nearby trees and ash caked their trunks with orcish words such as beware and Blood Bog territory. None of the harekins could read the fearful warnings, so they chose to march onward.


    As the wetlands gave way to drained and clear-cut dry ground, their nostrils caught a whiff of succulent smoked meat. The aroma rumbled their empty stomachs and watered their hungry mouths. Mave clenched her own belly. Steady there, girl.


    Two orcs armed with clubs and jagged spears confronted the harekins to come no closer. Each had sickly green skin painted with ashy hand prints and stripes. Pieces of bone armor were fastened to their chests and shoulders. They grumbled in low, guttural grunts.


    ¡°You move no further, rabbits!¡± one said.


    Mave removed her hat and bowed graciously. ¡°Fine gentlemen, we represent the Cypress Alliance, a coalition of nations that wishes for your permission to march through your well kept marshlands.¡±


    The other guard scratched his rear and sniffed his finger. ¡°More rabbits you have?¡±


    Mave opened her arms wide. ¡°We have many more rabbits, humans, and elves.¡±


    The guards bared their pointed teeth and tusks and snorted. ¡°Rabbit threaten Blood Bog Orcs?¡±


    The harekins moved their hands to their preferred weapons. Mave was quick to hold up a hand.


    ¡°Not yet, boys,¡± she whispered to them.


    Quinn stepped forward. ¡°Look, is there a chieftain we can speak to? We¡¯re in a bit of a hurry.¡±


    Mave smiled and chuckled nervously.


    One of the orcs approached Mave and yanked her by the vest, lifting her off her feet and close to his face. She recoiled her head and kept her hand out to steady her worried soldiers.


    The orc licked his lips and sniffed her fur. His breath reeked of rotten meat and warmed her fur. His hands were sweaty and covered in boils. He grinned, showcasing his tusks and jagged teeth.


    ¡°Afraid, rabbit?¡± he croaked.


    Mave grasped his large wrist and wriggled free. ¡°Not in the least bit, orc.¡±


    ¡°We Blood Bog could grind your bones and guts into a paste to feast on. You better be afraid!¡±


    Mave waved her hand once more to the other harekins. She stepped forward to the fearsome orc, not giving him an inch. ¡°You couldn¡¯t stomach our guts, trust me!¡± she smirked.


    The orc stood silent before speaking again. ¡°You rabbits wait here. We get Bloodaxe.¡±


    Quinn leaned on his sister¡¯s shoulder and polished his nails on his jacket. ¡°See, Mave? Just got to be more forward with these chaps.¡±


    The drake riders only had to wait a few minutes before a much larger and golden skinned orc appeared. He sported a tall crimson mohawk. Alligator tooth necklaces hung over his broad chest. In his hand he carried a fearsome alligator jaw tomahawk. He sneered and let out a long growl.


    ¡°You rabbits dare bring an army through my lands?¡±


    Quinn raised his index finger. ¡°Well, to be fair we haven¡¯t brought any of them through yet.¡±


    Mave gagged her brother¡¯s mouth with her hand. ¡°What we mean to say is, we await your permission, oh great chieftain.¡±


    Bloodaxe eyed Mave and snarled. ¡°You emissary?¡±


    ¡°Yes, oh great one!¡± Mave bowed once more. ¡°We offer you riches¡­ and¡­ err¡­ more land!¡±


    Bloodaxe raised his chin. ¡°More land?¡±


    Mave knelt down and gestured for the rest of her men to do the same. ¡°Bloodaxe the strong, we plan to bring down the New Estinian empire. If you give us safe passage, we can assure you of the expansion of your territory.¡±


    The orc rubbed his square chin in thought. ¡°The Raven Queen¡¯s made life hard for us orcs. Her tribe is too big to fight. Too many warriors and shamans. Even with our tribes united, we would be crushed.¡±


    Mave let a clever smirk grow into a smile. ¡°Our tribe is many times bigger than the New Estinian one. If we make a pact, we will reward you for your services.¡±


    ¡°We give your tribe safe passage through our swamp and you give us more of Tashna¡¯s land?¡±


    ¡°I shall see it done, mighty Bloodaxe,¡± said Mave.


    ¡°Very well. We shall share a roasted gator and drink bone broth with your chieftain. Consider us brethren, rabbits.¡±


    Mave stood and offered her hand. The orc engulfed her hand with his own. ¡°To the Blood Bog Orcs, may your meat be plentiful and your stomachs full!¡± cheered Mave.

 Chapter 29: The Kings Aid

    Sable and Tashna strolled under the vine-covered pergolas of Tashna¡¯s royal rose garden. Much like her ravens that perched on every flower decorated arch, the roses were black like the demon moon that hung in the sky. Each rose curled and coiled around the vines, choking them with their thorny stems. Along the hedges grew white roses, and leading down the path bloomed red roses.


    Tashna plucked a black rose as the two passed by it. Careful to not prick herself, she let in a deep whiff and smiled.


    ¡°I like the smell of the black ones best. They remind me of a chilled vinter night. Dark and lonely. You need to be strong to survive nights like those and once you do, you can survive many more.¡± She turned to Sable. ¡°Black roses represent strength in my kingdom.¡±


    ¡°If we may focus on the task at hand, your grace?¡± said Sable, she couldn¡¯t help but to quiver at the sight and sound of the flock of crows and black roses. A garden of strength for the Div¡¯Rah, a garden of death for everyone else.


    ¡°Yes, yes. Vhat have you found in your exploration of my kingdom?¡±


    Sable held up a leather slip case. ¡°The legendary library of Mervious is real. I have found it and within it I believe I discovered evidence of an underground city of elves and angels somewhere near your capital.¡±


    Tashna twirled the rose in her fingers. ¡°Ah yes, my great, great grandfather, Meric the Merciless, once dedicated half his life searching for such a city. It vas a mad obsession for him. He despised all elves and the very thought that his country vas founded by them deeply disgusted him.¡±


    Sable shot Tashna a worried look. ¡°Did he find one?¡±


    Tashna pushed faster down the garden path. ¡°I shall not divulge family secrets. You mentioned you had a request for me?¡±


    Sable tucked the leather case under her arm and caught up to the queen. ¡°I wish to consult Koda about my findings, I believe he may be the key to finding Sik J¡¯Dio Sahde Alanoon.¡±


    ¡°You have my permission to speak to my prisoner, I am sure he vill velcome someone to talk to besides myself.¡±


    ¡°This may turn into multiple visits, he may have vital information and I¡ª¡±


    Tashna raised her hand to stop Sable mid sentence. ¡°Please, do as you must. Without you I vould never have caught the Mage King in the first place.¡±


    Sable bowed. ¡°Thank you, my Div¡¯Rah. You show me too much kindness.¡±


    Tashna laughed. ¡°I do, don¡¯t I?¡±


    ***


    Sable briskly hurried down the corridor leading to Koda¡¯s room, Calsoon trailed behind.


    ¡°Why only show Koda one scroll?¡± asked Calsoon as he pointed to the single scroll case still tucked beneath Sable¡¯s arm.


    Sable halted just before Koda¡¯s door. She lowered her voice so that no guard or Koda¡¯s prying ears could hear their conversation. ¡°I see this as a prime opportunity to mold Koda into one of our allies.¡±


    ¡°Allies?¡±


    Sable nodded. ¡°Do not forget that Wraslyn wishes to take the young king under his wing. If I prepare Koda now and allow him to see us as those that only want best for him, Wraslyn would have an easier time with Koda¡¯s tutelage.¡±


    Calsoon grinned ¡°Excellent, what shall I do?¡±


    ¡°Keep out of sight for now. Is your shadow doll still in your cell?¡± asked Sable.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°Yes, No one should suspect that I am not there,¡± answered Calsoon. Wraslyn¡¯s shadow teachings had been an excellent resource for his abilities, and continued to prove themselves useful.


    ¡°Good, now go. I shall call upon you when you are needed.¡±


    Calsoon bowed and slowly slipped into his own shadow.


    Sable nodded and took in a breath before entering Koda¡¯s door. There she saw Koda on the floor petting his wolf. The animal eyed her suspiciously but did not growl. She was a wolf of the Eclipse and Koda¡¯s familiar. What connection she had with Koda was still unknown to Sable, but the runecarver had to play her game with caution just in case.


    Koda rose to his feet and backed away slowly from Sable. He raised his hands to his collar.


    ¡°Y-you are the one that captured me. W-what do you want?¡±


    Sable nodded her head slowly and held out the slip case, showing she meant no further harm to the elf. ¡°I serve the Div¡¯Rah, but first and foremost I am a student of history. Please, I require your assistance.¡±


    ¡°Why would I help you when you are the reason why I am a prisoner here?¡±


    Sable lowered the case and bowed to the king. ¡°Sel shen sel¡¯nerv Rueh.¡±


    Koda raised his brow. He hesitantly took the scroll case from Sable and inspected it. ¡°Yes, I suppose you are right. You and I are both students of Ruens, and as much as I do not trust you¡­ something¡­ something tells me I should help you.


    His Magi use already influences much of him. With every drink from the Magi, it will alter his mind further. He is far too gone now to resist us, thought Sable.


    Koda looked down at the scroll. ¡°This has a Dawnedge crest on it. Slightly altered, we use a half circle not a crescent shape, but it is Dawnedge all the same. I am sure of it.¡±


    ¡°As I suspected,¡± said Sable. ¡°Go on, open the slip case. It is both written in Salrothian and ancient elven. I can not read it.¡±


    Koda peered curiously at Sable. ¡°Where did you find this?¡±


    Sable smiled gleefully. ¡°Sel Rosh Rueh.¡±


    Koda dropped his jaw. ¡°Sel Rosh Rueh¡± he whispered. ¡°But that library is only of legend, it doesn¡¯t exist!¡±


    Sable chuckled. ¡°It does exist and I have been there.¡±


    Koda¡¯s eyes sparkled with wonder. He quickly slid out the scroll and unraveled it. ¡°I am familiar with ancient elven. It was taught to me as a child by my grandfather.¡± He began reading, gobbling up all the knowledge that was laid out before him.


    Sable wrung her hands excitedly. ¡°Well, what does it say?¡± she asked, unable to wait any longer.


    Koda continued to read, but explained as he did so. ¡°It speaks of a colony of elves¡ªthe Daybreak. They seemed to be immigrants of the¡­ Dawnedge¡­¡± He raised his head in disbelief.


    ¡°Your people?¡± asked Sable.


    ¡°I have never heard of the Dawnedge forming a colony in Mervious.¡± Koda read on, seeking more information of the mysterious Daybreak elves.


    ¡°The Black Moon and their Skyfallen have caused us much strife. The warrior tribes could no longer hold back their advances on our lands. It was clear that we must flee. Not all of our tribe agreed with our plan to escape the war. Those that stayed remained the Dawnedge, the rest of us ordained ourselves the Daybreak.


    ¡°We found an untouched land we called ¡®Merivous¡¯ after our tribal chieftain, Mervian Daybreak. Here is where we hid from the rest of the world.¡±


    ¡°Does it speak of the Cele¡ª¡± Sable caught herself in mid-sentence. Koda didn¡¯t seem to notice the gaff. ¡°Does it speak of their city? Where did they hide?¡±


    Koda put the scroll back in its case and returned it back to Sable. ¡°That is where the scroll ended.¡±


    ¡°Did it say anything else?¡±


    Koda nodded. ¡°It gave a volume where more of the story continued. Did you find any others in Sel Rosh Rueh?¡±


    Sable smiled. ¡°There are two others.¡±


    Koda¡¯s eyes flashed a dim violet light. Only a brief second, but gave enough time for Sable to witness it.


    The Magi affects him unconsciously. How much of it has he been using?


    She stole a glance from the wolf by his side.


    Can she communicate with him yet? Like Tezhok first did?


    She quickly looked back to Koda.


    ¡°Please, bring more, I wish to learn of my people, the Daybreak,¡± requested Koda. He knelt down and ruffled the wolf¡¯s fur.


    Sable rubbed her chin. ¡°You and I could both learn much from each other.¡±


    Koda looked up from his wolf. ¡°Yes, I believe we could. Please, I would very much like to help you.¡±


    ¡°Very well, I shall talk to the Div¡¯Rah and see if she will allow you to assist me further,¡± she lied.


    I have his trust¡ªno, I have the Magi¡¯s trust. Let the molding begin, thought Sable.

 Chapter 30: The Sniper Tower

    ¡°What do you see, Timber?¡± asked Elucard. He peeked from the cover of his tree.


    Just beyond the treeline stood a tall watchtower, built from stone from a nearby quarry and surrounded by a wide open field. Although it could be overrun by an army, especially one the size of the Cypress Alliance,  it could still prove problematic if left unattended, with the clearing standing in the way through to Aric City. The lone tower served as an Estinian defensive position for a team of well trained mages and archers to harass an invading army. With unknown obstacles between here and the capital city, it would be in Wiccer¡¯s best interest to not lose any forces on his warpath.


    Timber collapsed her spyglass before reporting to Mave and Elucard. ¡°It¡¯s an active watch tower, alright. I saw four soldiers. Three were armed with longbows, the other one was wearing the brown robes of an earth mage.¡±


    ¡°We need to secure this bloody tower,¡± said Mave. She gestured for Corso to come closer to her. ¡°Do you think you and the kanis can take out those fellows in the tower?¡±


    ¡°Can I borrow your spyglass, Tim?¡± Corso waited for the wolf to pass him the spyglass before using it to examine the exact positioning of each archer and mage..


    The turret of the tower had arrow slits built into it, narrow windows that provided enough cover for each archer to adequately fire out of while making counter attacks from enemy archers nearly impossible. Furthermore,  the gaps in the walls gave the mage ample vision to mount suppressive fire into the swamps and field.


    ¡°Negative, captain. That tower is the perfect vantage point for a deadeye with a bow. Combined with the walls for protection, and I¡¯d say those bowmen are set for life,¡± said Corso. Timber nodded in agreement.


    Mave stroked her whiskers. ¡°Well, Elucard, any ideas?¡±


    Elucard studied the tower base, particularly the large ironbound door. ¡°Elisa, if we gave you the time needed, could you blow open that door?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t specialize in demolition, captain. I¡¯m more of the toxic type,¡± responded Elisa.


    Quinn stepped forward and pulled a stick of dynamite from his belt. ¡°Need a locksmith?¡±


    Elucard nodded. ¡°Fine. Quinn, you get that door open. Mave and I will run distractions from both sides of the tower. Hopefully we can draw their fire.¡± Elucard placed a confident hand on Kyzo¡¯s shoulder. ¡°When they take the bait and attack us, Kyzo, you get Quinn to that door. Once the entryway is open, I want you, Quinn, Bruce, Elisa, and Essie into that tower to take out those archers.¡±


    Elucard looked at Timber and Corso. ¡°You two fire everything you¡¯ve got at that tower. I don¡¯t care if you miss every shot. The idea is to keep them distracted in case Mave and I can¡¯t keep their attention.¡± Elucard drew a circle in the ground with his finger. ¡°Mave, you and I will double back around once we hear the explosion go off.¡±


    Mave crossed her arms and nodded. ¡°Worth a shot. Alright buckos everyone get set up, let¡¯s bring down a watchtower!¡±


    ***


    Kyzo ran in a full on dead sprint as a barrage of boulders rained down from the sky. He dove and rolled forward, just barely dodging as the heavy stones smashed into the ground all around him. One of the large rocks cracked and exploded into hundreds of jagged fragments that shot in every direction. The stone shrapnel nicked Kyzo¡¯s flesh and clothing.


    The boy grunted as a wayward stone whacked him in the back of his knee. His leg buckled as he stumbled and crashed to the ground. Elisa slid to his side and lifted him to his feet just as a boulder slammed into the ground. A layer of pebbles pelted them in the back as it erupted apart. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    ¡°Come on Kyzo, we¡¯re almost there!¡± Elisa cried, trying to get her voice heard over the commotion of the falling rocks, whistling arrows, explosions, and the cacophony of other''s commands. It was an utter disarray of chaos.


    Kyzo and Elisa scrambled further and further through the field. ¡°Why do you suppose he can¡¯t just make a tidal wave of earth?¡± Kyzo yelled as they reached the base of the tower. His back slammed against the wall.


    Elisa bent up her head to get a good look at the top of the tower. ¡°He¡¯s creating those boulders from thin air. Watch!¡±


    Elisa pointed at a single stone appearing in a flash of bronze light. As the stone flew forth from the Mage¡¯s hand, it doubled in size, then as it reached the end of its arc and fell in the air it tripled in size until it was a fully formed boulder careening to the ground.


    ¡°I¡¯m no mage, but I think he is out of range of the earth to control it. So he has to just use his ability to create new earth instead,¡± theorized Elisa.


    ¡°I think you are right, darling.¡± Quinn collapsed against the door, wheezing and huffing. ¡°You elf lot are fast.¡±


    Essie and Bruce soon followed and found protection just under the tower.


    ¡°Do you think you have what it takes to open this door, Quinn?¡± asked Kyzo.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Quinn knocked on the heavy oak door and grazed his hand over the iron hinges. ¡°It¡¯s a sturdy door. But I have the dragon powder for it.¡±


    Quinn pulled a clump of a soft clay like substance from one pouch and stuck it onto the top and bottom hinges of the door. He pushed a dimple into the clay then poured a coarse, black powder into the pocket he created. Finally he closed the clay pocket around a cord fuse that he stuck inside the powder.


    ¡°Alright, this door is about to go kaboom, I need you ladies and gentlemen to run like Dahlemar is on your heels, because you don¡¯t want to be near this concoction when it goes off.¡± Quinn pulled out a match and struck it against the stoney wall of the tower. ¡°Ready¡­ RUN!¡±


    Kyzo and the rest ran around the side of the tower just as a blast of fire and white smoke blew the heavy door off its hinges. The elf watched in amazement as the door was lifted into the air and somersaulted over the trees landing in an unknown location in the swamp. Quinn laughed like a maniac as the elves jogged back to the now open doorway.


    ¡°I think I went a little too heavy on the dragon powder!¡± chuckled Quinn. The harekin wafted away a cloud of smoke.


    Kyzo cracked a mischievous smile and pointed to Quinn¡¯s singed ear tips. ¡°I guess so.¡± Peering into the darkness of the tower, his face grew serious and drew his dagger in one hand and his sword in the other. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said.


    Kyzo, Elisa, Essie, and Bruce climbed the watchtower with Quinn covering their rear. Kyzo kept his eyes sharp, waiting for boulders to crash down the stairs or for arrows to fly at them, but the more progress they made, the more they realized the nature of the twisting stairs protected them from any such hazards.


    ¡°We need to rush them,¡± said Bruce, ¡°While we still have an advantage.¡±


    Kyzo nodded and quickened his pace. Together the group raced up the stairs until they reached the final step and found themselves at the backsides of the archers and earth mage, peering warily through the thin slits of the tower. With ferocity and agility, Kyzo leaped into the air and drove his two blades into the chest of the surprised earth mage. The others charged after Kyzo¡¯s attack, making short work of the longbowmen. The tower was theirs.


    ***


    ¡°What¡¯s the situation Kyzo?¡± Elucard asked as the squad regrouped outside the tower.


    ¡°We only found a mage and two archers at the top, master.¡±


    ¡°Did an archer get away?¡± Elucard turned to Timber. ¡°Perhaps you were mistaken about a fourth man?¡±


    ¡°I was sure I saw three bowmen, Elucard,¡± pressed Timber. She eyed her partner for help.


    ¡°She¡¯s right, I saw a third too,¡± said Corso.


    ¡°Well then, there goes our element of surprise,¡± said Mave. ¡°That archer will no doubt alert any nearby barracks and armories that we are behind enemy lines.¡±


    Elucard patted Elisa¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re up, Elis, set up some traps. I don''t want another Estinian reclaiming this tower.¡± Elucard waited for Elisa to head into the tower before unfolding his map. ¡°There¡¯s a town called Valleyhorn coming up, about half a day''s journey from here. If it¡¯s occupied, we might need to make it easier for the town to be captured. If it¡¯s not, we can avoid it.¡±


    Elucard examined the ¡®X¡¯ that marked the town and then looked at the distance between Valleyhorn and Aric City. They were still a long way away from their destination and with only one usage of runecloth left, the room for errors narrowed. Any injury with such a long march left would make this mission more difficult than any mission he had dealt with before. He knew he could count on his men, but once again his doubts about the harekins wormed their way back into his mind.

 Chapter 31: Tension Brews

    The morning mist blanketed the rocky New Estinian hills with a wall of fog, too thick to see past, but thin enough for the Anti-Rogue Operatives to see their dragon riding companions. Shafts of sunlight cut through the cypress trees and the odd crow cawed down to the devil jumpers.


    Elucard shook his head in annoyance at the conversation of whether Southtail¡¯s harekin taverns served a better drink than Long Whisper¡¯s elven taverns. If the squad stayed silent through the long journey, they could avoid detection and concentrate on stealth and the mission at hand: rescuing the king. However the harekins continued their unorthodox approach in covert operations. Mave claimed that her harekins were trained in these tactics, but with Elucard¡¯s Black Rabbit training to use as a reference, it was clear Mave had fabricated a lie that had fooled everyone except for him.


    Now these amateur harekins were rubbing their bad habits on his men. Yet another sample of proof that his mission had been given an unnecessary handicap. The harekins weren¡¯t stealthy, they had no agility, they weren¡¯t as quick, and they couldn¡¯t even stay quiet during a march!


    ¡°Yes, your Mystic Fang might seem high class to your ¡®Longer¡¯ standards, but I¡¯m telling you chaps, without the proper taste buds that we have, your poorly prepared food and wine will always taste good to you,¡± said Quinn as he skidded down a loose and rough slope.


    ¡°Proper taste buds!?¡± exclaimed Kyzo. ¡°The Mystic Fang takes elven cuisine and elevates it to another level! The tavern gets travelers from all over Cypress that wish to try its Summer Strawberry Wine. If you haven¡¯t tried it, then you can¡¯t say a thing against¡ª¡±


    Elucard shot an angry glare at Kyzo. Immediately the boy buttoned his lips and looked away from his master¡¯s stern eyes.


    Elucard turned back. He noticed Mave giving him a mean look of her own. Elucard let out a deep sigh. ¡°We are deep in enemy territory and your men are gabbing about how delicious your county¡¯s wines taste. You need to have noise discipline.¡±


    ¡°Are you telling them to shut up, Elucard?¡± growled Mave.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m telling my apprentice to shut his trap. He should know better.¡± Elucard kept his volume to a low whisper, but the more Mave back talked to him, the louder he raised his voice. He couldn¡¯t help himself, it was like she intentionally challenged everything he was trained to do.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    ¡°You¡¯ve never heard of morale? Of course not. You ARO types have a tree up your own arses!¡±


    Elucard clenched his teeth and tightened his fist until it trembled. ¡°Why does everything have to be an argument with you?¡±


    The Anti-Rogue Ops members looked at the harekins. Each rolled their eyes and shook their heads.


    ¡°I thought you and I came to an understanding?¡± said Mave. ¡°We were the perfect team in the skies! Now we can¡¯t even look at each other. What changed between you and I?¡±


    Elucard stared at the ground and held silent.


    ¡°You are such a jerk, Elucard Freewind. It¡¯s a wonder how your men stomach you,¡± sneered the harekin captain.


    ¡°We don¡¯t, but if we want to survive his wrath, we have to put up with him!¡± Essie called out from the rear of the ranger file.


    ¡°Enough, the both of you,¡± spat Elucard. The sounds of blacksmith hammers and church bells halted the conversation. ¡°We are near the town. We¡¯ll set up camp here. No fires.¡±


    Mave twitched her whiskers in frustration and turned to Corso. ¡°Take a perch in one of those trees and get a good look of how far we are from the town.¡± She pointed to Bruce. ¡°Make a few lean-tos with any leafy branches you find; if you need to use a hatchet, try to chop as little as possible.¡±


    Bruce and Corso nodded and hurried to complete their tasks.


    Elucard turned to Essie and Kyzo. ¡°Now would be the perfect time to dig up and replenish some medical supplies. We¡¯re in some type of thicket right now. I saw some lichen not too far back.¡± He waited for Essie to nod before addressing Kyzo. ¡°I need you to watch over her. Medics have to concentrate their senses on spotting medicinal herbs and fungi, she¡¯s going to have her eyes too close to the ground to be able to pay attention to enemy scouts and woodland threats.¡± Elucard looked toward the town. ¡°After that, take a harekin and scout out the town.¡±


    ¡°You can count on me, Master,¡± said Kyzo as he patted his trusty sword.


    Elucard waved to Mave to get her attention. ¡°Whatever differences we do have, let¡¯s put them aside for now. For the sake of the mission.¡±


    ¡°You. You have a problem with my men and I. So you put aside your differences so that we can concentrate on our mission. And if you still have a problem with working with us, by Father, I will make sure we settle it for good,¡± she snarled, shaking her fist underneath Elucard¡¯s jaw.


    Elucard watched her storm off. Duly noted.

 Chapter 32: A Plan Gone Awry

    Kyzo and Bruce climbed over the palisade and into the town. The moon glowed dimly through the navy blue clouds. It gave very little light for Kyzo and Bruce to scout out the town, but if the night was foggy to them, it was equally foggy to their enemies.


    Kyzo dove behind a shop and snuck a glance from behind the corner. Patrolling soldiers and mages crowded the streets. It was not the unoccupied village that Kyzo hoped for. Bruce slid behind the elven boy and tugged his arm.


    ¡°Look over yonder, Kyzo,¡± said Bruce. ¡°Siege equipment,¡±


    Bruce was right, Kyzo counted four catapults and eleven ballistas. The Estinians were well prepared for a clash with Wiccer¡¯s army.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here and report back to the captains what we found.¡±


    Back at the camp, Kyzo relayed what they found to Elucard and Mave. Elucard nodded with each detail and rubbed his chin in thought. While the alliance forces were adequate enough to take and hold this town, Elucard needed to minimize casualties wherever he could. Every man would be needed at the battle for Aric City. If the siege equipment here could be destroyed, then Wiccer and his regulars could hopefully move in for an easy capture. But how?


    ¡°With the amount of soldiers, mages, and siege equipment, we will be hard pressed to attack this town alone, Elucard,¡± said Mave. ¡°Any thoughts?¡±


    ¡°Just one.¡± Elucard turned to Elisa. ¡°Word on the wind says you are the toxic type. Are you up for poisoning a town?¡±


    ¡°The wind speaks true, Captain,¡± she said with a smile. ¡°If there¡¯s a granary I could ruin their food. If there¡¯s a well, I can poison their water supply. Dahlemar¡¯s shredded wings, give me enough time and I¡¯ll make sure they¡¯ll grow ill drinking their ale.¡±


    Elucard smirked. ¡°Good, now what should we do about the catapults and ballistas?¡± He pointed to Quinn. ¡°You blew open the door, got enough explosives to deal with our problem?¡±


    Quinn gestured to his grenades fastened to his bandolier and his rows of dynamite tucked in his belt. ¡°Shock and awe is my speciality. I can blow up the whole damn world if you want me to.¡±


    The harekins laughed in amusement.


    ¡°Okay, okay. I¡¯m sure that won¡¯t be necessary.¡± Elucard gave Quinn¡¯s pitch a nervous chuckle. ¡°Alright, Elisa, you and Quinn sneak into the town and do your dirty deeds. We will hang back in the thicket. Timber and Corso, I want you two prepared to cover their escape if they need it.¡±


    Quinn tightened a second belt of demolition supplies to his waist and gave Mave a long hug. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, sis, I won¡¯t let the SMO down.¡±


    ¡°Have fun, Quinn; show them some good old fire and brimstone,¡± said Mave. She tugged one of Quinn¡¯s ears playfully and kicked him in the rear as he walked away.


    Elisa shouldered her satchel that held her poison kit. Elucard pulled her to the side and whispered low enough that only she could pick up the words.


    ¡°Keep one eye on your task and one eye out on Quinn. The SMO may be rabbits, but they aren¡¯t Black Rabbits. They weren¡¯t trained since childhood in the arts of subtlety and assassination.¡±


    Elisa slid her sight to Mave and Quinn. ¡°You don¡¯t trust Mave¡¯s crew, huh?¡±You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    ¡°They are good in the air, but lack grace on the ground. They are going to get one of us killed if we don¡¯t hold their hands.¡±


    Elisa nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll watch Quinn¡¯s back, but Elucard, you need to learn to trust someone that wasn¡¯t trained by a Black Rabbit,¡± she said. She jabbed her captain¡¯s chest with her index finger. ¡°If you don¡¯t, you¡¯ll die a paranoid fool.¡±


    Elucard narrowed his eyes as Elisa waved her goodbyes to her squad and jogged to catch up to Quinn.


    Godspeed, Elisa. Hopefully your trust in Quinn doesn¡¯t get you both killed.


    ***


    Elisa slipped through the night, moving along houses and down alleyways, assuming that an enemy was around every corner. For her first stop, she made her way to the granary. The door was tightly secured with a padlock, but picking locks was child¡¯s play. She rummaged through her various pouches tied to her belt until she found her choice equipment that consisted of a thin set of lockpicks.


    Elisa looked over her shoulder. The granary was located at the far end of the town and with the cloudy night, she was well hidden in the shadows.


    Using her hook and rake tools, she focused her attention back on the padlock. She smirked, twisting and shifting her lockpicks in the padlock. Her grin faded into a serious face as the locks proved more difficult to open than initially predicted.


    One click.


    Two clicks.


    Three clicks.


    Elisa licked her lips and held her breath.


    Open!


    Inside the granary, sacks of oat, wheat, and barley were piled up in a corner, while barrels of rice stood along the walls. All in all this would be a long night of work to make sure all the food was tainted with her poison, and time was not what she had on her side.


    Elisa sighed and pulled out a small knife and began slicing open the sacks of grain and then pouring each one of the ground. After that was done, she tipped over each barrel of rice until all the food lay on the floor.


    She covered her mouth with a respirator and took out a beaker with a slender neck. Inside, a dark green liquid bubbled. She shook the concoction vigorously until the bubbles popped and foamed, boiling over and pushing into the cork that kept the poison contained.


    Elisa pulled the cork and quickly placed the glass bottle at the center of the room. She watched briefly as a vile gas filled the room, then exited and closed the door behind her.


    Next on her list to sabotage the enemy¡¯s food and water supply was the well found in the town square. However, with the large presence of soldiers, Elisa¡¯s chances of completing her task were slim to none without a distraction.


    Climbing on a stack of crates and scrambling onto the roof of the general store, Elisa leaped from building to building until she reached her destination. As predicted, soldiers walked the streets, gossiped outside the tavern, and some rested around the well. Even the best trained Rabbit would find this task near impossible.


    Out of the corner of her eye, Elisa saw Quinn. In his hand he held a small case of powder which he poured on the ground as gingerly as a chef salting a dish. It led back to the siege equipment. Once he finished, he struck a match and tossed it on the trail of dragon powder. The fuse ran its course in a flash before blasting into a brilliant explosion through the night.


    This was her chance. Droves of soldiers scrambled and yelled as they rushed to the scene. Elisa jumped off the roof and rushed to the well. Popping open a bottle, she dumped the contents of a deep purple liquid into the water below. She wouldn¡¯t be sure if this vial would be enough to poison the water supply. The well might have contained enough liquid to dilute the poison she poured in. She reached for another vial but hesitated.


    ¡®Keep one eye on your task and one eye out on Quinn.¡¯ Elucard¡¯s order echoed in the back of her mind. She pulled out the vial but once again Elucard¡¯s voice disturbed her. ¡®The SMO may be rabbits, but they aren¡¯t Black Rabbits. They weren¡¯t trained since childhood in the arts of subtlety and assassination.¡±


    ¡°Damn it,¡± she cursed under her breath. She put the vial away and darted into an alleyway. She clambered up a waterspout and back onto a roof to get a better vantage point of the town. Leaping and crawling to the top of the inn, she saw what she feared the most. Quinn knelt before three guards and his arms were shackled behind his back.  Her mission to sabotage the town now turned into a rescue operation.

 Chapter 33: Promises to Keep

    Vernal mages forced trees to twist and bend as their massive roots rose from the water to form bridges for Wiccer¡¯s army to march over. The sound of churning wood echoed through the silent Blood Bog, but Wiccer still felt an unseen presence watching him through the darkness.


    The newly appointed general hiked side by side with the Varis king and the Southtail king. They waited their turn as a large willow tree reached over and scooped them and twenty other soldiers with a slow swing of its bough. It reached over to pass them off to another tree.


    The final leg of the chain of trees lowered Wiccer and his soldiers onto a muddy road where the rest of the army regrouped. Wiccer nodded as an older green robed mage dressed in light chainmail armor saluted him.


    ¡°The entire army has been safely transported over the swamp, General,¡± reported the mage.


    Wiccer nodded. He had not gotten used to being called a general. To him he was still a major, not even a colonel yet. He had worked hard to rise through the ranks one by one. To be a  brevet general appointed by his father felt unearned.


    ¡°Very good, Captain. Tell your mages to fall back into formation,¡± ordered Wiccer. His years as an Anti-Rogue Operative left him doubting the necessity of mages in warfare. Had he been with Elucard, getting through the swamps would have been just a matter of leaping through the trees. However, he knew not every soldier had his training, but even so, a boat or a raft! What were the engineers for? Using a mage spoiled them and if he did not keep his senses sharp, magic would spoil him too.


    Bugles blared across the ranks and signaled the men to continue marching, but conflicting commands came from the vanguard.


    ¡°What¡¯s the bloody hold up!?¡± shouted Greyblade.


    Wiccer shook his head. ¡°We¡¯re at a standstill. Something must be spooking our front.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps an alligator or two?¡± suggested Dallin.


    Wiccer shoved his way to the front of the army where he saw a row of yellow and green skinned orcs, armed to the teeth, and standing in the way of any forward progression for Wiccer¡¯s forces.


    The tallest and most ferocious of the orcs stepped forward. He lifted his brutal looking jaw-boned axe and roared at the top of his lungs. All across the swamp, Wiccer heard the echoes of howls and warcries surrounding his army.


    Wiccer pushed further ahead of his men and before him the shadow of the savage humanoid that towered over his head.


    ¡°I take it you are the leader of the Blood Bog Orcs?¡± asked Wiccer. He puffed out his chest and tried to raise himself a few inches more, not that it would help his stature compared to the eight-foot tall orc.


    The orc brought his face close to Wiccer¡¯s. The foul stench of dried blood filled Wiccer¡¯s nostrils, but he did not flinch. The orc growled and brandished his yellow stained teeth, his tusks pushed up against Wiccer¡¯s cheeks. Once again, he did not flinch. Finally the orc let out a spine-twisting scream. Drool and spit splashed across Wiccers face, but he did not flinch.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The orc nodded and chuckled. ¡°You must be the rabbits¡¯ chieftain. You are puny but strong.¡±


    Wiccer wiped the saliva away from his brow and offered his hand. ¡°I command this army, and Mave Silvertail, who I assume you speak of.¡±


    The orc yanked Wiccer¡¯s arm and brought him in for a bone crunching hug. ¡°I am Bloodaxe. Chieftain of the Blood Bog Orcs.¡±


    Bloodaxe dropped Wiccer to his knees and he staggered to get to his feet. ¡°I am not a chieftain myself, but allow me to introduce you to them.¡± Wiccer waited for the orc to nod before he sent a runner to fetch Dallin and Greyblade. ¡°This is King Everitt Dallin of Varis and King Aemor Greyblade of Southtail. They are both great chieftains of Dragon Realm Cypress.¡±


    Bloodaxe lifted his heavy weapon onto his shoulder and smiled. ¡°I welcome you to my swamp. Come to my hut, we drink bone broth and talk war.¡±


    ***


    Bloodaxe¡¯s hut reminded Wiccer of a Newsun tribe hut. Decorative painted bones and beads hung from the ceiling. Alligator hides depicting crude battle scenes draped the walls. They once belonged to alligators larger than any of the ones he spotted while traversing through the swamp.


    Bloodaxe, Wiccer, Dallin, and Greyblade sat cross-legged in a ring around an ember glowing fire. Wiccer sipped from a wooden bowl of broth. It tasted like saltwater, but it had an aftertaste of smoked deer. Ever the diplomat, Wiccer smiled, but decided against taking another sip.


    Wiccer patted his chest and extended his arm to the two kings. ¡°We are the Cypress Alliance. Do we have permission to cross through your lands unharmed?¡±


    Bloodaxe lifted a long bone pipe. He brought one end to his mouth and puffed a plume of smoke. He bowed his head and passed it to Wiccer.


    ¡°Only orcish tribes may smoke with the Blood Bog. My kin, the Cragtale Orcs and the Stormtusk Orcs, shall give their blessing to our new kin, the Cypress Alliance.¡± As gruff as his exterior was, Bloodaxe was almost stoic at this moment.


    Wiccer inhaled the arid and bitter smoke, it burned his throat and forced him to heave and cough. Bloodaxe roared in laughter. Wiccer found his composure before passing the pipe to Greyblade.


    ¡°Bloodaxe, brother, what did Mave Silvertail promise you for our safe passage?¡± asked Wiccer. His throat was now cracked and dry. He swallowed the rest of his bone broth, smacking his lips and imagining drowning in the fresh river water next to his childhood home


    Bloodaxe leaned forward and smirked. ¡°My people were promised our land back.¡±


    ¡°How much land would you like?¡± asked Dallin as he passed the pipe back to the orc.


    Bloodaxe raised an eyebrow. ¡°Stupid question. All of it!¡±


    Greyblade and Dallin looked at each other, whispering out of earshot of the chieftain.


    ¡°We never decided how we would divvy up this land,¡± said Greyblade.


    ¡°I imagined you would overtake Estinia, eventually, and so New Estinia would become a Varis territory.¡± said Dallin.


    ¡°Well, if you would like to share New Estinia with these orcish chaps, you¡¯re very well welcomed to.¡±


    Dallin turned to Bloodaxe, who gave him an ugly sneer. The king straightened his crown. ¡°We would like to keep¡ª¡±


    ¡°A war with the orcs is ill advised, my king,¡± hissed Wiccer under his breath.


    Dallin coughed into his hand before speaking once more. ¡°We would like to keep our promise with the orcs. The Blood Bog, the Cragtale, and the Stormtusk shall reclaim what they lost from the Estinians!¡±


    Bloodaxe let out a long howl and held up his bowl. ¡°I give you my best warriors! We feast and dance tonight! My Cypress brethren shall be blessed with the soul of this land and heart of an orc!¡±

 Chapter 34: A Lost City Found!

    ¡°When we first arrived at Mervious, we were at odds with the natives, orc clans that wanted no part in refugees like ourselves. We trekked through the Blood Bog, a wretched swamp full of savage beasts and serpents. We lost loved ones to the depths of the swamps, but we persevered. We were chased away from the north by both the Cragtale Orcs of the mountains and Stormtusk Orcs of the cliffs. Neither wanted any part of our proposed utopia.


    ¡°We imagined a city of great wisdom, peace to all those who wished to settle there. Far from the horrors of the Black Moon and far from the war that surrounded it.


    ¡°We settled in East Mervious, and built a town. The ground was fertile for crops and winds swept out lands with plentiful rain. We were happy for a time. Soon word spread of our settlement, and other refugees of the war flocked to us, and we took them in.


    ¡°To celebrate our new found peace, we constructed our great library, Sel Rosh Rueh. And we all rejoiced. All was right with the world, even though it was burning down all around us¡­¡±


    ¡°That is all this one speaks of,¡± said Koda as he finished reading the scroll that Sable brought him. He returned the scroll back to Sable.


    ¡°Perhaps the third scroll will have the information that I still seek,¡± Sable said out loud to herself. She rummaged through her satchel and pulled out the final scroll to be translated by the elven king. ¡°Here, read it, please.¡±


    He looked at her long and hard before speaking. ¡°Why do you truly seek the Daybreak?¡± Koda sighed and accepted the scroll, but placed it on the bed instead of unraveling it.


    Sable paused before replying, ¡°I am a historian. Part of a research team assigned to uncover the ancient secrets of New Estinia.¡± She smiled coyly. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what brought you here in the first place?¡±


    Koda¡¯s brow perked up. ¡°Yes¡­ I read about an ancient city in Mervious¡ªa city of elves and angels.¡±


    ¡°Sik J¡¯Dio Sahde Alanoon, the beacon under shadow,¡± said Sable. She sat down on the bed and gestured for Koda to do the same. ¡°Come, my king, tell me what you have found.¡±


    Koda gave Wildeye a worried look. He lowered his head and rubbed his brow, his thoughts grew heavy with the weight of the shadows deep in his mind.


    Sable nodded. ¡°You still do not trust me.¡±


    Koda¡¯s face grew hot and his breaths grew longer. Wildeye struggled to stand but collapsed on the floor.


    ¡°You can trust me, Koda,¡± Sable said. She lowered her voice to a whisper so soft that Koda could not hear. ¡°His Magi weakens his mind, I only need a push to my direction, Tezhok.¡±


    Koda¡¯s legs staggered as he reached out for Sable. ¡°I-I need to lay down¡­¡±


    The runecarver assisted him and laid Koda down on the bed. ¡°Search your heart Koda, deep down you will see me as a friend.¡±


    Koda closed his eyes, his body grew cold and numb, his throat turned dry and his lips cracked. He arched his back and raised his chest, squirming in and gripping his sheets.


    ¡°Search your heart Koda, deep down you will see me as a friend¡­¡± Sable repeated.


    You will see me as a friend¡­


    You will see me as a friend¡­


    As a friend¡­


    Friend¡­


    Sable¡¯s voice echoed softer and softer in Koda¡¯s head. A sharp pain retched in his chest, he moaned and gripped his face in excruciating pain.


    You will see me as a friend¡­


    You will see me¡­Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    The voice soon turned raspy and dark¡ªas dark as the Magi that poisoned his soul.


    Friend¡­


    As a friend¡­


    You will see her as a friend¡­


    The voice screamed at Koda until he snapped open his now vibrant ultraviolet colored eyes.


    Sable took a hold of Koda¡¯s hand. She looked at the wolf. Wildeye rose to her feet and swayed back and forth in a daze. Sable turned back to Koda, his breathing was calmer.


    Sable leaned forward and whispered in Koda¡¯s ear. ¡°Are we friends?¡±


    Koda licked his lips. ¡°Water¡­ Can you bring me some water?¡±


    Sable reached over to a pitcher on the nightstand and poured the elf a glass of water.


    Koda gently accepted the water and drank. He rolled to his side. ¡°I-I don¡¯t know what came over me. M-My head aches.¡±


    ¡°You may have just been lightheaded from the lack of fresh water. Are you feeling better now?¡±


    Koda rolled to his back once more. He wove his fingers and rested them on his chest. ¡°I suppose you¡¯re right.¡±


    Sable tapped her cheek. ¡°Koda, do you trust me?¡±


    The king turned to her, shocked by the question. ¡°Of course I do, you are one of my closest friends!¡±


    ¡°Of course you do, silly me,¡± Sable chuckled. She sat beside him. ¡°Tell me what you have learned of Sik J¡¯Dio Sahde Alanoon.¡±


    ¡°I believe a Celestial Seal lays dormant in the city. I tried to start an expedition with Tashna to find and protect it, but her ego got in the way.¡±


    Sable laid back as well and twisted to her side. ¡°I learned of the Celestial Seals as a little girl. Have you heard the old children¡¯s rhyme?¡±


    Koda shook his head. ¡°You can say I was a sheltered child.¡±


    Sable smiled fondly and recited the rhyme:


    ¡°A long time ago


    When the Moon hung low


    We didn¡¯t know friend from foe


    Our life was dreary


    Dark, bleak, and eerie


    Some would say even very, very weary


    Then five seals were made


    But then the angels strayed


    And oh no! The demons stayed!


    So that¡¯s the deal


    Run or be their meal!


    ¡®Cause everyone knows you can¡¯t break a seal!¡±


    Koda giggled. ¡°Well, I suppose that is a silly way of teaching history.¡±


    ¡°But this is how I was first introduced to the legend. I¡¯ve always wanted to see one ever since.¡± Sable sat up. ¡°Could you imagine if they were never created? The angels would still be with us today.¡±


    ¡°And the world would be destroyed. My grandfather told me that the gods would only continue their wars here on Draak¡¯Terra if we had no seals.¡±


    Sable turned her head and smirked. ¡°Perhaps your grandfather is wrong?¡±


    Koda sat up to face Sable. ¡°Well, my grandfather often clouds the truth with stories and his own prejudices.¡± Koda frowned and tucked his legs.


    ¡°Oh? In what ways?¡± Sable pried. She had him curled around her finger.


    Koda¡¯s mind grew clouded once more as he paused to answer her question.


    ¡°Come now, Koda. We are friends. You don¡¯t have to hide anything from me,¡± Sable cooed.


    Koda nodded. ¡°My grandfather was against the building of our nation.¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t want progress for his own people?¡± Sable gasped.


    ¡°It would seem¡ªit would seem he was wrong about my path as a king. He even told me he couldn''t trust me with the knowledge of the seals in the first place, that I was dangerous¡­¡± Koda lowered his head in shame.


    Sable raised Koda¡¯s chin. ¡°No, Koda. Your grandfather is a foolish old man. All the world knows you are the heart and soul of Long Whisper.¡± She tapped the scroll, egging Koda to read once more. ¡°Please, help me find my Celestial Seal.¡±


    Koda gave her a bright smile and opened the scroll.


    ¡°Our library was destroyed, as well as our home. Together with the angels that wanted no part of this war, we carved a new sanctuary underneath the earth. It lies north of our once proud library. Our city, Sik J¡¯Dio Sahde Alanoon, will forever be a well of peace and knowledge, where no warmonger or evil shall find us ever again.


    ¡°To forge our destiny with the end of the Skyfallen rule, we have agreed to allow a heaven¡¯s mark to be written at the base of our city. As a mark on our dragon realm, it will also mark our place in history too.


    ¡°Nothing shall go wrong now.


    ¡°-Fervius Daybreak, recorder of the Daybreak tribe¡±


    Koda lowered the scroll. ¡°If you find the seal, tell me how amazing it was.¡±


    Sable stood and bowed. ¡°I am sure you will see one in time, too, my king.¡±


    Koda pressed his fingers on his collar. ¡°Perhaps¡­ someday soon.¡± It bore many cracks and fractures; whatever he had done, it would not restrain him for very much longer.

 Chapter 35: Elisa to the Rescue

    Quinn grimaced and doubled over in pain as another meaty fist slammed into his ribs. The harekin looked around the old musty tavern cellar with his one good eye as the other one had since swollen shut. He flinched as one of the three soldiers yanked at his ears, lurching him forward and then heaving a heavy punch to his gut.


    Once more blood spewed from Quinn¡¯s mouth as he collapsed to his knees. Both of his wrists were shackled behind his back, the cuffs digging into his fur with their rusty edges. Chains sagged heavy around his ankles. Jeering and laughing erupted as Quinn struggled to stand back up.


    ¡°I think this rabbit has had enough,¡± said one man. He was a husky guard, barely able to fit his stomach underneath his tunic. His breath reeked of ale and eggs. He grabbed Quinn by his jacket collar and smiled with a grin full of crooked teeth. ¡°Vouldn¡¯t you say, rabbit?¡±


    Quinn smirked and jerked his head forward, smashing his brow into the man¡¯s mouth. ¡°I say I could use a bit more of a wallop, you beer bellied coward!¡±


    The man stumbled and fell on his ass. He covered his mouth as blood gushed from his gums. He struggled to speak his words through his pain and mouth full of broken teeth. ¡°Right! Give him vhat he vants, boys!¡±


    Quinn limped backwards against the wall before charging with his shoulder into the first man that stepped too close to him, but his feet tripped over the chains still fastened to his legs. Quinn cussed under his breath as he hobbled to his knees. He had hoped that his capture would have bought Elisa the time to finish poisoning the town and seek help, however time moved so slow when tortured. He could keep a brave face, he was trained to, but eventually he would break.


    Elisa, what is taking you?


    A brutal right hook snapped him out of his thoughts. Blood splattered across the filthy floor. Quinn tried to keep himself firm, giving the men an oozy smile.


    ¡°Come on you, Estinian dogs! My nan hits harder than you!¡± Quinn spat.


    A vicious kick to the back of his head slammed him to the ground. The harekin rolled to his side and curled up as the guards let loose a series of stomps across his broken body.


    Quinn lay motionless. His lungs burned as he tried to breathe with his many cracked ribs. ¡°Y-you¡­ had¡­ enough?¡± wheezed Quinn.


    ¡°Get him up!¡± the fat man commanded. He pointed to Quinn and then to a chair in the corner. ¡°Put him in the chair! Ve are going to learn vhat he is doing so far from home!¡±


    Two of the men lifted Quinn and dragged him into the chair.


    The harekin rolled his eyes around, barely conscious now.


    ¡°Now, rabbit, you vill¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ yes¡­ you vill beat me¡­ some¡­ more.¡± Quinn began to cackle and laugh slowly. Blood dribbled down his lips. ¡°You blockheads¡­ are quite¡­ predictable.¡±


    Two of the soldiers looked at each other and then back to their leader, whose face flushed red with anger.


    ¡°Teach him how predictable ve can be, boys.¡±


    Quinn furrowed his brow and grit his teeth as he went through another round of beatings.


    ***


    Elisa stalked slowly down the stairs, a blooded ninjato gripped tightly in her hand, and a trail of corpses in her wake. With each step she could hear sloppy fists beating into Quinn¡¯s face and blood slapping across the ground. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°You vill talk, rabbit!¡±


    Elisa slid her back against the cool, gray stone wall. The scent of sweat, blood, and ale filled the air as she made her way down the cellar corridor until she was just outside the room where Quinn was being held.


    The shadow elf cautiously peeked around the corner and counted the Estinian soldiers.


    Three.


    Elisa also eyed Quinn¡¯s battered form; he was barely conscious and in no shape to walk out of this town on his own. She had already slain every soldier and civilian inside the tavern and if she wasn¡¯t quick enough now, there would be more to come to investigate the horrifying crime scene later. Elisa had very little time, she had to act now.


    Bolting from around the corner, Elisa thrust her sword through the middle soldier¡¯s back and before anyone could react she pulled out her weapon, spun around, and cut a deep gash across the right soldier¡¯s side.


    Elisa glanced at the remaining soldier. He turned a ghostly white as he fumbled for his sword. Elisa flashed her steel in a sudden swing. Four fingers dropped to the ground. The man quivered his stumpy hand in his face and tried to let out a shrill scream. However, only the sound of blood squirting could be heard as his head rolled to Elisa¡¯s feet.


    Elisa relieved the soldiers of the shackle keys and ran to Quinn¡¯s side. He was in rough shape. A broken nose, gashes and bruises laced his face and his fur was matted down by his wet blood. She secretly wished she could have had more time to make the soldiers suffer for each bruise that Quinn had, but more gruesome deaths were not in their cards tonight.


    ¡°Alanna, show them no quarter,¡± she whispered under her breath.


    ¡°Easy there, Quinn. You are safe now.¡± Elisa gently supported the harekin against her and she lifted him to his feet. ¡°Can you walk?¡±


    Quinn grimaced and coughed as he dragged one foot against the ground and gagged in agony as he tried to walk. ¡°I¡­ need a moment¡­ to¡­ rest,¡± he said. He stretched his body back to the chair, but was sharply pulled away and forced to hobble forward.


    ¡°No time, Quinn. Every Estinian in town is on high alert.¡± Elisa clutched onto Quinn and lifted him sideways onto her shoulders. Elisa clenched her teeth as she moved as quick as her legs could carry them down the hall and grunted as she hauled her partner up the stairs back into the tavern.


    Elisa pushed through her exhaustion as she made her way through the obstacle course of bodies, overturned chairs, and broken glass until she was at the exit. She popped her head outside to see if the coast was clear. The majority of the soldiers were still scouring the city for other intruders and the town gates were being bolstered with Estinian reinforcements. However, if she took the alleyways and the backstreets, she could find a safe spot to climb over the palisades and back to the welcoming hands of her squad.


    It was a gamble, but she had to try.


    Elisa waited for a group of soldiers to march by before turning around the corner, sprinting down the street, and diving behind a trash heap of a dimly lit alley. She leaned Quinn against the wall so that she could catch her breath.


    She rotated her shoulders and cracked her neck. Creeping down the walkway she scanned the surrounding streets.


    A night watchman pounded on doors shouting orders for the civilians to stay within their homes. Elisa tucked her head back into the shadows as the watchman turned his head.


    He didn¡¯t see me, he didn¡¯t see me¡­


    ¡°Hello? Who¡¯s there!?¡± The watchman¡¯s lantern grew closer and closer to Elisa¡¯s hiding spot.


    He saw me¡­


    ¡°Is anyone there?¡± shouted the watchman once more.


    Elisa drew her dagger and waited for him to grow closer. Just a bit more. One more step.


    With lightning fast movements, Elisa yanked the watchman¡¯s arm into the ally and punctured his neck with her dagger.


    The man fell over and Elisa dragged his lifeless form into a trash heap. She grabbed the lantern and quickly snuffed out the flame to not attract anymore unwanted attention.


    She looked outside the alley once more.


    Clear, thank the heavens it¡¯s clear.


    Elisa picked up Quinn. He was silent this time.


    He¡¯s just unconscious.


    She hustled across the street to the next alley and pushed along into the darkness until she found the town wall. Elisa made sure to be as gentle as possible as she rested Quinn¡¯s body on the ground. She searched her bag and took out a coil of rope. Elisa tied Quinn¡¯s wrists together and then threw his arms around her neck and over her back like a cloak.


    The shadow elf adjusted Quinn slightly to the point where she could move her arms freely without getting choked by the harekin¡¯s weight. After cracking her knuckles and taking a deep breath, she leaped in the air and scurried up the wall as nimble as a rat. Once reaching the top, she lowered Quinn to the best of her ability, before dropping down herself.


    We¡¯re good, Quinn. We¡¯re home free now.

 Chapter 36: Sniper Duel

    Timber crouched at the peak of a huge boulder scanning the pine forest that wove into the hills. She raised her muzzle to the air and sniffed the cool mist of an oncoming storm, though it was not the weather she was smelling for, but the scent of one that did not belong to ARO or SMO. Someone had been tracking them since leaving the tower five nights back.


    The wolf turned to watch Quinn struggle to stay on his feet. She shook her head in pity as the harekin stumbled and tripped over logs and ditches. Finally the loose gravel twisted his ankle and he fell with a hard thud.


    ¡°Get him up! Quickly,¡± snapped a frustrated Elucard.


    ¡°He needs rest, Elucard!¡± growled Mave as she came to her brother¡¯s aid. She waved over Essie. ¡°Use your runecloth on his ribs, he can¡¯t breathe.¡±


    Essie pulled out the final strip of the blue linen, but Elucard stepped in her way. ¡°No, he can manage. We need to put more distance between us and the town.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve been marching for two days!¡± roared Mave. She pulled up Quinn and shouldered him so that he could  move with more ease.


    ¡°Mave¡­ he¡¯s right¡­¡± grunted Quinn. ¡°I can¡­ manage. The king¡­ is counting¡­ on¡­ us.¡±


    Mave gave Elucard a dark glare. Her eyes were steely and cold.


    Timber shouldered her bow and rushed further up the path. The hill leveled off and the pines stood taller, but more sparse. Roots, mossy logs, and ferns littered the forest floor. Plenty of places to hide.


    ¡°What are you thinking, Tim?¡± Corso came up behind the kanis and rested his crossbow against the rough trunk of a nearby tree. He chewed on a stick of bitterroot to keep his senses calm but sharp.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been followed for the last five days.¡±


    ¡°You noticed that too?¡± Corso responded. He gave her a weary grin under his tired eyes.


    ¡°I think this would be the perfect spot to ambush him. The longer we have Quinn dragging his feet, the better chance of him picking us off on his terms¡ªno offense.¡±


    Corso spat a wad of dark green juice. ¡°None taken. I like the idea. Let¡¯s get set up.¡±


    ***


    The cold night settled among the pine forest as the final sunlight dripped into the horizon. Timber¡¯s teammates had long since marched on, leaving her to build a hideaway underneath a propped up dead log. A curtain of moss dangled from the trunk, and between the shadows of the forest and the berm of pine needles and soil, Timber might have well been just a ghost.


    She found new additions for her ghillie cloak, adding the ferns and moss that populated this new area while discarding the foliage from other regions she trekked through.


    ¡°What do you smell, Tim?¡± whispered Corso. He crawled on his stomach slower than an earthworm. Giving off no movements in the shadows or any sound. However, in the cool air, the slightest noise could travel for miles, which was why the ARO and Black Rabbit silent whisper technique was such a valuable asset for a deadeye or assassin.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Timber filled her nostrils with the passing breeze. The mysterious tracker was close, but not here yet.


    ¡°Our mark is nearby,¡± Timber said in the silent whisper, but frowned when Corso didn¡¯t make any response. ¡°Our mark is nearby,¡± she said again with her voice slightly higher.


    ¡°Good. Keep frosty¡­ and don¡¯t get shot.¡±


    Timber gave him a small nod and watched him creep to his own hiding spot.


    Hours passed and the moonlight inched through the sky and shifted the shadows among the trees. Timber¡¯s eyes ached as she continued to stare with vigilance into the forest.


    One formless blob of shadows in particular had her attention. She watched it carefully, cautiously, unable to decipher its shape. It could be a possum, it could be nothing¡ªor it could be her target. She had no way of knowing. Even with her excellent wolven vision, she still hadn¡¯t the foggiest idea about what she was looking at.


    Should she take her shot? Should she sacrifice her position in order to get the jump on her enemy?


    She glanced at Corso''s hideaway. She couldn¡¯t tell if he had the same concerns.


    She focused on the shadow once more. Did it shrink? Did it shift at all? It seemed different. She gripped her bow tightly and pulled back her drawstring. She needed to act fast, she couldn¡¯t hesitate any longer. She wasn¡¯t dealing with just another Estinian soldier. No, this one was a professional. Trained in camouflage. Trained to hunt. To hunt her!


    She released and her arrow sailed forth striking the blob.


    Thunk!


    The arrow hit its target, but made no sound of penetrating flesh or leather armor, instead the sound of penetrating a hay target. Timber¡¯s eyes widened as a glint of steel twinkled in the light. A sharp pain exploded through her shoulder. She grimaced in pain and fell backwards. Gripping a claw full of needles and dirt, she scrambled to her knees and dragged herself behind the cover of a tree.


    Ka-shnk!


    Corso¡¯s bolt fired from his crossbow. Then silence.


    Timber held still, holding her breath. She listened closely for anything, any sign of what became of her target or partner.


    Silence.


    Her shoulder ached as she twisted her head to peek around the tree.


    Silence once more.


    Timber drew her dirk and licked her chops. She was thirsty. Tired. Hungry. Frightened.


    Clang! Shnkt!


    ¡°AArrgh!¡± Corso¡¯s cry shattered the silent air


    Her pulse raced as her breath grew as short as her patience. She clenched her eyes tightly.


    ¡°Corso!?¡± she yelped.


    Timber grit her teeth, Corso was hurt and she was just sitting here not doing a damn thing about it! She winced as she pulled herself to her feet.


    ¡°Corso!?¡± Timber called out again. ¡°Corso, I¡¯m coming!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± No-Hops¡¯ familiar, dry voice cracked through the night. He grimaced as he trudged through the brush until he stood next to Timber. The harekin held a bloody hand to his ribs. ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Timber slid back down to her rear and glanced at her shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s not too bad. Yourself?¡±


    ¡°The bloody bastard nicked me good before I finished him off.¡± He rolled a bandage around his side and then gestured for Timber to lean closer to him.


    ¡°How¡¯d you see him?¡± asked Timber.


    Corso inspected her shoulder, carefully removing the arrow and dressing it with gauze and bandages. ¡°How do I say this without you killing me?¡±


    Timber scowled under the pain. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I bloody well couldn¡¯t see the bloke, so I needed him to reveal his position,¡± Corso said slowly.


    ¡°You used me as a decoy?!¡± Timber roared.


    ¡°Love, it wasn¡¯t bloomin¡¯ personal, I just needed to¡ª¡± Corso ducked his head as Timber swiped her claws at him.


    ¡°Corso No-Hops, I ought to crunch your head off!¡±


    ¡°Plenty of time for head crunching later, darling, but now we have to get back to Mave and the others,¡± Corso chuckled. ¡°How¡¯s the old bow bender?¡±


    Timber winced as she rotated her shoulder. ¡°Stiff, but I can still shoot.¡±


    ¡°Apparently not as well as I can!¡± Corso hooted before running off into the night.


    ¡°Corso, I swear to Alanna!¡± growled Timber as she chased after him.

 Chapter 37: Blade Brothers Once More

    Wiccer slapped the mosquito buzzing on his neck. He couldn¡¯t count the many things he grew to despise about the swamps on all his fingers and toes. Mosquitoes, the humid nights, alligators, mud, the rain, the list could go on and on. He was happy to know his army reached the end of the Blood Bog. However, they needed to figure out what to make of the watch tower in the near distance.


    ¡°The scouts said that they saw no one inside of it. Perhaps it is an abandoned structure?¡± said Dallin. He ripped into a piece of alligator jerky. A parting gift from the orcs.


    ¡°All the more reason to secure it. If the Estinians had possession of a sturdy watchtower, they could cut off our supply train to Ghostoc Port.¡± Wiccer rubbed his chin as he studied his map that spread across the wet ground. ¡°We should send in the sappers, to make sure all is in order up there.¡±


    Both kings nodded.


    ¡°If I may, general.¡± Legion stepped forth from the shadows. He and Malady stayed close to Wiccer, but never tried to interfere with his choices or leadership.


    Wiccer nodded. ¡°What do you have to say, sergeant?¡±


    Legion turned to the direction of the tower. ¡°You sent Elucard ahead to secure points such as this. If he did pass by here, he would have boobytrapped the tower.¡±


    ¡°In other words¡±¡ªMalady leaned on Legion¡¯s shoulder¡ª¡°you¡¯d be sending your sappers on a suicide mission.¡±


    Dallin raised a doubtful eyebrow. ¡°Varisian sappers are trained to disarm traps of any nature.¡±


    ¡°Are you ready to take that chance, Dallin?¡± Malady gave him a sly grin.


    ¡°I am a king, I shall be addressed as one.¡± Dallin rose to his feet and puffed out his chest.


    Malady slid into Dallin¡¯s face and flashed his teeth. ¡°I have no king.¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± shouted Wiccer. ¡°Honestly, we already have an enemy, we don¡¯t need to fight amongst ourselves.¡±


    Dallin adjusted his tunic and cape. ¡°Yes, you are right, General.¡±


    Malady continued to smile and sank back into the shadows behind his blade brother.


    Wiccer shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair. ¡°Legion, do you suggest we send in you two to inspect the tower?¡±


    ¡°If Elucard had the place trapped, we can disarm them,¡± Legion confirmed.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Wiccer looked at the two kings who nodded and then back to the two former Black Rabbits. ¡°Very well, but be careful. You two are far too valuable to die to something as silly as a boobytrap.¡±


    ***


    Legion examined the blast marks on the warped door hinges of the tower entrance.


    ¡°Dragon powder?¡± Malady asked.


    Legion wiped the soot with his finger and smelt the strong, pungent odor. He wrinkled his nose. ¡°It looks like it.¡±


    ¡°Your whelp has a demolition expert in his crew.¡±


    Legion felt the door frame for wires or triggers. He muttered a hrm after finding none and walked in. ¡°Door¡¯s clean.¡±


    Malady followed Legion inside and together they began to ascend the stairs.


    ¡°I never thought I¡¯d be working alongside you again, brother,¡± said Malady after a short while. Legion gave him a short glance before Malady spoke up once more. ¡°You could have been my High Blade when I commanded the Black Rabbits.¡±


    Legion halted and then crouched down to inspect a loose step. He took out a thin dagger and pried the step upwards to find  a spring and three white pellets. ¡°Elisa¡¯s work. Be on your guard, there may be more.¡±


    ¡°We would have brought the Rabbits to their former glory, you and I,¡± said Malady, not skipping a beat after Legion¡¯s warning.


    Legion remained silent as they continued up the winding staircase.


    ¡°But you knew something, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Legion glanced back to Malady again. ¡°Neither of us could find happiness with a blade in our hand.¡±


    It was Malady¡¯s turn to be silent. Together they continued their climb.


    ¡°I was the son of Ryjin, founder of the Black Rabbits. I was born and bred to kill. Happiness was never meant to be.¡±


    ¡°And now you lead the clan and yet, you still feel empty inside,¡± said Legion.


    Malady hid his scowl. ¡°It means nothing. I would prefer the trade of blood and death over¡ª¡±


    ¡°Over something honest like a farmer or a fisherman?¡±


    Malady paused. ¡°What makes a fisherman more honest than that of an assassin?¡±


    Legion bowed his head. ¡°Do you really need to ask yourself such a thing, my brother?¡±


    ¡°And what about you?¡± Malady scoffed. ¡°So high and mighty. Did the great Legion ever find his happiness?¡±


    Legion raised his hands to examine the trap door above them. He pushed it open ever so slightly, taking note of a sliver of light glinting off an extremely thin wire.


    Using a dagger, he cut the wire and made his way to the tower turret. ¡°I have done many things to forgo my happiness, but even with my sins, I still found it.¡±


    ¡°How? You of all people, I need to know how you found your peace,¡± urged Malady.


    Legion looked back to Malady and simply said, ¡°Through my son, Elucard.¡±


    Malady leaned on the tower ledge and watched as the sun drifted into the horizon. Hues of red and gold streaked across the sky. Malady sighed and wiped away his smile. ¡°Your son, huh?¡±


    Legion patted his blade brother¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Everyone deserves peace, Malady. Even an old soldier like you.¡±


    Malady chuckled. ¡°Then maybe I¡¯ll have it one day.¡±

 Chapter 38: Tension Boils Over

    The rain pounded on Elucard¡¯s shoulders. Weighing him down like, dragging his mind through the tar of his own thoughts.


    I am the only one who is taking this mission seriously. No one cares like I do. They think it¡¯s a game¡­ it¡¯s not! Had Quinn not been so careless he would never have gotten caught!


    Elucard turned to watch Mave and Essie carry Quinn¡¯s tired and beaten frame. How many more rests were they going to take? How many more times will Mave find an excuse to dawdle while Koda suffers in the hands of his enemy?


    ¡°Hurry up!¡± Elucard shouted. He sneered as Timber and Corso passed by him. Timber was trained better than this. How could she be so sloppy? Clearly Corso distracted her. The harekins had been nothing but a distraction.


    Elucard stroked his brow and shook his head. These thoughts¡ªthese ideas, how did they wriggle their way into his head? Like a termite or a worm burrowing into an apple. Images of his fist smashing into Blayvaar¡¯s face flashed before his eyes like the crack of lightning. Shadows of his hands choking Wiccer flickered on the ground. Legion, Essie, Jetta¡­ even Jetta. He would kill them all. He had no choice. It was a mentality. His drive. His way of life. It was a stake through the heart of everyone he cherished¡ªeverything he cherished.


    What could he do? Even now he was in a downward spiral. Mave had been¡ªperhaps still was¡ªhis friend. Why did he not trust her, why did the mission drive a wedge between them?


    He looked back to Mave. His eyes were blank and emotionless. Darkness swelled in his heart. He knew the levy would break. He knew he would shatter her world before he could stamp out this fire. It was always just a matter of time before he destroyed everything. After all, the Black Rabbits excelled at destroying lives.


    Mave halted and gently leaned Quinn against a rock. She faced Elucard and growled, ¡°Alright mate, I get it. We are the aces of the sky, but you are the aces on the ground. Will you lose the attitude already?¡±


    Elucard narrowed his eyes, but let her continue.


    ¡°We need to rest, a couple days at the most. Quinn is in rough shape. Corso and Timber just came back injured and tired. We aren¡¯t golems, we¡¯re living beings. We can¡¯t survive this death march. We need a break!¡±


    Elucard moved in close to Mave until he could see his own soulless reflection in her eyes. ¡°Keep. Moving,¡± he sneered.


    Mave nodded, lightly at first, but as she turned she nodded more aggressively. ¡°Okay, okay. You want to do this, Freewind? We can do this.¡±


    With that Mave reeled around and unloaded a strike across Elucard¡¯s jaw. The weight of the impact rocked Elucard off balance, and if it wasn¡¯t for his training, he would have tumbled head over heels down the hill behind him.


    Elucard wiped the blood from his lip. He popped his jaw and smirked. ¡°I¡¯m not going to fight you, Mave.¡±


    Mave raised her fists and bounced on her feet. ¡°That¡¯s too bad, Freewind. Then this will be a quick beating.¡±


    Mave threw a quick jab to test the water. Elucard moved his head to the side. Mave threw another jab with her other hand and once again Elucard avoided it.


    ¡°I have your number now, elf,¡± Mave said with a grin.


    Elucard chuckled as Mave tossed another jab, he continued his pattern to dodge it. However, Mave was ready. She shot a lightning fast uppercut into Elucard¡¯s chin. This time Elucard was taken off his feet and landed on his back.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    The harekins cheered and the Anti-Rogue operatives gasped.


    Elucard laid in the mud, dazed. The darkness continued to swell in his heart, clouding his mind and eyes. More games, more delays. He would have to make an example out of Mave.


    With a single heave, he jumped to his feet and dropped into an aggressive fighting stance.


    ¡°Let me warn you, Mave, you do not want to do this,¡± Elucard said.


    Mave cracked her knuckles before itching forward. ¡°This is exactly what I want!¡±


    Elucard''s face morphed into a cold glare. He dashed forward, ducking under another jab, and thrust his elbow into Mave¡¯s gut. As she doubled over, Elucard lashed his elbow up, catching the rabbit under her jaw. Her head reeled back from the blow, but before she could recover, Elucard spun on his heel and sent a hard kick to the chest.


    Mave flew backwards and crashed to the ground, stunned.


    ¡°Stay down,¡± Elucard said. The rest of the team looked on. Curious of how Mave would react.


    Mave pulled herself to her knees, panting for air. ¡°I acknowledge you''re a good fighter, Freewind, but we Silvertails are made of harder stuff.¡± Mave wobbled as she found herself on her feet.


    Elucard sighed. Springing forward, he launched a series of strikes at Mave. Blood and spit sprayed across the ground with each concussive blow.


    Mave bucked left and right from the cracks of a fist or kick, until she could take no more. She whipped out her hands and grabbed Elucard by the cloak and slammed him on the ground. Both of them were now at the edge of a sharp downhill. The rain picked up, slicking the grass, and hampering their vision and hearing.


    Mave leaped onto Elucard, pushing his head into the thick mud. With that, she laid into him, smashing her fist over and over into face.


    Not again. A drop of blood rippled Elucard¡¯s thoughts. Blayvaar.


    ¡°You bastard! You did this to yourself!¡± she screamed.


    Elucard grabbed her fist and kicked her off of him. He spat a glob of blood into a puddle. ¡°You think I don¡¯t know that?¡± He drew a dagger and gripped it tightly in his hand. ¡°You don¡¯t think these thoughts keep up at night? That these memories don¡¯t torture me!?¡± he roared and rushed forward.


    Mave¡¯s eyes widened and reached for her saber, but it was too late. Elucard snaked around her and pushed his blade against her throat.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think I suffer for my actions every day? I do, Mave¡­ I do.¡± whispered Elucard into the harekin¡¯s ear.


    Mave swallowed hard. The blade¡¯s edge dug deeper into her fur. Blood began to trickle down her neck. It was only the Black Rabbit''s fine control that prevented the blade from cutting any deeper.


    ¡°It¡¯s over, Mave,¡± Elucard said. ¡°Please, let it be over.¡±


    I don¡¯t want to use another friend, he told himself. This can¡¯t be the end¡­please don¡¯t let it be the end.


    Elucard shut his eyes tight, his throat grew tight and he fought himself not to sob. Every nightmare he had since his encounter with the Collector now barged their way into his head at once. He tried to scream, but something took his hand and pressed his blade deeper against Mave¡¯s fur.


    Mave stole a glance at the hill¡¯s edge behind her and smirked. ¡°I don¡¯t give up that easily¡ª¡± Mave shouted as she pushed herself and Elucard backward over the grassy ledge. Both went crashing, rolling, and tossing down the hill.


    Elucard landed under Mave with a thump. However, he felt a sharp pain lance through him. His eyes glossed over and his cheeks quivered. He pushed the harekin off of him and grunted as he tried to stand up. He felt woozy. Light headed. He fell back to his hands and knees. A warm liquid soaked his sleeve and trickled over his hand.


    Mave leaned back and looked at her blood stained hands. ¡°Elucard?¡±


    The elf huffed and coughed in agony. ¡°M-Mave¡­y-you¡¯ve stabbed me.¡± Blood bubbled down the sides of his lips. His vision blurred and all grew dark. He gingerly pawed the dagger¡¯s hilt, the blade jammed in his neck.


    Mave cradled Elucard in her arms. Thinking quickly, she tore a strip of her cloak and applied pressure to relieve the bleeding. ¡°Essie!!!¡± she called out at the top of her lungs.


    ¡°M-Mave¡­ I-I¡¯m sorry¡­ I-I¡¯m so¡­ sorry¡­¡± Elucard repeated and repeated. He knew his last moments had arrived and Alanna was to finally lay his soul to rest. All he could do was beg for forgiveness to those that he wronged. The list was long and he had so little time. So¡­ very¡­ little time¡­

 Chapter 39: Kyzo and the Cabin

    Essie wiped her bloodied hands with a rag and looked at Mave. ¡°He¡¯ll live, but he needs to rest. I think it''s obvious that we all need rest.¡±


    Mave nodded and stole a glance at the unconscious body of Elucard then back to Essie. ¡°And the runecloth?¡±


    Essie bowed her head. ¡°No more safety net, Captain. I used my last runecloth bandage on Elucard.¡±


    Mave bit her lip and looked to the clouds. The wind blew hard and the rain poured heavily. There was no sign of the weather letting up. Without shelter, her injured men could gain a fever and not last the night.


    She took a count of her squad. Elucard, Quinn, Timber, and Corso were wounded, two of them too injured to walk. Essie was tending to them. Only Bruce, Kyzo, Elisa, and herself were mobile and able to protect themselves. She needed someone to scout out a nearby forest for shelter.


    She turned to Kyzo. She liked the enthusiasm the boy had and he¡¯d proved his courage time and time again to them. He would make the best choice to find somewhere to rest, while Elisa and Bruce stayed back to protect the others.


    ¡°Kyzo!¡± shouted Mave. She waited for him to snap to attention. ¡°Scout out the woods ahead, find some form of shelter, whether it be a cave or an abandoned structure. Find us something, and find it fast!¡±


    Kyzo threw a smart salute. ¡°You can count on me, Captain!¡±


    Mave grinned. ¡°I know I can. Now hop to it, private!¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± said Kyzo. With that, he darted as quickly as a diving falcon into the woods.


    ***


    Not long after he left his companions, Kyzo stumbled onto an old road. He examined it to the best of his ability, and although he was sufficient in reading tracks, he was no Timber. The trail was wide and worn. The rain made it difficult to see any distinct animal tracks, but he was sure he deciphered the grooves of wagon wheels. This was definitely not a game trail. Someone¡¯s dwelling was nearby, he was sure of it. Perhaps they would help him, but in the worst case scenario, he would force them to help him. Hopefully it wouldn¡¯t come to that.


    Kyzo followed the road for a mile, maybe two, before he spotted a soft glow in the dark forest and the scent of a simmering beef stew hung in the air. His stomach growled; a week of military rations couldn¡¯t compare to a warm homemade meal and a soft bed to let his full belly rest. Maybe the house had a flute or a mandolin to play an elven song. The closer he walked to the cabin, the more he mused of a night¡¯s rest in a cozy tavern back home in Lost Dawns. He had not seen his beloved elder tree in weeks and he had grown homesick. The excitement of war had worn its welcome and he no longer looked forward to regaling his friends with adventures and stories of his many exploits on the backs of dragons.


    Not that he wasn¡¯t happy when he learned to ride them, but he missed sitting beside his master on the clocktower. Perhaps a simpler life was more desirable than an exciting one.


    He shook his head. Nothing was simple about being an Anti-Rogue Operative, but it was much easier than leaping off the back of a flying serpent a mile from the ground.


    The log cabin was now in view and Kyzo made sure to be out of sight. Creeping to the side of the cottage, he peered in from the edge of the window. Inside he saw an elderly couple sitting down for supper. He pulled up his hood to hide his elven ears and headed to the door.


    What would be his story? He was in the muddy and ragged uniform of someone from the Cypress Alliance. He bore the flag of Long Whisper for goodness sake. No one would take him in while he was behind enemy lines! But he was already so deep into the woods and he saw no better option for shelter. He would need to take them hostage. Just for a couple nights, no one would need to get hurt.


    He grit his teeth. Yes, as long as no one got hurt. They were old and innocent, they weren¡¯t enemy soldiers¡ªthey weren¡¯t enemies at all, just a civilian couple in the wrong place at the wrong time.


    Kyzo rapped at the door. He took a deep breath and waited for a kind, elderly woman to open the door. She was short and round, wearing a white blouse and long blue dress. A decorated apron with small ducks and rose petals was tied over her clothing. She had welcoming eyes. She seemed more good-hearted than the Estinians he killed in the past weeks. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    He looked up, attempting to look as helpless and innocent as she was. He was not ready to be her captor yet. He would take his chances with them to understand his situation and housing their enemies out of sympathy. After all, it would only be two nights tops.


    ¡°Percilla, who¡¯s at the door?¡± came a gruff, wheezing voice from behind her.


    ¡°It¡¯s a boy, Martin. He¡¯s soaked to the bone!¡± Percilla wrapped her arm around Kyzo and ushered him inside. ¡°Come now, dearie. You look famished. Eat a bowl of stew and varm yourself by the fire.¡±


    There was that accent. The same one that all the soldiers used. He had never heard anyone say any words of kindness in it until now. Kyzo gave a meek smile and sat in a chair across from Martin. The old man¡¯s face was bony, his shriveled features nearly covered by a large bushy beard. It was gray as Mave¡¯s fur, but probably not as soft. His beady eyes stared suspiciously at Kyzo as the boy slurped down his food.


    The cabin inside was small, cramped with trinkets and furniture. Antique memories collected from a lifetime of a shared life. However, what caught Kyzo¡¯s attention was a ceremonial silver saber. It had a polished gold guard, with a decorative engraving of a raven. A white leather wrapped hilt finished the sword. All in all, it was a very handsome weapon that could be appreciated by both amateurs and true swordsmen.


    ¡°You can quit your gawking, boy. You are not taking home that sword!¡± growled Martin.


    ¡°I was only appreciating the fine craftsmanship, sir,¡± Kyzo explained.


    Percilla poured Kyzo another helping of the hot beef stew. ¡°Now, now, Martin. Behave yourself.¡± She draped a comfy wool blanket over Kyzo. ¡°You¡¯ll have to excuse Martin, he isn¡¯t used to having guests.¡±


    Kyzo ducked his head down and let the vapors from his bowl steam his face.


    ¡°Are you a soldier, child? You seem too young to be fighting for our kingdom,¡± Percilla asked.


    ¡°I-I¡­¡± Kyzo searched for an answer. Taking them hostage still floated in his mind. ¡°I-I am a scout¡ªno¡ª runner. My squad was attacked not too far from here and I¡¯ve been sent out to find shelter.¡± Not a complete lie.


    ¡°You poor soul. Vell they are velcome to our humble home, isn¡¯t that right, Martin?¡±


    ¡°Vhat unit did you say you vere from, boy?¡± questioned Martin. He attempted to get a better look at Kyzo, but the elf continued to keep his head down.


    ¡°I-I didn¡¯t say¡­ it¡¯s classified, sir.¡±


    ¡°Classified, my foot!¡± Martin abruptly stood up, knocking over his chair. ¡°I am Martin Clawhoven! Lieutenant of the 2nd Infantry Division, retired but not senile, and if I¡¯m not mistaken¡­¡± Despite his age, Martin dashed around the table and yanked down Kyzo¡¯s hood revealing his pointed ears. ¡°You are an elf! Vhat self respecting Estinian vould be born vith red eyes, Percilla?¡±


    Kyzo leaped to his feet and threw up his hands. ¡°Please, sir, I don¡¯t want any trouble. My squad is in no condition to travel, we need a place to rest¡ª just for the night! We mean you no harm and then we¡¯ll be gone!¡±


    Martin raced to the mantle and grabbed his saber off the wall. ¡°Percilla, he¡¯s a rotten liar! He came here to rescue that pathetic king of his!¡± Martin flailed his saber in the air with each vile word.


    ¡°Oh, Martin, ve have an elf in our home! How horrifying!¡± Percilla shrieked.


    Kyzo gripped his sword but did not unsheath it. ¡°Martin, Percilla, I mean it, I will use force to defend myself, but I don¡¯t want to.¡± Kyzo shuffled closer and closer to Martin. ¡°Please, my companions just need a bit of rest, maybe a bite to eat, then we will be on our way.¡±


    ¡°Not in my life, you treehouse living savage!¡± Martin roared before charging the blade first into Kyzo.


    With skills beyond his years, Kyzo drew his sword and parried the oncoming blade. Within an instant, he sunk his ninjato deep into Martin¡¯s chest.


    Precilla let out a scream of terror, before grabbing a kitchen knife from the counter. She swung wildly at Kyzo, but to no avail. A clean cut to her neck, left her gurgling blood and falling into a heap across Martin¡¯s body.


    Kyzo dropped his sword. His hands trembled as he fell to his knees.


    They didn¡¯t have to die. Why wouldn¡¯t they listen? None of this needed to happen, none of it!


    ***


    Mave spread the wool blanket over the dining table and laid Quinn on top. Elisa and Bruce dragged Martin and Precilla¡¯s bodies to the shed around the back of the cottage. Corso changed Timber¡¯s bandages and Essie tended to Quinn¡¯s welts and bruises.


    Kyzo stood outside against the cabin. He played out the scene in his head a thousand times. What could he have done differently? If he took them by force, he could have tied them up or locked them in the shed. Either way they would still be alive and he wouldn¡¯t have murdered an elderly couple in cold blood.


    Elucard limped outside to meet his apprentice and leaned against the cabin, gingerly touching his neck.


    ¡°You¡­ did the right¡­ thing, Kyzo,¡± Elucard said. It took too great an effort to complete his sentence, despite his healed wound, his body ached and felt tired, as if he never slept a day in his life.


    ¡°Yeah? Well it doesn¡¯t feel right,¡± Kyzo muttered. ¡°I¡¯ve slain dozens of criminals. I don¡¯t gag at the sight of blood, but to kill them?¡­I didn¡¯t have the stomach for that.¡±


    ¡°Look inside¡­ Kyzo. Those people¡­ in there, they owe you their¡­ lives.¡±


    Kyzo looked away from Elucard, unconvinced.


    ¡°Not a single one¡­ of them¡­ judges you¡­¡± Elucard took a hold of the boy¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Do not regret¡­ the lives you have saved. We all would have done¡­ what you did¡­ tonight.¡±


    Kyzo faced his master and smiled.


    ¡°Get some¡­ sleep¡­ Kyzo, you deserve¡­ it.¡±


    Kyzo stepped into the house and looked around the room. Everyone nodded to him in respect. Kyzo grinned. He climbed the ladder to the loft and collapsed in the soft bed.

 Chapter 40: Escape, Koda!

    The sounds of wood warping and churning echoed through the halls of Koda''s prison tower. The rivets of doors ground as they pushed out of their place and clattered to the ground. With an immense shove, Koda¡¯s chamber door exploded open. The Mage King and his wolf were finally free!


    ¡°Come Wildeye, now is our chance to escape!¡± Koda told his familiar as he took off into a dead sprint down the corridor. He was not well enough to speak to her telepathically. The collar had taken its toll on him, and regaining his maximum capacity of Magi back would have to wait.


    ¡°Remember Koda, you must conserve your strength!¡± Wildeye urged as she stayed by his side.


    Koda and Wildeye made a sharp right and then a left as they desperately tried to navigate a castle they were unfamiliar with. The shouting of guards bounced off the walls. Despite the overwhelming noise of clanging armor and commands, Koda could hear the repeated calls of "Prisoner escape! Prisoner escape!"


    He turned around another corner, skidding to an abrupt stop as he came face to face with a column of guards. They fanned out, blocking any form of further escape, and pointed their spears at Koda and Wildeye.


    The Mage King was not intimidated in the least bit. With one fell motion, Koda stamped his feet together and lifted his hands into the air. A carpet of lush grass ran down the hallway covering the ground in a small field.


    The guards gave each other a nervous laugh before inching closer to Koda. However, the master of vernal magic wasn¡¯t done yet. Koda dropped his hands to the ground and with that motion, the grass sprang up, puncturing through the solid iron armor and impaling the men. Koda snapped and the grass faded into sprite-like dust.


    Koda fell to his knees, exhausted. He had practiced manipulation such as those movements plenty of times without the same amount of strain at his school, but the collar had drained so much of his Magi. Now, even the simplest spells seemed daunting.


    Wildeye nudged Koda¡¯s arm. ¡°Koda, we mustn''t rest now. Get on my back, I shall carry you out of here!¡±


    Koda nodded, dragged himself onto Wildeye, and took a hold of her scruff. Strange particles floated from the tips of blue and lavender fur. Wildeye let out a melodic, enchanted howl and took off in a mad dash down the hallway. Koda had to hang on for dear life for the speed at which Wildeye sprinted was like no other horse that Koda had ridden before. With each step that Wildeye took, her paws flared with magic, sparking against the stone tiles.


    More and more guards charged forward down the corridors after them.


    ¡°Hang on, Koda!¡± barked Wildeye. She leaped sideways onto the wall, racing over the heads of the guards, defying the laws of gravity. Koda¡¯s eyes widened as his entire world shifted. His wolf leaped over statues and armor displays, cleared across window panes, and crashed through doorways.


    ¡°Do you know where you are going?¡± Koda shouted.


    ¡°Not quite!¡± admitted Wildeye.


    ¡°Try making a le¡ªack!¡± Koda gagged as a blur of violet scales latched onto his face and slammed him against the opposite wall.


    Koda struggled to breath as the giant hand crushed him further into the stone.


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going, Dawnedge?¡± snarled Ro¡¯Tan.


    Wildeye chomped down on the draconian¡¯s tail; with a feral growl she dragged Ro¡¯Tan back and swung him through a statue of Aric Stine.


    Koda fell to his feet, gasping for air.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°Thanks girl, I¡¯ve got it from here!¡± Koda said.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got it from here?¡± rumbled Ro''Tan. ¡°Don¡¯t make me laugh!¡±


    Koda narrowly ducked under a massive claw. He slapped Ro¡¯Tan¡¯s belly and thigh, hiding a small seed between his scales. Koda side stepped another swipe, but the dragon¡¯s menacing tail slammed him against the wall.


    Dazed, Koda tried to roll out of the way, but the dragon¡¯s careening fist connected with his gut, lifting him off his feet to strike the ceiling. Ro¡¯Tan caught Koda¡¯s ankle and heaved him into the ground.


    Koda threw his arms in front of his face protectively, as if such a feeble gesture could save him from splattering across the ground on impact¡ªbut he bounced, only bruised, as wood encased his body at his subconscious command.


    Wildeye leaped onto the dragon¡¯s back and sunk her magical fangs into Ro¡¯Tan¡¯s throat. Blood sprayed from the dragon¡¯s neck as he screamed in anguish. With a desperate action, Ro¡¯Tan ripped the wolf away from his neck and chucked her into a suit of armor.


    Koda wobbled to his feet. Most of his wood armor had cracked apart, revealing his bruised and bloodied skin. Worn out from his liberal use of magic, he needed to put down the dragon now or this would be the end. One final spell.


    Koda¡¯s blue eyes flashed emerald as he reached out for all plant life across the castle. He searched for moss on the walls, weeds in the soil, and trees in the courtyard. He sensed the distant energy of a rose garden somewhere in the palace, but too far to call on for aid. The castle was barren except for his deteriorating wood armor. However, the two seeds still clung to the dragon¡¯s scales. Perfect.


    Ro¡¯Tan beat his wings and took off towards Koda.


    The elf thrust his left hand forward and with his other hand grabbed his wrist. As Ro¡¯Tan zoomed towards him, Koda clenched his teeth and closed his fist. Instantly the seeds expanded, then exploded into massive vines wrapping around Ro¡¯Tan, weighing him down until he crashed to Koda¡¯s feet.


    The monstrous vines twisted and squeezed the dragon until he could breath no longer, rendering him unconscious.


    The fight took too much magic and strength from Koda. He needed to go, now!


    ¡°Koda!¡± a familiar voice came from behind the king.


    He turned and limped slowly to the Div¡¯Rah. ¡°Let¡­ me¡­ leave¡­¡±


    Tashna stepped forward, shaking her head. ¡°Go back to your chamber, Koda.¡±


    Koda¡¯s wood armor slid off his body and down into his hand to form a sword. ¡°I am¡­ leaving¡­ this prison¡­¡±


    Tashna held her chin aloft. ¡°This is your last chance Koda. Go back to your chamber!¡±


    Koda raised his wooden sword and channeled the last bit of his Magi to turn its edge razor sharp. ¡°I will¡­ kill you¡­ if I must.¡±


    ¡°You forced my hand, you silly boy!¡±


    Koda raised his sword.


    ¡°Sleep,¡± Tashna whispered.


    Koda¡¯s pupils shrank into tiny specks. His mouth gaped open and his head rolled backwards. Before he or his wolf could react, they both clattered onto the floor, lumbering peacefully.


    ***


    ¡°Wake up, boy!¡± A hot pain spread across Koda¡¯s cheek as the elf roused awake. His eyes widened in shock and fear as he found himself back in his old cell. His hands were shackled together by a crude, black chain and another chain attached his neck to the wall. Koda could barely move his head from left to right, but he was relieved to find Wildeye chained to the opposite wall.


    The jailer, Grune, swung his cudgel across Koda¡¯s cheek once more, opening a fresh gash on his face. ¡°I¡¯m the law around ''ere, Dawnedge. What I say goes, you got me, boy?¡±


    Koda narrowed his eyes and gave the jailer a viscous glare.


    Grune raised his lip and swung his club over and over again, bashing and beating Koda until the mage king could no longer see from one of his eyes to give Grune such a defiant look.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯s communicating properly, boy.¡±


    Koda smiled through a mouthful of blood and struggled to concentrate enough magic to gain control of the wooden club. It was difficult, he lost so much energy making his escape and battling against the draconian. Simply breaking the cudgel would have to suffice.


    ¡°The Div¡¯Rah says you might try to magic your way outta ¡®ere. She told us to not give you the chance.¡± Grune grabbed Koda by the collar of his shirt and battered him until the king was a bloody mess. ¡°Think I might have overdid it. Well, I¡¯m sure you understand now.¡±


    Grune raised his club once more and chuckled as Koda waved his hands over his head.


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll behave. P-please, no more,¡± Koda begged.


    ¡°You¡¯s a smart one, Dawnedge. You¡¯ll go far in ¡®ere,¡± laughed Grune.


    Koda sulked in the corner, rocking himself back and forth until he could finally fall asleep.

 Chapter 41: Enemy Intelligence

    Two days after arriving at the cottage, the rain finally passed. Now with food in their bellies and supplies restocked, the small squad of Cypress Alliance soldiers set off back to their mission.


    Elucard marched ahead of the pack in silence. His thoughts collected at the surface of his mind. He had come a hair''s breadth from death the other night. Had it not been for the miracle of runecloth, he would be a dead elf and walking alongside Jetta and Alanna. In those last moments¡ªthose last fleeting moments of his life, he only wanted to apologize to all he wronged. He did not lead a good life, but one of misery for both himself and those he affected around him. It took a dagger to the neck for him to realize it still wasn¡¯t too late to change his ways, to redeem himself.


    Elucard looked at Mave. Now was as good as anytime to start the change.


    ¡°Mave¡­¡± Elucard paused. The harekin gave him an odd look, but waited for him to continue. ¡°Mave, I just want to say¡­ that I am a jerk.¡±


    Mave grew a wry smile. ¡°I think that¡¯s a bit obvious, mate.¡±


    Elucard bit his lip and looked away. This was harder than he thought it would be. He turned back to her. ¡°I¡¯m a jerk and I¡¯ve done you, your people, and my own wrong.¡± He said the last part louder for the rest to hear him. The whole squad stopped in their tracks to listen to Elucard.


    ¡°I¡¯ve made a lot of mistakes, mistakes that I will forever have to live with because they can¡¯t be fixed. Mistakes that were passed down to me because of how I was raised and mistakes that I know I can mend if you all would allow me to work on them,¡± Elucard said. He walked to Essie and put a hand on her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for betraying your trust, Es. I¡¯m sorry that I haven¡¯t been the leader you deserve.¡±


    She looked up at him. ¡°You have a lot of work to do on yourself to regain my trust, Elucard.¡± She sighed. ¡°But this is a start.¡±


    He turned to Mave. ¡°I wish I could start our relationship over again and prove to you that I¡¯m so much more than some heartless creature.¡±


    Mave offered her hand. ¡°Mave Silvertail.¡±


    Elucard looked at the hand. He hesitated before accepting it. ¡°Elucard Freewind.¡±


    Mave gripped his hand and crushed it in a firm shake. ¡°Pleasure to meet you, Elucard. Now let¡¯s get on with this mission.¡± Mave inspected the squad. ¡°Is everyone in tip-top shape?¡±


    Essie stood at attention. ¡°Everyone is good to travel, captain. Timber¡¯s shoulder will be sore for a couple more days, but she should be able to draw an arrow with little problem. Corso¡¯s injury was shallow and has healed nicely. Elisa¡¯s broken finger is more or less healed. I recommend keeping it taped for a few more days, just to be sure. And Quinn, well, he¡¯s a trooper, he¡¯ll be just fine.¡±


    Mave nodded. ¡°We took our fair share of bumps, it¡¯s time we bump back!¡±


    The squad let out an enthusiastic hooah!


    Mave caught Quinn¡¯s pouting face out of the corner of her eye. ¡°Aw, why the long face, Quinn?¡±


    Quinn kicked a pebble and lowered his eyes. ¡°I lost all my explosives and weapons back at the town.¡±


    Mave tapped her chin in thought. ¡°Well, I¡¯m sure one of us can spare you a dagger or two, but we¡¯ll have to be on the lookout for some spare explosives.¡±


    Elisa and Bruce donated Quinn a dagger each and Kyzo offered Quinn a pouch of shurikens.


    The harekin pricked his finger on one of the iron stars. ¡°Yowch! I tell you what, you keep the stars, lad! I think you could put them to far better use than I could.¡±


    Kyzo shrugged and stowed them away.


    The squad marched on until the forest turned into an arid ridge of boulders and small caves. They continued to climb the hilly terrain, heaving themselves over ledges and traversing hills with loose gravel.


    Quinn made excellent use of the terrain by scouring for firkrann and other key components for crafting more explosives. Corso climbed to the highest point of the rocky features to scout for any more points of interest.


    Mave began to sing an old SMO marching song to pass the time. Quinn soon joined in as he fell back into formation, followed by Bruce with his deep, bellowing voice.


    Elucard had a thought to silence the fun and remind them of the importance of stealth, but shook his head and kept quiet instead. Elisa hummed the tune and Kyzo couldn¡¯t help but join the merriment. Essie nudged Elucard.


    ¡°Show them that you are trying to change your ways, Elucard. Show them some levity,¡± Essie said.


    Elucard rolled his eyes and began singing.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Wearing the black and blue


    We plunge through wind and hail


    Our aim is always true


    And our arrows never fail


    Angels in the sky


    Flying high on a dragon¡¯s back


    Either kill or die


    From above, we will attack


    We are devils in the night


    So bury us with a saddle


    This song gives us might


    So that we may end this battle!¡±


    ¡°Look ahead!¡± Corso shouted. He ran back to his squad.


    Mave¡¯s face turned serious. ¡°What is your report, Corso?¡±


    ¡°Smoke from an encampment. Small though. Two tents. I spotted maybe three to five people.¡±


    Elucard crossed his arms. ¡°How far?¡±


    Corso turned to Elucard. ¡°A mile down the hill, just before a large, dense forest.¡±


    Elucard took out his map and laid it on the ground. ¡°Dense forest¡­ dense forest¡­¡± He followed his finger from the town to where he believed they were and then to a large area just before Aric City labeled ¡®Meric¡¯s Morass¡¯.


    Mave bent over him with her hands on her hips as she tried to read the map upside down. ¡°Find anything?¡±


    Elucard tapped the large dark green colored area with his finger. ¡°It¡¯s called Meric¡¯s Morass.¡± He folded up the map and tucked it into his armor. ¡°And if I were them, I¡¯d set up an ambush for our forces in that forest. Deadly enough to take out an entire invading army.¡±


    ¡°Then that encampment might have battle plans,¡± Mave said.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t doubt it,¡± Elucard said. He waved over his kanis marksman. ¡°Timber, you and Corso set up a point where you can give us cover fire in the encampment up ahead. Corso will catch you up along the way.¡±


    Timber nodded and stretched out her shoulder. ¡°Consider it done, Elucard.¡±


    ¡°Okay Mave, time for our first assignment, again,¡± Elucard said with a wink.


    ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t know you were capable of humor!¡± laughed Mave.


    ¡°Consider me a very capable elf,¡± said Elucard with a smirk.


    ***


    With Timber and Corso well hidden on a hill overlooking the small camp below, Elucard, Kyzo, and Elisa made their way stealthily through the camp. Mave, Bruce, and Quinn stayed behind to keep an eye on any signs of unexpected danger.


    The team drew their weapons, and with the quiet grace of a pack of lions prowling the grasslands, the Anti-Rogue Ops  dispatched unsuspecting Estinian soldiers until both tents and the campfire were clear of enemies. Elucard signaled for Mave to enter the camp.


    ¡°Well that was easier than expected,¡± Mave said as she popped her head in each tent. ¡°Let¡¯s sweep this campsite for intel on that ambush!¡±


    The harekins and elves scoured for the secret plans, and scavenged for supplies and new weapons.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Quinn gasped while opening up a small barrel next to a detonator box.


    Bruce looked over his friend¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Why is it dark red? I thought dragon powder was black?¡±


    Quinn almost drooled. He let out a long whistle and shifted his hand into the coarse minerals. ¡°It¡¯s dragon powder alright, but it¡¯s potent. Real powerful stuff. What these Estinians were planning¡ªI haven¡¯t the foggiest, but I¡¯m not leaving it here to be used against our army, that¡¯s for sure.¡±


    Bruce gave him a nervous chuckle. ¡°Don¡¯t blow your limbs off.¡±


    ¡°You can bet I¡¯m blowing someone¡¯s limbs off!¡±


    Mave called for the two harekins to come over to her. ¡°I found something!¡± She waved a scroll in her hand.


    Mave unraveled it and examined the contents.


    ¡°Well Elucard, your intuition was right on the money,¡± said Mave.


    ¡°What does it say?¡± asked Elucard.


    Mave cleared off a table of food and placed the scroll onto it. She took out a pencil and circled three X¡¯s found on a map of Meric¡¯s Morass. Each mark had a name and title written off to the side.


    Demetris: Hydro Mage


    Gustav: Earth Mage


    Ursula: Tuner


    Mave looked back to Elucard. ¡°Nine of us, three of them.¡±


    Elucard stroked his chin. ¡°Teams of three? Any ideas?¡±


    Mave walked out of the tent. Corso and Timber had rejoined the group and each soldier stood in a half circle awaiting their next order.


    ¡°Alright, this will be how we do it," said Mave. She pointed at each soldier as she assigned their tasks. "Timber, Essie, and Quinn you¡¯ll be going after Gustav. Elucard, Bruce, and Kyzo I think you should go after Ursula. And then Corso, Elisa, and myself will deal with Demetris.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what now?¡± asked Corso. He scratched his head. ¡°Who in the bloody Black Moon is Demetris?¡±


    Mave handed him the scroll. ¡°Alright chaps, Meric¡¯s Morass is our next stop and our Estinian hosts are planning an ambush for our army. They situated three mages in the morass. A hydro mage, earth mage, and a bloomin¡¯ Tuner.¡±


    ¡°Tuners¡­ I hate Tuners!¡± growled Bruce.


    ¡°I know you do, mate! That''s why you''re out to take care of her!¡± Mave said to the large harekin with a pat on his shoulder


    ¡°I just want to squeeze their psychic heads until they pop!¡± grumbled Bruce, mainly to himself.


    Mave shook her head and continued her briefing. ¡°You¡¯ve all been split up into teams of three to deal with your assigned mage. I¡¯ll command my team, Elucard with your own, and Quinn¡ªyou hold rank over Timber and Es, so you¡¯ll take charge of that team.¡±


    Quinn took a deep breath and nodded.


    Mave placed her hand on his shoulder. ¡°You had one hiccup in your career. Take the hit and get back on that horse.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather get back on my drake,¡± Quinn said with a roguish grin.


    ¡°Yes, then get back on that drake!¡± laughed Mave.


    Elucard pulled out a small whetstone and began sharpening his sword. ¡°We¡¯ll take an hour to rest then head into the Morass. Take advantage of that campfire to cook some food. This might be a difficult battle for us, but we have what it takes to come up on top!

 Chapter 42: Elisas Handy Work

    Wiccer stood at the thicket¡¯s edge observing the sizable, walled-up town that lay before his army. In a ring around the town was a small force of Estinian soldiers. As fearsome as their reputation was, these soldiers in particular looked feeble and sickly, like someone who had not eaten in days.


    ¡°Perhaps they can be reasoned with?¡± suggested Wiccer to Dallin and Greyblade. ¡°Their men are in rough shape.¡±


    ¡°They can¡¯t be trusted. They would relish at the chance to stab you in the back, Wiccer,¡± Dallin said.


    ¡°Aye, lad. It would be best to sweep in and take the town by force and hope that our SMO and ARO came by here and did their job,¡± Greyblade said.


    ¡°And our vernal mages can¡¯t just bend the will of the palisades?¡± asked Wiccer as he stroked the mustache he managed to grow in the month he had been deployed to New Estinia.


    ¡°Runes, lad. Enemy mages rune the walls and other structures so that they can¡¯t be manipulated,¡± Greyblade stated. ¡°We¡¯ll need to break in the old fashioned way, with some elbow grease and a belly full of fire!¡±


    Wiccer nodded and let out a commanding roar, ¡°Move forward and attack!!!¡±


    With the orders given the Cypress Alliance marched out of the woods and advanced on the soldiers defending the town. With saliva foaming at the mouth and veins bulging off their muscles, the ferocious Bloodbog orcs sprinted forward while they screamed their savage warcry. Wiccer¡¯s men rushed and crashed into a bed of steel and iron. Arrows launched from behind the town walls.


    ¡°Raise shields!¡± came the commands across the various infantry units.


    A series of thuds echoed throughout the battlefield as arrowheads penetrated into wooden shields. More and more nailed into the shields until they resembled the backs of porcupines.


    Little by little, inch by inch, Wiccer¡¯s army pushed to the gates of the town.


    ¡°Bring out the battering ram!¡±


    Six men ran up to the gate, hefting a large log with a shaved pointed end. Each man had a partner to protect them with a shield from arrows, rocks, bricks, pans, and anything else the enemy could throw down at them.


    ¡°Heave ho, boys!¡±


    The battering ram backed up and charged into the large gate. With each bash of the ram, the wall buckled and splintered. Hot tar and oil poured down from the battlements, scorching and blistering the men carrying the timber, but replacement men quickly picked up the slack.


    ¡°Almost there, lads! Heave ho!!!¡±


    Thud! Thud! Thud! Finally the gate burst open and Wiccer¡¯s army pooled in. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ***


    Wiccer strolled through the streets of the newly captured town. The resistance was minor as were the casualties on his end. One by one his men kicked in doors to the houses and shops, searching for hidden enemies and weapon caches, anything that could douse the flames of an annoying rebelion. He smiled to watch his men drink the fresh water from the well.


    One young runner handed a tin cup of the cool water to Wiccer.


    ¡°Partake, General? After weeks trekking through swamps and mud, nothing says victory like spring water!¡± the young lad said.


    Wiccer grinned and nodded. He accepted the cup and raised it in the air for his men to see. ¡°The spoils of war, gentlemen! Enjoy!¡± He ended his brief speech with a thirsty gulp. His men roared in glee, continuing to share the water for consumption and bathing.


    Malady and Legion jogged up to Wiccer, back from their investigation of why the enemy soldiers were in such a weakened state.


    ¡°What have you found, Legion?¡±


    ¡°Elucard has been through this town. The food supply in the granary had been tampered with. This food is inedible,¡± Legion said.


    Malady chuckled. He winked and nudged his blade brother. ¡°Classic Black Rabbit tactics, eh Legion? This has Elisa written all over it.¡±


    Wiccer remembered his first encounter with Elisa, stopping her from poisoning Lost Dawns¡¯ water supply. His eyes widened and his hands began to tremble.


    ¡°B-Black Rabbit tactics?¡± he stuttered.


    Malady¡¯s face froze and looked to his allies enjoying the water in merriment.


    ¡°Did you drink any¡­ Wiccer?¡± Legion asked slowly.


    ¡°I-I¡­¡± A spurt of pain wrenched Wiccer¡¯s gut.


    ¡°Calm yourself, whelp!¡± Malady took a hold of Wiccer as the general staggered on his feet. ¡°Legion, fetch the kings, I¡¯ll see that no more of these men are foolish to drink from a compromised town. ¡°


    ***


    Wiccer¡¯s eyes snapped open and found himself in a bed of one of the Estinian homes. His gut felt tight like he had spent a day with Elucard training his core muscles. He sluggishly sat up and only after a minute, hurled up more of the poison stagnating in his stomach.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake. That is good.¡±


    Wiccer looked up to see Dallin wiping puke and drool from his lip.


    ¡°H-how many of our men are sick?¡± Wiccer laid back down, his stomach felt twisted and jumbled, confused on whether it was upside down or inside out. He was light headed and his skin had a greenish tone. His shirt was soaked through and itched like a wool blanket.


    ¡°About forty of our men have been found poisoned. Twelve of them did not make the night. As we speak our alchemists work tirelessly to cleanse the water supply and food in the granary. If we still wish to use Valleyhorn as a checkpoint, it is recommended we stay until this all can be sorted out.¡±


    Wiccer smacked his lips. ¡°Water?¡±


    Dallin frowned.


    Wiccer moaned. ¡°I am so thirsty.¡±


    Dallin passed the general a cup of wine. ¡°We still have wine and ale. Try not to drink yourself to sleep, we need you out of bed as soon as possible.¡±


    Wiccer slurped down his drink and immediately heaved it up onto the floor. ¡°Damn it! I can¡¯t keep anything down.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll send someone to clean up this mess. Take care, Wiccer,¡± said Dallin.


    Wiccer grabbed Dallin¡¯s hand. ¡°Wait. I am still fit to lead!¡±


    Dallin leaned over and patted Wiccer¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t send me home. I-I can¡¯t fail my father¡­¡±


    ¡°I know. I know you can¡¯t, Wiccer. And I know you won¡¯t let a stomach flu keep you from leading your men the rest of the way.¡±


    Wiccer gave the king a weak smile. ¡°Thank you, my king¡­ my friend.¡±

 Chapter 43: Daybreak Gate

    Sable and her servant Calsoon trekked through the dark and twisted corridor within the depths of New Estinia. Carved into the walls was the history of the Daybreak and how they came to be. From their exodus of Long Whisper to the building of their underground city. All that was written within the scrolls appeared on these walls.


    The end of the tunnel was blocked by a massive stone portal. Two statues of an elf and angel, each holding one half of a sword. They both stood guarding the door from either side. Inscribed along the archway of the door appeared golden runes. They glowed and hummed as Sable approached them.


    Calsoon moved a finger near one of the more closer runes, but quickly retracted his hand from a searing pain that ignited at the tip of his finger.


    ¡°Yow!¡± cried Calsoon as he favored his finger. ¡°What do these runes say, Sable?¡±


    The Runecarver hovered her hand just above the markings. She could feel the heat burn her skin. ¡°They mark a ward.¡±If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Against who?¡± asked Calsoon, but he already gathered the answer.


    Sable clenched her fist. ¡°Against us.¡±


    ¡°Can you break them?¡± asked Calsoon.


    Despite the warnings, Sable placed her hand directly on the runes and felt the powerful Magi push her hand away. No matter how much strength she used, she could not force her hand to stay on the door. ¡°These runes are far more ancient and divine in nature than I am used to, but they were written by the Daybreak, I am sure of it.¡±


    Calsoon melted into the shadows of the cave. He was gone only for a moment before he returned to Sable¡¯s side. His face wrinkled with his frustration with the door¡¯s magic. ¡°I can sense something magnificent beyond this door, but I am severed from any shadow on the other side. I couldn¡¯t imagine that even Master Wraslyn, with his infinite control over the shadows, would fare any better.¡±


    ¡°Your efforts are admired, dear Calsoon, but this portal can only be opened by a Daybreak.¡±


    ¡°A Daybreak? But we do not know any Daybreaks, or if any are still alive,¡± Calsoon said.


    ¡°I know of one,¡± Sable whispered with a smile.  ¡°But it will require your talents. Are you prepared to become a prisoner once more?¡±


    Calsoon bowed. ¡°My talents are always available for the Dead of Winter.¡±

 Chapter 44: Trouble in Merics Morass

    A layer of mist billowed over the ground as Mave led Elisa and Corso through the thick, mossy, forests of Meric¡¯s Morass. With her Black Rabbit training, Elisa stayed low to the ground and silent within the shadows. Her instincts from years of as an Anti-Rogue Operative told her to stay hidden and allow any enemy to be drawn out by her harekin teammates. Some considered using one''s allies as bait to be reprehensible, and while that might be true, Elisa knew how to keep her teammates alive and make her enemies dead.


    Corso ducked behind a tree and motioned for Mave to do the same. Elisa crept through the haze to get a better look at what Corso saw. Lo and behold, the game trail they were following led to a small grove, and at the center stood a figure in blue robes. It had to be Demetris, the Hydro Mage.


    It was not clear to Elisa whether he saw them or not. He was faced away from them, so it was a safe bet that Elisa was still hidden, an opportunity she did not plan to waste.


    Stalking from tree to tree, she pulled out her sword dashed towards the mage, however as she left the cover of the trees, the mist whirled around her, turning into a dense fog. She could barely see her own hands, nevermind her target or allies.


    She tried to listen for signs of the mage¡¯s direction. Crushed leaves, snapping twigs, rustling grass, anything that alerted her to where she needed to move. However the only sounds she could hear was that of her own heartbeat.


    Thump, thump, thump¡­


    ¡°Elisa!¡±


    Mave¡¯s cry broke her concentration, but the sound was muffled and distant. How far away was she now?


    ¡°I see him, Captain!¡±


    The whistling of an arrow shot past her ear and another whizzed behind her. The fog was too thick to see them coming, she would need to be on her guard as long as Corso had arrows.


    ¡°Corso, where in the bloody world are you?¡±


    ¡°Over here, Captain! I was sure I saw him, but he disappeared in this bloody fog!¡±


    Elisa cautiously moved through the cloudy maze. Keeping her sword at the ready, she tried to keep her wits and her senses sharp. She couldn¡¯t get frustrated like her partners. No, that¡¯s what the mage wanted.


    Finally, Elisa heard a new sound. The sound of rushing water. It wasn¡¯t a constant noise like that of a river or stream, but came in intervals. It grew closer and closer until¡ª


    A massive force slammed into Elisa¡¯s back. She flew forward and smashed into a nearby tree. She shook off her confusion and dizziness and scanned her surroundings. Nothing but the white fog. However, the fog moved¡ªmorphed. It swirled around into the shape of a hammer and then came down upon her with full speed.


    Elisa rolled out of the way as the fog hammer slammed down and exploded into the normal mist again. She looked up to see the mage weaving his hands, as if conducting the clouds, themselves. As he circled his arms, the mist followed his movements, dancing and twirling around him until he thrust his hand at Elisa once more.


    The rush of clouds crashed into her like a giant fist, sending her flying backwards. She tumbled to a stop and Mave¡¯s hand dragged her behind a large stump.


    ¡°We can¡¯t hide from him. Anywhere there¡¯s moisture he can see us,¡± Mave whispered.


    ¡°Give me one clean shot, and I¡¯ll end his miserable life!¡± snarled Corso.


    ¡°Wait.¡± Elisa pulled out her respirator. ¡°He wants to play with haze? How about a toxic haze?¡±


    Corso grinned. ¡°If you can keep him distracted with those fumes, then I¡¯ll do the rest.¡±


    ¡°Alright, but cover your mouth.¡±


    Mave placed a hand on Elisa¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll run out first and try to buy you enough time to get close to Demetris.¡±


    Elisa nodded. ¡°Be careful, Mave.¡±


    Mave dashed from behind her cover. Elisa poked her head around the stump, watching as her harekin friend vanished into the mist.


    A sound of crackling and a gust of wind echoed in the grove.


    ¡°Aaack!¡± Mave cried out.


    ¡°Mave!!!¡± Corso leaped from over the stump, his crossbow loaded. ¡°I¡¯m coming Ma¡ª¡±


    Another crackling of ice freezing over wood and Corso was silenced.


    Idiot! Elisa cursed in her mind. She pulled out two bottles of vibrant orange liquid, similar to the type of poison she used in the granary. She stumbled with the bottles, clanging them together; sweat slid down the side of her face. Could the mage see that too? Could the mage see the poisons? Could he control the poisons? Could he take control of her very blood?


    The more ideas that pumped through her head the slower and sloppier her handiwork became. Before she knew it the fumes were funneling out of the bottles and she was still behind the stump.


    ¡°Alanna¡¯s black wings! Now I¡¯m out of time,¡± she said through her respirator. ¡°This better work!¡±


    She ran from her cover and sprinted out to the middle of the grove where she watched the mage weaponize the mist once more. Elisa lobbed one bottle of poison. It shattered at Demetris¡¯s feet and a plume of noxious gas rose around the mage.


    At first the hydro mage attempted to manipulate the liquid within the fumes, but began to heave and cough as he inhaled the gas. He raised his arm in the air and rain began to fall.


    Elisa did not have a moment to lose, she chucked the second bottle of gas just as the former was dissipating. Once more the fumes poured from the bottle around the mage.


    ¡°Corso, now!¡± Elisa shouted at the top of her lungs. But no flurry of bolts came to strike down the mage. Elisa frantically scanned for her harekin partners and found them unconscious and frozen to the trunks of two trees.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Elisa slid her sword and sprang forward to the mage. She reeled back her blade but was thrusted into the air by a force of mist.


    The shadow elf grunted as she threw her sword at the mage. A last ditch effort. One that if she missed she would not be able to beat this opponent, not while his magic controlled the massive element of cloud and water.


    Her eyes widened as the sword whipped through the air. Closer and closer it hurdled to the mage.


    Demetris attempted to dodge to the side but cried in anguish and surprise as the blade tore through his shoulder and sliced off his arm.


    Ice shattered at the moment his concentration broke.


    Elisa landed hard on the ground and leaped to her feet.


    ¡°Corso, now!¡± she shouted once more. ¡°While he has no concentration!¡±


    Still no bolts, still no answer.


    Elisa needed to take actions into her own hands. She dashed towards Corso¡¯s limp body and scooped up his crossbow. A bolt was still loaded. Elisa had little training with crossbows, or ranged weapons for that matter, just the basic teachings as a child in the Black Rabbits. Everyone needed to be acquainted with those weapons. Mainly aiming and hitting a target from hundred yards.


    A hundred yards is how much she gave herself. She shouldered the contraption and aimed it at the grimacing mage.


    For the heart, not the head. The chest is a larger target.


    She felt for the trigger and curled her index finger around it. She took a deep breath and held it; the only sound was her beating heart once again.


    Thump. Thump. Thump.


    She closed one eye. Setting all her focus on her target.


    Thump. Thump. Thump.


    She yanked the trigger and the bolt sailed through the air, striking the mage straight through his chest.


    One shot. One kill.


    The mage collapsed backwards. Dead.


    Elisa dropped the weapon and rushed to Mave to shake her awake.


    ¡°Mave! Mave?¡±


    The rabbit awoke groggily. She took a firm hold of Elisa¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯m awake, mate, no need to rattle my heart out of my body.¡± She sat up and spotted Corso.


    ¡°Wake up, soldier!¡±


    Corso wriggled from his stupor, slowly pulling himself to his feet. ¡°Ugh, I feel like I slept outside naked during a bloomin¡¯ snowstorm.¡± He looked over to the corpse of Demetris. ¡°What of him?¡±


    Mave kicked the mage¡¯s limp body. ¡°Hydro Mage down, I hope the rest are faring as well as we are.¡±


    ***


    Spurts of jagged earth struck beneath Essie, Timber, and Quinn as they ran for their lives from rocks slinging through the air.


    The three of them dove over a fallen tree as stone daggers pelted their cover.


    ¡°Hold still, Timber, I need to tend to that cut above your eye before it begins to burden your aim,¡± Essie said as she dabbed at Timber¡¯s brow with a cotton swab.


    ¡°Hurry it up, Essie,¡± growled Timber.


    Quinn peeked over the log to find that the Earth Mage, Gustav had halted in his pursuit. Stones orbited around him like he was a sun in his own universe.


    ¡°It¡¯s no use Timber, even with both your eyes, you aren¡¯t getting through his guard,¡± said Quinn. ¡°There is only one way to break a stone, and arrows aren¡¯t going to do the trick.¡±


    Timber waited for Essie to finish cleaning her wound before replying to Quinn. ¡°So what do you have in mind?¡±


    Quinn pulled out a red stick of dynamite. ¡°I¡¯m not just a locksmith, I¡¯m a miner too!¡±


    Essie raised her eyebrow. ¡°I thought you were fresh out of dynamite.¡±


    Quinn smirked. ¡°You think I haven¡¯t been resupplying? Then you¡¯re as crazed as my Uncle Seamus!¡±


    Timber tilted her head. ¡°Who¡¯s Uncle¡ªthere¡¯s no time for this!¡±


    Quinn shoved it into Essie¡¯s chest. ¡°You¡¯ll need to get close to guarantee a kill, so run up and fling it at his face!¡±


    The sound of splintering trees and rocks erupted around them.


    ¡°Are you insane?!¡±  Essie shouted over the commotion.


    ¡°We¡¯re running out of time to debate this, Essie!¡± Quinn pulled out a match. ¡°I still have a limp from my injuries and we need Timber to keep the mage busy with a volley of arrows.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡± Essie tried.


    Timber patted the elf on her fiery haired head. ¡°You have this Es! I won¡¯t let you down!¡±


    ¡°Right, I can do this! I can do this!¡± Essie repeated to herself.


    Quinn struck the match against a nearby stone. ¡°¡®Atta girl, love!¡±


    Essie took in a deep breath and scrambled over the log. She  peeled through the forest and slid under stones whipping for her head. She nimbly dodged mounds of exploding earth. Arrows flew beside her, providing much needed cover.


    I can do this! I can do this! I can do this!


    The dynamite¡¯s wick shortened with every second. Beads of sweat dripped down her nose as the brown robed mage grew nearer and nearer. She could see his eyes now, wide and full of fear. Sucking a chest full of air, Essie heaved the explosive at the stunned mage.


    The earth mage did what little he could to protect his body from the surprise attack. A shield rose from the earth to catch the brunt of the blast, but the concussive force of the explosion sent him reeling into a tree.


    Timber and Quinn dashed to a dazed Essie. Her ears rang, and her clothes and gloves were singed black with carbon. She groggily sat up.


    ¡°Did¡­ we¡­ win?¡± asked Essie. She had a pulsing migraine from the piercing sound wailing through her head.


    Timber patted her on the back. ¡°I¡¯d say¡ª¡± She was cut short as an avalanche of soil, roots, stone, and grass rushed after them.


    Timber pulled Essie backwards. ¡°Run!¡± was the last thing she said before she was swept under the weight of the tidal wave.


    ***


    Essie clawed her hand through her grave of dirt and stone. She reached out and grabbed a large root and pulled her head and upper chest to the surface. Her right shoulder was dislocated and a large laceration poured blood over her eyes. She sucked in large portions of air and screamed at the top of her lungs.


    ¡°TIMBER! QUINN!¡±


    Essie wiggled more of her body free when a figure shadowed her.


    ¡°Vell, vell, vell. Ve have a survivor after all,¡± chuckled Gustav. With a vice grip he yanked on Essie¡¯s collar and lifted her to his face. ¡°You are a cute looking elf, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Essie winced and shifted her good arm behind her waist.


    ¡°It vould be a shame to kill you now, vhen I could have some fun torturing a little bird such as yourself.¡± He cupped her cheek and pressed his large thumb into her eye. ¡°Vhat do you say, elf?¡±


    Essie grabbed her dagger and held it tightly, still hidden from sight. ¡°I¡¯d say, screw you!¡±


    With a swift movement, Essie jammed the knife deep into the side of his throat. The mage gasped, gurgled, and choked and blood bubbled and flowed out of his mouth. He staggered backwards and fell face first on the ground.


    Essie dropped to her knees. She took the hilt of her dagger and used it as a bit to stave off her pain, as she pushed her shoulder back into place with a gruesome pop!


    She spat through her teeth with a long groan. Rotating her shoulder as gingerly as possible, she flexed her right hand until she was satisfied she could take the pain and then began to dig.


    She dug hard and fast, moving piles of dirt and stone. ¡°Guys! Where are you!?¡± she screamed in panic. She heard the shifting of rocks behind her and a haggard cough.


    ¡°Here, Es!¡± Quinn crawled through the rumble. Timber pulled underneath his arm.


    Essie ran to their side and quickly fell into her role as the squad medic. Inspecting for broken bones and any devastating wounds. Satisfied that they only had bruised and battered bodies, but nothing life threatening, she patched them with her bandages and laid them down on the softer set of terrain she could find.


    ¡°Let me build a fire. We need some rest before moving out again. Hopefully we aren¡¯t the only ones that survived.¡±

 Chapter 45: The Tuner

    Elucard, Kyzo, and Bruce hiked through the jungle-like morass until it broke into a series of cliff faces. Tall, wild trees grew by their sides and a swampy pond sat at its base.


    ¡°If I were the third mage, I¡¯d be up there to keep a wide survey of this forest,¡± huffed Bruce as he bent his back to take a gander at the tallest of the cliffs.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re right, Brawnwood,¡± agreed Elucard.


    Elucard leaned on a large tree whose vines wrapped up and down the rockface. He leaped up to the nearest branch. ¡°You two stay down here, I''ll signal If I see any trouble.¡±


    Elucard waited for his apprentice and the harekin to give a nod of approval before scurrying up the tree.


    Upon reaching the top, Elucard kept low to the ground and entered the shadows of a small brush. He crept silently as he approached a lone figure in golden robes. It had to be the enemy Tuner, Ursula. Elucard grinned wickedly as he slid out a thin dagger.


    With no wasted movement, he cupped his hand over the figure¡¯s mouth and slit her throat.


    Elucard stood motionless, confused, and alone. He looked at his hands and saw no blood. He frantically scanned the area.


    What happened? He was sure as dusk brought the moon he had killed the Tuner. Yet no body lay at his feet.


    ¡°Elucard Freevind,¡± a voice echoed all around him, ¡°as skilled as you are, you are veak vith your mind.¡±


    Elucard sheathed his knife, drew his sword, and palmed a shuriken, ready to sink it into any stranger that approached him.


    ¡°Where are you? Show yourself!¡± Elucard commanded.


    ¡°It seems I am not the first to touch your mind¡­¡±


    ¡°Wha- Arrrgh!¡± Elucard dropped his weapons and reached for his head as he cried out in crippling pain. It felt like a drill to his skull, burrowing into his head, festering in his mind. He could not control it. He could not stop it. All he could do was listen¡­ and obey.


    ¡°Your blade, pick it up,¡± the voice told the assassin.


    Elucard¡¯s eyes turned a dim gold as he grabbed his sword from the grass.


    The sound of rocks bouncing down the cliff came from behind Elucard.


    ¡°Master, did you find her?¡± Kyzo grunted as he and Bruce pulled themselves up to the cliff¡¯s ledge.


    Elucard turned his head, his mind completely blank except for a small voice piercing his thoughts. Pulling his strings, conducting his movements. Like a dangerous puppet with a cruel master.


    They are veak. You are strong. You do not need them. Kill them, Elucard.


    Elucard narrowed his eyes and rushed at Kyzo, sword sheening in the light. Thirsting for blood.


    Elucard drew nearer to Kyzo, but before he could decapitate his student, Bruce parried the ninjato with his own cutlass and kicked Elucard backwards.


    ¡°Lad, the Tuner has Elucard¡¯s mind!¡± shouted Bruce.


    Kyzo stumbled backwards, stopping just shy of the cliff¡¯s edge. ¡°H-How do you know? How can we be sure?¡±


    Bruce clenched his fist cracking his knuckles. ¡°His eyes, lad, they glow gold, just like my mother¡¯s before she killed my father. They blamed his death on Ma, but I knew better!"


    A ghastly smile carved across Elucard¡¯s face. ¡°So you have dealt vith my kind before?¡±


    ¡°Ignore her, Kyzo. We have to render Elucard unconscious without killing him. Once we do, we¡¯ll see our Tuner,¡± Bruce said.


    ¡°Right!¡± agreed Kyzo. Stolen novel; please report.


    Together they launched into their attacks. Kyzo went low, sweeping at Elucard¡¯s feet, while Bruce sent a flurry of punches.


    Elucard sidestepped Kyzo and deflected Bruce, thrusting a heavy knee into the harekin, grabbing his cloak, and shoulder throwing him, slamming Bruce face first onto the ground.


    Not done with Kyzo yet, Elucard roared, slashing a wide arc at his student. Kyzo dodged backwards, missing the physical attack, but the blade was so fast and fierce that the wind sliced into Kyzo¡¯s chest.


    The boy lost his footing and rolled to the edge of the cliff. He shook with fear as he struggled to stand. Elucard grabbed him by his collar and dangled him over the deep ravine.


    ¡°He has a connection to you, boy,¡± spoke the Tuner through Elucard. ¡°I can see his memories. You remind him of his childhood before these Black Rabbits.¡±


    Kyzo gurgled and choked, clawing at Elucard.


    ¡°Innocent, pure, full of life.¡± smiled Elucard. ¡°Vell, no more.¡±


    A sudden strike from the back of Elucard¡¯s head knocked out the elf. Bruce dove to catch Kyzo¡¯s hand just as the boy fell. Bruce grunted as he pulled Kyzo back from the ledge.


    Bruce growled as he snapped his head around. He came face to face with a gold robed woman. Her face was withered and pruned like a dried apple. Silver stranded hair draped over her shoulders. Her eyes caught his attention most. Soulless, golden eyes. No pupils, no irises, just gold.


    She began to clap. ¡°I never thought a harekin vould be strong enough to slay me. I assumed I vould have traveled the outer-reaches of this universe and become one vith the great Un¡¯Draago¡¯s mind.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± asked Bruce.


    The Tuner approached the harekin. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Nothing ever does.¡± She tried to caress Bruce¡¯s cheek, but he snatched her hand. ¡°You are more strong villed than those that came before you.¡±


    Bruce bared his teeth. ¡°I have spent a lifetime preparing to kill the Tuner that tore my family apart.¡±


    The Tuner groaned in pain as Bruce twisted her wrist.


    ¡°I never caught him, but you¡¯ll have to do.¡± Bruce drove his cutlass through the golden mage, but her form vanished before his eyes.


    ¡°Your eyes are blinded by your own hatred, rabbit!¡± the voice echoed around him. ¡°So easily they deceive you.¡±


    Bruce swerved his head left and right, enraged, but in control. ¡°You can not take me, Tuner! I have honed my mind to one day fight one of you!¡±


    ¡°I see that, yes,¡± whispered the Tuner. ¡°But it is not you I seek.¡±


    Elucard rose to his feet and drew a twin set of daggers in each hand. ¡°This body shall be mine forever. A youthful form for my shriveled self.¡± Ursula spoke through Elucard¡¯s voice.


    Elucard is mine¡­ Echoed a new voice from the assassin¡¯s lips. A gruffer, more sinister voice. Darker than the Tuner¡¯s.


    ¡°Vhat is this?¡± Elucard stopped in his tracks. He turned his head. ¡°Who are you? I command you to tell me who else is here!¡±


    You are powerful, old one. But I am older and possess the power you will never fathom in ten lifetimes.


    Bruce and Kyzo crept closer to the Elucard, weapons drawn waiting for the appearance of the second being.


    ¡°This¡ªthis can not be? I am Ursula the Mindtrapper! I refuse to be¡ªArrrgh!!!¡±


    Ursula¡¯s high pitched scream shrieked in agony as she apparated before Bruce and Kyzo. She clenched her head and her eyes blazed with a golden light.


    This is no longer your domain, Ursula the Mindtrapper!


    Elucard collapsed once more and Ursula¡¯s nose and ears began to stream blood. Dark cracks fractured her face and her jaw stretched and unhinged as she continued to scream. A wave of psychic energy exploded from her, rendering Bruce and Kyzo into excruciating pain. They groaned as sharp pain pulsed in their heads.


    Kyzo fell to the ground, squirming in utter anguish, while Bruce slowly shuffled and swayed, dipping in out of consciousness. He growled as his arm struggled to lift his sword. In an all out roar he lopped off the Tuner¡¯s head and collapsed in exhaustion.


    ***


    ¡°Bruce.¡±


    Bruce blinked weakly, slowly opening his eyes to see Kyzo shaking him awake.


    ¡°Bruce, thank the Angels you are alive,¡± Kyzo sighed with relief.


    The young elf helped the harekin sit up. To his surprise the moon now hung in the sky and night had found its way on his shoulders.


    ¡°How long have I been out?¡± asked Bruce, still weary from his encounter with the Tuner.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I just woke up myself. It must have been a few hours.¡±


    Bruce felt his head. It still ached. ¡°I had a dream of a black wolf¡­ I-I¡­¡±


    ¡°I had a similar dream; I only remember darkness and what looked like a lycanthrope. He scared me half to death, then nothing¡­ I remember nothing after that,¡± said Kyzo.


    Bruce looked over to the unconscious body of Elucard. ¡°What happened to him?¡±


    Kyzo looked to his master. ¡°H-he¡­¡± Kyzo scratched his head. ¡°He was like that when I woke up.¡±


    Bruce turned his attention to the golden mage¡¯s headless body. ¡°The Tuner¡­ did we¡­¡± he spotted his bloody cutlass on the dusty ground. ¡°Did I kill her?¡±


    Kyzo crossed his legs and sat back. ¡°I really can¡¯t remember, Bruce. I would assume so. Clearly the Tuner did a number on us when she died.¡±


    Bruce climbed to his feet and lifted Elucard over his shoulder. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s count ourselves lucky that we survived a Tuner and touch bases with the others.¡±

 Chapter 46: Free at Last!

    Three long and grueling days had passed for Koda since he was thrown back into his disgusting cell. However one day felt like a month and three felt like a year. His daily life consisted of hourly beatings for both him and Wildeye, one meal a day with scraps of moldy bread and maggot infested slop, and agonizing nights of sleep on a cold, damp floor. Three days or three years, it all blended together and his hopes of freedom was nothing more than a memory he now regretted to experience.


    It angered him that he did not listen to his lords about seeking an alliance with Tashna. A lot of things fueled his despair these past few days. Becoming a king was one of them. Had he stayed on Nashoon and completed his training, none of this would have ever happened. He would be left to his enchanted forest in peace and the trials and tribulations of being a leader would be passed to someone else.


    He was tired of appeasing the masses and he was tired of being a failure. If he were to survive this ordeal, he¡¯d have to complete his journey of becoming a great and powerful mage. No longer would people like Tashna step on his neck. He would crush his enemies and handle his allies like dogs. They would be obedient and no longer defy his wishes!


    Defy his wishes. Allies like dogs. He sounded more like Tashna every day, but perhaps she knew how to rule a kingdom better than he... Perhaps she did have things to teach him. And perhaps he was a spotted unicorn with a dragon¡¯s tail. Such silly thoughts!


    He rolled his head to look at Wildeye. She was looking skinnier, more ragged. Part of her coat began to lose its luster with her malnutrition.


    ¡°Wildeye, are you awake?¡± whispered Koda.


    The wolf opened one eye, her Magi was only a faint glow instead of the roaring blaze that it was before.


    ¡°I am here, my king.¡±


    ¡°I see no hope in sight, my friend. I¡¯m sorry I dragged you into this,¡± Koda said. A thin tear streaked down his cheek.


    ¡°No, please do not cry, Koda. There is still hope. It is in our hearts and in our souls. Without it we are truly lost.¡±


    Koda hugged his knees and started to sob.


    ¡°I know all seems lost, my king, but I am here to bring you freedom.¡± A new voice cut through the silence from beyond the wall that Koda leaned against.


    ¡°Cal-Calsoon?¡± Koda gasped. He had nearly forgotten that his loyal Anti-Rogue Operative was down here with him. Calsoon hadn¡¯t made a peep nor groan since Koda returned to the cell. ¡°What do you mean by bringing me my freedom? You are just as trapped here as I am.¡±


    Wildeye raised her head.


    ¡°I admit I haven¡¯t always been truthful with you,¡± Calsoon said with a lower voice.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Koda looked down at his blistered and grimy hands. No one has.


    ¡°But I will be sure to tell you the truth from here on out.¡± Calsoon¡¯s tone was back to its regular cheeriness.


    Koda crawled to a crack in the wall, attempting to see Calsoon. His confusion now overcame his curiosity. ¡°What are you going on about?¡±


    Calsoon¡¯s cell was darker than his own, there was no window to shed any light and at this point Calsoon had remained silent.


    ¡°Calsoon? Are you there?¡± Koda asked.


    Wildeye whined and yelped as Calsoon emerged from the shadowy floor. She started to snarl and growl. ¡°Koda, get away from him, I sense the Night around this one!¡±


    Calsoon turned his head and smiled, as if he heard Wildeye¡¯s telepathic Magi.


    ¡°Calsoon¡­ how did you¡ªhow is this possible?¡± Koda looked on in amazement. Wildeye¡¯s warning rang faint. Koda craved a rescue more than anything else, no matter where the rescue came from.


    ¡°Lower your voice, my king.¡± Calsoon knelt in front of Koda. ¡°Come, I shall release you from your shackles.¡± He took hold of Koda¡¯s hands and gave a friendly wink.


    Koda¡¯s eyes widened as the iron shackles phased through his wrists and fell with a heavy clang on the ground.


    Calsoon looked at Wildeye. ¡°You will have to behave yourself, wolf, if you wish to be set free.¡±


    ¡°Step near me and I shall bite your hands off!¡±


    Calsoon shrugged and turned back to Koda. He wiped the dirt and blood from his mouth and cheeks and dusted off his robes. ¡°Can you walk?¡±


    ¡°Who are you? Who are you, really?¡± Koda asked..


    ¡°A friend.¡±


    Footsteps and whistling echoed down the hall.


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡± Koda croaked. ¡°He¡¯s coming, Grune is coming.¡±


    Calsoon¡¯s face shifted as his friendly demeanor turned serious. He melded into the shadows until his form was virtually invisible save for a faint outline of his body. ¡°He shall harm you no more, Koda.¡±


    The cell door flew open and the ratty Grune stepped in. He twirled his club and chuckled. ¡°Did you miss me, Cody?¡±


    Koda slid himself back into a corner, attempting to distance himself as far away as possible from his next beating. ¡°Please, Grune, not today.¡±


    Grune licked one of his rotting teeth and strolled up to the frightened Koda. He lifted the elf¡¯s chin with his baton and laughed as the king flinched. Then his face scrunched up in confusion and pointed to the prisoner¡¯s hands. ¡°How¡¯d you get out of yer chains, boy?¡± Grune scratched his head. ¡°Well that don¡¯t matter. Guess I just got to beat ya extra har¡ªack!¡±


    Blood exploded from Grune¡¯s chest as Calsoon¡¯s hand thrust through Grune¡¯s back and out the other side.


    Grune choked and gargled blood as Calsoon retracted his hand. The demon pushed Grune¡¯s corpse into the shadows where it was swallowed whole like a free meal. Calsoon opened a shadow portal and extended his bloodied hand to Koda.


    ¡°Shall we be off then?¡±


    Koda knew he should be terrified, but he felt more exhilarated. Excited. Lively, but not terrified. Who really was Calsoon? And where would he bring him? Was Sable related to all this? Why was Calsoon sent to watch over him? So many questions and if he wanted them answered, he would need to go with Calsoon.


    Koda slowly rose to his feet and shuffled to the portal.


    ¡°Wait, Koda! No! Don¡¯t go into that portal!¡± warned Wildeye.


    ¡°I must, girl. I must find out what all this means,¡± whispered Koda.


    ¡°He¡¯s coming with me, wolf, and do not worry. He will be well taken care of.¡± Calsoon smiled as he assisted Koda through the portal.

 Chapter 47: Incepting a Message

    Both the Skyborne harekins and the Anti-Rogue Operatives found each other on the other side of the morass, and had been traveling East for the last two days. With the iron bound fortress of Aric City looming in sight, only a small, rocky pass lay in their way.


    Timber sniffed in the cool air as she spotted the silhouette of a falcon flying overhead. With lightning reflexes, she nocked an arrow, aimed, and let it fly. The bird fell dead to the ground.


    Corso turned his head and shuffled over to the kanis. ¡°You getting tired of the same rations too, Tim?¡±


    Timber ignored the silly question and removed a small scroll from the falcon¡¯s talons.


    Corso¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°A messenger falcon!¡± he gasped.


    Timber nodded and signaled for Mave and Elucard to come over.


    Rebels of Valleyhorn,


    We have heard of your town¡¯s capture and will be sending you reinforcements and supplies to reclaim your home and secure a vital position in resisting the Cypress Alliance. We regret that we cannot send you a full brigade, for our valiant soldiers are needed to fortify the capital city, but we shall send you a force of fifty P.C. men with the necessary supplies and weapons that will allow you to hold Valleyhorn until reinforcements can be spared.


    In the Div¡¯Rah¡¯s grace we are blessed. Fight on brethren!


    -Cpt. Jericho Gunther, Royal High Command


    Elucard read over the scroll one more time before sticking it into one of his pouches. He turned to Corso. ¡°No-Hops, get to the cliffs and tell me how far away this caravan is.¡±


    ¡°Aye,¡± replied Corso. He skipped into a quick sprint and scrambled up the high walls of the ravine.


    Elucard took out his knife and etched a crude illustration of the mountain pass in the dirt. He then placed several pebbles and three small leaves onto his ¡°road¡±.


    ¡°Fifty men, I figure maybe three wagons of supplies and arms. What would be the quickest and most effective way of disrupting their route?¡± Elucard asked the squad.


    Essie took a stick and marked several X¡¯s on either side of the road. ¡°Dig trenches and ambush them?¡±


    Mave shook her head. ¡°There¡¯s nine of us, Essie, fifty men would rip us apart, surprise attack or not. It would be a suicide mission. Besides, we¡¯re not sappers. Proper trenches would take days, and bad trenches would be useless.¡±


    Elucard nodded. ¡°Normally, an ambush from a fortified position would be perfect if our numbers were on par with the enemy, but Mave¡¯s right, fifty men is too many.¡±


    Quinn sifted through his demolition supplies. ¡°Ah yes, I have enough of this beautifully potent dragon powder to blow a small crater into the mountain top. We could cause a landslide.¡±


    ¡°How might that affect our mens¡¯ march?¡± asked Bruce.


    ¡°No one would be using the bloody mountain pass then,¡± chuckled Quinn, ¡°but they have engineers. I¡¯m sure it would only delay them another day.¡±


    Elucard folded his arms and raised an eyebrow to Mave. The harekin smiled back.


    ¡°Alright, little brother. Let¡¯s jolly-well blow up a mountain!¡± laughed Mave.


    Corso returned in a brisk jog back to his superiors. The black-furred harekin huffed and panted before making his report.


    ¡°Out with it, No-Hops,¡± spat Elucard.


    ¡°I spotted a large dust cloud about eight miles east of us. No doubt it would be the supply caravan.¡±


    ¡°Eight miles would give us about two hours to set up our trap,¡± calculated Mave. She scanned the faces of her squad. ¡°Right, atten-tion!¡±


    The squad snapped straight, clicking their heels together.


    Mave smirked and continued. ¡°We¡¯ve been burned, bitten, beaten, and blown up. But we keep on trudging! We are the Devil Jumpers. Borne on the backs of dragons and always ready for a scrap!¡±


    The squad flashed smiles and howled with pride.


    ¡°Now we have the chance to give our hardship back ten fold! After that, we are heading to the blooming city and taking back Long Whisper¡¯s king!¡± shouted Mave. ¡°Now let¡¯s let go bury some Estinians in a couple tons of rubble!¡±


    ***


    Elucard hid behind a large granite boulder on the far end of the mountain. He watched the mountain pass diligently as Quinn and Mave placed sticks of dynamite in strategic parts of the cliff. Quinn assured him and the rest of the squad that they were reasonably safe from the blast range.


    Reasonably. What, exactly, constituted a reasonably safe range in an explosion so large that it could fill in a small canyon? Elucard rolled his eyes. There might have been a reason why Ryjin had Black Rabbits trained in poisons instead of explosives.


    Quinn uncoiled a detonation cord and led it back to the squad¡¯s hiding spot. In his hand was a small detonator box with a pump and handle ready to blow the sky in half.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Elucard peeked over the ridge of his boulder as the Estinian caravan marched through the mountain pass, unaware of their encroaching doom.


    ¡°Wait for it, wait for it,¡± whispered Elucard.


    Quinn licked his lips, doing his best to stifle a cruel snicker.


    ¡°A little closer, a little closer,¡± Elucard continued.


    Quinn clenched his teeth.


    Elucard¡¯s eyes grew big as the caravan reached the center of the kill zone.


    ¡°Now!¡± Elucard cried.


    Quinn shut his eyes and pushed down the handle. Within seconds the fuse ignited, exploding the dynamite and releasing a monstrous boom!


    As if a titan had awoken beneath the mountain, boulders and rocks erupted, hurling and sliding down the mountain face at a devastating rate. Screams and wails from horses and soldiers were snuffed out from the rumbling earth as the avalanche buried the Estinian soldiers under its crushing weight.


    Elucard dusted off his head and walked to the remainder of the cliff to get a gander at Quinn¡¯s handy work. The road was now impassable and the platoon of fifty men were no more.


    ¡°Fan out, look for survivors!¡± Elucard commanded.


    ¡°Survivors?¡± questioned Elisa, rubbing her temples from a splitting headache.


    ¡°We just need one, I have some questions about Aric City.¡±


    Elucard grunted as he shifted the rubble searching for anyone that was still breathing after their assault.


    ¡°Elucard! Over here!¡± Bruce shouted as he dragged an officer from the debris. The Estinian¡¯s legs were badly mangled.


    Elucard crouched over the officer and inspected his broken body. Bones poked through his blood-soaked trousers and his ankle was twisted in a way no human leg was supposed to bend.


    ¡°Looks like you are in bad shape, captain. We have a medic that can numb your pain, provided you can answer a few simple questions.¡±


    The enemy captain¡¯s face shivered and faded pale from the sheer agony he was in, but he kept quiet. He didn¡¯t even let out a scream.


    Essie placed her medicine bag next to the officer, but Elucard held out his hand to stop her. He turned back to his captor.


    ¡°Two simple questions, my good friend. One, what is the status of the Dawnedge king? Two, where can we find him?¡± asked Elucard with a calm and friendly voice.


    The officer¡¯s eyes darted to Essie and then back to Elucard. He whispered in an inaudible tone to Elucard.


    Elucard wrinkled his brow as he tried to listen carefully, but whether the officer¡¯s accent was too thick or his voice was too faint, he couldn¡¯t understand him.


    Elucard brought himself closer to the officer and to his surprise, a wad of dry spit splattered on his cheek. The officer let out a roar of laughter between dusty coughs.


    Elucard stood and wiped the spit with his sleeve. He looked at Essie and sighed.


    ¡°Es, I tried to be gentle, but if we want to find Koda, we have to do it my way.¡±


    Essie nodded and took away her medical bag.


    Elucard turned his attention back to the prisoner. He lifted up his hood and raised his mask over the brim of his nose. Within the shadow of assassin cowl, only his ominous violet eyes could be seen. He put his foot down carefully and stepped on the officer¡¯s right leg. Slowly he added more weight to it, nodding as the officer contorted his face in anguish with each pound of force.


    ¡°I imagine you Estinians went through similar pain resistance training that we Black Rabbits had. For the purposes of not cracking under the pressure of an interrogation.¡±


    Elucard had his entire body¡¯s weight on the leg at this point, but the captain only grit his teeth harder. The elf lifted his foot up and his victim gave a sigh of relief.


    ¡°We have discovered that the average White Cloak will give up his secrets and unit after three hours of Rabbit torture. I have personally found a Lost Dawn soldier not to be as tough.¡± Elucard picked up a jagged stone from the ground and hovered it over the captain¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You are handling this extraordinarily well. How long will you last?¡±


    The Estinian flinched as Elucard gave him a cruel wink. Then the elf repeatedly bashed his rock into the captain¡¯s shoulder. The harekins hid away from the ghastly screams of the Estinian.


    ¡°There are two hundred and six bones in the human body.¡± Elucard moved the rock away from the pulverized shoulder and held it over the other one. ¡°How many bones do I need to break before you talk?¡±


    The captain rolled back his eyes but Elucard slapped his face to keep him from passing out.


    ¡°We¡¯re far from finished, captain. You can end this and my medic will even give you some dullweed for your cooperation, but only if you answer my questions.¡±


    The captain nodded feverishly and swallowed hard. ¡°Ve killed your king.¡±


    A series of gasps came from behind Elucard, but he was not satisfied. Elucard slammed his rock down on the shoulder. ¡°Lie to me again! I dare you!¡± Elucard growled through his teeth. Saliva seeped through his mask down his lips.


    ¡°It is the truth! I svear!¡± wailed the Estianian officer. ¡°He vas publicly executed three days ago!¡±


    Elucard took a hold of the prisoner¡¯s wrist and hovered the rock over his shaky hand. ¡°Repeat that! Before you lose it!¡±


    The captain screamed in anguish, his body trembling under the excessive pain.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take me for an idiot! Calm down and tell me again!¡± Elucard commanded once more.


    ¡°What are you trying to do?¡± asked Mave.


    ¡°Normally, a Black Rabbit can tell if a prisoner is lying. We look for speech patterns, eye direction, or they could sweat more. He is speaking too clearly, too precisely for the truth.¡±


    ¡°You obviously traumatized him. Of course he is going to bloody sweat and fidget more! You¡¯ve been bludgeoning him to death with a stone!¡±


    Elucard dropped the crude weapon and rose to his feet. ¡°One more time, captain. Then you can have the dullweed.¡±


    The officer took in a deep breath and repeated himself. ¡°He vas publicly executed three days ago! Now for the love of Father, give me the damn dullweed!¡±


    Elucard lowered his mask and hood and gave Mave a smart grin. ¡°You still can¡¯t tell that he is lying?¡±


    Essie approached with a clump of dullweed clutched in her hand but Mave stopped her short. ¡°Explain, Elucard. Explain to me how you know for sure that he is lying.¡±


    Elucard pulled out his sword. ¡°Vhere is his accent, Mave?¡± Elucard said in his best Estinian voice. He held his sword over his victim¡¯s chest. ¡°New Estinia must be growing desperate. P.C. The Estinians had to call for foreigners from Phoenix Company to transport their goods because they didn¡¯t have enough men to spare.


    ¡°Phoenix Company were the Black Rabbit equivalent of Dragon Realm Blight,¡± Elucard explained to Mave. He turned back to the half dead officer. ¡±You have no idea about where our king is because you¡¯ve only been in this country for two weeks, isn¡¯t that right? Less? If I asked you where our queen was you would¡¯ve said the same damn thing to save your hide. I admit, your will is very strong, but I have no more time to waste on you, captain.¡±


    ¡°You will burn in the darkest recesses of Dahlemar¡¯s real¡ª¡± Elucard cut off the captain¡¯s threat with a sharp plunge of his blade.


    ¡°So Koda is alive?¡± asked Mave.


    ¡°I think he is¡­ for now,¡± Elucard said. ¡°Let¡¯s head to Aric City and find a way into the dungeons. I think that would be our best bet to locate him.¡± Elucard wiped his blade before sheathing it. He motioned for the two archers to come to his side. ¡°Timber, Corso, wait for Wiccer here. Report to him that we have made our way into the city to rescue the king.¡±


    ¡°Good thinking Elucard, I don¡¯t think my crossbow would be much use in close quarter combat.¡± Corso gave Elucard a smart salute and a playful wink.


    Timber shouldered her bow and patted Elucard¡¯s shoulder. ¡°If we don¡¯t meet again¡­ for what it¡¯s worth, you are a good leader.¡±


    Elucard grew a short grin and hugged the wolf before she could salute him. ¡°Thank you, Timber. Thank you.¡±

 Chapter 48: A Way In

    Elisa hid quietly in the morning mists. A wool cloak, stolen from a passing wagon, disguised her Cypress SMO uniform and the hood covered up her elven features. With the patience of a prowling cat, Elisa observed the patterns of how the Aric City guards functioned. Who they let in, who they stopped, who they refused, and most of all, who they arrested on the spot.


    They were a highly disciplined group of guards, never taking offered bribes and never afraid to stop the wealthy carriage of a highly distinguished noble. In Lost Dawns, it was far easier to slip by the gates to infiltrate the city. The chances that her entire squad could make it through the gates here would be slim. They would definitely need to find other means.


    Scaling the walls would have been an option for other cities, but Aric City¡¯s walls were twice the height of the tallest trees in Long Whisper with a far more numerous contingent of guards too. Not only that, but no other city that she snuck into had the advantage of patrolling drake riders. The last thing they needed with their mission was to be dodging fire breath while scaling an enormous wall.


    Elisa stalked the outside of the walls arriving at a steep trench. Below she found a sewage canal. She carefully slid down and landed with a soft splash in the murky trench. She frowned as she mucked through the squishy mud before her expression lightened.


    ***


    ¡°It¡¯s a sewer grate,¡± Elisa said as the harekins and elves followed her to the trench. The canal led up to a small entrance in the walls. Although blocked by a set of iron bars, the pipe entrance itself stood only three feet tall. Even with the harekins only standing a foot taller, they would be forced to crawl through the rain water, piss, and garbage to reach the inner workings of the city.


    ¡°Could you lead us to the castle, Elisa?¡± asked Kyzo.


    ¡°The castle is to the northeast. When we were on the mountain, I surveyed the city and mapped it all out in my head,¡± responded Elisa.


    Mave pinched her nose as the scent of rotten fruit and dung filled her nostrils. ¡°Is there really no other better way into the city, darling?¡±


    Elisa gave her a grin and shook her head. ¡°This is the easiest way in. I once spent several months living in a sewer when I was sent to terrorize Lost Dawns. You¡¯ll get used to the stench after a while.¡±


    Mave couldn¡¯t help but choke and cough.


    Elucard jostled at the grate but found that the bars didn¡¯t budge. ¡°Bruce?¡±


    The large harekin nudged Elucard aside and grunted as he attempted to bend the bars. ¡°Ugh, not going to happen, mate.¡±


    Elisa handed Bruce a small vial of a tan liquid with orange flecks floating at its surface. ¡°Try using this on the bars first, Bruce.¡±


    Bruce took a hold of the vial and popped its cork. He drizzled the concoction on each of the four bars and watched in amazement as the liquid sizzled and ate away at the iron. He smirked and broke the bars apart with ease. ¡°After you, lass,¡± he said with a bow.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Each of the Devil Jumpers crawled their way through the disgusting sewage pipe, gagging or puking with each step. At the far end, the tunnel opened into a large, underground tunnel. Although not as mazelike as the Lost Dawns sewers, Aric City¡¯s sewer was almost as impressive by sheer scale alone.


    The way the sewer system was naturally formed, it seemed as though they were built from a network of caves. Each tunnel stood fifteen feet high and was smooth to the touch after years of erosion. The remains of stalactites gripped the ceiling, each crawling with small brown bats. Water trickled down tiny waterways carved through the ceiling from the surface. The main tunnels criss-crossed like grids that spanned the entire city.


    ¡°Which way, Elisa?¡± asked Elucard.


    Elisa pulled out a compass. There was very little visibility down there, supplied only by light peeking out of the ceiling chutes. The Lost Dawn¡¯s sewers made use of light runes that ran through the main tunnels for engineers. However, down in these sewers, it was so dark that one couldn¡¯t tell if one was touching a loose brick or a hairy rat.


    Elisa cared little for the lack of light with her Shadow Elven eyes built for subterranean travel, but her other friends were lost without her guidance. They stumbled into each other and tripped over their own feet splashing in the knee high water.


    Elisa glanced at her compass and searched for the tunnel that traveled in the northeastern direction.


    ¡°This way, the castle is this way. Follow my voice and keep your hands along the wall,¡± Elisa said.


    Elisa led the Devil Jumpers through the complex sewer system, routinely getting her bearings of the city by climbing ladders to peek through street surface drains and by lifting the occasional manhole cover. Sure enough, her experience with traversing underground structures had paid off.


    Elisa halted her train of followers and gave them a low hush. She crept slowly to the edge of the closest wall. A bright light moved along the other side and swept through the rest of the tunnel before retreating.


    Two soldiers stood before a large wooden door. Both heavily armored and sporting a spear in one hand and a sword sheathed at their side. One soldier held a lantern in his other hand.


    ¡°Vhat do you see, Learmen?¡± asked the guard not holding the lantern. He peered into the darkness trying to see the best that his human eyes would allow him.


    ¡°I see nothing. Perhaps I just heard a rat,¡± Learmen answered. ¡°Continue your story, Pierce. Vhat did she tell you then?¡±


    Elisa snuck back to Elucard and the others, who patiently waited down the tunnel. ¡°Two guards stand in front of a large wooden door. I am nearly positive that it is a back entrance into the castle dungeons,¡± she said.


    Elucard drew his dagger. ¡°Then we will dispatch them quickly and make our way to Koda¡¯s cell.¡±


    ¡°Provided that he is still alive, of course.¡± Quinn frowned.


    Elucard shot him an annoyed glance at the snide remark. ¡°Then if he isn¡¯t, we shall assassinate Tashna.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Mave hissed. ¡°We weren¡¯t given any orders to assassinate the Div¡¯Rah.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Elucard growled. ¡°Then we shall capture her. Let Cypress kill her.¡±


    Elisa pulled a dagger in each hand. ¡°Shall we?¡±


    Elucard and Mave nodded.


    With highly trained movements and a killer instinct, the two guards were taken out in a flash of steel. Quinn relieved them of their tools including a set of dungeon keys, a torch, and any weapons they had that he could make use of. Afterwards, he and Bruce disposed of their bodies underneath the rubbish and sewage water.


    Elucard waited for the heavy door to open with a long creek before entering the lower floor of the dungeon. The rest of his companions followed closely behind.


    ¡°Keep your eyes peeled for Koda and another Anti-Rogue Operative named Calsoon,¡± Elucard whispered. ¡°Remember, we are not leaving this castle empty handed.¡±

 Chapter 49: Chasing after Koda

    Tashna examined Koda¡¯s empty cell in a frantic panic. She searched for loose stones along the walls, pulled on the bars of the window, and was baffled by the elf¡¯s former shackles still locked in place. This was the most puzzling part, it was as if he just slid right through them.


    ¡°How is this possible? Explain to me, once more, how this happened! How could a chained prisoner escape your dungeon!?¡± Tashna spat in a low hiss. She didn¡¯t bother to look at her bumbling idiot of a warden, Dalg Abnathen. She entrusted her most valuable prisoner to him, and yet now Koda was missing with little clue of what transpired in his cell.


    The warden juggled with his words and sputtered out the first thing that came to his mind. ¡°He vas here yesterday, m¡¯lady.¡±


    Tashna spun on her heel, wheeling around with fire in her eyes. ¡°Then vhere is he now?¡±


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know,¡± Dalg said with defeat in his voice.


    Tashna turned her attention to Koda¡¯s wolf. She was left behind, which was quite peculiar, as Koda seemed rather attached to his pet.


    ¡°Vhat do you vish for me to do about the volf, m¡¯lady?¡±


    Tasha glared at Wildeye. The wolf glared back with the same intensity.


    ¡°Keep it alive for now, no doubt Koda vill return for it.¡± Tashna paced in a small circle in the cell, desperately trying to piece the mystery of the vanishing prisoner. ¡°Vhere is your peon? Grune, vas it?


    Dalg bit his lip, afraid of the answer he had to give. ¡°He has not checked in since last night, your grace.¡±


    Tashna blinked but chose to show no further reaction than that. ¡°And vhat of the other Long Vhisper prisoner?¡±


    ¡°He is not in his cell either¡ªI accept full responsibility for this escape!¡± Dalg said, trying to save face.


    Tashna couldn¡¯t help but smile. Of course Calsoon would be missing as well. He served Sable as her personal demon. He had clearly been hiding other secrets too, some of which gave him the ability to slip himself and Koda out of their cells right under her nose. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Had she kept Sable on a shorter leash, she would have seen this betrayal coming. She shook her head in disappointment at her own misjudgment.


    She¡¯d become complacent with Koda under her thumb, and that cost her the war. Now his army would be at her gates and she no longer had him as a hostage or bargaining chip.


    ¡°I shall tell my men to sveep the castle and scour the city. Ve will find the Mage King and his bodyguard! Ve¡¯ll leave no stone unturned!¡± said Dalg.


    ¡°No!¡± Tashna snapped. ¡°Tell no one of this escape and execute any guard that knows about this. The news of Koda¡¯s escape can not leave this cell, not even my parents can find this out!¡±


    ¡°But¡ªbut¡­¡± Dalg stuttered.


    ¡°That is my command, Abnathen!¡± Tashna sneered. ¡°If you vill not carry this out, I vill kill you myself!¡±


    Dalg gave her a shaky bow and slithered out of the cell.


    Tashna quickly headed out of the dungeon and hastened her step to her library. As she passed by Ro¡¯Tan, who stood at attention outside the dungeon entrance, she beckoned for him to follow.


    ¡°Is everything okay, m¡¯lady?¡± the draconian asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she hissed. ¡°Everything is fine, but I must discover the location of the underground city that my great grandfather searched for.¡±


    Ro¡¯Tan picked up his pace as Tashna¡¯s stride grew faster. ¡°Underground city?¡±


    ¡°Sable vill be there, and I no longer vish her to be in my kingdom. She is up to something and I need to find out vhat.¡± Tashna threw open the doors of her library. ¡°Ve don''t have much time.¡±


    Ro¡¯Tan bowed his head and folded his wings. ¡°How may I serve you, my master?¡±


    Tashna pointed to the far section of her vast book collection. ¡°I know vhere my mother kept Meric¡¯s research, but I need an older map of New Estina. Towards the back are scrolls of ¡®Mervious¡¯. It is vhat the land vas called before our people immigrated here. Fetch them for me.¡±


    ¡°Mervious, my Div¡¯Rah?¡± asked a slightly confused Ro¡¯Tan.


    Tashna snapped her head to her bodyguard, flustered with frustration. ¡°Yes, yes, I know I told Koda that New Estinia vas ordained by the Raven-God, blah, blah, blah. You must act a certain vay to gain fear from others.¡± She shooed the dragon away. ¡°Quickly now, I require the Mervious map while I search for Meric¡¯s old journal.¡±


    Sable had a head start and she also had Koda. It was now clear to Tashna that the Mage King was of far more importance than she gave him credit for. Could it be that the underground city held the heaven¡¯s mark that Koda wished to protect? What would Sable want with one and why did she need Koda for it?


    Time grew short and her city would soon be besieged. Her pride would be the end of her, but she would make sure Koda would suffer for it.

 Chapter 50: Pushing to the Gates

    Wiccer¡¯s army trudged through the last of Meric¡¯s Morass. After recovering from the poisonous water and three days of mosquitoes, a jungle of trees, and rocky terrain, they were finally in for smooth sailing. Now only a lone mountain pass stood in their way from a victory at Aric City. Ending this war was closer than ever. So close he could taste it and it tasted like sweet nectar.


    Wiccer held his hand over his brow to shield his eyes from the little beams of bright sunlight that broke through the thick canopy of the morass. These wetlands were dark and gloomy, and the little light they had pierced the trees like thousands of shining spears. Had he not been trained as an Anti-Rogue Operative, his senses would still be blunt and unfocused in the dark. Images would just be a smear of shadows. Although the sun was a welcome sight, its glare was too loud for him to readily adjust to it.


    A thunderous series of roars and screeches came from the large drakes that had found their way to the mountains. A dozen dragons, the main fleet of Southtail¡¯s SMO, stood in vigilance atop the rocky peaks overlooking the morass, waiting for the main body of the Cypress invasion force to link up with them. They had been ordered to travel far up ahead since dragons could not maneuver through dense tree cover.


    ¡°It seems we are missing a few drakes,¡± muttered Greyblade. ¡°The Estinian patrols must have finally made their move once we headed into the morass.¡±


    Dallin nodded in agreement. ¡°It had to be quite the battle too. An entire side of the mountain has slid into the road.¡±


    Wiccer frowned as the troops came to a sudden halt. Up ahead, the road had indeed been blocked off by a huge wall of rocks and debris.


    ¡°We¡¯ll set up camp while the engineers figure out a safe way to bypass this obstacle,¡± Wiccer told one of his nearby officers.


    A runner pushed his way through the ranks and gave a smart salute to Wiccer and bowed to the two kings. ¡°Sir, I bring a report from the vanguard.¡±


    Wiccer tilted his head. ¡°That was quick. What do you have to report, private?¡±


    ¡°Lieutenant Timber and Sergeant No-Hops of the Anti-Rogue Ops and Skyborne Military Ops wish to speak with you, sir!¡±


    Wiccer nodded and dismissed the runner. He waited for the young soldier to leave before addressing the two kings. ¡°Elucard and Mave wish to send us a message. They wouldn¡¯t part with their marksmen unless they had something to relay to us.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see what news they bring,¡± Dallin said.


    ***


    Wiccer watched with concern as Timber and Corso scarfed down the porridge and fresh water that he gave them. They seemed famished and in low spirits, as if they had run through the fires of Dahlemar¡¯s realm and back to make their report.


    ¡°Lieutenant, what news do you bring us from your mission?¡± Wiccer asked the kanis. They were situated back by the edge of the morass, far from prying ears and eyes.


    Timber chugged the water skin dry and wiped her mouth before answering him.


    ¡°Captain Elucard Freewind has made his way into the city to rescue His Majesty; however, all may be a wash, for we received disturbing information from a captured Estinian mercenary that the king was executed.¡±


    ¡°If Koda was executed, why isn¡¯t Elucard himself telling us that his mission had failed?¡± Dallin asked with steely eyes.


    ¡°He believes the lad was lying, your highness,¡± said Corso. ¡°Do you have any more of that porridge? It may have been a little overcooked, but after a month living off army rations, anything will taste like a noble''s feast.¡±Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Wiccer poured the rabbit a second helping. ¡°Is the prisoner still alive? I wish to question him myself.¡±


    ¡®Fraid not,¡± Corso said between mouthfuls.


    ¡°What were the conditions of this interrogation? How threatening was Elucard?¡± Wiccer asked. He knew the former Black Rabbit had a way of forcing information out of his prisoners. Both Blayvaar and a certain revolutionary leader could attest to the cruel methods of the former Black Rabbit.


    ¡°He suffered greatly, sir,¡± Timber said.


    Wiccer looked at Dallin and Greyblade, ¡°It will be difficult to discern if the prisoner was telling the truth or a lie. You can never trust information given through means of torture.¡± Wiccer stroked his chin. ¡°But considering Elucard¡¯s track record, his instincts haven¡¯t steered us wrong yet.¡±


    Greyblade turned to the two operatives. ¡°You did good, go get some rest. We might be needing you still, so don¡¯t go too far.¡±


    Corso and Timber both bowed and left the three leaders.


    Greyblade adjusted his beret. ¡°Let¡¯s meet up with the elven lords to make a final decision with how we handle this shaky information.¡±


    ***


    Wiccer organized a war council with the seven elven lords and two kings inside Meric¡¯s Morass. Both Timber and Corso perched in the trees with bows drawn, while Malady and Legion crouched in the shadows ready to slay any spies or roving Estinian patrols.


    Wiccer leaned against a boulder while each lord discussed the news of Koda¡¯s possible execution.


    ¡°My men are carpenters and masons. We build, we don¡¯t fight. They tire of a war that they did not agree with. We wish to cut our losses short and head home,¡± Lord Levric Songbrook stated.


    ¡°Aye, this war has been difficult on us as well. I¡¯ve lost too many of my people to justify saving a foolish king,¡± Lord Halar Fieldrunner said.


    Lady Aster folded her arms and shook her head. ¡°Cowards, the both of you. You two were both appointed lords because of your loyalty to our kingdom! Now when the going gets tough, you get going?¡± Aster Starvow spat.


    ¡°Now, now Aster, they speak for their subjects, not just themselves,¡± Lady Vala Treadheart said with a calm voice. ¡°Your people are smiths, and the majority of them fought in the Varis War. Surely they wish to go home? Now that Koda has been slain, what keeps us here?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know that for sure, Vala,¡± argued Lord Brenen Riverflow. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. ¡°Major Newsun mentioned that his men believe him still alive. They seek to rescue our king as we speak.¡±


    ¡°If you ask me,¡± interjected Lady Senri Swiftleaf, ¡°we should take Aric City. I know that is what King Dallin and King Greyblade wish to do. Estinia has been a thorn in our side for longer than Long Whisper has been a nation. They do not deserve to wield such power over us!¡±


    Lady Cass Baneberry nodded her head. As the longest standing elven lord she had much sway over the others. Her opinion held that much weight. ¡°I agree with Senri. We are here with the strength of the Cypress Alliance. I say we stand with Varis and Southtail as they have done with us in the past.¡±


    Wiccer offered his advice. ¡°Whether the king has been executed does not change the fact that the Estinians have become bold and overstepped the treaty. New Estinia must be dealt with before their motherland gains the courage to strike Varis and Southtail once more!¡±


    Dallin and Greyblade grinned at each other.


    ¡°What say you Levric? Halar?¡± asked Cass. ¡°Your forces are still needed for our victory. You and your people will be hailed as heroes for your undying bravery. Think of the stories your people could tell their grandchildren!¡±


    Levric gripped his rapier and shook his head. ¡°I am not convinced. This is a pointless war to rescue a king that has let his people down time and time again. He did not heed the word of the council, now I think he should suf¡ª¡±


    ¡°Suffer?¡± Cass said in a voice stern enough to stop a man¡¯s heartbeat. ¡°What makes you think he has not suffered enough? Koda is a gentle soul and has paid for his naivety. The Div¡¯Rah has kept him prisoner for well over a month now! What horrors do you imagine he has been subjected to?¡±


    ¡°I¡ª¡± started Levric.


    ¡°How much longer does he need to stay a prisoner at the hands of his enemy for you to see his safe return?¡±


    Levric lowered his head in shame. ¡°You are right, Lady Baneberry. You will have the support of the Songbrook.¡±


    Cass turned to Halar. ¡°And you?¡±


    ¡°You have the Fieldrunners. Although, I still think Koda rushed us into a needless war,¡± Halar added.


    Greyblade clapped his hands together and looked at Wiccer. ¡°Well then Major, are you ready to lead us into battle for one final time?¡±


    ¡°Always,¡± Wiccer said.

 Chapter 51: Where is the King?

    The musty scent of the sewers floated in the stagnant air as Elucard and his companions stalked through the damp and dank prison walkways. The Devil Jumpers did not get a moment¡¯s reprieve from the stench of sewage as they entered the pungent odor of unwashed prisoners and festering wounds. Brutally tortured captives with bony hands clawed at Elucard¡¯s cloak and garments, pleading that he free them, but the elf paid them no mind. He was only set on freeing Koda, Calsoon, and Wildeye.


    Regret of leaving the three behind wore heavy in his mind with each step he took in the dungeon. How could he let this happen to his king¡ªto his friend? How much agony did his actions cause Koda and Calsoon?


    It did not matter anymore; he was here now and that was what really counted.


    The sound of footsteps arose from around the corner. Elucard signaled for his team to hide in the shadows. He drew a small blade from his belt and waited for the person to appear.


    The footsteps belonged to a tall, thin man dressed in finer clothing than the average Estinian soldier. He wore a gray tunic with a red bandolier. His mustache was freshly trimmed under his slender nose. No, he was not a soldier, but perhaps a warden.


    Elucard leaped from the shadows and snatched the man¡¯s wrist, twisting it behind his back and torquing it up. Elucard slipped his knife against his prisoner¡¯s throat.


    ¡°Scream and I slice you without a second thought,¡± Elucard hissed.


    The warden gasped and whimpered, but did not scream. ¡°Please, please, I know who you are after. I don¡¯t know vhat happened to him. I svea¡ª¡± the man babbled all in one breath.


    Elucard pressed the knife further into his neck to cut him off. ¡°King Dawnedge, tell me where I can find him.¡±


    The man gave him a low whine. ¡°Please. I am Dalg Abnathen, the varden of this dungeon. I svear upon the Raven God that I know nothing about the Dawnedge¡¯s vhereabouts. One minute he vas in his cell, the next he vas gone. The same vith that elf bodyguard of his. Please don¡¯t kill me!


    Elucard lowered his knife but tweaked Dalg¡¯s arm some more. ¡°Take me to the king¡¯s cell!¡± he barked.


    The warden gave no resistance as he ushered Elucard and the other Devil Jumpers to a gritty cell in the corner. Only one other cell neighbored it and they were told that it belonged to Calsoon, which as Dalg explained, also laid empty.


    Koda¡¯s cell was dark and depressing. Blood stained the stones from his hourly beatings. Heavy, rusted shackles gave Elucard a sense of dread that his king had to endure months of hopelessness while he waited for a rescue operation that may have never reached him.


    Elucard shoved Dalg into Bruce''s arms so that he could inspect the cell for clues. He fiddled with the still-intact locks of the shackles and largely undamaged walls and barred window. If Koda did escape, it wasn¡¯t by any normal means. Could the Magi be at play here? Elucard knew next to nothing of Koda¡¯s mysterious powers, so it could be a possibility that Koda used them to escape with Calsoon. He slowly scanned the rest of the prison cell and nearly stumbled backwards when he rested his eyes on a large slumbering wolf in the corner. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°Wildeye!?¡± exclaimed Elucard in both excitement and confusion. Was the wolf alive? If she was, that would mean Koda was too, right? Like the Magi he wasn¡¯t sure how a familiar actually worked, but the prospect of the two sharing a single life did give him a shred of hope.


    ¡°Wildeye, are you awake?¡± Elucard patted the wolf on her back. Her fur was smooth and soft; it felt warm to the touch and also gave him the feeling that he was back at home. Standing free on the Lost Dawns clocktower without a care in the world. Elucard couldn¡¯t help but smile and shed a tear.


    Wildeye lifted her head and licked Elucard on the face. Elucard stifled an uncharacteristic giggle but didn¡¯t hide the fact that he was greatly relieved that she was alright.


    ¡°Dalg, unlock Wildeye¡¯s collar,¡± demanded Elucard.


    Dalg fumbled with his keys until he found the right one and shuffled to the beast. He winced and stretched his arms as far away from Wildeye¡¯s furious teeth as he possibly could.


    The key clinked and the collar fell with a clunk to the ground. Wildeye snapped her jaws, chasing Dalg into the corner of the dank cell before jumping into Elucard¡¯s arms.


    ¡°What should we do with the warden?¡± asked Mave.


    ¡°He¡¯ll give us away if we don¡¯t silence him,¡± Elucard said.


    Dalg¡¯s eyes grew wide with fear. ¡°Please, sir. You won¡¯t hear a peep from me.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Tashna?¡± Elucard growled. ¡°Take me to her.¡±


    Dalg rubbed the back of his hand. ¡°I don¡¯t actually know where she¡ª¡±


    In one clean motion, Elucard sliced his sword across Dalg¡¯s throat. ¡°Useless,¡± Elucard sneered.


    Wildeye nudged Elucard¡¯s hand and yipped.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Kyzo exclaimed with a snap of his fingers. ¡°Wildeye¡¯s like a hound, she can track Tashna¡¯s scent!¡±


    ¡°Can you find Tashna, girl?¡± Elucard asked the wolf.


    Wildeye''s eyes flared with a bright ultraviolet glow as she stuck her nose to the ground. She walked in a circle around Elucard before taking off into a dead sprint out of the dungeon. Elucard and the others dashed after her at full speed just to keep up with the animal.


    Wildeye¡¯s nose led the Devil Jumpers up a flight of stairs and down corridors decorated with oil paintings of Meric¡¯s Morass and the Blood Bog. Finally the hallway ended with two large double doors.


    Elucard waited for Wildeye to sit down in front of the entrance before placing his elven ear against the wood, attempting to listen to what was on the other side. The sound of rustling papers, scraping chairs, and a quill scratching along its lines told Elucard that the room was a library. He strained his elven senses further and heard the voices of Tashna and her brutish draconian.


    ¡°According to this map, Ro¡¯Tan, the city vould be right here.¡±


    ¡°Your majesty, that is only three miles from Aric City!¡±


    ¡°Yes, ve must be quick, my loyal Dragon.¡±


    ¡°What of your parents?¡±


    ¡°My father vill see to the city¡¯s defense, finding Koda is my priority!¡±


    Elucard looked at Mave and lowered his voice. ¡°Tashna and her bodyguard are in that room. I think they are preparing to leave. If we are swift we can take her by surprise and capture her. She knows where Koda is, so he must still be alive.¡± Elucard looked at Wildeye¡¯s ragged and tired state. ¡°You stay here, girl. Koda would strangle me if I got you injured.¡±


    Mave nodded. ¡°Okay, on the count of three.¡±


    One¡­ two¡­ three!

 Chapter 52: The Seal Under the City

    Deep in the dark tunnel lit only by bioluminescent fungus, leading to the gate of Sik J¡¯dio Sahde Alanoon, Calsoon¡¯s portal opened and Koda stumbled out. He fell to his knees with deep, heaving breaths and dilated pupils, like he had come face to face with madness itself. Calsoon exited behind him and helped the mage king back to his feet.


    ¡°I apologize, my liege. Not all are ready to travel by shadow portal, but I am sure you will be with time.¡±


    Koda turned to him. Sweat dripped down his forehead. ¡°W-with time?¡±


    Sable stepped from the shadows of the cavern and inspected Grune¡¯s handiwork on Koda¡¯s face. ¡°This will not do.¡± She scryed a small rune over the most brutal of Koda¡¯s markings, which was his swollen black eye. The rune hummed and lit up as Koda¡¯s wound morphed and shrunk to a more normal state. Although small cuts and bumps still marred Koda''s brow, the elf could once again see out of his right eye.


    Koda pawed his face gently. ¡°You are no Estinian historian.¡± Koda turned his head to Calsoon. ¡°And you are no mere elf. Who are you two?¡±


    Sable bowed. ¡°We apologize for such deceit, young Mage King, but if we told you who we were right away you would most likely have worked against us.¡±


    Calsoon lowered his head as he revealed his true demon face.  His fair skin darkened into a smokey gray color, his eyes morphed into the amber eyes of a skyfallen, and a pair of horns grew from his head. A spaded tail lashed about from behind him..


    Koda was taken aback by Calsoon¡¯s true form.


    ¡°Wait, you are the shadow organization after the seals?¡± Koda asked. ¡°The ones who my men warned me about.¡±


    Calsoon¡¯s black and red ARO uniform turned to a solid black and the twin moons of the Dead of Winter emblem burned onto his back.


    ¡°We work among the shadows, but we are not to be feared. We are ¡®Dead of Winter¡¯ and we only wish to be allies with you, Koda,¡± Calsoon said.


    The elf shook his head and pointed his finger at Sable. ¡°And all the help you needed from me? You just wanted to get to the seal?¡±


    ¡°I have been honest with you Koda,¡± Sable said quietly. ¡°I have always had a passion for runes and wards. And the Celestial Seals are the most ambitious ones in our world¡¯s history! You lie to yourself if you are not at all intrigued to see one.¡±


    Koda looked past her into the darkness of the long tunnel. ¡°This path leads to¡­¡±


    ¡°Sik J¡¯dio Sahde Alanoon,¡± Sable finished with a grin.


    Despite Calsoon spying on him all this time and Sable taking advantage of him, they were still right. Koda wanted to see the city under the sky¡¯s shadow and most of all, he wanted to see a Celestial Seal. His curiosity was stronger than his mistrust for his company.


    ¡°Show me,¡± Koda finally whispered.


    ***


    Sable and Calsoon led Koda down the winding corridor to the massive gates that had stopped the two Dead of Winter members cold in the past. The tunnel itself vaulted high to make room for the towering doors. Both statues of the elf and angel commanded with an imposing presence. Koda admired the impressive features carved by the ancient Daybreak and how after all this time, the still stood in an immaculate condition.Stolen story; please report.


    Koda grazed the ancient stone doors with the tips of his fingers, reading the archaic elven as he mouthed the words.


    ¡°Only a Daybreak may enter.¡± Koda looked back to Sable. ¡°Perhaps a Dawnedge will do.¡±


    Sable wrung her hands in anticipation. ¡°We can only hope, young Koda.¡±


    The elven king placed his hand flat against the door and grunted as the gateway grinded open, revealing another tunnel. As the three took a step past the Daybreak ward, hundreds of torches lit along the walls, leading to a wide open cavern.


    Koda¡¯s jaw dropped as he exited the cavern and entered a city built under Blight¡¯s soil. Buildings and dwellings carved into the very stone walls and pillars of the chasm with floating arcane crystals lighting up the seemingly untouched city, and skeletal remains of angels and demons scattered across the ground.


    Calsoon shook his head in wonderment as he inspected the golden angelic skeletons and blackened demonic bones. ¡°A great battle took place here.¡±


    ¡°I would imagine that the demons wanted to stop the seal from being written,¡± surmised Sable as she looked over a golden femur.


    ¡°What happened to the Daybreak?¡± Calsoon asked.


    ¡°Over here!¡± Koda called from further down the cavern. He stood before a set of stairs descending further underneath the earth. ¡°Where do you suppose these tunnels go? The Shadowearth?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps the Daybreak were the first Shadow Elves?¡± Calsoon offered.


    ¡°It is a possibility, my dear Calsoon. The Shadow Elves have hailed from the Shadowearth of Blight for as long as we¡¯ve studied the realm,¡± said Sable.


    ¡°But what of the seal?¡± asked Koda. As interesting as the origin of the Shadow Elves was, he came here to find a Celestial Seal.


    Sable walked to the center of the city and kneeled down. She wiped her hand across the ground, moving dirt, soot, and bones to the side to reveal a large rune glowing with a faint white light.


    ¡°A Celestial Seal?¡± Koda dropped to his knees and dug away the dirt and ash until he too faced more of the glowing heaven¡¯s mark. He gave a short, stunned laugh. ¡°Ha! It exists!¡±


    Sable took a small vial from her robes. Inside a black, web-like gunk swirled about in the thin glass. ¡°Now young Mage King, you have a choice to make,¡± she said to Koda.


    Koda¡¯s joyous expression changed to curiosity mixed with dread. ¡°W-What do you mean, Sable? W-what do you wish to do with this planetary treasure?¡±


    Sable stood and pulled the cork from the vial. ¡°Would you allow us to reunite with the gods once more? To walk alongside the angels?¡± Sable asked, her voice a low monotone, stern and full of purpose. ¡°Or shall you keep us bound to the Mortal plane? To worship our loving deities from afar for all of eternity?¡±


    Koda scrambled to his feet and cautiously approached the runecarver. ¡°Has this always been the intention of your guild? To unite us with the heavens?¡±


    ¡°It has, my king,¡± whispered Calsoon.


    ¡°What if the deities continue their wars upon the mortals? What if your intentions are a lie?¡±


    ¡°And what if we speak the truth?¡± asked Sable. ¡°Our master promises us that only peace and prosperity awaits us, as it was meant to be.¡±


    ¡°The Night ravages on while the angels are held at bay. Is this what man deserves? To live in fear even after they won the war?¡± Calsoon smirked. ¡°What kind of justice is that?¡±


    Koda lowered his head deep in thought. Once again a question about the true purpose of the seals crossed his mind. If they were written to rid the world of the Black Moon and the Night, then they had caused the opposite effect. If the gods really did wage an endless war of destruction that decimated mankind, then why were they revered and worshiped? What if Sable¡¯s and Calsoon¡¯s actions truly were what was best for the world? To unite man and the gods¡­ What harm could that possibly bring? Jedeo was a being of righteousness. Ruens of pure wisdom. Alue of kindness and mercy. Who was he to stand in their way? To deny them the people they only wished to help? He would be the antagonist of this story, not the hero.


    ¡°Koda.¡± Sable gently lifted his chin. ¡°Your grandfather did not trust you. Your people turned their backs on you. Forever you¡¯ve been treated as a child. But our master wishes to treat you as the man you are.¡±


    Koda peered into Sable¡¯s golden eyes. A new question chewed on his mind. ¡°Who is your master? Why does he have such an interest in me?¡±


    ¡°All will be answered in due time,¡± Sable said. ¡°But first, will you allow us to break this seal?¡±


    Koda looked at the dark substance as it inched to the mouth of the vial. He stole a glance at Calsoon. The demon nodded to him, as if assuring him that he was about to make the right decision. Koda turned back to Sable and took a deep breath before stepping aside.

 Chapter 53: The Fight Against RoTan

    The heavy wooden doors crashed open as both the Skyborne and Anti-Rogue Operatives flooded into the library. Mave commanded her harekins to secure the doors behind them as Elucard and his men leaped over book piles and tables to surround the shocked queen and her snarling draconic bodyguard.


    Elucard slid his ninjato from its sheath and brandished it under Tashna¡¯s nose. ¡°Where is the king?¡± he asked with a deep growl.


    Ro¡¯Tan stretched out one of his scaly wings, cutting off Elucard from the Div¡¯Rah. He narrowed his reptilian, sapphire eyes and thin wisps of smoke drifted from his nostrils. The draconian warrior¡¯ shadow dominated the presence in the library. However, Elucard did not flinch.


    Tashna snuck backwards towards a large, black Estinian tapestry hanging on the wall.


    ¡°I vould love to stay and chat, my dear friends, but I really must get going,¡± she said in a sing-song voice. ¡°Ro¡¯Tan, von¡¯t you be a dear and entertain our guests?¡±


    Ro¡¯Tan responded with a low rumble. ¡°Yes, my Div¡¯Rah.¡±


    ¡°There is no place to run, Estinian!¡± shouted Mave. She drew her saber with Quinn and Bruce matching her movements with their own weapons.


    Tashna backed further and further to the wall as her enemies closed in. She yanked the tapestry down and pushed in a stone block. A secret door slid open and Tashna quickly made her exit.


    Mave grit her teeth. ¡°Elucard and Quinn, make sure she doesn¡¯t get away. The rest of us will hold back big and ugly here!¡±


    Elucard nodded and with one clean jump, he sailed over the draconian and dove after Tashna. Quinn quickly grabbed a small acorn-shaped object from one of his leather pouches and smashed it on the floor. A brilliant flash blinded the entire room.


    ¡°Sorry about that, chaps,¡± he said as he slipped past Ro¡¯Tan and through the secret door.


    The bright light soon faded and Mave, Bruce, Elisa, Essie, and Kyzo remained alone with the dragon bodyguard.


    Ro¡¯Tan gave a fierce, toothy grin. He took in a lengthy breath, and arcs of azure light crawled from his chest and up his throat. With a mighty heave, he spewed out a web of crackling lightning.


    Mave¡¯s eyes widened as she and the others leaped for shelter behind the heavy oak bookcases. The lightning streaks and electricity charred the wooden furniture, setting books ablaze.


    Ro¡¯Tan barreled his way forward, crashing over the tables, chairs, and bookcases in his way. Mave rolled from her cover and circled behind Ro¡¯Tan, while Kyzo, Essie, and Elisa flanked either side of him. Bruce chose to keep the dragon occupied face to face.


    ¡°I¡¯m here you overgrown salamander! Come at me!¡± Bruce roared at the top of his lungs. He tightened his grip on his cutlass and slashed wildly at the draconian¡¯s chest. The blade glanced off of Ro¡¯Tan¡¯s tough purple scales creating violent sparks.


    Bruce growled in frustration of his failed attack. He called out to the others, ¡°His scales are like armor! Slicing and dicing won¡¯t work, mates, we need to stick him like a boar!¡±


    Kyzo and Elisa leaped onto both of Ro¡¯Tan''s shoulders driving their blades deep into his thick neck muscle. The dragon let out a thunderous cry and snatched the cloaks of the two ARO members. One by one he launched them into the burning bookcases with a pair of mighty swings. He ended his retaliation with a hefty kick into Bruce¡¯s chest, sending the harekin sailing backwards against the locked doors.


    Mave recoiled her sword arm and in one fell thrust, drove her saber into Ro¡¯Tan¡¯s back. Knowing that the dragon would spin on her as a reflex, Mave dragged her blade to the side, slicing a gruesome gash across the dragon¡¯s back.


    Ro¡¯Tan lashed out his tail, catching the harekin by the legs. Mave tripped to the ground and rolled out of the way of a devastating stomp as she scrambled to her feet.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Giving no time for Mave to recover, Ro¡¯Tan lifted the rabbit off the ground with a massive backhand. Ro¡¯Tan sucked in another charge of his breath and let out an awesome flash of lightning.


    Mave crossed her arms in a guard as the lighting electrocuted her small body. She crashed to the floor as a smoking heap.


    Ro¡¯Tan walked to Mave¡¯s crumpled body and prepared for another voltage. Essie slid in between him and Mave and without hesitation, ran her sword into the draconian¡¯s stomach.


    Kyzo dashed and stabbed a twin set of blades into Ro¡¯tan¡¯s calves, buckling the dragon to one knee.


    Elisa popped in front of the dragon to smash a bottle of a crimson gas over Ro¡¯Tan¡¯s snout. The draconian inhaled the fumes choking and coughing as he fell to his other knee.


    Bruce finished the combination of attacks with a powerful fist that crunched into Ro¡¯Tan¡¯s jaw, breaking loose a fang or two.


    Ro¡¯Tan faltered, crashing to the ground in a daze.


    Kyzo helped Mave to her feet. ¡°Is it over?¡± he said between labored breaths.


    Mave shook her head and pointed to the dragon slowly recovering. ¡°We only fazed him. Come on lads, we¡¯re in it for the long haul.¡±


    The Devil Jumpers raised their weapons, ready for another round, each one battered and bruised. Some bleeding, some broken, but all prepared to die for the cause: to rescue the Dawnedge king.


    Mave raised her saber and called to Ro¡¯Tan, ¡°We¡¯ll take you with us to the Roaming Plane if we have to. With our last drop of blood we will make sure we put you into the ground. You scabby-scaled, puss-breathing, sorry excuse for a dragon!¡±


    Ro¡¯Tan gnashed his teeth and tightened his fists. With a bellowing roar, he exploded forward.


    Mave dashed towards the dragon, sliding on her knees and releasing a rapid flurry of thrusts. Each attack found their mark through Ro¡¯Tan¡¯s waist and thighs.


    Bruce jumped into the air, coming down, he rocked Ro¡¯Tan¡¯s jaw with a quaking blow that sent ripples of force cascading across the dragon¡¯s face.


    Elisa and Kyzo shoved their weight into a neighboring shelf toppling the towering bookcase down upon the draconian.


    Essie wrapped her scarf over her mouth as she gagged on the building smoke from the nearby flames. ¡°We have to get out of here!¡±


    Mave pushed aside an overturned table, clearing a path to the library¡¯s exit. ¡°This way, mates!¡±


    Elisa pulled out her rebreather and stuck it in her mouth as she made her way through the smoky room. Bruce followed her and together they burst open the doors.


    Mave ushered Kyzo to the door. She looked back at Ro¡¯Tan. ¡°Go, Kyzo, I¡¯ll finish off the dragon so he doesn¡¯t follow us.¡±


    Kyzo nodded. ¡°Be careful, Captain.¡±


    Mave stepped in front of Ro¡¯Tan, the flaming bookcase on top of him kept him down. She raised her blade over his head. ¡°I¡¯ll make this quick, beast.¡±


    Ro¡¯Tan glanced at the saber and a cruel smile carved through his face. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you suffer with me, rabbit!¡± With the last ounce of his strength, Ro¡¯Tan lunged forward and chomped down on Mave¡¯s leg.


    The harekin shrieked in agony and drove down her sword into the draconian¡¯s skull, however his jaws only clamped down tighter.


    The fires continued to burn down the library. Smoke plumed and fogged the air. Mave clenched her teeth trying desperately to pry open the dragon¡¯s mouth.


    Got yourself into a right old mess this time, eh Mave? she thought to herself.


    The rafters of the library began to break apart, as embers fell from the ceiling. Mave continued to cough and gag. With no other options left she looked at her sword¡¯s sharp edge and her injured trapped leg.


    No, there¡¯s got to be a better way out of here!


    ¡°Help! I need bloody help over here!¡± she cried with the last gasps of breath that she had left. ¡°Can anyone bloomin¡¯ hear me?!¡±


    Mave¡¯s shaky hand brought her sword to her leg. Tears swelled in her eyes. She stuffed one of her gloves in her mouth to act as a bit. She was going to have to amputate her leg.


    Alue guide my hand. Don¡¯t let it hurt too much.


    ¡°Mave!¡± Bruce¡¯s voice cut through Mave¡¯s thoughts. ¡°Mave, I¡¯m coming!¡±


    Mave dropped her sword with a clatter, tears streaming down her cheeks. ¡°Over here!¡±


    Bruce rushed to his captain¡¯s side. ¡°Essie! I found her!¡± he shouted to the medic as she wafted through the fiery heat and smoke.


    Mave pointed to her leg. ¡°Help me get this great lug¡¯s teeth out of my leg!¡±


    Bruce spit into his hands and grunted as he opened the jaws of death just long enough for Essie to tug Mave away from the dragon¡¯s mouth. Essie took a look at the mangled leg. It was much worse than Bruce¡¯s gator bite. The muscle was torn up and her bone was crushed. Blood soaked the harekin¡¯s gray fur. Essie instinctively reached for her runecloth but pulled out none. She frowned and quickly wrapped the wound with a roll of blistercloth. ¡°I can stop the bleeding. That will have to do for now.¡± She and Bruce shouldered their commanding officer and together they hurried her to safety.

 Chapter 54: CHARGE!!!

    Aric Stine stood looking over the battlements upon the walls of Aric City. His fists clenched so tightly that the blood drained from his flesh and his nails dug deeply into his sweaty palms. He watched nervously as the Cypress Alliance gathered their army outside his city gates.


    ¡°Vhat vill you do, my husband?¡± Natal asked. She took a hold of Aric¡¯s strong arm and bit her lip. ¡°The time has come for you to decide. Do you surrender your daughter¡¯s city to our enemies or do you make your stand and defend her people?¡±


    Aric snapped his head at his messenger who crept up behind him. ¡°Vhere is she? Vhere is Div¡¯Rah Tashna!?¡±


    The young runner rubbed his neck and swallowed hard. ¡°She is not in the castle, m¡¯lord. But there vas a fire in the lib¡ª¡±


    ¡°Useless!¡± Aric cried. He raised his hand to the boy but did not carry his threat any further. ¡°Get out of my sight!¡±


    The messenger gave a hurried bow and made his exit as fast as his feet could carry him.


    ¡°You mustn''t be angry vith your subjects, my dear. They only vish to help,¡± Natal cooed.


    Aric massaged his temples and gently kissed his wife¡¯s hand. ¡°You are too kind to them, my queen. Surely you see the dire straits that ve have found ourselves in?¡±


    Natal gave him a kind smile.


    ¡°Vithout Tashna here, Dallin and Greyblade vill not vant to be reasoned vith, and vithout the Dawnedge brat they vill not think twice before attacking us. Our only hope is to surrender,¡± explained Aric.


    ¡°The Estinian people vould rather die vith a sword in their hands than to surrender at the feet of an enemy, but you knew that already,¡± Natal said with a flip of her hair.


    Aric leaned against the battlement and rested his head in frustration. ¡°My people are fools¡­¡± he said with a brooding mindset. The darkness of his situation rolled thick in his voice.


    ¡°Then open the gates and allow the Cypress Alliance to valk your streets with no resistance. I am sure that is vhat your daughter vould vant.¡±


    ¡°Vhat vould you have me do? Our child is missing and the var she so haphazardly entered has arrived at her door!¡± Aric sneered. ¡°My gut tells me to give up the city. Perhaps ve can bargain for our lives and keep a shred of our freedom.¡±


    ¡°You vould be remembered as a coward, Aric Stine,¡± Natal spat. She tugged his shoulders to her so that she could see him eye to eye. ¡°You have been a disgrace to the realm of Cypress and my allies. I married you because of your strength and your mighty empire. My people see you as a blithering idiot now. You¡¯ve made a mockery of me after your failed attempt to capture the realm.¡± Natal¡¯s eyes grew black and her irises glinted orange. ¡°Now you vish to fail my daughter¡¯s realm. I vill make sure you die a hero before you bring more shame upon my name.¡±


    Aric¡¯s eyes dropped and his jaw slacked. ¡°I vill die a hero,¡± he repeated.


    ¡°You vill open these gates and vith your army, you shall charge the enemy for one last hurrah,¡± finished Natal. She released him and adjusted his cape and armor. ¡°Go forth, my Div¡¯Rah. Die as the man that you once vere.¡± The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Aric swayed about before nodding. He put on his iron helm and drew his sword. ¡°Bring me my horse!¡± he called out to his nearby squire.


    ***


    Wiccer walked the lines of the various units, double checking with their commanding officers to make sure all was in order. The spearman units practiced their drills and ate a hearty meal to charge on the front lines. The bowmen strung their bows. The artillery units carried choice stones from the nearby quarry and covered them with pitch, ready to load them into their catapults and set them alight. The infantry sharpened their swords and had polished their shields, while the quartermasters went down their lists with having a surplus of extra medicinal supplies for the surgery tents.


    The scent of a fresh animal carcass caught his attention. Wiccer passed through a gathering of soldiers to see a ring of the Bloodbog orcs performing one of their barbaric rituals of sacrificing an animal to their pagan gods.


    Perhaps they wish to bless our forces with steely might and courage. We could use all the help we can get, thought Wiccer.


    Yes, all was ready for the long siege to take Aric City. With a little bit of hope and a lot of luck, Elucard would succeed in his mission and secure his king. He was unsure if Koda was still alive, but he prayed to the merciful goddess, Alue, that he was.


    Wiccer raised his head and shielded his eyes from the bright Estinian sun. Aric Stine watched him from his battlements. He stood with his queen, but there was no sign of Tashna. It did not bode well for the Estinian people that their Div¡¯Rah made no attempt to show her face in time of war. Was she a coward by sending her parents to deal with Wiccer¡¯s army? Perhaps she scrambled around the castle, desperately trying to recover her escaped prisoner?


    Wiccer grinned and waved to Aric. He wished to believe that at that moment, Koda was free and Tashna was turning the castle upside down looking for the missing king.


    Wiccer watched as Aric disappeared from his sight before finding Dallin and Greyblade donned in their royal armor, ready for an all out attack on the foreboding city.


    ¡°Fine day for a siege?¡± asked Wiccer. He gave them a light chuckle.


    ¡°Every day is, lad,¡± responded Greyblade. He rested his saber on his shoulder and twitched his whiskers. ¡°What are we bloody waiting for?¡±


    Dallin looked back to the crumbled mountain. The drakes screeched and flapped impatiently while soaring around the mountain peak. ¡°We¡¯re waiting on your blasted drake riders to get in position.¡±


    Greyblade raised his brow. ¡°They are ready, trust me. Give your order, Varis King, and my drakes will swoop down in a blaze of inferno and destruction!¡±


    Wiccer glanced at the battlements once more. He saw no one. No archers, no watchmen, no king. No one. ¡°Something is wrong¡­¡± he whispered, unsure of what he was seeing.


    ¡°Captain Weavervale! Front and center!¡± King Aemor Greyblade called over a square-jawed, strapping young harekin buck. ¡°Signal for the drakes to get in flight formation over our main forces.¡±


    ¡°Sah!¡± the captain clicked his long heels and gave a fast salute. He turned to the mountain and lit a large blue-tinted torch. Upon striking a flame a tall plume of blue smoke puffed into the air. Weavervale waved it back and signaled the flight of drakes to move closer to the walls.


    Giant shadows shot over the army as the drake riders glided towards the wall. Weavervale turned to his king and waited for another command.


    ¡°Do it, Captain!¡± ordered Greyblade.


    Weavervale smirked and rotated his flare in a large circle. ¡°Go! Go! Go!¡± he shouted in glee.


    With that, the drakes sailed over the walls and engaged the New Estinian drakes. Streams of fire criss-crossed through the sky and fireballs rained onto the city below.


    Wiccer watched in awe. He would never get used to seeing a dragon engaged in combat, but he caught something in the corner of his eye. Something he didn¡¯t expect to see. The city gates opened wide and armies carrying the banners of both New Estinia and Old Estinia rushed out into the field. The thundering hooves of their Talon Riders, fifty-five heavy cavalry troops, shook the very earth as they rushed headlong into the Cypress front lines. The blitz trampled over Captain Weavervale and the enemy cavalry smashed through Cypress¡¯s infantry, sending men flying about. They seemed to be on a single-minded suicide run straight for Wiccer and the two kings!


    ¡°For the Raven God! For the Diiiiiiiiiv¡¯Raaaaaaaah!!!¡±

 Chapter 55: Elucard, After Her!

    Elucard dashed down the dark corridor in a dead sprint. His footsteps echoed with each stride he took. He spotted a soft glow from a torch bobbing further up ahead. It had to be Tashna. He kept his eyes locked on the light; even with a split in the path and each twisted turn, he knew which way he needed to go and made sure to follow close behind.


    ¡°Elucard, wait up!¡± the distant voice of Quinn called out.


    ¡°Hurry up, Quinn!¡± Elucard shouted between breaths. ¡°She¡¯s getting away!¡±


    Elucard nearly tripped over himself as the corridor turned into a steep staircase. He turned back to see how far Quinn was from him. How long could he give the harekin to catch up before Tashna completely escaped his grasp? The elf bit his lip until he tasted salty blood. Finally Quinn appeared from around the corner.


    It was peculiar to Elucard. All his life the need to complete the mission outweighed the needs of his allies. The mission always drove him, but drove a wedge between him and his friends as well. To the point where the relationships that he claimed were sacred to him, he had lost for his bull-headed, narrow vision.


    For the first time since becoming a Devil Jumper and meeting Mave, he saw that perhaps the value of the mission was not worth as much as the value of true friendship. In fact, the bigger picture was actually a very small picture. Mave showed him that and it took a dagger to the neck for him to agree. So waiting for Quinn to catch up was just another byproduct of learning to value his friends instead of ¡®being a jerk¡¯, as Essie might put it.


    Was he a less effective tool for it? Or did the concept of being trustworthy make him a stronger tool? Only time would really tell.


    ¡°I¡¯m here, Elucard,¡± a winded Quinn huffed. ¡°Thanks for waiting, mate.¡±


    Elucard hid a smile. ¡°Not a problem.¡± Elucard turned his attention back to the stairs. The glow of the torch was now all but gone. Tashna had a commanding lead, but it still bounced as if the Div¡¯Rah was still making her way down the stairs. There was still a chance to reach her.


    ¡°I know you can¡¯t see well in the dark,¡± Elucard said without looking at the harekin, ¡°so I am going to get down these stairs faster than you¡¯ll be comfortable to travel.¡±


    ¡°What? You are going to just bloody bound the stairs? You¡¯ll break your neck!¡±


    ¡°I have a plan,¡± Elucard said with a grin. ¡°I learned a lot from jumping off of dragons, so just watch me apply it!¡±


    Elucard took several steps backwards. He bent down low to the ground, rocking back and forth on either foot before lunging down the staircase. He extended his legs backwards and spread his silky webbing to catch his fall and began gliding down the flight of stairs.


    Tucking in his arms to gain speed and then extending them to bank around the twisting staircase. He sailed faster and faster, quickly gaining speed and closing the gap from his prey. Tashna was now a mere few feet from him.


    As the stairs came to an end, the corridor spilled into a massive part of the sewer. A small ferry floated at the side of the sewer channel. Elucard curled his back, catching a drift that threw him up to the ceiling. He dropped his hands and hovered over Tashna before diving down to tackle her to the ground.


    Elucard grabbed the dazed Tashna by the collar and shook her violently. ¡°Where is Koda?¡± he snarled in a threatening voice.


    Tashna struggled with the elf¡¯s tight grip. She wriggled desperately to get free.


    Elucard struck her with a swift backhand. ¡°I asked you a question!¡±


    Tashna¡¯s pupils shriveled in fear. ¡°H-How dare you strike me you filth¡ª¡±


    Another stinging smack across her cheek silenced her quickly.


    ¡°You will listen and you will listen well,¡± Elucard spat. ¡°I have tortured many men in my lifetime to get the answers that I wanted to hear.¡±


    Tashna¡¯s face quivered. ¡°You have no idea who you are speak¡ª¡±


    Elucard took a rough hold of her chin and squeezed it until she grunted. ¡°I have killed many more without hesitation or remorse. From the lowest scum to the highest of kings. All kinds of people have fallen to my blade. If you cross me, you will be no different.¡±


    Tashna¡¯s eyes drained black and then morphed into demonic amber ones. ¡°You have never faced a foe such as I,¡± Tashna sneered.


    Elucard felt his hands go limp. His face drooped. His eyes stared blankly at Tashna. In his head he knew he was being manipulated, but his body refused to listen to his screams for help. It felt like water rose up to his neck. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    I can¡¯t breathe! I can¡¯t breathe!


    ¡°You vill release me now, elf!¡± Tashna spat.


    In Elucard¡¯s mind he heard Tashna¡¯s words and a tiny bit of him fought to not listen, but the water continued to rise, and despite his best efforts to struggle, he could not keep this invasive voice at bay.


    Tashna grinned as Elucard loosened his grip. ¡°Take your dagger!¡±


    No! Don¡¯t listen to her!


    Elucard¡¯s muscles stiffened as if his arms had iron cast weights tied to them. Slowly he reached for his dagger.


    No!


    ¡°Slit your throat,¡± commanded Tashna.


    Elucard felt helpless as his hand rose to his throat and his blade¡¯s edge nicked his flesh.


    ¡°Do it!¡± Tashna sneered.


    Elucard¡¯s hand quivered as it pushed the dagger further against his neck. All Elucard could do was watch his body act against him.


    ¡°Elucard!¡± Quinn¡¯s voice shouted from behind Elucard as the harekin tackled him to the ground.


    The spell broke. Elucard dropped his weapon and wiped the daze from his eyes. He looked to Tashna and leaped on her before she could scurry away. He pulled another dagger from his belt.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to play a game, Tashna.¡± He snatched one of her hands and squeezed it so painfully the queen yelped. He then pressed his dagger¡¯s edge against her index finger. ¡°Each time you refuse to answer my questions, you will lose a finger.¡±


    ¡°What is going on here, mate?¡± asked Quinn.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look into her eyes, Quinn!¡± warned Elucard.


    ¡°Please, rabbit! Help me! He¡¯s crazy!¡± Her look of frozen fear had kept her in a frantic panic.


    Elucard began to slice Tashna¡¯s captured finger. ¡°Talk and you will not be harmed. I promise you this.¡±


    Tashna¡¯s eyes turned a bright orange once more and she stared at the unsuspecting Quinn. ¡°Kill this one, harekin! Kill Eluc¡ª¡±


    ¡°Do not test me, Tashna. You have no idea what I am capable of!¡± Elucard hissed. He let loose a fierce backhand across her face once more. Tashna¡¯s rebellious demeanor softened into a sulking one.


    ¡°Fine, fine. I¡¯ll talk,¡± she sobbed. Tashna¡¯s demonic eyes vanished. ¡°Please stop hitting me.¡±


    Elucard put away his dagger and let Quinn tie her hands and feet.


    ¡°Where is my king? Where is Koda Dawnedge?¡± Elucard asked.


    Tashna looked up and winced. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡ª¡±


    ¡°That answer isn¡¯t good enough.¡± Elucard took out the dagger again.


    ¡°Vait! Vait!¡± Tashna shrieked. ¡°I have a theory of vhere he is!¡±


    Quinn took a hold of Elucard¡¯s blade. ¡°Let her speak.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Yes. Let me speak.¡± Tashna nodded her head up and down.


    Elucard crossed his arms. ¡°Spit it out.¡±


    ¡°There is an underground city near my castle. It may hold a Celestial Seal.¡±


    ¡°A what?¡± gawked Quinn in confusion.


    Elucard¡¯s grip on his dagger tightened at the words ¡®Celestial Seal¡¯. The last time he encountered one, it devastated the entire realm of Scorch. If the one in Blight were to break, it could harm Draak¡¯Terra in an unknown way. Not only that, but Inle¡¯s master would be one step closer to unleashing the gods upon the realms.


    ¡°Koda sought me out because of the seal in Blight. If my calculations are right, he vill be in that city.¡±


    Elucard lifted Tasha by the collar and dragged her to the ferry. ¡°You will lead us there.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course. In exchange for my life,¡± said Tashna.


    ¡°You are in no position to bargain.¡± Elucard dropped his prisoner into the boat and gestured for Quinn to join him.


    ¡°You need me, if I don¡¯t comply, then¡ª¡±


    ¡°Then you will be in a world of hurt,¡± Elucard finished.


    Tashna sucked in her lip and glanced at the harekin.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me, lass, I¡¯m not going to help you,¡± Quinn chuckled.


    Tashna frowned in defeat. ¡°At least untie my feet. These bonds are cutting into my delicate skin.¡±


    Elucard rolled his eyes. ¡°When you need to walk, I¡¯ll make sure you can.¡± Elucard pushed the oar along the water. ¡°Until then, you will speak only when spoken to!¡±


    ¡°Do you think the others made it out safely?¡± asked Quinn.


    ¡°If Mave is half as tough as she acts, they¡¯ll be just fine,¡± assured Elucard. He took note of Quinn¡¯s worrisome expression. ¡°Listen up, Quinn.¡±


    Quinn gave the elf his attention.


    ¡°The king might have gotten himself into some real trouble. If he is with a Celestial Seal, then he was brought there by the people who destroyed the last seal in Dragon Realm Scorch. We must do everything in our power to not only save Koda, but save all of Blight too.¡±


    Quinn raised his brow. ¡°What is a Celestial Seal, anyhow?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really a long story, but the short of it is that a set of runes were drawn on Draak¡¯Terra to cut us off from the gods. If they are destroyed the gods will bring their wars back to the mortal realm. Dahlemar will be free to command the Night once again and man will be caught in the clash,¡± explained Elucard.


    ¡°Save the king, save the seal, anything else I need to know?¡±


    ¡°There might be some fighting we have to do with a shady set of individuals. They are part of a shadow syndicate. I do not know how many members they have, but I have fought them before.¡±


    Quinn punched his fist. ¡°Right-O, then! Save the king, save the seal, fight some dastardly chaps, make it home for afternoon tea!¡±


    Elucard shook his head and snickered. ¡°That¡¯s the plan, at least.¡±


    But even the most sensible plans can come crashing down around me, and this is not a very sensible plan, thought Elucard.

 Chapter 56: Fight On, Wiccer, Fight On!

    Wiccer shut his eyes in horror as the rushing cavalry barreled towards him. It was all that he could do. His body stiffened in fear and his feet refused to budge, though his brain screamed at him to move. As the black and silver clad horsemen lowered their lances to impale him, a flash of steel pushed him out of the way.


    ¡°Elucard would kill me if you died on this battlefield, brat!¡± Malady shouted. He smacked Wiccer across the head as he pulled the major from the mud. ¡°Show us why you¡¯re in charge, whelp.¡±


    Wiccer breathed deep and opened his eyes. He put a shaky hand on his sword and pulled it out. The steel glinted in the sun. His sword was more than a weapon¡ªit was a symbol of his rank. He was there to lead, and his men needed him to do that at that very moment. It snapped Wiccer from his stupor and the former White Cloak grinned. ¡°Thanks, Malady, I needed that.¡±


    Wiccer planted his feet, threw back his cloak, stiffened his muscles, and took his war horn in his other hand. His soul burned with the spirit of his family and all the Newsuns that came before him. His heart pumped with the strength and courage of his clan. He felt their presence at that moment and with one deep breath, he gave it a mighty blow that echoed across the battlefield. He waved his sword forward. ¡°Attack!!!¡± His voice rallied through the veins of his men.


    Wiccer¡¯s army collided with Aric¡¯s as dragons exploded through the sky. Fire engulfed unlucky soldiers straggling in the rear. The Talon Riders cannonballed through the masses of the Cypress soldiers. Bodies flung up or were buried under the iron armored horses. More and more of Aric¡¯s men spilled out of the city, taking up their arms to deal with their invading enemies.


    ¡°I need our spearmen to flank the right side!¡±


    ¡°Get those bowmen to fire arrows at their rearguard!¡±


    ¡°Keep the infantry pushing!¡±


    ¡°Onward, hooo!¡±


    Wiccer led his men through the havoc as they picked up steam. Wiccer picked up a fallen kite shield and with his soldiers by his side, collided against the enemy forces. He dug his feet through the blood soaked mud, inching forward, and thrusting his sword into the flesh of the Estinians as they too, resisted Wiccer¡¯s push.


    ¡°Forward, lads, don¡¯t let up!¡± Greyblade called to the vanguard.


    Wiccer roared at the top of his lungs as Greyblade¡¯s words fueled his muscles. Together Wiccer¡¯s men broke through the lines and all chaos broke loose as the Cypress Alliances poured into the bulk of Aric¡¯s forces.


    Soldiers clashed with soldiers in a savage brawl. Spears impaled and swords slashed. Blood sprayed and limbs flew. At the center of it all Wiccer cut his path to Aric Stine.


    ¡°Aric!!!¡± Wiccer bellowed. ¡°You¡¯re mine!¡±


    Aric released the throat of a young elf and turned his bloodstained face to his challenger. ¡°Who dares approach me?¡± he asked, with a madness rife in his voice. His eyes went wild and his hands quivered as if he was not in control of his body.


    Wiccer pointed his sword to the king. ¡°I am Major Wiccer Newsun, son of Marcus Newsun, and today I end this war!¡±


    Malady slid between the two, an arming sword in each hand. ¡°This one is not right in the mind, Wiccer. You can see it in his empty eyes.¡±


    Legion checked Aric with a heavy shoulder thrust. Aric flipped head over heels into the thick mud. ¡°Let us handle him Wiccer. We were charged with keeping you safe.¡±


    As much as Wiccer looked forward to his own epic battle within a battlefield that he led, he saw wisdom in the two Black Rabbits¡¯ advice. Wiccer waved for them to continue their duty.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Aric stood to his feet and swayed back and forth. ¡°You think I can not defeat the three of you? I am Aric Stine, Div¡¯Rah of Estinia, Avatar of the Raven-God!!!¡±


    He charged Malady and Legion, slicing erratically in the air, locking with his opponents¡¯ blades and shrugging off each wound he took in return.


    Malady drove his twin blades into Aric¡¯s left leg and Legion attempted to end the fight with a hefty slash to Aric¡¯s ribs. Deep, crimson blood spilled from Aric¡¯s side and lips. He grunted as he dislodged the blades from his thigh and pawed the wound to his side.


    ¡°Wiccer! Are you so much of a coward that you have your pathetic lackeys do the fighting for you¡ª¡±


    Malady swung an iron studded fist that rocked Aric¡¯s jaw with a bone cracking force. ¡°I am no one¡¯s lackey!¡±


    Aric stumbled backwards and grit his teeth, although now three were missing. He shuffled forward. With each step a pool of blood dripped beneath him. He quickened his pace, stride by stride until he dashed in a full-fledged sprint. He let out his blood-freezing warcry, ¡°FOR THE RAVEN-GOD!!!¡±


    Legion slid forward and thrust his claymore deep into Aric¡¯s stomach, but that did not halt Aric¡¯s mad charge. With bloody hands gripped his hands tightly around his sword¡¯s hilt he swung true, ripping a sizable slice across Legion¡¯s face. The attack clipped through the elf¡¯s mouth and cheeks.


    Legion gargled and screamed in anguish as he dropped to his knees clenching his face.


    Aric continued his rampage, slashing upwards at the stunned Malady, lifting him off his feet. Aric did not falter or stop in his charge. He barreled straight for Wiccer.


    Wiccer readied his blade and ducked a devastating swing that would have lopped his head off his shoulders. With clean footwork, Wiccer spun around Aric and cleaved down, slicing from his head and straight down Aric¡¯s spine.


    Aric slowly turned to face Wiccer. Blood streamed down his eyes. He lifted his sword and attempted a final flail of his sword before his body completely split in two.


    Wiccer dropped his sword, and ran to Legion and Malady. ¡°Medic!!!¡± he cried through his hoarse voice. He undid his cloak and tore it into strips. He wrapped one around Malady¡¯s gruesome wound and used the others to dab Legion¡¯s cheeks.


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll be f-fine,¡± Legion choked. ¡°J-just another s-scar for the c-collection.¡±


    Wiccer shook his head, impressed by Legion¡¯s composure. He looked around and waved down a medic. ¡°Over here, Corporal!¡±


    From the smoke of smoldering embers a Bloodbog orc approached Wiccer. One his belt dangled the heads of several Estinian soldiers. The orc spied the gruesome sight of Aric Stine¡¯s corpse and nodded to Wiccer.


    ¡°A good kill,¡± acknowledged the orc.


    Wiccer looked up, still catching his breath. ¡°Thank you,¡± he said.


    Wiccer stood to watch as the battle continued to rage on. Just like the Estinians he encountered throughout this land, they refused to surrender even with their fallen king. Wiccer lifted his war horn and let out a long drone. ¡°HOLD THE LINES!!!¡±


    Dallin and Greyblade blew their own warhorns, both with their own distinct sound to command their own units. Together the Cypress Alliance broke past the New Estinian forces and flooded through the city. Southtail¡¯s dragon flight succeeded with its own battle as corpses, scaled and flesh, rained from the sky crushing shops and homes. Without a defending army, Aric City had fallen!


    ***


    A makeshift stretcher made from two wooden poles and belts carried Mave across the now calm battlefield. She was in considerable pain, but kept on a tough front. With one hand holding onto Bruce, she grunted and groaned. She chewed on her lip as she tried not to pass out. Her maimed leg seeped blood and pus through the many bandages that Essie dressed her wound with.


    ¡°Atta-girl, Captain, we¡¯re almost back to the medic tent, then I can take a real look at your leg,¡± Essie said gently. She patted Mave¡¯s shoulder and dampened her forehead with a wet cloth to stave off any fever.


    ¡°Arr¡ªI ain¡¯t out of the game yet, Es. Show me a bloomin¡¯ Estinian and I¡¯ll smash their ugly face in!¡± Mave growled through spurts of pain.


    As the five of them reached the medic tent, Bruce and Kyzo set Mave gingerly on the ground.


    ¡°I¡¯ll fetch a surgeon,¡± said Essie.


    ¡°Bruce.¡± Mave tugged on the large harekin¡¯s foot. She waited for him to kneel beside her.


    ¡°I¡¯m here, Captain.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s my brother? Where¡¯s Quinn?¡± Mave¡¯s eyes slipped in and out of consciousness as the pain grew too much to bear.


    ¡°He¡¯s on his way, Mave. He¡¯ll be by your side when you get out of surgery. I promise you this,¡± Bruce assured his commanding officer the best that he could.


    Mave gave him a weak smile before the pain got the best of her and she blacked out.

 Chapter 57: Finding Koda

    Koda watched with curiosity as the alien ooze continued to work, seeping into the grooves of the rune and cracking its stone base. The city quaked and crumbled. The buildings built into the walls split apart and slid down to the ground below. The ceiling rattled with the fissure created by the destruction of the seal and slowly broke apart, revealing the daylight.


    ¡°What is it? What is that substance you are using on the Celestial Seal?¡± asked Koda. He was mindful of his step to not be squashed by falling debris.


    Sable smiled. ¡°Our master calls it ¡®Plague Reach¡¯. A concoction from the Night that he picked up in his travels.¡±


    Koda knelt down and poked the strange goo with his finger. It stretched, bubbled and popped. It smelled like black tar and was cold to the touch. Koda wiped his finger on his robes and turned back to Sable. ¡°Who is your master?¡±


    ¡°A powerful mage with a keen interest in you, dear Koda. That is all you need to know for now,¡± Sable responded.


    Koda looked at Calsoon. ¡°And you, Calsoon, what is your game here? Why have you been spying on me?¡±


    Calsoon gave him an elegant bow. ¡°My role in this ¡®game¡¯ was to watch over you and Inle. To make sure you both grew into the powerful players you were destined to be.¡±


    ¡°So it was you who saved Inle from his execution in Varis?¡± asked Koda.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Calsoon said.


    Koda nodded, not quite sure of what to make of these revelations. Inle was his enemy and they were allies with the shadow elf. Not only this but they wanted to destroy the seals. Despite promising his grandfather he would protect them, Sable made a compelling argument for their destruction. If their master was interested in him as an ally, perhaps it would be best to hear him out. Inle or no Inle.


    ¡°I want to meet your master!¡± Koda finally said.


    Sable yanked Koda aside to avoid a falling stone. She cupped his cheek. ¡°He would be delighted to hear this.¡±


    ¡°Sable,¡± said Calsoon. He waited for her and Koda to give him their attention. ¡°Elucard is here.¡±


    Sable glanced at the entrance and sure enough, far down the tunnel, her enchanted eyes could see the glowing images of Elucard and two other figures.


    ¡°He is far too late to stop us,¡± she said. ¡°All the same, I want you to keep him preoccupied until the Plague Reach is finished.¡±


    ¡°As you wish,¡± Calsoon said with a bow.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Koda grabbed the demon¡¯s hand. ¡°Why not turn back into your elven self?¡±


    Calsoon shook his head. ¡°I am no longer needed by your side. You are ready to learn from our master. If Elucard asks, tell him that I was slain. He mustn¡¯t discover the truth.¡±


    Koda nodded. Lying to Elucard, Wildeye, or any of the others didn¡¯t sit well with him. Bedding with demons in the first place was a terrible feeling, but strangely, he trusted Calsoon, or at least wanted to trust him. In his stomach it felt wrong, but he knew in his heart that this was the right thing to do.


    ¡°Promise me this, Koda,¡± Calsoon said.


    ¡°I promise to keep your secret, Calsoon,¡± assured Koda.


    ***


    Elucard rested the bound Tashna against a wall and observed the large warded doors of Sik Sahde J¡¯dio Alanoon. Cracks sprawled across the door like reaching fingers. The doors were skewed in such a way that they left a medium sized hole as an entrance. With each rumble and boom that went off throughout the cavern and tunnel, the door shook and another long crack appeared. The ancient runes that once guarded the city were mostly faded and destroyed, leaving fragmented words and sentences.


    Quinn scratched his head trying his best to study the glyphs. ¡°Any idea what they say, Elucard?¡± Quinn said finally giving up.


    Elucard rubbed his chin, pulling his knowledge from the memories of his master teaching him various ancient studies such as world history, religious lore, and the language of angels. All which he thought would be useless as a growing Rabbit, but now he found their purpose.


    ¡°I recognize the angelic runes, the others vaguely resemble elven¡ªperhaps a more archaic form?¡± Elucard crouched through the hole made by the broken door. ¡°Nevertheless, we must find the king.¡±


    Elucard and Quinn entered the massive underground city, now falling into ruin. Although awe-inspired by the sheer scale of the city and its incredible architecture, Elucard had his sights on Koda. He spotted the king standing near a black robed woman who bore the familiar black snowflake with twin moons symbol that the Collector and Inle wore. His suspicions were correct; Inle¡¯s guild was here to break the seal. What they wanted with Koda was still a mystery and why the robed woman stood by Tashna¡¯s side when Koda and Calsoon were first captured was also a troubling question..


    Elucard turned to Quinn. ¡°Get Koda out of here. I will deal with the woman.¡±


    Quinn gave Elucard a snappy salute and dashed into a hard run.


    Elucard drew his ninjato and sprinted to the woman. He leaped into the air, raising his blade over his head. He came down like a lightning bolt upon her, but a blur of darkness deflected Elucard¡¯s strike.


    Elucard stumbled sideways, thrown off by the parry. He regained his balance and turned to his enemy¡¯s bodyguard. A slender demon with a scaly black face, amber eyes, and a horned head stood before him. In his hand he held ninjato of his very own, although slightly shorter than Elucard¡¯s.


    The demon gave Elucard a flamboyant bow and grinned.


    ¡°Elucard, we finally meet,¡± he said with a whip of his tail and giggle.


    Elucard circled cautiously around the stranger. He didn¡¯t find it too off putting that he knew his name, after all he was part of the same organization of Inle and the Collector. All the same, if he could pry any information before killing him, then that would be the best course of action. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°Who are you? What is this shadow cabal you belong to?¡±


    The demon chuckled and tilted his head to his companion.


    ¡°What do you say? Reveal our names?¡±


    The woman shook her head.


    ¡°Sorry Elucard, I guess that¡¯s a no.¡±


    Elucard growled and lunged at him, attacking with a flurry of slices. Each one was met without much effort and matched with the same speed of Elucard¡¯s prowess. It was as if this enemy predicted Elucard¡¯s moves before he made them.


    The demon moved so fast that it seemed like Elucard was fighting two enemies. He was always one step behind the demon, cutting through his shadows. Whenever Elucard swung his blade, his enemy was at his side or behind him. Eventually there were so many shadowy images that Elucard thought he was surrounded.


    Elucard took a series of cuts and slashes across his body. Blood sprayed in all directions and the elf took one step before collapsing to his knees. Elucard¡¯s head slumped in defeat, his arms fell limp. He felt the cold touch of steel grace his neck.


    The demon towered over Elucard¡¯s tired figure. ¡°You disappoint us all. Inle has surpassed you at your current level. You need to better yourself, Elucard.¡± He withdrew his sword and sheathed it. ¡°Until we meet again, my friend.¡±


    Through his blood loss and exhaustion, Elucard hung on the demon¡¯s cheery voice¡ªit seemed so familiar to him. Drawing his last breath before passing out he mouthed the demon¡¯s final words.


    Until we meet again¡­ my friend¡­ Elucard fell forward. His vision inched toward darkness. The voice still lingered in his thoughts.


    My friend. Elucard passed out with a single name dissipating in his recesses of his mind.


    Calsoon.


    ***


    All Koda could do was watch as Elucard was systematically dismantled by the superior Calsoon. He had always known Elucard to be the greatest fighter he¡¯d ever seen, but now he was but a child¡¯s play thing in the hands of this demon. It disturbed him, but there was a hint of justice to Elucard¡¯s defeat. After all, he did kill his father. He¡¯d slain him before Koda¡¯s very eyes. And now, just like then, all he could do was watch. All he wanted to do was watch.


    What was this new sensation creeping into his emotions? Burrowing into his teachings? Manifesting in his soul? Everything he picked up from his past betrayed him in life. But this new feeling felt true, and these new people treated him with respect. This new dignity kept him alive, preserved him for these moments.


    Whoever Sable¡¯s master was, he needed to find him¡ªto mold this new¡­ essence, into something he could use against his enemies and any ally hoping to one day betray him too.


    A tug at his arm derailed his train of thoughts. He looked over his shoulder to find a silver-furred harekin dressed in a black and dark blue military coat. A patch of Southtail¡¯s flag was sewn on his shoulder.


    ¡°Beg your pardon, sah, but we need to get out of here!¡± said the harekin.


    Koda raised an eyebrow. ¡°Who are you? Are you with Elucard?¡±


    The harekin threw a quick salute and introduced himself, ¡°Corporal Quinn Silvertail of the 1st SMO division. Part of Southtail¡¯s effort to rescue you, sah!¡±


    Koda¡¯s mouth fell open as he remembered that there was a war raging across New Estinia to save him from imprisonment. He was so preoccupied by the Celestial Seal that he had completely forgotten. He turned to Sable, as if asking for permission to leave.


    Sable turned her head away from Elucard¡¯s fallen body to face Quinn. The harekin grabbed a dagger from his belt and lunged at Sable. With his skilled hand, he sliced across Sable¡¯s arm and with his left hand slid out another dagger to bury it under Sable¡¯s ribs.


    ¡°Koda, get behind me!¡± Quinn shouted to the king.


    ¡°B-But¡ª¡±


    ¡°Now!¡± Quinn roared at him.


    Sable glowered a seething look at the harekin. ¡°You will pay for that, you impudent beast!¡±


    Quinn put a hand on Koda¡¯s chest and backed him further from the woman.


    Before Quinn could blink, Sable reached out and grabbed the harekin by his coat to scribble a crimson rune across his chest.


    Quinn wrestled from Sable¡¯s hold, but not before another rune was written onto his brow.


    Sable raised her hand before Quinn. The rabbit¡¯s eyes widened and then she snapped her fingers. The runes flashed orange and exploded, blowing Quinn clear over Koda and crashing him to the ground. Blood boiled across the harekin¡¯s face and a smoldering burn cracked through his chest.


    Sable grinned with satisfaction as she loomed over his body.


    ¡°W-will he live?¡± Koda asked with a worried look as a worried look washed over his face.


    Sable put a hand over his shoulder. ¡°He will be fine. The spell does not do permanent damage, it is only meant to stun.¡±


    ¡°You could have killed him, why didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Sable grazed the young king¡¯s face. ¡°We are not the villains in this story, dear Koda.¡± She ushered him to the center of the Celestial Seal. ¡°You must bear witness to the Plague Reach¡¯s work. It will prepare you further for our master¡¯s teachings.¡±


    Together the three of them watched in silence the seal shattered apart. Koda eyed Sable to ask her a question, but only continued to marvel at the strange substance¡¯s ability to ravage the powerful ward.


    Sable nodded to Calsoon. ¡°It is time.¡±


    Quinn stirred awake. He patted his face and chest to find that the burns had healed. Cautiously he approached Koda once more.


    Calsoon opened a shadow portal and Sable stepped partially through it.


    Sable shooed Koda to Quinn¡¯s open arm. ¡°Go, you are not my prisoner. Find your people and return to your homeland safely, Koda.¡±


    ¡°How will I find your master?¡± Koda asked as Quinn shouldered Elucard.


    ¡°He will send for you, my king. He will send for you.¡± Sable stepped further into the portal.


    Koda tried a question again, this time quicker. ¡°Who is your master?¡±


    ¡°Continue on your journey to become a Master Mage, you will know him when you see him.¡± She waved farewell to Koda and vanished into the portal.


    Elucard groaned as Quinn carried Elucard past Koda. ¡°Follow me, your highness! This cavern is coming down and I¡¯d really like to not be here when it does!¡±


    Koda looked around, the cavern was indeed collapsing at a much faster rate than before. With the Plague Reach fracturing the last section of the Celestial Seal, the city couldn¡¯t stay stable any longer.


    Piece by piece and stone by stone the city crashed to the ground as the three of them fled to the tunnel.


    ¡°Untie me! Untie me! Hurry! Hurry!¡± Tashna blabbered in a high pitched shriek as Koda, Quinn, and the unconscious Elucard came through the door.


    Quinn took a blade from Elucard¡¯s belt and hastily cut Tashna¡¯s ropes. ¡°Run, quickly!¡± he shouted.


    With Quinn assisting Elucard, the three of them sprinted as fast as their adrenaline could burn through their legs with the tunnel collapsing behind them until they broke the surface once more. They dove to safety as a wall of dust and debris exploded from the now destroyed tunnel.


    Koda helped up Elucard. The assassin awoke dazed and dizzy. He mumbled under his breath as he tried to get his bearings, ¡°Calsoon? Where¡¯s Calsoon?¡±


    Koda held silent for a long pause before responding. ¡°He died while imprisoned¡ªI wish he did not suffer. He was a hero. I will be forever grateful for his servitude.¡± Koda avoided Elucard¡¯s gaze and stole a glance from Tashna who gave him a wicked grin.


    Quinn twisted Tashna¡¯s arm until she whined. ¡°You¡¯re still our prisoner, Estinian.¡± Quinn pushed the queen forward. ¡°Come on, sah, let¡¯s get you back to the army. The others will be relieved to see you alive.¡±


    Koda gave a weak smile. Before following he looked to the sky. A black beam of light pierced the clouds from where the city once stood. Koda harkened back to the results of Scorch¡¯s broken seal. Incredible changes to the weather, the seasons, the land, and the harvest. Some good, some tragic. What a second broken seal would bring was yet to be seen. Not even the gods knew of Draak¡¯Terra¡¯s fate to come.

 Chapter 58: A War Ended

    Koda walked through the Cypress encampment with a weary body and solemn face. He had betrayed everything that he worked for by allowing the seal to break. The whole reason why he traveled to New Estinia in the first place was to protect the Blight seal. His naivete led to his capture, his curiosity led to his betrayal, and now he was willing to meet with his new found ally who was once a sworn enemy.


    A shower of cheers and salutes woke him from his seeded thoughts of his future.


    ¡°Long live the king!¡±


    ¡°Alue has brought our Dawnedge home!¡±


    ¡°Victory for Cypress!¡±


    Koda nodded and waved to his subjects. He was surprised by the amount of non-elven soldiers that rallied under the Cypress banner to rescue him. Soldiers from Varis and Southtail. How many of them had died to seek his freedom? How many had he killed for his mistakes?


    Koda pulled aside a young elf who cheered alongside the rest of the soldiers. ¡°You, what is your name?¡±


    The elf, who could be no more than sixteen, knelt before Koda before answering the question. ¡°Private Lann Leafrest, your majesty. I serve as a scout in the 3rd Reconnaissance Division.¡±


    ¡°Leafrest. I appreciate your tribe¡¯s dedication to my well being and your willingness to sacrifice yourself for my rescue,¡± Koda said, nodding to the scout.


    Lann blushed.


    Koda placed both hands on the elf¡¯s shoulders and looked him square in the eyes. ¡°I need you to find King Dallin and King Greyblade, and have them fetch my council of lords to meet with me.¡± Koda glanced at the city, trying to think of anything else before he sent the elf off for his errand. ¡°No doubt General Marcus Newsun leads this army?¡±


    ¡°No your majesty, his son does.¡±


    ¡°Then find him as well,¡± Koda said.


    ***


    Mave slowly opened her eyes to find herself in a large white tent. It reeked of blood and death. Screams of agony filled the room as medics rushed back and forth between patients. Mave¡¯s eyes widened and she sat up. She instinctively reached for her left leg.


    Relief washed over her like a warm bath. It was still there. Swathed in a mix of bloody linen bandages and the unmistakable orange of harekin blistercloth bandages.


    Mave grimaced as she tried to flex the injured leg. The sharp pain felt worse than when the draconian bit her in the first place. How could that be? And how long would it feel like this?


    ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡± a familiar, warm voice said.


    Mave grinned and turned her head to find Quinn sitting on a stool by her side. Heavy bags hung under his exhausted eyes. He offered a tin cup of water to his sister. ¡°Drink, Doc told me that you need to stay hydrated while your leg still heals. You lost a lot of blood.¡±


    Mave licked her parched lips and snatched the cup, swinging down the water in one gulp. Her leg throbbed but she could ignore the pain while her brother was here.


    ¡°I thought I¡¯d never see you again. I didn¡¯t think¡ª¡±


    ¡°Hush, Mave. You know Dahlemar himself couldn¡¯t keep me from seeing you,¡± Quinn said.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Mave¡¯s lip quivered as tears formed in her eyes. ¡°I thought I was a goner, Quinn. That damn dragon had me pinned down, and the fire was closing in. I saw the Angel of Ashes coming for me. I knew I had died, and all I could think about was seeing you and telling you it would be okay.¡±


    Quinn furrowed his brow and gave her a small grin. He knelt down and gave Mave the tightest, strongest hug that he could muster. ¡°I love you, Sis.¡±


    Mave buried her face in Quinn¡¯s arms. ¡°I love you too, little bro.¡±


    ***


    ¡°It is good to see you well, lad¡ªand free!¡± cheered Greyblade. He pounded his fist on the wooden table that he, Dallin, Wiccer, the elven lords, and Koda sat around in the war tent.


    A burst of applause shook the tent. Koda raised his hand for silence. He stood up to address the council. ¡°I want to thank all of you¡±¡ªhe paused and cleared his throat¡ª¡°for coming across the ocean¡ªno, for risking your very lives to rescue me. You went to war for my life, and for that I will be forever grateful!¡±


    ¡°Well said, Koda,¡± Cass Baneberry said. ¡°And we¡¯d do it all again ten thousand times, as you¡¯d do the same for us!¡±


    Koda nodded. ¡°Now that the Cypress Alliance has captured Tashna and her city, what is our next course of action?¡±


    Dallin stood this time. He rubbed the back of his head. ¡°Well¡­ we owe quite a large chunk of land to the orcish tribes of this nation. They gave us safe passage through their swamps and did not aid the Estinians in this invasion in exchange for their rightful land back.¡±


    Koda stifled a laugh. ¡°You must be jesting, Everett.¡±


    ¡°No, Koda. We shared bone broth and smoked a pipe of peace with Bloodaxe of the Blood Bog orcs. This is what our alliance promised them.¡±


    ¡°And what of Aric City?¡± Koda asked


    Dallin crossed his arms. ¡°Varis will take Aric City. Southtail will take mainland Estinia.¡±


    ¡°What of the treaty? Surely Aric Stine will not stand for an invasion of his country?¡±


    ¡°You are unaware, my king?¡± This time Wiccer spoke up. ¡°Aric Stine was slain defending the city.¡±


    ¡°What? Is this true?¡± asked a flabbergasted Koda.


    ¡°It is, by my own hands,¡± replied Wiccer.


    ¡°Then what of Natal?¡±


    ¡°We could not find her. We believe she escaped in the ensuing chaos of the battle,¡± Dallin explained.


    Koda looked around to his lords before settling his eyes back on Dallin. ¡°You all performed admirably. I am truly blessed.¡±


    Dallin smiled as he took his seat. ¡°We will extradite Tashna to Long Whisper to stand trial.¡±


    Koda nodded. ¡°Thank you.¡± He looked back to his lords. ¡°I will see that your people are rewarded for the courage and loyalty they have shown in this war. You have my word that no veteran shall suffer for my incompetence again.¡±


    Koda turned to the rest. ¡°I have learned much from my imprisonment, and you all shall see that I will be a stronger elf in the future to come.¡±


    I swear it, Koda promised to himself.


    ***


    Elucard and his ARO soldiers stood at the edge of a cliff looking over the vast ocean crashing against the rocks. Looming black clouds gathered in the sky, blotting out the moon and stars.


    Elucard raised a torch above a small pyre. ¡°We saved our king, but lost a comrade. Calsoon was a friend, my student, and brother to us all. As he walks with the angels to the Roaming Plane, what shall he take with him?¡±


    Elisa stepped forward and pulled out a bundle of herbs tied with a string. ¡°He may have my Ghost Weed.¡± She looked to Elucard, ¡°It¡¯s a rare poison I found in the morass. He may use if he wishes to serve Alanna as her assassin.¡± She dropped the white plant into the pyre.


    Essie knelt down, ripped off her flag patch, and discarded it into the pyre. ¡°Take this, Calsoon. Don¡¯t ever forget where you came from.¡±


    Timber scowled. She took a silver trit from her coin pouch. ¡°I never trusted you, you seemed off, but I feel like a fool now. You sacrificed your life to save Koda and Wildeye, and for that you died a hero in my eyes,¡± she whispered to herself. She flipped the coin into the pyre. ¡°Take this to buy passage to the Roaming Plane.¡±


    Kyzo¡¯s eyes blurred with tears. He couldn¡¯t stop crying long enough to say his final words. Instead he took his red silk lace used to tie his long braid and dropped it into the pyre. He stepped back and turned his head away so the others couldn¡¯t see his face.


    Elucard pulled off his SMO cloak and tossed it onto the pyre with the rest of the items. ¡°Take this, Calsoon. It will keep you warm in the Roaming Plane.¡± Elucard lowered the torch and set the woodpile ablaze. ¡°Be with Trek now. Keep each other safe. One day we shall join you when we can no longer run in the shadows.¡±


    ¡°May Alanna grant you grace,¡± finished Elucard.


    ¡°And may you forever walk in her shadow,¡± the rest said in unison.

 Chapter 59: A Friendship Mended

    The Sea Sprinter carved its way through waves as the majority of the Cypress Alliance headed for their long journey home. Elucard had called for the harekins and his own ARO members to join him down in the galley. The elf rattled his knee under the table and fidgeted with his fingers, nervous with the announcement he was planning to make.


    One by one he was joined by Kyzo, Essie, Elisa and Timber. The harekins each funneled down the steps into the galley. Each took their seat on the bench around Elucard. Mave grunted as she struggled to climb down the steps with her crutch. Bruce swept her off her feet with a roguish smile.


    ¡°Unhand me you giant oaf!¡± laughed Mave as she playfully conked Bruce on the head with her fists.


    ¡°Sorry Cap, but we want to start this meeting before we turn as gray as you!¡± chuckled Bruce Brawnwood.


    Mave giggled as Bruce sat her down next to Elucard. Elucard couldn¡¯t help but glance at Mave¡¯s gruesomely scarred leg.


    Elucard let the buzz of hoots and gossip hang in the air as the harekins and his own men roared in excitement and anticipation to see the shores of Cypress after such a long and difficult mission. Elucard stood and raised his hand until the others grew silent and gave him their attention.


    Elucard looked around the room. ¡°You all did an admirable job,¡± he started. ¡°No matter the hurdles in your way, you cleared them with poise and perfection, no matter how much I tried to drag you down.¡± Elucard¡¯s eyes landed on Mave with his last words.


    ¡°Mave, I know I told you this before, but I truly am sorry I judged you and your men poorly. Had I been a real leader, I would have seen the strengths of your men, but I only searched for flaws.¡± He paused, swallowing a lump in his throat. ¡°I¡¯ve done this in the past. Not trusting the good in people, not trusting the good in me.¡±


    Mave took a hold of Elucard¡¯s trembling hand. ¡°Mate, it¡¯s alright. We all survived. No one can predict how a mission will really end up. In the thick of things even the best laid plans might come apart.¡±


    Timber rose from her seat. ¡°Elucard, you are your own worst enemy, but time and time again you¡¯ve proved yourself to us.¡± She looked to Essie for help.


    Essie crossed her arms and leaned back. ¡°What are you trying to say, Elucard?¡±


    Elucard turned to Mave. ¡°Are the rumors among the other officers true?¡±


    Mave¡¯s eyes darted to each of her harekins.


    ¡°Rumors?¡± asked Corso.


    Mave let out a heavy sigh and placed her crutch on the table. ¡°I thought I¡¯d let us get back to Southtail before telling you lads the bad news.¡±


    ¡°Spit it out, Captain,¡± growled Bruce.


    Mave nodded. She took off her hat and her ears flopped down in sorrow. ¡°The higher command deemed my limp too severe to be able to devil jump anymore. I¡¯m afraid I have to retire from the ole Skyborne Military Operations.¡±


    A wave of protest rushed through the galley from the harekins and even the ARO.


    ¡°I know, I know, chaps. I¡¯m as upset as all of you are, but orders are orders. I¡¯ll probably spend the rest of my career behind a desk as a quartermaster or an administrative position.¡±


    ¡°Or,¡± Elucard said.


    Mave looked up to him.


    ¡°You join the Anti-Rogue Ops as our new leader,¡± finished Elucard.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°What are you going on about, Elucard?¡± asked Essie, just as confused as the rest of the soldiers.


    Elucard ripped his red lightning patch from his sleeve and tossed it on the table. ¡°I am withdrawing from the Anti-Roge Ops effective immediately. I¡¯m not cut out to lead. I¡¯ve done more damage than good and the unit would be left in the far more capable hands of someone like Mave Silvertail.¡±


    ¡°Master?¡± Kyzo said slowly. ¡°Do you really mean this?¡±


    Elucard reached over and placed his hand on the boy¡¯s hand. ¡°You have grown to be a formidable assassin and I can not teach you anymore. You and I are equals now. You are no longer my apprentice, Kyzo.¡±


    A tear swelled in Kyzo¡¯s eye, but he rubbed it away. ¡°I won¡¯t let you down, Master.¡±


    Mave shook her head. ¡°I can barely walk, how am I supposed to bloody jump from building to building? I¡¯m not cut out to lead your men.¡±


    Elucard chuckled. ¡°Your leg will heal in time, and although yes, you¡¯ll always have a limp, Drill Instructor Legion will teach you how to overcome that handicap. A man with that many scars knows a thing or two about fighting with a broken body. He¡¯ll have you somersaulting from the shadows in no time. Until then, my men need true leadership.¡± He looked at Essie and smiled. ¡°They deserve that much.¡±


    Essie lowered her head. ¡°You¡¯ve done it Elucard. You¡¯ve finally done the right thing.¡±


    Elucard nodded to her in respect. ¡°I¡¯m sorry it took so long, Es.¡±


    ***


    Elucard leaned on the banister looking out into the shimmering sea. He breathed in the salty air, now a free man without a real direction in his life. What would he do? Perhaps return to Ravenshore as a hero and veteran. He saved his king, would that be enough to be redeemed in his parents¡¯ eyes?


    ¡°Watching the dolphins again?¡± Legion¡¯s familiar low voice cut Elucard¡¯s concentration.


    Elucard turned and gave a faint smile to Legion and a heavy bandaged Malady limping behind the elf.


    ¡°I am thankful to see you alive, Master.¡± He slid a glance to Malady who folded his arms. ¡°And to a lesser extent, you as well, Malady.¡±


    ¡°Now that I am a bonafide hero within Long Whisper, I believe I deserve a proper rank like First Blade,¡± said Malady. His chest swelled up with pride.


    Elucard could help but snicker. ¡°It doesn¡¯t work like that, there isn¡¯t a First¡ªoh never mind.¡±


    Legion patted Malady on the back. ¡°I¡¯ll see you are properly rewarded, blade brother.¡± Legion pointed to Elucard¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Where is your red lightning bolt?¡±


    Elucard felt his sleeve where his ARO patch once was. ¡°I-I left the Anti-Rogue Ops.¡±


    ¡°So the High Blade position is vacant?¡± asked Malady. Elucard couldn¡¯t tell if that was a question for personal gain or sympathy for Elucard¡¯s decision.


    Elucard pulled down his hood and ran his fingers through his blonde hair. ¡°Master, I-I am no leader.¡±


    Legion placed a heavy hand on his student¡¯s head. ¡°Perhaps you just need time to find yourself. Stepping down is sometimes the best way to get the best vantage point.¡± Legion looked at his blade brother. ¡°Don¡¯t you agree, Malady?¡±


    Malady nodded and sat on the banister next to Elucard. ¡°Whelp, you were a fine Rabbit, and you clearly made a good soldier if you brought the Dawnedge brat back alive. You know what is best for yourself, trust you gut, kid.¡±


    Elucard lowered his head and gave a short chuckle. ¡°Thanks, Malady. You make a pretty good soldier yourself.¡± Elucard¡¯s eyes twitched as he heard the footsteps of Wiccer behind Legion.


    Malady slapped Elucard¡¯s shoulder and gestured to Legion. ¡°Let¡¯s leave these two alone and grab some vile sailor food.¡±


    Legion nodded and together the two blade brothers walked away.


    Elucard let out a long sigh. ¡°What do you want, Wiccer?¡±


    Wiccer shook his head in disbelief and rested against the bannister next to the assassin. ¡°Word on the wind said I¡¯d find you here.¡±


    Elucard laughed and lowered his gaze to the dolphins trailing the ship. ¡°Is that all the wind told you?¡±


    Wiccer gave him a small grin. ¡°It also said you resigned as leader of the Anti-Rogue Ops.¡±


    Elucard sat on the banister and pulled down his hood. ¡°The wind tells the truth. I turned my leadership over to Captain Silvertail. She will do the position justice with some proper training.¡±


    A long silence drifted between the two men.


    ¡°Is that all, Wicce¡ª¡±


    ¡°If you want to talk about Calsoon¡¯s loss¡­¡± Wiccer whispered. ¡°I¡¯m¡­¡±


    Elucard put his hand on Wiccer¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll come to you¡­ my friend.¡±


    Wiccer cleared his throat and walked away.


    ¡°We should have lunch sometime!¡± Elucard called off to Wiccer. ¡°The Mystic Fang will have their autumn soup by the time we arrive back home.¡±


    Wiccer stopped. He turned his head and smiled. ¡°I¡¯d like that, Elucard.¡±

 Chapter 60: Different Victories

    Koda stood in the dark cell at the bottom of his own palace. The roots of the Elder Tree wove between the heavy, gray stone walls and the freezing draft of the autumn rain chilled the dungeon floors.


    Koda glared with his dark eyes at Tashna who curled in the corner, wrapped in a ragged wool blanket. He squatted down to eye level with the former Div''Rah and tightened his hands around the iron bars as he spat, ¡°I would have you rot in this cell, beaten senseless every day had I had my way.¡±


    Tashna grew a cruel smirk, her eyes flickered between brown and amber


    ¡°However, my lords wish for you to be hanged for your crimes. You don¡¯t deserve a swift punishment.¡±


    Tashna¡¯s eyes continued to fade to the dark orange color of the harvest moon.


    ¡°Your father was killed in battle, your mother has abandoned you. She will be welcomed in no nation. I shall see to this. Natal will be branded as a rebel, and the bounty on her head will be so high that she¡¯ll be on the run for the rest of her miserable life.¡±


    ¡°You know nothing of my mother¡­ Do not pretend she fears you, little king,¡± Tashna spat. ¡°Come into this cell if you fancy yourself so mighty.¡±


    Koda snarled, ¡°Your manipulations fall on deaf ears. I have learned much from you, Tashna Stine, and for that I thank you. I considered showing you mercy. I considered having you exiled, but you told me to not show a weak heart to enemies.¡±


    Tashna bolted to Koda. She grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him close to the cell bars. Koda¡¯s head bounced with a rough jerk. Tashna sunk her demonic gaze deep into Koda¡¯s blue eyes. ¡°You vill release me, Mage King!¡±


    Koda¡¯s eyes flared with purple Magi, breaking the spell. He chuckled and caught her by the throat. Tashna gagged and coughed as he curled his fingers tighter around her neck.


    ¡°Perhaps I snap your neck right now.¡± The violet Magi ran black as it flooded his eyes completely. He gritted his teeth. ¡°You would respect me for that, wouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°K-Kod-a¡­¡± Tashna gasped out.


    Koda clenched his eyes shut, letting the dark magic flush from his mind. The elven king flung Tashna backwards. ¡°This is what you¡¯ve done to me. You showed me to embrace the darkness in my heart, let it make me stronger,¡± he growled.


    Tashna stumbled to the ground. She rubbed her bruised neck and laughed as well as she could. ¡°You really have changed, Koda. For the better too. Now no one vill valk over you.¡±


    Koda sneered and stormed out of the cell. ¡°You hang at dawn!¡± he called back.


    ¡°They vill remember you vhen you¡¯ve conquered the vorld. They vill remember you!!!¡± Tashna shouted at the top of her lungs. Her words echoed down the halls, and penetrated deep into Koda¡¯s mind.


    They will remember you.


    ***


    ¡°So the seal broke and you were helpless to stop it?¡± Megan said. Koda¡¯s vernal mage teacher leaned against her cherrywood desk. A large window let in the last of the day¡¯s sunlight into Megan¡¯s office.


    Koda sat in a chair in front of Megan, relaying the last few months of his adventurous life, but was sure to omit certain details. ¡°Yes. This ¡®Dead of Winter¡¯ took me from Tashna¡¯s clutches to make me watch Dragon Realm Blight¡¯s seal¡¯s destruction.¡±If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°Why, though? What is their endgame?¡± pondered Megan. The human woman circled back to her own seat. ¡°Perhaps they wish to have a witness for their actions. To let all know we are powerless in the face of their organization.¡±


    Koda could never tell her the truth. He could never tell anyone what really transpired in Sik J¡¯dio Sahde Alanoon. No one would understand. He glanced at his slumbering wolf. No, not even Wildeye could know.


    ¡°So the Scorch and Blight seals have been broken. How many remain?¡± asked Megan.


    Koda turned back to his teacher. ¡°Three, I believe. My theory is that there is a seal per realm. I have my guesses where the Cypress one lies, but Stratus and Abyss remain a mystery.¡±


    ¡°What is your next move?¡± asked Megan. She steepled her fingers and leaned forward.


    Koda rubbed the back of his shoulder and let out a long sigh. ¡°Long Whisper enters a new era of peace, order has been restored. I can trust my seven elven lords to lead my nation while I am absent.¡±


    Megan nodded. ¡°I see where this is leading.¡±


    Koda jumped to his feet. ¡°I want to continue my journey as a mage. I want to earn my remaining colors and become a true master!¡±


    Megan walked over to her student and held his shoulder with a firm grip. ¡°Are you sure about this? It will be a hard quest to achieve. There are six more colors to gain, and they each will challenge you to your very core. Turn back now and lead by your throne.¡±


    Koda shook his head.


    ¡°Then you must continue to earn your name as the Mage King!¡±


    ***


    Inle and Strife knelt before their master, Wraslyn. The vampire lifted Inle¡¯s chin to meet his gaze.


    ¡°You have learned much in these last few years, now you serve as an accomplished hydro shroud to Strife,¡± Wraslyn said.


    ¡°Yes, Master. I am ready to guard him, but if I may ask¡­ why am I needed as a shroud instead of the Silent Master?¡±


    Wraslyn gave Inle a kind smile. ¡°Because you will not just watch over my blue mage, but my soon-to-be apprentice as well.¡±


    ¡°Apprentice, Master?¡±


    ¡°Koda,¡± hissed Strife.


    ¡°Yes, I shall send you and Strife to guide him through his new journey to become a Master Mage.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Inle paused in confusion, ¡°Will he not recognize me?¡±


    Wraslyn pulled a pendant from his pocket and draped it over Inle¡¯s neck. Once adorned, the pendant gave a faint glow and transformed Inle¡¯s skin into a peach color and his hair went from a deep purple to black.


    A shadowy tendril pulled a hand mirror from the smokey floor. Inle grabbed it in astonishment, grazing his face. ¡°How¡ªhow could this be?¡±


    ¡°A glamor charm, Inle. You will take the appearance of a forest elf, but you will still be a shadow elf. No one shall be the wiser lest you lose that pendant,¡± Wraslyn explained. Sable and Calsoon approached from behind. ¡°Now go, prepare yourselves for your journey and bring me Koda when the time comes.¡±


    ¡°As you say, Master Wraslyn,¡± Strife whispered.


    They both sank into the ground leaving the vampire alone with Sable and Calsoon.


    Wraslyn took his seat at a throne behind him. Dressed in a fine black jacket garnished with crimson rubies and golden buttons. His platinum wavy hair was slicked back and his pale, cream-colored face looked down upon his two servants. He narrowed his golden eyes with interest. ¡°You have done as I asked,¡± he said with his satin smooth voice.


    Sable looked up. ¡°Yes, Lord Wraslyn. The Blight seal is no more and Koda shall seek you out for guidance.¡±


    Wraslyn flashed a wicked smile. ¡°Excellent. Rise, the both of you.¡± Wraslyn waited for his two servants to stand. ¡°I have another task for you, Sable.¡±


    Sable bowed. ¡°Anything for you, my master.¡±


    ¡°I need you to seek out the Celestial Seal of Dragon Realm Abyss,¡± Wraslyn said.


    ¡°It shall be done,¡± repsoned Sable. She bowed once more and vanished into the wall of darkness.


    Calsoon watched as Sable¡¯s form disappeared before turning back to Wraslyn. ¡°Koda knows my truth, but has told others that I perished at the hands of Tashna. I think he can be trusted.¡±


    Wraslyn placed his hand on Calsoon¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You have done well, my demon spy. You have brought me Ryjin, you have brought me Inle, and now you bring me Koda.¡±


    Calsoon nodded with a smile. ¡°I owe you this much, Master.¡±


    Wraslyn held out his hand. ¡°But you have brought me something else?¡±


    Calsoon¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Ah yes, the library! I have the parchment you sent me to find.¡± He pulled out a small scroll from his belt. ¡°The it is titled ¡®Sik Odek Dalm¡¯na¡¯.¡±


    Wraslyn accepted the scroll with a gleeful smile. ¡°And do you know what that translates to, my dear Calsoon?¡±


    ¡°The Coming of Destruction.¡±


    Wraslyn nodded. ¡°Wintertide.¡±

 Lore Entries #1

    Black Rabbit Field Manual: Pain Defiance


    The first technique a Rabbit is taught as a recruit is Pain Defiance. Before any other training the recruit will learn the finer ways of meditation. The recruit can focus only on the pain of his body, and then to store it deep within his mind, then his soul; soon, all pain will disappear.


    With a willow switch, the Rabbit Drill Instructor will walk around a circle of their recruits and swat their shoulders and necks to distract the recruits, A distracted recruit is a failing recruit. Those that reach their zen state will learn how to achieve Pain Defiance while in a more active state. They will begin a kata on hot coals until they learn to overcome that as well.


    By the end of the first month, if a recruit is not ready to begin their Black Rabbit combat training, they will cycle back to the first trial, and if they continue to show no improvement or aptitude, they will be "dealt with''''.


    Those that have passed onto combat and stealth training will find it better to function through their practice without the need of pain.


    Those that forget their training, will find that Black Rabbit combat training is not for the faint of heart and will be "dealt with''''.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    The Skyripple


    Thell Yol¡¯Roth O¡¯blivis, which translates to "Weapon of the Sky Destroyer,'''' has been now more commonly named the Skyripple. A lance forged by the blacksmith of all ancient ones, it is said that the weapon possessed a fraction of both an angel''s soul and a drop of a dragon''s blood and was forged with the ore of a dying star to craft the perfect lance fit for a god¡­ or to destroy one.


    Tho''Torne, an angelic captain within the All-Father''s army, was presented with the weapon so that he might vanquish the Night that ravaged the land during the War of the Black Moon.


    However, with each strike of the lance came a thunderous impact, said to be beyond the power of the King of Angels himself. A sweep of the lance created craters upon the land. The island of Phellom was formed when the lance divided it from the mainland of Stratus.


    At the end of the war, although as valuable as a lance that could shatter the very skies was in the hand of the angels, it was deemed too powerful for any one being to have. The denizens of the Dragon Realms took the lance and hid it deep within Draak''Terra, locked behind a vault that required 5 hidden keys.


    May the Skyripple rest as a forgotten relic and never be found again.

 Lore Entries #2

    Black Rabbit Field Manual: Rabbit-Sai and Rabbit-Do


    From the Black Rabbit Field Manual, we have two of the favored Black Rabbit fighting styles:


    Rabbit-Sai and the Rabbit-Do


    The Rabbit-Sai is a defensive style and can be used passively or aggressively. If used aggressively, the Rabbit will approach the target and parry each attack using a quick movement, such as an elbow, shoulder thrust, or knee to counter with. After a while the target will tire and the Rabbit can disarm the opponent and go for the kill. Passively, the Rabbit will do the opposite and wait for the enemy¡¯s attacks. This technique excels at dealing with multiple enemy combatants. The Rabbit can wait patiently for an opening to strike once they learn of the patterns of the enemy. Rabbit-Sai is the optimal counter to the Many Blade style; however, a master of the Many Blade can overcome most any style.


    The Rabbit-Do is a style designed for close quarter combat, significantly better than most styles when used in tight alleys or small rooms. The Rabbit-Do uses straight forward and rapid strikes. Defensive actions are used from the inside to knock away the target''s attack. With a mastery of pressure point techniques, the Rabbit will find that Rabbit-Do is a most useful style. The Rabbit-Do is an excellent counter to those who utilize the Giant Hand style, since the large weapons favored by Giant Hand practitioners are unwieldy in tight quarters, making them perfect victims for the quick and nimble Rabbit-Do fighter.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    A Rabbit that masters both these styles will overcome almost any opponent with ease.


    The Sands of Power


    Only dwarven scholars and planar traveling wizards know where the Sands of Power is or how it came to be. Though it is known to have been once a frozen wilderness populated by giants, dwarves, trolls, and ogres. However, how the great terraforming of this strange world became the mysterious desert as it is today, is still unknown.


    What we do know is that the Sands of Power is a plane connected to the Mortal Plane, the Celestial Plane, the Roaming Plane, the Infernal Plane, and the Astral Plane. This would explain how both gods have entered the Sands of Power and the dwarves migrated to Draak¡¯Terra.


    We also know the Sands of Power is now dense with fearsome titans. Creatures of unfathomable size, strength, and danger. A tribe of denizens live within the desert, hunting these horrible monsters, but not much is known of their origin or culture. We know either their people or tribe is called ¡°the Githrik,¡± but they are not related to the dwarves.


    Other knowledge that scholars have uncovered is that the Sands of Power has some strange ¡°oppressive field¡± that derives from the desert itself. Upon entering the plane, without a strong resolve or means of magic, one can not last in the desert without collapsing and their lifeforce drained. It is theorized that this would explain the size of the titans and our gods¡¯ attraction to the plane.


    Further study is needed.

 Lore Entries #3

    Black Rabbit Field Manual: The Ninjato


    The ninjato, also known as the Elven Shadow Blade, is the favored sword and weapon of the Black Rabbits. It consists of a single edged one-handed sword with a straight, dull back. Much like the katana except without a curve. The ninjato¡¯s blade can range from 15-30 inches in length. The blade¡¯s length determines where the wielder may draw the ninjato from. A 15 inch sword or shorter would be sheathed behind the user''s waist. longer ninjatos would be drawn from the hip. Avalon and Elucard both have used ninjatos sheathed from either side.


    Little is recorded of when the Black Rabbits first adopted the ninjato. However, it is said that the blade was originally favored by the yikahtis who migrated from Dragon Realms Abyss and Scorch to Dragon Realm Cypress, who then taught the elven warrior tribes how to use their ninjatos.


    From there, the elves who favored the ninjato would have used them instead of the arming sword or claymore.


    When Ryjin formed the Black Rabbit clan, he was already well trained with the ninjato because of a Dead of Winter yikahti named the Collector. Since Ryjin favored this weapon, he trained his first students to use the sword as well. When the Black Rabbits made their first successful missions, it was noted that they were using the ninjato. Because of this the blade was given its new name, "The Elven Shadow Blade". Later on it was outlawed to wield the sword in Long Whisper.


    Just another reason for the other soldiers to hate the Anti-Rogue Ops.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    These days Elucard, Avalon, and Vada train their students to be efficient with the ninjato, favoring its lightweight speed over the clunkiness and brutality of a more traditional weapon.


    Who is Un''Draago?


    Un''Draago was one of the 7 remaining Super Dragons from the cataclysm that wiped out all the Super Dragons of Draak''Terra. Those that survived would be known as Cypress, Scorch, Blight, Abyss, Stratus, Agaas, and Un''Draago. Agaas and Un''Draago being the only 2 not horribly injured from the event.


    Both Un''Draago and Agaas attempted to help their brethren the best they could, but they were unable to revive their kin until Nihilio and his angels came and gave the comatose dragons their Life Matrixes to survive off of.


    Un''Draago began to resent Nihilio and the sway of his brother, Agaas. So with his draconians he went to war with the god creating the first Deity War.


    After losing the war, he was cast into exile to the deepest reaches of the universe, known only as the "Omni-Verse"


    After hundreds of years in exile, Un''Draago became a home to a nomadic people within that reach of the universe. There, they used their technology to lay the foundations of their civilization upon the back of Un''Draago. With the magic of the dragon and the science of this civilization, the people of the Veltherian empire grew, conquering worlds across their galaxy.


    One day, Un''Draago and his new found allies wished to return to his birth home of Draak''Terra. In the Salrothian language, Un''Draago means, "Rebel Dragon". However in his native tongue, he is called "Urd''Draak," which means "Loyal Dragon". Even in his name, his hatred seethes for his seemingly unjustified treatment. So we shall await the return of the Omni-Dragon.

 Lore Entries #4

    Black Rabbit Field Manual: Wilderness Survival


    All Black Rabbits are expected to operate independently in hostile territory and are trained to provide themselves with the necessary food, protection, and shelter to survive ¡ª and even thrive ¡ª in the most dangerous environments in Drak¡¯Terra. When the Black Rabbits find themselves in a scenario where they will have to wait in the wilderness for several days, or otherwise wait for an opportunity to escape, they are trained to remember the following acronym:


    HIROAD


    Keep Hidden


    Use your Intelligence


    Return to your master


    Accomplish your Objective


    Stay Alive


    Do not Dishonor the clan


    This simple acronym is drilled into the heads of all Black Rabbit trainees, and is sometimes referred to in code when their superiors tell them to ¡°keep to the high roads.¡±


    Black Rabbits must remember the fact that despite being trained as deadly warriors, their bodies are still fragile and susceptible to the elements. Without protection, extreme heat and cold may prove to be fatal.


    Adequate clothing is the first line of defense for any Black Rabbit in the wilderness. In cold environments, they are instructed to never let any metal parts of their armor touch their skin. Typically, layers consist of a light, comfortable under-tunic usually made of cotton or linen, over which is worn the Rabbit¡¯s armor of choice. A surcoat is worn to conceal the armor, and a woolen overgarment is worn over this, sometimes with the addition of a fur-lined cape for added insulation. In warmer weather, lighter armor is preferred. Boiled leather is typically worn over silk or other thin garb.


    As far as the basic need of shelter is concerned, a Black Rabbit must make his wilderness encampment both secure and concealed. While they are trained assassins who can survive on long days without sleep, rest is still a necessity, especially when lying in wait days in advance of the arrival of a target.


    Naturally occurring shelters such as caves are preferred over constructed ones, especially if the Black Rabbits in hiding are careful not to leave any trace of them ever being there. However, a prominent cave would be well-known to locals, and may, unbeknownst to any Black Rabbits, serve as a secret meeting place for cultists or lovers who may alert others of their presence.


    When natural shelter is unfeasible, the Black Rabbit must construct his own shelter. These are meant to be temporary structures, easily disassembled or destroyed to make tracking harder. Any shelter should be assembled in the least obvious locations, away from prominent landmarks. Rough terrain, especially that which is impassable by horse and hidden by vegetation, makes an excellent camping spot.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    When assembling a shelter on an elevation like a hill, Black Rabbits are trained to camp three quarters of the way up. Never at the base of a hill or at the very top. Noises from ridge to ridge tend to dissipate, and whispers made in a valley will magnify as listeners get further atop a hill. Shelters located three fourths of the way on a hill are subject to more daytime and less nighttime winds, minimizing the chance of detection by smell from any Kanis scouts or other hound-like animals.


    Waterways like lakes and rivers are avoided. Even though it would be good to have easy access to fresh water, anyone camping by the water risks detection from fishermen, especially species who live near water like otterfolk.


    When constructing camouflage for a shelter, Black Rabbits are trained never to take leaves and branches from the immediate area of their campsite. While foliage should still match their surroundings, a Rabbit typically gathers camouflage materials from an area no less than a hundred paces from their actual campsite. This is done to misdirect any search team that stumbles across the broken branches and stripped bushes the Rabbits leave in their wake.


    A Black Rabbit trainee¡¯s survival skills are ultimately tested during an event called ¡°the Long Night" held in a particularly dark recess of the Northern Whisper Forest. Recruits are sent into the forest alone, watched by their mentors from the shadows. There they will be subjected to spells that alter their body temperature, perception, and sanity over a period of several days. Those who survive the ordeal will be one step closer to earning the title of Black Rabbit.


    The Life Matrixes


    It is theorized that the event that gave the five Dragon Realms their modern form was an explosion caused by a single super dragon manifesting into existence that was so immense and powerful that he could not contain his form and caused a cataclysm that destroyed all present dragons save for Cypress, Scorch, Blight, Stratus, Abyss, Agaas, and Un¡¯Draago. This event is called ¡°The Reckoning '''' to all Draak¡¯Terrain scholars.


    It is well known in draconian scripts that Agaas and Un¡¯Draago sent their Dragon Walkers to mend the fallen dragons¡¯ wounds, but try as they might, they could not save the realms. Shortly after this, the dragon realms slipped into a coma.


    With the realms slowly dying, it was Nihlio, a strange cosmic being who was escorted by his flight of angels, that sought to save the dragons. He used his divine creation magic to form 5 crystals that he plunged deep into the bodies of the realms. These were called the ¡°Life Matrixes.¡±


    They did not wake the realms, but kept them on life support with the hope that one day each would regain their breath and luster, waking to be reborn as truly living dragons.


    The incredible magic from the life matrixes birthed a small clan of elves, each taking on their own features. However the amount of power required to sustain Blight left its matrix too weak to spawn its own elves.


    The elves flourished, with many from their core family branching into different tribes.


    Nihilio, now known as Father, populated each realm with more and more creatures of all shapes and sizes from humans to mice, tuskores to elephants, harekins to yikahti, and even avians to birds. It was decided by both elves and dragons that the life matrixes needed protection and so a tribe of elves was chosen to protect the realms.


    For a hundred years the matrix of each realm was guarded without incident, until the ice elf family, the Whiteblade, sought to claim the right to control the other matrixes. So started the twenty year Elven War. Had it been for the dragons of Stratus getting involved, the ice elves may have been victors.


    The dragons exiled the ice elves from Crystal Peak, turning it into their own city, Draconicus. They also formed the ¡°Guardians of the Frost,¡± a knighthood of dragon riding humans and draconians dedicated to serving Draconicus and the Life Matrix of Stratus.


    Some ice elves struggled to save face and reclaim their honor among the other elves, while others cared little for the world outside their kind.


    To this day, the Life Matrixes remain closely guarded and most of their locations are kept a secret from the curiosity of all other beings.

 Lore Entries #5

    Ode to Arrelion


    He was once a young man, like the elder in the past


    He had a brother but not kin who was by his side


    They trained with the Magi and they learned fast


    The first elf of the lands was their elder and guide


    Mateo the older, Arrelion the younger


    This Magi was an aether that would change their world


    For their thirst was unquenchable and they had a hunger


    Together these men had a plan that would soon unfurl


    For the power was too immense for these young, impressible ones


    And their teacher saw a corruption that he could not quell


    For despite the danger to come, he could not harm his foster sons


    Arrelion¡¯s power and Mateo¡¯s drive broke free of their shell


    The wards placed by their elder shook, splintered, and shattered


    The Magi was now theirs to do as they pleased


    The boys were now men and the power they had mastered


    But as for their bodies, the magic had seized


    ¡°Draak¡¯Terra is ripe for the taking,¡± Mateo smiled


    ¡°Well spread the Magi to those that we choose,¡± Arrelion agreedThe genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°Our mages will rule from the cities to the wild¡±


    ¡°And a new dawn we shall breed¡±


    A council was formed and reached across the land like the shadow of a tower


    And with it the Arcana War was born from its fire


    The mages were ruthless only matched by their unfathomable power


    This war had no glory, only brutality and ire


    However, despite the near victory, Arrelion was heavy with sadness


    He had slaughtered thousands and with each blow felt their pain


    Arrelion knew his actions were of a false heart and were built on pure madness


    The brand burned into their lives would leave nothing but a stain


    Arrelion needed to rise and bring retribution to the people that he once sought to end


    Taking his spell sword strapped across his back he sided with his new allies


    And led battle after battle against Mateo, his lifelong friend


    Now the final conflict was here under the war torn skies


    And Arrelion and Mateo clashed severing their chain that was once sound


    The world was free from the tyranny of the council and mages


    Mateo vanished from history, neither dead nor found


    Together the people forged a new council to train young ones through the ages


    For his turn against Mateo, Arrelion would be celebrated a hero and legend


    But in his soul his own legacy would forever be questioned


    Wings Like Ash: The Hands of Alanna


    As their name would suggest, the Hands of Alanna are servants to the Goddess of Death. All creatures have a soul, and while in life your soul belongs to you, in death, all souls are Alanna¡¯s. After death, souls are supposed to pass into the Roaming Plane and take their place in her realm, but there are those who cling to the Mortal Plane, and it is the Hand of Alanna¡¯s duty to send wandering souls to the Roaming Plane where they belong. Armed with an ethereal bow, the Hand of Alanna traverses Draak¡¯Terra searching for lost souls to reap.


    When your fallen spirit lingers


    No longer safe and tethered


    To keep away from the Night¡¯s fingers


    Bow in hand and ashy wings feathered


    Her servants descend to reap your soul


    Ending your torment and pain


    The fear of your final moment, the toll


    And then they will flock back to the Roaming Plane

 Lore Entries #6

    Jedeo''s Ascension


    Long ago, when the Black Moon arrived and the demons first invaded Draak¡¯Terra, man fled in fear. Although knights and soldiers defended their lands against the vile infestation, the common folk huddled under the protection of their city walls and wings of their angelic deities.


    However, as the war raged, the Night swept a hush across the world. Vampires, witches, werewolves, and the undead tormented men from the shadows, strengthened by the alien magic of the demons.


    Throughout the rural villages and towns, people finally took up arms in their own ways. Whether it was to become homegrown slayers or starting their own orders, mankind had enough.


    Enter Jedeo and her younger sister Autumn, both adolescent farm girls from Dragon Realm Blight who joined a local militia named ¡°Blightwatch¡±.


    In Blightwatch, both Jedeo and Autumn learned to use a sword, shield, and spear. They learned formations and commands, as well as how to dress wounds. In the years to come they grew from simple farmers to battle-hardened soldiers. As fires of war burned, so did Jedeo and Autumns¡¯ hatred for the Night, allowing their ambitions to lead the Blightwatch come into fruition.


    With each demon slain and each battle won, Jedeo rose through ranks and became the champion of not only her militia, but the rest of the five dragon realms too.


    The Night took notice.


    And on a bleak full moon, an assassination attempt nearly took Jedeo¡¯s life. With her throat sliced, she writhed in her own blood. Jedeo¡¯s time on the Mortal Plane grew near. However the maiden¡¯s force of will was stronger than her enemies¡¯ claws.


    With Autumn by her side, Jedeo stood defiant once more. No longer could she speak, but her battlecry still rallied the hearts of men through her actions instead of her voice. With her famous claymore ¡°The Silencer¡± tightly gripped in her hands, she and her Blightwatch pushed on through the war¡¯s darkest nights.


    Without warning, nearly all angels vanished from the Mortal Plane. None truly know what happened, whether it was cowardice or other unworldly reasons, man was left alone to fend off the legion of the Night.


    The desperate prayers of Draak¡¯Terra were not lost on Father¡¯s ears and despite his angels unable to assist man, the Demon Hunter would be born. The final forces of mankind pushed the demons to the edge of the planet and imprisoned them in the Northern Tip of Dragon Realm Stratus. Although the Black Moon still hung in the sky and the Night was not yet vanquished, the war came to an end.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    The remaining angels were still mysteriously locked within the heavens, unable to step forth onto the Mortal Plane. However, their power and presence still left a mark of rejoicing and hope for those who still worshiped them. The gods decided to reward their mortal followers, allowing for their champion Jedeo to ascend as an angel herself to serve in Father¡¯s flight as a goddess of Justice and Righteousness. Jedeo had been given a choice to bring with her a company of her most loyal soldiers to also rise as her White Angels.


    Jedeo looked to her sister first. Autumn had always been by her side, but her sister chose to stay behind and tell their story. And so Jedeo and her Blightwatch rose to the celestial skies as the new Red Winged goddess and her White Winged flight. Jedeo parted ways with her mighty claymore, giving it to Autumn to treasure as a memento of their sisterhood.


    Autumn did not let her sister Jedeo¡¯s legend fade into obscurity. She instead started the order of the Silent Ones, a holy organization that would continue the fight against the remaining Night. Each Silent One would be trained in combat with greatswords and each of their blades would be forged with divine magic by means of a sliver of Jedeo¡¯s Silencer.


    The swords of the Silent Ones would also be called ¡°Silencers¡± in honor of their patron deity, Jedeo.


    The Long Whisper Warrior Tribes


    Long ago, before the forest elves were united under as a single nation, there existed the Warrior Tribes. These elven tribes were bloodthirsty, often at each other''s throats in civil wars for land. However, as this was before the discovery of metal, their weapons were primitive, with stone being used for arrows and crudely created blades and wood being utilized for armor and shields.


    Along came Ashire, an ancient Yikahti, who introduced the ancestral blades of his family to the Warrior Tribes as well as the techniques to use them. For this, he was given immortality. To what end he did this, no one knows, but the ninjato and the Ilrune became the choice weapons of the elves.


    With the ninjato came techniques of stealth and subtlety. Quick and light, the ninjato found itself favored by assassins, thieves, and rogues among the tribes and would later become the iconic weapon of the Black Rabbit clan.


    The Ilrune possessed magical properties and could efficiently channel magic through it in such a way that its power enhanced the spells being casted. Although the Silver Mages would adopt such a style, originally the Warrior Tribes mastered ¡°blade channeling¡±.


    With their technological evolution into their metal age, the Warrior Tribes became the preeminent force among the rest of the elves. However, the Dawnedge united the tribes into the elves of Long Whisper, effectively joining the rest of the world as a political power. No longer were the Warrior Tribes respected as a seat of influence and control and so they left Long Whisper, and their weapons the ninjato and the Ilrune vanished with them.


    Notable warrior elves included the Kilid Whisperspear, Leandra Nighthunter, and Ronos Pathrunner, all of whom co-founded the Black Rabbits. Another famous warrior elf was Legion Bladeheart, who led his tribe as the most fierce swordsman of all the elves.

 Lore Entries #7

    Lesser Known Cultures of Draak''Terra


    <h2>Avian</h2>


    Originally finding their home in the Skyrealm city of Crown¡¯s Rest. The avian empire was ruled by the eagles, with hawks and falcons as their warriors. At first, the avians knew of no other races except the draconians who lived with them in the skyrealm. Eons would pass until the avian owls sought to discover the realms below, being the first to contact the mountain dwelling races such as the dwarves. Soon the avians found a purpose to trade knowledge, lore, and goods with the races of the five realms and the people of Crown Rest.


    <h2>Dwarf</h2>


    Originally from the realm of Khanla¡¯Rah, a vast icy world before it was mysteriously terraformed into the Sands of Power; the dwarves have since migrated to the peaks of the realm¡¯s mountains. There, Dordiac Baines built his ancient kingdom within the country of Highstorm. Trading gold to the dragons in exchange for metals, they learned to craft some of the finest weapons in the world. Since then, the dwarves have kept good relations with dragons and dragon kind.


    <h2>Kanis</h2>


    Long ago the kanis were related to the elven familiar Wolves of the Eclipse, however the wolves with the closest connections to the Magi evolved into a more bi-pedal like wolven humanoid, and their descendants became the kanis we know today. Kanis still share a strong allegiance with the Forest Elves, and can be found within their cities, making up a strong part of their military.


    <h2>Harekin</h2>


    Rabbit humanoids of Stratus and Cypress. These beings are keen warriors and scholars who¡¯ve held a strong alliance with humans for centuries. The Greyblade family has served as their ruling family since the dawn of the first Harekin. The Harekins of Southtail were some of the first beings that learned to tame and ride drakes and dragons. None can match a Harekin¡¯s loyalty or courage.


    <h2>Tuskore</h2>


    The Tuskore are a tribalistic group of people that reside in either the jungles of Abyss or the grasslands of southern Scorch. Normally they keep to themselves, raising their strongest to be protectors of their large herds and villages. However there are those that have been known to venture out into the world to serve other kingdoms as great knights, sailors, and crafters.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    <h2>Yikahti</h2>


    The Yikahti are anthropomorphic cats that can be found all across the five realms. Almost as versatile as the humans, the Yikahti race is as diverse as Draak''Terra itself, with a wide array of sizes, builds, and colors of fur. Once ruled by the Claw Lords, a trio of brothers, the Yikahti nation was torn apart by civil war, resulting in many different tribes being spread out across the known world. Long ago, they were responsible for introducing their swords, the ninjato and Ilrune to the forest elves of Long Whisper.


    Creatures of the Night


    <h2>Demon</h2>


    Evolving from the Nephilim of Destruction, the demons traveled across the universe on the Black Moon to over take the five dragon realms and infest the lands to make the world their own. With their sworn enemies being the Demon Hunters, Silent Ones, and the angels, the demons strive to make the world suffer!


    <h2>Undead</h2>


    When one dies, reapers of souls known as the Hands of Alanna descend from the heavens to escort souls from the Roaming Plane. However souls that the Hands do not find may become stranded and deform into ghosts, and those malevolent souls become wraiths. Necromancers, practitioners of the darkest and most forbidden magics, can raise the fallen corpses and grant them a breath of lesser life. Doing so will create ghouls and zombies. The Necromancer can even go further and perform a ritual to separate their soul into tokens and objects and amplify their magic and become undead themselves. These are called Liches.


    <h2>Vampire</h2>


    It is unknown who the first vampire was or where it came from, all that is known is that the vampires were the first of the Night, existing longer than the demons themselves. Vampires exist in clans and families, ruling over portions of their carved territories. When the Black Moon arrived, the vampires would later align themselves with Father¡¯s first enemy, the demons. This granted them further strength and cementing them as a powerful foe within the Night.


    <h2>Werewolf</h2>


    These monsters underneath children¡¯s beds, werewolves, have been a plight on humans since before the Angel War. The largest and oldest human clan, the Cromwells, sought out the Angels for magic, as it was their duty to spread it to the various races. The Cromwells wished to hunt better, and sought out a witch for her magic, but after not giving her payment for her services, the Cromwells were cursed with the curse of the Lycanthrope, turning them into bloodthirsty werewolves. They turned on their own kind, friend or foe. This curse would only affect humans and only over time with the curse, could one calm the beast within.

 Final Lore Entry

    The Pantheon of Deities for Draak''Terra and Beyond


    <h2>Good, Elder Beings</h2>


    Father (Nihilio) - God of Creation, Savior of Draak¡¯Terra, That Who Can Not Destroy, The All-Father


    Zin¡¯Geva - Elder Goddess of Light, The First Light


    Errix - God of Travel, Guide to the Lost


    Yolm¡¯Salroth - King of Angels, The Supreme Angel


    Agaas - The Skyrealm, The Healer of Dragons


    <h2>Father¡¯s Angel Flight</h2>


    Alue - Goddess of Preservation, Mother of Mercy


    Sythellis - God of Warriors, Wielder of the Twin Blades, The Scarred AngelThis tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Naonis - Goddess of Nature, Mother of the Wilds, The Verdant Angel


    Ruens - God of the Magi, Seeker of Wisdom, The Blue Angel


    Senlios - Goddess of Inspiration, Muse of the Many, Creator of Beauty, The Violet Angel


    <h2>The Mortal Angel</h2>


    Jedeo - Goddess of Righteousness, The Mortal Goddess, The Red Angel


    <h2>Neutral, Elder Being</h2>


    Sevectus- One Beyond All, The Construct, The Matrix of the Universe


    <h2>Neutral, Angels</h2>


    Alanna - Goddess of Death, Angel of Balance, The Angel of Ashes, The Withered Angel


    Thorton - The God of Chaos, The Seeker of Discord, The Gold Angel, The Giver of Luck


    <h2>Evil, Angel</h2>


    Dahlemar - God of Evil, God of Malice, The Shredded Angel, Father of the Night, The Torn One


    <h2>Evil, Elder Beings</h2>


    Zin¡¯Decker- Elder God of Darkness, Evil Prime, The Silent Whisper


    Urd¡¯Draak- The Omni Dragon, The Exiled One, Bane of Father, Un¡¯Draago


    Urd - The First Ko¡¯Veck, Master of Energy, The Strongest One


    Manix - The Demon King, Pilot of the Black Moon

 Prologue: Becoming a Stargazer

    Inle sighed as he sat on the ledge of a cliff, watching over the cityscape of Imperious. The capital city of Estinia was a glorious sight. Its many towers carved the sky with its black stone and waving banners. Although the flags now bore the Southtail emblem, the colonized people of Estinia still stood tall with pride. Inle could not help but admire that. Even in overwhelming defeat, they still held their heads aloft.


    The rest of the city spanned an entire valley high in the mountains of the Meric Range. As cold and frigid as it was at times, it did not bother the shadow elf. He spent the last year training with Strife using pressurized water to heighten his speed and power, and ice magic to increase his endurance and willpower.


    To his surprise, in that year Estinia went back to war with all of Cypress, the royal family of Estinia were executed, and their empire toppled.


    Unbelievable. Inle thought to himself. Time often stands still when I am with Dead of Winter, but even so I still missed so much.


    ¡°Inle!¡± a voice shouted to him. ¡°It is time.¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Inle turned to find Strife, his hydro mage master approaching.


    ¡°Six months have passed since the Dawnedge War and Master Wraslyn suspects Koda will soon go on his mage journey,¡± Strife continued.


    ¡°Soon. Suspects. So Wraslyn is still unsure,¡± sulked Inle.


    ¡°Do not question our master!¡± hissed Strife. ¡°Wraslyn¡¯s sight is infinite,¡±


    Inle stood and bowed to the mage. ¡°I apologize.¡±


    ¡°Have you selected your name yet?¡± Strife said, choosing to move on. ¡°Today you will start using your new identity.¡±


    Inle draped his glamor charm around his neck. Within an instant his appearance shifted from a purple haired shadow elf to that of a black haired forest elf. Gone was his gray skin and silver eyes. His flesh changed into a peachy tone with his magenta eyes becoming the same as his former teacher, Elucard.


    ¡°Cade Stargazer,¡± Inle said with a smirk. ¡°I knew a Cade as a small boy.¡±


    ¡°Good. From now on you are Cade Stargazer, do not forget this.¡±


    Inle bowed once more. ¡°I shall not, Master Stryneth.¡±


    Strife tilted his nose up and gave Inle a twisted smile. ¡°Then we are ready.¡±


    ¡°To lead Koda to his destiny,¡± finished Inle.

 Chapter 1: News From Nashoon

    Koda paced around the council chamber deep in contemplation. Only six months ago did the Celestial Seal of Blight shatter, that no sooner, New Estinia experienced great turmoil. The earth sank deeper below into the swamps, Meric¡¯s Morass grew wilder, and the rain showers felt never ending.


    This is all because of me. I let Sable break the seal and now the whole world faces peril.


    As like Northern Blight, the other home of a Celestial Seal, Alva of Dragon Realm Scorch had become unlivable. Massive waves crashed further up the shores, flooding coastal villages, and far more intense sandstorms ravaged across the country.


    However, despite the apocalyptic events unfolding on two of the realms, the other three realms have flourished. Dragon Realm Cypress¡¯s harvest had been as prosperous as ever, Dragon Realm Stratus gained warmer winters without its natural ecosystem suffering. Finally, in Dragon Realm Abyss, the rainforests grew greener and more lush.


    Koda halted at his chair and took a seat just as his lords and acting councilmen poured into the chamber. The young king looked around the table, waiting for them to sit down before speaking.


    ¡°My lords and ladies, our world is in crisis. Since the Blight seal was broken at the tail end of our second war, the country continues to deteriorate¡ª despite our donation of gold and engineers! I ask you, what shall I do?¡±


    Cass Baneberry, ever the loyalist, stood and offered her advice. ¡°My king, I believe it is time that you meet with the world leaders.¡±


    A murmur of agreement sounded out from the rest of the lords.


    ¡°I, for one, would like to know how King Dallin and King Greyblade would handle this situation,¡± Halar Fieldrunner said.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    ¡°Aye, their experience could shed some much needed insight,¡± Brenen Riverflow piped in.


    ¡°But the Dawnedge king is the only one that has such a degree of knowledge in the ancient seals!¡± Vala Treadheart pounded her fist on the wooden table.


    ¡°True, what can the other leaders possibly know?¡± asked Aster Starvow


    ¡°Surely the Scale Lord knows of the seals and how to protect the rest!¡± suggested Senri Swiftleaf.


    Levric Songbrook glanced at each face of his fellow lords before turning to the king. ¡°Your majesty, I agree with everyone. Cass is right, you should meet with the other world leaders, but at the same time, how could they possibly know what to do in a situation like this?¡±


    Koda brushed the light beard that he started growing before coming to his final decision. ¡°I think¡ª¡±


    Suddenly the council chamber doors burst open. All heads turned to a gangly messenger boy carrying a brown, leather satchel and a scroll in his hand.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± Halar said, rising from his seat. ¡°Can you not see we are in session?¡±


    Koda held up his hand and turned to the boy. ¡°What do you have in your hand?¡±


    The boy bowed and lifted the scroll for his king to take.


    Koda hesitantly took the parchment. This could be another dose of grave news, or it could be a cause of celebration. He swallowed his unease and unraveled the scroll. His eyes scanned left to right, reading every word twice to make sure he had interpreted the news correctly.


    ¡°So..it has finally happened¡­¡± Koda whispered. His face turned as white as cream, and his cheeks trembled.¡±


    ¡°Koda, what is it?¡± Cass asked with a gentle voice.


    The letter fell from Koda¡¯s shaking hands. ¡°My grandfather¡­has¡­died.¡± Koda¡¯s eyes welled with tears. ¡°I-I need to leave at once.¡±


    ¡°Where are you going!?¡± shouted Brenen. ¡°You haven¡¯t decided on anything yet!¡±


    Koda grit his teeth and fought back his sadness long enough to conduct himself as king once more. ¡°I must go to Nashoon to see that my grandfather has a proper burial. I wish for all of you to contact the world leaders to meet with me in Lost Dawns.¡± Koda bowed to his elven lords. ¡°That is my command. I will return in one week.¡±

 Chapter 2: Legions Lesson

    Elucard followed the brook that led to his master Legion¡¯s cabin. The spring lilies just began to blossom among the ebonwood leaves. Their red petals were a favored sight for Elucard and were only found in the northern woods of Long Whisper. His mother used to tell him tales of master carpenters seeking out an ebonwood tree to craft the finest and most exquisite furniture, but needing to brave the Whispering Forest of the dread Black Rabbits in order to do so. Truthfully, Elucard never saw any carpenters making such a journey into his territory when he served as a Rabbit, but the simple idea was enough to impress him as a boy.


    Elucard stepped up to the cabin door, but stopped short. His master and Malady could be heard bickering, quite clearly, through the thick oak door as if they were both in front of him.


    ¡°You are coddling this boy and it will be the death of him!¡±


    ¡°Malady, I do not see the connection between coddling and having Kyzo learn from books, perhaps you could explain that to me?¡±


    Elucard slid a thin smirk and pushed open the door. The argument rushed through him like a heavy gale.


    ¡°You need me to explain? Fine then!¡± shouted Malady. The one-eyed elf pounded his fist into his palm. The very action pulsed his toned muscles and the leather straps across his chest cracked. He drew one of the five arming swords from the scabbard on his back. With a flick of his wrist, he swished the blade at the bored elf sitting at his writing desk. ¡°Books weaken the limbs and turn you blind. Without proper strength-training his brain will literally turn to mush and leak out of his ears.


    Kyzo raised an eyebrow.


    Legion shook his head. ¡°A strong mind leads to a strong body, Malady.¡±


    ¡°Master, I wish to¡ª¡± Elucard tried to get a word in, but Malady leaped into another tirade.


    ¡°A blade is only as sharp as the Rabbit wielding it!¡± Malady snarled. ¡°If the boy does not train more he will grow into a dull blade! A dull blade means a dead Rabbit. Has my mother taught you nothing, brother?¡±


    ¡°That proverb refers to a sharp mind making a Rabbit sharper in combat¡ªoh never mind,¡± huffed Legion.


    ¡°Master, I wish to speak to you¡­¡± Elucard tried again.


    Malady glared at Elucard. ¡°Your whelp wishes something from you, Legion. Perhaps it is about how to not dress like a clown.¡±


    Elucard narrowed his eyes. He still hated Malady, but the elf proved himself during the Dawnedge War, so in Elucard¡¯s eyes, he would live another day.


    Legion shook his head and stole a glance from Kyzo before responding. ¡°Hm. Perhaps I have been driving Kyzo into his studies too hard.¡± Legion tapped the young elf on the shoulder. ¡°Gather your weapon, I want you to train in the Rabbit-Sai and Rabbit-Do forms for an hour with Master Malady.¡±


    Kyzo skidded back his chair and stretched out his back. He picked up his ninjato and followed the five-bladed assassin out the back door leaving Elucard alone with Legion.


    ¡°What is it, my son?¡± asked Legion.


    Elucard adjusted his silk green with yellow striped vest, unsure how to start his conversation. It had been nearly a year since he left the Anti-Rogue Ops in the care of Mave to become a civilian. His new life, as uninteresting as it was, treated him well. However, something deep within his mind bothered him. Something dark. Something restless. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Elucard sat down at the writing desk and absentmindedly flipped through the pages of an arithmetic book, doing his best to hide his misery.


    Legion stepped into the kitchen. ¡°Perhaps some mint tea and a freshly baked scone will loosen your tongue?¡±


    Elucard gave the old elf a chuckle. ¡°You fiend! I¡¯ll never talk!¡±


    Elucard followed Legion and leaned on the counter. He watched him pour the tea into two cups and select a rather tender and flaky raspberry scone from a tin tray.


    ¡°Talk,¡± Legion said.


    Elucard sipped the sweet drink and munched on his snack. ¡°You have this life now¡­¡± he started. His eyes wandered around the paintings hanging along the cabin walls. Each landscape of various landmarks in Long Whisper were painted with hand-cramping detail. Tucked into a corner was a nightstand with piles of sketch books teetering off the edge. Elucard thumbed through the drawings with amazement drafted on his face. Each page featured fabulous charcoal foxes. Only one who practiced his craft for years could have achieved this level of skill. Where did Legion find the time? The elf then dragged his finger against the spines and the many jammed-packed books of an oak shelf. Elucard chose one and read its title out loud.


    ¡®Ancient Folklore and History Pertaining to the Dragon Realms¡¯


    By Professor Fendelmis Briarwood


    ¡°I enjoyed that one,¡± Legion said with a nod.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s a real page turner.¡± Elucard scoffed and shelved the book before turning his attention to the fireplace.


    A battle-worn and chipped claymore hung displayed above the mantle, the preferred weapon of his aging master.


    ¡°You came from such an irredeemable world,¡± Elucard finally continued. ¡°A world of blood and violence¡­¡±


    The young elf lowered his head. Where was he going with this? How could he ask the question that plagued what little soul he still had left? ¡°Master. I want this. I want all of this, but I fear I don¡¯t deserve any of it.¡±


    Legion nodded. He placed his hands on his student¡¯s shoulders. ¡°You are no longer the Black Rabbit you once were. You are a hero of Long Whisper¡ªSeveral times over. You need to forgive¡ª¡±


    Elucard shut his eyes tightly. ¡°I am no hero. I ruin lives. I destroy any friend that grows too close to me. I am a virus, not a hero.¡±


    Legion cupped Elucard¡¯s chin. ¡°It is because I have made you this way. Our clan molds its Rabbits into mindless weapons. We were never meant to live outside of that factory¡ªthat world.¡±


    ¡°How? How do I move on? When I shut my eyes all I see is the blood I shed, the lives I took, The bodies I broke, and the vile I spread. You stole Jetta from me¡­and yet I forgave you, but myself¡­I can¡¯t¡ªI can¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Forgive yourself?¡± finished Legion. ¡°You can, and you need to.¡±


    Elucard chewed on his lip. ¡°How? How do I forgive myself and move on?¡±


    ¡°I wish to show you something, Elucard¡± Legion gestured for his student to follow him out of the cabin and over to the small brook.


    Elucard looked down at the clear water and then back to Legion.


    ¡°You must be like this gentle stream, constantly flowing, constantly moving on with your life,¡± Legion finally explained. ¡°You must push yourself to strive for something more¡ªsomething better. If you are not pushing yourself forward, you are pushing yourself back.¡±


    Elucard knelt down and observed a leaf floating down the stream.


    ¡°For if the stream stops moving¡­¡± continued Legion.


    Elucard¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°It becomes stale!¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    Elucard tenderly picked up the leaf and twirled its stem. ¡°How can I start? Start to flow again?¡±


    Legion sat cross-legged on the stream¡¯s bank. ¡°When was the last time you spoke to Jetta?¡±


    Jetta. It had been years since he visited her grave or had her in his prayers. He had been so wrapped up with his work with ARO or the war to pray to anyone, even Alanna. Was this what he needed more of in his life? Faith? Faith in a friend or faith in his goddess? He tried everything else, perhaps spending some time with Jetta could do him some real good.


    ¡°I suggest you visit her, Elucard, and seek her guidance. Pray to her for a clear mind, I sense her soul still stays strong within you.¡±

 Chapter 3: Laid to Rest

    Koda stepped on the familiar shore of the mystical island of Nashoon. A weight of emotion dragged down on his mind for the loss of his grandfather, but at the same the sense of wonderment of returning to his old home. He had not walked these forests since the end of the first Estinian War, but nothing seemed to change.


    Nashoon was ever the vibrant sight in spring and although the island has been experiencing other seasons thanks to the dying Arcane Guardian, it regained some of its luster with the introduction of the new guardian.


    Koda watched as Wildeye, his colorful wolf, sniffed the trees and bushes.


    ¡°Smell anything interesting, girl?¡± Koda called out to her.


    Wildeye looked back to the elven king. Her tail wagged and her tongue hung out in joy. ¡°I can smell my pack! Would you mind if I visited them? I won¡¯t be gone for too long,¡± she responded back to him in her telepathic Magi.


    Koda gave her a kind smile. ¡°Take your time Wildeye. It has been far too long for you.¡± He watched as his familiar playfully dashed further down the path.


    ¡°King Dawnedge!¡± a light voice sounded behind him. He turned to find An elven maiden with azure tinted skin and frosty white, long hair jogging up to him.


    Koda gave her a gracious bow. ¡°You must be the Arcane Guardian of Nashoon. My grandfather mentioned he took an ice elf as an apprentice last time I spoke with him.¡±


    The ice elf matched his bow. ¡°Aye, my king. I am Lore Starfrost.¡±


    Koda brought his hand to his chin and peered closely at Lore. Her Magi felt faint, much weaker than his own or his grandfather¡¯s. How could she be expected to defend Nashoon with such a lower grade of Magi?


    ¡°I am thankful that you made it for the funeral. Xile has no other living relatives, save for you,¡± continued Lore. ¡°I mean, he has made many friends across his lifetime. Some of which are here today. Dordiac Baines of the Northern Territory, Silverpaw of the Risen Forest, Leo Frost of Villaconterra, and even famed wandering swordsman, Farusto.¡±


    Koda nodded. He knew nothing of his grandfather¡¯s past, but Lore¡­she knew everything. Why did Xile trust her over him? Someone so weak?


    Koda shook away the thought. ¡°I-I should find my place at the funeral. It was a pleasure to finally meet you, Lore Starfrost.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, Koda Dawnedge. The pleasure was all mine.¡±


    ***


    Koda strolled down the winding gametrail, minding roots and scurrying animals. He ducked under low hanging boughs and climbed up loose, rocky hills. Finally he made it to his destination, the ancient rune stones at the center of the island. This is where the first elf was created, where Xile was born.


    At the foot of the giant stone monuments lay a wooden pyre where the body of the ancient elf rested. A calming breeze stirred the site as forest creatures ranging from the Wolves of Eclipse, to the tiniest mouse formed a circle around the sacred ground. Several elderly elves hummed a low tune. Each of the guests formed around the pyre. Koda found a spot far in the back.


    Lore walked to the center of the ring and sang a soft hymn, but loud enough for all that came to the funeral to hear.


    ¡®Alanna, take my friend to where the moon never sets


    Alue, clear his mind of any lingering regrets


    Peace go with you, my love I send on windThe story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    And when the sun has slept and sky has dimmed


    I will remember you and the joy we shared


    May you forever know, that I have always cared¡¯


    A tear slipped down Koda¡¯s cheek with each moving word. He never saw eye to eye with his grandfather the older Koda got. The ancient ways of the Arcane Guardian was not the life he chose to live, but his respect for his first teacher still remained.


    A stern voice called out to Koda from behind him, ¡°He was a great man.¡±


    Koda turned to find a tall human with dark skin and long, jet black dreads. He wore a silver duster and a long broad sword slung around his back. By his side stood a large wolf with a shimmering rusted coat.


    The man patted Koda¡¯s shoulder.


    The elf glanced up to him, ¡°Who are you?¡± Koda whispered, not wanting to disturb the ceremony.


    ¡°Just a simple mage.¡±


    Koda raised his brow in doubt. The silver jacket, the red wolf, the long sword. He was no simple mage. Koda¡¯s eyes lit up with wonderment. He knew who he really was. ¡°You are Arrelion, hero of the Arcana War,¡± said Koda, star struck. ¡°How could I have not recognized you before?¡±


    ¡°Hero?¡± Arrelion gave a long sigh. ¡°Is that what I am?¡±


    ¡°You put an end to Mateo¡¯s tyrannical reign,¡± Koda shook his head, still in disbelief that his childhood hero was at his grandfather¡¯s funeral. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Arrelion folded his arms. ¡°I am here to pay my respects to the first Arcane Guardian.¡±


    ¡°Did you know him?¡± Koda asked.


    ¡°I did.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know my grandfather was associated with any mages, especially those on the High Mage Council?¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t a mage at the time,¡± answered Arrelion. ¡°I was training to be a Guardian with my brother.¡±


    Koda¡¯s eyes widened even more. He recalled his grandfather mentioning he took in two humans for his first apprentices, but he never went into any more detail than that. Arrelion was one of the two that his grandfather trained. Did that mean that Mateo was the other?


    Arrelion bent over Koda and pointed to the new Arcane Guardian. ¡°Her name is Lore Starfrost.¡±


    ¡°I met her earlier today,¡± Koda said.


    ¡°Do you see her potential?¡± asked Arrelion. ¡°Do you see the Magi within her?¡±


    Koda shrugged. ¡°I sensed it well enough. I do not know what you mean by ¡®see¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Peer closely. Truly sense her power,¡± Arrelion instructed once more.


    Koda pursed his lips but decided to humor Arrelion. What harm could it do to measure Lore¡¯s potential?


    Koda closed his eyes and straightened his palm flat. He reached for particles of the Magi from all the living creatures that stood or sat on the ground. He searched each lifeform, concentrating on their Magi signatures until he found the magic of Lore Starfrost.


    Koda frowned with sudden disappointment. For an Arcane Guardian, her potential with the Magi was far lower than what he sensed before. She had barely any at all. How could this be? Why would his grandfather choose someone so magically inept?


    ¡°Do you sense her potential, Koda?¡± Arrelion asked once more.


    ¡°I do. What little there is at least,¡± answered the elven king. His grandfather always placed a mistrust in the Magi, but to choose his next apprentice with next to none? How foolish he was in his old age.


    ¡°Even I know one must have some potency with the Magi to be an Arcane Guardian,¡± said Arrelion.


    Koda looked at Lore again. It was true, This Arcane Guardian would be inadequate to deal with Dead of Winter. She either did not possess the will to wield the Magi as Koda did or her connection with it was naturally weak, either way, Sable and Calsoon would overwhelm her.


    ¡°Why have you pointed this out, Arrelion?¡± asked Koda, not so much concerned with Lore¡¯s situation, but more curious of what Arrelion planned on doing about it.


    ¡°Megan wrote to me about how you want to start your journey to become a Master Mage.¡±


    Koda nodded. ¡°Indeed. I was hoping to start as soon as my duties would allow me.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± said Arrelion. ¡°You need to become stronger and more adept with your magic in order to truly protect this world and the seals. Perhaps one day, you can train as a Silver Mage under my tutelage,¡± finished Arrelion.


    Koda nodded with a wide grin. ¡°I would like that very much,¡± Koda replied.. ¡°But I do not know when I will get around to gaining my other colors¡­maybe never.¡±


    Arrellion took a hold of Koda¡¯s shoulders. ¡°One day you will do great things as a great mage. I know you will, it is in your cards. It is your destiny.¡±


    Koda turned back just in time for Lore to light the pyre. A long, collective howl echoed from the forest as the Wolves of the Eclipse let loose their cries.


    I am sorry grandfather, but Arrelion is right, I am destined to become a Master Mage!

 Chapter 4: Guidance From an Old Friend

    Elucard stood still over the old mossy grave marker. It had been far too long since he visited Jetta. The elf bent down and placed a single white rose over her grave.


    ¡°Innocence. Never lose it, Jetta. It may be all you have left.¡± Elucard whispered under his breath. Elucard rolled back his head and huffed out a long sigh. ¡°What am I even doing here?¡±


    He shook his head and took a seat beside the gravestone. ¡°Master Legion said I should confide in you with my troubles.¡±


    The forest remained silent.


    Elucard nodded and began. ¡°I have nightmares, Jetta. Real¡­vivid, raw nightmares of my loved ones dying¡ªby my hand!¡± Elucard couldn¡¯t help but choke out his last words. These violent dreams plagued him for years now, beginning since he encountered the mysterious Collector and his spectre-like sword. At first he tried to push back the visions of strangling Wiccer, Legion, or Kyzo. Anyone he¡¯d ever cared about fell to his rage. It terrified him. He woke up ghostly white, much akin to the blade that struck him.


    Elucard gripped his face. Just thinking about his dreams set his mind into a tangent of restless memories. His brutal training with the Black Rabbits. The killings. Both of his own friends and all the lives he took as an assassin¡ª or as a soldier. So much death. So much blood. His youth and¡ª


    Elucard picked up the white rose ever so gingerly.


    His innocence. He lost it at such a young age. He was only twelve¡ªno maybe ten. He couldn¡¯t remember, the Rabbits stripped him away from his childhood and thrust him into their own program of hatred and vile. Blades of war. He had enough of it all.


    He didn¡¯t want to torture himself or torture others with his psychotic mentality. Even though he knew he still might be called to use it again.


    Blayvaar, Wiccer, Mave¡­what have I done to you? Why am I like this?


    Yes, why was Elucard like this? What seed of death had been planted in his brain that triggered an emotionless urge to maim and kill at the snap of a finger? He didn¡¯t know. He was a trained dog, sent to sick his enemies. Tear them to shreds. Not for pleasure, only instinct drove him. All that he did know was that he regretted every action and only he was to blame.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°I am so sorry Jetta, but I am not here to swear that I will continue my vendetta with those responsible for your¡­¡± he tried to say the word. ¡°...your¡­¡± but he couldn¡¯t


    Elucard teared up in exhaustion. Exhausted from hit life. His mistrust. His vengeance. ¡°I just want to move on. I forgave Legion, Jetta. My own master that murdered you, I failed you. I couldn¡¯t take his life, I couldn¡¯t finish the job,¡± sobbed Elucard. ¡°I am so weak. So pathetic¡­¡±


    ¡°Do not doubt yourself, my sweet Elucard,¡± cooed a soft voice.


    Elucard looked up from his hands. He swiveled his head from side to side. ¡°Jetta? Is that¡ªis that you?¡±


    ¡°You seek forgiveness and guidance from me? I wish for you to have it.¡±


    The voice sounded like a melodic song. As soothing as the nightingale in a mist laden forest. It calmed over Elucard¡¯s turbulent mind, leaving him in a meditative state.


    Jetta. Elucard couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    ¡°Who else do I forgive, Jetta? Please, show me my path to follow.¡±


    A long silence drifted in the woods. Finally, Jetta spoke once more.


    ¡°Elucard, you must forgive those that wrong me. You must forgive Inle, as well,¡± she whispered in his elven ear.


    Inle. Elucard had often thought about forgiving the shadow elf, but he aligned with Elucard¡¯s newest enemies. The shadow group that wished to wrought destruction upon his world, upon Draak¡¯Terra. How could he possibly forgive Inle now?


    Jetta¡¯s voice sang once more. ¡°You must save him, Elucard. Bring him back to your side.


    Back to his side. Not only was Inle his apprentice, and later teammate, but also a boyhood crush. Back then they were the same age. Two messed up teenagers stuck in a horrible situation; serving the Black Rabbit clan. Elucard never knew anyone else that was attracted to him, as much as he felt attracted to Inle. These were strange emotions. Different from his love for his parents. Different from his love for Jetta. Emotions that sent a flurry of butterflies in his stomach. His kiss with Inle stirred thoughts that he never imagined before. They confused him, but he wanted more feelings like those.


    Perhaps if he did rescue Inle, they could rekindle that relationship¡­it would be nice.


    ¡°I will, Jetta. I will bring him home. I promise this to you.¡±


    ¡°Someday you will find happiness, Elucard, and I want you to cherish it for the rest of your life.¡±


    The elf closed his eyes and grinned. He let out a long sigh of relief and kissed the gravestone.


    Thank you Jetta, my friend.

 Chapter 5: Failure to Communicate

    Koda¡¯s headache pounded against his skull and his face sank into a disappointed frown as the meeting of Draak¡¯Terra¡¯s leaders reached full swing. ¡°Good gods, they are worse than children,¡± Koda muttered to himself hidden within a miserable sigh.


    The elven king looked around the room, inspecting each member in hopes  of quelling the fury between them. Other than his close friends, Everett Dallin and Aemor Greyblade, he swam in the depths of unfamiliar territory, even within his own castle. Weighted by his doubts as a leader and drowning in his past failures.


    The Sundancer twins sat across from one another: Queen Isana of Isa and King Travin of Alva. Both were dune elves, with a bitter history between them. Isana started the War of Chains by enslaving her brother and forcing him to become a gladiator in her arena. Now both served as leaders of their respective kingdoms. With the Scorch seal now broken in Alva, Travin¡¯s lands were in shambles and his people sought sanctuary in Isa.


    ¡°You think I¡¯ll let you and your flea-bitten people into my cities. You must be crazy. It is bad enough you invaded my shores with your refugees!¡± spat Isana.


    ¡°You enslaved me for years! You owe me this!¡± Travin shouted back.


    ¡°I owe nothing!¡± hissed Isana


    Koda¡¯s eyes moved onto another seat filled by a large white draconian. A large, spiked crown rested on the ridge of his head and sky-blue armored scales rippled down his chest and stomach leading underneath his heavy tail. He folded his bulky arms and gave a low growl to a prissy ice-elf adolescent. The young prince gave a long yawn as the dragon continued his rant.


    ¡°Velduin Whiteblade, the false prince, you do not know who you disrespect with your weak presence!¡±


    ¡°Scale Lord Rellethek, it is you who disrespects the Ice Elf nation, we won¡¯t tolerate your kind any longer. Try me, I dare you!¡± Velduin''s voice writhed with spite. His tone scraped his throat with each word.


    ¡°Yer folk have yet to recognize my sovereignty as well. I demand to be respected and I demand to be heard on behalf of Dragon Realm Abyss!¡±


    Koda turned his head to a young woman with a grizzly scar drawn across her face. A bone white patch covered her right eye. A red tricorn hat sat atop her fierce, curly, rosy hair which matched her crimson captain¡¯s jacket. She was known as Triss Moonwave and she had inherited her title of Ocean Mistress from her mother, but that was all Koda knew about her.


    ¡°Please, human, enough with you. Begone Ocean Mistress, back to your pathetic islands and terrible weather,¡± Velduin spat.


    ¡°Why you scrawny, little, rat-faced fink!¡± Triss said with a permanent scowl to join her scar.


    Koda closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh. How were the rest of the lords and ladies handling this mockery of a meeting? Koda caught the eye of Fainn Rosedancer. The hypnotical beautiful human had half her face hidden by her black, wavy hair. Her dark brown eyes stared deep into Koda¡¯s soul. As a relative of the Estinian royal family, what must she think of him? It was a miracle she showed up at all. How could she allow herself to have a peace talk with someone like himself. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    He looked over to the last leader at the table, Avalon. No longer the mere Silent One that came to his aide during the Varis War. No, now she was promoted to Prime Gold Wing, second only to the Red Wing of the Silent Ones.


    Such a prestigious opportunity that I am glad she didn''t turn down, thought Koda.


    He gave her a light smile, but found she had a seething fixation on Fainn. The meeting had gotten way out of hand and Koda had enough.


    ¡°Will you all please be QUIET!¡± Koda roared over the commotion. Each leader looked up with shock written over their faces. Koda glared at them, anger flowing through his blood. ¡°You all have just argued as soon as you took your seats. I¡¯ve had it! The world is in disarray! Don¡¯t any of you care?¡±


    ¡°Of course I care, it is this lug of beast who does not!¡± sneered Velduin Whiteblade.


    ¡°Arrrgh, I had it with you, whelp!¡± Rellethek rose from his seat and stormed out, slamming the chamber doors behind him that caused the room to tremble.


    ¡°Well if he¡¯s gone then I¡¯m gone too,¡± huffed Triss.


    One by one, each leader walked out of the meeting. Koda snatched Avalon¡¯s wrist as she passed him. ¡°You as well, my friend?¡±


    ¡°I have no time to waste with the seals breaking one by one, Koda. I have an order to lead and a people to protect. I will be here when the world leaders are ready to speak.¡±


    Koda pounded his fists on the wooden table and looked up at the two remaining kings, Dallin and Greyblade. ¡°They refuse to listen!¡±


    Dallin walked over to comfort the young king. ¡°Listen, my friend, I think you need a break.¡±


    Koda looked up to Dallin with worn eyes.


    ¡°I wish I could, but this takes priority over a relaxing trip to the spa.¡±


    Aemor leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. ¡°I think Dallin is right, Koda.¡±


    Koda frowned. ¡°My people need me.¡±


    ¡°You have lords that could attend to your folk,¡± stated Aemor.


    Koda stroked his chin. ¡°I suppose if I did travel, I could ask the world leaders for another meeting. A visit of good will.¡±


    ¡°Is there anything you¡¯ve been meaning to do on a global trip?¡± asked Dallin.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Koda¡¯s eyes drifted to the ceiling. There had only been one thing crowding his mind. One thing preoccupying his thoughts since coming home from New Estinia¡ªSince Sable mentioned her cryptic master. ¡°I want to gain my other elements.¡±


    ¡°So be it. We, of the Cypress Alliance,¡± Aemor gestured to Dallin who acknowledged him back, ¡°Appoint you, King Dawnedge, to go on an embassy mission and gather the other nations¡¯ leaders for a second meeting.¡±


    ¡°I suggest you take more than a few of your Anti-Rogue Operatives, Koda,¡± suggested Dallin with a thin smile.


    ¡°Yes, this time I will take a royal escort, although I think Elucard would still serve me well to bring him along.¡±


    ¡°Good idea, that elf has a knack for violence and he¡¯s damn good at doling it out,¡± Aemor said in agreeance.


    Koda rose from his seat. ¡°You have my thanks¡ªthe both of you.¡±


    The two Cypress kings bowed before the younger king.


    ¡°No need to thank us, Koda. We will always do whatever it takes to support a friend in need,¡± said the harekin.


    Koda hid a tear and

 Chapter 6: The Magi Mystifies

    ¡°This is wonderful news!¡± Megan danced with joy in the vernal mage botanical garden. ¡°You are finally carrying out the traditions of a true combat mage!¡±


    Koda frowned. ¡°I have more than enough experience in battle to be called a combat mage.¡±


    Megan halted her jig. ¡°Our traditions are more than just fighting. You will learn this as you challenge each school for the right to practice their color.¡±


    ¡°Color?¡± asked Koda.


    ¡°Yes, color,¡± affirmed Megan. ¡°You see, we are not known as just vernal mages.¡±


    Koda sat down on the lush grass and folded his legs, giving his mentor and friend his undivided attention. ¡°What else could we be, if not just vernal mages?¡±


    Megan pointed to her student. ¡°Look at your robes, Koda.¡±


    Koda examined his sleeves. They were nothing special. Emerald in hue, laced with a golden trim. Nothing that screamed the answer to his question.


    ¡°The color of your robe is green. In the mage community, we are called green mages. Red is fire, blue is water, brown is earth, purple is light, white is wind, and black is shadow,¡± explained Megan.


    Koda raised a brow. ¡°Purple for light? Why not gold?¡±


    His instructor gave him a short chuckle. ¡°You will understand when you see the choice spells of a purple mage.¡±


    Koda frowned once more. He hated guessing games.


    ¡°Besides, we called the tuners gold mages. They are most commonly known for wearing golden robes as part of their own traditional garb,¡± said Megan. ¡°As such, in order to not be confused for a tuner, we mages try our best to respect these customs.¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯ve heard. Major Wiccer mentioned them. He has told me they run my Psy-Ops division in our military.¡±


    Megan nodded before steering the conversation back on topic. ¡°If you are traveling to the schools, you will need protection.¡±


    Koda vigorously nodded his head. ¡°I am way ahead of you there. I¡¯ve ordered for a slew of soldiers to provide as an esc¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, I mean in the traditional sense.¡±


    ¡°Tradition again?¡± sighed Koda.


    ¡°When a mage of nobility travels, they take an elemental shroud along with them.¡±


    ¡°Elemental¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, an elemental shroud. Warriors or assassins that are gifted with lesser manipulation so that they can forge magical weapons and use minor spells to protect their ward.¡±


    ¡°I need a Mage Bodyguard?¡± Koda slowly said.


    ¡°Yes, this is tra¡ª¡±


    ¡°Tradition.¡± Koda finished Megan¡¯s sentence. ¡°Fine, I suppose Elucard would make for an excellent elemental shroud or would he be called a green shroud?¡±


    ¡°Actually, funny enough, he would be called a vernal shroud,¡± Megan said with a giggle.


    ¡°This is so confusing,¡± Koda whined.


    ¡°You¡¯ll get it,¡± assured Megan. ¡°Now, send for Elucard and meet me in the school¡¯s magic arena.¡±


    ***


    Elucard entered the lower ground level of the Vernal Academy within the city of Lost Dawns on behalf of Koda¡¯s invitation. The magical arena was laid out like a sports field. Two rectangles at either end served as the starting positions for both of the mages. Interlocking trees surrounded the arena like a barricade. Just above the canopy, and before reaching the ceiling, hung a set of bleachers for an audience to watch the battle in safety.


    Elucard stopped shy of the two green mages, Megan and his king, Koda. Wildeye the wolven familiar sat next to Koda, coming up waist level to the elf.


    Elucard knelt down and lowered his head. ¡°You sent for me, my king?¡±


    Koda glanced at his teacher and then stepped forward. ¡°I am going on a journey, Elucard. Both as a mage and as an emissary around the world.¡±


    Elucard raised his eyes to meet Koda¡¯s.


    ¡°I need a bodyguard¡ªan elemental shroud,¡± Koda finished.


    Elucard shifted his sight away. ¡°I am no longer a soldier.¡±


    Nor do I want to be one anymore, echoed in Elucard''s cold mind.


    Koda gestured for the former assassin to stand.


    ¡°If I could suggest my apprentice. Kyzo is a very skilled individual. He wo¡ª¡±


    ¡°I do not want Kyzo. I do not need a soldier,¡± interrupted Koda.


    ¡°I do not understand, my king.¡±


    ¡°I need your skills. I need your instincts,¡± Koda said.


    So Koda wanted the Black Rabbit in him. Born through blood, raised for death. He could not escape his past self, no matter how hard he tried. He was chained and collared by his murderous deeds. Held tight like his blade. He could never be like his master, Legion. He would never find his peace. Not while he was still seen as just another weapon, as another tool for war. A tool. Not an elf¡ªnot a person. He was an object to Koda. Something to draw from the shed when called upon. This was his life. Forever alone. Forever a killer.


    ¡°I need you, Elucard,¡± Koda requested once more, now with a stern voice


    Elucard hid his sour face.


    ¡°Will you be my bodyguard? Can I count on you?¡± asked the elf king.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Elucard closed his. His master¡¯s lecture rested lightly on the edge of his mind.


    ¡®You must be like this gentle stream, constantly flowing, constantly moving on with your life¡¯


    His stream¡ªno, his life had stopped moving. Stuck in a rut, no longer evolving. How could he find happiness, peace, or love if he did not set out to find it. Perhaps traveling the world and experiencing life in a new light didn¡¯t seem so bad? Maybe he needed a bit of adventure. After all, even during the Dawnedge War he took pleasure in cutting through the clouds alongside Mave. Yes. This is what he needed for his stream; to unclog clutter in his life and let it flow free once more.


    Elucard opened his eyes and smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    ¡°Excellent!¡± Koda chirped. ¡°What do we do next, Megan? How does Elucard get his magic?¡±


    ¡°Magic!?¡± Elucard blinked. Had he heard that correctly?


    ¡°You will need to transfer him a portion of your Tamed Magi, Koda.¡± Megan took hold of Elucard¡¯s hand. ¡°Palm up.¡±


    Although still confused on what he had gotten himself into, Elucard did as asked. He lifted his hand and opened his palm. Megan instructed Koda to keep his hand above Elucard¡¯s.


    ¡°Concentrate, my king. Focus your power through your body and use your hand as the focal point.¡±


    Koda closed his eyes and strained his face. The elf looked as if every muscle tightened enough to snap. It took every ounce of Elucard¡¯s courage to not jerk his hand back.


    Koda let out a grunt and a jolt of Magi spun into Elucard¡¯s hand. The assassin¡¯s veins froze as if flowing with the icy waters of Stratus.


    Koda¡¯s eyes rolled back and his fingers twitched and wriggled with spasms.


    ¡°Stop it!¡± Elucard roared. The Magi rang with a loud hum. ¡°I can¡¯t¡ªI can¡¯t take anymore!¡±


    However there was no response from Koda. Instead the Magi shrieked through Koda¡¯s body and tore into Elucard¡¯s, shredding away his left sleeve. Crystal shards raced from his fingertips up to his shoulder, coating his arm in a sleek emerald glass. Elucard dropped his knees and clutched his new limb. It pulsed with energy that swallowed his mind in a pain he couldn¡¯t describe. More pain than he had ever experienced. His arm could have exploded right there and it would have been a relief he begged for.


    Elucard¡¯s tightened his fist and grunted. With every twitch of his tendons came spurt of agony. Rose colored sparks shot underneath his emerald glass flesh. He clenched his teeth. Salive seeped through his teeth and tears rolled his cheeks.


    Remember your training. Ignore the pain. Purge it from your mind and quell the burning with concentration.


    His short, labored breaths slowly became calm. His suffering subsided.


    ¡°What¡­ have you¡­ done?¡± Elucard gasped with a hoarse tone, worn down and scratched from his continued screaming.


    Koda remained dazed. His eyes, glossed over and empty. Soulless and void of life. The king murmured a single question over and over again. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    Megan snapped her fingers in front of Koda''s eyes, but the young mage did not flinch.


    Elucard clenched his teeth and snarled. With his only good arm he snatched Koda by the collar and dragged him down to meet Elucard¡¯s face. The vernal shroud shook the king ragged. Still nothing.


    ¡°Answer me!¡± Elucard tried to raise his voice as high as he could muster. ¡°What have you done!?¡±


    A laughter rippled through the back of Elucard¡¯s thoughts. At first only a whisper. Just a small taste of the insanity to come. Elucard ignored it and continued to violently shake Koda. The laugh grew louder with each motion. More pronounced with a familiar personality.


    Was it the Collector? It sounded toothy, bestial in nature. Harsh and cruel. Not human, nor elven. Elucard froze. His ethereal arm flared with another rush of cold liquid.


    Who are you? Elucard questioned the laughter.


    ¡°You will find out soon enough, Elucard.¡±


    Elucard collapsed to his knees.


    ¡°Elucard?¡± another familiar voice called to him. A voice he readily recognized. Koda.


    Elucard narrowed his eyes. Koda reached to his glowing arm, hesitating to touch it.


    ¡°What¡­ have¡­ you¡­?¡±


    ¡°Fascinating,¡± Koda whispered. ¡°I wonder.¡± Koda felt Elucard¡¯s arm and sent a tiny parcel of energy through the magenta-eyed elf¡¯s body. The jolt of magic knocked Elucard on his back.


    ¡°What happened, Koda?¡± Megan assisted Elucard to his feet. ¡°Koda, what is the meaning of this?¡±


    Koda stood and brushed the dust from his lower robes. ¡°I believe I accidently channeled my pure Magi instead of the Tamed Magi,¡± Koda explained. ¡°Elucard¡¯s lesser magic should be far more potent than that of the average shroud you told me about.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I see. Hmm, interesting.¡± Megan bent over Elucard¡¯s arm, who gave her a grim sneer. ¡°Elucard, my dear, can you imagine a leaf?¡±


    Elucard rubbed his smooth knuckles. ¡°Imagine a leaf?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± said Koda. ¡°She wants you to start small. Imagine an oak leaf¡ªno, an elm leaf!¡±


    Elucard pursed his lips. He¡¯d had enough of mages and magic to last a lifetime, now they wanted him to perform silly tricks like a trained monkey?


    ¡°Oh, come on, Elucard. How else are we to find out what you are capable of if you don¡¯t try?¡± Koda egged him on.


    Elucard stood up. ¡°Fine.¡± He closed his eyes and drew an elm leaf in his mind. A whirl of brilliant greens, purples, and blues, sparked and flashed in his eyes. In his hand a leaf appeared.


    ¡°Fascinating, a leaf!¡±


    ¡°I can see that,¡± Elucard said with a flat tone. ¡°What does this mean?¡±


    ¡°Well.¡± Megan pinched the leaf to feel its prickly texture. ¡°Normally an elemental shroud would need the presence of their element to manipulate it, but you actually generated it. We were curious if the arm was more than aesthetic, and so it is!¡±


    Koda attempted to poke Elucard¡¯s arm, but Elucard swatted him away.


    ¡°I think my Magi gave him the power of a mage!¡± said the gleeful Koda.


    The green and yellow Magi swirled around together within Elucard¡¯s glowing palm. ¡°Can¡¯t anyone become a mage?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Koda said. ¡°Tamed Magi grows from a child at birth. It is how the Mages kept control over magic during the times before and during the Arcana War. Mateo ravaged the Magi, he created a powerful spell that affected the future of Draak¡¯Terra that a small fragment of the Magi would be born in selected children now until the death of the Magi.


    ¡°So does this Mateo can control who gets magic then?¡±


    ¡°It''s really myths and legends that we are going off of, Elucard,¡± Koda said. ¡°We don¡¯t even know if Mateo is still ali¡ª¡±


    ¡°Koda!¡±


    Koda turned at Megan¡¯s shout, and his face grew pale as his eyes landed on Wildeye.


    The frightened wolf yelped and howled as she hovered six feet off the ground. An awesome rainbow light wrapped around her and grew with every minute.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening to her?¡± Elucard shouted.


    ¡°It has to be the Magi,¡± answered Koda. ¡°Her form grows more and more potent with each overuse of my Magi, but never have I seen it so volatile!¡±


    The three approached steadily, careful not to touch the creature. Finally the Magi lowered her to the ground and the light faded. No longer did an enchanted wolf lay before them, but a wolven humanoid. Not unlike a kanis or a lycanthrope except instead of a natural coat, Wildeye¡¯s fur remained blue with pink tipped bristles, and long locks of hair flowed down the back of her head.


    ¡°Wh-what¡­happened¡± Wildeye said with a groan as she inspected her hands and legs.


    ¡°W-Wildeye, you spoke!¡± stuttered Koda.


    Wildeye looked at her familiar. She pushed herself up, swaying off balance. Koda rushed to catch her.


    ¡°No¡­let me¡­try,¡± she said, still exhausted from transformation. She took a weary step forward, steading her hands to keep balance. She took another step, then another.


    ¡°And you are walking?¡± Elucard pointed out.


    Wildeye curiously examined the rest of her new form. Her tail remained as did her fur, ears, and muzzle. She took a hold of her head and shook off a faint dizziness. She staggered with each step of her new legs.


    ¡°I feel so compelled to walk on all fours, but now that doesn¡¯t seem right,¡± Wild said with an odd smile.


    ¡°Careful, girl,¡± Koda said in a calm voice. He took her arm to prop up his wolf as she tried to take another step forward. ¡°Don¡¯t over exert yourself.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­I¡ªI suppose you are¡­right,¡± Wild spoke slowly, finding each word formed a brand new experience.


    ¡°You speak so well, Wildeye,¡± complimented Megan. ¡°How can that be?¡±


    ¡°I¡ªI don¡¯t know,¡± she said, just as baffled as everyone else. ¡°And yet I can.¡±


    Koda took a long look at her. ¡°The mysteries of the Magi.  In any case, let¡¯s get you some clothes.¡±

 Chapter 7: New Skills

    Elucard dashed through the training forest, once known as the Black Rabbit¡¯s Blood Forest, the perfect place to test his new magic and incorporate into his training He conjured a leaf in his hand. He started simple, conjuring leaves. At first the leaves flew no further than inches from his hand but as he concentrated on their shape, he was able to make each leaf stronger in structure, smoother in texture, and sharper on the edges. He created an unlimited, hidden supply of throwing stars that came to him at his beck and call.


    Elucard launched the leaf into a wooden target dummy. It sank deep with a thunk. Passing by he sent forth several more in a rapid succession. Thwip, thwip, thwip. Each found their marks. Head, shoulders, and chest.


    He leapt into the air and scrambled up a tree. He closed his eyes and willed the trunk to warp and shape foot holds. At the top he jumped and extended his hand¡ª a coil of vine shot out and whipped around the branch. Elucard stiffened the vine with his weight and swung across the ground, scraping the dirt with his heels. The momentum and speed he gathered with his maneuver tossed his body forward; he somersaulted towards a straw target shaped like an enemy body.


    The assassin drew his ninjato and to his surprise it already flared with the Magi. Flickering emerald magic ebbed and weaved around the blade. Elucard smirked, in his mind his blade sliced cleaner and faster through the dummy than any cut he made before. As his blade touched the straw, his Magi arm pulsed with pain and flooded once more with the ice cold sensation Elucard took a knee and grabbed his wrist in discomfort.


    This pain again. How am I supposed to protect Koda when I can¡¯t even down a target dummy?


    Elucard winced as he forced his hand to close and flex.


    Pain is a weakness leaving the body. It is no more a distraction than a butterfly on my shoulder. Remember your Rabbit training, Elucard.


    Gradually his pain lifted from his arm.


    I must overcome this hindrance before it gets me killed.


    A welcoming voice called out to him.


    His apprentice, Kyzo Haze strolled up from behind him, along with Elucard¡¯s former right hand man, the tiger-like Lear Crescenteye.


    ¡°Master, we missed you at the Mystic Fang for lun¡ª¡± Kyzo stopped his sentence short and peered at Elucard¡¯s strange new arm.


    ¡°Elucard, why is your arm glowing?¡± asked Lear, just as concerned as Kyzo.


    Elucard grew a wry smile. How could he possibly hide his arm forever? ¡°I¡¯ve been selected to be Koda¡¯s personal guardian¡ªan elemental shroud for his new journey across the world.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ this is part of becoming an elemental¡­ shadow, was it?¡± asked Kyzo.


    Elucard glanced at his colorful limb and raised his brow. ¡°Shroud. No, this was more of an accident. I was meant to get a small dose of a mage¡¯s magic, but Koda pumped me with too much.¡±


    ¡°So what can you do with this new power?¡± asked Lear.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Elucard formed a red apple in his palm. ¡°Hungry?¡± He tossed it to the yikahti¡¯s open claws. ¡°Here, try it.¡±


    Lear sniffed the apple before taking a nibble. ¡°It tastes like a real apple!¡±


    Elucard chuckled. ¡°At first I didn¡¯t know what to think of my powers, but I find them pretty useful. Can you imagine if I had shadow magic?¡±


    ¡°Boy, that would be useful!¡± laughed Kyzo.


    Lear frowned and bent his ears back. ¡°This yikahti thinks you should be careful in your travels. Now is a poor time to be a mage.¡±


    Elucard raised a brow. ¡°What do you mean, Lear?¡±


    Lear folded his arms. ¡°You should get briefed by Captain Silvertail about this, but do you recall an underground radical group called the Spellbreakers?¡±


    Elucard scratched the side of his face. ¡°It¡¯s been a while, but I do believe they were a concern we watched out for with the Anti-Rogue Ops.¡±


    Lear nodded. ¡°You should talk to Mave, they could be a threat.¡±


    ¡°Worldwide?¡± asked Elucard in doubt.


    Lear nodded again.


    ¡°Then perhaps I will visit the harekin,¡± decided Elucard


    ***


    Elucard found Mave in her ARO office which had once served as Wiccer¡¯s. Despite training, co-founding, and co-leading the Anti-Rogue Ops, Elucard was never graced with his own place of business. He never found pleasure in frivolous things such as ceremonial sabers, offices, or military balls. As a hardened assassin he trained in the most brutal of regiments, the mission¡¯s success was his office or military ball.


    He rapped at the door with his gloved left hand. Mave¡¯s upbeat sing-song voice gave him permission to enter. The Harekin captain stood up quickly and walked around her desk to greet her elven friend. Elucard gave her a wide grin. She pulled off the black armor and red cloak ARO attire very well. Not only this, but the limp she received from her battle with the fierce draconian, Ro-Tan, was barely noticeable at this point. Elucard spotted her famous cavalier hat resting on the corner of her oak desk. No longer the SMO deep blue, this time the hat was dyed crimson.


    ¡°How are you doing Cap¡¯n?¡± Mave said with an overjoyed smile.


    ¡°Retired, Mave,¡± corrected Elucard. ¡°But I¡¯ve been fine.¡± If the nightmares, the doubts, the stagnation of his very existence could be defined as fine.


    Mave gave him a swift hug and ruffled his hair with her furry hand, leaving it a staticky mess. Mave inspected his freshly tailored and pressed bright blue doublet. ¡°Still not an elf of taste, eh, Elucard?¡±


    Elucard gave her a scowl and changed the subject. ¡°I assume you know about Koda¡¯s emissary mission.¡±


    Mave crossed her arms. ¡°I make it my business to know everything that goes on in this country¡±


    The elf nodded. ¡°Very wise. I need to be briefed on the current Spellbreaker menace that Koda may face.¡±


    Mave nodded and gestured for Elucard to take a seat before sitting down at her desk. ¡°The Spellbreakers have gone from a quiet concern, banging around in the underground to worldwide terrorist organization.¡±


    ¡°How big are we talking about? A hundred members? And what is their cause?¡±


    Mave leaned forward and rested her snout on her hands. ¡°They are at least five hundred strong and according to our contacts and spies, they have been spotted in cities all over Draak¡¯Terra, not just Long Whisper. We don¡¯t know their actual numbers or who leads them, but we do know their cause.¡±


    Elucard¡¯s mouth gaped open from the Spellbreaker¡¯s size. ¡°They were so small less than a year ago. How could they have grown so fast? What are they hoping to accomplish?¡±


    ¡°We believe they wish to eliminate the Mage Academy, or something to that degree. Either way, Koda is in grave danger if he sets off on this journey.¡± Mave cracked a grin. ¡°But if he still must go, I think he is in safe hands with a psychopath like you guarding him.¡±


    Elucard shook his head and hid a smirk. Despite her insult, Mave was right. Koda was in good hands, or so he hoped.

 Chapter 8: Ravens in the Night

    The Gem of the Waves rocked like a cradle in the morning waves. The clipper ship had left Sparrowport almost a week ago and drifted among the winds closer and closer to the port city of the Southtail capital, Winveren. With each dip that the large boat took, huge waves crashed against the barnacle laden sides.


    Koda rested on the bow of the ship watching his familiar juggle a wide array of spells as she tried to experiment with her new form. The elf¡¯s curiosity grew with each sunrise, but concern still clouded his mind. What would this evolution mean for him? Would he gain in power or would the wolf eclipse him, so to speak? Koda turned to face the sun breaking through the red horizon.


    Beautiful, he thought as the sun¡¯s divine rays streak through the sky. How could there be so much suffering in this world when there is still beauty to find?


    ¡°Koda, are you watching?¡± Wildeye¡¯s voice broke up his thoughts. The elf refocused on the wolf as she placed her fingertips in her other palm and with one fluid motion pulled them away. A sprouting vine followed her fingers into the air, arching over her head, and back to the ground. She snapped her fingers and it bloomed with wildflowers.


    Koda smiled and applauded. ¡°Very good,¡± he laughed. ¡°You are becoming quite the accomplished green mage.¡±


    Wildeye dispelled the plant life in a poof of pink smoke and sat cross-legged on the deck. ¡°I don¡¯t seem to have the ability to make fire or water, just things with vernal magic.¡±


    Koda laid back on the bow, careful to balance himself. ¡°I wonder if it has to do with myself being a vernal mage?¡±


    ¡°It is possible,¡± said Wildeye. ¡°Anything is, honestly. Never have I heard of a Wolf of the Eclipse becoming¡­ a¡­ kanis?¡±


    ¡°Is this where the kanis come from? A Magi-induced transformation?¡± asked Koda, half to himself and half to her.


    Wildeye rubbed her rough, blue footpads. ¡°Little is known about how the kanis came to be. Although, perhaps a wayward Wolf of the Eclipse bred with a normal wolf and birthed a new, more intelligent wolf. I¡¯d imagine that over time these hybrid wolves began to walk upright and evolve into the kanis we have today. It would be silly to quickly doubt such a story.¡±


    Koda crawled to his feet and wobbled on the bow before hopping onto the deck. He offered Wildeye his hand. ¡°How about some sparring? Who knows when you might need to use those fancy parlor tricks for combat someday?¡±


    Wildeye gave her familiar a silly grin. ¡°Parlor tricks!¡± she giggled. ¡°Koda Dawnedge, I¡¯ll show you what these tricks can really do!¡±


    The two laughed as they slung magic and dodged spells. Leaves exploded against barrels and vines whipped across cargo boxes. Finally Wildeye collapsed in exhaustion.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t get it?¡± the wolf wheezed. ¡°You should be just as tired as I am, but you are not.¡±


    Koda looked at his hands in curiosity. It was true, he wasn¡¯t tired. Perhaps just a tiny bit, but he could easily spar for another hour before taking a break. Was this another change from Wildeye¡¯s evolution?


    ¡°Bite yourself,¡± Koda said to Wildeye.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°Bite yourself, to see if I still feel your pain,¡± Koda explained.


    Wildeye raised a brow, but sank her teeth into her hand all the same.


    Koda¡¯s hand burned, as if too close to a flame. It stung, but he did not flinch.


    Wildeye bit down harder until she drew blood and to Koda¡¯s surprise, he did not bleed from any magical puncture mark, but bruised instead.


    ¡°What does this mean, Wildeye?¡± asked Koda.


    Wildeye wrapped her wound with the sash from the robes that Koda lent her. ¡°I think our familiar bond has weakened,¡± she finally said. ¡°How or why, I do not know.¡±


    Koda bent down and caressed Wildeye¡¯s injured claw. ¡°I will make sure no harm comes to you, my friend. Nothing changes for us, I promise!¡±


    ***


    Koda had visited only a few other cities in his lifetime. Besides Lost Dawns, he had also seen Sparrowport, Varis City, and Aric City, but nothing came close to the sheer size and population of Winveren. This shore side city dwarfed even Lost Dawns. Much like the Elder Tree, the buildings reached out to the skies with apartments and shops to stave off the needs for the massive amount of people that resided there. The streets were so crammed that Koda could barely move. The winding labyrinth of streets pooled into many different bazaars where shopkeepers and merchants could sell their wares without the droves of people crowding their shopfronts or blankets.


    The obvious cause of Winveren¡¯s population was the fact that it served as the capital of the harekin nation, and harekins were known for their unbelievably large families. A harekin may have anywhere between four to fourteen siblings, which for Koda, as an only child, was unfathomable to think of. Fighting brothers for toys or second helpings during meal times, maybe struggling to get the proper attention with seven sisters, or just trying to get the same affection with his father when he has to vie for it against fourteen other siblings, just the thought wowed him! How did Mave Silvertail do it?


    Koda didn¡¯t need to travel far before a row of harekin soldiers led Aemor Greyblade welcomed him with smart salutes and hand crimping shake. Koda¡¯s own escort pushed away the gawking citizens, trying to get a peek of the elven king of Lost Dawns. Greyblade ushered Koda into his personal carriage while Elucard hung from a handlebar attached to the door.


    ¡°Welcome to my city, lad,¡± said Greyblade with a cheery smile. ¡°Try to enjoy yourself while you are here.¡±


    Koda cracked his stiff neck. ¡°I would like to get some good rest before I explore the city. I may have had better sleeping conditions than the sailors, but I could never sleep properly on the sea.¡±


    ¡°Understandable,¡± Greyblade chuckled. ¡°Perhaps tomorrow you may travel to our most prestigious wind magic school and earn yourself a white sash?¡±


    ¡°If you want my opinion, my king,¡± Elucard piped in. He waited for Koda to give him a gesture to continue before saying his piece. ¡°I have dealt with Estinian mages firsthand, and I do not think they can be bested by any harekin mage. The pride of an Estinian is unmatched, as well as their fierceness. I have slain many men in my young life. None come as close with the toughness and sheer willpower to challenge death as an Estinain would.¡±


    ¡°While I agree that the Estinains were worthy opponents, I still say my wind mages will provide more than enough of a challenge for you, lad,¡± argued Aemor.


    Koda stroked his chin. ¡°I see both of your points, and I must go with Elucard. I feel I still need to prove to the Estinians that I am no one to be trifled with, that even though they imprisoned me, I am no child.¡±


    ¡°We defeated them, slew their leaders, and colonized their people. Isn¡¯t that humiliation enough?¡± asked the harekin king.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Koda narrowed his eyes. ¡°Not yet. Not for me.¡±


    ¡°Very well I will assist your escort by traveling to the Estinian colony with you tomorrow,¡± said Aemor. ¡°You will need to prepare yourself mentally, Koda. These people will not be happy to see you.¡±


    ¡°I am counting on it,¡± sneered Koda.


    ***


    Elucard leaned against the cool stone wall, hidden deep within the shadows of Koda¡¯s guest chamber. The young king slept snuggly underneath his heavy wool blankets. Winerveran sat closer to the coast than Lost Dawns and although the breezy ocean climate was welcomed in the day, it proved to be quite chilly at night. Normally Koda slumbered with a large wolf to keep him warm, but Wildeye had the form of a person now, so she slept in her own room.


    Elucard had selected himself to guard Koda early in his ARO career, however as he earned a higher rank and more responsibilities, Calsoon volunteered to take over bodyguard duties.


    Calsoon. Even with his own hard exterior, Elucard admitted he missed the odd elf. Elucard could always count on Calsoon to lift his spirits.


    Elucard inspected his new garb that Megan gave him. A traditional elemental shroud attire. A mixture of black assassin armor and mage robes, complete with a green hooded cloak and sash. He preferred to wear his assassin tabis instead of tall leather boots that Megan sported. However he accepted the armored, green legguards, as his red ones no longer matched his outfit. Matched his outfit. Since when did looking stylish become more important to him than practicality? Perhaps when he finally had the trit to buy fancy vests and cravats. As a Rabbit the only accepted colors to wear were black and purple. Other colors were strictly banned. When Elucard left the Black Rabbits, he filled the void with aesthetics. His tabis, however, were for comfort more than anything. The tabis¡¯ breathable cloth and good grip made them a better choice for both comfort and practicality, however.


    Perhaps he should have incorporated extreme weather climates into his Anti-Rogue Ops training. His Black Rabbit knowledge proved useful not only to ARO, but the Range Patrol units as well. All soldiers should be taught about HIROAD at the very least.


    HIROAD:


    Keep Hidden


    Use your Intelligence


    Return to your master


    Accomplish your Objective


    Stay Alive


    Do not Dishonor the Clan


    Elucard smirked. He enjoyed Wilderness Survival training. When he and Jetta were younger¡ªbefore becoming Black Rabbits¡ª they would pretend to be woodsmen in the bordering forest of Ravenshore. They ate berries they found from bushes and licked the sweet sap from birch trees. They would make shelters from sticks and branches and fail miserably at igniting a campfire by rubbing two sticks together.


    Life was so much simpler back then. All I needed to worry about was getting back home on time, finishing my homework, and helping Pa with the daily catch. Now¡­ Now I have a king to protect and a country not to fail. Dodge a blade, and kill a man or two. Yesm life was simpler back then¡­ but I suppose it was duller too.


    Elucard rolled up his left sleeve and peered into the glass flesh to watch the swirls of green magic illuminate his muscles. His new arm was yet another thing he would have a hard time getting used to. Gem-like flesh born from the purest of magic. It was alien to him. He was raised as a Black Rabbit. His ninjato and prowess was his magic. Never did he have the ability to move a tree with his mind or to manifest a leaf into existence. All this belonged in the hands of a mage, not an assassin!


    The glint of steel reflecting off the moonlight caught Elucard¡¯s eye. The elf pulled down his sleeve and crouched in the shadows. A grappling hook clung to the balcony and a black-and-gray-armored assassin climbed over the banister and moved into Koda¡¯s room.


    Elucard marked him likely a male human or elf from his athletic build. The assailant drew a sai in his left hand and a short, wavy sword in his other hand. Elucard eyed the strange blade. An assassin clan often trained with a favored weapon; in Elucard¡¯s case it was the ninjato, with this clan it seemed to be the thylith. This particular blade¡¯s origin came exclusively from southern Cypress, so he was either Estinian or Southtail trained.


    The assassin slunk closer to the unsuspecting Koda and raised his sword, oblivious of the seething other assassin in the room. As the thylith drove towards Koda¡¯s helpless body, Elucard leapt out of his hiding and deflected it with his blade in a clang of steel. Elucard spun forward and delivered a swift roundhouse kick into the assassin''s chest, crashing him into a dress mirror. Koda stirred in his bed, but relaxed again with a sigh, deep asleep. Elucard rolled his eyes. The king could sleep through the end of days and not wake up.


    Elucard stepped forward and sheathed his sword. He then drew his dagger in a reverse grip. Keeping his arms tucked, he shifted his stance sideways. The small room was far too cluttered with furniture to make the best use of his longer sword. Rabbit-Do style, perfect for close quarter combat, he thought with a fierce grin.


    The would-be murderer brushed away glass shards as he stood. He growled and slid two stiletto daggers into his hands.


    Together the fighters inched closer to each other. The assassin raised his forearm and motioned for Elucard to do the same. An old sparring custom. Elucard pressed his forearm against his opponent¡¯s.


    A silent breeze wisped through the room. The pause in time sent shivers down both combatants'' spines. A moment between death.


    Elucard studied his opponent''s eyes for fear, courage, or any bloodthirst, but they were still as the shadows. Just like his own.


    Sixty seconds passed. Silence wafted between the two.


    Koda¡¯s assassin pushed his arm forward and instinctively, Elucard feinted sideways as a hot pain sliced his cheek. Elucard sneered and slammed a heavy palm into the center of the assassin¡¯s chest.


    Elucard¡¯s opponent nearly toppled backwards, but recovered quickly. He tightened his grip on his dagger and swung for Elucard¡¯s neck. With his Rabbit-Do experience burned into his reflexes, Elucard stepped to the side and sunk his dagger into the assailant¡¯s shoulder.


    He followed through with a swift uppercut. The satisfying crunch of teeth snapping together, put a smile on Elucard¡¯s face.


    Elucard fired a straight kick that sent his enemy colliding with the banister outside. The enemy teetered on the edge but caught himself at the last second.


    Elucard gave him no reprieve and used his Magi arm to sling several blade-like leaves. Each sunk deep into the assassin¡¯s leather armor.


    ¡°What!? Leaves? How!?¡± hissed the assassin. He tried to dislodge one, but the vernal weapons did not budge. The assassin lurched over, panting. His mask soaked of sweat, but he slid another blade from a sheath on his leg, ready for another round.


    Elucard drew a dagger and forged green magic to weave thorns around his blade. However a douse a familiar cold pulsed into his arm. The pain shot down his fingers, forcing his knife loose.


    ¡°Who is that?! What is going on?!¡± came a loud voice from behind Elucard. Koda had awoken and his eyes burned with Magi.


    Elucard fell to his knees and gripped his wrist as it trembled, the pain flaring more intense than before. Elucard howled in agony. His fingers and hand warped and twitched, veins rippled and bulged. Elucard gnashed his teeth and struggled to stiffen his arm.


    ¡°I am no fool to take on the might of the Magi,¡± said the assassin. He bowed before the writhing Elucard. ¡°Another time, friend.¡±


    Elucard snatched a pair of shurikens from his pouch, but the assassin disappeared into the night.


    ¡°Elucard!¡± Koda slipped off his bed and ran to his guardian. His eyes flushed back to normal.


    The throwing stars fell from Elucard¡¯s hand as another wave of pain ran down his left arm. ¡°My¡ªar¡ªargh. I can¡¯t control¡ª¡± Elucard struggle just to breathe.


    ¡°Concentrate. You can. You can control it!¡±


    Elucard sucked in his chest, taking a deep breath and mustered all his focus to hold back the energy coursing through his arm.


    Pain Defiance training, Elucard, he told himself. Remember what Ridge and Baines taught you. Pain is a weakness leaving the body. It is only a distraction¡ªignore it. Concentrate on the task at hand. Take control of your flaws and strive forward!


    ¡°Good. Keep it up, Eluc¡­¡± Koda¡¯s voice melted into the background as Elucard drowned out all sounds around him until he was once again surrounded by the silence of the night.


    I feel nothing. I feel nothing. I feel¡­


    Nothing.


    Elucard opened his eyes; the pain was gone.


    ¡°Are you¡­?¡± a concerned Koda asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Koda.¡± Elucard looked at the destroyed mirror and felt the mark on his cheek. ¡°You were attacked tonight. An assassin¡ªhe was skilled.¡±


    Koda¡¯s eyes widened with fear.


    ¡°I chased him off but there may be others. I want you to spend the rest of the night with Wildeye.¡± Elucard assisted Koda to his feet. ¡°No harm will come to you. I promise.¡±

 Chapter 9: Cold Welcome

    ¡°Can you pass the honey, Wildeye?¡± asked Koda as he yawned through his words. Last night was rough. The assassination attempt left him shaken. He had dealt with them before, but to his own knowledge, an attempt on his life was not made since the Varis war. He always felt safe in Calsoon¡¯s hands. He missed him dearly, but Elucard knew what he was doing. The would-be assassin failed to even inflict a single scratch on his head, and for that, Koda was grateful. Nonetheless, he failed to get any more shut-eye since then and the wolf kicking him off the mattress didn¡¯t help in the least bit. However, he welcomed the company of his familiar over the company of Alanna.


    ¡°I must confess that I am at a loss for words that someone could sneak into my palace to end your life, dear Koda.¡± Greyblade muttered in shame. ¡°My home should be the most secure place to stay in all of the kingdom! It is outrageous to think some fiend would waltz through a window and take a life!¡±


    ¡°Who do you think sent him?¡± asked Elucard as he dropped from the rafters onto the dining table.


    ¡°I say! Can you not?¡± huffed Greyblade.


    Elucard ignored the comment. He took a seat next to Wildeye and grabbed a plump sausage. ¡°I have a theory of my own.¡±


    Koda scratched his head. ¡°There are more than enough political enemies that could want me dead,¡± he said. ¡°Does the Anti-Rogue Ops have any information on any new assassin clans that I should be informed about?¡±


    Elucard pulled down his mask and stuffed the morsel in his mouth. He swallowed fast when he caught both Greyblade and Koda glaring at him for an answer.


    ¡°There is a new terrorist cell that ARO has been keeping tabs on for the last six months,¡± said Elucard.


    ¡°And why have I not been informed of this group until now?¡±


    Elucard wiped off the grease from his mouth with a napkin before answering. ¡°There are a lot of monsters underneath your bed that I don¡¯t think you need to hear about to have a goodnight¡¯s sleep. Trust me, it is better to be kept in the dark sometimes.¡±


    Koda tightened his fist in anger. He ground his teeth as he spit out his next words. ¡°Do not keep me in the dark for anything. Ever again.¡±


    Elucard narrowed his eyes. ¡°As you say, my king.¡±


    ¡°Now, you will tell me all you know of this terrorist group that apparently has a writ for my death.¡±


    Elucard curled his lip, but continued with his explanation all the same. ¡°They are called the Spellbreakers. We know little of their organization other than that they are large, worldwide, and want to bring down the mages.¡±


    ¡°Who leads them, lad?¡± asked Greyblade.


    Elucard shook his head. ¡°We don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°So these Spellbreakers sent this assassin?¡± questioned Koda. ¡°If they think they can deter me from becoming a Master Mage or keep me from fulfilling my duties as a king, then they are in for a rude awakening!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit, lad!¡± cheered Greyblade.


    ¡°As threatening as they seem, I am confident in my abilities to keep you safe,¡± said Elucard.


    ¡°Yes, I am convinced that with you as my elemental shroud and the Long Whisper escort, I am far from any true danger,¡± Koda said.


    ¡°And last night was not something you would call danger?¡± asked Wildeye.


    ¡°I had that situation under control,¡± answered Elucard with a hint of annoyance hidden in his voice.


    ¡°I can¡¯t say I am entirely convinced, Koda,¡± Wildeye scoffed. She turned to Elucard. ¡°I was told that you lost control of your magic, crippled over in pain, and if the assailant decided to stay, he could have murdered the both of you!¡±


    ¡°Elucard has saved my life too many times to count, girl. Yours too,¡± said Koda.


    ¡°And I will continue to.¡± Elucard nodded. ¡°I will learn how to control my Magi arm and use it to my advantage.¡±


    ¡°Hm,¡± mumbled Wildeye. She slouched in her chair and folded her arms.


    Elucard eyed another sausage.


    ¡°Well, then.¡± Aemor gestured to Elucard. ¡°Eat up lads, you set off for the Grassy Sea later this morning. It will be quite the windy ride.¡±This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Elucard snatched a helping of eggs, sausages, and a glass of plum juice. ¡°Don¡¯t mind if I do,¡± he chuckled.


    ***


    The prairie skiffs careened through the grasslands as fast and as turbulent as the winds pushed their large sails. The skiffs were long wooden boats, not the size of the clippers that Koda was used to riding in. More like larger canoes or like smaller longboats. Tall masts caught the blustery gales that covered the massive plains of the Grassy Sea. Koda admitted to himself that it was the only way to travel long distances.


    Koda pulled out a letter given to him before he left for his trip, written by Nora Greyblade, eldest of Aemor¡¯s children and serving mayor of Warren Town. A peculiar name given that the city¡¯s former name was Imperious, capital city of the Estinian empire. Koda wasn¡¯t sure if Warren Town was an intentional jab to demasculinize its symbol of power, but either way, he liked the new name better.


    Clutching the parchment as tight as he could so that the high winds wouldn''t carry it away, he read,


    Dear King Dawnedge,


    I would formally like to invite you as a guest in my city, Warren Town. It would overjoy me if you stayed with me as you challenged our prestigious Warren Town Wind Mage School.


    The Dawnedge name is still despised by the Estinian people, so be wary of your welcome in my city. Not even I have an easy time walking down the streets, but I can assure you that no harm will come to you.


    With warm regards,


    Princess Nora Greyblade


    Koda folded the letter and stuck it in his pocket. He turned to Elucard. ¡°Could it have been possible that the Estinians hired the assassin?¡±


    Elucard threw up his hood to keep his ears warm in the cool Southtail morning. ¡°I suppose that would make a lot of sense.¡±


    ¡°I wish we weren''t going to Estinia,¡± Wildeye whispered to herself, just loud enough for Elucard and Koda to hear. ¡°Even if it is colonized now.¡±


    Koda took a claw to comfort her. ¡°Too many bad memories, my friend?¡±


    Wildeye dropped her head. ¡°Yes. The most dreaded nightmares of that prison cell still haunt me.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry, girl, but sometimes we must face that which frightens us most to move past it.¡±


    ¡°And I will be with you. I swear upon my blade no harm will come to either of you!¡± Elucard promised. He looked to the looming cliffs that rose from the horizon. ¡°We are here.¡±


    ***


    Koda stepped off the elevator onto the snowy, white ground with a crunch. Warren Town was situated high into the mountains of Eastern Southtail, once known as the imposing Estinia. Tall mountain walls surrounded the city acting as a natural defense from invaders that managed to make it up the dizzying tall cliffs. Flight of Skyborne Military drakes roamed the clouds from their roosts. Although Koda had seen drakes before, he was still in awe of their magnificence and grace when skimming through the skies.


    The howling wind numbed Koda¡¯s chim and battered his body. He took shelter from the gale behind his royal guards.


    The weather out here is nearly unbearable! It is no wonder why the Estinians are so cruel if they have to deal with these winds at all times, Koda thought to himself.


    To his delight Warren Town building acted as a makeshift valley that blocked the blustery weather.


    The head of Koda¡¯s royal guard, Captain Blueleaf, moved Koda and Wildeye behind him. ¡°Allow our vanguard to protect you, your majesty.¡±


    Koda and his familiar nodded. One by one the elven soldiers fell in a cheveron and pushed back a gathering crowd of unruly Estinians.


    Koda hide away from jeers and nasty looks. Vegetables splattered on wooden kite shields.


    ¡°Go home, Elf!¡±


    ¡°Down vith the Dawnedge brat!¡±


    ¡°Long Vhisper isn¡¯t welcomed here!¡±


    ¡°I can see why Nora didn¡¯t want to meet us outside the castle walls,¡± Koda joked as he raised his voice over the rowdy crowd.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just hope we make it there in one piece,¡± muttered Elucard.


    ***


    ¡°You made the trip unharmed?¡± greeted Nora as Koda¡¯s escort entered the former Estinian castle¡¯s throne room. She swept her arms open for a tight hug. ¡°I am so glad you are here, Koda. Papa has told me so much about you!¡±


    Koda grunted, crushed by Nora¡¯s immense hug. Despite her small size, Nora¡¯s strength matched her father¡¯s. ¡°I hope all is well,¡± he managed to peep out.


    Nora dropped the king. ¡°We experienced some resistance when Papa first took over, but that has died down some since I was installed as mayor. We keep our security tight with a large military presence of ready and willing harekins, each with a stiff upper lip.¡±


    Koda smiled. ¡°I am glad things have run more or less smoothly after the war.¡± He turned to Wildeye and Elucard. ¡°My friends. Wildeye my familiar and Elucard my most trusted bodyguard.¡±


    Nora curtseyed. ¡°I have heard much of you both. Although,¡± she tapped her chin in confusion, as if looking for the proper words. ¡°I thought your familiar was a wolf, not a kanis.¡±


    Wildeye chuckled and shook her head. ¡°It is a story I don¡¯t entirely understand myself. However, I am not a kanis, I am indeed a wolf¡ªor was.¡±


    Nora tilted her head, still perplexed.


    ¡°Perhaps we may discuss Koda¡¯s trial with the Wind Mage Academy?¡± Elucard jumped in. ¡°Will it be safe for Koda to challenge an Estinain school?¡±


    ¡°Or have all the Estinian mages been let go? Perhaps replaced by harekins?¡± asked Koda.


    ¡°No, of course not! The civil unrest would be greater than it is now if we did that!¡± said Nora accompanied by a nervous laugh,  ¡°Koda will be fine. Between Elucard, your royal escort, and my guards, Koda will only have to worry about his match.¡±


    ¡°Are you ready for your battle Koda?¡± asked Wildeye, ¡°You haven¡¯t dueled another mage, beside Megan.¡±


    Koda frowned. No, he was not ready. He never practiced combat magic on other mages. Sure he beat Megan once and the draconian, Ro''Tan, but other than those two battles years apart, he never challenged another mage or fought another magical inclined opponent.

 Chapter 10: Kodas Challenges for White

    Koda and his escort climbed up the smooth marble steps of the Wind Mage Academy. Despite his bias towards the former nation, Koda could not resist gawking at the sheer presence of the tower statues depicting past Estinian mages and philosophers such as Gustav the Wise and Lucus the Stoic. Powerful jet stream columns that held up the roof ripped at Koda¡¯s clothes. The elf hesitated walking under the heavy roof. A stone slab of that size would crush him if the magic failed even for a second.


    Wildeye stuck a claw into the column. She giggled as the magic tickled her fur.


    Elucard let out a low whistle. ¡°Alanna¡¯s black wings, this place is impressive.¡±


    Koda searched Wildeye and Elucards¡¯ eyes for his own confidence before he knocked on the door. It was not a hefty pounding, but a light tap. Not only was this his first mage color to challenge for, but this was the school of the people that he went to war with¡ªtwice! How would their instructors react to Koda Dawnegde? How would the students? Would the headmaster even let him in? The questions gnawed at his mind. These were the questions that plagued the very thought of starting his journey with the wind element! He grew weary of fear. Now was not the time to run. No, now was the time to show the Estinians he was no longer the cower child in the prison cell. He was a king, the king that defeated them. That toppled their empire and crushed their royal family. He shouldn¡¯t¡ªhe no longer feared them and now he would show them why, for he was Koda Dawnedge, the Mage King!


    Koda swallowed his fear and knocked louder this time. No sooner than when he did, the door swung open and before him stood a boy. Younger than himself, but older than when he first began learning vernal magic. He had frizzled black hair and freckles dotted his cheeks. He pushed his wide brim glasses up his nose and squeaked out his nasally question. "Yes? Vhat is it?"


    Koda paused, already forgetting why he was there. "I-I..."


    The boy frowned and slammed the door in Koda''s face.


    "Rude," Elucard sneered. With a mighty kick, the door flew open once more. "King Dawnedge is here for a challenge!" Elucard barked.


    The boy gasped, frozen in place. "Is-is that so?"


    Koda stretched his collar with his finger, now slightly embarrassed. "Yes. I am Koda Dawnedge and I wish to challenge your school for my white sash," he finally said.


    The boy examined Koda''s green robes up and down, careful not to capture the angry eye of Elucard. "If that''s the case, please follow me."


    Koda, Elucard, and Wildeye followed the boy through the pristine halls of the white mage school. Books floated on drifts of clouds to the hands of awaiting students. The walls swirled with shimmering dust, arching over doors that led to classrooms, dormitories, studies, and libraries.


    Their guide led them up a set of winding stairs to the roof of the school that served as the battlefield. There a match roared already in progress. Several white mages lingered around the sidelines observing the battle. One mage, taller than the rest, glowered at Koda. Scars stretched from the corners of his mouth and curled across his cheeks.


    Koda grimaced and quickly turned away to watch the duel.


    Closest to Koda, stood an elven mage with fiery, red hair and a white streak through her bangs. She looked about his own age. Violet robes draped down her body instead of the green that he wore.


    She dashed and dodged oncoming blasts of wind, but kept her feet away from the edge of the battleground so that she did not fall out of bounds. From her hands and fingers crackled streaks of purple electricity. The lightning kept her wind slinging opponent at bay.


    Finally, she clapped her hands, exploding a massive array of blinding light. The glare was too painful for Koda to keep his eyes open and he sheltered them with his arms. In that moment of disarray, he heard a scream and the referee calling out the new victor.


    "Trent has been knocked out! Challenger Raine wins!"


    The purple mage wiped the sweat from her forehead as she passed Koda by. "Trent keeps you on your toes. Watch out, he''s a tough one!"


    Koda tugged her shoulder. "Any tips? This is my first mage duel."


    Raine gave him a warm smile. "Well, you picked the toughest school I''ve ever challenged. I would say try your best, I suppose."


    Trent strolled up to Koda. ¡°Vill the great Koda Dawnedge be challenging my headmaster or the high student?¡±


    Koda narrowed his eyes at the sarcastic remark. ¡°I suppose you are the headmaster?¡±Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°No, I am only the highest ranked student of the school.¡±


    Koda stole a glance at Trent. The Estinian was well built, stern, and a mean scowl carved across his face. Koda recognized bloodlust in those eyes. The same bloodlust he had once seen in Elucard¡¯s eyes over his father¡¯s headless corpse. It frightened him.


    ¡°Well if this is the hardest mage school in Cypress, I would be a fool to challenge the headmaster.¡±


    Trent gave Koda a smirk. ¡°Very vell, you shall challenge me then.¡±


    Koda turned back to Raine. Koda frowned. "Do you have advice on a strategy."


    Raine stroked her chin. "Hm, I would say don''t get caught in his wind. I know that''s obvious, but Trent is a master of air manipulation. Once you are caught, there''s not much you can do."


    Koda swallowed a lump in his throat.


    "Hey." Raine playfully punched Koda''s arm. "Don''t let him get the best of you. If he sees that you are scared of him, he''ll already have an edge."


    Koda nodded his head and swallowed a lump in his throat.


    "Would you feel better if I stayed to watch your battle?" asked Raine.


    Koda nodded again. "A little, thanks."


    Koda stepped onto the battlefield and approached the white mage. "I am here to challenge you for my whi¡ª"


    "I know vhy you are here, Koda Dawnedge." Trent smirked. He puffed out his chest. "It is all the city talks about right now. Rest assured, in the name of the true royal family, I vill destroy you."


    "Don''t back down, Koda!" Elucard shouted.


    Koda balled his fists until they shook. "Let''s just get this over with."


    Trent adjusted his thin gray gloves. "Very vell. Do you know the rules?"


    Koda began to speak, but Trent interrupted him. "Of course you don''t. I shall explain them. The rules are simple. You fight until one of us submits, falls out of bounds, goes unconscious, or dies."


    Koda''s flesh turned pale. "D-die?"


    Trent flashed a smile. "Vorry not, dear Dawnedge king, The school''s runes do not allow true death, you vill be brought back to life and healed. I can not say the same for your veak mental state. I know you von''t recover right away. There is quite a bit of queasiness from a false death." Trent paused, before finishing his explanation. ¡°Oh, and excruciating pain of the death is still felt


    Koda bit his lip. False or not, he didn''t want to experience any sort of death. ¡°How can a school bring someone back to life? Only the angels above are capable of such miracles.¡±


    Trent chuckled. ¡°You really know nothing about how powerful ve mages truly are? Very vell, I vill entertain your question. During the construction of a mage school, the battlefields are written vith extremely powerful healing runes so that all vounds will heal after a match. The same vith deaths inflicted by a mage. Does that satisfy your query?¡±


    Koda nodded.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know vhy I feel so compelled to educate a Long Vhisper elf, but I vant you fully prepare for your defeat. If you fear your false death, then my victory vould be hollow.¡±


    ¡°Are those the only rules?¡± asked Koda.


    ¡°Almost,¡± replied Trent. ¡°Vill ve be using all our colors or just our base.¡±


    Koda raised an eyebrow. "Base?"


    Trent sighed. "Vhen one vins a color, they may use their secondary, third, or vhatever in battles. However, the challenger may choose to only use their base, as in their default color. Your vernal versus my vind."


    Koda nodded in understanding. "Then as I only have one color, I will choose my base."


    "Fine." Trent turned to the referee. "Start the battle!"


    The referee turned to both duelers. "Step to your appointed sides."


    He waited for Koda and Trent to get to their opposing starting blocks, painted neatly on the battlefield. A line stretched across the center of the field as well.


    The referee raised up a red flag with a white diagonal stripe. "Duelers ready?"


    They both nodded.


    "Begin!"


    Koda took a deep breath. He needed to be ready, because it was now or never. With a burst of speed he dashed forward. At this range, he knew none of his spells would reach Trent. As Koda made his way closer, he tossed seeds onto the ground. They quickly burrowed themselves into the dirt that laid across the field.


    With any luck, I can use these later. He thought to himself.


    Koda was gaining ground. In a matter of moments he would be within spellcasting range. Did Trent even know that? Why was he letting Koda get so close?


    Koda clenched his teeth and sliced his hand forward, sending forth a volley of razor sharp thorns. Koda widened his eyes in anticipation as his projectiles drew nearer and nearer. The thorn needles were only millimeters from Trent''s face, but all he did was grin.


    With a single hand motion, he flung the needles with a gust of wind and flicked his wrist. Koda screamed as he was flung high into the sky.


    Koda frantically called for his seeds to bloom and shoot vines to catch his ankles to lower himself back to the ground.


    "Oh no you don''t!" Trent called out with a cruel smirk. He whipped his body around and a lash of wind cut the vines in two, sending Koda crashing to the ground below.


    Koda landed with a thud. He scrambled to his feet, but wobbled. He did his best to shake away his foggy head and blurred vision. However, he was too late as a hand of wind snatched him up and pushed back into the air.


    Koda''s face stretched back from the centrifugal force. His eyes rolled back, slowly he faded from consciousness.


    "I vouldn''t make it that easy for you, Koda!" Trented shouted. "No, I vant you to learn the meaning of defeat!"


    Koda struggled with the grip of the claw, but try as he might, he could not break free. A great whoosh of wind buffeted his face as he plunged down.


    The hand gained speed as it careened to Koda¡¯s death.


    Falling.


    Falling.


    Faster.


    Faster.


    Koda clenched his eyes shut. What else could he do? He held his breath as all went silent.

 Chapter 11: Conspiracy of Ravens

    Koda snapped his eyes open as he took in a long gasp of air. He was alive? Did he die just then? Koda tried to pull himself to his knees, but collapsed. He hacked and coughed, his body felt hot and heavy. Lifting a single finger felt impossible, never mind his entire body. Koda turned his head to find Elucard and Wildeye running to him.


    "Koda, are you alright?" asked Wildeye. She laid Koda into her lap.


    "W-What happened?" asked Koda, now panting. Although his body ached and his lungs burned, it was his ribs that hurt the most. Like a giant stepping on them.


    "You..." Wildeye started. "You died. I really don''t want to go into the details, it was far too gruesome to relive."


    Elucard nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve seen more death than I¡¯d like to admit, yours was one of the w-¡±


    Elucard spun around with his hand on his hilt. Koda followed Elucard¡¯s movement in time to see the three scarred mages sling off their robes revealing black and gray assassin armor. In unison they drew wicked, curvy swords and charged.


    "Elucard!" Koda croaked with his fleeting energy.


    "On it!" Elucard growled. The elf shot forward and took out his own blade. It ignited with green ebbing flames.


    Two of the assassins loaded a handful of shurikens and threw them at Elucard. He deflected several, redirecting the final star back into the first assassin¡¯s throat. Koda flinched at the sudden murder.


    Elucard twisted his body and flailed a kick into the chest of the second assassin. His sword whipped and bent as it turned into a thorny vine and lashed out to the third. However, his opponent leaped into a delicate flip over the vine and sliced it with her wavy sword. She landed and made a beeline for Koda.


    Koda trembled as the assassin''s blade aimed for his neck.


    A lightning bolt cracked through the sky and flashed past Koda.


    "I have you!" cried Raine.


    The assassin contorted his body and cried in agony as the lightning bolt came down on her. Her body singed and erupted with electricity before she collapsed into a smoldering heap.


    Koda¡¯s heart pounded. Safe. He was safe. He looked up to the lightning mage. ¡°You have my thanks, Raine.¡±


    Raine bowed, ¡°The last thing I would want would be for a new friend to be murdered.¡±


    Elucard lifted the remaining assassin. He nodded to Raine. ¡°Thanks for the backup.¡±


    Raine dusted off her hands and nodded back. ¡°Anytime.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty new to having magic, but I think I¡¯d prefer to have your lighting magic.¡±


    Raine gave him a short chuckle. ¡°It can come in handy.¡±


    Elucard smirked and dropped the assassin by Koda and Wildeye side and then, with one foot on the assassin¡¯s back. ¡°If you¡¯ll excuse me.¡± With a viscous tug, Elucard yanked the assassin¡¯s arm out of its socket with a sickening pop.


    Raine raised a brow. ¡°Of course, don¡¯t mind me.¡±


    "Arrrgh!" the assassin snarled.


    Elucard leaned over and sneered. He pushed the arm back in place with a crunch.


    Koda squirmed in Wildeye''s arms. He had never seen Elucard work before. It was unsettling.


    "I¡¯d rather not, but I can do this all day. Or you can answer some questions," Elucard spat.


    The assassin whimpered back, "I''ll talk."


    "They usually do," Elucard gave him a cold whisper. "We''ll start simple. What is your name?"Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    "Sven!"


    Elucard nodded. ¡°Good, good. What clan do you run with?¡±


    ¡°I am an independent contract¡ªARRGH!!!¡±


    Elucard popped his shoulder again. "No lies. I know when someone lies."


    "I-I-" the assassin stuttered.


    Elucard frowned and shrugged. With another gruesome crunch, he pushed the arm back into its socket.


    "I-I work for the Grey Ravens! Please! Please, no more," he whined.


    "Who is paying for Koda''s writ?"


    Koda gripped Wildeye¡¯s arm. His stomach twisted each squeamish pop! ¡°Please, Elucard! No more!¡±


    "Tell me!" Elucard shouted in a gruff voice, ignoring Koda.


    "I-I don''t kno--"


    Elucard ripped at the arm, dislodging it again. ¡°What did I say about lying?¡±


    "ARRRGH, the Estinian Liberation League!"


    Elucard carelessly dropped the limp arm like a piece of trash and stepped up to Koda. ¡°Finished, my king.¡±


    Koda grit his teeth and his eyes sank with disgust for what he just witnessed. Elucard and his dirty deeds. Elucard doing what Elucard does: dealing with the sewage of his city. He wanted no part of it, but even he knew it was a necessary job.


    ¡°The Estinian Liberation League, my king,¡± said Elucard. ¡°Most likely a group of revolutionaries hoping to end the Soutail occupation of their country.


    "I don''t get it," said Koda. "If the Estinians want to end the occupation, then why me? Why do they want me dead?"


    "Are you really so idiotic?" Trent said in disgust. "You slew our royal family. You are the reason vhy ve are enslaved by these ridiculous harekins. Our empire''s downfall is all on your shoulders."


    "The Estinians needed to pay for their actions," muttered Elucard.


    "Vhat vas that!?" snapped Trent."


    "Elucard!" hushed Wildeye.


    "No, let him speak!" Koda said coolly.


    "I have served in both wars against Estinia. I was in the trenches during the siege of the Splintered Skies and I was behind enemy lines to save my king in the Dawnedge War."


    Trent''s lip quivered.


    "Trust me when I say this, Trent, it was the royal family''s fault for what befell them. They went to war with Cypress twice and they imprisoned my king while he was on a peace mission."


    Trent seethed with anger. His face flushed red.


    "You may be angry at Koda. You may be, but you would be wrong," Elucard continued. "For the only ones that deserve your ire are your worthless royal family."


    "I think you made your point, Elucard," whispered Wildeye.


    "No..." Trent lowered his head. "He is right. Ve must be better as a people if we vant our freedom. Better as a people if ve vant our honor back too."


    The Grey Raven wriggled under Elucard''s foot.


    "Let him go," said Trent.


    Elucard narrowed his eyes. "He is a criminal."


    "I vill see that the mark is taken off Koda''s head."


    "You? You put it¡ª" Koda began to ask.


    "No, but I have the power to cease assassination attempts in the League. House Brawnlion is one of the vealthiest families in Estinina. I may not have political influence, but the Brawnlions do have financial influence. Trust me , I have much svay over these people," explained Trent. ¡°After all, ve Estinians do not need underhanded tactics to show ve are better than you.¡±


    Koda struggled to his feet. He shook off the assistance from his familiar. "I am fine, my friend. I think I can walk."


    "Koda," Raine called out to the elf king as he began to limp away.


    "Hm?" Koda replied.


    "Are you after your other colors? Perhaps¡­.¡± she hesitated for a moment, ¡°You see, I¡¯m headed to Lorendeen to check in with my headmaster before finding a hydro school, maybe you and I could¡­¡±


    Koda smiled. "I wouldn''t mind another friend to join my travels. Especially another mage.¡±


    Raine returned the smile.


    ¡°I do have to perform my duties as an emissary in each Realm,¡± Koda continued. ¡°But I plan on getting more colors.¡±


    ¡°Emissary? You work for royalty?¡±


    Elucard placed a hand on Raine¡¯s shoulder. ¡°He is royalty.¡±


    Raine blinked in confusion. ¡°You are of that Dawnedge tribe?¡±


    Wildeye nodded. ¡°He is King Koda Dawnedge, ruler of all of Long Whisper¡±


    Raine¡¯s cheeks blushed red with embarrassment and quickly fell to one knee. ¡°Y-Your grace. I-I had no idea. I-I haven¡¯t been back to Long Whisper since I was a small child!¡±


    Koda took her hand and gently brought her back to her feet. ¡°Please, my friend. There is no need for that. I am just a normal elven mage, like yourself.¡±


    Raine stiffened giggle. ¡°You just live in a castle.¡±


    Koda scratched his head. ¡°Erm, well yes.¡± He turned back to Trent. "I will be back with more colors. I will earn my experience¡ªI will be stronger. I expect a rematch."


    Trent nodded "Very vell, Dawnedge. We avait to see vhat you vill learn, but the outcome vill always be the same."

 Chapter 12: Enter Stryneth and Cade

    Koda let out a long sigh as he stretched out his toes by the cozy fireplace. The bearskin rug that he relaxed on was as soft as his wolf''s tummy. He combed his fingers in the rug''s smooth fur. He had never seen a grizzly bear outside of his books and studies, but he could only imagine what it took to hunt one. The rug''s size stretched out across the room and its long claws brushed up against the red parlor chairs that Wildeye and Nora sat in.


    ¡°I could get used to royal life,¡± Raine said as she rolled on her back, alongside Koda on the rug.


    The harekin princess nibbled on a moist carrot cake in one hand and sipped on a cup of mint tea in the other. Wildeye read a book that she found on the small round table next to her. The book was not as thick as the ones she found in the Lost Dawn''s massive library, but it was just long enough to serve as a novella. Elucard leaned against the window sill staring vigilantly at the many roofs and steeples.


    Koda scooted around so that his back could feel the warmth and looked up to Wildeye. "What do you have there, girl?"


    Wildeye raised her brow. "Hm? Oh, the book!"


    Koda and Nora giggled at Wildeye¡¯s absentmindedness


    Wildeye turned the cover to read it aloud. "Angels of the Abyss." she said. "It is about strange sightings of angels within the waters of Dragon Realm Abyss. Perhaps mermaids, but the book notes witnesses finding them within lakes as well."


    Nora tilted her head. "Angels? Still on Draak''Terra?"


    "That is very strange indeed," said Koda.


    "Well it may just be fictional. I really haven''t been taking it all too seriously," Wildeye remarked.


    "I''ve encountered my share of strangeness out in the world," Elucard said from the side of his mouth. He didn¡¯t bother to break his concentration. "I would dare say a wolf that talks¡ª that isn''t a kanis¡ª wouldn''t be too common."


    Raine nodded. "True. And to be honest I thought your friend here was one!"


    "Forgive me Raine," Wildeye chuckled. "We haven''t decided on how to let people know of my true nature yet."


    "She is my familiar¡­ She just¡­ hm." Koda rubbed his forehead..


    "You see? For now treat me as you would a kanis." Wildeye smiled.


    Raine scratched her chin and gave a short laugh.


    A sharp rap at the parlor door interrupted any further conversation.


    "Enter!" Nora chirped. All eyes went to a harekin servant clad in a black tuxedo. A white wash towel draped over his arm and he gave a deep bow so that his ears slapped the ground.


    "My lordship, two guests have arrived to speak with the Dawnedge King," the servant said.


    "Are we expecting anyone?¡± Wildeye whispered to Koda.


    "No, not that I know of," Koda responded. Aemor Greyblade may have sent his own personal bodyguards to protect Koda after two botched assassination attempts. Afterall, two in just three days since setting foot in Southtail! Was Aemor¡¯s security truly this abysmal?


    Perhaps I just have rotten luck with traveling? Koda thought.


    Nora''s expression turned serious. "I will meet them in the throne room. Make sure that Koda''s guard as well as mine are present. I will have no more attempts on the king''s life!"If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ***


    Inle rubbed the tiny amethyst that made up his glamor charm. He had been preparing for this mission to take shape for the last six months. Was he nervous? He had not dealt with Koda in years, especially not directly. When he served as a Black Rabbit he made an attempt on the young king''s life. Another time he was sent to humiliate him. Even then he could have easily ended his miserable, young life. Now as a member of Dead of Winter, he was to recruit the king.


    He chuckled to himself. Koda as a member of the organization. An ally to Inle¡ªstanding shoulder to shoulder with him? Ha!


    But he couldn''t deny Wraslyn¡¯s master plan. After all, who was he to stand in the way of a vampire? The Silent Master, that''s who. I should be the one giving commands, instead I am but just another servant. Another cog in the clock. Another pawn on the board.


    "Cade," hissed Strife. "They approach."


    Inle threw his hands behind the small of his back and spread his legs into a parade rest.


    A set of double doors swung open and a line of Southtail and Long Whisper guards marched along the walls of the room completely surrounding Inle and Strife with shields and spears. Finally Nora Greyblade, Koda Dawnedge, and their companions entered the room. Nora took her seat at the throne and offered Koda the advisor¡¯s seat. The three others stood on either side of Nora and Koda. A blue furred kanis, an elven purple mage, and a vernal shroud with familiar eyes.


    Inle peered closely at the elemental shroud. He wore black armor underneath a set of short green robes that served more as a coat. Over his head he wore a hood and a breathable mask covered his mouth and nose. Much like the masks worn by the Black Rabbits. It was the shroud''s magenta eyes that caught Inle''s real attention. They were hollow like an assassin that had seen better days. Days before bloodshed and death. Days of love, but days of loss as well. The eyes of Alanna''s Rabbits. The eyes of Elucard Freewind.


    Inle''s heart skipped a beat. Elucard¡­ how I''ve missed you. How I wish I can say that I still love you, that I wish¡­ I wish...


    "Speak," commanded the Greyblade harekin.


    I wish I could tell you that I am sorry, Elucard. Sorry that I betrayed you. Sorry that I took Jetta away from you...


    Strife stepped forward. "I am Master Stryneth Squall. A blue mage headmaster of Water City Jhoone." he gestured to Inle. "This is my hydro shroud, Cade Stargazer."


    Inle bowed.


    Koda lifted his chin. "Why are you here, Master Stryneth?" he asked.


    "I represent Duke Alfinster Fen and his collection of mages that show much aptitude and potential."


    Koda looked at Raine. "Have you ever heard of this collection?"


    Raine shook her head. "I am not aware of any collection of mages, although I know of the seven mage prodigies." She turned to Strife. "Is this about the prodigies?"


    Strife laughed. "No, my dear. We are a secretive bunch, hoping to further sharpen our skills so that our mages can do some good in the world. Either as exceptional teachers or perhaps as defenders of peace¡ª like our dear Dawnegde king."


    "I don''t trust them, Koda. I sense¡­ darkness dwelling within them," whispered Wildeye.


    Koda rubbed his chin, now intrigued. "They can''t be all that bad, girl. Perhaps, they have good.. intentions..." Koda trailed off.


    "Koda?" Wildeye prodded him with a claw, but found that Koda stood silent.


    "Koda!" Wildeye called out, again.


    Inle slid his eyes from Koda to the slightly pleased blue mage.


    "Yes, I am here," Koda whispered back. He rose from his seat. "Master Stryneth, I intend to gain my six other colors. Would you be willing to assist me on my journey before I join your ranks?"


    Strife performed a gracious bow. "But of course, my king. You may have my advice and teachings. I¡¯d also like to offer extra security from my shroud."


    Raine gave Koda a pleading look.


    Koda grinned. "What about my friend? I have already promised Raine that she could join me."


    Strife hid a frown. He bit his lip and then smiled. "She may also receive my tutelage. The more the merrier, yes?"


    Koda stepped down to meet his new teacher. He motioned for Elucard to follow. The king offered his hand to Strife. "To a fruitful quest!"


    Strife flashed a toothy grin as he gripped Koda''s forearm. "May we share our triumphs!"


    Inle walked up to Elucard and he offered his hand. "Shroud brother, I am Cade. I suppose we will be working with one another."


    Elucard narrowed his eyes, but grasped Inle''s forearm all the same. "I suppose so. You can call me Elucard."

 Chapter 13: Getting to know Cade

    Elucard dropped his emerald mage robes onto the ground, showing his scarred and toned body. He huffed and panted, wiping a film of sweat from his brow as he sluggishly raised his fists into a guard. Elucard had been sparring with Cade on the Gem of the Waves for the last three hours. The burning sun and warmer winds of Dragon Realm Scorch made for a harsher training environment. He hadn''t needed to do battle in Scorch for years now and so the wall of oven-like heat was not a welcomed feeling.


    "Had enough?" taunted Cade. Unlike Elucard, he wasn''t drenched in sweat.


    Elucard bent over, nearly completely exhausted, but he was determined to finally win a round against Cade. "Let''s just fight," spat Elucard.


    Cade put his hands on his hips and shook his head. "As you wish."


    Elucard barely had a chance to react as Cade exploded forward with a side kick. He dropped down and swept for Cade''s legs with his foot. However Cade sprang backwards with several flips using reflexes too uncanny for Elucard to keep up with.


    Elucard sprinted after Cade and tried to ram him with a sharp elbow, but the hydro shroud grabbed his arm and a tuft of hair and struck him with a series of devastating knees to the ribs. Cade finished his combo with a powerful uppercut that sent Elucard reeling onto his back.


    Elucard groaned as he struggled to get to his feet. His bruised side ached, but he had broken his ribs enough times for them to heal stronger than the average soldier''s bones. However, despite all of his hard body training as a Black Rabbit and Anti-Rogue Operative, Cade''s strikes dealt more pain than anyone else that he had encountered in the past. Perhaps even more than the Silent Master.


    Cade steadied his sparring partner. "Are you okay? I didn''t mean to hit you so hard with that last punch."


    Elucard cracked his jaw. It sounded like stomping on broken glass. "I''ll be fine, nothing that a good night of sleep won''t fix."


    "You fight well, though. If you were a bit faster, you could be a real threat."


    Elucard shot him a glare. He wasn''t used to critiques on his fighting style. He was always the one that was quicker, more skilled, and harder hitting. What would Malady think if he saw his miserable performance today?


    Elucard growled as he imagined Malady''s jab to his ego. "What''s wrong, whelp? Grown too soft?"


    "I could train you," offered Cade, tugging Elucard back to reality.


    "Huh?"


    "Give you some tips. Show you how I got better. I had a really good teacher. Several actually," said Cade.


    Elucard reached for his robe and rested gingerly on an apple barrel, favoring his back. "Was one of your masters a Black Rabbit? I could definitely see Rabbit influence in your style."


    Cade paused.


    "I am a former Black Rabbit myself," revealed Elucard. "Sometimes I am ashamed of that fact, other times I still see pride in it. Like an¡ª"


    "Like an achievement," finished Cade.


    Elucard''s eyes lit up. "Yeah, like that."


    Cade hopped on a shipping crate next to Elucard. "M-My master was a Black Rabbit. One of the best in his day. He often spoke of the hardships of his training, but¡ª"


    This time it was Elucard''s turn to finish a sentence. "But there were good times too."


    Cade lowered his head and let a small smile peek out. "There were some good times."


    Sometimes I wish I could go back to it too. Elucard fiddled with his hands, too lost in his own thoughts and pleasant memories to notice Cade''s comment. He took a glance at Cade. The forest elf was handsome. Elucard¡¯s eyes lowered down to Cade¡¯s firm pecs and hard abs. His ears blushed and he cracked a smile. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Cade caught Elucard¡¯s eyes and returned the smile. "Your arm?" Cade pointed Elucard¡¯s glowing green limb. ¡°Is it a prosthetic?¡±


    Elucard rubbed his shoulder, not sure how to answer. ¡°In some ways.¡± He combed back his hair, which stood in place from the salty sweat. ¡°I¡¯m still getting used to it.¡±


    Cade hopped off the crate and rotated his shoulders. ¡°One last go?¡±


    Elucard chuckled. "Don''t take it easy on me, I want to earn a win!"


    ***


    Koda rested his book on his chest as he caressed the soft quilted blanket. Wildeye sat at the writing desk next to his bed in the small king''s cabin. She flipped through the final pages of Angels of the Abyss and let out a long yawn.


    "How was the book?" asked Koda.


    "A fascinating read," Wildeye replied. "It not only recounts every sighting of the possible aquatic angels, but the author also fabricated his own theories about where they came from and also why they are there."


    Koda crossed his legs on the bed, now intrigued. "Why are they here?"


    "To serve as the Dragon Realm Abyss equivalent of Arcane Guardians," said Wildeye.


    Koda rubbed his chin. "Does the book, by chance, have a theory where the Abyss¡¯s seal is hiding?¡±


    "The book never mentioned a seal, just the dragon realm¡¯s life matrix. Even then, that location remains only a theory,¡± answered Wildeye.


    "Wildeye, how is it that you already know how to read?" asked Koda. "You''ve only been a kanis for less than a month. I know I never taught you."


    "Didn''t you, though?" Wildeye gave the confused Koda a smile. "My friend, we''ve been connected by the mind for over a decade. Any knowledge that you had has been shared with me. It is how I can speak common and elven so proficiently."


    "I-I hadn''t realized it worked like that," said Koda in amazement. "I know very little about the origins and inner workings of the magic behind familiars."


    "Secrets that may never be revealed," Wildeye mused.


    "I suppose so," giggled Koda.


    Koda looked up as his cabin door creaked open and Stryneth appeared.


    The hydro mage wore his traditional cerulean robes, accented with a pointed black mantle. A long violet cape draped down his back and a pair of leather belts holding over twenty small vials wrapped around his waist. Koda examined the vials. They were filled to the brim with various tinted liquids. Could they have been potions of different effects? One to heal and mend wounds? Maybe a potion to refresh his endurance? Perhaps a polymorph potion, or even a luck potion to hedge his chances with gambling. The possibilities were endless.


    "My king, we are to arrive at Kir Port within the hour," Stryneth reported.


    "Thank you for the update, Master Stryneth," said Koda.


    "If I may make a suggestion?"


    "You may," replied Koda.


    "You will have an opportunity to battle both for a brown sash and a red sash in North Isa..."


    Koda understood Stryneth''s point. "Whom should I face first?"


    "Azeva Emberwake is a very accomplished mage, not just in color, but with her mastery over her magic," said Strife.


    Mastery of magic? Does he mean with the Magi? pondered Koda. He put his book away and pressed his fingers against each other. "I am listening."


    Strife adjusted his brass monocle and tucked his cape to take a seat in a nearby armchair. "Azeva has accomplished what most other mages have not: tap into her Tamed Magi and perfect her control over fire and flames. Stronger than any other red mage. She rivals even you when it comes to her use over her own Magi."


    The young king nodded with each word.


    "How would Koda even overcome a fire mage with just plant life?" asked a concerned Wildeye. "It seems like a very difficult match up."


    "As I said before," said Stryneth, "there is another color Koda could battle for."


    "Earth," said Koda. ¡°Would earth provide the defense needed against Azeva¡¯s fire magic?


    ¡°It might,¡± Stryneth said.


    "Have you battled this particular school, Master Stryneth?" asked Wildeye.


    "No, but I know of the Emberwake twins. Ezevan and Azeva are well known mages within dueling circles."


    Koda looked to Wildeye and then to the hydro mage. "Do you think I can win?"


    Stryneth let out a long chortle. "My master, Alifinster Fen wouldn''t seek you out if he thought you couldn''t win a few mage colors."


    A cry from above deck sounded rang across the ship, "Land Ho!"


    Koda looked out his porthole and sure enough, the roaming dunes of North Isa came into view.


    Stryneth stood and clapped his hands. "Worry about duels later, for now you must deal with the Queen of Chains."

 Chapter 14: Reasoning with the Queen of Chains

    ¡°Where else are we supposed to go!?¡± shouted Travin. The desert elf former gladiator pounded his fist on the council table as he continued his argument with his stubborn sister, Queen Isana.


    Koda rubbed his temples and shook his head as he walked to the window. The sprawling city of Isa City was a paradise, untouched by the troubles that the rest of Dragon Realm Scorch currently dealt with. A large oasis bordered the city, providing fresh water, rich vegetation to farm and animals to hunt. The city itself was a beacon for trading with the Isana allies in the massive bazaar that spilled out into the different corners of the city. There, one could find anything from weapons, to spices, textiles, or even exotic pets.


    Koda turned back to his problem at hand, getting the two dune elf twins to join him for his meeting of the world leaders.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t my problem where your people go, as long as it isn¡¯t on my shores,¡± Isana said with a smug look smeared across her face. ¡°Now, it would behoove you to take your refugees and evacuate my territory.¡±


    Travin gave Koda a pleading look.


    Koda sighed. ¡°Queen Isana, do you not have a heart? He is your own brother.¡±


    ¡°My own brother waged a war with me!¡± sneered the Queen of Chains.


    ¡°You enslaved my people and myself! I had to spill blood in your arenas in order to survive! And when I finally earned my freedom, you continued to kidnap my people for your precious slave trade! You forced my hand!¡±


    Koda leaned over the table and yelled at the top of his lungs,¡°Enough of this!¡±If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Isana and Travin immediately went silent.


    Koda looked at Isana. ¡°I speak on behalf of Cypress. We will open our trade routes back to North and South Isa if you accept your brother¡¯s refugees.¡±


    Isana stroked her chin in thought. ¡°I have missed that fine elven wine that your people produce.¡±


    ¡°And Varisian wool is the softest in Draak¡¯Terra,¡± offered Koda to encourage the queen further.


    ¡°What do you say, sister?¡± asked Travin.


    Isana narrowed her eyes on Travin. ¡°I say my people have dealt with the trade embargo from Cypress for years. Ice elven wine and Estinian wool has sufficed my kingdom enough. I enjoy my personal freedoms without being backed into some deal with my enemies!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve enjoyed your personal freedoms?¡± snarled Koda. He had enough with walking on eggshells with the spoiled queen. If she wouldn¡¯t comply with pleasantries, perhaps she would comply with force? ¡°How would you like the Cypress Alliance marching across the desert to take away those freedoms?¡±


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare!¡± hissed Isana with a cold tongue.


    ¡°I am sure the Guard of the White Cloaks would like to finish with what they started. Breaking the Queen of Chains. Freeing her many slaves,¡± laughed Koda.


    ¡°Y-you wouldn¡¯t¡ª¡±


    Koda¡¯s Magi flared from his eyes. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t I? Try me.¡±


    The dune elf quaked in her silks. Fear burned in her pupils.


    ¡°You won the last one by the skin of your teeth, but how bloody was the war? How much gold did you dump into it? How large is your army now? Could you afford such a wasteful war when all you need for prosperity is to allow Alva¡¯s people to find refuge in your city?¡±


    ¡°If-if I agree to these terms? Is it too late to accept the open trade from Cypress?¡±


    ¡°We will agree to this, as long as you and Travin meet with the other world leaders once more.¡±


    Travin turned to Isana. A bemused look scrawled across his face. ¡°A simple request, sister.


    ¡°Yes. I suppose it is,¡± Isana said, defeated. ¡°Alright, King Dawnedge. We will do it your way.¡±


    Koda smiled. One down, four more realms to go.

 Chapter 15: Enter the Spellbreakers

    Candles half lit a dark shrine as Raze knelt before the wooden statue of his dragon lord, Erzathen. The Spellbreaker leader bowed his head to the floor and whispered a deep prayer.


    King of scales, I do as you call


    With your truth I am your light


    With your will, I have my might


    Forever I obey within your thrall


    The embers of the incense burned as the wafts of spiced aromas floated around the room. Shadows crept closer to Raze¡¯s body and a small voice echoed through the room, beckoning for Raze to listen.


    ¡°He must be punished, Spellbreaker Raze. Do as I command.¡±


    Raze lifted his head and shut his eyes tightly. ¡°As you say, Great Erzathen. Koda shall perish under the weight of my fist.¡±


    ¡°Exalted One...¡± a voice came from behind Raze. Small, timid, and intimidated by Raze¡¯s very presence.


    Raze opened his eyes but did not turn his focus away from his shrine. ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°We have captured Azeva¡¯s student as commanded.¡±


    Raze stood and finally faced his follower, a fellow Spellspreaker under his leadership. He wore a redcoat and bore a wooden mask of the elder dragon, Erzathen.


    ¡°You have done well,¡± said Raze. ¡°What of the rally?¡±


    ¡°All goes according to plan, Exalted One. As we speak, we gather more followers.¡±


    Raze placed a firm hand on the young Spellbreaker¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Scales above flesh, Spellbreaker.¡±


    The follower nodded. ¡°Blood before claw.¡±


    ***


    Elucard, Cade, and Raine wandered the crowded streets of Isa City. Although Elucard had visited Dragon Realm Scorch, he had only briefly seen Nacsirri before a long boat ride back to Long Whisper. He never had the time to really explore a desert trade city, and Isa City was exactly that. Monkeys, parrots, lizards, spices, silks, exotic blades, and rare fruits flooded his eyes and curiosity. It was almost overwhelming for a young elf, such as himself.


    ¡°Cade, have you ever been to a realm like Scorch?¡± asked Elucard as he poked his thumb on a prickly pineberry. ¡°Yowch!¡±


    Raine giggled.


    ¡°Beware the dread pineberry, Elucard!¡± Cade laughed.


    ¡°Who would want to eat a fruit that could ravage your tongue?¡± grumbled Elucard as he carefully set the fruit back into its pile.


    Cade tossed a silver sendetti to the vendor then gingerly picked up the berry and slit it in half with a knife. ¡°Here,¡± he said, handing Elucard one half. ¡°Careful.¡±


    Elucard accepted the pineberry and sucked out its juice. He laughed with a wide grin. ¡°It tickles on the way down.¡±


    ¡°My sister calls them featherfruit,¡± Cade said with a smile. He gave Raine the other half.


    ¡°Thank you, Cade!¡± chirped the delighted mage. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to try these!¡±


    ¡°Have at it, friend.¡± Cade slapped Elucard¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Anything else fit your fancy, Elucard?¡±


    Elucard rubbed his chin and gave a Legion-like hrm as he looked around the different stalls. His eyes wandered around the colorful foods before settling on a vibrant red, pink, and golden fruit. It had the shape of a typical strawberry, complete with its familiar dimples and leafy top, but was the size of a plum.


    ¡°Ah, yes. The famed zapberry of the Savage Forest. They say it can only be picked during a thunderstorm,¡± explained Cade.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Is that where it gets its name?¡± asked Elucard?


    ¡°No,¡± Raine said with a roguish grin.


    Cade called over the fruit merchant and flashed two sendetti in his eyes and pointed to the juicy treats. ¡°Three please.¡±


    Cade shared one with Raine and another with Elucard, keeping the third for himself.


    Elucard took a wary look at the fruit and sniffed it. Cinnamon! It had the spicy scent of his mother¡¯s oven, or perhaps gingersnaps from Ambros¡¯s general store. Either way memories of winter days by the hearth and snowball fights with Jetta streamed through his soul. Did it taste just as sweet?


    A shock tased Elucard¡¯s tongue.


    ¡°Yowch!¡±


    Nope.


    Cade and Raine had a good laugh through sparkling mouthfuls of zapberry. Elucard shook his head with a smirk and took a large juice-gushing bite. At first his mouth stung, but the feeling quickly subsided into a new sensation of a tangy and sugary nectar. Elucard¡¯s eyes brightened and he scarfed down the rest of the fruit, leaving only a sticky hand.


    ¡°Well?¡± Cade asked Elucard in anticipation?


    Elucard chewed the rest and swallowed in a hasty gulp. ¡°Mhm, yes, delicious!¡±


    Cade nodded and turned to Raine. ¡°What about you, Raine.¡±


    ¡°I had them once as a child and they still hold up, even now. Thank you, Cade¡±


    Elucard combed his blonde hair free of a thick film of sweat. He eyed a cobbler stand, picking up a pair of sandals. ¡°How much for these?¡± he asked the vendor.


    ¡°Two silver sendetti,¡± the vendor answered back.


    Elucard looked down at his feet and wiggled his toes trapped in his black tabis. With a relieved grin, he tossed the vendor a set of silver coins and quickly put on his new sandals.


    Cade took Elucard¡¯s tabis and tossed it in his saddle bag. ¡°You¡¯ll want these once we get to Stratus. Mother always said to dress for the occ¡ª¡±


    ¡°The mages are a plague on our society! Only dragons may wield the power of magic, no other mortal deserves such an honor!¡±


    Elucard spun around to find a man standing on top of a crate and crying over the crowd of people. He wore a long red coat with a collar of bear fur and a wooden dragon mask. Inscribed on the forehead of the mask was a rune that read herald.


    Two more masked criers handed out pamphlets to the onlookers.


    ¡°We are the Spellbreakers! We were chosen by the true heir to the heavens, Erzathen, eldest child of Urd¡¯Draak!¡± shouted the herald.


    ¡°What are you on about?¡± one person yelled back.


    ¡°The mages exploited the Magi and enslaved mankind less than fifty years ago and yet they still hold a high political chair in our kingdoms!¡± explained the herald.


    Raine balled her fists.


    ¡°Stay alert, Cade. The Spellbreakers mean only trouble,¡± growled Elucard. He kept a firm hand on his ninjato¡¯s hilt.


    The herald continued. ¡°We were ordained by the True God, Erzathen, to rid the world of those that continue to plunder the realms of their magic. We are the proud few. Erzathen¡¯s paladins! However, should you condemn the mages and swear allegiance to the True God, all of you shall become Spellbreakers!¡±


    A wave of commotion erupted from the crowd.


    ¡°Come to our rally on the fifth sun at moonrise! Bask in the truth!¡±


    Raine, flushed with anger, screamed out at the top of her lungs, ¡°Your truth is bullshit!!¡±


    The crowd parted for her as she stormed up to the Spellbreakers. She rolled up her sleeves and swiped the stack of pamphlets. In a flash of electricity the papers burned into black ash.


    ¡°You will not be the first to die against our cause, light mage, but you will also not be the last,¡± spat the herald.


    Elucard narrowed his eyes. ¡°Cade¡­¡±


    ¡°I see it, Elucard,¡± the hydro shroud whispered back.


    Elucard¡¯s hand throbbed with the Magi, growing frigid and numb. It rattled with a sharp pain, but he forced it still.


    Not now! He growled to himself.


    Raine clenched her teeth and clawed her hands. Lighting sparked from her fingertips. ¡°Come at me. I dare you,¡± Raine snapped.


    The two Spellbreakers on either side of Raine drew wooden hilts and with a twist of the grip, they extended into a silver baton. From its tip back down to its handle ignited an orange glow.


    Raine raised her two hands at the encroaching Spellbreakers.


    Elucard and Cade drew their blades and charged them with their shroud magic, quick to dash forward into a possible brawl.


    Raine shifted her eyes back and forth from one masked enemy to the other. A wave of silence hushed over the Issian citizens.


    The herald¡¯s chest rose and fell with deep breaths. He pushed back his companions. ¡°No. Stand down, Spellbreakers. Only Raze decides when a mage is to be made an example of.¡±


    Raine sighed with relief as the strange weapons powered down and were stashed back into the Spellbreakers¡¯ coats. Her magic continued to crackle in her hands.


    ¡°Please.¡± The herald handed her a fresh pamphlet. ¡°Come to our rally. We assure you it will be a night not to miss.¡±


    Elucard and Cade arrived at the side of Raine. They glowered at the herald and pulled the purple mage away into the safety of the crowd.


    ¡°We must attend this rally, Elucard,¡± whispered Raine.


    Elucard flexed his emerald hand. The pain may have been ignorable today, but what of tomorrow? What would happen if he needed the full extent of his magic and the pain became too unbearable to ignore? It could never happen, but it could be tomorrow. His arm was too unpredictable and out of his control. A battle with such a factor could be his last. Something needed to be done!

 Chapter 16: A Loss of Control

    Elucard found Koda in one of Isana¡¯s guest chambers scattered throughout the pristine alabaster palace. Without thinking to knock, Elucard walked in and approached the elf king who laid back on his bed, flipping through a book. Wildeye sat on the opposite side of the room and looked up from her mango lassi.


    ¡°Elucard, we heard there was trouble with Raine. What happened?¡± asked the cobalt wolf. Her face turned to concern as Elucard halted at the center of the room and rolled up his sleeve.


    His left arm hummed with a verdant light. Elucard grimaced with discomfort.


    ¡°There was trouble¡ªwell, a situation. However, it could have turned serious and this damn arm keeps flaring with pain. It hinders me and I want it back to normal,¡± Elucard glared with fury at Koda and growled his last word, ¡°Now!¡±


    Koda sat up and walked over to Elucard. ¡°I do not take commands from you, Elucard, but I will see if I can sedate the pain.¡± Koda beckoned Wildeye to assist him. ¡°I could use your experience, Wildeye.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Koda,¡± Wildeye said as she hurried to Koda¡¯s side at a brisk pace.


    Elucard allowed Koda to take his arm as the king and wolf examined the Magi coursing within it.


    Koda rubbed his thumb down the glossy flesh of Elucard¡¯s wrist. ¡°You mentioned it flared today, yes?¡±


    Elucard nodded.


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Koda mumbled.


    ¡°What are you thinking, Koda?¡± asked Wildeye.


    Koda¡¯s eyes flashed pink with Magi. With it, Elucard¡¯s arm burned green and blue. Immediately Elucard gripped his arm and collapsed to his knees. His veins pumped with freezing liquid as it rushed up his arm and into his shoulder.


    ¡°What are you doing!?¡± Elucard shouted. He grunted as he tried to withstand the agonizing sensation.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°It is as I suspected,¡± replied Koda. ¡°My Magi is connected to yours. I believe when I flare my Magi, it siphons from yours.¡±


    Elucard¡¯s face trembled with frustration.


    ¡°The longer he uses the Magi, the more unstable your arm will become,¡± Wildeye translated. ¡°But what of your tamed Magi, Koda?¡±


    Elucard flinched as Koda formed a rose in his hand, but he experienced no pain. A relief.


    ¡°No, it seems only raw Magi,¡± reported Koda.


    ¡°A simple fix! Don¡¯t use the Magi,¡± Wildeye said with a smile.


    ¡°So if you don¡¯t use this power, will my arm be okay?¡± asked Elucard.


    ¡°That seems to be the case, Elucard.¡± Wildeye nodded. She turned to Koda. You can do that, Koda. Refrain from using the Magi?¡±


    Koda frowned. ¡°I need the Magi more than ever during the Mage duels. You saw how I handled Trent!¡±


    ¡°Koda.¡± Wildeye placed a calm hand on his shoulder. ¡°You do not need the Magi to win your mage colors.¡±


    Koda pushed away Wildeye¡¯s hand. ¡°Perhaps¡ªPerhaps I can completely withdraw the Magi from his arm¡­¡± Koda tightened his hold of Elucard¡¯s wrist but Elucard yanked it back.


    ¡°Wait, do you even know what you are doing?¡± asked Elucard, now weary of any experiments that Koda might perform on him.


    ¡°Truthfully? No, I don¡¯t,¡± Koda said bluntly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take my chances,¡± Elucard said with a cold sneer. ¡°Just don¡¯t rely on your parlor tricks, and I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Koda narrowed his eyes. ¡°When the time comes'''' ¡ªKoda moved closer to Elucard until their sight was level with one another¡ª ¡°I will not hesitate to use my strongest weapon.¡±


    Elucard snatched Koda by the collar. He bared his teeth and snarled. ¡°I will not be left helpless because you have zero self control!¡± He let loose a scowl rife with aggression.


    Wildeye¡¯s eyes widened and Koda shook with fear.


    Elucard eyed his hand as he strengthened his hold on Koda.


    A gnashing growl came from the depths of Elucard¡¯s mind. A familiar voice he had heard over the last few years. One that he struggled to shut out.


    Always the animal. Always the attack dog. Who is the one with no self control, Elucard?


    Elucard looked away with embarrassment and pushed Koda away. ¡°I¡ªI have to patrol palace grounds for any possible threats.¡±


    Elucard turned on his heel and stormed out of the room.


    Watch yourself devolve back into the criminal you alway knew you were. Nothing changes. Nothing matters. No one is safe, not from you, the cruel voice echoed in his head.


    Elucard stroked his forehead. ¡°Shut up,¡± he muttered to himself.

 Chapter 17: Challenging for Brown

    The head brown mage, Ezevan, pelted waves of sand at his challenger. The red mage did his best to run away from the onslaught of sand, but his bloodied body gave out. In one desperate attempt he blasted a fireball so large and so perfectly controlled,  it took the shape of a human skull.


    The fireball careened towards Ezevan, hissing with a sizzling whistle that cut through the morning air like an ninjato slicing across a throat. The fireball collided into the earth mage with a shuddering explosion. As the dust and smoke settled, the red mage collapsed to his knees.


    Koda watched on with keen interest and nail biting tension. He had only caught the tail end of Raine¡¯s match against Trent, so Ezevan¡¯s battle was the first mage duel that he had ever witnessed and it thrilled him. He loved being a mage, but the sheer excitement of watching a mage battle was something else entirely.


    ¡°The challenger has to have more in him if he wants to win,¡± whispered Raine to Koda as they both watched on the sidelines.


    ¡°I think he¡¯s finished, Raine. There¡¯s no way Ezevan would give up that easily,¡± responded the king.


    ¡°Easily?¡± Raine snorted. ¡°Did we watch the same spell?¡±


    Both looked on with their hearts pounding with relentless energy.


    The fire mage staggered to his feet, closely peering at the wake of flames that he created. He curled his fingers and tried desperately to light a spark of fire.


    Before Ezevan stood a wall of glass. He waved his hands in a circle before thrusting them against his shield and sent the glass wall flying at his challenger.


    ¡°Watch out!¡± Koda couldn¡¯t help but cry out.


    With bated breath Koda held silent as the red mage leaped out of the way of his oncoming demise. The challenger mustered a spurt of adrenaline and dashed to Ezevan¡¯s flank and cried out at the top of his lungs as he unleashed a devastating combustion that shot Ezevan tumbling backwards before sliding to a dead stop.


    The red mage panted heavily but fell forward into a heap.


    The battlefield was as quiet as a graveyard.


    Finally Ezevan¡¯s body stirred as he struggled to get to his feet. He brushed soot and dirt from his earth-toned robes and the referee declared him the victor.


    ¡°Jedeo¡¯s red wings! That was incredible!¡± Koda yelled.


    Raine nodded enthusiastically in agreement. ¡°A worthy fight for any duel.¡±


    Several brown mages rushed to help the fire mage to his feet. He wobbled forward, shaking off his exhaustion.


    Ezevan beckoned for Koda to approach.


    Koda bit his lip as Raine rubbed his shoulders to get rid of any lingering tension.


    ¡°You have this Koda. You just watched an entire match,¡± Raine whispered. ¡°What weaknesses did you see?¡±


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know, I wasn¡¯t looking for them,¡± Koda sheepishly admitted.


    ¡°Ezaven¡¯s defenses aren¡¯t impenetrable. Wear him down with barrages, he¡¯ll slip up.¡±


    Koda nodded.


    ¡°Stick and move, keep your attacks relentless,¡± finished Raine.


    Koda took in a deep breath and walked across the sandy battlefield to where Ezevan stood. The large desert surrounding Isa City served as the Emberwake twins¡¯ dueling grounds. Half to Ezevan''s, the other half to his sister. He took a quick glance at the red mage as he limped away. The challenger put up a fight beyond anything that Koda had ever witnessed, and yet he still lost. Now Koda had to outdo that act?


    Koda looked at Wildeye. Maybe he could use the Magi? His eyes drifted to Elucard¡¯s arm. Well, maybe he shouldn¡¯t. Perhaps he just needed the vote of confidence that Raine gave him.


    Koda stole a glance at Master Stryneth and his shroud, Cade. Stryneth gave the young king a subtle nod. He had his support, it was only a matter of winning.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been looking forward to this match ever since I heard you entered Isa City, Lord Koda,¡± Ezevan said.


    Koda smiled. ¡°If you¡¯d like to rest after that battle, I¡¯ll understand.¡±


    Ezeva gave Koda a hearty laugh. ¡°Nonsense, that last battle was just a warm up!¡±


    ¡°I admit, I expected a grander school. However, it seems you prefer a more grounded, open school.¡± Koda waved his hand gesturing to the wide desert far away from Isa City. Not a single stone block or structure stood in the sands. It was as empty and devoid of any natural life that Koda could not fathom. An endless red ocean sandy dunes glistening under the burning sun.


    The head mage frowned. ¡°This is not my school. My students and I are refugees here. My school was on the outskirts of Nacsirri.¡±


    Koda buttoned his mouth with a grim frown of his own. ¡°I apologize¡ªI didn¡¯t¡ª¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know.¡± Ezevan placed a calm hand on Koda¡¯s shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s alright, my lord.¡±


    Koda lowered his head in embarrassment.


    ¡°My sister is a refugee as well. I assume you are here to earn your brown sash in order to stand a better chance at defeating her?¡±


    Koda looked up to Ezevan. ¡°That was my plan, yes.¡±


    Ezevan chuckled. ¡°It is a good plan¡­if you can beat me.¡± He gave the brave elf a competitive grin.


    Koda swallowed his fear. ¡°If this is not your school, will death and wounds be permanent?¡±


    Ezeva gave his answer in a low and serious tone. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Your past challenger¡­¡± Koda mulled over his next words carefully. ¡°He lived. Death is not the only way to win?


    ¡°The celestials above, of course not!¡± Ezevan¡¯s eyes leered coldly. ¡°Who told you that?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Trent, you are such a jerk! ¡°What are the conditions for a victory in a mage duel?¡±


    Ezeven folded his arms. ¡°First hit, third hit, unconsciousness, and as you know, death.¡±


    Koda rubbed his chin. I wonder if I could win a first hit match? Koda knelt down and scooped up a handful of sand and sifted it through his fist. One hit. One hit to win the whole thing. Normally taking a body full of shots would benefit me, but if I was fast enough, if I could find that opening¡­I wouldn¡¯t have to worry about Ezevans endless supply of stamina.


    ¡°What have you decided, Lord Koda?¡± asked the headmaster.


    Koda closed his eyes and with a single breath he stated his terms. ¡°Base color my green versus your brown. The first hit decides the victor!¡±


    ¡°First blood, eh?¡±


    Koda gave the brown mage a wary smile. ¡°Would you accept this?¡±


    ¡°Of course, but most challengers may ask for the last one standing or the first mage to three hits.¡±


    First to three hits? That might have been easier. Koda thought smacking his forehead.


    ¡°The first hit is a risky gambit. Very well, take your spot opposite of me.¡±


    Koda shuffled to his position on the over side of the dueling field, no longer as confident as he had been. He took in several quick breaths. No time for doubts, no time for doubts, no time for¡ª


    The referee held up a red flag with a diagonal brown stripe. ¡°This a battle for the Brown color! Base colors are only to be used. The first one to score a hit wins! Headmaster Ezevan, are you ready?¡±


    Ezaven nodded.


    The referrer looked at Koda. ¡°Challenger, are you ready?¡±


    No time for doubts!


    ¡°Challenger, are you ready?¡± the referee asked again.


    Koda held silent, the only disturbance in the air was his own short breaths.


    No time for doubts. His first mage battle left him shaken. Trent¡¯s match was over as quickly as it began. What if he didn¡¯t have what it took to be a mage? What if going on this quest would make him look like a fool. With each battle handed him another loss.


    ¡°You can do this, Koda.¡± Wildeye said with a soft voice in his head. ¡°You are clever, quick on your feet. I know you can calculate a strategy where there seems to be none.¡±


    Wildeye¡­


    ¡°Show them you deserve to be here. Show yourself that you deserve to be here.¡±


    No more doubts.


    ¡°Challenger¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m ready!¡± Koda shouted.


    The referee swung down the flag. ¡°BEGIN!¡±


    Ezevan summoned a large tidal wave of sand that rolled up to the sky and crashed upon Koda. Panic stirred in his mind, but he pushed the distracting thoughts down just fast enough to react. Spinning around he wrapped himself in a funnel of bark and roots just as a quarter of the battlefield slammed on top of him.


    Not the ideal way he wanted to start the battle, but it worked to his advantage. Koda folded his legs into a meditative position. The makeshift tree guarded him from the suffocation of the tightly packed sand weighing him far below the surface of the battlefield. The king squinted his eyes shut and collapsed his hands in contrition, keeping only a single index finger up. He concentrated on extending roots from his cocoon. The thin wooden tendrils wriggled and wormed through the layers until their tips broke through the soil.


    Koda twitched his eyes and ears, now hearing and seeing through his magical roots. Keeping them as close to the open surface as possible, he commanded his plants to crawl towards Ezevan¡¯s feet. All the while he listened in on the conversation between the headmaster and referee.


    ¡°It is done,¡± Ezevan told his official. ¡°Call off the match, I will rescue Koda¡¯s body.¡±


    The referee held the flag by his side. ¡°I sense his magic is still in use, The challenger defended your advance.¡±


    Ezevan irked his lip in a mixture of doubt and anger. ¡°Impossible. How can that be¡ªYow!¡±


    The referee raised his red and brown flag. ¡°Challenger wins!¡±


    Ezevan tried to lift his foot, but found it grappled by a vine of bramble and thorns.


    ¡°What? How? When?¡± exclaimed the head mage in confusion.


    Across from the brown mage, a layer of sand peaked and broke apart as spindly roots and branches scraped through the surface like a funnel spider. The trunk of a tree followed the mass of burrowing wood. Koda cracked open the trunk and fell to his knees.


    ¡°I got you, Master Ezevan!¡± he laughed.


    Ezevan ripped his foot away from the prickly weeds. ¡°Indeed you did, Lord Koda. Indeed you did.¡±


    Raine and Wildeye rushed to Koda¡¯s side while Stryneth, Elucard and Cade trailed behind at a slower pace.


    ¡°Koda, you were brilliant!¡± Raine said, choking the king with a strong hug.


    The elf blushed. ¡°Thank you, Raine.¡±


    ¡°Stand before me, Lord Koda,¡± commanded Ezevan. The earth mage waited for Koda before taking a long strip of cloth from another brown mage. Ezevan stretched the cloth out to its full length and presented it to his school¡¯s challenger.


    ¡°With this brown sash, you are now a mage of my element and color,¡± said Ezevan with a stoic expression.


    Koda accepted the gift and smiled.


    Ezevan placed a set of fingers on Koda¡¯s brow. A swirling miasma of sand and energy rose around Koda and the brown mage. ¡°I unlock your potential to wield earth, Koda Dawnedge!¡±


    A rush of power pumped through Koda¡¯s heart and soul with the new source of Magi in his mind. Doors previously locked, now free to open at his whim. No longer was he bound only to that of the Vernal element, now he had the power of stone.


    Koda tightened his grip on the silk brown mage sash.


    ¡°Congratulations, Lord Dawnedge. You are ready to take on Azeva Emberwake.¡±

 Chapter 18: A New Element

    Lightning crackled and popped throughout the courtyard of the Isa City palace. Oleander flowers singed and burned with each lightning strike that Raine aimed for Koda but each time she missed the nimble elf.


    Koda dipped forward and lunged backwards with each one of Raine¡¯s seemingly manic attacks. A sharp pain sprung down his legs and forced him to crash to his knees. Electric currents charged away from him.


    ¡°Come on, Koda! You can¡¯t hope to dodge lightning bolts all day. You need to learn to use that new earth magic you got yesterday!¡± Raine lectured him with a hint of annoyance in her voice.


    Wildeye lifted the king to his feet. ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate to reach within yourself,¡± she said. ¡°Every spell can be countered with every magic, but you need to have the power to do so and the wit to think on your feet.¡±


    Koda nodded. He narrowed his eyes and held up his hand to the purple mage. ¡°I¡¯m ready, Raine.¡±


    Raine waited for Wildeye to sit down next to Stryneth again before slinging another ray of electricity at her training partner.


    Koda circled his hands and collided his knuckles together. From his hands, down his thighs, and up to his face forged a thick layer of granite armor. The lightning deflected harmlessly off the stone.


    ¡°Okay, well done, Koda,¡± Raine called out. ¡°But can you move? Can you retaliate?¡±


    Koda smirked underneath his stone guard. Of course I can move.


    However, his rocky limbs gave him no berth of movement. He couldn¡¯t budge his legs, he couldn¡¯t even tip over. He was just another statue for the courtyard.


    ¡°I can¡¯t move!¡± he cried at the top of his lungs, but his voice only came out as a muffled blurb


    He could see at least. His eyes weren¡¯t covered, thank the celestials. Neither were his nostrils, so he couldn¡¯t suffocate. However, if he didn¡¯t cancel the spell he might grow moss and attract a bird to nest on his shoulder. Stuck forever as a decorative art piece.


    Oh, Isana would love that, he thought sarcastically. Okay Koda. Just turn off the magic. Easy as that!


    Koda concentrated on the act of crumbling the spell, turning the sheet of stone into rubble or falling into a pile of sand at his feet, but the stone armor remained.


    Why won¡¯t it listen to me?


    ¡°Because you must calm yourself, my friend.¡±


    Wildeye! Koda laughed, overjoyed to hear his familiar.


    ¡°Settle your mind. You are panicking and dreading an outcome that you still have control over.¡±


    A calm mind. A calm mind. Koda slowed his breathing and a sense of serenity washed over his building stress.


    ¡°A calm mind, Koda,¡± repeated Wildeye. ¡°Now, reach in and touch the earthen Tamed Magi within your magic pool.¡±


    Koda looked deep within himself. The manifestations of his Magi floated in the blackness of his mind. He could always pull from his raw Magi. The magic was always waiting to be called by him. Always ready to answer to his needs. Reliable. Trustworthy. A friend and an ally. An energy always willing to give him hope and power.


    ¡°Do you see it, Koda? The brown magic?¡± Wildeye asked. Attempting to vie for his focus.


    Koda searched deeper into the recess of his mind. Deeper into its dark void, only lit by a soft light. His magic pool.


    I found my magic, Wildeye.


    ¡°Good, now reach out to it. Befriend the brown magic and listen to it,¡± whispered Wildeye. Her voice was now as small as the magic pool that Koda had found. Wildeye was distant, as if the deeper he delved the further from Draak¡¯Terra he had gone.


    Koda extended a finger to the magic. Its form was not of just light, but more of a gel¡ªan organism that evolved from the chasm of his consciousness. Koda poked the jellyfish-like creature and to his surprise, it reacted. It flipped and twisted, floated and fluttered. It wobbled in the air and scooted in circles. Koda couldn¡¯t help but giggled at the playful creature.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Its light glowed more brilliant in Koda¡¯s presence. From green, to magenta, and finally brown. The colors mixed and churned in its body, like spilt paint congealing into a colorful mess.


    Koda slowly surrounded his hands around the magic pool. ¡°Magi hear me, give me the will of earth.¡±


    The mage king breathed in the element of stone, the power to command rock and sand soothed his soul. To walk with the deserts and mountains.


    Koda snapped open his eyes and slowly shifted the plates of rocks away from his entrapped body. Dust puffed from his joints as Koda bent and rotated them. Finally, as he imagined before, the stone armor collapsed in a large pile of rubble.


    Raine ran up to Koda and gave him a supportive hug. ¡°I knew you could control earth magic.¡±


    Koda wiped the sweat from his brow. ¡°Does it get any easier after this? Will I have to go through an arithmetic book just to use each color?¡±


    Raine laughed and shook her head. ¡°No, not at all. As you earn each color it gets much simpler to control and learn how to manipulate them.¡±


    ¡°You have two?¡± asked Koda, slightly in doubt of his friend¡¯s answer.


    ¡°Yes, but I have spoken to many students with more colors than I.¡±


    ¡°Do not be afraid to use your Magi, Lord Koda.¡± Stryneth sauntered over to Raine, Wildeye, and Koda. He pronounced each word with pride. ¡°It is a gift meant to be exploited.¡±


    Koda raised his brow.


    Wildeye stepped forward between Stryneth and Koda. ¡°The Magi is too dangerous for any one person to use.¡±


    ¡°What of Azeva?¡± asked Stryneth. ¡°She is more proficient with Magi. Mateo and Arrelion too, have both used the Magi.


    ¡°I stand by my statement,¡± growled Wildeye.


    ¡°Excuse my ignorance,¡± Raine started, ¡°But what is Magi and why is it so bad?¡±


    ¡°The Magi is the source of all Draak¡¯Terran magic,¡± explained the wolf. ¡°Pure and raw in its original form. It is a drug and must be treated as such.¡±


    ¡°I admit there is little we understand about the Magi,¡± Koda added. ¡°Many have fallen to its allure while studying it.¡±


    ¡°Then why risk using it if it provides such dangers?¡± argued Raine.


    ¡°Although dangerous¡­ it is¡­¡± Koda struggled to find the proper words.


    ¡°It is an important tool in Koda¡¯s arsenal,¡± finished Stryneth with a grin. ¡°Which is just another reason why my master seeks him.¡±


    Raine rubbed her chin. ¡°I suppose any tool in the improper hands can be dangerous but the same tool in a practiced hand could help more than harm.¡±


    ¡°My thoughts exactly, Raine.¡± Koda beamed a confident smile.


    Wildeye shook her head in disappointment. ¡°Well,¡± she sighed. ¡°I think Koda is ready to battle for his red sash.¡±


    Koda adjusted the brown cloth tied around his waist. Wildeye was right, it was time to earn another color.


    ***


    Koda and his company approached the dune elf headmaster but not a single flame burned. The sands were still and undisturbed by duels and battles. Instead, Azeva stood in grim sadness. Her wide hood hid her teary face


    ¡°I am not accepting challenges at this time,¡± Azeva said with a horse whisper.


    Koda looked to Raine and Wildeye with confusion scried on his face, then back to Azeva. ¡°Why not? What happened?¡±


    Azeva lowered her hood revealing her kinky, twisted hair. It ruffled and shook as she swayed her head, rattling with the hundreds of shells and beads that decorated her red hair.


    ¡°My High Student, Nia, has been taken.¡±


    ¡°Taken? How do you know? By who?¡± Elucard pressed further.


    ¡°Last sunrise, a small group of men approached my students and I. They wore wooden masks over their faces.¡±


    ¡°Spellbreakers!¡± Raine whispered a gasp to Elucard.


    ¡°Go on, please,¡± Koda urged.


    ¡°They commanded me to leave the city or else face the consequences of being a Magi Offender.¡± Azeva gnashed her teeth. ¡°I heard of such a movement from whispers and gossip. The Spellbreaker movement. An oncoming war against the Academy of Magic.¡±


    ¡°What did you tell them?¡± asked Wildeye.


    ¡°I told them what any reasonable mage would say. Begone or experience the fury of an angry mage.¡±


    Elucard nodded. ¡°In retaliation the Spellbreakers managed to kidnap your student,¡± he concluded.


    Azeva lowered her head with guilt. ¡°I have no clue where they took her and the Isa guards won¡¯t bother to help a refugee. Nia had been out shopping in the market with two of my other students, however¡­¡±


    A young yikahti fire mage stepped forward. ¡°This yikahti is not what happened. One moment Nia was with us, the next she was gone. Taken in broad daylight. This yikahti and the others called for help, but as our headmaster states, the guards want nothing to do with the refugees.¡±


    Azeva uncrumpled a note in her hands. ¡°When I returned from searching, one of my mages gave me this.¡±


    Cade took the note and read it outloud:


    You failed to heed our warning, Magi Offender, now your High Student shall pay for your crimes against the dragons. All of Isa City shall bear witness to Erzathen¡¯s justice!


    Koda¡¯s mood turned serious. ¡°Elucard, find Nia and bring her back to Azeva,¡± he ordered.


    Elucard clutched one fist in the other and bowed. ¡°As you command, my king.¡±


    Stryneth placed a hand on Cade¡¯s shoulder. ¡°My hydro shroud shall go with you, Elucard.¡±


    Cade nodded to the blue mage. ¡°As you say, my master.¡±


    Koda took a long bow to the fire headmaster. ¡°They will bring Nia home, Master Azeva.¡±


    Elucard and Cade vanished into a blur of speed, heading towards the city.

 Chapter 19: Interfering with the Spellbreakers

    The vigilant Elucard and Cade perched high on the steeples of the temple of Errix, scanning over the vast desert city, their eyes sharply trained to pick out their target even within the crowded streets of a bustling marketplace.


    Cade slid into the lap of a statue of Errix. He mused to himself, but loud enough for Elucard to hear, ¡°The god of wayward travelers; perhaps we need a god of luck instead.¡±


    Elucard¡¯s eyes slid to Cade.


    ¡°You are fluent in Draak¡¯Terran mythology? You are a well read man, Cade,¡± complemented Elucard with a smile. He paused for a brief moment. Do you speak Salrothian? Krem shev alv Salrothian?¡±


    ¡°Los.¡± Cade laughed out his response. ¡°Merv yolmo Salrothian.¡±


    Elucard nodded. ¡°I would agree that you are very adept at the language. I haven¡¯t practiced much with it other than with my master, but I had a close friend that might have been as good as you.¡± Elucard hid his frown at his reference to Jetta and turned his head back to the search.


    ¡°A close friend, perhaps a girl in your life?¡± Cade asked, attempting to pry more into Elucard¡¯s private life.


    Elucard gave a long sigh. ¡°A section of my life I try to forget. It pains me even to this day despite it being at least a decade ago.¡±


    ¡°It has been that long, hasn¡¯t it?¡± Cade whispered underneath his breath, but it passed through Elucard unnoticed.


    ¡°I¡ª¡± Elucard¡¯s eyes widened. He thrusted his finger to an alleyway that ran along the west end of the temple. ¡°There. There is our Spellbreaker.¡±


    Cade leaned over Elucard¡¯s shoulder to get a good look. His firm chest rubbed against Elucard¡¯s back and the elf couldn¡¯t help but blush.


    ¡°Yes, I see him. Cade pushed off of his partner back to his feet. ¡°So what¡¯s the plan?


    Elucard rose and pulled a dagger to his hand. ¡°Follow my lead.¡±


    Cade cracked his knuckles.


    Elucard grinned and raised his mask to the bridge of his nose. The business of a scoundrel is what he excelled at most in life and it was time to be a scoundrel once again.


    ***


    The helpless Spellbreaker slammed against the stone wall with a shuddering thud. Elucard brought his thin blade close to his victim¡¯s throat, lifting his Adam''s apple with the edge of his dagger. ¡°Now where are you off to in such a hurry?¡± Elucard said with a slithering hiss.


    ¡°N-none of you b-business!¡± stammered the Spellbreaker.


    Cade slapped the Spellbreaker across the face. The strike jostled the small man¡¯s wooden mask. ¡°We¡¯re making it our business!¡± growled Cade.


    ¡°You¡¯ll get n-nothing out of me!¡± screamed the Spellbreaker.


    ¡°Well then,¡± Elucard glanced at Cade. ¡°He¡¯s got a strong will on him, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Cade yanked the tuft of the man¡¯s scalp. ¡°Oh yes, we won¡¯t be breaking this one. Just let him go.¡± Cade¡¯s face morphed into an exaggerated frown. ¡°Let¡¯s find someone weaker than this one.¡±


    Elucard sheathed his dagger and threw the Spellbreaker to the ground. ¡°Get out of here!¡±


    The shrouds narrowed their eyes as their target scurried off.


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll give him some distance, but stay hidden. Let¡¯s see if this little rat brings us to his hole,¡± whispered Elucard.


    ***


    Elucard and Cade spied on their prey, watching as he dashed through the crowd. The Spellbreaker looked back to see if he was followed several times in his path back to his hideout.


    Elucard hid within the crowd, leaning behind corners, and staying within the shadows of archways, letting his Black Rabbit instincts take over. His mind wandered over the concern of Cade. Though skilled as an elemental shroud, surely he didn¡¯t have the same skill set as a trained assassin. They were just glorified bodyguards, right? To Elucard¡¯s pleasant surprise, Cade stuck to the darkness of alleys and stalked within the crowds as skilled as a lurking wolf.


    Cade did mention his master was a Rabbit, like myself. Perhaps he was taught more than his share of needed techniques. Elucard said to himself. The magic of a shroud, the skills of a killer. Cade is far more dangerous than I give him credit for.


    Elucard shut his eyes and shook his head. ¡°Focus, Elucard.¡±


    Cade snuck his way beside Elucard and gestured to an opium lounge. ¡°Our target has gone in there.¡±


    Elucard looked to a second floor balcony. ¡°We¡¯ll enter through there. Come on.¡±


    With the nimble reflexes and agile movements of a squirrel, Elucard leaped up the wall and pulled himself over the balcony. The elf peered through the full length window pane of the door for any guards. Satisfied, he wedged his dagger into the door and pried it open. In a matter of moments they were inside.


    The arid layer of smoke scratched Elucard¡¯s throat and dried his elven eyes as Cade and himself crept stealthily down a hallway which spilled into a round lounge. Elucard rolled behind a pair of wood and silk screens, waiting patiently for a yikahti mistress to pass by.


    Elucard gestured for Cade to keep close. He slunk down to his hands and scampered past several entranced men in beds. Snaking around a corner, Elucard waited for Cade before continuing up a set of stairs. Carefully they creaked open doors and peered inside the foggy rooms, searching for their Spellbreaker friend.


    A familiar voice broke through the stillness of passed out, broken men. Elucard placed hand on Cade¡¯s shoulder and raised a finger to his lips. The two shrouds crouched on either side of a doorway veiled only by a long curtain of seashells.


    ¡°The same two shrouds from the other day, my lord,¡± said the squiremy voice of the Spellbreaker


    Elucard pointed his fingers at his eyes and then out to the Spellbreaker. He then patted his dagger. There, suspect.


    Cade nodded and responded in a silent whisper, ¡°But who is he talking to?¡±


    Elucard raised his brow. Of course Cade could speak in a silent whisper. He was trained by a Black Rabbit.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Elucard responded back.


    They continued to listen in.


    ¡°Were you followed, Keras?¡± Unlike the first voice, this new voice had a deeper edge. Commanding. Confident. Powerful. Yes, he was the Spellbreaker leader. Elucard was sure of it.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    ¡°No, my lord.¡±


    ¡°The rally continues tonight, then. Azeva¡¯s student will be sacrificed as an example to the mages of this city.¡±


    ¡°Yes, my lord.¡±


    ¡°They will learn the meaning of respect and fear of Erzathen, heir to Urd¡¯Draak. I shall see to that myself.


    ¡°Lord, Raze, what of the shrouds?¡±


    Raze. So he leads the Spellbreakers.


    ¡°Do we make our move, Elucard?¡± asked Cade.


    ¡°No, we need to find out where they have Nia. Her safety is our number one priority,¡± said Elucard.


    Cade nodded and together they continued to listen to Raze¡¯s conversation for any clues to their mission.


    ¡°They are of no concern to me. If they try to rescue Azeva¡¯s brat, they will learn why we are called the Spellbreakers!¡±


    The slimy man snickered.


    ¡°Prepare the prisoner for the ritual,¡± ordered Raze. ¡°Make sure her Magi is drained before she is sacrificed tonight.¡±


    Elucard gave Cade a puzzled look. ¡°They can take away Magi? Elucard flexed his left arm.


    ¡°Hide!¡± hissed Cade as shells and beads rattled.


    The two Spellbreakers walked out of the meeting room and Elucard gestured to Keras as he headed down a set of stairs.


    After waiting for Raze to walk back into his room, Elucard and Cade followed Keras as he made his way to the cellar of the lounge. There, a frightened desert elf maiden huddled, chained in the corner.


    ¡°Please let me go.¡± Her meek voice came out with a gentle sob.


    ¡°You will be set free all in good time, child. Set free for all the city to see,¡± Keras said with a sinister smile. He took out a small dish of red powder and dabbed it on the elf¡¯s face.


    ¡°What is this? What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Your use of the Magi is an abominable act against our dragon gods. You will be relinquished of your magic.¡±


    Nia¡¯s eyes widened with fear. ¡°My-my magic?¡±


    Keras stood and lit three sandalwood incense and wafted their thin trails of smoke around his prison. He muttered a prayer in the draconian tongue. With the final word the red powder began to glow.


    ¡°Please! Please let me go!¡± Nia shouted.


    Keras chuckled. He lifted a smooth pink orb and rubbed it. ¡°Not a cha¡ªgaak!¡±


    A long emerald lit blade emerged from Keras¡¯s chest and sunk back in. Keras dropped like a sack of potatoes. Dead.


    Elucard sheathed his sword and Cade slid to Nia¡¯s side, swift to wipe the markings from her face.


    ¡°Elucard, look for a key to her cuffs,¡± said Cade.


    Elucard rummaged through Keras¡¯s robes to find the small iron key and unlocked Nia¡¯s shackles. The young mage rubbed her chaffed, irritated wrists.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Friends,¡± Cade said with a small grin. He searched around the room, looking for a window or a grate to escape to safety. Cade moved aside a large bookcase and rolled away a stack of barrels. Finally, behind a tattered drape, he found his way out.


    The window was too small for a human to pass through, but a good size for an elf. ¡°Come here, Nia.¡±


    The dune elf complied and nervously shuffled to the hydro shroud.


    ¡°You needn''t be frightened of me. Elucard and myself are here to help you,¡± Cade cooed with a kind voice.


    Elucard placed a set of firm hands on her waist and lifted her up to the window. ¡°Hurry, crawl to the street, we¡¯ll be right behind you.¡±


    Heavy footsteps approached down the stairwell.


    ¡°Quickly, quickly, Nia,¡± Cade said, pushing the mage through the window.


    ¡°You next, Cade.¡± Elucard assisted his partner¡¯s foot with his palm and lifted him up to the window.


    ¡°You!¡± A threatening voice broke across the cellar. Raze had arrived.


    Elucard drew his ninjato and flared a surge of vernal magic through it.


    ¡°So you are the shroud thorns in my side?¡± Raze curled his fists until they cracked. His voice hissed through his vented mask. His golden eyes beaded into Elucard¡¯s own.


    A long, cold silence shifted between the two deadly men.


    Raze pulled out a short, blue, steel cylinder from his belt. Taking it in both hands, he extended it into a staff crackling with electricity on either end.


    ¡°Witness Erzathen¡¯s chosen one, Shroud!¡± Raze spat as he lunged forward. The Spellbreaker leader flung through air, brandishing his knee.


    Elucard raised his arms to block, but Raze was faster. Stronger. Crack! His jaw shifted to the side as Raze¡¯s knee collided with his face. Raze then spun around, waving his staff in a smooth motion and whacked it across Elucard¡¯s chin. The elf nearly bowled over from the impact. Before Elucard could recover, Raze landed another blow to his gut.


    Elucard fell to his knees sucking in any air that he could.


    Where is his speed coming from? He¡¯s got the height and build of the Silent Master, but the agility and quickness of Cade. Elucard eyed Raze. I was expecting a brawler from his size. He¡¯s just as relentless with attacks as well, but where a brawler lacks technique, Raze has them spades.


    Elucard¡¯s body went numb with each sparking hit, but grit his teeth and tightened his grip on his hilt. With a blood-boiling glare to Raze, Elucard made his move.


    The forest elf whipped a vine at Raze¡¯s staff to disarm him, but to Elucard¡¯s surprise the vine shattered into thousands of tiny green specks of glass as soon as it made contact with the staff.


    What!? How!? Elucard¡¯s mind echoed. No matter. If magic won¡¯t work, raw talent will!


    Elucard leaped in the air, twisted his body, and lashed out a set of kicks. The first struck the Spellbreaker¡¯s jaw, but Raze caught Elucard¡¯s foot on the second attack. With a sundering slam, he threw Elucard to the ground.


    An explosion of burning pain erupted from Elucard¡¯s chest as the staff came down on him. Charges of electricity raced through his body. Summoning all his might, he endured the agony and grasped the staff. Raze buckled back with a savage kick to the knee and Elucard rolled to the wall. Elucard eyed Raze nursing his knee and grinned viciously. Now¡¯s my chance.


    Elucard thrashed a brutal kick to Raze¡¯s head, then grabbed him by the collar and flung his opponent over his shoulder. Raze crashed through a pile of crates.


    Elucard winced through labored breaths. Raze¡¯s staff drained his energy, slowed his reaction time, and numbed his thoughts. He¡¯s tough. Fast too. Ever since my fight with the yikahti in Scorch, I¡¯ve been off my game. I need to get back to training and shake off this rust. If I keep fighting like some Black Rabbit recruit, I¡¯ll get myself killed. I have to end this now!


    Raze crawled to his feet, steading himself against the wall. ¡°You fight well¡­¡± his voice shook with a high pitched wheeze through his mask. ¡°...Shroud, but you are no match for Erzathen¡¯s paladin.¡±


    Elucard swallowed a mouthful of iron tasting blood. He rotated his arm with a sickening pop! Snatching up his fallen blade, he slowly limped to the battered Raze.


    Elucard thrust a kick to Raze¡¯s chest. He bounced off the wall and Elucard bent over and caught him across his shoulders. With a heavy grunt, Elucard body slammed Raze on the cold stone floor.


    Raze rolled  over and speared his shoulder through Elucard¡¯s gut, ramming him into the wall.


    ¡°Ack!¡± Elucard cried. The elf clenched his teeth and hefted an elbow across Raze¡¯s back, but Raze pummeled a score of blows back.


    Elucard snarled and switched his sword to a reverse grip and plunged it into Raze¡¯s shoulder.


    The Spellbreaker roared in rage. He collided with a clubbed fist across Elucard¡¯s jaw. The elf sailed across the room into a stack of kegs.


    Raze ripped the sword from his upper shoulder and tossed it to the shroud¡¯s crumpled body.


    ¡°I am the Spellbreaker Raze, and I will take back the Magi,¡± seethed Raze. ¡°And no man nor elf will make me falter!¡±


    Elucard struggled  to get back to his feet. He tripped over the barrels and staggered to the wall. It¡¯s not¡­ He nodded in and out of consciousness. It¡¯s not over yet¡­


    Elucared grabbed his sword and darted for the electro staff on the ground. With a desperate last attempt. Elucard swooped up the staff and hurled it like a javelin.


    Raze stepped to the side and caught the projectile.


    Good, he moved to the left and just in the path for¡­


    Elucard tensed his muscles and with a ferocious roar swung for Raze¡¯s jugular.


    He¡¯s still reacting to the staff, he won¡¯t have the time to defen¡ª


    A rush of pain flooded Elucard¡¯s Magi arm. No!!! Elucard¡¯s attack flailed wildly and only grazed Raze¡¯s throat.


    Elucard¡¯s knees buckled and he crashed and slid across the ground. His arm continued to stiffen up and quiver with pain. No, please, not now!


    Raze palmed his cut and blood trickled down his neck. ¡°You came the closest to slaying me, Shroud. I shall sing your praises in my prayers tonight, but now you die.¡± Raze slowly approached the elf. His staff hummed with the sound of a thousand wasps.


    Elucard clutched his left arm, his back now to the wall and his eyes shrunk into specks of terror.


    ¡°I got you, Elucard!¡±


    Elucard gasped in surprise as Cade¡¯s hand snatched him by the collar and dragged him through the window.


    ¡°We must leave, now!¡± Cade whispered frantically.


    Raze screamed in frustration. His anger bounced off the alley walls.


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Elucard sighed in relief.

 Chapter 20: Challenging for Red

    ¡°Nia!¡± Azeva embraced her student with a warm hug. ¡°Are you alright? Were you harmed?¡±


    Nia shook her head and returned the hug. ¡°No, headmaster. These two shrouds rescued me just in time. They were planning to take my magic.¡±


    Azeva set her student down and walked to Elucard and Cade. Azeva crossed her arms. ¡°Will they come after her again?¡±


    Elucard held his ribs and winced. ¡°Their leader is a man called Raze, as hellbent as he is to rid the world of mages like yourself, he will flee this city.¡±


    Azeva stroked her chin. ¡°How can you be sure?¡±


    Koda stepped forward. ¡°I will see to that. Isana will listen to me when I tell her of the threat under her nose.¡±


    Azeva nodded and turned back to Nia. ¡°My child, rest in camp until you are ready to take any challenges.¡±


    Nia bowed and once more to Koda, Elucard, and Cade. ¡°Thank you, Lord Koda. If it weren¡¯t for your shrouds I would have¡­¡±


    ¡°You will be safe here. I will also see to it that Travin¡¯s people, like yourself, are well taken care of.¡±


    Nia gave Koda a tearful laugh. ¡°Thank you so much¡ªfor everything, Lord Koda!¡±


    ¡°Rest, Nia. Someone shall bring you dinner.¡± She waited for Nia to walk off to the refugee encampment before turning back to Koda.


    ¡°So you will accept my challenge, Master Azeva?¡±


    ¡°You have done more for me and my people than Isana has ever done for the dune elf nation. You will have your battle.¡±


    Koda gave her a gleeful smile and clapped his hands. ¡°Thank you, Master Azeva.¡±


    Azeva snapped her fingers and in an instant her students cleared the field. Koda gave his entourage a quick glance, and likewise they exited the area as well.


    Warm winds pelted Koda and Azeva¡¯s skin with trails of sand and dust. The sun roasted the back of the necks, and sweat rolled down their cheeks. Koda wiped his brow and squinted his eyes.


    ¡°Base or multicolor?¡± asked Azeva.


    Raine and she gave him a reassuring thumbs up.


    Azeva only had red, but any mage that becomes the head of a school must be a master of their element. All the same, he went after earth because he needed the protection from fire. It was an easy choice for Koda. ¡°Multicolor,¡± he answered.


    ¡°First hit, first to three hits, or unconsciousness?¡± Azeva asked next. ¡°Death is off the table for obvious reasons.¡±


    Koda paused. He hadn¡¯t given much thought for the win condition against someone as talented as Azeva. He had gotten lucky with the first hit against her brother, surely another first blow match wouldn¡¯t be as forgiving. However he now had another color in his arsenal, earth. With the defenses of stone armor or rock walls, he was sure he could withstand any fireball Azeva threw at him. On the other hand, she probably had experience dealing with earth mages, but even Ezevan, her own brother, said earth was a good strategy. Koda had no doubt in his mind, he could win, but how?


    Koda went through his options one last time. First hit. No, I don¡¯t think that would be a victory in my cards. What else? Third hit. Yes, that seems more plausible. Unconsciousness doesn¡¯t sound appealing.


    Azeva tapped her foot impatiently. ¡°Have you made a decision, Lord Koda?¡±


    Koda blew out a long sigh. ¡°I-I believe I have.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    Koda curled his fist. ¡°Third hit!¡±


    Azeva nodded to the referee to begin the battle. He raised a bright red flag with a darker red stripe.


    ¡°This sanctioned battle is for the element of fire! Combatants will be allowed to use their full array of colors. The first to score three hits will be victorious!¡±


    The referee looked to Koda. ¡°Is the challenger ready?¡±


    Koda tightened his fist even more. ¡°Ready!¡±


    The referee then looked to the Head Mage. ¡°Is the defender ready?¡±


    ¡°Get on with it!¡± she shouted.


    The referee flapped down the flag. ¡°Commence!¡±


    Like a comet slicing through the night, Azeva launched forward. Trails of flames and black smoke followed in her wake.


    Azeva reeled back her right arm and a whip of burning, orange fire ignited from her hand. Koda¡¯s legs tensed to dodge, but the red mage became a blur in his eyes and his body froze in anticipation of her next move. When? Now? Now?


    Azeva cracked her wrist and the blazing whip threw Koda onto his back, the front of his robes smoldering.


    ¡°First hit, Azeva!¡± called out the referee.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Azeva surfed through the sand, curving around Koda. She created a wave of fire as she propelled herself around the battlefield.


    Koda could only spin on his heels, trying desperately to keep a bead on his opponent.


    The fire mage flanked Koda and flicked her wrist popping up a wall of plasma, burning Koda with a whirl of flames.


    ¡°Second hit, Azeva,¡±


    Koda scampered away from Azeva, as the fire shrank down to small singeing embers over his robes. To Koda¡¯s surprise, Azeva¡¯s fire only burned as warm as a paving stone on a summer¡¯s day. Even holding herself back, she was still this dangerous. Stryneth¡¯s warning of Azeva¡¯s Magi control rang true. If he didn¡¯t pull himself together, he would have another embarrassing loss on his hands.


    ¡°Come on, focus, Koda!¡± Raine shouted to him at the top of her lungs. ¡°Show her some earth defense!¡±


    Right! Earth defense! Koda said to himself


    Koda raised his fist and struck it on the ground and a complete dome of rocks instantly surrounded him. The shelter muffled Raine¡¯s cheers. The gray and tan stones warmed up as Azeva blasted streams of fire at Koda¡¯s shielding. Sweat dripped from Koda¡¯s chin within the sweltering dome.


    Let¡¯s see where she is. Koda whispered to himself. He lifted his hand to one of the cooler stones and focused his vision past the wall. There he watched Azeva pace back and forth, itching for a moment to get her winning hit. Every so often she threw another fireball.


    Okay, let¡¯s score some points. Koda patiently waited for another fireball and then pushed against the stone. Like a cannonball it exploded forward, catching Azeva off-guard and nailing her in the shoulder.


    ¡°First hit, Koda!¡±


    Koda laughed. I¡¯m far from finished! Koda thrusted his hands at several more stones, rapidly firing them at Azeva.


    The dune elf ducked and dodged, backpedaling away from the deadly dome, but more and more stones of the structure drove at her. Finally a boulder cracked against her head. Azeva crashed to the sand.


    ¡°Second hit, Koda!¡±


    Koda shuffled nervously away from the safety of his shelter. He wondered if he killed the desert elf. Perhaps he was a little too zealous in his attacks, too fervent for his win. Koda stood over Azeva¡¯s still form, but his pupils shrank as she turned and shot a fire blast at his face.


    Koda threw himself away, covering his head with the sleeve of his robe and dashed back to his dome. He looked back toward Azeva, a stone mask covering his face.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, Koda!¡± Azeva hissed. A flash of light erupted from the dome followed by a loud explosion. Koda crossed his arms and thrust them downwards in instinct. A large trunk enveloped him, protecting the elven king from the brunt of the blast.


    ¡°Do you really think wood will protect you from the fury of my red magic?¡± sneered Azeva.


    Koda frantically lined the wood with a layer of stone. I hope that holds her for now.


    However, inside the tree, molten stone began to glow as more and more of the bark heated up into a fiery display of Azeva¡¯s Tamed Magi.


    Koda leaped through the wood just as it flared into ash and lava.


    The green mage sprinted at full speed away from an onslaught of small meteors crashing to his left and right, splashing sand and glass across Koda¡¯s vision.


    ¡°You can¡¯t run forever!¡± Azeva cried from the other end of the battlefield.


    Koda knew she was right. He slid to a stop just shy of the sidelines where his friends watched in intense excitement.


    ¡°Koda, this is the match point,¡± whispered Raine. ¡°Whoever gets this final hit wins the duel!¡±


    Koda swallowed the bundle of stress in his throat. ¡°I know, I know.¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t using your full arsenal, my king,¡± said Stryneth. ¡°Unleash your Magi upon her!¡±


    Koda glanced at the blue mage master. Should I? He asked himself.


    ¡°No, you shouldn¡¯t,¡± argued Wildeye. ¡°You can beat her without resorting to your crutch. You are more than the mage you think you are, Koda Dawenedge.¡±


    Koda glanced at Wildeye, desperation clouded his eyes.


    ¡°She¡¯s right Koda. Don¡¯t rely on cheap tricks!¡± spat Elucard, flexing his glass-like fist.


    Koda turned back to Azeva. Azeva held a sword of flame in one hand, a floating fireball in the other.


    A low growl cracked through the conversation and echoed through his mind. Do not be afraid of your gift, my dear Koda. Raspy and dark, the voice interrupted Koda¡¯s thoughts. The Magi is not a curse, and you know this!


    ¡°I do.¡± Koda agreed underneath his breath.


    The more you hide your true power, the weaker you will become.


    ¡°The weaker I will become.¡± Koda¡¯s voice grew louder.


    ¡°What did you say Kod¡­¡± Wildeye¡¯s concerned words slowly drowned under the weight of the new voice¡¯s words.


    Show those who doubt you. Show your enemies. Show everyone who controls the Magi!


    ¡°I will!¡± Koda clenched his teeth and unleashed a loud roar. ¡°I control the Magi!!!¡±


    Koda thrust his hands forward and clawed his fingers. From the center of his palms he focused a spark of green energy, then after a brief hum, A beam of green light pulsed across the desert. The intensity of light pushed Raine, Stryneth, Wildeye, Elucard, and Cade over, and Koda¡¯s feet slid backwards in the rumbling sand.


    Azeva dug her heels into the sand trying with all her might to avoid the brilliant emerald light. But Sparks of Magi erupted into a swath of vines and thorns and the wild magic mummified the dune elf, coiling tightly until she was crushed within the force of the vernal magic.


    A wave of silence hung over the battlefield. Koda collapsed to the ground, huffing from the excess adrenaline and Magi pumping through his veins. ¡°What¡ªwhat was that?¡±


    Raine put her calm hand on his shoulder. ¡°A victory¡­I think.¡±


    Third point!¡± the referee finally announced, ¡°The Challenger wins!¡±


    Koda laughed with a sense of relief washing over his face. ¡°My, that was a close one,¡± he puffed, before falling on his back.


    Wildeye stood over him and gave him a disappointed look. ¡°Why must you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Well done, my king!¡± Stryneth lifted Koda to his feet and vigorously shook the young elf¡¯s hand.


    Koda stole a glance from Elucard. The shroud¡¯s face shivered in pain as he clutched his arm.


    ¡°You better figure out this Magi addiction, or I¡¯ll figure it out for you!¡± Elucard spat in a vicious whisper.


    Koda bit his lip and turned back to Stryneth and Raine.


    ¡°Well done, indeed, Koda,¡± Raine laughed.


    ¡°Onward to your next victory, young king!¡± Stryneth continued to compliment Koda with a slap on the elf¡¯s back.


    Koda gave Wildeye a sheepish frown.


    Sorry girl.


    ¡°Save it, Koda. Just save it,¡± said Wildeye.

 Chapter 21: A Vision from the Vaults

    Avalon strode through one of the winding halls of the Vault of Relics. The vault served as a library of ancient artifacts too dangerous to be touched by mortal hands. Although most artifacts kept within the vaults were given willingly, some were taken by force eons ago, lost by mankind or any form of recorded history.


    Along the hallway, Avalon passed massive iron doors sealed by complex, powerful glyphs. An artifact laid behind each door, perhaps one of the twin Maces of Vernok, or maybe the Sword of Courage. The dark presence of the Bane of Hopes and Dreams seeped past its prison door. Weapons were not the only things cataloged by the vault. The mysterious Chaos Clock was known to reside within these hallowed halls, as well as the Infinite Cube.


    Avalon slowed her pace before a single golden door. In front of it stood a specially trained Silent One with a blue trimmed coat and hood. These Silent One¡¯s were only addressed as the Wingless. Long ago, at their initiation they did away with their identities, knowing full well that they would spend their lifespan guarding the Vault of Relics.


    Avalon lifted her chin and acknowledged the Wingless. ¡°Does Jedeo¡¯s First Silencer rest undisturbed, sister?¡±


    The Wingless nodded, a reflective golden mask veiled her face. ¡°For eternity, my Gold Wing.¡±


    Avalon bowed her head in respect but continued on. The First Silencer was not the reason why she was here. She turned around a corner and walked to the very end of another corridor, eventually stopping before a large steel door. The Wingless raised her hand to Avalon and shook her head.


    ¡°No one may go beyond this point, Gold Wing. You know the rules,¡± the Wingless said.


    Avalon knocked the hand away. ¡°I must see the Eye of Prophecy. It is a matter of great urgency!¡± Avalon pleaded.


    The Wingless rested her hand on her ninjato¡¯s hilt. Even the Wingless integrated the Black Rabbit teachings into their training regiment. Avalon saw to it that the majority of the Silent Ones did so. With the perfection of stealth and martial arts, the Wingless were easily the greatest fighters in Draak¡¯Terra. If Avalon was not careful, she may not walk out of the vaults alive.


    ¡°None can be within the presence of the Eye. Not even you, Prime Gold Wing,¡± the Wingless hissed.


    Avalon bit her lip. She swelled her chest, gathering any lingering confidence she had left within the shadow of their elite guard. ¡°I order yo¡ª¡±


    ¡°Only the Red Wing commands me.¡±


    Avalon balled her fists. ¡°Listen! The realms are in great peril. With each Celestial Seal¡¯s destruction, a shadowy organization makes their move. I must learn their endgame. I must know the reason why they want to unleash the gods!¡±


    The Wingless slowly unsheathed her blade.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Avalon sighed in defeat. ¡°When the seals break, there may not be a Vault to protect.¡±


    A long pause drifted between the two before the Wingless lowered her head and stepped aside. ¡°Make it quick, Gold Wing.¡±


    Avalon waited for the Wingless to remove the many restrictions on the door, then bowed to the sentinel and cautiously entered the portal.


    Avalon found the chamber small and circular. Dark and stuffy. The air rested stale in her lungs, and a ghostly chill crawled over her skin the closer she approached the center of the room. A pink colored eye sat on a pedestal waiting for Avalon to touch it. Blackened viens ran over the eyeball, and the serpent-like iris dead stare sent shivers down Avalon¡¯s spine. She couldn¡¯t tell what creature the eye came from; whether it was humanoid or dragon-like in nature. Although one theory pointed to a herald of the One Beyond All, Sevectus. What lore that Avalon knew of it was that it had been discovered deep within the Risen Forest, some time after the first Deity War. It might have belonged to an angel or another eldritch being. Any guess was as good as Avalon¡¯s.


    Legend of the Eye said that it could show multiple futures of all possible timelines, however it is also said to drive those that sought the truth, mad.


    A risk Avalon needed to take.


    The Silent One cupped the eye with both hands and raised it to her face. Its pupil burned a smoldering red. Thousands of voices from Avalon¡¯s past whispered all at once. She tried to focus on each one, but the voices were too loud, too cluttered. She concentrated harder, pooling all her teachings about meditation into her mind and clearing her soul. One by one they fell silent until a single familiar voice called out to her.


    ¡°Blue. It¡¯s so nice to see you.¡±


    ¡°Guster?¡± Avalon asked. Her skin turned pale and her cheeks quivered. ¡°Guster, is that you?¡±


    ¡°Yeah its me, blue. De prophet chose me to answer your question.¡±


    A lump formed in her throat. Tears welled up in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m¡ªI¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t get to say goodbye to you, or give you a proper burial. You deserved it, Guster, you died a hero.¡±


    Guster¡¯s chuckle echoed around the room. ¡°We had some good times, blue, but I ain¡¯t here for pleasure. Ask your question, girl, so dat I can go back,¡± finished Guster.


    Avalon fought back her tears hearing her old friend¡¯s rough dialect once more.


    ¡°Guster, there¡¯s so much I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Sorry Blue, Ole¡¯ Guster don¡¯t have de time for a reunion¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± she started. ¡°What will happen when the seals are destroyed?¡±


    The iris of the eye rotated around its pupil. Spinning faster and faster. Finally it came to a halt and Guster spoke once more.


    ¡°It ain¡¯t nothin¡¯ good, blue. Jedeoheim will crumble to dust and stones. Dem angels of yours return, but so will de Shredded One. Millions will die, then millions more. Fire will rain down from de sky. De world is gonna burn, blue. De world is gonna burn!¡±


    Avalon rapped off a series of questions, ¡°Jedeoheim falls? Is this the only outcome? Where are the other seals?¡±


    ¡°I gave you your future Avalon, now I have to go back¡­¡± Guster¡¯s voice trailed off.


    A sharp pain ran through Avalon¡¯s fingers and down her spine. She dropped the eye and fell to her knees in exhaustion ¡°We¡ªwe have to stop them, Guster!¡± she gasped with her remaining energy


    However, Guster did not respond. A hush passed over the chamber, save for Avalon¡¯s erratic breathing. ¡°Guster?¡±


    Avalon rose to her feet and approached the eye, once more. ¡°Guster¡­¡±


    Avalon cupped the object, but her old friend still didn¡¯t answer her.


    If this is the possible future the eye wanted to show me¡­ we must prepare for it!

 Chapter 22: Learning to Forgive

    Jedeoheim¡¯s festival spanned the city celebrating the night of the Wild Blossom. The trees for which the festival was named bloomed spectacular flowers of sky blue with speckles of bright pink. The shopkeepers and citizens placed banquets of delicious breads from the bakers, stews from the inns, and sausages and game hens from the butchers.


    Koda and his company strolled in wonder, drooling over the various foods and in complete awe of the colorful city as petals danced in the star-filled night. The journey to Blight was an arduous boat ride testing their endurance through nasty storms and long bouts of boredom. However they were rewarded by this beautiful welcome.


    Avalon approached them with open arms. ¡°Koda, I am relieved you made it to Jedeoheim in one piece¡±


    ¡°As am I,¡± Koda chuckled.


    Avalon bowed to Elucard. ¡°How many years has it been, my friend?¡±


    Elucard returned the bow. ¡°Too long, Avalon, too long.¡±


    ¡°I need to head to the cathedral and discuss political matters with Avalon,¡± Koda said to Elucard. ¡°You and the others enjoy yourselves.¡±


    Elucard nodded to Koda, ¡°Are you sure you do not need me?¡±


    Avalon placed a firm hand on his shoulder. ¡°He is in the safest city in the world, and he will be in my presence. I am Prime Gold Wing of the Silent Ones.¡±


    Elucard gave her a roguish smirk. ¡°Don¡¯t forget the former High Blade of the Black Rabbits.¡±


    ¡°That too, my friend,¡± laughed Avalon.


    ¡°I will meet up with all of you once I am through,¡± said Koda.


    Cade looked at Elucard. ¡°What do you say, weary warrior, would you like a night of relaxation?¡±


    Elucard snatched a honey dipped roll from a nearby table and munched on it. He gave Cade a kind wink. ¡°Sure, friend.¡±


    Raine spotted a rare bookshop out of the corner of her eye. ¡°I¡¯ll wait in here,¡± she said with an excited giggle.


    Koda placed a hand on his familiar¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Wildeye, will you join me?¡± he asked. ¡°I could use your wisdom.


    ¡°Of course, Koda,¡± the wolf said with a short nod.


    ***


    ¡°I would like to help you, Koda,¡± said Avalon. She leaned over the stone table within the center of the meeting room. Lit candles melted around the room, illuminating her stern face. ¡°But you must know, I can not trust Queen Fainn, nor her sister.¡±


    ¡°Why not? Fainn seems to rule her country with poise and respect for her people. As far as I can tell she is a just ruler,¡± argued Koda.


    Avalon rubbed her forehead. ¡°We Silent Ones have a reason to believe she is an Amber Man. Natal as well.¡±


    ¡°Amber Man?¡± Wildeye questioned, just as confused as Koda.


    ¡°An Amber Man is a demon that takes another form. Usually a human, but sometimes an elf. They could be your cobbler, personal chef, even your best friend. Without a Silencer you would never know the difference.¡±


    Koda hid his emotions. Amber Man. He knew one. Calsoon, his faithful bodyguard and savior. However, despite his deviant nature, Calsoon had been nothing but good to him. What of Fainn? If she was a demon in disguise, what if she was one of the good demons like Calsoon. Perhaps Koda couldn¡¯t judge a book by its cover.


    ¡°How do you know they are what you suspect they are? Do you have any proof?¡± asked Wildeye. Interested in the theory, but still skeptical.


    Avalon paced around the room. ¡°The higher ups in my order had always been suspicious of the queen of Seru. Her entry into power was too swift. When the power was transferred from Seru¡¯s former ruler Aedon to Fainn, immediately the Red Wing at the time questioned this act,¡± explained Avalon. ¡°Natal as well. She seemed to always have Aric wrapped around her finger.¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Koda murmured.


    ¡°Hadn¡¯t you ever noticed anything odd about Tashna during your time as her prisoner? If Tashna is the true daughter of Natal, she would be half demon and may have picked up a power or two from her mother.¡±


    ¡°I believe Tashna had hypnotic abilities¡­¡± Koda recalled. ¡°Yes, I am sure of it.¡±


    ¡°I knew it!¡± exclaimed Avalon.


    ¡°But, all the same,¡± interrupted Koda. He looked at Wildeye, who nodded. ¡°We still must work with Fainn if we are to save the realms.¡±


    ¡°Her army could be vital if we are to go headlong into a war with these shadow men that wish to end the seals,¡± added Wildeye.


    ¡°I refuse to work with a demon!¡±


    ¡°Please reconsider, Avalon,¡± begged Koda. ¡°Without Silent One support, finding and protecting the other seals may be a more daunting task than it already is.¡±


    Avalon slapped both hands down on the table startling Koda and Wildeye. ¡°You ask me to align with my enemy!¡± roared Avalon.


    ¡°Only temporary,¡± asserted Wildeye. ¡°For the sake of the realms.¡±


    Avalon sagged her head in frustration. She held silent mulling over her decision. ¡°I trust you Koda. Do not make me regret this alliance,¡± she finally said, ¡°I doubt my Silent Ones will like this decision and I know my Red Wing will not favor this temporary alliance, but she trusts me as her High Blade. So for now we will join your ranks.¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Koda gave her a smile of relief. ¡°Thank you Avalon. The support of the Silent Ones is greatly appreciated.¡±


    ***


    Cade sloshed a goblet full of skyberry wine. The wine matched the blue sky, coining the name for the sweet fruit. He wrapped his arm around Elucard¡¯s shoulder and gave a slightly inebriated hoot. ¡°What a great night, eh Elucard?¡±


    Elucard gave the shadow elf a cheerful smile and joyful laugh. ¡°Definitely!¡±


    He reached to a table and palmed two golden apples. Taking a large bite into one, he pointed to a pair of jugglers tossing pins of fire. ¡°Look!¡± he said with his mouth stuffed. Juice dribbled the side of his lips as he tried to swallow his food.


    Cade pulled out two kunai from his belt and juggled them in one hand. ¡°Too easy!¡± he snickered.


    ¡°Show off!¡± Elucard grinned wickedly and tossed the second apple to Cade.


    The hydro shroud effortlessly caught the apple with one hand and without skipping a beat incorporated it into his routine.


    Elucard applauded. ¡°You have a talent, Cade.¡±


    Cade sighed with a smile. He looked at Elucard fondly. I missed this, he thought to himself. Elucard, my best friend¡ªmy only friend.


    Cade put away the kunai and apple and touched his head, hiding his tears. He combed his hand through his hair and huffed.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Elucard asked.


    How can I tell him that I¡¯m not Cade? That I am not the friend he thinks he has?


    Cade only smiled. ¡°Nothing.¡±


    Inle, that was his real name¡ªhis real identity. He was growing closer to Elucard everyday, and Elucard to him, but Inle knew their relationship was built on a lie. He wanted Elucard to love him¡ªto love Inle, not Cade, but he knew it could never be. In the end he was still Inle and Inle was Elucard¡¯s sworn enemy.


    The two continued to walk down the street, the revelaires seemed to fade the further down the street they traveled. Finally they found themselves at a small statue of the black winged angel, Alanna. Her bow in hand and a quiver around her waist. Along the feet of the statue were burning incense and small prayer scrolls. The scrolls wished for a safe winter or a plentiful harvest. Perhaps the safety of a son or daughter in the Silent One order.


    Cade watched as Elucard knelt before the shrine. ¡°It has been some time since I paid my respects to my goddess,¡± Elucard said.


    He whispered a prayer to his patron deity


    ¡°Alanna, hear my cry


    For the challenges that I face


    Wait for me before I die


    And always grant me grace¡±


    Cade crouched down next to Elucard. ¡°Do you really believe she still watches over you?¡±


    Elucard closed his eyes. ¡°She will one day shepherd my soul to the Roaming Plane. Does she watch over me? I¡¯d like to think so,¡± he said. ¡°I have survived so many encounters with her Hand. So many times I thought that I was going to die; so many times I wished I would die.¡±


    ¡°Yet...¡± Cade whispered. ¡°You are still here.¡±


    Elucard chuckled under a deep sigh. ¡°Yeah, I am.¡±


    ¡°I... used to pray to Alanna too,¡± said Cade. His throat burned. ¡°I lost my faith in my religion¡­everything I¡¯ve seen¡ªeverything I have done¡­I just thought that I-I¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t deserve it,¡± finished Elucard.


    Cade nodded slowly in agreement. He gave Elucard a short laugh. ¡°Yeah, that.¡±


    Elucard sat backwards on the cobblestone ground and crossed his legs. ¡°If I learned anything from my experiences and sins, it''s that everyone deserves a second go¡ªa second chance. Everyone can change. They just need to put in the effort.¡±


    Even me? Cade asked himself. ¡°Kind words, Elucard,¡± Cade said, half to himself.


    ¡°Live by them Cade,¡± Elucard said. ¡°Live by them.¡±


    ***


    Koda, Wildeye, Raine and Stryneth stood in a circle within the great park found at the center of the city. Together they practiced their magic. Flinging spells at each other and deflecting them with shields and counterspells.


    Koda tried to weave his newly obtained fire magic with his vernal magic, but found that no matter how hard he concentrated, he couldn¡¯t combine the two magics. His first attempt was to whip a vine forward enchanted with fire, but to his dismay, the fire just burned the vine to cinders. He also tried to combine smoke with sleep powder, but the vernal magic just became diluted by the choking haze.


    ¡°Is it even possible to use red and green magic together?¡± Koda whined with a sigh.


    Stryneth canceled an ice spell forming on his arm. ¡°Possible? Yes. Practical? No.¡±


    Koda threw his hands up in the air. ¡°Ruens, why have you made elemental magic so difficult to work with?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not all that bad, Koda,¡± chirped Raine. ¡°Take me for example. I¡¯m trying to get my water element to use the Tempest Style. Lightning, wind, and water, that is. It is challenging to fuse all three together in a spell, but rewarding.¡±


    Koda tilted his head. ¡°Does your school specialize in that?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Head Master Michael uses Tempest Style too, although to a greater effect.¡±


    Stryneth folded his arms. ¡°Most mages stay away from the more complicated styles such as using fire and vernal.¡±


    Koda frowned.


    Stryneth caught the young king¡¯s expression. ¡°Why don¡¯t you try the Magma Style, earth and fire?¡±


    ¡°Or the Evergreen Style!¡± Raine added. ¡°Earth and vernal.¡±


    Wildeye patted Koda¡¯s back with encouragement. ¡°You are already adept in green magic and you picked up brown magic much easier than with red.¡±


    Koda rubbed his chin and looked back at Raine. ¡°What does the Evergreen Style entail?¡±


    Raine smiled. ¡°Well, you summon soil all over the battlefield and then sprout pine trees until the field is a lush and thick forest. Giving you cover and natural defenses with the help of the trees!¡±


    ¡°Oh, and sight,¡± said Koda with a nod. ¡°I can see through the trees.¡±


    Stryneth chuckled. ¡°I think you found your chosen style and if that fails there is also fire  and earth¡¯s disgusting and devilish Glass Style.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like the sound of that,¡± muttered Wildeye.


    Raine put a firm hand on Koda¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Ignore that suggestion, Koda.  It falls into Forbidden Magic territory.¡±


    ¡°Forbidden Magic?¡± questioned the wolf.


    ¡°Any magic used in duels that would cause excessive harm to the opponent,¡± explained Stryneth.


    ¡°But wounds and deaths are healed after a mage battle,¡± argued Koda.


    Raine shook her head. ¡°Not all mage battles take place in a school. The Academy has outlawed certain uses of elemental magic deemed too brutal to be taught.¡± Raine said as she shot a mean glare to the hydro mage.


    Koda curiously looked at Stryneth. Perhaps the duke teaches it? He thought to himself.


    ¡°Yes¡­no one teaches it,¡± Stryneth repeated slowly. ¡°Why don¡¯t we go over the Evergreen Style in preparation for Blight City¡¯s lightning school?¡±


    Koda looked from Stryneth to Raine then nodded, followed by a laugh. ¡°The angels know I could use the practice!¡±

 Chapter 23: Blight City Riot

    Blood sprayed across the wooden deck as Cade rocked to his back foot. He cracked his jaw with a gruesome pop and wiped a streak of red liquid from his lip.


    ¡°Good, good. You are picking up this speed exercise faster than I thought you would,¡± he said to Elucard.


    The vernal shroud rotated his shoulders and loosened his elbows. The fifteen pound wrist weights ached his joints. This new exercise harkened him back to his youth, training underneath a waterfall from the immense weight his body now had to carry.


    At first his limbs felt sluggish, as if he were a boy again training with Legion within the small lake outside the Blood Forest. Elucard could recall his reaction to the similar training; slow and exhausting movements. Like every action he took was like having a strong gale blow against him, but it made him faster than his peers. Had he kept up that training regiment, he wouldn¡¯t need to entertain Cade with these weights. Perhaps Elucard would have already been speedy enough to stay with Cade¡¯s pace.


    Elucard leaned on his knees and sucked in enough air to fill his overtaxed lungs. The constant nagging thoughts gnawed on his mind to give up, but he persevered on. He wiped his brow of sweat and salt and slid his feet into another Rabbit-Sai stance, raising his hands and keeping them open to intercept any incoming attacks that Cade may throw at him.


    Cade smirked, recognizing the martial art style. ¡°A fine defensive choice, my friend.¡±


    Elucard narrowed his eyes. His hundred pound vest restricted his speed and kept him from being the aggressor. No, if he were to win this sparring match, he would need to play a reactive role.


    ¡°Come at me,¡± Elucard whispered.


    Cade gave the elf a light smile and lunged forward.


    Elucard kept himself calm. This was his twenty-sixth round against Cade while traveling to Blight City and fiftieth match in total since meeting Cade. True, Cade was faster than Elucard, and seemingly more skilled, but Cade had a major flaw that Elucard found and began to exploit; Cade was predictable. If Cade did learn from a Black Rabbit, then he would have been taught that a predictable Rabbit was a dead Rabbit. Perhaps Cade grew sloppy over the years or perhaps a new method overwrote his Black Rabbit teachings; either way, Elucard now had an edge over his new teacher.


    Elucard eyed Cade¡¯s incoming fist and snatched the Hydro Shroud¡¯s wrist. Within that moment, Elucard yanked Cade forward and fired a devastating straight punch to his gut.


    Cade let out a heavy gasp, but Elucard gave him no reprieve. The former Red Rabbit tucked in close to Cade¡¯s range and unleashed a hefty elbow, blowing him backwards into a set of barrels.


    I finally shook off this rust. Elucard thought. My body is growing accustomed to these weights, to my new strength.


    Cade performed a kip up to his feet and brushed off splintered wood chips from his hands. ¡°Excellent. Keep those weights on until we reach Blight City.¡±


    Elucard gave him an annoyed huff, but nodded.


    ¡°I want you sleeping and eating with them on. When you take them off you¡¯ll see that your speed has risen and your strength will have improved too.¡±


    ¡°You trained with these?¡± asked Elucard as he hefted his ten pound ankle weights.


    ¡°Double the weights that you are using after six months,¡± responded Cade. ¡°Trust me that first month was torture, but you seem more naturally attuned with them.


    ¡°My master had my body conditioned with weight training at a young age,¡± explained Elucard. ¡°However, not without its faults. I was injured several times by pushing myself too hard.¡±


    ¡°Same,¡± said Cade, ¡°but I had access to excellent healing magic, making recovery time faster.¡±


    Elucard felt the many intersecting scars across his body. ¡°The Black Rabbits used the same methods. Train hard, heal fast, go back and train harder.¡±


    ¡°Yes, effective, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Cade chuckled.


    Elucard held silent. The sounds of punishing lashings and snapping of broken bones clouded his mind. He looked up. ¡°Yes,¡± he finally whispered.


    Cade patted Elucard¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Are you ready for me to take the sparring to the next level?¡±


    Elucard flexed his hands, cracking his knuckles. ¡°Only if you can keep up!¡±


    Cade flashed a set of pearly teeth. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit, Elucard.


    ***


    Koda yawned and stretched his back as he and his companions stepped on the barnacle covered docks. Their ship finally arrived at Blight City. Only second in size to Lorendeen in the nation of Seru, Blight City served as the entry point for all imports for Seru. Its location on the cove served excellent quantities of fishing year after year, its nearby forest produced a fantastic yielding of lumber, and the nearby Seru Range mountains provided precious metals. For these qualities, Blight City attracted a wealth of commerce not seen in any other part of Dragon Realm Blight. Had it been an older city, it could have also served as Seru¡¯s capital city. However the sheer magnitude of Lorendeen¡¯s size kept it the prime location as the capital.


    ¡°So there¡¯s a purple mage school here,¡± Rained mentioned to Koda. She pointed to the main street that cut through the scholar district. ¡°It isn¡¯t as prestigious as my school in Lorendeen, but they may still provide a modest challenge for you.¡±


    Koda looked to where Raine pointed, noting a row of book and trinket shops. Purple mage students and devoted monks passed down the sidewalks and across the streets. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were from Seru. I figured you might have been from somewhere in Cypress, being a forest elf, like myself.¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Raine blushed and scratched her head. ¡°I traveled a lot in my youth, but I am originally from Varis. I¡¯ll have to tell you more that when we have some more freetime.¡±


    Koda passed her a small grin. ¡°I¡¯d like that.¡±


    Stryneth placed his hands on the shoulders of the two younger mages. ¡°Perhaps we can find some lunch and discuss a strategy for our king?¡±


    Wildeye rubbed her belly. ¡°Anything other than salted pork and potato stew would make me a happy wolf.¡±


    Koda and escort pushed through the crowded streets of Blight City. Shoulder to shoulder citizens bumped and rubbed against Koda. With each passing person a low whisper hushed through his ear.


    ¡°Erzathen will have justice.¡±


    ¡°The will of the dragons rises with each sun.¡±


    ¡°The Magi will be abused no longer.¡±


    Koda grew wary with each message. He clutched the seam of his robes and ducked his head. The young king tapped the shoulder of the lead royal guard. ¡°Please, get me out of this crowd.


    Shadows of masked men swept past the escort and then sunk back into the crowd. Koda¡¯s face tightened and his pupils shrank. ¡°El-Elucard, I-I don¡¯t like this street,¡± Koda stammered.


    Elucard gripped his hilt and stayed vigilant as the mass of peasants and vendors donned Spellbreaker masks one by one until Koda¡¯s escort was completely surrounded.


    A single chant washed over the crowd.


    ¡°Punish the Magi offender!¡±


    ¡°Punish the Magi offender!¡±


    ¡°Punish the Magi offender!¡±


    The chant grew louder and louder until it drowned out all of Koda¡¯s thoughts leaving only his dread and fear.


    Koda¡¯s shoved the encroaching Spellbreakers back with their shields and spears


    ¡°Stand behind us, your majesty!¡±


    ¡°We should split up and meet at the northern exit!!!¡± Cade shouted to Elucard.


    ¡°Agreed!!!¡± Elucard yelled back. ¡°Take Stryneth and Wildeye. I¡¯ll lead Koda and Raine!¡± He grabbed a hold of one the soldiers and relayed Cade¡¯s plan to him. The soldier nodded in understanding.


    ¡°Punish the Magi offender!¡±


    ¡°Punish the Magi offender!¡±


    ¡°Who-who, are these people!?¡± cried Koda


    ¡°The Spellbreakers,¡± growled Elucard. He pulled out a smoke pellet from a pouch and chucked it to the ground.


    With an explosion of blinding smoke, Elucard tugged Koda and Raine¡¯s arms and shoved his way through the crowd to the west while Cade took a hold of Wildeye and his master, breaking their way to the east.


    ¡°Get me out of here! Please get me out of here!!!¡± Koda shouted frantically.


    The former assassin said nothing, with only grunts and snarls to break his silence. He tightened his grip and yanked harder on their arms, bowling hundreds of clawing hands.


    Elucard smashed his way through the crowd and crashed into a nearby general shop, slamming the door behind him. He braced his back against the door keeping the angry crowd at bay.


    Elucard scanned his surroundings, looking for a way out¡ªhoping he didn¡¯t trap his king in a corner. Elucard¡¯s eyes fell on the bewildered shopkeeper. ¡°Exit! Where is it!¡±


    Bricks and barrels shattered through the windows as the Spellbreakers ravaged the building. Their mantra rumbled across the city now.


    ¡°Punish the Magi offender!!!¡±


    Elucard roared at the top of his lungs as his veins bulged from his hands. ¡°Exit!!! Where is it?¡±


    Raine grunted as she shoved over a tall oak shelf in to barricade the door, ¡°Watch out, Elucard!¡±


    Bottles of healing potions and tonics shattered across the floor as the toppled shelving scraped across the ground, inch by inch as the Spellbreakers rammed the door. Bodies crawled through the broken windows, shredding their flesh over the shards of glass.


    Elucard unleashed his blade, lopping off limbs and arms. He lashed out his arm into a thorn whip, desperate to keep the Spellbreaker from pushing further¡ªto buy time. Any time. Minutes, seconds, moments, anything!


    ¡°An exit! Find an exit!¡± Elucard roared at the top of his lungs.


    Raine dashed around the small shop but only found storage closets. Her flesh fell pale. ¡°Koda, what should we do?


    Koda bit his lip and looked up. He inspected the wooden ceiling and smirked. ¡°We make a way out.¡±


    Clapping his hands together, he concentrated on the logs that made up the store, beads of green light zoomed down Koda¡¯s legs, into the floor, up the ceiling and across the ceiling. The wood tickled in his fingers and tingled his stomach. With a wave of his hands, he commanded the wood ceiling to crack, buckle, and split apart forming a large hole in the roof.


    Elucard gestured for Koda to stand aside. ¡°My turn.¡± He then swooped his emerald hand up creating an elm tree that burst from the floor and raised through the hole that Koda created.


    ¡°Everyone up!¡± Elucard commanded. The vernal shroud cupped his hands together to boost Koda¡¯s foot up high enough to reach a branch. Elucard then assisted Raine up the tree before scrambling up himself.


    Now on top of the shop¡¯s roof, Koda leaned over the side. He watched in horror as the Spellbreakers pounded like maniacs on the splintering door.


    ¡°What now?¡± he asked.


    Elucard examined the tree and then looked at his hand. ¡°I wonder if I could¡­¡± he whispered. With a snap of his fingers, the tree wilted and fell into green sparks on the ground below.


    ¡°Without a ladder, the Spellbreakers will be stuck down there,¡± said Elucard. He looked off to the other end of the city. ¡°Cade and the others would have hoofed it that way.¡±


    Koda scanned the roofs and steeples that dotted the cityscape.


    Elucard pointed off into the distance. ¡°We jump to the next building over, climb down to the alleyway, and sneak to the northern exit. I¡¯m almost positive Cade and the others will be waiting for us.¡±


    ¡°What of Koda¡¯s escort?¡± asked Raine.


    ¡°Yes, the plan was for them to meet us there too.¡±


    Koda peered at the gap separating the two buildings. He crossed his hands over his chest and then flipped them and pushed his hands forward. With that he forged a small wooden bridge to connect the two buildings. ¡°Come on!¡±


    ***


    Just outside of the city¡¯s northern entrance, Koda and the others met up with each other. The elven king collapsed to his knees, exhausted from the harrowing ordeal.


    ¡°We can¡¯t rest now, my king.¡± Cade pulled Koda back to his feet. ¡°We must seek shelter.¡±


    ¡°The city guards will have their hands full with the riot,¡± added Elucard. ¡°We need to move out of Blight City, but to where?¡±


    Raine pulled out a map of Dragon Realm Blight and sprawled it across the ground. She placed her finger on Blight City and dragged it north. ¡°Wisp Haven,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Wisp-what now?¡± asked Koda.


    Raine looked up to her friends. ¡°Wisp Haven,¡± she said again. ¡°It¡¯s a town north of here. Famous for its fairy lights. My family used to spend time there.¡±


    Elucard folded his arms. ¡°How far?¡±


    ¡°If we leave now and we don¡¯t rest along the way, we can get there by nightfall,¡± Raine answered.


    Elucard turned to the highest ranking guard. ¡°Captain Blueleaf, give us half your men, the other half bring the ship down the coast, it will be faster if we didn¡¯t have to walk.¡±


    ¡°I apologize sir, but that is not possible,¡± explained Captain Blueleaf. ¡°The shores are chalk full of treacherous rocks and cliffs.¡±


    Elucard rubbed his chin in thought. ¡°Then we have no choice but to walk. In that case, Captain, meet us at Wisp Haven¡¯s port.¡±


    ¡°As you command, Freewind.¡± Blueleaf shot him a smart salute.


    Koda placed a gentle hand on Raine¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Take us to Wisp Haven.¡±

 Chapter 24: Wisp Haven

    Koda and his company trekked through the Lantern Woods as they continued their journey to Wisp Haven. The elven king found the thicket full of mystery and wonder as he observed tiny flecks of light that bobbled in the air. As far as he could tell they didn¡¯t have the tiny fae bodies of any fairy he studied from the Risen Forest and they were much too small for the will-of-the-wisps that he encountered in Nashoon. No, these spirits were entirely different. Perhaps they were wandering ghosts¡ªlost souls separated from the Roaming Plane or maybe a weather phenomena. Whatever they were, they captured his curiosity.


    Koda called out to Raine for a definitive answer. ¡°What are these¡­ things?¡±


    Raine halted in her tracks and allowed one of the floating lights to land on her finger. ¡°Well, other than a tourist attraction, no one really knows.¡±


    Koda frowned in disappointment. ¡°Not even the citizens of Wisp Haven?¡±


    Rain pulled her finger away from the glowing object. ¡°I really can¡¯t say, Koda. Wisp Haven¡¯s townsfolk mainly keep to themselves. Don¡¯t get me wrong¡ªthey are very friendly¡ª the salt of the earth. It¡¯s just that they don¡¯t talk about the Lantern Woods.¡±


    Koda scratched head. ¡°How odd.¡±


    Stryneth sat on a mossy stump to rest his tired feet. ¡°Yes, but everyone knows that Wisp Haven has always been a strange town to visit.¡±


    ¡°I heard they have excellent places to grab a bite to eat, at least,¡± said Cade as he lept on top of a tall stone.


    Wildeye¡¯s tail wagged at the mention of food. ¡°I¡¯m famished, we never had that meal in Blight City.¡±


    Elucard reached for Wildeye¡¯s ear for a good scratching but stopped short.


    Wildeye gave him a wink. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Elucard. I might be a person, but I still fall for the enjoyments of a regular wolf.¡±


    Elucard chuckled and continued to give her a scratch behind the ear. ¡°Yes,¡± he said, ¡°let¡¯s get some supper when we get to the town.¡±


    Raine looked back to her companions. ¡°We¡¯re not too far now, just beyond these trees.


    ***


    Raine popped a cherry tomato into Koda¡¯s mouth and giggled.


    Koda munched and smiled as tomato juice dribbled down the side of his mouth. ¡°Good choice, Cade,¡± he said through mouthfuls of salad.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to try this place when I visited Wisp Haven in my youth,¡± Cade said as he sipped a glass of red-shadow wine.


    Koda enjoyed looking around the restaurant. Ebonwood made up the floor from the trees they passed by in the forest, iron art of dogs and bears hung from the walls, and a dim light illuminated the bistro''s rustic atmosphere.


    ¡°What did you say the name of this place was, Cade?¡± asked Elucard as he scooped another helping of pasta.


    ¡°The Forest Side Cafe,¡± replied the elf.


    ¡°Do you like it, Elucard?¡± asked Koda.


    ¡°Yes, very much so, but I still prefer the Mystic Fang¡¯s dreamfizz cider to red-shadow wine.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an acquired taste,¡± said Stryneth. He sloshed the wine in his glass and took a sniff of the bitter drink. ¡°Like most things in life,¡± he finished with a sneer.


    Koda paused for a moment as he looked down at his salad. He stirred around the leafy greens and put down his fork. He looked up to Elucard, who only seemed to ignore the subject that he was dying to ask him. ¡°Elucard.¡±


    Elucard rested his fork on the lip of his bowl. ¡°I know what you want to hear.¡±


    Koda chewed on the side of his mouth. ¡°Those were the Spellbreakers that we encountered in Blight City?¡±


    Cade looked over to Elucard and then to his master. Stryneth gave his shroud a side look.


    Elucard nodded slowly. ¡°Yes and they are of a greater number than the Anti-Rogue Ops anticipated.¡±


    ¡°Have you found out anything else about them when you rescued Azeva¡¯s student?¡± asked Koda. His mouth grew parched as his anxiety set in.


    ¡°They¡¯re leader is a man named Raze,¡± answered Cade.


    ¡°Yes, and as far as I can tell, a religious zealot more than an anti-magic rebel,¡± added Elucard.


    ¡°Religious? Dahlemar, perhaps?¡± Koda asked. Was this Raze a cleric or a wayward Silent One?Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    ¡°Erzathen,¡± replied Elucard.


    ¡°Erzathen?¡± repeated Raine. ¡°That sounds draconic in nature.¡±


    ¡°He is the son of Un¡¯Draago,¡± explained Stryneth. ¡°Supposedly the rightful heir to this world, at least according to Erzathen loyalists.¡±


    ¡°Un-what now?¡± laughed Raine.


    ¡°Un¡¯Draago. The rebel dragon, Raine,¡± said Koda. He lowered this head on his knuckle. ¡°This has become concerning, Elucard.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I am still confused,¡± apologized Raine.


    ¡°This planet was once home to the great hordes of the titan dragons, however after an unknown cataclysmic event, only seven remained,¡± explained Koda.


    ¡°The five dragon realms, Agaas, and then Un¡¯Draago,¡± finished Elucard.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Raine exclaimed. ¡°If Un¡¯Draago was the rebel dragon, wasn¡¯t he banished by the gods? Is that why no one worships him?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± said Koda with a nod. He turned back to Elucard. ¡°If these Spellbreakers are the acolytes of Erzathen, then why do they want me killed?¡±


    Elucard rubbed his chin. ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure, Koda,¡± admitted Elucard. He tried to answer his king to the best of his ability. ¡°Raze mentioned something about taking back the Magi. Also, he wanted to perform a ritual to draw the magic from Nia. So, if I had to guess, the Magi is related to Erzathen somehow.¡±


    Dragons? What does the Magi have anything to do with dragons? Koda asked Wildeye telepathically.


    ¡°The Magi runs through ley lines in the Dragon Realms. It is not too far-fetched to believe that the dragons are where the Magi comes from,¡± answered his familiar.


    Koda glanced at Wildeye before lowering his head. ¡°When will Raze make his appearance?¡±


    ¡°The Spellbreaker threat is global, my liege,¡± Elucard said quietly. ¡°I assume Raze will make his presence known eventually.¡±


    ¡°Do not be afraid, Koda,¡± offered Stryneth. ¡°We will protect you.¡±


    ¡°I am not afraid.¡± Koda narrowed his eyes. ¡°It is Raze who should be frightened by me.¡±


    ¡°Be wary of the man at the very least, sire,¡± said Elucard with a low voice. ¡°He has the ability to cancel magic with his staff.¡±


    ¡°Cancel magic!?¡± Koda gasped. He nearly spat his food at Raine. ¡°Surely you are exaggerating.¡±


    ¡°I do not, my king.¡± Elucard¡¯s face turned grim. ¡°Where he acquired the staff, I do not know, but what we do know is that all my shroud magic that touched it was neutralized.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Stryneth whispered. He perked his brow when Koda gave him a mean stare. ¡°Er¡ªI mean¡­ we will deal with Raze with no troubles presented to you, sire.¡±


    Koda gave him a slow nod.


    ¡°I agree,¡± said Elucard. ¡°We shall make sure you are kept safe.¡±


    ***


    Inle followed Stryneth down the eerie streets of Wisp Haven. Mists rolled over the cobblestone roads and a large golden moon hung in the sky giving a strained beam of light for the two Dead of Winter members. Floating within the fog, glowed the firefly-like lights which they witnessed in the Lantern Woods. Townsfolk stood in doorways and sat on stoops, only watching the two men as they walked by. Their unsettling smiles made Inle uncomfortable.


    ¡°Why are they staring at us, master?¡± whispered Inle.


    Stryneth eyed a villager and tilted his head in acknowledgement. ¡°They are trying to blend in for their tourists.¡±


    The shadow elf shot a confused look at the hydro mage. ¡°Blend in? What does that mean?¡±


    Stryneth gave his shroud a short chuckle. ¡°I suppose you should know their secret.¡±


    Inle stopped walking. ¡°Secret?¡±


    The mage turned to Inle. ¡°They are demons¡ªAmber Men to be precise.¡±


    Inle¡¯s eyes widened with surprise. He asked Stryneth a flurry of questions. ¡°Like Calsoon? Is he from here? Why is there a town full of demons in Blight? Are they friendly? How did you find out?¡±


    Stryneth ushered Inle into a dark alleyway. ¡°Hush. Master Wraslyn awaits us.¡±


    Inle quickly buttoned his lips and watched as the wall in front of him ebbed, flickered, and then warped into a portal. From it, stepped out the shadowy form of Wraslyn¡¯s shade. Only an image of the vampire lord.


    ¡°What is your report, Strife?¡± Wraslyn¡¯s voice came out as a hiss; a cold whisper that cut through the tranquility of the town like Inle¡¯s ninjato.


    ¡°My lord, we have come upon an unforeseen threat to our mission,¡± Strife said.


    ¡°Explain.¡±


    Strife fell to a knee and bowed his head. ¡°They are called the Spellbreakers, my lord. They wish to hunt down Koda.¡±


    ¡°They are led by a man called Raze, Master,¡± added Inle.


    The shade narrowed its fiery, red eyes until there were only slits of light. ¡°These Spellbreakers are of no concern, continue with the mission as planned.¡±


    ¡°As you say, Master Wraslyn,¡± said Strife.


    Inle looked at Strife in disbelief. He stepped forward to the shade. ¡°Master Wraslyn, they are a threat to the mission. They seem to be everywhere! If they are not taken seri¡ª¡±


    ¡°Enough, Inle!¡± hissed Strife. He bowed to the shade so low that he nearly fell over. ¡°Forgive the Silent Master¡¯s outburst, Master, he is still learning his boundaries.¡±


    The shade fell silent for a moment before speaking again. ¡°Inle.¡±


    ¡°Yes, master?¡±


    ¡°You have been trained to be a formidable warrior, more skilled than the previous Silent Master. I trust that you will take care of Koda and Stryneth from this¡­threat. Do as your must, but they are but a splinter in my plans.¡±


    Inle nodded and held his tongue further.


    ¡°How is Koda¡¯s progress?¡± asked the shade.


    Stryneth hesitated to relay his report. ¡°Koda continues to accumulate colors and learn how to control the different elements¡­¡±


    ¡°But?¡±


    Strife raised his eyes. ¡°He hesitates to use the Magi.¡±


    The shade clenched its fist. ¡°Worry not of Koda¡¯s Magi use. Soon he will be under my tutelage and he will finally learn of his potential and destiny.¡± The shade¡¯s hand reached for Strife¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You are doing well, my hydro mage.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, master,¡± responded Strife.


    ¡°As we speak, Sable and Calsoon near the discovery of the third seal.¡± Wraslyn¡¯s shade slowly dissipated into shadow flames, burning into the night sky. His final words lingered as an echo in the air. ¡°Soon we will walk amongst the gods.¡±

 Chapter 25: A Scar in the Serpent

    ¡°Welcome to Lorendeen, young king.¡± Fainn Rosedancer gestured for Koda and Wildeye to take a seat in the large dining hall. A feast laid on the table, from plump seasoned turkey legs to tasty cupcakes with sugary pink frosting dabbed on them. ¡°You¡¯ve had such a long journey from Jedeoheim, surely you could do with some proper food?¡±


    Koda took a seat next to Wildeye and Elucard stalked in the shadows. Koda peered at Fainn¡¯s features. Fair skin, smooth lips, large blue eyes as icy and sapphire as Calsoon¡¯s own. Was Fainn really a demon in disguise? And if she was a demon, why should he care? Calsoon had been nothing but kind to him. He saved his life from Tashna and watched over him when the Ghost Fox assassins infiltrated his home. If Calsoon was just the same as Fainn, then Fainn would be a friend.


    Koda palmed an apple and took a bite. It was just as juicy as a Long Whisper apple. Long Whisper felt like a dream away now. His journey for his colors had only just begun and yet he already missed his home. His tree. The simpler times. Nothing was simple now. No, nothing had been simple since he was a boy¡ªeverything was so complicated and ground him down from the man he was set out to be to the sad child he really was.


    Life will always take you down a peg, boy. That familiar growling voice came back into his mind. It seemed to always be there when he was confused, angry, or stressed. However, Koda saw it not as a bully but more of a guide. But take in the experiences that you gain and spit it right back in the face of your critics and doubts!


    Koda shut his eyes and shook his head.


    ¡°What troubles you, Koda?¡± said Wildeye, telepathically.


    Although Koda knew his familiar could hear his thoughts, they were only select thoughts. For when Koda¡¯s mind was on Calsoon or Sable, perhaps even Stryneth, Wildeye could not hear those thoughts.


    Do not worry, your moon-graced friend can only hear the thoughts that I allow her to. That voice again!


    Koda tried to respond to it, but still didn¡¯t understand how to or how his thoughts even functioned at all. He may always be in the dark, or at least as long as the voice would allow him to be. He decided to answer Wildeye instead.


    Nothing, girl, just a small headache. I think I just need some water.


    Wildeye gave him a kind smile and poured a pitcher of water into Koda¡¯s glass.


    Koda returned a meek grin and turned back to Fainn. ¡°I am here today in hopes that you will agree to another meeting of the world leaders.¡±


    Fainn took a seat across from her guests and wrung her hands together. She bit her lip. ¡°Yes¡­ I will agree to meet with the world leaders on one condition.¡±


    Koda''s eyes blazed with fury as Natal entered the dining hall. He knew this may have been a possible outcome, but he dreaded the decision that he would need to make.


    ¡°If you absolve my sister of the crimes that she has committed against Dragon Realm Cypress. Then and only then, shall I be at the meeting¡±


    ¡°Absolutely no¡ª¡± Koda sneered before he was interrupted


    ¡°Koda, we must,¡± Wildeye whispered.


    Koda held silent, stewing in his anger for Natal. For her family. For her husband and her daughter. She was a direct link to his problems and misery. Now she stood in his way from bringing peace to this world.


    ¡°Say the word, my king,¡± Elucard hissed in his ear. ¡°And I shall spill her blood across this table.¡±


    ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be necessary, Elucard,¡± Koda whispered back.


    ¡°Please, King Dawnedge. My sister is all I have,¡± begged Fainn.


    Koda continued to glare at Natal. The entire Estinian family has been punished, except this one. Except for Natal Stine.


    ¡°You have been harboring her this entire time?¡± Koda snapped.


    Natal turned to Fainn with a pleading look before her sister responded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Koda raised his lip in disgust. ¡°This is an act of war!¡±


    Elucard crept behind Natal, with a dagger in hand, but Koda waved him away.


    ¡°Koda!¡± growled Wildeye. ¡°A word?¡±


    Koda pushed his seat back with so much ferocity it nearly toppled backwards. He tightened his fists and stormed out of the hall. Wildeye hurried after him.


    ¡°Koda, you know we need the Rosedancer army to keep the other two seals safe!¡± Wildeye pleaded.


    ¡°The Rosedancer army¡­ you mean the Estinian army!?¡± spat Koda.


    Wildeye frowned. ¡°You are wiser than this, my friend. Look past your hatred, look past your need for revenge.¡± She caressed his cheek gently with her hand. ¡°Be the compassionate leader I know you to be.¡±


    ¡°Compassion will only get you so far in war, my liege.¡± Elucard stepped out of the shadows. ¡°If Tashna couldn¡¯t be trusted to hold up a treaty, why would Fainn and Natal?¡±


    Wildeye bared her fangs. ¡°Will you two listen to yourselves? The world is falling apart at the seams and you are worried about trivial politics!¡±


    Koda let out a long sigh and held his hands on his hips. He bowed his head and paced around the wolf. ¡°You¡­¡±


    Wildeye kept silent to let her words sink in further.


    Koda lifted his head. ¡°I hate her so much, but you are right, Wildeye.¡±


    ¡°I am not fond of her either, but sometimes we must do things that we don¡¯t want to do for a better future.¡±


    ¡°I still think this is a mistake, but I will trust in any choice you make, my king,¡± Elucard said.


    Koda nodded. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go back.¡±


    Koda and Wildeye entered the dining hall once more and took their seats. Elucard returned to the shadows once more. Wildeye placed a calm hand on her familiar¡¯s shoulder.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    ¡°What have you decided, King Dawnedge?¡± asked Fainn. She held Natal¡¯s hands in anticipation.


    ¡°Despite my better judgment, I have decided that I will agree to your terms. Although I do not know if Aemor and Dallin will be as easy to persuade.¡±


    Natal gave Koda a wide grin. ¡°Thank you so much, your grace.¡±


    Koda glowered.


    ¡°My problem with Aermor and Dallin is not what concerns me, nor is my relations with Jedeohiem,¡± Fainn said.


    ¡°It isn¡¯t?¡± asked Koda, now more curious than angry.


    Fainn rose from her seat and walked over to the balcony. She motioned for Koda and Wildeye to follow her.


    Koda¡¯s jaw dropped as he scanned a long canyon that carved through the land. Noxious, yellow clouds fumed the gap and churned with the dark clouds above and stinging rain fell down to the canyon in return.


    ¡°We call it the Serpent Trench,¡± said Fainn. ¡°At first it was like any other normal canyon that you might come across in Dragon Realm Scorch. Its canyon walls even served as an excellent source for rich minerals to mine. However, once Scorch¡¯s seal fractured, so did our Serpent Trench. Splitting open and spilling out its gas into Seru¡¯s skies.¡±


    ¡°Is it harmful to the weather?¡± asked Wildeye.


    ¡°Only to the east where the trench resides. The closer you are to the gas, the more difficult the air becomes to breathe. Acid rain falls frequently as well.¡±


    Koda¡¯s face became stern. He did this. Perhaps not only him, but he let the Blight seal break, he allowed the world to continue to fall in chaos. He needed to see his consequences first hand if he were to make a final decision to seek out Sable¡¯s master. ¡°I want to see it.¡±


    Fainn looked at Koda. ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°I want to visit the Serpent Trench, if you would allow me to.¡±


    ¡°You wish to see the Serpent Trench? Very well, I will arrange a visit to Trench City, the town that resides there,¡± said the queen. ¡°Just know, it does not accommodate well for visitors.¡±


    ¡°Koda, is this wise?¡± asked Wildeye. ¡°It could be hazardous.¡±


    ¡°I need to do this, girl. I need to see what the world has really become,¡± Koda responded. ¡°If I am to be compassionate, I must show compassion even to enemies.¡±


    ***


    Trench City served as an industrial colony carved into the canyon itself using dwarven engineering. Black ash fell from steel mill smokestacks and grime encrusted apartment buildings crammed the already town. Factory employees trudged down the streets, slumped and exhausted from endless shifts and filthy air. All the same, people still chose to live there. The canyon miners that Fainn spoke of, tradesmen tending to the needs of the city, medics to heal the damaged lungs caused by the deadly gas, and innkeepers made up the majority of Trench City¡¯s workforce. As Koda and his company entered the city they were handed facemasks with large respirators attached to them used for filtering the poisonous air into breathable air.


    Cade felt the tough leather of the mask before putting it on.


    Not the mask that I¡¯m used to, he thought to himself.


    He found it stuffy and difficult to speak and hear, but a little discomfort was a small price to pay to avoid a blackened lung.


    Koda looked around the gloomy city. A thick layer of haze blanketed the town, Piles of dirt and soot from the furnaces covered the streetways, and a depressing energy fell upon the shoulders of the workers trudging through the town into the various buildings.


    ¡°This place is miserable,¡± Koda said to Wildeye. ¡°How could anyone live here?¡±


    ¡°I have traveled all over the world, and never have I seen a town such as this,¡± added Raine.


    Fainn ushered Koda to the edge of the city to get a better glimpse of the gash that ran through the trench.


    The gash led a massive tear across the dragon realm¡¯s body, splintering open a run of armor hard scales leaving its infected muscles and flowing blood exposed. The fumes came from the wound itself as a strange saffron-yellow glow emitted from the dragon¡¯s laceration.


    Inspecting the injury below, worked a small team of three black draconians. Scaled cloaks draped over their heads and down their spiked backs. They held long gnarled staves decorated with beads, seashells, and feathers.


    ¡°Who are they?¡± Koda asked Fainn.


    ¡°Dragon Walkers,¡± she answered. ¡°They are wardens or druids of this world.¡±


    ¡°Oh. I recall my grandfather reciting the tale of how the first Dragon Walkers flew from the backs of Agaas and Un''Draago in order to heal the land. They carved mountains, flowed rivers, and grew forests over the terrible wounds of the five Dragon Realms.¡±


    Cade fell to his knees. The gravity of this catastrophe was not lost on him.  Dead of Winter was formed to save the world, but instead they were destroying it. He was directly responsible for the Scorch seal being destroyed and when the Blight seal shattered, he was a part of that too. With only three seals remaining, how much of the world needed to suffer at their hands? How much of the world would perish to release the gods. Would there even be a world left to live in?


    ¡°Are you alright, Cade?¡± Elucard knelt down next to his friend. ¡°It¡¯s quite a sight, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°I have to go down there. I have to..¡± Cade stuttered. ¡°I have to see what I have don¡ª¡± he caught himself on the final word.


    ¡°I need to go down there. I just¡­ I just need to go down there,¡± he finally said, giving up on hiding his reason.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go down as well, Cade,¡± said Koda.


    Elucard placed a hand on Koda¡¯s shoulder. ¡°As your shroud, I feel I should follow you, my king.¡±


    The three elves made their way down to the crust of the dragon via a small lift that the Dragon Walkers used to traverse between the gash and city. As Cade stepped on the soft, damp flesh of Blight he shuddered. Never in his wildest imagination did he think that he would find himself walking on the muscles of a Dragon Realm.


    Koda took a knee and felt the dragon¡¯s tender flesh. His hand stained red as its blood flowed over it.


    Elucard doubled over in pain as his arm began to vividly glow. ¡°It feels like a thousand daggers are slicing my hand!¡± he grunted through clenched teeth.


    Koda collapsed and writhed his body, clawing at his mask. ¡°The Magi is too pure here! I can¡¯t withstand its power!¡±


    Cade pulled Koda to his feet and leaned him on his shoulder. ¡°I have to get you to the lift!¡±


    ¡°I-I c-can¡¯t hold this¡ªthis power!¡± Koda stuttered through spurts of incredible pain. His spine arched and twisted; with an intense scream and flash of light exploded from his body. Koda passed out and fell to the ground.


    Elucard howler in agony as his arm flailed and flexed. He gnashed his teeth as spit and drool dripped from his mouth. His face quivered and sweat soaked his robes as he convulsed on the ground.


    Cade looked to Elucard and frowned. He knelt over and with a quick swing, struck Elucard across his jaw, and knocked him out.


    ¡°Sorry, Elucard. I¡¯d hope you''d do the same for me if I suffered like that,¡± he murmured to himself.


    ¡°You!¡± a booming voice broke through the cries of pain and torment. ¡°You do not belong here!¡±


    Cade turned to find one of the Dragon Walkers shuffling towards him. The dragonfolk was old. His left eye was clouded gray, parts of his scales were scarred and missing, and a long beard hung from his jaw.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have the time to deal with you, ancient one,¡± murmured Cade as he placed Koda on the lift. He pushed aside the draconian and made his way to Elucard.


    ¡°The Magi is the lifeforce of the titan dragons. Their blood is not your play things,¡± the Dragon Walker said with a stern, gravely voice.


    ¡°Go break your wings,¡± spat Cade. He had been lectured by Strife, The Collector, and Sable long enough to not want to be looked down on by some pompous overgrown salamander.


    ¡°En zeko ak Gostaak tek zev kex senzi en draak. Claaz ak zeresha zev kex dek adv Decker. Vev voh kexan en brev ak draak, zeresha veven kex breven,¡± said the draconian in his ancient tongue. His statement was almost monotone, as if he was teaching a child.


    Cade finished carrying Elucard to the lift. He blinked at the words, translating them in his mind and going over each word.


    ¡°I said¡ª¡± began the dragon before Inle cut him off.


    ¡°I know what you said! ¡®The soul of Blight can only be wielded by the dragons. Claws such as yours shall only become sullied and tainted. Do not trifle with the breath of a dragon, for you will only get burned¡¯.¡± He looked back to the other elves and stepped on the lift himself. He gripped the lever and sneered at the draconian. ¡°My master wishes for your gods to split open to free ours¡­¡±


    The dragon lowered his snout and glowered at Cade.


    The elf looked away. ¡°Know that I truly regret the role that I¡¯ve played, but¡­ but there is nothing I can do to stop this future.¡± With that he pulled the iron lever and the elevator slowly pulled the lift into the air back to Trench City.


    What have I done?

 Chapter 26: Challenging for Purple

    ¡°A partner?!¡± exclaimed Koda. He stood in the center of the Lorendeen light mage school battlefield. Raised high on the roof, it reminded Koda of Trent¡¯s wind mage school. His body finally stopped aching this morning from his experience in the Serpent Trench. What happened, he still wasn¡¯t sure. Perhaps a Magi leyline ran through the Serpent Trench and he passively absorbed too much of it. However, the excess Magi had passed and it was time to earn his light magic.


    The headmaster stood tall with a barreled chest and squared shoulders. He folded his toned arms and shook his head. ¡°Raine, tell your fellow elf how my school works.¡±


    Raine turned to the befuddled Koda. ¡°Master Michael only accepts two on one matches, Koda. I am sorry, but that slipped my mind. I was so sure you were going to challenge Blight City¡¯s school.¡±


    Koda looked at Raine with pleading eyes. ¡°Well, can you be my partner?¡±


    ¡°No Koda, I am a purple mage already. You¡¯ll need to find someone else.¡±


    Koda turned to Stryneth.


    ¡°I am sorry, my king, but as a Headmaster, I can not aid students in challenges,¡± Stryneth said in a low voice.


    Koda hid his disappointment in his hand.


    ¡°Wait.¡± Wildeye stepped forward.¡±


    ¡°What is it, kanis?¡± asked Michael.


    Wildeye scrunched up her muzzle. ¡°I am no kanis. I am a Wolf of the Eclipse and as an Arcane Guardian familiar, I invoke the right to challenge alongside Koda.¡±


    Koda looked up with a hopeful face.


    Michael rubbed his rough beard. ¡°I respect the position of the Arcane Guardian. I am not just a mage but a student of history as well.¡±


    ¡°Wait, wait. This means I can challenge you?!¡± asked Koda, too surprised to process what just happened.


    ¡°Aye, Koda, she can be your partner,¡± Michael said with a smile. ¡°What are the rules?¡±


    ¡°What do you think, Wildeye?¡± Koda asked his familiar telepathically. ¡°You¡¯ve seen enough of my battles to measure my capabilities.¡±


    This is true, but never have you fought alongside a partner.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t think Michael has dealt with a duo so in sync quite like us¡±


    Then do you think we¡¯d have an advantage with any of these rulesets?


    ¡°Hm. If we had access to all our colors and with our experience, I would like to think ¡®all colors and unconsciousness¡¯ would be the best bet for us.¡±


    I agree. You have the answer, then.


    ¡°We have chosen all of our colors and to unconsciousness,¡± Koda replied.


    Michael spread out his feet and stretched back and forth to each knee. ¡°Very well, I agree to those terms.¡± He nodded to the referee.


    The referee raised his flag and pointed to Koda and Wildeye. ¡°Challengers, are you ready?¡±


    They both looked at each other and responded with a joined yes.


    The official turned to his headmaster. ¡°Defender, are you ready?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡±


    The referee quickly flapped the flag down. ¡°Begin!¡±


    Without warning, black clouds churned together and a downpour of rain engulfed the battlefield. Wildeye yelled to Koda over the roar of pounding water, ¡°Evergreen style, now!!¡±


    Koda clenched his teeth, stamped his foot, and lifted his hands in the air. Simultaneously, mounds of soil appeared scattered across the battlefield and from it pine trees raised from the ground. On top of the mage school, Koda grew a lush evergreen forest.


    Koda ran from tree to tree. The shadows of the forest flashed with each crack of lightning.


    Where is he? Koda thought. The elf placed a smooth hand on the trunk of a nearby tree and concentrated. His vision began to split apart into forty different sights. Each tree shared its eyes allowing Koda to see the entire battlefield.


    Where are you?


    Where are you?


    Wait!!!


    Koda peered closely at an amorphous blur of rain sneaking through the forest. Koda concentrated on that single tree until he saw the water shadow run up¡­behind him!


    Koda closed his eyes and ducked as a hammer of ice crashed against the tree. The elf rolled backwards and scrambled to his feet in time for a row of ice daggers to drive into the ground in front of him.


    Michael¡¯s form apparated from the water and fired a blast of ice at Koda.


    The elf stumbled back and found himself merging through the tree behind him. Koda watched as the tree shook from the impact of ice.


    ¡°I got your back, Koda!¡± Wildeye whispered in his mind.


    Thanks Wildeye, Koda thought with a smirk.


    Koda waved his hand sideways and the tree mimicked his movements, swinging a heavy branch and swatting Michael like a fly.


    The headmage slammed against a nearby trunk, just as Koda melded Michael¡¯s limbs into the bark, entrapping him.


    The elf strolled up to the struggling purple mage with a cocky confidence. ¡°It¡¯s over, Michael.¡±


    Michael could only grin. His body transformed into electricity and shot into Koda.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Koda screamed out in agony as the lighting blast shocked and burned him. Michael appeared and kinetically held Koda¡¯s convulsing body in the air.


    ¡°Is it?¡± Michael chuckled. He spun on his heel and threw Koda crashing through several trees and skidding across the mud.


    Koda grunted as he urged his body to move, even an inch. He winced in pain trying to move his right arm. Trying to wiggle his fingers or curl his and was met with numbing pain as well. He gingerly sat up and looked at his limp arm. Dislocated.


    How did Elucard fix a dislocated shoulder? He pressed his right hand on the ground and pressured for it to pop into place but only cried further. No, this won¡¯t work. I¡¯m not some hardened warrior that can ignore the pain.


    Wildeye, are you alright?


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, Koda. My right arm hurts, but I can still use it.¡±


    Mine is dislocated. I need somewhere to hide to gather my wits.


    The roots of a tree tenderly wrapped around him and pulled him inside its trunk. With his fingers placed firmly on the inside of the tree, the wood became translucent. He peered into the forest with both worry and anticipation. He was losing control of this battle, but as long as he had his partner active, there was still a chance¡­as small as it may be.


    All was quiet, save for the pattering rain. A thunderous boom rumbled through the city. The rain turned into a trenchual downpour. Streaks of lightning screamed down into Koda¡¯s makeshift forest, splintering trees in two. Flares of fire roared from trunk to trunk. Black smoke billowed into the storming skies.


    Koda¡¯s eyes flared green with each futile attempt to smother the flames with rolling dirt, repair the shattered trees, and strengthen the roots that covered the field, but his wild forest continued to burn.


    It¡¯s no use, the Evergreen style is no match for Michael¡¯s Tempest style!


    Koda cursed through his clenched teeth. He concentrated and focused on his familiar.


    Do you have any ideas? Michael is countering everything that we the¡ª


    ¡°K-Koda¡ª!¡±


    Wildeye!? Hang on, I¡¯m coming!


    Koda lunged through the tree he was hiding in and dashed through the blazing wildfire. Arid smoke filled his lungs. The unwavering heat singed his hair and clothes. He coughed and choked, driving his body harder and harder to move faster. Finally he breached the forest¡¯s edge to find the unconscious body of Wildeye at Michael¡¯s feet.


    ¡°No more running, Koda,¡± Michael spat. ¡°It¡¯s just you and me.¡±


    Wildeye, wake up! Please, girl! I need you.


    Koda¡¯s breathing became short and heavy. His focus grew darker and darker. As his familiar bond slowly began to shut down his body and cloud his mind with sleep.


    ¡°Give up, you lost,¡± growled the headmaster. ¡°Your magic is too weak on your own. You can not defeat me.¡±


    Koda swayed on his feet, however, but he endured. He placed his only good hand on his chest and sent a jolt of Magi through his body.


    Wildeye stirred away. Her eyes flared with the new found energy of the Magi. ¡°K¡­Koda¡­¡±


    Get up, Wildeye, we can still beat him.


    ¡°Y¡­ you used¡­ the Magi?¡±


    I had to, girl. We need the edge!


    Koda grit his teeth and balled his fist. He spun around and darted into the smoldering woods. I¡¯ll buy you some time to recover, but I think I have a plan.


    Smoke wafted in his stinging eyes, as Koda ducked and weaved through the inferno. The advantage of cover ended with Michael¡¯s excessive lightning storm, but he didn¡¯t want cover, he wanted distance.


    ¡°Where are you going, Koda?¡± Michael¡¯s voice echoed over the storm and roaring fire.


    Koda looked up, spotting the purple mage floating in the air.


    First thing¡¯s first. Ending this forest fire.


    Koda concentrated his red magic around him, reaching out for the fire, experiencing its wild energy, becoming one with its flames. Then he took a deep breath; the wafting smoke nearly choked him, but he held his focus. Exhaling, he pushed all the flames away from him until they sizzled into glowing embers. However the rain continued to fall and his trees were no more than ash.


    I need the sun. If a storm is his power, mine is the sun. How do I make a sun without light magic?


    He looked down at his hand and imagined a focus ball of fire spinning in his palm, but the rain poured harder dousing any fire spell.


    I¡¯m far too weak for any more spells. I need to use more Magi¡ª


    ¡°Don¡¯t Koda,¡± Wildeye interrupted his thoughts ¡°The Magi shouldn¡¯t be taken advantage of. Its effects are far too dangerous to keep using it like a drug!¡±


    I¡¯m out of options! Just be ready when I give you the signal to attack, commanded Koda.


    ¡°Koda¡­¡±


    Koda¡¯s anger and frustration compounded on his need to avoid a debate on the ethics of the Magi with Wildeye. Trust me!


    Koda breathed in deep once more. He focused his Magi into forging a sphere of fire. He mustered his remaining magic into the growing orb and threw it into the sky. Upon reaching its zenith, the ball exploded into a small sun. The radiant magic split apart the clouds and halted the rain. A surge of vernal magic rushed through his veins. The Magi was just what he needed to turn the battle around.


    Michael orbited around the sun, stunned by the brilliant spell that hung in the sky. ¡°What in the name of Ruens¡­¡±


    Koda took advantage of his distracted opponent. ¡°Wildeye! Now!!!¡± He called to his partner, but Wildeye still lay on the ground. Koda tried again and again until voice grew hoarse. ¡°Wildeye, attack!!!¡±


    Wildeye, why won¡¯t you attack him!?


    Silence.


    ¡°Communication breakdown, Koda?¡± taunted Michael as he began to channel more electricity through his hands, creating a  javelin of lighting. ¡°No matter, you are finished¡± the purple mage heaved the crackling javelin.


    Koda burst into a blur of rose petals just as the bolt hit the ground. His sun spell fueled his vernal magic with solar power. The rose petals withstood the burning lightning and flung up to Michael.


    Koda reformed from the petals. Large leafy angel wings kept him aloft in the air and a wooden brace twisted around Koda¡¯s dislocated arm, which he raised and forged his own javelin in his hand. The spear had a toxic glow that pulsed through gaps in the wood. A large spade-shaped leaf, folded over a hundred times created a sharpened tip. Koda¡¯s eyes flared with the Magi as he hurled the wild grown javelin with the force of a cannon.


    Michael¡¯s mouth gaped open as the javelin merged into his chest, splay green roots across his torso, shoulders, and thighs. The roots coarse a high dosage of poison into his body, stiffening the muscles and restricting his breathing.


    Koda lowered himself from the air as Michael¡¯s paralyzed form crashed to the ground, defeated.


    ***


    Koda tied his new violet sash around his waist. The runes of the battlefield healed his burns, bruises, and injured arm. Vernal, earth, fire, and now light!


    Raine gave him a tight hug. ¡°You and Wildeye were beyond brilliant!¡±


    Koda glanced at his familiar. ¡°It was a close one,¡± he replied back.


    Stryneth shook the king''s hand. ¡°Photosynthesis style. Rare, but effective.¡±


    Elucard crossed his arms and gave Koda a knowing look. ¡°You used the Magi, again,¡± he whispered.


    Koda ignored him and turned back to Raine and Stryneth.


    ¡°Blue, white, and black. Where do we go next?¡± he asked the two mages.


    Rain rested a hand on her hip. ¡°Well, Stratus has an excellent white mage school.¡±


    ¡°If you play your cards right, my master, Duke Alfinister Finn, would be willing to train you in shadow magic,¡± added Stryneth.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you a hydro mage headmaster?¡± Raine asked Stryneth.


    ¡°Yes, and you two are welcome to challenge my school in the water city of Jhoone if you would like to face an old mage such as myself.¡±


    Koda and Raine beamed brightly to each other.


    ¡°But know this, I will not go easy on you,¡± warned Stryneth.


    ¡°So the tropical realm of Abyss or the icy climate of Stratus?¡± asked Koda.


    ¡°We could use a paradise vacation after all we¡¯ve been through,¡± said Raine as she stretched her back. ¡°I say Abyss.¡±


    Koda looked around to his companions. Their eyes were tired and bodies worn. It was a no-brainer to him. ¡°Then we set off for Dragon Realm Abyss!¡±

 Chapter 27: A Chance at Happiness

    The current cradled the Gem of the Waves with its rough waters as the ship entered the open Abyss sea. Koda watched Wildeye meditate from a stack of crates. The wolf hadn¡¯t spoken to him for nearly two weeks since their battle against Michael, nor had he approached her either. Dark thoughts stewed in his head, simmering, ready to turn to a boil.


    ¡°You wish to say something to me, Koda? Speak your mind,¡± Wildeye finally said. She didn¡¯t bother to break her meditative state, not even opening her eyes.


    Koda flushed with embarrassment to be caught watching his familiar. He was unsure if now was the time to communicate. He thought that they lost their friendship. At the very least she was still mad at him. Well, he was still angry with her too.


    ¡°You were supposed to have my back in that duel, but you disobeyed me!¡± he said.


    Wildeye¡¯s neck fur furled up in agitation. She broke her eyes open, both flaring with anger and magic. ¡°Disobeyed you!?¡± She snapped around to face Koda. ¡°Am I just some dog to you!?¡±


    Koda jumped off the crates, unafraid to step up to Wildeye. ¡°No, you are my familiar and you were supposed to be my partner. I thought I could count on you,¡± he spat. ¡°But I was wrong.¡±


    Wildeye curled her lip and balked her head. ¡°Is that what you think?¡±


    ¡°Ever since you became this¡± - Koda gestured to Wildeye¡¯s body - ¡°this thing, you¡¯ve been against me using the Magi at every turn!!!¡±


    Wildeye stepped closer to him. ¡°Koda, you don¡¯t need the Magi. It fouls the mind and influences your decisions.¡± She raised her voice, bludgeoning him with her words. ¡°Do you not see that?¡±


    Koda hid his face from her. ¡°It''s a gift, something I can take advantage of to win.¡±


    She took his hands in her claws. ¡°Look at me.¡± She waited for him to raise his eyes. ¡°You are the cleverest man I have ever met. Skillful beyond your years. You do not need a crutch to win duels.¡±


    Koda bit his lip. Wildeye had the wisdom of his grandfather. Perhaps he was using the Magi so flagrantly. He thought back to the Varis War and when he lashed out with the Magi against Athar for betraying the crown or when he slaughtered hundreds with his power. It did poison his mind. It did make him weaker. This was not who he was. This was not what he wanted to be.


    The Magi is your greatest tool, Koda, said the dark voice from beyond his mind. When one needs to hammer, they do not use their bare hand. Use your tools to your advantage.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    No. He couldn¡¯t let these dark thoughts manipulate him any longer. He needed to find his own strength. This is what his journey meant to him. Finding his own strength. To stand on his own. To be a leader of the people with the strength of a proper king!


    ¡°Do you really mean that?¡± Koda finally said with a grin.


    ¡°Yes! Of course I do!¡± Wildeye embraced him in a warm, furry hug. ¡°Promise me you will try to not use the Magi going forward?¡±


    ¡°I promise.¡±


    ***


    Elucard laid across Cade¡¯s lap on the deck of the ship. He looked to the morphing clouds blown by the salty wind. Elucard rested his hand on his bare, scarred chest. His heart always pounded near Cade. He had grown close to him over these last few months. Closer than anyone dared to be with him. Not since he was an adolescent in his Black Rabbit clan had he felt so at peace with himself.


    ¡°That one looks like mashed potatoes,¡± he said.


    Cade looked up. ¡°They all look like mashed potatoes,¡± he said with a chuckle.


    Elucard paused and frowned. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right.¡± He lifted himself to sit next to Cade, crossing his legs. ¡°I guess I don¡¯t have the imagination for this sort of thing.¡±


    Cade ruffled Elucard¡¯s blonde hair. ¡°Well, what do you have the imagination for?¡±


    Elucard glanced at his friend. ¡°Nothing really,¡± he said in a low tone. ¡°Killing mostly, I suppose.¡±


    ¡°Do you have any other hobbies other than bloodshed?¡±


    ¡°My master paints. I thought about trying that or maybe¡­¡± Elucard whispered, hiding a smile.


    Cade turned to Elucard. A stupid grin drew across his face. ¡°Or what?¡±


    Elucard blushed. ¡°It¡¯s stupid, nevermind.¡±


    ¡°Tell me.¡±


    Elucard folded his arms and looked back to the sky. ¡°I¡¯ve seen a lot of death. A lot of hate. Fire and darkness. My master Legion suggested channeling it all into poetry. Cleanse the soul through words.¡±


    There was a long silence between the two before Cade finally spoke up. ¡°I think that would be excellent for you, my friend.¡±


    They both looked at each other, more silence passed between them. Elucard closed his eyes and swallowed a lump in his throat. Sweat dribbled down his cheek. He felt warm¡ªno, hot. Like the sun focused only on him. Fire engulfed his heart. What was this feeling, this moment?


    Cade reached out for him, but grabbed his necklace instead. Elucard looked away, not in shame, just in confusion.


    ¡°Cade¡­ I think¡ª¡± Elucard struggled to get his words out. The chains of his torment and past dragged him into the drowning black waters of his doubts and thoughts. He didn¡¯t deserve this¡­ this chance at happiness. Did he? Could Cade free him? From himself?


    Cade shook his head, as if he had his own struggles too, but he caressed Elucard¡¯s trembling face. ¡°Say it, Elucard.¡±


    Elucard bit his lip. Cade is right. I should just screw it all and say it! Say what¡­ I feel.


    Elucard began his words again. A simple sentence felt like a journey through Scorch¡¯s longest deserts. Three simple words and he just couldn¡¯t. No, not now. The time wasn¡¯t right. He wasn¡¯t ready. Ready for what Legion had. Ready for happiness. ¡°I¡­¡±


    Cade clenched his necklace tighter.


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    Just say it!


    ¡°I have to go,¡± Elucard whispered. He rose to his feet and briskly walked away.


    Damn.

 Chapter 28: Trouble at Rapscallion Cove

    ¡°My king, we need to restock the ship¡¯s supplies. We are low on food and fresh water.¡±


    Koda folded his arms and leaned on his right leg. He looked the captain up and down. ¡°I don¡¯t think entering the port of a pirate city is very wise, Captain Fenn ¡±


    Fenn gripped the ship¡¯s tiller and steadied the boat as the waves grew rougher. The looming, heavy clouds hung lower and the wind blew harder.


    ¡°A storm approaches. We can take shelter at Rapscallion Cove and also purchase the supplies we are needing, my king. We don''t have much of a choice, if¡¯n you ask me.¡±


    Koda frowned. A pirate city was not a safe place to take shelter. No, it was a place to get robbed.


    ¡°Fine, Captain. Take us to Rapscallion Cove,¡± he finally said.


    Koda turned to find Elucard, Raine, and Wildeye standing behind him.


    Elucard grabbed his stomach. ¡°We¡¯re nearly out of potatoes and meat. What have you decided on?¡± he asked. ¡°Brave a storm and head to Tradewind City, or stop at the nearest port town?¡±


    Koda gave a meek smile. ¡°You won¡¯t like my answer.¡±


    Raine raised her brow. ¡°Bad news?¡±


    Koda laughed. ¡°We¡¯ll be stopping in a pirate town. Rrrrapscallion Cove, me matey.¡± Koda squinted one eye and curled his index finger into a hook.


    Raine showed wonder in her eyes. ¡°Pirates!¡±


    Elucard¡¯s face turned stone. ¡°I don¡¯t think this is wise, my king.¡±


    Koda scratched the back of his head. ¡°I know, but what other choice do we have?¡±


    ¡°None, I suppose. No other idea seems plausible without supplies,¡± replied Elucard.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m going to take a nap,¡± Koda said a yawn as he stretched out his arms. ¡°I¡¯ve been having the strangest dreams as of late.¡±


    Elucard turned to Wildeye. ¡°When we pull into town, take the others and find us a good tavern to rest at and get some food. I¡¯ll keep an eye on Koda.¡±


    Wildeye nodded.


    ***


    Harsh, freezing winds stung Koda¡¯s flesh. He stood on a treacherous mountain pass as snow pelted his numbing face. He blinked away the ice crystals forming on his eyelashes and trudged on, not knowing where he was going.


    As the blizzard roared on, a pair of faint red eyes glowed in the misty air. Koda stopped and fell to his knees. He rubbed his arms, shivering, frightened, and confused. Where was he? Why was he in the mountains, and what was watching him?


    ¡°You needn¡¯t be afraid, child,¡± a low voice, grumbled around him.


    ¡°W-who are you?¡± Koda asked through chattering teeth.


    From the veil of snow, the red eyes grew closer. A humanoid shadow formed, but then morphed into the body of a regular black wolf. ¡°I am a friend and your guide.¡±


    Koda¡¯s eyes grew larger with surprise. ¡°That voice¡­ Do you have a name?¡±


    The wolf sat on his hunches and spoke once more. ¡°I am called Tezhok.¡±


    Koda crawled back to his feet and cautiously approached the wolf. He held out his hand and Tezhok complied, allowing Koda to pet him.


    ¡°I have a wolf back home,¡± Koda giggled.


    ¡°Please follow me. We are almost there,¡± said Tezhok.


    Koda swallowed hard as the blizzard divided to let him and his guide to pass. Beyond the next rise, Koda came to a large structure nestled in a valley of snow and stone, hidden within the mountains. Koda couldn¡¯t make out the details of the building, only that it had a set of doors at its entrance. Everything else began to blur and grow darker. The elf reached out for Tezhok, but he was gone; as well as the mysterious structure. Only the doors remained. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    He shuffled closer. Closer. Closer. Finally he felt the wood of the doors and pushed them open with a hard grunt. A wave of shadows swept around him and yanked him into a void of darkness.


    An eerie voice echoed in the oblivion. ¡°Find me, Koda. When you have nothing else, I will be there.¡±


    Koda gasped and snapped his eyes open to find a large man with a staff raised over his head, clad in a stone-gray leather jacket with black bear fur lining his collar. He had his silver hair slicked back and a metal breathing mask covered his mouth. However it was his golden eyes that sent daggers down Koda¡¯s spine. Crazy¡ªmenacing eyes. Starving for murder, hungering to kill him.


    Koda leaped out his bed as the electric staff struck the mattress. He rolled behind the man and rushed for the cabin¡¯s exit. Just as he grasped the door¡¯s handle, a set of bolos wrapped up his legs and he crashed to the floor with a thud!


    Koda kicked and struggled to be free of the bolos¡¯s leather binding that tied his ankles as the man approached slowly. Danger screamed through Koda¡¯s mind. With a flourish of his arms, several hardened leaves sliced through the air, but crumbled as they were blocked by the man¡¯s staff.


    My magic failed! Koda thought. Wait! A staff that breaks down magic? This must be Raze that Elucard spoke of.


    Koda¡¯s enemy snatched the elven king by his robes and threw him into the wall. Before he could collapse, the staff rammed his chest and shocked his body with a spurt of burning pain.


    Will I always be so weak? No matter how much power I collect, I still can¡¯t protect myself!


    Raze slapped Koda with a vicious backhand. Koda went limp, still dangling against the wall.


    The man pulled back his staff, and with a swift motion, bashed Koda¡¯s skull and slammed him to the ground.


    Koda groggily crawled, inch by inch to the cabin door, but a rough stomp to his back halted his desperate movements.


    The man bent over and lifted the elf¡¯s battered body up from by his collar and tossed him like a ragdoll to the bed.


    ¡°You are wondering who I am,¡± said the man with a ghastly tone. ¡°What am I doing here?¡±


    Koda nodded his head, only barely conscious now.


    The man chuckled and thrusted his staff under the king¡¯s chin. ¡°I am Raze. Chosen templar of Erzathen and you are an egregious threat to the Dragons.¡±


    He pressed his weapon slowly against Koda¡¯s throat until the elf gagged. ¡°Not since Mateo has the dragons suffered so much by a mage,¡± spat Raze. ¡°With each liberal use of your Magi, you drain more and more lifeforce from them for your own ill-gotten gain.


    ¡°The Dragons cry in anguish and you care for nothing but yourself. You do not hear them sob like I do! For the sake of the realms, you shall perish by my hands¡ªArrrrrr!!!¡± A verdant flash of steel sliced across Raze¡¯s back, revealing dragon scale armor.


    Elucard entered the fray! The shroud jumped in the air and whipped a kick into Raze¡¯s head. The impact sent him flying and dented the wooden wall.


    Before Raze could recover from the attack, Elucard threw Koda across his shoulder and carried the injured elf out of the cabin. On the deck, sheer chaos reigned. Elucard carried Koda through a horde of Spellbreakers locked in combat with Koda¡¯s Royal Escort.


    Elucard grunted as he avoided oncoming assaults from his enemies. He sent sidekicks and swung wild punches, connecting with jaws and guts. He sprinted with all of his remaining stamina off the boat, onto the dock, and into the crowded streets of Rapscallion Cove.


    Elucard set Koda onto his feet. He leaned on the king against his shoulder to keep balance. Together they strode at a painfully brisk pace. The bodyguard ducked and weaved Koda through the crowd and down narrow alleyways. He checked for Spellbreakers or Raze every step of the way until satisfied that they were not being followed any further.


    ¡°Koda! Koda, listen!¡± Elucard called. He waited for Koda to open his eyes and look at him. ¡°I need you to contact Wildeye and find out where the others are.¡±


    Koda blinked. The side of his head was damped with blood.


    ¡°Damn it, Koda! I know you and your familiar have some kind of mental connection!¡±


    Koda sluggishly nodded his head. He placed a bruised hand on his forehead and concentrated through his pulsing headache. Wildeye¡­ I need you.


    ¡°Koda! I sense we are in danger! What has happened?¡±


    Koda let out a sigh of relief. The spellbreakers¡­ Where are you?


    ¡°The spellbreakers attacked!? Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Did you find out where they are?¡± Elucard asked with urgency wrung through his question.


    Koda clenched his eyes tightly. ¡°Please Elucard, I¡¯m trying to divulge that information.¡±


    Are you with the others, girl? Where are you?


    ¡°Yes, we are all together. We are in a tavern called the Salty Goat.¡±


    We¡¯re on our way!


    Koda huffed a long breath. The telepathic conversation, coupled with his battle, took a lot out of him. He looked at Elucard and winced. ¡°The Salty Goat.¡±


    Elucard hefted Koda back to his feet as they began to drag. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s find some safety.¡±

 Chapter 29: A Cut-Throat Offer

    Elucard sat on the foot of the bed while Koda slept soundly. The Salty Goat inn keeper hadn¡¯t asked any questions,  only handed Elucard a key to a secluded room towards the back of a tight hallway. The rowdy noise from the tavern below came through the floorboards as light muffles. Koda needed his rest and although unforeseen dangers lurked around the next corner, this was better than nothing.


    Elucard lifted his eyes as Koda stirred in his sleep. Perhaps a nightmare involving Raze¡­ or himself. Elucard lowered his head and let out a short sigh. He had his share of nightmares still. Even with Cade now in his life, he couldn¡¯t escape his nefarious past deeds. After all, he was raised as a murderer. Killer of kings, destroyer of lives. No one was safe. Cade was not safe.


    Perhaps I am better off alone, he thought to himself.


    He swallowed hard and chewed on the side of his mouth. It took every ounce of restraint to hold back a slipping tear. His dam had cracks he could not fix. Doors that didn¡¯t remain locked. No, his emotions found ways through his grim exterior when he was at his most vulnerable¡ªalone, dwelling in his own thoughts.


    And here he was once again. Alone. All alone with no one he could confide in. No friends that he could get close to¡­ Close like Inle. Close like Jetta. No one.


    And what of Cade? What about him? He thought he loved him, but how could one that murdered his own friends, slain a father, and orphaned countless children know anything about love. He only had love for the mission¡ªfor his blade. A Black Rabbit knows no love. A Black Rabbit only knows death. Cade would find that out sooner or later and once he did, Cade would either fall to his blade or run like the rest.


    Cade.


    He could never have him. Could he trust even Cade? He was so sure he could, but doubt , always doubt, kept him back. Chained him to the wall. Gagged him. Blinded him. Deafened him. Doubts were his new Black Rabbits. Doubts were the hands that twisted his spine. Deranged his thoughts, and made him a freak in his own reflection. That was it. That¡¯s how he saw himself. A freak, something he turned away from. Something he hated.


    He hated himself.


    No one could love him. Not now, not ever. Who could love someone you couldn¡¯t trust? Who could love a monster like him. A demon. He dipped those he cared about in acid and watched it eat away at everything he once thought he could work towards.


    Cade.


    Cade loved him. Cade trusted him and he loved him back. He could confide in him for Cade was the man that he wanted by his side. He just needed to tell him that.


    I love you, Cade.


    It seemed so easy. Four simple words. I love you, Cade. Yet, it wasn¡¯t.


    Doubts. Doubts alway hold me back.


    Koda stirred once more, breaking Elucard from his painful thoughts.


    ¡°El-Elucard¡­¡± Koda croaked with a throat rougher than sandpaper.


    Elucard knelt by Koda¡¯s side and took his hand. ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡±


    ¡°Raze!? W-Where¡ª¡±


    ¡°Not here,¡± said Elucard. ¡°You are safe¡­ for now.¡±


    Elucard helped the elven king to sit up. He unraveled Koda¡¯s headdressing to inspect the healing process of his wound. The blood had dried and where there once was a gruesome laceration across Koda¡¯s head, now showed a light scar.


    Was this the work of his Magi? He had heard tales during the Varis war that Koda suffered a near fatal wound from a spear and an unknown magical force healed his wound. Perhaps, now that he had his own Magi, he could heal from wounds that would otherwise kill him. A pleasant thought.


    ¡°Where are the others?¡± asked Koda. He swung over his feet and attempted to stand up. Elucard sustained him with a tug of Koda¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Easy, now,¡± Elucard said with a grunt. ¡°They are downstairs, enjoying a drink and a bite to eat. We should join them.¡±


    Koda took a step forward and then another without Elucard¡¯s assistance. He waved his shroud away. ¡°I am fine, my friend. I believe I can walk on my own.¡± Koda plopped himself in a neighboring chair. ¡°Please, hand me my boots.¡±This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Elucard picked up the leather boots and placed them at Koda¡¯s feet. ¡°Hungry?¡±


    ¡°Famished!¡± Koda laughed.


    ***


    Cade raised his hand to get the attention of the passing otterfolk waiter. ¡°Two more Scuz and another roasted fish stick over here!¡±


    The otterfolk twitched his whiskers and gave Cade a wide smile. ¡°My Uncle Brit catches them fresh and cooks ¡®em on the hearth¡¯s open flame. He¡¯ll be pleased to know they are well liked.¡±


    Cade gave the server a hearty wink. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll take three.¡±


    Raine arched an eyebrow. ¡°Two beers?¡±


    The server set a pair of wooden mugs in front of Cade. He turned to find Elucard and Koda taking their seats next to him. He slid the foamy ale to his friend. ¡°One for Elucard, obviously,¡± Cade said with a sly chuckle.


    Elucard gave Cade an appreciative nod and took a swing of the hard drink, downing half of the mug in a single breath.


    Wildeye pushed a plate of corned beef and boiled cabbage to Koda. ¡°Eat. You need to get your strength back.¡±


    Koda smiled and started in on his food. After several bites he placed his fork down and wiped the salty juice from his chin. ¡°We need to talk about the Spellbreakers.¡± He waited for everyone¡¯s attention before continuing. ¡°I believe our ship captain is in league with them.¡±


    ¡°Hmm. Working for the Spellbreakers, you say,¡± Stryneth said. He leaned forward and stroked his white beard. ¡°That may explain how they always find us. They seem almost ready for an attack no matter where we end up.¡±


    ¡°You propose we find another captain?¡± asked Elucard.


    ¡°Yes,¡± answered Koda.


    ¡°And your escort?¡± Raine asked.


    Koda picked up his fork and tapped the prongs on his temple. ¡°Do they even remain after the last attack?¡±


    ¡°No. They have all been slain,¡± Elucard said with a low, solemn voice.


    ¡°That settles it. We need to find another captain,¡± Koda said.


    ¡°Oi couldn¡¯t help but hear about your pridicky-ment.¡±


    The green mage looked around until he spotted an older man sitting at a table across from him. He wore a red jacket, lined with silver buttons. A blue ascot wrapped around his lower neck and a tri-corner hat rested next to his drink. The man winked at Koda and gestured for the king to approach him.


    Koda, Elucard, and Wildeye slowly walked over to the graying man and sat at his table. He offered his hand and Koda politely shook it.


    ¡°Pleasure to meet ye, young¡¯un. Oi be Captain Cut-Throat McCutty. Operator and owner of the Sea Slicer.¡±


    Elucard stole at glance from Koda. ¡°Cut-Throat?¡±


    ¡°No need for suspicions, lad. It¡¯s just a family name. Passed down from me great-great-great grandpappy.¡±


    Koda gave the strange captain a small grin. ¡°Well, Mr. McCutty, I¡¯m sure you heard us talking about the need for a¡ª¡±


    ¡°Aye, ye need a trustworthy captain to brave the seas and not betray you.¡± Cut-Throat returned the smile with one of his own, filled with rotten, corn-colored teeth. ¡°Oi be yer man.¡±


    Elucard leaned over to Koda and Wildeye. ¡°We should find another captain, I¡¯m sure the tavern is full of them.¡±


    ¡°What choice do we have, Elucard,¡± asked Wildeye. ¡°No one will want to take on Long Whisper royalty. None that we can trust at least.¡±


    ¡°But we¡¯ll trust him? The first person we ask?¡± Elucard argued.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Koda eyed Cut-Throat. The man picked out a wedge of beef from his molar. ¡°Let¡¯s just see what he¡¯s charging.¡±


    Elucard rolled back his head. ¡°Fine. But if he even seems like he¡¯s ripping us off, I say we ask someone else. Someone that doesn¡¯t have an act of murder in his name.¡±


    Koda nodded and turned to the pirate. ¡°How much to take us to Tradewind City.¡±


    Cut-Throat gave Koda a wide smile. ¡°How bout oi take ye folk fer free. In exchange for a teeny lil¡¯ favor.¡±


    ¡°Which is?¡± Elucard muttered.


    ¡°Oi have a pal¡ª more like a son to me. He¡¯s being kept on a prison barge. Oi want him broken out, then we¡¯s be ready to sail to Tradewind.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he has been imprisoned for a good reason,¡± said Elucard.


    ¡°Shady McGee is a good person. He has a small klepto-problem, but he¡¯s been workin¡¯ on that.¡±


    Elucard buried his face in his hand. ¡°Shady McGee¡­What kind of name is that?¡±


    Koda waved his hand. ¡°We can¡¯t break any laws here, even if he was wrongfully imprisoned. I¡¯m on a diplomatic mission, Mr. McCutty.¡±


    ¡°Well that¡¯s a shame. But¡­ yer kanis friend be right.¡±


    Koda¡¯s ears perked up.


    The pirate chuckled. ¡°No one is goin¡¯ to want to touch royalty from some foreign nation. They¡¯d only be wanting to rob ye or worse, hold ye fer ransom.¡±


    Elucard raised his head. ¡°Finally he¡¯s speaking some sense.¡±


    ¡°Aye lad, oi always spittin¡¯ the truth, the angel of luck and chaos as me witness. Oi be the only man that can take ye to yer destination in one piece.¡±


    Elucard called over Cade. When the other shroud made his presence at the table, the former Rabbit¡¯s face turned dark. ¡°I am an ex-assassin, and my partner here was trained by one too. We will suffice for a prison break, but I require you there as well. I don¡¯t trust anyone named Shady.¡±


    Cade slapped a heavy hand on Elucard¡¯s shoulder. ¡°A prison break? How exciting!¡±


    ¡°Fair terms, lad. Let¡¯s go rescue me mate!¡± cheered Cut-Throat.

 Chapter 30: Breaking out of the Bulwark

    The Black Bulwark was a six-hundred and twenty foot long prison barge, lovingly nicknamed by its guests for the dark iron used to build the massive floating detention center. Those that went in, never came out. What had Elucard gotten himself into? He did not know. What did breaking out some poor thief have anything to do with being a bodyguard to a mage? A means to the end. They needed transport to Tradewind City, Cut-Throat needed a couple of well trained mercenaries. A means to the end.


    ¡°See it just beyond them waves, boys?¡± Cut-Throat called out over the crashing water.


    Looming storm clouds hid the soft glow of the midnight moon. Perfect weather for a night raid.


    Elucard moved his mask over the brim of his nose and raised his forest green hood. He flexed his fist several times to steady his nerves. He¡¯d infiltrated castles and cities. Over roofs and through the skies. On the waves was just another day. Just a stroll in the park. Then why did he have moths fluttering in his stomach?


    ¡°Ready, Elucard?¡± Cade shouted.


    Elucard sucked in a chest full of air. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s get this over with.¡±


    Cut-Throat pulled out a spy-glass from his silky sash. ¡°When oi escaped last year, there was fifteen men patrolling the deck. If¡¯n ye lads are as good as ye say, it should cause ye no trouble at all. Shady be in 3-F. Third level, sixth prison cell.¡±


    Cade and Elucard leaped on the railing of the ship, minding their balance with slight adjustments of their hips and knees. Cade lifted a wide platform of water to meet his feet which he gingerly stepped on. As Elucard and Cut-Throat did the same, he lowered it to the water¡¯s surface.


    ¡°Is this safe?¡± Cut-Throat asked?


    Cade ignored the question. ¡°Hold on to me,¡± he said. He let Elucard and the captain grip his arms. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    The water disc gunned forward, skimming over the waves like an arrow cutting through the air. Elucard narrowed his eyes as tears blurred his vision and sea mist slipped over his hands. Closer and closer the barge came into view. Towering in the night air, larger than any ship Elucard had ever seen, taller than any wave that Naonis could summon. A monster¡ªa titan of the sea. How many prisoners did it hold? Surely the entire criminal underground of Abyss could fit in there at the very least!


    The two shrouds and the pirate reached the hull of the ship. Elucard reared his head back to see the deck. ¡°My turn,¡± he said with a cunning smirk. His shaken nerves turned rock solid with Cade by his side. Perhaps he was like the Blade Brother he never had? He pressed his hand flat on the ship, Then he closed his eyes and imagined Ivy. Growing from his hand came a wall of ivy and leaves crawled up the side of the ship and over the railing.


    ¡°Come, before anyone notices us,¡± whispered Elucard.


    Together the three quietly scrambled up the vines and onto the deck. Elucard dispelled his magic and the ivy crumbled and fell to the sea below. He crouched down hiding in the shadows. Sliding his ninjato out, he conjured a toxic black film with vernal magic over his blade, both to tone down any reflection of moonlight from his blade and incapacitated the prison guards without killing them. Koda didn¡¯t need an international incident on his hands.


    ¡°Which cell is McGee in again?¡± asked Cade with a soft whisper.


    ¡°Do ye listen, lad? Third level, sixth cell,¡± Cut-Throat whispered back with a hint of frustration in his voice.


    Elucard and Cade sprinted across the deck. With movements so fluid and so graceful, they glided through the shadows, as if they had been assassin¡¯s all their lives. Cut-Throat trailed close behind, careful to not get into their way.


    With each guard they encountered, Cade gagged the guard from behind and kicked their legs and buckled them backwards. Like a ballet, Elucard pierced the guard¡¯s thigh with the precision of a surgeon to avoid the femoral artery and risk an unnecessary death.


    With the poison rendering a long nap to the unsuspecting guards, Elucard and Cade pulled the bodies behind crates and into empty barrels, then sneaked up the winding stairs to the third level and entered the third block.


    Inside the barge, a layer of humid air wafted down the hallways. Steam pumped and seeped from the maze of pipes that cluttered the ceiling. Elucard dashed from cell to cell, counting with each door passed.


    One. Two. Three. Four. Five¡­


    ¡°Here,¡± Elucard whispered just loud enough for Cut-Throat and Cade to hear him.


    A slender man approached the bars. His emerald green eyes reflected what little light flickered from Elucard¡¯s Magi blade. His oily black hair fell past his left eye and a curved nose like an eagle beak made the defining feature of his face. He gave Elucard a coy smile.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Can I help you, my fine gentleman?¡± Despite his disheveled appearance, his voice came off suave, almost like a nobleman preparing to procure fine art from him.


    Elucard knelt down and examined the lock. This can¡¯t be picked, the lever mechanism that controls the door must be in some type of control room. He walked closer to Shady McGee and inspected the sustainability of the bars with a rough shake. A good set of kicks might pop one out. Enough for someone as thin as Shady Mcgee to squeeze through.


    ¡°Hmm, are you some type of assassin?¡± Shady asked. He held up a handful of shurikens and Elucard¡¯s ninjato with his other hand.


    Elucard¡¯s eyes widened. He was just holding that sword!


    ¡°How in the¡ª Give me those!¡± Elucard growled as he swiped his things back. He sheathed his blade and put the shurikens back in his pouch. ¡°We¡¯re here to get you out. Stand back.¡±


    ¡°Out? You aren¡¯t here to assassinate me?¡±


    ¡°What in the blazes are ye talkin¡¯ about, Shady?¡± Cut-Throat shouted as he and Cade walked up to the cell. ¡°Why would anyone want to assassinate ye? Yer just some comm¡ªerr¡­ well yer a thief.¡±


    ¡°I found it, Cutty,¡± whispered Shady. ¡°I know where the Diamond Key is.¡±


    ¡°Enough with the old wive¡¯s tales, Shady. Ye didn¡¯t find nothin¡¯. Ye just be chasin¡¯ ghost stories again.¡±


    ¡°No, this time I found it. I stumbled across a map to an island called Phellom while pulling off a heist in the citadel.¡±


    Cut-Throat banged his head against the bars. ¡°We gotta get ye out of here. Our window for an escape is closin¡¯.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s he going on about, Cut-Throat?¡± asked Cade.


    ¡°The bloody Skyripple. He thinks he found the Diamond Key.¡±


    ¡°There are people looking for Thorton¡¯s Spear, Cutty. Bad people, and they¡¯ll be coming for me.¡±


    ¡°Stand back, Shady,¡± Elucard repeated. He threw a powerful sidekick into one of the cell bars. It buckled under the impact. Elucard looked at Cade in shock. ¡°Did you see that?¡±


    Cade nodded. ¡°Our weight training is paying off, but another kick like that and you¡¯ll break your foot.¡±


    Elucard shook off the stinging pain in his foot. ¡°Suggestions?¡±


    Cade squatted down and hovered his fingers over the bar. ¡°Teamwork.¡±  Focusing on the sub-zero temperatures of Dragon Realm Stratus¡¯s frigid winters the iron bars chilled until they became brittle. ¡°Try now.¡±


    Elucard chambered his leg and unleashed another sidekick. The bars snapped in half and flew backwards. ¡°Hurry up, Cut-Throat can figure out where to hide you from these boogeymen.¡±


    Cut-Throat took Shady¡¯s hand and pulled him through the gap made by Elucard. ¡°Oi own a small hideout on a tiny island thirty nautical miles north of here. Yer welcome to hide there, Shady.¡±


    ¡°Well, I suppose if you and two elves can find me here, I¡¯ll have better chances on an island no one¡¯s ever heard of.¡±


    ¡°Fine, it¡¯s settled,¡± Elucard snapped impatiently. ¡°Let¡¯s make haste.¡±


    ***


    Cade strolled into Stryneth¡¯s small room in the Salty Goat. The mage sat at an oak desk stirring colorful powders into solvents. He had a brass monocle strapped to his eye with several lenses extended forward to allow him complete control over the delicate details of working with his tiny seeds and rare flowers. Any misplaced incision could ruin the plant.


    ¡°What is it, Inle?¡± Strife spat without looking up from his work.


    Cade eyed the door and locked it behind him. He sat on the bed across from his guildmate and hunched over. ¡°What do you know of the Diamond Key?¡±


    Strife blinked and quickly turned to face the shadow elf. ¡°How do you know that key?¡±


    ¡°My mission for Cut-Throat. We had to rescue a thief that knew the location of it.¡±


    ¡°Impossible¡­¡± Strife said under his breath. ¡°Do you remember the details of where this thief is?¡±


    Inle tilted his head. ¡°Is Master Wraslyn seeking the Skyripple? What is it?¡±


    ¡°Tell. Me. The. Location, Inle,¡± Strife said slowly.


    ¡°Four hours east of here is a prison barge and thirty nautical miles north of that is the man known as Shady McGee. He is hiding on an island that Cut-Throat owns.¡±


    ¡°You did well, Inle. Master Wraslyn will be pleased,¡± Strife said.


    ¡°What is the Skyripple?¡± asked Inle once more.


    ¡°A weapon he needs. So that no man or woman can stop him from reaching his goals,¡± Strife explained. ¡°There are five keys to unlock the tomb where the Skyripple is lays. The Sapphire Key, the Ruby Key, the Onyx Key, the Emerald Key, and finally, the Diamond Key.¡±


    Inle pursed his lips. ¡°I still know so little of Master Wraslyn and his plans, when will I be brought further into the fold?¡±


    Strife smiled and patted Inle¡¯s hand. ¡°Every piece has its role, Inle, but each is equally important to winning the game. You will realize this one day.¡±


    Inle lied down with a heavy sigh. ¡°Yeah, I know you¡¯re right, but I still hate being in the dark all the time.¡±


    Strife turned back to his poisons. ¡°Wraslyn has many secrets. He keeps his life and plans shrouded deep in his mystique. I myself know very little of his plans. I may know more than you, but only because I was brought into the guild before you. In time he will trust you more and in time he will tell you more.¡±


    Inle fidgeted with his glamor pendant. Was it all worth it? All the secrecy and danger. The questionable intentions. The misery he brought to countless lives. The Dead of Winter claimed it was all for the greater good. To bring the ultimate gift to the masses, to unite with the gods¡­ but was it worth it? He didn¡¯t know anymore. All he knew was he loved Elucard and they wanted him to keep his eye on the prize. To unleash the gods. Perhaps once that was done with all that he could have Elucard, but did he want to wait for that day? He had a choice to make and it could be between a good life and a bad death.

 Chapter 31: Peace in Paradise

    Koda clinked his wine glass against Raine¡¯s and gave her a joyous laugh. He and his company landed in Tradewind City the other night. The island was claimed by no nation, but protected by all. Much like its namesake, it served as the central beacon of trade in Abyss and the rest of Draak¡¯Terra. Any nation wishing for fine silks, spices, rare lumber, and precious ore found what they were looking for through the means of the city and its commerce. It also served as a favored destination for lavish vacations and rest for weary travelers because of its beautifully perfect weather, sparkling beaches, and hidden waterfalls.


    Koda sat across from the elven purple mage enjoying a juicy steak with a side of roasted red peppers, while Raine munched on a refreshing salad. She smiled with each bite and reached for a plump grape at the center of the table. Koda sliced another piece of his tender steak, pausing before eating it. He looked around the outdoor restaurant and took in the fresh saltwater air. Although he found reprieve in inns and cafes across his globetrotting journey, this restaurant was like no other he had attended before. Not even in Lost Dawns had he enjoyed a steak so immaculately seasoned and seared to perfection. Perhaps he would ask the chef to travel to his palace for his next birthday.


    He swallowed his bite and patted his chin with his linen napkin. ¡°So.¡±


    Raine looked up from her food. ¡°So.¡± she repeated.


    Koda gave her a light smile. ¡°Tell me your story. How did you find your interest in the arcane arts?¡±


    ¡°Well.¡± Raine stretched her back, preparing for a lengthy tale. ¡°My father and older brother were authors, working on a travel guide together.¡±


    Koda raised his brow. ¡°Travel guide?¡±


    ¡°A book to tell travelers which towns are welcoming, inns with the best rooms, and taverns with the best food,¡± she explained.


    ¡°Ah, a helpful book then!¡± praised Koda.


    ¡°Yes, I suppose I picked up a thing or two from my father and brother,¡± she mused. ¡°My mother had me join them as a way to educate me. I think she just didn¡¯t like me to be bored around the house.¡±


    Koda gave her a small smile. ¡°You must have seen so much.¡±


    Raine nodded. ¡°I did. We went everywhere! The Crooked Smile Ferry in Abyss, Wisp Haven in Blight, even Lost Dawns!¡±


    ¡°Lost Dawns?¡± Koda chuckled. He spent nearly his whole life there, to think people would choose to visit his home over somewhere like Tradewind City astonished him.


    ¡°I very much enjoyed the elder tree of my ancestors,¡± said Raine. ¡°It has to be the largest tree in the world. I¡¯ve seen no other quite as tall or as sprawling.¡±


    Koda swallowed another bite of his steak. ¡°You¡¯ve seen all of Draak¡¯Terra? Why not follow in your family¡¯s profession?¡±


    ¡°I thought about it. I really do like writing stories and reading old poetry. I have a younger cousin, Lavic Wiseroot, that tried his luck as a bard in taverns. He doesn¡¯t make much, but according to him it was never about the trit he made but the people he met along the way.


    ¡°But for me, Raine Skyteller, I always yearned for something more. A challenge, a wisdom that my family never searched for. I wanted to be a mage!¡±


    ¡°Any reason why you started with purple magic, and not green or red?¡± asked Koda.


    ¡°A school won¡¯t take you unless you show a level of depth in the Magi. Not everyone is born with the ability to tap into the Magi¡­¡± she lowered her head. ¡°I tried a hydro school first, then a fire, earth, vernal¡­No one would take someone who had little to no training in magic.¡±


    ¡°Except Michael?¡± guessed Koda.


    ¡°His school was my last shot¡ªmy last try. I had run out of hope, but Michael saw how desperate I was to become a mage. Maybe he was once like me, or maybe he felt pity¡ªI don¡¯t know. All I knew was he gave me a chance and I didn¡¯t want to fail him¡­ but I did.¡±


    Koda reached for Raine¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯m sure you made him proud, Raine. You didn¡¯t fail him at all.¡±


    Raine shook her head. ¡°He entered me in the Bi-Annual Mage Tournament to represent our school.¡± She paused and lowered her head. ¡°I lost in the first round.¡±


    Koda squeezed her hand. ¡°You will have another chance and you will do even better.¡±


    She looked up with tears swelling in her eyes. ¡°You think?¡±


    Koda lifted his brow. ¡°Listen to me, Raine. You are a stronger mage than you were then. Every day you get stronger. Trust me, I know, I can see the magic potential in beings.¡± Koda¡¯s irises glowed pink. ¡°And you are truly a strong mage.¡±


    Raine let out a laugh. ¡°Thank you, Koda.¡±


    ***


    ¡°You were right, Cade.¡± Elucard rotated his shoulders before leaning his back against the edge of the bath pool. ¡°I needed this.¡±This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Cade took another sip from his coconut and let out a long, relaxed sigh. ¡°A proper break. Miles away from any mage schools and Spellbreakers. It¡¯s as if we finally found our paradise.¡±


    Elucard wiggled his toes underneath the cool water and took in the wide scenic vista of the white sand beach and the roaring waves. A pod of dolphins danced in and out of the clear blue water. Elucard couldn¡¯t help but point at them as if he were a child seeing the playful creatures for the first time.


    ¡°Look, Cade! Dolphins!¡± Elucard grew a beaming, wide smile. ¡°I think I like dolphins best. I know so little about them, but that doesn¡¯t bother me. They are so carefree¡ª like they have no stress in their lives.¡± He paused and lowered his tone. ¡°Sometimes I wish I were one.¡±


    Cade gave Elucard a small grin. ¡°I never took you as a dreamer, my friend.¡±


    Elucard lowered his head. ¡°I¡¯m not. My dreams are nothing to pursue. Sins of my past. Blood. Fire. Terror.¡± Elucard fought back the urge to cry. ¡°I hate dreaming¡­ almost as much as I hate being¡­ alone.¡±


    Elucard shut his eyes.


    Falling. Falling. Falling.


    His soul sank deeper in the lake of darkness that he all too often dwelled in. Swallowed by his fear and hatred for himself.


    Cade¡¯s warm hand took him into a long embrace and for that moment he wasn¡¯t alone. The lake dissipated and white light showered him in comfort and love.


    ¡°It is time, Elucard.¡± Jetta¡¯s melodic voice echoed around him


    What if he rejects me? What if I mess it up, like I¡¯ve messed up every other relationship I¡¯ve had in the past. Elucard¡¯s doubts grew lower into a growl. What if he only plays games with me? What if he really hates me? What if no one loves me. What if I die alone?


    The white light turned into gray ashes, caking Elucard¡¯s trembling body. The lake¡¯s oily water raised to waist level and from its depths lashed heavy, rusted chains. They wrapped around Elucard wrists and arms, sawing into his flesh. Sounds from the chains rang loud as they went taut and forced Elucard below the surface of the water.


    Elucard tried to scream with all his breath, but his cries came out muffled.


    ¡°Elucard, let go of your suffering,¡± Jetta whispered.


    ¡°Elucard do not fight your suffering,¡± The wolf whispered back


    Falling. Falling. Falling.


    Elucard hugged his knees as the chains pulled him further and further down into the wastelands of his thoughts.


    ¡°You are stronger than this, Elucard.¡±


    A kind voice broke through his mind. The chains fell loose and the water once again drained. Elucard looked up as the white line pushed through his bleak thoughts.


    ¡°You are the strongest man I have ever met. I would follow you to the ends of Draak¡¯Terra and back.¡±


    It was Cade.


    Cade cupped Elucard¡¯s face and the elf couldn¡¯t help taking a hold of Cade¡¯s hand.


    ¡°You are my rock, Cade¡ªmy anchor,¡± Elucard whispered. Half to himself, half to his friend. Elucard slowly opened his tear filled eyes and leaned into Cade.


    Without thoughts, without doubts, and without fear Elucard kissed Cade. In that moment, seconds lasted an eternity. An eternity of peace and happiness. An eternity he didn¡¯t deserve, and yet he wanted it more than anything he had ever strived for. An eternity of clarity. An eternity of tranquility.


    Elucard closed his eyes and let Cade decide when it needed to end, but it didn¡¯t. Both elves let the moment of passion of love ride on. Finally, Elucard pushed away. He flushed red straight to his ear tips. He lowered his head and smiled.


    ¡°That¡­ that was nice,¡± Elucard said quietly.


    Cade placed a shivering hand on Elucard scar covered chest.


    ¡°What is it, Cade?¡± asked Elucard.


    Cade reached for his pendant. ¡°Elucard. I-I need¡­¡± he stuttered. ¡°Elucard¡­ there¡ªthere is something¡ª¡±


    ¡°Cade!¡± The hiss of stern voice halted him in his tracks.


    Cade and Elucard turned to find Stryneth standing over them.


    ¡°A word, if you would please.¡±


    Cade reached for his white towel, wrapped it around his waist, and climbed out of the bath. Cade playfully mussed up Elucard¡¯s hair. ¡°Another time, friend.¡±


    Stryneth waited for Cade to walk to him before turning to Elucard. ¡°Why don¡¯t you get some sleep. I can look over Koda for the rest of the night.¡±


    ¡°Cade¡ª¡± Elucard started.


    ¡°Cade will join you shortly,¡± Stryneth said.


    Cade bit his lip. ¡°Elucard, I¡¯ll join you shortly,¡± he repeated.


    Elucard gave him a nervous nod. ¡°Alright.¡±


    ***


    Styneth observed Elucard exit the bathhouse before yanking Inle by the hair and ruthfully pulled him backwards. ¡°Do not forget who you are, Cade!¡± Stryneth sneered, his voice turning sharper at Inle¡¯s false name.


    Inle winced as he stumbled to the ground. ¡°M-Master!¡± Inle whimpered.


    ¡°You are not here to be Elucard¡¯s boyfriend! You are here on Dead of Winter business!¡¯ Stryneth gnashed his teeth. The mage knelt down and roughly grabbed Inle by the chin and pulled him closer to Strife¡¯s dark blue eyes. ¡°We are to bring Koda to our side and Elucard may be crushed in the process. Do not think for a moment that I will not crush you as well if I feel you are compromised.¡±


    ¡°Y-You can t-trust me,¡± stammered Inle.


    ¡°Perhaps Master Wraslyn would rather let you go and take Elucard as his own instead?¡±


    Cade¡¯s eyes widened with fear.


    A cruel smile carved across Strife¡¯s face. ¡°For Elucard¡¯s best interest, perhaps it would be best if you didn¡¯t reveal your secret.¡±


    Inle clenched his teeth as his cheeks quivered in defeat.


    Strife pushed Inle away and stood up. ¡°You may continue to toy with Elucard¡¯s emotions, but to him, you will remain Cade. Do you understand me, boy?¡±


    Inle crawled back to his feet. His head still lowered like a scolded child.


    ¡°I said, do you understand m¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Inle hissed. ¡°You made yourself clear, Strife,¡± Inle spat out his master¡¯s name with all the contempt and spite in his soul for Dead of Winter.


    Strife tilted his head, taken aback by Inle¡¯s response. He gathered his composure and nodded. ¡°Very well then. Run along to your plaything, Inle.¡±

 Chapter 32: A Meeting with Moonwave

    Through the misty fog layered on the sea, the mistress of the ocean Triss Moonwave and her fleet of ships pulled into Tradewind City¡¯s large port. Waiting on the docks stood Koda, Wildeye, and Elucard. The pirate queen stepped down the ship¡¯s ramp and greeted Koda with a hearty handshake.


    ¡°King Dawnedge, I¡¯m glad you are safe ¡®n¡¯ sound. Naonis smiles upon us. I just wish it were under better circumstances.¡±


    ¡°Tradewind has provided a much needed rest after a very hectic encounter in Rapscallion Cove.¡±


    A royal blue passenger carriage with a gold plating of the Moonwave emblem on the door pulled up to the four. A valet bowed to his queen and opened the cab door.


    ¡°How about a ride to my villa? I¡¯d like a more detailed story on who this Raze is. I only know a second hand account of what happened in that city.¡±


    Koda and Wildeye stepped into the carriage and sat on the velvet cushioned seat opposite of Triss. Elucard gripped the edge of the carriage roof and hung just outside the door. Koda waited for the carriage to pull away from the docks before speaking.


    ¡°Raze is the leader of an anti-mage terrorist group. They are called the Spellbreakers and they appear to be highly organized and well established around the world,¡± explained Koda. ¡°How Raze keeps on finding us is something we haven¡¯t yet figured out, although we have our own theory.¡±


    Triss furrowed her brow. ¡°This wasn¡¯t your first encounter?¡±


    ¡°We have dealt with Raze and his Spellbreakers in several cities now,¡± answered Wildeye


    Tris rubbed her chin, deep in contemplation. ¡°I¡¯m guessing you suspect a spy in your crew?¡±


    ¡°It is the reason why we have left our escort,¡± said Wildeye. ¡°We did not arrive on our own ship and we seem to be stranded at the moment.¡±


    Triss gave the wolf a solemn nod. ¡°I will see to it that you have a proper escort from now on.¡±


    ¡°We thank you Ocean Mistress Moonwave,¡± Koda said.


    ¡°You can count on it, King Dawnedge,¡± Triss said to Koda, giving him a wink. ¡°I consider you a friend. Call me Triss.¡±


    Koda politely bowed his head. ¡°You may call me by my name as well.¡±


    The carriage entered a gate community. Wealthy manors and villas lined the streets. Each one larger than the next. Finally the carriage pulled up to a lavish red stoned villa that Triss called home. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Koda, Wildeye, and Elucard each took a seat at a round teak table at the center of the open room. Windows stained in every shade of red made up the walls, bathing the warm-toned room in a soft blush, and airy curtains stirred in the light sea breeze. Worn maps of each of the dragon realms adorned the walls in hand-carved frames, and a polished spyglass rested on display near the windows, sun catching off a dent that belied its years of use. Koda''s fingers grazed smooth ivy carved into the rosewood chair, admiring the craftsmanship, as a servant set an elegant tray of strawberry pastries before them and poured them each a cup of tea, the scent of blackberries wafting up on the steam. Wildeye took one, but frowned as the honey glaze made her claws sticky.


    ¡°Triss. I hoped we could originally meet about your presence at another council of nations. It is imperative that a representative of Abyss is there.¡±


    ¡°I have my pride, Koda.¡± Triss squeezed the hilt of her cutlass. ¡°I have my pride and my people. Both were insulted at that meeting. The other royal folk see me as a criminal, unfit for my throne. As long as I have no respect from them, then I¡¯m not showing back up.¡±


    Koda pursed his lips and let out a deep sigh. ¡°What if I sponsor you? Have your back, as you might say.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d vouch for me?¡± asked Triss.


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    Triss looked out a small ruby colored window. She spoke again, now with a pensive tone. ¡°If Abyss has one of these seals you keep going on about. I¡¯m not looking forward to it breaking. To destroy my realm with tidal waves and violent storms¡ªor whatever doom it will bring to my shores.¡±


    ¡°That is what this council wishes to stop from happening, or¡­I want it too,¡± Koda explained. ¡°If we all heard each other¡¯s voices, then I know we will be united to save our planet.¡±


    ¡°I want to protect the seal and If you have my back, then I will seize my respect!¡± Triss said while punching her hand. ¡°Consider me at your meeting.¡±


    ***


    A robust golden moon hung in a star-filled night. A cool breeze blew through Koda¡¯s hair as he, Wildeye, Stryneth, and Rain strolled through Tradewind¡¯s lush park.


    Raine plucked a pink orchid and took a long whiff from it. ¡°Tradewind is beautiful. It is too bad we are leaving tomorrow. I wish we could stay here longer.¡±


    ¡°Indeed it is, Raine,¡± agreed Wildeye. ¡°But its beauty can not compare to the enchantment of Nashoon¡¯s forest.¡±


    ¡°Hm,¡± Raine murmured. ¡°I recall the Crystal Woods in Stratus. The trees are coated from top to bottom with ice. When dawn¡¯s sun hit them just right, they lit up like a rainbow.¡±


    ¡°That does sound pretty,¡± said Wildeye.


    Stryneth put a firm hand on Raine and Koda¡¯s shoulders. ¡°While I have you two here. Have you changed your mind about challenging my school? If not, may I suggest Abyssiana? They may test your skills as well as I would, but still have a respectful school.¡±


    Koda gave Raine a knowing eye. ¡°We¡¯ve decided we want to duel you, Master Stryneth.¡±


    The elder mage gave them a short chuckle. ¡°Well then, how would the two of you fancy a two-on one-battle?¡±


    Raine and Koda smiled at each other.


    ¡°Yes please!¡± Raine hooted.


    ¡°Then our next stop will be Water City Jhoone,¡± Stryneth said with a wide grin.

 Chapter 33: Challenging for Blue

    Fortune¡¯s Saber may have been the fastest ship Koda had ever sailed on. It cut through waves and wind with the speed of a zipping arrow.Five of the Moonwave fleet¡¯s finest royal clippers flanked both sides of Koda¡¯s ship, led by Moonwave¡¯s personal galleon. True to her word Triss set out to deliver Koda a safe journey throughout her sea.


    Water City Jhoone¡¯s towers broke across the horizon as Fortune¡¯s Saber neared its destination. Pulling into the city¡¯s deck, a cheer from its citizens welcomed Koda and his entourage. Quite the contrast from other cities they visited in the past. Stryneth pushed himself to the front as he greeted each citizen with handshakes, waves, and hugs. Never had Koda seen him so joyful and energetic. No, Stryneth was often somber and serious, as if he despised traveling. However, now he was like a child in a toy shop.


    ¡°Come, my friends, meet my people. Bask in the greatness of my city!¡± Stryneth said with a belly quaking laugh.


    He turned to the others and spread his arms wide open and bowed. ¡°This is Water City Jhoone!¡±


    Koda had to admit the city was impressive, at least from an engineering standpoint. What set it apart from any other city in not only Abyss, but the rest of the world, was that it floated on many massive rafts,  each anchored by hefty weights. Bridges connected to the rafts and towers stood over the city, each attached to a zipline for faster travel. At the center of the large barge-like city imposed the mighty hydro mage school, using its own gigantic raft and even several smaller rafts bordering it. Altogether, Water City Jhoone could have served as its own island, if it weren¡¯t already the largest boat ever created by mankind.


    Elucard stamped his foot on the ground. ¡°Solid as a rock!¡±


    ¡°Yes this is unlike anything I have ever seen before,¡± Koda said, still in astonishment. ¡°Cade, have you stayed here at all?¡±


    Cade stretched out his arms after a long ride and yawned. ¡°Yes, I have.¡± He scratched his cheek and smacked his lips. ¡°And I whole-heartedly recommend the broiled sailor¡¯s herring from the Fisherman¡¯s Tale Tavern¡±


    ¡°Perhaps later after our battle?¡± Raines said as she hopped onto the dock. ¡°You don¡¯t understand how long I¡¯ve been craving owning blue magic!¡±


    Koda turned to her with a curious grin. ¡°More of Raine¡¯s origin has come to the surface?¡±


    Raine chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m not a book you can read, Koda.¡±


    Koda pretended to jot down Raine¡¯s words with an invisible quill and parchment. ¡°Not yet, at least.¡±


    Raine huffed with a half measured frown. ¡°If you must know, Hydro¡¯s color was the first sash I went after once I earned the right to duel for magic. I was beaten terribly. Already I had put my school to shame by my miserable effort in the Bi-Annual Mage Tournament, but with my humiliating defeat at a blue mage school, I became a complete embarrassment. I swore to go after it last for my Tempest style.¡±


    Koda nodded. ¡°And here you are.¡±


    ¡°And here I am,¡± repeated Raine.


    Wildeye gave Raine a gentle pat as the mage walked past her. ¡°You have learned much, I am sure. You aren¡¯t an embarrassment in mine or Koda¡¯s eyes. We both see you as an equal. Today will be different, I know it will.¡±


    Raine gave the wolf a large smile. ¡°Thanks, Wildeye.¡±


    Stryneth clapped his hands. ¡°Are we ready for our duel?¡±


    Koda looked at Raine, who nodded. He turned back to Stryneth with determination burning in his heart and eyes. ¡°Definitely!¡±


    Stryneth gave him a wicked grin. ¡°Will we be using all of our colors this morning?¡±


    Koda inspected Stryneth¡¯s robes. He only had two colors. Blue made up the majority of his robe, and although he wore his blue sash, the color purple lined the trim of his robe. Koda had learned in his encounters that not all mages wore just their sashes. Sometimes took the material of the sash and added it to their robes, their designs growing more and more elaborate with each new color.


    Blue and purple. That means water and lightning¡­ a most deadly combination. What do you think, Wildeye? Should I risk it to use my vernal, fire, earth, and lightning?


    ¡°Hmm, I think it would be wise to keep the battlefield even. I¡¯d imagine Stryneth is extremely skilled, and yes, having four colors would seem like an advantage, but I have the feeling Stryneth has dealt with odds like that in the past.¡±


    Koda stroked his chin in contemplation. It is a two on one duel. I know I am well versed with vernal magic by now and I trust Raine is well versed with light magic as well.


    ¡°Then you have your answer. Raine¡¯s light magic and your vernal magic against Stryneth¡¯s hydro magic. I¡¯d hope that is advantage enough, though I am wary that he offered this match up in the first place.¡±


    Why would Master Stryneth want me to fail? Koda looked up. He turned to Raine. ¡°I think we should stick with our base.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? Between you and I, we have nearly every color represented.¡±


    ¡°I think this would be best. I don¡¯t trust Stryneth¡¯s experience with his two colors. There must be a reason he has been so content with those alone.¡±


    Raine bit her lip. ¡°I didn¡¯t think of that factor.¡± She looked at Stryneth. ¡°We have chosen  base colors.¡±


    ¡°First hit, third hit, unconsciousness, or death?¡± asked Stryneth.


    Koda glanced at Raine. ¡°You choose, Raine. I could go with any.¡±


    Raine didn¡¯t skip a beat as she blurted out her answer. ¡°Unconsciousness!¡±


    ¡°Very well, our match is set. Prepare yourselves for the fight of your short lives!¡±


    ***


    Stryneth dashed to the center of the battlefield and popped the corks from the vials tied around his sash. He manipulated the chemicals within, pulling a string of water from each and vaporizing them into a sickly, green cloud.


    Koda threw up his hands, one above his head, the other hovering over his hip. He spread his legs, leaning on his back foot. He¡¯d often watched Elucard and Cade train, and sometimes they used fighting stances like this one. Although he wasn¡¯t sure if mimicking an Black Rabbit stance would help his battle, he felt more confident with it.


    Raine crossed her arms over her face and thrust them away, hands sparking with wild electricity.


    ¡°What do you suppose those potions do?¡± Koda whispered to his partner.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I don¡¯t plan to find out!¡± Raine growled. She vanished in a flash of light and appeared behind Stryneth. A trail of lighting shot from her palm, but Stryneth''s body dropped into a puddle on the ground.


    The lightning bolt missed Styneth but hit the remaining cloud of toxins. It sizzled and rippled with electricity, growing by the second.


    Raine balked and stepped back as the cloud grew larger and larger, charging with her magic, despite her best efforts to dispel the lightning.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Raine tried to shout a warning, ¡°Koda¡ª¡± but the cloud exploded in her face.


    The shockwave ripped across the battlefield drenching it with a downpour of chemical laced raindrops. Even before Koda could react, he was soaked to the bone. The toxins seared his skin and ate at his clothing. His eyes burned from the haze left on the platform.


    Koda wobbled on his feet and collapsed to his knees. The sky warped into various dark colors. Swirls of shapes appeared in front of him and his hands tripled in size and numbers. He cried out in madness, trying to string his words in a coherent sentence but failed miserably as they came out sluggish and slurred. ¡°R-Ra-ine, w-wha-t is haaa¡ªppening?¡±


    Raine fell back laughing in a manic fit. She rolled back and forth on the ground before panicking and curling her knees into her chest. ¡°He-help me!!!¡±


    Suddenly a chill sunk through Koda¡¯s body. His teeth chattered and his body stiffened.


    My body won¡¯t listen to me! Those potions, they were poisons! If I could make a remedy using my vernal magic, I could counteract the effects!


    Koda grunted and hardened his hands, attempting to get some sort of response from them. Any reaction. Anything at all but his drugged mind wouldn¡¯t let him concentrate.


    If I used the Magi, my body would flush this stuff out¡­


    ¡°No Koda, you don¡¯t need it. Find the source of your magic. Focus. Meditate. Your tamed magic is powerful enough to turn the tides, you just have to give it your trust!¡±


    ¡°I suppose I should end this fight. You two do not seem to be enjoying my concoctions,¡± Stryneth¡¯s voice sliced through Koda¡¯s hallucinations.


    ¡°Now or never, Koda!¡± Wildeye¡¯s voice pierced his mind.


    Koda closed his eyes and growled as he forced himself to concentrate with all his mental dexterity. He reached far into the recesses of his mind. Deeper. Deeper. Deeper than ever before and there he found his four spheres of magic. Faint, weak, but whole. Koda cupped his hands around them. A glob of fire, pebbles of earth, streaks of light, and tiny leaves encircled his hands. Slowly Koda opened his mind and drew from the vernal magic. He imagined the lifeblood of the flowers deep in Abysses jungles and ointments found in the vines of his forest, Nashoon. He mixed them and intertwined their nectar until he created a medicinal concoction of his own. The liquid coursed through his body and the hallucinogens drained from his blood.


    The battlefield came into focus once again, and just in time too. Stryneth approached with a hand of ice wafting with vapor.


    Koda thrust his hands forward and pushed him back with a rolling mound of twisting roots. Stryneth fell back, leaping from foot to foot to escape the grasping wood. Propelling himself in the air, Koda rode a jutting tree that sprouted from the raft. Once high above the battlefield, Koda leaped off the branch and landed with a shoulder roll to the side of the suffering Raine. He placed a hand on Raine¡¯s stomach and injected the remedy into her body. It only took her a few minutes to recover..


    ¡°Thanks for the assistance, Koda, I got it from here!¡± Raine said with a smirk.


    Roaming clouds merged over the battlefield, booming with thunder and channeling static electricity until Raine pulled hand to the ground. A booming lightning bolt crashed through Stryneth.


    Stryneth fell to his hands and knees, his clothing singed and charred, his body steamed with smoke. He panted heavily, struggling not to collapse. He clawed at the raft, peeling curls of wood, teeth clenched, seething with anger and frustration. He raised his head and glared at Raine who charged another lightning bolt in the clouds.


    Stryneth reached out and tightened his fist.


    A sphere of water closed around Rain. She gulped a single breath of air as her head submerged underwater.


    Koda plunged his hand into the bubble, but the sphere morphed at his touch. He opened his mouth to catch another breath too late¡ªa watery prison of his own engulfed him and he began to drown.


    Koda kicked and thrashed his arms, his cheeks turning red as he struggled to hold his breath. His eyes cracked and he shook his head. He couldn¡¯t give in. He couldn¡¯t give up. He had this battle! He needed to focus once more, to calm his mind, to reach in and¡ª


    A large lilypad unfurled from his hands and pushed through the bubble, flooding out the water and bursting with a pop! Koda fell to the ground. He gasped lungfuls of air. Koda lashed a vine whip at Raine¡¯s bubble, slicing it in half and freeing the purple mage.


    Raine roared through labored breaths, ¡°I¡¯m ending this!¡±


    Strength stood to his feet and brushed off the soot from his shoulder. ¡°You may tr¡ª¡±


    Raine cracked with light and shot herself forward as a stream of electricity.


    She appeared inches away from Stryneth, still glowing with a blinding light. She spread both her hands and smashed them into Stryneth¡¯s chest. A charge of electricity exploded through Raine¡¯s hands and through Stryneth¡¯s body and with the jolt the blue mage sailed back into the ocean.


    Raine collapsed to her knees, panting like a dog. Koda cautiously walked to her. ¡°Did¡­ we¡­ did we beat him?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no way he is coming back from¡ª¡±


    Stryneth rose from the sea, catching Raine and Koda off guard. A torrent of water lifted the blue mage high into the air, fury written on his face. He gnashed his teeth, spitting out his words. ¡°Where did you learn that spell?!¡±


    Raine stood up and puffed out her chest in defiance. ¡°Michael wasn¡¯t my only teacher!¡±


    ¡°So¡­ you wish to play with Forbidden Magic?¡± Stryneth sneered. He held out a single, trembling hand like an eagle¡¯s claw. Raine and Koda floated into the air, their hands and arms slapped against their sides. Their body wrenched and twisted as their body fluids seeped from their pores, mouths, nostrils, and eyes.


    ¡°Koda! Focus, Koda!¡± Wildeye¡¯s voice echoed through his head.


    I¡ªI can¡¯t, I¡¯m tapped out, too tired. Koda¡¯s breathing became erratic. Panic set in, striking his body like a hammer to a nail. His mind numbed, his eyes darkened. No¡­ please¡­ no¡­


    Koda¡¯s body went limp.


    ***


    Koda stirred awake. His body shivered and his head pulsed with pain. He licked his cracked lips. ¡°W-water,¡± he croaked through a parched throat.


    Elucard helped him to his feet as Stryneth approached him. He held two blue sashes in his hands.


    ¡°W-what is this?¡± Koda stuttered.


    Cade shouldered Raine. She looked at Stryneth with confusion written across her face. ¡°But we lost, Master Stryneth.¡±


    Stryneth curled his lip. ¡°You should be banned from your school for using forbidden magic on a headmaster¡­¡±


    Raine lowered her head in sorrow.


    ¡°But you show¡ªthe both of you cunning, grit, prowess, and determination. I would be a fool to not reward those qualities.¡±


    Koda and Raine swelled with pride.


    ¡°Koda, you did not disappoint me. Master Fen will most definitely hear of your skills.¡±


    Koda and Raine accepted the sashes and wrapped them around their waists. Raine couldn¡¯t help but giggle. ¡°I¡¯ve done it! My Tempest style is complete!¡±


    Koda placed a hand on her shoulder. ¡°You earned this Raine, you really did.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Koda.¡±


    ***


    Strife sat at his desk, alone in his headmaster¡¯s office chamber. He lowered his head and raised his eyes, keeping a focused sight in the deep shadow that began to grow in the corner of the room. ¡°Master Wraslyn, I welcome you to my city.¡±


    The handsome vampire stepped out of his shadow portal. He placed a delicate hand on the desk and flipped his black Dead of Winter cape over his shoulder. ¡°You have something to report, my hydro mage?¡±


    Strife leaned forward and steepled his fingers. ¡°Koda has dominion over water and now seeks shadow and wind.¡±


    ¡°Good. Very good, Strife. Now see to it that Arrelion takes in and trains Koda,¡± Wraslyn said.


    ¡°But Master Wraslyn, Arrelion is our enemy. He will only reverse your influence over Koda!¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± Wraslyn said in a low voice. ¡°He will push him to me. He will build him into a far stronger mage than any other school could hope to achieve and when the time is right, Koda will leave him for me; with your assistance, of course.¡±


    ¡°Naturally I will do as you say, but I do not see how I could further your plans with Arrelion in the picture,¡± said Strife.


    Wraslyn paced around his mage. ¡°You must trust me, my dear Strife.¡± He placed his hands on Strife¡¯s shoulders. ¡°I would never lead you astray.¡±


    Strife turned to look up into Wraslyns dark, golden eyes. ¡°No, Master, I know you wouldn¡¯t.¡±


    Wraslyn moved in close to Strife¡¯s ear. ¡°Then you must trust me,¡± he whispered.


    Strife shifted his eyes to the heavy double doors of his office. ¡°One last thing, my master.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Our Silent Master, Inle,¡± Strife began. He swallowed hard, afraid to throw a wrench in Wraslyn¡¯s plans. ¡°He has a strong infatuation with Elucard. I am afraid he may betray our guild.¡±


    Wraslyn brushed his fingers over Strife¡¯s head as he walked back to the front of the desk. ¡°If Inle wishes not to be our Silent Master any longer, then I shall see to it that Elucard replaces him.¡± He looked to his shadow portal. ¡°One way or another.¡±


    A low growl echoed through the room. Its voice rang rough and cruel. ¡°I have already infiltrated Elucard¡¯s mind, my master. He will be easy to break and then mold into your slave.¡±


    Wraslyn grinned. ¡°Hopefully it does not come to this.¡± He turned back to Strife. ¡°See to it that Arrelion takes Koda under his wing.¡±


    ¡°Yes, master. I shall leave for Twin Cliffs at once!¡± Strife said.


    ¡°And Strife,¡± said Wraslyn. ¡°It would be wise not to fail me.¡±

 Chapter 34: Forgiving Yourself

    Dear Prince Velduin,


    I write to ask if you would meet with myself and Scale Lord Rellethek in the neutral city of


    Twin Cliffs, which resides in the Northern Territory, so that we may discuss future plans of another meeting of the Draak¡¯Terran leaders.


    I know you two have had your quarrels in the past, but I also know that the ice elven people to be known for their humble ways and wealth of patience


    Koda paused writing the letter to Velduin. This was a blatant lie, but appealing to the ego of an ice elf was his best bet at getting Velduin in the same room of Rellethek. After all, in the letter to the Scale Lord, Koda wrote that Velduin would be on his best behavior. Children. Both of them. However, the lying was required to protect the seals. A set of seals that he already had a hand in destroying. Where do I stand in all this? What did he hope to gain by finding Sable¡¯s master? To walk beside the gods as they put it. To discuss the history of the cosmos, and to find the truth of Draak¡¯Terra¡¯s secrets so tightly locked even an Arcane Guardian in training and King of Long Whisper still was not allowed to divulge in them.


    Koda sighed and shook his head from such conflicting thoughts. He continued his letter.


    And so, I wish for you to see it in your great wisdom to meet with us. I have already sent a letter to the Scale Lord and he has agreed to a meeting as well.


    Send me your response through the wind, I will be eagerly awaiting it.


    With regards,


    King Dawnedge


    Koda folded the letter and sealed it with wax from a melting candle. He pressed his ring with his family¡¯s crest into the wax. Then he took the letter to a sea kestrel and tied it in his claw. These birds were used for delivering messages across the vast oceans of the realms. They were fast birds, faster than the normal falcons found in the fields of Long Whisper and it would take less than a week for the bird to reach its destination.


    ¡°Take it to Wintershard, please,¡± Koda said to the bird. He was unsure how exactly it knew where to go, but it titled its head, blinked its eyes and took off from the window ledge.


    Koda sat back at his writing desk. He rocked back and forth in his chair, staring at the low ceiling of the ship''s cabin. Paper globes hung from twine, each marked with trading routes across Abyss and the other realms. What am I to do? My instincts match my curiosity. Sable¡¯s master, I wish to meet with them. However, I am king of a nation meant to lead my people through difficult times, and nothing has caused more strife than the breaking of the seals.


    Koda pushed away from his desk and paced nervously around the small room. Wildeye must not find out about my conundrum. The black wolf filters my thoughts, I can count myself lucky for his presence, but again¡­ what am I to do?


    A knock at the door interrupted Koda¡¯s contemplation.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Koda said.


    ¡°My liege, It is I, Stryneth,¡± came the voice from outside the cabin door.


    ¡°Please enter, Master Stryneth.¡± He waited for Stryneth to meet him eye to eye. He had not seen the hydro mage for the last couple days. Not since his match with him, at the very least. Why the elder mage avoided him eluded Koda. He seemed miffed by Raine¡¯s use of forbidden magic, but on the other hand, Stryneth still presented them with the magic to manipulate water. What could Stryneth need from him?


    ¡°Master Stryneth, how may I be of service to you?¡±


    ¡°My king, I am here to tell you that I must take my leave. My master, Duke Alifinster Fen, has requested that I travel ahead to Twin Cliffs to meet with Arrelion.¡±


    Koda irked his brow. ¡°Arrelion? Why?¡±


    Stryneth gave the elven king a kind smile. ¡°To take you under his wing. My master has much pull in the Academy¡¯s community, he even has a place on the High Mage Council.¡±


    ¡°Lord Fen has this much power and sway? Why have I not been taught about him? I had to learn the names of every council member as a part of my tutelage. Yet his name never came up in any of my schooling.¡±


    Stryneth¡¯s smile ran from his face. He hesitated for what seemed like forever. Finally he gave his answer. ¡°My master serves more as an advisor than just a council member. He is wise beyond his years and his opinion is greatly valued. When I mentioned he was on the High Council, that is what I meant.¡±


    Koda nodded. ¡°Of course.¡±


    Stryneth smiled once more. ¡°Arrelion is also valued for his skill and wisdom. He has lived several lifetimes and will be an excellent teacher to prepare you for the duke.¡±


    Koda scratched the back of his head in astonishment. ¡°Several lifetimes. How old is Arrelion?¡±


    ¡°I must leave at once,¡± Stryneth said, ignoring Koda¡¯s question. ¡°As much as I feel that Elucard is a proficient Shroud, I would be at ease if I left Cade with you as well.¡±Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Stryneth bowed, putting his arm across his chest. ¡°Safe travels, my king. I will see you again when you reach Twin Cliffs.¡±


    ***


    Elucard knelt at Jetta¡¯s moss covered grave marker. His arms hugged the stone tightly, tears streamed down his cheeks.


    ¡°Why have you left me?¡± he choked out.


    The shadows of the forest grew darker. Elucard¡¯s breath turned to an icy smoke. A crude voice, sinister and unfeeling growled behind him.


    ¡°You are nothing but a rabid dog. You must be put down.¡±


    Elucard turned to find the Silent Master, Ryjin, and a horde of glinting ninjatos held by shadows of his former clan. Red eyes glowed from each assassin.


    Elucard pulled out his own blade, already drench and stained with blood. In a blurred movement, a punch slammed into his gut. Elucard¡¯s pupils shrunk as he gasped a wheeze of breath.


    ¡°You are a broken sword. Rusted. Fractured. Dull. I will personally see to your death¡­ Elucard.¡± The Silent Master¡¯s tone crawled in his ear like a worm, burrowing deep into his weakened mind.


    Elucard collapsed to his knees, clutching his stomach. ¡°If I need to destroy you and your clan a second time, then so be it!¡± He gave Ryjin a blackened hiss, rife with a killer¡¯s heart and violent intention.


    He struggled to stand, gripping his blade. A stream of fire blazed around him. He took a step but sank into the ground. Elucard looked down in panic. He tried to pull his leg out, but the ground became coarse, warm, and red. His other leg slipped on the soil and also sunk deep into the quicksand. He yelped a silent cry as the ground rose, and rose, suctioning his torso in the sand until it completely submerged him.


    The trees of the forest were no more, now replaced with roaring drakes, screaming through the sky. Fireballs exploded around him. Elucard tumbled, falling and falling. He tried to twist his body, like he had when learning to devil jump with the SMO, but to no avail.


    He careened to the ground below. Faster. Faster. Faster, until¡ª


    Elucard sat up, soaked in a cold sweat. His rapid breathing and heaving chest were the only sounds in the room. He rolled out of his bed and his wool blanket flopped to the floor. The dream was so real, so vivid, so¡­ so violent.


    Each nightmare was worse than the night before. Sometimes he experienced the dreams even when he was awake. The distinct smell of melting flesh bathed in dragon fire filled his nostrils. Smoke burned his lungs. The sharp pain from a Rabbit¡¯s sword hacked at his side and face. These nightmares left him a mess, but he sucked it up. He held the burden alone. His trauma was no one else¡¯s problem. He carried it all with him and with each terrifying moment he experienced, he piled that load on his back. Someday his spine will snap, but then he would just drag his broken body across that threshold which will never come.


    ¡°Elucard,¡± Cade¡¯s concerned voice brought him partially back to reality. The elf walked across the small room. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Elucard¡¯s eyes sagged as he placed a hand over his face. He held back the urge to confide in him like he had in the past. His comforting friend, Cade. His rock, his anchor. His hearth, his blanket. His partner. No, not now, not tonight. He had to deal with these troubles himself. He couldn¡¯t share this pain, not with Cade¡­ It would poison him and then he would lose him too.


    Cade placed a calming hand on Elucard¡¯s shoulder, but the tortured assassin shook it off. ¡°Go back to sleep, Cade. I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Elucard said as he walked out of their room.


    The elf stepped out of the inn and into the night. The gentle waves splashed on the borders of Water City Jhoone. The many towers and homes glowed in the pale moonlight. A quiet night for a time to reflect.


    Elucard climbed to the highest rooftop he could find, Stryneth¡¯s school. He swung his legs over the ledge, leaned forward, and rested his hands in his lap, looking out to the endless sea. The surface glistened under the shining stars. Silent floating clouds slowly broke apart in the sky.


    ¡°Beautiful, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Elucard grinned and let out a wispy chuckle. ¡°Jetta. I¡¯ve missed you.¡±


    The ghostly form of his childhood friend took a seat next to him. White feathers and rose petals drifted around her.


    ¡°I need your guidance, once more,¡± Elucard whispered.


    ¡°I am here for you, my friend. Always.¡±


    ¡°Tell me a prayer that I can use to combat these dreams. I need Alue with me. Can you show me her?¡±


    Jetta bowed her head and giggled. ¡°Alue sent me to rescue your soul from a darkness churning within you. Elucard, only you can walk a path of peace. I will light the torch, but you must wield it.¡±


    ¡°Please, hand me your torch. I want out of this darkness, I want to find my peace, my happy ending.¡±


    ¡°Realizing what you fear is the first step towards peace.¡±


    Elucard looked at his trembling hands. ¡°I¡­ I know my fears. That I will die in misery and venom. I was raised as an assassin, I slaughtered my own friends. I hurt so many innocent people, all in the name of¡­¡±


    Jetta gave him a nod. ¡°Say it, Elucard. Tell yourself the truth.¡±


    Elucard shut his eyes and swallowed a lump in his throat.


    ¡°I did this, and only I. I am to blame for this darkness, and I am the one to quell it.¡±


    ¡®When walking through hardships on your road


    Do not harvest the pain that you have sowed


    Through mercy and light you will learn to forgive


    Those that wronged you so that you may live


    In a time of peace, joy, and love


    Find me, my child, watching from above


    You will see the beauty where fire once was


    You will see the beauty in your new cause


    Angel of mercy, wings alabaster and white


    Enter a new world and forever leave the night¡¯


    The prayer echoed through a mind once turbulent and troubled. Elucard opened his eyes and gave a tearful smile as the sun broke from the horizon. Rays of light danced with orange and red in the skies. For the first time in the many rising suns that he has seen, he saw beauty and¡­ peace.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± Elucard turned to find himself alone. ¡°...Jetta.¡±


    Alone, but filled with Alue¡¯s light. Jetta watched him from the heavens. Cade by his side. Wiccer to share a meal with. A son in Kyzo and a father in Legion. He was never alone, just blinded by his darkness and its haze. He lifted the torch, tore through his pain, and he followed the road out.


    You will never find happiness. You will always be tortured by your sins. The wolf within growled. You deserve nothing!


    Elucard¡¯s sorrow sank his heart like the quicksand in his dream. Elucard looked up to the sunrise once more. A single flame burned where his darkness gathered. Light. Truth. Love. Happiness. It was all in his reach. Elucard grinned.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to listen to you ever again,¡± Elucard whispered to himself.


    ***


    Elucard entered his and Cade¡¯s room, creaking the door ever so quietly and snuck to his bed. He glanced at Cade''s sleeping form, walked over, and kissed him on the cheek. ¡°Sweet dreams, Cade.¡±

 Chapter 35: Inle vs Raze

    The icy winds nipped at Koda¡¯s nose and his teeth chattered in the oppressive Winter climate of Dragon Realm Stratus and its Northern Territory. How anybody could survive such ferocious weather day in and day out was anyone¡¯s guess. It was a sharp contrast from the tropic paradise of Dragon Realm Abyss and even though Long Whisper experienced its own Winter, nothing compared to the sheer freezing temperatures that he experienced right now.


    ¡°Here we are, Dawnedge,¡± said Triss. ¡°Horizon Port.¡±


    Koda looked out at the oncoming landmass that made up the edge of the Northern Territory. Horizon Port sat snug in between the border of a winding mountain pass and a vast pine forest. The village looked small and unassuming to Koda, more like Wisp Haven¡¯s size in comparison to a town like Sparrow Port. The majority of the Moonwave fleet anchored in the bay. Her personal ship pulled into the port. The sailors of Fortune¡¯s Saber tied off the large clipper and took count of any supplies that needed restocking. The quartermaster saluted the captain, who reported to his queen that all was in order.


    Triss jabbed Koda¡¯s arm. ¡°Cold, eh? You and your crew should stop in town and pick up the proper clothing for this land. Else you¡¯ll catch your death in a single night.¡±


    Koda gave her shakey nod, unable to control the excessive shivering his body performed. ¡°Indeed, b-but you will not be j-joining us? I was h-hoping you would be th-there for the meeting with Velduin and Rellethek.¡±


    Triss shook her head in response to his question. ¡°I ain¡¯t one for mountains, Koda. I think they look great in books, but I don¡¯t want to go too far from my beloved sea.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Koda said, his head bowed in disappointment.


    Triss gave him a tiny smirk and slapped his back. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Koda, I¡¯m still coming to your little world leader shindig.¡±


    A thin smile broke across Koda¡¯s face at the word shindig. ¡°Very well, Triss, and thank you again for your escort.¡±


    ¡°According to my captains, we were not followed. So I am confident you will not run into this Raze.¡±


    Koda gave her an elegant bow. ¡°Until next time, Ocean Mistress.¡±


    Triss let out a heft belly laugh so loud her boots quaked. ¡°As to you Dawnedge, as to you.¡±


    ***


    ¡°No, no, Elucard,¡± Cade snickered. ¡°That coat is much too big for you!¡±


    Elucard¡¯s magenta eyes barely peeked over the collar of a large brown parka. if it were not for their elven glow in the deep pocket of the massive fur-lined hood. His sleeves drooped down past his hands and the trim of the coat sagged to his knees.


    ¡°I know, but it¡¯s so warm!¡± Elucard said. Cade could barely make out his words through the muffle of the coat.


    ¡°Yes but how are you supposed to fight in that thing?¡± Cade picked up a thick, wool poncho. ¡°Here, this will do.¡± He tossed it to Elucard as the elf hung the coat back on its peg.


    Elucard caught it and slipped it on.


    ¡°Better?¡± asked Cade, already knowing the answer.


    Elucard slid out his ninjato and slashed it in the air, testing the poncho¡¯s give and if it was too restrictive. He sheathed the blade with a satisfied nod.


    Cade took a poncho for himself, choosing a deep blue color.


    ¡°SMO,¡± chirped Elucard.


    ¡°S-M-what?¡± Cade asked. He stared at the poncho, flipping it over and checking its color for the letters.


    ¡°The color. It was the shade of blue we had to wear in the Anti-Rogue Ops¡ªmy old army unit, when we were attached and trained by the Skyborne Military Operations.¡±


    Personally Inle had known of Elucard¡¯s exploits in the Dawnedge War from his Black Rabbit spies rooted in the Long Whisper military. Quartermasters, soldiers, medics, even administrators. Inle knew every move that Elucard made in his career as a soldier. However, Cade knew nothing of the Red Rabbits and their adventures behind enemy lines. He chose to raise a brow and give his friend an inquisitive look.


    Elucard laughed. ¡°Think of harekin dragonriders as a special ops unit. Like the Black Rabbits, but belonging to the military instead of a clan.¡±


    Cade grabbed the back of Elucard¡¯s head and pulled him in for a kiss on the forehead. ¡°Bless your wild heart, Elucard.¡±


    Elucard blushed and pushed away from Cade. He placed both items on the fur-trader¡¯s counter. ¡°These two, please.¡±


    Cade pulled out his coin purse, but Elucard waved him away. ¡°Please, let me.¡±


    Cade gave Elucard a rueful wink. ¡°Alright, but when we get to Twin Cliffs, I¡¯m buying lunch.¡±


    Elucard handed him his poncho. ¡°Deal!¡±


    Cade and Elucard met up with Wildeye, Raine, and Koda. Each of them were dressed head to toe in parka¡¯s, traveler cloaks, mittens, and scarves.


    ¡°Mhmf mmph hmf erf¡± Koda tried to say through the many layers of clothing.


    Cade unraveled his long scarf and freed Koda¡¯s mouth. ¡°Come again?¡±


    ¡°I said, let¡¯s get moving while it¡¯s still morning,¡± Koda repeated.


    Cade and Elucard took point up front with Raine and Wildeye each flanking Koda¡¯s sides. Together the group hiked up the snowy mountain pass. As they moved further and further away from the village, the rocky cliff walls grew taller and taller and the road became more narrow.


    Elucard nudged Cade. ¡°Stay alert, there¡¯s no telling what wildlife we might run into.¡±


    ¡°Like a grizzly bear,¡± Cade added.


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Elucard charged his emerald spell arm, preparing for any unseen danger.


    Cade gripped his ninjato¡¯s hilt as they continued to trudge through the knee deep snow. He kept his eyes sharp and his ears perked, concentrating on any distant sound that his elven senses might pick up.


    Loose gravel sifted over a passing ledge. Cade reared his head backwards and unsheathed his blade. ¡°Ambush!!!¡± he cried to the others.


    From the cliffs leaped down at least ten Spellbreakers, with more popping up from shallow trenches. Each wore snow-covered white ghillie cloaks over their long red leather coats. Half of the Spellbreaker held batons, while the others wielded staves surging with green electricity as they charged into Wildeye, Raine, and Koda.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Elucard and Cade sprang into action, cutting off the Spellbreakers from reaching Koda. from their respective sides. Cade slashed a wide arc across the Spellbreaker ranks, while Elucard plunged his green arm into the ground and summoned a row of roots and vines to entangle and trip the converging enemies.


    Koda and Raine nodded to each other and faced either side of the pass. They raised their hands in the air, with it, walls of snow and ice lifted upwards. Then the two elves shifted the snow on the canyon ledges. At first only a clump of snow rolled down, but then the cliffs roared as piles of snow crashed down on the helpless Spellbreakers.


    ¡°Now is your chance, Koda, run!!!¡± Wildeye yelled.


    Hands and torso¡¯s ripped out of the lumps of fallen snow. The Spellbreakers dragged their relentless bodies from the avalanche.


    ¡°Cade, get Koda out of here, the rest of us will take care of this garbage!¡±


    Cade snatched Koda by his wrist. ¡°Come, my king. We have to get you out of this ravine!¡±


    ¡°Wait, I can¡¯t leave my friends!¡± pleaded Koda.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t up for debate!¡± Cade growled. With a single motion, Cade ducked down and pulled Koda¡¯s body over his shoulder, then made a mad dash.


    Koda struggled and kicked, but Cade only held him tighter.


    ¡°Koda, I will knock you unconscious if you don¡¯t stop squirming!¡± warned Cade.


    Soon the commotion of the battle was a mere whisper as Cade neared the light of the canyon¡¯s exit. The noon sun broke the veil of the mountains and Cade knew they reached safety.


    Cade¡¯s keen Black Rabbit senses picked up the flapping of cloth in the wind. The shadow elf halted in his tracks and looked up just as a shadowy figure fell from the highest cliff. The shadow screamed his warcry, ¡°Erzathen grant me your might!¡±


    Cade dropped Koda at his feet as a metal staff cracked down on his shoulder. Raze landed before Cade and rammed the bunt of his staff in the elf¡¯s chest. Cade tumbled head over heels into the snow. Cade snorted, rolled to his stomach and sprinted to Raze.


    I don¡¯t know how he got here, but the mystery will wait until after I kill the man! Cade growled to himself.


    The elf threw his bruised shoulder into Raze¡¯s gut and swept up his legs with his arms. With power and determination, Cade lifted Raze up and slammed him down into the packed snow with a thud!


    Cade sneered and slid out his sword. He twirled it and caught in a reverse grip. Grabbing the hilt with his other hand he drove the blade at Raze¡¯s chest, but the man parried with his staff. Raze kicked Cade off of him and rose to his feet.


    The two warriors squared off. Taunting one another with their weapons for one or the other to attack. Finally, Cade made his move! He dove for Raze with a downward slash, catching the staff in a blaze of sparks as steel met steel. Cade once again gripped his sword with both hands and pressured all his weight onto the staff.


    Raze grunted as the ninjato¡¯s edge inched closer and closer to his shoulder. Raze roared as he struggled to push Cade away and Cade let out a long hiss through his teeth as he attempted to maim Raze.


    Cade sneered, he was so close he could see himself in the reflection of his enemy¡¯s pupils. The elf lifted his feet onto his toes, just to edge more leverage on Raze. His muscles torqued and burned, and he ground teeth grinded as he pumped more and more energy and adrenaline into his arms. So close now. His blade pressed down into Raze¡¯s leather jacket, folding under the ninjato¡¯s weight. Cade held his breath, focusing every drop of his might into his blade, and with a gasp he ripped across Raze¡¯s chest, sending the Spellbreaker sliding backwards.


    Cade collapsed to his knees, exhausted from the clash. ¡°You¡¯re¡ªyou¡¯re really strong,¡± he panted. ¡°Stronger than your stooges, at least.¡±


    ¡°My stooges are merely instruments, and I am the conductor. They were nothing before I united them. Each one a pathetic dog looking for one to lead them.¡± Raze thumped his chest. ¡°I am their alpha, I lead the pack!¡±


    Cade drew a sinister smile. ¡°Very well then, If I cut your throat, then the rest of them will bleed.¡±


    ¡°You may try.¡±


    Cade¡¯s eyes widened as a large boulder careened through the sky over his head. Raze wound his staff back, gripping it at the lower end with both hands. With a mighty yell he swung his staff and cracked the giant stone. It exploded into fragments that scattered at Cade¡¯s feet.


    Behind the hydro shroud, Koda clawed his hand against the mountain wall and pulled out another large chunk of rock.


    ¡°Your magic won¡¯t work on me, brat!¡± screamed the Spellbreaker.


    ¡°You are surrounded, Raze!¡± Koda roared. ¡°You can¡¯t win this fight. Sooner or later we will overpower you and your quest to rid the world of mages will end with me!¡±


    Raze narrowed his eyes and then glanced at the encroaching shroud. He slowly reared his head back to Koda and tightened the grip of his staff.  Raze blurred past Cade, and plowed the staff into Koda¡¯s stomach. The mage doubled over and wheezed. Raze lashed his staff up, connecting with the elf king¡¯s jaw. A serious crack echoed around the canyon. The blow sent Koda off his feet. Then Raze batted Koda¡¯s sailing frame into the cliff wall.


    The wall gave way as the impact indented Kodain the stone. His head rolled forward. Raze lifted Koda¡¯s chin with the end of his staff and pressed the butt against the king¡¯s throat.


    ¡°You have failed to protect your mage, shroud,¡± taunted Raze. ¡°Now watch him die!


    Cade stiffened his face with concern. Raze hid a hidden level of dexterity and prowess that he hadn¡¯t seen before. Raising his sword level with his face, Cade bolted for Koda. In a flash, Cade deflected the lightning staff away from Koda, and with heightened speed, slid across the ground and lashed a low kick to Raze¡¯s thigh, buckling him to his knees. Cade spun his torso and threw another kick, but this time he went high and rocked the Spellbreaker¡¯s jaw.


    Raze somersaulted across the snow.


    Cade turned his attention to Koda and tried to dislodge him from the canyon wall.


    ¡°You fight well,¡± Raze said with a heavy and haggard voice. ¡°Better than the vernal shroud, but you will find me more skilled than yourself, but it is as your Dawnedge lord said. Sooner or later you will be overpowered.¡±


    The sounds of marching and chants for the death of Koda neared their position. Cade bared his teeth.


    The sound of chanting and pounding snow echoed across the canyon. Raze gave Cade a cruel smile. ¡°Your death seems to be sooner rather than later, shroud.¡±


    Panic set into Cade¡¯s mind. Given the time, he could hold off Raze until Elucard returned, but the Spellbreaker leader was right: he was stronger than Cade. He was faster than Cade. He was more resilient than Cade. Now with his reinforcements, Cade stood no chance. Should he flee? Would Wraslyn understand that he could not protect his precious Koda? That Raze was a greater threat than himself? No, Wraslyn did not accept failure. He needed to buy time. He needed time to plan!


    Cade held out his hand and concentrated on the snow resting on top of the cliffs above, and with a thrash of his hand he sent forth lumps of snow that slid down the mountain side and careened below, swallowing the Spellbreakers in another avalanche.


    That should hold them off long enough for me to deal with Raze and get Koda out of here¡­ if I even can, Cade thought to himself.


    Cade tugged Koda from the wall and put him back on his shoulder. The hydro shroud grunted under the dead weight. He stared at Raze and then shifted a quick glance for the open fields outside of the mountain pass. Could he outrun Raze? Maybe if he wasn¡¯t carrying Koda. No, he needed to defeat him if he was going to save everybody.


    ¡°Where do you plan to run, Shroud?¡± taunted Raze.


    Cade sighed. His enemy was right. Even if he had a lead on the Spellbreakers, he couldn¡¯t keep such a pace carrying Koda¡¯s unconscious body in his tired state. They would catch him and they would both be slain. No, Cade had to end this now.


    Cade gently sat Koda against the stone wall and turned back to Raze. ¡°You. Me. To the death.¡±


    Raze¡¯s wicked smile vanished from his face. He looked at the snow barricade that Cade had placed.


    ¡°Your cronies can¡¯t help you,¡± Cade spat. ¡°You know how dangerous I am. I have nothing to lose now that I am out of options. You, on the other hand, have everything to lose.¡±


    Raze sneered and tapped his staff on the ground. He paced back and forth as Cade continued to talk.


    ¡°You cornered your prey. You don¡¯t think I wouldn¡¯t fight back with everything I have?¡± Cade balked his face forward and watched Raze step back. ¡°I have teeth too, Raze. Claws ready to scrape every bit of your flesh from your face to save my own life! Do you know the difference between the rat and I?¡±


    Raze¡¯s knuckles turned white as he tightened the hold on his weapon. Rage built up in his vein bulging face. His eyes glowered with hatred and his teeth clenched down harder than a vice. ¡°What?¡± he hissed.


    Cade placed one foot back and lowered his sword. He stiffed his wrists and narrowed his eyes. He gave Raze a coy smile. ¡°I know how to fight!¡±


    Raze poised his staff forward and bent his knees. ¡°Wrong! You know how to di¡ª¡±


    A great blot of fire and lighting crashed down between them, erupting in a brilliant ray of light. Cade covered his eyes with his arms, but as a shadow elf, he was more sensitive to bright lights than other elves. His eyes seared with a pulsing pain as he let out an agonizing scream. He collapsed to his knees. His vision became a white fog. His screams rang long until his voice grew hoarse. As the light faded, he looked up. At first all he could see was blurred shapes and colors, then he concentrated his senses into only his sight, a technique that Elucard taught him as an adolescent. Slowly, very slowly Strife appeared, and a figure in silver?

 Chapter 36: Aftermath with Arrelion

    Koda¡¯s eyes slowly peeked open, although his vision hadn¡¯t returned. His body ached all over, especially his ribs. Surely one or two of them were now broken after his chance encounter with Raze and the Spellbreakers.


    The young king rolled his head sideways to find a blue smudge speaking to someone else. Someone familiar¡ªsomeone he had seen in the past, but his name, nor face were readily available on Koda¡¯s tongue. Koda listened in on the conversation.


    ¡°Had Cade not been there, Koda would have perished at the hands of Raze, but he escaped in the end all the same. I grow annoyed that he and his men are seemingly around every corner,¡± Stryneth said. He flared his nostrils with anger.


    ¡°Twin Cliffs is a mage controlled city high in the Western Peaks. We are safer from the Spellbreakers than any other city in the world,¡± said the other man.


    Yes, even this man¡¯s voice was familiar to Koda. He knew he heard it somewhere before, however his head pulsed with too much pain to recall any further.


    ¡°I pray you are right, Arrelion. Master Fen will not tolerate any interruptions with Koda¡¯s training.¡±


    Arrelion! He was at my grandfather''s funeral! Does that mean I am¡­ the small room finally came into sight and Koda took in his surroundings. Gray stones lined the wall, decorated with swords of all types. Rapiers, claymores, broadswords, even a ninjato were displayed on the walls. A snow leopard skin rug lay at the center of the chamber and to the right a fire blazed in a hearth. Cade leaned against the door frame with his arms folded. Elucard stood across from him.


    Koda grinned weakly, relieved Elucard had survived the mountain pass ambush. Although not unscathed - his shroud gripped his side, and black and blue bruises painted across his brow and swollen right eye. Koda¡¯s eyes widened with panic. Where were Wildeye and Raine? Did they make it out okay as well?


    ¡°I will not let Duke Alifinster down, it is the least I can do for his charitable donation to my school,¡± Arrelion said. He looked past Stryneth to Koda and smiled. ¡°You are awake, that is good. The worst has passed and your injuries will heal with time.¡±


    Koda struggled to sit up in bed. He winced from any sudden movements with his torso, but that did not keep him from his questions. ¡°Where am I? Where are Wildeye and Raine?¡±


    ¡°We are here, Koda,¡± said Wildeye as she and Raine walked into the room. Raine sat at the foot of Koda¡¯s bed. Like Elucard, she too was swathed in badges and bruises. Koda furrowed his brow.


    ¡°Raine, your fa-face. What have they done to you?¡±


    Raine pressed a gentle hand to her head and laughed. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, Koda. Had it not been for Elucard finding us an escape, things could have gone¡­ well¡­ badly.¡±


    ¡°This wasn¡¯t bad?¡± Koda scoffed. ¡°This was the closest that the Spellbreakers have ever been to killing us!¡±Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°I agree, my king,¡± Elucard spoke up. ¡°Which is why I plan to take Raze out once and for all using my old Black Rabbit connections to contact any mercenary or local assassin clan and drum up information of where he¡¯s hiding.¡±


    Cade gave Koda a thumbs up without unfolding his arms. ¡°Elucard believes there may be a cell of Spellbreakers that secretly operate in Twin Cliffs. Arrelion says they don¡¯t exist here, but judging from the proximity of the attack and the fact that the Spellbreakers wish to take out the Mage Council, Twin Cliffs is a prime spot of Spellbreaker activity. Given enough time, we¡¯ll find Raze and deal with him. Raze explained to me how important his leadership was during our fight. Cut his head and the Spellbreaker will disband in time.¡±


    Koda nodded. Normally he would rather be ignorant of Elucard¡¯s methods with keeping him safe. Now he felt like an accomplice to murder. As if he just gave him the okay to find and assassinate a man. However, in this particular case, the death of Raze would not only benefit himself, but the world of magic as well.


    Koda inspected Wildeye¡¯s condition. She had minor bruising and a fresh scar across her muzzle. Her fountain of Magi had healed most of her wounds and even her new scar would vanish with time.


    ¡°As for where we are,¡± said Arrelion, ¡°this is my silver mage school, Adamant Keep.¡±


    ¡°Silver!?¡± exclaimed Koda. ¡°Silver is a color? I thought there were only seven?¡±


    ¡°There are only¡­ officially seven,¡± explained Arrelion. ¡°Silver is my own style that the Mage Council see as an alternative way of training in Tamed Magi. Despite being given a mage color, you can not challenge the school to learn it. This school is by invitation only.¡±


    ¡°And thanks to Duke Alifinster, you¡¯ve been invited, Koda,¡± finished Stryneth.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± affirmed Arrelion. ¡°I wish to start your training as soon as you are healed.¡±


    Koda gave him an enthusiastic nod. A new school he never heard of¡ªa new color for that matter! What an honor to be given such a chance, but still had questions for his teacher. ¡°What kind of magic is silver? Controlling metal?¡±


    ¡°No, not at all,¡± Arrelion said with a chuckle. He stroked his chin with a hmm, then pulled out his long sword. ¡°I can better explain once we begin your lessons, but know that you will be learning Blade Channeling. You will also be trained to sword fight.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± said Koda. He scratched his head. ¡°What is Blade Channeling?¡±


    ¡°Your questions will all be answered in time. Just know your spells will be much more potent when channeled through a sword.¡±


    Koda pursed his lips in dissatisfaction.


    A large red and silver wolf strode into the room. It brushed its head against Arrelion¡¯s leg, looking for a head pat. The wolf sat on its haunches and gave Wildeye a curious look.


    Wildeye knelt down and the wolf a generous petting. She looked up to Arrelion. ¡°She is your familiar, yes?¡±


    Arrelion stroked the red wolf¡¯s head. ¡°Her name is Scarlet, and she has been my familiar for many moons.¡± Arrelion gave Wildeye a wink. ¡°And you are no off-color kanis. I take it you are Koda¡¯s familiar?¡±


    Koda''s mouth slid into a wide smile. ¡°Correct, Master Arrelion, but how did you know?¡±


    Arrelion put away his sword and folded his arms. ¡°Scarlet told me.¡±


    ¡°Before I can start any sort of training, I must meet with Prince Velduin and Scale Lord Rellethek, but afterwards I look forward to what you can teach me, Master Arrelion.¡±


    Arrelion nodded. ¡°Heal up, Koda, there is much to do.¡±

 Chapter 37: Ice Elf and the Dragon

    Koda limped into Arrelion¡¯s headmaster chamber where both the ice elf prince Velduin and white scaled draconian Rellethek waited. Koda bowed to the two and took a seat at the round table that stood in the center of the room. Both the prince and scale lord followed suit.


    ¡°Forgive my tardiness, my lords. Between my injuries and the scale of this school, I was destined to be late.¡±


    ¡°Scale. Ha!¡± grumbled Rellethek. He made a fist with his hand. ¡°If I had to wait any longer with this elven whelp, I would have thrown him through a wall!¡±


    Velduin rolled his eyes.


    Koda hesitated. He rapped his finger on the wood before speaking. ¡°Perhaps we can get down to business.¡±


    ¡°It is quite simple. Rellethek and his dragon city must recognize the sovereignty of our nation. Once those beasts learn who is in control of Wintershard, then we can make some progress,¡± Velduin said snidely. He glanced at Rellethek and smiled as the dragon bared a row of pointed teeth.


    ¡°Who ordained you One Beyond All?¡± growled Rellethek. ¡°I am a surviving draconian of the original Dragon Walkers of Agaas. Your Angels appointed my ancestor, Thericathuel, to be the first Scale Lord of dragons. We oversee the realms¡ª the very dragons you live upon.¡±


    The draconian stood and spanned his leathery wings. ¡°Before your territories even existed, the Scale Lord crown stood the test of time. As the current Scale Lord, I demand the respect that my people deserve from you Ixils!¡±


    ¡°Can you bother speaking Common? What is an Ixil?¡± Velduin said with a yawn.


    ¡°Invader. As in one that doesn¡¯t belong!¡± Rellethek seethed with hatred rolling in his voice.


    ¡°Amusing,¡± Velduin said dryly.


    ¡°Enough! The both of you!¡± Koda snapped. He slammed his fist on the table.¡°Scale Lord Rellethek, I am a student of the old ways. I speak for both Cypress and Abyss when I say that your people are recognized as the first denizens of Draak¡¯Terra and thus are due our respect.¡±


    Koda limped before him. ¡°However, you must understand we each lead our own nations of people with many of their own traditions and creeds. We could never see you as one true king.¡±


    Rellethek growled and Velduin smirked.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Koda turned to the prince. ¡°This goes the same for you too, Velduin.¡±


    ¡°I beg your pardo¡ª¡±


    ¡°You ice elves live in the same territory as Draconicus. You must come to terms with this and honor the Scale Lord as a leader of the land as well. Only together can we hope to achieve our goals.¡±


    Velduin at first sneered at Rellethek. ¡°Perhaps my father can reach an arrangement¡ª¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Rellethek slammed both hands and cracked the table. ¡°The Scale Lord is the rightful master of this world, my people will not go ignored!¡±


    Koda held silent. His eyes flinched in frustration. However if he could wrangle Queen Isana, then he could handle a spoiled dragon.


    ¡°Kneel before me, ice elf!¡± demanded Rellethek. ¡°Or prepare for war.¡±


    Koda clenched his teeth and closed his fist. ¡°If you can not join our alliance, Rellethek, then we will take the seal from you.¡±


    Rellethek folded his wings and slapped his tail down. ¡°You threaten me, tiny elf?¡±


    The draconian stood twelve feet tall and towered over the shorter Koda.


    Koda swallowed a lump in his throat. ¡°I will not be intimidated by you, Rellethek!¡±


    The dragon moved his snout into Koda¡¯s face. In a low, rumbling tone, he growled, ¡°You will kneel before me.¡±


    Koda took a deep breath. ¡°Nev¡ª¡±


    A hefty slap sent Koda crashing into the wall. He wrapped an arm around his bruised side and winced. A large black and blue bruise appeared across his left cheek. ¡°Fine!¡± he cried. Tears bubbled and streaked down his face. ¡°We don¡¯t need you!!!¡±


    Rellethek stormed out of the chamber.


    ¡°Idiotic forest child!¡± hissed Velduin.


    Koda struggled on his feet, using the wall to help him stand. ¡°W-w don¡¯t need the¡ª¡±


    ¡°You are supposed to be the rational one!¡± Velduin continued. ¡°The ice elves could handle their own business, but now the dragons across the world will see us as a threat!¡±


    Koda shook his head. ¡°My allies¡ª¡±


    ¡°You think Long Whisper will have any allies left once you push them into a needless war with dragonkind? Do you think those silly harekins will be able to harness a dragon against its own king?! Do you think the sea serpents will ignore the Ocean Mistress¡¯s ships?! Do you think the Dragon City will let you one step near that seal? Do you think? DO YOU EVEN THINK???¡±


    What have I done!?


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what mortals think of their frivolous wars, Koda.¡± Tezhok¡¯s presence entered Koda¡¯s mind once more. ¡°Once we have united the gods with the mortal plane, they will deal with false rulers and threatening bullies.¡±


    Koda stared deeply into Velduin¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Velduin asked.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need him either, the only allies you need are the ones that respect your power,¡± Tezhok whispered.


    Koda¡¯s eyes grew dark. ¡°Get out of my sight, ice elf,¡± sneered Koda.


    Velduin averted his eyes away from Koda¡¯s gaze. ¡°Enjoy your crumbling power, Koda.¡±


    ¡°The only power you need is that of a mage and a master to teach you,¡± said Tezhok.


    Koda closed his eyes. Yes.

 Chapter 38: The Path of the Silver Mage

    ¡°The sword¡± - Arrelion pulled his claymore from his back and presented it to Koda - ¡°is meant only to be a tool to the Silver Mage. A focus. A way to channel your Magi and enhance your spells and body to match the awesome power flowing through you.¡±


    Koda touched the long blade before Arellion put the sword away. He motioned for Koda to follow him to a wall displaying ten to twenty different swords, each with its own design and style of how to wield them. From small swords to wavy blades, any sword Koda had even seen in his life was here on this wall.


    Arrelion took two particular swords from the wall. Koda recognized one as the ninjato, the sword type that Elucard and Cade used. The other he had never seen before.


    The man held both weapons and nodded to the assassin blade. ¡°This, as I am sure you are familiar with, is the ninjato. It had been favored by Long Whisper¡¯s Black Rabbit clan for the fifty to sixty years that the clan existed, before your forces were able to snuff them out. However, the ninjato has been adapted by other assassin clans inspired by the resistance and deadly tactics that the Rabbits have shown.


    Koda frowned but nodded. He inspected the other weapon. It looked like any other saber that his soldiers on horseback would use. Long, curved on one side,  however, this sword was a two handed saber and sported a basket guard carved like a leaf.


    ¡°This is an ilrune. A rare sword once used by shaman elves of Northern Cypress before it became Long Whisper. It is said that the ilrune has a deeper connection with magic, for each was forged using starmetal. So, before any irune is even made, it is said to have traveled the cosmos.¡±


    Koda¡¯s eyes widened with wonder. The steel sheened with a glimpse of sparkling stars.


    ¡°Both of these,¡± Arrelion continued, ¡°are part of your elven heritage.¡±


    Koda scoffed at the very thought that the ninjato could be part of his noble ancestry.


    ¡°Before the elven warrior tribes had access to swords, they were stone aged people. Forced to defend and hunt with sticks and spears, sling rocks, and stone knives. However, the concept of steel was introduced to them by a yikahti. This cat taught the first warrior tribes how to fight with the ninjato and the ilrune. In time, the elves mastered weaponsmithing and crafted other swords. Claymores, rapiers, short swords, and greatswords.


    ¡°A yikahti?¡± said Koda. ¡°Why would a yikahti want to help us? And who was this yikahti? I''ve never read about a lone yikahti swordsman introducing us to the concept of steel.¡±


    Arrelion hung the swords back on their display pegs. ¡°He was called Ashire. And there are rumors that he still lives¡ªthat he lurks in the shadows with his own deviant plans for the fall of the elves.¡±


    Koda raised a brow.


    ¡°But these are all just rumors, myths, and tall tales.¡±


    Koda tilted his head. ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡±


    Arrelion gestured to the two swords once more. ¡°You will now pick the blade you wish to train with. I have shown you the two traditional elven blades, for you are known to have a deep interest in tradition and the history of your people.¡±


    Koda stroked his chin, eying each sword. The ninjato or the ilrune? He looked at the slender weapon of the Black Rabbits. Straight, short, sharp, and deadly. He had a personal relationship with the ninjato and all the blood and misery it brought to him. It was the blade responsible for his father¡¯s death and all the trouble in his life. He could never in good conscience wield the weapon of his greatest enemies.


    He then looked at the ilrune. A proper weapon for a sword wielding mage. Honestly, it seemed like the simplest decision that he¡¯s made this entire journey.


    ¡°You have chosen?¡± asked Arrelion.


    Koda pulled the saber-like blade from the wall. The weight immediately sagged in Koda¡¯s hands. Its edge clattered to the ground. The sword was much heavier than Koda anticipated. He gripped it with his second hand and grunted as he lifted it up.


    Arrelion chuckled. ¡°Are you sure?¡±Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Koda¡¯s face trembled under the strain. He hefted it high enough to rest the blunt side on his shoulder. ¡°I want to learn how to fight with this one.¡±


    Arrelion took the sword from Koda and held it with ease in one hand. He twirled it with a flick of his wrist before giving it back to Koda.


    How did Arrelion wield such a heavy blade with so much ease? Koda could barely lift the thing, but it was as if the blade was a mere feather in his hands.


    Arrelion caught Koda¡¯s amazed look and smirked. ¡°We will no doubt need to train you in the Giant¡¯s Hand so that you can even use the ilrune.¡±


    Koda smiled. ¡°Naturally.¡±


    Arrelion took the sword from Koda. ¡°You will use a practice sword with its matching weight, but it is made of wood so that you do not cut a finger or, Sythellis forbid, a limb.¡±


    Koda looked at the sword with a set of grim eyes. ¡°Yes, I can see how that would be best.¡±


    ***


    Over the next few weeks, Koda¡¯s new routine consisted of training with weights. Arrelion worked with building the strength in his chest, shoulders, arms, and legs so that he could hold his practice sword with two hands. Soon Koda could hold it longer than a couple minutes before becoming winded. From push-ups, to sit-ups. Long runs and squats. Koda never felt so exhausted at night. His muscles burned and his joints ached. His tunic was soaked through with sweat.


    Elucard and Cade helped as drill instructors, keeping him motivated and speeding up his pace. They were not cruel, like Elucard was to his own men. They understood that Koda spent his entire life as a scholar and less time as a warrior. Now as a Silver Mage, his life had flipped. He had little time for books and lessons, because exercise took up all of his time.


    Koda winced as his muscles whined. They were sore, more sore and tired than they had ever been in the month he had spent at Adamant Keep. However he kept his right arm outstretched in fear for the punishment that Arrelion would deal to him.


    ¡°Come on, Koda, a little bit longer,¡± Arrelion shouted.


    Koda grit his teeth, his hand trembled and his arm swayed up and down. ¡°I can¡¯t¡ªI have to rest it.¡±


    ¡°You are tired?¡± asked Arrelion. ¡°Good. Use that pain. Use that to fuel your mind to go beyond the benchmark you have set.¡±


    Koda grunted and growled. He closed his fist and urged his arm to stay aloft.


    Arrelion looked at his pocket watch. ¡°One hour.¡±


    Koda furrowed his brow and swallowed hard.


    ¡°Rest,¡± Arrelion said. ¡°Twenty minutes, then do it again.¡±


    Koda dropped his hand and sighed with relief. He rubbed his arm to bat away the tingling numbness. ¡°Master Arrelion.¡±


    ¡°Hrm?¡±


    Koda turned to his teacher. ¡°I have lived at Adamant Keep for a month now, but I¡¯ve yet to learn any new form of magic. I¡­¡±


    ¡°You feel as though you¡¯ve been wasting your time.¡±


    Koda shrugged his shoulders sheepishly. ¡°Haven¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°Is that a question for me, or yourself?¡±


    Koda lowered his head and scratched it with his rested arm. ¡°I feel like I haven¡¯t learned anything useful.¡±


    Arrelion¡¯s face turned as stiff as stone. ¡°Stand up,¡± he commanded.


    Koda hesitated.


    ¡°Get to your feet!¡± Arrelion barked again.


    Koda stood. A look of fear was written on his face.


    Arrelion tossed him his practice sword. ¡°Catch.¡±


    Koda instinctively grabbed it with his right hand.


    ¡°Lift it up,¡± Arrelion ordered.


    Koda narrowed his eyes, unsure what Arrelion was trying to prove. He bit his lip and lifted the wooden sword up.


    Arrelion gestured to Koda¡¯s practice sword. ¡°See?¡±


    Koda tilted his head. What did he mean? He looked down at his hand and then it hit him. He lifted the practice sword with a single hand! He laughed in joy, swinging the blade with complete ease from left to right. He raised it over his head, mimicking the Rabbit-Do and Rabbit-Sai forms that Elucard and Cade used when he watched them spar. The weight of the sword felt nonexistent. As resistant as a calm breeze.


    ¡°Well?¡± asked Arrelion with a small grin.


    ¡°I¡¯ve learned the Giant¡¯s Hand!¡± exclaimed Koda.


    Arrelion looked to the gymnasium''s entrance and shouted, ¡°He is ready!¡±


    Elucard walked to Arrelion¡¯s side.


    ¡°Elucard has told me that his master, Legion, is a practitioner in the Giant¡¯s Hand.¡±


    Elucard closed his fist into his other hand and bowed.


    ¡°He will assist me in teaching you how to fight with a sword,¡± Arrelion said to Koda.


    ¡°More sword training¡­¡± Koda complained with a sigh.


    Arrelion chuckled. ¡°Yes, for now. Once I am confident you can hold your own in a sword fight, we will concentrate on the other aspects of being a silver mage.¡±


    Elucard slapped Koda¡¯s sore shoulder. ¡°You will come to enjoy sparring, my king. In time it will be all that you¡¯ll want to do.¡±


    ¡°Oh, hooray,¡± Koda said sarcastically.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing quite like the feeling of a bruised rib in the morning,¡± Elucard laughed.


    ¡°You¡¯re joking, right?¡± Koda asked with a worried look.


    Arrelion joined in with the laughter.


    Koda looked at his master. ¡°He¡¯s joking? Right? He¡¯s joking?¡±


    Arrelion shook his head and walked away. ¡°Get back to training, Koda!¡±

 Chapter 39: A Sliver of Doubt

    ¡°Wider arcs! Put your full weight into your swings!¡± Elucard barked.


    Koda grunted as he swung his ilrune into a crescent arc that glanced off of Cade¡¯s blade. Koda took a step back, flailing his sword up. The momentum kept him off balance and he fell to his rump on the ground.


    ¡°He¡¯s getting better, Elucard,¡± Cade said. ¡°I can feel his power, but he has the grace of a cow.¡±


    Elucard placed his hands on his hips and shook his head. ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ll have to work on your dexterity, Koda.¡± The former Anti-Rogue Op offered his hand to his king.


    Koda brushed the hand away and used his sword to prop him back to his feet. ¡°How long have you trained to get to the reflexes of some elite assassin?¡±


    Elucard scratched his neck and gave him a light chuckle. ¡°I¡¯m always training, Koda, but I have been killing White Cloaks since I was thirteen.¡±


    Koda frowned. ¡°Thirteen! I¡¯ve lost a lot of time.¡±


    ¡°Your majesty, you¡¯ve only been at this for a month and it hasn¡¯t been all that you¡¯ve lived and breathed. You can¡¯t compare Black Rabbit training to Arrelion¡¯s regiment,¡± Cade offered.


    ¡°Plus you are using a larger blade than I¡¯ve used. There might have been a reason Legion didn¡¯t train me with the Giant¡¯s Hand,¡± added Elucard.


    Koda let out a meek smile. ¡°I am getting better though, right?¡±


    ¡°You are, my king.¡± Cade raised his blade once more. ¡°Come, let us continue to spar.¡±


    ***


    ¡°They say I¡¯m improving¡­¡± Koda huffed. He and Raine strolled around the massive fountain that stood at the center of Twin Cliffs. Koda sat down on the fountain ledge and watched the many mages and tourists go by.


    ¡°But you don¡¯t feel that way?¡± Raine guessed.


    Koda put his sword across his lap. ¡°Elucard and Cade are fine instructors, but I think they are out of their element.¡±


    Raine sat beside her friend and patted his back. ¡°You¡¯ll get it. You¡¯re a fast learner, Koda, and your magic will be stronger for it.¡±


    Koda scowled. His magic might get stronger if Arrelion ever taught anything other than sword fighting. He was a mage, not a warrior! Why did he need to practice sword forms and foot work when he can call forth a rainstorm or burn down a forest with the snap of his fingers? How could sword fighting help him any situation better than just using magic?This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Yeah, I guess,¡± Koda grumbled.


    Raine patted her stomach. ¡°Up for some lunch¡ª¡±


    ¡°You a silver mage?¡±


    Koda and Raine looked up to find a small group of white mages walking up to them. At the front stepped a tall adolescent. Wavy black hair lined his head in a mohawk and his fierce green eyes laser-focused in on Koda¡¯s ilrune. He rolled up his sleeves and flashed the red tape wraps around his wrists.


    ¡°Care for a challenge?¡± he said.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Koda,¡± whispered Raine.


    Koda looked at the boy. ¡°Challenge, like a duel?¡±


    The boy grinned in a way that only a shiny golden tooth peeked from his lips. ¡°Yeah, a duel. I want to see a silver mage in action.¡±


    ¡°Koda, be careful. Unsanctioned mage duels have no way of repairing damage done to the city or your bodies,¡± warned Raine.


    Koda bit his lip.


    ¡°Let¡¯s sweeten the pot,¡± said the boy. ¡°I win, I just get the clout of beating a silver mage, but if you win, I¡¯ll throw in some valence. Fifty silver coins sound nice?¡±


    ¡°Watch it, Dak.¡± One of the other white mage boys prodded. ¡°He¡¯s got five colors!¡±


    Dak pushed away his friend. ¡°I¡¯m not scared of him.¡±


    Koda stood up and shouldered his sword. ¡°What are the rules?¡±


    Dak looked Koda up and down. ¡°Three hits? Your silver magic verse my wind and fire?¡±


    Raine pulled Koda to the side. ¡°You said it yourself, you haven¡¯t learned how to blade channel yet.¡±


    Koda looked at Dak and then back to Raine. ¡°He¡¯s just some punk kid. I can take him.¡±


    ¡°You are going to get hurt if you don¡¯t understand your magic properly,¡± Raine said with caution in her voice.


    ¡°Channel my magic through my sword and fire it at my opponent, how hard can it be?¡±


    Raine smacked Koda across the back of the head. ¡°This isn¡¯t some school battle, you can get killed if you aren¡¯t careful!¡± Raine stressed.


    Koda held silent, now letting his friend¡¯s words sink in.


    ¡°What¡¯s the hold up, silver mage? Are we battling or what?¡± Dak called out.


    Koda clenched his fist and pursed his lips. ¡°I want to see what silver magic can do.¡±


    Raine tugged on Koda¡¯s arm, leading him towards the crowd. ¡°You¡¯ll have a better chance at sticking to your training, not dead in the dirt after losing a pissing contest!¡±


    ¡°You saying I¡¯d lose?¡± muttered Koda.


    ¡°You might as well fight with both your hands tied behind your back!¡±


    ¡°Hey! Where do you think you¡¯re going!?¡± Dak called. A resounding wave of boo¡¯s and jeers rumbled from the crowd of mages and citizens that gathered around the fountain. All waiting to see a student of Arrelion make a rare appearance in a mage duel.


    Raine pulled Koda past the crowd and back to Adamant Keep.


    Koda lowered his head. ¡°I¡¯ve been at this for more than four weeks and I haven¡¯t learned a thing. A month of any other magic training would have shown results. Arrelion is wasting my time,¡± Koda moped.


    Raine stopped just outside the school gates. ¡°If you think Arrelion is leading you astray, then challenge him. Have him show you what you have to look forward to.¡±


    ¡°Challenge him!?¡± Koda scoffed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t trust his training, challenge him to duel.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Koda pondered. ¡°Five colors is nothing to balk at, if he could beat me then I¡¯ll know for sure he isn¡¯t yanking my chain with this training.¡±


    ¡°How else are you going to get convinced?¡± asked Raine.


    ¡°Fine,¡± said Koda, coming to his conclusion. ¡°You¡¯re right, I will challenge him.¡±

 Chapter 40: Koda vs Arrelion

    Koda dove into a handspring away from a brilliant, fiery explosion and back to his feet. Taking in a deep breath, he slung his own fire spell back at Arrelion who sidestepped to the right to avoid the oncoming fireballs.


    Koda slid his feet to a rough stop and drove his hands to the ground. He grinned viciously as a trail of roots blasted from the earth. Each raced toward Arrelion, twisting and reaching for the silver mage. He had gotten better with vernal magic over the course of his journey. It being his base color, he fancied himself quite adept at it. However, his expression turned sour as a measly swing of Arrelion¡¯s blade blasted a chilling gust that froze Koda¡¯s roots in place.


    He scowled with frustration. For every attack that he made, Arrelion had a counter. It was like the silver mage was mocking him. Not once since the battle began had Arrelion advanced on him. No, all attacks came from Koda. Vernal spells, water spells, fire spells, even lightning spells broke across Arrelion¡¯s feet. Not a single tactic had worked.


    ¡°You¡¯ve made your point, Master Arrelion!¡± Koda cried across the field.


    Arrelion chuckled. ¡°Have I, Koda?¡±


    Koda balled his fists charging them with electricity. With a heaving motion, he blasted a stream of Lightning at Arrelion. With any luck, he caught the swordsman off-guard.


    Arrelion smiled as he caught the lighting in his blade with a well-timed swing. In collective motion, Arrelion spun his torso and swung the lightning back at Koda.


    Koda gasped and leaped backwards, just as the crackling lightning crashed at where he once stood.


    ¡°I think it is time that I¡¯ve really made my point, wouldn¡¯t you say, Koda?¡± Arrelion called out.


    What level of defensive spell did he need against any onslaught Arrelion from Arrelion. A legend such as he might have the potency of Azeva or the cunning of Michael. Just to be safe, he raised a stone tree around him. Both green and brown proved to have quite the bunker magic that he had needed in the past. Combining them felt like overkill, but with Arrelion, one could never be too sure. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Koda placed his hand against the trunk of the tree to look out onto the battlefield. Arrelion stood at least fifty yards away. Perhaps Koda was being too hasty with putting up such a defense before Arrelion get close to¡ª


    Arrelion leaped in the air and Koda¡¯s mouth fell open. He looked up past the tree¡¯s branches. I¡¯m being paranoid, no man could leap fifty yards!


    Yet Arrelion dropped onto Koda¡¯s tree like a falcon diving for its prey and His blade sliced cleanly through the stone. Its point grazed down the bridge of the young king¡¯s nose.


    Koda gasped and phased himself through the back of the tree, scrambling hand and feet, desperately trying to put as much distance between himself and Arrelion.


    With a flick of the silver mage¡¯s wrist, both halves of the stone tree shattered into pieces and exploded across the walls of the arena.


    Arrelion drove his claymore into the dirt. ¡°Now I have made my point.¡±


    Koda stumbled to his knees. He lowered his head and wavered his hands over the ground. Maybe I can¡­


    Arrelion snatched the hilt of his sword and Koda flinched.


    ¡°Wait!¡± He clasped his eyes shut and reeled his hands over his head in a surrender.


    Arrelion released the grip on his sword and walked over to Koda.


    ¡°This was only a fraction of what I plan to teach you Koda.¡± He waited for Koda to look up. ¡°Had I wanted to, I would have decimated you with the skill in my swordsmanship alone, but I found it necessary to display my magic as well.¡±


    ¡°None of my spells could touch you. How?¡±


    Arrelion offered his hand. ¡°Get up.¡±


    Koda took Arrelion¡¯s hand and was pulled to his feet. He avoided eye contact, instead only focusing on the sword behind Arrelion. Could his ilrune contain the same power? The power to enhance his speed and strength? To cut stone like butter? To counter any attack thrown at him? Whining and complaining didn¡¯t hold these answers, that was for sure.


    Koda finally met with Arrelion¡¯s eyes. ¡°I want to continue my training¡ªif you would have me.¡±


    Arrelion placed a reassuring hand on Koda¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You have seen what I offer you, now you must take it!¡±

 Chapter 41: Delving into Power

    ¡°Although you haven¡¯t mastered swordsmanship, that will come with time,¡± Arrelion said. He paced around a kneeling Koda in the long training hall. Its ceiling towered over the two mages and dust roamed through the shafts of morning light shining through the massive stained glass windows that provided the only lumination for Arrelion and Koda.


    Arrelion stopped in front of his student. ¡°Pick up your ilrune.¡± He waited for Koda to do as he was told. ¡°Today we practice the art of blade channeling.¡±


    Koda held his large saber with both hands and raised his eyes to his teacher, patiently waiting for a new command. No longer did he question Arrelion or question the ways of the silver mage. No, now he was eager to learn.


    ¡°You must concentrate, Koda,¡± Arrelion said. ¡°Focus all of your magic through your hands, up the hilt, and into your blade.


    Koda nodded and began to meditate, drawing his elemental magic from his soul, deep where it lay, always waiting until beckoned. He honed in on his vernal magic at first. Simple to summon. Reliable. Always ready to assist him. Then earth, his second color. Similar in ways to his vernal magic, as if they were born to be intertwined. Next he drew from fire. Although volatile, it learned to become loyal to him. Light and water were last. He had little time to practice with those two colors and although they were resistant at first, he willed them into his blade all same.


    The more magic he funneled through his sword, the more difficult it became to hold it. His grip loosened and his hilt wobbled. The blade itself began to shake. He shut his eyes tight and ground his teeth. Sweat dripped down his temples. The irlune joggled like it contained a world-ending storm within it.


    ¡°Concentrate! Concentrate, Koda!¡± Arrelion¡¯s commanding voice only sounded as a whisper amongst the chaos churning in the young mage¡¯s body.


    Finally, Koda gasped and the ilrune exploded from his grip. It spun and flailed past his head, just nicking the tip of his ear, and driving into a nearby pillar with a loud Shnkt!


    Koda pawed his ear and winced. He looked at Arrelion with a frown.


    ¡°No one said you would get it with your first try, my student,¡± Arrelion said with a light chuckle. ¡°Retrieve your sword. Perhaps try with only one magic type this time.¡±


    Koda nodded. No, of course he wasn¡¯t going to master silver magic on his first go. How foolish to think he could control all five magics in a single attempt.


    Koda tugged at the sword, but it was tightly lodged in the stone. Koda sighed and softened the pillar with just enough brown magic to drop the sword before solidifying it again. He reached for his weapon and noticed the nicks on its edge. They rippled down his sword with a reminder of his own imperfections.


    Perhaps Master Arrelion will forge me a new sword once I become a true silver mage? He thought to himself.


    Koda knelt down with his sword across his lap. He brushed two fingers from its tip, down the smooth, light blue blade, across its leaf shape guard, and around the golden, leather bound grip.


    ¡°Take your sword with both hands, Koda,¡± Arrelion said in a calm tone.


    Take my sword with both hands, He repeated in his mind


    ¡°Now focus your most loyal and closest magic into the blade,¡± Arrelion instructed.


    ¡°Now focus¡­ the Magi¡­¡± Koda grunted and winced as the familiar raspy, wolfish voice came through his head. ¡°Use the Magi, Koda.¡±


    Te-Tezhok? Koda whispered under the weight of the intrusive thoughts.


    ¡°I am here, Koda. Always,¡± Tezhok whispered.


    I d-don¡¯t need the Magi.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°Do not deny your gifts, dear Koda.¡±


    ¡°Use your most loyal and closest magic,¡± Arrelion repeated. His words were now a distant echo.


    ¡°You know that the Magi is your most loyal magic¡­¡± Tezhok cooed into Koda¡¯s ear like a soft breeze. Comforting. Welcoming¡­ always welcoming¡­


    No¡­ it is a crutch¡­


    ¡°Lies¡­ Koda¡­¡±


    No, it is a crutch. Koda said with more confidence again.


    ¡°Do not listen to them. Arrelion will only fail you in your time of need¡­¡±


    Koda slowly opened his eyes in awe as his blade hummed and glowed with a familiar emerald light. A green color.


    ¡°Vernal¡­ is¡­ my most loyal magic!¡± he whispered half to himself.


    ¡°It would seem so, Koda.¡± Arrelion smiled. ¡°Now the work begins.¡±


    Koda rose to his feet, still channeling his vernal magic and careful not to cut off his flow. ¡°What is the next step, Master Arrelion?¡±


    ¡°You must make a trail of magic with your sword.¡±


    Koda peered curiously at the green glowing blade. He blinked in confusion. ¡°Does a trail of light not appear when I move the blade?¡±


    Arrelion laughed. ¡°See for yourself.¡±


    Koda moved his sword in a circle and to his amazement a tail of light did not follow his blade. Instead of a radiant glow, the magic was transfixed in place.


    ¡°I don¡¯t get it? How?¡± Koda said, baffled by the lack of logic.


    Arrelion took out his claymore and channeled vernal magic into its blade. Like a match to dry tinder, it blazed with green fire, brighter and more potent than Koda could ever hope his own channeling could become.


    Arrelion swung the blade and like Koda¡¯s sword, it did not create a trail of light. Arrelion held the sword firm. ¡°When you put one hundred percent focus into your channel, the magic will be commanded to hold its position.¡±


    Koda listened intently. Nodding with each word directed at him.


    ¡°However, the moment we let go of our concentration¡ª¡± Arrelion loosened his grip and his emblazoned sword snuffed out like a doused flame. ¡°The sword loses its magic. Do you understand?¡±


    Koda stared at his surging emerald magic. He pictured a glass of a fluorescent liquid in his mind. Glowing with his vernal magic. Full to the brim.


    It is full as long as I place one hundred percent of my concentration to hold my magic.


    He imagined pouring the glass of its ethereal contents out. Immediately his sword stopped channeling the magic.


    If I stop concentrating, then I could not channel the magic. My sword is the glass. My magic is the liquid. I am that which decides how much I pour or hold. If I pour a little bit out, I should be able to¡­


    Koda moved the sword and to his pleasure it created a trail of light.


    ¡°Good,¡± Arrelion said. ¡°But what have you noticed about the method of which you performed this skill?¡±


    Koda studied the glass of magic, now partially empty.


    If the liquid is my magic then while the glass is not full, then I am not using my full power!


    ¡°My magic is weaker in this state,¡± Koda answered.


    ¡°Yes. However, a trail of light while completely concentrating, is like casting a spell.¡± Arrelion waved his sword and stopped it half way down. A tail of magic followed its motion. He tightened his grip and a stream of leaves propelled forward and grazed across Koda¡¯s cheek.


    A warm droplet of blood trickled down his face.


    When I choose the pour out the magic, I can channel a spell!.


    ¡°Now you try,¡± Arrelion said.


    Koda took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He reeled back his sword. Control the glass, control how much I pour, its speed at which it falls, its pressure¡­ everything.  Within a single motion he hacked forward sending forth a trail of darting leaves.


    Arrelion deflected all but one, which tore across his arm. He winced, but smiled.


    ¡°A natural. I knew it,¡± he said.


    Koda opened his eyes and leaned on his sword.


    ¡°Your training with Xile, coupled with your training as a mage, has made you the perfect fit for silver magic.¡± He shouldered his claymore and placed a confident hand on Koda¡¯s head. ¡°Now go practice with your other four magics. Once you can cast all of them, then we will move onto the next step.¡±


    ¡°Which is?¡±


    Arrelion smirked. ¡°There are three aspects to mastering the ways of the silver mage. Swordsmanship, channeling, and amplification.¡±


    ¡°Amplification?¡±


    Arrelion nodded. ¡°Swordsmanship allows you to get comfortable with holding a sword and fighting with it alongside using magic. Channeling allows you to use your magic with that sword, but amplification is what makes those spells more powerful!¡±


    Koda nodded slowly. Amplification.

 Chapter 42: Arrelions Final Test

    Koda walked into Arrelion¡¯s small study. Books of ancient fables and mysteries lined the wall and fireplace mantle. A set of red, comfy chairs stood at the center and the fireplace warmed the room, staving off another blistering cold morning in Twin Cliffs. Koda pulled one of the more slender books from a shelf. He wiped the dust off the cover, reading the title with a curious intertest


    ¡°Ko¡¯Veck: A People Lost to the Stars¡±


    Koda flipped through the brittle pages, careful not to tear a leaf. He stopped on an illustrated woodcut of a dragon feeding on the stars and planets. A footnote titled the picture as ¡°Urd¡¯Draak feeds on the cosmos.¡±


    Koda looked up from his book as Wildeye strolled into the study followed by Arrelion¡¯s rusty furred familiar, Scarlet. Both took a seat by the fire.


    ¡°Wildeye, can you speak to her?¡± Koda asked, gesturing to the other wolf.


    ¡°Yes, and she and I have conversed a lot about Nashoon and how we miss the forest and our pack,¡± replied Wildeye


    Koda placed his book on a table and leaned forward. ¡°So Arrelion really was one of Grandfather¡¯s apprentices?¡±


    Wildeye nodded.


    Koda sat back and folded his leg over his knee. His grandfather mentioned two humans that served as his apprentices who eventually betrayed him. Arrelion was one, but who was the other?


    ¡°Wildeye, could you translate for me if I asked Scarlet a question or two?¡±


    Wildeye nodded.


    Koda licked his lips. Knowledge. ¡°Scarlet, who trained alongside Arrelion on Nashoon?¡± Koda asked.


    Wildeye turned to Scarlet and held her hand to the wolf¡¯s head. ¡°Scarlet, tell me who was Arrelion¡¯s brother on Nashoon?¡±


    Scarlet¡¯s silver eyes flashed pink before Wildeye turned back to Koda. ¡°She says Mateo was Xile¡¯s other apprentice.¡±


    ¡°Mateo?¡± Koda¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Of course. Mateo and Arrelion started the Arcana War together using Nashoon¡¯s Magi. Why didn¡¯t I make the connection?¡±


    ¡°Mateo hasn¡¯t been part of our lexicon in almost a century. Arrelion has made sure of this,¡± explained Wildeye.


    Koda narrowed his eyes. ¡°Scarlet, is Mateo still alive?¡±


    Wildeye gave Koda a sigh but did as requested. Once more Scarlet¡¯s eyes flashed pink and once more Wildeye gave Koda an answer. ¡°She believes he still lives. Both Arrelion and Mateo were heavily exposed to the Magi, thus the raw magic prolonged their aging while shortening the aging of the forest elves.¡±


    His grandfather mentioned this too. That they were no longer ageless once the Magi was ravaged. Mateo¡­ What became of him? A mage so ambitious, in exile for eternity? No, that didn¡¯t add up for Koda.


    The room grew quiet save for the crackling logs on the fire. Koda finally spoke. ¡°Scarlet, where is Mateo?¡±


    Wildeye shook her head. ¡°It is best to leave that question alone, Koda. Seeking Mateo would bring only pain.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you even have the smallest inkling of curiosity, Wildeye? The other most powerful mage in our history? The wonders we could ask him?¡±


    Wildeye grew silent.


    ¡°Please,¡± asked Koda again.


    The blue wolf sighed and turned to Scarlet. ¡°She doesn¡¯t know, Koda. Perhaps this is for the best.¡±


    Koda nodded slowly. ¡°Perhaps you are right. I¡­ I need to get back to my training.¡±


    Wildeye caught Koda¡¯s sleeve. ¡°I¡¯m proud of you, my friend.¡±


    Koda turned back.


    His familiar stood and cupped Koda¡¯s hands in her own. ¡°You have gone so far without the Magi and become so much stronger for it.¡±


    Koda gave her a meek smile.


    ¡°You are now the mage I knew you could always be,¡± Wildeye finished.


    ***Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    ¡°You have learned so much over these last few months, but now you must learn the final step.¡±


    Koda and Arrelion sat with their legs crossed on the ledge of a cliff looking out over the city. The frigid wind blew through Koda¡¯s now icy, blonde hair as the arctic weather numbed his chin and nose.


    ¡°A-Amplification,¡± Koda said through chattering teeth. ¡°M-Master, why must w-we train in the cold? W-We are going to c-catch our death!¡±


    ¡°Channel fire and warm your body, Koda,¡± Arrelion said.


    Koda grabbed his ilrune and quickly flared the red magic. Instantly, a flood of warmth relieved his freezing body with the welcoming sensation of a toasty fire.


    ¡°Good. Now keep that fire magic channeling until morning when I come fetch you. With a lot of talent and little luck you won¡¯t be a frozen corpse.¡±


    Koda¡¯s concentration broke instantly, blowing out his fire. ¡°Wait! What?¡±


    ¡°Koda!¡± Arrelion hissed. ¡°You will keep the magic channeled through the night. It is your test. If you die, then I will know you have failed.¡±


    Koda quickly flared the magic once more. ¡°Please, Master Arrelion! There must be a safer way!¡±


    ¡°When the sun goes down, the temperature will go down as well. You will need to figure out amplification in order to live through the night,¡± Arrelion said sternly.


    ¡°Master Arrel¡ª¡±


    ¡°Koda!¡± Arrelion barked. He knelt next to Koda and draped his long silver coat over the boy¡¯s shoulders. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have you go through this if I thought you didn¡¯t have what it took to pass this test.¡±


    Koda sighed, his flaming sword fell to a simmer.


    ¡°Prove me right, Koda. Once you do, I will see to replacing your sword and we will move onto your final test.¡±


    Koda pursed his lips and glared at his hands. I can do this! He said to himself.


    With a spark of energy in his mind, the fire roared once more.


    Arrelion gave Koda¡¯s shoulder a reassuring pat. ¡°Good luck, kid.¡±


    ***


    The moon reached its zenith in the sky above Koda, and just as Arrelion told him, the temperature in the air was now below freezing. Koda could only shiver as his energy began to wear thin. He practiced channeling magic for the last month, but only an hour at the time, not for an entire day and night. Channeling magic for this long drained his stamina and fortitude to continue such a brutal task. How could Arrelion be so cruel?


    Slowly his pool drained lower and lower and his once blazing fire was now just smoldering embers on his curved blade.


    ¡°If you used the Magi, you could make a fire that lasted for days¡­¡± Tezhok gruff voice called at the far back of Koda¡¯s mind.


    Shut up. I can do this on my own. I just need to place the water.


    ¡°The Magi is an endless fountain. Do not be afraid to drink from it, my friend¡± Tezhok whispered with a haunting chuckle.


    I know, Koda sighed. He slowed his breathing and focused on his fire magic and once more his ilrune lit up with the red glow.


    ¡°If you do not have it burn hotter, you will surely freeze¡­¡±


    Koda ignored the black wolf¡¯s taunting, but Tezhok was right. He needed to delve into the secrets of amplification or else he wouldn¡¯t survive the night.


    If my magic is the water, my concentration is the level of the water, and my sword is what contains the water¡­


    The night air grew colder with each minute that passed. His tears glossed over his eyes as his joints cracked with each motion of his adjusting fingers or neck


    If my magic is the water, he repeated again and again in his mind. The fog of sleep billowed in his thoughts, the Hands of Alanna reached out for him.


    If¡­ my magic is the¡­ water


    If¡­ my magic¡­ is¡­


    If¡­ my


    If¡­


    If.


    ¡°If your magic is the water, your concentration is the level of the water, and your sword is what contains that water. Then your amplification is¡­¡±


    Tezhok¡¯s low growl woke Koda from his delirium. Then my amplification is how much water there actually is. My pool must be an ocean!


    Koda gripped his sword tighter and roared with energy. He pumped more and more fire magic into the sword, to the point where his excess magic began to quake his hands and vibrate his blade. His vision grew blurry, his teeth rattled, and his eyes grew brighter. The ice in his hair melted as his long locks and braid floated and wavered in the air. Small stones and pebbles rose to his eye level and a thunderous whirring cracked through the night.


    What was this amazing power coursing through his body? Was it the Magi?


    ¡°No. It is not the Magi. It is your own power,¡± answered Tezhok.


    Then this was amplification. This was the strength of a spell through the foci of a sword. He was a silver mage now. For the first time he knew that even without the Magi, his potential was limitless.


    ***


    Morning arrived and Koda still burned with the fire of a sun. His senses were sharp, but his mind remained at peace. Tezhok no longer spoke to him and his doubts fled from the inferno blazing in his soul. Koda found himself. He was no longer the weak willed boy that his enemies took advantage of. He was no longer the child his people saw him as. He was a true mage¡ªno¡ªa silver mage. A beacon of power for all to know he was no longer one to be trifled with. For once in his life, he knew the meaning of strength.


    ¡°You live.¡± A voice came from behind him


    Koda lowered his sword and extinguished the flames. ¡°Yes, Master Arrelion.¡±


    ¡°Then you have learned to amplify your magic,¡± Arrelion asked.


    Koda turned to his teacher. His eyes were without tired bags. Instead they were hardened with magic. Crisp, vibrant, strong. The kind of eyes that would no longer fear what the darkness brought.


    ¡°Yes, Master Arrelion.¡±


    ¡°Then it is time to test all that you have learned,¡± Arrelion said. ¡°You must earn your wind magic.¡±


    Koda grinned. ¡°Yes, Master Arrelion,¡± he repeated.

 Chapter 43: Nova

    ¡°You brought me to a wall?¡± Koda asked Raine. They had been hiking the snowy mountain trail throughout the entire brisk, cold morning. Raine kept silent most of the way, giving him childish looks from time to time. She never told him where they were going, only that it was a surprise. Finally they had stopped here.


    Koda peered at the wall, moving his hand along the crevices and brushing off the snow drifts from the more bulging aspects of stone. Granite, igneous, it seemed to be just a plain, old, rocky wall.


    Raine giggled. She placed her hand on the smooth stone and the wall lit up with a sheen of indigo lights. The blunt stones glowed and hummed with soft runes. Dust shook from the cliff as it split down the middle and churned like gears. They sounded as if they were within the mountain itself. The wall opened with a grinding pull revealing a corridor.


    Raine gave Koda a smug look and together the two mages walked through the door. With each cautious step, light the ground under Koda¡¯s feet. Koda¡¯s eyes wandered over amethyst crystals that jutted from the walls and ceiling. He reached out to the smooth gems, and just like his footsteps, the crystals illuminated at his touch. He glanced at Raine who returned the look with a coy wink.


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± she said.


    Koda blinked and looked around. His friend played only more games with. They¡¯d arrived at a dead end. As enjoyable as the crystal cave was, there wasn¡¯t anything special about it. It most certainly was not an underground city like Sik J¡¯dio Sahde Alanoon, but he did not want to come off as rude. ¡°Ah, an interesting cave, Raine,¡± Koda finally said.


    Raine smirked. She took a hold of a stalagmite and shifted it forward. Once again dust fell from the ceiling and the mountain rang with a churning sound. Koda yelped as his feet gave way and his body dropped through the ground. He kicked out his feet and tried to drag himself down the chute but it was to no avail, he careened too fast. He landed with a light bump on his rear before a massive staircase. Raine landed on her feet beside him.


    ¡°Welcome to my school, Koda,¡± said Raine. She gestured her hand to follow her up the staircase.


    Koda rubbed his sore backside. ¡°This isn¡¯t Michael¡¯s school.¡±


    At the top of the stairs, she pushed open a set of heavy wooden doors. ¡°No, this is another school I studied at.¡±


    She led him down a pair of hallways and into a large open area where students of all color types sparred, read from tall stacks of books, and quizzed each other on homework. Raine gasped and ran to a trio of students walking across the quad. Like her, they were all elves dressed in long violet robes. They carried scrolls in their arms but quickly dropped them to embrace Raine in a long hug.


    Raine waved over to Koda. ¡°Koda, these were my classmates and best friends when I studied here.¡± She gestured a hand to a tall elf with a crew cut. ¡°Kaiden.¡± She slapped a shorter and huskier elf on the shoulder. ¡°Enzo.¡± She then cuffed the chin of a female elf with spiky red hair. ¡°And Pulsa.¡±


    Koda nodded in acknowledgment to each. ¡°I¡¯m afraid Raine hasn¡¯t mentioned much about her past schooling,¡± Koda said with a frown.


    ¡°We¡¯re not exactly allowed to talk about this school,¡± said Enzo.


    Koda looked at the three before turning back to Raine. ¡°What is this place?¡±


    A low voice broke from behind Koda. ¡°Allow me to answer that, Mage King.¡±


    Koda spun around to find an elf, no younger than himself. He had long auburn hair draping over his shoulders and a pair of black tinted spectacles covering his eyes. A grizzled burn mark checkered over the right side of his face. His mage robes were styled like Elucard¡¯s assassin garbs, complete with a kevlar chestpiece and taped shins and hands. His outfit showed off the colors of purple, brown, white, blue, and red. Skilled, no doubt, whoever he was.


    The man raised a finger, ¡°But first¡­¡±


    Raine, Kaiden, and Enzo took hold of Koda¡¯s arms and kicked him to his knees.


    Koda¡¯s eyes widened and tried to wrench his arms free. ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡±


    ¡°Relax, Koda,¡± said Raine with a calm voice. ¡°We just have to write a rune on you.¡±


    Koda struggled harder. ¡°Rune!?¡±


    ¡°Expose his throat,¡± ordered the man.


    ¡°No, wait!¡± Koda cried as Pulsa bent his head back.


    The man swiped across Koda¡¯s neck. Then up, and ending with a circle. A faint glow marked the rune and seared into Koda¡¯s flesh, then vanished completely.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    The three elves released Koda.


    ¡°Now you can not act against this school,¡± said the man.


    Koda rubbed his throat. ¡°Who¡­ are you? What is¡­ this place?¡±


    The man adjusted his spectacles. ¡°I am called Nova, and this is my precision magic school.¡±


    Koda raised his brow. ¡°Precision magic?¡±


    Raine placed a hand on Koda¡¯s shoulder. ¡°It may be better known as forbidden magic.¡±


    Koda glanced at Raine and then backed Nova. How could anyone teach forbidden magic? ¡°But you said¡ª¡±


    ¡°The rune keeps me from betraying the school, Koda. We can not speak of it to outsiders.¡±


    Koda studied Raine¡¯s neck, using the Magi to enhance his vision, just as he did to see Lore¡¯s magic potential. His irises glowed pink and Raine¡¯s rune lit up like a star in the night sky.


    It read, ¡®Secrecy¡¯.


    Koda shifted his sight to Nova. His body flared with an inferno of magic potential. Each one of his elemental colors intertwined forming an ethereal rope that wrapped around the leylines that served as vessels for the Magi to flow through a body. However, it was Nova¡¯s eyes that caught Koda¡¯s attention. Tamed and raw magic burned, fused behind Nova¡¯s spectacles.


    Impossible¡­ Raine¡¯s teacher¡­ has fused with his magic. His very lifeforce is the Magi!


    Koda released his aura vision spell, doing his best not to look completely in shock.


    Nova nodded to Raine¡¯s friends. ¡°I¡¯m sure you three have a class to get to.¡±


    ¡°It was good seeing you again, Raine,¡± Kaiden said as he and the others waved their goodbyes.


    Nova tilted his head at Raine. ¡°I sense that you have returned as a Tempest Mage?¡±


    Raine bowed to her former teacher. ¡°Yes, Master Nova.¡±


    Nova gave her a curt nod. He steepled his fingers and led the two mage students down a long halfway and into his office. ¡°Take a seat,¡± he said. ¡°The both of you.¡±


    He waited for the two young mages to sit in a pair of small black leather chairs before leaning against his oak desk.


    Nova folded his arms. ¡°It is good to have you back in my halls, Raine, but why did you bring this gentleman,¡± Nova asked. ¡°We are not a tourist attraction.¡±


    ¡°He is training in the ways of the Silver Mage, and I thought he could be a potential student.¡±


    Koda furrowed his brow. ¡°I would not be opposed to learning forbidden magic, as my life is full of dangers and any advantage would be welcomed, but perhaps you can explain more about it, Master Nova?¡±


    ¡°Precision magic,¡± he began again. ¡°Is indeed known as forbidden magic; however, it has been a cunning tool in mage warfare for generations.¡±


    Koda leaned forward, resting his chin on his knuckles. He always had a kindling interest in the history of magic and mages. The history of forbidden magic was no different.


    ¡°Long ago, when we mages were commanded to fight tooth and nail for our existence in the Arcana War, there weren¡¯t any rules or laws on how to conduct our spell-slinging.


    ¡°Back then magic battles were not confined to a dueling arena, but the battlefield. It was then a mage needed to know how to cast a spell to save their life, and it was then that precision magic was needed most. To end a fight before it began. To save a life or to save many lives, that was the difference between the magic you learn today and the magic you can not learn anymore,¡± Nova explained.


    ¡°My master preserves the teachings lost to time, Koda,¡± Raine added.


    Koda nodded. To preserve the teaching lost to time. An excellent way of putting forbidden magic into perspective. ¡°So you taught Master Stryneth?¡±


    Nova looked at Raine in confusion.


    ¡°A blue mage, Master. He uses hallucinogens mixed with his water magic,¡± elaborated his student. ¡°Do you know of him?¡±


    ¡°Stry-neth¡­¡± Nova rubbed his chin, attempting to recall the name. ¡°Hallucinogens. A blue mage.¡±


    Raine and Koda looked at each other.


    ¡°Yes, I remember him. A most sinister student,¡± Nova answered. ¡°I would stay clear of that one, Raine.¡±


    ¡°What made him sinister, Master Nova?¡± Koda pressed further.


    ¡°His cunning with precision magic is unrivaled by all except one Mateo¡ªanother mage that I regret teaching,¡± remembered Nova. ¡°Stryneth was not sinister because of his clever use of precision magic; it was who he associated with.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± asked Raine.


    Nova leaned forward. ¡°Vampires.¡±


    Koda and Raine looked at each other. ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Other students reported him dealing directly with vampires to obtain rare liquids and poisons for his experimental magic techniques,¡± revealed Nova. ¡°It is what led to his expulsion from this school.¡±


    Vampires. Stryneth became involved with vampires?


    ¡°Do you think Master Stryneth still deals with The Night?¡± Raine whispered to Koda.


    Would it even matter to him? If Sable¡¯s master did send Stryneth, what did a past connection with vampires mean to Koda? Calsoon was a demon, afterall. Even if Stryneth was a vampire, that meant nothing as long as the ends justified the mean.


    ¡°I doubt it,¡± Koda whispered back. ¡°Stryneth is a good man, he just has a shifty past. Anyone can change.¡±


    ¡°I suppose you are right.¡±


    Koda turned back to Nova. ¡°Master Nova, if you really did teach Mateo, you should be an elderly man. My vernal mage instructor was a small child during the Arcana War and she is sixty now. How could this be?¡±


    A sly grin carved across Nova¡¯s face. ¡°There are many secrets in the world you may never find out, your highness. My age being one.¡±


    ¡°My grandfather told me that we elves lost our immortality before the Arcana War,¡± argued Koda.


    ¡°We did,¡± said Nova. ¡°But as I said before, there are many secrets in the world.¡±

 Chapter 44: Another Chance for White

    Koda¡¯s new ilrune glistened in the morning light. He held it upright so its edge split his reflection as he bowed his head against it. The power of his ancestors coursed through the hilt and up into its shimmering, runed blade. This was his very own ilrune, forged in Adamant Keep¡¯s fires. Perfectly balanced. Perfectly folded. Perfect in every way.


    Now he was set to challenge his wind magic. His sixth color. The first color he challenged for, and his first defeat. He may not have been facing Trent, but this headmaster would have to due.


    He let out a long sigh and nodded to the referee. ¡°I am ready.¡±


    ¡°This duel is for a white sash,¡± announced the official. ¡°Challenger Koda versus Headmaster Mugen. All colors are allowed and the fight will end once the victor has landed three hits first.¡±


    Koda didn¡¯t need to travel far for this wind mage school. For several mage schools called Twin Cliff¡¯s home, not only Adamant Keep and to a lesser extent Nova¡¯s school, but a hydro, earth, and wind one too.


    Koda held onto his bated breath as the white striped flag raised into the air and then fell with a sharp swing.


    ¡°Begin!¡± the referee shouted.


    Koda lowered his sword, still clenching it with both hands. He narrowed his eyes and waited for the first spell to be shot at him. Mugen danced on the tips of his toes. Each bounce carried by a light brush of wind. Finally he spun in the air and whipped a large arc of slicing wind at Koda.


    Alright. Here goes nothing..


    As the spell swept closer. Koda slid his right foot forward and his left foot back. He shouted and heaved his sword downward in a devastating swing. The blade cut the arc in two, sending the wind blowing past either side of him. In the same motion of his swing, a rush of red magic flared through the ilrune and powered at Mugen in Koda¡¯s own advancing arc.


    The fire wave propelled at a blazing speed, giving Koda¡¯s opponent very little time to react. He dove to the side, the tips of his robes blackening from singeing embers. Mugen rolled over his shoulder and lept back to his feet. Koda smirked. He practiced these exercises with Elucard and Cade, mastering ways to avoid and counter spells using a sword, so he anticipated Mugen¡¯s movements.


    The elven king barreled forth and channeled vernal magic. A fat, twisting vine emerged from the sword¡¯s tip, exploding with such force that it rocked Mugen backward and wrapped tightly around him.


    Before Koda could take advantage of his control, Mugen vanished!


    Koda¡¯s eyes darted up and down. Left and right. He knew the white mage turned to air. He expected such a scenario and he was ready for it.Stolen novel; please report.


    Sending blue magic through his sword, he focused on the moisture in the air.


    Unbelievable! Koda thought. The water flows so freely through me, so fluid. It calls to me as if I were the rain itself. Never have I experienced magic like this. To be a Silver Mage is something else entirely.


    Koda snapped open his eyes and belted out a long cry. The sound of ice cracking under his weight rang across the open field. The air froze in a biting coldsnap!


    Koda spun on his heel, hearing a grunt come from behind him. Mugen stood encased in ice. Koda gave him a smirk and lashed out his blade, Slicing a shallow cut across the wind mage¡¯s chest and shattering the icy tomb.


    ¡°First hit for the challenger!¡± the referee called out.


    Mugen stumbled backwards, but Koda didn¡¯t let him get his wits together, He swung widely firing stone discs that smashed into his opponent¡¯s ribs with a gruesome crack.


    The referee shouted once more, ¡°Second hit for the challenger!¡±


    Koda¡¯s face grew serious. Time to finish this.


    Mugen winced, scrambling to his feet. He clutched his broken and bruised ribs and blasted a gust of wind at Koda.


    Koda lunged underneath the attack and swung his sword. Sparks of electricity shot out in long stalks, jolting through Mugen¡¯s body. The man shook violently before collapsing to the ground.


    The referee¡¯s flag shot up into the air. ¡°The challenge has scored his final hit. Koda wins!¡±


    Arrelion pumped a fist in celebration. He walked to the center of the battlefield with Raine and Wildeye following closely behind.


    ¡°Congratulations, Koda!¡± Raine gave him a gleeful smile and warm hug.


    ¡°It was an excellent show of your new strength!¡± cheered the wolf.


    ¡°You have your sixth element, but it is time to get ready for your next challenge,¡± Arrelion said.


    ¡°Shadow?¡± guessed Koda.


    ¡°Not quite yet,¡± answered his mentor. ¡°No, the Bi-Annual Mage Tournament is just around the bend.¡±


    Koda scratched his head. ¡°I¡¯ve only heard about it briefly from Raine.¡±


    ¡°It is run by the High Mage Council and only the best of the best students are invited to the tournament. You will face each competitor in a head to head duel,¡± explained Arrelion.


    Koda blushed. ¡°Thank you for considering me among the elite. What are the rules?¡±


    ¡°All colors are allowed. You fight until you incapacitated your opponent or knock them out of the ring.¡±


    ¡°The winner gets their color of choice!¡± piped up Raine.


    Koda nodded, a wide smile grew across his face. ¡°That¡¯s how I¡¯ll get my shadow magic.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Arrelion nodded. ¡°And I¡¯ve taken the liberty to enter you into the tournament. With your six colors and silver magic, you will make a challenging competitor. However, you still must stay sharp and on your toes, Koda. These young mages are no slouches.¡±


    Koda turned to Raine. ¡°Will you be there?¡±


    Raine slowly nodded. ¡°Michael has given me a second chance to represent his school¡­¡±


    Koda placed a firm hand on her shoulder. ¡°You won¡¯t fail him, Raine.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s make a pact.¡± She raised her hand ¡°One of us wins this thing.¡±


    Koda drew a wide grin. He clasped her hand tightly. ¡°You¡¯re on!¡±

 Chapter 45: Entering the Mage Tournament

    Elucard folded his arms. ¡°I still don¡¯t like this. Is there any way I can be at your side?¡±


    Koda placed a reassuring hand on his bodyguard¡¯s shoulder. ¡°The rules have been made quite clear to me, my friend. To avoid sabotage or assassination from feuding mage schools or angry rivals, elemental shrouds are not allowed to enter the tournament grounds.¡±


    Koda hefted his rucksack onto his back and straightened his collar as the straps pulled against his robes. Arrelion leaned against the wall as the portal to the special tournament location whirled and churned with planeswalking magic. Koda had very little experience with planeswalking. When escaping from his New Estinian prison, Calsoon had used a shadowy version of it, but other than that incident, he had never planeswalked before. The theory for portals was that they were connected to the Astralverse, a cosmic universal highway that all ethereal travel passed through in a fraction of a second to get to its destination.


    Koda mused over millions of intertwining, snaking tubes criss-crossing every which way across a vast void of starfields and pink miasmas. The image seemed unfathomable to behold and could only be constructed by the eldest of gods. Perhaps even predating Father and his angel flight.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Cade said. ¡°I will see to it that we make the best use of our time while away from you and Master Stryneth.¡± He turned to Elucard. ¡°We have been formulating a plan to take out Raze once and for all.¡±


    Elucard smirked. ¡°According to underground intel gathered by my old Black Rabbit connections, Raze has a central headquarters here in the city. If we can find it, we can assassinate him.¡±


    Koda bit his lip. ¡°Just be careful, Elucard. This Raze¡­ he is no fool. He¡¯s powerful too. Just¡ªjust don¡¯t get yourselves killed.¡±


    Elucard nudged Koda¡¯s chest with a fist. ¡°Concentrate on your competition. If you worry about us then you¡¯ll falter when you need to succeed.¡±


    Arrelion lifted his scabbard onto his shoulder. ¡°Koda, Wildeye, it is time to go.¡±


    Koda waved farewell and followed his familiar and mentor through the portal.


    Calsoon¡¯s shadow portals required to walk through a wondrous tunnel and shadows and Magi, but this new portal functioned differently. No sooner did he step through the portal, he found himself already within the tournament grounds. Where he was, that was unclear.


    Koda scanned the area. Crowds of mages and headmasters gathered by collection of tents of all sizes. Tents for resting, medical tents, tents for food all encircled tiny markets of stalls and rugs where vendors sold wares not readily found in most bazaars. Rare reagents, weapons, art pieces, and clothing. Even through his travels around Draak¡¯Terra, he had not seen any of this merchandise.


    Along the outside of the tents spanned a small quad and within the center stood a large, square, stone platform that served as the dueling field.


    ¡°Koda!¡± a familiar voice rang over the bustling commotion of the marketplace. Koda swung around and smiled. Raine, followed by Master Michael, and Master Stryneth strolled up to him.


    ¡°Have you seen this place?¡± Koda said. ¡°Look at all of thi¡ª¡±


    Koda stopped mid sentence. Above him glistened translucent runes the size of tower shields, Interlocked and encasing the grounds in a massive dome. Mounds of tall sand dunes for miles surrounded the barrier.


    ¡°Where are we?¡± Koda said, almost in a trance-like state, captivated by the immense warding spell cast on the tournament grounds. ¡°These wards¡­ they are nearly as impressive as a Celestial Seal¡­¡±


    ¡°A celestial what-now?¡± asked Raine.


    Koda shook his head. ¡°Nevermind.¡±


    Raine wrapped her arm around his shoulder. ¡°Welcome to the Sands of Power.¡±This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    ¡°Sands of what-now?¡± Koda said, taking his turn to be confused.


    ¡°I asked my master the same question as you did my first time here. The Sands of Power is its own realm. Like Cypress or Abyss, but it exists on a planet other than Draak¡¯Terra. It is said that the Sands of Power was the aftermath of a cataclysmic event and that this was the ancestral home of our dwarves and giants,¡± Raine explained.


    Koda was dead sure that he heard the faint echo of a roaring creature from beyond the dunes. ¡°W-what lives here now?¡±


    Raine smiled. ¡°Titans.¡±


    ¡°Titans!?¡±


    ¡°Creatures the size of mountains. Hides as hard as the strongest steel that can only be imagined. It is said that their power is so immense, that they only feed off wayward angels.¡±


    Koda gulped in fear. ¡°Are we safe here?¡±


    ¡°The wizard ward fends off any roaming titan. This is the safest place in all the desert.¡±


    Koda gave Raine a weak smile. ¡°That¡¯s a relief, but wizards? What are they?¡±


    ¡°They were the original wielders of tamed Magi,¡± responded Raine. ¡°The Mages mostly wiped them out during the Arcana war and erased them from the history books. I only know of them because Master Nova taught me about the lesser known details of the Arcana War.¡±


    Koda scratched his head, why didn¡¯t his grandfather or Megan teach him about wizards, and if they were capable of such feats such as the dome in the Sands of Power, were they responsible for the Celestial Seals themselves?


    ¡°Round one should be starting soon,¡± said Raine. She spun Koda around to the direction of a larger tent marked by seven mage colored pennants. ¡°Go make sure you''re checked in and set up with an opponent.¡±


    ¡°Raine Skyteller. Calico Tailsheen. Head to the ring for your match.¡±


    Raine looked over to a large stone platform that served as the battlefield. ¡°That was quicker than I anticipated.¡± She turned back to Koda, eyes hard like steel, but her hands quivered. ¡°Wish me luck.¡±


    ***


    Raine stood on the opposite end of the platform of a young spotted yikahti draped in red robes. She listened to the roar of the crowd and smiled. She missed this, the rush of competition. The adrenaline to prove how good she was to her masters and to herself. She hadn¡¯t made it far last tournament, but back then she only had her base color. Now she possessed all the elements necessary for the Tempest style. Two more years for experience. Two more years for training. Two years. That was more than enough time to prepare herself for a victory in this tournament.


    The referee raised a red and purple flag. ¡°Challengers ready?¡±


    Raine rolled up her sleeve and a cocky grin swept across her face. Definitely!


    ¡°BEGIN!¡±


    Raine wasted no time to react or wait to see what her opponent had planned for her. She had her own strategy mapped out in her head, and she waited all day to execute it.


    She threw out her arm in a sweeping motion, freezing the ground in a slick sheet of ice. Calico wobbled on her feet, but Raine wasn¡¯t done yet! Next she thrust a jolt of lightning that shocked and stunned the yikahti. Finally Raine ended her combination with a strong gust of wind.


    Calico struggled to curl her toe claws into the ice, but her body didn¡¯t budge. She howled in frustration, ¡°What did you do to me!?¡±


    Raine only smirked as she let the wind slide Calico across the ice and out of the ring.


    ¡°Calico Tailsheen has been knocked out of bounds! Raine Skyteller is victorious!¡±


    Raine leaped into the air and pumped her fists in excitement. She let out a cheerful ¡°Woohoo!¡±


    Raine stepped off the platform and into the arms of Koda.


    ¡°You were magnificent!¡± said the king.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been planning to do a combination like that since I got my blue color. I didn¡¯t actually think it would work!¡± Raine admitted.


    ¡°It most certainly von¡¯t vork again,¡± muttered a new voice.


    Raine and Koda looked over to find Trent standing in front of them. He placed his hands behind the small of his back and paced around the two elves. ¡°You proved yourself a vorthy mage vhen you defeated me six months ago, Raine.¡±


    Raine¡¯s gaze followed Trent. Koda¡¯s breathing grew more erratic and quicker. ¡°Relax, Koda,¡± she whispered to her friend.


    ¡°Vith any luck, your skill has rubbed off onto Koda.¡±


    Koda growled under short breaths. ¡°I haven¡¯t been a slouch, Trent. I earned five colors in the last six months.¡±


    Trent stopped in front of Koda and inspected him up and down. His eyes rested at the saber strapped to Koda¡¯s back. ¡°You have a sword now. I suspect you have learned the vays of the Silver Mage, yes?¡±


    Raine chuckled. ¡°Trained by Arrelion, himself!¡±


    ¡°Vell¡ª¡± Trent scoffed but struggled to find any other words.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you in the ring,¡± Koda sneered.


    ¡°I vould like to see what you have learned, if anything, Koda,¡± finished Trent.


    ¡°Koda Dawnedge. Silvis Icespike. Report to the ring!¡±

 Chapter 46: Elucard and Cade Attack!

    Elucard and Cade stood at the top of a large apartment building in the residential district of Twin Cliffs. The morning fog lay dense over the city, giving the two shrouds the perfect cover for their secretive meeting.


    From the veil of fog pierced a set of sharp blue eyes. Elucard focused on the pair of glowing eyes, not at all deterred by their sudden appearance.


    ¡°You must be Drift of the Storm Wolves,¡± Elucard said.


    As the eyes grew closer, a pearl white kanis appeared. He was young, as young as Elucard when he was a Black Rabbit, no more than seventeen. Drift wore black and orange assassin garbs and a heavy wool, black cloak draped over his shoulders and around his neck. Two similarly dressed kanis flanked either side of him.


    The head kanis folded his burly arms. ¡°You are correct in that assumption. I am Drift, High Blade of the Storm Wolves. You contacted our clan to set up this meeting. Do you have a job for us?¡±


    Elucard and Cade bowed before the clan leader. He was young for his position, but so were Avalon and Vada when they became the Black Rabbit leaders.


    ¡°I am Elucard Freewind, former First Blade of the Black Rabbits in Cypress,¡± Elucard stated. ¡°This is Cade Stargazer. His mentor was also a former Black Rabbit.¡±


    Drift¡¯s mouth gaped open. ¡°You are Elucard of the Black Rabbits?! The actual Elucard?¡±


    Cade gave Elucard a puzzled look. ¡°The one and the same, High Blade,¡± Cade said to Drift.


    Elucard cleared his throat with a hrm. ¡°Yes¡­ have you heard of me?¡±


    ¡°Of course! Any assassin worth his salt has heard of Elucard Freewind. The Black Rabbit that felled a king!¡±


    Cade smiled at Elucard. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you killed a king?¡±


    Elucard stroked his throat. ¡°It was a long time ago.¡±


    Drift¡¯s eyes moved up and down. ¡°The Black Rabbits have gone silent, we have not heard of any of their activity in Cypress for years.¡±


    ¡°They disbanded,¡± Elucard said. Hoping to ignore the subject.


    ¡°I saw a version of them led by a former Rabbit in Varis, but yes, I haven¡¯t heard much activity from them since then,¡± Cade added.


    ¡°Cypress no, but sects of the clan still function in Blight and Stratus,¡± explained Drift.


    Elucard raised his brow. His curiosity lured him back to the subject. ¡°Come again? Black Rabbits exist in Blight and Stratus?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps by name only. I assume they are copycat clans.¡± Cade said, offering an explanation.


    ¡°They claim heritage of the original Long Whisper Rabbits, but I could see them just taking the name for clout,¡± argued Drift.


    Elucard put his hands on his hips. Black Rabbits in other realms and even Rabbits in Varis. How could they worm away from Elucard, even after burning Ryjin¡¯s clan to the ground. Black Rabbits, cockroaches. Scurrying in the shadows¡ªsurviving the impossible. I suppose that is why we created the Anti-Rogue Operatives. To combat the ever growing menace of assassin clans such as the Black Rabbits.


    He turned back to Drift. ¡°Listen, we need your Storm Wolf knowledge of this city to locate a man.¡±


    ¡°His name is Raze. A leader of a network of terrorists called the Spellbreakers,¡± Cade answered.


    Drift rubbed his muzzle. ¡°What is your business with these Spellbreakers? I see that you wear a combination of assassin armor and mage robes. Are you Elemental Shrouds? Perhaps part of the Mage Task Force?¡±


    ¡°We are both Elemental Shrouds,¡± Elucard said with a nod. ¡°My mage has been harassed by the Spellbreakers. They are a menace that must be dealt with.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Raze must die,¡± agreed Cade.


    ¡°I know where the Twin Cliffs Spellbreakers reside. We keep watch over their activities. They are bad for business.¡±


    So our hunch was right, thought Elucard. Even Arrelion¡¯s fortress has its cracks.


    ¡°Then you will help us take them down?¡± asked Cade.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°No, we will continue to watch them, but we will not risk a war with them,¡± replied Drift. ¡°Retaliation is also bad for business.¡±


    ¡°Can you at least show us their headquarters?¡± asked Elucard.


    ¡°For the great Elucard Freewind? Of course!¡± laughed the kanis.


    ***


    Elucard and Cade lept from roof to roof as they followed the three Storm Wolves. An icy wind chilled their cheeks and snow along the ledges hampered their speed, but the seasoned assassins did well to keep up with their hosts. Trapezing through Lost Dawns in the winter gave them good practice with traversing across Twin Cliffs. Although the Stratus city experienced a heftier snowfall and blustery winds, Elucard and Cade managed just fine.


    Elucard dropped silently onto the roof of an old factory and joined Cade and the others by a skylight. Like the skylight, shattered, dusty windows dotted the side of the building. Dirt and cobwebs settled on the glass and the scent of rust and mold vented from the broken windows. If the Spellbreakers were here, this old factory would be a perfect place to hide a large group of criminals.


    Elucard peered through the grimy film and into the darkness of the factory. Along the catwalks and across the floor, men and women in leather jackets, training with staffs and batons. Others sat at a long table jotting on sheets of paper while more men meditated in a circle. However, there seemed to be no sign of Raze.


    ¡°Here are the Spellbreakers of Twin Cliffs. No doubt your target is with them somewhere,¡± said Drift.


    Cade looked at Elucard. ¡°So we drop in there, make a ruckus in the cave and see if the grizzly bear makes an appearance?¡±


    ¡°Kill them all, Cade, and if Raze is the only one left, we end him tonight,¡± Elucard hissed. He drew his ninjato and flared it with a flood of vernal magic from his left arm.


    ¡°You will be sorely outnumbered, Elucard,¡± Drift said with caution in his tone. ¡°Do you think this is a wise tactic?¡±


    ¡°The Spellbreakers have had the element of shock every time we¡¯ve encountered them,¡± said Elucard. ¡°It is time we showed them the same level of aggression.¡±


    Cade narrowed his eyes and unsheathed his sword. He channeled a mist of cold magic over the steel until it frosted over with ice. ¡°Very well, then.¡±


    Elucard nodded to Drift. ¡°Wish us luck.¡±


    Drift bowed to the elves, doubt glinting in his eyes. ¡°Good luck, Rabbits.¡±


    Elucard and Cade walked back to the ledge of the factory. They both took a deep breath and dashed with reckless energy, crashing through the skylight. Together the shrouds descended through the darkness, glimmering shards of glass floated around them. Time moved slower to Elucard. Like a dream before the nightmare. A calm before the storm or peace before the slaughter.


    Before any Spellbreaker could react to the sudden attack, Elucard and Cade blasted an array of spells and magic down to them.


    Shuriken leaves peppered flesh and chests. Icicle daggers drove deep into throats and thighs. The two shrouds landed into a roll and immediately launched into their onslaught of the confused and scattering Spellbreakers.


    Elucard slashed left and right, stabbing, kicking, and lopping off limbs and heads. He transformed his arm into a lumbering branch and heaved his log-like limb into a crowd of enemies, crushing them against the wall. Their screams were cut short by the crunching of hundreds of bones. Elucard recalled his blood soaked arm and sneered. He turned to Cade, finding the hydro shroud right at home among statues of frozen Spellbreakers. In a single swing, Cade shattered the statues into gruesome frostbitten chunks.


    From a long, dark archway thirty more Spellbreakers arrived as reinforcements to the remaining seventeen. They surrounded the two shrouds, brandishing their electric batons.


    Elucard and Cade stood back to back.


    ¡°Hurry this up!¡± growled Cade. ¡°Show us Raze!¡±


    A taunting voice boomed around the room. ¡°So, you wish to challenge Erzathen¡¯s paladin?¡±


    Elucard narrowed his eyes. Streaks of sweat dripped down his forehead. He gripped his sword even tighter until the leather bands around his hilt cracked.


    ¡°They wish to deal with the full might of the Spellbreaker movement? Then they will suffer!¡± Raze¡¯s voice continued to echo around the enraging crowd.


    This is it. Live or die, it all ends tonight. Either we walk away with Raze¡¯s head, or we don¡¯t walk away at all¡­ Elucard whispered to himself.


    The voices and cries of the Spellbreakers bellowed louder and louder, drowning out the thoughts of Elucard. The elven shroud swallowed hard as Raze¡¯s speech riled the Spellbreakers into a frenzy.


    ¡°The Academy of Mages want to silence our cause, but we won¡¯t be silent! We won¡¯t back down! We will rise above the flames of the Mages. Rise, Spellbreakers. Rise above their oppression! Above their tyranny! Above their corruption! Rise! Rise!¡±


    The voices of many shook the roof of the factory. They stamped their feet and waved their weapons.


    Rise! Rise! Rise!


    ¡°Elucard!¡± Cade shouted over the commotion. ¡°We need to escape!¡±


    ¡°There is no escaping now, Mage lackeys! Spellbreakers, attack!¡± order Raze.


    Like a crashing wave, a rush of hands and batons grabbed and pulled Elucard and Cade to the floor. With all his might, Elucard tried to pull free, thrashing his legs and fists wildly. He tried to rip his body away from the hundreds of clawing hands. Tried¡­ but failed.


    The weight of fifty men held down Elucard and ripped away his weapon. He grunted and thrashed out his feet, but to no avail; he had been taken prisoner.


    ¡°Cade! Cade!¡± Elucard cried out.


    ¡°Collar them! I do not want them to escape! They will serve as sacrifices to Erzathen at dawn!¡± Raze commanded.


    Elucard was lifted to his knees. His arms were pressed behind his back. Heavy, iron shackles locked his wrists together and a collar fastened around his neck. Glowing runes hummed from the collar, and the once-frigid rush of Magi that made up his arm burned hot. Pain warped through his hand and up to his shoulder. Elucard screamed out in utter agony. The pain was so intense, more than any other pain he had dealt with before in his life. It felt as if his arm was pressed against an oven. Burning. Scalding. An unbelievable sensation, so much so that a ruthless baton swing cracked across Elucard¡¯s head to finally silence the screaming elf, he took it as blessed reprieve.

 Chapter 47: Koda vs Silvis!

    Another icy arrow sped through the air. A frosty mist cascaded underneath it and as it found its mark at Koda¡¯s feet, it exploded into a massive glacier-like wall that towered over Koda, casting him in a cold shadow.


    Koda grit his teeth. Silvis commanded the battle from the start, keeping him at bay with runed ice arrows, each with its own utility such as turning ground to a deep layer of snow to hinder Koda¡¯s movement and now this wall.


    Koda ducked as another shard arrow whistled over his head. He looked as a volley of ice arrows fell upon him. Instinctively, he turned his body to stone, but to his surprise the arrows landed in a crescent shape behind him.


    ¡°Oh no,¡± he mumbled.


    Ice walls erected from the arrows, now completely encasing him in a pit.


    He may have had this battle from the get-go with his aggressive style, but I¡¯m about to take this victory. Koda thought to himself.


    The walls began to tremble and grind as they slid at Koda. I don¡¯t think so!


    Koda pulled his ilrune into his hands and channeled wind magic. With a whisk of wind, he lept high into the air. Silvis was now only a spec on the battlefield in Koda¡¯s aerial view. The elven king lifted his legs behind him. He flared brown magic through his feet forming a slab of rock. Bending his knees and bracing against the stone, he channeled wind magic once again and pushed off the slab like a ballista missile.


    Koda hurtled through the sky, aiming for Silvis. The elven archer fired another arrow at him, matching Koda¡¯s speed but dragging behind came a rising tidal wave of ice. Koda clenched his teeth and powered his magic through his sword until it sparked with a burning white flame. He thrust his sword forward so that his body became a flame-tipped javelin.


    The arrow sizzled into vapor as it made contact with Koda¡¯s sword. He continued his path straight into the oncoming frozen wave, tunneling into the center and punching through the other side. Koda raced closer and closer at Silvis, a trail of fire and vaper behind him like a comet. Silvus had seconds to react as he dove sideways.


    Koda twisted his body and quickly channeled earth magic, creating another platform underneath his feet. He bounced off the platform and flew to Silvis.


    Silvis yelped as Koda swung his sword through him. However, instead of cleaving the elf in two, he entombed him in diamond.


    Amplification. Turning normal stone into something harder. Koda landed with a smirk across his face. His feet skid backwards until his heels reached the battleground¡¯s ledge.


    ¡°Silvis is unable to continue,¡± the referee cried. ¡°Koda is victorious.¡±


    Koda tapped his blade on the diamond, crumbling it and releasing Silvis from his prison. The ice elf fell to his knees. ¡°G-good f-ight,¡± he stammered through labored breaths.


    Koda offered his hand and lifted his opponent to his feet.


    ¡°You could have killed him, Koda, but instead you showed an impressive mastery of control,¡± came a voice from behind the king.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Koda turned around to find Trent walking onto the battleground. A smug grin crossed the white mage¡¯s face. ¡°It vould appear you have grown stronger than you vonce were.¡±


    Koda sheathed his ilrune, choosing to ignore Trent¡¯s comment. He walked past him, making sure to bump Trent¡¯s shoulder. Trent tugged Koda¡¯s collar so hard that the elf spun around to face him.


    Koda tried to break free, but Trent only tightened his grip. His hard eyes pierced Koda¡¯s soul.


    ¡°No matter, you vill still fall before facing me,¡± said Trent with a dry laugh.


    ¡°Trent Brawnlion and Ireen Scurrywhisker, come to the arena¡±


    Trent pushed away Koda, ¡°Looks like I¡¯m up against a green mage. I¡¯ll pretend it¡¯s you!


    Koda¡¯s face boiled red with rage. ¡°You¡¯ll eat your words when you face me, Trent!¡± Koda spat through clenched teeth.


    ¡°Good luck in your future match, Koda, you vill need it,¡± the wind mage sneered.


    ***


    Koda entered the large tent spanning the size of the war tents Koda¡¯s commanders used during the The Dawnedge War. Arrelion had set it up as a home away from home during the tournament. Several comfortable cots lay around the perimeter of the tent, each serving a bed for Wildeye, Raine, Arellion, Stryneth, and himself. Lavish fruits, sweet wine, and hearty sliced bread sat on a round table at the center. Arrelion had placed a soft chair for reading at the far end, which Wildeye snoozed in with a fat book still in her hand.


    Raine put her wine cup on the table and smiled as Koda walked in. ¡°A thrilling battle, Koda.¡±


    Koda grew a wide grin and rested his sword on a cot. He walked to the table and plucked a grape. ¡°You caught it?¡±


    Raine nodded enthusiastically. ¡°You used a wonderful technique combining wind and earth magic!¡±


    Koda¡¯s ear tips blushed. ¡°Thanks, Raine. Trent is having his battle now.¡±


    ¡°Trent¡¯s and four other matches are left to go this round,¡± Raine explained. ¡°Did you want to watch any?¡±


    Arrelion sat up from his cot. ¡°It would behoove you to watch Austin¡¯s match.¡±


    ¡°Why? Who is Austin, Master Arrelion?¡± asked Koda.


    Arrelion leaned forward. ¡°A brown mage prodigy.¡±


    ¡°A real prodigy or do you mean he is just good?¡± asked Koda.


    ¡°A prodigy,¡± Arrelion repeated. ¡°Each elemental school of magic has a child born with a higher degree of power and control with their magic. Only seven are known to live at a time. Austin is one of them.¡±


    ¡°So he would make an excellent challenge,¡± Koda said with a smirk.


    ¡°He¡¯s thirteen and with his raw talent, he will possibly be your most challenging yet!¡±


    Raine pulled at Koda¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Come on, Koda, our tent has a great view of the ring!¡±


    Arrelion nodded to Koda, ¡°Go ahead, have some fun. There will be a time to be serious when your next match comes around.¡±


    Trent¡¯s match just wrapped up as Koda and Raine began to watch the battles. A tall twister spat out a small green mage mouseling, sending her flying out of the ring.


    ¡°Ireen Scurrywhisker has been knocked out of bounds, Trent Brawnlion is victorious!¡±


    Koda frowned. Even though he caught the tail end of the battle, Koda remembered Trent¡¯s power and now he was stronger than ever. Did Koda have what it took to beat him? Was silver magic enough to put the wind mage away?


    ¡°Zidan Shadowseeker and Syruss Sawyer, please come to the arena.¡±


    The battle began. Zidane, a moon elf black mage, used shadow puppets like summons to do his bidding. Koda noted that he kept Syruss at bay, much like his battle with Silvis and the ice arrows. Koda watched on in awe of Syruss¡¯s complete control over his elements. Using wind to increase his speed, and fire to enhance his light magic to counter the shadow puppets. Earth to create a deadend to trap Zidane. Then he used a vine whip to pull himself in closer to the shadow mage, ending the match with an ice dagger to the shadow elf¡¯s gut.


    ¡°Oh wow, he¡¯s good, Koda,¡± commented Raine.


    Koda couldn¡¯t help but be speechless. Trent would be hard pressed to beat that performance.

 Chapter 48: Inle and Cade

    Elucard¡­


    Elucard¡­


    Stillness. Painless. Floating in the miasma of his mind; Elucard drifted in the endless shadow.


    Elucard¡­


    Elucard¡­


    There was that voice again. Cade. He loved to hear Cade¡¯s voice. Soothing, confident, kind¡ªeverything that he wasn¡¯t. Elucard rubbed his arm. It no longer burned. Thank Alue! However, now was not the time to thank the angels¡ªno, now was the time to wake up.


    Wake up¡­ wake up¡­ wake¡ª


    Elucard¡¯s eyes sprung open, startingling the shadow elf fidgeting with his dampening collar. Elucard instinctively scrambled to his feet. His eyes darted around the cellar. Stone walls, barrels, crates, rats, and¡­ Inle.


    Inle hid his face with his arms and shivered in a corner. ¡°Please, Elucard, don¡¯t look at me!¡±


    Elucard furrowed his brow. Where was Cade? Did Inle do something with him? Perhaps a ploy for revenge? To get back at him for bringing down the Black Rabbits?


    ¡°Where is he, Inle?¡± Elucard barked. He curled his fists and flared his nostrils. His eyes bolted down on Inle¡ªnot with anger, but worry. Anxiety that he may never see Cade again. That Inle was once again a part of a conspiracy to take away his best friend.


    Inle looked up at Elucard. His eyes were red with tears. He raised his hands to Elucard, pleading with the elf. ¡°Please, Elucard, you must understand.¡±


    Elucard clenched his teeth into a grind. Must understand. Must understand, what? He grabbed Inle¡¯s tunic, lifted him off his feet, and then slammed him against the wall. ¡°Where is he, Inle? Where is Cade?¡± Elucard¡¯s tone sunk into the same darkness that began to once again swell in his heart. If he didn¡¯t have Cade with him, what was the point of holding it all back? What was the point of happiness if each time that he found it, Inle and the Black Rabbits ripped it from him?


    Elucard narrowed his cold, heartless eyes. ¡°Tell me!!!¡±


    Inle¡¯s body fell limp. ¡°Look at me, Elucard. What do you see?¡±


    Elucard raised his lip, but lowered Inle. He inspected the shadow elf and his eyes widened. Cade¡¯s clothing. Inle is wearing¡­ no¡­ wait¡­


    Inle nodded. ¡°And when you hear my voice, who do you really hear? Myself or Cade?¡±


    Elucard raised his hand to his head. This was happening all too fast. Cade and Inle were the same? He stumbled backwards and fell to his rear. The same question raced through his mind like a lightning bolt. Am I in love with Inle?


    Inle cautiously approached Elucard. ¡°It wasn¡¯t a lie, Elucard. I may have had a glamor charm but, I do love you. I do care for you, and¡­¡±


    Elucard lowered his head. ¡°It must have taken a lot of courage to tell me this. To¡­ betray your allies¡­ Inle, I¡­¡± He squeezed his knees and buried himself in his arms. He tried to fight back the tears, but all he could do was hide them from Cade¡ªno, Inle. ¡°I thought I found someone special in my life, someone to bring me happiness. To take away my pain.¡±


    Inle walked over to Elucard and slid his back down the wall until they were sitting next to each other. Inle hesitated placing a gentle hand on Elucard¡¯s head, but eventually did. ¡°I am still that man you found. That brought you happiness and I will always take your pain away.¡±


    Elucard slightly lifted his head so that his tear soaked eyes could peep over the edge of his arms. ¡°It felt so real.¡±


    Inle leaned over and brought his head down for Elucard to see his face. ¡°Because it was.¡±Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Elucard brushed his hand over Inle¡¯s cheek. ¡°I want this. Inle, I really do.¡±


    Inle took a hold of Elucard¡¯s hand and placed it over his heart. ¡°It beats only for you, Elucard.¡±


    Elucard closed his eyes and felt Inle¡¯s rapid heart beat. ¡°I am supposed to be your enemy. My heart was only filled with hate. Hate for you. Hate for me. Hate for every soul that came close¡­ but¡­¡± Elucard held silence. He closed his fist until it trembled in Inle¡¯s hand. ¡°Cade quelled my suffering and vengeance. I have no more hate in my heart for you, Inle.¡±


    Tears bubbled in Inle¡¯s eyes. ¡°Elucard,¡± he whispered. ¡°I have often wished to know how to pay for my misdeeds. How to right my wrongs. I am deeply sorry for what I¡¯ve done to you and what I¡¯ve done to Jetta.¡±


    Elucard brought his head against Inle¡¯s. ¡°She has forgiven you, my friend.¡±


    He too walked the path of turmoil, misery, and bloodthirst. Together they were one and the same. They may have had different enemies, different allies, but in the end, they shared the same darkness. And like Inle, Elucard had the same regrets. He lashed out on anyone that cared for him. Friends, family, no one understood him. No one, but Cade.


    No one, but Inle.


    Elucard¡¯s hard eyes softened. ¡°I have forgiven you as well, Inle.¡± He took hold of Inle¡¯s head. His breath grew short, his eyes now lost in the other¡¯s. ¡°I love Cade; Inle.¡±


    Elucard kissed Inle. Long. Emotional. An awaited kiss that he only felt once before when he was much younger full of hatred and vengeance in his heart. A time where Inle was his enemy; someone he wished to end¡ªto maim, to kill, to burn at the stake. Not one to love. This kiss was different. This feeling; passion. Passion for someone else; it was a new emotion¡ªa new fire that erupted from his soul, vanquishing the darkness and scorching the painful thoughts that encroached around him. He was in love with Inle and Cade. Inle was Cade and that was all Elucard needed to know.


    Elucard closed his eyes as hot tears streamed down his face. ¡°Why did you wait so long to tell me, Inle?¡±


    Inle looked away and snapped his glamor charm away from his neck. It was useless with the dampening collar anyway. ¡°The people I am involved with are dangerous and very powerful, Elucard.¡±


    ¡°Who are they?¡±


    Inle looked down at his feet. ¡°I¡ª¡±


    ¡°I will protect you,¡± Elucard said.


    Inle gave Elucard a meek smile. ¡°I appreciate that gesture, Elucard, but Strife alone¡­¡±


    ¡°Stryneth?¡±


    Inle let out a drawn out sigh. ¡°Yes, Master Stryneth is a man known as Strife.¡±


    ¡°And the yikahti that I fought?¡± asked Elucard


    ¡°The Collector. The runecarver, Sable. Uther¡ªwell he perished against Avalon.¡±


    Elucard whispered his next words. Still unsure of his theory. ¡°And Calsoon.¡±


    Inle nodded. ¡°Calsoon freed me when I was to be executed back in Varis.¡±


    Elucard banged the back of his head against the wall. ¡°Why would you get yourself involved with them?¡±


    Inle looked off into the distance. ¡°They offered me the Black Rabbits¡ªpower. Wraslyn... He¡¯s so charismatic. Alluring. You¡ªyou can¡¯t say no to him.¡±


    Elucard placed his hand on the shadow elf¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Inle, listen to me.¡±


    Inle shook off his daze.


    ¡°What is this shadow organization planning for Koda?¡± asked Elucard.


    Inle¡¯s pupils shrank. ¡°Elucard, the king is in danger. We must get out of here!¡±


    Elucard pulled on his dampening collar, but it wouldn¡¯t budge. He scanned the walls for windows, but saw none.


    Inle ran to the door and pressed his ear against it. ¡°Elucard, brace yourself! Someone¡¯s coming!¡±


    Elucard and Inle both took the Rabbit-Sai stance. The Black Rabbit style was perfect for unknown dangers, both used for aggressive and defensive techniques. Their eyes focused on the door. Footsteps grew louder and louder as someone neared. Finally it opened!


    A white-furred Kanis popped his head into the room and gave the two shrouds a warm smile. ¡°Hey!¡± he cheered.


    Elucard and Inle looked at each other.


    ¡°Drift?!¡± Elucard said, baffled.


    The Stormwolf gestured for two other kanis to follow him. ¡°Let¡¯s get those dampening collars off of you and get out of this place.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think they will come off,¡± said Elucard.


    A Stormwolf dangled a small silver key in his hand and smiled. With a click the collar fell to the ground. Immediately Elucard¡¯s arm lit up with an emerald glow as the Magi poured back through his body. Elucard flexed his left hand. Good.


    ¡°Did you see Raze?¡± asked Inle.


    Drift shook his head. ¡°We killed about three dozen Spellbreakers to get to you two, but we saw no one that looked like a leader.¡±


    ¡°I thought a war with the Spellbreakers would be bad for business,¡± Inle said with a silly grin.


    Drift folded his arms. ¡°Letting a legendary assassin die in your city is bad for business too.¡± He looked Inle up and down. ¡°Weren¡¯t you a forest elf?¡±


    Elucard eyed Inle and the shadow elf smirked. ¡°It¡¯s a long story, but there¡¯s little time to retell it, we must warn Arrelion and Koda.¡±

 Chapter 49: Koda vs Austin

    ¡°He¡¯s nimble,¡± Koda said. ¡°I can say that much.¡±


    Austin pranced through the air like a dancer on stage, using wisps of pebbles and dust to lift his feet over explosions of fireballs. With each splatter of fire sizzling on the ground, the brown mage extinguished it using a blast of sand with a fluid movement of his fingers.


    Ven showed her frustration through growls and erratic spell casts, each more wild than the last.


    ¡°His control is solid too,¡± replied Arrelion. He pointed to Austin as he ducked a firewhip. ¡°Both over his body and magic.¡±


    Koda folded his arms. ¡°I don¡¯t think a ranged strategy would be very effective.¡±


    The fire mage clenched her teeth and furrowed her brow. She formed her hands together and mustered a larger fireball. With a grunt she hurled it at Austin, however Austin waved his hand and the fire made a wide arc, turning on Ven. It blasted her with a hefty impact, chucking her out of the ring.


    The referee raised his flag. ¡°Ven Newsun has been knocked out of bounds, Austin Ridge is victorious!¡±


    ¡°How in Ruens¡¯s domain did he control Ven¡¯s fire like that?!¡± Koda exclaimed.


    ¡°This earth mage prodigy is full of secrets.¡± Arrelion shook his head, still stunned by the battle. Arrelion led Koda back to their tent. ¡°There is a strong possibility you may face him next round.¡±


    ¡°How so? Aren¡¯t the matches chosen at random?¡±


    Arrelion looked up at the sky and gave a heavy sigh. ¡°One would like to think so, but the truth of the matter is the first round is chosen at random, then the officials choose the following round based on how exciting the match would be, and from there the rest of the matches are based on skill alone.¡± Arrelion explained.


    Koda gave Arrelion a blank look. ¡°How exciting the matches would be.¡±


    Arrelion chuckled. ¡°Can you blame them? It is a tournament that happens every two years.¡± The second round is the bulk of the strongest opponents after the first round combed out the weaker ones. What better way to celebrate a competition of the best and brightest by choosing who fights who in the next round?¡±


    Koda smiled. ¡°I suppose that makes sense, but why would I have to fight Austin? Wouldn¡¯t Trent be a stronger match up?¡±


    ¡°And miss out on the opportunity of seeing a prodigy take on a Silver Mage?¡±


    Koda stopped in his tracks as that idea of such a novel match dawned on him. The realization of facing Austin hit him like a falling tree. Even with the power of his ilrune, how could he beat that level of magic manipulation such as Austin¡¯s? Did Arrelion have a strategy or was he to figure it all out on the fly?


    ¡°Master, how can I defeat him?¡± asked Koda.


    Arrelion unsheathed his sword and twirled it with his hands. ¡°I hoped we wouldn¡¯t have to resort to this strategy, as it is your weakest suit, but swordplay.¡±


    Koda raised his brow. ¡°Swordplay?¡± he repeated.


    ¡°Keep him on his toes, either back him into a ring-out or get a lucky shot in. If you have an element channeled, it will still count as casting.¡±


    ¡°Master, that sounds like cheating,¡± Koda said with a disappointed frown.


    Arrelion poised his sword at Koda. ¡°Why do you think we trained you with a sword and how to channel? Fighting with your blade is a viable combative option of the Silver Mage.¡±


    Koda unsheathed his ilrune. ¡°Then you are right. I wish I was more experienced in swordplay.¡±


    Arrelion lowered his head. ¡°Unfortunately, it¡¯s our best plan.¡±


    ***


    Although the sun never set in the strange desert, Koda had a feeling at least two days passed during the first round based solely on how often he slept. He saw Azeva¡¯s pupil, Nia, move onto the second round. Both the blue draconian Falnastaar and mist elf Jashanti succeed in their matches as well. If round two were to truly be the round of set matches, from what he witnessed, each match would be a sight to behold.


    Raine waved Koda over to the ethereal sign, floating off to the side of the tournament grounds. Together they pushed themselves through a crowd of mages that gathered before it. Koda looked up. It glowed with dazzling lights, charting the second round matchups written in a neon green lettering. The sign read:


    Austin Ridge versus Koda Dawnedge


    Raine Skyteller versus Falnistaar


    Nia Embersky versus Trent Brawnlion


    Syruss Sawyer versus Jashanti Sunfruit


    Koda bit his lip as he read his match, not once or twice, but the third time. Just to be sure, just to find a fault or flaw in the wording, but with each pass came the same conclusion, he was facing Austin. Seven other competitors and he had to get the prodigy. Arrelion shot the arrow true, they wanted to see a Silver Mage fend off Austin the Prodigy. With any luck, the boy would be just as clunky in melee as he was.


    If only Elucard and Cade were here to give me an hour of sparring to refresh and sharpen my skills with sword fighting.


    Koda drooped his ears and face. He was so sure he would have made it to at least the semi-finals, but he was just as confident now that Austin would mop the floor with him. Even with the overwhelming power that he could channel, Arrelion made it sound like a prodigy could conjure that in spades. Mastery of manipulation and precision. How was he to compete with that? He had only been a Silver Mage for a few months, while Austin had so much natural talent with his element at thirteen than Megan had in her whole life!


    ***


    Koda stepped onto the arena platform and unsheathed his sword. Across from him stood the human child, Austin. He couldn¡¯t have been more than thirteen and yet he possessed so much raw power. If Koda had even a hint of that talent he would have never fallen into the hands of Tashna, perhaps he could have stopped Elucard from murdering his father. Silly thoughts! No time for wishes and desires. He needed to concentrate on his task at hand.


    Koda gripped his hilt until his fist turned white. Sweat beaded down his temple and saliva dried up in his mouth. He glanced at the referee. What was taking so long? The anticipation was killing him!If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Finally the referee raised his flag. ¡°Begin!¡±


    Koda didn¡¯t let another moment get between Austin and himself. Like a falcon¡¯s dive he shot forward. He had to close the gap, get in melee range, and give the kid no berth.


    As Koda neared his target, he channeled a flare of lightning magic through his ilrune. Austin rolled sideways, desperately trying to get away from Koda¡¯s advance. However, Koda was one step ahead and stabbed the ground, catching the tail of Austin¡¯s brown robe.


    The child yelped and ripped his fabric away from the sword. Koda took hold of the weapon and slashed an arc of electricity down at Austin.


    Austin had no choice but to forge rocks around his arms and block the attack. The lightning dissipated into harmless specs of lights over the stone arm.


    Koda answered back with a flurry of lightning slashes. Each blow sparked into brilliant flashes as Austin deflected the attacks. The elf king kept up his relentless offense, striking at Austin¡¯s shoulders, ribs, and legs, but each were met with speedy parries.


    I need to get faster strikes in. I need to overpower him.


    Koda channeled white magic. A stream of wind encircled his hands and wrist, empowering him to swing faster and harder. Austin could no longer keep up. Cuts sliced across his upper body. The boy stumbled backwards.


    I have him! Arrelion was right, swordplay gave me the advantage!


    Koda raised his blade over his head, one more attack would end the match. He whipped the ilrune down but to his shock the blade froze mid-swing. Koda grunted and wrenched the blade, but it would not budge.


    What is this? It is as if gravity has taken a hold of my sword. Koda thought to himself.


    Beneath the frozen blade, Austin smirked, his hand held out towards the gleaming edge with a flat palm.


    Did he¡­ is he controlling my sword like he took control of Ven¡¯s flames?


    Koda squeezed his hilt with both hands and poured an even larger douse of purple magic into his blade, but even with the extra power boost, Koda still couldn¡¯t move his sword.


    How? How could he do this?


    Koda scanned the battlefield, searching for any clue, anything that would explain Austin¡¯s technique. Then he spotted it. Scattered black chunks of stone¡ªcoal!


    That¡¯s how he controlled the fire. He formed coal in Ven¡¯s spell!


    Now it appeared obvious to Koda. His sword was steel. Metal. Found in the earth. Austin had hijacked the material of his sword!


    Austin stepped closer to Koda. He flicked his wrist and the ilrune wriggled free from Koda¡¯s grip and hovered by itself in the air. Koda backed away, now in bewilderment. The sword began to spin slowly. Then faster. Faster. So fast it screamed and screeched.


    ¡°This is where you lose, my king,¡± Austin said in a small voice.


    Austin clenched his hand into a fist and the buzzsaw sped forward.


    Koda shut his eyes, but no pain came. No blood squirted. Nothing happened.


    The warmth of the desert disappeared and a cold gust brushed against his skin. He opened his eyes and found a familiar black wolf sitting in front of him. Although he couldn¡¯t explain why, he was back in the mountains and once again before the Misty Veil. Snow drifted all around him and he brushed off the building mounds of flakes from his shoulders.


    ¡°You are safe, Koda,¡± said the wolf in a rough voice.


    ¡°Tezhok,¡± Koda said calmly.


    ¡°Yes, my friend.¡±


    Koda moved his hand close and patted the animal. Tezhok moved away and walked deep into the fog. ¡°Follow,¡± he called back to the elf.


    Koda huffed a sigh, but did as he was told. As he stepped forward, the haze parted, revealing a pair of massive steel doors built into the side of the mountain. They were the same doors he saw in his visions before. The double doors swung open and a man draped in fine black silk robes appeared. He had pale skin, golden eyes, and shimmering platinum white hair.


    The man gave Koda an elegant bow. ¡°Welcome, dear Koda.¡±


    Koda approached the regal man and bowed back. ¡°Who are you? Where am I?¡±


    The man waved his hand. ¡°You are deep in the Northern Territory, beyond the impenetrable mountains, and through the wall of ethereal fog.¡±


    Tezhok trotted to the man¡¯s side and sat down. ¡°You are home, Koda.¡±


    ¡°Home?¡± questioned the elven king. ¡°Only moments ago I was at the mage tournament! How am I here?¡±


    The man avoided the query. ¡°Do you wish to go back?¡±


    Koda lowered his head. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, I can¡¯t beat Austin. No doubt I already lost.¡±


    The man let out a soft chuckle. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t worry about your match. I have sent Tezhok to assist you.¡±


    Koda raised his head and asked his question again, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    The man gave Koda a gentle smile. ¡°You may call me Mateo. I hope to be your next teacher.¡±


    ¡°Mateo!?¡± Koda gasped. ¡°The Mateo!?¡±


    Mateo bowed once more. ¡°The one and only, my liege.¡±


    Koda scratched his head in astonishment. First Arrelion offered to mentor him and now Mateo. ¡°Why me?¡± he finally said.


    Mateo clasped Koda¡¯s shoulder. ¡°My boy, the Magi is too powerful for you to manipulate, yes?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I have trouble controlling the Magi.¡±


    ¡°I wish to teach you to properly harness it,¡± explained Mateo.


    ¡°B-but Arrelion told me it shouldn¡¯t be used.¡±


    Mateo squeezed the elf¡¯s shoulder until he winced. ¡°Do not squander such gifts,¡± Mateo whispered in a cutting rasp.


    Koda looked deep into Mateo¡¯s golden, soulless eyes.


    ¡°Koda, at my side you will walk amongst eternals.¡± Mateo inched closely to Koda¡¯s ear. ¡°And you will never falter again.¡±


    Koda¡¯s eyes widened in a daze. Mateo¡¯s hypnotic voice echoed in his mind.


    ¡°Now awaken¡­¡±


    Koda snapped his eyes open and looked down to find Austin on the ground with an ilrune pointed against his neck. Koda inspected the blade and found he held it.


    ¡°Austin has forfeited, Koda is the victor!¡± shouted the referee.


    Koda dropped his weapon and swayed on his feet. Arrelion, Raine, and Wildeye ran to his side and embraced him in a warm hug.


    ¡°You did it!¡± cheered Wildeye. ¡°You were amazing!¡±


    ¡°What an unreal performance, Koda!¡± laughed Raine.


    ¡°You have shown more prowess with silver magic than I anticipated,¡± said Arrelion. ¡°Well done!¡±


    Koda broke away from his friends and headed for the tent. ¡°I-I need to lay down.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take too long of a nap, Koda!¡± Raine called out. ¡°I¡¯m up after this next match!¡±


    ***


    Koda tossed and turned on his cot, unable to sleep. Mateo¡¯s words still echoed in his head.


    ¡°When you stand by my side, Koda, you will walk amongst eternals. And we will never let you falter again.¡±


    What did he mean by that? Was Sable¡¯s master actually Mateo?


    He recalled back to what Sable told him at Dragon Realm Blight¡¯s seal


    ¡°Continue on your journey to become a Master Mage, you will know him when you see him.¡±


    The mystery of Fen¡¯s connection to Mateo was unraveling. He knew he was close to completing the puzzle, but he just needed a few more pieces. However, a tournament victory and achieving his final color stood in his way.


    ¡°You seem troubled, boy.¡±


    Koda rolled over to find Master Stryneth sitting beside him. ¡°I¡¯m just having a bad dream.¡±


    Stryneth twiddled his thumbs. He nodded in silence before speaking up again. ¡°Dreams¡­ or visions?¡±


    Koda showed no reaction to the question. Another piece to the puzzle was here the whole time. ¡°Who are you, Master Stryneth? Who are you really?¡±


    The blue mage placed a gentle hand on Koda¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You know who I am and why I am here.¡±


    Koda sighed and shifted to his back. ¡°You are here to evaluate me¡­ for Alifinster Fen.¡±


    Stryneth narrowed his eyes and smirked.


    ¡°Alifinster Fen,¡± whispered Koda, ¡°is not his real name.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± replied Stryneth.


    ¡°And do you go by a different name as well?¡± Koda said softly.


    Stryneth nodded. ¡°You may call me Strife. Now you know my name and you know why I am truly here.¡±


    ¡°To bring me to Mateo,¡± Koda whispered again. ¡°So that I can release the gods.¡±


    Strife rose to his feet. ¡°You know how to find him. I will see you again when you are ready to do so.¡±

 Chapter 50: Semi Finals

    Koda gasped as Raine sailed through the sky, ice crusted around her body.


    Wildeye looked away in fear just as the purple mage crashed at the arena¡¯s edge. With half her body dangling close to touching the ground, Raine gave a hefty grunt and pulled herself to safety.


    Koda could see that Raine had worn out the majority of her magic. Her legs struggled to stand, her back lurched over, and she panted heavily.


    ¡°Now I finish this!¡± Falnastaar laughed.


    A huge blast of ice shards launched at the exhausted elf.


    Koda cried in terror, ¡°Raine!¡± It was all that he could do. Just watch on in horror as Raine continued to be devastated by the more powerful opponent. Deep in his consciousness, his nagging thoughts tug on his heart. I need to help her! Protect her! Something!


    ¡°No, Koda,¡± Wildeye whispered in his mind. ¡°You must trust Raine. Trust that she can handle herself. Show her the support that she needs.¡±


    Koda glanced at Wildeye¡¯s stern face and nodded. ¡°You can do this, Raine!¡± Koda shouted.


    Each shard found its mark in an explosion of frost, and Koda peered anxiously through the mist. Only sparks of electricity remained where Raine had stood. Then a flash blurred to Falnastaar, rushing at the speed of a cannonball. With a crack of lightning, Raine appeared. Her fist, coated in electricity, collided underneath the draconian¡¯s jaw. The impact lifted the two in the air and with a final burst of energy, Raine blasted a funnel of lightning into her opponent¡¯s chest.


    Koda cheered as the dragon was thrown out of the battlegrounds. ¡°Woohoo, Raine! You did it!¡±


    ¡°Falnastarr has been knocked out of bounds, Raine Skyteller is the victor!¡±


    Koda and Wildeye leapt onto the arena and ran to their friend. Raine collapsed to her knees, too tired to stay on her feet.


    Koda slid across the ground to hug the elf. ¡°You went above and beyond, Raine.¡±


    Raine gave him an exhausted grin. ¡°If that battle went on any longer, I would have lost.¡±


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t, and that¡¯s all that counts,¡± said Wildeye with a gentle voice.


    ***


    Koda walked along the rim of the large dome that encased the tournament ground. The sun grew smaller and long shadows stretched over the many sand dunes outside. Night time in the Sands of Power was as serene and quiet as a peaceful night in the forests of Nashoon, perhaps a tad bit warmer.


    Round two ended yesterday and now round three started the following morning. Despite Koda¡¯s strange victory, many were hopeful for the silver mage to take the gold. A new color¡ªhis last color. Shadow. Black. He would become a master mage, one of few in the world, but were his victories hollow? He used Magi in many of his early battles. The crutch, as Arrelion and Wildeye called it. The gift, as Mateo called it. Which was it? Crutch or gift?


    Perhaps a crutch. As a silver mage he proved to himself he was more than capable to handle power and the mastery over blade channeling. He won the white sash without much strife¡­ Strife.


    But Stryneth offered the path to Mateo, the master mage that could tutor him in harnessing the true might of the Magi. If he could just handle its power,its corruption, he would show all his doubters real strength.


    Whispers swirled in his thoughts.


    ¡±We shall guide you.¡±


    ¡°Follow Strife through the Misty Veil.¡±


    Images flashed of Mateo, the black wolf, and a mountain pass flashed through his mind. Tezhok was calling to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not ready to find Mateo,¡± Koda whispered. ¡°Not yet.¡±


    ¡°Who are you talking to?¡±


    Raine¡¯s voice snapped him back to reality as the purple mage jogged up behind him.


    Koda hesitated. What did she hear?


    ¡°No one¡ªWildeye,¡± he stumbled over his words, coming up with a fast lie.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    ¡°Going over strategies with your familiar?¡± Raine asked.


    Koda bit his lip, searching for a new subject. ¡°Syruss and Trent beat their opponents and are moving onto the next round with us.¡±


    Raine nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t suppose you caught the matchups for round three?¡±


    Koda looked away. He had.


    ¡°Syruss against Trent. You versus¡­¡± Koda trailed off.


    ¡°Me,¡± finished his friend. ¡°Look, Koda.¡±


    Koda stopped in his tracks and turned to the elf. He wrenched his hands together, anxious of what Raine might say. He didn¡¯t want to harm her. He didn¡¯t want to crush her dreams of winning this tournament, but he had no intention of losing either.


    Rain continued, ¡°I¡¯ve grown to like you¡­ a lot over these past months.¡±


    Koda¡¯s heart raced. He liked Raine as well. He never had any real friends. Other than Wildeye, Wiccer, and at times, Elucard. However, none of them were colleagues. None of them he would call close friends. Close like Raine.


    Koda reached for Raine¡¯s hand. ¡°I must admit, I''m quite fond of you too, Raine.¡±


    Tears bubbled in Raine¡¯s eyes. ¡°Please don¡¯t let our match drive a wedge between us. Please let everything stay the same,¡± she whispered with a lump stuck in her throat.


    Koda clenched her hand tightly. ¡°Of course, Raine. Nothing will ever drive me away from you.¡±


    ***


    Koda awoke to the sounds of cheering crowds gathered around the arena. Raine sprinted into the tent, her cries rattled Koda¡¯s head. ¡°Syruss lost! Syruss lost!¡±


    Koda¡¯s ears perked up. ¡°What!?¡±


    He ran outside and saw Trent waving to the crowd while Syruss limped away from the battleground. Koda pushed through bodies to catch up to Syruss. ¡°Hey!¡± Koda called out, ¡°Wait!¡±


    Syruss¡¯s defeated face turned.


    ¡°I thought you had him! What happened?¡±


    ¡°You and Raine are the only mages left that can beat him,¡± Syruss said.


    Koda nodded.


    ¡°Watch for his wind hands. They come in fast and when they catch you, it¡¯s already over.¡±


    Koda remembered that tactic. Trent used it against him in his first mage duel.


    ¡°Stay on your toes,¡± Syruss continued. ¡°Don¡¯t give Trent any opportunity to have an advantage.¡±


    Koda looked at Trent. ¡°I can beat him. I know I can.¡±


    Syruss patted Koda on the shoulder. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    ***


    ¡°Koda Dawnedge, are you ready?¡± the referee called out the king. The referee waited for Koda to nod before addressing Raine. ¡°Raine Skyteller, are you ready?¡±


    Koda watched Raine hesitate. ¡°Don¡¯t worry Raine,¡± he called out. ¡°It¡¯s just like a friendly sparring match!¡±


    Raine grinned and nodded to the referee.


    ¡°Begin!¡± the referee shouted.


    The tournament grounds cracked like thunder as Raine shot across the arena. Koda gasped at the sheer speed of his friend. Before Raine could attack, Koda rushed to the other end of the arena as a wispy cloud of leaves.


    Raine skidded to a stop, wrenched her body around and charged to Koda¡¯s new position. Once again, she used her magic to increase her speed to that of lightning strikes. She zoomed faster and faster until her image streaked across the arena.


    The leaves transformed back into Koda and in that instant an impact rocked his jaw sideways. Pain exploded across his face as his body twisted head over heels and catapulted through the air over the crowd.


    Koda screamed at the top of his lungs as he propelled backwards. He needed to act fast, because once he touched the ground outside of the arena, he would be disqualified.


    The only way to do this would be to use the Magi!


    Koda shook his head. It¡¯s a crutch. I don¡¯t need it. Still flipping through the sky and quickly approaching the dome walls, Koda took out his sword and with zen-like concentration, aimed his sword and channeled lightning. If Raine can do this without silver magic, I wonder how much more potent it is with it?


    Amplification. The third aspect of Blade Channeling. The ability to enhance any given element to its maximum potential.


    With a flash of white light, Koda vanished. Then Koda appeared once more in the center of the arena. Electricity crawled down his ilrune, crackling and humming.


    Both elves stood motionless in shock. Koda calculated how far he traveled from the air to the ground. Nearly half the span of the Lost Dawn¡¯s clock tower.


    Raine mouth gaped open. ¡°Y-you teleported!¡±


    Koda grew a smile and leaped backwards before swinging an arc of fire at her.


    Raine smiled back and dashed under the arc webbing her fingers together and then splayed them out creating an electric net.


    Koda danced around the net and shot a beam of ice at Raine.


    She rolled away from the freezing spell and flanked Koda. Raine jumped up and reeled back a shard of light before driving it forward.


    With trained instincts, Koda parried the attack and kicked her backwards. The silver mage followed up with a flurry of strikes with fire, ice, and earth until Raine collapsed to the ground.


    Koda tapped his blade¡¯s point on her cheek. ¡°Surrender, Raine.¡±


    Raine growled angrily. Tears dripped down her cheeks. ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Raine¡­¡± Koda shook his head. ¡°Do it, please.¡±


    Raine met Koda¡¯s gaze. Her eyes flashed white, knocking away the sword and thrust her fist into Koda¡¯s chest.


    Koda only had enough time for a single thought to cross his mind, Forbidden Magic! He shut his eyes tightly, waiting for his heart to stop or explode, or whatever Raine¡¯s precision magic did to Stryneth, but nothing happened.


    Koda looked down to Raine.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do it, Koda,¡± she whispered. ¡°I want to win, but not by beating you¡ªnot by killing you.¡±


    ¡°Raine,¡± Koda said. ¡°I-¡±


    Raine stepped back and turned to the referee. ¡°I forfeit.¡±


    Koda dropped his sword in surprise. He won, but not how he imagined his victory. ¡°Wait, Raine.¡±


    Raine turned back to Koda. ¡°Win this for me.¡±

 Chapter 51: The Finals

    Koda munched on a grainy slice of bread, dipping it deep into a cup of honey. His battle against Trent started in one hour. Not only was it his long awaited rematch, but it was the final round of the tournament. Trent humiliated each opponent he had by overpowering them with incredible feats of magic control.


    Had Koda gained any more power since last losing to him? Of course! But did he have what it took to beat Trent? With seven colors under his belt plus silver magic, he certainly stood a better chance than last time. Silver magic would be the deciding factor. He was sure Silver magic would be the deciding factor. He was sure no other opponent of Trent had silver magic. That was the advantage that Trent had no counter to!


    ¡°Make sure to drink another glass of orange nectar,¡± Arrelion pointed to the pitcher of yellow tinted juice. ¡°Stryneth, can you pour him a glass?¡±


    The blue mage rose from his seat with the pitcher in his hand and poured the thick juice into Koda¡¯s cup. ¡°Your teacher is right, young Koda. Orange nectar, especially from Western Abyss, is known for its richness of vitamins. You''ll be sure to have a healthy energy boost from two full glasses,¡± Stryneth said.


    Raine plopped another serving of summer sausage onto Koda¡¯s plate. ¡°You¡¯ll need your protein!¡±


    Wildeye snatched the bread slice out of Koda¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Koda whined. ¡°I was eating that!¡±


    ¡°Too much bread will make you sluggish,¡± Wildeye chided.


    Stryneth handed Koda a small cup. ¡°Water, too.¡±


    Koda looked at the cup and smiled. ¡°A little water never hurts.¡±


    ¡°Down the hatch, Koda,¡± Stryneth said.


    ¡°Okay, Koda.¡± Arrelion stood up and ushered Koda out of the tent. ¡°I want you to go stretch and walk around the tournament grounds before you start your battle.¡±


    Koda grabbed his sword and silver coat on the way out. ¡°Don¡¯t you think a quick nap would suit me better?¡±


    Arrelion shook his head. ¡°No, you¡¯ll feel much better with loosened muscles, trust me on this.¡±


    Koda slipped on his coat and slung his sword across his back. He looked at the arena and sighed. In thirty minutes everything leading up to this would begin. His final test for his last color¡ªnot only that, but against his first rival. It was time to show Trent that he was more than a spoiled green mage king. It was time to show the world he wasn¡¯t the weak willed boy they all saw him as. He was Koda Dawnedge, the Master Mage!


    ***


    ¡°Watch the hands! Watch the hands!¡± Arrelion¡¯s booming voice carried over the waves of cheering crowds. He ran in a dead sprint along the arena¡¯s edge, blood pumping into his already tired muscles. Overhead a hand formed from debris, wind, and clouds slammed behind him. Over and over the hand narrowly missed Koda as he moved with purpose and desperation.


    Koda huffed exhaustion and dove with the last lingering amount of energy he had. He rolled over his shoulder just as the hand swiped at him. He crawled to feet and wiped his sweat drenched face.


    He¡¯s dictated this battle long enough. If I am going to win I need to assert my dominance, I need to show how much power I have with a sword in my hand!


    Trent reeled his hulking wind hand back. ¡°Is that all you have, Koda?¡± he chuckled. ¡°I expected more of a fight, but vhat did I expect from an elf?¡±This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Koda grit his teeth. No more running. He drew his ilrune and gripped with both hands.


    ¡°Ah, finally the silver mage makes an appearance,¡± Trent said.


    Koda took a deep breath and began to channel white mage. Instantly a gust of wind surrounded him. Then he shut his eyes and channeled red magic and the air ignited into flares of fire.


    ¡°Vhat is this¡­ power?¡± Trent whispered.


    Koda adjusted his grip and slid a foot back. He raised his sword over his head and channeled green, purple, and brown magic. Now the fire erupted with flaming vines. Lightning stalks crept along the ground and burst into sparks. The stone tiles from the area floor rose in chunks around Koda¡¯s feet. A swell of ethereal power pulsed from Koda. He snapped open his eyes. His irises flashed through the different colors of magic now coursing through his veins. With such a power boost, his victory was nearly guaranteed. He had flowed his entire reservoir into his sword now and all he needed to do was touch Trent. The white mage would fall over without a chance to defend himself.


    Koda smirked. Sure he never pooled so much magic into a single foci, but never had to before! Trent was this much of a challenge and he was so close to his final color he could taste it!


    Koda¡¯s endurance waned with every second that was spent channeling his magic.


    ¡°One¡­ m¡­¡± He panted with each letter. His head dropped up and down as he struggled to avoid passing out. Why was he so tired? Why did his magic expel so much effort from him?


    He mustered that last drop of stamina he had and flared it through the ilrune. ¡°One¡­ MORE!¡± he roared at the top of his lungs. An explosion of ice and water rushed through his blade, combining with each of the five other elements. Concentrating further, he focused them around his sword like a volatile coating of magic. His sword felt heavier now. He struggled to keep it above his head and chose to lower into a Rabbit-Sai style. With Elucard¡¯s training, he would be able to counter any attack Trent threw at him and counter with a set of unpredictable attacks. All he had to do was get in close.


    Estinians have too much pride to run from a fight. I¡¯ll take advantage of this!


    Koda gave Trent an aggressive look and dashed at him. Trent¡¯s eyes widened in surprise and flung the wind hand straight for Koda.


    Koda whipped his blade up, carving the hand into and dissipating into mist. He continued to run. His lungs burned like tar, his muscles ached, and in his mind every ounce of his being screamed to stop, but he kept moving. Kept deflecting any spell slung at him. Kept his focus and kept his magic streaming. Trent was his greatest challenge. He would only be met with defeat if he underestimated him.


    Finally he was inches from Trent. Inches from victory. He lept through the air, sword poised for one last strike. The attack that would end it. The tournament. His journey. His misery. His¡­


    Koda¡¯s pupils shrank two sizes smaller and his body gave out. He lost feeling in his limbs as he dropped at the feet of Trent. A hush fell over the crowd.


    My magic¡­ why are you doing this to me?! How is it that no matter how much power I find¡­ it''s still not strong enough against Trent?


    Koda urged his body to grab his sword and get up. Come on! Move!


    Trent let out a confident chuckle. He squatted down and lifted Koda¡¯s chin. ¡°Close, but not close enough, dear Koda.¡±


    All Koda could do was bite his teeth down and growl. The rest of his body failed to listen to him. Arrelion, your damn magic did NOTHING! he screamed across his mind.


    Trent stood up and gave an elegant bow. ¡°I vould say you¡¯ve taught me something about hard vork and endurance, but really Koda, this vas a disappointing match.¡±


    Trent wooshed his hand aside and a gust of wind slid Koda off the arena.


    ¡°Koda Dawndege has gone out of bounds, the winner of the Bi-Annual Mage Tournament is Trent Brawnlion!¡±


    The crowd erupted into a frenzy at the announcement of the winner. Healing magic rippled through body, restoring his stamina. He pushed himself to his feet. Koda reached for his sword and grabbed it. Everything Arrelion taught him still wasn¡¯t enough to beat Trent. If he had the Magi, he would have won. So it was not just some crutch, it was a gift! Now thanks to Arrelion and Wildeye he¡¯d squandered that gift and lost the tournament! Koda stared hard at the blade. A glimpse of Mateo¡¯s school appeared within its surface before returning to his reflection. Hot tears ran down his face and with a gut wrenching roar he heaved the blade away.


    ¡°Koda!¡± Arrelion marched to his student. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°What I should have done long ago,¡± he sneered. He bumped his shoulder against his former teacher and stormed off the arena and into the crowd. Koda passed by Raine and Wildeye without making eye contact and into the arms of Strife.

 Chapter 52: Welcome to the Lions Den

    Koda and Strife trudged along the winding mountain path. Howling winds roared around them and snowflakes the size of stones piled down on the two travelers. With each step Koda took, he wished it were the last one. He still felt exhausted from his match with Trent. Fog clouded his mind just as the misty veil that wrapped around him, but onwards he trekked, onwards to the school he knew he belonged to.


    ¡°Master Stryneth,¡± Koda called to the figure ahead of him.


    Strife turned and glowered under his heavy furred hood. ¡°You know that is not my name, Koda.¡±


    Koda bit his lip. ¡°Yes, I apologize, Master Strife.¡±


    Strife nodded and slowed his pace so that the younger mage could catch up. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Why have we left without your shroud?¡± asked Koda.


    ¡°It is imperative that you are delivered into Mateo¡¯s hands without any further delay,¡± explained the blue mage.


    Koda blinked away specks of snow. ¡°Imperative? Why?¡±


    Strife ignored Koda¡¯s comment and instead pointed to a large blur past the wall of fog and falling snow. ¡°We are here.¡±


    Koda stood stunned at the sight of the large steel doors he had seen many times.


    ¡°Welcome to his mage school.¡± Strife pushed open the double doors. ¡°Come. He awaits.¡±


    ***


    Koda and Strife walked through the massive main hall. Koda looked up and gasped at the magnificent vaulted walls painted with images of moons and angels with spears and flaming swords battling vile demons and vampires. He inspected the tall pillars he walked past. Each had a carving of wolves and ravens etched into the bone-white stone. Large chandeliers hung from the ceilings and the walls were decorated with book stuffed shelves, elegant statues of long dead scholars, swords with golden guards, and more exquisite paintings of ancient battles. Despite his regal education, Koda did not recognize at least half of those battles. As grand as the school appeared, what confused Koda was the lack of students. Every school he visited, even the smaller ones, were jam packed with students.


    ¡°Strife, where are all the stud¡ª¡± Koda asked, but found himself quiet. An oppressive wave of energy burst through the air. Magi. More potent and archaic than his own. The weight of energy pushed Koda down to one knee. Creeping shadows pooled from his own and sprouted upwards. They twisted and entwined together and then melted away, leaving only a man. Beautiful. Ethereal with golden eyes. As pure as the moonlight itself.


    Koda forced his muscles to lift his head. The Magi continued to crush on top of him.


    The man snapped his fingers and the wave of Magi dispersed. ¡°A useful spell, no? I will be sure to teach it to you someday.¡±


    Koda reared his neck up and looked over at the strange man. He was dressed in a dashing black jacket, embellished with crimson jewels. His pale flesh and silvery hair glistened in the torchlight. The man from his visions. The fabled Mateo. How did his life lead to this moment? How did a small power turned king one day train with both of the Arcane Guardians that were exiled from Nashoon for ravaging the Magi; ending the immortal lifespan of his people and initiating the Arcana War? Arrelion and now Mateo, two of the most legendary mages in existence, wanted to teach him. Why? Why was he so special?


    Strife immediately gave a long and drawn out bow. ¡°Master Mateo, I have brought you the mage king, just as you asked.¡±


    Mateo nodded his head with a kind smile. ¡°Strife, You will find a welcoming fireplace in the parlor, why don¡¯t you get warmed up and relax?¡±


    Strife bowed once more. ¡°You are too generous, Master Mateo.¡±


    Mateo waited for Strife to leave before approaching Koda. ¡°Come young, Koda, let us discuss your future.¡±


    Koda swallowed a lump in his throat and hid his trembling hands in his wide sleeves. He always felt more curious than safe when in the presence of Mateo in his dreams, but this Mateo was not a man in his dreams. No, he was real and Mateo piqued his curiosity.


    Mateo caught Koda¡¯s unsteadiness and grinned. ¡°Follow me, Koda. I¡¯m sure you have many questions.¡±


    Koda hesitated, but ultimately followed the shadow man.


    Together the two mages walked down a winding corridor, lit only by the occasion torch attached to the wall. The corridor had just enough light for Koda¡¯s elven eyes to see beyond the shadows, like a forest under a starlit sky.


    He looked up to Mateo. Did he have questions? More than he could ask in a full lifetime, but perhaps he should start with one.


    ¡°Why have you gone into hiding?¡± Koda finally asked.


    Mateo paused, as if taken off guard by this as Koda¡¯s first question. However, he looked down and answered the query. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    Koda raised his brow. ¡°I don¡¯t follow.¡±


    Mateo gave a short sigh. ¡°I was betrayed by my own brother and cast away from my own mages. Wouldn¡¯t you go into self exile?¡±


    Koda looked at his feet. ¡°I suppose so.¡±


    Mateo flung out an enchanted hand and all at once the shadows shrank away revealing a large entrance way that led to a wider hall lined with doors every few feet. Mateo opened the first one on the right and ushered Koda into a bed chamber.


    ¡°For now, you may call this room yours,¡± he said.


    Koda looked around the room, finding it smaller than his room back in Lost Dawns, but had the amenities needed. A bed, writing desk, bath, wardrobe. He smiled. Even a bookshelf.


    ¡°Are you satisfied?¡± Mateo asked.


    ¡°It will do nicely.¡±Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Mateo bowed and turned back to the door. Koda tugged on the black mage¡¯s coat. ¡°Wait!¡±


    Mateo spun to face Koda. His face was not of annoyance, but inquisitive instead. ¡°You have more questions, I presume?¡±


    ¡°Why train me? With so many mages out in the world; Mages like Trent; Why was I chosen as your student?¡±


    Koda¡¯s eyes lit up with a blaze of magenta Magi.


    Mateo¡¯s eyes widened and encased the room and in an oily black darkness, then extended the shadows to hide his face.


    ¡°Koda!¡± he hissed. ¡°Your familiar searches for you!¡±


    Koda covered his eyes.


    ¡°Where are you, Koda?¡± Wildeye¡¯s voice echoed in his mind.


    ¡°She can not find you! If she does Arrelion will take¡ª¡± Mateo cut himself short. ¡°Having a familiar to see through eyes and memories, to listen to every thought¡­¡± His lips slid into a sneer.


    Koda clenched his eyes shut and only focused on Mateo¡¯s words.


    ¡°Familiars can be turned into powerful weapons against you by your enemies,¡± Mateo finished.


    ¡°I understand the potential weaknesses of a familiar, but I am bound to her. There is nothing I can¡ª¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Mateo took hold of Koda¡¯s shoulders and peered into Koda¡¯s blazing eyes. ¡°There is something I can do.¡±


    Koda froze, caught in the hypnotic stare of Mateo¡¯s gold irises. Wildeye¡¯s loud voice slowly died and faded from his mind. The Magi emitting from Koda¡¯s eyes fell into a smokey wisp before subsiding. An new, alien Magi flushed through his body, over taking his own magic.


    ¡°M-Mateo¡­¡± Koda murmured. However his words stumbled and tripped over his lips, coming out slurred.


    ¡°Sleep, Koda. I shall see to it that your familiar bothers you no more.¡±


    Koda''s head rolled back and Mateo¡¯s soothing words drifted him away into a deep slumber.


    ***


    Elucard paced frantically around Arrelion¡¯s parlor. ¡°No mage will take us,¡± he repeated over and over again. He looked up at Inle who sat in one of the comfortable, large chairs. ¡°They refuse to allow shrouds to the grounds; even though my ward is in grave danger!¡±


    Inle nodded in understanding. ¡°We¡¯ve exhausted our options, my friend. The only thing left to do is to wait for Arrelion to return.¡±


    Elucard halted and tightened his fist. ¡°That¡¯s not good enough. Not for me.¡± Elucard stroked his brow. ¡°I¡¯ve seen the Collector portal us to the Scorch seal¡ªand Calsoon and his partner create a portal to escape the destruction of that underground city.¡±


    Inle rubbed his hands. ¡°The Dead of Winter members were given the ability to teleport around the realms. Some have become quite adept at it.¡±


    ¡°Then you can bring us to the Mage Tournament,¡± Elucard said with edgarness etched in his eyes.¡±


    Inle shook his head. ¡°I have no clue where this Mage Tournament is; it might not even be on Draak¡¯Terra,¡± Inle walked over and took Elucard¡¯s hand. ¡°I am sorry, my friend, but we can only wait for word from Arrelion or Wild¡ª¡±


    Arrelion kicked in the parlor door with an unconscious Wildeye draped in his arms. ¡°Move!¡± Arrelion shouted.


    Inle and Elucard quickly stepped aside as Arrelion rested Wildeye¡¯s figure on the rug. Raine followed him into the parlor. Elucard searched for Stryneth and Koda, but found no others. He took a hold of Raine¡¯s shoulders. ¡°What happened? Where is Koda?¡±


    ¡°He left with Master Stryneth, we had hoped that he would return back to Admament Keep.¡±


    Arrelion turned to Elucard. ¡°He is not here?¡±


    Elucard bowed his head. He was too late, Dead of Winter had Koda in their clutches. ¡°I am afraid we may know where Koda has been taken to.¡±


    Arrelion stood up and folded his arms. ¡°What is going on here, Elucard? Where is Cade?¡±


    Elucard squeezed Inle¡¯s hand. ¡°You can trust them, Inle.¡±


    Inle nodded and addressed Arrelion and Raine. ¡°My name is not Cade, It¡¯s Inle Ebonpath and for the last six months, myself and my partner have masqueraded as Cade and Stryneth in order to lure Koda into becoming an apprentice for Master Wraslyn.¡±


    Arrelion moved in close to Inle. His dark eyes read Inle up and down. ¡°Who is Wraslyn?¡± asked Arrelion. His tone was as sharp as Inle¡¯s blade.


    Inle couldn¡¯t help but look away from Arrelion¡¯s stern eyes. ¡°He is a vampire and commands the very shadows. He leads a guild of like-minded individuals, such as Strife.¡±


    ¡°So Stryneth is Strife after all?¡± Raine asked quietly.


    The shadow elf nodded. He lowered his head. ¡°We¡¯ve been after Koda for some time now. He encountered Wraslyn¡¯s agents in Dragon Realm Blight and there we secured his curiosity.¡± Inle ran his fingers through his violet hair. ¡°It was only a matter of time that he would follow us to Wraslyn.¡±


    ¡°Then why haven¡¯t you scurried away to him?¡± asked Arrelion.


    ¡°I-I-¡± Inle searched for his words but found none. He looked to Elucard for help.


    ¡°He switched sides. He wants nothing to do with his guild anymore,¡± explained Elucard.


    ¡°And can we trust him? This entire time he has been lying to us!¡± Raine said, raising her voice.


    Elucard stepped in front of Inle. Trust didn¡¯t come easy to him, but, somehow, for some reason, he trusted Inle. He trusted Cade. ¡°I will vouch for him.¡±


    Arrelion placed a calm hand on Elucard¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ve only known you for a couple of months, but I know you have a good head on your shoulders, Elucard. If you trust this Inle, then so do I. However, can he take us to Wraslyn?¡±


    Inle shook his head. ¡°I do not believe he is at our headquarters. Not yet anyways.¡±


    ¡°Why is that, Inle?¡± asked Elucard.


    Inle took a seat next to Raine and leaned forward. He scratched the back of his head. ¡°He keeps his location a mystery. He is not easy to track down, but when he¡¯s close you can feel him. I feel him. Like a chill running down your spine, but over and over again. He¡¯s a boogeyman under a child¡¯s bed and he even frightens me. I am sorry that I can¡¯t locate him, but I know he is close.¡±


    Elucard rubbed his partner¡¯s back. ¡°Close like he¡¯s in Twin Cliffs, Inle?¡±


    ¡°No¡ªI don¡¯t know. He could just be in the Northern Territory.¡±


    Arrelion crossed his arms in frustration. ¡°A lot of good that does us.¡±


    ¡°I s-saw him! ¡± sputtered Wildeye. The familiar hacked and coughed. Her blue claw reached into the air.


    Arrelion came to her aid. ¡°Someone give her water!¡±


    Inle reached for an empty glass and filled it to the brim with cold water with a spellweaving wrist. He rushed to the wolf¡¯s side and gently poured the contents into her mouth.


    ¡°Wildeye,¡± Arrelion whispered. ¡°You said, you saw him, what did you mean by that?¡±


    Wildeye thrashed wildly, her once blazing eye fell to a simmering ember. ¡°Mateo¡­ has Koda.¡±


    Arrelion rubbed her forehead. ¡°Her fever worsens.¡±


    ¡°Arrelion,¡± Elucard said. ¡°What is happening to her?¡±


    Arrelion shook his head. ¡°It can¡¯t be¡­¡±


    ¡°What is happening to her?¡± Elucard repeated. ¡°Where is Koda?¡±


    Arrelion stared into Elucard¡¯s helpless eyes. ¡°If Koda is with Cade¡¯s Wraslyn, then Wraslyn is Mateo¡­ My brother.¡±


    Elucard tightened his grip. ¡°Where is he?¡±


    Arrelion looked away from Elucard, now defeated. ¡°He went into hiding after the Arcana War. Why has he surfaced now? I don¡¯t know. Why does he go by Wraslyn? I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Elucard gnashed his teeth. ¡°Tell us something useful!¡±


    Arrelion gestured to the blue wolf. ¡°He is severing Koda¡¯s familiar bond with Wildeye.¡±


    ¡°We have to rescue Koda!¡± Raine cried. She held onto Wildeye¡¯s claw. ¡°Tell us where he is, Wildeye.¡±


    Wildeye stared wearily at Raine and smiled. She gestured for Scarlet to come over to her and then placed a shaky claw on the rust-colored wolf¡¯s forehead. ¡°I-I only remember the path that Koda took. Beyond the fog, I do not see any further, but you must make haste¡­¡±


    Elucard looked to Inle, Raine, and Arrelion. Each nodded, knowing full well they were about to enter the dragon¡¯s den.