Night duty

Authors note: Chapter 100, woo!

A few days later, Kael finds himself on night guard with Bernal. Normally, there’s only one champion for this duty, and it’s usually Bernal, given his supernatural ability to go without sleep, not to mention his close relationship with Lord Greyheart. However, after the unfortunate situation with the dissenters, Bernal insisted upon increasing security.

Relaxed but vigilant, the two champions lean against the wall near the entrance to Lord Greyheart’s chambers. Bernal is sharpening his axe, not that it needs it, and Kael is lost in his thoughts. How much things have changed. Until recently, Kael would have been thrilled with the honor of night guard, protecting his lord at his most ****. But now…now he has a home life with meaning, people he cares about.

A flicker of movement catches Kael’s eye, and he snaps out of his reverie. He straightens, looking down the hall, but it’s just a shadow, from a flickering torch. As he relaxes again, Bernal chuckles.

“Eager for some action, or just jumpy? Don’t worry, no one’s stupid enough to try anything here.”

Kael sighs. “I know. I was just distracted.”

Bernal nods. “Fantasizing about all the fun you have waiting at home?”

Kael laughs quietly. “Yes and no. And that’s private, old man.”

Bernal flashes a grin. “I bet it is. Can’t say I’m not jealous, in a way. But you’ll be back soon enough. No need to…”

He trails off, and looks down the same hallway. The torch had flickered again. “Hmm. Maybe your instincts are right. That shouldn’t be happening…”

Bernal sets aside his whetstone, readying his massive axe. Kael draws his blade, and both champions scan the shadows of the hallway. After a moment Bernal freezes.

He speaks, barely loud enough for Kael to hear. “The shadows are wrong. Time to use your power, Kael.”

Kael nods, reaching within himself and projecting his nullification aura. Straining, he stretches it farther, and sure enough, there’s a wavering down the hall. A shadow seems to disintegrate, revealing two slender figures dressed in all black. Both carry paired blades, long and silvered, and both are hidden beneath masks.

The pair, seeing that they’re discovered, drop into fighting stances, and Bernal growls. “Cult of the Shade. Didn’t expect to see one of them.”

Kael has heard of the Cult of the Shade, but only rumors and legends. Residing in the far north, hidden in the mountains, the Cult was a group of ‘human’ shadow worshippers and assassins. Human is a very loose term, as they supposedly undergo extensive magical rituals and enhancement, leaving them little more than extensions of their cult masters will. Their stealth and combat skills are legendary, however, and those willing to pay the cost can hire them, as they always look for new sacrifices to the shadow.

Kael braces his feet, preparing for the fight of his life. Beside him, Bernal does the same. “Let’s send these things back to the darkness that spawned them!”