Dark Dreams: Yet another story by me

[Spark]

Dark Dreams

By Saria Lunai (a.k.a. Spark)

That Fateful Day...

It was daytime. The time of day when the sun was dimming and the sky was bursting with colors. Leaves were falling into the river like an orange and red rain, for it was autumn. A small boy of about nine stood watching the scene with a look of sadness upon his face. He touched his ears, which were strangely shaped. They were long and pointed, unlike anyone’s ears he had ever seen. The boy’s name was Leon.

He did not know who he was or where he came from. All he knew was that one day he had woken up from a void of blackness, and saw a man. That man had taken him in and named him Leon, which meant, in the language of the Finians, mysterious.

Leon, in three days, would be celebrating his six years of being with Master Polin, and he was dreading having to see people. He disliked people. The only person he liked was Polin, the man who had taken him in. Polin was a knight, and was often not home, for he had duties and affairs of the country to looks after. He never took young Leon with him, in fear he might get lost or hurt.

"Why must I suffer day by day Kain?" asked the boy, who was now looking up toward a branch.

On the branch sat a small dark brown hawk. This hawk had a red marking in the shape of a crescent, on his forehead. The hawk just looked at him, then flew down and perched himself on the boy’s arm, which was protected by a leather glove. Leon wore a pair of brown loose pants and a messy, long sleeved, white shirt. He wore brown boots, which covered the pants up to his knees and the pair of black leather gloves. Around his head was a red bandanna, which had been folded and then tied under his black hair to keep his bangs out of the way.

"I really do not want to have a mess of people over at our house when master is not here." Leon sighed as he looked toward the sunny area that was to the left side of him.

The sun caught in his eyes and the blackness of them were covered up for a moment by the light.

"I hate the sun." He stated as he closed his eyes, blinded by the sudden ray that had caught in his eyes.
The boy then raised his arm, and rubbed his eyes, forcing the brown hawk to fly and perch somewhere else. "Sorry Kain. Let’s go back and fix supper. I’m growing tired of standing here, hoping to see the master riding down the road." Leon told the Kain as the hawk perched himself back onto Leon’s arm.

Leon and his pet bird started walking off, down a small, beaten pathway. When they had reached the small abode, Leon stood still. His eyes scanned the area with intense awareness, but the boy did not turn his head. Something didn’t seem right.

The hawk sensed it also. Kain became very tense and then flapped his long wings. Leon opened the wooden door and then closed it and locked it.

"Kain, here." Leon said, with no fear in his voice, as he handed Kain a small piece of bread which was in a pouch he had been wearing.

Leon glanced around with a cautious look painted on his face. Everything was where it was before he left that day for work. Shelves were still neatly organized, the chairs were still under the table which sat in the middle of the room, and the writing desk and stool were still in their corner. Nothing was out of place.

He walked over to his room and opened the door. Peeking in he saw his bed, chair, desk, and dresser were still nicely organized and in their place. Then, he closed the door and checked the Master’s bedroom. His stuff was still in order. Lastly he checked the Master’s library and weapons room. Nothing was out of place in there either. The boy sighed and closed the door. He walked over to the pantry, which was almost empty, because Master Polin had not been there for a while. After a little while of rummaging around in the pantry, Leon decided to have some of the dried fruit and meet along with some fresh bread he had made that day.

"Kain, I wish Master would come home soon. I can’t wait ‘till he returns from his mission." The boy said with hope in his voice and a look of joy glowed in his eyes.

Leon then took the food he had taken from the pantry and placed it on a small table and then sat down in one of the three chairs which were neatly placed around the table. The young boy ate until he was full, but remained alert throughout his meal. Something, he couldn’t tell just what, was not right. He and Kain stayed up throughout the moonless, dark night, waiting and watching. Something was going to happen, and he must stay awake to protect his home.

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The next day, young Leon hopped up, off of the chair he had fallen asleep on.

"Curses! I fell asleep. Oh well, I will check to make sure everything is alright." Thinking this aloud, Leon rushed around the house, checking each room carefully and making sure it was not disturbed.

At seeing everything inside was still in it’s place, Leon ran to the pantry and quickly stuffed some bread, dried cheese, and dried meat into a small pouch, which he tied onto his belt. He then took a canteen that was on a shelf and rushed outside to the well and drew up some water, which he put in the canteen, then he tied it onto his belt, next to the pouch of food. During this time his pet hawk was following him, keeping watch and staying aware in the case something abnormal might happen.

Leon hurried back into the house and rushed into his room. He found his bow and quiver full of arrows under his bed, where he always left them He strapped them onto his back and then found his dagger, which was neatly placed in one of his bureau drawers. This he put in a small hilt that was attached to a leather strap, that was tied around his leg. After doing this, Leon put a couple coins, which were in the drawer also, and put them in his pocket, that was in his pants legs, and rushed out the door. To the stable, which was on the bottom of the small hill that his house was sitting on, he went.

"Diuaen!" He happily called as he opened the stable doors.

There stood a small horse, just big enough to ride on. It was pitch black with not a single marking on him. Diuaen was an elven word for night storm, for the horse was as black as a night with no moon or stars to light the sky.

"I am so sorry I cannot feed you now, but I will feed you when I get into town. I must go to town today to work for Master’s business."

Explained the young boy, who quickly led the horse out of the stable and closed and locked the doors. Leon hopped on the horse, barebacked, and started riding away. The disturbing feeling of the unknown presence still haunted Leon. A thing or person who was staring. An eye that pierced his flesh. Something was still not right. And both of the animals felt it also.

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Leon rode fast and hard toward town, for he knew he had to make it there quickly. It was almost 7 o’clock in the morning now and work started soon. He had about an hour left, just enough time to stop and buy a present for his master, for he was coming home soon. The whole time while he was riding, he couldn’t stop thinking about the presence he felt earlier. He had not felt it since he left the house, but the memory still haunted him.

That presence, it made chills run up and down his spine. He was not afraid of it, but it still made him shiver. He had been trained well, by the best. Master Polin, or Sir Polin, was one of the highest knight honored.

He was the King of Finia’s favorite knight. The reason Sir Polin did not live with all of the other nobles, was because he couldn’t bear to leave his homelands of the Finian countryside.

“Faster Diuaen! I would like to stop by the trading post before Guyno leaves!” Leon shouted.

At hearing the command from his master, the horse sped up, running with the speed of a squall winds.
Soon they reached the small town, after they had been through first a field and over a river. This tidy little village was located on the edge of a huge forest. It was a legendary forest that many had traveled into. It was not the fact that it was dangerous, but that it was famed to house a legendary elven city. No one had ever found it, but many had seen glances of elves lurking in the forest. Legends spoke of elves with sparkling colorful eyes, oddly colored hair, and magical powers. Leon had never paid attention to these fairy tales. He didn’t believe in elves, simply because all the myths about them seemed like folly.
Never had he met an elf, and probably never would, or so he thought.

[Spark]

Leon got off the horse and started leading him to a stable that was nearby. The little stable was in the midst of a cluster of houses and shops, and was hard to locate with the eyes. Leon liked it, that way no one would see the Knights stable and rob it.

“Kain get off of the cart.” Leon commanded his hawk, who had perched himself on a woman’s flower cart, which she had formerly been pushing.

The hawk flew off and landed on a house, and stared back at Leon. The woman was short and stout, and her hair was tied up on top of her head. She had blonde hair like most of the people in the village. The only people who did not have the blonde hair, was the merchant and his family. They all had red hair.

“Leon! Do not let that nasty thing back on my cart! Sir Polin should not leave such a small boy home along for as long as he does! I swear, you get into more trouble than the Gileon children’s pet peitu!” The woman had took Leon by the ear and was pulling him up to a mess of flowers which the Hawk had dislodged.

“Ow! Stop! I’m sorry!” He cried as he was tugged over toward the mess.

He quickly picked the flowers off the ground, and arranged them neatly in the cart. Diuaen stomped and snorted at the woman who in turn, gave the horse a nasty look. A couple of children ran out from a shop that they were next to, and started laughing at Leon.

“Look! It’s the boy with the weird ears!” One small girl shouted.

“Yeah, he looks like an smelly old gonin!” A boy, a little older than he, laughed.

“Leon’s a gonin! Leon’s a gonin!” They all started chanting.

Leon’s eyes narrowed and he turned around and walked off, and the horse followed.

The young boy angrily led his horse toward the stable with the chants of the children ringing in his ears. His master had always taught him self-control and discipline, so everyone knew him as quiet and mysterious. He never argued back, unless someone was talking not so nicely about his master. And even then, he spoke few words, and very calmly. Because he was so quiet, it was easy for other people to tease him, because he barely ever quarreled and never challenged. He took the horse into the stable and closed him into an empty stall.

“Stay here Diuaen.” Leon told his horse and started walking out.

Diuaen snorted and neighed, which made Leon turn around to look at the horse.

“It’s alright. Someday they will pay.” Was the remark of the resentful boy.

Leon walked out of the stable, slowly making his way to a small store that was on the edge of town. He walked into the store and an older man with blond hair and gray eyes came up to him.

“Hey there Leon. What can I get you today?” He asked.

“Do you have any leather sword belts in, Uncle Frain?” Leon returned looking up to the man he called Frain.

“Hmm, let’s see.” Frain said as he walked up to a large shelf behind a table.

Frain Marciste was Sir Polin’s uncle. He had been working here at the shop for a while and he was the only other person that was kind to Leon. Leon favored his “uncle” because of his outgoing joking nature. Frain was also very disorganized, which you could tell by looking around his store.

“What for?” Frain asked starting to shuffle through some leather hides.

“Master is coming back soon. I wanted to get him something.” Leon responded quickly, not wishing to engage a conversation.

“Ah, I see.”Frain replied, still searching. Frain searched for a few moments then got upset.“I know it’s in here! I put it here myself!” Declared the frustrated Frain, now searching on another shelf.

“You should really be more organized.” Leon commented walking over to another shelf to help in the search.

“You’re right, I should!” Chuckled Frain as some books fell off the shelves from being to close to the edge.

Leon dodged the books and Frain hollered, “Here it is!”

Frain held out a thick, dark brown leather belt. The belt was decorated with polished gold designs of knots, in the likeliness of our celtic knots.

“Here ya go boy! Take it. It’s your lucky day! No need to thank me.” Frain handed the sword belt to the puzzled boy and then turned around.

“I will pay you. I’m not cheap.” Leon declared, I hint of irritation in his voice.

“Nope. Take it.” Was the response of Frain, proud of himself for being so generous.

“Frain!” Leon shouted as Frain walked into the back. “Well fine. Know I don’t have to go to Guyno’s.” he finished as he walked into the back with his uncle.

“I’m GLAD you’re not going to Guyno’s! That cheapskate thinks that he can con everyone!!!” A very upset Frain said as he clenched his fists together.

Leon just shook his head and started helping his uncle with the business.

A while later Leon sat in the cool shade of a tree outside town.
The tree was quite large and wide and was very full with white leaves. It was a strange tree indeed, rumored to only grow in the deep forests of the northern domains. Yet here it was, growing healthy and beautifully outside the small village Leon called home. He had a strange liking to it, for it was his favorite place to hang out during his breaks.

“Kain here.” Leon called to his faithful partner that was sitting above him in the huge tree.

The hawk flew down and perched himself on the boy’s shoulder, to take the bread Leon had in his hand. Leon stood up and stretched a moment, then turned around to see his house, Diuaen grazing on a patch of grass in the field. Leon whistled a short tune and Diuaen came running back to him.

“Good boy!” Exclaimed Leon, giving Diuaen the last piece of carrot he had brought from his Uncle’s shop.

The horse finished chewing on the carrot as Leon climbed onto his back and took the reigns in his hands.

“Nallou!” Leon shouted and the horse sped off, the hawk flying behind.

Leon had decided to get home before the sun began it’s descend beyond the horizon. He wanted everything perfect for when his master got back. Polin had told him next time he leaves Leon could go with him, and Leon wanted to have everything ready so his master didn’t have to prepare the house himself. He rode for a while and came upon the small green hills just before his house.

“Well, here we are. Master Polin should be home in an hour or so.” Leon declared with a most joyful tone and eyes as bright as the morning sun.

“Come on Diuaen.” He said as he tried to get the horse to move.

Diuaen wouldn’t move.

“Diuaen, go! We must get home!” Uttered Leon, getting annoyed.
Diuaen neighed and backed up, snorting.

“You aren’t usually like...” Leon started but couldn’t finish.

He remembered the presence he felt earlier. It was back, that dark and evil presence.

“Stay here.” The boy whispered as hopped off the horse.

Leon crept up the side of the hill to a large tree, which he hid himself behind. Peeking around, he saw his house. Outside the house was a large chestnut colored horse with a saddle and a tan sack tied onto it.

“Baelein!!!” Leon cried in joy at seeing his master’s horse.

“Master’s home! Come Diuaen!” He called as he ran down the hill towards his house, forgetting all thought or feel of the mysterious presence that had cautioned him so.

He hurried down the hill with a smile from ear to ear, sparkling eyes, and a happy skip to his run. Running to the door, he slowly opened it, the door creaking as he did. He peeked in hoping to see his master sitting at the table, but no one was there.

“Master Polin?” Leon said loudly, hoping his master was here.

As soon as he saw his master wasn’t in the room, the presence returned to his mind.

“Master?” He said in a more concerned tone this time.

A shout arose from his master’s bedroom. At that moment a thousand different thoughts entered Leon mind, but he wouldn’t choose to believe any of them were true as he rushed towards the room and slammed the door open.

“Master!!!” He screamed as he saw the most horrible site possible for a young boy like him.

There was his master, laying limp on the floor. A Dagger had been stabbed through his chest and was still there. Blood covered his white tunic and brown pants and he was ghostly white.

This couldn't be... It just couldn't. His master couldn't be dying. This was all just a nightmare... Or so the boy thought.

Leon looked up and saw the window was open. He ran up to the window, looked out, and saw a man cloaked in black, riding on a black horse. His hood was down and Leon could see he had long white hair.

“You *******!” He screamed, not caring what he said, as he hopped out the window and chased after the black rider. “I will kill you!” He hollered even louder, tears blinding his sight, running wildly after them.

[Spark]

The man turned his horse around and looked directly at Leon, with an evil grin on his face. His red eyes gleamed with wickedness and his look showed malice. He tauntingly laughed a most cruel and vile laugh and then turned back around and speedily rode off.

“Come back here you idiot!” He yelled weakly, on the verge of tears again.

He shook his head, knowing it was impossible to get him now, and ran back to the window, hopped in, and knelt by his master’s side.

“Master Polin?” He managed to whisper, with hope in his voice.

His master was laying face-up and his eyes were closed. He had long brown hair which had been tied in a pony-tail.

“Master?” He said again, letting a tear fall down his small cheek.

“Leon.” A deep, but very weak voice came from the body.

“Master Polin!” Leon said with joy, and took the hand of his master in his own, small hand.“You’ll be fine. I’ll get...” Leon was cut off by his master’s grimace of pain.

Polin opened his eyes, showing they were a clear dark blue.

“Good-bye...” Was the only thing Polin managed to say then closed his eyes again.

“No Master. Don’t go!” Leon said as tears returned to his eyes.

It was too late. Sir Polin had passed away that moment, leaving the small boy with no father.

“NO!!!” Leon screamed, tears pouring out, stinging his eyes.

He grabbed the dagger out of Sir Polin’s chest and ran it across his cheek carefully, carving first slightly up and around, then back down his cheek. Blood trickled down his face as he dropped the dagger and started sobbing.

[Spark]

Silence of the Boy...

A bright ray of sunshine burst through the clouds, making a beam of light to the ground. After the first one followed another, then another. The clouds of the rainstorm were breaking up, showing a sunny afternoon sky.

The vast meadows were bright and full of life. Everything seemed fresh and clean as the sunshine hit it. The trees and grass sparkled and birds started singing.

On one side of the meadow was a large rocky area. It held a hole that led to a small cave.

“Finally it stopped raining.” A young boy with black hair walked out of the cave, a black horse following.

It was Leon.

“Come Kain!” He called and his loyal hawk flew out of the cave from behind him.

Leon had been wandering the land for a few years now. He was taller and quite muscular for someone in his youth. It seemed as if he were about fifteen or sixteen years of age. His ears had grown longer and more pointy, and his black hair was shoulder length. He wore his hair tied back. Also, he still wore a bandanna tied around his forehead, this time purple, keeping hair out of his eyes. He wore a black tunic, which was a little big for him, and a long-sleeve purple shirt under that. His pants were brown and baggy on him and the brown boots he wore were a little large as well.

“Diuaen, come.” He called to the horse who was grazing on some grass.

Diuaen was now a large muscular horse, with shiny and healthy hair and a long flowing mane.

Leon got up onto his horse and looking around for a moment, taking in his surroundings.

“Nallou!” He called and the horse started running, faster and faster.

Frain soared above as Leon rode in a northern direction at what would seem lightning speed. They went through the meadows and come upon a forest. Leon whistled and the hawk flew down to him, and Leon stopped Diuaen.

“Kain, fly to the other side and wait for me. Stay out of site.” And the bird flew above the forest, getting farther and farther until there was no sign of him.

“We’ll get to the village before sunset.” Thought Leon, aloud to himself.

Diuaen neighed and trotted around, showing impatience.

“Don’t worry, let’s go.” Leon told the horse in a soothing voice.

Diuaen started galloping on the small, beaten pathway through the forest. The boy and his horse rode for hours, passing many creatures of odd shapes and sizes. Finally after a long ride, the boy stopped the horse and looked ahead, squinting.

“There’s the town.” He sighed as he saw the pathway getting wider ahead, and the opening in which held the small town.

Leon nudged the horse with his leg and the two were off again, riding towards the town very fast, but not as fast as before. The pathway soon widened into a large dirt road, and the two were soon in town. Looking around, the boy jumped off of his horse and led him slowly into town.

There were many people staring at the stranger and his horse, and Leon didn’t like it. He looked around and saw that the women stared as they passed and the children pointed and laughed.

“Typical…” He muttered under his breath.

Ever town, ever city, and every place with any person at it, was the same. They were all the same, all just staring or laughing at him.
He walked slowly to the other end, looking for a supplies store in which to buy some things he needed, and passed by the local tavern.

“Look et de boy wit der ars!” A drunk standing outside the bar slurred.

The man standing next to him pointed and laughed. Leon glared at them and kept walking.

“Maybe we should kill him, whatt’dya think?” Another said.

“Betcha you couldn’t kill him if you tried Adeth.” The second said to the third.

“HA! I could too, Relan.” Adeth yelled back at the second, clenching his fists.

Obviously the people at this town were mercenaries who were wandering in search of jobs, or so Leon thought.

“Go ahead and try you idiot!” Relan hollered at Adeth, and then Adeth lunged at Relan.

Leon stepped towards the two fighting men.

“Excuse me you two, but I bet you I could kill a man without anyone even noticing I’m present.” Leon lowered his eyebrows and a mischievous smirk appeared on his lips.

The two men turned around and laughed.

“I’ll take that bet! How much would it be? I’ll bet you 1,000 drei this queer child couldn’t do that!” Adeth laughed.

“No, I bet 2,000 drei!” Cried Relan.

The two went on laughing as Leon shook his head and walked away.
A man came from the shadows and placed his hand on Leon’s shoulder.

“I’ll take the bet boy. If you loose, you have the money to pay, am I now correct?” The gray-eyed, dark brown haired man asked.

“Yes sir, I have 1,000 drei to spare, but I won’t loose.” Leon turned around and looked into the man’s face.

“I’ll take the bet then. You have a lot of guts kid.” The man grinned.

“Proper introductions first sir. I don’t kill unless I know who I’m doing it for.” Cooly stated the boy.

“Ah, my name is Daen if you must know. The man I want you to kill is a just on the other side of this town. His name is Balin and he has blonde hair and red eyes. He’s the only person or thing in this area with red eyes so you won’t have trouble locating him.” Daen grinned.

“So you want me to assassinate him?” Leon raised his eyebrow.

“If you can do it. Either way I get something I want.” The man chuckled.

“Alright, I will do it.” Leon said as he walked off into the shadows, leading Diuaen with him, and the man stared after him.

Leon walked lightly behind the houses, until he came to the end of the town. He placed himself in-between two buildings and peeked around the corner and saw many people.

“This one will be tricky.” He muttered to himself as he backed up and walked in between two trees and some bushes.

He crouched down and took his bow off of his back, and an arrow from his quiver. Looking in a small open area in the brush, he pointed his bow in front of him. He could see the people from his spot perfectly.

“This should spook them.” An almost evil chuckle escaped from his lips as he put the arrow on the string and drew it back.

Leon stared for a moment until a man with blonde hair appeared. He squinted and saw the man had red eyes.

“There he is. What an easy kill.” He whispered as he aimed his bow and shot.

The arrow soared out of the brush, in between the buildings, past three different people, and landed right in the man’s head, between his eyes.
The man fell down limp, blood gushing out of his head. Many people gasped and wondered where the arrow had come from. All the townspeople panicked and Leon hid himself in the bushes. After a few moments the people were searching a different area and the Daen had come to examine Leon’s prey. The brunette grinned and looked around for Leon, but did not see him. Daen walked this was and that until Leon stood up and walked into the town.

“I told you I could do it. We will discuss the payment somewhere else.” Leon narrowed his eyes.

“Of course. Come to my house with me.” Daen laughed with pleasure.

Daen gestured to a house on Leon’s right and started walked towards it as Leon followed.
The townsfolk didn’t notice Leon in all of their panic, and instead sent out a search party in the woods. The man opened his house door and motioned for Leon to go inside.

“Wait here and I will get you your payment.” Daen chuckled as he disappeared.

Leon waited for a moment, looking around the man’s house and taking in everything he saw.

“Here’s you go, 1,000 drei.” Sighed the man who had returned.

“Thankyou sir.” Leon slightly nodded his head.

“It was a pleasure doing business with you.” He took the nicely sized leather bag from Daen and tied it onto his belt.

“You would make a good assassin boy.” Daen grinned at Leon.

Leon glared at the man and walked out the door and closed it. He spotted Diuaen and hastily but lightly rushed toward his horse.

“Stay here Diuaen and I’ll be back.” The boy told his horse as he walked off towards the trading post.

Leon walked in the door quickly got what he needed and paid. He walked calmly out of the store and loaded his goods onto his horse, then hopped on and rode out of town.

“An assassin huh? Diunaen… I think I know how I’ll earn my money now.” Leon stared forward as the two rode through the forest.

[Spark]

Jobs Don't Always Come Like You Expect...

The day was now old, the sun setting in the background giving a bright and colorful appearance to the orange sands of the barren land. Cliffs jutted out from the wastelands, forming canyons and casting a large shadow on the dessert. A tall handsome young man stood atop one of the largest cliffs. He had long ebony hair, tied messily back, long bangs still hanging in his face. His void-black eyes looked around, searching for any sign of people. The tips of his long pointed ears poked out from under his black hair.

A tight, sleeveless tank tied up his muscular but compact chest, and he wore fitted black pants. Black tied-up boots covered the pants a little more than halfway to his knees and a black bandanna tied around his forehead, but under his bangs, keeping them from hindering his view. He wore a silver earring on his left ear and a silver medallion hung from his neck. It had a crescent moon and an elven symbol carved into it, the symbol seemingly coming out of the moon.

Black gloves were covering his firm hands, and an alert yet calm look was upon his face. A long strong bow was strapped to his back, as was a quiver of bows. From his belt hung a long dagger in its holder. A fighsty hawk sat on his shoulder, looking across the lands.

“Do you think Diuaen will be alright, Frain?” Leon, the man, asked his pet hawk.

Frain answered with his shrill call that roared across the desolate, quiet place they were. Leon closed his eyes for a moment, knowing that Diuaen would be safe by the river in the valley. He sighed shortly, growing impatient waiting for the greedy snob he was working for.

After that day in the town, the day he had first killed that man for a bet, he had taken up being an assassin. He was quite good at it for such a young man. Stealth, speed, and sharp-senses came naturally to him, so not being caught was easy. Over the past years he had made quite a name for himself. Some people knew him as “The Phantom Killer” or “Death’s Shadow.” Most knew of him as “the shadow falcon.” No one knew what he looked like or when he would strike. Many of the corrupted and rich aristocracy had hired him to do away with bothersome pests. Leon had done just that. Never before had he failed to do as he said. He would tell them “I’ve never failed a job and never will.” True to his word, he always came through for them, adjusting to just about every kind of situation an assassin might find himself in.

A slight shuffling noise came from the small cavern that was near. Soon a panting and sweating man came barging out, his slightly long blonde hair drenched in perspiration and caked with grime. His blue embroidered tunic was a mess and one of the legs of his royal purple pants was torn. A bright green cape was wrapped around his shoulders, flowing behind him as he hurried towards Leon.

“Phantom. . . I want you to know that I don’t think you really were worth the amount of money I paid.” The blonde man’s brown eyes flickered with anger and annoyance at having to walk through the caverns to reach his employee.

Leon turned around and threw a small box at the other man.

“You will hear the news soon enough to assure you I am telling the truth.” Leon’s now deep and manly voice stated as he narrowed his eyes at the rich man. “He is dead and not a soul knows how or who. If you’ll please pay me then I’ll be on my way. . .”

The over-dressed man picked the box up and opened it, annoyance changed to delight as he saw what was in the box.

“You brought me scroll. How very kind.” He grinned at Leon, closing the box.

As the man dug in his pockets, Leon slipped his dagger out from it’s holder and behind his back, all in one fluid motion.

“Ah! You’re worth the 500 cinta. Thank-you so much. A pleasure doing business with you.” The man grinned as he pulled a leather bag from his pockets, and walked over to Leon.



The man handed him the bag and turned around, hiding the box in his cape. Leon glared after him, then walked slowly up to him.

“What is it might I ask? Isn’t that enough?” Questioned the blonde as he turned around.

“I’m sorry, you’re life will have to pay as well.” Leon shook his head and brought the dagger down into the man’s heart, before a thing could have been done.

Gasping at the blow, the man fell limp to the ground, blood flowing from his chest and trickling from his mouth. After a moment, he had stopped breathing completely, his skin a ghostly white and no soul in his eyes. Leon sighed. His work wasn’t something he especially enjoyed, but he had gotten used to it.

“Kain, I supposed I’ll bury him since I wasn’t ordered to bring his body back.” Sighed Leon as he looked towards the almost-gone sun.

Leon whistled a high shrill tone, similar to that of the Dedo bird call. Ten minutes later a velvet black horse came galloping through the cavern. A few small leather bags were tied to the saddle.

“Here Diuaen.” Commanded the man as he motioned towards himself.

Diuaen neighed with joy as he saw its master. He was a strong and healthy horse, now being full-grown.

The young man patted his horse on the side and then let out a content breath. He turned around to the now-dead man and stared for a moment. Burying him was the main problem. He had to do it fast.

“Diuaen and Kain, go keep a watch.” And the two were off, into the darkness of the caverns.


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Leon walked into town calmly. It was the small town of Unith. A very pleasant town, that it was. He had left his animals outside of town, waiting for him. On he walked until he reached the tavern. Opening the door, he quickly took in all his surroundings, making out every person, and memorizing every crack.

“Ah! Me good lad!” An empty yet amused voice came from inside.

The young ebony haired man turned his head to see a very welcoming man rushing towards him, clad in nice royal blue knickers and a white pleated sleeved blouse. A burgundy vest covered the man’s blouse and a royal blue cape over that. His brown pilgrim shoes pattered heavily towards Leon. The man was quite short and stout, and wore a small little burgundy hat on top of his bald head.

“Aye! There ye are me lad! Come this way o’re ‘ere!” His dark black eyes were bright and cheery as he motioned for Leon to come with him.

Leon slowly walked towards the man, with much caution but confidence.

“Are you the representative for Lord Farina Lerinson?” Leon asked very quietly.

“Why yes me lad! He has something mighty important he be wanting to ask ye!” The man said in a still cheery voice. “He told me to guide ye to his castle. He be wantin’ to meet ye himself, that he does. The castle isn’t far, so we be better settin’ off soon!”

Nodding his head, Leon glared at the man.

“He wants me to speak with him in much privacy then, doesn’t he.” Came a slightly pleased reply from the dark haired young man.

“That he does! By the way, I am called Denton! Nice to me ye.” His black eyes sparkled as he held his hand out as a friendly gesture.

Leon glared at the man, his arms folded across his chest.

“Well then, let’s be off shall we?” He said, taking notice Leon wasn’t very friendly.

“Exactly what I wanted to hear.” Leon started walking out.

“Alright then! I’ll get you a…”

“Not necessary. I have a horse of my own.” Interrupted Leon.

The man rushed past him to get to his horse.

“Alright then… I will meet you at the stables!” And the man disappeared out the door.

“Jolly little fella…” Leon mumbled and walked out the door.

A couple moments later, Leon was outside of town again, looking for his pitch-black horse. He whistled shortly, the same call he had used earlier. The whistle echoed throughout the forest, and a moment later his beloved horse came.

“Ah, my night storm has come.” Leon smiled as he patted the horse’s head and hopped on.

He started trotting down the pathway and a moment later Kain had perched himself on Leon’s shoulder. Voices were heard ahead of them, and a pathway came into view. Leon assumed it led to the stables, and followed it. Sure enough, a couple minutes down the road he came upon some large stables. Denton sat on a sleek white horse, surrounded by three strong men on horses. Most likely, the men were Denton’s body gaurds.

“Helloo there me lad! I’ve been excepting ye for some time now.” He smiled warmly at Leon as he approached.

Leon returned him with a glance, nothing more.

“Let’s go shall we?” And off trotted his horse, the three others following.

‘I guess I’ll follow.” Leon sighed.

He hated having too many people around him.Leon trotted along… for some reason he was getting a feeling. The feeling he hadn’t gotten in a very long time. Diuaen felt him tense up, as did Kain.

“It’s alright you two.” He muttered quietly. . . the animals still a little nervous as they went along.


---------------------------------------

It didn’t take long for them to reach the city of Lain. It was large elegant city, perfect for being the capitol of the Aragoth regions. The small company trotted slowly through the cheery yet busy streets. People rushed here and there; children laughed along the sides. Buildings were white, trimmed in colorful paint. A large white castle towered above the other buildings. It was located directly in the center of the city. Beautifully crafted statues and bright paint and gold trim decorated the enchanting castle.

“Now Lord Farina doesn’t have time to see you today. He will see you tomorrow morning.” Denton mentioned over the noise of the crowds. “You will be staying in the castle for-”

“I will be staying where I please. If he is not to see me right now then I will arrive when he wishes.” Leon led Diuaen out into the crowd.

“But… wait! Alright, I’ll be waiting at the doors for him tomorrow.” Denton sighed.

[Spark]

Babysitting Is Not For Assassins...

“This way sir.” A guard dressed in silver armor motioned towards a large path leading to the huge front gate of the castle.

Leon nodded and kept walking forward. He had left Frain and Diuaen in the stables.

“AH!!! Leon me lad! Ye made it ‘ere alright!” A cheery voice called from Leon’s left.

The cheery bald Denton came into view, huffing as he ran towards Leon. Leon closed his eyes and shook his head. This would be some job. What would he be doing for a Lord? This was quite strange indeed.

“Leon! This way me lad!” Denton smiled as he gestured towards the front gates.

Leon blinked. They were all so. . . nice. Nobody was ever nice to him, especially since he was an assassin.
He nodded a reply to Denton and followed.

“Open the gates!” An armored man at the front of the gate quickly called to the gatekeeper.

“Yes sir.” And the gates started clanking, slowly coming up.

“That will be all lads.” Denton nodded then quickly strode inside.

The quiet young man followed him, not caring to exchange glances with the guards. He closely followed Denton through the large hallways until they reached two huge double doors.

“Ye will hafta wait in ‘ere for a couple minutes. Sorry lad.” Denton said as the guards opened the large stain-glass doors.

“That’ll be fine.” Leon sighed as he walked after Denton into the large room.

Leon looked up, and immediately a child-like awe filling his mind. Although his face remained expressionless and body calm, he felt it inside of him. The lush royal blue and gold carpets, beautifully painted vases and artwork, and perfectly carved furniture decorated the room. A ceiling rose thirty feet above him, and on it were amazing paintings. Two door ornamented in gold were standing on the other side of the large chamber.

“Alrighty then. I will call ye when the time has come.” Denton waved his hand and was off to attend more business, leaving Leon gazing at the finery.

Leon walked over towards a particular painting. It was a portrait of the royal family. A dashing dark haired man stood in the middle. Most likely it was Lord Farina. A pretty smiling blonde woman stood next to him, and two young girls in front. One had lavender hair, and the other had blonde hair. They were young, the blonde haired girl being only about three years of age or so. Leon guessed that the lavender -haired girl was seven or eight. They all looked very happy.

A sigh escaped Leon. He remembered when he was young and happy. Then that day had come. . . that dreadful, horrible day. Leon found himself clenching his fists, remembering the white-haired stranger- the stranger who had killed his master. His eyebrows furrowed and eyes narrowed. A tear escaped his eyes and ran down his cheek.

“Ah! Me lad! Time to go in, that it is!” Came Denton, who had just entered the room again.

Leon quickly wiped the tear away before turning to the stout little man.

“Come on lad. We’re goin’ to see Lord Farina, that we are.” And he walked across the room and opened the two doors that were ornamented in gold.

Denton smiled as Leon walked past him into the spacious hall. It was decorated with armor displays and weapons hanging on the walls. A large table was in the middle of the stone floors, and at the end sat the man from the picture. He had a noble air about him as he sat there proudly. His smooth dark brown hair shone in the light from the windows, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to bore through Leon’s soul. His royal purple robes were trimmed in gold, covered with elegant embroideries. Leon supposed the man was in his late forties.

“Lord Farina, I present the assassin known as the shadow falcon.” Denton bowed shortly then gestured to Leon.

“Welcome. Please, sit down.” Lord Farina’s deep and friendly voice welcomed as he gestured towards a seat on the opposite end of the table.

Leon nodded and quickly sat down, facing the older man.

“Now, I wanted to make you an offer, but first I must ask you some questions.” Firmly stated Lord Farina as he rested his arm on the table. “You’re reputation is known very well by many. Many of the noble-blood fear you. You can hit a target with extreme speed and stealth. People don’t even know your there. No obstacle has stopped you from completing your job.”

“That is correct. I’ve never failed before. I always get my job done.” Leon’s empty reply made Denton wonder.

Lord Farina laughed shortly, a merry and pleasant laugh. His smile was warm and welcoming.

“What is your name boy?” Asked the Lord as he set his ocean blue eyes back onto Leon.

“Leon, sir.” Leon said, tensing a little.

Lord Farina had been watching him like a hawk. He seemed to be searching for something inside of the assassin.

“Well Leon. I want to hire you.” Lord Farina began to smooth his mustache, in thought.

Leon’s eyes narrowed and his eyebrows furrowed into thought.

“Bring the girls in and tell Sir Keoni he is needed.” Lord Farina commanded a guard that was at the door.

“Yes sir!” And the armored guard disappeared out the large doors.

“I need to tell you the conditions. You see, a white ago my first wife was murdered. The man disappeared before anyone could find him out. My first wife, Laureka, was found lying in her bed-chamber with a knife through her chest. We searched but never found a single clue. It has been nine years since that fateful day.” A look of sorrow gleamed in Lord Farina’s eyes. “Nothing has happened until two months ago, when someone attempted to murder my daughters. We’ve come out twice without their deaths. But sixteen guards were lost in protecting them.”

“You want me to go after the murderer?” Leon asked in interest.

“Lord Farina, we could only find Baeren. Denal has gone missing again.” The guard said as he walked in.

A tall and handsome young man walked in with a grin on his face. His short auburn hair was worn messily and his sky-blue eyes were sparkling with a mischievous happiness. His red-velvet tunic was worn over black loose pants. A red and gold cape flowed behind him as he walked.

“Well good day Lord Farina! So nice to see you! And you too mister Denton.” He bowed as he smiled.

“Good day to you Sir Keoni. I-”

“Father!” A young girl with blonde hair rushed into the room, straight towards Lord Farina.

She had a dirty face and wore a long white shirt and brown pants. Her platinum blonde hair was a mess and her feet were bare.

“Denal!” Lord Farina embraced his daughter as she ran to him. “What have I told you about exploring the forests alone?” He sternly asked after he was finished hugging her.

“But father! It’s so fun! I followed some of the boys-” The stern finger of Lord Farina was placed on his daughters lips.

“I want you to stay inside the castle unless Keoni or a guard goes with you.”

“Yes father.” Denal sighed, her brown eyes disappointed.

Denal sat down with a plot. Keoni chuckled and sat down next to Denal.

“Now where is Baeren?” Asked the Lord.

As if on cue, a young woman walked into the room. She had long wavy lavender hair that flowed behind her as she walked. Her soft green eyes looked a little sad. A midnight-blue gown she wore, silver embroideries around the chest. The long flowing sleeves were trimmed in silver and crystal jewels. Leon turned his head with everyone else, and immediately was awe-stricken by her beauty. Like always, his face expressed nothing emptiness. He looked away quickly, his long bangs falling in his face.

“Ah, my sweet Baeren!” Keoni smiled as he got up to greet the lovely maiden.

“Hello Keoni. Sorry father, I wanted to finish the book I was reading.” Baeren looked at her father for forgiveness.

“That’s alright Baeren.” Lord Farina smiled.

Baeren sat down quietly next to her father, and Keoni was by her side.

“This is my youngest daughter, Denal. She is fourteen and quite a warrior-woman.” Laughed Lord Farina as he looked at the blonde.

“Hi!” Denal smiled cheerfully at Leon.

“Baeren is my eldest daughter. She’s eighteen.” Baeren looked towards Leon and nodded at her father’s words.

“This young man here,” The Lord motioned towards the brunette called Keoni. “Is Sir Keoni. He’s a fairly new knight to the Takina domain. He is engaged to Baeren. The marriage will seal our treaty between the lands.”

“Greetings stranger.” Keoni gave a friendly smile to Leon, but his eyes appeared cautious.

Leon nodded in return then looked straight ahead towards the Lord. He glared for a moment, trying to figure out what the man wanted.

“I am an assassin. Not a baby-sitter.” Leon broke the silence after a moment.

Baeren blinked at the word “assassin.”

“Father why is there an assassin here?” Denal asked with curiousity.

“Lord Farina, we cannot trust him!” Keoni said worriedly.

[Spark]

Lord Farina laughed his merry laugh and fixed his gaze on Leon.

“I like you boy. I can trust you.” He said with his pleasant voice.

“I won’t do it.” Leon replied, standing up.

“You’d not be exactly baby-sitting. You’d be escorting my daughters to the land of Keatu over on the southern kingdom of Tainai. You would be a perfect body-guard for them with your amazing skills.” He eyed Leon, who had stopped. “I would pay you a handsome reward. Your whereabouts will be confidential and the authorities won’t know where you are.”

Leon stopped and turned around., examining the man who wanted to hire him.

“I don’t care how much I’m paid. My pride as an assassin will not allow it.” His cold stare was directed at Lord Farina.

“Well then, stay here a few nights and then decide. I promise after the fifth night I will let you go if you still do not want to do it.

Leon furrowed his eyebrows in deep thought for a moment.

“Alright. But I must have my hawk and horse stay with me.” He said, looking directly into the Lord’s eyes.

“That’s fine with me. Get your animals then report to Denton. He will show you our stables and then your room.

“Okay.” Leon nodded then walked out of the room.

Everyone stared after him as he left.

“Who is that father?” Denal questioned.

“That was the assassin known as The Shadow Hawk.” Her father replied with pleasure.

“And what if he kills us during the night? I heard he could get past any amount of men without being detected.” Keoni stood up.

“He won’t kill anyone unless he was hired.” Lord Farina said as he left the room.

“But M’lord!” Keoni followed, trying to convince the Lord not to use Leon.

“Baeren, is he safe?” Denal turned toward her sister.

“He’s safe. I can feel it.” Baeren smiled at her younger sister.

“Good, because if he wasn’t, then I’d get my sword out and fight him!” The blonde grinned, her brown eyes sparkling. The two sisters laughed.

[Spark]

Shadows In the Night

Leon stood in the balcony of his room, staring out at the peaceful nighttime that had fallen upon the city. He tried to keep his mind on the decision he was to make, but it kept wandering. Wandering back to that day, long, long ago. The day his master was killed, and he stood there, watching as he died. That white-haired man. Why was that same presence near here? Was the man actually here? Or maybe it was just Leon’s imagination. The young man took a deep sigh as he looked up towards the cloudy, dark skies. No moon or stars shone that night, nor did any storm threaten either. Only passing clouds loomed over the velvet blanket of the dark night-sky.

The raven-haired man’s ears perked suddenly, as he’d just heard a soft, small cracking of a stick below him. Immediately, he looked down, and saw a cloaked figure passing through the shadows below. Though Leon couldn’t see the man’s face, he did notice something that sent chills down his spine. A small wisp of white hair was peeking out from under the hood. Something inside of Leon seemed to freeze. It couldn’t be. Was he after the Lord’s daughters? Leon’s eyes quickly scanned ahead, noticing his hawk sitting on a branch, watching the intruder. This was the time. He must act, even though he didn’t want to. Maybe he could use the daughters as bait, to lure the man in and kill him.

Quickly and quietly, Leon took off, grabbing his weapons first, then went through his room and down the hallways. He found the two daughter’s rooms, side by side, and glared at the gaurds standing outside the doors.

“There’s an intruder, coming to kill the girls.” Stated Leon bluntly, coldly glaring at the gaurds.

“How do we know you’re telling the truth?” Came a voice from behind. Leon turned to see Sir Keoni giving an almost equal glare back.

“If you don’t trust me, you’ll soon find out if I’m wrong or not.” Countered Leon, glancing at Keoni, then back at the gaurds. “We must leave now if we are to save the girls.”

“What is all the ruckus?” A smooth, seductive voice came from behind Keoni. “Why did the gaurds come to get me?” It was a beautiful woman. She had platinum blonde hair, and icy blue eyes. She wore a dark red bed-robe over her white night-gown.

“The assassin wants to leave now. He said there is an intruder. And the intruder is the one to kill my Baeren and young Denal.” Keoni replied, his blue eyes not leaving Leon. “I think something is wrong.”

Leon was beginning to get frustrated now. Why didn’t that pig-headed ******* of a knight listen to him?! “Look ‘Sir’ Keoni. If you do not trust my judgement, you will soon have a dead fiancé.”

“I think he’s right.” The woman blinked, studying Leon’s face thoroughly. Something about the woman warned Leon. He immediately disliked her, despite her beauty and elegance. But Leon was like that. He automatically disliked a lot of people. But there was just something about her that struck him as odd.

Keoni thought a moment, then let out a deep breath. “Fine, we will leave tonight. Prepare the horses quietly. I will go and wake the girls.” But that was too late, Leon had already gotten past the gaurds and was in Baeren’s room. “Wait, where’d Leon go?” Wondered Keoni, but then saw the door open and panicked. “Out of my way!” He ordered the gaurds as he rushed into Baeren’s room, and saw Leon looking at an empty bed.

“She’s not here.” The raven-haired man said as he looked up, towards Keoni. “What about the young one.” At saying that, Denal appeared in the room, rubbing sleepy eyes.

“Where’s Baeren?” Murmured the girl, obviously still half asleep.

“Denal dear, you must hurry up and get dressed.” Keoni said hurriedly, pushing Denal out of the room and back into her own room. “And hurry please! There might be someone after you right now.”

Leon was already looking through the castle, searching the hallways and every room he could get into. After nearly half an hour, he found himself near the staircase to the dungeon, and heard a noise echoing from the darkness coming from the lair beneath him. That same, dark and eerie presence filled the air. It was him. Leon knew it know. It was most definitely that same man. Knowing this, he went twice the speed, and ended up in the castle library. There sat Lady Baeren, curled up pleasantly in a chair near the fireplace, reading a book.

“Lady Baeren we must leave now.” Leon cut right to the important. “He is coming to kill you.”

The young, lavender-haired girl looked up from the book she’d been reading and blinked. Her soft, sea-green eyes sparkled with curiosity and puzzlement. “Who is coming?” She put her book down and stood up. Thankfully, she was already dressed, and in something suitable to travel. A dark-brown sleeveless dress, but no shoes. Leon frowned. They would have to get her some shoes after they got far away enough. He blinked, suddenly giving himself a mental slap. Why did he even care about her? She was only part of his job anyways.

“The one to kill you.” Was all Leon responded with, as he turned to leave. “Come now or die.”

Baeren nodded and followed closely. Leon led her outside, avoiding anywhere near the dark staircase to the lower lairs. The man was somehow working his way up through tunnels that led from underneath. The walls were hollow, Leon had noticed. Passageways wound throughout the insides of most of the walls. No doubt one led to the girl’s rooms. After a couple moments, they wound up on the other end of the castle. Obviously Leon had no clue where he was going. All he had his mind set on was avoiding that presence.

“There’s a passage near here.” Baeren mentioned in her usual soft, sweet voice.

She walked over towards the wall on their left and gently brushed her fingers over a small ridge in the wall. Immediately, the wall moved, revealing a small crack that ran from the floor to the ceiling. Baeren wedged her slender fingers in the crack and slowly worked the wall open. Leon admired how she acted so calmly and quietly while doing it. Soon, there was an opening big enough for the two to fit through. First, Baeren went through, then Leon followed, closing the passage behind him.

The two walked on for a while in silence, just trying to escape. Leon was surprised to find candles dotting the walls here and there, giving just enough light for them to see where they were headed. Baeren was saddened that she wouldn’t be able to tell her father goodbye. Hopefully she’d see him again. Another couple moments and Leon’s spine tingled again, just as they came upon a fork. Either go straight or turn right. The presence was coming from straight ahead. . .

“I feel it also.” Baeren whispered so softly, Leon could barely hear her. “We must go forward though.”

But instead of going forward, she took Leon’s hand and pulled him back down the passageway, and pressed herself against the wall as flat as she could. Leon did the same, noticing the girl had picked the darkest spot of the whole hallway, away from the occasional candle that hung here or there. They waited for what seemed an eternity, and then it came. Soft footsteps were heard coming from the passage that led straight ahead. They got louder, and louder. The presence got c***** and larger, each step that Leon heard come forward. What if he’d been wrong? Maybe this person wasn’t the same one? No, it was the same one. That presence was unmistakable. As it grew c***** and c*****, Leon became even more sure about his decision.

Finally, the footsteps stopped when they were unpleasantly close. Whoever it was, was searching. Leon could sense the malicing darkness that poured from just down the dark hallway. He looked over and saw Baeren had closed her eyes, and was slightly paler that usual. But somehow she seemed unafraid. Something that Leon had never seen before in a girl like her. Yet another thing he admired about her. Only a moment later the footsteps started back up, going down the right passageway, leading away from the two hiding in the narrow passageway, just down the way from him.

[Spark]

Baeren quickly started back down the halls, Leon’s hand still in hers, as if he wouldn’t follow her. Leon looked down at the girl’s hand holding his, but chose not to comment on it, and merely go with the flow. No need to say anything nasty right now anyways. For a while, Leon wondered if Baeren knew where she was going, as it was taking forever to get out of there. Just as he thought that, Baeren stopped, dropped Leon’s hand, and pressed her hand against the wall. It opened for them, and a small burst of fresh air flowed freely through. The girl disappeared outside, pulling Leon along with her. She closed the passage from the outside and then looked towards Leon.

“I don’t know where we should go now, so I think you should lead.” Her eyes stared at the ground, awaiting Leon’s response.

However, Leon said nothing, only took off towards the stables he’d just spotted. He heard faint noises coming from where he was headed, and he hoped it was the younger sister and the over-confident knight. As he approached, he spotted a few figures outlined by the lamp-light that was coming from the stables. To his relief, it was the ones he hoped for. Baeren had followed closely behind, and was also relieved to see her sister safe. Denal looked up from the horse she was on and grinned.

“Baeren!” She exclaimed softly, jumping off her horse and running to her sister, wrapping her arms around Baeren in a loving-hug. “I was so afraid you were-”

“No, I’m safe. Thanks to Sir Elf over here.” Baeren chuckled, smiling at Leon.

Elf? Was he an elf? Leon had never really thought about it. He’d never really believed elves existed, because he’d never seen one before. In response to the young woman’s words he gave a curt nod, then walked forward to go find his horse. Baeren watched Leon as he walked off, an admiring glance not leaving the ‘elf.’ Denal released her older sister from her grasp and grinned again.

“You seem to like looking at him Baeren.” The blonde girl said teasingly. Baeren blushed deeply at those words.

“He saved my life. . .May I not revere him?” Baeren stumbled over her words, looking towards the ground.

“He’s very handsome.” Denal nudged, giving a small chuckle.

“He is. What are you getting at? I’m engaged. Why would I think of anyone in that way?” A helpless, confused tone laced Baeren’s voice.

“I don’t know, why would you think of anyone in that way?” Questioned Denal, raising a blonde brow.

“Ladies, we must leave now.” Keoni called, now looking at the two sisters. “Please hurry, I fear for both of your saftey.” And he wasn’t lying. His eyes were filled with fear for the two girls, and his skin was pale and clammy. Small beads of perspiration dotted her forehead and his hand was gripping the reigns of the horse he was on very tightly.

“Of course.” Both Baeren and Denal responded, rushing to get on their horses.

Baeren took a white and chestnut horse. She was elegant, and seemed to have the same air as her mistress. Denal and taken a dark reddish-brown horse. It was actually small for a horse, but was very hyper, as anyone could tell by looking at the fidgeting horse for any amount of time. As soon as the two had mounted their horses, a couple of men in white and black uniforms appeared. They were the special guards that the Lord had assigned for this mission. All of them wore a white and black tunic, with the royal eagle embroidered in silver on the front. Swords were strapped to their belts and bows and quivers to their backs. When Leon came out on his void-black horse, he stared at them a moment suspiciously. Kain, the hawk, came out of nowhere and landed on Leon’s shoulder, also staring at the special guards with a challenging glare. For some reason, Leon didn’t trust a lot of these people. The only ones he trusted were Keoni and the girls. Even though Keoni was a conceited idiot, Leon still thought him honest, for the most part. Besides, his deep affections for Baeren were obvious. Every other second he was glancing at Baeren with a worried yet loving way.

“We are all here, so let us go now.” The brown-haired knight finally said, looking around and making sure everything was clear.

So off Leon went, ahead of the others. He knew they didn’t trust him, so he would stay in the front, so no one had to keep looking back at him, checking up on him. Most people did that to him. No one trusted him, but he was used to it. It wasn’t like he was hurt or anything by not being trusted. It was just so annoying. Ah well, so goes his life.

On rode the small company through the darkness of the clouded night. They were soon enough out of the city, and out into the vast grasslands that surrounded that area. All wore cloaks, as Keoni had instructed them to. He’d given one to Baeren, and Denal had her own on. The special gaurds, however, didn’t wear any, Leon noted. They were going to get them recognized, then Leon would have to sort it out. This was going to be an interesting mission. He better get good pay for this.

Besides the special gaurds, there was a young man and young woman, who’d concealed their looks in cloaks since the beginning. Leon hadn’t been able to see their features just yet. Keoni had said their names were Manin and Kaelij. Their names were of Kaiklainian origin. Strange that a Lord of Finia would allow people of that race to accompany his daughters. This Lord was certainly different than others Leon had met. He was beginning to respect the man more and more as time went on.

The night went on, and finally they arrived at a small town on the outskirts of the Aragoth region. They’d made good time for such a long ride. Leon watched as the others went ahead of him and into town. Most likely they wanted to rest for the night and get supplies. Hopefully they’d get Baeren some shoes. Part of their journey would be very cold. Diuaen whinnied, noticing Leon’s unusually relaxed position. The horse’s cry snapped Leon out of his momentary daze, and he shook his head. Worrying about that girl again. What an idiot.

“Come on Diuaen.” Leon instructed, and the horse followed the others into town. Kain had flown off somewhere to rest for the night, and Leon wasn’t worried about the hawk at all. He usually did that.

[Anubis]

WoW very nice! buyt the name of my story was Dark Dreams....i guess than i`ll change it to Dreams of Darkness...



those R very Good storys!!

need to finish readin them though

[Sister of Metal]

WOW O.O very very good! I'm writing a story too..got it till chapter 6 now...16 a-4 so I won't post it...its too long...* sniffle*ah well, anyway! VERY good storie~z!

[Spark]

Lol, thanks... I'm going to be trying to write chapter 6 soon hopefully... Wish me luck! I really don't know where to take this story...

[Abaddon]

KEEP UP THE GOOD STUFFS MAN. I love your work :tup:

[Spark]

Thanks y'all! This weekend i'll try and write the next chapters to some of these!

[Dark Realms]

Thats great spark! Took me a while to read, but still bloody good!:ganja: Well Done :tup: