Captain Mikel Vigsen of the Grimnir Guard placed his hands on the stone parapet atop Castle Grim. The great Tower of Tarn rose like a spike just behind him. He stroked his black and gray peppered beard as he gazed out toward the mountains. His vantage high atop the castle allowed him to see across the entire city, but it wasn’t the citizens of Dalstava that worried him.

As captain, Mikel oversaw all defensive and scouting operations for the entire island, a massive undertaking were it not for the fact that they had relative peace for over a century, and all native threats had been nullified well before his time.

But Mikel was a Watcher. He experienced a supernatural connection with life. He could sense it. Feel it.

And something in the mountains—perhaps the forest itself—was… uneasy.

A fluttering in the air caught his attention as blackened wings propelled in his direction. It wasn’t an unexpected presence. Serena, his closest companion, was a raven of utmost intellect. Their bond had been instantaneous and powerful, from the very moment Mikel first sensed her in the forest nearly twelve years ago. They connected so well that Mikel could essentially see from her eyes if need be. He sensed her anxiety as she approached, and he held out his arm to receive her.

Serena croaked as she landed on Mikel’s arm. Her wings continued to shuffle, legs bouncing as though she were unable to settle.

“Peace. What have you seen?” Mikel muttered, stroking her with his free hand. His own vision blurred as he connected with her, replaying her memory of gliding over the forest. The images revealed nothing, but it still brought with it a sense of unease.

He pursed his lips, wary of what any of these feelings could mean.

Another presence approached. One he did not expect.

Serena took to the air. He turned around and stood at the edge of the stairs that led back into the castle’s keep. His hand settled over the pommel of his sword, not that he expected violence, but the unease must have gotten to him.

The door to the keep opened, revealing none other than Lind Hjordis, one of the instructors at Castle Vrodr. He seemed slightly out of breath, and Mikel could only imagine how long it had taken the large man to travel all the way up to this level.

This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

“Lind,” Mikel said. “I’ve been meaning to come visit Castle Vrodr for a while. I hope you’d excuse my absence. My thoughts have been elsewhere.”

Lind waved his hand and shook his head, waiting to reach the top step beside Mikel before huffing and catching his breath. “I understand. Mine have as well. That is why I have come to speak with you.”

Mikel pinched his beard and regarded his old friend, waiting for him to say more. Though Mikel was a full decade older than Lind, the teacher was still a mentor of sorts. Becoming an educator at Castle Vrodr did something to Grimnirs that Mikel would never understand.

Serena landed on the roof nearby and cocked her head down at them.

Lind let out another long breath before speaking, blue eyes flicking about as he sought the right words. “I’m not sure how to word it, but I’ve been feeling this sort of…”

“Unease?” Mikel finished, voice grave.

“Yes,” Lind said, eyes narrowing. “You’ve felt it too?”

Mikel nodded.

“Any idea what might be triggering it?”

“I have sent Serena scouring the woods, but to no avail.” Mikel’s eyes flicked to Serena, who remained at her perch on the roof, watching the conversation. “She senses it as well, but nothing is discernible.”

Lind tugged his belt with a thumb. “I believe it’s deeper than that. Potentially external. I have half a mind to visit Vanalf or check the portals.”

Lind was right. He patted his old friend’s shoulder. “A wise suggestion, of course. I should have done so already. I will send Valtyras and Watchers immediately. Could I rely on Castle Vrodr to assess Vanalf? That is your specialty after all.”

“I will check it personally,” Lind said without hesitation, leaving no room to question his urgency.

Mikel whistled to Serena. She took off, flying higher toward the Valtyra perch. She would signal them to meet with Mikel. He would need to alert the others. Create assignment. Issue orders. His pulse quickened, resolve settling over him like a familiar blanket. He doubted there would be external threats. Nothing had been able to breach Avskild’s defenses in centuries, and even then it was only because of betrayal—a Voyager who’d been corrupted, opening the portal for others to pass through.

But now there were no Voyagers…

He cleared his throat, returning his attention to Lind. “I’ll see to it, my friend.” He jerked his head toward the stairs in dismissal. “Peace.”

Lind smiled and swatted Mikel’s shoulder. “Peace.” Then he ran back down the stairs.

Unlikely as an external threat would be, checking for any potential weaknesses there should have already been standard protocol, and Mikel would not be known as the captain who let dangers slip into Avskild. It was also a good reminder to send another party deeper into the mountains. Perhaps near the old ruins where the forest had grown thick. Pairing a Vitugr with a good Watcher would be effective there. He pursed his lips.

Peace indeed.