My heart raced as I abruptly awoke from my sleep. My head pounded in agony as I breathed in and out, my body was soaked in sweat; the nightmares were becoming worse. The light from the window on my left side hurt my eyes so, I turned to my right to block the stream of light from entering my eyes.

The sweat on my body made me feel dirty, so, I quickly took a thorough bath and went on a search for my friends. It didn't take me long to find them, as I was walking down the stairs I could hear them in the dining room, and they seemed to be engaged in conversation on an important topic. I entered and was immediately welcomed with the savory aroma of frying pig. "Morning!" I said as I took a seat next to Shael. They immediately returned my greeting. "Is everything right with you?" Roger asked. "You looked pretty angry last night."

"Yes, I'm fine," I said as I began to dig into the breakfast.

"Anyway!" Klayden said after taking a bite of bacon. "I wonder how the Seledianon army will respond to their loss of territory?"

I set my gaze upon Klayden as I swallowed my breakfast. "What are you talking about?" I inquired nervously. He looked at Roger and returned his attention to me. "I guess if Shael wouldn't know you wouldn't have known about it either," he said playing with his food. He sighed and dropped his knife and fork with a clank. "While doing our task, we heard that the witch army had taken some ground from our forces.

Leaning back into my seat, I sighed and crossed my arms. "Shit! The only thing they can do now is hold the line until they can build a bigger force to push them back."

Roger nodded in agreement, "That's what I proposed."

For what felt like a while, we sat silently in thought. Klayden broke the silence. "Well, that's not our job, so I can't lose any sleep over it."

Shael raised an eyebrow, "It would be soon if the Seledianon army can't be successful."

Klayden shrugged. "I heard the king's health is deteriorating. If that happens, it could be a big loss to morale."

Roger got up from his seat and stretched, "If that's true, I have faith that he will pull through and be healthy once more," he said, walking with his wares in hand.

It was a couple of hours after breakfast and I was bored out of my mind. While aimlessly walking around the house, I encountered Reinhold's study. Resting my hand on the knob, I turned it, but to my disappointment, the door didn't budge. Earlier, the others wanted me to go and train with them, but I respectfully declined. As I walked to the backdoor the sound of metal clanging was becoming louder. I entered the patio and took a seat on one of the many chairs that lay there. Shael, Roger, and Klayden were on the field in black gambisons and furiously fighting with the barastyrs. At the tree line, my eyes fixed on the mountains in the distance. The sky was blue and not a single cloud was in sight. Colorful birds sang their songs as they went from flower to flower.

This feeling of tranquility almost made me shed a tear. This feeling didn't last as my mind began to race. My encounter with Abbadon re-emerged, and the words he said to me replayed vividly. "When our queen is resurrected, we will continue to bring forth the others, and this world will be remade in their image."

I furrowed my brows in deep thought. I hadn't a clue what he spoke of. I planned to tell my friends about it but I wondered if I should or should not. I decided I would go and inform them. I kept so many things from them already, it couldn't hurt to tell them about this.

"You three!" I shouted while gesturing for them to come.

They all paused and looked at me surprised before strolling toward me. Out of the blue, a loud and familiar voice called out to us. I whipped my head around startled. Klyaden, Shael, and Roger's stroll became a dash. How did he return so early I wondered as the heavy sounds of boots got closer.

Reinhold stopped at the door with James behind him. The others finally reached the patio and they stood at attention when they laid eyes on him. "I called for your guys many times, why didn't you answer?" Reinhold asked annoyed. He and James were sweaty and they looked wary.

"Sorry, it won't happen again!" I said standing at ease.

Reinhold nodded. "Get yourselves cleaned up and gear up to move out, I need extra hands. We've been overextended." My heart raced a little at those words. If tough people like Reinhold and his group are given a hard time, imagine how hard it would be for us four.

Klayden stepped forward. "How did things get so dire?" Klayden inquired. I thought Reinhold would've snapped, but he calmly answered his question. "We are under a lot of pressure trying to halt the advancement of that army, and that involves going behind their lines."

Reinhold rested his hands on his hips before sighing. "Enough chatting, get ready!"

We made our way down to Oda's armory with our weapons in hand. I have been through many life-and-death situations, but I wasn't able to shake that fearful and nervous feeling before we went on every mission. "I knew it was bad, but I didn't know it was this bad," Klayden said interrupting my thoughts.

Roger lifts his scabbard onto his shoulder. "Don't think about it too much, let's just go and get it over with."

We finally reached the armory and Roger got to work. He was the only one that knew how to operate Oda's tools, and we gave him our weapons to be sharpened. There was nothing much to do, so, I took a look around. My eyes lay upon two very elegant daggers. The handle was covered in very expensive black leather. On the edge of the handle close to the blade. Was a dragon, and the blade of the weapon was curved at the end. Just looking at those weapons was enough to cut you. I helped myself to both of them.

Roger completed the sharpening of our weapons, and I acquired two new ones. I headed to my room and cleaned my armor and clothes. Other than that, I had nothing else to do.

As I walked around the house I began to dwell on the rage that rests inside me. I thought about how I could lose those who I love by being blinded by anger. My thoughts dwindled as I reached the door to Reinholds's study. Upon reaching the door, to my luck, it was wide open.

I entered unannounced. When I moved to the other side of the door I almost ran back out. James was at Reinhold's table, with eyebrows furrowed in thought. Stepping back slowly, I hoped to exit without him noticing but noticed he did. "No sense in running, kid. What do you want?" he said still focused on what he was doing.

"Nothing at all! Apologies," I said backing out. As I was about to leave, the problem that I dealt with sprung back into my mind. Who better to ask about my issue than the calmest person I know?

I entered once more. "Sorry, again, but I have a serious problem," I said nervously. "Don't we all, kid," He retorted. "Anyway, what is it?"

"Controlling my emotions–-my anger to be specific-- has been becoming a real task lately."

James finally met my gaze. "So, that's why all those men died in Aqunetia?!" I looked at him surprised. "How do you know about that?"

He smirked, "Trust me, kid, word gets around fast, and when big fish die, it gets around faster."

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

"You know about Abbadon?"

James nodded. "Yes! And his accomplices in the witch army are not happy." He paused for a minute before speaking to me again. "Let's get back to your issue," He said, taking a seat. He offered to take a seat as well and I accepted.

"You say, you have trouble controlling your anger. Well, lad, if you can't control your shadow, then you can't control emotions."

I looked at him severely confused. "Shadows? When did shadows come into play?! I asked.

He straightened his back and leaned on the tablet. "Your shadow is the replica of you that you cannot see. I'm not a philosopher, but, I have learned a few things in my life. To understand, you must go beyond pride and connect with your inner self or, shadow. When you hear me say shadow what comes to mind? Something dark and sinister; something you should avoid would come to mind, is that right?

I shrugged. "I suppose so!"

"It isn't. The shadow–the dark side is a part of you. If you avoid it, the only person you will be opposing is yourself. By only outputting your pleasant qualities–your emotions, and inner feelings. You will build indignation that the shadow will absorb and be cast onto others. You must recognize, that we humans are capable of the most heinous and vile acts. We are also capable of being benevolent, that is the truth. To deny your shadow is to deny half of you.

Think of a scale. On the right side of the scale, we have qualities that make us good–acceptable qualities. On the right, we have qualities that people look upon with disdain. You cannot discard one quality over the other, it must be moved between the two sides of the scale. If you want to control it, your scale must be balanced, but if the scale is too heavily burdened, the chains that hold it together will break; causing you to break. Embrace and overcome."

My mind was scrambled in confusion, and I think my confusion began to spill out on my face because James looked upon me with sympathy. I am not a stupid person, but what he said was a lot–too much for me to process.

"Did my speech sit well with you?" James asked.

I didn't want to be rude so I told him what he would've liked to hear. "Yes! Thank you for your help," I said arising from my seat.

James nodded and returned to what he previously did before my interruption.

The setting of the sun created an assortment of colors in the sky. The sky looked violet and the sun made the farthest clouds shine red. It was beautiful. After the evening light faded, I returned to Shael and the others. They sat in a half-circle around the hearth smiling and chatting.

I took a seat quietly closest to the hearth. I didn't feel like saying anything; listening was good enough for me. They laughed and talked but I had no idea what they spoke about. My attention was drawn to the crackling of the fire behind me. I don't know what it was but staring into the fire was very satisfying.

"Zarek are you alright," Roger asked concerned.

I faced them. "Why wouldn't I be okay?" I asked slightly annoyed.

Roger was about to respond but the distant galloping of a horse stopped him. We all looked in the direction of the courtyard, our ears pricked. We then heard footsteps heading towards the door. Giving each other confused looks, we arose and headed toward the steps.

As we approached, we saw James with his arms crossed and heard Reinhold's deep and rough voice conversing with someone. We turned the corner to a tall man in the doorway. He wore the cloak of a knight of the Sacred Hand and a mask I was very familiar with. It was Zorion.

Zorion noticed us but continued to talk to Reinhold. After they finished greeting each other, they headed inside. Reinhold walked ahead with James, but Zorion approached us. He took off his mask and took a deep breath. "It's good to see you four alive and well," he said patting my shoulder. "And you all got strong too!" He laughed a bit.

"I heard you guys were assigned a task. I heard some other things as well relating to it too," he said fixing his eyes on me and Shael.

Meeting his gaze was very difficult, but Shael stared right back at him. "That was a real mess you two caused down in Aquentia. What went wrong?"

I nervously rubbed my neck. "I had to deal with some personal business."

He raised an eyebrow. "Is that right? He leaned forward a bit to get face-to-face with me. I was almost as tall as him but I felt embarrassed. "Listen! Don't allow personal feelings to hinder your work," Zorion said putting his hands on his waist.

He straightened his back and nodded while looking at all of us. "That goes for all of you as well!" He shouted, "Now, follow!" he commanded.

We followed him, and I recognized he walked with a slight limp. I then noticed, on his pants, at the calves, blood was matted. I wondered how he received such a wound. Finally, we reached Reinhold's study. Without knocking, Zorion entered. Reinhold and James were at the huge table where a map was placed. Reinhold nodded as James moved his finger across places on the map.

Reinhold finally noticed us enter. "Good, you're all here. Listen up! This mission will be a test of our skill and vigor. Now, gather around," he said while gesturing for us to come closer. "We will be working deep within enemy territory. Oda, Mitchell, and Filibert have already established a foothold in their territory."

He leaned on the table. "Before we start, let me give you this advice: our jobs aren't to fight. We eliminate specific persons, gather information, and deliver it. Do you understand?" he said staring at the four of us intently. In Unison, we replied. "Yes, sir!"

Rubbing his nose, he nodded. "Good!"

"Now! Zorion, James! Come closer." They both stepped forward and leaned over the table. "We have received information from Mitchell stating that approximately two thousand soldiers are preparing to leave Murton Fort, and are on their way to attack. Zorion! I need you to wait for them to leave and carry their exact positions back to Commander Evrard. James! I need you to stall them for a time. I will be waiting at the abandoned house close to Perlington Fort. I have nothing further to tell you, execute it how you see fit," Reinhold said.

I have nothing further to tell you, execute it how you see fit," Reinhold said [https://img.wattpad.com/85799c12fa3600a5179fdfa06f3d18b8a7bdd3ac/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f74754148545a544c7070753447773d3d2d313232353035343236342e313666316430313330333235636138643930393331333933333530362e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

He turned his attention to us and to come forward [https://img.wattpad.com/5c023c79d3e46b443727f4b67f5d23d65d1aecb1/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f346941744e7435484c75524544413d3d2d313232353035343236342e313666316430313863303966623136303535343532323135353139312e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

He turned his attention to us and came forward. He looked at Shael and me with furrowed brows. "I knew about that incident in Aquentia, and it was foolish what you two did. However, I have put that behind me. From now on, there will be no further fuck ups, do you understand!?"

Shael and I stood with our backs straight and shouted, "Yes sir!"

He rubbed his nose and looked at the map. "Come closer, and keep this image of the map inside your head," He said with his hands on the town of Braedon. "This is where you four will be headed."

Klayden's eyes widened in surprise; maybe also fear. "Sir!" He called out. Isn't it a bit dangerous for us to be going so deep into the enemy-held territory? He asked nervously.

Reinhold looked at Klayden with a blank expression. Klayden swallowed a lump waiting for an answer. Reinhold burst out into laughter. "I like this kid! He shouted. "Always asking questions." Reinhold rubbed his nose. "Yes! You will be going to what you consider 'deep,' into enemy territory. Do you have a problem with that?"

Klayden cleared his throat. "I do! But..."

Reinhold furrowed his brows and grumbled. Klayden cleared his throat once more. "I believe it can wait...till never." Klayden stepped back a bit.

Rubbing his nose, Reinhold continued speaking. "There is someone in this town, who I would like you to escort back to our lines. The man who you will be bringing goes by the name of Josef Schwarz. You will find him staying at a tavern."

"Does this tavern have a name?" I asked.

Reinhold fixed his attention on me. "I'm sure it does. But, sadly, that is something you will have to figure out on your own. Now! Do we have an understanding of our roles?" He asked staring at the four of us intently.

"Yes, sir!" We answered in unison. The heavy feeling of nervousness and fear is something that would be difficult to get rid of, But...I am also looking forward to it–to hopefully find Lucius.

My thoughts were interrupted by Reinhold. "If that is so, get ready, we're moving, now!"

We were in our room. Hastily, we all packed. Roger wore his armor and black cloak with his sword tied around his waist. Unusually, he carried a satchel as well. We all wore our armor and cloaks to cover it, but I shoulder-strapped my sword. As I tightened it, Shael stood in front of me. Her hair was neatly put into a bun and she smelled very pleasant. "Zarek, are you ready?" She asked. "Yes, I am," I replied.

Very awkwardly we stood there for what felt like minutes. The awkwardness was broken by Klayden who was in the doorway. "What are you two waiting for? Let's go!" Quickly, Shael exited.

As I walked down the hallway, I came upon a mirror. Very stupidly, I forgot about my eye problem. Shael and the others were almost at the entrance of the house. "I'll be right back quickly! I shouted. Not waiting for a response from them. I ran to Oda's armory. I quickly searched through cabinets for her stretchy bands. And, to my luck, I found them. They were messily packed and were an assortment of colors. One of the bands stood out to me; a band with many golden suns embroidered on it.

I slipped it over my scarlet eyes and headed for the exit.