Book of Mors: Summoned

Arc: Getting a Soul Weapon

Chapter 21, Part 1: The Team

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Standing outside the northern gate of the Wolf's den, five figures, dressed in thin, brown leather armour, were milling about idly.

It was early morning, and a light fog hung over the clearing between the imposing stone walls and the dark, depths of the forest creating a calm, almost eerie atmosphere.

"So, does anyone know anything about the newbie?" said an elf, his pointed ear twitching, as he scratched his short blonde hair and readjusted the bow slung over his shoulder.

A girl, with reptilian eyes and flaming red hair, huffed noisily as she lazily held her staff. "For the last time Alex, we know nothing. We were just told to wait here."

"Sure," responded Alex, not believing her for a second. "Just like when you said we were going to leave with the others and then we found out you and your bear lover knew we weren't."

"Alex, I think it's time you stopped irritating Alice, you are going to get burnt... and not in a fun way," said another elf, looking similar but with dark brown hair.

"Shut it, Trent; We have been here for hours, and they know something. Why is it that no matter where we go, those in power like shitting on the little guys," spat Alex, disdain heavy in his voice.

Holding up both hands, as if surrendering, Trent smiled. "Look, even Bruce seems like he is about to give up the will to live and what will knowing do? Take it easy; girls don't like stressy elves."

At the mention of his name, the group turned to look a the bearkin, who was unusually silent, starting at the ground as if it was his mortal enemy.

With a slight skip in her step, Alice walked over to the towering bearkin, wrapping her arm around his waist. "What's up? Ever since you got called to HQ, you have been like a bear with a sore paw."

Bruce looked down at the teasing smile of Alice, glaring for a few moments before sighing and releasing a genuine smile. "Don't worry, you will find out soon enough."

"You know I hate secrets," Removing her arm sharply she stomped off, heading towards a girl that looked almost the same as her, the only difference being blue hair and eyes instead of red.

"You are going to hate the truth even more," grumbled the bearkin to himself, watching her lamia stomping away.

"Claire, something tells me this is going to be a very long trip," said Alice as she slipped in beside her sister and let out a deep breath.

The blue eyed lamia looked at her twin sister and smiled. "A year is a year. How can it be any longer?"

The two elves snorted, trying to hide their laughter. Claire and Alice were complete opposites, but at the same time, felt like two halves of a whole. One Cynical, aggressive and domineering, the other air-headed, placid and submissive. They often fought, but it was as obvious as day and night that they were never serious.

"That wasn't even funny," hissed Alice, causing the elves to laugh even more.

"Alice..., you know those perverted elves like it when you hiss," sighed Bruce as he shook his head. He was normally the jealous type but knowing what was coming; he didn't feel like engaging in an argument with the elves. "...they use it as... material."

Alices face went red from embarrassment before turning to Bruce, concern flashing across her eyes, noticing that he wasn't about to bury the elves in the ground like he normally would. "What's w-"

"Ah, the joys of youth. Not only can it distract you, enabling someone to appear unnoticed and replace more important thoughts, like how are you going to survive the upcoming trial, but it can even make you forget your manners when facing a superior officer." A melodic, cheerful voice interrupted Alice.

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The five froze, their eyes widening. Though they had not seen her in almost three-quarters of a year yet, they could never forget the voice of their most dreaded instructor, the captain of the Huntsmen, Verz.

"Captain," shouted the recruits as they rushed to form a line, slamming a fist to their chests.

Verz stood there, her leather armour looking like it was about to fall apart at any moment. "At ease, I don't have time to... play. I need to change and gather my squad. We will be heading to the city of Ashsqua together in fifteen. Be ready."

Verz's words shocked the group. They expected to be given their assignment and leave on their own like the rest that had taken this year's trials. With this new information, they started to assume that their mission might have something to do with the city, which was weird as it was almost as secure at their fortress, deep in Huntsmen territory.

"Mors, stay here and," Verz turned towards a tall, thin man standing next to her, his huntsmen mask showing from beneath his black mantle, hiding his face. "If you start a fight, you will be starting the trial with two broken legs... and that's if I am feeling nice."

Not waiting for the demon to respond, Verz figure flickered as she scaled the walls, too impatient to wait for the gates to open, and disappeared inside the citadel.

The adepts looked at Mors as if they had seen a ghost.

One of the first and most important lessons taught to an adept was the ability to detect others. While their captain, being at such a high level, it was acceptable to not noticer her, the man standing in front of them was clearly an adept yet, even if they tried now, it was extremely hard to sense him, his figure seemingly melding into the long shadow of the wall.

Alice frowned and started muttering. "Mors? Why does that name sound familiar?"

Bruce barely contained a growl. "The last initiation trial... The guy that won it."

The lamia's head snapped up and her eyes locked onto Mors as her a small wave of bloodlust seeped from her.

Alex and Trent, not understanding the problem, as they had only just returned from their training, wanted to get along with their new teammate, stepped forward. "Hey, my nam-"

Mors abruptly turned and moved towards the stone wall, ignoring the elves before turning and sliding down into a sitting position. After no more than a few moments the faint sound of snoring, almost inaudible, reached their ears.

"I wish I could sleep like that," laughed Trent as he shook his head.

Alec smiled. "He did just turn up with the captain; I am surprised he isn't in a body bag. I guess introductions can wait until later."

Claire had been watching the whole thing with a confused expression as Alice and Bruce slowly distanced from the group, talking in muffled whispers.

After a few minutes. the adepts fell into silence, each for their own reasons. Alice was livid at Bruce for not warning her, Bruce was lost in his thoughts, the elves were bored, and Claire was curious about the newcomer, slowly creeping towards him when her sister wasn't looking.

Just as she had reached the sleeping Mors, and about to cough to see if she could wake him up, Verz reappeared, landing heavily onto the group, quickly followed by the rest of her group, Kelora, Rock and Velcea. "Come on; let's get going. You guys are already a week behind."

"Who's fault is that?" grumbled Rock, irritation evident on his face as he glared at his captain.

"Sleeping beauty over there decided to evolve after killing the troll king, wooing the new queen and wasting valuable training time," responded Verz, though it was clear by her tone, she was proud of Mors' feats. "And... his punishment took a fair bit of time."

It was then that the new arrivals noticed Mors, sitting against the wall. Verz had not told them anything about the pair's time away, wanting to see their reactions as they saw his evolved form and sensed his increase in power.

Mors woke with a flinch, instantly on high alert before processing where he was and slowly standing. He didn't say anything as he started walking towards Verz.

Rock's jaw dropped, Velcea looked slightly irritated, and Kelora stared intensely for bursting out laughing. "Took the brat long enough, though I guess that getting the second most powerful bloodline isn't too shabby. Greater demons have some pretty impressive evolutionary trees if they can meet the requirements."

Verz seemed to take the demoness' words as an insult instead of praise. "He isn't a pure blood so he couldn't be a royal variant and with his dra-....heritage he would stomp them into the dirt."

The Huntsmen immediately picked up on the fact that she had just stopped herself saying Draconic and made a mental note to do the same. 

Velcea glanced over the adepts, nodding as it appeared the near slip had been missed.

Rock finally came back to his senses, processing Verz words before revealing a stone filled grin and knowing gaze. "Oh, like that is it?"

Verz glared at him, her silver eyes almost glowing. A moment's silence had passed before she turned towards the north. "Mask up, until we achieve our objective as Huntsmen, we will follow standard protocol. Once we set the adepts on their way, we will collect their masks and any identifying items."

"Told you it was going to be a cloak and dagger trial." Rock held his hand out, and Kelora reluctantly placed a golden coin in his palm. "Bet it's going to be corrupted mission."

"Tsk, you win one bet out of a hundred and think your top dog," glared Kelora as she nodded, accepting the gamble.

"Enough, let's go," shouted Verz, excitement evident in her voice, causing everyone, including Mors to frown as they broke out into a cold sweat. "What is she planning now?"