Iris was left in the decrepit dungeon of Wighthall. Her cell was as wide as her arms could reach with only a mattress laid on the floor and a bucket for relieving oneself. The girl, no longer a huntress, crawled to the corner of her dimly lit cell and hugged her legs close to her body.

To keep herself busy she would meditate for long periods of time. When meal time came, she would ration her foods so as to not eat it all in one sitting. Having something to snack on later in the day helped her feel in control.

However, there was only so much she could do to feel in control of her own life. The dampness of the cell she was held in lacked light, she could no longer tell what time of day it was. In all honesty, she lost track of time and even felt her own sanity slip away from time to time.

No one would come to visit her. The only souls she saw were the guards that came for meal time. Even then, the guards were dismissive of her and shared few words with her.

With days, weeks, and even months flying by, Iris couldn’t get the horrible images of her brother being eaten alive out of her mind. Even worse was when she began to think of Victor and what she had done to him in a moment of panic and fear.

“I’m a coward,” she constantly told herself.

Iris was in deep thought, trying to meditate her days away when all of a sudden she could hear the sound of armor down the hall, the noise of clanking metals got closer and closer until two men stopped in front of her cell. One man of the Ivory Hunt, dressed in the usual gray colored fur coating that draped down to his ankles.

Meanwhile, the man standing next to him was dressed head to toe in metal armor. Accompanied by a blue half cloak draped around his neck flowing down to his backside. The cloak itself had a hood, one he was currently wearing atop his head masking the majority of his bearded face.

“This is the prisoner?” The hooded man asked.

“Yes ser.” replied the guard.

“Thank you, you may return to your post, Hunter.” commanded the hooded man.

The guard bowed his head then made his way down the hall leaving the armored man and Iris alone, with only bars to separate them.

“I am Paragon Folmic. I am here to take you to the Citadel.” He said, grabbing at a key hung by the blue fabric wrapped around his waist.

The man placed the key into the lock of the cell and turned it, opening the cell. The man took off his hood as he entered the cell revealing a rough featured face. Folmic had damaged skin tissue in the form of a battle scar cut from the corner of his lip to his ear. Although, a large portion of the scar was covered by the large black beard he sported. Folmic offered his hand to help Iris up.

Iris took his hand and stood up, she was unwashed and had tangled hair covering her pale face and blue eyes.

“I am Iris, formerly of the Ivory Hunt.” She said with no bass to her tone.

“I hear you are good with a bow?” Asked Folmic

“Everyone in the North is.” Iris said with a cheeky tone.

Folmic smirked and turned to leave the cell. “Let's get you washed up and ready to go. We have a long trip to the Citadel.” Folmic said, holding the cell open for Iris.

“Can I say goodbye to someone before we go?” Iris curiously asked as she walked out of the cell for the first time in weeks.

“No.” Folmic bluntly said.

Iris peered at Folmic from the corner of her eye “Why no-”

“Because I said so. Now go get washed, you stink of horse shit.” Folmic said, pointing down the dungeon hallways that led up the stairs. Iris huffed small strands of her hair off her face and led the way up the stairs being closely followed by Folmic.

Once the two reached up the stairs, they found themselves inside of a barracks filled with guards sitting and laughing on long wooden benches.

The guards were telling jokes with two men not of the Ivory, they were dressed similarly to Folmic. Metal armor clad with a hooded blue cloak, along with leather straps around their belt to hold the blue linen cloth around their waist.

“Huntermaster Jercima. She will be using your washroom if that is fine. Don't want to deliver her to the Citadel looking like that.” Folmic said gesturing towards Iris.

“Her? She can go wash with the pigs outside.” Answered Jercima, a surprisingly burly man with one eye and a short buzzcut of white hair.

As the two spoke, the laughter in the air ceased. Suddenly, the atmosphere got tense. Dozens of guards simply sat and watched. It was clear Folmic was being challenged, he glanced around the room and nervously chuckled.

“I’m kidding Paragon! HAHAHA did you see the look on his face?! Of course you can use the washroom.” The burly Huntmaster said approaching Folmic to give him a tough pat on the back, all while he bellowed out in laughter.

The guards all laughed along with their Huntmaster, the two men that accompanied Folmic on the trip laughed along with them. Even if some of the laughter was forced beyond a certain point. Folmic just let out the same nervous chuckle turning his head to Iris. “It's the room to your left down the corridor. Hurry Yourself.” Folmic said.

Iris nodded, making her way down the corridor to the washroom leaving the noisy barracks room behind her. The washroom consisted of the entire left wing of the building because of its size. The entire room was a windowless steaming pool with a slightly bubbled surface, a luxury only afforded to the ruling family and their high ranking soldiers. Iris grinned from ear to ear as she slipped the dirty rags from her shaped body.

The first thing she did was cannonball into the steaming water, splashing into it. Resurfacing from under the water she ran her fingers through her long hair.

Cupping her hands she began to run water down her soft skin washing any dirt that was left behind.

“Iris!” was called from behind her.

Iris flinched, immediately covering her breasts only to look over her shoulder seeing it was Folmic covering his eyes. “Here is your clothes…im gonna uh leave it here on the floor.” Folmic said crouching himself lower to the ground in order to place the plain tunic near the steaming pool. Yet to take his hand off his eyes.

Iris’ cheeks were as red as an apple but her eyes veered off to take notice of the clothes. She frowned.

“A tunic? What about the armor?” Iris asked.

Folmic placed the clothes neatly on the ground before he turned around to walk out of the washrooms. He had his back turned to Iris before he stopped in place, listening to Iris’ question. “Earn it. Now hurry, we are losing day-light.” Folmic stated, then continued walking out of the washroom.

Iris swam to the edge of the steaming pool and pulled herself out of the water. She walked towards one of the thin towels hung on metal barring at the room's entrance, drying herself off. Iris took the clothes given to her and slipped it on, hurrying her way to the other side of the building where they waited for her.

The three armored men were outside of the barracks waiting for Iris on horseback. Folmic who was brushing the mane of his steed turned to see Iris rushing out of the barracks.

“About time. Get on horseback with Ser Geldwell.” He said pointing his chin at a young blonde man no older than twenty. With no facial hair to bare, it was hard to tell if he was even a soldier.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Iris did what she was told and got on Ser Geldwell’s horse wrapping her arms around him to balance herself. The moment she settled in, the three horses began to trot down the heavy snow towards Wighthall’s gate.

As soon as Folmic and his followers approached the gate, a voice could be heard yelling out from atop the walls. “OPEN THE GATE!” As soon as the command was given, two soldiers ran to the pulley opening the large iron gate.

Folmic turned to look at his companions as the gate was being opened. “We don’t stop until we reach Bleakmore.” the two men on horseback accompanying him nodded.

All three of the men pulled the blue hooded cloaks over their eyes as soon as the gate was high enough for the horses to move through. Folmic whipped the reins on his horse and took off into a gallop. Ser Geldwell and the other man on horseback didn’t hesitate to quickly follow his lead. The three horses ran at top speed across the snowy field slowly leaving Wighthall behind to be but a simple memory.

For Iris, she was leaving her home. A home that had forsaken her, but yet she couldn’t stop looking back at Wighthall as it slowly faded out of sight, too far to see. At that moment, the memories of her brother dying flashed into mind, even the cruelty she had done to Victor was something she could never forget.

Iris tightened her grip on Ser Geldwell and turned her head back around to look straight ahead. The trip was now all she would focus on. No more distractions.

The horses had tirelessly ran through the snowy forests for hours, slowing down in their speed, no longer able to hold a gallop. Folmic noticed the horses were slowing down causing a worry to set over his face as he pulled the blue hooded cloak from over his eyes to see clearly. Folmic raised his head to look at the sky, taking note of the sky’s orangish hue. Sunset.

Folmic lowered his head back down to look over his shoulder, staring at the three still following closely behind.

“Ward yourselves. They’re coming.” Folmic shouted back to the two other men on horseback.

The two men simultaneously reached for a pouch hung on the leather strapping on their armor with one hand. The other hand dropped the reins to reach for a long stick of wood with flint and rock strapped tightly to the top.

The saddle of the horse had a small bit of metal near its hind leg, the men swiped the torch several times against this bit of metal and ignited the torch much like a match. The moment the flames ignited and smoke plumed, the two reached for their pouches and sprinkled a handful of dust into the flame instantly turning it into a light blue color.

Iris stared at the men in surprise as she watched the whole thing. The entire process took less than ten seconds.

As soon as the warded flames were alight, Folmic reared the reins on his steed letting the creature know it was okay for him to stop running. The two other horsemen mimicked Folmic’s movement and reared their horses to a near stop in order to slow them down for a much needed break.

The group ventured for another half hour until the forest was completely swallowed in darkness. The only light that could be seen for miles were their own blue flames.

Up until now Iris was comfortable, but admittedly her facial features told another story. One of paranoia and tension, she refused to relax her muscles. Keeping her senses on complete alert to the surrounding sounds, but she heard nothing. Nothing but the harsh winds passing them by.

“It's not at all concerning to you that it's extremely silent?” Iris questioned, to no one in particular.

“Don’t let the silence fool you. They are watching us.” replied Ser Geldwell, looking over his shoulder to have his voice heard.

Folmic lifted his own warded torch up and tossed it a few dozen feet into the forest. The group followed the flying speck of light with their eyes watching it as it dropped onto the soft white snow.

The very moment it landed, it illuminated the surrounding area revealing a swarm of Veiled Ones watching their every move. In the matter of moments, any Veiled One that was seen in the soft blue light disappeared back into the darkness crawling away like a pod of disturbed spiders.

“Consider that your first lesson, just because you don’t hear them doesn’t mean they aren't around.” Folmic said looking over his shoulder.

Iris was more or less distracted from the haunted sight she had just witnessed. ‘There are hundreds of them watching us right now?’ she thought to herself. Iris turned to look back at Folmic and nodded slowly several times.

“Should be less than a mile away from Bleakmore now.” Folmic stated as he then turned himself around to look at the trail ahead.

The four kept going westward through the forest. The trodding sound of the horses hooves could be heard as the snow got lighter, no longer blanketing the earth. Folmic spotted a pocket of blue light crackling ahead.

“Welcome to Bleakmore. Warmest fuckin’ place in all of the Ivory.” Folmic said, muttering the rest under his breath.

The group rushed the rest of the way to the village. The place was small, dull, and gray. Unlike Wighthall, Bleakmore had no walls, instead relying on large stone pillars placed around the perimeter of the town’s outskirts. Atop these pillars were large braziers set aflame with ward dust, making sure the entirety of the towns surrounding area was protected.

The moment the group reached the light of the nearest brazier they were stopped by several members of the Ivory Hunt waiting by the side of the road leading into Bleakmore.

“Ah, it's the Wardens. Let them pass.” said one of the warriors.

Folmic pressed a fist to his chest and bowed his head to the man that gave the order, but before he pressed on he looked around the village. “Have the rest of my men returned?” Folmic asked.

“Yes Ser. Last I saw, they were at the Inn.” the guard replied.

Folmic, happy with the response, smiled and thanked the man before pressing ahead with his horse making his way towards a large two story stone building. Next to the building was a small stable that was overfilled with sleeping horses. Folmic turned to Ser Geldwell who was still following on horseback.

“Take her inside, get her fed and acquainted with the others. Ser Willum and I will take care of the horses.” Folmic said reaching for Ser Geldwell’s reins.

“That will be no problem, Paragon.” Geldwell said, handing over his reins.

Geldwell turned his body and hopped off the horse, instantly stretching his tired limbs. He turned to Iris seeing her slide herself off the horse’s rump and drop to the ground with a slight thud.

The two made their way to the Inn, going inside to get away from the fleeting cold. The moment they stepped foot inside, the warmth emitting from the cobbled fireplace welcomed them in. The Inn was empty since it was the middle of the night, the only patrons in sight were the five other men and women sitting by the fireplace.

Iris noticed only two out of the five people sitting by the fire wore the attire of the Warden. The all too familiar blue hooded cloaks and armor.

Ser Geldwell cleared his throat hoping to get someone's attention. An ash haired woman turned her head laying her eyes on Ser Geldwell and stood up from her stool. The armored woman was tall, standing at six foot four. She smiled as she approached Geldwell giving him a warm hug. The two Wardens shared a small embrace that was broken by Geldwell who gestured his hand to the white haired huntress.

“Maya, this is Miss Valdya, the one we picked up from Wighthall. She's to be initiated.” Geldwell said, blowing a strand of his blonde hair out of his eyes.

Maya’s smile disappeared the moment she laid eyes on Iris. She glared down at the woman and offered her hand to her.

Iris glared back with the same intensity. Iris glanced down to notice the hand that was being offered but refused to take it only returning back to the hateful glare.

Maya ran her tongue over the top row of her teeth and lowered her hand.

“Typical Ivorian.” Maya bluntly said

Ser Geldwell’s arm waved between the two women trying to break the tension.

“Hey, we are all on the same side.” Geldwell said, then stepping his body between the two.

Geldwell managed to stave the towering ash haired woman. Geldwell placed his hand on her shoulder almost as a thankful gesture for backing off. Maya smiled back at Geldwell and returned to her spot on the stool.

Geldwell then turned his attention to Iris who was still standing behind him. Iris’ eyes scanned Geldwell’s face but he was not angry nor disappointed, but simply looked tired. He took a deep breath from his nostrils before letting out a loud exhale from his mouth.

“I know the blood feud between Ivorians and the Ashkelli runs deep. But you are no longer an Ivorian, you are a Warden. Forget any of those petty squabbles.” said Ser Geldwell

“Petty squabbles?! Those mountain turds have long detested the Ivory Hunt and slaughtered village after village of the innocent!” Iris practically shouted back, her nostrils flaring up with her emotions.

Ser Geldwell tried shushing her but to no avail. Instead he grabbed her mouth applying pressure so she couldn’t speak any longer. “Just shut up. Please, I beg of you.”

Iris had yelled so loud she could be heard throughout the entire Inn. Maya who had returned to sitting on her stool tried her best to ignore her. The armored man who sat beside her grabbed at her shoulder in an attempt to soothe her.

“Stay calmed, Lady Kasamira.” but despite the man’s advice, Maya turned around and furiously got up from her stool, knocking it over.

“YOU seem to forget when your disgraceful Ivory Hunt chained my people and bound them to slavery!” Maya yelled across the room at Iris.

Geldwell, who believed he had the situation under control, smacked his palm onto his face. “Damn it all…” he muttered under his breath

Iris pulled her small body around Geldwell and ran at Maya, but before she could reach the towering Warden, Geldwell grabbed Iris from behind, lifting her up into the air.

“THAT'S ENOUGH!” a booming voice at the front door said. Folmic along with Ser Willum walked in through the front door. Folmic however, was completely red with anger.

“Maya Kasamira, MARCH YOUR ARSE UP TO YOUR QUARTERS.” Folmic yelled out pointing his finger to the wooden stairs. “AND YOU, VALDYA. Keep your mouth shut for the entire trip. Open it one time without my permission and you won't have SHIT TO EAT for the entire trip.” Folmic spat out in a rage. If there was one thing he hated, it was Warden's in-fighting.

“The real enemy is out there stalking us in the woods. NOT IN HERE, IS THAT CLEAR?!” Folmic said, pointing a finger at the two.

“Yes, Paragon.” Maya said, lowering her head. As soon as Folmic stopped speaking she made her way to the stairs headed to her quarters for the night.

Meanwhile Iris nodded her head, avoiding eye contact with Folmic.

Folmic glared at Iris before taking a deep breath. “Tonight is our last night here. All of you rest well, our trip to the Citadel will take an estimated sixteen days..” Folmic said to everyone present, before making his way to his own quarters on the first floor.

Shutting the door behind him in annoyance.