(Zach’s POV) – Start
Border, Northern Woods.
The reverberating clash of swords in the training area echoed through the stone walls of Captain Zach's quarters. Despite the ever-present threat looming in the northern woods, the barracks by the walls on border provided a sanctuary of sorts. The fragrance of burning firewood mixed with the subtle aroma of herbs permeated the air as Zach sat by the hearth, cradling a steaming mug of tea.
His quarters, a blend of functionality and battle-torn nostalgia, displayed maps, battle plans, and the tattered banners of past conflicts. Amidst this martial decor, a small wooden carving drew Zach's attention—a gift from Rusell, one of the knights under his command.
Setting his mug down, Zach picked up the carving, a beautifully crafted wooden bird. Memories of Rusell's father, once a skilled carpenter until tragedy struck the village four years ago, flooded his mind. Monsters had escaped into the village, and Rusell's father didn't survive.
Zach's calloused fingers traced the intricate patterns of the carved wooden bird, a tangible link to the humanity within the military hierarchy.
In the quiet moments, he often found himself contemplating the mental states of each knight under his command. They were more than mere pieces on a strategic board; they were a blend of distinct personalities and backgrounds, a makeshift family bound by the trials of the battlefield. Yet, he couldn't shake the realization that perhaps in dedicating himself to these knights, he had inadvertently distanced himself from his own family.
His thoughts turned to Eli, his little sister. The conversation with her left him acutely aware of the detachment that had grown between them. Duty and responsibility had consumed him, blurring the lines between the bonds he forged on the battlefield and the ones he once held in his own home. Zach sighed. The weight of his dual existence pressed upon him.
The delicate balance between protector and sibling, leader and family man.
Eli could be a bit unsettling at times. Born on the first day of the red comet's appearance, her crimson eyes were enough to invoke superstitious fear among the people.
In contrast, Zach, born on the last day of the same celestial event, bore no such mark in his eyes. While he faced some discrimination due to superstitions, his experience was likely tamer, courtesy of being the eldest scion of House Shadowstep.
Reflecting on his past interactions with Eli, Zach realized that her detached demeanor might have been a result of the accumulated feelings from enduring such superstitious discrimination. He cringed, acknowledging that he had misinterpreted her need for space as a simple desire for solitude.
If only he had been more perceptive, more courageous.
"I must have been an insensitive arse," Zach muttered to himself, regret etching lines on his face. He was content to finally understand the underlying reasons behind Eli's behavior. She was different now—more open, more lively. The realization brought a mix of relief and guilt, and Zach couldn't help but smile at the thought of his sister finding a way to express herself.
Shaking off the weight of his self-reflection, Zach picked up his steaming mug of tea once again. The rhythmic wind outside whistled through the barracks’ walls, carrying with it the scent of wildflowers from the forest beyond. In this rare moment of tranquility, Zach welcomed the reprieve. He took a deep breath, savoring the crisp air that hinted at the cold night awaiting them.
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The flickering flames in the hearth cast dancing shadows across the room, creating a comforting ambiance that allowed Zach to momentarily set aside the worries of the impending dangers outside. As he stared into the fire, a sense of warmth filled him, not just from the hearth, but from the newfound connection with his sister. The complexities of their relationship now lay bare, and Zach was determined to bridge the gap that had unknowingly grown between them.
A knock interrupted his reverie, and the heavy wooden door creaked open. Elena, a stern knight with a scar across her cheek, entered with a tray of freshly baked bread.
"Captain," she said, her voice steady and respectful, "I thought you might be in need of a respite from the constant scrutiny of maps and reports."
Zach nodded appreciatively, setting aside the cup and accepting a piece of bread.
"Any news from the scouts?" Zach inquired in a measured tone, his eyes fixed on the flickering flames in the hearth.
"Nothing out of the ordinary, Captain," Elena replied, her eyes meeting his. "However, the men are on edge. There has been no sign of monstrous activity in the vicinity of the border, and the shallows of the forest have been devoid of any life for the past two days. It's peculiar. Our men are yearning for action, and the unknown keeps them restless."
Zach nodded, comprehending the sentiment. The monsters were an enigma, their patterns unpredictable, and the knights craved the familiarity of combat, where the enemy was tangible and the path forward clear.
"Restlessness can be as perilous as the monsters themselves," Zach remarked, his gaze fixed on the flames dancing in the hearth. "It is my duty to maintain their preparedness, yet I fear they yearn for a conflict that might overwhelm us."
Elena scrutinized his face, and the shadows of concern that clouded his eyes. "So, you're still opposed to the expedition to clear the deeper parts of the forest of the accumulated monster populace?"
Zach sighed, a hint of weariness in his breath. "I do understand the necessity, Elena. I only hope that whatever looms in those northern woods, we are adequately prepared."
Elena selected a piece of bread and bit into it. "You carry a heavy burden, Captain. But you are not alone. We stand with you."
Zach nodded, his gaze still fixed on the fire.
Their conversation drifted into a companionable silence, broken only by the crackling of the fire. Outside, the wind howled ominously, a reminder that, no matter how cozy this moment felt, the threat was ever-present, lurking just beyond these walls.
*****
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"That's not a natural occurrence. We can't afford to be complacent. Direct the scouts to conduct thorough patrols, especially in the areas where we've witnessed heightened monster presence before. I don't fancy this sudden silence," Zach addressed a knight named Reiner.
Reiner nodded. "I shall see to it, Captain. Is there aught else you require?"
Zach considered for a moment, then shook his head. "Keep me apprised of any developments. We cannot afford to let down our guard, particularly in the face of the unknown. The monsters may be testing our resolve."
As Reiner left to carry out his orders, Zach's eyes caught something, and he shifted his attention back to the training dummy.
There it stood with a fist-sized round hole. Perfectly round, not something that can be done normally.
His finger traced the smooth hole; it was undoubtedly the result of skill. Zach furrowed his brow, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he examined the precise craftsmanship. The anomaly spoke of a level of precision that surpassed the typical wear and tear of training dummies.
"What skill leaves such a mark?"
It was the same question he had the first time he laid his eyes on it. After confirming that none of the knights stationed at the manor awakened any skills, the dummy was transferred to the border station under his command.
A consultation with the knights stationed here revealed that none of them had awakened any skills either.
This revelation evoked more questions than it answered.
That only left one plausible outcome — someone else, probably from his family, had awakened some sort of skill.
Only one name came into his mind — his little sister, Eli. Her sudden interest in becoming a warrior, his discovery of her solitary physical training sessions; all the signs were there. But why was she hiding it?
She had said nothing about it to him, but perhaps these were just his suspicions. After all, she was just a child.
He decided to leave the issue be for now. Maybe he would directly ask her, approach the matter delicately to understand the truth behind it.
Despite the uncertainty, Zach couldn't shake the feeling that Eli held a secret.