Light filtering through the tree canopies reached Tinesi. She felt the chill breeze brush against her skin. Reaching for her cloak, Tinesi drew it close to stop the shivering. When she left Lyra behind with Elora the evening prior, her thoughts dwelled around the uncertainty the future held for her friend.
Shocked at her admission, Tinesi giggled. A response that would have left her reputation in shatters if witnessed. Determined to put the ordeal behind her, Tinesi grabbed her bow, intending to hunt down a rabbit for her morning meal.
“Who would have guessed I’d miss Lyra hunting for me? I must be getting soft.” Tinesi shook her head self-deprecatingly and said, “No time to waste. I have somewhere to be.”
Hands reacting on instinct, Tinesi hunted, prepped, and ate while her thoughts were elsewhere. Not so long ago, she had lent Lyra a hand against the dark necromancer mage. Her motives were far from pure. Her organization only cares about defeating the dark lord and anyone who worships the entity. Lyra was a means to an end.
Now, though? Watching the elf fight with all she has, recklessly even, just because she believes it’s the right thing to do. Unknowing of the veritable force she faces. Grabbing the magical dagger, knowing her life full well, as she knew it, would never be the same.
Tinesi would never think of herself as weak or a coward, but the thought of becoming a sentient weapon unable to die scared her. The morality behind her organization's method of creating the artifact caused her great unease. All she could do with her thoughts was lock them away and be the diligent servant she swore to be so long ago.
“Took you long enough to show up. Kindroth and I have been waiting for you. You have some explaining to do.”
Tinesi bowed to Kindroth, a smirk creeping on her lips, eyeing Kailu next to him.
“Nice to see you too, Kailu. You’re talkative today.”
The elf glared at her. His hands rested on the two swords attached to the hip. Used to just seeing his eyes, Tinesi learned to read his expression by the way he glared. Today appeared to be a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.
“That is enough, you two. We have a job to do. Kailu, follow up on those tracks we found earlier. I will work with Tinesi.”
Bowing to Kindroth, Kailu used his magic to hide his presence and ran off, which left the two of them alone. That didn’t bother Tinesi. The silence never got awkward for her. Compared to Tinesi, orphaned by a dark mage’s magical beast attack, he was born and raised within the organization.
She still remembered looking up at Kindroth, just a junior member at the time assigned to protect the survivors so the others could face the dark mage and their beasts, and wanting to be just like him. Decades later, she earned the privilege of working under Kindroth.
Breaking the silence, she pointed at the tree and said, “This must be where Lyra faced the murder of crows. From her retelling, she had used a wind and fire combination spell to encase the tree.” Tinesi moved up and placed a hand on the trunk. “The magical beast broke through and dive-bombed her. It became chaotic after that.”
Inspecting the charred remains of a crow left behind by the scavengers of the forest, Kindroth asked, “What about the dark mage traitor that fought during the battle?”
“The Ranger? Lyra said that his eyes became unfocused when the beast unleashed waves of dark energy. She tackled him, which allowed the beast to claw her back and transfer the cursed poison. It almost killed her.”
She felt him expand his aura. His ability to sense any magical residue was magnified. Attention split, he said, “What became of our newest dark mage?”
Focused on a charred piece of wood herself, Tinesi replied, “He tried convincing Lyra to get married, and the Rangers tossed him into a hole where they punish their own. No idea how long they will keep him down there.”
“Keep me posted. As for Lyra, I believe she is ready to join us and learn the truth. She will become a living weapon wielded by our order in due time. It’s the least we can do.”
Surprised, Tinesi dropped the piece of wood she had in her hand. “Are you sure?” Quick to elaborate, she said, “I value her company and trust her at my back, but I barely know her. Protecting our order takes precedence over any irrelevant emotions.”
Walking up to her, Kindroth placed a hand on Tinesi’s shoulder and said, “It’s rare to see you get so flustered. Lyra embraced immortality at the cost of losing everything she was. Forced to eventually rely on another to carry her. We must respect her sacrifice.” Patting her shoulder, Kindroth walked back toward the tree. “If she knows the truth, it will give her meaning in the new world opened to her.”
Tinesi let the silence stretch as she thought about his words when Kailu appeared next to Kindroth, leaning in and whispering into his ear. The elf nodded, looked at Tinesi, and said, “We have a lead. Let’s go.”
Kailu led the way, pointing at obscure signs here and there. A broken branch or a stray crow feather. On their own, nothing of interest. The dark magic residue that lingered told a different story. Whoever guided the crows to the tree had to be powerful for any trace of their magic to linger for so long.
They followed the trail till the night reclaimed the sky, and Kindroth ordered them to set up camp while he searched for food. Kailu’s deft hands reached into his pack and pulled out the supplies and got to work. Tinesi joined him but with far less fervor. Returning with a deer hung over his shoulders, Kindroth grinned and dumped his kill next to the fire Kailu lit.
“We get to eat good tonight.”
Without being asked, Kailu took out a knife, skinned, and prepped the deer before cooking it over the open fire. Tinesi marveled at the efficiency of his work. He moved with precision, reaching into his pack a few times to sprinkle some herbs on top for seasoning. Breathing in the smell, Tinesi could already tell it would taste wonderful.
She caught Kindroth smiling at her. When she asked, “What?” He shrugged and stared at the fire. Why did he enjoy teasing her? She wasn’t the same kid he knew anymore.
Ignoring her mentor and leader, Tinesi ate her meal in silence. A fact that she knew Kailu appreciated. When everyone finished, Tinesi took a chance and asked, “How was everyone back home, Kailu? I’m sure you met some of them on your trip to retrieve the dagger.”
He stared at her in silence until Kindroth coughed a little too loud. Clicking his teeth, Kailu’s shoulders slumped as he replied, “They were fine. Losing Rina hit the community hard. Lyra better make sure her sacrifice wasn’t in vain.”
“You can test her worth yourself when we head back to Timberwood. I doubt you want to miss the induction ceremony when we welcome her into our fold.”
Looking back and forth between her and Kindroth, fumbling his words as he said, “She? What? No, you wouldn't! Would you?”
Kindroth held up a hand, stalling Kailu’s outrage. When the elf had calmed down, Kindroth said, “Do not belittle the sacrifice Lyra made when she accepted that dagger. Or do you doubt my judgment?”
His tone left little to the imagination of what he thought on the matter. If she could have seen the look on Kailu’s face, oh what a joy it would have been. Content with watching his eyes glance everywhere but on Kindroth, Tinesi smiled at his discomfort.
Offering him a bone, Tinesi changed the subject and asked, “Have you dispatched any dark mages lately? I took out a few, including the necromancer I helped Lyra defeat. There was also a fool who tried to self-destruct his magic core after I ran him down.”
He grabbed the lifeline like a fish to a worm and tugged for all he was worth. “Yes, I did. On my way back home, there were a couple scattered around this forest trying to harass a small village. From what I gathered, they were taking turns sending their creations in to attack. I killed two of them in their sleep. The third must have noticed their death because he was waiting for me. He placed some kind of magic spell on the surrounding plant life. I found out quickly they drained my magic on contact and the thorns definitely had poison dripping from their ends, but I stayed away from that.”
Curiosity peaked, Tinesi asked, “So, how did you kill him?”
“Easy. I placed a wall of fire in front of me, then tossed a ball of water on top, creating a thick mist. Hiding my presence and sneaking behind him from above so I could drop a fireball on his head was simple after that.”
Too shocked to say anything, Tinesi sat there wondering if she had ever heard the elf say so much at once since she met him years ago. Kindroth's expression showed his surprise as well. She snapped out of her stupor, grinned, and said, “Thanks for sharing. Did you want to take the first watch?”
Kailu stood up and said, “Yes! I will wake you up when my shift is done,” and with that, he walked away.
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On the outskirts of Timberland, Tinesi halted their progression in the clearing where she had sparred with Lyra not that long ago. They had spent years, decades even, making little progress after the hidden dark mages turned on their weapons against friends and family alike under the blood moon. Meeting Lyra changed everything.
A warrior who charges toward danger, not away from it. A danger drawn to her like a moth to light. First, her brother-in-law meets the master’s dark mage and chooses to sacrifice his brother and nephew instead of honoring his oaths as a Ranger and fighting the darkness. True, this was only speculation, but from what Tinesi knew about dark mages, it was close enough to the truth.
Lyra’s link, tenuous it may be, to the master dark mage has drawn her into Tinesi’s world. A war fought in the shadows. The moment Lyra reached for that magical dagger; she chose to step into the dark with me. Now it is my turn to shed some light. Offer her the answers to the questions she didn’t know she wanted to ask.
Kailu ran off on Kindroth’s orders leaving the two of them alone. The sun hung low in the sky. It wouldn’t be long until the night welcomed them. The best time to perform such a secretive ceremony was in the dark of night. You see, the night did not belong to the darkness alone.
Her people worked in the shadows wielding secrets. Secrets that dripped like poison into the elves who fashioned themselves traitors to their kind. And now it was time to arm Lyra with enough poison to drown their foes.
“Tinesi, go fetch our Ranger. I sent Kailu out hunting. We shall enjoy a meal together before bringing her into the fold,” said Kindroth, leaning against a tree with a relaxed smile.
A collection of soft animal activity buzzed around Tinesi on her short trek toward Timberland and the Ranger compound. Unconcerned with hostile wildlife, she felt safe enough to lower her guard. Breathing in the lingering forest scent, Tinesi remembered happier memories as a child.
Innocent and naïve, a younger Tinesi strolled between her parents. Cloudless sky matched with a gentle breeze that filled the little girl’s nose with comfort and a hint of a meal being cooked over a fire. On an adventure down a well-worn path to reach a lonely wooden house tucked deep in the forest.
Like so many others, the darkness shattered Tinesi’s dreams and devoured what remained of her innocence. Blood-soaked hands that would never go away.
Not everyone is lucky enough to be saved like I had been. I owe my life to the order, and as such, will do what I'm told. Even if I don’t agree. The burden of responsibility on the shoulders of my leaders should be respected.
Waving at the two guards in front of the Ranger compound, Tinesi tried to remember the name of the guard. He waved and said, “What can I do for you, Tinesi?”
Wonderful. They remembered me.
“I have business with Lyra. Is she around?” Tinesi asked, hoping they ignored her lapse in memory.
He grinned, pointed behind, and said “She came back late last night from her first patrol with Keya and Paeral. I hear Lyra asked to use the training ground today.” He waved at a nearby Ranger and said, “Flinar! Can you go let Lyra know Tinesi is waiting for her at the gate?”
They replied, “No problem, Luthais. I'll let her know right away. She has kept her party inside the training circle for a while now. I’m sure Keya will be excited for the break just as much as Paeral is by now.”
That’s right! His name was Luthais.
“Thank you, Luthais. By the way, what happened to Nasir?”
Head shaking in obvious disappointment, Luthais said, “The fool made a move on his sister-in-law and found himself in a hole for it. I know he wasn’t the most approachable Ranger we have had, but this was too much.” Leaning in, the guard whispered, “I watched him leave with Shaerwyn, Siranya, and Elemalu for a routine patrol this morning. His last chance to prove he is worth keeping around if the rumors are true.”
Tinesi humored the guards with an idle conversation to pass the time until Lyra appeared Waving when she saw Tinesi. Between the dampness of her hair and the sweet scent, she must have cleaned up first. Smiling at the approaching elf, Tinesi couldn’t help but feel relieved to see her friend again. A fact she grew more comfortable with each day.
Waving back, Tinesi said, “Congratulations on completing your first mission as a full-fledged Ranger.”
Surprising Tinesi, Lyra replied with a hug, quick to lean in before saying, “We have a problem.” Keeping up with appearances, Tinesi hugged her back and said, “Later.”
Stepping back, Tinesi waved at the guards, grabbed Lyra’s hand, and said, “I hope you don’t mind; I am stealing your newest Ranger for the evening for a date in the forest. Try not to interrupt.” She winked at Luthais who stood there with bright red cheeks accompanied by an open mouth left speechless.
True to her words, Tinesi grabbed Lyra’s hand and started walking toward the forest. Both erupted in fits of laughter. When they were far enough away Lyra reached in and pulled out a necklace with a red gem from under her shirt and summoned Ruven from the gem. An artifact Tinesi knew she didn’t have when they departed.
“Can we speak now?”
Shaking her head, Tinesi replied, “No. I'm taking you to meet my traveling companions. Kindroth, my leader and mentor in the order, and Kailu. He isn’t very talkative.”
Shoulders slumped; Lyra pulled her hand to stop her. Lips pouting, she asked, “What about our date?”
Stumped, Tinesi didn’t know how to respond. Her confusion turned into amusement when Lyra burst into laughter, unable to maintain the charade.
I wish I could have met her sooner. Who would have guessed I could find happiness after so long in the shadows?
Pulling her friend in before she could change her mind, Tinesi kissed her on the cheek and said, “The night is still young."
Hand pressed to her cheek, Lyra grinned, grabbed Tinesi’s hand, and said, “Then we better finish up with your friends first.” She looked down at Ruven and said, “Of course, you can join us, Ruven. You’re my protector, after all.”
The forest took over with its ambiance when their conversation ended. Ruven pouncing around them, flaming tail wagging back and forth. They reached the clearing revealing a small camp. Tinesi pointed out Kindroth sitting by a fire and Kailu who looked up for a moment before focusing on the meal he was preparing.
Lyra tapped Tinesi on the arm and said, “You didn’t mention food. I’m starving. The training today wiped me out.”
“And who was responsible for setting the pace?”
Not missing a beat, Lyra replied, “Me, obviously.”
“Please, have a seat by the fire. It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Lyra. My name is Kindroth. It was my decision to send Tinesi after you so we could locate the link we were sure you had with our current target. You have shown great promise and that has given me the confidence to except you to our order fully.”
Tinesi heard Kailu mumble under his breath but chose to ignore it. He made his opinion clear regarding this. Ruven clung to Lyra's leg, ears flat against his head eyeing Kindroth and Kailu.
Lyra picked up Ruven and said, “Thank you.”
Passing out their meal in silence, Kailu sat down with his portion and ate in silence. Kindroth asked Lyra random questions about her training and the types of magical beasts she had faced. Tinesi added to the conversation when it involved her, but mostly stayed quiet.
At the end of the meal, Lyra looked at Tinesi and asked, “Can I tell you now?”
Nodding, Tinesi said, “Go ahead.”
“I found out from the guard who was on duty that when Nasir was released from the hole, he was assaulted by Siranya, a Ranger he works with, but didn’t fight back. No one came to his defense either. What is of concern is what happened next.”
Lyra took a breath, looked at Kindroth, and said, “Haera appeared, sword drawn asking where the magical beast was. The guard had no idea what she was talking about. They mentioned feeling uneasy around Nasir after Siranya assaulted him. Haera vanished shortly after that.”
A sigh escaped Kindroth drawing Tinesi’s attention. She asked, “You’re familiar with this incident, aren’t you?
“Yes. It’s documented that when an elf is recruited by a dark mage under duress, they struggle to fully accept the gift the darkness thrusts on them. When they do give in, it manifests itself with an explosive release of dark aura. I'm surprised the Ranger didn’t kill him on the spot.”
Lyra scratched her temple and said, “Haera is among the few Rangers who have put in the time refining their ability to sense magical aura. I told her not to kick him out and to keep an eye on him. If she wasn’t absolutely sure, the doubt may have held her back.”
Speaking up for the first time, Kailu said, “If he is a true dark mage now, the morality that held him back in the past will be gone. If he is on a mission with Siranya, her life is in danger.”
Kindroth stood up and said, “Their fates are out of our hands now. If he returns, we shall deal with it. It is true that we were using him to get to his master, but if he has killed a fellow Ranger, we can’t ignore the threat. For now, we have a ceremony to perform.” He turned toward Tinesi and asked, “Can you help Lyra prepare? Kailu and I will finish preparations."
Guiding Lyra by the arm, Tinesi found a spot behind a large tree and began to tie Lyra’s hair so that it wouldn’t obstruct her face in any way. Tinesi held a piece of cloth and said, “I need to cover your eyes now. Do you trust me?”
Hating how vulnerable she felt asking, Tinesi centered herself and waited for Lyra to reply.
Lyra took the cloth from Tinesi with a smirk and tied it around her eyes and said, “My goal before meeting you was to fight magical beasts until they killed me. The best route I could find that would grant me peace and honor the code my father drilled in me. Now? I have a friend who showed me that death need not be the end. A question I have pondered for a long time."
Ruven clung next to Lyra’s leg as Tinesi guided her back into the clearing. Kindroth stood inside a circle of floating flames held up by Kailu who stood off to the side. Halting Lyra when Kindroth motioned to stop, Tinesi waited for the ceremony to begin. Responsible for guiding Lyra forward a step at a time each time Kindroth spoke.
“We are the Shadows.”
“The last line of defense against the darkness.”
“Our god died so that we may wield magic.”
“His last champion who created our order perished beside them.”
“We hold the only surviving records that date back to the last Dark War.”
“To this day, the fight against the dark god persists.”
“His forces not only possess his blessings, but the magic bestowed upon us by the light god.”
“They thrive on death, hatred, and pain above all.”
“It fuels the darkness within.”
“Thus, our order supports the evolution of magic.”
“Defending our land against the dark mages and the magical beasts they create.”
Guiding Lyra along the eleven steps toward Kindroth and into the circle of flames filled Tinesi with pride. Kindroth picked up a wooden bowl from the ground filled with the blood of the deer Kailu killed while Tinesi was retrieving Lyra.
“I ask this of you now, Lyra. Knowing the truth, do you pledge your life, be it in your mortal body or as a sentient weapon, to fight against the darkness?”
Lyra held her head high, the cloth still wrapped around her eyes, and said, “I do.”
Filled with glee, Tinesi removed the cloth and stood back leaving Kindroth inside the flames with Lyra. Kindroth stepped closer and dipped his fingers in the blood.
Smearing blood across her forehead he said, “Belief in our creed. Finding a way to rid our land of the darkness that plagues it.” Once more on her right cheek, he said, “Respect our role in the fight. Not in the light, but hidden in the shadows.” A third time across her left cheek before he said, “Trust in those who fight by your side.”
Dipping his thumb in the bowl, he smeared the blood down Lyra’s nose and said, “Willingness to sacrifice yourself if no other choice is left.”
Stepping back, Kindroth placed the bowl on the ground and raised his arms wide, and said, “If you are ready to step out of the darkness and embrace the truth, step forward.”
Rising to the occasion, Lyra closed the distance with confidence.
Grasping her by the shoulders, Kindroth smiled.
“I welcome you to the Shadow Breakers.”