Chapter 5

Gerald Brun Bankes rode slightly to the side of his company. His uncle had bolstered his mercenary unit from 250 to 400. They were travelling North on the Imperial road on the edge of Veldidena and unfortunately they would have to camp for the night. They had been marching in support of House Ashgrove’s attack on Tusmørke Castle. It had been a simple business of encircling the area to ensure nobody escaped the castle during the attack and then waiting for the Ashgrove’s. It was dissappointing that he hadn’t needed to bloody his sword but he had profited handsomely.

Playing cards and sharing a bottle of wine with his officers. Gerald had made camp in a clearing by the side of the road. The flattened grass made it obvious that it was a well-used spot to rest for the night. He had posted sentries as insisted by his father, although personally he believed there was nothing to fear. They had been up far too late and even drunk he realised that it was going to be a difficult march tomorrow. Jenkins and Davis were already asleep on those deployable chairs they dragged around. Those light-weights were lucky they had horses. Otherwise they would have had to be carried in the wagons come morning. The other officers seemed to have realised it was time to sleep, standing up and stumbling out the tent. Most supporting each other. Seeing this, Bankes decided to get some air before he retired to his own tent. Perhaps the frigid Winter breeze would sober him up. Standing outside halfway between one of the dying campfires and his tent. Gerald breathed into his hands to try and keep them warm. He glanced at the full moon. He was in time to see fire fall from the sky. Then the screaming started.

There were calls of alarm although most would have certainly noticed that their tent was on fire by now. Gerald stared bewilderedly as arrows rained down amongst his men. There were no fire arrows now, the attackers didn’t want to give away their position. Gerald saw men struck down by their invisible attackers as they groggily stepped out of their tents. Arrows into throats and chests, some hit by two or three in quick succession. The lucky soldiers that had survived the initial slaughter grouped together. Shields pointed outwards. Gerald suddenly realised that he had a group around him. Even with the shield wall arrows were still finding gaps in the armour. Arrows were being fired less often but with more precision. The men outside the defensive positions were struck down swiftly. The arrow barrage went on for several hours. The already tired men strained to hold their shields high. Gerald sober now, thankfully, struggled to rally the men. They were demoralised having not once seen the enemy. The fire amongst the tents had long since gone out, he had assumed the enemy had moved closer in the darkness but being unable to see past several feet in front of him he was effectively blind to any movement.

Gerald heard the galloping of horses it seemed to start up suddenly. Realising the direction, it was coming from he shoved men towards it. He shouted “Shields up!” while Jenkins, wide-awake now, yelled “Incoming!” In the darkness Gerald heard a thunderous crash followed quickly by the horrific sound of screaming horses and men. There was just enough moonlight for Gerald to see the wagon strike what was left of the shield wall.

Groggily the young lord Bankes eyes flickered open. There was an intense pain in his shoulder. Looking down he was horrified to see a large piece of wagon shrapnel there. Blood seemed to be everywhere on him, around him. Terrified and unable to stand his head swivelled around trying to see.  His left hand groped around for his sword although it was obvious he would be unable to wield it. There was a clash of swords behind him followed by the sickening impact of steel on flesh. Gerald grasped the grass and pulled his body around, all the while straining to see over his shoulder. His body suddenly shifted and he saw her. The silver hair girl stood 8 or 9 steps away. The clouds had opened up and moonlight streamed down to light up the ground and the companions around her. They were surrounded by bodies, the girl’s companions stood in full plate armour. Their faces hidden by hoods. The armour was completely black, the metal never reflected

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the moonlight. They stood silent and foreboding. Two-handed great sword’s held at the ready. The girl wore a black dress contrasting not only the weather but the battle scene around her. Silver eyes glowed with an inner light. One of her guardians slowly approached him. Step after step Gerald could only stare as he came closer. The girl spoke. “Finish up, remove as many traces you can”. Gerald gasped as she faded away, gazing at him all the while. The Daughter of Light, Lady of Moonlight had left the mortal realm. The great sword descended. 

Amidst festival celebrations a golden haired Halfling stopped mid dance to gaze at the golden sky. Her bronzed skin was contrasted by sky blue eyes. Surrounded by joyful voices and cries of delight she looked suddenly afraid. “Oh sister, what have you started”.

She walked unobserved through the tap room of the tavern ’Nightime Lady’ and into one of the meeting rooms on the bottom floor. Inside sat a lone girl. She had bright green eyes that seemed to see something other than the ill furnished sitting area. Her black hair and dress blended extremely well with the darkness of the ill lit room. Suddenly breaking out of her trance the girl smiled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Lady Sara. You may call me Elona. Take a seat.” Sitting down opposite the Lady Elona she struggled to keep her mouth from dropping open. She’s an immortal. An immortal. Here. Elona’s rose hued mouth upturned slightly at what was the probably a stupid expression on her face. Sara gathered her thoughts, putting on her business face. Elona spoke, “Do you require assistance?” It was formally spoken, an immortal tradition was taking place. Right here in her city. Breaking off where that line of thinking might take her. Deciding to hold onto formality she said, “I require your assistance in protecting the child Aloys Lilla Estrisden. He needs a powerful defender. Jason the Captain of my household is an excellent swordsman but he can’t stop the dangers the boy may face.” Elona’s expression was unreadable. The room was silent for a long while. The Lady of Dusk stared into the darkness of the room, her eyes seeing an unknowable distance. When she was just starting to think the girl wouldn’t answer, she did, “Protectors will be arranged. Until then ensure he is protected by your own men.” Success! But then Sara remembered the stories of dealing with the fae. Of the terrible prices they demanded for service. She felt the blood rush from her cheeks and hoped in the darkness it wouldn’t be visible. Trying to stay calm and remain formal. “What payment do you require for this service my lady?” Elona smiled prettily her rose coloured lips and pale skin making her appear scarily cute and childlike. “Do not fear Sara Blå Domita. The payment has already been paid. Gift the boy your love but remember. He is not yours but mine." The little girl’s green eyes flashed black making her gulp and her breath quicken.  ”Done” Elona began to fade her eyes latching onto her own. ”Done” She drowned in the depths of darkness. ”And Done” The girl vanished from sight. The Daughter of Darkness had left the mortal realm. Sara shivered and hurried from the room.