Shadow's thoughts remained silent for a good while, he just paid attention to the path ahead of him. And yet he could not help but wonder, what of Angel? Was she safe? Was she still alive? If only the gods had not cursed him, he thought, she would be safe, she would not have to feel pain. What had ShadowRune done in the past to deserve such a cruel fate dealt by the gods? He sought back into his past trying to find the answer to this very question, but the deeper he crawled, the more his head hurt. The more he hurt, the louder the grieving lament of hell echoed in his ears. The louder the wails, the more he craved for blood to spill.
"
No! I mustn’t! I must be in control for Angel's sake! I will no longer be the root of her sorrow." Shadow growled this aloud so that all may hear. Stopping for a brief moment he closed his eyes and willed the pain and sounds of suffering to vanish. They did, in time. Opening his eyes he could see the forest, which was the midway point between Faith Hills and Freeport.
The last thing I want to do is lash out at Angel. If you must think, then think about her, and her only, He thought briefly to regain control of what he was thinking. The image of Angel sitting down in her chair, rocking Kayin to sleep showed in his mind. With a grin of comfort, Shadow began to run once more.
Angel, please be safe. I promise I will protect you one way or another, forever.
Such a feat seemed impossible these days. The only way Shadow could do this was with a plan, but his thoughts and actions are under scrutiny by all of hell. The only saving grace on his side is his instincts, his well trained sense to think without thinking. Any plan he formulated was still uncertain as hell now knew Shadow will do anything to protect Angel. Not even if they dispensed all the pain in the world would he stop.
Angel averted her eyes from Mika, her gut twisted on the spot and felt as though someone struck her. Looking into the eyes of her child she found solace, the pain did not feel as severe.
"
I, She stuttered not sure how to proceed. The truth was easy, but it still was painful.
"
Are you alright?" Mika questioned unsure of the sudden change in Angel.
"
This child you see in my arms is not of Vaalic," She blurted sternly. With wide eyes Mika took one glance at the child, clearly now seeing no resemblance to the Vaalic he knew, he too looked away.
"
I'm sorry. I know it is not right to pry, but may I ask what happened?" Finding a weakness in her legs Angel found a place to sit before she looked back to Mika. Over the course of the remaining day and night she told Mika the story of her kidnap, and sudden voyage across the ocean to an unknown land. Vaalic's triumphant victory over the evil in the land, her return home and the Flurin attack.
"
In return for the safety of me and my child, I offered to point out any of the rebellion that they show me. Something completely unexpected happened though. ShadowRune. His life has been returned to him, but at a great cost to his soul, and not even by his own free will." Angel paused, words spoken by him only days before rung in her mind, "
I never have control. I never have a choice," She spoke softly.
"
What is your path Shadow?" She again spoke softly, looking far into the distance. She looked to Mika, her eyes feeling heavy.
"
I'm sorry. Can I rest here for tonight?" Angel asked.
"
Certainly," Mika replied getting up and moving over to his bed. During this time he had not used it much, and many books were piled on it. Quickly he cleared the bed and offered it to Angel.
"
I'm afraid that when I wake, you will be gone, and this pleasant dream will end." Angel held her hand against his cheek after placing Kayin down.
"
Mika, this is no dream." And with her soothing words, Mika's eyes drooped, now feeling heavy. Both lied down, Angel next to Kayin on the bed, Mika close to the bed on a blanket on the floor. Before the two drifted away, Angel turned around and looked at Mika over the side of the bed.
"
Tomorrow I think we should leave here. You have been isolated for far too long." With her words, and Mika nodding every so slightly, both fell into a blissful slumber almost immediately.
It was early afternoon before Kayin's stirring woke Angel. Barely opening here eyes, she looked at Kayin who was playing with her hair, and smiled.
"
Hello you," She whispered and giggled when Kayin threw her hair away. Kayin cooed in answer to her, a one which Angel could tell was leading to a larger fit. Sitting up Angel partially revealed her breast and pulled Kayin to her chest, which he gleefully began feasting on. Because Angel started to move about, Mika breathed in deeply as consciousness was returned to him. Yet he did not open his eyes quite yet.
"
Angel?" He called out in a whisper.
"
I'm still here," She replied back. Now his eyes opened wide in the direction of her heavenly voice. He wanted to scream "It's not a dream," but knew it to be unnecessary, or in case he was wrong. Angel reflexively moved to an angle so as not to be shown, Mika too averted his body away from her.
"
Good morning.†Mika rose to his feet walking over to the fire pit and began to pile logs on to start a fire for cooking. After making the fire he started to rummage around for a clean iron and the rabbits he hunted earlier.
“
I’m sorry I don’t have much in the way of food, only some rabbit. I haven’t been out much to hunt, and my last crop was ruined by the fire rain,†Angel placed Kayin down on the bed and placed a hand on Mika’s shoulder, comforting his stress.
“
I am more then grateful for anything you can offer. Thank you Mika.â€Â
Mika held her hand for a brief moment and then let go to start preparing the rabbit to be cooked. He remembered then what Angel had said to him before they drifted to sleep, and was curious as to what she had planned.
“
So where are we to go today?†The question caught Angel off guard as she was humming a tune to Kayin. She had to think about this one, as a few options might be difficult or impossible. She first thought about returning to the Flurin, but they might end up killing or imprisoning Mika. Another option was to seek out Vaalic, but Mika would want Angel to accompany her, and so long as Vaalic and the rebels were fighting, she did not want to have part in it. The last option would be to have Mika join the resistance in Freeport, but first they would have to get passed the rebels, then the Flurin to achieve this option.
“
A while ago some men were scouring the farms for survivors and was urging them to head for the royal palace. Princess Sarah is trying to rebuild Faith Hills.â€Â
It was as good as any plan, to head for the palace and join Sarah. There they would be safe, there they would be away from any fighting. Both finished their meagre portions of meat and rested for a few minutes before they began the journey. Not knowing what to expect and not willing to take a chance, Mika grabbed a small blade he had stored in a box. It had been a while since he had seen it, even longer since he had used it. With it and a few traveling supplies tucked away on his belt, Mika ceremoniously took the first step out of the cabin. With Angel and Kayin close by they began their hour long trip for the capital city.
“
When was the last time you saw Vaalic?†Mika asked after a while of silence.
“
Three days…†She answered quietly, which surprised Mika wondering why she was not with him to which she replied, “
I still love Vaalic, but as long as he fights, and feels repulsed by my child, I have no place by his side.â€Â
Angel began to sob quietly as they walked, Mika’s attempts to comfort her failing. Both remained silent as they journeyed over the slight hills.
Just as they passed an abandoned farm Mika pointed ahead to the horizon, the half destroyed walls of the city finally appeared. Before when they stood tall, most of the farmers surrounding the city could see them from their homes. Now you can barely see them from the distance, and hardly give the hope and sense of protection they used to.
“
No… What happened?†Angel gasped at the sight. The last she was here the city was still standing, and the destruction done to it was beyond words.
“
Beautiful ain’t it?†A voice came from behind the two. They turned around with a gasp, and saw a young man, his face black with soot and scarred horribly.
“
Me an’ d’boys weren’t allowed to stay, so here we are, scourin’ the outskirts like mangy dogs. Ain’t that right Kackio!†He called out to someone behind him, a shadow behind a barn close by waved back. He and two others stepped from out the darkness each brandishing a bow pointed at Angel and Mika. The leader walked closer and pulled out his blade, pointing it at Angel’s child.
“
Now hero, I’d suggest you drop your blade, and hand over any food you got before this little lady gets hurt…†Mika slowly move his hands to the scabbard and untied it from his belt.
“
Angel!†Came the shout from ShadowRune as he came out from nowhere and charged between the bandits and her, his arms held out wide to try and shield her.
“
Make peace with the creator now, for you shall all die for threatening Angel!†Shadow snarled. Angel moved closer behind Shadow and held down his blade as he tried to draw it.
“
Shadow, please, no, they are only looking for food,†she said as fast as she could to stop any aggression. Her movement however startled one of the archers, he let one of his arrows loose into Shadows neck, the blood splattering on Angel sent her back on her butt screaming. Mika and Angel both shouted in unison “Shadow!†As quick as he could Shadow removed the arrow and threw it away, everyone wondering what kind of creature this was that can take an arrow to the neck, then calmly remove it and regenerate. The bandits scrambled away at their earliest convenience, Shadow turned around to the shocked faces of Angel and Mika.
“What?†was all they could say for a moment.
“
A demon from hell I have been reborn, with it comes power to live, and eternal torture of pain and pointless bloodlust, and can only end with my death and the promise of suffering. So long as I am still among the living, my bloodlust will be for those who would do you harm Angel.†After a moment of hesitation, Angel accepted Shadow’s hands to help her to her feet, then handing Kayin back.
“
But, how did you know where I was?†Angel asked.
“
The guards outside of your room heard you talking to yourself and that you mentioned Mika’s name. I had no idea if you would really be here, or even where Mika’s cabin was. So I followed the path to the city and I found you.â€Â
“
How did you make it here so fast? Freeport is almost a weeks walk away.†Mika asked, retying his sword to his belt.
“
Only a day and a half if you run without resting.â€Â
The three began to walk towards the city again.
“
So what’s at the city?†Shadow couldn’t help but ask.
“
I’ve heard that Princess Sarah has gathered the survivors of Faith Hills and they have begun to rebuild the city.†Mika relayed what he said to Angel to Shadow. Angel looked nervously at Shadow, thinking that he would not let her go. Shadow looked into her eyes and saw the same look she had so many years ago, but this time it pained him to see those eyes. He looked down to the ground, not wanting to look any more.
“
Angel… I won’t force you to return to the Flurin. I will not imprison you against your will. If being here is what you wish to do, I will support your decision.†He said, then looked back at her. She peered deep into his and saw his sincerity, she saw a totally different man in there.
They all remained silent until they came to the city entrance. Shadow stopped just as the other two walked past the destroyed gate. Angel then Mika stopped as well and turned around to see Shadow looking around.
“
What’s wrong?†Angel asked.
“
I will not be welcomed openly here. And that will not help you two in getting entrance.â€Â
“
What will you do then?â€Â
“
I will stay hidden for a while and make sure you settle in, then I must be off, back to the Flurin. If I am gone for too long Ruakha will panic and doing something stupid, which could be bad for many.â€Â
“
Shadow… I…†She stuttered, a little sadness in her voice.
“
Angel, you must forget about me. I have cause you so much pain. When I am free from the Flurin I will return and protect you from the shadows, even while you are next to Vaalic.†Shadow said, slowly climbing onto the crippled rooftops, then waiting for Angel and Mika to start moving again. As soon and both looked away from him, Shadow hid himself so the two would stop looking for him and give away his position. Soon enough a few men from the inner city found Angel and Mika. They confiscated Mika’s blade and escorted the two to the main palace. Shadow followed the two as close as he could, a large rebuilt block home a few hundred meters away from the palace wall. There he lied down looking out in the palaces direction, there he would wait for Angel to appear again, so he could see if she was going to be alright here. The remaining day and night passed with no sign of her or Mika. Obviously they were going in to be questioned, and once word got to Serah of her mothers friends they would be welcomed by her. As hard as it was for Shadow these days, he tried to imagine what was happening on the inside. He could see Serah inviting them to a well prepared dinner, than they would travel to the inner garden and sit, talking to each other about what had happened the past while. Then Angel and Mika would be shown to the spare quarters, where they would be treated as royalty. Shadow didn’t know about Mika, but Angel sure as hell deserved such respect and comforts.
The sun had fallen, than it rose in what seemed like a few minutes to Shadow. It was close to high noon before he caught glimpse of Angel, Kayin, Mika, who he could only assume to be Princess Sarah, and a couple armed guards at the palace gates entrance. It was then Shadow thought to himself that she was safe, she was home. Before he left however, he wanted to gain her attention and say goodbye. Slowly and quietly Shadow crept along the rooftops following the small group as they toured the rebuilt parts of the city. When the best opportune time arose Shadow signalled Angel by throwing a small pebble at her back lightly. Angel turned around to see what hit her and saw Shadow standing in an alley. Quickly she looked over at Serah and Mika, they were busy talking to each other, and the guards seem otherwise occupied watching the citizens. She quietly walked over to the alley.
“
Your off then?†She spoke softly.
“
Yes. I just wanted to say good bye, that I will miss you and Kayin, and I swear I will return to protect both of you as soon as I can.†What Shadow said struck a cord in Angel, and she now realised WHY. Why Shadow came to her, why he would bring his problems to her, why he must have felt solace around her and Kayin. Shadow might not see it, and it took forever for Angel to see it. Shadow was acting like a father, like a husband, protecting his family, always wishing for them to smile. It seemed so clear now to her, thoughts and feelings flooded her rationality as she looked back at Serah and Mika, then back to Shadow.
“
I want to go back with you.†She said, stepping into the darkness of the alley.
“
Angel, no.†Shadow urged.
“
Please! You said you will respect my choice. I want to stay close to the one who said he will protect me and my son.†Shadow gritted his teeth at her stubbornness, and in the end conceded to it.
“
Stay close, try to be quiet.†He said and began to lead her through the alleys away from the civilized parts to the edge of the city. Hiding behind part of the broken outer wall, Shadow climbed up and peered over the top to see if anyone was following them. The coast was clear, and he let go of the wall.
“
When she went missing I kind of thought you took her.“ Mika was there, and Shadow didn’t even notice him following them.
“
I didn’t take her.†Shadow began, “
I asked him to take me with him.†Mika stood down from his guard, but was now curious as to why she would do such a thing.
“
Shadow has promised to protect me, and I can think of no better place to be than near him.â€Â
“
Then we had better be off before any guards see us. We can get the remaining food and water from my cabin to start us off.â€Â
“
I don’t need to eat or drink, so will the water last until we reach riverend?â€Â
“
It should.†And with that, the three made the journey back to his cabin. There they gathered the remaining rabbits and a few flasks of water for the trip back to Freeport.
The weeklong journey was finished; Angel, Shadow and Mika made it safely to Freeport, and could see it in the distance. The plan was this, Shadow would walk in with Angel by his side, and Mika bound looking like a prisoner. Shadow would escort the two into the city, when it was safe they would untie Mika and let him enter the city, where he would try to find the rebels and join them. Then Angel and Shadow would go back to the castle. Shadow loosely tied Mika’s wrists behind his back and they proceeded into the city. As expected, the guards stopped the three, however hesitantly as they recognized ShadowRune.
“
Sir, General Ruakha has been looking for you. Who are these two?†The guard spoke cautiously.
“
This is Angel, a privileged prisoner under my guard. This fool is the one who attempted to kidnap her. I am taking him to the dungeon.â€Â
“
Prisoners? One of us will help you bring them to the palace.†He commanded and called over one of his fellow men.
“
No. I will escort the prisoners alone. I do not need you mortals to hold my hand,†Shadow snarled at the guards advances. The man was taken aback, but he stammered his orders dreading each word he spoke.
“
Bu, bu, but, but sir… We we we are under orders to escort prisoners to the jail.†Shadow slowly advanced on the guard, looking straight at his face with a neutral look and bloodthirsty eyes. Naturally the guard wet himself and cried for Shadow not to kill him.
“
I won’t kill you, if you forget we were even here…†Shadow said softly, trying to make sure Angel did not hear him. Spinning on his heels he walked back to Angel and Mika and they all continued into the city, with no guards in their wake.
“
They fear you so much, alone you could stop them.†Mika was amazed at how easy Shadow made the mans courage buckle.
“
I could, but there is a chance Angel will be harmed, and in the end I would end up dead,†Shadow said looking at Angel. Taking a quick look around, the area they traveled to was void of any stares, so Shadow released Mika.
“
Mika, if you see him, please tell him, ‘he is in my thoughts and dreams.’â€Â
“
And be sure to say hello from me,†Shadow added to Angels comments. They made their quick good-byes and parted ways. With haste Angel and Shadow arrived at the palace. Apparently news traveled quick and Ruakha was standing in front of the palaces giant doors waiting for him. Both could tell right away that he was not the happiest person in the world at the moment.
“
Where the hell have you been?!†Ruahka shouted at the top of his lungs. Shadow calmly looked to Angel, “
Angel, please return to your chambers, I shall be with you in a while,†to which she nodded and did as she was told, a faint smile on her face. Once she was gone from sight, Shadow charged Ruakha, grabbing his armoured uniform and slamming him against the palace wall, feet dangling.
“
I am NOT in the mood to take any of your abuse today Ruakha! So I suggest you remain civil in my presence or you will regret it," Shadow spat in the generals face then released him and turned away.
“
There is nothing you can do to harm me Rune!†Ruakha replied, his face turning red and many veins showing from the anger. Shadow snapped around to face Ruakha, a crazed look in his eyes.
“
Nothing?! How about I kill all your soldiers? How about I start killing the people in the city under your orders to start a revolt? How about I do the same in other countries and have them join the rebels? Trust me Ruakha, I might not be able to harm you, but I assure you others can!†Ruakha’s breathing climaxed then, and he calmed himself down in a hurry. It was clear that his grasp of Shadow’s leash lessened, and frankly it was frightening to him.
“
I have a job for you…†The generals voice was calm and silent as Shadow had requested. Folding his arms, Shadow gave Ruakha a bored look waiting for him to continue.
“
We have an informant with the rebels, but we cannot get to him to gain any information he has. I want you to get him someplace safe and find out what you can, then I want you to imprison him as though he has been caught for questioning.â€Â
“
Is that all?†Shadow asked, the bored look spreading into his voice. Ruakha nodded his head, “
He is going to be in the town square, I want you and a few of my men to harass him. He will fight back, that is when you will take him in.†Ruakha gave Shadow his orders, and in a flash he was gone. Facing one of the soldiers with him he spoke in a very suspicious tone, “
I want to know the whereabouts of him at all times.â€Â
“
That won’t be a problem sir. After all the rumours of him killing our numbers, we all try to keep each other informed so we can stay as far away from him as possible, or at least to stay out of his way. For the most part, he stays close to the chambers of that woman. He has also been seen in the library and interrupting Lady Vental’s council meetings,†The soldier reported.
“
It warned me of Angel… But what is he doing associating with Vental? Ruakha mused. “
I want anyone who spots ShadowRune speaking with Vental, and Angel, to report back to me what they speak of.†Saluting General Ruakha, the soldier entered the palace, while Ruakha remained outside, staring off into the distance where Shadow had gone.
Picking up what stray soldiers he could find, Shadow proceeded to the town square. Shadow hadn’t the foggiest what the informant looked like, lucky for him one of the guards he gathered did. Through the heavy crowds on such a beautiful day the guard tapped Shadow on the shoulder and pointed to a group of men who were leaving a small house. Shadow pushed the guards ahead of him urging them to advance. According to the plan laid out by Shadow, one of the guards shouted that the men stop. All did, and turned around to face who had barked the order. Two men in the back as soon as they had seen the Flurin uniforms, turned around and dashed for the alleys. Two of the guards with Shadow immediately ran after them, as the rest including Shadow surrounded the remaining three.
“
What do you want? We’ve done nothing wrong!†The informant cried defiantly.
“
Our informants have tipped us off that you are part of the rebellion. You will proceed to the palace with us, or you will be killed,†Shadow spoke loudly, clearly, and without remorse.
“
You will never take us alive Flurin scum!†The informant shouted, then all three men pushed their way passed the soldiers. Shadow dashed for the informant and dragged him to the ground by his hair.
“
I am under orders by Ruakha to gather the required information about the rebels. Speak it now quietly and then attack my groin and escape.â€Â
“
The main rebellion forces are planning a full attack and liberation of the slaves of the Censillia mines in two days. I don’t know any numbers, but guarantied to be many,†The man whispered back to Shadow, and then did as he was told. Shadow was hardly phased by the blow but did his best to act like he was in pain. The informant stood up quickly, kicked Shadow in the stomach and ran off into the alleyway. Shadow remained on the ground for a good minute, and slowly got up once the other guards returned, one with a prisoner.
“
Where is the prisoner you captured?†The guard shouted, acting angered.
“
He assaulted me and got away,†Shadow quietly spoke back.
“
Idiot! Get up fool. At least this wasn’t a complete waste of time,†the soldier laughed, slapping the man they captured.
Once Shadow had arrived back at the palace, Ruakha told him to wait in the dining room. He was going to call Vental and the war council together to strategize what to do with the news Shadow had to report. A few minutes had passed, a couple men, the general and Vental entered and sat down.
“
Rune, report.†Shadow pushed himself off the wall and began to pace around the giant table.
“
Now I am not one to make big speeches, so I will make this brief. For all of you probably have lots to do, and the last thing you need is for someone to avoid the subject at hand. So in as few words as possible, I shall report to you. A dire report to be sure. It just saddens me to have to say it at all.â€Â
“
Hurry the hell up Rune!†Ruakha shouted, getting very annoyed with ShadowRune.
“
That I will Ruakha. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the rebellions plan… Quite the intelligent plan too. Why it is so smart I’m surprised I didn’t think of it in the first place.†Ruakha growled, standing up in a hurry pushing his chair against the wall.
“
That’s it!†The General shouted drawing his long sword from its sheath and hurled the blade across the room straight into ShadowRunes chest. Shadow flew back and just barely missed the wall behind him. Climbing back to his feet, he stared at the sword in his chest, and then back to Ruakha who seemed very pleased with himself at the moment.
“
The main rebel forces are planning an all out attack on the Censillia mines. Numbers are unknown but said to be many. The attack happens in two days,†Shadow reported, then pulled Ruakhas sword from him.
“
I knew it, they plan to attack the largest mine where there is over a hundred able fighters.â€Â
“
Enough to cement their position outside the city,†Vental added.
“
We must prepare all the troops we can and protect the mines!†Ruakha pounded his fist on the table demanding action.
“
Are you an idiot Ruakha? The moment they see you fort the mines, they will change their target or cancel all together.â€Â
“
Rune is right, they probably have scouts all the way from here to the mines. The mine is already sufficiently protected with forty armed men, and two of my sorcerers. With them, and a small group coming from behind blocking the mine entrance, they will be destroyed.†Ruakha scoffed at her and Shadow, pulling the chair up from behind him to sit down again.
“
If what you say is true, we can’t send anyone from here to help without being seen. So much for your plan.â€Â
“
Her plan will work, if I lead the small group. Before I became what you see today, I was a well known spy and assassin in this land,†Shadow spoke, his a wolfish grin crawling up his face as he leaned on the table at Ruakha. Vental too turned to Ruakha with her eyebrows raised, as if she was saying I told you so. Sighing Ruakha stood up, the rest of the council doing the same.
“
Captains, I want you to find five of your units stealthiest men and have them report to ShadowRune. Vental, I want one of your sorcerers to accompany them as well. Rune, I warn you now. Do not kill any of these men, and no tricks either, or I will destroy this stone I swear I will!†Ruakha pulled out Shadows soul stone and held his fist tight on it. The council left the room, leaving Shadow alone.
I eagerly wait for the day you lose that stone Ruakha. I have some of the best tortures straight from hell to apply to you. Just you wait.
Some time had passed and Shadow remained in the dinner room, waiting for the soldiers and the sorcerer to report to him. To his surprise, the first visitor was Vental. She quickly moved close to Shadow and spoke quietly.
“
We must be careful. I just got word that Ruakha has ordered his men to keep tabs on your location and what you say. But don’t worry. Once you get back from the mines we will move on him.†Shadow nodded his head, and smiled. “
You may rest for the time being ShadowRune,†She spoke in her normal tone, “
The sorcerer I have order to you, Falk, will join you tomorrow evening in the courtyard as will the rest of the soldiers. Understand?â€Â
“
I understand.†Shadow answered.
“
And Rune, remember, no tricks.†After that, she casually walked out of the room. In all this excitement, Shadow had completely forgotten about Angel. Running out of the room as fast he could, and dashed all the way to her room; which oddly enough was not manned at the moment, and gently knocked on the door hoping she wasn’t asleep.
“
Angel, may I come in?†He said after he heard noise coming from in the room.
“
I was hoping you would have come sooner.†Shadow entered the room, closing the door behind him gently, turning back to Angel with a smile.
“
I apologize my dearest, for I was busy insulting Ruakha, planning with Vental, and scouring the city for information on where to find your husband.†Angel had her back to Shadow, as she was rocking Kayin’s cradle. She placed a finger up to her lips motioning for Shadow to be quiet as Kayin was almost asleep. Shadow nodded his head in compliance to her wishes.
“
He would not have gone far. All he requires are within these city walls. Whom is Vental?†Shadow as quiet as a soft breeze moved up next to Angel.
“
Vental is Ruakha’s second in command. Well, soon to be fully in command. But you never heard it from me,†Shadow said quietly with a wink, very happy when he thought of Ruakha losing power.
“
What is there to gain from killing Rhuaka, I would think it easier to control him no?†Both of their faces were close to each other. Close enough that they could feel the others breath so as not to wake Kayin.
“
Ruakha does not deserve to live. Besides, Vental has promised me land if the Flurin win, and she has promised me you and Kayin.â€Â
“
I don’t understand.â€Â
“
Vental said that once Ruakha is finished, she will have no more need for you. Since that is so, I have bargained with her to release you and Kayin as prisoners, and to be placed under my watch for protection.†Her eyes opened to Shadow with curiosity, and intrigue.
“
You would do that?†A note of surprise in her voice that did not elude his ears. It was comforting that she believed his willingness to protect her, a little wounding that she was surprised. With a nod of his head, he walked over to a chair next to the bed and placed it behind her. She accepted the chair with a smile, this man next to her providing a troubling yet fond feeling. Indeed she did believe his words of want nothing but her safety. However unlike Vaalic; who always wanted to protect her, ShadowRune
knew he could protect her.
“
Thank you,†was all she could think of saying.
“
Don’t ask me why though. I am still trying to answer that myself, with no luck so far.†Looking away from Angel, Shadow stared down at his feet and yet he was staring beyond that.
“
If only that bitch in hell could hear me now, I’m sure she would have a fit of apocalyptic preparations,†Shadow snickered, but it was drenched with doubt and worry. Angel looked to him concerned, her face asking why hell would oppose him.
“
The ruler of hell spat me back up for the purpose to kill, not to share my feelings.â€Â
“
And what is your bidding? Who is it you were sent to kill?†Shadow looked away from her, ashamed to speak a truth that he did not know to be correct.
“
Ruakha has found out that the rebellion plans to attack a mine. I am under his orders to go there and eliminate all who oppose the Flurin.â€Â
“
That is Ruakha’s bidding, what is yours?†She him again in a louder tone.
“
I was given to the Flurin by hell, to kill any who stand in their way. But I have killed enemy and ally alike, only because I am spawn from hell and thirst for blood. For now, I must do as I am told and designed for, my life forfeit if I resist.†Quietly Shadow pulled the two books about demons out and handed them to Angel.
“
And if I die then I can no longer protect you and Kayin. Read these later, they will describe to you a little about what I am.â€Â
Angel took the books from Shadow and placed them on a table next to the crib. There was another thing that bothered her at the moment, regarding this Vental.
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When Ruakha is no longer a concern, can’t Vental use you as he?†Shadow smiled, her concern pleasing to one such as him.
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She cannot under penalty of death. A curse has been placed on us to prevent any treachery, and yet the agreement was such that I could leave her services at any time.â€Â
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And you trust her?â€Â
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With that spell we have no choice but to trust the other. But I’m not worried, neither should you.â€Â
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I understand,†She said with a nod of her head, “
that’s my girl,†Shadow said lightly patting her on the shoulder. But just before he was about to stop, a severe pain crawled up his finger tips all the way to his forearm in a second. He retracted his hand from her shoulder and growled with his eyes closed tight.
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What is it? What’s happened?†She said in a panic. She reached out to him, but Shadow withdrew from her. The pain slowly crawled its way into his shoulder, then chest, forcing him to talk tiny short breaths.
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I.. I don’t… know…†The pain suddenly combined all into his back, which arched and sent him straight to the ground writhing in pain. He was growling severely, but he tried to stay as quiet as he could thinking of Kayin.
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Shadow!†Angel rushed out of the chair, getting down to her knees. She softly grabbed Shadows face and tried to move it to face her. “
Look into my eyes…†Panic was now lost in her voice. With much difficulty, and with her help, Shadows pain wracked face was guided to hers.
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Good… Now with me… Deep breaths… You can overcome this…†And just like that, the pain had vanished and Shadow felt as though nothing had even happened. With Angel’s help Shadow stood up, a little more then confused. The answer to his confused question came in the reply of the room getting dark, Angel this time was also enveloped by it. Both looked off into one corner as if compelled to, a presence is what they felt and did not want to turn away. A figured robed in a dark red cloak faded into existence.
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We warned you not to continue. This is just a little taste if what she will do. And you know how severe it can get.†Its voice echoed hollowly until it and the darkness just suddenly ceased to be.
Almost in defence Angel backed away from Shadow and picked up Kayin, holding him close rocking back and forth.
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I… I… Can that thing hurt us?â€Â†Clearly Angel was a little more than freaked by what has just occurred. Shadow looked deep into her worried eyes and shook his head.
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They are not interested in harming you or Kayin. I told you why this had happened, I was once again given life to kill, not share feelings. Obviously all of hell is opposed to us getting close.†His head was starting to hurt again, the questions leading to the screams. Hesitantly Angel took a step closer to Shadow.
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There must be a reason. Can they truly hurt you?â€Â
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They cannot kill me, but they can subject me to endless torture. But I won’t let that stop me from protecting you, as long as I can.†Angel moved over to her bed and lied down heavily, Kayin silently wiggled in her arms.
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What did they tell you? Have they done this to you before?†Shadow sat down in the chair and covered his face with his hands. He was trying to keep his cool, trying to will the noise to quiet.
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They have, and they told me I am to stay away from you or I will experience pain beyond that of what I had already experienced…â€Â
Both remained silent, Angel studying Shadows dark lumped shape hidden from the light, even though the setting sun was trying to shine on him.
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Shadow, what happened to you?†An earnest query, one which she wanted to hear the answer but feared what he would describe. All wonder, but none really want to know about hell. Shadow moved his hands down his face slightly, Angel now being able to see the reflection of his night seeing eyes.
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Slowly I watched as the sword of Vaalic left my chest. I felt myself start to fall for the ground, but I never managed to touch it. Everything went dark, I continued to fall. Before realising any change in the scenery, I felt heat. Someone grabbed me, screaming for his protection. A huge creature I had never seen before pulled the man from me. It was then that I noticed my surroundings, a forest, burning, everywhere, burning, and bodies shoved through the charcoal branches. Just like poor souls, the man begging for help, I too was thrust upon the burning trees. When the pain was too much I was again given new surroundings. I was given isolation, and a pain in my head that I had to kill myself again and again to end it from getting worse. It would never end, time after time, death after death.†A rarity to this world, even those of other worlds happened then. A tear welled up in his eyes and fell to the floor, which it began to eat away for a few seconds.
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I cannot comprehend … It sounds horrible… What he described to her was chilling, and she felt it creep around her spine. Shadow now uncovered his entire face and leaned back in the chair staring at Angel.
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After death a million times over, I was finally privy to hell. The stories you may have heard about such a place are true. Ever since the moment I woke up in that burning cavern, my mind has been hearing nothing but screams of torture. Every moment that I am awake, I can feel hate coursing through me. I was only in hell for what seemed like a brief moment before the ruler Karie turned me into this atrocity, and gave me to the Flurin as their pet, their tool. So my soul was ripped from me into a stone, which you will read all about in those books.†Angel looked across the room to the books on the table, then back to Shadow.
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Then in those books in the answer to your freedom.†Shadow turned around and looked at the books as well. His head twitched after a second and he snapped around to face Angel with wide eyes of excitement.
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The answers are not with the books. But, they will be with the one who wrote them.â€Â
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Their writers?†Shadow nodded his head, but then a troubled look crossed it.
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Yes, it was written by a cult of sorcerers long since moved on from Freeport. The only problem is, how do I find them, and would they even be willing to help me.†Shadow returned to the lump he started in, his head back in his hands.
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Obviously they will not free you willingly. Do you have an answer to why they wish to keep us apart? There must be a reason, perhaps something they do not wish to be seen or found?†Angel was beginning to calm down it seemed. She rose from the bed and placed Kayin back in his bed, where he began to drift back to sleep.
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I can’t be certain, but I think it has something to do with the ruler of hell. You have helped me regain part of my humanity, and that is something she does not want to happen to her wonderful creations.†Shadow walked over to the window and looked beyond the city walls. The sun had finally fallen but part of the light given from it was still shining off the waters horizon. Shadow lazily walked over to the door, before he opened it her turned around to Angel.
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Tomorrow evening I head for the mines. If I see him, do you want me to tell Vaalic anything?†It couldn’t be helped, but Shadow looked depressed when he asked her this. Angel picked up on this and hesitated in her response.
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Tell him… what I told Mika. I’m safe and I miss him. Tell him that he is still in my thoughts and dreams,†She said with a somber tone, and just before Shadow left she spoke up again, “
Shadow? Will I see you again?†Shadow stops and looks around, and gave her a nod.
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In two days I return. Stay safe until then Angel. Vaalic is not the only one who will miss you, and Kayin.†And with that Shadow calmly left the room. Something was different about this time, he didn’t leave confused. He was thinking clearly right now, the truth lied just a mile up the road; home was just around the next bend.