Captain of Shadow

By Susan Skylark

When a young Prince finds himself drowning in infamy and betrayal, his whole world is about to be turned upside down, but his adventures only become stranger as the future collides with the past. There’s something downright odd going on in Astoria, and as usual, the Shadow of the Unicorn is at its very heart, but it is the Captain of the Shadow who is behind it all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan Skylark
• Release date: Oct 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311052858

Susan Skylark

Once upon a time there was a sensible young lady who pursued a practical career, but finding it far less fulfilling than the proponents of the modern fairytale promulgate, she then married a clergyman, much to everyone’s astonishment, including her own, and in proper fairytale fashion keeps house for the mysterious gentleman in a far away land, spending most of her time in company with a very short, whimsical person who can almost speak English. She enjoys fantasy, fairy tales, and adventure stories and her writing reflects this quaint affectation. She considers Happy Endings (more or less) a requisite to good literature and sanity, though real stories never, truly end.

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Susan Skylark

Copyright 2015 Susan Skylark

Revised 2018

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

A Brief Note on Reading Order for the ‘Chronicles of the Brethren:’ you may pick up any book in the series and begin reading, but for maximum enjoyment, it is suggested by the author to begin with ‘The Serpent and the Unicorn’ and then read the ‘In Shadow’ series in order, this is the fourth book of the series. The Shadow of the Unicorn is the first book in the series and should be read first, followed by To Shadow Bound, and then Shadows Fall. The entire series is also available as a one volume set containing the first two books of The Serpent and the Unicorn.

Table of Contents:

Part I

Part II

Part III

Part IV

Other books by this author, website, etc.

In Which Miss Iris Misses Tea (excerpt from ‘Of Tea... and Things’)

On Heroes: A Foible excerpt

Sample story from ‘Over the Hills and Far Away’

Excerpt from ‘The Greylands: Volume VI’

Sample story from ‘Legends of the Brethren’

Chapter 1:

Prince Vayel sat his horse and smiled broadly, as he surveyed the wide green land that spread out in all its bounteous splendor before him, for one day, all of this would be his. Sighing contentedly, he turned his horse and carefully made his way down the precarious trail that led to the ridge from which he had just surveyed the realm of Adora, of which his father was King and he the crown Prince. His heart buoyant with the immortal joy of unspoiled youth and the hope of a bright future before him, he kicked his gelding to a cantor and turned towards home. He had not gone far when the baying of hounds, the thunder of hooves, and the strident cry of a hunting horn broke the spell. Wishing rather to gallop all the way home with none the wiser, he dutifully reined in his horse and allowed the hunting party to catch up, not surprised to see his cousin Flinn at the very heart of the mayhem, and from the way he swayed in his saddle and laughed insipidly at the least provocation, he was drunk as well, another fact that was far from surprising.

Well, well, giggled the noble youth, if it isn’t my uptight, no nonsense cousin! Finally taking a moment away from all your pressing and vital duties to actually enjoy the day? He smiled broadly at his companions, who were neither quite so brash nor so thoroughly inebriated as to dare making fun of such a personage as the Crown Prince. Finding no help from that quarter, he returned his attention to his obviously vexed cousin, aren’t you always lecturing me on how much of a waste just such activities are?

The Prince said quietly, a quiet ride in the country is a far cry from the spectacles you are wont to indulge in.

Spectacles! squawked Flinn with a lopsided smile, you hear that me lads! I told you we was a sight to behold and here’s one as agrees with me no end! He hiccupped and was lost for a moment in mirth at some private joke, then sobering slightly, he saluted flamboyantly and said in parting, let us not detain you then, my good sir, for we have more spectacle...spectaclating...spectulating...to do! He laid in his heels and the entire company had soon vanished amidst the woodland shadows.

Vayel shook his head sadly and continued his journey home, wondering what would come of such a dissolute lad; he had so much potential but squandered it on vain entertainments and drowned it in drink. But the world was bright about him, as was the future before him, and even his cousin’s obnoxious insouciance could not long spoil his mood. With a lighter heart, he continued on his way. His horse snorted suddenly, stopping of his own accord, ears pricked and looking uneasily up the path. Vayel frowned in consternation, but slid from his saddle, hand on his sword hilt, but drawn inexorably in the direction of whatever it was that had discomfited the horse. He sighed in wonder, his hand falling away from his weapon even as he dropped to his knees in awe and no little fear.

Walk with me, child, came the gentle Voice. The boy was on his feet in a moment and walking silently beside the Great Unicorn, continued He, you are blessed with much. The boy nodded as He said, and you find great joy and contentment therein. The boy smiled wanly, wondering where his Master was going with this particular line of thought. Suddenly the Unicorn stopped and turned to look full upon the boy, who dropped to his knees in sudden, dreadful anticipation. What if you were to lose it all? came the awful question. The boy shuddered and He continued, your beloved father, your reputation, the crown, even your life? The boy’s eyes were wide with terror, but He had not finished, and all for the sake of one whose actions you despise above all else?

Vayel shuddered, studying the leaf litter for a moment, and then glanced up uneasily into those fathomless eyes; he gasped in wonder and dread at the love and sorrow written therein even as his gaze fell upon the ever bleeding wound in His side, said he in a barely audible whisper, but had he said nothing at all, still He would have heard it, said the boy, if it must be so, I will endure what I must, as You have endured far worse for my sake and that of all mankind. He looked up with pleading eyes, does this mean there is hope for him? That he will find meaning and purpose at last? That he will use the gifts You have given him for the good of others?

The Unicorn shook His head sadly, there are no guarantees child, not where a human will is concerned. He will certainly have every chance of making that choice, but it is his decision alone; I will not force My will upon him.

Vayel sighed heavily, then it could all be for naught.

Yes, said the Unicorn sadly, glancing significantly at His own bleeding side, there are many for whom the ultimate sacrifice is still not sufficient cause to look beyond themselves for purpose, direction, and meaning.

The boy said in dismay, but if this must be, what of the Kingdom?

The Unicorn shook His great head, nay child, that is not your concern. You must accomplish the task that is set before you and trust the rest to Me. I work all things together for good, though mortal minds cannot fathom it at the time, or even in long years afterward. It will one day make sense, but for now, you must have faith.

The boy looked up to ask another question, but it died on his lips, for the Unicorn was gone. He stood slowly, his boyish enthusiasm forgotten, as if he were suddenly a very old man looking upon a looming winter that would never again yield to Spring’s bright caress, but a strange determination and courage had risen in his heart, knowing he must face the unthinkable yet knowing somehow, despite everything, in the end he would triumph, or rather his Master would, and in that, he took great comfort. He returned to his horse, climbed into the saddle, and set off at a thoughtful walk.

Oh, Highness! came the aggrieved voice, as Vayel rode into the courtyard of the castle, You have returned at last! The unthinkable has happened and we feared you too had somehow been caught up in this disaster, for your father the King, the Steward stopped to take a deep, steadying breath before continuing, your father is dead.

The Prince’s eyes were wide and he nearly fell from his saddle in shock, though he had had warning of what was to come, for he loved his father dearly; he was a great and gracious King, unrivaled in the history of Adora yet also the best of fathers, at least in Vayel’s opinion. He bowed his head, offering up a hasty prayer for strength, and then shakily slid from his horse, said he quietly, what happened?

The Steward shook his head gravely, we do not know. He was in the best of spirits this morning, attending to his duties with his usual vigor, but after the noon meal, he withdrew to his chambers, begging illness. When his valet went to waken him some hours later, he found him dead in his bed. You too were missing at the time and near panic set in, but your uncle, the King’s brother, gravely called us all to order and said he would personally investigate the matter and that a patrol should be sent out to find you with all haste. We have been anxiously watching and waiting ever since.

Vayel shook his head, these are grave tidings indeed, sir. What is to come of the Crown? I am not yet old enough, according to our laws, to ascend the throne.

The Steward said rather hesitantly, your uncle shall reign in your stead, until you are of age, and then it shall pass to you.

Very well, said Vayel slowly, could it have been murder?

The Steward’s eyes widened and he glanced anxiously at the various occupants of the courtyard, as Vayel suddenly understood that he should not have spoken such aloud in a public venue, for there would be rumors enough without him adding fuel to the fire of public conjecture. Said the Steward quietly, we know little thus far.

Vayel brightened marginally, what of my father’s Advisor from Astoria? Certainly his wisdom would be of great value in this crisis.

The Steward shook his head, we cannot find him. He vanished even more precipitously than you, at least none have seen him leave the castle proper, whereas a few guards and servants knew you were off riding in the woods. It is all very disturbing and mysterious.

Of a certainty, said the Prince with a frown, I must speak to my uncle.

The Steward shook his head, it is not to be, Sire. He wished to be apprised of your safe return but said he would be far too busy to speak with you this day, but he promised to summon you for an audience the first chance thereafter.

So there is nothing for me to do? No service I could render? asked Vayel in growing dismay, at least if he were busy about some needful task, perhaps the dreadful ache growing in his heart would not be near so noticeable.

The Steward said morosely, I fear not Highness, save to mourn the loss of so great a man.

And there was nothing to be done, at least by the Crown Prince, for the next three days thereafter, though the rest of the palace population was fairly busy with funeral preparations and the like. His uncle’s investigation had turned up nothing, neither had the various doctors and apothecaries been able to discern the cause of death, so in due course, the King was buried and still the Regent had not spoken with his nephew, who could do naught but wander the corridors aimlessly or sit for hours on end in the library, a book forgotten in his lap. Still the King’s Advisor did not appear, and the boy felt utterly alone and forgotten; worse, he knew this was only the beginning of terrible things to come. His cousin on the other hand, went his way as blithely as ever, thoroughly enjoying the festivities and chaos surrounding a royal funeral but otherwise oblivious to the grievous blow that had been dealt to both the Kingdom as a whole and Vayel in particular.

As he sat in his chair in the abandoned library the night after the burial, gazing morosely into the fire, Vayel wondered if he had the heart to endure what was to come. It all seemed so surreal and courageous, like something in one of the old tales, at least when in the Master’s very presence, but now that he was in the midst of it, he felt so small and frail and alone. But he was not alone, and as he suddenly looked upon that awful Presence, he knew nothing more or perhaps was nothing more.

He blinked groggily back to consciousness and glanced about in dismay, wondering where he was. It was completely dark, he stood suddenly and fell just as precipitously with a cry of pain, tentatively reaching a hand up to feel that on which he had nearly cracked his skull. He felt a slanting roof of weathered wood and then sneezed violently, as his movements stirred up the dusty hay on which he lay. With a grim smile, he had a very good idea where he was, but why and how? Carefully, he crawled out of the forgotten loft, wherein he and his cousin had spent many happy hours as children, their parents being blissfully unaware of their unseemly antics, but so familiar was the hayloft in the old stable that he easily found his way down, even in the utter dark. Shakily, he set both his feet on the ground and leant heavily against the rough hewn and partially rotten wood of the walls. He took a deep breath and a small step, repeating the process until he stood at last in the courtyard under all the stars of heaven. He marveled at their stark beauty for a moment before the world went dark once more.

He awoke with a headache, not induced solely by his encounter with the stable roof, and groaned as he rolled into a sitting position. He opened his eyes and stared directly into the horrified face of one of his father’s guardsmen. He frowned and glanced about, wondering what could precipitate the man’s look of utter disgust and shock. Vayel’s face was suddenly a perfect imitation of the guard’s, for the missing man from Astoria lay in a pool of his own blood, his throat cut, not an arm’s length from the horrified boy, and only then did Vayel realize he clutched a bloody dagger in his own hand. The blackness was immediately upon him once more.

He awoke to find a half dozen of his father’s guards gathered around him, their captain splashing cold water on the boy’s face, trying to rouse him from his faint. As he blinked back to the horrifying reality that was his life at that moment, the guard asked, what happened here? The boy shook his head, unable to speak in shock and horror and confusion; the man had been a friend and mentor, to lose him so soon after his father’s death only added salt to the gaping wound that was his heart. I’m afraid we’ll have to take this matter to the Regent immediately, Sire, said the uneasy guardsman, I hope you won’t make a fuss?

The boy gaped, they thought he was responsible for this despicable deed! He sighed heavily and shook his head morosely, allowing them to lift him to his feet and get him settled on a horse. They likewise loaded up the dead man and returned to the castle as fast as their prisoner and grim burden would allow.

The Regent paced before them in dismay, occasionally glancing at Vayel in horror and disgust, where have we failed you? How could you have gone so wrong?

Vayel frowned, speaking at last, of what do you speak, Sir?

His uncle spitted him with a furious glare, blood magic! Do not dare feign ignorance! You will be the ruin of the entire Kingdom, a Kingdom which would have been rightfully yours had you but waited for your father to die naturally, rather than viciously cutting short his life with your vile sorcery!

Vayel gaped, how can you make such an accusation, Sir?

The Regent shook his head, in grave disappointment, you are covered in the evidence. You were caught in the very act. How else would you explain your father’s mysterious death?

Vayel’s shoulders slumped as he studied the guards, courtiers, and servants standing in the courtyard about him, nodding slowly or exchanging grim, knowing looks with their fellows. He did not know what had happened, but he had no evidence to the contrary, though he knew the accusations were utterly false, he had no way to prove it and it seemed the court had already accepted his uncle’s grim view of things. Thus perished his reputation and all hope of ever gaining the crown, all he had left to him was his life, and that too his uncle seemed intent on stripping away as soon as possible.

Said the Regent in grim finality, the punishment for such grievous crimes can only be death, only thereby may we spare the Kingdom from the Master’s incumbent wrath. He smiled slightly in cruel glee, of course we will have to make it a public execution and a grisly one at that, as befits treason of this magnitude.

Vayel suddenly straightened and glared at his uncle, he might be a dead man, but he would not go quietly to his grave, I will appeal my case to the Lady of Astoria.

The Regent looked rather surprised at this sudden outburst from the condemned, but shrugged as if it mattered little, let it be as you wish it, it is your right after all. Flinn!

The Regent’s only child crept out of the crowd of courtiers and quavered, yes, Sire?

You will take this villain to Astoria and see that justice is done, growled the Regent. He turned to the guardsman that had discovered the ghastly scene, accompany the Prince and the prisoner to Astoria, Captain. With a final glare for Vayel, he turned suddenly on his heel and marched into the castle, leaving all and sundry to gape like stranded fish.

Flinn gave his cousin an irate frown, just like you to continue ruining my fun!

Vayel gaped, my father has just died mysteriously and I am condemned to death for the murder of a man I held almost as dear and all you can do is grouse about your spoiled pleasantries?

Flinn shrugged uneasily, why should I care or be so ill used? It has nothing to do with me!

Vayel said gravely, with me and my father out of the way, you are next in line for the crown, thus it involves you deeply, whether you would or not.

Flinn mouthed an astonished ‘oh,’ and then turned his consternation into a hasty order to begin preparations to leave. The guardsmen and servants scattered in every direction while the courtiers stood off to the side and whispered eagerly amongst themselves. The captain stood beside Flinn, a length of rope in his hands, shall we bind him, Sire?

Flinn blanched at both the new title and the responsibilities inherent therein and said anxiously, do as you think you must, Captain. He stalked off towards the stable, hoping to escape all such entanglements for a few moments, uneasy with so much responsibility so suddenly thrust upon him. Vayel sighed sadly at his cousin’s retreating back and then offered his hands to the stymied captain that he might bind them, as he seemed to think necessary.

They were off well before midday, Flinn slouching in his saddle and grumbling under his breath, apparently sulking at the dreadful reality in which he now found himself while Vayel felt a strange sort of peace settle upon him, knowing all would soon be over, one way or another. The guards rode ahead of and behind the cousins, glancing uneasily amongst themselves, unsure what they thought of the entire situation but doing their duty as best they could. Either the former prince was a traitor of the worst sort or justice had been grievously denied him, either way, they were quite discomfited by their predicament and the new prince did nothing to relieve them of their apprehension.

So did the disconsolate little party travel, lost in their own thoughts and misgivings, wondering what would come of the matter when at last the Lady passed judgment. The courtiers watched them ride off with malicious smiles and gloating sneers whilst the townsfolk watched with grim eyes, wondering what was to come of the Kingdom itself in such a circumstance. Vayel was very glad when the woods closed in around them and hid them from curious and speculative eyes. Strangely, Flinn was the one who seemed to be wrestling with the inevitability of the situation rather than the one condemned to death. Hardly a word was spoken between any of them on the entire interminable journey.

At last, Astoria lay before them and all rejoiced at the sight thereof, hoping it would yield answers that weeks of constant worry and contemplation had not. The captain of the guard announced their business at the castle gates, seeing as how the Prince would not or perhaps could not, for he was nearly catatonic as he continued to mull over this disturbing shift in his destiny. The Lady saw them immediately and heard their various stories, at least from Vayel and the guardsman, Flinn took little interest in the proceedings. At last, the Lady withdrew with several of her advisors and said grimly, the evidence is both condemning yet highly circumstantial! Can we condemn the boy to death as easily as his uncle has done?

Jared shook his head gravely, you have not said all, my Lady, nor asked him directly if he committed this grievous crime.

She frowned at him and his seeming ability to read her mind, I have no choice in the matter; the boy must die, regardless.

Jared nodded, my thoughts exactly.

Her frown became thoughtful, there is more to this than I yet realize, isn’t there?

Jared smiled grimly, far more than any of us can yet comprehend, my Lady.

She nodded, do what you must. He bowed deeply and they returned to the main audience chamber, those gathered therein impatiently awaiting the verdict. Said she heavily, I must condemn you to death. The boy bowed his head in simple acceptance while his cousin took the news as if it were his own sentence, slumping dejectedly into a chair and refusing even to look up. She turned to Jared and nodded, and the sentence will be carried out immediately. The boy nodded and allowed the servant and one of the Brethren to lead him away. Flinn did not even look up as he passed. The guard watched him go with stony contempt and then turned to attend to his aggrieved lord.

They led him to the furthest corner of the dungeons and he knelt with his head over the block as the axe was raised, said a strangely jubilant voice as the axe fell, this is only the beginning lad. As it found its mark, an awful light filled the grim little room, obliterating all therein. The axe fell to the floor with a sharp clang as the hands that held it vanished along with its intended victim.

Chapter 2:

My life is over! bemoaned Prince Flinn as the captain of his guard approached, concern on his face, the comment causing him to frown slightly in consternation, but the grimace was just as quickly hidden. Now all hope is lost, said he morosely, as Vayel was led away, I had hoped the Lady would grant him a reprieve, and then we could all go home and things could get back to normal. What am I to do with all this responsibility that has been thrust upon me?

The captain said cautiously, it is not my place to either question or advise you Sire, unless you specifically ask me for such, but it would seem to me that this place is ideal for learning just that.

The Prince slumped back into his chair and groaned, an education?! What fun is there in that?

The guard suddenly drew back and bowed deeply, causing the Prince to sit up straight and glance in the direction the anxious guard was looking, only to see the Lady herself approaching the distraught Prince. He hastily shot to his feet and offered her a clumsy courtesy, wondering exactly what degree of formality was required from a person of his rank to hers under the prevailing circumstances, Vayel would know, but the fool was probably dead by now, some help he was! She studied him for a very long moment with her far too keen eyes, making Flinn feel a mouse under a hawk’s gaze, at last she spoke quietly, what is happening in Adora, Sire? Might we be of assistance? You seem quite ill at ease yourself, but I suppose such a fate befalling your cousin and uncle in quick succession must be unpleasant indeed.

Unpleasant? For whom, him? He frowned at this thought, he supposed he should feel a little sympathy on their behalf, but he had enough problems of his own to worry about that wasting pity on dead men seemed rather pointless. He said slowly, I don’t know if you can help me or not, for you see, the thing that most troubles me is that now that my father is King, I am heir to the throne and all that responsibility is not something I want. It was quite unfair of my uncle to go and die suddenly and even worse of my cousin to go meddling in things that could get him killed. I don’t know what to do!

The Lady frowned, it all seems rather suspicious to me. Perhaps I should send one of my servants to investigate these mysterious happenings, and until we know your father isn’t involved in anything nefarious, perhaps you had best remain here, Highness. You need not attend classes or formally enroll as a Student if that is not of interest to you, but I would advise that you not venture home until this matter is resolved. Perhaps your cousin was truly the villain behind it all, but I begin to think he was as much a victim as his father and my murdered servant.

Flinn gaped, but you just sent him to his death! Now you think him innocent? Are you mad? That was my last, best hope of escaping this unendurable fate! She frowned at his thoughtless words, but he continued unheeding, but perhaps you are right, I am in desperate need of sanctuary at the moment, yes, sanctuary is just the thing! When’s lunch?

It took all her long years of practicing patience not to throttle the young man before her or to gape openly at his thoughtlessness. Said she as calmly as she could muster, you may eat as soon as this interview is finished, as to your cousin’s fate, that is a matter strictly between himself and the Master and has nothing whatsoever to do with my feelings upon the matter. Welcome to Astoria, your Highness. I will dispatch one of my best agents to your Kingdom immediately that this matter may be rectified as soon as possible. Good day! She nodded briefly in farewell and hied herself quickly from the room, leaving the guard to exchange a wondering look with the baffled prince. A servant entered soon thereafter to get the boy settled, he followed silently after, too confounded to say anything.

The Regent watched his nephew and his own fool of a son ride off with their escort from a window high up in one of the towers, a malicious smile on his face, at last, he could attend to the business of ruling the Kingdom. He would have enjoyed watching the boy die before the entire Kingdom, but perhaps it was just as well he died quietly in a foreign land, the sooner to be forgotten. As to his own heir, he little cared what came of the fool boy, just as long as he was not bothering his father, not that he really needed an heir as he intended to live forever. Now all he need do was watch for the Lady’s agent that would undoubtedly be dispatched to investigate the mysterious happenings in Adora. He did not doubt the boy would die, it had been promised to him, even the Lady of Astoria could not thwart the boy’s destiny or the source of such a prophecy. His smile deepened as he turned from the window to get down to the glorious business of actually being King.

Lose everything indeed! The creature studied itself curiously, not in horror as might be expected at such a radical transformation, but calmly and with no little amusement, though it seemed to be wrought entirely of dark mist when once he had been a very Prince of the Realm. But what were mortal Kingdoms to this? The only part of himself, at least that he could see, that was not shadow incarnate was a small silver unicorn glinting with its own light on his right palm. That was the reason he could smile, even when he lacked the features to do so, for it was the Mark of the One to whom he belonged, and never could he be snatched from that great and mighty hand, no matter what strange adventures befell him.

He remembered hearing someone whisper that the adventure was only begun right before that dreadful light was unleashed and then he knew nothing but Light. He remembered that Light, it was the same that had consumed him utterly one fateful night in the library, a Light more glorious than life itself. He glanced down in wonder, his shadowy visage had vanished and his entire being pulsed with that deadly Light. With a thought, he garbed himself again in darkness and frowned, this would never do! It suddenly occurred to him that he was also the source of that all-consuming radiance in the dungeons of Astoria. He must learn to control himself, whatever he was now. For a moment he wondered what had happened to the two men in the dungeons with him, they could not have survived such a display, but then at least one of them knew things were not as they seemed. He smiled eagerly, he was not alone, whatever this new adventure was. Suddenly he felt himself inexplicably dissolving and the Light that wrought his very being threatened to break forth once more, but with a thought, he schooled it to quiescence and allowed himself to evaporate.

He reappeared, still a wraithlike shadow, in a very familiar place. A figure clad in the livery of Adora stood propping the small kitchen gate open and was motioning frantically at him. With another frown, he approached the odd servant and entered the castle proper as the man quickly secured the gate behind him. This way shadow, growled the man, my master does not like to be kept waiting. Vayel hissed quietly but refrained from comment as he followed the villainous looking fellow high up into the utmost towers of the keep, higher than he had ever gone before, even as an adventure bent lad of seven exploring the various nooks and crannies of the ancient castle. The minion knocked upon a certain door in a certain way, opened it when bidden to do so, and then motioned that the wraith should enter alone, fleeing the moment he closed the door behind the shadow.

Vayel’s uncle turned from his study of the fire and eyed the shadow speculatively, what took you so long?

We come when it suits us, hissed the shadow, not quite sure from whence the words sprang.

So be it, sighed the Regent, I have a job for you.

Obviously, snarled the wraith, else you would not have sent for me.

I tire of your insolence, shade, snapped the King, go to Astoria, find my fool of a son, and either corrupt him or destroy him, I care not which.

With pleasure, hissed the wraith as it fled out the window, leaving the Regent to his study of the flames. Vayel grinned, it would be a pleasure indeed to try corrupting the hedonistic boy, and if he succeeded, perhaps he would make a proper King after all. He felt himself dissolving again and this time the light did not stir, for there was no panic or unease this time around. His smile deepened, could he be getting used to this strange new occupation?

Vayel reappeared again in the dungeons of Astoria, he just had time to register that fact before he felt a piercing pain in his chest and fell again into darkness. Baye looked at Jared with a raised eyebrow and a quizzical expression on his face as the sword in the servant’s hands vanished, was that necessary?

Jared grinned broadly, yes, I had to verify that he could control himself.

Baye smiled reminiscently, remembering his own turn teaching that particular skill to his various apprentices, said he with a thoughtful nod, "it seems he can, but how did he