Eclipse

By Michael Lee

All Luniel has ever wanted was to be a Hunter like his master and mother. He's done all that he could to reach his dream and is one step away when fate comes calling.

When one of the students he knows is chosen for something outside of her skill level, he volunteers to join her, to protect and guide. With his best friend at his side he feels like they can take on the world.

When the world answers his challenge, will he break under the strain or will he rise up and be the Hunter that everyone knows he can be?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell Talent
• Release date: Nov 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9780228834588

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Eclipse

Copyright © 2020 by Michael Lee

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Tellwell Talent

www.tellwell.ca

ISBN

978-0-2288-3457-1 (Hardcover)

978-0-2288-3456-4 (Paperback)

978-0-2288-3458-8 (eBook)

Chapter 1

The gravel crunched with each idle step. He cracked his neck as he paused beneath the shadow of the nearest building. He idly slapped all over his body, making a mental list of everything he had on his person.

With everything where it was supposed to be, he continued along the edge of the street, waving to those who caught his attention. The subtle hum of gems in use mingled with the chatter of the crowd. He stepped out of the shadows and blinked at the intensity of the sun. Sweat was starting to bead at his temples.

He wiped his forehead with the back of his arm. The leather clad forearm stuck to his skin. He peeled it away with a grimace and fanned himself with the front of his light blue shirt. Wet patches were appearing at his armpits and down his back.

He paused next to a pillar of citrine near the main gate. He bowed his head and clapped his hands together. He murmured a brief prayer under his breath.

No one knew when or how the pillar had appeared, just that it showed up one day and refused to be moved. Rumours were spreading around the town that if you prayed at the crystal before you left, you would be blessed with a safe journey.

With his prayer done, he pressed a hand against the smooth crystal. There was a flicker of warmth, tinged with what he could have sworn was amusement.

He shook his head. The heat must have been playing tricks on him. He stretched his arms above his head and let out a sigh of relief. He continued to the main gate and joined the small queue.

The guards were professional and quick as they processed each person and ushered them through the gate.

Identification please, one of the guards asked with a wink. Despite the warmth in his eyes, the guard gestured with his fingers.

Do we have to do this every time, Sian? he asked. He reached into his pocket and pulled out an enchanted metal card with a thin disc of diamond in the middle. A crossed sword and bow were etched into the diamond. He handed it over. You’ve seen me often enough as it is. How are the children, by the way?

Protocol is protocol, sir, Sian said as he made a show of looking the card over. The kids are fine. They’re really enjoying the classes you teach. Their control has made leaps under your tutelage.

That’s good. Tell them to study for the next test. They could use the refresher.

I’ll try. You know how children are though. Sian pulled out a crystal stamp and pressed it against the diamond. How’s the missus?

She’s fine? He had no idea where Sian was going with this.

"It’s a good thing you have an in with her mother isn’t it? Should we be seeing you as the head of the Guard soon then?"

No? Why would I? Isn’t that a royal position?

Sian gaped. The man’s mouth opened and closed a few times before snapping shut.

He blinked when Sian reached up and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Luniel ‘Lightsmith’ Cretion, you’re cleared to leave, Sian said as he lowered his hand. His back straightened, professionalism taking over once more. Your reason for leaving Thimnow?

Search and rescue in the woods off the Unter Highway, Luniel said. It should only take the day if I make good time but if we can’t then I’ll probably set up camp and escort them back tomorrow.

One of the guards stiffened. Sian flicked his eyes towards her before turning back to Luniel.

Luniel tilted his head. He raised an eyebrow at the reaction. Were you the one who made the request? Anything I should know before I leave?

The guard nodded. My sister was travelling back from Unter Glivern. If there had been any difficulties at all, she would have sent word from one of the towns on the way. I haven’t heard anything so it should be fine, but she was supposed to return yesterday. The guard wrung her hands.

Luniel flashed the guard a smile, gentle but with steel confidence. She’ll be fine. I’ll make sure of it.

Good hunting, sir. Sian waved his hand towards the gate. There was a groan as the gates opened.

No matter how many times he had seen it, Luniel spent a moment to watch the gears turn. There was something hypnotic about the way everything meshed so well together, each piece doing its part.

The scent of grass and wildflowers filled his nose. A gentle breeze caressed his cheeks, welcoming him in its embrace once more. Luniel nodded to the guardswoman. I’ll bring her and everyone else back.

When he stepped out of the city, Luniel paused to take in the ambience. There was no haste in the fields surrounding the town, no urgency to go somewhere or do something. He rolled his neck and set off.

He followed the road until it split. To his left was the Shanyo Highway that led to the rocky mining town. He frowned as he recalled the gossip about the town. Something wasn’t right there. He turned down the other fork and headed towards the Unter Highway. His destination lay in the forest to the right.

The trees thickened as he continued further forward. He almost missed the path hidden between the trees when a yip caught his attention. He looked around for the source.

A rabbit-fox was crouched in front of the path he needed to take. Its bushy tail brushed the dirt path while its floppy ears perked up.

Luniel crouched down and offered his hand.

The rabbit-fox shook itself and padded forward. It sniffed his fingers.

Luniel reached out to run his fingers along its head.

The rabbit-fox froze at the sudden movement. It turned and sped off into the bush.

Luniel sighed and let out a groan as he stood. There was an ache in his knees, the phantom reminder of injuries from previous missions making themselves known. He slipped between the trees and into the depths.

The branches over his head began to thread around each other. The canopy blotted out the sun until only slivers of sunlight made it through.

Luniel eyed a thick branch. It looked like it could hold his weight. He cycled some of his energy through his body and leapt up. He landed on the branch with his arms spread for balance. A small ring of teal mist emerged from beneath him.

When the branch remained whole, he let out a sigh of relief. He pulled as much energy back into his core as he could. He didn’t have the luxury of wasting energy.

Reaching into a pouch hanging at his waist, he pulled out a glass orb that had a series of runes etched into the surface. He fed a thread of energy into the orb and shook it. Teal light shone in his hand.

Luniel kept his steps light as he jumped from branch to branch. The only sign that he was there were small rings of mist that appeared with each step. The scent of iron and rust became pronounced.

He withdrew the energy and shoved the orb back into the pouch. He kept his gaze trained on the thick branch hanging just out of reach. With pure physical force, Luniel leapt up and grabbed onto the branch. The bumps in the wood dug into his hands as he pulled himself up.

He peeked out as he crouched. He was on the edge of a clearing. Packs and tents were set up around a campfire. He undid his belt and laid it down next to him.

His eyes widened as the belt began to fall. He cursed himself for such a sloppy mistake. The belt hit the pile of leaves below with a muffled thump.

Luniel stiffened when one of the bandits lifted their head. He held his breath. If the bandit had some sort of sensory skill, then everything was going to get complicated.

When the bandit looked away, Luniel wiped the sweat from his forehead. His heart was hammering in his chest.

He looked around the clearing to make note of everything important as he waited for his heartbeat to slow. His eyes were drawn to a glint of silver light.

Luniel rubbed his eyes. There had been nothing in the briefing about a man being taken. The target had a note for a preference for women, and yet there was a silver-haired man shackled next to the captive women.

He narrowed his gaze as he took a second look at the man.

There was a subtle strength to his body; a warrior then. His eyes were a different story, though. Although the crimson colouring threw Luniel off, it was the glazed look that had him alarmed.

He bit his lip as he ran through the protocols. Luniel sighed. With someone with an obvious injury, the priority had shifted from capture to protection. To protect was one of the vows he had sworn on his soul.

He almost fell from his perch when a presence pressed against him. He looked down and met the crimson gaze of the prisoner. The man’s eyes had lost their glaze and were now razor-sharp. A bead of sweat rolled down Luniel’s neck.

Luniel blinked and looked behind him. When he didn’t see anything, he turned back and pointed at himself.

The man tilted his head. His eyes flicked to the side.

Luniel followed the man’s glance. There were a pair of swords buried in the ground. The sheaths and hilts glinted with the same silver light as the man.

Luniel held up a finger for a moment to think. He scanned the rest of the clearing. The women he was meant to find were huddled near the prisoner.

Luniel rubbed his head. The blue strands of his hair bounced up to defy gravity the moment he removed his hands. He thought about his options.

He could throw the blades to the man and have him defend the women while he took care of the bandits, but what if the man turned on him? There were too many variables for something to go wrong. Why couldn’t he have requested—?

His decision was made for him.

Enough. We’ve been hanging around this area for too long. We’ll have our fun, dump the bodies and move on to the next area, one of the bandits said. They rose to their feet.

Criss-crossed scars ran along the bared shoulder and down his arm. A double-headed axe was buried in the dirt next to him.

Well, that wasn’t good. Luniel met the silver-haired man’s gaze. He lifted his hands and pulled them apart, hoping the man got the message before they ran out of time. The bandits were rising to their feet and were heading for the women.

The silver-haired man pulled his hands and feet apart, as far as they could go.

Luniel gulped. He formed a pair of knives that dropped into his hands. Mist curled around his hands before solidifying into light. His hands stilled. He exhaled in one smooth motion and pitched the knives forward, trusting in his accuracy. He hoped the man wouldn’t be too angry if he missed.

Luniel didn’t watch the knives as they flew through the air. The moment they had left his hands, he had tilted his body forward and danced with gravity. He pushed off the branch and twisted. He landed in front of the women, both hands on one side of his waist like he was about to draw a sword. A long bar of mist appeared in his hands.

Surrender, please, Luniel said. There’s no need for us to fight. We can help you start over.

There was a moment of silence before the bandits started to laugh. They grabbed their weapons and began to advance.

The bandits’ leader scoffed. He snapped his fingers.

Let it be noted that Axerust and his crew have refused to surrender, Luniel said as he drew a hand away. A sword appeared, trails of teal mist curling around the solid light.

Noted and witnessed, one of the women behind him said. It must have been the guard’s sister, since she knew the protocols.

Luniel let a grin cross his lips as he gave in to his more primal instincts. He stepped forward and met the bandits’ charge.

He parried the first bandit with his sword. His sheath snaked up to club the man in the jaw. He didn’t watch the man drop as he proceeded towards his next target.

It wasn’t until he had taken down five bandits that his enemies stepped back to regroup. They parted as Axerust stepped forward.

Who are you? Axerust asked as he rested his axe on his shoulder. Do you know how long it takes to find competent help these days?

I’m the Lightsmith, Luniel said as he twirled his sword. He tightened his grip on his sheath.

Axerust made a noise as he connected the dots. The rising star of the Hunters. You are out of your league, boy. I can see you’re on the verge of overuse already.

Luniel clenched his teeth and ignored the sweat running down his temple. He needed to finish this before he dropped from overusing his energy.

I’d surrender if I were you, the silver-haired man said as he stepped forward, grabbing both of their attention. He flicked his swords out. Crimson droplets splashed against the ground while a trail of groaning bodies lay in his wake.

Axerust snarled and charged forward. His axe rose above his head as he swung.

Luniel slipped to the side. His sword cut through the shaft of the axe. He spun and slammed his sheath into Axerust’s jaw.

Axerust dropped.

Luniel paused and stepped back. He panted as he waited to see if the man was faking it. When there was no sign of movement, Luniel crept forward and nudged the man with his foot. When he didn’t stir, Luniel let the sheath in his hand shatter.

Are you all right? he asked the women. He kept his sword at the ready in case the silver-haired man tried to attack them. He moved his sword slowly, resting it against the rope that tied the guardswoman’s sister’s hands together. He cut through it with ease.

He proceeded to free the remaining women while keeping an eye trained on his surroundings. When the women were free and behind him, he turned his complete attention on the other man.

And you, sir? Are you okay?

I’m fine, the silver-haired man said. He sheathed his swords and waved away Luniel’s concern. There was an almost-silent click as the hilt met the sheath. That’s quite some skill you have there. Have you considered going to Lamage? We could help you refine your skills.

Where’s that? Luniel asked. He ran through the list of main cities and towns in his mind but didn’t recognise the name. Is there a Hunter’s branch there?

You don’t know where Lamage is? the man hummed as he tapped his chin. This must be what they meant...

Who meant what? Luniel asked. He pointed his sword in the man’s direction. He pushed away the ache in his head as he focused on the other man. He made sure to remain in front of the women.

Don’t mind me, he said. I’m just talking to myself. What’s your name?

Lightsmith.

I mean your real name. I highly doubt your parents named you something so...

You first, Luniel spat out. And for your information I don’t remember my birth parents.

The man’s eyes widened. He ducked his head in a brief nod. My apologies for the overstep. My name is Lester of Clan Smeltic. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Luniel, and that’s all your getting.

Lester chuckled and raised his hands in surrender. Very well. He lowered his hands and bowed. Thank you for your assistance, although it wasn’t necessary. I was simply gathering my bearings. I had just woken up, after all.

Luniel narrowed his eyes. The ache in his head was beginning to turn into a near-constant thrum. Something was trickling from his nose. He shattered his constructed sheath and wiped away the liquid with his fingers. They came away stained red.

There’s no need to be so hostile, Lester said as he brushed the dirt and grass from his pants. They were dyed olive and had lots of pockets. I’m practically harmless right now.

Luniel blinked and gestured around them. There was a chorus of groans that proved his point for him. He wiped his fingers on his pants.

Lester laughed. The sound was deep and menacing. It bounced off the trees to echo.

Luniel shivered.

One of the women behind him squeaked.

Lester’s eyes widened. My apologies. I didn’t know that would happen.

It’s-err—it’s fine, I guess, Luniel said. He kept Lester in sight as he gestured for the women to stand. Let’s get going. I want to get out of here before they wake up.

A splendid plan, Lester said with a clap of his hands. He slid them into his pockets. Shall I lead the way out?

Please do.

Lester tilted his head as he took in Luniel’s stance and positioning. A man after my own heart. Say, are you ready to give your life for them?

Luniel shuddered as a pressure pressed down on him. He drew up as much energy as he could spare. He glared at Lester. Yes.

Lester beamed. He turned and began to stroll away.

Luniel blew out a breath and made a face at Lester. He kept the women behind him in case Lester attacked, while ignoring the groans of the bandits as the women stepped on them in petty revenge.

Their exit through the forest was peaceful for everyone but Luniel. The women were chattering to each other as the trees began to thin.

Luniel was rigid. His head ached. He knew he was going to regret this in the morning. What made it worse was that Lester hadn’t turned around once.

By the time they reached the highway, Luniel was exhausted. He stumbled as his fatigue, the tension of watching Lester and the drain of using his energy hit him like a boulder. He would have fallen if Lester hadn’t caught him.

Easy there, Lester said. He shifted until Luniel was resting against his shoulder. You did wonderfully; sorry for testing you like that. You’ve done your part, now let me take care of the rest.

The women watched Lester with narrowed eyes. When he didn’t do anything, they helped Luniel onto the other man’s back.

How old are you anyway? You look a bit err, young to be doing solo missions.

I’m twenty, Luniel said. The exhaustion had softened his voice more than he would have liked. It’s a normal age for solo missions. There’s something that thins the energy I can use. The medics haven’t found a cure, so I’ve resigned myself to this.

You don’t look sickly, Lester said as he took careful steps. He made sure not to jostle Luniel any more than necessary.

It’s not that sort of sickness. It’s hard to explain. Luniel tried to slide off Lester’s back but the other man kept a firm grip on his knees.

Try me. I’m smarter than I look.

Something strains my core, thinning the energy I can use. It’s like I’m clogged or something. I have to use more energy to get the same result compared to someone else.

Lester hummed as they approached the gate. You’re right. I have no idea.

Luniel couldn’t stop the snort that escaped. He tapped Lester on the shoulder. I should be right to walk now. Thanks for all your help.

It was no problem, Lester said. He crouched down and let Luniel escape from his grip. The way you protected the women sent shivers running up my skin. It was very heroic.

Luniel narrowed his eyes. I have no idea if you’re mocking me or not.

Lester placed a hand over his heart with mock hurt. Me, mocking someone? I would never do that.

Luniel felt his eye twitch. He punched Lester in the arm.

Lester laughed and stepped back. He gave them a flamboyant bow. Here we are ladies and resident sick man; safe and sound.

The three women bowed before hurrying towards the gate.

The two men watched as the guardswoman who had made the request came running out. She collided with her sister and spun her around.

One of the other women whispered to Sian. She pointed in their direction.

Luniel raised a hand as Sian looked at them.

You should head inside now, Lester said. You’ll need some rest if you’re having feedback issues.

What about you? Do you need a place to stay?

Lester shook his head. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. He rested a hand on a sword.

If you’re sure? Luniel asked. He narrowed his eyes at the other man.

Go on, Lester said. We’ll meet again. I have a strong feeling about that.

With his goodbyes said, Lester turned and walked away. Silver energy tinged with black rippled around him. He vanished from sight.

Luniel shook his head and turned towards the gates of Thimnow. He took a step and stumbled. Warm arms caught him before he could hit the ground.

He blinked to see two of the women at his sides.

They had sultry smiles on their lips as their hands wandered.

It wasn’t until their hands touched his waist that Luniel wondered why it felt so strange. He let out a stream of curses that had the two women recoiling.

He sank to his knees. He was so distracted that he didn’t notice them hurrying away.

You sure blew that chance, Niel, Sian said. He kept one hand on his weapon as he scanned the surroundings. What’s wrong?

I forgot my belt in the forest, Luniel whispered. He stared up at the guard captain in horror. You know how she gets about us losing her things. She’s going to want extras. My funds...

Sian rested a hand on Luniel’s shoulder. My condolences. He paused for a moment. Identification please.

Luniel snorted and shook his head. He fished out the metal card from his pocket and handed it over. Thanks, he said, as he rose to his feet.

Get some rest. You’re going to need it. Sian slapped Luniel on the back, causing the younger man to stumble. He slung an arm around Luniel’s shoulder, making sure the young man didn’t fall as he escorted him through the gate.

Yeah, whatever. Luniel shook Sian’s arm off and made his way down the street. The night markets were in full swing. The crowds parted for him, having seen him coming back from missions at this time often enough.

It wasn’t long until the inn that doubled as the Thimnow Headquarters loomed over him. He went to open the door, but the solid oak doors were pulled before he could touch them. Given that he had committed what little strength he had left to push them, it was inevitable for him to fall.

Everyone in the lobby winced at the thud. The Hunter who had opened the door murmured a brief apology before scurrying away.

One of the clerks left their station and walked over to Luniel. They eased a foot beneath Luniel and rolled him over.

You still alive? the clerk asked, as he prodded Luniel with his foot. Can you give me something, anything, for when she comes calling?

Drained, Luniel said as he tried to sit up. His arms felt like his bones had vanished; he would have fallen back down if the man hadn’t caught him. Thanks, Dronen. Do you need my card? I left my belt and papers in the woods.

Dronen winced. His shaved head gleamed in the light from the lantern. His dark skin took on a lighter hue. Did you take...?

Yeah... Luniel looked up at the other man. He wrapped his arms around his knees. Something in his eyes broke at the punishment he knew was coming.

Rest in peace, my friend. It might be the last time you get to sleep, especially with two angry women hunting you down.

Hilarious, Luniel said. He grabbed Dronen’s forearm and let the other man pull him to his feet. He slapped his card into Dronen’s hand. Hurry up and do your job.

Dronen scoffed. You can barely walk. I can take as long as I want. There was a challenge in his words and they both knew it.

Luniel gritted his teeth. He pushed himself forward, one step at a time. The ground wobbled beneath him as he stumbled forward.

He braced himself against the counter while Dronen took a seat behind the desk.

Oh look, you’ve cleared the requirements for a promotion. Congratulations Mister Four-Star. Keep up the good work. Dronen’s voice had stayed bland as he handed the card back to Luniel.

Luniel pocketed the card. Same room as always?

You know the drill, Dronen said with a wave of his hand. He leaned back in his chair and rested his booted feet on the desk. Breakfast at sunrise and all that.

Luniel trudged away towards the staircase that led to the rooms. He took one last look behind him. He met Dronen’s eyes. The other man had a smirk on his lips as he ignored his co-worker berating him and urging him to take his feet off the desk.

He made it to his room without encountering anyone. He pressed his card against the crystal embedded in the wood. There was a flash of green from the crystal as the door clicked and swung open.

He slipped inside and kicked the door shut. There was a second click as the door locked itself. He dropped his card on the bedside table and flopped onto the bed. He closed his eyes and was swept away by the darkness a moment later.

Chapter 2

Luniel groaned as a ray of sunlight threaded through the blinds and shone on his face. That, combined with the headache from using too much energy, left him groggy and irritable.

He rolled over, intending to bury himself beneath the heavy blankets, when the mattress ended. He landed with a heavy thump. He wheezed and released a pitiful groan. He rolled onto his back and stared up at the ceiling. The chill of the floorboards was a welcome sensation that soothed the aches in his body.

After a few moments of contemplating all the choices he had ever made, he tried to rise. His muscles burned. He had to grip the frame of the bed to ease himself up. Once he was standing, he ran his hands down his face.

His body was tight and aching. He stripped, dumping the uniform into the hamper near the door, and moved into the connecting bathroom.

He tapped the sapphire beneath the showerhead, shoving a smidgen of energy into the gem. The sound of running water filled the room.

Luniel moved to the basin as the shower began to heat up. He looked himself over in the mirror. Satisfied that there were no visible injuries, Luniel stepped beneath the steaming water.

He moaned in relief as the water cut through the grime that coated his body. He scrubbed every inch, digging his fingers in the worst aches to ease the tension lining his body.

It wasn’t until he felt raw and refreshed that he tapped the sapphire once more. He rubbed his wrinkled fingertips together. He reached for the towel that hung from the door.

It didn’t take