Light & Dark: Greyknight

By D. M. Fife

Returning from a less than magical year at the White Rock Academy of Illumination, which resulted in a friend’s death, the loss of a powerful Shadow weapon, the Black Bonded, and the continued perceived betrayal of those he trusts, Danny Firoth finds himself torn between the competing ideals of the Light and his own. Given the magnitude of the ongoing clash between the forces of Light and the forces of Dark, Danny finds the scale of high school trifles rather trivial in comparison. Reinforcing this viewpoint, his fears become all too real as the ancient battle between the Light and the Dark spills directly into the halls of the school. Danny is confronted with a new threat, wielding the very weapons he tried so desperately to keep from falling into the Shadows’ hands, Black Bondeds.

In the face of this new threat, Danny and his friends must work alongside a new kind of ally, those of the Grey, the Greyknights. Unsure of these new would-be allies, Danny struggles in his continued effort to unravel the chronicle of the Mageknight and his place as the aspirant savior in the battle to come as the Shadow threat seems to grow to a culminating level. Faced with the overreaching shade of the Shadows, Danny must face a question that has been pending for quite some time, to embrace the lies of the Light and the falsehood of his prophesized role or betray their principles for the good of what is to come.

Light and Dark: Greyknight is the third book in the Light and Dark Series, a continuing sequence of epic fantasy, adventure novels that combine new elements of science fiction, scientific theories and technology, and a mythological connection to legend, lore, and religion to an already thrilling world of formidable villains and gallant heroes, magic, super-powered action, and spell-casting escapades, exploring a fresh militaristic setting while adding the continued tradition of appealing characters, fictional and non-fictional locals, and an enchanted cast of races.

• Language: English
• Publisher: D. M. Fife
• Release date: Aug 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9780985324759

D. M. Fife

I began writing Light & Dark during my years as a graduate student at Ball State University under the major of Counseling Psychology. What began as a simple hobby quickly turned into something more as I found a passion for writing. While carrying the schedule of a full-time student as well as working a part-time job, I devoted myself to write at least one page a day. After graduating, I received the opportunity to begin practicing psychology as a counselor at a local private practice. My devotion to my writing did not waver. Working a full time schedule and maintaining a full complement of clients, I maintained my dedication. A year or so later, I completed the rough draft of Light & Dark and began the editing process, and a process it was. Writing this novel has proven to be a dramatic learning experience, and I am sure that I still have much more to learn. I look forward to this opportunity as I continue to grow as a writer and inspire, you the reader, to join me on this journey.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Danny casually stepped to the side, easily avoiding the attack as the airy ring of the dodgeball breezed past him.  Turning lazily to meet his attackers, he lingered just beyond the bold red line that marked the boundary of the halfway point.

On the opposite side of the gym, a line of five would-be assailants encroached upon Danny’s position with weapons in hand, a collection of bright blue dodgeballs.

I’ll get you this time, Firoth, said Steve Rooney, readying the dodgeball behind him, directing his teammates to the line to do the same.

Marie Topeland cautiously inched forward while Clay Tainter stepped up to the line with brave confidence as two more teammates lingered just behind.

All readied to throw.

Steve Rooney gave the command with a nod and a smirk, signaling a barrage of five dodge balls as he stepped forward to throw.

Sensing the bombardment and tracing the arcs of the incoming volley through the air with the Ghostsight, Danny heedlessly ducked and spun to the right, effortlessly avoiding the assault.

Idiots! Steve Rooney cursed under his breath, blaming the failure on everyone else but himself as he quickly retreated to the safety of the back.

Stop showing off, Sabrina said, stepping up to the line with a dodgeball in hand.

Danny dropped his eyes.  Since returning home from White Rock Island and resuming the role of a high school student, the reality of it seemed to feel like nothing more than a dream, an escape.  Somewhere out there, Syndil had the Black Bonded, and he was using it to plan his next attack.  The world, his family, his friends, were all at risk, and here he was playing a schoolyard game of dodgeball as if none of that mattered.

Ignoring Danny’s brooding attitude and choosing a target, Sabrina stepped forward and loosed the dodgeball like a bullet.  The speed of the sphere warped the shape of the ball as it whistled through the air with an airy resonance.  The slight spin on the ball caused it to curve as it homed in on its mark, a brown-haired boy toward the back of the gym.

Wide-eyed, the teen appeared frozen in fear as the sheer velocity of Sabrina’s throw barreled down on him, giving him no time to dodge.  Struck in the right shoulder, the sheer power of the impact sent the teen spinning through the air backward, completing nearly two full rotations before depositing him on the hardwood floor of the gym with a heavy thud.

You’re out, Mr. Thompson! yelled Coach Denny in a bold voice that echoed throughout the gym, pointing to Sabrina’s unlucky target.  The gym teacher was taller than most but uncanny with the pleasant plump of a belly.  Turning to Sabrina, he said, Good arm, Ms. Drake.

Sabrina smiled sweetly, Thank you.

... I’m the one showing off? asked Danny with a sarcastic tone.

Sabrina’s smile disappeared as she turned on Danny and shot him a look of disdain, resorting back to her serious self.  The balls are lighter than they look.  It is difficult to judge the strength of my throw.  She opened and closed her hand as if she could find the explanation in the action.

Sensing another attack, Danny stepped forward, grabbing Sabrina at the arm and pulling her to him as a blue dodgeball breezed through the spot she had only recently occupied.  To his surprise, she didn’t fight the proximity.  Her scent filled his nose with the aroma of wild roses as he felt her warm breath on his face.

Sabrina looked up at him with a subtle look of longing.

Danny fought against the pull of her soft brown eyes as he focused on the reason he’d renounced his feelings for her in the first place.  The Dark grew stronger daily, leaving no time for such things.  They both knew it, and they had both decided that their future depended upon it.

This is dodgeball, Mr. Firoth, and Ms. Drake, not dance recital, instructed Coach Denny, adding, break it up.

The gym teacher’s instruction provided Danny with the motivation he needed to escape Sabrina’s allure as he guided her to the safety of the back of the gym.  You should be more mindful of your surroundings.

Sabrina’s expression hardened as she stepped away from him and vowed, I will be.

I know the name of the game is dodgeball, man, but are you going to just stand around and dodge or actually help win this game by throwing some balls? asked Chris, coming to stand next to Danny, holding out a ball.

I will, intoned Sabrina, taking the ball in Danny’s place.  Giving both boys her back, she stepped forward with the apparent intent of going on the offensive.

Chris glanced at Danny before shrugging and following after her.

On the left side of the playing field, Alonso danced to the right, avoiding a throw aimed at his legs while carrying two dodgeballs in his hands.

Ball! Chris yelled, opening his hands to receive.

Without taking his eyes off his opponents, Alonso tossed one of the balls over.

Pick your targets! Chris ordered, catching the dodgeball with ease and striding forward.

Most of the dodgeballs now rested on Danny’s side of the field.  It allowed his squad to take to the offensive as most moved up toward the line.  The one-sided competition forced the opposing team on the defensive as they retreated to the edge of their boundary.  Steve Roony snarled his readiness to receive.

Take aim! Chris said, organizing the offensive, drawing back his arm, and readying to throw as most mimicked the movement.

A brave opponent on the opposing team suddenly broke free of his cowering teammates and bolted forward with a single dodgeball held lightly in his hands.

Hold, Chris commanded, moving the ball protectively in front of him.

The tall, black-haired opponent sprinted to the line, locking his sights on Alonso.  However, although his vision predicted the most likely target of the attack, he angled a wild overhead throw to the left, aiming directly for Chris.

Chris reacted quickly and positioned his ball at chest level, blocking the attack with a reverberating pang.  The assault recoiled off Chris’s ball at an elevated angle, causing the dodgeball to bounce high into the air in a slow falling curve.

Catch that, Chris called out, following the ball through the air before looking down to where it might land and finding an unlikely savior.

Matt pushed up his glasses in perhaps a vain attempt at covering up his reluctance as he stepped forward and readied his hands to catch, incited by Chris’s command.  He’d spent the majority of the game at the back of the field.  What he lacked in the way of the sword, it seemed he also lacked in the way of dodgeball.  The ball hit his left hand, causing him to overcompensate with his right as he brought them together.  The movement deflected the ball slightly back into the air.  A series of fumbles followed as he bounced the ball from hand to hand before finally sighing in relief as he desperately squashed the dodgeball to his chest with both arms.  Matt produced a look that seemed like an odd mixture of contempt and pride, saying, I really hate dodgeball.

You’re out, Mr. Donahue, claimed Coach Denny, adding, bout time you got in the game, Mr. Mickler.

Nice catch, man, encouraged Chris, following up with a nod before turning back to the opposite team.

Yeah, epic, Matt answered with a hint of sarcasm.

Throw! Chris yelled, winding up and hurling his dodgeball into the air in a relatively perfect balance of strength and accuracy.  The ball hummed through the air as it narrowed in on its target, striking the unprotected flesh of a relatively heavy-set boy’s right shoulder.  The impact produced an echoing clap.

You’re out! proclaimed the coach, pointing.  Nice throw, Mr. Greene.

In the same instant, Anthony lumbered to the line with a dodgeball palmed in his right hand.  Not wasting time to aim, he drew back, causing the sinew of his bicep to swell to an intimidating size.  He stepped forward in one massive step, flinging the ball through the air like a missile.

His target, a short, brown-haired teen with wide green eyes, stood frozen in the distance as Anthony’s salvo barreled down upon him.  However, what Anthony’s attack made up in power, it lacked in precision as the dodgeball shrilled past the teen’s left cheek, just inches from his face.  The dodgeball continued past its intended target and slammed into the gym wall with a forceful pang.

Anthony grunted his disapproval as he turned and made his way back to the rear.

His would-be target let out a pent-up breath in relief, turning to glance curiously at the ball that could’ve been his undoing.

Briza moved to the line with a quickness, strategically surveying the field before locking her sights on a mark, Marie Topeland.

Briza had returned with Doug from the previous year of training at White Rock Academy in a reversal of roles, deciding to experience the Human world in place of returning to Elsmelda, the capital city of the Elves.  Doug arranged for Briza to stay with him.  His parents were under the impression that Briza was an exchange student from Japan, which was not entirely hard to believe given her struggle to come to terms with many aspects of Human culture.

However, there were many facets of Humanity that Briza did enjoy, and dodgeball seemed to be decidedly one of them as she sidearmed the ball in a wicked release.  The dodgeball streamlined through the air as Marie attempted to dodge to the right.  With a wicked spin, the ball seemed to follow Marie like a heat-seeking missile, curving faintly to the right, catching her lower leg.

You’re out, princess! yelled the coach.

Marie made a scornful face, directing her agitation initially at Coach Denny before redirecting it at Briza as if to threaten.

Briza didn’t seem to notice nor care as she beamed at the accomplishment.  I really like this game, ball dodge, she said, turning back to look at Doug as he breezed past her with a ball in hand.

Dodgeball, Doug corrected, taking aim and flinging his single round into the air.  The ball floated forward with a steady speed, making up for what it lacked in power with pinpoint accuracy, sniping a dark-haired opponent in the side as he looked off toward a different threat.

You’re out! announced the coach.

However, before Doug could celebrate his accomplishment, he spied a second opponent to the right who aimed in the midst of throwing.  Doug quickly calculated the intended target, Briza.  Looking over, he found her unaware with her back turned, carefree and walking away.  With little time to spare, he moved to intercept, jumping between the ball and Briza, grabbing her at the shoulders and inserting his body like a shield as an airy pang rang out from behind him.  His body nudged slightly forward as the ball struck him full in the back.

Briza quickly pulled away from him and spun.  She glanced at Doug and then at the distant opponent before returning her gaze to Doug with an expression of surprise.

You saved me, she said, a smile parting her lips.

Always.

Very noble, Mr. Garrett, but you’re still out, pointed out the coach.

Doug began moving toward the sideline to take a seat on the bleachers.  You should pay more attention.

Briza’s smile stretched further, highlighting the beauty of her sharp features.  It’s just a game.

Alonso bolted forward at an all-out sprint as he neared the painted red line that marked the game’s middle boundary.  He chose not to slow his step.  Instead, he bounded into the air at a shallow angle, positioning the dodgeball behind him and setting his sights on a small grouping of three opponents.  In combination with the velocity of his initial charge, the height of his jump carried him nearly halfway behind enemy lines.

In the short distance, two of the three quickly scattered, leaving the taller of the trio, Clay Tainter, alone and unprotected.

Alonso whipped the ball forward at the last instant, just before his feet touched the ground.  The dodgeball traveled the short distance in the blink of an eye, striking Clay directly in the stomach with a loud smack, doubling him over.

You’re out, Mr. Tainter!

Clay lurched up, grunting as he held his stomach with a protective hand before hobbling off the field of play.

Alonso stood up with a glowing smile of success.  However, it didn’t last long.

You’re out too, Mr. Martinez, instructed Coach Denny.

Alonso turned on the coach with a familiar look.  He was about to argue.

Used to the black-haired teen’s expression as well, as were most, Coach Denny spoke before Alonso could muster a word, an accomplishment in and of itself.  You know the rules, Mr. Martinez, if you cross the line, it’s an automatic out.  Not bothering to give the teen any more attention, he quickly turned his sights back toward the game at hand.

Alonso’s look lingered for but a moment more before he finally turned and began walking toward the bleachers with a final statement of, Whatever.

Coach Denny’s eyes went wide, and his complexion jumped two shades as he swiftly turned back toward Alonso.  What did you just say, Mr. Martinez?

Alonso stopped, turned, and glared with a look of disdain, Whatever.

What did I tell you about that word?

Alonso shrugged.  Not to say it.

This is your last and final chance, Mr. Martinez.  I swear to God and everything holy in this world.  If you say ‘whatever’ one more time, I will see to it personally that you sit in detention for the rest of this semester.  Is that clear?

Both stared at one another for what seemed like an eternity, locked in a mental competition for power as Alonso’s expression betrayed his desire to utter the one word everyone knew he was dying to say.  Coach Denny looked on with a narrowed gaze, anticipating the impending fallout.

However, Alonso buckled first, saying, Yes.  With that, he silently turned, gave the coach his back, and resumed his short trek to the bleachers.

The coach’s gaze lingered for a little while longer as if expecting further opposition before finally turning back to the game.

What the coach did not see was Alonso mouth one single word under his breath just before sitting, "Whatever."

The rest of the game played out to the advantage of Danny’s team as Chris led the remaining members to a pending victory as only one participant of the opposite team remained in play, Steve Roony.

Would you like the honor? Chris asked, walking up to Danny and offering him a dodgeball.

Danny glanced at the ball before looking across the field of play to where Steve waited defensively, hopping back and forth in anticipation with two dodgeballs held readily in each hand.  What’s the point, he said, turning back to Chris, giving Steve his back.

In that instant, seeing his chance, Steve bolted forward, drawing back his right arm in preparation to throw.

Chris began to lift his arm as if to point out the imminent threat.

I see it, Danny said with a sigh.

Danny’s continued training with the Ghostsight had awakened a kind of early warning sense, automatically activating the ability during the detection of a threat.  Blending his senses into one singular prediction of Steve’s movements, Danny heard the airy ring of the dodgeball.  He felt the change in pressure as the ball moved through the air and the vibration through the floor as Steve charged forward.  The Ghostsight predicted the velocity, angle, and placement of Steve’s movements and attacks.

Steve drove forward, planting his feet and releasing the first dodgeball in a wicked sidearm before throwing the second a mere moment later.

Without bothering to look, keeping his gaze affixed upon Chris, Danny angled his body and casually outstretched his arm.  With a ghostly picture in his mind of where the ball would be and feeling an ethereal impact on his hand, he caught the ball with effortless grace, palming it in his hand.  Using the ball as a shield, he batted away Steve’s second attack with an airy pang.

You’re out, Mr. Roony! the coach announced.  Lucky catch, Mr. Firoth!

Lucky? Steve questioned with a hint of anger in his tone.

Good game, everyone.  You all have about ten minutes before the bell rings.  Hit the showers!

He cheated! Steve argued.

No one likes a sore loser, Mr. Roony, hit the showers.

Seeing his argument lost on Coach Denny, Steve turned his sights on Danny directly.  You cheated, I know it!

Danny refused to give Steve his attention.  He already found the game, school, and anything else that didn’t involve the ongoing fight against the Shadows a complete waste of time.  He found any argument with Steve even less so.

Mr. Roony... Showers... Now!

Come on, now’s not the time, Clay said, coming to stand next to his friend, guiding him out of the gym.

Steve hesitated at first but eventually gave in to his friend’s encouragement.  This isn’t over, Firoth.

Are you ok, man? asked Chris.

Danny shook his head.  It’s all just so pointless.

What, Steve?  Don’t worry about—

No, it’s not Steve, Danny said, interrupting.  It’s everything.  We should be training.  We should be going after Syndil, fighting shadows, doing something other than just doing nothing.

Hey, we’re all going to be online tonight.  You guys want to join? asked Matt, coming to stand next to Danny and Chris, obviously not picking up on the mood of the current conversation as Briza and Doug joined as well.

Briza beamed at the prospect.  Yeah, my duelist is almost level fifty.

Perhaps the most prominent facet of Humanity that Briza had taken an interest in was technology, or more precisely, the world of massively multiplayer online role-playing games.

You see?  That’s what I’m talking about, said Danny, gesturing toward the new arrivals.

Matt cocked his head to the side as if in question.

All we do is waste our time at school, going through the meaningless motions.  After school, all you guys do is sit around and play video games.

Danny, began Sabrina, coming to stand next to him and nearly placing a hand on him.

She never got the chance as Danny pulled away, No, don’t ‘Danny’ me.

Alonso and Anthony joined the group.

You seem to have created a monster, said Alonso, directing his comment towards Sabrina.

Danny sighed, shaking his head in disbelief before finding the gaze of each of his friends one at a time.  Have you all forgotten?  People are dying.  People have died.  Every day that we do nothing, someone dies.  Emyrik died... for us, or have you forgotten that, too?  Danny allowed his final gaze to linger on Chris.

Chris’s expression sharpened, growing serious.  "I haven’t forgotten anything, Danny.  It should have been me, but he died protecting me.  You don’t think that there isn’t a moment in the day when I don’t think about that."

...and you don’t feel obligated to do something?

"What would you have us do, Danny?  What can we do?"

I don’t know!  But something other than just waiting around and doing nothing.

Sabrina stepped forward once again as if to impart her wisdom.  However, once again, she was interrupted, this time by Coach Denny.

Is there a problem here? the coach asked.

Apparently not, Danny declared, striking off to the locker room.

Chapter 2

Danny changed quickly, exiting the locker room and making his way down the hall just in time for the bell to ring through the school’s PA system, announcing the end of the class period.  Not wanting to face his friends, he speedily made his way to his locker and entered the combination.  Finding temporary safety in its confines, he placed his Bonded, Magear, within and breathed a deep sigh of frustration.  He felt trapped and static.  He was right, and he knew it, yet his friends couldn’t see it.  However, the longer he stood there, the more his thoughts slowly began to transition to doubt.

You are correct in your thinking, Danny Firoth, declared Magear, entering Danny’s thoughts.

Magear was Danny’s Bonded, fashioned from the essence of a living person just before death, who just happened to have once been the first Mageknight, and Danny’s distant relative.  Although his memories were still mostly lost to him from the transition of living to Bonded, Danny had come to trust in Magear’s counsel.

Burying his head in his locker, Danny turned his focus inward.  If I’m so right, then why don’t my friends understand?

Because you are also wrong.

Danny’s frustration nearly doubled.  He was not in the mood for riddles.  I’m not in the mood for riddles!

Danny felt his mood lighten slightly, though not of his own will.  Magear’s influential feelings flowed through him like a wave as the Bonded implanted the flash of a smile in Danny’s waking mind.

Danny forced the external feelings away, causing his mood to revert to agitation.

I am able to sense and influence your emotions just as you are able to sense and influence mine, Danny Firoth.  I can clearly see what you are in the mood for, yet, sometimes, what one is in the mood for and what must be said are two different things.

Get to the point.

The point, Danny Firoth, is that you currently find yourself at odds with your friends over a desire to put action where action is not yet warranted.

You’re saying that we should do nothing?  I should do nothing?

Not at all.  I am saying that, under the circumstances, you are currently unable to pursue any real course of action given the fact that you have no information on how to proceed.  You are aware of the who, what, and mostly why.  However, you lack the most important information of all, the when and where.  That is not to say that action will be unnecessary in the time to come.

So what do you suggest I do then?

Prepare yourself for what is to come instead of wasting needless energy worrying about what must be done.  The when and where will come, in time.

How can I prepare for something if I don’t know when or where it’s coming?

For that, Danny Firoth, you must trust in the Ghostsight and me.

Danny felt the need to argue the point further but never got the chance as the tardy bell toned, echoing through the hall.  He cursed his absentmindedness as he pulled away from his locker and looked around the hall, finding it deserted.  I’m late, he said with a sigh.  However, in the grand scheme of things, being late to class seemed of little consequence.

Retrieving Magear and gathering the needed books from his locker, he slammed it shut and walked down the hall.  He was already tardy.  He knew rushing wouldn’t change that fact.

He rounded the corner, transitioning into the high arched section of the school that served as the main hall, complete with a collection of large skylights.  The sun radiated through the vaulted windows, magnifying them into soft rays.  Walking through the shafts of light, Danny felt a small comfort as they warmed the skin of his arms and the top of his head.  Stopping briefly, he looked up, allowing the warmth to transition to his face, basking in the freedom it offered.

However, the break was short-lived.  A voice broke the tranquility of the moment.  It was familiar but unfriendly.

What are you doing, Freakoth? asked Steve Roony from behind.

Danny lingered in the light for just a moment longer in the hopes that the split-second could simply last for but an eternity more.

I don’t think he heard you, added a second voice.  Danny clearly distinguished it as Clay Tainter.

He’s so weird, inserted a third, Marie Topeland.

Freakoth!  You hear me? Steve asked again.

Danny dropped his head and was about to resume his course to class in an attempt to ignore the trio entirely when Steve stepped in front of him.

You know you made me look stupid in gym.

Danny met the larger teen’s gaze with an indifferent expression, Shouldn’t you be getting to class?

Steve held up a small piece of orange paper.  Hall pass... to the library.

Although Danny found the prospect of Steve going to the library somewhat humorous, the absurdity of the current situation reduced the desire to laugh, allowing only for a smirk and snort simply for the sake of irony.

Something funny?

Danny shook his head.  I wish it was.

Steve took another step forward, closing the distance.  You’re going to tell me how you did that in gym class.

How I did what?

Don’t play dumb.  You were able to catch and dodge my throws like you knew they were coming or something.

Steve was about to take a third step forward, but Danny managed the maneuver first, moving closer and locking eyes with the brute.  Do you really think there’s something between us, Steve?  Do you really think I care about your taunts or whatever rivalry you think we have?  Because I don’t.  I have much more important things to worry about, trust me.

For but a moment, Steve looked almost shocked.  However, his expression didn’t last long as he glanced back at his friends.  They wore the same face, causing him to steel his nerve.  Goaded on by Marie and Clay behind him, Steve’s appearance transitioned back to his usual hostile demeanor as he turned toward Danny.  You’re going to tell me, Freakoth!

Or what, Steve?

Or I’m going to make you tell me.

Have you forgotten about the last time you tried this?  It didn’t go so well for your nose.

This was not Danny’s first encounter with Steve Roony and his friends.  Just over two years ago, Steve had confronted Danny after school.  It had been the first time Danny experienced the Ghostsight, allowing him to bloody Steve’s nose, though not without getting the wind knocked out of him first.

It’s going to be different this time.

Danny shook his head and smirked.  You have no idea, he said, tightening his grip around Magear.

Why?  Whataya gonna do?  Hit me with that stupid umbrella?

He and his friends carry those things around everywhere, pointed out Marie.  It’s weird, she added, giving Danny a scornful look.

They even had them in gym, stated Clay.

What’s the matter, Freakoth?  You and your friends afraid of a little storm?

Before Danny could say anything and as if to answer Steve’s question, a crackling flash of lightning cut the sky in two, causing the lights of the school to flicker.  The single strobe of light flared through the skylights, bathing the hall in an ominous glow.

Danny tore his eyes away from Steve, peering upward as a sense of warning flashed through the Ghostsight.

Steve had no choice but to follow Danny’s gaze as the once clear sky darkened with a swirling of black clouds, forming a churning wind tunnel.

What’s happening? asked Steve.  His voice betrayed his cowardice.

It’s a Shadow Flux, explained Danny.

A shadow what?

Danny turned and backed up protectively in front of Steve.  Just stay behind me, he said, freeing Magear from the sheath with a defining ring.  Danny didn’t like the fact of protecting three people that had meant to harm him only moments ago.  But, as a Squire of the Light, it was his duty.

Is that a sword? asked Steve, glancing wide-eyed between Magear and the raging storm as if he couldn’t quite decide which was the more important use of his attention.

Danny provided Steve with a questioning look.  You can see this? he asked, slightly propping up Magear.

Obviously!

However, before Danny could contemplate or question the revelation further, the sky grew darker as the ferocity of the vortex increased, descending upon the school.  A second spark of lightning arced around the raging wind funnel as if warped by the sheer gravity of the storm, striking the skylights and shattering the glass.  The metal windows acted as a conduit for the lightning strike, funneling the wave of excess electricity to devastating effect as the lights of the school hummed from the overcharge and crescendoed to a high-pitched squeal before shattering with a pop and blinking out completely.

Get back, ordered Danny, forcing Steve behind him as glass rained down from above.

Driven back, Steve and his friends put their backs against the tempered glass of the school trophy case that lined nearly the entirety of the hall behind them, avoiding the storm of shards from above.

Danny was not so lucky as he stood defensively in front, raising Magear over his head in an attempt to shield himself from the falling glass.  The larger pieces deflected off the blade, shattering into smaller pieces that cascaded over him like a waterfall.  Several of the glass flakes scraped against the open flesh of his arms and face, leaving a trail of crimson as they slashed shallow cuts.

Are you ok? Danny asked, turning back to those in his care as the emergency lights flicked on, bathing the frantic expressions of Steve, Marie, and Clay in a sallow light.

Shocked to silence, they failed to answer in time as a distant siren slowly crescendoed to a deafening shrill in warning of the sudden storm.

Seeing no injuries on the three and uncaring of his wounds despite the impending threat, Danny readied himself as the vortex descended the final distance, impacting the top of the school.

The churning wind ripped into the roof like a drill, causing the metal to grate and groan as it warped and bent before finally giving way with a series of loud popping sounds.  The black vortex fell downward unhindered, touching down just in front of Danny’s feet.  The wicked winds of the cyclone died down to but a brittle breeze as if controlled into a state of calm.  Within the slowly swirling darkness, just beyond the shadowy veil of the vapor, Danny saw two sinister silhouettes standing side by side.  One looked of average stature with a slender build, while the other towered impossibly tall, nearing a height of over seven feet and with a bulk that put Anthony to shame.

Danny leveled Magear threateningly in front of him as he took a small step in retreat, nearly bumping into Steve.

What’s happening? Steve whispered.

Shadows, was the only explanation Danny could provide.

We are not Shadows, stated an alarmingly deep voice, originating from the larger of the two figures as both began to move forward.

We are something else, corrected the smaller in an unsettling and emotionless character as they broke the threshold of the swirling gloom, stepping into the low light.

Danny almost gasped as he looked upon the pair, finding them almost Human.

Their skin was a bleached white and smooth as silk, like porcelain molded into living likeness.  Their eyes contrasted the color of their flesh, holding solid orbs of black with softly glowing, crimson pupils.  They stepped just beyond the whirling eddy behind them, causing their black robes to flutter in the supple breeze, revealing the dark outlines of black colored Bondeds.

Those eyes..., pointed out Marie from behind, her tone of voice giving way to the fragile balance that was curiosity and fear.

Black Bondeds? questioned Danny to himself, temporarily pulling his shocked stare away from the fearful pair and focusing his gaze on the black hilted blade at the smaller one’s side.

Is this the one? asked the larger of the two, dropping his intimidating black eyes downward and centering his ruby red pupils on Danny.  His massive head was shaved clean and cut a shallow curvature, accented with a striking emergence of well-defined bone structure.

The smaller of the pair slowly took in the surroundings before apathetically following his partner’s gaze.  Strands of his long black hair fluttered lazily in front of his eyes as he investigated Danny from toe to head.

Danny found their combined gazes stifling.  There was a presence to the pair that felt oppressive.

This is the one they fear? questioned the larger one further.

Fear is too strong a word, Dommon.  The more likely descriptor is perhaps concern.

Who are you? Danny asked, willing himself into action.

He’s a lot... less than I thought he’d be, Vear, claimed Dommon, cocking his large head slightly to the side like a curious child.  His voice was deep and booming.

Yes, rather disappointing, answered Vear.

Don’t just ignore me, ordered Danny, easing forward.

Can I kill him? asked Dommon as if Danny’s idle threat had little effect.

Danny cautiously moved back, glancing at the other in anticipation of his answer.  He wasn’t sure who, or even what, he faced.  There was no lore or knowledge at the Academy of Illumination that matched whoever or whatever now stood before him.  He was not confident he could win.

The smaller one called Vear placed his hand idly upon the black hilt of his sword, looking around as if searching for something more suitable to his attention.  Yes, Dommon, I no longer have any interest.  But make it quick, Lord Syndil was adamant that we at least attempt to sway this one to the Dark, and he will not be pleased if he learns that we did not.

Hearing Syndil’s name struck a chord in Danny, igniting a fury deep within.  Syndil, once a Knight of the Light and Danny’s mentor, was solely responsible for betraying not only the Light but Danny’s trust.  His betrayal had come at the cost of several lives, one of which being Squire Emyrik, Danny’s friend.

Where’s Syndil? Danny demanded, backing up his warning with the point of his sword.

Once again, Danny’s threat fell on uncaring ears as the larger foe reached behind him, gripping the dark hilt of a huge, double-edged blade.  With a length that defied reason, the brand of the Black Bonded seemed to absorb the light around it.  Dommon put two hands to the task.  His eyes narrowed in what could only be glee as the smooth white skin of his face rippled into a disparaging smile.

Time seemed to slow to a crawl as Danny filtered his surroundings into the Ghostsight, causing a phantom image of the larger enemy to erupt forward, predicting his movements.  Moving faster than Danny would have thought, given the size and bulk of his opponent, the ghostly figure stepped forward, effortlessly sweeping the colossal blade at a shallow, sidelong cut, like a scythe reaping wheat.  The phantasmal edge passed harmlessly through Danny just below the shoulder blades.  However, behind him, the elongated, spectral blade traced a similar path through Steve, Clay, and Marie.  Although they were no friends of his, if Danny didn’t do something, they would surely die.

Get down! Danny yelled, angling Magear up to intercept the coming attack, gripping the bare blade of his Bonded with his opposite hand in an attempt to deflect the assault upward.

Utilizing the sense of touch through the Ghostsight, Danny felt the initial reverberation of the larger sword’s ghostly edge as it touched the tip of Magear’s blade, finding the force of the attack hopelessly and impossibly strong.  Even Sabrina, who possessed the heightened strength of a half-dragon, paled in comparison to the power Danny felt behind the attack.  He guessed that even Sir Tyramear himself, a full-blooded Dragonic, would have trouble mustering such raw might.  With only seconds to act, Danny weighed his options, knowing full well that he could dodge the attack.  However, if he did, those behind him would easily be cut in two.  Committing to a choice, Danny planted his feet and prepared himself for the impact as the ominous edge of the black blade traced its ghostly prediction.

The two Bondeds met with defining clang as Danny half-sworded Magear upward, having no apparent effect on the overall velocity of the strike other than deflecting it but a few inches upward.

The force of the impact ripped the Bonded from Danny’s grip, sending the glowing blue blade skipping across the marble floor with a series of clangs before colliding with the far wall and embedding itself deep into the brick.  Danny experienced a sudden flight backward as he glanced back at Steve, Clay, and Marie.  He found a small comfort as the mammoth, Black Bonded swept just above their heads, shattering the glass cases with a crash and cleaving deeply into the stone behind them.  Ducking just in the nick of time and in combination with Danny’s deflection, the ominous, black edge of the Bonded clipped but a handful of hair from the crown of Steve’s head.  However, the triumph was short-lived as Danny tumbled and skipped across the floor like a rag doll, completing one full rotation before impacting and hurtling through several panes of the glass display case that lined the hallway.  His entire body erupted in pain as the glass case shattered around him.  Shards of glass shrapnel ripped into his back before he finally came to a thundering stop as he slammed into the hard stone of the wall.

The world fell into a blur of pain and darkness as Danny wavered on the verge of unconsciousness.  However, the heavy, rhythmic beat of approaching footsteps guided him back, allowing his vision to refocus.  Danny groggily looked up at the large figure’s approach, finding him impossibly tall from his new position on the ground.

Raising his huge Black Bonded in preparation for the kill, Dommon produced a ghastly smile in anticipation.

Propping himself up with his left hand, causing the broken glass to crunch under the pressure, Danny fought through the pain of his broken body and extended his right, not to plead, but to demand.

This small act seemed to attract the attention of Dommon’s opposite as Vear’s beady red eyes navigated away from the three cowering in fear a short distance away and centered down upon Danny in what could only be curiosity.

Uncaring of Danny’s actions, Dommon angled his blade downward, centering the point just over Danny’s chest as his smile widened with elation.

Syndil?  Where... is Syndil? Danny spat through haggard breaths, tasting the metallic tang of blood in his mouth.  He proposed the question to the smaller of the pair, guessing that the one named Vear was the most likely candidate to be in charge.

Dommon squeezed the hilt of his sword, causing the biceps of his arms to swell to unfeasible sizes as he plunged the double-edged blade downward.

Wait! ordered Vear.

Danny didn’t even blink as the wicked point of the black blade stopped instantly, hovering threateningly over the slow rise and fall of his chest.

Leave him to me, Dommon.

Dommon’s smile simmered to an expression of disappointment before changing to a look of utter contempt.  However, he did as bid and retreated to Vear’s side.

...Syndil! Danny demanded again.

Vear casually stepped forward, investigating Danny’s slumped form.

...Where?

You are about to perish, and all you can focus on is your revenge? asked Vear, his tone of voice without the remotest hint of feeling.

Where... is he?

You hate him?

Yes... I hate him.

You would kill him?

I would... see him brought to justice... for his crimes.

Vear gave Danny a fleeting second once-over and said, Even at your best, at your current ability, you would fail.  You are not strong enough.

I don’t care.

Vear slowly raised his right arm, extending his pointer finger outward, aiming the tip down toward the center of Danny’s head.  Rest assured, when the time comes, I will see to Syndil myself, he said as a series of tiny, glowing orbs began to form around the apex of his extended finger, melding into a larger sphere of glowing red energy.

Danny found the attack all too familiar, for it was similar to the energy blasts of Gran Shadows.  He found a strange sense of peace in the final moments as the crimson force developed into a climactic orb of oscillating power no larger than a golf ball, hovering just beyond the tip of Vear’s finger.

However, before Vear could loose his attack, a visual distortion suddenly warped into focus between them, blurring Danny’s view.  The bend of light quickly grew clearer, taking on the hazy silhouette of a person as the blur melded into focus, making what had once been invisible, visible.

Before Danny now stood a girl, slender, with the subtle curves of femininity, wearing the common garb of a fellow student, a fitted white T-shirt and jeans.  In her right hand, she held the hilt of a shortsword, the pommel constructed from a dull metal, crafted for purpose rather than appeal.  However, the blade had an odd series of engravings that looked to be circuitry.

Vear’s eyes narrowed ever-so-slightly in what could only be described as curiosity as the orb of crackling energy lingered in place, hovering just off the tip of his finger.

Ignoring the imminent threat, the girl whipped her head to the left, causing the length of her long, brown hair to thrash behind her.  Run! she said, focusing her gaze on the three cowering forms of Steve, Clay, and Marie.

The trio exchanged a series of concerned glances as they were freed from their spell of fear, quickly darting down the hall and rounding the corner for the exit.

Dommon turned as if to pursue but stopped at the heed of Vear’s voice.

Let them go, Dommon.  They are not our concern, ordered Vear, coldly watching the three escape before slowly returning his gaze to the prey before him.

Danny caught a glimpse of the girl’s face.  She had sharp, attractive features with pale white skin, accented with a series of soft red freckles.  He was unable to place her as if, until now, she’d been but another face in the hall.

Who are you? she demanded of Vear, raising her sword defensively.

Vear’s expression returned to its previous state of indifference.  I could ask you the same question.

I asked you first.

Vear momentarily dropped his gaze down to Danny before returning it to the girl as if growing bored of the event.  It is of no consequence.  We will not meet again.  With that said, he drew his hand backward before whipping it forward, flicking the glowing red orb onward with his finger.  Liberated, the red sphere shot forward like a bullet, tracing a thin trail of crimson through the air as it buzzed toward its target.  In the same instant, both he and Dommon stepped into the swirling gloom of the storm.  Their glowing red eyes lingered for but a moment more behind the dark veil of the flux before disappearing as the swell overtook them.

Nearly faster than Danny could follow without using the Ghostsight, the girl whipped her sword downward at an angle.  To Danny’s surprise, an invisible barrier seemed to deflect the ruby laser upward, causing it to vanish deep into the lingering rubble of the ceiling.  What remained of the recent attack was a small, blackened hole that glowed with a residual light, humming with a crescendoing threat of the destruction to come.

The girl stepped over Danny, straddling him, leveling her blade protectively over them.  Brace yourself! she yelled, her voice barely carrying over the threatening buzz above.

The swelling sound grew to a deafening screech as it reached its climax before suddenly detonating in a fiery plume of destruction.  Danny watched in dazed horror as the ceiling and the wall instantly gave way to the devastation.

Above him, the unseen shield produced from his would-be protector continued to grow, nearly encompassing them both, the only hint to its existence being the deflection of falling debris as it warded off the fiery swell of destruction that swept downward to engulf them.

However, the concussive force of the initial discharge, combined with his earlier injuries, proved more than Danny could handle.  The heated pressure wave rolled over him like a train, blurring his vision.  The mysterious girl standing defensively over him remained his final image as he succumbed to the inviting embrace of unconsciousness.

Chapter 3

Danny came awake with a violent jolt, nearly sitting up in the bed, an action he quickly regretted as a series of sharp pains ripped across his chest and his back.  Looking down, he found the majority of his torso wrapped in a collection of white bandages, stained a slight tint of pink from the wounds beneath.

Danny! exclaimed Patricia Firoth, her face nearly mirroring the shock of her son’s.  However, her motherly instincts quickly kicked in as her expression softened.  Lay back down, she instructed softly, guiding Danny back into the bed with a supporting hand to his back and a gentle hand on his head.

Danny allowed his mother to direct him back into the comfort of the bedding, looking curiously around the room.  Where am I?

We are in the guest bedroom of Sir Tyramear’s house.  Sabrina’s mother has been seeing to your injuries.  How do you feel?

Danny took a moment to digest the information before taking a deep breath.  I feel tired.  My chest and my back hurt.  What happened?

Patricia produced a soft smile, hiding her obvious concern.  I’ll go get Sir Tyramear to explain and Moon to look at you, she answered, beginning to stand.

Wait, Danny caught his mother’s arm, compelling her to remain seated.  Why did you call Tyramear a Sir?  ...And why are you here?

Patricia remained silent as if to allow her son the time to follow his thoughts to completion.

...If you’re here, then...

Patricia’s expression was almost transparent as her smile betrayed a mixture of guilt and sympathy.

...You know.

...That Sir Tyramear is a Knight of the Light and that you are the Mageknight?  Yes, Danny, I know.

Danny dropped his eyes in shame, feeling guilty for lying to his mother all this time.  Sir Tyramear told you, didn’t he?

No, Danny, I already knew.

Danny’s eyes darted back up in wide-eyed shock.  What?  How?

Patricia’s eyes drifted upward, looking distant as if focused on days long past.  After a moment, she returned her gaze, Before you received the abilities of the Mageknight from your father, he unknowingly bestowed a gift on me.  Patricia allowed herself a light chuckle, That is, if you can call it a gift.  Perhaps, it’s more of a curse.  You see, Danny, the powers of the Mageknight come with a kind of side effect, giving those closest to you the ability to see those of the Dark... the Shadows.

You mean, you have the gift of sight?

Yes, and this side-effect of the Mageknight is the reason your friends can see as well.  In that way, I am able to view it as a blessing.  It gives me comfort to know that you have friends you can trust.

Are you a Knight of the Light?

Patricia laughed, No, your father was the warrior.  I am more of a worrier.

Danny looked around, finding what he sought.  Magear lay next to him on the bed.  Holding up the Bonded, he asked, So, you knew this was a sword all along?

Yes.

You’ve been lying to me this entire time?

We’ve been lying to each other.

Why?

The same reason you lied to me, Danny, to protect you from the truth.

Danny dropped his eyes, suddenly realizing that he’d been lying to his mother just as she had been lying to him.  He felt hypocritical and ashamed, finding that he was perhaps no better than those he’d been so angry at for lying to him for similar reasons, all in the name of the greater good.

Danny’s mother placed a gentle hand to his cheek, forcing his eyes back to her.  Danny, the reason I lied to you was that your father and I never wanted this life for you.  Be that as it may, we also knew that it would inevitably find you.  So, I lied to provide you with the normal life your father and I always wanted you to have.  I thought if I could simply ignore the Dark, then maybe you could, too.  I realize now that there is no ignoring it.  You were destined to make a difference, and to deny that is to deny the world, the real world, of your help.

Danny pulled away, looking down to his side.  But I’m not destined.  The prophecy was a lie.  I’m not chosen, and I’m not special.  Father had the same power I do, and he couldn’t stop the Shadows.  There’s nothing that makes me any different.

Danny, look at me.

Danny reluctantly glanced up, meeting his mother’s eyes.

Perhaps other than the past few days of watching and worrying over you, I’ve never been more scared than on the day you were born.  Patricia looked longingly for a moment as if lost in remembering.  Your father was away on assignment, and I was alone in the hospital.  It was storming.  I remember the power flickering on and off.  The hospital was frighteningly busy, and I could hear nurses and doctors running up and down the hall.  The window of my room shook with every rumble of thunder and rattled with the downpour of heavy rain.  I remember feeling the actual building sway back and forth beneath me.  I felt so afraid and alone.  But, even despite the pain, I felt you push up on the inside of my stomach.  I even saw the little indentions of your tiny hands show up on my belly.  I knew, Danny, at that moment, I knew I was not and never would be alone.  Danny’s mother lingered in the gaze as if to allow the full weight of her emotion to settle into her words.  The moment they pulled you from me and placed you in my arms, you smiled, and your little eyes lit up.  And, at that moment, I knew you were special, not in the way a mother unconditionally loves her child, but unique in a way that only you could be, destined for something greater.  You are special, my child.  You are gifted in all that you do, not with the powers of the Mageknight like your father before you, but gifted in simply being you.  If your father was here, I know he would say the same.

Danny felt his chest tighten as he fought against the unleashed emotion stirred by his mother’s words.  Until this moment, he had not realized just how much he needed to hear it.  Smiling and wiping away a collection of tears, he said, Thanks, Mom.

Patricia cleared a few tears of her own, sniffled, and smiled.  I should go get Moon and Sir Tyramear now that you are awake.

Danny returned the smile and nodded in agreement.

Patricia stood and turned toward the door but hesitated before turning back to Danny’s bedside.  Oh, Sabrina should be up any minute.  She went to get us some tea.  She’s been by your bedside almost as much as I have.

As if summoned by his mother’s words, the door clicked open as Sabrina stepped through, carrying a tray of cups and a steaming pitcher of dark liquid.  Sabrina nearly looked startled as she glanced at Patricia and then Danny, causing her eyes to widen in surprise in light of Danny’s consciousness.  He is awake, she said, glancing back at Patricia.  You are awake, she said, looking back at Danny.

Patricia took a step back as Sabrina moved past her into the room, setting the platter down on a nearby table.

How are you feeling? Sabrina asked.

Danny looked himself over, implying the obvious.  I’ve been better.

I’ll leave you two alone, Patricia said, moving toward the door and exiting.

Sabrina waited until the door clicked shut, leaving the two of them alone.  After a short period of silence, she finally spoke.  I owe you an apology.

For what?

"You warned us that this would happen, and we did not listen.  I did not listen."

Danny chuckled, causing the mirth to turn into a mumbling groan as the pain from his injuries reacted to the action.  Regaining his composure, Danny shook his head, I didn’t know it would happen.  It’s not like I saw it with the Ghostsight.

I should have been there to protect you.

It was my fault.  I shouldn’t have pushed you away.  Danny dropped his eyes.

Sabrina took Danny’s hand into her own, No, it was my duty, and I failed it.  I failed you.

Sabrina’s sudden contact and words stirred Danny, causing him to return his gaze.  What are you talking about?

It was Sabrina’s turn to look away as she dropped her hands to her side.  I should have told you a long time ago, but I just did not know how.

Tell me what?

It was no coincidence that I came to your school two years ago.  At the behest of the King, father moved us here so that I could attend the same school that you did.  So that I could...

...So that you could watch over me, stated Danny, putting the pieces together, ending with a sigh.

Yes.

So you knew all along that I was the heir to the Mageknight?

Sabrina suddenly returned her gaze, looking hopeful with the opportunity to explain a part of the truth that she wasn’t guilty of, No, I had no idea that you would turn out to be the Mageknight.  I was only asked to watch over you, to protect you.

Danny shook his head and snorted, Is there anyone that hasn’t lied to me?

I am sorry.

Danny looked back up, forcing eye contact.  So everything that’s happened between us, or I guess hasn’t happened between us, it was all just an act so that you could do your duty?

Sabrina shook her head softly and moved down to Danny’s bedside, matching his