Shadow Side

By April Kuper

A war raging on for centuries against the nefarious shadow elves that threaten to obliterate the humans. Wiping them out of existence. Dwarves and elves coming to the humans' aid, all three fighting to push the monsters back into their dark territory and save the human race until one of the elves' greatest warriors vanishes...

Centuries pass and the war still rages on. During this time, a young boy's dreams come true when he's granted his request to train as a paladin. Now a young man, he struggles to prove himself worthy of the paladin name and fight along his brethren in the war.

What's worse?

The love of his life has him stuck in the friend zone or the war with the shadow elves, who now have human followers, that seek to end those who won't follow?

A tough choice for Virgil who only wishes for acceptance and a chance to help end this war.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: May 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662449581

Book preview

Chapter 1

Virgil was the twenty-second child out of twenty-four children. He would tell you he is a paladin, but really, he was a squire. A paladin in training. Chris, an elder brother and a full-fledged paladin warrior was his mentor. He was the fifth eldest in the family. Jet-black hair, Chris wore it short and clean; no beard, he kept himself clean-shaven. His eyes an icy blue, sparkled when he laughed and froze you with a glare. He was tall but not stocky like a human, broad and athletic. Quick and sharp as his abilities as a warrior.

Virgil was grateful for Chris’s help. Being part of the youngest and not as skilled, he couldn’t make the cut as either a warrior or mystic. Chris saw that Virgil’s heart was in the right place and saw great potential as a paladin, so he looked for loopholes for him to join. Chris won his case, and Virgil was able to become one. On one condition. He had to have a mentor, and nobody wanted the job.

They saw him as a problem child. A Casanova, brash and foolhardy. No one believed he would or could stick it out. So Chris took him under his arm and trained him.

Virgil stuck to it and persevered. Even though he was impetuous, at times, impatient and frustrated. He was respectful, honest, kindly, and very polite to the ladies. He still thought himself a ladies’ man. Chris didn’t think so and had to remind him of the rules. He couldn’t have relationships and had to stay ever vigilant. He listened and only tried to charm the ladies when Chris wasn’t present.

Today was one of those days. His brother didn’t leave him often alone, but today he did. Actually, it would be for a whole week and at his favorite outpost. It was more like a hospital than an outpost and had well over 560 beds just for the injured. The soldiers that were brought here were mainly ones with serious injuries and couldn’t get back to the front.

St. Joseph’s Medical was once a mansion, centuries ago, and turned into a hospital. One of the reasons that made it a weird place. It really didn’t have much of an outpost feel to it. No big fences or dirty streets filled with people. Nice and beautiful countryside with the next largest town about twenty-five miles away. Small farms and villages skirted the border of the large property. Very green too. With lots of trees in various places and nearly endless fields of tall green grass. Those stationed there got nice quarters too. They were once servant houses. Now, the barracks. It’s what the few soldiers that called it home, called it. Virgil called it vacation homes. Better than sleeping out in the rain and cold weather. It rained a lot out here in spring, and being a paladin didn’t offer much in pay or in places to stay while traveling or while Virgil was training with Chris. So they mainly camped. This was a treat.

Chris and him had been stationed here for two and a half months this time. Watching for trouble that might come in with wounded soldiers. The reports had told Chris that shadow elf followers were sneaking in with the wounded in other places. That was how the humans were losing the battle, through their kindness. Most of the elves had returned to their borders when the shadow elves were driven back, and Kaleb disappeared. It was rare to see one or get help from them. They had their own troubles to deal with.

The paladin family was the closest to the only elf anyone could see these days. Good majority of Virgil’s family had slightly pointy ears and softened angled features. He didn’t. Chris did. Virgil thought he was lucky. He got all the looks from the pretty girls and to Virgil’s disgust, Chris ignored them. It only made his family look exotic. Virgil got the human side of the features. The only thing exotic he thought he had was his eyes. His were green while all his immediate families’ were bright blue. Virgil was an average height and weight for his young age, dark brown hair that looked black and cut short like Chris’s and light spring green eyes. And of course, fair skin. But he tanned like a human which was embarrassing.

His brothers and cousins close in age would tease him about it. Not today. Chris told him he was officially of age and being left to guard St. Joseph by himself. Virgil felt proud that his mentor was giving him a great responsibility. The only thing that would make this even better would be Chris coming back with the official paperwork to make him a full-fledged paladin, but he knew his brother wouldn’t be going to be doing that. He wasn’t old enough. This was a standard meeting that he couldn’t go to because he wasn’t a paladin.

Surprisingly, it was a bright day. The clouds had parted for the rare occasion as Chris pulled himself up onto his horse and gave instruction to Virgil.

Remember to patrol the perimeter, every three hours. Make sure you have your sword and armor on at all times. Until I get back, check with the sergeant and the head doctor every day. When the gate opens—

Be there, and inspect everyone that comes through, Virgil finished. Got it. I won’t let you down, Teach.

He straightened, placing a hand across his chest, and gave him a serious expression. Chris gave him a mindful scowl, saying, This is serious, Virgil. Just because we are far from the fight and in a barrier doesn’t mean we can relax.

Virgil relaxed his stance, replying, I understand, brother. I will be ever vigilant. Just hurry back and tell me what they say. Ride safe.

Chris gave him a smile and a nod, saying dolefully, You too.

He pulled his horse and kicked its sides, making the horse dash away toward the gates to the east. Virgil waved and turned to start his daily tasks. He enjoyed fooling around, but when it came to Chris, Virgil made sure to do what he was told. He didn’t want to let his brother down. Even though they had patrolled, Virgil did it again. He did his daily check-ins and did a few extra tasks before lunch.

The sergeant.

Sgt. Camryn J. Darros was an older man but had a laid-back personality. Well, only when Virgil was around. Yes, the soldiers and the sergeant were glad that Chris was gone for a week and could relax. The white was starting to show within the sergeant’s black hair, and when he smiled, wrinkles would show, but that didn’t stop the sergeant from showing the younger soldiers or new recruits who was in charge. The sergeant’s team never needed a reminder. They greatly respected him and so did Virgil.

They had a good card game going, and Virgil got them lunch, so they didn’t have to leave it. They offered to have him join, but Virgil refused politely. As a paladin, he couldn’t gamble. Even if his brother wasn’t there. The group didn’t mind and understood, thanking him for the food. Virgil had made a lot of friends here. The cooking crew, the soldiers, Sergeant Darros, and the medical staff. Especially with some of the women. He and Chris got to escort the nurses to the town once a week. He called it date night and would slip away from Chris with one or two of the nurses and escort them around town. With his small, meager monthly allowance, Virgil would buy a small treat to share with them and sometimes get a kiss on the cheek as a reward for the escort. His favorite kind of reward. Once in a while, one would hold his hand as they walked. One nurse, Shelly, told everyone that they were dating. It was short-lived though. He and Chris had to leave for the next station soon after.

Virgil finished his tasks, got a sandwich, and finished it quickly so he could visit his favorite nurse of all. Liz.

The moment he had seen her, he had a crush on her and look for ways to get her attention or talk to her. Even date Shelly. Nothing. Liz ignored his attention most of the time and was polite when he would offer to help or do something for her. He was stuck in the friend zone.

Brown doe eyes. Liz’s fair features wrapped around her beautiful warm brown eyes along with her dark blonde curly hair she pinned up during work hours and let down in a cascade of shiny curly, wavy hair to her shoulders. Virgil could watch her all day and never get bored. Tough and kind, Liz worked with Dr. Jeremiah Dandle. A relatively new doctor from a city to the southwest. Virgil thought him strange. For one he didn’t have a tan for someone who came that far south. He was quite pale, but he checked out, and Virgil was pleasant. He still didn’t like him or some of the methods he used to help the soldiers recover. Sergeant Darros didn’t like him either. He didn’t like doctors anyway and told Virgil he would find a better girl in the armed forces or with the Rangers.

Virgil found Liz was on the third floor doing her checklist for the week. She was in charge of ordering food and supplies for the patients they had besides her usual duties. Those conscious gave Virgil a smile or a short wave. They seemed to brighten when he came up. He knew why. Just seeing a paladin made them feel better. Most didn’t know he wasn’t and wasn’t going to ruin that for them. Sometimes when Liz would work late, he would help by visiting with the patients. Giving them hope. Sometimes reading to them or telling them stories. Chris found it unnecessary. Virgil didn’t. He believed it was helping them recover. Speaking and listening to them made them feel better, which gave Liz a smile. He didn’t do it just for Liz. Part of him wished he could have been a mystic paladin so he could help heal them. Virgil hated to see them in pain. Sadly, the mystic paladins were needed elsewhere.

Some of the nurses would tease him. Telling him that if the paladin thing didn’t work out that he would make a great doctor. Virgil thought it was a good idea, but all the same, he was a paladin at heart, and nothing would stop him being one. Stopping next to Liz, she glanced at him with a smile, saying politely, Hey, Virgil.

Trying not to swoon and attempting to get her attention, Virgil gave her his best charming smile, saying, Hey, Liz, finished yet?

She smiled and shook her head with disbelief, plainly and pleasantly, answering, Nope. Still got the rest of the rooms to go. Are you done with what you are supposed to be doing?

Yup. He followed her, trying to get her attention. You, me, and dinner tonight?

She looked up at him with amusement, and he grinned charmingly, saying, Your place?

Don’t you have to be on patrol then? She asked, going back to her checklist, adding, Besides, I thought paladins couldn’t have relationships?

Virgil let out an exhale as his ego deflated. He hated it when she ignored him and his attempts to charm her.

Blushing, he stammered, Well, no. Not like that. We can still. Sit and eat dinner. I didn’t mean it like that. Just wanted a friendly conversation and food. And well. You know.

Liz held her snickering in as she kept going. She always thought that Virgil’s attempts were so childish. Laying it on thick. She really liked him but wasn’t sure how to react to his Casanova bravado and ended up reacting the wrong way. Defensively. Which seemed to hurt him. He never admitted it and kept on trying.

So persistent and never disrespectful. That was what she liked about him. Even though he acted like a macho jerk, he was respectful and considerate. Never pushed it physically.

Ah, Liz said when she pushed the humor down. What does your mentor say about that?

Relaxing, Virgil smiled as he straightened up and said, He is out for the week and left me in charge.

Before she could compliment him, Doctor Dandle remarked with disdain, Oh, heaven help us. Our lives are in your hands.

Virgil hadn’t seen him at the desk in the far corner. Skulking in the dark, Virgil thought as he whipped his head around to put on a confident expression and not a scowl, politely saying, Yes. My teacher believes I am ready. I am thirty-two and old enough to be left on my own. Feel safe, Doctor, you are in good hands.

Doctor Dandle’s bland expression never changed. Disbelief in his eyes, he remarked, Well now, I feel safer than ever. I will sleep ever so soundly tonight.

And he went back to his paperwork. Virgil didn’t believe him or like his attitude toward him. Doctor Dandle hid his rudeness under his polite tone, and Virgil had to hold his tongue so he wouldn’t get into trouble. Not wanting to tempt fate, Virgil said later to Liz and left to look for things to do. That was Virgil’s week. The same every day. He didn’t even get to take the nurses to town either, and this was the week Liz was going. He missed his chance and grumbled about it while waiting at the west gate. Wounded were coming in today early morning to fill the empty beds that the recovered left yesterday. Sergeant Darros had a humorous smile on as he drank his morning coffee.

Tea is all Virgil could drink. Coffee, even with a small amount of elf blood in your veins, was a detriment. Making you mean and unbalanced. Caffeine in small portions was okay, but something about the beans caused it. It was said that elven fighters would eat large amounts of the beans before battle to ensure victory. It came with a heavy price though.

Sergeant Darros could feel Virgil’s discontent and commented kindly, There will be other opportunities to woo your sweet lady. Right now is the time to stay focused, young paladin.

The comment forced a smile from Virgil. Calling him paladin made him feel better about losing his chance with Liz. The large horse-drawn carts came to a stop as Doctor Dandle strolled over from his carriage. It was a simple one they used for such an occasion. Since the gate and facility were far from each other, the doctors would use the carriage and receive letters, documents, and inspect the medicine if any came.

The soldiers at the gate opened the old and tall iron gates to let Virgil out, Doctor Dandle strolling behind. He seemed fearless and didn’t care if there could be trouble. Virgil ignored him and jogged to the end of the caravan. Twenty-seven carts. Mostly wounded. Beginning, he said the words and held out a small flat polished stone with letters on it. It was simple magic, but Virgil had to use the stone to help. He was never good with magic. Walking slowly, he passed the stone over and under the cart. This was the hard part. The injured had to wait for him to finish. He had to focus as he listened to the anguished groans and moans of men and women who lay in the carts, waiting. Virgil wanted to finish quickly as possible so they could get care. Halfway through he noticed Doctor Dandle in a cart, rummaging through the crates. He seemed more discontent than usual. Virgil didn’t care but worried and asked, Doctor, what are you doing?

Doctor Dandle ignored him, and finding what he was stressed about, he exhaled with relief. Noticing that he had an audience, he scowled at Virgil and snapped, What are you waiting for! Get moving! I need this medicine in now!

Surprised by the ferocity in his voice, Virgil moved on, checking the cart that the doctor had jumped out of twice. Doctor Dandle walked back to the gate and waited impatiently as Virgil finished. With the last cart checked, Sergeant Darros waved them forward. Virgil stood by the gate and scanned and watched the surroundings for trouble. Once the last cart was in, he walked in, and the gate was closed. Virgil breathed in a sigh of relief and saw Doctor Dandle climbing into his carriage, leaving.

He found the doctor’s behavior odd. Sergeant Darros waved off his concerns and offered to share his private stash of chocolates he got last month. Virgil didn’t argue and followed him.

Mmmmmm. These are amazing, Virgil commented while sitting on the barrack’s couch. The sergeant and some of the soldiers played cards at the table in the kitchen at the far end of the room. With a pleasant smile on his face, Virgil savored the sweet and, after swallowing, said happily, Thanks!

Sergeant Darros chuckled softly as he won the game and pleasantly commented, Hey, anytime. You’ve done so much for us, it’s the least I can do.

Chocolate was an amazing treat and rare since the war. It seemed to make Virgil giddy and made his mind a little fuzzy. The soldiers thought it made him look drunk. Chocolate wasn’t against the rules, so Virgil was happy to eat as much as the sergeant would give him. After ten pieces, Virgil declined more and thanked them. He needed to keep somewhat alert while he went on patrol. Besides this, the nurses had come back. Liz with them. He said his goodbyes and left for the barrier’s borders. The barrier was more of a first line alert system for paladins. Most things that were dark in nature couldn’t get through, but if a shadow elf tried, it would send out an alert. It wasn’t strong enough to keep one out. They didn’t think they needed one that strong. Shadow elves hadn’t gotten that close. That fight was thousands of miles away.

Nature could come and go as it pleased. It seemed to not notice the barrier, and he watched as creatures came and went on their routines. Virgil didn’t think patrolling the barrier was necessary, but he took it seriously. He believed Chris was trying to keep him out of trouble. He hoped his brother was okay. He got a late lunch afterward and sat outside watching the soldiers change shifts. It was a quiet day. Not too cold either. Spring was heading into summer, and he and Chris would be moving on soon. A couple of nurses walked by giggling shyly at him, and it reminded him that he needed to visit Liz.

Stopping by his room, he pulled off his armor and chain mail. Putting on a dark blue long-sleeve shirt to give himself a more relaxed look. Virgil checked himself in the bathroom mirror as he combed his hair back, then looked from side to side as he inspected his jawline for stray hairs. Not a one. Yet another weird thing about him. Much of the men in his family could grow one. Even Chris. Once in a while Chris would let it grow when they were out in the middle of nowhere, but when they were about to head for populated areas, he would shave it. They had to uphold the paladin name he would tell him. Virgil exhaled sorrowfully. By now he should have had something and hoped when he came of age, something would show.

He left the bathroom to finish getting ready. He really didn’t think he needed his armor now, but just in case, he kept his sword belted to his waist. Hopeful that this look would get Liz’s attention. It wasn’t an official paladin sword. He would get one when he became a full-fledged paladin.

They were a simple structure, nothing fancy and all practical. Most paladin swords were a combination between the medieval European falchion and long sword. Some chose a Scottish claymore, or hand and a half, but all were the same long type of sword, solid metal with no jewels adorning them. Some paladins did choose to engrave it with a few enchantments or their initials, getting a custom grip and fuller. Very few, will at a certain age, would get the blade engraved more to complement their skills. Mainly mystics did that.

He waited until the soldiers finished bringing in the rest of the crates and went to find out what was in them. Liz was on the second floor finishing up getting the wounded their medicine and settling them down. Virgil walked in and looked around. It was good to see them in their beds. They seemed better now. Most of them sleeping.

Liz was unpacking things from the crates and going through the list. When she saw Virgil, she smiled warmly; with exhaustion in her eyes, she said kindly, Hi, Virgil. Come to check on us?

He smiled happily, answering, Yeah, and wanted to see if you wanted to go on break with me.

She looked up at him with a raised eyebrow, and he continued as he tried to charm her, sweetly saying, We could walk the perimeter together?

She smirked with amusement and replied, With new patients, I think I should stay. I am sorry.

Virgil breathed in to offer something else when Doctor Dandle exclaimed, Yes! This is wonderful.

Virgil turned to see him lift a smaller box up onto a desk nearby and pull little vials of liquid out to inspect them. Virgil looked at him, confused. The doctor seemed quite happy. He had never seen him smile before. It was creepy, and Virgil preferred his discontent expression better. Liz picked up on Virgil’s discomfort and said, Isn’t it great? The doctor got new medication in to help fight the war.

Virgil snapped out of his thoughts and asked in disbelief, Medicine to fight the war?

Yes! Doctor Dandle remarked happily as he turned to show a vial to Virgil. Look at this! This medicine will stop the poison before it gets to the person. A deterrent. What do you think about that?

Virgil snorted slightly, saying, How can you do that without magic?

The doctor placed the vial in the hands of a nurse and replied, Simple. The power of science. This will help the fight. Everyone should take this. Not just the patients.

Virgil didn’t think he needed it. There was no way a shadow elf could poison him and no reason for any shadow elf to come here to poison them. Doctor Dandle was handing out the vials to the nurses and doctors. Instructing them to give them to everyone. Including the staff. Out of curiosity, Virgil asked, Everyone?

Yes, Doctor Dandle remarked pleasantly. Including you. We wouldn’t want our paladin to get poisoned, do we?

The doctor walked over to Virgil, handed him one, and walked back to his cash of cure and started handing them out again. As nurses woke patients up to have the medicine, Liz was going through her list and waited for everyone else to get one. She wanted to make sure the patients got them first. The doctor noticed that, but before he could hand one to her, Virgil, as he looked at the clear liquid, asked, What do I need to do with it? Drink it?

The doctor grinned with wild amusement and replied, Of course. Drink up, paladin.

Virgil shrugged, popped the top, and, with one more look at it, tossed the liquid down his throat. It didn’t taste bad. More like syrup but washed down like water. He clicked his tongue a couple of times to figure out the taste and shrugged.

Virgil looked at the doctor to offer the empty vial and noticed that he had a sinister grin upon his face. That was the last thing Virgil saw as he lost consciousness painfully and slammed to the floor.

Chapter 2

Liz had turned around to see Doctor Dandle sneer sinisterly at Virgil. She blinked surprised by how dark and frightening his expression was. Suddenly Liz heard a gasp of anguish and turned to look at Virgil. In distress, he clutched his chest and gurgled a snarl while staring furiously at the doctor. Within seconds, Virgil collapsed hard. In shock, hearing a chorus of pain and anguish all around her, Liz instinctively ran over to Virgil’s side. As a skilled nurse, Liz jumped in and quickly assessed the situation. She called to him to see if he’d respond and checked his pulse and breathing.

She gasped in shock—no pulse, and he had stopped breathing! Before she could turn him over, Liz, in the mixture of sounds, heard the doctor erupt in laughter along with several others. She looked up in confusion to see him jeering at her futile attempt. The choir of cries increased to screams of terror and despair from patients and those who had taken the medicine. Doctor Dandle, with four other nurses, stood there in triumph as he exclaimed, It’s too late, my dear, he’s dead. Nothing you can do about it.

Liz looked around in horror while he continued casually, Now you have a choice, Elizabeth. You can join us or suffer the same agonizing fate. What’s it going to be?

She had no time to think. More people as she sat there were being poisoned. She had to do something to save those that hadn’t taken it. Holding back her fear and tears, Liz yelled, You’re a monster! How can you consider yourself a doctor? I refuse!

Well then—Dandle answered, ignoring her answer, and replied—it’s a shame Virgil won’t get to see you suffer.

The nurses by him laughed. Dandle picked up a syringe and a vile with a smirk. His assistants picked up on what he was going to do and focused their attention on Liz while they leisurely walked toward her. Horrified and couldn’t believe this was happening, Liz forced herself not to panic. She was trapped in the room. There was only one exit, and that was behind Dandle. She couldn’t jump out a window; it was too high. Everyone except her was dying or dead in the room. She had no one. They drew closer—Jeremiah Dandle with a syringe full of poison to torture with.

Terrified, Liz did the only thing she thought she could do—pull Virgil’s sword. The blade thankfully wasn’t an official paladin sword. It was a short sword and not the heavy long sword that Chris and many other warriors carried. Liz wasn’t sure if it had the same magical properties as a full-fledged paladin sword, but the enemy didn’t either. With all her strength, she pulled the sword up into a fighting stance she saw Virgil do on many occasions while training with Chris.

It must have looked convincing enough because the nurses backed off but not Jeremiah. He sneered, looking like he wasn’t convinced she knew how to use it. Hoping she could be convincing, Liz lunged forward as she swung the blade at Jeremiah. He dodged, and the nurses ran from the second level. Jeremiah had second thoughts but still lunged for her with the syringe. Liz ducked and thrusted the blade at him, forcing him to jump back and rethink his strategy. He had no time for this. Besides, the paladin whelp was dead, and this place was doomed. This was a victory for him and his team. No need to get injured over it.

Liz swung the blade once more at him. He ducked, and she kicked him hard enough for him to get the point. That if he continued, would receive worse injuries. She lunged, and Jeremiah bolted for his box, picked it up, and ran out the exit.

Shivering, Liz forced herself to stay in control of her terror. Most of the patience on this level were dead or near it. She had to find others and stop them from being poisoned. This was terribly hard for her. She wanted to stay and give comfort to the dying and mourn for her friend Virgil. Making her decision, she looked back at Virgil’s lifeless body with tears in her eyes. She couldn’t help him. Painfully she turned with the sword and ran through the exit to find help.

Running as fast as she could down the stairs, Liz encountered more who were poisoned and searched. Surrounded by so many dying, it felt like a terrible nightmare. She couldn’t tell who was friend anymore among the medical staff. Fighting broke out, and she didn’t have time to sort it out. Liz kept going and found the cooking staff and stopped them from drinking the poison. Thankfully, some of the soldiers were there. She ordered them to stop anyone they could find from taking the poison and arrest all medical staff. They alerted Sergeant Darros who took command of the situation.

Everyone who hadn’t been poisoned took refuge in the barracks while the soldiers fought off the medical staff that were part of Jeremiah’s group. In the fray of the fight, several of Jeremiah’s villainous team with two cartful of crates with poison pulled through as they picked him up and several others on their race for the east gates. Dandle scoffed, laughing as he jumped up onto a cart and ordered the driver to head to town. They would meet the rest of the group there.

Sergeant Darros, refusing to let that monster get away, pulled himself onto a horse and rode after them while two soldiers followed.

Liz watched him go while she fought off a nurse she thought was her friend. The woman’s demeanor had changed so drastically; she barely recognized her. No longer the sweet and gentle Heather but a vicious murderer as she struck down two grown men to get at Liz. Screaming and shrieking, Heather jumped for Liz as she twisted to step out of the way.

Bam! A shot rang out. Heather crumbled to the ground with a shocked look frozen upon her face. Liz looked around. A few soldiers were able to retrieve some rifles from their weapons locker and started shooting at the enemy. The sounds of the shot scattered them. These strays being put down as the soldiers took aim and fired. Bam! The picket line dropped them. A few struggling to flee even though it was pointless.

In the chaos, the soldiers managed to overtake the wounded enemy only for them to pop something in their mouths, swallowing something. Within minutes, they gurgled a laugh of triumph and died with twisted smiles upon their faces. There was nothing they could do but watch. Watch as each one died. The rest escaping.

St. Joseph in turmoil; Liz and Darros’s second-in-command, Mark, and what was left of the soldiers, painstakingly rounded up the remainder of the medical staff and locked them up. Markus called for help. Liz didn’t know Markus well but did as he ordered. While they waited for help, she, too, was placed in confinement with the medical staff. She understood and sat down to wait, dreading explaining Virgil’s death to Chris.

Chapter 3

His body felt like it was on fire, aching with a sickening nausea all over it. On top of that, an exhaustion as though he hadn’t slept for months. He lay there in utter confusion as to where he was and listened. There were people and a lot of them. None of them sounded happy. Anguished cries, wailing, screaming, painful groans, and shouting from what he could only figure were soldiers and doctors. He could tell he was outside on a cot and covered up with a blanket but where? Prying his eyes open, he found he was in a tent. It was a small canvas one that was big enough to stand in but only enough space for two sleeping cots. This one had no windows. His was the only cot in the tent.

What happened? How long was he out? What did the doctor give him? Virgil wondered as he pulled the strength to get up. The nausea began to clear as he worked to get up, but he felt strange.

Sitting up he could hear familiar voices and knew Chris had come back. That gave him relief to know that his brother was taking care of whatever was going on. From the sounds of it, a shadow elf had gotten in and poisoned several people. It made no sense to Virgil as he got up and, ignoring his symptoms, pushed opened the flap of the tent and stepped out. As he stepped out, two guards standing by the doorway were startled by the sight of him. Virgil looked at them confused by their expressions and quickly ducked, nearly getting a sword blade to the face. He staggered back as a paladin warrior took a swing at him once more. A terrifying fierce scowl upon his face.

Horribly confused, Virgil threw his arms up as he dodged each attack, yelling and backing up, Wait! Stop! What are you doing?

The paladin swung again, and Virgil ducked, sweeping a leg around, knocking his opponent off his feet. Another one took his place, and Virgil jumped up as he backed out of the large sword swinging at him, crying out for them to stop. This was a nightmare! Why were they attacking him? Virgil didn’t get a chance to talk or recover from his confusion and kept trying to keep from getting hit. Even his sword had disappeared. Getting a chance, he ran around a tent and nearly into Chris. Virgil’s mind raced, and the only thing he thought to do was rush Chris, pulling his sword from the sheath. Virgil quickly swung around and connected with a sword.

Metal against metal as the swords screamed with each hit. He was doing pretty good at fighting back and even forgot about Chris standing behind him with disbelief. Big mistake on Virgil’s part. Chris kicked a leg out from Virgil. He fell to the ground, and Chris kicked the sword from his hands with his armored boots. Thwack! In pain, Virgil rolled out of his way, holding his wounded hand, and crouched fearfully. He watched as his teacher picked up his blade. Virgil knew he was no match for his teacher. He didn’t want to fight him. Even if this was a nightmare. Chris twirled the long heavy blade with ease and was looking at Virgil, as though trying to figure him out.

Not wanting to fight him, Virgil slowly stood up with his hands out, saying sorrowfully, Chris, wait. I don’t want to fight you. Please, I don’t understand. I—

Chris had stopped and was staring at him, confused as to why he would know him. By now, mystic paladins had shown up and stood at the ready. Virgil hadn’t noticed them. He was staring horrified at his hands. They were a pale slate blue with a slight brownish hue. Longer fingers with clawlike nails that looked sharp and menacing. Strangely the pain was gone too.

In shock he gasped, turning his hands and moving his fingers. Fearfully, Virgil touched his face. It had changed as well. Angled and sharp featured. Moving his hands upward, he kept denying it over and over, but when he reached his ears, there was no denying it. They were the ears of a shadow elf. Refusing to believe it, he swung around; and finding an opening, he bolted, looking for anything shiny. All the while the paladins chased after him, thinking he was going to do more damage. People scattered in horror. Screams came from everywhere, and Virgil believed he was dreaming.

This was all a dream, and he had to wake up. Finding a tray someone had dropped as they ran from him, he stopped abruptly; paladins nearly slammed into him. They scattered as they prepared for the attack from him. Instead, Virgil picked up the tray and stared in shock at the face that stared back. His hair was still the same color just longer. His face was angled with the sharp features of an elf. His eyes had turned completely milky white, and when he turned up his lips in disgust, his teeth were jagged and fanged. Touching them he couldn’t believe what he felt. Virgil turned his head to the side and cringed at seeing the long pointy ears. He always wanted pointy ears but not like this!

The terrible realization hitting him, Virgil’s legs gave out, and he collapsed onto his knees as he stared at the tray. A forlorn expression upon his face as he kept inspecting himself. As though it would all fade away from him staring long enough, murmuring over and over again, This isn’t real. This isn’t real.

The paladins stared at him, unsure what to do. This shadow elf was acting so strangely. They waited for the senior paladin to give them the order to kill this monster. Chris walked cautiously up to the shadow elf. This wasn’t what a normal shadow elf would do. For one, this shadow elf was able to hold his sword. It was enchanted by the elders of the mystics. All paladin swords were. No dark creature could pick up a paladin’s sword without getting a nasty shock of their life.

Virgil looked up at Chris and said pleadingly, Brother? Please it’s me! I don’t know what happened, but please I don’t want to fight you. I… I refuse to.

This was unheard-of as well. A shadow elf that didn’t want to fight? They loved to fight.

Chris answered by questioning, Who are you? Tell me what your name is?

It’s me, Virgil answered painfully, wanting to just wake up from this terrible dream. Virgil. It’s Virgil. Please, brother, believe me?

Chris cautiously crouched in disbelief as he watched him, but it had to be true. This couldn’t be a shadow elf.

Chris asked as he watched for any tricks, What’s the last thing you remember?

Virgil couldn’t think. Horrified by what he saw and in distress, he dropped the tray and began to stare at his hands once more in horror.

Chris repeated his question, Hey! What do you remember last?

I, the last thing I remember was Doctor Dandle giving me a vial of medicine to take, Virgil answered and gasped. Poison! He…he poisoned me. Us! Liz. Poor Liz. Everyone. He looked up at Chris in anguish, asking, Where are they? Are they okay? Did you? Were they?

Virgil couldn’t find a way to finish. Thinking about it made his stomach hurt. Chris softened his gaze and pushed passed what he believed. Instead of a scowl, a painful controlled expression as he told him, Get up, Virgil. I need you to come back to the tent. We’ll figure out what happened.

Virgil didn’t argue and stood up slowly, so as not to upset anyone else, and followed Chris to the tent. The paladins were looking on in utter shock and disbelief.

Once inside, Virgil sat down on the cot and stared miserably at his hands, watching them as he moved them. Chris told him to stay there and left to speak with the paladin team.

It didn’t take them long or that is what it seemed like as Virgil listened. His hearing had gotten very keen. They were arguing about believing who he claimed to be. Chris made good points. For one, Virgil’s eyes weren’t a solid red. His hair wasn’t white like a shadow elf’s, and the biggest one of those things, besides pulling Chris’s sword, was Virgil wasn’t acting like an animal. By now he would have been tearing up the tent city and attempting to escape to report back to the rest of the shadow elves that had to be nearby. The strangest thing was that the poison hadn’t killed him.

The tent flaps opened, and a mystic paladin came in with her hood on, glaring suspiciously at him. You could tell the difference between the two paladins. Mystic paladins worn long capes with hoods that were gray with a wide blue trim. Wearing light armor, chain mail, and a belt with their necessities of their trade. Healers, magic fighters, or doctor. Paladin warriors didn’t. They wore more of a heavier armor set, usually without the cape. It wasn’t standard like it usually was with the mystics.

Virgil was too busy wondering when he would wake up to notice her. When she stepped closer, he looked up nervously as his breath caught in his throat. To release it, he breathed out, Rosey? and looked down in anguish, seeing his own sister looking at him as though she didn’t recognize him.

Rosey blinked surprised, and before she could make a comment, Chris came in, squeezed passed her, and crouched down by Virgil, saying, Your execution is on hold. It depends on how you answer my questions as to how long you live.

Virgil swallowed hard and nodded as he stared downward. Chris continued, The only reason why you aren’t dead now is I believe that you aren’t what we are seeing right now. You somehow look like a shadow elf, but you can’t be.

He thought for a moment and asked, Do you remember what I gave you for your twelfth birthday?

If this were a shadow elf trick, he wouldn’t be able to tell him. Chris still had his doubts. Anyone, including shadow elves, could know his name or Virgil’s.

Virgil looked at Chris and confusingly answered, A pack. A traveler’s pack.

He looked down in sorrow, remembering, I was so excited to see it. I knew the moment I saw it, that you got approval from the council. So that I could start my training.

Chris smiled softly and questioned wistfully, Do you remember the cake?

Virgil smirked sadly, saying softly in memory, "Yeah…it tasted like angel food…strawberries, it had those strange fruit on it that grew at the edge of the Silvestre vineyard in Ardouin, nearby Rosato… I used to visit… Avelina and Dimitri would pick them sometimes… The fruit was so