Kallen had to admit, being part of civilization again, even if it was just a small cohort of Sleepers, was a blissful experience. He hadn't realized just how much he'd missed human interaction. His sister's laughter and bright smile; the easy banter between battle hardened companions, even the quiet moments of shared exhaustion after a hunt. It all made the hell-hole they were in a little less desolate.
Caster was simple to get along with. The young man carried himself with an effortless confidence, his smile always reassuring, his presence steady. A dependable fighter, a reliable ally. Kallen was grateful to have him at his side.
Sunny, on the other hand, had been a surprise. At first, Kallen had found him abrasive and guarded, as if expecting betrayal at every turn. But beneath that prickly exterior was a sharp wit and a surprising loyalty. Watching him now, teasing Seren with dry remarks that made her roll her eyes, Kallen could see why Nephis kept him so close.
And Nephis herself…
"She's afraid that Caster was sent to kill her."
Kallen exhaled, pushing his thoughts away before they could fully form. He knew what was coming. Knew what he would have to do. The weight of it had settled as a heavy stone in his stomach, but he refused to let it surface now. Not here and not while they were all together.
While a powerful shield, loyalty is also a weapon. A dangerous weapon, one that can so easily be turned against its wielder.
Kallen had read that somewhere, and he found himself reciting the line over to himself as he enjoyed his time with the cohort. He couldn't stop thinking about it. Was he gaining the loyalty of these people, just to turn on them later?
I'll deal with it later.
For now, he allowed himself this. The warmth of camaraderie; the sound of his sisters voice as she argued with Sunny over some trivial thing; the way Nephis watched them all with that quiet and calculating, but undeniably warm gaze.
It was a fragile peace.
He snuck a glance at Caster. Which of them would be the one to shatter it? It was a bitter future to swallow, one that Kallen would push as far down the road as fate would allow him.
Time passed slowly in pleasant company. The small group of Sleepers gradually made their way across the treacherous scape of the Forgotten Shore.
As thanks for saving him, Kallen taught Sunny, Caster, and Nephis how to properly move underwater. With the help of Seren's starlight threads, two of the three of them at any given moment were able to move with increased efficiency in the murky black deep, while Kallen could support the third with his affinity.
Of course, they avoided Nightmare Creatures whenever there were any around, but when they were able to train, it was quite enjoyable to impart the knowledge Master Naeve had drilled into him. It also, in part, helped alleviate the guilt he felt. Though, not very much.
When they weren't training, Nephis, Sunny, and Caster filled Kallen in on the volatile state of humanity in the bright castle. The lord of the castle, Gunlaug, was a tyrannical ruler and had several systems in place to keep people below him.
Aside from the political protection, he was also a nigh invulnerable fighter. They had discussed their plans, and ultimately decided that Kallen would play the role of dutiful hunter in order to achieve status within the bright castle.
For Sunny, it didn't make sense to infiltrate too deep, since his powers worked best when others underestimated him. Nephis, would need to amass followers and good will with the people in the outer settlement, in the event that Gunlaug was miraculously overthrown.
Caster, would join Kallen on the inside, but place himself apart from Gunlaug and his thugs, meanwhile, Kallen would set himself apart from the cohort and join the hunters in to glean insider information that Sunny otherwise wouldn't be able to obtain.
But while Kallen was the best choice for the job, he also had something else up his sleeve as well. If he could just get a glimpse at the tyrannical leader of the bright castle, then Ariel might reveal to him the man's biggest fear. Perhaps a chink in his armor… perhaps his very flaw gifted by the spell. Who was to say?
Regardless, it was too sweet a deal to pass up.
He was not going to sit idle by and waste his life on the forgotten shore. He had family waiting for him on the other side, even if there were those who didn't. He didn't care. He would return to his parents safe, with Seren in tow. He wouldn't let them down.
~~~
Before long, Kallen stood before the walls of an imposing fortress, Seren's hand gripped tightly in his own. In the other, he hoisted a large bag of soul shards. The arachnid covering of his fourth tier armor: Widow's Husk hid both his face and his form.
He had met briefly with Cassia from the academy, and the eccentric hunter Effie. He couldn't tell, but it seemed like the latter was fond of teasing Sunny.
Odd.
Kallen approached the grand set of stairs that led to the gates of the marble castle. It was a typical overcast day. He dismissed the fearsome helmet, making sure the guards caught a glimpse of it before doing so.
There were two guards waiting by the entrance, both of them wearing armor-type Memories. They left their weapons out in the open, as if placed there as a deliberate warning.
"What do you—" The lead guard hesitated, the gears spinning in his mind. He spoke again, more sure of himself this time. "What business do you have?"
Kallen dropped the bag of shards for dramatic effect. "Safe passage for me and my sister."
The guard who'd stayed silent failed to keep his stalwart expression. His eyes widened at the bag. "Did you…"
"Collect them all myself?" Kallen asked. "Yeah, it took a while for me to annex that spider's nest a few days southwest of here. Truth is, it took longer than I expected to gather them all. Iron-Spider blood isn't too pleasing on the nose."
"Ah… well then, right this way. Someone will meet you once you're inside."
Kallen grabbed his bag, leaving a few shards on the ground for the guards to pick up. It was his first time intimidating humans… he wasn't too sure if he was overdoing it. Was he acting cliche? He didn't know.
Sunny had given him a few tips in the art of deception, but now that it was time to perform, he felt like he wasn't living up to his teacher's expectations.
My sincerest apologies, Kallen thought, hiding a dejected frown. In his defense, he hadn't actually graduated from 'Sunny's school of deception and lies.'
Please forgive me master.
Kallen made sure to glare at the guards as he passed by them.
He glanced at the dozens of human skulls swinging above on rusty chains, feigning nonchalance at the sight. As if it were the natural order of things.
I suppose those are the last people that thought they could overthrow this, Gunlaug.'
Passing through the gate, Kallen emerged into a large hall. He admired the architecture, wondering who the original people of the Forgotten Shore had been, how they lived, who they served, and what their purpose was.
Would humanity of the waking world fade to history like those people did?
Several handmaidens passed by, doing the various tasks of upkeep in the bright castle. Behind, the large double gate closed with a thunderous crash. The two guards strained to move the iron bolt into socket.
Kallen kept calm as he paced forward, wearing a placid expression on his face. He didn't need to worry; he was powerful. More powerful than anyone in the castle, perhaps save for a few in direct confrontation. In the water, he liked his chances against anyone.
Bud I don't have the water to rely on in here.
Kallen approached the young man sitting as a receptionist. The man had a mousy, fearful face, and seeing a Sleeper with scary, spider derived armor did not appear to alleviate him.
Kallen didn't speak, instead waiting for the gaunt, unhealthy man to address him first.
"Ah, I'm sorry, Welcome to the Bright Castle. My name is Harper, I'm responsible for the guest accommodations around here. I don't seem to recognize you the two of you, is this your first time?"
"Yes."
Harper gave his best attempt at a reassuring demeanor, but he kept glancing at Kallen's armor, as well as the bag of soul shards.
"Did you really collect all of those yourself?"
"Yes."
"Ah… of course."
"I'll just need your names to mark when the two of you paid the tribute, and that's all. There's a lot of spare rooms around, especially in the Tower of Dusk. It's pretty quiet there, what do you guys think?"
"I don't care."
"Ah. Yes. Right, what is your names then?"
"I am Kallen from the House of Night."
Kallen wasn't sure whether his clan would get him anywhere around here, but it wouldn't hurt to try, would it?
After a few moments of scribbling on the ledger, Harper closed it with a polite bow. "All done. If you'll follow me… between these walls, you are completely safe. No need to worry anymore!"
Kallen suppressed the urge to roll his eyes, and followed the young man.
Harper led him through the castle, doing his best to act as a friendly guide. Kallen already knew most of what he was being told courtesy of Sunny and Caster's teachings, so he kept to himself and mostly ignored anything his guide said.
The aloof and disinterested act was difficult, especially since all he wanted to do was socialize following his tri-month seclusion. But he had a job to do. And he planned to do it well.
Before Harper left, Kallen poised his first true question of his tour.
"So," he said, right before the young man weaseled out of his new room. "How would I go about joining Gunlaug's hunters. His personal men. I'm not too interested in…" he gestured around the room. "Living like this. I spent too long cooped up in that nest. I'd prefer a little more luxury."
Harper gave a sheepish smile and shook his head, "Only the more powerful residents of the Bright Castle are allowed to be…"
Kallen's aloof expression shifted to a glare, which Harper shrank under. "Of course, you seem to be one of the more powerful residents… yes. Ah typically, only residents who start as guardsmen and prove themselves get to rise through the ranks… but I suppose there is rite of combat as an alternative option for quick admittance."
Kallen nodded, seeming to consider this. He already knew this, but had to make a show of running over his options. "I think I'll chose the second option. Which of Gunlaug's guards should I challenge?"
Harper hesitated, his shoulders seeming to slump. "Uh… sir, Kallen, I must advise against this. The Rite of Combat is rarely used… those who challenge Gunlaug's hunters don't usually walk away. They're the best of the best… real battle hardened fighters."
Kallen tilted his head, feigning casual curiosity. "Why do people usually not walk away?"
Harper swallowed. "Because the hunters don't just duel. They fight to kill."
Seren tensed beside him, but Kallen gave a confident smile. "What's the big deal? So do I."
Harper opened his mouth to protest further, but Kallen cut him off with a wave. "Just tell me who to challenge. Unless you'd like to volunteer?"
The guide paled and shook his head. "No-no of course not. If you're certain, pick someone who is on the recent side, but not the most recent addition."
"Perfect," Kallen said, already heading for the door. He brushed shoulders with Harper on the way out. "Where do I find these hunters?"
~~~
Sunny
A few hours later…
Kallen had over done it. If Sunny's shadow could actually facepalm, it would have already. Word had spread quickly in the Bright Castle.
By the time Kallen had stepped into the training yard, a crowd had already gathered. Sleepers, Guards, Handmaidens, outcasts, it didn't matter. They'd all gathered, and they murmured amongst themselves, voices a mix of disbelief and morbid curiosity.
Even the Golden Serpent, Gunlaug himself was rumored to be watching, though Sunny knew not where nor how.
What he did know…
That Nightwalker bastard was crazy. He was crazy! There wasn't any other explanation! The plan was to lie low for a little while, plan out who specifically to challenge, if, and only if an organic entry into the hunters of Gunlaug was impossible.
Was Kallen trying to get himself killed?
"Who is this idiot?" Someone from the crowd whispered.
"Looks like he's wearing some decent armor… I bet he killed one of those Iron-Spiders out there in the labyrinth."
"No way, I heard he's actually a Legacy. I bet he got it from his clan."
"Still, Jaric doesn't lose. The kid's a dead man anyway."
Jaric himself stood at the center of the yard, a towering figure in plate armor. His face was scarred and his blade shined a faint crimson. He looked his opponent up and down, clearly unimpressed.
"You a Legacy?" Jaric scoffed. "With those pretty purple eyes… you're one of those Night House bastards. Ain't ya?"
Kallen summoned his weapon into his right hand. Then he summoned the mask of his ferocious armor, and rolled his shoulders. A habit Sunny had observed often from the boy.
The segmented chitin plates of his armor shifted like a second skin. The crowd of Sleepers erupted into murmurs at the sight of his helmet. Jaric's expression darkened, and his voice took on a metallic hush as his helmet shimmered over his head as well.
"First blood? Or are we going to the death."
Kallen took his stance, feet spread just past shoulder width apart. He tucked a hand behind his back, holding his gladius out in front, inviting a strike from his opponent.
"I don't particularly care," Kallen said. "But we can go first to yield. I wouldn't want to deprive our king of a powerful hunter, would I?"
The man shifted his stance and growled, twirling his towering blade. "I am Jaric of the Hunters of Gunlaug. Prepare yourself, scum."
Kallen dipped his head in a shallow bow. "My name is Kallenir. My True Name is Blessed of the Sea." He bared his teeth, igniting his sword with flame. "Do your worst."
Sunny noticed the leader of the hunters: Gemma, lean in, clearly interested after Kallen's brazen proclamation. It didn't matter whether he believed him or not… it didn't matter whether anyone believed him or not. He would make the truth known one way or another.
Jaric took off, his heavy armor clanking, betraying how light it truly was on his frame. His crimson blade sliced through the air with practice precision.
Sunny noticed Seren's fist clench as Jaric swung. Kallen moved to the left as it came crashing down.
He stuck out his foot and hooked it around Jaric's lead foot, pulling it ever so slightly. The hunter nearly did a split, and before he could recover, Kallen made a quick, one-step dash toward him, driving the pommel of his sword into the face of his helmet.
The hunter crumbled, his blade falling from his hands.
Jaric gasped, but Kallen seized his wrist, putting him in a quick lock, pressing him into the ground.
"Yield," Kallen said, voice calm.
Sunny could hear the hunter literally snarl through his helmet, but Kallen pressed down, just enough to elicit a pained groan.
"I yield," he said quickly. "I… I yield."
Silence.
Then, cheers. The crowd that had been so quick to dismiss Kallen, now roared in approval. Even some of Gunlaug's guards looked impressed. Gemma included.
Kallen took a measured step back, offering Jaric a hand. "You're strong. It'd have been a waste if this was to the death."
Jaric stared at the offered hand as if it were a beast about to strike. His pride, however, wouldn't let him refuse in front of the onlookers. He took it, grunting as Kallen hauled him up.
Before either could speak, a new voice cut through the noise of the courtyard.
"Well fought."
He was a golden demon. Born from the lowest reaches of hell, and forged from the tempered metal of holy gold and death alike. Gunlaug appeared from two heavy doors across the courtyard.
Had he been watching with the help of a Memory? That surely was dramatic… but of course, there was no other entertainment on the Forgotten Shore, so perhaps he wanted to enjoy the spectacle without interruption?
Sunny would never know.
~~~
Kallen
The Bright Lord himself had appeared. The sudden change in the crowd around made it seem as though an invisible wave of dread had passed over all the onlookers.
He was tall. Broadly built. Clad in a thick, fluid armor of molten gold. Not even his eyes were exposed, and when Kallen caught his own reflection in the expanse of empty, polished gold, he felt true fear once more.
Kallen dismissed his sword and fell to a knee, playing the part of dutiful potential servant. He made sure, however, to keep his eyes on the ground as he did so. He waited as the Golden Tyrant approached, holding his breath, clenching his jaw and tensing his shoulders.
"What a sight that was," Gunlaug said, his voice rolling across the crowd of onlookers. "A truly well fought bout."
He stood at the edge of the yard. The air itself seemed to grow heavier.
"State your name again Nightwalker," he spoke again, coming to a rest just a few feet away. "Your true name."
"Blessed of the Sea," Kallen said, taking a quick glance up. Simultaneously, he heard Ariel whisper into his mind.
That sweet, sweet, whisper of dread.
"Join my guard. Prove yourself and dine at the table of my hunters." Gunlaug turned on his heel, his wide, golden back alleviating the pressure of his visor.
The crowd remained silent.
Kallen played his part and dipped his head, the picture of gratitude even if the Bright Lord couldn't see it. "Of course. I would be honored."
Kallen caught Seren's eye in the crowd. His quick scan saw a peculiar movement in the distant shadows. Caster standing stalwart as well.
Kallen remained on one knee, Ariel's whispers playing in his head.
"He fears kindness."
"He fears favor."
"He fears debt, for he is forced to repay it."
Kallen smiled to himself, unwilling to let it show, but he did allow himself to mouth a short phrase, one he had read so many years ago.
Loyalty is a weapon. A dangerous weapon, one that can so easily be turned against its wielder.
A/n
Sorry about no upload on Thursday. I was on vacation and forgot the day. Was going to post this on Friday, but plans changed and I didn't have any time to.