A glint of cold dark eyes appraised the figure standing before Tarl
Argith, an unremarkable rat of Terrlin's entourage and the ferret's trusted
lieutenant.
"You failed." Argith's voice was as cold and sharp as the broadsword he wore at his side, his guards flanking Vanda's agent, the others, Terrlin and the Masked one included, remained at the side, wanting no part of Argith's sanguine desires. The rat- Carak by name- was flanked by several of Argith's guards, all cutting off even the slightest chance of Carak's escape.
Argith stood with his back to the rat and his guards, dressed in his blue tunic, holding a helmet in one paw as he replied almost snidely, "Vanda led me to believe her agents were competent."
"We are competent," Carak replied in the superior tone even Terrlin's lowliest operative-except that odd Masked One- used when speaking to the Academy's Master. So far, Argith had ignored it, believing his mate would be a bit put off by him abusing her agents, but this was certainly a special circumstance and one that demanded immediate correction and cleansing. Vanda'd thank him when they next met for taking that stain off her reputation.
Morik Ferin, the captain of Argith's guard now that Jast was dead stood close by his master, the stoat had his longsword drawn in case Argith gave him an order to dispatch the offending rat. Morik was a capable officer and had only recently graduated, his skills elevating him fast in the guard and his sense of honor and duty-mostly due to the fact Argith kept him in the dark due on his shadier dealings and bloodier actions-made him a trustworthy asset. Argith nodded slightly to the stoat, a note to stand down for the time being as Carak continued, "You wanted us to search for Davrag and we searched for him, we even picked up his trail when he came around the Academy. If you are so efficient, Master Argith, why do you not have him yet?"
Argith whirled suddenly, shocking the rest of Vanda's agents as well as his own guard as the helmet he clutched in his paw connected with the rat's jaw, a sickening crack echoing through the room as the fox replied in a calm voice, "If I were not forced to review your failure, I would have him now."
The helmet swung again, battering the rat's face as Argith raised his knee to Carak's gut, forcing the unfortunate rat to double over. Argith's next and final swing brought the heavy helmet down upon Carak's skull, the thud extremely audible so that Vanda's agents-with the exception the Masked one, who watched with an air of detachment-flinched. Even some of the fox Master's bodyguards flinched at the sight of Carak falling to the ground as well.
Argith flung the helmet down upon the corpse, raising his visage, complete with a savage, fanged grin to Terrlin. "I am in charge here, not my mate, and I, like she I'd imagine, do not tolerate failure. Let this serve as a lesson and testament to that fact!"
Terrlin looked like he wanted to protest but the dangerous glint in Argith's eyes stopped him and he merely nodded, "We'll find Davrag, Master Argith..."
"That you will, lest I am forced to have the lot of you executed as a reminder to the students," Argith smiled and sat at his desk. "You lot are dismissed...take Carak's body with you...take him to the archery room," He added as an afterthought, "The students could use a target, and one that doesn't cost money is certainly good."
Terrlin signaled two of his operatives, both lifting the corpse and dragging it out with them, the group exiting through the door. Argith's eyes lingered on the Masked One. There was something he didn't like about that one...he'd have to ask Vandashira about him next time they were together.
The familiar feel of his paw against his sword hilt brought him back to reality and a grin lit his features as he recalled where he had gotten the sword and who its former owner had been.
Every year had been hell when Jald Nightson and Aleran Nightblade ruled the Academy, each grappling for first or second place in the year roster at the final great exercise at the end. Argith had always been humiliated by the two masters, no matter how good he was or how hard he tried. The hatred had intensified after they had managed to avoid the final Graduation exercise and escape, Argith never considered his reasons petty, convincing himself they were actually completely legitimate. With Vanda's help he had risen to the top of the Academy and indeed, he intended to see that his mate remained safe, Jald and Aleran's son were just added little bonuses in the equation.
"Morik?" The stoat guard nodded and saluted, sheathing his sword, his blue cloak-taken from Jast's corpse, another factor Morik had been kept in the dark about- fit his body well and he wore his new sword with pride and dignity.
Tarl Argith was a bit annoyed by the sheer discipline Morik showed but ignored it, he was a rather capable officer, "Where's the prisoner?"
"The traitor is still in his cell, sir," The blue eyes focused upon Argith's dark ones, "We have not harmed him at your behest, gave him some bread and water."
"You fed him?" Argith's eyes narrowed ad Morik nodded, ignoring his superior's anger.
"You gave no instructions otherwise, sir."
"I gave no-! You're right, I didn't," Argith calmed, taking several deep breaths as he rose from his seat. "Take me to the prison and to Jald Nightson."
They exited the room, passing by several classrooms and ignoring the saluting students and Masters, hearing the dull thud of the archery class as the students fired at Carak's corpse, taught to repress any sort of compassionate emotion over the years as much as they were taught to fight and kill.
They descended into the lower levels, Morik opening the door to the prison for the Head Master.
"Jald Nightson, how are you?"
The ferret actually managed an impudent smile, emerald eyes gleaming, "Entertaining myself with thoughts of carving out your throat."
"I'm sure you would. Sadly, I have no intention of letting you kill me. I rather like my position and life here."
"I'd threaten your mate too, but I'd consider that a bit petty, eh?"
"If you did threaten Vanda, I'd cut off your ear and possibly your nose and take the utmost pleasure in it."
Argith didn't notice the small look Morik gave him as Jald shrugged, "You play this role rather well, don't you? How did Ulrich feel when you killed him?"
"His opinion wasn't asked for, Jald...you really should be more respectful to this place. It took you from a street urchin and made you a warrior; it made you what you are."
Jald smiled coldly and nodded, "Indeed it did. It also made me into a killer and a cold-blooded murderer...it taught me to get what I wanted no matter the cost and those lessons cost me the life of one of the greatest friends I ever had." He paused, thinking of Kalis Deiran and his selfish betrayal of him, something he so regretted now, something he wished to atone for.
"There's enough innocent blood on your paws without that," Argith smirked coldly.
"Not anymore." Jald replied calmly, not missing a bit.
"You're a fool if you think to escape your past, Jald." Argith replied, paw tightening on the hilt, frustration at how calmly Jald was taking his situation setting in.
"No, I can't. so, you know what? I'll just have to start atoning for it.' Jald smiled.
Argith stormed up to the ferret and punched him in the face. Jald's head snapped to one side and spat out blood from a torn lip, smiling. "The rebuttal...the one remark your kind knows how to give...you and Davrag'd get along REAL damn well, y'know that?"
"As I intend upon torturing and killing him, you and Aleran's brat, I doubt that."
"You're too full of yourself." Jald smiled and leaned back against the wall, "And your very touch defiles my sword...it'd be better broken then in your paws."
"The precious blade that wolf smith forged for you?" Argith looked honestly confused. He had thought for a long time that Jald's sword was his very life.
"Serion Redfletch taught me that a sword isn't worth a life, even if it takes so many. A weapon is a weapon and a weapon can always be replaced. Your very grasp destroys what this blade was meant for. I'd sooner see it destroyed then have you defile it and Serion's work."
Argith sneered, "Touching but this bravado avails you nothing...I'll see you again soon Jald, I suggest you prepare yourself for a world of agony."
He turned and strode from the room with his bodyguards, Morik pausing to give Jald the briefest sympathetic glance as the door shut, leaving Jald in darkness once again.
That was ok, he knew darkness, and darkness was his friend.
He had truly meant what he had said; the truth he never admitted to himself even had just come out to Tarl Argith. It was quite ironic.
"Kalis, Aleran, Serion, and all the rest of you...give me one last chance. Wherever you are, just give me that chance and I swear it won't be wasted this time, I swear it..."
The whispered plea wasn't answered, not by anybeast Jald could see, but he felt it in his heart.
Jald Nightson would see justice done, even if it was for the money and in the end, he'd see Eroket Nightblade once more and tell him. Tell him everything
If Eroket Nightblade decided the only way to make amends for what he had done was Jald Nightson's death, Jald would join his companions with a smile on his face.
Funny how atonement goes, isn't it?
"You failed." Argith's voice was as cold and sharp as the broadsword he wore at his side, his guards flanking Vanda's agent, the others, Terrlin and the Masked one included, remained at the side, wanting no part of Argith's sanguine desires. The rat- Carak by name- was flanked by several of Argith's guards, all cutting off even the slightest chance of Carak's escape.
Argith stood with his back to the rat and his guards, dressed in his blue tunic, holding a helmet in one paw as he replied almost snidely, "Vanda led me to believe her agents were competent."
"We are competent," Carak replied in the superior tone even Terrlin's lowliest operative-except that odd Masked One- used when speaking to the Academy's Master. So far, Argith had ignored it, believing his mate would be a bit put off by him abusing her agents, but this was certainly a special circumstance and one that demanded immediate correction and cleansing. Vanda'd thank him when they next met for taking that stain off her reputation.
Morik Ferin, the captain of Argith's guard now that Jast was dead stood close by his master, the stoat had his longsword drawn in case Argith gave him an order to dispatch the offending rat. Morik was a capable officer and had only recently graduated, his skills elevating him fast in the guard and his sense of honor and duty-mostly due to the fact Argith kept him in the dark due on his shadier dealings and bloodier actions-made him a trustworthy asset. Argith nodded slightly to the stoat, a note to stand down for the time being as Carak continued, "You wanted us to search for Davrag and we searched for him, we even picked up his trail when he came around the Academy. If you are so efficient, Master Argith, why do you not have him yet?"
Argith whirled suddenly, shocking the rest of Vanda's agents as well as his own guard as the helmet he clutched in his paw connected with the rat's jaw, a sickening crack echoing through the room as the fox replied in a calm voice, "If I were not forced to review your failure, I would have him now."
The helmet swung again, battering the rat's face as Argith raised his knee to Carak's gut, forcing the unfortunate rat to double over. Argith's next and final swing brought the heavy helmet down upon Carak's skull, the thud extremely audible so that Vanda's agents-with the exception the Masked one, who watched with an air of detachment-flinched. Even some of the fox Master's bodyguards flinched at the sight of Carak falling to the ground as well.
Argith flung the helmet down upon the corpse, raising his visage, complete with a savage, fanged grin to Terrlin. "I am in charge here, not my mate, and I, like she I'd imagine, do not tolerate failure. Let this serve as a lesson and testament to that fact!"
Terrlin looked like he wanted to protest but the dangerous glint in Argith's eyes stopped him and he merely nodded, "We'll find Davrag, Master Argith..."
"That you will, lest I am forced to have the lot of you executed as a reminder to the students," Argith smiled and sat at his desk. "You lot are dismissed...take Carak's body with you...take him to the archery room," He added as an afterthought, "The students could use a target, and one that doesn't cost money is certainly good."
Terrlin signaled two of his operatives, both lifting the corpse and dragging it out with them, the group exiting through the door. Argith's eyes lingered on the Masked One. There was something he didn't like about that one...he'd have to ask Vandashira about him next time they were together.
The familiar feel of his paw against his sword hilt brought him back to reality and a grin lit his features as he recalled where he had gotten the sword and who its former owner had been.
Every year had been hell when Jald Nightson and Aleran Nightblade ruled the Academy, each grappling for first or second place in the year roster at the final great exercise at the end. Argith had always been humiliated by the two masters, no matter how good he was or how hard he tried. The hatred had intensified after they had managed to avoid the final Graduation exercise and escape, Argith never considered his reasons petty, convincing himself they were actually completely legitimate. With Vanda's help he had risen to the top of the Academy and indeed, he intended to see that his mate remained safe, Jald and Aleran's son were just added little bonuses in the equation.
"Morik?" The stoat guard nodded and saluted, sheathing his sword, his blue cloak-taken from Jast's corpse, another factor Morik had been kept in the dark about- fit his body well and he wore his new sword with pride and dignity.
Tarl Argith was a bit annoyed by the sheer discipline Morik showed but ignored it, he was a rather capable officer, "Where's the prisoner?"
"The traitor is still in his cell, sir," The blue eyes focused upon Argith's dark ones, "We have not harmed him at your behest, gave him some bread and water."
"You fed him?" Argith's eyes narrowed ad Morik nodded, ignoring his superior's anger.
"You gave no instructions otherwise, sir."
"I gave no-! You're right, I didn't," Argith calmed, taking several deep breaths as he rose from his seat. "Take me to the prison and to Jald Nightson."
They exited the room, passing by several classrooms and ignoring the saluting students and Masters, hearing the dull thud of the archery class as the students fired at Carak's corpse, taught to repress any sort of compassionate emotion over the years as much as they were taught to fight and kill.
They descended into the lower levels, Morik opening the door to the prison for the Head Master.
"Jald Nightson, how are you?"
The ferret actually managed an impudent smile, emerald eyes gleaming, "Entertaining myself with thoughts of carving out your throat."
"I'm sure you would. Sadly, I have no intention of letting you kill me. I rather like my position and life here."
"I'd threaten your mate too, but I'd consider that a bit petty, eh?"
"If you did threaten Vanda, I'd cut off your ear and possibly your nose and take the utmost pleasure in it."
Argith didn't notice the small look Morik gave him as Jald shrugged, "You play this role rather well, don't you? How did Ulrich feel when you killed him?"
"His opinion wasn't asked for, Jald...you really should be more respectful to this place. It took you from a street urchin and made you a warrior; it made you what you are."
Jald smiled coldly and nodded, "Indeed it did. It also made me into a killer and a cold-blooded murderer...it taught me to get what I wanted no matter the cost and those lessons cost me the life of one of the greatest friends I ever had." He paused, thinking of Kalis Deiran and his selfish betrayal of him, something he so regretted now, something he wished to atone for.
"There's enough innocent blood on your paws without that," Argith smirked coldly.
"Not anymore." Jald replied calmly, not missing a bit.
"You're a fool if you think to escape your past, Jald." Argith replied, paw tightening on the hilt, frustration at how calmly Jald was taking his situation setting in.
"No, I can't. so, you know what? I'll just have to start atoning for it.' Jald smiled.
Argith stormed up to the ferret and punched him in the face. Jald's head snapped to one side and spat out blood from a torn lip, smiling. "The rebuttal...the one remark your kind knows how to give...you and Davrag'd get along REAL damn well, y'know that?"
"As I intend upon torturing and killing him, you and Aleran's brat, I doubt that."
"You're too full of yourself." Jald smiled and leaned back against the wall, "And your very touch defiles my sword...it'd be better broken then in your paws."
"The precious blade that wolf smith forged for you?" Argith looked honestly confused. He had thought for a long time that Jald's sword was his very life.
"Serion Redfletch taught me that a sword isn't worth a life, even if it takes so many. A weapon is a weapon and a weapon can always be replaced. Your very grasp destroys what this blade was meant for. I'd sooner see it destroyed then have you defile it and Serion's work."
Argith sneered, "Touching but this bravado avails you nothing...I'll see you again soon Jald, I suggest you prepare yourself for a world of agony."
He turned and strode from the room with his bodyguards, Morik pausing to give Jald the briefest sympathetic glance as the door shut, leaving Jald in darkness once again.
That was ok, he knew darkness, and darkness was his friend.
He had truly meant what he had said; the truth he never admitted to himself even had just come out to Tarl Argith. It was quite ironic.
"Kalis, Aleran, Serion, and all the rest of you...give me one last chance. Wherever you are, just give me that chance and I swear it won't be wasted this time, I swear it..."
The whispered plea wasn't answered, not by anybeast Jald could see, but he felt it in his heart.
Jald Nightson would see justice done, even if it was for the money and in the end, he'd see Eroket Nightblade once more and tell him. Tell him everything
If Eroket Nightblade decided the only way to make amends for what he had done was Jald Nightson's death, Jald would join his companions with a smile on his face.
Funny how atonement goes, isn't it?