Darklight Chronicles

Chapter 3

Alrek kept her close to his side as he guided her towards the keep. Citizens of the city passing by seemed to respect and adore him. It seemed Alrek had quite the honorable reputation.

Ravin kept hold of his arm and walked with him. She did her best to stay calm and relaxed as they made their way to the keep. She felt nervous and gripped onto him a little tighter as they got closer.

As they approached the gates of the keep, the guards bowed and let them pass without a word. Alrek pat her hand with his free hand to calm her and spoke softly.

"You're doing okay, love." As they entered the dining hall, long tables could be seen outlining the outer edges of the room with an empty center. In front of them was a far more grand table where the High Templar's and Primearch sat.

Ravin felt a small smile of relief tug at her lips as she heard his comforting words. She faintly nodded and followed him. She could see through the blindfold but no one could see her eyes which was great.

Alrek guided her towards the tabled then bowed his head to the Primearch.

"Good evening Sire Alexei."

Ravin followed next to him and bowed as well. She kept telling herself to stay quiet and calm, to do her best to act normal around all of these humans. If any of them figured out what she was they would kill her and Alrek in an instant.

The Primearch smiled and gestured a hand towards the two. Alrek tugged Ravin along and sat three chairs down from Alexei. Beside him was Natalia and Kristof. His commander looked a good decade younger than him. Crimson locks framed his neatly shaved face, tied behind his head in a short pony tail. Emerald eyes glared towards Alrek and Ravin as a silent disdain hung in the air.

Ravin stood back up and walked with Alrek to the table. She sat next to Alrek and stared at the table and waited for the food to be served. She felt Natalia's eyes on her which made her uncomfortable and uneasy but she did her best to stay calm.

Alrek gently placed his hand onto Ravin's thigh to calm her then looked towards Kristof and Natalia with a neutral expression. Alrek had plenty of experience dealing with the fiery attitude of his commander and knew not to feed the flame. As for Natalia, he knew not to even acknowledge her, lest there be a flood.

Ravin calmed down a little feeling his warm against her cold skin. She knew he would keep her safe but her mind kept making her wonder if she was worth the risk. She decided to disregard those thoughts for now and wanted to be well behaved for him.

Dancers filed into the room and began to preform in the center of the room. Most of them looked exotic, from another land similar to how Natalia looked. Lavish meals were brought out and served to all the guests, saving the absolute best for the main table.

Ravin sat there silently as she heard the light footsteps of the dancers enter the feast and begin to dance. She held onto Alrek's hand but seemed to relax. A dart of irritation hit her when she heard Natalia laughing and flirting with Kristof. She was annoyed by her and wanted to make her quiet but she did her best to contain herself.

Alrek let out a tired sigh and squeezed Ravin's hand then leaned over to whisper to her. "Settle down, love. She'll be put in her place soon enough." He assured quietly.

The dancers bowed after their performance, quietly leaving afterwards. The Primarch stood and looked around at the gathering.

"Tonight is a special night indeed. We gather to welcome new brothers and sisters into the Templar Order." His voice was course and weathered from his old age.

Twelve squires lined up in the center of the room, Natalia among them. She gave a mocking look towards Alrek as if she were saying 'Look at me now' which Alrek ignored.