Shadow Knights

Chapter 1

Another night of border patrols, lurking in the dark wondering if anyone would dare to come into our lands. Anyone that crosses into our territory is to be killed unless they make it back across the border. We are not allowed to cross the border under any circumstances unless you are a seeker. If you are caught crossing the border and you're not a seeker, then you're to be arrested and sent to the leader for a 'talk'. Which doesn't sound that horrible, but Lagitha can give you the harshest of beatings and lecture your ear off. Now the reason we are not allowed to cross the border just seems silly to me. As Lagitha says, "It is our duty to be hidden." I never understood this concept if seekers were allowed to leave.

"You think we will actually find a trespasser tonight Rose?" Cole asked.

We rarely have any action anymore. Which makes life boring because I was itching to get my blades dirty.

"Not likely."

"Hmph, not much of a talker tonight. Care to say what's on your mind?"

"Nothing much," I say as I smirk and shove him into the nearby thorn bush, satisfied with his cry of pain. Cole is like my shadow, he is just always there. Lagitha introduced me to him when my parents died and he's watched over me ever since. It was annoying at first, especially since I am a year older than him, but over time I learned to like his company. But Cole was right, I did have something on my mind tonight, but I was in no mood to explain myself. My 18th birthday was coming up which you think would be something to celebrate, but not in my case. When you turn 18, you get your sacred duty amongst the tribe based on your ability. It was kinda like a job interview based on your ability. Abilities most people got were growth, fire, water etc. but mine was different. Mine was dark. Darkness isn't all that bad because I could reverse the dark and heal people, but if I was not careful the darkness could consume me. I only ever lost control once when my parents died. I could see what I was doing but my head felt like it was in a fog and I couldn't control my actions. I only snapped out of it when Lagitha enchanted something. People feared dark abilities because they were so rare and dangerous. Ever since that day everyone viewed me as different, they kept their distance. Which didn't bother me much, I liked not being pestered by others.

"You know you have nothing to worry about. About your sacred duty I mean. There will be a job for you and who knows maybe you'll be a seeker like you want. After all, you can easily beat them without even breaking a sweat."

"Thanks Cole."

With that a warm silence fell over us.