Everglade: The Underaged

Chapter 15

Luke followed the man and a few guards through the corridors. Luke resisted shuddering as they walked past the controlled Underage. He watched as one kid, age ten maybe, shook his head as the mind control wore off of him. The man sighed.

"My control wears off at least five kids every day," he said. "They all manage to escape. Where they go, we don't know." Luke watched the kid take off running. He disappeared around a corner. "That's why I hope having you will change that." Luke resisted the urge to run away like the kid. Instead, he transmitted the man's plans for him to his friends. He also told them about the kid. Maybe they could help him.

"What are we going to do once we take over Everglade?" Luke asked.

"We are going to burn it to the ground, then rebuild a brand new city on it's ashes." The man replied.

"What do I call you?"

"You may call me The Enslaver." They arrived at an armory.

"You'll need to change out of those clothes, we've got some for you." The Enslaver said. Black clothes were handed to Luke. Luke took them, trying not to look reluctant.

"How are we going to take over Everglade?" Luke asked.

"Simple. You're going to lead the Earl into a trap, then we'll kill him." Luke followed The Enslaver into the armory. There were Arming Swords, Broadswords, Falchions, and, long swords along one wall, spears resting on a shelf above them. Along another wall were bows and quivers full of arrows. There were shackles above those. There were Aneaces, Stilettos, Poignards, and Rondels on another wall, next to Maces, clubs, Morningstars, Holy Water Sprinklers, Flails, War Hammers, and Horsemen's Picks. Above them, there were Quarterstaves. There were also halberds. There was an empty wall where Luke supposed the Pollaxes that Ailwin had were supposed to be. They walked up to a set of armor. Based on the size, it was for Luke. It was black, with a crow on the shoulder plates and a helm shaped like a crow's head.

"This is for you." The Enslaver said. "We had it made specifically for you." Luke was handed a stiletto and led to a room.

"We'll leave you to change." The Enslaver and the other men left. Luke looked at the clothes he'd been given. They were jet black. A shirt and breeches with a feathered cape. Luke began to transmit to his friends.

They plan to burn Everglade to the ground! They want me to lure the Earl into a trap! They're going to kill him!

Come to the rendezvous point. Ailwin told him.

Alright. Luke contemplated leaving on the clothes he was wearing. He decided against it. It would be easier to sneak out wearing the clothes The Crows gave him anyway. They were black. He could use them to blend into the shadows. Luke changed then opened the window in the room he was in. He slipped through it. Then he slipped through the bushes. He was just getting to the forest line when he ran into The Enslaver.

"Where are you going?" The Enslaver asked.

"I was going to find that Underaged." Luke lied. "I think I know where he went."

"Someone should go with you."

"I'll be able to catch him easier on my own."

"Alright." Luke slipped into the woods. He didn't see The Enslaver signal for an Underaged to follow him.