Shadow Knights

Chapter 13

We rode for over two hours until Leon decided to stop in a town called Jorenstein. Our ride was quiet but in no way did I doubt that I made the wrong decision. He helped me off the horse and gave Theo, the shadow knight, a list of resources that were needed. Leon and I were heading to the Johnson’s house.

“I know you probably have a hundred questions and I can tell you things but they are just empty words unless you can remember it.”

Knock knock

A small, old man opens the door.

“Leon my boy it is so good to see you. My goodness, who is this beautiful lady with you?” He proceeds to grab my hand and kiss it. “You know Leon might be a young man but I have the experience of life.”

“Ahem, this is Rose.”

The old man’s face goes a little pale. He drops my hand. “Well I mean who am I to say based on appearance Leon’s expertise.” He lets out an embarrassed chuckle. “Come in and make yourselves at home. I’ll be right back.”

Moments later the old man comes back with something wrapped in fabric and a bottle of gold liquid.

“Here you are. I believe you know how this works.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Leon puts both things into a satchel. “We must be going now. Thank you for looking after this. The kingdom won’t forget your service.”

As we turn to leave the old man grabs my hand. “What you did had to be done. Your mother would be proud. Be safe on your travels and remember I’m always here if you need a man!” He sends me a wink.

“Not a chance old man.” Leon says while grabbing my hand, pulling me away.

“Want to take a look around town. Theo should be a little bit still.”

“Can we?”

“Of course.”

Although the town was small it had many attractions. They had a huge town market. Lots of fresh produce was sold but also some things too like hair pins, handmade glass statues, and bacon-wrapped caramel apples. Which, the apples sounded like an odd combination but they were actually really good. It gave you that sweet crunchiness flavor. 

After exploring for about half an hour we made our way back to the horse. When we get close Leon stops and drags me into a nearby ally. He puts me behind him and peers around the corner. Two men with black cloaks covering their faces were standing where our horses had been.

“Damn I thought we had lost them.”

Two border collies come racing down the road. One of them runs into the men, knocking them over. The men scramble to their feet and give a kick to the dog. While they were distracted the other dog ran to the shadows of the building till it made its way to our alley.

“Good boy.”

After patting the dog’s head, Leon reaches for its collar and pulls out a piece of paper. He reads paper then gives it back to the dog. The dog eats it and then disappears.

“How’s your ability to fade step progressing?”

“Well I am able to do it but I’ve only been able to travel so far.”

“Is that bridge on the other side of town too far?”

I open the fade. “It's within range.” We both step into the portal and land in the water under the bridge. “My placement still needs work.”