Winter - Part one: Night Warden.

One

The sun was setting on what was a calming atmosphere. A thin veil of clouds covering the sky and a soft breeze accompanied the picturesque colours of the sky. Rankin Hall, a young Knight Captain in the Templar Order and very loyal to what he has been taught to be the ways of humanity was standing at the main gates of the Templar barracks in the capital of Lumaria. Templar protocol was very strict and permitted senior officers only to remove their helmets while on duty. Hall loved the feeling of the wind brushing against his face and it was the sunsets scenery just like this, a work of natural art, that he preferred to gaze upon with his own eyes, not through a visor. It just seemed more real. It was a grand city, rebuilt from the chaos of war, by humanity and shadowed by the huge Citadel that ruled over Lumaria. The Templar fortress was just as grand. A huge building, somewhat resembling a medieval castle, made of steel with a huge glass chapel in the centre, with the barracks situated just inside the main gate. Captain Hall was proud of his place in the Templars as he had worked very hard to get there and he was proud to be a guardian of humanity but tonight he was restless as he was waiting on his agent who hadnt arrived back yet. Even with the gentle breeze and calming aura around him he was not at peace. His agent was never late so Hall was understandably anxious and it did not help the situation that Hall did not trust this agent at all. He had been assigned a task from Knight Commander Vox who insisted Hall personally overseen it as the rumour was that Hall was being groomed and trained to be Vox right hand. Vox appeared to have the utmost respect for Hall because of his dedication and because he had personally selected him from the youth recruits. He was to gather intel on the Covens main base of operations in Garnecia, scout any regular patrols, and retrieve a package to be presented to the High Templar Chancellor within the Citadel located a few miles North of Lumaria. A direct order from Vox was one thing but when it involved the High Chancellor, there was no room for failure. Vox claimed that this package would save humanity and provide a solution to the threat that the Coven posed although he would not discuss the details further and Hall knew better than to ask.

Youre late. Complained Hall as he was approached by a black-hooded figure, whose face was also covered in a black veil. It was the agent he was waiting on. He was known only as R and was recruited directly by Commander Vox but his origins and intentions were unknown to Hall and he did not like the secrecy. Hall had never seen his face and had an open distrust for him.

Im not late, I always arrive on time. I arrive when I want to replied R.

I dont know what Commander Vox sees in you. Theres nothing you can do that I cant however I suppose its better to risk the life of a spy than my own. Regardless, do you have the package and the Intel? Asked hall dismissively.

R handed over a small lockbox and Hall examined it closely. It was no bigger than a square foot and was plain with the exception of a small keypad.

Its locked, Vox knows the code. It is for him and him alone, not one of his lackeys Said R, showing Hall no respect, despite his position with Vox.

Hall looked up at him, angered by the comment, Watch your tone, thief. You have your uses to Commander Vox at the moment but that wont last forever. And when the time comes I will be happy to place you in the crosshairs of my rifle. Hall turned and began to walk away with the lock box, holding in his anger.

Were you capable of adequately using that piece of shit I may have taken that as a threat.

Hall stopped and turned to exchange more pleasantries with R but when he turned around R was nowhere to be seen, which was perhaps a good thing as Halls self restraint was failing.

Typical Hall thought to himself as he resumed walking towards the Commander Vox quarters and when he arrived at the door, it was already open. He knocked anyhow, out of etiquette, and entered to find Vox talking with his War Priest Dunek who was holding a large vial of pale green liquid and appeared to be explaining its contents to Vox. Yet another thing that was being kept secret from Hall.