When the Land meets the Sky: A Tail of Two Mages

Chapter 33 - The Fallen Warrior (Battle Pt.4)

Shino's POV

I felt anxious.

"It's been a few hours since Zachary arrived, but I didn't see him come back down for dinner," I thought to myself as I leaned back in my chair. I looked out at the great hall of our mansion and couldn't help but notice how eerie it felt this late at night as the only lights to be had was a few lit candles.

My mind immediately returned to Zachary. I wanted to shrug it off as he required rest as his was a long journey to our territory from the forest clan. There was still some form of doubt, but I was sure that it was unfounded.

"Shino? What are you still doing up?" as voice rang from the almost black darkness. Despite being startled from the deep thought she was in, the voice was Shay. "It's nearly midnight. You ought to get some rest sister."

Regaining my composure, I gave Shay a stern look. "You sure took your sweet time to coming home. And startling me nonetheless," I grumbled.

"My apologies Shino. You seem on edge. Is everything alright?" he returned.

With a deep sigh, I shook my head. "No, everything is fine. Was just deep in thought. By the way, Zachary has also returned. He's currently resting in his room before returning to the forest clan."

Shay's face furled in shock. "Why?! What cause has he to return here?" Shay asked and he sat down next to me. 

I pulled my hairband out and let my twilight hair down. I found myself playing with the band as the anxiety continued. I was sure that all was well, but that doubt was playing tricks on me. I looked over to Shay and replied, "He wanted to find out if we could assist with the issue involving Trodaí. He directed his queries to me, though. I figured it was because of my capacity as the grim reaper and he was under the impression I could figure out a way to deal with the problem."

I noticed Shay gazing out to the center of the room. "I see...," he muttered. After a few moments of contemplation, Shay stood up quickly and turned toward me. "There is naught we can do right now. It's late. We can discuss this with him in the morning. For now, go get some rest, dear sister. I can't have my grim reaper collapsing with exhaustion now, can I?" Shay said. The flickering candlelight barely made out a gentle smile. Or was it a smirk? Either way, it made me chuckle.

"You win, brother. I shall go get some sleep," I responded. As I went up the stairway toward my room, I felt the urge to check in on my younger brother, Zachary. The thought was dispelled quickly with the realization that he was no longer a child, but a grown wolf who knows what he's doing. Or so I hope. Regardless, it would seem overbearing if I did so.

I felt a slight chill as I opened my bedroom door, remembering that I left my window cracked open earlier for some fresh air. I rushed over to close it so the room would warm back up. I placed my hairband on the nightstand next to my bed and quickly changed into my nightwear. I would then make sure my scythe was securely placed in its stand.

I sat down on my bed and looked back over to my scythe. I can remember vividly that day when I received that weapon. I was enthralled by the beauty of it when my father handed it to me. A gift for my 17th birthday. It was a twin-bladed scythe, one that was specially commissioned for my use. A gift it may be, but it also became my charge. I was to become a grim reaper, a type of soul guide for those that have passed and it's my duty to show them the way. I have been loyal to that duty ever since. There are days where I wonder why I was chosen for this duty. But until my dying breath, I will fulfil it.

With a smile, I laid down and pulled the blanket over me. Shay's calming presence always makes me feel all is well. So tomorrow should be well.

Shay's POV