Vendetta's Rise (The Dragon Realms Saga: Book 1)

Chapter 56

Avalon and Adema approached the throne where King Koda Dawnedge sat. They were weary from the long journey across the Omni Ocean, but there had been no time for rest on such an urgent mission. War was at Cypress' doorstep and the rest of the realm held its breath in suspense, wondering whether Varis and its allies would be able to overcome the warmongering nation of Estinia. Avalon's presence indicated that the order of the Silent Ones had waged their bets on the fledgling nation of Long Whisper.

"My King," Avalon said with a sweeping bow that seamlessly led into a kneel, "I am Avalon Bellerose. I have traveled from far beyond your horizon to offer you our allegiance."

Koda sat still, his back uncomfortably straight against the back of the wooden throne. At his feet, Wildeye sat vigilantly. Wiccer and Tull stood on either side of the throne. Wiccer's hand rested on the pommel of his sword. It had been only two months since Inle infiltrated the castle and attacked him. Despite the reputation of the Silent Order, Wiccer took no chances. Even though he was at Koda's right hand alongside Wildeye, Wiccer was still anxious. Twice Wiccer had failed Koda. Twice the Black Rabbits had taken Wiccer for a fool. There would not be a third time.

Koda nodded to his two guests, "My adviser tells me that the Silent Ones are a guild of warriors that spread the word of Jedeo through military might. Is this true, Avalon Bellerose?"

Avalon looked pained by the description that Koda gave the Silent Ones. Adema scoffed as well. Avalon had never seen the Silent Ones as a military force nor as merely evangelists spreading Jedeo's word.

"I–" Avalon started but Koda interrupted.

"That's why you are sending me a small army. You wish to secure a temple in Long Whisper. You want Jedeo's word to reach all of Varis. Perhaps once Estinia is defeated, you will convert the people of that nation as well. Complete global domination by a single religion? All in the name of righteousness and piety?" Koda said, continuing his assault on the two Silent Ones' beliefs.

"Young King, how dare you besmirch the name of Jedeo! We will not stand for insults to our Order!" Adema growled.

Avalon rested her hand on her companion's shoulder, "No, Adema, the king is right," Avalon said calmly, "Almost right, at least. King Koda, we are not merely another priesthood that praises our god with fanciful tales of great deeds and heroic acts. Although Jedeo's tale is full of that and had inspired me during some of my lowest points. We are an order of skilled warriors. We do kill in the name of Jedeo, but we protect those that need protection. The people we touch and help are not merely means to our own ends. We do good work for good people. Our Silencers slay the vile creatures of the Night so that the weak may finally be at—" Avalon ended her speech abruptly, looking off into the nearby shadows and slowly drawing her blade.

Koda, taken aback, stared at her bewildered, "What do you think you are doing?"

"Silver Wing, what do you sense?" Adema asked anxiously.

"There's something amiss," Avalon snarled as she let loose a dagger that was sheathed beneath her long, white coat.

The dagger carved through the air and vanished into the shadowy rafters above, but was deflected with a low clatter. Elucard dropped to the ground from the crossbeam he had made his hiding place. He did not draw his sword, but instead raised his arms in a sign of peace. But Avalon would not have it. Lunging fiercely at Elucard, she made several swipes at the elf.

"My King, I have snuffed out a Black Rabbit spy!" Avalon shouted as she continued a barrage of slices at Elucard who somersaulted several times backwards avoiding each of the skillful attacks, "Adema, give no quarter!"

Elucard drew his sword and locked blades with Avalon, "I am no Rabbit, Avalon. I–" Elucard could not get a word in edgewise as Adema launched towards him wielding her Silencer.

Elucard leapt backwards, ducking as Adema swung horizontally and then parried Avalon's ninjato with his own. Avalon stumbled slightly before spin kicking into Elucard's gut. Elucard collapsed to one knee, but tumbled forward as Adema came down hard, hacking at the stone floor.

Elucard dashed forward, rolling on his shoulder before sliding in a half-circle, readying his blade for another advance from the Silent Ones. He spoke again, quicker this time, "I'm no Rabbit! I defected like you, Avalon!"

Avalon, still scowling, hesitated to continue her attack, "Who are you?"

"Elucard Freewind, student of Legion."

"Your exploits have reached far, Elucard. You have slain a king. You expect me to believe you are welcomed in the court of the eight tribes?" leered Avalon.

"It's true, Avalon. As much as I despise his very shadow, I've come to realize his usefulness," Koda said as he stepped down from the throne, his hand raised as he tried to defuse the situation between the two Silent Ones and Elucard, "I must say, I am far more curious as to why you know so much about the Black Rabbits," Koda prodded.

Avalon paused as she tried to come up with a convincing explanation that did not reveal too much about her disgraceful past, "As I said, word travels. Elucard's deed was a popular topic in taver–"

"Avalon was the leader of the Black Rabbits when I was training under my Master," Elucard chimed in.

Avalon stared daggers at Elucard, "I have since renounced and condemned my former clan," she said quickly, hoping to mend any potential damage dealt to her already fragile reputation with the king.

"It seems you started a trend, Avalon," Koda said amusingly, "We have another former Black Rabbit, besides Elucard, in our service.

"Elisa Moonshard," Wiccer said as he inched closer to the relaxed Avalon.

"You said you found a use for Elucard? What usefulness keeps him from swinging from the gallows?" Avalon asked with a mixture of curiosity and contempt.

"I'm teaching Black Rabbit techniques to a squad of Long Whisper soldiers so that they can hunt down the Rabbits," Elucard said, sheathing his sword.

Avalon smirked, "An interesting idea. I should consider training the next generation of Silent Ones like that once I have established a temple in Long Whisper—" she stopped herself and turned, kneeling before Koda once more before finishing her thought, "...with your permission, my king."

Koda nodded, "You and your god are more than welcome here in Lost Dawns if you wish to protect my people. You may open the doors of your temple in our city's abandoned Ruens abbey, provided we survive the war."