Empire of Shadows

Chapter 16: Haylee

Haylee tossed and turned in her bed. For some reason, on this particular night it was difficult for her to close her eyes. A bunch of annoying thoughts crept into her head, making it hard to fall asleep. She started counting in desperation, thinking it would distract her mind, but it rejected the number counting, opting for an inner dialogue.

Will you agree that Isaac is so attractive and handsome, mm? However, I must admit he's kind of taciturn. That is not a benefit for him.

Oh, you shut up, I must focus on our mission. To give back the seal's piece to its rightful owner. That's what me and my brothers are here for. I should not digress from the purpose.

Even if it's a potential ally?

How do you know what's best for me? Even though Isaac helped me once, it's not a fact that he will do it again, betraying his clan and kin.

Just have to push some buttons and be cunning. Use him to your advantage, not telling the whole truth. He doesn't seem like the other Dark Clan people. He's different.

I know and that's intriguing. I would really want to find out why.

Haylee sighed and was about to continue her inner dialogue when suddenly there were heard some strange noises outside the room. The maiden opened her eyes and carefully crawled out of the blankets. She approached Violet's bed and gently pulled her. The Tero girl rubbed her eyes, muttering something under her breath, but Haylee shushed it. "Do you hear it? Something's happening."

Violet listened to the sounds coming behind their walls and involuntarily tensed. "I don't know what is it, but I don't like it. What should we do?"

"Need to go and check the others," whispered back the silver-haired maiden and took out a sword in its scabbard from under the bed. Violet followed, taking out her bow with quiver of arrows.

Haylee stepped closer to the exit, showing with her hand to Violet that she should remain where she stood. Her room neighbor nodded, pulling an arrow from her quiver and placed it on the bow. A couple of instants later, there was a loud knock on the front door, making both girls shudder. Since there was no response from them, the door was going to be knocked down, because the banging was too strong.

Haylee slowly pulled out a longsword from the scabbard and took a fighting stance, Violet pulled the bow string, listening in tension to the heavy clattering. Both girls exchanged glances, ready to attack the intruders. Eventually, the door couldn't endure the hammering, so it just fell down and flew off its hinges. A group of men dressed all in black, spears in hands surrounded the maidens.

"I am the commander of the guards," the bearded man with a silver badge on his chest stepped up, "by the order of Clan Leader, I must conduct a search of every guest of the residence of Dark Clan. Resistance is useless; you will only bring disaster upon yourself."

Haylee frowned, still holding her longsword tightly. "What are you searching for? Something's lost?"

"It's not for me to talk about it. Clan Leader Dark will make a mandatory audience where he'll explain the reasons for the search," the commander's patience started to thin out, so he grumbled, "now lower your weapons and let us pass for good."

The girls sighed, understanding that the guards will have their room searched no matter what, so they obeyed, putting down the weapons and leaving the chambers. Walking in the corridor, crowded by many other scurrying mages, still in their nightclothes, Haylee felt the need to spill her thoughts.

"I don't like how Rasmus Dark treats us as his guests, assuming we're burglars or thieves," she mumbled, wrinkling her nose in displeasure.

"This is indeed inhospitable, I agree," Violet turned her head from side to side as if looking for someone. "However, he's a man of rigor, meaning he probably knows what he's doing, so let's just wait for the audience."