Veil of Shadows

Chapter 2. Let Them Come

"Shadow, sir, we have somebody here to see you."

The figure cloaked in shadow turned slightly to the knight and said "And their name is?" The knight replied "She says her name is Salia. Apparently, she wants to join your rebellion."

Shadow turned all the way and said "I'll hear her out. Send her in...well guarded, of course. I will take no chances." The knight bowed and quickly left the room.

Shadow stood from his throne and clasped his hands behind his back. The folds in his black cloak straightened and fell to the floor. The purple and black helmet hid his face from view...mostly. Some of his mouth and eyes were visible.

He heard the faint footfalls, and instinctively distinguished the knight's from the girl's. He could tell just from the way she walked that she had come a long way, probably on foot, considering she had a slight limp.

Moments later, the knight returned to the throne room, followed closely by Salia. Shadow raised an eyebrow and asked "Well? Do I not have the pleasure of an introduction?"

The girl bowed her head slightly and said "My name is Salia, sir. I come from Notch's Kingdom." At the mention of the name, the knight tensed, and his hand hovered over his sword.

She noticed, and help her hands up, saying "I mean no harm, sir. I wish to join you." Shadow waved a hand and replied "Please, if I am to address you as Salia, then you shall address me as Shadow."

Salia considered the request, then nodded, saying "Very well, Shadow. Do you accept me as an ally?" Shadow hesitated, then said "Leave your sword and daggers with me. I cannot risk any harm to my people."

She nodded and drew her sword and daggers, laying them on the floor in front of her, where the knight quickly picked them up and moved to Shadow, who said "Put them in my private quarters."

Salia watched the knight carry her weapons away wistfully. "I assume you can fight, considering the weapons you carry." Shadow said, a hint of a grin crossing his face. She grinned back and replied "Are you kidding? Of course I fight!"

Shadow thought a moment, then said "I can arrange a wooden sword to be delivered to your quarters. I regret to say I cannot allow any metal weapons yet. We had an incident with a traitor earlier this month...innocents were killed."

Upon seeing his sorrowful expression when he mentioned the loss of innocent lives, Salia's own expression took on a slightly confused aura, which was quickly hidden by a mask of indifference.

"May I have a tour of the place until my rooms are set up?" Salia asked with a tone of polite interest. Shadow paused, then said "Of course. Ask around for a knight named Caken. Tell him you have special permission from me."

Salia bowed her head slightly and replied "Thank you, Shadow." And she turned on her heel and walked to the enormous double doors, pushing them open and letting them close slowly behind her with barely a click.

For a few minutes, Shadow sat in comforting silence, immersed deep in his own thoughts. The clank of armor signaled the knight's return, and snapped Shadow from his thinking world.

Shadow murmured "She is a spy for Notch."

The knight started in surprise, then drew his sword. Shadow held out a hand. "No. Let her be." He said. The knight stared at him, then said "But why, sir? She will report everything about us back to Notch, then...then...what if the Hero Squad comes after us?"

With the last few words, the knight's voice began to shake. The Hero Squad. Seven warriors with more skill than all of his mortal men combined. The topic everybody in the camp was talking about.

It almost hurt physically every time somebody mentioned one of them by name. Especially Ranger. Shadow stared out a large window to the world beyond.

"Let the girl find out everything she wishes to know about our camp and our strategies. It makes no difference either way." He turned to the double doors, a wicked grin creeping onto his face. "Let them come."