Shadows Bleed

The Fell-Lands

The Fell-Lands

A lone figure ghosted across the wastelands, dust spiralling from the dead ground around her feet. Dark clouds blotted out the sun, leaving the Fell-Lands blanketed in blackness despite the hour. Celeste looked up, a frown crossing her lips; weather like this rarely bode well.

Trotting obediently by her side was Narys, an Isvartian blood hound. A whimper from her dog did little to help ease her mind. She walked faster, adding a spring to her step.

The cottage came into view minutes later. All seemed well. Yet she knew how often first appearances deceived. When she was mere metres from the entrance, she noticed the front door swaying gently on a single, cracked hinge.

"Oh no."

Celeste was not one to rush into things. She took in her surroundings. Faded boot prints disturbed the cracked earth all around the cottage. Combat boots. Soldiers had been here. She cursed, sliding her fencing sabre from its scabbard by her side and stepping closer to the house.

She approached cautiously, deliberately, eyes ever alert, scanning the dark interior through the open door and watching the windows for movement. While there were no signs to indicate that anyone lingered, she was not willing to take any chances.

Circling the cottage twice, she checked the windows and rear door for signs of tampering. Nothing, only the front door had been disturbed.

"La'tuk," she instructed Narys, the hound obediently resting on its haunches, unmoving.

She entered the cottage.

A streak of blood marred the wall of the main hall, a shattered vase scattered on the floor of the main bedroom. There had been a scuffle. Dropping to one knee, she gingerly lifted a strand of brunette hair from the floor.

Lirhael!

Speculation was unnecessary; she knew who had come for them. The Inquisition was relentless and both she and Aeriae knew it would only be a matter of time before they found the cottage. But so soon?

"Mommy?" a voice, a child's, uttered the single word.

"No darling, it's Celeste. Come out now. It's safe."

Danyael popped his curly-haired head out from under the bed, eyes filled with fright. Pulling himself out, he ran across the wooden floor and into Celeste's arms.

"It's alright dear," she pulled him close, patting his shoulder. "Tell me what happened?"

"Men came, they broke in and took mommy and Lirhael with them. Mommy told me to hide under the bed until she returned."

"How long ago was this?"

"I don't know," tears dribble down his soft cheeks. "Is she coming back?"

Celeste looked at the boy with pity. For such a young child, he had experienced so much. More than he should have. Sheathing her sword, she lifted him into her arms.

"How about we go to them?"

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

A/N: And that's it! The end of Shadows Bleed. What did you think guys? Were you left with any unanswered questions? Let me know what you liked/didn't like or would have liked to see in the comments. Shadows Bleed is still a Work in Progress so all tips and/or advice are considered seriously.

Thanks for reading!

- Eli Quinn