Martin the Last Necron

Chapter 17 ( Shadow )

Azura ran over to Martin. "You need to slow down and take it easy. I know you want to master your abilities, but you have to try not to over exhaust yourself. It will take time to learn and grow your powers. In doing so, your body will also need time to adjust to the use of it. Using too much power when your body isn't accustomed to it can hurt you really bad or even kill you." 

Martin looked up at Azura with frustration. "I understand, I just want to be ready in case we run into any more trouble."

"You two and Mien get some sleep and Solana and I will take first watch." Said Adal.

"Are you sure?" Asked Azura.

"Yeah, I am sure, plus Martin could use some rest." Adal replied.

It wasn't long before the three were fast asleep, leaving Adal and Solana to watch over them. The two of them sat silent, listening to the sounds of the night. There was a slight chill in the air. Causing Solana to wrap her cloak around her for extra warmth, since they decided to snuff out the fire. Not wanting to attract any unwanted guests. 

It was silent except for the crickets who were chirping almost rhythmically. The rustle of leaves that danced in the soft breeze passing from time to time. The occasional bullfrog would croak in tune with the others as if to be recognized. A howl from coyotes broke the night far off in the distance adding to the eerie song. To most it would be frightening, but Solana found it to be calming and relaxing. Lost in thought, she stared into the trees surrounding the confines of their small camp. 

As she scanned the area, she thought she spotted a shadow moving through the trees out of the corner of her eye. Startled, she turned her head in the direction of it but it stopped. Her heart began to race and her mind began to assume at the unexpected movement. At least she thought she saw it move. Hoping it was just her imagination or focus of her vision playing tricks on her, she wasn't about to take her eyes off of it. Now alert, she focused on the shadow waiting for any sign of movement to confirm it wasn't her mind playing tricks. 

As she watched, she could plainly see the form was darker than everything around it. Something or someone was actually there, she told herself. Maybe it's just a tree trunk and the moonlight caught it just right, she thought, trying to reassure herself it was nothing. No, she knew better than give herself false reassurance just to stay calm. Never take chances, that's what she had told herself ever since Ragnor had killed her parents. Until she was a hundred percent positive she had to assume the possibility that the shadow was someone or something here to do her harm. 

With her eyes still on the shadow she slowly reached back and pulled an arrow from her quiver. She nocked the arrow and pointed it right at the shadow to see if it would move. It didn't.

"You see something?" Whispered Adal.

Solana slightly flinched and blinked just for a second to the sound of Adal whispering to her. It was just enough to take her complete focus off the shadow. Once she pinpointed the spot she was staring at she noticed it was gone. A small gasp escaped her throat and her heart skipped a beat. It was gone, whatever was there is now gone. Her eyes frantically shot from one direction to the next in hopes to spot it again. She felt a sting of panic rise and a small chill pricked at her spine. Shit, she cursed under her breath. 

"Something is out there. I had my eye on it, but when you spoke I lost it." She whispered.

Adal sat up and looked around. "What do you think it was?"

"I have no clue. It could just be an animal of some sort, although I don't think so. Either way keep your eyes peeled and be ready for anything." 

It had been two hours since Solana had spotted the shadow as the two of them continued to watch for any sign of movement. They sat alert, listening and waiting for anything that posed a threat. Not wanting to cause any type of distraction they decided not to speak to each other as they waited. With the silence of the night and the darkness that loomed all around sleep slowly crept upon the two of them. Solana yawned and stretched while Adal rubbed his eyes, trying to keep himself awake. They had already gone an hour past their watch, but they didn't want to take the risk of waking the others.