Shadow Master (1st Book)

Chapter 5: New Greetings

"It is not everyday that Fendrel surprises us..."

They had been walking for a few minutes, and it was very quiet, but the sound of the human female's voice shattered the silence.

"What?" Brom said lazily, he felt tired and sleepy. All he wanted to do now is lie down and fall asleep.

"Never mind.." The human girl smiled, setting off butterflies in the teen's stomach. Now that they were close enough, and with help from the torches that lined the long tunnel, he finally saw what they all looked like. He looked first at the two elves, who walked beside him, they looked like they came from royalty, they were very beautiful and their movements were graceful and their stance seems very regal. Both of them had straight raven black hair that reached their shoulders and the male didn't appear to have any stubble on him.

He looked at the male elf's weapon, a bow made of.. what kind of material is that? It looks all white.

These assassins' really like the color white.

The bow on the elf's back was white but it was decorated with gems, making it more grand. The female elf's weapon was also a bow, but this one was black, and it was very plain-looking. The arrows in the quivers on the back of the elves were made of what was clearly steel. The tip was very sharp and maybe poisoned? 

He then turned his attention to the dwarf, it was obviously short and stocky, that much he already knew from the dwarves, it also had a full head of red hair that cascaded down his shoulders in messy bundles, unlike the elves, and had a long red beard. On his back, Brom eyed the battle axe, The blade was also very white, it almost seemed lustrous.

He then eyed the human male, he had short hair, he had a lean body and multiple swords and daggers adorned his whole body, most of them hidden. Well, not really. To his surprise, the steel was now colored black, it was curved and shaped like a fang, perfect for slicing and cutting, and judging from it, it was razor sharp. Finally, he looked at human woman, but was unable to look at her closely because of the voice of the one announcing rather coldly,"We're here."

"We are?" He asked.

"Yes," The guy said impatiently,"we are."

Brom looked at the door right in front of them,"Well, get in!"

The youth, carrying the still sleeping Alianor in his arms, went in only to find himself in a cave. A cave? He voiced his bemusement to the other assassins, who didn't even mind him, rather walking off to do whatever they were going to do. He looked around the cave, how was he going to navigate himself here?

He didn't even know where he was! He was becoming desperate when the human girl called out behind him,"Need any help?"

"Obviously." He snapped. What, did these people expect him to just find his way down this cavern?

"Hey,"The soft voice of the girl chided,"there is no need to get annoyed. I was just asking." What is it with these assassins? Their very name instilled fear, and yet they seemed very.... family-like.

"You're right, sorry."

The young woman chuckled,"Roggar was right, you do apologize too many times."

"Roggar?" The adolescent inquired.

"Roggar Ironfist, our little assassin!" The young female said, laughing. For a killer, she's awfully bubbly.

"Ok..." Brom said slowly,"So, who are you?"

"Oh! I forgot you didn't know me!" The girl then held out her hand,"Ayleth, Ayleth Hadriansdotter."

Brom shook her hand, noticing how smooth her skin was,"I'm Brom Mordredsson."

"I already know that, silly!" Ayleth giggled like a little girl,"Who's the baby?"

"This is Alianor Mordredsdotter."

"Can I hold her?" Ayleth asked.

"Of course, my arms are also a bit tired." Brom gave Alianor to a mesmerized Ayleth Hadriansdotter.

"She is just so adorable!" Ayleth cooed, smiling. Brom decided that he liked that smile.

"Yes, she is." He replied.

"Umm.." He nervously said.

"What is it?" She questioned.

"Where do we," Brom gestured to both him and Alianor,"stay to rest?"

"Oh!" Ayleth blurted out,"Forgive me, I lost track of time," She smiled apologetically,"Come, I'll lead you to your quarters." She walked off, still carrying Alianor in her arms, with a certain teen hot on her heels. A moment later, they stopped on a door. "Well, here we are." Hadriansdotter announced, opening the door to a large room. The boy gaped at the sight, the room was nearly the size of their small house, if not more! At that moment, Alianor woke up, blue eyes being shown to world or to Ayleth and Brom in particular.

"She has stunning eyes."

"Yes," Brom responded,"I know."

"I'll be off." Ayleth handed the babe to Brom,"going to get some jobs done."

"Like killing people?" Brom suddenly blurted out. Surprise flickered in Ayleth's eyes coupled in what was brief annoyance.

"I'm sorry." The youth attempted to apologize,"I shouldn't pry."

"No need." Ayleth laughed,"I won't hide it. Yes, we're assassins. But, we also got hearts too, you know"

Brom nodded in agreement,"I know, because Fendrel didn't just abandon me, he even took care of me and Alianor." He looked at the infant, who was looking at Ayleth Hadrianson.

"You see?" Ayleth raised her eyebrows, as if to prove a point,"Well, I need to get those jobs done, and I'm sure that you're tired so good night Brom and good night Alianor." She walked or rather sashayed out of sight. Brom shook his head, what had he got himself into?

He entered his room, noticing the grand decor littering the room. For a group of assassins, they were rich. 

Rich and powerful.

He gently laid Alianor on the crib that was rather appropriately placed just beside the bed. He collapsed on the bed, exhausted from the day's events.

First, he had to contend with the leader of the SIlent Ones. Then, he got to enter their sanctuary. Then, there was that golden-haired woman. Brom didn't want think about her, but she kept worming to her mind. Her smile, her smooth skin and her beautiful features.. 

No! You shouldn't think about her like that! She's an assassin, she kills people! 

And yet, Brom can't forget how friendly and charming she was. He sighed, this certainly was something he cannot get used to. Sleep began to overtake him, and Brom eagerly took on the chance to rest. With his tired muscles and exhausted mind, the land of dreams seems like a good respite from today's events.