The Keeper's Sacrifice

Chapter Two: The South Wall

"This should be fun," Abbadon muttered as we walked through the South Gate.

A thick forest, filled with old trees that had seen much more than I cared to think of had instantly swallowed us into a quickly darkening green twilight as we took up our stations. Abbadon stood a few arms lengthes from me as I leaned against a giant old oak.

My fingers lingered over the hilt of Sorrowbourne as my eyes flicked about, catching the occasional bird out of the corner of my eye. Something wasn't right.

"You seem on edge," Abbadon said, not a question, a mere statement of fact.

"It's strange out here tonight," I replied, wrapping my hand around the hilt.

"It's the South Wall. It's always strange," he replied, relieving Phoenix of his sheath.

I shrugged, "It's different today. It's like the entire forest is holding its breath in anticipation."

Abbadon laughed, "Ah, so you are just another silly woman with silly superstitions."

I flashed him a glare, "I suggest you never call me a silly woman again, or you'll lose a favored body part and are forced to wear it around you neck."

"If I didn't know that you've already gone through with this threat, I'd be sorely tempted to say it again," Abbadon said subtle amusement.

I inhaled slowly. He was baiting me and I wasn't going to let my attention be divided like that. I needed to pay attention or we could be killed by one of the Unclean.

I heard rustling in front of me. I shot up, Sorrowbourne was free of his hilt and I got into position. Abbadon was next to me in a flash, both of us ready. Our muscles ready, like the pulled back string of a bow.

"Come out, come out, what ever you are," I whispered in a sing-song voice.

"Be careful what you wish for," Abbadon murmured.

Just as the words passed his lips, a low rumble of a growl echoed in the forest. Our bodies tensed, like a string of a bow. Muscles taut and ready to explode with energy. My breathing slowed as my eyes darted to each even slightly moving leaf. With a loud roar, the furred Beast burst through the trees directly in front of us. It was larger than a normal tiger, bands of black streaked through its matted white fur. Its tail whipped back and forth as it readied itself to pounce.

"Ready, brother?" I asked below breath.

"I've been ready," he hissed just as the Tiger lept into the air, attacking him. Its huge claws extended.

I heard him curse under his breath as he swung Phoenix through the air, causing red rubies to form across the pale fur of the Unclean. I rushed the Tiger as its huge claws cut through the air, coming down on my brother's arm.

I let out a cry as I lunged, burying Sorrowbourne into its flank. It let out a howl of pain.

"Go!" I cried as Abbadon struggled to his feet, "Go back to the Keep. I'll finish this."

"No," he shook his head as I watched the Tiger begin to circle me.

"Yes, you're injured and you can't help me. You'll only get hurt worse or get me injured. Leave. Now," I said, calmly, not moving my eyes from the Wereanimal in front of me.

I heard him growl as he limped back to the Keep. The bells began to ring and alert the rest of the Keepers. I saw people begin to fill the top of the wall.

"I have a message for you," the Beast growled, using words not fit for an Animal's mouth.

"And I have one for you," I whispered before lunging again, ducking under it's large claws that brushed the top of my head as it reared up to dodge my attack.  

My sword slid easily under its ribs, puncturing a lung. The Tiger howled and brought both of its giant claws down on me. They ripped my skin and tore across my armor. I cried out and twisted Sorrowbourne deeper into its chest.

The Unclean made a strangled sound before slumping down, dead. It slowly turned back into its human form. It was a pale, black haired man surrounded by the white and black fur of its Tiger form. I tried to pull Sorrowbourne from the body, but I didn't have the strength. I took a step toward the Keep, but I didn't quite make it. I fell to my knees.

"Oh. Look at that. All that blood," I murmured, looking down at my body, I looked up and saw my father rushing out to get me, "Oh, hello father. Be careful. I think I may have been infected." I saw everything through the rosy. blurry haze that usually came with the pain and the blood loss.