The Shadow Keeper (A Land of Shadows Novel- Book 1)

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June 26th

The Town of Montoya

Sun Compound

The metal clashing of swords and the pained grunts of knights filled the air in the Sun Guild's training courtyard. Instructors in white guild uniforms roamed around, critiquing and correcting men and women as they went. Not far away, a group of forager druids picked berries and small children, ranging from 10 to 15 years old, watched some hunters in the bordering forest chasing down a ginny dear for sport.

"Has anyone seen Benji today? He has to take care of very important guild affairs," screamed a short, skinny teenager with messy brown hair in guild council uniform robes. He stopped in his tracks when he spotted the man in the center of the training formation.

The man moved with a practiced grace and ease as he fought with two small daggers against a much larger knight. His white uniform pants, although usually a bit restraining, seemed to cause him little discomfort or trouble while fighting, and his black tank top enabled him to move his arms freely. It was clear to see that he seemed to be winning. "Guildmaster Benji!"

The fighting stopped immediately, and the man in the center, Benji, looked back at the boy, wide-eyed. The knight he had been fighting against chuckled, punching him in the shoulder lightly. "What was that about the council approving you to attend training, boss? You might want to run if you don't want shorty over there to catch you."

"Bye, Paul! Make sure to work on your quickdraws," Benji shouted, stowing the two daggers away in sheaths on his belt before bolting toward the forest. He didn't get far before he was immobilized by a spell cast by the boy running after him, holding up his long robes as he ran. "Damn enchanter class! Why did he have to learn that spell?"

"You were supposed to be preparing for the guildmaster conference in Grounder! You have two days before you have to leave, and you can't skip out on this one. The Shade Guild is hosting it and we can't afford to lose any help they give us. Guildmaster Masa is picky about who he helps, but he leads Land of Shadow's top guild thanks to the guild's founder. He has offered rooms for all of those who attend and a security detail for those who want it. Rumors even say that one of the most powerful players may even attend as a favor from Masa. It would be nice to get some tips from them, especially since the guild is getting bigger and the threats from dark guilds and MGs are on the rise," the boy said as he reached Benji.

"And why would I care about that, Kohl? We're a good guild on our own, so why would we need help from some guild who was abandoned by its founder? It couldn't be all that good if the person who started it left it behind. And we have plenty of very powerful players. I could be of more use to my own guild here working on guild matters or with the troops than there rubbing elbows with players who send others out to do the dirty work because they're too scared." Benji sagged as the spell wore off. He stood up a bit straighter, but didn't look into Kohl's eyes. He knew what would happen if he did, but then again, what Kohl was about to say was inevitable.

"Is this about what happened three years ago, Benji?" Benji didn't answer. "Benji, she didn't abandon you or your first guild. She had to save a lot of people, and she wanted the best life for you. She was probably the only player to ever be able to really see true potential in another without using it to their own advantage. I'm sure she is still out there helping players just like she helped you."

"She left. I've given up on all of that." Benji heard Kohl sigh.

"Whatever man. I was with you when it went down. Take some time to think about that woman before you decide to come back. I'll see you in a bit," Kohl said before casting yet another paralysis spell and leaving Benji cursing at the forest's edge. It was quite obvious that the spell would only be undone when Kohl's wish was fulfilled, and Benji honestly saw no use in prolonging the inevitable, so he let his mind wander to the day that started everything. Day Zero.