Dusk

Prolouge

Like flakes of snow, ash floated and danced its way around the two figures standing on the hill over looking the village of Seanort. Cassian took another swig from his sheepskin flask as he watched the flames die out. He wanted to go home, to drown himself in his ale, and then sleep. His ears were still ringing with the screams of the men he'd slaughtered, with the begging of their wives and children. He spat into the grass at his feet. The sun would be rising soon and this village would be erased from the earth like a thought. Only,  he would remember. He couldn't forget.  It was his curse.  The man brushed his dark tangled locks from his face into his black hood and drank again.

"They sure are taking their precious time." Cassian turned to face his companion. Drago scowled up at the sky as Cassian chuckled ruefully.

"You should know by now the Lords of Yarelin show up at their leisure." Drago grunted, his massive chest puffing out. The Dragon-born was on edge, just as eager to get away from this place as Cassian was. He opened his mouth to say something else, probably about how Yarelinan lords could kiss his scaly ass, when his nose went to the air. He snorted and cast Cassian a dark look. "Better put that flask away. They're coming."

Cassian stood, storing his flask in his cloak. The sound of hooves reached his ears and he braced himself for the coming meeting. Moments later, five horses rode up onto the hill. Cassian noted three normal guards and their captain. His lip curled at the sight of Osiago, the captain of the Lord Vaquian's guard. Osiago was a vicious, cold man who thought of nothing but his own needs. His icy blue eyes met Cassian's and he sneered. As the group stopped before them, Cassian assessed Lord Vaquian. He was young, barely 19. He was lean with glinting green eyes. Cassian was not fooled by his youth. He was no better than the captain of his guard.

"it's about time you came. " Drago growled, glaring at the young lord.

"Hold your tongue Dragon-born filth. " Osiago snapped, spitting in Dragos direction. Drago growled, stepping in his direction. Cassian stepped in front of him, still facing the group. He felt Drago's tense frame stop. Cassian knew that if the seven foot tall Dragon-born wanted to, he could easily bat him to the side to lunge at the guard.

"Calm Osiago." Lord Vaquian drawled.  He ran his hands through his well groomed blonde hair and sighed.  "Did you kill them all? "

Cassian's blood boiled at how disinterested the young lord appeared to be. Those had been whole families, whole bloodlines that had perished in those flames, by his sword. He choked down his rage and spit out, " Yes Vaquian."

"Good. The king will be pleased." The young lord pulled out a coin purse and tossed it at their feet. "Here's your payment Cassian. Don't spend it all on drink. "

Drago scooped the bag up and weighed it in his hands. "This feels light." He said looking at Vaquian. The lord shrugged. "That is what the king deemed this task worth." Cassian's eyes narrowed. Vaquian turned his horse and paused.

"Oh Cassian. The king wants to know when he can expect you back at court. He would prefer it be by the end of the month. There are things he wishes to discuss." Cassian clenched his fist. "Tell the king he can expect me by next week." Lord Vaquian nodded and urged his horse foward. The guards followed save Osiago. He lingered long enough to sneer at them both. "Mallori sends her regards," He smirked. "So lovely she looks these days. So much like her mother...a real....woman." The suggestive tone in his voice sent a shiver down Cassians back. He could feel that urge, the need building under his skin. When he met the Captians gaze, he knew he could see it too because his smile faded.

"Get out of my face before I rip you off your horse and gut you." Cassian hissed. Osiago dug his heels into his horses side and tore off down the hill. Cassian watched him leave, breathing heavily. Bastard had purposely provoked him.

"Damn coward," Drago grumbled, stashing the money purse into his pants. " I hope they burn in hell."

Cassian couldn't agree more.