Enter the Shadows: Book One of the RTS Series (First Full Draft)

Chapter Nine

Daniel

Time crawled by slowly for Daniel, with each day bringing more anticipation for news about the second trial.

The days all seemed to fall the same; with Daniel waiting for news, practicing new sword fighting techniques, preparing for the inevitable battle to come. As for what would entail, Daniel had no idea.

"They say that pulling all-night study sessions is bad for your health, Daniel."

At the sound of Astra's voice, Daniel lifted his head up. He hadn't even realized that he had fallen asleep at the desk in the family's drawing room. Outside the diamond-paned windows the sky was pitch black, and the only source of light was the lamp on the desk.

Astra stood by Daniel's side, smiling a little. "What have you been reading? Surely it's interesting enough to keep you up at midnight."

Daniel rubbed at his eyes. "Nothing, just some different ways I could bend light into a weapon."

"Ah..." Astra nodded. "I see. Though you're already very good at bending light into a sword and shield."

Daniel placed a piece of paper in the spot he was reading and closed the book. "A sword and a shield is about it. Members of our family have been able to bend light into platforms to be able to stand on, or break light crystals apart and use them as projectiles. A sword and shield is hardly impressive!"

"I'm certain that the members of your family also had to train for many years to be able to get a working platform." Astra replied. "You shouldn't be so harsh on yourself. It's only been a year since you were able to create both a shield and a sword at the same time. You are still learning, after all."

Daniel frowned. "I could've learned more if my professors were more capable."

"They're trying." Astra shrugged. "Either way, I'm certain that staying up for nights at a time isn't beneficial to your health. Or to your chances of winning."

Daniel looked to Astra. "Why are you here?"

Astra smiled, looking a bit sad. "I'm here in case you need anything."

"Well, I don't." Daniel was too tired for any of this.

"I did, however, come with a purpose." Astra's tone shifted. "You best head to bed now. Tomorrow is..." She trailed off.

Daniel immediately knew what she was referring to. "The second trial? Why didn't my father tell me anything?"

Astra put her hands behind her back, uncomfortable. "He didn't say anything. I just know it's coming tomorrow. And that it can branch into something... deadly."

Daniel got more annoyed. "Will you stop going around telling me visions of a devastating future? Nothing you, or my mother, can say will get me to change my mind."

"Daniel, these trials are taking a toll on you." Astra spoke more seriously. "You've been running yourself ragged with worry for these trials, and avoiding your friends. A year ago you barely stayed in the house and spent most of your time in the village with Andrew and Vincent. They've been asking where you've gone."

Daniel felt a pang of guilt, and clenched his fists.

"Will you at least tell me why you're doing this? You used to tell me everything that was on your mind."

"Why should I?" Daniel snapped. "You've been telling me over and over that you want me to quit."

"That's not it." Astra shook her head. "You did well in the last trial, so I know you can complete it. I just want to know why you wanted to go through with this. You're your father's only son, and therefore the only one who can inherit the Imprecor. Going through a trial, when you have no other siblings, is something the Henosis Society would call insane. If you fail even one trial, all chances of that future are thrown out the window. Completing these tasks will cement you to this life with no chances of escaping. Why would you make a gamble like this?"