The Rogue Rider (An Inheritance Fanfiction)

Chapter 22: Crossing Blades

Ragin woke early the next morning to a thump on the wooden sliding door to the side. He let out a groan, taking a moment or so to gain his bearings. There was another massive thump, and the sound of someone yelling, though whatever they were saying was incomprehensible. He lay in the bed for another couple of seconds, staring at the rather high grey stone roof with blank eyes. He could see the beginnings of sunrays streaming out over the mountains and illuminating the white canvas he had pulled over the outside door. He frowned, it wasn't like him to get up this late.

With a yawn he pulled himself up, not bothering to hurry. Whoever was on the other side could wait. Akaysha seemed to be already up, though also reluctant to remove herself from the nest. He gave her a tired smile and she responded with a slight dip of her head. There seemed to be a slight turmoil in her head, causing him to frown slightly, before shaking it off. She was probably just as disorientated as he was. He gave her a quick 'good morning', to which she responded in kind.

After he had strapped his sword, quiver and bow into their respective places he finally sliding the door open. What he was met with was a short and very angry looking dwarf with a fiery red beard that reached to his chest. He had a stubby nose and wore a similar garb to what the other riders around wore. Ragin raised his eyebrow.

"About time you got out 'ere," the dwarf growled sternly, tapping his foot against the floor, "Are you one of those lazy bastards then?"

"No, I just didn't really want to get up," Ragin replied dismissively, "I'm assuming you're supposed to take me to the training place?"

"Don't dare speak down to me boy," the dwarf said, "I'm a trained and battle hardened warrior and your superior."

"Well, I am a trained and battle hardened warrior as well. No one here is my superior, and don't kid yourself thinking you are," Ragin said narrowing his eyes, "And, it's kind of hard not to talk down to you, considering how short you are."

"Why you little sh – " the dwarf began.

"Balro! I would prefer it if you didn't swear at the newest member of our order," came a voice from down the hallway.

Both of them looked toward the source. There was a man walking toward them. He was rather tall and fit, looking to be in his early thirties. His hair was light brown, and he had the slightest hint of stumble on his chin. The clothes he wore were rather regal and royal looking, and a golden sheath hung from his side. There was an amused smile on his face, as if he had witnessed the entire confrontation. The dwarf grumbled under his breath.

"Hello Ragin," said the man, "I am known as Logan Shadebane, we didn't get to make our acquaintance last time we met."

The rogue rider frowned slightly as he studied Logan up and down, before his eyes widened slightly, "You're one of the council aren't you? With the large golden dragon?"

Now that Ragin thought about it, he had heard Logan's name before. He was a legend in and of himself, said to be the most powerful magic user ever known, with access to powers most people could only dream of. It was said he single handily defeated an entire army of shades, destroying the species once and for all. From the information Ragin knew from the Black Hand, Logan had been one of the riders that they had been warned away from, considering his abilities. This knowledge made Ragin a little weary.

As he studied the rider a little closer he noticed something strange. The Gedwey Ignasia on his palm was different to the usual slivery scar. It looked more like a golden ingot had been melted over Logan's palm. The strange marking left Ragin questioning, but he didn't show it. Instead he returned the man's gaze with a steady one of his own, once again finding himself surprised by the knowledge in his eyes.