Vendetta's Rise (The Dragon Realms Saga: Book 1)

Chapter 7

"Look around you, Elucard. The forest seems quiet, doesn't it? But listen closer. Shadows creep along the grass like cracks on an old stone wall. Roots break through the soil with their thick, armored tendrils. However, the roots are not without vulnerability. Termites and other small creatures chew into this tough hide to build their homes. All is intertwined. Nature rests on the delicate balance between life and death. It is a volatile scale, prone to wild and unpredictable swings. When the scale tips in the favor of Life, Death must relieve it of this excess weight. This is our role, Elucard. We are the hand of Death." Legion sat on a thick branch, cutting into his apple with a small throwing knife. The nectar of the fruit dribbled down the bright red flesh and down to the forest floor. The mentor tossed a slice to his pupil. "Do you understand the importance of the task at hand? We are not simple thugs and killers. We are keepers of that balance; a necessity."

Elucard examined the apple slice. The edge was clean, thus he knew the blade Legion used to cut it was sharp. He popped it into his mouth and savored the fresh taste. It had been six months since he was taken under Legion's wing. His master made it a point to further his training on the basics, but he made sure to also educate him in academics and philosophy.

A blade is only as sharp as the Rabbit wielding it.

Elucard nodded, "A flower in a bed of weeds does not grow."

Legion tossed Elucard another slice. "You understand what that means for you, right?"

Elucard shrugged, casually, "Got to pull some weeds."

Legion grinned, but slid his face into a stern look, "Are you prepared for that task?"

Elucard plucked a leaf from the branch over his head.

"I'll do what it takes."

His master looked at him coolly, tossing him another slice of the apple.

"What if I asked you to kill one of your peers? Would you hesitate or would you give them the chance to run?"

Elucard raised an eyebrow at the question. This didn't seem to be a philosophy discussion anymore, what was his master trying to get at?

"Another Rabbit, Master?"

"No, not quite. Another recruit."

Another recruit was still a Rabbit to Elucard. Although it had been nearly half a year since he'd seen any of the other recruits, he still felt like he was a part of that group. However, what if this was a test? What if not all marks were so simply laid out? What if the circumstances were more than black and white? Elucard pondered more. Legion interjected, as he watched his pupil think.

"My student. The Blood Forest fast approaches. You will be pitted against your fellow recruits and in a sanctioned trial such as this, you may have to take the life of a peer. You will be judged on your cunning, prowess, stealth, and most of all, your ability to take a life."

Elucard looked up, trying to imagine such a test. "The Blood Forest?" he asked.

Legion continued, "An eight mile stretch of twisted, gnarled woods with a canopy so dense that it is unfathomably dark. It is the perfect battlefield for a young recruit to prove they are ready to truly become a Rabbit. All recruits will be released within the Blood Forest and will be encouraged to kill or be killed. It will take all that you've learned to survive. So, my student, are you prepared to take a life?"

"If they are prepared to die, I will grant them a death."

"I assure you, they will not be prepared to die."

Elucard paused, "I shall grant them a death all the same."

Legion smiled, "Very well, young student. Now, what of the weeds?"