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

Chapter 14

"Another Autumn's moon, Elucard. You've been with us two years and you've been a Rabbit for one. Do you still think about that vagabond?"

"Everyday, Master," Elucard answered honestly.

Legion tossed another log into the fire. They were on the shore miles away from any soul that could disturb them. Elucard looked forward to these nights. Legion only brought him here when there was something to celebrate. A birthday, a solstice, an anniversary of an important mission. But there were none of these to celebrate tonight.

"Master, why did we come here tonight?" Elucard shifted a little closer to the warmth of the fire and waited for Legion to answer.

"It is important for you to remember your first kill. Never forget the pain it caused you. It keeps you mortal. It makes you cherish your own life."

Elucard leaned back and gazed up at the endless blanket of stars that wrapped the night sky. "It still haunts me. Do you remember your first kill?"

Legion looked uncomfortable for a moment before replying, "Avalon requested that I bring you on a mission. She wishes to inspect my ability to teach first hand." Legion had hastily deflected his young student's question and it seemed to have paid off. Elucard quickly sat up with a glowing smile.

"The High Blade wants me to go on a mission with her?" Elucard didn't bother trying to hide his excitement. This was an honor he never dreamed he would have.

"We are to assassinate a nobleman. Duke Cray Redroot. Apparently, his son is impatient and wants the estate now rather than later. We will strike a carriage that will be escorted by the White Cloaks."

"White Cloaks?" Elucard asked. He had heard of a several other small forces that served as a paid militia, but this one he was not familiar with.

Legion stirred the fire, "It's hardly surprising that you've never heard of them. Their reach doesn't usually extend as far as Ravenshore. The Guard of the White Cloaks is a guild of mercenaries that pass themselves as the law men in our country."

"How do mercenaries get to be the law?" Elucard asked. The people of Ravenshore more or less governed themselves as best they could. Such a small town had no need of a lawmen.

"When our country was established, none of the eight noble tribes who joined together in the great alliance were one of the many warrior tribes, for the warriors refused to be ruled. Once the assassination attempt on King Jaelyn failed, the White Cloaks were hired to keep the peace in Long Whisper. They act as an army and as civil servants."

Elucard took a long pause before asking his next question. "If the White Cloaks are the law, are we the criminals?"

Legion smiled, "It is true that we act outside the law, but that is because we must. We are not good, nor are we bad. We are a neutral party. We are merely a tool for those who use us. If they are use us as a weapon to do evil, then they are the criminals." Elucard lay back down, satisfied with his Master's answer. "Rest up, my student. We meet with Avalon at dawn's first light."