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

Chapter 21

Seasons had passed since Avalon defected from the Black Rabbits and Vada had not been heard from in just as long. In those months Elucard had grown into a formidable assassin and the grizzly memories of slaying his friends slowly faded from his mind. No one realized this transformation more than Legion.

Elucard entered the High Blade's quarters and kneeled before his master. "You wished to see me?"

Legion sipped tea from a clay cup. He smiled fondly as the warm cup rested in his hands. Winter has been unreasonably harsh this year. Winds howled outside as flurries packed onto the the once dirt pathways.

Legion watched as Elucard brushed off drifts of snow from his shoulders and mask. He nodded and gestured for Elucard to fill a cup for himself when he caught his student eying the kettle with yearning eyes.

"Elucard, Winter will pass next month. By then we expect to have a new batch of recruits. This will also mark the beginning of a new division."

Elucard hastily poured himself a cup of tea, shivering and wet from the snow. He took a long sip before finally responding, "I've heard rumors that we'll be pairing medics with our assassins on missions. I doubt they will be of any use when they are neck deep in danger."

Legion nodded, "This is true, which is why this division will be a new breed of Rabbit. Veiled Menders. We will be training them in stealth as well as a bit of combat. In the future assassins will work in alongside Veiled Menders." Legion gestured to Elucard's right arm, "Too many missions would have gone a lot smoother had a medic been present."

Elucard looked pained, remembering the battle he lost against the White Cloak. He quickly redirected the conversation. "Master, why have you really called me? I don't believe you called me here because you dearly missed my company."

Legion smiled. He found it endearing that Elucard still referred to him as "Master". These days he has seen less and less of his former student. His role as High Blade had kept him busy and prevented him from doing many missions. So his time with Elucard was usually brief, but always time he considered well spent.

"I wish for you to be by my side when the new recruits come in. I was wondering if you had given any thought to becoming a teacher."

Elucard looked up from his drink. "Master, I don't think I'm prepared to teach. I still consider myself a student."

Legion shook his head. "You underestimate yourself, my student. You have gained much cunning and prowess over these last few seasons. Despite your lack of experience, you are able to stand toe to toe with many of the veterans here. I would urge you to think about taking at least one student under your wing. You still have much to give to this clan."

Elucard listened to each word and imagined himself as a Ridge, Baines, or even Legion. A student of his own, it might be a good move for him. "I'll think about it."

"That's all I ask." said Legion.

***

An old wagon that had seen its fair share of use pulled into the Black Rabbit retreat. In it sat children of varied ages and genders. The Rabbits driving it ushered them all out the cart and the filed into a single line.

Elucard and Legion stood off to the side, watching as several men gave the recruits the same frightening speech and directions that Elucard had heard when he first arrived. That his old life was over, a new one was to begin. Quitting meant death. Escaping meant death. Failure meant death. He smirked in amusement.

One newcomer in particular seemed to have already caused the instructors much grief. He was a teenager, Elucard's age. He had gray skin and long, deep purple hair. He wore a porcelain clown mask that hid his silver eyes.