The War of the Roil: The Knight and the Warlock

Chapter 13: The Knight

Kaitlyn Isley violently ran her quill across the rough parchment of her leather bound journal.

She had to get everything right. The blade, the embroidery, the inscription. Though, memory wasn't the greatest way to recreate the image.

She went to dip her quill into her bottle of black ink again.

The Morgaul Steppe was a quiet place, excellent for researchers. Only by the grace of the University of Ukota had she been able to set foot upon its grasslands.

She unwrapped the artifact the slightest bit. Its detailed golden embroidery was difficult to memorize.

The object's name was Shadowbane. It was the sword of the Knight, Bronduk's Champion.

For centuries, it had been missing, but after a reckless expedition to the Sudenland, Kaitlyn managed to find it. Her scholarly duties ordered that she submits it to the Church of Bronduk for preservation. But that's not why she became an archeologist.

The Steppe was thousands of miles from Atrell, beyond the reach of the Empire. She wanted to get one last look at the relic before it was locked away forever.

Kaitlyn finished her sketch off, leaving the journal open to dry the ink.

She glanced at the opening in her small canvas tent, into the night. They'd finally arrived.

Kaitlyn set her quill aside and covered Shadowbane in its leather wrap once more, taking it with her as she stepped onto the grassy plain.

"Miss Isley. Welcome."

Her correspondent was a thin, tall and pale man with straight black hair and golden eyes that reflected the moonlight. He was aided by two Morgaul warriors, who towered over both of them.

"And here I was expecting Morgaul correspondent to be...well, Morgaul." Kaitlyn raised an eyebrow.

"I am of Norwyn, Miss Isley, I assure you. Call me Caze." The man said, "Now, the blade?"

Kaitlyn glanced down at the leather wrapped weapon in her hands.

Am I doing the right thing? That was all that ever went through her head these past days.

By handing over Shadowbane, not only would she be betraying her God, her country and her family, but she would deprive Atrell of its savior that had been lost for centuries. An affront to every living person within the empire.

But if she gave it to the Church...She had to do it. She had to protect Edmund. She wouldn't make her brother suffer such a life.

Hesitantly, Kaitlyn gave Caze the artifact.

Damnit, Ma. This is your fault.

"You will be highly rewarded for this effort, Miss Isley." Caze's grin was slimy and sparked an air of suspicion.

"All I want...if somehow anyone you know comes in contact with a boy named Edmund Isley, please keep him safe." Kaitlyn said.

"Is that all?" Caze asked.

Kaitlyn nodded.

"I appreciate you bringing this to us. This way, we can hide the relic forever. However...with a witness to the region, we cannot guarantee its safety." Caze sighed, "Do you understand what I require from you?"

"A vow of secrecy?" Kaitlyn asked.

Caze shook his head, "Not solid enough."

Kaitlyn blinked, staring at the grass, "I...I see. Make it quick, then."