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“Come on, I’ll give you a hand.” He turns around, heading toward the small rack of shovels.
“And here I thought it wasIwho was givingyoua hand.” One of the many jobs Jarek has is helping the stable hand when there are more than a couple of horses present. Being that there are over half a dozen, his presence is definitely required.
Jarek scoffs. “Let’s not concern ourselves with the technical details. I’m here to save the day,as usual.You can just saythank you,and we can move along swiftly.”
Giving Blaze one last rub and promising her I’ll be back tomorrow with her treat, I follow after Jarek, chuckling.
“I’m still waiting on that thanks,” he calls out, leaning against the tool rack, his arms crossed in mock protest.
“You might be waiting a while,” I tell him, passing him a shovel and pushing him toward the pile of horse manure.
His roaring laughter rings out around us, filling me with warmth and easing the heaviness from my chest.
Iplay the part of a hawk, observing the people below me from the rooftop of one of the highest buildings in the Sidus town. The dark, deserted chapel still stands tall and towers over most buildings, granting me the concealment I need to keep watch.
Along with the dark cover of night, my black armor and cloak help me blend into my surroundings, becoming part of the chapel itself. Though the only way I would truly stand out is if I were to wear colorful or bright clothing. The Sidus have access to neither and end up wearing dark, muted tones that ensure we blend in.
From this height, I can see most of the town and its people, helping me ensure their safety.
It’s not only the dark creatures the Sidus have to worry about. Some Caligo guards take advantage of their position and power and often need a reminder that the Sidus are not the only ones who are being watched.
This past year, I have taken on the role of sentry over the guards. No longer able to wait for permission from my mother to help join them in their fight against the dark creatures, I needed to do something. Seeing firsthand some of the disciplines theguards handed out for the simplest misdemeanor made my choice for me. I could no longer sit by and watch a Sidus child struck for asking a simple question or hear the aftermath of a Caligo guard taking liberties with Sidus women and men.
So far, no word has been carried back about a hooded vigilante helping the people of Findias. After all, the guards would have to admit their vile behavior or tell their superior how they ended up in such a position in the first place, conceding that they were weaker than their attacker. A confession no Caligo guard would be willing to reveal.
For now, my secret remains just that.
It wasn’t until recently, when I came across a young girl grieving the loss of both her parents from a dark creature, that I was impelled to pursue them as well.
My nightly duties, though, are still a priority as I continue watching the guards spread out across this side of the kingdom. Some walk about, taking their jobs seriously, leaving the Sidus be, while others gossip like old crones, getting drunk on expensive wines. They mull about the town, finding unsuspecting victims for the night, thinking no one will bother them if they have some fun.
So, I listen and watch and wait. Ready to take action if needed but always hoping that it will not be the case. I know fighting amongst ourselves will not solve the bigger threat coming, nor will it justify killing.
Those who only ever see a battle overlook the war upon the horizon.
A shout comes from below, shaking me from my wayward thoughts. I use my shadowing and jump from taller to lower rooftops to reach the source of noise. Coming closer, I see three Caligo guards blocking the entrance to the small alley. A man is injured on the ground while another guard shouts above him.
“Please, don’t hurt me. I don’t have it. Please, just leave me be. I beg of you.”
I glance around, finding a small alcove that will suit my needs.
Most Caligo are limited in what they can do with their shadow abilities, and although not as limited as a Sidus, the guards favor sticking together to combine their powers. To pass through the void to move to places farther away takes at least a half a dozen Caligo joining together.
I have no such restrictions, with my powers sometimes feeling unending. My unique differences would draw attention, even for a lowly vigilante. I need to be clever when choosing my battles and only reveal what is necessary.
“Hand it over now. We know it is in your possession.” The guard’s tone is full of violence as he raises his hand, forming a baton made from his own shadows, ready to strike.
I jump down, entering the void before making sure my hood is in place, and pull the dark cloth up over most of my face before emerging in the shadows beneath the alcove.
Stepping out of the darkness, I glance down at the man about to collide with the guard’s weapon.
The guard pauses his attack, seeing me. “What the?—”
I move swiftly, pushing my shadows toward him. They bellow out of me in puffs of black smoke, blasting the guard back against the wall. He slides down to the ground, collapsing from the force of the impact.
Feeling movement from behind, I duck, avoiding the shadowed blade directed at the back of my head, and twist around, catching sight of the three guards advancing, their powers at hand.
I unsheathe my daggers, stepping in front of the injured man. Using shadowed blades doesn’t last long, and although they areefficient and useful when needed, I prefer the feel of hard steel in my hand and the control it gives me.
