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  His task of lamp repair had led him to meet many different individuals as he sorted out each room. Some were just generally curious about him while others asked specific requests as to the shape, colour and intensity of the light. Due to his inherent affiliation with fire, he could only produce the appearance of a flame, but the look of the flame could vary considerably, which satisfied all of the requests. One room that took time to sort out was the healing chambers, as he could chat with Dumon as he worked. He enjoyed spending time with the aged healer. His knowledge of the Central Isles and general information was vast, something Amnur greatly appreciated learning. Dumon too enjoyed the company. The demon had no family himself, and he often spent his days alone in the chamber. Work had always been his priority above everything, being able to take part in another’s life for more than a short duration during care was pleasant for the demon.

  Kyrith too had reintroduced himself after their brief, interrupted discussion previously. While Kyrith was about half of Amnur’s age, his maturity and intelligence impressed him. He told Amnur about the Central Isles in a more military perspective, detailing certain things he should expect when it came to the soldiers. Notably, the youngest and immature ones. Amnur nodded along as it was described. It wasn’t unexpected; those that had been freshly trained were eager to prove themselves and could be boisterous, looking to pick fights with those that would take their baiting. He, however, did not wish to be on the receiving end of these duels. His physical strength wasn’t the greatest, nor did the measly fights interest him. Hopefully, being a mage, they would decide it wise to avoid him. Magic wounds were far worse than just bruises.

  One thing Amnur had noticed was that Kyrith’s sister, Shae, had not been seen since their initial meeting. He had wished to speak with her again, but whenever he queried Kyrith about it, the question was ignored. In the end, he gave up, unsure of why he was so defensive about the issue.

  ***

  Once the initial maintenance tasks had been completed and his time diverted away from idle chatter, Nathaniel had also set about making Amnur consider defensive and offensive manoeuvres regarding combat, as the enemy also had mages at their disposal. Much of his knowledge of the light element had been learnt through researching texts, as such his theories on how to combat it was just that; theories. At its core, light directly opposes dark, creating equal weaknesses for either element. Demons inherently possess darkness, while angels possess light. With a fair battle with honourable tactics, the winner of such a class should go to the strongest caster. Their attack would intercept the oncoming blast, negate it and then still have enough power to carry on and hit their opponent. However, in a realistic situation, neither side is willing to sit there and partake in a power struggle. Deception, speed, strength all played a factor when it came to deciding the outcome of a fight. Both sides carry blades, blades capable of killing their prey with a single, vicious blow.

  Amnur’s knowledge of weapon play was limited. He had owned a set of blades, but he had not taken them with him. The mage knew that simple practice sparring just got him knocked down when he failed, but failure in real combat would result in death. He, however, had perked Nathaniel’s interest with one spell that he could perform; infusing a blade with magic. Uriel and some of the other higher ranked angels were capable of utilising such a spell. Something which left deep, difficult to treat wounds on their opponent. It took a while to train Nathaniel to perform the incantation; despite being a simple spell in nature, the reality is much different when it came to casting it. As a blade or object is not a natural extension of a being’s body, channelling magic into the metal and then retaining the mana film over the blade is a task in itself. Often, the spell rapidly dissipates, leaving the blade unenchanted. The other possibility is that the spell continues to sap mana from the caster, quickly exhausting them. Certain individuals can balance the two, resulting in an elementally enhanced weapon that doesn’t require any upkeep once the initial spell is performed.

  Exactly why some people can successfully complete the spell and others can’t Amnur was unsure, but usually, it’s individuals related by blood. Nathaniel had managed to perform the spell, although Amnur had run out of time before testing Sebastian. In contrast, the soldiers Amnur attempted to teach were incapable, but there were many soldiers and only so much time. Nathaniel, however, was smug, for now; regardless of any combat-related connotations of their failure.

  Now Nathaniel had been suitably impressed by his new mage’s talents, he had decided it was time to give the demon a proper assignment, something fitting for his power. A knock on the door startled Amnur, who had been studiously researching tomes in his room. He stood up and neatened his robes and hair before approaching the door, fiddling to unlock it. With a tug, the door creaked open and revealed a demon unknown to him.

  “A message from Nathaniel. He wishes to speak with you in the throne room, immediately,” the demon spoke. Amnur gave him a small bow, but before he had time to voice a thank you, the demon had already departed.

  Taking a deep breath, he darted back inside his chamber and set a bookmark in the spine of the tome he was researching and pressed the cover closed. Once that was done, he left his room, shutting the door behind him.

  This time when he approached the throne room, there was no crowd. He could tell that there was no announcement regarding anything, so whatever matter he had been summoned over was a private one. As he came up level with the ornate doors, the guards regarded him for a second before allowing him access, where he could see Nathaniel and only Nathaniel waiting for him.

  “Punctual as always. You do aim to impress,” Nathaniel chuckled as Amnur walked towards him, causing the young mage to smile.

  “The tone of the message sounded important, I thought it best not to dally,” he replied, watching as the King changed his interest to a map that had been erected on the wall. To his knowledge, it was a map of the Central Isles, with many annotations scattered around the southern half of the eastern isle.

  “I think it’s about time to give you your first formal assignment, you’ve certainly proved yourself over the last few months,” Nathaniel spoke, his gaze focused intently on the map. “As you no doubt know, we have an enemy, one that enjoys performing petty sieges in our territory. They need to know there are consequences for their actions.”

  Amnur mulled over the information. What would be an efficient way of sending a warning to the angels? Somehow, he doubted that simple words would suffice. Not that Nathaniel would be asking him to merely speak to the feathered race. No, he was implying something physical. Something the angels would recognise.

  “You wish to give them a show of power?” he piped up, gaining a hint of nervousness once he had finished. The King’s statement was not directly a question, and he had spoken without permission.

  “Precisely. The feathered fools care only for strength. As such, showcasing ours is the only way to communicate with them,” Nathaniel let out a puff of air, turning his eyes towards Amnur. “To be more specific, you’re going to be the one to demonstrate our strength; give them a taste of the new Court Mage residing in Shadekeep.” Amnur gulped, before drawing in a steady breath to calm himself, but the act did not dissuade the King. “Don’t worry, I’m not sending you as a one-man army against a whole horde, I don’t want to get you killed after all,” Nathaniel responded to his unease. Amnur didn’t calm entirely, however. Considering all of his other tasks, this one was majorly different. It was going to involve real combat and require him to kill another. While he understood such a thing would occur with his role, he was unsure if he was capable of it yet.

  “Am I burning something then? A forward encampment or something?” Amnur spoke up after his period of thought, watching as a smile spread across Nathaniel’s lips.

  “That would be a good description of your target and intentions, yes,” he replied, keen that the mage was fully aware of his role. With a few swift movements, Nathaniel produced a small map and handed it
over, to which Amnur unrolled it and looked. There was a location marked, somewhere north-east of Shadekeep but still within the guarding ring of the Umbral Forest. “A bold move on their part I know, the north-east is the most accessible place for the angels, however.”

  Amnur gazed upwards from the forest, observing the open landmass beyond. There were numerous islands scattered off the coast, and it was the location of the angel citadel he would hazard a guess, as the separation from the land would protect them from the old blood demons. Such an open space would also be a disadvantage to the demons if they planned combat. They would lose the element of surprise.

  “I can see why assuming I guess their home location right; it’s only a swift trip between their citadel and the settlements of the north-east. Best to inform them that their actions are unappreciated before they become bold and spread further into the forest.”

  “Spot on. You impress me more and more,” Nathaniel laughed, ending with a grin from ear to ear. The young mage too found himself smiling, glad that he was impressing the reigning King. “I’ll let you be on your way. Just remember the safety of the trees if you get ambushed; the angels don’t enjoy fighting in the cramped conditions, nor do they appreciate becoming dirty.”

  With that final message, Amnur gave him a respectful bow and departed, stopping once he reached the entrance to check his bearings. A brief interruption from a door guard aided him with locating the direction he needed, and soon he was on his way.

  Chapter 7: His First Mission

  The journey through the Umbral Forest both terrified and excited Amnur, although it had been uneventful. His only encounters had been members of his own race, who regarded him with interest and curiosity, and with nature itself. Whistling winds had launched leaves at him, causing him to flinch when one collided. A fact which was embarrassing him more and more. It took some time to steady his nerves; soon, he began to ignore the leaves slapping him, while keeping an eye on his surroundings. All around him the canopy of the forest was thick and seemingly impenetrable from outside eyes, shielding him from any angels above. If there were any angels anyway. Amnur was unsure exactly how far he was from his target and by relation, unsure how close he was to potential danger. It was not an ideal situation, but he hoped to be able to change the situation to his favour.

  One thing the guard he had spoken to had mentioned was that his location possessed a tree that he could utilise as a landmark; a gnarled and twisted old tree. It would be hard to mistake it from the healthier, younger trees. No trees had fit that description yet, so he continued on his route, with the hope that he was still heading in the correct direction.

  Soon, a smell started to perforate the air. He paused for a moment to take in the scent, trying to pick up exactly what it was and where it was originating from. Amnur guessed it to be smoke by the hints of charred wood, something that pointed to a settlement or encampment of sorts. The demon hoped this was the target he was looking for, either way, it was a good lead. Silently, he crept on, keeping his hands prepped ready to barrage awaiting angels with fiery blasts.

  The trees began to thin as he pressed on, showing him the presence of wooden structures ahead. Low chatter broke the silence around the opening, but it was too hushed for Amnur to pick up on what was being said if they were speaking anything aside from angelic anyway. Demons didn't know the angelic tongue and angels don't comprehend the demonic tongue. It kept their conversations private to the specific race. Movement caught his eye, so he broke cover, keen for his assignment to be carried out in at least part self-defence. The individual froze and gazed up at Amnur, their eyes switching between the dancing flames wrapping around his hands and the demon's determined expression. Amnur himself froze. His eyes locked on the target below, suddenly unsure how to react.

  What stood before him was not a battle-hardened angel or even an angel at all. It was a young demon child, no older than ten if he had to guess. Amnur broke the spell and straightened up, clearing his throat. "My apologies, I did not expect demons here," he spoke, his voice uneven and shaken. The boy, however, appeared scared. He ran off and entered one of the wooden structures, which Amnur could now see they were houses. There were a few scattered around the gap in the trees, and from the moss and green on the wood, they had been there for a reasonable period of time. He stood there awkwardly, deciding to use the lapse to check his map and his surroundings. As he looked around, he spotted the gnarled tree that had been mentioned to him. This was definitely the place, so why was it wrong?

  Other demons started to emerge, roused by the distress of the child. Amnur became uncomfortable. Their eyes bore into him, intent to find out his purpose. It would be in his best interest for him to explain himself, without any prompting. "I apologise for my actions, I was informed I would find an angel encampment here, and I was acting on my mission to deal with them," Amnur bowed, keeping his head low out of respect.

  "Angels? We've not seen any of the feathered kin for some time. They know to stay away from our little village if they wish to live," one of the adults spoke up, jostling a blade on his belt to prove a point. "I do not know who sent you out here, but their information is gravely mistaken."

  Amnur glanced up for a second. Older soldiers lived out here, those with enough strength to keep the angels at bay. "Would you mind checking my map? I would like to think my bearings were off. I am new to the Isles, after all," he sighed, knowing fully that he was in the correct place. He had to defuse the situation somehow, though, this came over the most suitable course. The male that had spoken previously beckoned for him to come closer, so he did so and offered up the map. Moments passed as the map was examined, the demon's expression turned from cold to angry as he stared at the scrap of paper.

  "That's us, no doubt about it," he growled, before exhaling and passing the map back to Amnur, trying to force his expression to a more neutral one. Amnur knew the anger was not directed at him, he had merely been given orders after all. It was just lucky he spotted the child. If he just burnt the houses first and without question, they would've all perished. "I advise you to return to your superior and inform them that there are no angels here, they would do better looking elsewhere."

  “I will; I apologise for any distress I caused you and your child,” Amnur responded, departing from the village without further delay. The mage had been here long enough already. As he headed back towards Shadekeep, his mind threw up more questions than answers. He desperately wished that this mission was nothing more than incorrect information; Nathaniel could only work on the information given. If he was provided with false details, then he was none the wiser. Any other thoughts were far darker, nor were they ones he wanted to entertain. His body urged him to rest, as he had not stopped once since he originally departed the keep. Amnur, however, had no intention to stop, he needed answers.

  ***

  His passionate march soon got him back to Shadekeep, where he let himself rest for the first time. Amnur leaned against a wall, taking slow breaths in and out, feeling the ache in his body. He was about to depart when he heard voices in a nearby room. The door was ajar, but he could not see who was inside. Letting out a sigh, he went past the room, not wanting to eavesdrop on the conversation.

  “Any news on how Nathaniel’s plans are going, Iomor? I’ve heard the rumours of supposed angel attacks taking out a few isolated hamlets,” a voice from inside spoke, causing Amnur to stop still.

  “Keep your voice down, fool,” Iomor spat, but Amnur could still catch the end of the conversation regardless. “It’s a convenient ruse and hard to prove. If you eliminate any witnesses, as you should, then there’s no one to prove otherwise. It keeps our minds focused on angels, while Nathaniel takes down those that wish to oppose his rule.”

  Amnur’s eyes went wide, his chest felt tight. It had to just be banter, nothing more. The King couldn’t be involved in this surely, he seemed so genuine whenever they talked. Nathaniel loved his people, he wouldn’t order their death. Yet it nagged at his
mind. It would explain how he ended up at a secluded demon village and the locals confirmed that he was indeed at the right location. He needed someone to talk to, someone unbiased…

  Dumon, that demon came to mind. He was old enough to be aware of the political issues, while perhaps he was impartial to any decisions made. Amnur set off for the healing chambers, wanting to find answers to his questions.

  ***

  The healing chambers were serene as always. Silence clung to the air, creating a relaxing environment to rest up in. Dumon was tending to the plants within the expansive room, restocking his supply of herbs now his time was free. His peace was broken by the minor creak emitted by one of the entranceways, and he turned his head to greet his new company.

  “Ah Amnur, what brings you here today?” Dumon spoke up, his voice was upbeat and cheerful. It was a strong contrast to Amnur’s mood, and it wasn’t doing anything to help him right now.

  “I need to talk to you, urgently and privately,” Amnur solemnly replied, glancing towards the door to steady his nerves. Dumon noted his worry. His gaze shifted around the room before turning back to Amnur. With a steady hand, Amnur found himself being guided to a private room attached to the chamber, away from prying eyes.

  “Now, what’s worrying you so much? This is the first time I’ve seen you so uneasy.”

  Amnur shuffled on the spot, trying to form a coherent sentence in his mind. “I was sent on an assignment to take down an angel encampment, to give them a show of power. When I got there, however, I found a small demon community, who supposedly haven’t seen angels for quite some time. That confused me, so I headed back here, intent to query Nathaniel over what had just happened. But as I walked down the corridor, I overheard two demons talking about the King’s plan to eradicate those that oppose him, blaming the attacks on angels,” he sighed as he finished. It was a relief to be able to tell someone about it, but the true implications started to well up in his mind. “I was sent to murder innocents Dumon. I don’t know what to do or even what to think.”