Death Defying Book: The Devil Watches

It is the 11th century, the medieval era…

The storm clouds roared above, casting a cold shadow over the stone city. Rain threatened to break any moment, the air thick with moisture and the faint metallic tang of an oncoming storm.

The few visible figures darted through the streets, heads low and cloaks pulled tight, their hurried steps echoing against the stone walls like a dirge.

The distant clangs of metal resounded, the grunting of men can only mean one thing; either there is a battle going on or some soldiers were sparring... A duel, perhaps.

In one of the most imposing areas of the city, a towering stone building stood, the place is full of soldiers, and it seemed to be some guard post or an important place of sort.

On the stony pathway, a strong and imposing man with dark brown hair walked alone. His broad back and wide-shoulders seemed to carry some sort of an invisible weight.

The soldiers greeted him everywhere he went and he answered each of them with a nod as he is not in a good mood today, having return from his latest battle, he eagerly went to his familiar and warm home yet, all he found is an empty and cold building.

The sight of his cold, empty home gnawed at him— a hollow echo of the warmth and laughter he had once returned to. It wasn't just absence, there is a foreboding silence to it, like a predator waiting in the dark.

And to make matters worse, he was suddenly summoned by one of the infamous Nobles of Drakemoor who is not even based in this city!

He couldn't help but connect their disappearance to the arrival of this man.

He sighed and calmed his mind. He then entered the building and as he ascended the stone steps, the air seemed to grow heavier.

Each soldier's greeting felt like a question he couldn't yet answer, some of their gazes lingering too long, perhaps, sensing the hidden storm in his demeanor.

In one of the well furnished and spacious rooms, sat a dark gray haired man exuding an aura of nobility, he casually sat behind the tablefull of stacked papers and appeared so casual and free, playing with a sexy and curvy dagger.

He possesed sunken gray eyes and a high pointed cheekbones coupled with his long and sharp nose... It is enough to give an ominous feeling to everyone who dare to lay their eyes on his face.

Behind him stood a powerful and imposing man clad in silver polished armor, painted upon his chest is a crescent moon amidst swirling shadows, he stood silently but boundless pressure is emitted from his body, he carried a long sword on his waist.

At this moment, the door creaked open and Captain Cedric entered.

The Knight's eyes gleamed beneath his polished helmet, his hand going over to the hilt of his blade. The tension between the two men was a taut string, ready to snap.

Lord Roderick toyed with the dagger, it's blade catching the dim light as if mocking Cedric's shimmering rage. "Captain Cedric, what'd you think about reclaiming an old possession?" Lord Roderick asked, his words full of venom, his smile cold as the storm outside.

His deep and husky voice seemed a little... inhumane.

Captain Cedric's face remained unpertubed and under his well-trimmed beard is a mouth without the smallest hint of a smile.

He possessed dark brown hair and deep brown eyes which seemed to hide a peculiar wisdom, the type that was gained through

numerous years of fighting wars.

"What did you mean, Lord Roderick?" Captain Cedric asked, his voice deep, barely friendly.

Lord Roderick seemed unperturbed as he said, "Let's go straight to the point," He corrected his sitting posture, adopting a more formal form, "It's Kragnir," He smiled, showing his sharp white clean teeth, "Or 'famously' known as Blackwater"

Captain Cedric's eyes constricted and and the last trace of friendliness vanish from his face.

Famously? What famously? That is one of the most infamous places in Drakemoor!

Cedric's knuckles whitened, the muscles in his jaw clenched, a dangerous glint came over his eyes.

Lord Roderick still wore a smile on his face yet this time it is mixed with schadenfreude.

"Where.. are.. my.. family?" Captain Cedric growled.

Lord Roderick doesn't answer, staring straight back at his murderous eyes, unflinching.

The room felt smaller and suffocating under the weight of his fury, until finally, with a single violent motion, he lunged!

The Knight moved with an eerie precision, his gauntlet-clad hand catching Cedric Mid-motion.

The metallic rasp of his blade leaving it's sheath was deafening in the heavy silence.

"I'll ask one more... Roderick Duskmore where are they?!"

Finally Lord Roderick, clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"Oh, Captain," Roderick purred, voice oozing false sympathy. "Your loyalty is commendable, truly. But let's not pretend it matters more than the King's will— or your family's safety"

Swoosh!

Bang!

The gauntlet-clad was pushed aside and a gust of air startled the papers as a massive force collided with Lord Roderick's face.

Immediately, a cold glint flashed and blood trickled down...

"Know your place, Captain Cedric" A deep voice uttered icily, a metallic gauntlet held a sword resting on Captain Cedric's neck, a thin bloodied line appeared.

"See? All brawns but no brains" Lord Roderick spat something white and bloodied out of his mouth, and licked the dark-crimson liquid from the corner of his mouth. "You are ordered to investigate Kragnir. And protect it if need be, which of course, you'll have to" Says Roderick, "Here is the royal seal" He slammed a black and golden seal on the table.

Captain Cedric's eyes is nearly bloodshot as he stared at the black-golden seal, no doubt, it is that of his majesty, the highest authority of the Drakemoor kingdom!

King Godfrey Blackfyre! To whom he pledged his undying loyalty to, to the king he waged wars for countless years and now...

The black-golden seal glinted ominously on the table, a symbol of both his oaths and... Chains.

This is what he deserved? This is what he gets?

His fists clenched at his sides, his loyalty warring with his mounting fury.

Captain Cedric took a deep breath, and let go of Lord Roderick's collar.

"Fine," He said dejectedly, "I'll go to Blackwater, investigate the Godforsaken tower and protect the masses but know this one thing, if anything happened to my family..." His eyes turned ferocious instantly, "I'm not sure if your Duskmore family can bear the consequences"

Lord Roderick smiled mockingly, "A peasant, son of peasants, heh, it's been a while since i bleed."

He arrogantly added, "Well, as they say, all actions have their consequences. I've just thought of an interesting twist" He cockily smiled seeing the deadpan expression on Cedric's face.

"The soldiers you currently have under your command will not be enough to defend the tower,"

"And?" Captain Cedric asked coldly.

"And we are not giving you any more soldiers" He smiled 'amiably'.

Afterall, he never intended to give him more men from the start, he even wished he could reduce some of Captain Cedric's men.

"But sir, the defence would not be-" As the knight behind him interrupted, Lord Roderick raised his hand signalling him to stop.

"Here is the twist, oh dear capable Captain. You along with your Stormbound soldiers will do the impossible just like how the legendary heroes fought during the Siege of Heaven's fall." Lord Roderick seemed to be enjoying himself at this moment

"But you can refuse, you know, and we will assign some other group with someone capable in the lead to defend the Blackwater," He stopped momentarily, and a light blue shield came over him as he said, "and your family as well"

Captain Cedric didn't punched nor grabbed him this time, "We shall see" He said, turning around and wiping the blood away, displaying a nearly healed wound.

He walked towards the door while throwing a few last words at Lord Roderick, "It'll be too late by the time realisation will dawn upon you and your Duskmore family"

Lord Roderick grinned, "As usual, My Duskmore family, will eliminate any threat before it rises"

As Cedric exited, the storm outside seemed to howl in unison with his rage.

Lord Roderick's grin lingered long after the door shut.

"The Duskmore family always prevail"

His words a ghost in the Captain's mind.