Robert Keller - The Heart of Shadows

"I name you Master Lannon," said Taris, touching his forehead with the stone dagger.

Lannon bowed, then noticed that his Blue sash was adorned with a small, silver eye symbol. "What is this?" he asked.

Taris' face was somber. "You have earned the rank of a Dark Watchman, Lannon, by the will of the Sacred Laws of Dremlock."

"But what does that mean?" asked Lannon, wondering if he should be pleased by this or wary of it.

"It grants you special privileges," said Taris. "It means you will be looked to for guidance-more so than ever-and your opinion will carry much weight."

Again Lannon bowed, and the crowd cheered louder than ever.

"You are all Knights," said Taris, "but ranked at the very bottom of your color class. You still have much to learn. Now go and visit your old friend, who is doing quite well, before the food is done cooking. And enjoy yourselves!"

Vannas, Lothrin, and Galvia returned to their table. They had never really known Vorden like the others and didn't want to intrude.

The three young Knights paid a visit to Vorden, who was seated in the back of a wagon (still in irons). Vorden had progressed better than expected, a testament to his strong will-though he still had a long road to recovery ahead of him. He gazed at them with an expression of curiosity as they approached the wagon. His eyes still had a yellow tint, though it had faded some. He seemed relaxed and didn't appear to hold any malice toward the Squires.

"Greetings," said Lannon. "How are you feeling?"

Vorden shrugged. "It's a fine day. I like the warm weather." He shook his long black hair from his eyes and gazed up at the sun for a moment, squinting. "Yes, a fine day indeed."

"I trust you'll be brought some food from the feast?" said Lannon.

Vorden nodded. "I am kept well fed by my captors."

"You look healthy enough," said Jerret. "Strong as a bull."

"I feel strong," said Vorden. He gazed at Lannon. "Tell me-whatever became of Timlin?"

Lannon sighed. He'd been hoping to avoid that topic for a while.

"He's dead, right?" said Vorden. "You killed him."

Lannon bowed his head. "He left me no choice."

For a moment, Vorden's face showed a hint of sadness. Then his yellow eyes narrowed. "He got what he deserved, the fool. I won't miss him."

"He can be at peace now," said Aldreya, "something he has never known."

"I hope he suffers eternal torment," said Vorden, a shadow settling over his face. But then he shook his head, looking confused. "No, I don't hope that… I hope his soul finds rest. I don't know what I'm talking about sometimes. I think I'm evil."

"You're not evil," Lannon insisted. "Far from it, Vorden. You're doing much better than the last time I talked to you. It's amazing!"

"Maybe someday…" Vorden shook his head. "Never mind."

"What?" asked Lannon.

Vorden sighed. "Maybe someday I can be free from these irons."

"Certainly," said Lannon. "Someday soon, I would guess. Then you can go back to training and become the great Knight you were meant to be."

"I would just like to walk free again," said Vorden. "It's all I think about. Furlus said I was getting closer by the day, and Furlus is a wise Dwarf."

Jerret chuckled. "Yes, he is. And I want you to know something, Vorden. I forgive you for taking control of my mind. I really do."

"I know you do," said Vorden, "because you're weak and pathetic."

Jerret's face darkened. Then he smiled. "You don't mean that."

"You're right, I don't," said Vorden, looking ashamed.

"We're Knights now," said Lannon, unable to hide his grin.

"Well done," said Vorden. "You made it. If I can clear my mind of this…darkness, maybe I'll get there too."

"You will," said Aldreya. "In fact, you might be the Lord Knight someday. You've always had the talent for it."

Vorden laughed. "Not likely." He gazed up at the sun again and smiled. "But if I can be free, I think that's enough. Isn't freedom enough?"

Lannon nodded. "There is nothing better, old friend."