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Innoruuk's CurseBy Ferrel Chapter 4 – The Attack! Waking slowly from his deep slumber, Lucine stretched under the sheets. Terror did not wake him this morning and his mind was clear. As his vision cleared, he smiled to see Dissa still beside him. Timidly, he touched her shoulder, stroking his fingers along her smooth arm. The young gnoll winced slightly as his sleeping elf stirred. "I'm sorry Dissa, I didn't mean to wake you," he whispered. The elf smiled at Lucine and murmured, "Oh that's all right Lucine…" Suddenly, her eyes widened and sat up straight in the bed. "Lucine! Oh dark lords, you've over slept! We've over slept! What are you doing here, get dressed!" she shrieked, diving out of the bed and hurriedly putting her clothing on. Jumping in surprise, Lucine did as he was told, dressing as fast as he could while Dissa raced around him muttering every manner of curse he had ever heard. Within minutes, the pair was dressed and Dissa was leading Lucine down the hall to his morning training session. Captain G'Nor frowned as Lucine hurried up and saluted. "I am sorry sir! I over slept and the clerics made me stay late to make up for it," stammered the young gnoll. Nodding in mock understanding, G'Nor turned and lightly slapped the gnoll across the face with his glove. "Quite alright apprentice Lucine. I hope you realize you'll be staying late with me today?" "Of course sir, of course. You know I would stay late every day Captain." beamed Lucine. "This is where I want to be," he added hurriedly. A dark smile came to the man's face and he growled, "Of course you do apprentice. Who wouldn't want to be a shadow knight of Innoruuk? Now, lets get to work." Captain G'Nor turned and started to march towards the guild's training field. He motioned for Lucine to follow, who did so. Just as they reached the small gate that separated the field from the rest of the city, G'Nor drew his sword and whirled around. Lashing out at Lucine savagely, he nodded in approval when he found nothing but air. Hurriedly, he twisted around to block the wild slash of his apprentice. The sound of blade on blade rang through the empty courtyard as the pair of shadow knights battled. G'Nor would attack and Lucine would slip into the shadows, only to appear again nearby and attack. Forsaken words mingled with the melee as the two drew strength from one another, sucking the very energies of life from their bodies. With a savage cry, the elder man turned and thrust his blade at Lucine's chest, knowing he would catch the apprentice off guard. Much to his surprised, the large gnoll simply stepped aside and towards. Lifting a massive paw, the younger man slammed it into his captain's cheek, driving him to the ground. Captain G'Nor coughed and spit blood onto the ground. "Captain! I apologize sir. It was a lucky shot at best, I simply slipped into it!" stammered Lucine. "I… you… I mean…" The dark elf waved a hand in dismissal. He spit out, "Stop trying to save me face, boy. You did well. You were ruthless and you won. There is not much more for me to teach you. Soon, I will not call you apprentice." Lucine stood in silence unsure of what to say. He began to speak again but was cut off by the sound of a spell erupting somewhere in the city. "In Innoruuk's name! What was that?" shouted the captain as he stood up. Turning from Lucine, he ran to the gate of the guild and stopped a passing guard. "Tell me! What is going on?" With as much composure as he could manage, the guard replied, "They know, G'Nor. They found the way in. The elves have come." A hushed silence fell over G'Nor as he watched clerics and soldiers mill about in every direction. He hurried out into the street; not realizing Lucine was following close behind. Motioning at a group of soldiers, he ordered, "Protect Lucine! He must not be harmed. See that nobody gets near him until I return!" The soldiers saluted and ran past the captain, heading towards the shadow knight guild. They failed to see the white furred gnoll slip into the shadows and return after they had passed. Captain G'Nor turned from the group and hurried down the street. His pace slowed and he paused, hearing a soft step behind him. Whirling around and drawing his blade, the last thing he heard was the twang of a bow as an arrow slammed into his heart. Lucine had seen the wood elf take aim. He charged towards G'Nor but was much to far away to warn him. "NO!" he shouted as the arrow struck and the captain crumpled to the ground. Falling to his knees beside his mentor, the young man began to chant the spells of healing the clerics hand taught him. Blue light poured from his paws and bathed the fallen warrior. Despite all his efforts, the wound would not heal. G'Nor coughed and shook his head. With a strained voice, he gasped, "Don't bother. Too weak and the arrow is…" A fit of coughing took the voice from the captain, his blood starting to rise into his throat. With all his effort, he grabbed Lucine by the shoulder and pulled him close, whispering, "You've learned enough… go…" The young man let the body slump to the cobble stone street. He turned and looked at the direction the elf had come from. Lucine howled in rage, "I'll have my revenge! I shall burn Kelethin to the ground!" Turning his back on the sight, the warrior quietly walked away, seeking the council of his god. |
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