Heart of Steel

Author's note: This follows Turn of Fate.

The echo of Naythan's defiant shout rang through the woods, a deep silence followed as Naythan saw Lor'kan studying him closely, hand gently resting on the pommel of his own blade, not in any aggressive stance, but clearly ready to draw if necessary. It was clear that the Brother, while surprised by Naythan's refusal, felt completely unthreatened by him.

"What are you doing boy?" Lor'kan's voice was low, cold, but steady. Naythan didn't respond but instead nervously shifted his grip on his sword. The danger of his position had sapped most of his anger, and now he was left with just the consequences. The sick twist of fear began to knot in his stomach, but he stood his ground.

Lor'kan's tone softened just a little but it remained steady as he watched Naythan intently, "Just finish the sorceress and no more will be said about this. You will return to your comrades, sleep away this night and wake up the next morning as though none of this had happened. I swear on Custodia's gift that I will not seek to cause you any harm."

The oath was a sacred one, particularly from a Brother of the Order.. Naythan wavered a little. He could just walk and this whole nightmare could safely fade into the obscurity of the past.

Naythan heard Fyra's body shift slightly behind him, a flash of pleading yellow eyes, tear streaked cheeks of a boy crossed Naythan's vision. The fire rekindled in Naythan's heart, the knot of fear evaporated like smoke inside him and his stance steadied. He said nothing, just stared daggers at Lor'kan.

The Brother began to slowly step around Naythan's guard as he spoke, his voice now taking on an edge pleading, he splayed his hands aside clearly attempting to put Naythan at his ease by appearing less threatening. His voice warmed as he spoke, as though a father to a son. "Listen to me boy, you don't know what you are doing. She's a sorceress, a devotee of demons, a consort of the Nerthol. How can you be certain she isn't playing with your mind right now? Using her gifts to make you her puppet? Don't let her." He held out his hand to Naythan, "Let me help you."

Naythan merely shifted his stance to squarely face Lor'kan and said nothing.

Lor'kan held his hand to Naythan, but Naythan didn't move. Lor'kan's eyes grew cold as he withdrew his hand and his voice immediately shifted to match. "Fine. If you will not move sergeant," He drew his blade in a swift stroke and rested easily into an aggressive stance, "then I will end you both myself."

To be continued in Fyra and Sword