Chapter One

Mere hours had passed since the storm had finally abated. No one had dared venture out into the streets while the storms winds had whipped through the streets, bringing with them a wall of rain that washed the city’s grime away. Even now few left the comfort of their homes for the drizzling rain that remained.

Drenched to the bone, a lone shadow made its way slowly up the main street towards the castle. A slight limp slowed his progress; as did the pack over his shoulder. He paused a moment, adjusting the hood of his winter cloak while it clung to his face, and to wipe the water from his eyes. A single bell announced the changing of the watch high above on the walls of the castle.

As he reached the gates of the outer wall, his welcome party emerged from the darkened gatehouse. He stood patiently as the guard read through the papers he carried.

‘Alright sir. You want the second street on your right. End of the row, right up against the east wall.’ The guard turned back for the gatehouse. ‘Then it’s moved? It used to be right next to the central keep.’ The guard grunted a laugh. ‘Yeah, in the days they were popular. No offence.’

‘None taken. Thanks for the directions.’

Moving his pack to the other shoulder, he passed under the arch and made his way up the cobblestone street. Within the castle walls activity was far more regular, and three times he was forced to step aside for night patrols, before he reached the side street he wanted.

Two guards stood silently outside the thick wooden gate of the compound; its stone walls completing the square with the castle’s east and south parapet. Neither guard so much as blinked as he approached from the shadows. When he offered them his papers, they ignored him; but the gate slid slowly open anyway.

He barely got out of the way in time. Four horsemen rode out onto the street, towards the south gate, paying him no heed. After a moment he picked himself up off of the ground and shuffled into the courtyard through the closing gate; ignoring the guards watching the horsemen ride into the night.

The gate slid shut behind him and for a moment he rested his back on solid wood. When he stepped away from the gate a hand grabbed his shoulder, turning him roughly. Before him stood a giant of a man, his barrel chest and arms bursting at the seams of the tunic he wore.

‘Sorry lad, but this is no tavern.’

‘I’m expected.’ The young man held out the letter for the giant, but he barely glanced at the now broken seal.

‘Gods, of all my bastard luck.’ His voice barely escaping the thick brown beard. The giant glanced back at the gate. ‘Better get you inside.’

The two men crossed the courtyard and entered the single storey main building. Inside, a lone monk was seated by the doorway. He took the letter from the young man, and glanced over it; then shook his head. ‘Give him the room next to yours Thorgrin. We’ll deal with him tomorrow. After he’s washed.’

The giant nodded and headed up the corridor, followed closely by the young man. ‘Judgemental little prick.’ The giant muttered. The young man stayed silent for a few minutes, until they had passed the dining hall. ‘I’ve never met a Dar’wolf before. It’s an honour.’

The giant stopped mid stride, staring at the young man; who continued down the passageway. After a moment the giant fell in behind the young man. ‘Very perceptive lad. But I didn’t realise they’d started admitting half breeds.’

Now it was the young man’s turn to freeze. He turned slowly, and the giant roared with laughter. ‘Oh, don’t worry lad. If they don’t know, I won’t tell. You have my word.’ They walked a few moments in silence, until the giant came to a stop outside one of the empty bedrooms. He offered his hand and the young man took it.

‘Name’s Thorgrin Dar.’

‘Mine’s Kauyin. But I prefer Ky.’

‘Well Ky, welcome to the Guard.’