The grave call (Guroda / Phocas)

[Guroda]

The being walked along the dirty path of the forest, huffing softly, it's irises like that of a blind man yet it can see clearer then before, it's skin white like snow, pale like death, the hair short, combed with soft spikes along it like scales. The being still walked but not prudely, it had a purpose, neither nude as well, for it was armed. Fully plated with marks of a past and dead kingdom, emblems once of honor but now a memory. Rekshul yelled out into the empty dark forest, the man was once known as a knight, a defender...now cast out, dead yet alive, a scar across his chest to show exactly where the spear punctured him long ago. The difference was now his blood was black, his heart still beating with life like before yet it felt wrong, existing was wrong but it's what happens when you become a revenant. For Rekshul his purpose for living was simple, though his kingdom gone, his enemy still lived. Given a second chance for either redemption or vengeance, it all depended on not only the encounter with the world around but the choices made.

[Phocas]

The light of day was fading. Long shadows crept along the forest floor. It was eerily silent. Only the sound of dirt and leaves pressed under a leather boots could be heard. A young knight in training, barely sixteen was stalking his prey. He was covered in leather and chain mail with a crossbow in his back and a sword that seemed to be forged for a larger man was sheathed at his side. So far, he had not seen footprints or felt the negative energy associated with the undead. Now, with the sun quickly setting and no closer to his target then yesterday, the boy had to content himself with simply making camp. If he waited any longer the thing he was after would have an advantage. Tomorrow will be his fourth day on the hunt. His captain had given him a week to find the knight and bring it peace. If he failed this mission, he would have another year of apprenticeship. Another year without being a full brother in arms. If he succeeded, he would be sir Frederick. A full knight of the Order of the Thorny Crown. He would be fitted for a suit of plate and gain the symbol of his office, a long kite shield proudly bearing their symbol. He must find this corpse and bring it peace. In three days he will no longer be an apprentice, but a knight!

An inhuman scream brought Frederick out of his reverie. That must be it! Any thought the boy had of camping for the night evaporated. He could finish this now! The apprentice grabbed the crossbow from his back and readied it. Soft footsteps could once again be heard as he crept towards the direction of the scream. By this time tonight he could be sleeping in an inn. Sharing a warm bed with one of the servant boys.. A shudder form the cold settling cold brought Frederick back into reality. His eyes scanned the trees, looking for his prey as he regained focus. Though the inexperienced Frederick did not recognize it, his steps were heavy. It would not matter if he were stalking a mindless husk, but he was not. Far from it. Twigs and leaves snapped and rustled under him announcing his presence to anyone around.

Edited December 26, 2020 by Phocas
Formating