Night Watch I: Eliza, Ward of Andrew

*Angus’ POV*

Kellin was catching on quickly! Every afternoon that neither of us had any messages to run and we were both in the office, we’d have a go at training with some wooden practice weapons. Every now and then, an off-duty Watchman or Council Guard might pop in and offer us some tips before or after giving us a job.

We weren’t fools; the whole Village has been able to smell the change in the air over the last few weeks. It’s made everyone a bit on edge, more crabby. Doyle was more than happy to lend out practice weapons, as well as their more lethal counterparts. Just in case.

Today, for the first time, Kellin disarmed me, and was strutting around like a peacock while I was sewing up some bags that needed repairs. I figured I’d let him, for a while- it was funny. I wouldn’t remind him that I’d almost knocked him out afterwards. I understood the need to cherish small victories. He would was a quick learner, and would improve even more, in time. I just hoped it would be soon enough for whatever was coming.

I certainly wasn’t expecting what walked through the door: Alissa, Angela’s protégé and right-hand woman of the Council Soldier Guard. That meant whatever brought her could be a serious matter. “Alissa, how can we be of service today?”

She smiled, looking a little tense. I set my shoddy patchwork aside for later as I stood to greet her. I was pleased Kellin had the sense to come pay attention to our customer’s needs as well, and I no longer had to go fetch him. “Greetings Angus, Kellin. Elder Lemmy has a message he would like delivered to Merry Willows.”

I nodded. I knew there must be more to the story. If there weren’t, she would have just handed the message over and paid us. I nodded for her to go on, as Kellin glanced at me.

“The Elder would like the message to be delivered by Angus. He would like to give the message to you personally, and relate the specific destination at that time. I am to accompany you on your trip as an armed guard, if you are amenable.” Kellin shifted a bit, as though he was considering speaking, and I swatted at him, indicating he should keep his bloody mouth shut.

Whatever the message was, I didn’t want to know, and I didn’t want Kellin exposed to that sort of information either. I had been delivering messages for hundreds of years, and rarely had a message needed an effing armed guard. The Council only did it for two reasons: if they wanted to make absolutely sure you wouldn’t open a seal (which I never had, but how would they know?), or if the content was absolutely critical, but they couldn’t risk sending a duplicate messenger for some reason. In my experience, when an armed escort was needed, the Council had usually asked the Watch. I didn’t know shit about politics, and I didn’t want to know what the fuck was going on now. All I needed to know was that the Council was full of good Fae, and I trusted Elder Lemmy.

I knew the Council Guard was very formal, especially Angela, and Alissa was a bit like mini-Angela, in her training. “I will ready my things and make haste as soon as possible. Would 45 minutes be acceptable?”

Alissa nodded. “Of course. I will ready all provisions necessary. I gather travel to Merry Willows is more reliable on foot, for a messenger?”

I thought about it for a tic. There was a sickening, bleak, ugly patch on the way, where the trail always went ‘fuzzy.’ Any of the horses would spook, and unicorns would draw the dark creatures like bloody corpses drew flies. “Aye, on foot. There’s an area where we might have some trouble, and any mounts would be... unlikely to make it through.”

I blinked away the memory of the first- and last- time I had disobeyed the messenger that had trained me, and taken a unicorn through that area. I had thought I was so clever, thinking I was going to save so much time. Instead, I had nearly died, and cost an innocent creature it’s life. I knew after that day that unicorns could scream. It’s much higher in pitch than a horse’s scream. I blinked again, trying hard to focus on what Alissa was saying.

“-see you shortly?” I nodded, and Alissa was gone, turning on her heel, in her fancy, white uniform, with her bright, blue hair such a bold contrast. Nice girl. Good Soldier.

I stood there for a moment, thinking. I really hated Merry Willows. Such a bureaucratic, stuck-up tribe… Hopefully I didn’t have to stay long. Kellin seriously needed more work with some of his defensive moves-

“Angus? Hey, man, you ok?” I patted Kellin’s shoulder.

“I have to pack my shit, kid. You’re the only messenger around here until I get back, alright? Put the sign up when you're not in. You know the drill.” I gave him my ‘old man’ look, the one I gave when I was going to say something important, trying to get him to pay attention.

“Listen, Kellin: war is coming, like a kind you’re not old enough to have seen yet. See if you can get Watchmen, Council guards to spar with those practice weapons with you, even for a few minutes, like when they come by with jobs, or in your downtime, alright?”

Kellin nodded absently. “Hey, Kellin- you really kick my ass when I get back, maybe I’ll take a whole day or two of yours and give you some extra days off?” He brightened at that.

“Alright, kiddo, see you in a few.” We usually never said goodbyes or anything when we left to deliver messages, but this time, I had a hard time not doing it, just making myself walk out the door to get my stuff from my shelter, like usual. I had a bad feeling. It was in the air. War was coming.

Notes

somewhat by request, i present, signed and sealed, Kellin Quinn. what do you think- will he learn quickly, or will he be totally defenseless and be instantly killed by whatever adversary he encounters? will he surprise us all and rescue (insert whoever), or deliver some vital message in angus' absence? who knows! let me know your predictions!

and who do you think is at Andy's shelter's door? hmm.... i wonder...


(i'll find pics for Alissa, Angus, and Kellin later, i'm feeling lazy.... :D )

also, opinions please: would it be better to start a new visual aid chapter, or continue to add to the old one, and just link to it when i add something to it? (such as i would now, if i were going to be at the top of my game and going to update those guys, i'll get them soon.)

please actually let me know, i don't beg/plead for attention or comments like many others, but, do me a favor and please offer your opinion on this, if you read this. (uh, and actually read the story. if you stumbled across it, but don't read the story, no worries.)