Forest Guardian

PROLOGUE ( updated)

The messenger strolled through the dimly lit hallway, his weathered satchel thumping against his body in unison with his long strides, his shoulders back and his head held high.

In his hands, he clutched a scroll against his chest, shielding it from prying eyes. The lotus flower insignia displayed on the outside.

Slanted torches lined the walls in even intervals, their weak flames created dark spots utilized for hiding among the shadows. A product of his master's design, using them to punish any servant who dared to defy him. He shivered at the memory, unconsciously tracing the scar painted along his arm.

Tonight would be different, he thought.

For the first time in months, his master had offered him a chance at redemption. A rarity he almost never does. Pride surged within him. If he fulfilled the task, surely, he would return to his master's good graces.

He clutched the scroll tighter. Tonight would be the night his life changed.

Turning the corner, the messenger found himself colliding into a firm chest with a harsh thud. He staggered backward, holding his head as he unsuccessfully regained his balance, landing on his back.

The figure stalked toward him, sword sheathed. He kicked the messenger, who struggled to stand, in the chest, and placed his foot on his stomach, leaving the messenger at his complete mercy.

The messenger clenched his jaw and groaned in pain. His body ached from the impact and left him winded from the force. Dazed and confused, his clouded mind managed to clear long enough for him to take into account the gravity of the situation.

He raised his eyes to meet the figure's gaze, a growing ball of dread instantly filling his stomach. In the light of the torches, he made out the unmistakable armor and blade, both dark gray in hue and hardened to a sharp point. A figure standing two heads taller than him, strongly built and well-muscled. A curved vine with a star underneath etched on his left breastplate indicated his status: captain.

An unfamiliar feeling of cold steel against the messenger's throat left him quivering in fear. He eyed the sword and focused on the marking inscribed onto the hilt. Revealed by the light of the flames was the insignia of a black lotus flower completely identical to the one on the scroll.

His breath caught in his throat. The scroll.

He absently felt the ground around him, refusing to take his eyes off the blade that could easily glide across his neck, ending his life in an instant. Once he felt the smooth surface of the glass, he cautiously pulled it closer to him.

The captain stood glaring at the messenger then to the hand moving to grab an object nearby. in one swift motion, he removed the sword from the messenger's throat and struck it down next to the messenger's hand, inches from impaling it.

The young man froze immediately. He quickly pulled the scroll against his chest and shook vigorously.

"What are you doing here?" the captain demanded, his eyes narrowing. 

The messenger stammered for a moment. He opened his mouth to speak but found it immensely difficult. 

"Answer me!" He leaned closer to his face. "Or else you'll find yourself choking on your own blood."

The messenger cleared his throat and spoke, "Umm, yes." He began to laugh nervously before being cut off by the sword's tip pricking his shoulder, a small droplet of blood falling to the ground. "I-I have a meeting with Master." He held his hands up in surrender. "I swear. He's waiting for me. Please, I'm telling the truth."