Shadow Slave: Back in time

Caster was relaxing on his chair, in front of him a finished bowl. It was a filling meal, but it left a bad taste in his mouth. Not only because it was not at the lever he was used to, but also because it reminded him of his situation. He stared at the light pouring in from the window. He, the great scion of the Han Li Clan, was trapped in the Forgotten Shore, with a thousand Sleepers. More than that, there was also the situation with Gunlaug. Caster did not want to bow his head to the king, but was also resigned that, eventually, he would have to. He had enough shards to stay for a while, and then he could easily obtain one a week, but he wasn't satisfied with his position. There was also the mission he had been assigned… He basked in the warmth, trying to chase away his bitter thoughts.

On the other side of the hall, a commotion was starting. Caster straightened, and looked over there. From where he was, he could only see two guards, whose hands were caressing their sword. With a sigh, the Legacy rose: it was better to mediate before things escalated. He was disgusted by Gunlaug's guards: most of them were idiots who could only use brute strength.

However, as he got nearer, he recognized their faces. That pale, short man was… Sunless, right? And the lovely blind girl with blonde hair, Cassie. How had they got there? Maybe they had managed to get some shards… Then, he froze. Gray eyes, grey hair, fair skin… Changing Star was there. Startled, Caster used a second to maintain his composure. He approached them, and managed to hear Sunless' words.

"Do I need to repeat myself? Yes, I know you're Gunlaug's bitches, and all that. Now fuck off before I turn you into fertiliser. There's not much difference between you and shit, after all."

The guards mouths were agape from the shock. Caster was dumbfounded, and the entire crowd with him. Recovering from the shock before the other, he positioned himself between the table and Gunlaug's minions and offered a blinding smile.

"Leave them alone, please. They're my friends, and Sunless is just like that. You shouldn't take him seriously. "

Blinking twice, one of the guards turned towards him. He had spoken before the realization could settle in.

"You know this guy?"

Caster smiled.

"Yes, he was with me at the Academy. A bit rough around the edges, but a real softie once you know him better."

Caster purposefully ignored the scoff behind him.

The guards looked from one to the other, the turned around.

"If you say so… but teach your friend some manner. Next time, we won't be so lenient."

With a sigh of relief, Caster slid in one of the empty chairs. He looked only at Changing stare, hoping to see a smile of gratitude on her face, but her omnipresent aloof expression was the same.

"It's an honour to meet you a again Lady Ch-"

Sunny interrupted him.

"Nephis."

He caught the meaning of his interruption before the irritation of being spoken over showed on his face. Lady Nephis did not wish for her True Name to be known., and he was going to respect her wish.

"As I was saying, it's an honour to see you again, and I'm glad to see you're well."

Changing Star nodded.

"If you don't mind me asking, it's been two months since the Solstice. Where were you?"

"In the Labyrinth." Caster wasn't overly surprised. It was the most logical conclusion, as he found it hard to believe she hadn't managed to get shards to enter the Bright Castle. Still, it was a testament to her strength that she could survive there for two months, carrying two burdens like them. If he remembered correctly, the had placed last in the Academy rankings, and the girl was blind, too.

"I see. I, on the other hand, was transported in the vicinity of the Dark City. I've been here for a while. Would you like me to give you a tour?"

Changing Star shook her head.

"No need. Follow me."

After that, she stood up, Sunless and Cassia behind her. The Legacy's smile dimmed for a second, before he followed behind her, as well. As they walked, Caster's confusion deepened. He had expected her to take him to her quarters, but they weren't going in that direction. Instead, they reached the gates, and left the castle. The only other member of the group who showed a little bit of confusion was Cassie, but only because Nephis was moving quickly. She had learnt to trust whatever her crazy companions did.

Caster followed Nephis until she stopped in front of a building. It was conserved better than most, he noted as he entered it, perhaps because of its distance from the Bright Castle's Gates. A big window gave a breathtaking but eerie view of the Dark City.

"Why are we here?"

The new arrivals sat on the floor, so the Scion did, too.

"We are here to talk. I'm planning to form an hunting party, and I'm inviting you. I also have another person in mind to be our pathfinder. Do you accept?"

Caster immediately nodded. It was a great opportunity to worn his way into her life, gain her trust and learn the secrets of her Aspect. He threw a glance at the other two Sleepers. Changing Star seemed to trust them. It would be better if he managed to isolate her from them.

"Who are the other members?"

"You, I, Sunny, another person who hasn't agreed yet and sometimes Cassie."

Caster had some… doubts about the group members. He could surely convince some warriors in the castle, who would surely be more skilled than someone like Sunless, to join the cohort. However, he realized that their relationship wasn't mature enough yet. If anything, it was non-existent. Faking a polite smile, he asked:

"How often are we going to hunt?"

"Everyday."

That was much more than he expected.

"Lady Nephis, if I may, you don't nearly need to hunt so often to live in the castle."

Her gray eyes studied him for a moment, her expressionless face unnerving him.

"We won't stay in the Bright Castle, but in the slums."