Blood Moon

Witches and Warlocks

"What was that?" Legosi asked, perplexed.

Augustus swung the blade in a circular motion, its light fading slowly. "That was energy. You know that all witches and warlocks get their power from nature. You can manipulate that power as you like, no matter what weapon you yield." He flashed a bright smile towards Legosi's stoic face. "So, would you accept me as a mentor?"

Moments later, they were already standing in a clearing that was surrounded by trees. Augustus gazed curiously at the sword in Legosi's hands. "That's an imperial sword, right? How did you get your hands on that?"

"Ask her." Legosi replied, gesturing towards Luna. She let out a wry smile and shook her head. "I have my ways."

"Why do you still call it an imperial sword? Carin is no longer an empire." Legosi said, his eyes looking at the direction of the palace. "The empire was separated into kingdoms."

"Of course," Augustus smiled. "But that's just in name. All powerful families still hold their titles despite changes in the ranking system. Also, the sword is made in the same manner it was done when there was an empire. Your ways are commendable, Luna. Aside from getting your hands on a sword, you were even gifted a bow." 

They walked in the middle, swords pointed at each other. "We're only going to spar so I can have an insight on how far you've gone in your training, there's no need to strain ourselves." Augustus added before tightening his grip on his sword. 

"En garde!" The two met in the middle, swords clashing. Tiny sparks flew from the edge of the swords as they ground each other with force. Retreating slightly, Augustus lifted his sword up and struck, Legosi deflecting the blow with ease before puttinv a distance between them. 

They circled each other, eyes focused and bodies tense. Bending his knees a little, Legosi lunged towards the man in front of him, delivering blows from every direction. The sound of clashing metals vibrated through the clearing as Luna watched calmly on the side. His blows were building up speed and force as he overpowered Augustus, making him step backwards as he tried to block his attacks. As they were nearing the edge of the clearing, Augustus quickly ducked his head under Legosi's outstretched hand, quickling shifting his position to his back and sending a kick to his shin. Before Legosi could turn, he felt the tip of Augustus' sword pricking the back of his neck. 

"That's enough." Luna called out to them. Augustus placed his sword back to its sheath and stepped away. "For someone who hasn't been training that long, that was impressive." Augustus commented, sweat dripping down the side of his face. "I think you're experienced enough to pull this one off."

Legosi turned, nodding. "Can you transfer your energy to your blade for a moment?" Augustus said, gesturing towards his sword. 

"Yes." Whispering the chant, he ran his finger down the blade and it glowed a bright light blue color. 

"I expected. The color of your weapon reflects who you are on the inside. You are cool-headed and calm but also have a piercing personality. Sword is the best fit for you, but you also must learn to fight with whatever comes at hand. Usually with demons, the fight doesn't happen at your terms." Augustus walked over to the stack of hay they brought with them and brandished his sword. He stood five feet away from it.

"Swords are for close combat but there are times when you need to eradicate a threat before it comes close." He ran his fingers down the sword, the bright yellow glowing from root to tip. He brought his sword high up the side of his head before powerfully bringing it down. From where his blade sliced through air, a bright line was formed. The glowing line traveled forward, slicing the hay in the middle before disappearing. 

"Impressive." It was only one word, but coming from his student, Augustus felt pride. Legosi seemed to be very sincere when he said it.

Luna's eyes widened as she tilted her head in curiosity. "Only the monks at the convent teaches this technique. Physically, we are not durable, if the battle get to a point where we are required to fight head on, we will not last. If given an option whether to fight or flee, we'll choose the latter." He turned to look Legosi in the eye.

"Remember Legosi, nature is with you. You must feel her, work with her. Know the direction where the wind blows, use her."

"Are all witches and warlocks able to communicate with nature?" Legosi asked.

"Yes and no," Augustus replied, a sad expression on his face. "All witches and warlocks can connect with nature but we can lose that ability when we betray our purpose."

"What do you mean?" Legosi said, a questioning look plastered on his face.

"If you're a witch who decides to side with the demon king, then nature will repel you. You will have enormous power from sorcery but you can never again hear the voice of nature. A bland but powerful life is what's ahead of you, should you choose that path."

"There are witches that sided with the demon king?" Luna frowned.

"Many of them were hanged but a few still remains at the castle. Sorcery is blooming within the castle walls already, right under the King's nose and yet they can't do anything." Augustus spat, gritting his teeth.

"That's why you said that the walls were falling apart." Luna said in realization.

"I'm not sure why they're still adamant on keeping the walls intact, there's a lot of secrets even the King's court are unaware of. A kingdom founded by lies and deception is doomed to fail, it's just a matter of time before all hell breaks loose within the palace." Augustus, placed his sword back on its sheath and went over to Legosi. 

"Now, you do it."

Legosi stood parallel to what was left of the stack of hay, hands holding the hilt of the sword firmly. "Take deep breath and listen to nature. Where does the wind blow, is it to your favour? You may not change nature's course, but you can read it. Use it to your advantage."

He took a deep breath, his eyes closed. He could hear the leaves shaking from atop the trees, the wind blowing down on them. "Focus on pushing the energy outwards, from within the tip of your sword out into your target."

Chanting the spell, Legosi braced himself. He raised his sword as high up as he could, the blade vibrating with his mana. He took a deep breath brought it down, the edge cutting through air with a loud whipping sound. The cut he made left a burning line line suspended in the air and he paused with bated breath. He waited for it to push itself forward but seconds later, the line flickered and disappeared.

"What?" Even Augustus was confused. 

"You did it right, how come it stayed in place?" Legosi was breathing hard, brows furrowed. Augustus turned to him. "Do it again."

______________________

Captain William strode down the hall, his metallic boots striking against the shiny marble floor. The sound echoed up the high ceilings, announcing his arrival before the herald could open the door to the throne room. The herald stood up straight at yhe sight of him and opened the door. "Captain Williams, Knight of the House of Rayne."

The King's eyes lit up at the herald's words. His head which was resting on his hand while he was leaning on the arm rest lifted. His copper hair fell down his forehead, stopping just by the corners of his eyes, framing the dangerous look it possessed. With a flick of his fingers, he dismissed all of his current company. His sharp light brown eyes darted to the door. "Let him in."

The large doors parted and the captain entered, bowing low, their family's trademark golden hair falling down gently as he dipped his head. "Blessings and glory to the King."

The King gestured him to come closer and he did, kneeling five feet away from the golden throne. "It's about time you came here, Captain. I do have a lot of questions to ask of you."

 His tone was cold and the Captain knew he was not at all pleased with the outcome of the hunt. "What is this news that I hear that one of the children of the Duke of Rayne, your brother, has gone missing from what was supposed to be harmless hunt?" His eyes were ablaze, pinning the warrior to the floor. He quaked under his eyes.

"We met with a very unexpected complication along the way, your majesty. We came late and the demons of Leona has already swarmed the mountain-"

"Are you saying it's my fault for giving the verdict late?" His voice was low but his eyes has taken another terrifying expression.

"No, your majesty." He lowered his head. "It was my fault for being too confident. The village hunter had warned me but I was deaf to her words."

"I may have sent you out late, but I was certain that you would do what's best for your men. We don't have a lot of men to spare, I know you are aware of that fact. That tiny slip of a girl knows that mountain more than you do, that arrogance of yours cost me my men and not to mention, a man of noble birth was lost in the encounter. Do you know what complications that will bring me?" The king's jaw worked as his teeth grinded against each other.

"You know your family is a powerful house, with alliances vast and reaching other kingdoms. Shall your brother choose to go against me, I will struggle to contain him and the kings of the west will not hesitate to jump on the opportunity to bring me down." He bent his body towards the kneeling captain, his face an image of death.

"Do you plan on setting me against your brother to usurp the throne?" The captain shook at his words, his throat closing up. This was similar to how he felt kneeling in front of that mysterious girl. He hated it.

"No, your majesty! It was a mistake. It's not certain that he's dead, we didn't find his body!" He hurriedly said. The king's face grew darker. "You should've checked that behemoth's belly for that."

The breath caught in the Captain's throat. "I-"

"Settle the problem with your brother, I'll give you until tonight." He waved his hand dismissively. "You had to mess up days before the King's assembly." He spat bitterly.

The Captain stood up and bowed deeply before turning to leave. "Blessings and glory to the King."

__________________

The sun was disappearing from the horizon and a bluish hue was starting to swallow the remaining orange streaks of light in the sky. Legosi lay sprawled on the grass breathing heavily. The hand that was holding the sword was scathed and shaking from the tremendous work it had to endure all throughout the day. Sweat dripped down the sides of his face but his expression was hard. "Don't worry too much about it Legosi, you don't have to learn it the first day."

Luna approached him, sitting beside his trembling figure. Augustus had gone to fetch some water from the nearby river and they were left alone in the field. Her amber eyes gazed directly into his ice cold ones and he turned away. Frustration was evident on his face. "I haven't built up your endurance much but you endured impressively, that's a good sign."

"Are you trying to placate me?" He growled. "No," Luna replied while tilting her head, making her darm hair fall in front of her face. "I'm telling you

the truth. You need to keep a leveled mind, Legosi. You'll get distracted if your emotions get the best of you."

Legosi's tired hands went up, taking a hold of her hair. "Christ, woman. Your hair's still a mess." He studied the jagged and uneven cut that slanted from the top of her shoulders and ended just below her bosom. "It's just hair." She replied nonchalantly.

Legosi pushed himself up until hew as sitting adjacent to her. He gently pushed her right shoulder and pulled the other ones o she would turn her back. She heard the sound of a dagger getting unsheathed and she tensed up. Legosi felt her stiffening and calmed her. "Be at ease, I'm only cutting your hair."

"I can't. I never turned my back on a man with a weapon." She said truthfully. "If I wanted to harm you, you would feel it." He grabbed all of her to her back, letting it fall loosely. He started carefully cutting the tips of her hair, slowly edging his way up to the top of her shoulder. The raven locks fell on the grass, making a stark contrast from the bright green and the black mane. 

As he caressed her hair, memories of his sister came to mind. His sister who was much older than him had dark hair also, inherited from their Pa. She would always have him comb it for her and he enjoyed it, loving the smell of clean soap and roses that drifted to his nose as he tamed her wild black locks. Legosi's hair was from their Ma, golden almost to the point of being silver. But his Ma's hair was more beautiful, falling on lovely waves down her back. When the morning light catches on it, it glows like a halo, framing her angel-like face beautifully. Then another memory came to mind. The night of the m******e, her mother laid dead on a pool of blood, her beautiful platinum hair stained a dark red color. Legosi immediately jerked his head away from the memory.

He looked down on Luna's hair and after studying it from a moment, he let go of it as if it would burn his hand. "It's done."

Before Luna could thank him, Augustus went past the line of trees, carrying a small container that held the King's crest on it. "Here, drink this. It seems I overworked you today." Augustus said while handing it to Legosi.

"No, you did the right thing." He accepted the water and took long gulps as Augustus gave Luna her fill. As they rested, Augustus looked up. "The night's closing in, I think it's time we return home." 

"I agree," Luna seconded. "Demons will be swarming this place when the moon rises."

They stood up and started to walk their separate ways when Legosi suddenly halted. "Where are you heading?" 

For a moment, Luna was confused. Legosi knew she lived withing the forest, right?

"I'm not talking to you." He said when he noticed the confusion in her eyes. His face was set in a hard expression. "I'm talking to you." He shook his head towards where Augustus stood. 

"I'm climbing up with her-"

"You're living in the same space?" The outrage in his voice cut Augustus' reply short. Legosi's silver eyes glinted. "It's alright, I don't mind. I have enough to feed the both of us. If I run out, I can just hunt." Luna interrupted, waving her hand to dismiss the topic.

"Capable of housing or not, a man and a woman who is not betrothed to be living in the same house is unacceptable. You were raised closely by the men of the church, you should know that much." A tint of redness appeared on Augustus' cheeks and his mouth went dry. "I didn't have much choice." He struggled to defend himself.

 The look on Legosi's face offered no place for rebuke but Luna stood her ground. "Under the circumstances, we don't have much choice."

"You do." Placing two fingers in his lips, he whistled. Moments later, Rigel's footsteps thundered closer to where they stood. Luna was surprised. She could've sworn she would die first before Rigel would listen to another person's call. The humongous wolf approached Legosi, his tail wagging happily. Legosi brushed the top of his head for a few seconds before pushing him forward. "Take your master home and you," he pointed at Augustus. "You'll be staying with me."

Before Luna could complain, she felt something nudge her leg and she stumbled sideways, ending up on Rigel's wide back. The wolf suddenly burst forward and she instinctively held onto his neck as he brought her home. As her trusted friend carried her up, Legosi could still see the sharp gaze Luna was directing at him. He only smirked.

Awkward silence loomed over the two men as they headed towards Legosi's abode. Augustus tried to strike a conversation but what he got was curt replies. But even though his replies were short, they were not spoken with the mean to insult. Augustus just knew that he was naturally elusive. He was polite but firm, a trait that his brothers should've had to make them atleast bearable. His brothers were rowdy and unruly, selfish too on top of that. They were out of shape and almost close to developing a gout. But here, Legosi had an aura of authority about him, dominating but not at all evil. He was also chivalrous whilst his brothers were lecherous.

He didn't get along with them well for all the years he tried to talk them out of their evil deeds. In his mind, Augustus wondered what type of life he would've gotten if even one of his brothers had Legosi's disposition. Looking at the man, he seemed to be a good two years older than him and Luna yet he listened to every advice they gave without any contempt, eager to learn and understand every word they said. At home even if he was right, any corrections or advice he gave to his older brothers were taken badly.

Before the sky turned dark, they reached the village. The people were hurrying to bring their livestocks inside their pen and scurrying the children inside their homes. Everywhere he looks, the homes were covered with barriers. "Did you cast all the barriers here?" He asked incredulously.

"Yes." He replied shortly.

"But you're a warlock!" Disbelief could be heard in his voice as his wide eyes stared at Legosi's back.

 "And? Witches and warlocks can cast the same spells despite the difference in strengths." He said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"But not as powerful as these…" Augustus whispered under his breath. In the years of training he had, barier spells and healing spells were like a bane to his humanity. It took too much mana and when cast them, they prove to be too weak.

When they reached his home, Legosi lit up a lamp and pointed to the chair facing the table. "Sit down, I'll prepare out meal. He went outside as Augustus sat there awkwardly, watching the shadows in the wall. In his boredom, his hands skimmed underneath the table. Something smooth and cold came in contact to the tips of his fingers. It was a dagger wedged on the wood slates of wood that supported the table. Then he remembered what Luna said.

"He's waiting for them to come."