Page 2 of The Missing Sentinel
Such thoughts besieged Drexley often, and misery weighed down his soul.
A heavy sigh escaped Drexley. He closed his eyes and rested his head against the wall behind him. Gray surrounded him. Everything in his confined cell was the same morose color. Even the sky through the tiny barred windows in the training room was steely. Was everywhere so gloomy? Drexley wished hehad stored details about Adney’s home, but the memories had slipped away countless decades ago.
His thoughts stuck in an endless cycle of dejection and worry, Drexley nearly missed the dimming of his vision. A smile crossed his face, and he hopped to his feet as he used the bit of magic at his disposal to summon his cloak and whip it over his clothes. The voluminous fabric hid the blades covered in glowing green poison hovering close to his hips.
The ground disappeared beneath his boots as Drexley was finally summoned to Adney’s side once again. It took seconds for the spell to complete, and Drexley bowed his head in a subtle nod. There was little for him to see with his hood on, but the carpet beneath his feet was colorful despite the gray threads included in the intricate pattern.
“Good evening,” a tremulous voice said.
“I am honored to carry out whatever order you wish to give,” Drexley stated, eager to oblige.
“I apologize, but what is your name? I cannot recall.”
“I am Drexley.”
“Drexley. Yes, that rings a distant bell. I require your protection.”
Drexley did not blame his necromancer for failing to remember his name; centuries had passed since their first meeting. So many that Drexley could not know the exact number, but that did not matter now. Adney wanted his protection, and it was Drexley’s honor to provide it to the best of his abilities. Although sentinels were assassins, Drexley believed himself to be a protector too.
“I will aid you. Is danger currently present?”
“No. At least, I do not think—”
“I apologize for the interruption, Lord Blackwell, but I have finished packing the last of your belongings. What else would you have me gather?” a female voice asked.
“Just the things in my study remain. They are on the desk. Everything else is already in place.”
“Very well, I will gather them, Lord Blackwell.”
The door closed behind her.
“I apologize, Lord Blackwell; I was unaware that you were titled. I hope I did not offend by dropping formalities without your permission.”
“Worry not, Drexley. I do not have a title. But my dear housekeeper is elven and, for some reason, insists on giving me honorifics I do not deserve. I assume it is part of her culture, but she has not explained further.”
Relieved that he had not insulted the necromancer, Drexley relaxed slightly as his curiosity grew about his current mission to protect Adney. “You are taking a trip? Am I to guard you until your departure?”
“Have a seat, Drexley, so I can explain my current circumstances.” Drexley moved swiftly to plant himself in the closest chair. Adney sat opposite him and heaved a sigh. “I have an unknown foe. One who has already taken the life of my only son. It is imperative for me to disappear so I am not the next victim of whoever wants to wipe out the Blackwell name. To that end, I am retreating to a magical realm I created in my youth. My parents were horrible people, and I needed an escape. Never could I have imagined that someday that realm would become my permanent home. Since the death of my son, I have strengthened the realm with every ounce of magic inside me. Everyone here will believe I have died, and my housekeeper will inherit my assets. I require you to join me to ensure that I do not die.”
Drexley’s brow creased as he processed Adney’s words. Although much of what the necromancer said was the truth, Drexley sensed some deceit in his words. But he refused to question a terrified man grieving for his child.
“I am sorry for your loss. It would be my pleasure to protect you as long as it is necessary.”
“What a relief. Despite the awful rumors about sentinels, I had to trust someone, and the lone friend I have left is my dear housekeeper.”
Once again, questions flooded Drexley’s mind, and he wanted to demand answers about anyone spreading tales about his people, but that was not why he had been summoned. Perhaps in time, Drexley could uncover the mystery himself. Or prove to Adney the only gossip that should reach the ears of necromancers about sentinels was that they are an honorable race of men devoted to carrying out their duties admirably.
Chapter 2
A century later
As Drexley opened his eyes, he briefly considered doing something that was an anathema to his sentinel sensibilities—pulling the covers over his head and spending the day in bed. Since hiding was not an option, Drexley rose to wash and dress. It was impossible to ignore his surroundings. Drexley lived in the lap of luxury.
The realm Adney had created was an enormous castle filled with riches and everything they needed to survive the last centuries of the necromancer’s life. Adney was a scholar and pushed his magic as far as possible. An army of skeletons cleaned, cooked, and did every other chore imaginable.
Drexley’s bedchamber was richly appointed. It was a far cry from the tiny cell he’d called home for so long. And while Drexley could roam through Adney’s castle without barriers, much like Drexley’s previous home, it was a cage.
Adney was kind and encouraged Drexley to indulge in his love of reading in the magnificent library on the first floor of the castle. Every book Adney had ever purchased had been recreated in his personal realm, which meant Drexley still had plenty oftomes to enrich his mind. Meals were enjoyable as Adney loved to discuss and debate the things Drexley learned.
