Book 4 - Chapter 19 - A Complicated Pligh (1/2)

Cloudhawk was stunned at how effective Rei’s healing abilities were. In a matter of minutes, he watched life-threatening wounds stitch themselves back together.

The healing power of relics were far superior to any medicine. If Cloudhawk could get his hands on something like that he would never have to fear another fight. It didn’t matter how badly mangled he got, so long as he had any mental energy left he’d be back in fighting condition in short order.

“That’s a rare ability you got there, lady. You’re definitely going to get a lot of attention for it, especially with the world caked in shit like it is. You should stick with me.”

Rei blushed, very flattered by his somewhat crude compliment.

She wasn’t sure whether or not Cloudhawk was joking. She had just graduated, and he was the commander of a special unit. The Talons were a major part of the Court of Shadows. It was unthinkable that a girl like her with no practical fighting experience could join them so quickly.

Anyway, for the time being she was a member of Sergeant Claudia’s squad.

“I’ll put it to you this way.” Cloudhawk brazenly pursued the issue. “Back during training, I was your squad leader’s squad leader. Following her won’t get you as far as the Talons could. You’ll go on missions with me from now on.”

Belinda was practically green with envy.

Being conscripted into the Talons, beyond just being a fine appointment, was a tremendous honor to Rei’s family. She came from a middle-of-the-road clan, so Cloudhawk’s offer was an incredible opportunity.

It would be a lie to say Rei wasn’t greatly moved by his eagerness.

War had come. Skycloud’s expeditionary force had been established, and would perform their duties for the foreseeable future. As Skycloud’s army swept across the wastelands, the Talons would be the tip of its spear. She would have many chances to gather accolades and praise.

Rei did not covet wealth and fame, but her family had struggled mightily to get her to where she was. What better way to repay their efforts than to bring them honor through her deeds?

Belinda couldn’t bite her tongue any longer. “Rei, what a great offer. Why are you hesitating?”

Claudia shot Belinda a silencing gaze then planted herself in front of Rei. She faced Cloudhawk, her stance saying she would not tolerate his actions. “You go too far!”

What was she all up in arms about? Cloudhawk didn’t get it.

Claudia then turned back to Rei. “You aren’t joining the Talons.”

Belinda thought it was mad. Why would the sergeant stand in the way of such a great opportunity for her squad mate?

Rei was also confused. Claudia was usually level headed and fair, why was she so upset? What was the difference if she chose to serve in the Talons? She was still going to perform this mission with her demonhunter squad. Yet Rei was a clever girl by nature, so she obeyed.

Resentfully, Cloudhawk didn’t press the matter any further. Fucking Claudia, a snake couldn’t change its scales.

Her thorny personality was so quick to anger. Cloudhawk was half-convinced she would start throwing fists. Had she already forgotten how many times he’d saved her sorry ass in the valley? All he wanted was a healer and this was how she reacted. She was a damn pain in his ass.

Since there was nothing he could do, Cloudhawk changed the subject. “How’s this one doing?”

Rei sighed, hesitating after the strange interaction between him and Claudia, but answered when he pressed her. “The wounds were bad, but not caused by a relic. These sorts of injuries are easy to heal. A full recovery is expected.”

There was a familiar thrum coming from the wounded soldier, the resonance of a relic he was acquainted with. This person was an Elysian demonhunter, one he knew.

“Hey… isn’t this one of Frost’s demonhunters?”

Crain and Tigron, the ones who found him, only knew that the guy was savage and ugly. His face was more scar tissue than flesh, like a shattered doll that’d been haphazardly pasted back together. There wasn’t a single inch of him that wasn’t disfigured in some way. Just looking at him was discomforting.

And those were old wounds. The young men shuddered to think what kind of injuries would make him look like this.

Elysians had techniques to remove scar tissue, so this man chose to keep these marks. It was glimpse into the man’s fierce and determined heart. He obviously didn’t care what other people thought, and the dull pain of every scar was a reminder of a lesson he’d learned. He drew strength from the pain – a constant reminder as he sought his vengeance.

If he was willing to be so unforgiving with himself one could only imagine what he was like to his enemies.

When Butcher came to, all he saw was a group of shadows clustered around him. Like a wild animal he grabbed his hammer and scrambled to his feet, ready to attack.

Rei stumbled away, out of reach of his weapon.

About then Butcher realized his wounds were healed and his bones knit back together. Wild eyes focused on Rei and the glimmering bracelet on her wrist, and then he understood what had happened.

“Thank you!”

His voice was hoarse and forceful, like a beast trying to choke out the words.

Rei had never encountered this savage demonhunter before, but Cloudhawk called at him with a wry voice. “My old friend!”

Cloudhawk, Claudia and Gabriel all knew Butcher quite well. As for Butcher, he would never forget Gabriel’s pale face – and the scars he left him with. Every time he felt the old ache he was reminded of his betrayal in the forest. When he saw the handsome, coquettish face before him once again Butcher’s eyes darkened with murderous intent.

“Do it, if you want a reminder of what it’s like to be one of Naberius’ masterpieces.” Gabriel could feel the large man’s anger as it poured off of him. “I know I wouldn’t be so eager if I were you.”

Butcher answered with a malicious chuckle. Everyone had grown strong, but only Butcher had learned how to turn pain into power. He didn’t think he was any less deadly in a fight than the rest of his former valley compatriots. He never liked these bastards, so he was always itching for a chance to make them suffer.

“Don’t worry, eventually I’ll smash your skull and show you the price of betrayal. But not today.” Butcher growled through cracked lips, glaring at Gabriel through bloodshot eyes on the brink of madness. He gave them all the impression of a fierce and loyal mongrel. “I’m a demonhunter. I won’t endanger a mission for personal revenge.”

Barb, Belinda and Autumn were at a loss. What reason did this hideous man have wish harm on Gabriel?

This level of self-control was impressive, since it was obvious how much he wanted to smash Gabriel to pieces. Whatever they may think of him, Butcher was a competent demonhunter. He wasn’t going to allow anything to get in the way of his duties.

Even if he dreamed about ripping Cloudhawk’s corpse to pieces. Even if he desperately wished to hack Gabriel into an unrecognizable mess.

All his many hostilities and resentments were pushed aside if they would impede in the least on what he was ordered to accomplish. A demonhunter’s mission and duty were always more important than a single man’s personal grievances. Butcher was the perfect dog to his masters.