Shadow Knights: Origine (The Shadow Knights Trilogy) by Michael Webb

Author:Michael Webb [Webb, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Whatup Publishing LLC
Published: 2022-05-16T16:00:00+00:00

William entered the courtyard, following the other knights. Artimus nodded in his direction. Without speaking, the Shadow Master walked to the table with the hourglasses and turned the large one upside down.

William’s brows pinched together. He glanced between the knights, but no one looked at him. They all congregated together, speaking in low voices amongst each other.

William approached Artimus. “What’s the hourglass for?” The older man continued talking with Angelita, ignoring him. “Should I be doing something? What’s the last part?”

Artimus turned in his direction. “For starters, you need to have patience. The third part will begin soon.” William swallowed as his head retreated into his shoulders. He folded his hands in front of himself and waited.

For several minutes, they did nothing. William paced, and a frown grew. Where are Shani and Ervin? Two knights did not return from the second test.

The hourglass caught his attention. Sand continued to fall, and five lines had already ticked past.

Artimus’ throat clearing caught his attention. “William Stormbridge, are you prepared to prove yourself?”

He stood straight. “I am.”

“For the test of speed, you are to run your loop of the city.”

William’s eyebrow raised. “My loop of the city? The one we run almost every day?”

“That’s right.”

He cocked his head. “Alright. What’s the catch?”

“There’s no catch. Shani will be at the southwest gate to make sure you don’t take shortcuts. This is to test your speed.”

William’s pulse quickened. He looked at the hourglass and saw the sixth line just visible.

“As always, if you want to be a shadow knight, you have to beat the hourglass.”

His eyes grew. “But it’s already—” he cut himself off at Artimus’ blank look. He glanced around at the others. Their impassive faces stared back. Quinton nodded his head toward the door. With his heart pounding before he had even begun, William sprinted from the courtyard.

His feet struck the road as he pumped his legs, racing against the impossible time goal. How can they expect me to do this? It’s not fair!

He dashed to Castlewood Street and traversed the path he’d been down minutes before. He thundered through Turba Square, heads turning in his direction, but he didn’t pay them any attention. His heart beat quickly. His pulse thumped, and he gasped deep breaths every two steps.

Did Hugh and Kiara do this? Did they pass the first two parts? He struggled to even form thoughts alongside his labored breathing and quickened gait.

His legs ached when he passed by the southwest gate. Shani leaned against the wall and clapped her hands, urging him on. “Come on, William! Halfway there!”

He returned a half wave but was too tired to speak. The path back contained portions of uphill. His legs and back felt like they were on fire. The thought of running the entire way at his current speed seemed impossible. He focused on small goals. Just a few more steps. Just to that door ahead. Come on, William, keep going until that building.

His chest screamed for relief as he neared the end. His pace was the fastest he’d ever run, but he wasn’t sure if it would be enough.

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