The Last Oracle: The White Mage Saga #1 by Ben Hale

Author:Ben Hale [Hale, Ben]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Snowlight Publishing
Published: 2013-12-22T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18: The Swordsman

The Swordsman watched over cabin 313, checking for any signs of attack. His hide had been in place before Tess had even arrived, and every night since he'd been inside it. By daylight he slept, and throughout the night he kept watch. Exercising the rigid self-control he'd gained in the battlemage corps, he stayed focused. He'd learned well that vigilance was the key to defending someone—even if he'd learned it from the opposite side.

It had been seven years since he had been dismissed from the corps, but the charge of 'excessive use of force' still rankled. He knew the men he'd killed had deserved it. His superiors had known, too—so why had he been punished so severely? His lips tightened as he scanned the exterior of the darkened cabin.

For the hundredth time he tried to convince himself that it had been for the best. Within a year he had become one of the highest paid assassins in the mage world, in spite of his primary rule. He only killed if the target deserved it. On multiple occasions he'd turned down offers because the soon-to-be-dead did not meet his qualifications.

Part of him missed those first few years. Business had been good and he'd been able to forget his parents scorn for his dismissal. That had all changed when he'd learned who he was working for—and how they had deceived him.

As a rule, he and the handful of other assassins knew little of their employers, but after several successful contracts the Swordsman had gotten curious. It turned out the Harbingers did not care for his curiosity, and had sought to terminate him. Hawk had saved his life, and had informed him that many of his contracts from the Harbingers had been for good people.

The Swordsman had never felt such fury in his life. He had been used, and had been manipulated to break his code. Without Hawk convincing him to wait, his anger would have gotten him killed. He'd refused the invitation to join the Guild but still felt he owed the man. That—and his desire to kill Harbingers—had brought him to his current position.

As his thoughts turned to his hiding spot, he checked the fabric that surrounded his platform. As he touched the material, it rippled a dull green and brown. On the outside it appeared as any other section of trunk and leaves. On the inside, he had a clear view of cabin 313.

The obscurity shroud had cost him a fortune, but it had been worth it. It had certainly made this assignment easier, especially since he wasn't getting paid for it. Still, the chance to sink his sword into a few Harbingers was enough reward.

He grunted and scratched the back of his hand, wishing for some action. The size of his platform afforded enough space to practice basic maneuvers, but little else. He considered watching a movie, but knew that would only distract him. Instead, he scanned the cabin again. Roof, walls, balcony, door, all were clear.

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