Gareth stood, letting his chair fall behind him. Drawing his cutlass, he glared at the void. “I knew I’d find you dark-skinned bastards here!” His tone was low but deadly. Springing into the darkness, he disappeared from sight.

Ravion drew his longsword. “Dreu?” He questioned himself. Sword at the ready he casually stepped into the night, following after the impulsive warrior.

The darkness rolled in like a wave, devouring half the room. Patrons disappeared inside it, their screams echoing all around. The unnatural shadow moved as if it were alive. It traveled across the area leaving a wake of dead where cheerful citizens stood moments before. Blood poured from the fresh wounds, seeping into the cracks of the wood planked floor.

Lifting his great sword, Kane charged, ready to halt the strange shadow. Swinging with all his might the blow struck home, sinking into something solid but soft. He twisted and shoved deeper, hoping the wound was fatal. Withdrawing, he spun around, ready to attack again.

The darkness in the room faded, leaving a black-skinned alfar in its place. Its body laid motionless on the floor, a thick black ichor seeping from the fatal chest wound.

This is the first book in the Heroes of Order trilogy. If you enjoyed this story, be sure to check out the second book, Izaryle’s Prison!