This chapter is long and needs editing (yeah, more than usual).  

First draft

Lithoniel was half asleep, drifting in and out as she leaned against the hard leather of her tent. She wasn't lying down but standing up like a horse. It was odd and at the same time, completely normal. After all, who could sleep knowing what she knew? She was well aware that was waiting for her wasn't a good dream, but death and horror. The nightmare wasn't always the same, but the essence of it remained unchanged. Night after night, she'd had watched that ghastly black tree lay waste to armies, burn cities and kill every living being as it drained their blood, swallowed their flesh and bones like a bottomless pit.

That day was the same. She watched, unable to close her eyes or avert her gaze. That's when she felt someone tapping on her shoulder. Her body moved on its own, reacting to the external stimulus in the only way she knew: violently. She drew her dagger, her instincts guiding her hand as she clenched the aggressor windpipe in an iron grip. She was about to slit his throat, the blade drawing blood, when she opened her eyes. 

"Jandar?!" She took a step back, letting him go, "What are you doing here?"
"Zarukslayer..." He panted, rubbing his neck as he tried to stand up, "I could ask you the same question. You were sleeping. What if someone attacked you?"

Lithoniel raised a brow, "As you can see, I'm fine."

"Maybe. But what if the attacker was more than one?" He shook his head, "Zarukslayer, you really need some guards. You're alone here, and..."

"For the love of the faeries, Jandar!" She exclaimed, "I'm the Nightstalker! If I use my men as bodyguards, what kind of message does it send? Besides, there are dozens of hunters down the hill. What are you afraid of?"

Jandar bowed, "Forgive me, Zarukslayer. Perhaps I was too hasty."

Lithoniel huffed, "Yeah, you were."

"...but you have to admit that you can be quite reckless. To begin with, why are you here?" He jerked his thumb  toward the gloomy mountain rising in the distance, "This place is dangerous."

"It's not dangerous. The Asp Ridge is more than ten miles away."

"That's not very far." Jandar looked unappeased, "Besides, you didn't really need to come here. Kolvar is supervising the training. You could have stayed in the cave, safe and warm..."

"Jandar, why are you here?" Lithoniel interrupted him.

He narrowed his eyes, "You asked for my help, Zarukslayer."

"Ah, you're right." She rubbed her temples, "I forgot."
Jandar's mouth twitched, "I see."

"I'm sorry, alright?" She said, her voice gruffer than usual, "I've been busy."

"I can see that." He said, glancing at the stacks of parchments and the papers scattered across the tents with a strange expression on his face.

Lithoniel didn't quite understand if he was amused or horrified. Maybe a bit of both.

"Zarukslayer, you can't keep going like this."

"I know. That's why, I asked for your help, remember?" She retorted.

"I remember, you're the one who has forgotten." Jandar muttered under his breath.

Lithoniel narrowed her eyes dangerously, "Jandar..."

"Anyway, I don't mind helping you, but I'm not a hunter." Jandar pointed out the obvious, "You have to learn how to delegate."
"I can delegate." She said defensively.
"Really? Then" He lifted a letter, "What's this? Requisitions?"
Lithoniel grimaced, "I'm searching for a quartermaster."
"That seems like a good idea. Of course, you should have done this months ago, but let's not quibble over details." He said without an ounce of sarcasm, "What about this?" He picked up another letter from the pile.

Lithoniel scrunched up her nose, "Complaints. Everyone seems to be complaining about something."

"I don't want to state the obvious, but you don't really need to answer these letters. Actually, unless it's something important, you don't need to read these letters at all."
"I know." Her voice sounded a bit petulant and irritated, very irritated, "I know, but I have to make a selection before..."

"That's why you need a second-in-command." He countered, "Someone you can trust."

She crossed her arms around her chest, "Sounds to me like you have someone in mind."

"As it happens..." He gave her that killer smile of his, "I do."

Lithoniel followed him when he walked outside. There was still some daylight left, but the air was frosty, the wind whipping against her face like a razor blade. The only good news was that it had stopped snowing. Lithoniel hugged herself, chasing after the medicine man as he climbed up the hill. Luckily, it was a small one and they soon reached the top of it. Jandar stopped a few steps away from the edge of the cliff. Then he leaned forward, looking down at the elves training in the valley below.

"There." He said.

Lithoniel followed his gaze and saw a man without an arm. 

Kolvar?

"Him?" Lithoniel looked startled, "No, he is just..."

"People change, Zarukslayer." He said, "I don't know why you're so prejudiced against him, but I believe that Kolvar proved himself worthy of greater responsibilities. I'm not the only one thinking that way. The hunters seem to trust him. What's more, you trust him. Otherwise, you would have never entrusted him with the task of training the new recruits."
"He only has one hand." She objected weakly.
Jandar furrowed his brow, "Zarukslayer, with all due respect, you don't need a fighter but someone who can help you to manage the factions. I know that you hate politics but it's part of the Nightstalker's duties to keep the hunters in line."
"And can Kolvar do that?" She sounded skeptical.
"He is very good at it." He said, dead serious, "The hunters seem to like him. Besides, he is already doing a good job training the recruits..."

"I know that there is truth in your words. Kolvar has changed quite a lot over the last few months," She grudgingly admitted, "but he still hot-tempered, and though I don't really care about it, his missing arm may be a problem."

"I disagree. Kolvar's popularity is real, Zarukslayer."
"And I believe you, Jandar. I really do. But you don't know them like I do. Hunters are a competitive bunch. They may like him now, but that's only because they are equals. If I make him my second in command, things will change. Besides, why are you so interested in my business?" She squinted her eyes, "No matter how I see it, there has to be another reason if you're endorsing him. So, what is it?"

 The elders are worried, Zarukslayer." Jandar admitted, "Lately, you've been a little...unstable."

"Unstable?" She said through gritted teeth, "Is that what they think?" 

"Not all of them, but...yes."

"What about you, Jandar?" Her eyes bore straight into his, "Do you think I am unstable?"

"I think you're overworking yourself. You don't have enough sleep and..."

"Because there is too much to do!" She snapped, "Do you really think I want to..."

"You've your reasons, but you shouldn't try to do everything yourself." He said calmly, "That's why Kolvar is a good choice. He can help you."

"I still don't understand." She shook her head, "why him?"

"Because he is your polar opposite. True, he loses his temper easily, but he is cautious. You're brilliant, Zarukslayer, but you take too many risks."

"You...you have put a lot of thought into this." She sounded surprised.

His brows drew together, "And that's the other thing: you must stop undervaluing yourself. You are important to us."

Lithoniel averted her gaze.

"Maybe things are different in the Great Penumbra, but we don't really care about lineage around here. We need you alive and well. For that reason, Kolvar..."

"Alright, alright, you convinced me, Jandar." Lithoniel raised her hands in surrender, "For the fairies, I liked you better before." She said as they walked back to the tent.

Jandar completely ignored her comment, "Then, can I assume you will talk to him?"

"Don't worry. I will talk to him." She said, but despite her assurances, she looked less than convinced.

Jandar looked at her with suspicion, "Should I do it, Zarukslayer?"

Lithoniel's mouth fell open, "No...don't. There is no need. I will do it." She hastened to say.

Jandar's eyes became two slits, "Zarukslayer, I don't want to rush you, but we need to know how many hunters are loyal to us. Kolvar can help with that."
Her annoyance flared, "Do you think Garluin would do it?"

Jandar gave her a meaningful glance, "What would you do in his place?"

"I'm not a butcher with delusions of grandeur, but I get what you mean." She sighed, "Do you think he will win?"

Jandar turned up his nose as if something foul just walked by, "Yes. Garluin will be the Loremaster...unless we do something about it, of course."

"We have still a week to decide, Jandar." She deflected, "Maybe something will change in the meanwhile."

"Nothing will change." Jandar was categorical, "Garluin has no real opponent and we are losing ground. According to my sources, Aralel will become the next master of the Woodcarvers."

"Alarel? What about Fennan?"
"After the riots, he lost support." He knitted his brow, "I'm sure I mentioned that."
"You did, but you also said that Fennan still had a chance."
"That chance is gone now. Alarel is from my former tribe and the elders and many of my people want to maintain some kind of balance. You may not like it, but you and Garluin are from the same tribe."

Lithoniel scowled, struggling to digest the news, "So, the new Master of the Woodcarver must be someone from your former tribe."
"Yes. That's the general opinion on the matter."
"Makes sense." She let out a tired breath, "I can even agree with it. Unfortunately, Alarel is on Garluin's side. If he wins, I'll be in minority, two against one."
"Not necessarily. You're assuming that Garluin is going to be the Loremaster and the leader of Erudites."
She slipped him a curious glance, "That's the custom."
"Exactly, a custom, not a rule. It's very rare but sometimes the Loremaster and the leader of the Erudites are not the same person."

She opened her eyes wide, "You mean..."

"The Erudites don't like Garluin. Maybe it's because of our..."He faked a cough, "...education, but we are less susceptible to his wiles and tricks." 

"You mean that since you're so cultured, Garluin can't fool you."

Jandar looked uncomfortable, "I wouldn't put it that way but -"
"- but that's what you mean. There is no need to boast, master Jandar, everybody knows that you erudites are much smarter than the rest of us." She teased. 

Jandar faked another cough, "I wasn't boasting, Zarukslayer. I was just stating a fact."

Lithoniel didn't pursue it, though Jandar's cheeks were evidently flushed.

 "What about the next leader of the erudites? Do you know him?"

A corner of his mouth lifted, "You're looking at him."

"You?" She waggled a finger at him, completely shocked.

"You seem surprised, Zarukslayer." His tone was respectful as usual, but his eyes were laughing.

He was clearly taking his revenge on her.

Lithoniel cleared her throat, "Are you confident in your chances?"

"There is nothing certain, but yes, I'm quite confident."

She gave him a half smile, "This is good news, Jandar. But even if you win..."

His face sobered, "It won't solve our problem."

She bit her lips, "A split council. That's not good for the tribe."

"I'm afraid so. At least we can stop Garluin." He tried to cheer her up.

"Are you sure there is no hope left for Fennan?"

"I am afraid not. Why?" Jandar raised an eyebrow, "I thought you didn't like him."

"Not particularly, no." She admitted, "But neither of us wants to see the tribe fall in Garluin's hands. We are on the same page on that. Besides, we need the woodcarvers. The hunters are dependent on them. I intended to ask Fennan to craft a new armor for our hunters, but if Alarel becomes the new master..."

"I understand, Zarukslayer, but there is nothing we can do. Garluin planned this well. I suspect that when the riot took place some of his men mixed among the crowd, but I can't prove it. I'm trying to identify them but..."
Lithoniel gave a dismissive was of her hand, "Don't bother, it's useless. These people are fanatics. They'll never betray Garluin."

"Maybe it would be better to change tactics. If we could soften Alarel and bring him to our side..."

Lithoniel frowned, "Jandar, I don't think that..."
"I know that you see this as a betrayal, but there is much at stake here. If we manage to bring Alarel to our side, we can isolate Garluin. The power of a Loremaster ruling without the support of the castes' leaders is limited."

"Is that even possible? Bring him to our side I mean?" She wondered, "You know that Garluin's supporters are not normal."
"Alarel is different. I know him well. He is a weasel." He scowled,  "The only reason Alaral is siding with Garluin is because he thinks he will win."

Lithoniel frowned, "And do you want me to throw my lot in with a man like that?"

"Yes." He answered without hesitation, "Alarel is an opportunist, but he can be bought."

"This is getting better and better." She mumbled under her breath, "Let's say for a moment that I agree, why would Alarel switch sides? I don't know what Garluin promised him, but I really doubt that we can match his offer."

"Because we have something that Garluin lacks. You, Lithoniel, the slayer of the Zaruk. Alarel is dirtier than Vorlok's dung, but he is from my former tribe. He grew up hearing stories about the Zaruk, the terror of the mountain. He feared it and he will fear you."

Lithoniel let out a harsh breath, "Jandar..."

"I know you're still not comfortable with this, but..."

"Wait." Lithoniel inclined her head, " We'll talk about this later.  Someone is coming."

She heard footsteps approaching and turned around just in time to see Kolvar entering the tent. The two recruits who had accompanied him, waited outside. 

"Kolvar, how is it going?"

"Pretty good, all things considered. They are learning, slowly, but they are learning."

"That's good."

Kolvar scratched at his nonexistent beard, "But...we have a problem."

"Another one?" Jandar whispered.

Lithoniel ignored him, "What kind of problem?"

"The casteless." Kolvar's expression darkened, "They don't mix well with other recruits."

Lithoniel glared at him, her mouth set in a hard line, "Are the other recruits bullying them?"

"That's part of the problem." Kolvar admitted, "So far we focused on training their stamina, but now we have to form parties."

"Let me guess, the regular recruits don't want to be in the same parties with them." 

"Yes,  and frankly, I can't blame them."

Lithoniel shot him a warning look, "Kolvar..."

"Lithoniel, you know that the casteless are rejects, outcasts. Physically, they are much weaker than the other recruits..."

"That's probably because they receive far less food than them. They're eating scraps."

"That was before. We improved the situation. Anyway, the real problem is that they are cowards. We can train their skills, but what about their spirit?"

"That was to be expected." Jandar commented, "They have been treated like servants their whole lives."

Lithoniel glared at Kolvar,  "So what, Kolvar? Should we just abandon them? No way. I promised I'd trained them and I have no intention to break my word."

"Lithoniel, there is a reason if they are casteless."
"A reason?" Lithoniel laughed sarcastically, "You're wrong. True, a few of them were born with physical defects and there are a couple of thieves among them, but most of the casteless have done nothing wrong. Their only crime is that their parents are casteless. But let's just leave that for a moment. Maybe you don't know, but there are more than six hundred casteless in our tribe at the moment.  Which means that one person in five is a servant. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"

Jandad nodded, "There are too many of them. It's a waste of resources. We can't afford that right now." 

"Fine, we are in dire straits and we need all the help we can get, I understand." Kolvar said, "But Lithoniel, this isn't working."
"Kolvar..."
 "That's why I'm here. I have an idea."
Lithoniel frowned, studying him for a while, "I'm all ears."
"I think we should separate the regular recruits from the casteless."

"No." She flatly refused, "We can't give preferential treatment."
"That's not what I mean. I think that putting them together is a bad idea. At least for now."

Lithoniel raised a brow, "For now?"
Kolvar nodded, "Maybe you're right and good food will make the difference, or maybe the casteless are just trash like their parents - I don't know. In any case, this can't go on. It will only get worse if we leave things as they are."

"He is right, Zarukslayer." Jandar agreed with him, "The other hunters will just treat the casteless as servants. Nothing will change."

"So, what do you propose?" She asked Kolvar.

Kolvar moistened his lips, "A rite of passage."
Lithoniel opened her mouth wide, "Are you joking? They're not ready!"

Unexpectedly, Kolvar nodded, "And maybe they'll never be. The only way to know for sure is to test them."

An awkward silence fell over the tent.

"A life and death battle." Jandar whispered, "It could work."
Lithoniel looked at him as though he had betrayed her, "Jandar, even you?"
"I'm sorry, Zarukslayer, but I believe Kolvar's proposal has merit. You know that training has its limits. This may be the only way." 

Lithoniel bit on her lip. Hard.

"There is no other choice, isn't it?" She asked. 

"I'm afraid not, Zarukslayer. I know you don't like this but...I think this is the best option. The casteless must shed their skin, prove their worth to the tribe, but mostly, to themselves." 

Zandar and Kolvar stared at her, waiting for her decision.

Lithoniel squeezed her eyes shut and said, "Do it."

"I'll make preparations at once." Kolvar replied, "But Lithoniel...when do you plan on doing it?"

Jandar and Lithoniel exchanged a glance.

"I won't." She answered, "You will."
Kolvar didn't seem to understand, "Eh?"

"The Nighstalker is entrusting this task to you, Kolvar." Jandar explained.

Kolvar looked puzzled, "Lithoniel...?"

"Jandar is right. I'm very busy at the moment and this was your idea after all. Besides," She took a deep breath, "my second in command must be able to do something like this, right?

"What?" Kolvar's eyes went round, "I...I thought you didn't like to have me around."
"Are you saying you refuse?" 
"No, I...I accept, of course, I accept. I'm just surprised. This is so sudden that I..."
"Good then." She smiled thinly, "Another thing...I heard you're popular among the hunters. Is that true?" 

Kolvar frowned, "Not really. Less than you, anyway. But why do you ask?"

"I want you to find someone. I need an expert in using...unconventional weapons."

Kolvar's eyebrows rose, "Unconventional weapons?"
"Swords." She specified, "I need a sword expert."
"Swords? But Lithoniel, you know that swords are useless for hunting. Some tribes use them as ceremonial weapons but..."

"Things are different now, Kolvar." Lithoniel reminded him,  "We are not living in the Penumbra anymore."

Kolvar tensed, "You think the humans will come back."

"They will." She glanced at Jandar, "You defeated them. They won't sit still."

"I do not question your wisdom, Zarukslayer, but I hope you're wrong this time. That would put us in an awkward position," He pointed at the map, "with enemy tribes in the north, and the humans in the south."

"No, you're wrong." She disagreed, "Those tribes are not a threat. At least not for now."
"How so?" Kolvar asked.

"They are not a single tribe. They did put their divisions aside because they shared a common goal. Now that they reached that goal, they'll start bickering, maybe even warring with each other over territory or hunting spots." Lithoniel shook her head, "No, we don't have to be afraid of them. The humans on the other hand..."

"Can we defeat them?" Kolvar asked softly.

"That depends." Lithoniel looked at Jandar, "How many men did they bring last time?"
"About five hundred."
"Five hundred." Lithoniel frowned, "They'll be more this time, at least twice that number."
"One thousand warriors?" Kolvar sounded out of breath, "Are you sure, Lithoniel? I've never heard of an army that big."

"I said at least, Kolvar. They could be more." Her face looked grim, "This was the worst defeat the humans suffered in a very long time."

"Zarukslayer, what about the recruits?" Jandar asked, "Will they be ready?"

"Maybe. They are still a bit green, but If everything goes well, we'll have three, maybe four hundred hunters by end of winter."

"Four hundred inexperienced hunters against one thousand human warriors. I don't like this." Jandar glanced at Kolvar, "Especially since we are not making use of all the resources at our disposal."

"Jandar, don't." Kolvar warned, "I said that I'll deal with it."
"She needs to know."
Lithoniel looked at the two of them and frowned, "Kolvar? What is he talking about?"

Kolvar sighed, his arms dangling at his sides, "My mother, he is talking about my mother."
Lithoniel looked surprised, "Shylin? What does she have to do with this?"

"She is the head of the neutral faction."

"Neutral faction?" Lithoniel narrowed her eyes, "Why didn't I hear of this before?"
"Because they are not a threat. They are few, maybe thirty hunters or so, and some of them are quite old."
"But they are very experienced." Jandar interjected, "They are veteran hunters and that's exactly what we need right now. Their presence alone would help with the morale. If they join us..."

"They don't want to join us. They just want to be left alone." He turned toward Lithoniel, "That's why I didn't say anything."

"The tribe needs them, Kolvar. We can't just leave them alone." Jandar twisted his mouth, "Zarukslayer, Can't you just order Shylin to assist you?"

Lithoniel shook her head, "That's a bad idea. Old hunters are stubborn and proud. It's better if I talk to her. Maybe I can convince her to..."

"Lithoniel, I don't think that's a good idea. You see, my mother...she..."Kolvar started fumbling for words.

"She hates me."
Kolvar flinched, "You knew."

"Of course I know, Kolvar." She gave him a sad smile, "She is your mother. You lost your arm because of me, and after what happened with..." She shook her head, "Anyway, I understand why she hates me."

"You don't have to talk to her. Just give me some time. I'm trying to reason with her...but she can so stubborn." He said, his voice filled with frustration.

Lithoniel slowly nodded, "Alright, I'll give you a few days."

She saw Kolvar sighing with relief and added, "But Kolvar, I agree with Jandar on this. We really need those hunters."

"I know, don't worry. Coming back to the humans" He abruptly changed the subject, "I think we can even the odds." He looked at Jandar, "Your people know these mountains like the back of their hands. If we ambush them..."

"It won't work." Jandar said, "The former Nighstalker used all he had, every trick at his disposal to slow down the humans, give the rest of the tribe enough time to reach the caves. We can lay an ambush, but they'll be ready. They know our tactics."
Lithoniel scanned the map and said, "This means that we have to show them something new"- she pointed somewhere south, "There. We'll wait for them there."

Kolvar bent down and looked at the map for while. Then he stared at her like she was crazy.

"Lithoniel, but...we can't fight them there! There is no cover!
"The ice will slow them down, Kolvar. Besides, they will never expect that."
"And for good reason! We don't face the humans head-on! We simply can't!"

Lithoniel put her hands on her hips and looked at him sideways, "Why? Who decided that, Kolvar?"

Kolvar didn't take the challenge, "Lithoniel I don't want to argue with you. My point is that we can't fight them in open battle. They are stronger, taller and better armed than us. Not to mention that we are not used to fighting like that. Even the most seasoned hunter can't do that, let alone a rookie!"

"I'm not saying to charge like idiots, Kolvar. We'll ambush them, of course. With a bit of luck, they'll make the crossing at night. That will give us some cover. Besides, you're forgetting that they won't attack now. They'll wait for the thaw."

Kolvar looked befuddled, "The Thaw? How is that related?"
Lithoniel's lips curled up into a mischievous smile, "We're talking about thousands of men and horses here, each one of them armed with weapons of steel. They will be heavy, very heavy."
"Wait, Zarukslayer..." Jandar's jaw went slack, awe and shock transforming his face, "you don't mean to..."

"What?" Kolvar asked, "Do you know what she is talking about?"

"I'm talking about weight, Kolvar." She pointed at the map a second time, "Weight."

Kolvar's expression changed, "For the blood of the Faries...is that even possible?"

"Theoretically." Jandar answered, "But will it work?"

"It will, If we do it right" She sounded confident, " Besides, we don't really have a choice. We have nowhere to go. I said that the Western tribes are not a threat, but that's only true if we stay here." 

"Lithoniel, I'm not a strategist but I know this plan is risky. We could ambush the human, harass them with arrows and traps like Jandar's tribe has done before." Kolvar suggested. "If that doesn't work we can always retreat to the cave." 

"What if they manage to reach the cave and lay siege?" Lithoniel countered, "Our food situation is stable now, Kolvar, but we haven't much leeway. We need to hunt to survive."

"I understand your concern, but this is a big gamble, Zarukslayer. Most of our hunters are recruits." Jandar reminded her, "It's one thing to shoot an arrow from afar and another to face the humans in close combat. If this goes wrong..."

"That's why we have to make sure that everything is planned and executed down to the tiniest detail. "She turned toward Kolvar, "I want you to send a few experienced hunters to the Black Waste. If the humans are coming, I want to know it."

Kolvar looked still dubious but he didn't argue, "Alright."

"How about the weapon situation? Do we have enough..."

"Nightstalker, someone came to see you." One of the recruits said, "She says her name is Aila."
"Aila? Folas' wife?" Kolvar scowled, "Don't talk to her, Lithoniel. That son of a Vorlok of her husband almost caused your death."
"That was her husband's fault, Kolvar, and he is dead now." She glanced at the recruit and waved her hand, "Let her through."

"Nighstalker." Aila greeted, bowing to show her respect, "It's good to see you."

"Aila. You look...well."

Aila was healthier and fatter than she'd remembered. It wasn't really a surprise. Last time she had seen her, Aila was still a prisoner.

Aila smiled at her, "Thank you, Nighstalker."

Lithoniel looked at her curiously, "Sorry, but...why are you here?"

"My apologies, I'm sure you're busy. I just wanted to thank you."

"I just did what I had to do. I'm sorry about your husband. I wanted to save him but..."

"Don't be." She looked oddly serene, "He is feasting with the faeries now."

The smile on Lithoniel's face was a bit stiff, "Of course, you're right."
Aila was just too calm, unnaturally so. 

Maybe she is still in denial. 

"Nightstalker, to tell you the truth, I'm here for a reason. I want to be a hunter."

Lithoniel gawked at her, "A hunter?"

Aila nodded, "I know that I'm a little too old, but I really want to help."

Lithoniel eyed her critically. Aila was a little on the short side - though for Lithoniel all elves were short - and too thin, but what really worried her was her character. 

Mild-mannered, gentle and incapable of harming a fly. A good person, but she would make a terrible hunter. 

That was Lithoniel's take on her.

"Are you sure?" She couldn't help but ask, "It's a hard life. Besides, did you ask for your caste leader's permission?"

"Of course. I wouldn't be here otherwise." She answered immediately, "He fully supports me."

Lithoniel lifted an eyebrow, "Really?"

"H-He wasn't happy about it," She whispered, her cheeks turning pink like she had done something horrible, "But he agreed."

Lithoniel glanced at Jandar and Kolvar, but the first just shrug his shoulders while the second shook his head.

"I'm not afraid of hard work." Aila insisted. She was starting to sound desperate. "Please, Nightstalker, give me a chance."

Lithoniel saw the tears pooling at the corner of her eyes and sighed.

"The training will be harsh." She warned.

Aila balled her small fists, "I can take it."

"Alright." Lithoniel caved in, "You'll need some equipment. Give me a minute. I'll fill a requisition for the woodcarvers."

Aila smiled innocently and nodded. Lithoniel was bending down to get a parchment when she heard a dull grinding sound. She turned her head just in time to see that Aila had a dagger in her hand.

"Lithoniel!" , "Zarukslayer!" Jandar and Kolvar shouted when Aila lifted her hand, aiming the dagger at Lithoniel's undefended back.

Lithoniel let her instincts took over and rolled on the ground, the blade brushing against the boiled leather of her cuirass as she narrowly avoided the stab. Aila lifted her hand a second time but clicked her tongue when Kolvar charged at her like a bull, his head down as he attempted a tackle. She whirled around, shifted aside to dodge him and shoved the dagger in his shoulder.

"Kolvar!" Lithoniel screamed when she heard Kolvar groaning in pain.

Aila ran for the door but Jandar was faster than her. She faltered and then fell when he punched her, right in the face. She stood up immediately but by then, Jandar was holding the point of her knife against her throat.

"Don't kill her!" Lithoniel said as she bent down to check Kolvar's wound.

Jandar had just turned to give her a stiff nod, when Aila said, "Only through sacrifice..."

Lithoniel froze. The words were a trigger, memory of that gloomy litany and the unspeakable horror that she'd witnessed.

"No!" Lithoniel shouted but it was too late.

She could do nothing but watch with horror as Aila pushed herself forward, impaling herself on Jandar's knife. Her lips curled into an ecstatic smile when the blade's tip pierced through her throat.

"...victory...is...achi...eved"  She gurgled, blood gushing from her neck when Jandar pulled out the knife. Then she fell backward. Dead.

"Protect the Nighstalker!" Someone, maybe one of the recruits, shouted.

Lithoniel could barely hear him. She was still looking at Aila's lifeless body. Her lips were smeared with blood, her throat torn apart by Jandar's blade, and yet, she was still smiling.