Upon arriving home, Abel reported the activities in Clear Spring to Kaine’s assistant. His brother was too busy to talk with him directly. He wasn’t even surprised by it anymore.

  Things settled back into his normal routine. Training. Keeping stock of supplies. He missed seeing his brother, but they both had duties to attend. Another month passed and the call came once again. Abel made his way to his brother’s office.

  Knocking as he opened the door, Abel said, “Hey. Everything alright?”

  Kaine sat behind an antique office desk, rifling through papers. “Yes. Thank you. I would like for you to prepare for a mission. There are reports of the walking dead near the border. This could mean cultist activity. I’m afraid they are preparing a summoning.”

  Abel watched his brother blankly. “Really? You don’t talk to me for weeks and the first thing you say is ‘go do this’? What’s going on with you?”

  Kaine stared at Abel, perplexed. He stood and stepped out from behind his desk. “I thought we agreed that you would be the one to handle our martial needs. I handle the bureaucracy and social commitments.”

  “I don’t see you being very social. You lock yourself up in here all day and nobody sees you for weeks! The only time I hear about you is through someone else. What the hell is going on?” Abel asked.

  “Business. It’s taking all of my time to keep things running smoothly,” Kaine replied flatly.

  “We’re in a cold war, Kaine,” Abel said.

  “The endless forms and agreements with the outlying settlements,” Kaine motioned at the stack of papers on his desk. “Not to mention…” he trailed off and sat on his desk, looking like he had said something he didn’t intend, no longer making eye contact.

  “What? What aren’t you telling me?” Abel said.

  “Nothing,” Kaine shook his head. “Nothing. There’s just a great many things that need my constant attention.”

  “You are lying.” Abel said. It was a statement. Not a question.

  “Don’t worry yourself with my responsibilities. You have enough to handle,” Kaine said.

  “Now come on. You’re my brother!” Abel was becoming aggravated. “I want to help, but you need to tell me what’s going on.”

  Kaine stood, his face turned an inhuman, ashen grey, his voice boomed. “I have been learning to control the mark. We must be prepared. I am learning how to control this gift that Cash has given us!” Cold waves of mist washed from his feet. “I didn’t tell you because I still don’t have complete control. I wanted to master it first.” He sat on his desk again, focusing. His skin returned to normal, his voice lowered, the mist dissipated. “Whenever my emotions overtake me, this happens.”

  “Wow. It’s way stronger than last time. Funny. He touched me, too, and I haven’t had anything like that happen.”

  “I was truly afraid you would say that. Maybe...maybe he entrusted me with more of his...” Kaine stopped. “I mean, of course he trusted you, but I was to become High Mortician. You yourself agreed that was for the best…”

  Abel furrowed his brow. “And I still do, but I can’t help you if you won’t communicate. Look, more access to Cash’s power is one thing, but if you are having trouble controlling…”

  Kaine’s voice boomed again. “I AM in control.” The air around him grew cold. “You are my brother, but I am the leader here. I must be strong enough to do this by myself. Too many people rely on ME to keep them safe. I am the commanding officer and I need an officer that takes care of things outside.” The air returned to normal. Kaine squeezed his forehead with one hand.

  Abel shot an annoyed look at his brother. “I’ll be on my way then. Unless there is anything ELSE before I go. SIR.” Weeks of unending bureaucracy. Ignoring Abel’s requests to talk. He couldn’t believe his own brother had become so consumed by his duties. They had never kept secrets like this before. If he was more open, maybe Abel could help him learn to control the gifts, but he couldn’t help but feel that door swiftly closing.

  Kaine looked away from his brother. “Abel, I know you want to help, but I don’t have time to focus on myself...”

  “Uh huh,” Abel muttered as he walked out quickly, slamming the heavy wooden door behind him.

  ***

  Abel stuffed his canvas bag with as many weapons as he could manage, including a few that he knew full well he should not have taken out of the armory, let alone without signing them out. Guns were by no means rare, but specialized ammunition could be very hard to come by. Hopefully no one would notice the demonslayer rounds missing. He shouldn’t need them, but…

  He donned his short, black, ceremonial cloak and set off with his own personal arsenal. He was still seething quietly over his brother’s secrecy. He gathered his favored students and two trusted officers. They each took a horse and set off into the pale, early autumn sun, hooves making a soft rustling sound in the dying grass as they began to ride.

  Abel looked out over the horizon. He saw dark clouds rolling south, towards them. Then he smelled the rain, took off his hat, and pulled the hood of his cloak up.

  “Sorry, folks. Didn’t expect this so early in the season. Hope you brought your umbrellas.” The group groaned and buttoned up, but no one complained. This was their duty and their honor. To defend the free peoples from the threat of invaders. Human or otherwise.

  Their trip northward was damp and unpleasant, but the rain didn’t slow them much as their path was a long, flat, dirt road. The wagon grooves tracing the route had not seen use in a long while.

  On the evening of the third day, they could tell they had arrived when they spotted several old timber buildings that looked like someone could still inhabit them. Even still, they gave off a musty odor. It was a small trading post village in the middle of nowhere named Thompson’s Hole. The group dismounted and walked their horses into the village.

  “What a shit-ho...” Abel started to mutter under his breath.

  “You came!” a voice behind him said gleefully. “We saw one of your folks a week or so back and told him what was goin’ on but we weren’t sure you all would take us seriously. Hey there, I’m the mayor, but you can call me Bill!”

  Bill was all of five feet high and nearly as wide. His light gray suit was surprisingly well tailored and accented with a bolo tie and a very tall cowboy hat that added nearly a foot to his height. His mustache was nearly as white as his smile. Human? Faeblood? Something else entirely? Hard to tell. The man held out a hand towards Abel.

  “Good to meet you, Bill,” Abel shook the outstretched hand. “So...we hear you saw a few walkers?”

  “Walkers?” Bill said, confused.

  “Yeah...uh...walking dead?” Abel replied.

  “Oh, right. Yeah, they been raidin’ the graveyard up on’a other side of the hill. Some of the boys in town was out late doin’ whatever boys do now-a-days and saw them up there. Sure shook them up somethin’ fierce. From what they tell me, the dead was diggin’ up graves! Sounds mighty dangerous if ya ask me.” Bill furrowed his brow and puffed his fat cheeks. “MIGHTY dangerous.”

  “Any idea which way they went?” Abel asked.

  “Off into the hills. Some old caves out there in the rocks,” Bill said, nodding his forehead northeasterly.

  “I don’t suppose you could put me and my friends up for the night? We’ll want to scout properly before going in guns blazing.” Abel said.

  “Well, there's the saloon. They have a few beds to offer. I suppose we could arrange something for the night.”

  Abel looked slightly put off, raising an eyebrow.

  “...or two! I’m sure we can put you up a couple nights,” Bill quickly corrected himself, leading the group to the saloon.

  This building was much more well-kept than the others. Clearly the one pride of the town. The group tied their horses up outside and went in, making their way to the bunks upstairs. They all settled into the creaking chairs around an oval coffee table in the middle of the room.

  “Abel, what was that?” a tall officer asked, closing the door as she rubbed the short cropped, salt and pepper hair on the back of her head.

  “What was what, Mona?” Abel replied somewhat absently, lost in thought.

  “You turned gray, man. I swear the air got colder when you stared down Bill,” she replied.

  Abel sat quiet for a moment, furling his brow. “Hrm. Not entirely sure. Kaine had that happen the other day too. You guys remember what I told you about Cash...” he trailed off, looking up at the group.

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  They stirred and murmured.

  An older, white haired Undertaker sounded up, creasing his slightly wrinkled forehead. “Enough. To business,”

  “Alright. Mona, you take Leo out to the graveyard and keep watch. If you see anything, you both get back here. I don’t want you getting into trouble. If you don’t see anything, back here in four hours and switch out. I’ll leave that to you guys to figure out who’s next. I’m headed up to the caves to see what I can find,” Abel said. He knew he could count on Mona for anything. Leo was easily distracted, but he kept his cool when it mattered.

  “Uh...by yourself? Is that wise?” the older gentleman, Griff, interjected. Abel trusted him but he was often overly cautious. Never a coward, but always wary.

  “Griff, you are more than welcome to come,” Abel said with a smile.

  Griff sat down and looked away. “Well…I guess someone has to watch your back.” His lip twitched nervously.

  “I don’t expect to find them there. I’m just hoping to find signs of what they’re up to. That's all.” Abel stood. “You know your jobs. Get on it.”

  The group rode up to the graveyard. In the distance, the caves were just in sight. Mona and Leo dismounted first, starting their shift covering the graveyard. They took vantage on a small hillside overlooking the area as the rest moved on.

  As they closed in on the caves, Abel dismounted. “Griff, take the kids,” he smiled at the two younger recruits “and set up a patrol around the area. Sweep closer until you are 20 yards from the cave mouth. I’ll go inside. If you hear anything, get down and cover the cave. You do remember how to shoot that thing, right kiddo?” He playfully smacked one of the recruits, a young lady, on the shoulder.

  She smirked. “I was taught by the best.” She looked at Griff.

  “Here I thought I was your favorite.” Abel laughed quietly. The new recruits really were like his kids. With no contact with his brother, the bond with his group had only become stronger. “Once the sun sets, Griff, Lena, head back and be ready to take watch at the graveyard. Elija, stay and watch my back?”

  Elija gave him a quick nod. “Yes, sir.”

  Abel made his way towards the cave as the others began their patrol. His feet crunched on the gravel and loose stones leading to the rocky opening. Abel squinted at the waning rays of light as the sun dipped into the horizon. Dusk was coming sooner than later. He took a measured step into the darkness of the cave. As he did so, to his own surprise, the darkness began to blow away like smoke. He could see everything clearly, but it all lacked color. Another effect of the gift? He looked around the cave, leaving his lantern near the entrance. He had meant to stay near the entrance and move between the openings in the rock, but with his new-found sight, he felt emboldened and ventured deeper. After many long minutes, he spotted footprints wandering in and out of the alcoves. Further up, he found another opening back into the valley. The path led towards a rocky plateau ahead. The acrid smell of smoke burned his nostrils. It was blowing down from the rocky plateau. The sun was no longer visible in the sky as Abel started back towards Elija. He stopped to grab his lantern, ears at attention for any sudden changes.

  Elija had finished his patrol and took position as instructed. There he knelt, rifle braced against the rocks he was sitting behind.

  “You spot anything while I was in there?” Abel asked him, lantern light glinting off of Elija’s dark eyes.

  “No, sir,” Elija replied, voice wavering slightly. He was clearly spooked.

  “You aren’t convincing me, kid. What happened?”

  “Nothing. Just…” Elija looked lost in thought. “I thought I saw...something. A ghost?”

  Abel reached down to help Elija stand. “You probably did. I could smell fire on the other side of the cave. Probably the cultists. Whatever they are doing is probably kicking up all sorts of weirdness. We’d best get out of here before it gets any later and they start looking to make an offering. Keep an eye out, kid.”

  The pair mounted their horses and made their way back to town. They stopped momentarily by the graveyard to check in with Griff and Lena. They reported nothing.

  “Let’s head back and hash things out before it gets any later,” Abel said.

  The sun had completely set by the time they were all together again, gathered in their room at the saloon. A small meal sat partially eaten by Mona and Leo, the rest in a pot over the chamber fireplace, still heated by the glowing coals underneath. The four took their places around the table.

  “I found tracks. We were right about where the ceremonies have been happening. Cultists love to go for that ‘devil’s hour’ thing, so we’re going to head back out there later. Get some rest. I don’t expect this to be easy.” In the back of his mind, he knew there was a very good chance that blood would be spilled before the sun came back up. He wasn’t happy about it. He would do everything in his power to keep his people from breaking the treaty. “Remember, your weapons have runes to keep them from inflicting lethal damage, but they aren’t perfect. We need to be careful.”

  They all slept for a few hours. Some fitfully. Except Abel. He sat, staring into the embers, replaying that last conversation with his brother in his mind over and over. Devil’s hour came quickly. Griff nudged Abel awake.

  “You’re lucky I always bring my alarm clock,” Griff said.

  “At your age, do you really have a choice?” Abel smiled. “Thanks. Let’s get moving.”

  The group gathered their equipment. Lanterns. Swords and cudgels secured to their hips. Pistols secured to their side. Lena and Griff had their long rifles. The group silently made their way downstairs, saddling up. The ride felt shorter than before in the still air. Before reaching the plateau, they dismounted.

  “Leave the lanterns with the horses. I’m gonna try something,” Abel said.

  Everyone looked at him quizzically.

  “Take each other's hands and form a circle,” he looked around, feeling their hesitation. “Just trust me.”

  The group joined hands. Abel took a deep breath. “Close your eyes.” They did. He exhaled slowly and opened his eyes. The dark rolled away just like before. “Alright, open them.”

  They all flinched slightly as they opened their eyes. Leo waved his hands in front of his face. “Whooooa...”

  Abel looked at his companions. They each had an eyeshine not unlike a cat. He smiled. “Looks like it worked.” He could see a thread like the one Cash left with him extending to everyone in his unit.

  “Ain’t that a trick?” Mona said with a grin. “Lanterns won’t give us away now.”

  “Remember the treaty. No one breathing can be made otherwise. Arms, legs, hands. Whatever it takes. Remove the threat without breaking the treaty. Bash them if needs be,” Abel said. He wasn’t entirely sure what would happen if the treaty was broken. Cash said something about ‘blood for blood’ but didn’t get specific. It was signed in blood so it was certainly magical in some fashion.

  They made their way towards the rocky formation, staying low and silent, careful not to disturb the loose rocks and dry scrub brush. Abel gave them hand signs signaling Griff and Lena to take the high ground and set up for long range shots with their rifles, loaded with non-lethal rounds. The others fell in behind him, cudgel in one hand, pistol in the other. As they drew closer to the formation, they could see torches and hear voices, some chanting, some whimpering. Abel held a hand up signaling them to take cover behind a large rock. Another hand sign and the two sharpshooters fired upon the cloaked figures on the rocky formation, each hitting one in the arm. Abel jumped out from behind the stone, leading the others in a charge up the rocky formation. Shots rang out from their sidearms, two more cultists dropping their weapons. Most of the shots went wide since the non-lethal rounds were not as accurate, but they did the job. Abel swung in with his club, knocking out two more robed cultists. Their bones may be broken, but they would live. The frustration behind each measured swing made his club even heavier.

  A putrid smell clawed at Abel’s nostrils. Six sets of dried, leathery feet scratched against the rough stone, shambling towards Abel. Undead. Before they could get close, Mona cut them off, dispatching two in quick succession, sword splitting rotten flesh. Not to be outdone, Abel waded in behind Mona. He pulled his sword and reveled in the thick thunking sound of his weapon sinking into flesh. Finally, enemies he could fight!

  “Thanks for leaving me some,” Abel said with a grin.

  Mona laughed. The head of one of the undead monstrosities exploded as a rifle round split it open. It was so close Abel could smell the rot. Mona nodded in appreciation at Griff.

  Leo had kept behind the pair and Abel could hear the scraping of knife on rope as Leo freed the kidnapped folks. Leo motioned to a higher stone face, yelling out. Abel caught the motion and turned swiftly, his snap-shots missing wildly. He saw three cultists slicing the throats of three townsfolk. Blood poured from the wounds. Their bodies dropped from the tall rock, spewing crimson, the liquid hissing and splattering in all directions. They continued rolling down the cliff, muscle tearing, bone shattering, flesh ripping against the rocks until they stopped at Abel’s feet.

  “Leo, get them OUT of here!” Abel yelled pointing at the freed prisoners. Leveling his gun at the cloaked figures on the taller rock, he watched them plunge their daggers into their own chests, right into their hearts. The blood poured down the stone face, congealing around the murdered townsfolk. Abel swore into his clenched teeth, closing his eyes. A glow from below his feet forced him back into the moment. “RUN! Off the rocks!”

  The squad followed orders, scrambling down the rock face. Barely a moment later, the blood began to float and swirl into a black, gooey globe with angry red bolts of energy crackling around the edges, making everyone's hair stand on end. Like a great eye, it grew in size until it was as wide as the rocky formation, swirling and crackling. A shape began to pull itself free from the mass. Leathery wings. Bear-skull shaped face. Long fangs and claws. Cloven hooves at the end of its wolf-like legs. It let out a deafening roar.

  Abel looked back at Leo, who had already taken initiative to run the villagers directly away from the current madness unfurling before them.

  “KILL IT!” Abel screamed, swiftly charged in, emptying his sidearm into the beast as he ran. He swung his sword towards its stomach, but it dodged back on its wings, briefly becoming aloft. The sharpshooters opened fire, raining shots into the demonic form. It didn’t seem to notice.

  “Holy shot!” Abel dodged behind another rock and began to reload his sidearm with bullets with a thick, glass bubble at the tip. They glowed slightly. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the sharpshooters reloading with similarly glowing cartridges.

  Mona and Elija charged in, capturing the beast between them. It swiped at them each in turn. They kept their distance enough that the best it got was a chunk of Elija’s cloak.

  Shots rang out overhead. Silvery liquid began dripping down the beast's torso. It flinched. Abel steeled himself and vaulted over the rock, firing off two shots as he charged straight into the beast, driving his sword into its chest. Black energy crackled down Abel’s hand, through the sword, into the monster. The beast howled in pain. Abel raised his sidearm into its mouth and emptied the last four shots from the chamber in rapid succession. Abel screamed in pain and anger as a large, ragged claw slashed into his shoulder, opening a large gash. He and the beast fell away from each other. Abel crashed against the hard, stone ground, searing pain spreading from the wound to the rest of his body. The monster hit the ground and exploded into a puff of ash and the smell of brimstone, not a trace left to prove it had ever existed.

  “Oh crap! Abel!” Mona ran to him pulling a clean cloth from inside her cloak and pressing it into the wound. After a moment, Elija reached down to help Abel stand.

  “I’ll be ok. Let’s get those people home.” He held the cloth in place, but his legs felt like jelly.

  “Yeah but you are going to need to get checked for demonic infection,” Mona said.

  “Them first. I’ll be fine. Leo can patch me up,” Abel said. He wasn’t sure if that was true.

  Elija kept looking at Abel’s sword. It didn’t go unnoticed.

  “What’s wrong?” Abel asked as Elija helped put the sword back in Abel’s scabbard.

  “It was...there was something weird. Your sword,” Elija said.

  Abel nodded. “I noticed that. The black energy was new.” Abel winced. “Let's get out of here.” He was clearly aggravated. All that effort to keep their enemies alive made things much harder than it needed to be. The treaty. The demon. The dead innocents. None of this should have happened. He winced and collapsed to one knee.

  “Yup. Figured as much.” Mona leaned down to pick him up, pulling his arm over her shoulder. She helped him onto his horse as gently as possible.

  As Abel began to pull away from the rocky plateau, he could swear that at the edge of the torchlight, he saw a figure on a white horse, watching him. He was reminded of the treaty signing for some reason.

  Silently, the group made its way back to the inn. Bill was waiting.

  “Had a feeling I’d bump into you,” the mayor yawned. “Sorry, not usually up so early. What you find?”

  “Saved most of the missing people. Not all of them made it,” Mona replied. “Abel isn’t doing so good, either.”

  Abel gave a weak nod from his saddle. It was like everything was filtered through a fog. The claws of the demon left their mark, angry and red, burning like hellfire. He dismounted with help from the swirling masses that he assumed were his soldiers. His friends. His family.