Excerpt from my new story Crystal Moon

“Wait for ‘em Lucas, ya’ll know when ta strike, just wait.”

Those were the words Lucas remembered in the front of his mind as a Gray Guard’s arrow shaft magically sprouted from his mentor’s right eye. Lucas still couldn’t trust what he eyes saw at the time, but he could trust the actions that followed. It was just revenge, or maybe it was instinctual protection. Either way, Lucas already knew the outcome, he was a wanted man. Wanted for slaying Royal Gray Guards out here in the Darkwind Forest, due west from Calis, Lucas trembled at the thought.

There are still more out there Luc, just remember what ol’ Bram taught you. They are always out there… Just have to be cautious, prepared, and concealed.

Lucas threw the hood over his head, the grays, browns, and blacks were the traditional colors of this fine forest, always appearing dead and grisly. But this was the place he called home, what his family and friends called home. It was his duty and honor to protect these forests. Keeping his hand close to knife and sword he crept slowly from tree to underbrush and back to tree. It was always this way, as far as his training and young mind could recall, always keep hidden, always keep quiet. And most of all, always keep alert.

It wasn’t quite time for the Gray Guard to call in their night parties, but that would happen soon enough, Lucas knew it would. When that happened, he could go rest, as there would already be his replacement out in the woods for him. Lucas was tired, but it wasn’t time, sleep was not something he could take refuge in from his current situation, sleep was not allowed on watch, and the people of the forest were good at keep their Watchers awake during their appointed shifts.

The sun was beginning to rise when Lucas touched upon the top of the crest that hid the Valley of the Elves, his homeland resting a few hours travel beyond it. The elves were a nasty and “superior” race, at least in their own eyes. Lucas paused and watched the valley below, there didn’t appear to be any of the elves running about, but there did appear to be some commotion brewing in their Fae boxes.

I say 'new' because Crystal Moon was a lot different than that excerpt. Makes me sad to see I changed it that much. I am in the middle of locating all the required sites and information I can locate for trying to reconstruct my original story.