The Nightcrest Wight, Part 1

Year 683

Garrison Headquarters, Gilnas City

Jackson was nervous. This was going to be his first assignment outside of the capital, and he didn't want to disappoint. But he was standing in front of the Praetor right now, he couldn't show nerves.

"Nervous, soldier?" Praetor Zell asked. "You're shaking like you got hypothermia."

"N-no Sir!" Jackson stammered. Did he blow it already?

"Relax. It'll take you a few days to get there. Now. Optio Herydark, what do we know?" Zell returned his attention to the black haired elf standing next to Jackson.

"Praetor Sir, the only information we learned has been in the letter Prince Nightcrest sent you." Optio Herydark stood at parade rest in front of Zell's desk, her gaze forward.

"Yes yes, he suspects a wight or other undead of some kind." Zell waved his hand dismissively. "I want your thoughts on the reports from the Nightwatch that were included."

"I..." Herydark paused. "...respect the Nightwatch." The words dripped with sarcasm.

"Go on." Zell raised an eyebrow.

"Twelve pages of speculations, a drawing of clouds, and not a single confirmed fact. The Praefectus Castrorum himself isn't sure what to make of the drawing. We speculate it's to show how 'wrong' they are."

Zell cleared his throat. "Herydark."

"Sir?"

"I want you to go along with Jackson. I'll pick two others. You leave tomorrow. Dismissed."

Herydark stiffened. "Yes Sir."

---

Back in her quarters, Elora groaned. She didn't want to go to Nightcrest, those backward lunatics would have them on a wild goose chase for weeks. She turned her attention to the skeleton sitting on the chair in the corner of her room.

"Frederick, how do I deal with the Nightwatch?" She flopped on her bed and sighed.

"They're smarter than they look." The skeleton cackled after saying this.

"You say that about everyone!" She huffed.

The skeleton kept cackling. "Not my fault you all look like idiots."