Nightburn: A Fictional Narrative

“Yes, my lord. I’ll inform General Zhousbek immediately. Good day, Lord Nightburn.” Professor Kinnock stood up, bowed and walked out of the dilapidated building with Nightburn close behind but when he stepped out of the doorway, the Professor was no where to be found. Bemused, he thought to himself that this Professor was a most intriguing individual and there was more to him than was apparent by one’s first impression. Returning to the area where he had first stepped foot into Milorien, he then remembered what his father had written regarding the portal at the manor. He would have to create his own portal to return so in an effort to clear his mind to focus, he continued walking, creating a picture of the courtyard in his mind and as the picture grew clearer, a bright green aura engulfed him. His next step was into the courtyard of the manor.
Excited to have finally begun putting his plans into motion, Nightburn, deep in thought, collided with Sara coming out the door as he was going in.
She quickly apologized but he acknowledged that it was as much his fault for their abrupt encounter. Sara was somewhat perplexed by Nightburn’s entry into the manor since she thought him still in his room, yet, here he was coming in from the courtyard and curious, she asked. “Where have you been this fine morning, my lord?”
“I have been out for a long brisk walk, feeling the need for fresh air to help clear my mind of all the cobwebs that have developed there with so much idle time on my hands of late. And what are you up to?” Confident his question would deflect her question most
effectively.
“I have been recruiting more soldiers, my Lord Nightburn.” Sara responded more formally than usual.
“For what purpose, Sara?”
“We have not been meeting our goal of monthly recruits as of late, so I stepped up our efforts by attempting to recruit individuals with a high affinity to magic because it has come to my attention that we have fallen well behind in recruitment of these individuals, and that could prove disastrous to our troops in battle if we do not have enough mages to protect them from our enemies’ sorcery when and if, they decide on that course of action.”
“That is an excellent idea, Sara. I congratulate you on your initiative.“
Sara was very pleased by his praise, although Nightburn knew that by complimenting her and ending her efforts to discover where he had been. He immediately changed the subject. “Sara. I need to talk with Lord Kane as soon as possible. Could you make arrangements to have him meet with me?”
“Of course, my lord. I believe Lord Kane has not yet left for his home and I will see to it right away.”
Dismissing her with a nod, he turned and walked into the manor, proceeding directly to his room, closing the door behind him. Going to his desk, he pulled out some paper to jot down some of his thoughts that he wished to discuss with Kane when he arrived. Kane had a very good relationship with the mercenary armies in the area and knew which ones would be more beneficial to hire with the least amount of headaches keeping in line. He had grown to trust Kane over the years and they had struck up a fairly close friendship with Kane visiting the manor often and staying sometimes for weeks when matters at home were not pressing and he had come to enjoy his company. It wasn’t long before a knock came to his door.
“Come in. Kane. Sit down. I have something to discuss with you.” Nightburn poured two glasses of wine and handed one to Kane.
Grabbing a chair, he sat across from Nightburn. “How can I help you?” Long ago, they had eliminated using formalities when addressing each other.
“I need you to oversee a project of immense importance. Do you remember hearing stories about a man called Kinnock?” Nightburn took a sip of wine watching Kane for any reaction to the name.
“Yes, I believe I remember something about him and if my memory serves me correctly, contributed heavily to a project of your father’s he never completed. What it entailed, I do not know.” Kane took a sip of his wine and waited for Nightburn to continue.
“I want your expertise in hiring the best mercenaries and skilled craftsmen available to assist Professor Kinnock, as secrecy for this project is of the utmost importance.”
Kane thought for a while, sipping on his wine. “I know the perfect man, his name is Jouka, a well-disciplined individual with superior leadership skills with loyal followers who will do as he directs and for the right price, his loyalty can be bought.”
“Good. Secure their services. You and your mercenaries are going to Milorien.”
“Milorien, my lord?” Kane was dumbfounded but after a few moments, he composed himself and asked the question that Nightburn knew he would ask. “What’s at Milorien?”
“An old military installation that my father and Professor Kinnock secretly constructing, although it’s a pile of rumble now, with time, it should be possible to return it to its former state. I want you and your men to begin reconstruction under the direction of Professor Kinnock. I have made arrangements for you to procure the funds you’ll need to accomplish this task.” Nightburn then stood up and pulled out a world map from his desk drawer and laid it out in front of them. He tore away sections of the map leaving only Milorien. He marked the location of the base with his pen. “You are not to tell anyone of this, especially Balthazar. Under no circumstances, can anyone other than those who are to be involved in this project, know of this. Do you understand my meaning?”
“Yes, your meaning is crystal clear.” Kane understood completely and would go to his death if necessary to keep the secret.