My Strange Master

As he climbed the stairs drawing closer to his destination, he struck every single man down along the way. His expression more foreboding than ever. Horrible memories of the past flooded in, memories he buried over the past few months, they rushed into his mind like an endless flowing river. Rage took over, pushing out the promise he made earlier to her, The anger within him welled up as he drew closer to the door located at the far end of the horrible hallway, a hallway which tormented his childhood. To think that he would return once more to destroy the person who ruined his childhood felt laughable.

The door flung open and a guard rushed in, taking him by surprise.

"Sir! We are under attack! You need to leave now. Almost everyone is gone!" He yelled.

His blood drew cold at the words, his arms trembled as he began gathering the leather pouches of money into his suit.

"Sir! You have to. . .!" He stopped, looking down he noticed a shadow slowly towering his. He turned around, quivering in fear.

With a wave of his sword he slashed at him, tearing his skin as his blood spewed all over. The guard dropped to the floor dead, his eyes still had the horrified look in them.

Bennett Laurent shivered in fear, staring at his sins which stood in front of him. Quickly, he ran to the door which led outside and ran out, running towards the thick forest.

Roderick stared at the running figure impassively, slowly he made his way towards the door and followed him, walking slowly with death leading the way.

At the other side of the building, Rosalind and the informant helped the slaves escape through the door, waiting patiently for every single one of them to leave.

The informant looked around, his eyes landed on the running blob of a man and what seemed to be like Roderick walking towards him. He didn't seem to look like himself.

"Oh no!" He said.

"What?" Rosalind asked, she walked closer to him, following his gaze it landed at Roderick.

She cursed under her breath, "Can you handle things here?" She asked.

Before he could reply she ran off, leaving him behind. She had to stop him before he kills him.

He looked back as he ran, the man approached him. His eyes were portentous as he walked towards him, with every step he took, it felt like death drew closer to him. He didn't pay much attention to what was infront of him and tripped on a twig. His legs felt heavy as he tried to stand. Roderick drew closer to him, apathetic. Indifferent. Cold. Dark. He looked heartless as he slashed his sword in mid air sending blood to the ground, staining the grasses. He pointed his sword at the sweating man, preparing himself to kill.

As she ran, the training with Edward from a few days ago recalled in her head.

"Materializing one's what?" She asked, bewildered by his words

"Materializing one's flame, Rosalind!" He repeated the words he said earlier, he turned to face the tree farther from them and stretched out his hand.

"It is not an easy move. For you to do that you must be a master at controlling your flame. If you can't control it, you could risk burning yourself with it if you try this move!" A gasp fell from her lips at the words, he smiled at her "Don't worry, I will make sure that it will not happen to you!" He assured her.

She nodded, encouraging him to continue.

"First you must grasp your flame!" He said firmly, concentration clouded his features, Rosalind could notice a wisp of blue flame that materialized in his hand. The wisps grew longer, forming a strange shape. As she stared longer, it began to shape into a bow. He chuckled as he stared at the bow made of blue flame.

Rosalind was dumbfounded at what he created. He held the bow in one hand with the other hand he created an arrow, placing it comfortably on the bow.

Taking an archery stance, He shot the arrow at the tree. Once the arrow hit the tree, it ignited into flames incinerating it.

They took a step back, stunned at the burning tree.

"Maybe I should have reduced the power of the arrow!" He said staring at his hand.

"That was amazing Edward!" She yelled, enthralled by the move.

He gave a light shrug "It took me a few years to learn that move!" He stated.

"What?".

"Leo learned it after a year!" He pointed out.

"An entire year!" She yelled, astounded by the duration.

"Yeah!" He said simply "So, I understand if you don't get it right away!". He patted her shoulder.

Rosalind ran as fast as her legs could carry her. She had to stop him before he could strike.

Roderick raised his sword in the air, it felt like time slowed down as he lowered the sword to kill him.

Without much thinking, she ran infront of him, it happened so quickly that it was hard to grasp. Wisps of flames appear in her fingertips, they grew larger merging with themselves, materializing into a sword of flames. Their swords clashed against each other, sending a wave of energy to their surroundings.

Grunting, she held her ground. Her strength was no match for his.

"Roderick!" She struggled to say.

His lashes fluttered as he stared at her. Realization dawned on him. He looked at her, shock etched his features. Suddenly he dropped his sword, his hands trembled with fear.

He almost killed her!.

She took a deep breath, her sword ebbed away as she stared at the petrified blob on the ground.

Rosalind turned around and noticed the informant approach them with some men in knights amor.

She watched as they pulled him up and dragged him along with them. He was still reeling in shock to struggle with them.

>>>>"Thank you for everything!" She told him sincerely once everything got settled "You really helped us!".

"I just did what was right!" He replied. He looked at Roderick who had been quiet all night, he stared at the ground looking gloomy.

"Will he be okay?" He asked.

"He will be fine!" She assured him.

He bid her farewell and left them, walking the opposite way into the night.

Rosalind turned to the silent Roderick. He hasn't spoken a word since the knights took Bennett Laurent away.

She was about to speak when suddenly he got down on one knee, shocking her. He lowered his head, avoiding her gaze.

"I am sorry My Lady, I broke my promise to you. . . I almost killed him and could have hurt you. I don't deserve to be by your side!" He said firmly, his voice was tinged with hurt and anger.

"It is okay, Roderick!" She said.

He raised his head and looked at her, surprisingly she smiled at him. Quickly, he diverted his eyes from her.

"I am not mad!" She admitted "Actually I am kind of grateful that you did!"

"What!"

"If you didn't almost break your promise, I would not have done that move and created a sword with my flame!" She said happily, excitement flowed within her.

He stared at her, too shocked to speak.

"All is forgiven, Roderick!" She said warmly, gesturing for him to stand. "We have to head back before anyone finds out that we are missing!".

She walked past him, skipping in delight at her new breakthrough.

He stared at her, watching her hum happily to a tune. She was a very strange lady and full of surprises. A smile played at the corner of his lips as he watched her, his strange master.

* * * * *

He looked around him, not a single creature was in sight. Once the coast was clear. He reached out for the illuminous necklace he wore and slowly removed it. The glow and magic faded as the stone left his neck. His silver grey hair transposed to black and fell to his shoulders, his hazel eyes turned to deep violet. He ran his hand through his hair, tousling it.

"What an eventful night!" He said, memories of the night flooded in. She was really peculiar and he felt drawn to her.

"Did you have fun?" He turned around, astounded to see her standing behind him, a strange smile smoldered on her lips.

"Have you been following me?" He asked, annoyed that he had been caught.

"In a way I have!" She replied, walking closer to him "I have to say, I am surprised to see you act out of character. . ." She paused, staring at her fingers ". . .for her!".

He studied her, not saying a word "What are you trying to say?".

She shrugged "Nothing! Just be careful. I hope she doesn't find out who you truly are Duke Alaric!" She said in a whisper.

She turned on her heel and walked off while he watched her shadow grow distinct.