Kyliska was practicing in the training yard of Sunfire Estate, her heavy armor set aside in favor of a lighter leather set designed to give her flexibility while she was training. Despite the injuries to her shoulder, she was beginning to recover nicely and her weapon bit into the training target time and again with nearly perfect accuracy. She would be fully fit for combat within another week or two at the rate she was progressing, and the thought brought a small measure of comfort to her in the otherwise gloomy times she was facing.
Around her other Knights trained on target dummies or worked on repairing their gear. Although each wore different equipment depending on the training they were doing, all of them, like Kyliska herself, wore a black armband of mourning in honor of Biara. Some of Biara's apprentices had taken to dressing in all black to signify their loss, and the banners of Sunfire Estate hung at half-mast and likely would for some weeks to come.
Just as Kyliska's arm was beginning to twitch with renewed pain from her healing injuries, a commotion arose on the far side of the compound. Kyliska turned to peer in that direction, seeing the gates surrounding the estate's grounds opening as guards moved to allow elves outside to pass into the fortifications.
Even in Kyliska's grim state of mind, the sight that greeted her eyes was glorious. Row after row of Blood Knights rode on their chargers, each in perfect formation with all of the others, each wearing full plate armor, bearing a lance, and wearing a tabard of House Sunfire on their chests. The sheer martial power that the group projected as they rode into the compound was heartwarming, and Kyliska found herself grinning as she watched them enter the grounds.
Her Knights had returned from the front lines!
The group slowly filled the training grounds and were greeted by a chorus of cheers from those who had been outside training in the chilly morning air. Kyliska watched as the group formed into a long, narrow column, horses held steady as she walked towards them. To her surprise, one amongst the group was not riding a charger, but was instead mounted upon what appeared to be a captured Kor'kron war wolf, the creature loping around the rear of the formation and then passing back and forth in front of it, its rider barking orders that echoed through the compound as she brought her men to a full halt.
As Kyliska walked up to stand before the Knights, the wolf-rider guided her mount to the fore of the group where Kyliska could see her better. Dressed in black armor rather than the shining armor of her Blood Knights, the Sin'dorei had short cropped black hair and enough piercings that her ears and nose glimmered from a distance in the morning's light. As the elf brought her wolf to a halt, it was clear that it was indeed a captured Kor'kron wolf, and a rabid one at that if she could judge by the foam coming from its mouth. Its rider gave its reins a hardy jerk, and Kyliska began to consider that perhaps the beast's attitude simply matched that of its rider.
The elf hopped down from the saddle, her black armor gleaming dully as she moved. To say that she had an array of weapons on her person was an understatement, and Kyliska lost count of the number of blades she saw after she reached five. To Kyliska's amusement, she also noted that the strange elf was wearing what looked like a captured and tattered Kor'kron war banner as a cloak. The elf walked up before Kyliska and bowed deeply before bringing a hand to her heart in an orcish-style salute.
"Lady Sunfire," the elf said formally, "I am pleased to report that all regiments of your Knights are accounted for and have returned from the front at Orgrimmar. They have attained much glory in the fighting, and have honored this House and their heritage."
Kyliska nodded, looking the other Sin'dorei over. She was obviously in some position of authority although Kyliska did not recognize her since she was not one of her Blood Knights, "And who are you, Captain?"
The Sin'dorei gave Kyliska a half-smile, her black painted lips almost looking smug as she replied, "I'm the bitch your sister put in charge of the expeditionary force, Lady Sunfire. The name's Novae Summergale, and it is a pleasure to serve you and this House."
Despite her mood, Kyliska found herself smiling at the Captain's brusque way of speaking. Combined with her obvious martial prowess and the fact that her Knights were rigidly in formation and awaiting command, it was clear that Biara had chosen well. The thought of her lost sister sent a wave of sorrow across Kyliska's heart, and the emotions danced across her face briefly.
Novae saw it and immediately stepped forward, her hand placed on Kyliska's unwounded shoulder and her voice low enough that it would not be heard by the Knights awaiting orders behind them, "I am truly sorry for your loss, Lady Sunfire. Biara was a good leader, and honored the ways of our people and our nation. Although I have not been with your House for very long, it was a joy to fight under her command and you have my solemn oath that my blade will continue to serve you in her place."
Kyliska nodded, unable to speak for a moment before regaining her composure. When she managed to meet Novae's stare, her eyes had a fire in them, "Your blade will serve me soon, Captain. Make sure the men do not grow weak and idle, because I already know who is responsible for my sister's death, and once I have the evidence and support I need, they are going to die in the most horrible way possible."
Novae grinned, giving Kyliska's shoulder a squeeze before lowering her hand. Her voice had a husky undertone that made Kyliska smile when she replied, "Lady Sunfire, I don't need evidence. You tell me that you want someone dead, and I will bathe in their blood. You have my word on that, my Lady. The soldiers will be ready at all times. When you call, we will slay in your name."
"Thank you, Captain," Kyliska replied. At least there was still some loyalty left in her shattered world. "Please, send the Knights to their barracks and allow them time to rest. They will be drawing their blades again very soon if I have anything to say about it."
"As you command, Lady Sunfire," Novae replied. She placed a hand over her heart again before spinning around to face the men. Her voice bellowed out, clear as day to everyone in the courtyard. "Knights! Fall out to the barracks! You are dismissed! Welcome home you bastards!"
The Blood Knights gave a wild cheer before breaking ranks and dismounting, moving towards the stables and barracks. For a few minutes, Kyliska watched them as they departed, studied the way the light gleamed on their blades, the way their chargers stamped upon the ground as if eager for the battles to come. In that moment she realized they were her weapon, her sword to wield as she saw fit.
In due time, I'll plunge this blade into your heart Seluna. All the way to the bloody hilt.
As she turned to head inside, Kyliska found herself feeling much better, and much angrier at the same time.
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