The Awakening (The Stones of Revenge) by Justin Sargeant

Refuge? You know it is your only salvation if Malchus comes to exact justice.”
    “I know, but I could not simply abandon my family. It has taken us a number of days to make preparations.”
    “ What about Rowan or Lord Malchus?” Mordecai asked.
    “I haven’t heard from Rowan nor the castle since then, though I doubt I am in the clear.”
    “More than naught, Rowan didn’t even report it.”
    “All the same, I don’t know if I want to find out.”
    “Where will you go?”
    “ Most likely Linsford. I fear Malchus might pursue me further if I do not seek refuge. Either way, by the end of the week, this store will not exist any longer.”
    “Is there no one to whom you can sell it?”
    “Nay, the drought has hit everyone just as hard. No one has the collateral.”
    Mordecai reached out his arm. “ I will be sad to see you leave. Best of luck Archer, and many thanks for yet another harness.” Archer returned the gesture and clasped his arm. They stood for a moment with a long look of friendship and appreciation between the two of them. Then, just as Mordecai turned to leave, the door to the store flung open and in walked Lord Malchus. Mordecai thought he caught a glint of something in Malchus’ eye. What it was or meant he couldn’t fathom, but it prompted a shiver to run down his spine. What have I gotten myself into, he thought.
    “Gentlemen,” the slow melodic voice began. “Gentlemen, I have been meaning to speak with both of you.
    Any hope Mordecai had of getting out of the building was thwarted with these words. He looked over to Archer and saw sweat running down the sides of his neck. Archer obviously expected death for his crime. Malchus moved into the room and slowly made his way up a row of shelves filled with dust and the occasional trinket to their location at the back of the store. His cape dragged along the ground creating a grating sound as he moved.   He did not say another word until he stood before the two men. They bowed low.
    “Archer, it has come to my attention that a certain altercation has occurred in Mr. Rowan’s establishment. You know the law as it pertains to the death another person intentional or otherwise; therefore, I shall not expand upon it. I have a man outside waiting to take you into custody. I would prefer you to come quietly.”
    Archer stood in his place with a stunned look on his face. He knew he should have left much sooner, but he had sincerely hoped that Malchus would find an empty store when he came to call. His choice was simple; he had to leave with his Lord. Otherwise, his family would receive the punishment that he deserved.
    “Can you promise that my wife and children will be cared for?” he asked, his tone pleading for Malchus to forego the execution.
    “I can,” Lord Malchus said smoothly.
    “Then I submit to you,” Archer said sullenly. Malchus turned to lead Archer away. They only walked a few feet when Malchus stopped and spun around his eyes gleaming again.
    “I find your reticence and your submission rather comforting. I have a proposal for you that may allow me to circumvent the law. It is nasty business, but if you accept, I will stay your execution.”
    “What is it, my Lord?” Archer said grasping at anything to save his life.
    “There is a man here in town who has been eluding my grasp. If you saw to his execution, I would consider your debt paid in full.”
    “What is his name?” Archer asked readily accepting the job.
    “Daxis.”
    “Daxis? Daxis is a child’s nightmare created by parents to entice their children to be obedient.”
    “Be that as it may, that is your mission.  I will give you a week’s stay of execution. If you can bring him to justice, you will go free.”
    Archer was stunned. He was given a ghost hunt as a mission. There was no possible way he could fulfill this mission. But feeling as though he had been deceived but left with no other option, he accepted. He then disappeared behind his counter with a