Crows and Snow Blades (Part One)

Nikolai's brow furrowed tightly. "I don't understand. The White Blade Guard gave you everything..."

Monty shook his head and sneered, cutting him off. "Of course you don't."

"You were chosen by Caslan. You were the future Commander he placed great hopes in and painstakingly cultivated. You were someone who could shoulder the entire battle standard of the White Blade Guard."

His breathing grew labored. His right hand pressed hard against the ground, dragging desperately as he looked at Nikolai with grief and indignation. "Seri Nicolai, you're the glorious Snow Blade, the shining light of the blade. How could you understand a filthy Crow like me, who survives by eating carrion?"

"Yes, the White Blade Guard gave us everything, but Caslan... he alone never gave us a choice."

Listening to the other man's inexplicable words, anger welled up in Nikolai's heart. "If you drag him into this again—"

But Monty cut him off without the slightest courtesy!

"You don't know a damn thing about Caslan!"

The Dead Crow spat harshly, his eyes furious. "You think you're his successor, and that you have to help him protect his final honor?"

"Bullshit!"

Nikolai's fury intensified. He was about to speak, but Monty continued on his own, choking off Starfaller's words before they could leave his mouth.

"That was the second day after we officially joined the unit."

Monty suppressed his emotions and spoke calmly. "Caslan suddenly told me that he thought I had great talent as a scout. As luck would have it, after 'Coward' Lycan died of illness, the Guard was in desperate need of someone like that. There happened to be a secret mission that night. Did I want to give it a try?"

Nikolai's cheek twitched. He remembered this matter. He still remembered the envy on the others' faces and