As the final test of their apprenticeship, Shadow Keepers are given a sturdy box with a heavy lock. They’re instructed to never let it be opened, lest the darkness inside be loosed on the world.
They are also given the key.
Some apprentices open the box on their first night. Others dutifully guard it for years. But eventually, everyone succumbs to the temptation.
Inside, they find a letter for them from their master, along with the letter their master received, and so on back to the founding of their order.
They learn their true history, along with their real purpose.

“Caddy, tea” by Auckland Museum Collections is licensed under CC BY 2.0.


Everyday Drabbles © 2025 by Hugh J. O’Donnell is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.

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