Squire of War

by M. H. Johnson

  “Hey, Jess! How are you? You look really beautiful with black hair. I just thought you should, um, know.”

  Jess smiled warmly at Abe. His plump, lively presence was always a comfort, freckled cheeks breaking into a cheerful grin, and Jess had to resist the urge to brush bright red locks out of his eyes. This was one boy who would always be kind, who was as gentle with children and the injured as he was clumsy with near everything else in his life. And why the professors so enjoyed using him for tasks sure to end in disaster Jess would never understand, knowing only that Abe was far too good-natured to deny anyone his resources or time.

  “Thank you, Abe, I’m glad you like the dye. I’ll probably wash it out today. Oh, hold still, Abe, let me get that for you. You’re about to spill beans everywhere. And thanks for your own thoughtful gift, by the way."

  Jess adroitly readied the tray Abe had been carrying, catching a bowl of beans just as it fell, twisting it quickly enough that not a single bean spilled out, though it had been close.

  Jess winced at Abe’s awe-struck gaze.

  “Heavens above, Jess, you moved so fast! That bowl, oh gosh, that bowl was going to spill everywhere! No wonder you are the best fighter in the entire school." His look of awe softened into a shy smile. "And you're welcome. I like getting you breakfast, Jess, I hope you liked the fare."

  Jess grinned. "I'm grateful for your kindness, but I would recommend you forgo giving your master the beans, Abe. They’re not well cooked, and will cause a very awkward afternoon.”

  Abe looked at her in surprise. “Oh gosh, I'm sorry, Jess, I wanted it to be perfect for you! He frowned in consternation, all but glaring at the fare. "They look fine to me, I picked out all the tough ones I saw in your bowl. How do you know they're bad? Can you teach me what to look for?”

  Jess smirked. “I'm afraid not. My invisible cat that no one believes in told me. Ignore his advice at your peril.”

  Abe looked of a sudden flustered. "Um… okay. But are you absolutely sure all the beans are bad? Master Reginald loves beans and rice in the morning.”

  Jess shrugged, handing back the bowl of beans. “Up to you, Abe, but don’t say I didn’t warn you, because I did.”

  A soft snort. Jess darted around, catching the hard-eyed gaze of none other than Ubel, his size and pockmarked face making him look like anything but a student, as imposing as any of the king’s own elite band of killers, striding down the hall like he owned the place. Other students, even one harried professor, darted out of his way without a word of protest.

  Jess felt a sudden surge tremble through her limbs as the largest man in the entire school glared at her again, cracking his knuckles, scowling a warning Jess understood all too well.

  Her response was a snarl, hand clenching her baton even as he continued to walk on by. She would not be cowed by anyone, even that giant of a student, as thoroughly trained in the killing arts as she, and massive besides. He sneered and sauntered off, Jess understanding the intent behind his glare, the battle-code his powerful hands gave off making it doubly clear.

  If she didn’t want a broken neck, she dare not reveal a word to anyone about the night before.

  Jess blinked, suddenly aware that Abe had said something, locking onto the fact that Abe was still staring at her intently, face lit up in an anxious, hopeful smile. “I’m sorry, Abe, I still feel a tad bit wool-headed, as I just woke up. What did you say?”

  Abe looked down at his belly, sticking ever so slightly beyond the tray he carried. No one could ever accuse Abe of starving himself, at least. “Well, you know that there will be a gala in a few weeks’ time, and I was just, um, wondering, if you didn’t have any other plans, if you’d like to, you know… go. And, well, maybe I could go with you?”

  Jess spared Abe a gentle smile, stroking his cheek fondly. "Dear Abe. Thank you so much for asking me! I always appreciate how thoughtful you are. Alas, I'm not sure if I'll be up to any late night galas next week, but if I do stop by, I'll definitely keep an eye out for you, and we'll share a glass of cider and you can tell me all about your studies."

  Abe managed to look both ecstatically happy and mildly disappointed at the same time. “It’s just that um… okay, that sounds great! Let’s do that. I’d love having a glass of cider and talking about my studies with you. You’re so smart. And you’d be such a better mage than me with all your insights into magic if you were um… you know.”

  Jess smirked. "If I were actually gifted in magic? No, it's okay, Abe. I was just kidding. I got over it a long time ago."

  “I’m sorry, I’m such an idiot. But anyway, who cares about that? You’re one of Eloquin’s sacred band, saving Erovering from dark forces and evil invaders, but of course we’re not supposed to know that, so never mind. And um... I would love to see you at the gala. If you want. Anyway, it’s good to see you, Jess. You look more beautiful than any princess. You know that, right? I gotta go. Bye.”

  With that, a suddenly furiously blushing Abe performed what was for him a rare feat of dexterity, darting around a bemused Jess and hurrying up the stairs, all without spilling a thing.

  “Good morning, all." Jess nodded at her friends as she entered the vast central dining hall of the college, strolling over to her accustomed seat, her shieldbrother grinning and patting her chair in welcome, Jess trading nods with any number of acquaintances, most especially her fellow Squires as she passed their tables, pointedly ignoring the smirks and cold looks sometimes sent her way.

  She flashed her shieldbrother a knowing smile which he returned with a wink, and Jess savored the fierce connection she had with Malek, both of them equally excited at the prospect of adventure that awaited them whenever it was time to blacken their daggers or otherwise engage in acts of daring. With Alex’s quest, talk of exotic shadowstorms, and rumors of a gate into living dream soon to form near this very school, Jess suspected that exciting times were ahead.

  Jess cleared her throat as she approached her table. “Greetings everyone, the food looks delicious. I recommend everyone avoid the beans, however, if they don’t want major stomach cramps by lunch time." This last part Jess said at full volume, shamelessly as always, and more than one table quieted, their occupants turning to stare at her with varying expressions of amusement and curiosity.

  “What makes you say that, Jess?” asked a student from one of the neighboring tables.

  "Well, I could tell you that it was an impressive feat of divination performed with the entrails of wild animals I caught by the light of the full moon, but that would be a lie."

  Jess winked at the grinning student who had asked. "No, actually, it was my familiar that warned me about the dire fate awaiting those who would dare uncharted culinary waters today." She shrugged and smiled as many of the students chuckled, only a few with mocking derision. "Yes. The same familiar that most of you think of as my little eccentricity. Anyway, do what you will. I, for one, am avoiding the beans."

  Alex gave her a bemused smile. "Welcome to breakfast. Been communing with Twilight, have we?"

  Jess grinned. "Only about beans. Now if I could look as lovely as you in a dress, Jera, I wouldn’t have to rely on outrageous statements to get everyone’s attention and save them gods’ awful stomach cramps and a trip to the Healers Wing.”

  "Well, you do,” Jera assured. “Look very attractive, I mean. Even now I see more than one fellow looking our way, and I don't think it's just because of your eccentric humor." Her friend smiled. "And good morning, Jess. Thanks for the tip on the beans."

  Looking slightly pale, Jacob discretely spat out a mouthful of the fare in question. “I wish you had come down ten minutes ago. I do hope I don’t get sick.”

  “You aren't really serious, are you, Jess?" This from Richard, another one of the more prominent lord's sons that had gravitated to their table. He and Raphael had hit it off seasons ago, their families having similar interests with their supply goods divergent enough that they could benefit from each other's trade routes, and minimize ou
tside competition. Jess had no doubt that had one or the other been a girl, their families might already have betrothed them.

  Jess nodded, thinking his quizzical expression did make his strong features rather handsome. "Serious enough not to eat the beans, Richard."

  Raphael gave his friend a confidential smile. "Our dear Jess has a knack for this sort of thing. Guised as humor or no, her advice is often quite good."

  “Yes, that's true." Elica, another regular at their table, was frowning at her plate before turning to Jess with a smile. "She is quite the herbalist, after all. And good morning to you, Jessica."

  “Good morning, Elica.” Jess nodded at her friend. Quiet, polite, and very proper, Elica had quite a knack for portraiture. Even the masters had requested her doing their portraits from time to time. Though her father was of limited means and barely made the title of lesser lord, Jess understood that he was a renowned artist himself, and such was how he maintained his family income with so little land to his name.

  Regardless, Elica’s future was assured as a portraitist. Her noble rank would no doubt grant her access even to the royal residences, should she gain sufficient renown. Petite and gentle, with a warm smile and friendly eyes, she was not without suitors either.

  Jess filled her belly and chatted with her friends, enjoying the moment, forging a sweet memory to savor like many others, before catching Alex’s gaze, so much conveyed without a word.

  He shook his head and smiled. “No worries, Jess. We’ll be fine.”

  Jess nodded. “So it is today, then?”

  Alex nodded back. “We’ve just readied our supplies and will be heading to our mounts just after breakfast. The weather, as you know, is perfect. With thick woolen cloaks and the saddle blankets, we will be fine, even sleeping under the stars."

  Jacob glanced his way and sighed. “You know it’s a wild goose chase, of course? A long summer is not an eternal one. Everyone just gets so drunk when they join in the revels that the days tend to blur together.” His lips curled into a teasing smile. “Admit it. You just want to ride across the countryside with your lover beside you, feeling as important as any archmage, matters of grave arcane import needing your brilliance to resolve.”

  Jera frowned. “We’re very serious, Jacob, and as you should know, not everyone joins the Squires’ crazy drunken revels. Plenty of the more daring boys and girls, certainly, and you know half of them are betrothed to their lovers in all but name, much like you and Malek.”

  Jacob smirked at that, though his gaze for Malek, jesting at that moment with Raphael, was filled with heartbreaking tenderness Jess couldn’t help but be touched by.

  Jacob bowed his head. “Point to you, Jera. Not everyone drinks like a fish, like me and my Squire do. But still, headaches aside, I have a hard time believing that this is anything but an excuse for you two to enjoy the countryside together.”

  Jera sneaked a glance at her beau before flushing and smiling. “All right,” she whispered, Alex blinking in surprise. “I have my doubts, but I’m excited just to make the journey, to see if we make some fantastic discovery, and of course, I will have my Alex by my side.”

  Alex smiled happily as Jera leaned into him. “I love the thought of escaping for a bit and savoring some time together, just our band under the stars, I admit it, Jera. But I really do think we’ll make some fascinating discoveries. And don’t worry, my friends. If I actually uncover the linchpin of this wondrous enchantment, I promise to do nothing to endanger it. And as to the bad weather we spoke of? Even the mildest of storms only hit those plains once a year, and for most of Erovering, it's closer to never. We'll be fine."

  Jera smiled. “It will be a wonderful trip to the countryside, and the fact that most of our friends are themselves couples makes things awfully convenient, no?”

  Alex nodded. “It does indeed. The fact that we are doing this under our own initiative does add to the spice.”

  Jera smirked. “A good thing we were able to talk our teachers into a few days' grace to pursue our own studies.”

  Jess laughed at that. “Good for you, Jera. I would have just cut class. Not that I bother much with classes anyway. Come to think of it, I’m not even sure what classes I have this semester. I think it’s been awhile since I bothered with that sort of thing.”

  Malek grinned. “It’s true. She just looks for a room with a softly speaking teacher, finds a comfortable seat underneath a warm puddle of sunlight, and takes a nap. It’s pure coincidence that two of the classes she sleeps through are actually assigned.”

  A number of her friends burst into laughter at that. Jess, though slightly embarrassed, couldn’t help smiling in turn, buoyed by the affection they all had for one another, all of them embracing the ebb and flow of lunchtime banter. Sometime later, Jess found herself gazing at Jera’s beautifully coiffed hair, struck with sudden inspiration.

  Her hand of its own accord reached into her own ebony locks, pulling out a delicate seedling of ash, new leaves the color of flashing emeralds, carefully putting it in an awed Jera’s lighter brown curls.

  “Saint’s fire, you’ve had that seedling in your hair all this time?” Malek’s eyes crinkled in bemusement.

  Jess shrugged. “I guess so.”

  Alex blinked, gazing from one to the other. “Jess?”

  “Yes Alex?”

  “Why did you just put an ash seedling in my beau’s hair?”

  Jess grinned. “A promise I made. Doesn’t it look nice?”

  Alex blinked and frowned, shaking his head. “Strangely enough, it does. It looks almost elegant, with that splash of green in the heart of her braid.”

  Jera trilled a laugh when Josie pulled out a hand mirror Jess was amazed to see her friend carrying. “Because you never know, Jessie,” she explained as Jera gave a slow nod.

  “Strangely enough, I feel like I was crowned. All right, Jess, I give up. Why did you put this seedling in my hair?”

  “I made a promise,” Jess explained. “I promised the ash tree who sacrificed his limbs for our cause that I would plant at least one of his seedlings. And when I think of the adventure you two are about to embrace, I can’t help but feel that it belongs with you.”

  Jera’s brow furrowed. “Jess, I don’t know anything about tending any plants, save pruning my mother’s roses.”

  Jess winked. “You’ll be a natural. Just, when you feel it fall out, you’ll know you found the right spot. If you think to plant it several inches in the soil and sprinkle some water atop it, that would be an added blessing but, well, not absolutely necessary, if you sort of forget to.”

  Jera looked a bit hesitant, but Alex of all people was nodding enthusiastically. “Of course we will. This is actually an excellent opportunity for us. We can study a Druidic working, even as it manifests itself. For all that we adhere to the elementalist tradition, we can still observe, note, and learn from other disciplines of magic, no matter that half the scholars at this school refuse to believe that any art save elementalism has ever held sway.”

  His intent gaze locked upon Jera’s. She flushed and nodded her head. “All right. Only for you guys will I agree to this.” She flashed an embarrassed smile. “The leaves are pretty, but I still feel a bit silly.”

  Jess sighed, feeling curiously relieved. “Thank you, Jera, I sort of forgot I even had that seedling on me.”

  Jera frowned. “Your hair looks pretty well braided for someone who forgot to comb it.” Soft lips teased into an evil grin.

  Jess winced. “Sometimes I forget that sort of thing.”

  Malek only smiled, rubbing her hair, both of them insisting upon seeing Alex and Jera off as they readied their horses at the stables, lost in animated conversation with their fellows, speaking of things Jess could barely understand, and she sensed from his sigh that Malek would have loved to join them. But he was a middling mage at best, unable to cast any advanced magics other than protective wards. A far cry from the well-versed, brilliant students that comprised Alex’s c
oterie.

  One of whom was smiling at Jess so much that she felt her cheeks redden. Jess turned to look into a pair of brilliant green eyes. “Is it true what you said today?”

  Jess blinked, gazing at a beautiful girl wearing a practical woolen dress cinched tight, split for riding, noting the bright red curls sticking out of her muffin cap. “Pardon me?”

  A soft chuckle. “My name is Abella. I just transferred here to Highrock from the Royal Academy in Krona, and I found the breakfast conversation absolutely fascinating. Imagine a talking cat that can sense the quality of your breakfast fare.”

  Jess blushed and grinned, feeling Abella's gaze linger on her Highrock uniform. “Yes, he has quite a way with beans. Among other things.”

  “Such as?”

  “Such as what?”

  Gentle laughter. “What else is your cat good for?”

  Jess grinned. “Brilliant conversation, sage wit, the ability to instantly put me back in my place when my head gets too big for my shoulders; anything you could want in a talking cat, really.”

  Abella’s eyes twinkled merrily, lips all but begging to be kissed. Jess swallowed.

  “Such a fascinating cat. Do you know what, Jessica? I think I would very much like to meet this mysterious cat firsthand.” She winked. “It would make a wonderful paper to send back to the Royal Academy.”

  Jess chuckled. “Sadly, only I can see him, but you’re more than welcome to come to my quarters and make a more thorough investigation, if you’d like.”

  The nearby gentle murmur of conversation drew to a halt. Multiple eyes gazing curiously Jess’s way. Some openly smiling.

  Jess felt her cheeks grow hot. Why the heck had she said that aloud?