A Knight's Path (The Path of Cinder Book 1)

by Nathan Grafton

  Training ended and dinner was found and devoured by the pair and then Alden disappeared toward the library again. Warren took a deep breath and decided he needed to act. The large boy weaved through the halls in a circle backwards from what he normally walked toward his room but just “coincidentally” happened to stumble into Elise. She walked the same route every day at this time, Warren normally saw her from behind as he reached his room so he had just hot footed it into her path.

  The large boy smiled down at the small girl and said, “Elise, funny running into you here.”

  The blonde looked up at him, “Warren, how are you feeling? I nearly jumped out of my skin when you stepped off the Wall the other day!”

  Warren rubbed the back of his head and chuckled, “Yeah, that was, well, terrifying. But I am fine. Blackfeather is not about to do anything like that again.”

  Elise smiled, “Good. I’m sorry, Warren but I have to meet someone before long so I really should get going.”

  The large boy opened his mouth, shut it, licked his lips, and said, “Oh, alright. But, I was just wondering before you took off if, well, uh, maybe you would go with me to the Festival Ball?”

  Elise’s shoulders slumped and she reahed out toward him, placing it on his arm, “Warren, I’m sorry, but I’m already going with Alden. I thought he would’ve told you. I really have to get to the library, Warren. I’m sorry but I can’t go with you.”

  The large boy looked away from her and off to the side, “Oh, alright. It’s fine. I won’t keep you any longer.”

  Elise squeezed his arm, “I’m really sorry, Warren.”

  The blonde released him and walked away, looking back over her shoulder at Warren as the big boy shuffled off toward his room. Warren reached his room and lay down quietly, lost in his own thoughts.

  Chapter 32 Preparations

  Alden made his way back after another fruitless night of searching through law books with Elise. They would find something eventually and the young man had no intention of giving up any time soon. Warren was already asleep when Alden reached the room so the smaller of the pair took his boots off quietly and lay down in his own bed. Tomorrow was going to be a…interesting day.

  Alden woke up the next morning and looked over at Warren’s bed, noticing the large boy was already gone. Strange but the young man shrugged it off, Warren was probably off to find some lady to take with him to the ball. It would be easy for the large teen at this point. He was all muscle, confidence and nobility.

  The green eyed teen stretched and dressed before heading out the door and down the stairs. Alden popped his neck along the way and found Elise waiting for him by the gates. The young man walked over to her with a mischievous grin.

  The blonde glowered, “You’re late, Flint.”

  Alden shrugged and droned, “I’m sorry but my bed was comfortable and I overslept. That’s actually quite the rarity.”

  Elise rubbed her forehead, “Alright, I’ll forgive you this time.”

  The pair headed off into the Market to hopefully find what they needed. It would’ve been helpful if they had been given more time but there was nothing they could do at this point. The first stop they reached was a dress shop and Alden settled in rather quickly, studying the ceiling from a chair as Elise and another woman ran around the room. Most people already had their dresses ordered and purchased but there were still a few nice ones left. They also had wonderfully detailed molding around the doors.

  Alden had been in the middle of counting the barely visible nail heads, he had reached 18, when Elise came out wearing a sky blue dress. It hugged her down to her thigh and then flare back out, ending almost even with the ground. A slit ran up one side exposed her leg to just above the knee. She looked wonderful.

  The young man rose to his feet as Elise smiled at him and spread her arms out, “What do you think?”

  Alden studied her and smiled, “I like it.”

  She frowned, “Let me try something else.”

  Before the young man could protest she had disappeared and he sat back down to count nails again only to discover he had lost his place. He didn’t have long to wait though because a moment later Elise reappeared in a shimmering gold dress. She turned for him and asked with less excitement then before, “What about this one?”

  Alden let out a breath, “I liked the other one. The mermaid look suits you and I like the pleated neck.”

  Elise studied him for a minute before asking, “How do you know about dress styles?”

  The young man rubbed the back of his head, “Little sister. Also taught me how to dance.”

  The blonde smiled, “Good, now I’m going to get out of this and find some things to go with the other dress.”

  Alden resumed his place as Elise vanished once again. The nails still needed counting. A few minutes later Elise appeared and was making arrangements with the tailor to have the dress delivered to the Wall on Friday.

  The woman helping Elise scribbled a few notes down and finally came to a total. 2 crowns and five scepters. And that was after she had cut the price for Elise as a Royal Guard. Alden’s nostrils flared at the price but he didn’t say a word because Elise didn’t seem phased.

  There was a long drawn out moment and Alden looked up from his feet to find the seamstress and Elise staring at him. The blonde raised her eyebrows, “Well? Are you going to pay or keep a lady waiting?”

  The young man jumped up but bit back his temper. Elise was clearly expecting him to pay and wasn’t about to have it any other way. She had just assumed he would. And that meant the correct thing was to pay. The young man counted out the money, half of what he had earned for the month, and payed the seamstress. Mentally, the young man kicked himself for not checking to find out who paid what in this. But what was done was done. He had asked and she had said yes. He was going to stick to it now.

  The pair left the dress shop and the blonde led him through town again to another shop. And this one sold suits. The young man let out a breath, hoping he would have a little left over after this. Shopping for him was much simpler. He didn’t have any family colors. So he found black pants and a black long coat. It was a finer material then any of his other clothing. And less durable. But he didn’t question it. A collared satin shirt in the same blue as Elise’s dress and Alden was done there. And his purse was another crown and a half lighter. And the blonde still wasn’t done with him.

  The third store was a shoe store. Alden protested, saying there was nothing wrong with his boots and Elise snorted a reply, “Except that they’re covered in three inches of dirt and more suited to kicking in teeth then dancing.”

  The young man muttered to himself but let the blonde lead him into the store. The boots were black and basic enough. They were lighter then his old boots as well. Plus they clicked when he walked. And they only cost him three scepters. The blonde also made him purchase silver cuff links an a nicer belt then his regular one with a silver buckle. Five more scepters. That left him with two scepters of the five crowns he had received at the beginning of the month. But the blonde was happy and Alden normally didn’t spend much money. He still had a crown and a half from the month before so he was still a crown and seven scepters richer then when he had started. And that was enough for him to be content.

  Chapter 33 Resentment

  Warren ordered a suit for the ball even though he wasn’t exactly thrilled with going at the moment. The colors of his family as usual. A dark blue suit, with a gold dress shirt and a vest that was a myriad of dark blue whirls inlaid with gold trim. His shirt had silver cuff links and studs on the collar. His suit jacket had gold trim around the wrists and small golden falcons in the lapels. The whole suit only cost the large boy five crowns and three scepters. His father had sent him twenty the month before so he still had the ten crowns from the Guard and eight of what his father sent him. He was actuall
y doing a good job about not spending all his money.

  The young man began to drift through town as he thought about Elise. She had looked hurt as she turned him down but that was just pity and nothing to hope on. The thing that nagged at Warren was the fact that Alden hadn’t told him. But there again he had never mentioned wanting to take Elise so why would Alden think it was important to him.

  Warren let out a breath, it was nothing to worry about. Sure, she was pretty and strong and independent but he had only known her for a short time. It was nothing to let himself get down about. He would just go alone and make friends and connections and maybe steal a few dances from some of the other ladies. And maybe one or two with Elise if Alden didn’t keep her to himself.

  The large boy shook the thought away as fast as it had come. Elise was just another girl after all. Right? Warren turned and headed back towards the Wall before thinking better of it and heading towards a bar in High Town. His new plan was to see if he could find a meal and maybe a few drinking buddies. It shouldn’t be that hard after all.

  The bar Warren chose was called The Black Stallion and the young man immediately regretted his choice upon seeing the lean figure of Reginald Blackfeather leaning against the counter. Blackfeather had already seen him though and leaving would be admitting fear or weakness to the other man so Warren strode in and ordered whiskey.

  Blackfeather cleared his throat, “Faulkner. I thought you spent your time hanging around with filthy peasants in dirty taverns by Low Town. What brings you into an establishment like this one? It can’t be for the company since you made it clear the kind you like to keep.”

  Warren set his teeth and accepted the shot glass, throwing it back in a gulp before replying, “I keep intelligent company. Not the kind who like to spin mindless nonsense about their own superiority. Of course, you are nothing without your father and your wealth.”

  The dark teen snorted, “Like you would be anywhere without your father?”

  The giant boy sat down and shrugged, “I at least have a sense of honor and decency. You are nothing but a viper, Blackfeather.”

  Reginald’s smug grin appeared, “Be careful what you say about my name, Faulkner. You’re just a Merchant after all.”

  Warren’s dark gray eyes filled with confusion and Reginald’s grin broadened, “You haven’t heard then. But then again its private council between my father and the King but the Crown is going to elevate my father to a Duke. Here before long I’ll be a Noble. And then you and that filthy farmer will have to answer to me.”

  The large teen gathered himself and shrugged, “We will see. The fact that it’s private means you shouldn’t even know. And the fact that you’re spouting it off in a tavern, well, lets just say if word reaches the King your father is probably going to slide down hill rather quickly. Wouldn’t you agree?”

  Reginald’s grin disappeared for a moment and then he recovered it, “The King wouldn’t believe someone like you. You’re nobody. Just some backwater Merchant’s son he had with a cheap whore.”

  Warren frowned, “My father and mother are both better people then any member of your family. You are nothing but sellouts and back stabbers. You break contracts at a whim because a better offer came along. Even if it’s just a scepter or two. Your family will do anything for a crown. And I have no use for a conniving thief like you. Have a nice life.”

  A scepter was dropped on the bar and Warren strode out of the room. He was no longer despondent but he was very irritated. The large man began to stride along the path back to the Wall, eager for the day to be over so he could just lose himself in training for a week and leave the events of the past few days behind him.

  The young man changed his path again and spent the day roaming the town. Trying to avoid people and sort the torrent of thoughts racing through his mind. As the sun dipped into the west the young man finally returned to the Wall and fell into his bed, exhausted. He was asleep when Alden returned after another fruitless night of searching the library.

  Warren woke up to a fresh uniform being tossed onto him as always. He grunted and sat up and began to dress like he always did. The big man noted the black boots, fine belt and silver cuff links on Alden’s desk. Elise surged into Warren’s mind, bringing with her a string of jealous thoughts. Warren pushed those thoughts out of his mind. It was time to start training.

  Weapon drills finally improved. Sergeant Hunter had them running through attack pattern. The mace was an easy weapon to learn, it was essentially just a large club and all Warren had to do was worry about having the flange connect square with whatever he was aiming at. He had eight surfaces to work with. And parrying was something that the Sergeant told him he shouldn’t worry about. The mace wasn’t a parrying weapon but Warren had enough shield to make up for it.

  The large boy learned the basics. How to pick out a weak point, how to turn the mace to have it impact properly and how to recover from a dodged or parried attack. His mass was his ally and while he might not be the fastest on the battlefield there would be little that could actually stand against him once he got a hold of it. Warren watched the things the Sergeant taught Alden. How to parry and riposte. How to deflect with his shield and make use of the opening it would provide. Most of it was lecture with a little practical demonstration.

  Lunch was a quiet affair and Warren felt his mind drawn back towards the incident with Elise. The large teen had no idea why he was so fixated on it. It’s not like it really mattered. She was just another girl after all. The quiet boy tried to distract himself but ended up thinking about the things Blackfeather had said the day before. it irritated Warren that the Blackfeathers were to set to enter the ranks of the nobility. How had they of all people won that honor?

  Alden picked up on his friend’s irritation and asked, “Somethin’ on your mind?”

  Warren shook his head, “No. Nothing to worry about.”

  The smaller of the pair raised an eyebrow but replied, “Your business is your business.”

  The large teen went back to his thoughts in silence and they returned to Elise. And how Alden couldn’t be bothered to mention anything to him. A pang of anger shot into him at the thought of Alden and Elise twirling around in a dance but Warren smothered it. Elise was just another girl after all.

  After lunch came the routine sparring practice and well, Warren’s anger wasn’t quite smothered all the way. A solid thump sounded as a punch connected against Alden’s ribs making the smaller of the pair stumble and come back up with a grimace, “That was a solid one. Pull the next one could you?”

  Warren just grunted in response as the two began to fight again and a second thump sounded out as Warren connected with Alden’s shoulder, making the smaller boy stumble backwards before catching himself. Alden rolled the shoulder and muttered to himself, “So, that’s how it is today.”

  Sergeant Hunter began to frown as the two of them began to fight again and a pair of sharp smacks sounded as Alden drove a double jab into Warren’s gut followed by dropping his shoulder and ramming the larger boy. Warren caught his balance and stepped in, coming after Alden with a wild right hook. The smaller of the pair ducked the blow and slammed his fist into Warren’s side. The large teen reached down and grabbed Alden’s collar, tossing the young man across the room roughly.

  Alden was back up in a heartbeat and rushed towards Warren. The pair fell to the ground as Alden tackled his partner and began to roll around in the dirt, punching and kicking each other. Warren pinned Alden to the ground and drew his fist back to slam it into Alden’s crooked nose and then felt a sharp impact and was laying on his back. And then he was yanked upright and onto his feet.

  Alden was hauled up a moment later as Sergeant Hunter glared at the two of them and snarled, “What the hell has gotten into you two?!”

  Warren watched as Alden’s eyes narrowed at him and then looked down at his feet. The lar
ge boy let out a breath and looked up at the ceiling. The Sergeant stepped back a foot and began to pace.

  A moment later he stepped back towards them, “You don’t want to talk, fine. I’m not here to babysit but whatever the hell has you two idiots worked up had better get worked out and quick. So quick it happened yesterday. Get out and come back when you can act like adults and not a pair of six year olds fighting over who gets the ball first. Understood?”

  The pair muttered yes halfheartedly and the Sergeant cracked each of them on the back of the head before growling, “Go sort whatever the hell your problem is out.”

  The pair stepped out into the hall and began to walk with a tense silence hanging between them. Warren noted the pain in his side. Alden had gotten a good hit in at least once but he knew he would be covered in bruises tomorrow. And Alden would be as well all because Warren was jealous and couldn’t control himself.

  The big boy took a breath, “Sorry.”

  Alden was quiet for a minute, “I let myself get carried away to. So, the blame is mine as much as yours. But what happened? It’s not like you to lose your temper like that.”

  Warren nodded, “I know. Just. I have had a lot on my mind lately. Blackfeather said a few things that have me worried.”

  Warren could almost hear the smaller boy raise his eyebrow, “What did he have to say?”

  The large boy smiled glumly and answered, “He said his father received a letter from the King that said he was going to be elevated to Duke. I have no idea if that’s true or not though.”

  The green eyed boy popped one of his fingers, “It’s illegal to reveal private correspondance of the Crown.”

  Warren frowned, “How do you know that?”

  Alden replied evenly, “I’ve been studyin’ law up in the library.”