My swordplay seemed to be coming along well, but with no real opponent to practice against, I had nothing to measure progress. Nonetheless, I kept at it, the forms becoming mere muscle memory. I even practiced being more aware of my surroundings when I fought, so that I couldn’t be caught unaware.
With all of this going on, I was extremely busy, with hardly any time to think about Enelo, Dante, or my friends; outside of my brief trips to Enelo’s place, of course. I was glad, in some small way. I missed them all too much if I actively thought of them, so I simply focused my mind and heart on my training.
~
I awoke as the sun’s first rays began to chase away the night. I dressed quickly and made my way to Geoff’s quarters. When he answered the door, he grunted and took me down once again to the main underground chamber. Arriving, I noticed a difference in the layout around me.
There was a small table with two chairs and a pair of steaming cups. In the far chair facing toward me, a man sat silently occasionally sipping from his cup. He studied me as I approached, silently gesturing to the chair and cup. I obeyed the unspoken orders and sat before picking up the cup. I paused to smell it, but all I could smell was the sharp scent of bitter tea. That didn’t mean much though, as I knew plenty of poisons that were scentless.
The man, I assumed my newest instructor, gestured again for me to drink. I figured that there was little harm in it. They could have killed me any number of times, had they wanted to. I sipped, attempting to taste any irregularities in the drink. There was a slight tang, but I couldn’t place it.
I set the cup down, too curious to stay quiet any longer, “What am I learning today?”
The man smiled, and not in a nice way. He set his own cup down on the table.
“I have been sent to teach you pain.” As he spoke, I became concerned and tried to rise from my chair, but stumbled as soon as I made my feet. Poison. I attempted to look over at the man but I quickly lost consciousness.
~
It was dark. That was the first thing I noticed as I regained my senses. The next was that I was detained. My arms and legs were slightly spread, but I couldn’t move them. I couldn’t feel any ropes or chains keeping me down. I tried to look around but couldn’t even move my head. I could barely even move my eyes around to look at the room. It was dark, but there were a few candles lit further away from me.
One such candle appeared to lift off a table and glided over to me. As it came closer I saw that it was the man from earlier carrying the candle.
He smiled as he saw me, “Excellent, you are aware.” I tried to speak, but couldn’t move my mouth.
His smile widened and he chuckled, “You cannot move at the moment. I have given you a strong dose of dreamgrass.”
I recognized the name. It was a rare herb, known for being able to incapacitate, removing all control, while still allowing consciousness.
“You will be unable to move for the next few hours. Have no fear, I shall not kill you. Sol gave me explicit instructions not to kill you. As I said before, I am here to teach you pain.” With that said, he set the candle down. I couldn’t see where he set it but a moment later his hands reappeared with a bowl. He grabbed a spoon like instrument and used to to smear a line of whatever was in the bowl onto the back of my hand.
At first it was just cool, but then the temperature spiked, turning blazing hot. I felt like my hand had been cut open with a dagger and hot coals had been poured in. I attempted to scream but couldn’t even manage that under the effects of the dreamgrass. I felt something wet out of the corner of my eye and realized I had shed a tear.
The man came back into view with a nasty grin on his face. Chuckling evilly, he continued to smear a line of the atrocious substance across my chest. I knew it was coming but the pain still rocked through me, a thousandfold worse than the pain in my hand. I would have shook with the intensity of it, but I was still unable to move myself, not even to twitch from the searing pain. I nearly blacked out from the pain, but the pain lessened slightly. My vision was blurred now, eyes filled with unshed tears.
I could faintly make out my tormentor’s vague shape as he spoke, “We can’t have you passing out now, can we. No, that won’t do at all.” And with that, the pain began anew.
~
The pain was there, always there. It was a living, breathing thing. In my mind I knew it was there, but I had removed myself from it. It was a part of me, yet not. I existed, that much I knew, but I didn’t dwell on that. Here it was calm, serene.
I imagined the forest in all its wonder. The trees, with leaves swaying in the gentle breeze, the birds chirping, squirrels dashing about. There was even a deer in the distance, lapping at a small, flowing stream. I was a part of it, yet not. The forest was alive. I was alive. I felt safe here. It was a good place.
Abruptly, I tensed. I noticed that somewhere, in that hidden part of me, that the ever existing pain was gone. It had vanished. It sometimes did that, but it would return shortly, as it always had. It was calm here. Unlike the pain. I waited and waited, trying to sense the distant essence of the pain. Still it did not return.
Cautiously I reached for that hidden part of me where the pain usually resided, but found it strangely absent of any pain whatsoever. Tentatively, I embraced the hidden part of me. The forest scene before me vanished and once more I was lying still in that cold, dark room faintly lit with burning candles.
Then I remembered my tormentor and how he had been the cause of the pain. I jolted upright, now finally able to move my body. I felt around at my arms, legs, and the rest of my body thinking of finding the many scars and burn marks the man had inflicted. I found nothing. My skin was unchanged, undamaged. Hands still calloused from sword use, but no other scars or marks.
Had it all been a dream? No, I shook my head, clearly remembering the pain. My thoughts came to an end as I heard a door open and a figure with a torch appeared at the far end of the room. I stood and crouched, trying to conceal myself in darkness. The torch came in my direction, the brightness of it made shield my eyes.
“Do not fear me, Kayne.”
I recognized the voice. Headmaster Sol? I quickly checked myself over once more and finding no real damage, I came out of the shadows. Still wary, I was ready to kill at the hint of danger. Standing tall, I waited for him to approach. He paused when I became enveloped in the light of his torch, his eyes flickering across me. I stared at him, demanding an explanation in the silence.
He nodded at me, “Good, you are intact.” Still I stayed silent, tilting my head slightly in question. The Headmaster continued, “This particular training is where we sometimes lose recruits. It tends to drive them mad. It is also necessary to learn to accept such pain and to be able to set it aside. Rarely, one of us may be caught. We must ensure the secrecy of the Ravens at large, hence the torture. We do this to teach your mind to withstand it incase you are ever caught and questioned. You may be angry, but in time you will see reason. Perhaps you will even thank me someday.”
He smirked and gestured for me to follow. It’s true I was angry at being placed in such pain, but even through the anger I could see the reasoning behind it, twisted though it may be. I compared it to healing. Sometimes it was painful to cleanse a wound so that infection wouldn’t set in. In a vague sense, the end justifies the means. Still, if I ever saw my torturer again I would kill him without hesitation.
I followed Sol out as he, once again, blindfolded me. When it was removed, we were standing in Geoff’s room. Geoff was watching me carefully, like one would watch a rabid dog. I ignored him and left to my quarters without a single word spoken. There was nothing to say. If I stayed any longer I might have killed someone.
~
My training resumed as if nothing had happened and the weeks continued to pass. I only spoke when spoken to, and only then in as few words as possible. I had changed, somehow only now realizing what I had accepted by joining the Shadow Ravens. I ate in my quarters alone, as I had for the last fe
w months. Today though, I was in no hurry as my lessons had been cancelled for the day. Sol had said that my next trainer wouldn’t arrive in Erelith until the morrow.
I watched as the sun slowly rose in the sky. It brought memories of Enelo to the fore of my mind, and consequently, Shar. It had been some time since I had last seen her, a few months at least. I wondered if she was still around the area, or if she had long since left for the deeper parts of the forest or even farther still. With nothing to do for the day, I made up my mind to check the forest near where I had left her.
Leaving the school grounds at such an early time wasn’t hard. Most students were still asleep. I didn’t acknowledge the guards as I left the city, like I had in the past. I hadn’t realized how much I had missed the serenity of the forest until I arrived. I walked carefully, not making a sound. It was now natural for me to take in my surroundings and I knew where to place my feet with every step to make the least amount of noise. It was a skill that the Shadow Ravens taught early, as it was essential for completing most of the tasks that were assigned.
I spotted a rabbit in the distance, and crept softly towards it. I was curious to test my skills, as being able to sneak up on a rabbit would be quite a feat. When I was about five paces away, easily within knife-throwing range, a large form blurred past me. I dropped into a fighting crouch as the large creature landed on the rabbit, wringing its neck easily. From its back, I could clearly tell that it was a mountain lion, and I was trying to think of a way to defeat it with my bare hands when it turned its head towards me.
My jaw dropped slightly in amazement. The first thing I recognized was the distinctive, white diamond adorning its forehead. The second were those bright green eyes that I would never forget. Shar.
I froze as she sauntered up to me, the rabbit laying forgotten on the ground. She was nearly close enough for me to touch when she sprung. She was too fast for me to do anything but bring my arms up in a weak defense. We both crashed to the ground and I imagined having my throat ripped out. After a few moments of not being mauled, I slowly lowered my arms to find Shar’s face inches from mine. And then, she licked me.
Her large, rough tongue scratched my cheek and I heard a deep rumbling in her chest. She was purring! I nearly laughed aloud as I grinned and hesitantly began to tickle her on the back of her ears. The rumbling grew louder as I sat up, taking her huge head in my hands and hugging her. Then I did laugh aloud as all the tension eased from me. Going from nearly dying to meeting an old friend had my emotions running rampant. We sat there for a while, she resting her head in my lap and I gently stroking her fur. It was a good day.
Eventually, I got up, trying to gently remove her rather heavy head from my lap. As I stood she walked back to the rabbit and laid it at my feet, sitting on her haunches and waiting for me to do something.
I just laughed again, “Well done, Shar.”
Her tail whipped playfully. I didn’t have any need for rabbit so I offered it back to Shar once more, who gently took it from my hands, with her long, sharp teeth. I looked at the sun, which was even now losing its battle with the horizon. Somehow, I had spent nearly the entire day with Shar. I just then realized how hungry I was. Perhaps I could use the rabbit.
I knew I had to return but I had not realized how much I enjoyed my time with Shar. I had been so busy with training that I hadn’t much time to think about her. I felt awful for having left her waiting alone out here for so long. I vowed to visit more often.
“I missed you Shar. I have to leave now, but I will return.” As I watched her, I could have sworn I saw her nod slightly. Then she took off in a northern direction. As she disappeared into the forest, I began my short walk towards the city. One thought pulled to the forefront of my mind while I walked. If Shar had been an enemy, I would have surely met my end. Walking around in the open without a weapon was something I could no longer afford to do.
Chapter 18
The night was dark, with the moon hidden behind thick clouds. It was a perfect night for the mission. I crept quietly towards the large, decorative house. In daylight, it was painted a rich and vibrant red color with many ornate statues carefully placed throughout the immaculate lawn. Even the stepping stones had designs upon them.
Surrounding the two-story house were a few guards, but not too many. This wasn’t the king’s castle, after all, but a minor nobleman’s house. A very fat noble by the name of Remwens. My objective tonight was to steal the signet ring of his house. Depending on where he kept the ring as he slept, this could be easy or rather difficult. I had a plan for either occasion though, so I wasn’t too worried. I had faith in myself and all the training I had done in the last six months.
I waited for the two patrolling guards to pass the section of gaudy, three foot fence where I hid. The fence clearly wasn’t made for any real defense in mind. I nimbly leapt over it when I was sure the guards had passed. I then quickly made my way to the side of the house. The front and back entrances each had a guard stationed, so that was out of the question. A window on the first floor was cracked slightly open, though. It was my way in.
From the information I had received before my mission began, the open window was connected to the nobleman’s study. A perfect place to enter without risking someone waking and alerting the guards. I cautiously and very slowly peeked into the window. It was dark inside as well, but I could discern no men hidden in the shadows.
Taking my time, I lifted the window, inch by inch. I didn’t want to chance it making a noise. Finally, the opening was wide enough for me to slip through. There was a small stand in front of the window, which would clearly not hold with my weight. I very quickly considered my options before deciding on a course of action. I had to trust my training.
I crouched on the window sill, partially inside but some of me still on the outside. I tensed, then dove forward through the window, rolling as I landed. I shifted my weight as I rolled to reduce the noise of impact. I ended the roll standing straight, peering into the darkness and listening intently for any sign that my entrance had been noticed. All was quiet.
I knew the signet ring wouldn’t be in this room. I crouched loosely in the stance I had been taught for sneaking. I didn’t even have to think about it anymore. I was so used to the stance after countless practice sessions that it felt as natural as walking. As with the window, I had to slowly and cautiously open the door of the study. Any noise, no matter how small, could alert the residents to my presence.
I slipped through once I had enough room, taking my surroundings in with a glance. The hallway to my left, of course, led to the front door. The way opposite the study lead to the kitchens. That left the set of stairs to my right as my destination. I kept close to the wall while ascending the stairs, always making sure to place my feet right next to the wall rather than in the middle of the step. Most would walk up directly in the middle of the step, which weakened them over years of use. This made the edge of the step, nearest to the wall, sturdier and less likely to creak.
I paused at the top of the stairs to listen. All was still quiet in the house. I knew the nobleman’s room was the farthest on my right. I crept towards it, taking my time to measure each step and make no sound. To my surprise, the door was unlocked. I shook my head at the naivety of nobles. With the door slightly cracked ajar, I spotted the two human shaped lumps on the bed. The nobleman and his wife.
Their chests rose and fell with their long, heavy breaths, still sleeping deeply. I pushed the door open bit by bit until it I was able to slip through. The room contained the massive bed, an intricately carved, wooden wardrobe, two extravagant looking velvet chairs, a short refreshment table between the chairs, and a couple of small nightstands near the bed. I hoped that the nobleman took off his ring before sleeping and it was on, or in, a nightstand.
Creeping around to his side of the bed, as evident by the bedside with the larger of the two forms, I tried the nightstand’s single drawer. Locked. There was only a faint sliver of light coming f
rom the window, but it was enough for me to see the lock. I reached for the lockpicks on my belt. I carefully took my time as I worked the simple lock.
I froze as the nobleman suddenly shifted on the bed. I reached towards the small dagger at my side. Hand gripping the hilt, I waited but nothing more happened as the man slept on peacefully. I resumed my work on the lock, and a moment later it was done. Replacing my tools, I silently opened the drawer. There, laying inside, was the signet ring. I smirked, glad that the nobleman hadn’t worn it to bed. I would have had to use my small pouch of everdusk powder to place both him and his wife into a deeper sleep so that I could remove the ring. Luck was with me that night, as applying the powder to both simultaneously would have been risky.
I snatched up the ring, noticing a small black pouch next to it. Instantly, I was curious. My only mission was to take the ring, but I couldn’t resist. I snatched it, and opened it to find an assortment of precious gems, worth a small fortune in gold. I wasn’t sure of its worth, but I knew that this was many times more than what even the Prince carried around. I hesitated, but only for a second before attaching the pouch to my belt.
Moving swiftly, I replaced the drawer and left it unlocked. On the way down I made sure to leave no sign of my passing, softly shutting the bedroom door. Leaving through the front or back entrances was still impossible with the guards positioned directly outside, but the way I had entered would be a bit difficult to return through without making any sound. That left the kitchen window. Luckily there was nothing positioned in front of the window, besides a sturdy counter for me to crouch on, leaving me an easy way out. The window was locked from the inside with only a simple mechanism that required no keys. Once outside, I closed the kitchen window but regrettably had to leave it unlocked. I hid behind a nearby statue and waited for an opportunity to cross the lawn. As the pair of guards on patrol passed the area in front of me, I dashed behind them just outside the range of their torches. I wasted no time disappearing into the shadows.
The Student Page 15
