“I hope you’re not taking what happened during the test too hard.”
“Why would I be sorry for getting people killed?”
“You don’t have to get nasty. I only want you to know that we all knew the risks. We all heard Kyran’s words. We knew that people could die.”
“I didn’t expect some to die because of me. Because of a decision I made.”
Achan sighed and moved his seat to the foot of the bed. A clock somewhere ticked away.
“Listen, you did what you thought was right. You knew deep down that Allay wouldn’t stand for a prisoner being let go, yet you fought for him anyway. It’s not just because he saved your life, but also because you had some kind of bond with him that carried you further. Without him, you may not have survived down there, in that prison where I found you. The important thing is that you’re alive. Just don’t sleep the rest of your life away. Make their deaths count for something. I myself was the leader of the team, and because of that, their faces will haunt me for the rest of my life. I could stand here all day and rattle off what if’s. What if I did this or that, what if I changed something, or said something. Blah blah blah. Bottom line, we have to learn from our mistakes.”
“Yeah, but some should never have been made in the first place, like trusting the enemy.”
“James, honestly, we would all like to believe we’re all fine judges of character and we can discern what a person is feeling and thinking, but at the end of the day, when it comes down to it, we just want to believe in people.”
James nodded, thinking hard about what his friend said. Achan patted his shoulder and got up, getting ready to leave.
“Why did you come back for me, anyways?” James had to know. “I was gone for so long, you should’ve assumed I was dead.”
“You must not remember. I did think you were dead, but when we heard the cave-in, that’s when I got some hope.”
“Yeah, but still, there could have been tons of Langorans around, yet you came anyway. Why?”
“What? Fishing for compliments?”
“Just answer the question.”
“Well, I figure that you’re one of the few people I’ve met in my entire life that understands me. Everyone else just thinks I’m some snobby, preppie kid. I don’t know where they get it from...but, I just thought it would be nice keeping around someone who gets me.”
“Don’t get soft on me, now,” James pretended to sniff.
“Hey, hey, that was a one time deal. You won’t get another compliment. Trust me.”
“What are you going to do? Cut me down with your eidolon, Sage?”
James couldn’t help but think of how the Langorans had said the word with disdain.
“I’m no Sage yet. I still have to take all those annoying classes.”
“You do know I have to see that eidolon sometime.”
“Of course. I won’t be like Dominic.”
“Good.”
“Ugh, and since he’s the only other Sage in training, it will just be the two of us in class. How’s that for disgusting?”
“Wow. Maybe being a Sage isn’t all it’s cracked up to be after all.”
“It does give me one edge though.”
“Besides your eidolon?”
“I might have a shot with Catherine,” Achan said boldly. “I know she’s down to earth and all, but I don’t think the Kingdom would allow her to marry just anyone. Dominic is of nobility, and I’m just a commoner, but if I make a name for myself, no one should have a problem with her marrying a Sage. What do you think?”
“I think you’re right…”
“Oh yeah, sorry, I forgot. Slipped my mind that - you know, about you and Catherine. You two were good friends, right?”
“Yeah, and then I blew it. I said some things about her that were really insulting.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. If I know Catherine, she’s already forgiven you. If anything, she’s waiting for you to come find her, especially now that the test is over.”
“You don’t care if I talk to her?”
“Should I?”
“Well, I mean, since...uh…”
“Do you love her?”
“Well, no…”
“Are you interested in her?”
“Not really. I mean, I always wanted to marry someone like a princess, but I didn’t even know she was the princess when I started talking to her.”
“I get it. Don’t want to fall in love with her just because it sounds like a fairy tale, huh?”
“Exactly.”
“Then I have nothing to worry about. She does like you a lot, especially since she knows you’re not being fake with her. She needs someone like that in her life. I’ve always known her as the princess, unfortunately, which means that, although I love her for who she is, I can’t help but think about her status sometimes, and wonder if she would be so appealing to me without it. Only sometimes though. Don’t worry. I’d never hurt her.”
“I know. And just so you know, I hear that all the guys are rooting for you over Dominic. They want you to win her heart.”
“I think the guys would want a cockroach to win her heart over Dominic.”
James laughed and thought about Catherine for a moment.
“You’re sure you don’t mind if we hang out? Provided she wants to?”
“James. I consider you a close friend of mine, despite knowing you for so short a time. With that being said, I don’t own either of you. Talk to her as much as you like. Honestly, even if she did fall in love with you, I would have no say in the matter because that’s who she would want, and I would have to respect that. As long as she is happy, I’m happy. That’s where it ends.”
“Wow, that’s serious.”
“That’s what you call unconditional love.”
“You might even be too good for her, Achan. Geez. You’re making me sick.”
Achan laughed.
“I’ll see you around, James. I’ve got to start preparing myself for the classes to come. Oh, and see Arimus on the balcony over the courtyard when you’re ready. He’ll have your review for you. And go see Catherine today, for crying out loud. I don’t know what you did to her, but the sooner you apologize, the better things will be. You don’t sit on things like that, alright?”
“Yes, sir!” James said, saluting him. Achan saluted back and walked out through the doorway.
James threw the blankets to the side and leapt out of bed. He got dressed quickly, eager to hear Arimus speak. As he went out the door, he couldn’t help but be happy for Achan, even if he didn’t want to be a Sage-in-training. Whether James’ life was changing for better or worse, the fact of the matter was that he was alive, and since he and Achan were friends, he’d have plenty of time to go one-on-one against his eidolon.
Even if he never released one himself, he would gain unfathomable experience by facing Achan consistently. That was for sure. It would make him that much better as an infantryman. Although it was going to hurt, he could understand Achan’s approach to the infantry and so he decided to follow suit, adopting the attitude of his friend. He had to keep up a good face for the recruits that would take the third test, especially since there was a chance he might be asked to accompany them. If he was ever given the option to be a leader, he’d take it, and approach it as Achan did, with enthusiasm. Even though the Langorans were ridiculous and the mission hadn’t gone as well as expected, they wouldn’t have become nearly as united without Achan’s rally cries and support. Not to mention his eidolon’s final blow…
As James made his way to the balcony, he found Arimus waiting there, just as Achan had said. Arimus was talking with Scarlet, whose eyes lit up at seeing James after so long.
“High hopes! Hey, you lived! What do you know? Maybe your dreams will come true after all,” she said.
“Nice to see you again too, Scarlet.”
“So how do you think you did?”
“I could’ve done better.”
“Throw
ing in the towel already?”
“No. I’m going to be the best infantryman this Kingdom has to offer.”
Scarlet scoffed and patted the crown of his head.
“Whatever you say, James.”
Scarlet walked off as Arimus watched her departure.
“What was that all about?” James asked.
“She’s not in a good mood,” Arimus stated solemnly. “Catherine is taking a particularly difficult test today, and she’s not happy about it.”
“Is it going to be dangerous?” James asked quickly, thinking about the torture he had gone through during the infantry exam.
“It shouldn’t be. I believe she has what it takes to pass with flying colors.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“…Well, enough about Catherine. Let’s talk about you. I hear you went through quite an ordeal out there.”
“Were you around when they were torturing me? I know you and some of the other proctors supervise the test.”
“To be frank, not long after you got captured, we were busy taking care of all the Langorans who escaped.”
“You got them all?”
“All that were scouting the Kingdom. Kyran killed most of them.”
“So you weren’t watching us after that?”
“No. We were fully aware that there were only a few Langorans down there with you, as well as the Prattlian. We figured that that is the usual number of Langorans who get loose during the test, so if you didn’t survive them, you wouldn’t have passed either way.”
“So you didn’t get Alexander?”
“Is that his name? The Prattlian? No. Him and one other Langoran escaped. They can’t do anything damaging alone.”
“He’s dangerous, Arimus. When I was in the cave, he not only tortured me, he revealed a lot of information he knew about Allay. I don’t know…something’s just not right with him.”
“We’re still keeping an eye out. If he comes near, we’ll get him.”
“Good.”
“So how was it, being in the cave?”
“Horrible. They beat me up. Alexander wanted me to become a Sage so he could study an eidolon, assess its weaknesses and…”
James trailed off as he thought about what his cellmate had told him, that he had turned into some kind of monster. Still, he didn’t remember any of it. Was it a lie, to keep his mind on other things? That would make sense. It wouldn’t have been impossible for the red-haired Langoran to take down the pillars in the cave himself.
“And what?”
“…and then Achan and the others came. We found out my cellmate was a traitor…and more of our teammates died. I’m trying to forgive myself…but it’s hard not to dwell on it.”
“It couldn’t have happened any other way. The older you get, the more you realize that there’s not too much coincidence in this world.”
“I hope there’s not too many lessons like that I’ll have to learn.”
“Regardless of how things turned out, you did survive. That is very important.”
“Achan said the same.”
“So you want to become the best infantryman this Kingdom has to offer, huh?”
“I figure if Achan is going on to better things, I might as well hold down the fort on my end.”
“And do you believe your words?”
“I saw what Achan did with the team when we were out there. He made us feel safe, like we would have the upper hand in any situation that came our way. I’ll never forget that, and I think if I ever get the chance to lead a team, I’ll try to do the same.”
“So do you think you have what it takes to be a leader?”
“Not at all,” James laughed. “I’m just saying, I’ll know what to do if I’m ever thrust into the role.”
“Good, then with your approval, I will forward you to your final test, to see if you have what it takes to become an officer.” Arimus placed a hand on James’ shoulder, and in the same motion, handed him a sheathed manumit. James’ eyes widened at the gift. He remembered all too well the powers it held – granting the wielder temporary Sage abilities, at the price of their life…
“Why would you give this to me?” James asked in bewilderment. Didn’t he just say that he wasn’t ready to be a leader?
“Because you now have invaluable experience as a soldier. Think about it. You’ve gone through torture, battle, fought people from other Kingdoms, acquired knowledge in the forest, and above all, some humility. No leader wants the job. He responds to a need. Fills the role that no you’ve learned one else is qualified for. With the skills you now possess, you would be a valuable asset to anyone taking the third test. You have now proven yourself worthy of this tool.”
“If you say so, teacher,” James said, becoming quite solemn. Arimus bowed his head closer.
“What’s ailing you, James?”
“I just have one question…before I commit whole-heartedly to the infantry.” James said, turning the manumit over and over in his hands.
“What is it?”
“Is there really no way I can become a Sage? Achan was able to…but I see that his character far outweighs my own. Even if he didn’t want it, he was more than ready to become one. But I need to know for myself. So answer me, truthfully. Based on what you see, is it possible? Or do I have more growing up to do?”
“I can’t say, James. I understand what you’re going through and I sympathize with all the recruits that try to become a Sage. The sparkle in their eyes when they hear the myths and the legends, the excited conversations at lunch time…but I’ve also seen those same eyes turn to sorrow. With that being said, I’ll say this. I admire your spirit because you haven’t quit. There are few people willing to go through a trial because they don’t see the reward right before their eyes. It’s easy to keep running the race when the finish line is in your sight, but what if it’s on the other side of the world? Who is willing to complete that race? That is why I admire your reserve. Because you’re still running. Because you’re still jogging along, when others have fallen by the wayside. I’m not saying you’ll ever be a Sage, but because you’re willing to do what others won’t, it could be possible. Whatever you’re destined to be, it will follow through.”
“That sure was a long way of saying ‘maybe.’”
“You don’t need my blessing or confirmation, James. Wherever life takes you, be content while you look ahead. Otherwise, you will go down a dark road that few can recover from. How many are able to withstand a never-ending rejection and failure at success?”
“Is that where you are, Arimus? Are you still traveling back?”
“I knew from the beginning that my hard work and perseverance would pay off no matter the final destination. I hope you arrive at the same conclusion.”
“If I can become half of the man you are, Arimus, I guess it wouldn’t be such a bad life. Besides, what is there for me if I were to go home? Long naps and games with my friends? My father? At least here, I can make a difference. Plus, I still have to apologize to someone.”
“How long has it been since your offense?”
“Too long, Arimus.”
“Hopefully you will rectify the problem quickly.”
“I’m not sure if she’ll accept my apology. I did say some terrible things.”
“Who is she?”
“Catherine.”
Arimus nodded. James was sure she had spoken to him about the matter.
“Well, after this test is over…why don’t you tell her yourself?”
Arimus pointed down into the courtyard floor, just as Catherine came into view from beneath them. James was in awe over how long it had been since he had seen her. She walked boldly, as if she were ready to punch her test square in the face. Her eyes remained solemn and fixed toward the courtyard entrance. James was about to call out to her when Arimus lifted a finger, signifying that he was to remain quiet. James attached the manumit to his belt and paid attention.
She looked no different from wh
en he had last seen her, except her countenance had changed drastically. Her usual cheerful disposition was replaced by a sour look, one of annoyance and solemnity. She maintained her composure, moving slowly toward the courtyard doors, which Kyran had just come through. The two stood opposite from one another, staring each other down. He had his arms folded and his body was firm like a warrior’s, yet his face did not match.
It was a face filled with sorrow and regret.
And he didn’t look directly at Catherine. More like through her. He was unable to meet her gaze. Catherine seemed to notice, and she smirked at Kyran’s rare display of emotion. Kyran caught the smirk and immediately gathered himself. He cleared his throat with authority and she got the message. This would be her final test, and certainly nothing to smile about. James, still oblivious to what was about to happen, kept stretching his head over the balcony, struggling to get the best angle to watch what would unfold. Arimus observed James closely, wondering how he would react when the test would begin.
“You seem to be on the edge of your seat,” Arimus stated, seeking to know where James’ thoughts were.
“I’m curious to see what Catherine and Kyran are about to do. She looks so serious.”
“And for good reason. This is her final test, after all.”
“Since you’re allowing me to watch this, I assume I’m not going through the same test?”
“No, not at all. This test is uniquely designed for her. She has a special purpose after all.”
“And what is that?”
“She bears a greater burden than any of us. It isn’t enough that she must rule a Kingdom as queen one day, but she must also defend her very body and soul to protect Allay’s coveted stone.”
“What are you trying to say? What stone?”
“The stone of Allay. The one stone passed throughout our Kingdom from generations past. The stone that every Allayan child, up until a few years ago, has touched from birth. The stone that gives one the potential to become a Sage.”
“She has that, where?”
“It’s infused within her now, attached to her very soul. It is activated very similarly to the way an eidolon is. It is summoned at will, like an eidolon, but at the cost of the user’s soul.”
The Works of Julius St. Clair - 2017 Edition (Includes 3 full novels and more) Page 23
