by D. L. Kramer
"Today marks an end," he said, his voice quiet, but Paki knew without a doubt even those standing at the rear of the cathedral could hear him. "But also a beginning. Paki is the last in a line of apprentices spanning many generations.
"At one time, every apprentice who earned a cloak received one with Jensina's symbols embroidered on it. Now, Paki is the first in thirty years to have been given the chance to earn one." Isak lifted the cloak, unfolding it. The symbols hidden in the folds jumped in the torchlight. Isak turned and handed the cloak to Kile.
The captain of the guard accepted it, walked behind Paki and laid it over his shoulders. Paki was surprised at the heat that emanated immediately from the cloak. His body tingled to its' center. He glanced up, and his eyes met Meda's where she sat behind Adie, then Rena's. Tears coursed down Rena's cheeks and Paki was overcome with his emotions for her.
Kile squeezed Paki's shoulder, then offered him a hand up. Paki stood, fastening the clasp on his cloak with his other hand. He fumbled with it for a moment, then heard it catch. The wool scratched against his fingers and he felt its' weight brush against the backs of his legs as he stepped around the altar to the banging of fists on the pews as the apprentices showed their support. Those standing along the walls clapped or nodded their approval.
As he stepped off the dais, Bear was the first to meet him, with Rena right behind him. The two friends clasped hands tightly as Paki took his seat again while Mo'ani stepped forward. The noise slowly quieted as everyone realized Mo'ani was about to speak.
"I have been training this army for nearly sixty years," Mo'ani said. "And every so often an apprentice shows exceptional promise. I thought I'd seen the best of them in Lord Olorun, but then Paki picked up a sword and showed me there were some in the youths now who would give even the captain competition." Mo'ani paused for a moment. "Nahtan's time is near," he continued, bringing a surge of mutters and whispers from the cathedral. "This generation being trained now will be the strength of his army." He paused a second time, as if waiting to be told what to say. "Many of us in the older generations have grown accustomed to the atrocities the Archbishop commits, but there will be things happening in the next few years that will stun all of us." Mo'ani's eyes looked out at the apprentices gathered in the cathedral. "Not all of the apprentices came tonight," he noted, sighing. "Just as I know Nahtan's time is coming, I know that each of you here tonight will be given the opportunity to face death on your own terms, and not the Archbishop's. Should you choose to die for your king, your blessings will be great, and your family will be blessed throughout their lives. Look at those around you, and know their faces," Mo'ani instructed. "For these are your brothers and sisters, and this will be the core of the final army and those who will stand with Nahtan in one way or another." As quiet whispers moved through the cathedral, Mo'ani stepped away from the altar. Paki and Bear exchanged looks, Bear's eyes telling Paki he sensed the same thing Paki did.
It was long rumored through the apprentices' ranks that Mo'ani received instructions from the gods themselves, and his speech tonight seemed to confirm it. Paki squeezed Rena's fingers and turned to look at her. He was still shaking, but now from excitement instead of nervousness.
"I think a lot of people will be disappointed if Nahtan doesn't come for another generation," he told her.
"He'll come," Rena smiled faintly. "I think Mo'ani's right that he's coming soon. I can feel it."
Paki raised his eyebrows, but his next question was interrupted as Pater Isak's clear voice drifted through the cathedral, closing the ceremony. Everyone seemed reluctant to leave, and moved slowly toward the cathedral doors. Paki and his friends remained behind, keeping their seats.
"I wish you'd go down to the tavern with us," Bear said. "This is definitely a cause to celebrate."
Paki smiled faintly. "Why don't you stay up here and stay sober? Besides, I don't have any money." Now that he thought about it, he hadn't possessed any money since coming to the Stronghold. He realized he'd never missed it.
"I've got money," Bear shrugged.
"I'm not going to the tavern," Paki insisted.
"Have it your way," Bear sighed. Paki knew Bear didn't plan on going to the village, despite what he said. It was too late in the evening to begin with, and while Paki was suddenly free from all curfew restrictions, Bear wasn't. He also knew Bear didn't have that much money with him. He'd be lucky to pay for a single ale.
Paki, Rena, Bear and Tuketu stayed in the cathedral talking until a cleared throat from Kile reminded them it was almost curfew. As his friends left, Paki wandered over to the pew Lord and Lady Bavol were sitting on as they spoke with Mo'ani and Kile. His nerves had slowly settled and he felt much calmer as he walked between the pews.
"So where are you going to stay?" Matthios asked as Paki leaned against the back of the next pew.
"I have no idea," he shook his head.
"You're welcome at Bavol Hold," Evaine said, glancing at Mo'ani.
"I already told you not to do that," Mo'ani reminded her sternly.
Evaine shrugged. "Since when do I listen to the likes of you?" she asked, smiling at him. "Paki would be a valuable asset at Bavol Hold, and I wanted to make sure he knew we would have a place for him if he ever wanted it."
"Thanks," Paki said, amused at her open defiance of Mo'ani. "But I think I'd rather stay here."
"You can move into the keep in the morning," Mo'ani said, giving Evaine a deliberate look. "My keep," he specified.
Paki looked at Kile, who only smiled and shrugged.
"I'll get even with you," Evaine promised Mo'ani. "You keep all the best Mo'ani here."
"I'll give you Sewati when he earns his cloak," Mo'ani returned.
"Don't do me any favors," Lord Bavol muttered. "I've already got his brother."
Evaine stood and straightened her skirt. "If you'll all excuse us," she said. "I'd like to congratulate Paki privately."
Mo'ani gave her a suspicious look, but stepped out of her way as she slipped her arm into Paki's and steered him toward the dais.
"Now that was an emotional ceremony," Evaine said quietly, stepping up and pausing to look at the statues of Zakris and his daughters.
"I don't know why they made such a big deal," Paki said. "I should have told them not to go to that much trouble."
"I think it needed to happen," Evaine nodded, as if agreeing with herself. "Mo'ani's speech tied this little group together tighter than any act of the gods could have." She looked up at Paki. "Which one is your favorite?" she asked, nodding to the statues.
Paki looked at the three gentle faces. "Jensina," he answered without pausing. "There's just something about her."
"She's beautiful," Evaine mentioned.
Paki gave her a sideways look. "So are you," he returned. "But I don't think you're a goddess."
"You're so charming," Evaine's smile was radiant. "I think the BishopLord's daughter has managed to chase away some of your inhibitions."
"A few," Paki admitted with a shrug. "But not nearly so many as you've lost." He knew the comment wouldn't offend her; he doubted anything could offend Lady Bavol.
Evaine chuckled. "You're assuming I had any to begin with," she said.
Paki paused, then nodded in agreement. "So did you want to talk to me about anything in particular, or just flirt with me?" he asked.
"Oh, flirt with you, of course," Evaine said. "Actually, I wanted to tell you that if you ever have a problem, let me know. Matthios isn't able to get around well enough to handle the entirety of Bavol Hold yet, and they've all deferred to me."
"Why?" Paki asked. "Shouldn't it be Arlend's position to take?" He figured if she brought the subject up, she must be willing to talk about it.
"Yes, and I tried giving it to him," Evaine nodded. "But he refused it. Then Tonek joined his coward brother and claimed he didn't know how to run a hold."
Paki chuckled. "They're probably just getting even with you for something, you know," he told her.
> "I know," Evaine nodded. "But for the life of me, I can't remember doing anything to deserve this."
Fourteen - "I'm just a little more dangerous is all"
Lord and Lady Bavol left a few days after Paki was cloaked, taking Gahrit with them to return to Corydon Hold. Gahrit managed to talk several books and scrolls out of Meda, and Paki wondered how he'd done it.
Almost immediately, Paki was given a variety of responsibilities. Mo'ani put him in charge of rotating the Mo'ani warriors who stood guard on the mountain passes, and Kile made sure he spent a fair amount of time standing a watch of his own.
Since he was one of the few who knew where the northeast pass originated and the route it followed, Kile usually put him there. He and Tyran had been watching the mouth of the pass for several hours when a thundering of horse's hooves echoed up to him.
Shading his eyes, he looked out towards the plain. A herd of horses followed by two riders were heading for the pass. Paki reached for Tyran's mind, and the horse assured him he could sense nothing threatening. Paki continued to watch until the riders came into view and he recognized the two Dwellers. Smiling to himself, he stood up and went to get Tyran. Leading the young stallion, Paki picked his way down the hillside, then swung up into the saddle to wait.
The horses filed into the pass and were soon milling around Paki. Many came to stand beside him, nuzzling Tyran and leaning against him, catching Paki's leg between them. He was just handing a young mare one of Tyran's carrots from the saddlebag when Jaron and Tosia rode around the bend. The brother and sister pulled their horses in, obviously surprised to see Paki there.
"Well met," Paki called to them, scratching the mare's nose.
"Young Master?" Tosia asked. "Hath thee earned thy cloak?"
Paki paused to look down at the three quarter length cloak over his shoulders.
"It would appear that way, yes," he nodded, smiling.
"I see thee hath finished training Tyran," Jaron noted.
"With a little help," Paki admitted. "I'd probably still be working with him if Tavish hadn't been here."
Tosia's horse walked towards Paki with no outward prompting from her mistress.
"I see I can no longer call thee 'Young Master'," Tosia smiled faintly. "Perhaps 'M'lord'?"
"That's not funny," Paki shook his head. He definitely didn't want her starting that nickname going around.
Tosia's smile grew. "Paki then," she decided. "For now anyway."
"I've given up on finding another name," Paki told her. "I figure there was a reason why everyone forgot my birthname."
"No doubt there was," Jaron agreed.
"Any sign of church guards following you?" Paki asked.
"Nay," Tosia shook her head. "Except for avoiding a patrol or two, our trip hath been an easy one."
"Then would you mind an escort?" Paki offered, motioning back up the pass. "My replacement should be on his way down now."
"Thy company would be welcome," Jaron nodded. "We bring news that would interest thee as well as Lord Mo'ani."
"Did something happen to Jerai?" Paki asked as they waited for the last of the Dwellers' horses to move up the pass. Concern for his friend jumped into his mind. Jerai wasn't much younger than his father was when he was crippled by a horse falling on his legs.
"Nay," Tosia shook her head, smiling again. "But something soon will."
"What?" He felt some relief in knowing Jerai was all right, though Tosia's tone told him he might not think he was. Paki turned Tyran and he fell in step with Jaron and Tosia's horses as they followed the herd.
"He's to be married this midsummer," Jaron said.
"Married?" Paki couldn't keep the surprise from his voice. Jerai was only a few months older than he and Bear. "He didn't say anything about marrying when he brought Tyran down." Jerai getting married? He almost wished they'd told him he'd been hurt.
"He hath only just decided," Tosia said. "'Tis tradition for a lord to be married when he assumes the duties of his station."
"Wait a minute," Paki's head started spinning. "What about his father? Something didn't happen to Othon, did it?"
"Nay," Jaron said. "Our dear lord hath decided to step down and give his only son his inheritance early."
"Why?" Paki asked, still trying to absorb everything he'd just heard. Jerai was going to be the new Dweller lord? It didn't seem possible to Paki that Othon would take such a step. Even unable to walk, he successfully cared for and protected his people for over two decades. A sound on the hill ahead of them attracted Paki's attention. He turned his head and saw the Mo'ani assuming the watch on his way down to the point. Paki nodded to the older man, who nodded in return, then he turned back to the conversation with Jaron and Tosia.
"When we tell Lord Mo'ani, thy questions should be answered," Tosia said.
"Except I'll have to head back out to rotate the watch after escorting you to the Stronghold," Paki said. "So I won't be there."
Jaron dug into a small bag tied to the front of his saddle. He pulled out a rolled piece of parchment and handed it to Paki.
"Thy presence hath been requested to see thy friend married and entitled."
Paki gave Jaron a sideways look before taking the parchment. Unrolling it, he read the letter from Jerai asking both he and Bear to come to the Dwellers' valley with Mo'ani. His letter revealed his own misgivings and confusion at his father's act, but his love and respect for Othon wouldn't allow him to refuse.
"So," Paki said, rolling the parchment again and tucking it into his pouch to give to Bear later. "Who's he marrying?"
The rest of the trip to the Stronghold passed quickly while Jaron and Tosia told Paki about Jerai's plans. He chose to marry a young lady a year or so younger than him, but they seemed to have many things in common. Her name was Siara, and Paki was able to recall a vague image of her.
He did remember her being fairly attractive, with thick blonde hair and a mischievous spirit. She served the Dwellers as a scout, and knew every spare foot of each hill and pass in their valley. He also remembered she had two older sisters who wouldn't leave Jaron alone at any sort of celebration. Jaron mostly ignored their attempts to attract his attention. Neither Jaron nor Tosia had ever married, though Paki heard Tosia was planning to at one point, but the young man was killed by church guards in the same attack that took their parents' lives. Since then, the brother and sister devoted themselves to running their family's ranch.
After seeing Jaron and Tosia through the Stronghold's gates, Paki immediately left again to rotate the Mo'ani standing watch near the Stronghold. On his way back, he turned off the path to the Stronghold and headed out to the archers' practice range. Finding Chase tied with the other horses, he tied Tyran beside the bigger horse, then walked down the line. Gharald nodded to him when he passed, then pointed to a spot further down. Paki nodded his thanks and walked to the spot the lieutenant indicated.
Bear was leaning against a tree, counting crossbow bolts in his satchel.
"About done?" Paki asked.
Bear glanced up, then nodded his head as he looked back down to finish counting.
"So how was guard duty?" Bear asked, sticking the last of the bolts in the satchel.
"Not quite so boring today," Paki said. He handed Bear the rolled parchment from his pouch.
Bear raised an eyebrow as he took the parchment and unrolled it. Reading through the letter, he looked back up at Paki.
"He's getting married?" he asked.
Paki nodded his head. Bear's tone told him he thought the same thing Paki did. They both knew Jerai wouldn't be happy married, no matter who the girl was.
"Nice of him to say something when he was here before." Bear handed the parchment back.
"Jaron said he just decided," Paki shook his head at the parchment and indicated Bear could keep it.
Bear stuffed the parchment into his pouch. "Which one was Siara?"
"Blonde hair," Paki said. "She had the two sisters--"
"--Who wouldn't l
eave Jaron alone," Bear finished nodding. "I remember her now. She had the really long fingers."
"I didn't notice her hands," Paki shrugged. He and Bear turned to walk back to the horses.
"I did," Bear said. They paused by Gharald while he verified that Bear retrieved all of his bolts, then they untied their horses and swung up into the saddles for the ride back to the Stronghold.
"So do you think we'll get to go?" Paki asked.
Bear sighed. "You will," he said. "I guess it depends on how much trouble I get into before Mo'ani will decide if I can or not."
"You really haven't been getting into that much trouble lately," Paki pointed out.
"I know, I haven't been feeling well," Bear sighed.
Paki chuckled and shook his head as they rode back to the Stronghold.
When it was obvious Jaron and Tosia were going to be in Mo'ani's office for some time, Paki and Bear took their horses and rode down to the village. Paki managed to keep Bear out of the tavern, and they spent their time helping a couple of the farmers move their herds. They returned to the Stronghold just before curfew and as Bear went to his bunk, Paki turned toward the keep.
He hadn't been in his room for more than a few minutes when someone knocked on the door. Pulling his sword and belt over his head and shoulder, he tossed it onto the chair beside his cloak before opening the door.
"Ye disappeared awfully fast this afternoon," Kile said, leaning against the doorframe.
Paki shrugged. "There wasn't a whole lot to do here," he said. "And Bear and I needed to decide the best way to tell Jerai he's crazy." He opened the door wider for Kile to come in.
"Ye're plannin' on goin', aren't ye?" Kile asked, coming into the room.
"Depends on if Bear can or not," Paki shrugged. "But we'd like to."
"Of course Bear's goin'," Kile shook his head. "Does 'e really think Mo'ani would keep 'im from attendin' 'is friend's wedding?"
"Look at it from his point of view," Paki advised. "Bear knows he's close to a cloak, and he's not going to do anything right now that might jeopardize that. Telling Mo'ani he wants to pack up and head north for two or three months could be a big setback for him."
