The Cavalier

by Jason McWhirter

Kiln led the way and Jonas and Taleen followed closely. They walked down the main street looking at everything around them. It was loud with people shouting and selling wares everywhere they went. Jonas saw a large variety of fruits and vegetables and meats of every sort. He saw expensive cloth, beads, and intricately carved furniture that he had never seen before. The fragrance of exotic spices, baked bread, and fresh flowers mingled with the clean air that continuously blew in off the lake.

  Everyone passed curious glancesat the trio at first until they saw the two cavaliers. Most people then quickly bowed their heads and muttered a greeting with a smile.

  They walked by an alley and Jonas noticed a small boy huddled in the shadows. He was young, maybe eleven winters, and he wore dirty clothes. But it was not his clothing that caught Jonas’s eye. It was the crutch that lay next to him as he sat watching the people walk by, despair surrounding him almost palpable. Jonas noticed that his right foot was twisted and deformed, and in his right hand he held out a small tarnished cup, hoping that someone would stop and drop in a copper coin. His greasy hair was ratty and dirt covered his cheeks in patches.

  Jonas stopped, kneeling by the boy. The boy’s sad eyes widened slightly as he looked upon the magnificent cavalier.

  “Hello, son, what is your name?” Jonas asked softly.

  The boy hesitated for a few moments before answering. His voice was shaky. “My name is Piton, sir. Are you a cavalier?”

  “I am. What happened to your foot?”

  “I was born like this,” the boy hesitated. “Is it true that cavaliers can heal?”

  “Yes, some of us can,” Jonas responded.

  “Can you? Can you heal my foot, sir?” the young boy asked bluntly.

  Jonas looked back at Taleen and Kiln who stood behind them, their faces reflecting concern. Jonas knew they could not heal an inherited deformity, but it pained him to admit it to the boy. “I’m sorry, Piton, but we cannot heal the type of injury that you have. Your bones in your foot have a certain shape to them and I cannot change that. Do you understand?”

  Piton lowered his head in dejection and nodded his understanding.

  It was heart breaking to Jonas, but he could do nothing. Perhaps that was the hardest part. Despite his power and strength, he could not help this little boy. “Where do you sleep, Piton?” Jonas asked.

  The boy used his hands to gesture into the alley. “I usually sleep in the streets. Sometimes I can find a bed in one of the temples. It’s not too bad, except for the winter. It can get pretty cold.”

  “Where are your parents?” asked Jonas.

  “I never knew my dad, my mom died of some sickness a year ago.”

  Jonas reached into the leather pouch at his side, fingering the gold coin that was there. It was the coin that was given to him by Airos, and he had kept it to remember his mother by, but this boy needed it more than he did. Besides, it felt right to Jonas. The coin had been passed to him by a cavalier who recognized his need, and now it was being passed from another cavalier to another cripple. The boy was in desperate need and this was the only thing Jonas could do to help him.

  Jonas lifted out the gold coin and handed it to the young boy. Piton held the heavy coin in his hand and his eyes lit up with astonishment as he realized what it was.

  “Is that gold?”

  “It is, Piton, given to me years ago by a cavalier,” Jonas said.

  “Thank you, sir. I have never had gold before.” The boy dropped his cup, reached for his crutch and struggled to stand up.

  Jonas reached down, lifting him to his feet. That simple act brought a flash of an image to Jonas’s mind, an image of Airos lifting him from the ground when he had slipped on the ice four years ago. Jonas smiled as he looked at the boy's beaming face. Piton smiled broadly. No amount of dirt on his face, or lack of food in his stomach, could crush the boy’s joy. It wasn’t so long ago where the simple act of another had given Jonas a similar feeling of happiness. It warmed Jonas’s heart to see the young boy smile so.

  “Promise me you will buy food and warm clothes for the winter. I am a cavalier and I will know if you don’t.”

  Piton smiled and his body shook with excitement. “Oh, don’t worry, sir. I will not waste it. I will do as you ask. Thank you.”

  Jonas squeezed the boy’s shoulders before standing up. “You’re welcome, young Piton.” Then he turned and rejoined his friends on the sidewalk.

  Taleen smiled at him warmly but she said nothing about the boy. She knew that there was nothing else they could do. There were likely hundreds of boys like Piton in Annure and many more living in less prosperous cities.

  They continued to explore the lively city. At first, Jonas liked the attention, but it began to wear on him as the day progressed. People were continuously greeting them, diverting his attention from the many wondrous things that the city had to offer.

  Kiln led them into a small shop that sold various weapons, knives, and armor. Two armed guards stood at attention inside the store keeping a watchful eye over the store’s products. The room was small but immaculate. The walls were lined with glittering weapons of all sorts. Glass cases were filled with small jeweled knives and silver and gold jewelry made with precious gems.

  Kiln approached one of the guards who looked at him curiously. “Excuse me, soldier, might you answer a few questions for a traveler?”

  The soldier saw something in Kiln that all fighting men see in him, strength, courage, and possible danger. He glanced at Jonas and Taleen, then suddenly smiled, his stoic demeanor melting as he became the young boy that he was. “Yes sir. I would be happy to help you if I can.”

  “Might you know where we could find an honest establishment to get a good room and food for the night?” asked Kiln.

  The warrior glanced quickly at Taleen who smiled back. The man flushed slightly, fidgeting with his sword belt. “I do. I would recommend the White Unicorn. If you follow this main street down to the fourth road and then take a left, you will see the inn on your right. It has the best food in Annure and the rooms are clean and spacious. It is costly, but the innkeeper, Bomm, will probably give you a deal considering who you travel with. May I ask you your names, cavaliers? You are a rare sight lately, even in Annure.”

  “My name is Taleen, I am a cavalier to Helikon.”

  “Helikon?” asked the young warrior, not recognizing the name.

  The other soldier had moved closer to the group to hear the conversation. He was a bit older and heavy in the shoulders and belly. “Helikon is who we call Bandris,” interjected the older soldier.

  “Oh, that is good, a warrior’s god. I pray to Bandris often,” added the young soldier.

  “I hope that his prayers follow you into battle, young man,” added Taleen with a smile. “This is my friend, Jonas. He is a cavalier to Shyann.”

  “Nice to meet you both,” Jonas said with an awkward smile.

  The older soldier’s face showed a little confusion. “Shyann? I have never met a cavalier to Shyann. Are there many of you?”

  “No, I am the first,” replied Jonas.

  The big man smiled warmly. “I am glad that you are here. We have heard some disturbing news, that cavaliers are being killed. We have not seen any cavaliers at Annure for many months now. You are both a welcome sight. Is there anything else that you need?”

  “Yes,” replied Kiln. “Where is the Kulam?”

  “Oh, of course. Go to the northeastern section of town, near the docks. Ask anyone and they will point you in the right direction. You can’t miss it. It is a beautiful building.”

  “Thank you for your help,” Kiln added.

  “Anytime, sir. May I ask your name?” the older soldier asked.

  Kiln had already turned, moving toward the front door. “Kiln, of Finarth,” he replied, striding through the wooden door.

  Jonas glanced at the two men and noticed the shocked expressions on their faces at the mention of Kiln’s name. It seems that cavaliers are not the only famous p
eople in Annure thought Jonas. He smiled and followed Taleen and Kiln out the door into the street. He was excited about the prospect of sleeping in a warm bed and eating a hot meal.

  The trio arrived at the White Unicorn easily enough. The front door was thick and plain but above the door was a sign with a majestic white unicorn painted on it.

  They entered the door, looking about the large spacious room. The ceiling was high and vaulted; maybe twenty paces at its peak. To the right was a giant stone fireplace that was as wide as a man is tall. The day was still warm so the fire was unlit. The stone chimney rose up the wall disappearing into the roof.

  The bar was straight ahead and it ran the entire length of the room. A burly man with a bushy mustache worked behind the counter washing thick clay mugs. There were many sturdy wood tables and benches sporadically placed throughout the room. A set of stairs on the left led to a landing on the second floor. Jonas could see at least six doors above that, each leading to an individual room.

  As he looked up his eyes were drawn to an incredible chandelier. It was huge and constructed of numerous sets of antlers. The massive racks were intricately entwined and interwoven. There were countless thick candles set into metal bowls to collect the wax. There must be a hundred candles thought Jonas.

  There were only a couple patrons at the bar since it was the time between lunch and dinner. Kiln strode up to the bar and Jonas and Taleen followed. “Excuse me, barkeep, is Bomm around?”

  “You’re looking at him,” replied the heavyset man as he looked up from the counter. “What can I do for you?” Bomm had a large friendly face that was completely devoid of hair except for his bushy mustache. His face glistened with perspiration and his cheeks were slightly flushed from his work. He had the look of an old burly warrior who had put on some extra pounds.

  “My friends and I need two rooms and food,” Kiln replied.

  “No problem at…” Bomm stopped in mid-speech as he looked at Jonas and Taleen, “all. You’re cavaliers. It is good to see you both. I am Bomm and I own this place.” The big man reached out, shaking each of their hands.

  “I am Taleen, cavalier to Helikon.”

  “My name is Jonas.” Jonas could not quite bring himself to say he was a cavalier. It didn’t feel right considering that he had not been through the same training as Taleen.

  That omission did not sneak by Bomm and he eyed Jonas curiously, but something told him not to press the issue. Bomm finished by shaking Kiln’s hand.

  “And I am Kiln, of Finarth,” Kiln said.

  Bomm’s hand stopped in mid-shake and he looked at Kiln with surprise. “General Kiln?” He slowly released Kiln’s hand.

  “The same, but just Kiln now.”

  Bomm looked at Jonas, Taleen, and then back to Kiln. After a few seconds he recovered from his surprise. “Well, it seems I have some esteemed guests tonight. We don’t have much warm food available yet. The kitchen is getting prepared for dinner, but I can get you some dried meats, bread, and the best cheeses from Cer’une if you’re interested in that.”

  “That will do nicely,” Kiln replied.

  Bomm walked over to a back wall, removed two sets of keys, and handed them both to Kiln. “You can take room three and four. Why don’t you get settled in your room and I will have Wes, my son, bring up some hot water so you may refresh yourselves. Would you like the meat platter in your rooms or down here?”

  “Down here is fine. When will the dinner crowd arrive?” asked Kiln.

  “Around sunset.”

  “Thank you. We will be down momentarily to eat. How much do we owe you?” asked Kiln.

  “Nothing, your presence here is payment enough.”

  “We thank you for your generosity,” Kiln said, tilting his head down in a barely perceptible bow.

  “It is my pleasure, sir,” Bomm replied with a smile.

  Jonas and Kiln took room three while Taleen took room four. The rooms were large and clean just as the soldier had promised. Each room had a large glass door that opened up onto a narrow balcony that looked at a garden courtyard. It was just after mid-day and the sun’s rays shone brightly through the door, spreading shadows throughout the room.

  It wasn’t long before they heard a knock at the door. Jonas went to the door and opened it. There was a young boy standing in the doorway holding a steaming bucket of hot water.

  “You must be Wes?” Jonas said kindly.

  The boy was young, maybe ten, and his round freckled face shone with the vitality of youth. His sandy blonde hair draped his head like a mop. The boy’s eyes were wide and sparkling with excitement. “I am, sir. Are you really a cavalier?”

  Jonas laughed, looking around the room like he was going to tell the boy a secret. “I am, young man, can you keep that a secret?” Jonas whispered.

  “I sure can, sir,” whispered the boy in return. “But won’t people know you’re a cavalier just by looking at you?”

  “You may be right, young man,” laughed Jonas. “You are very observant.”

  “Thank you, sir. If you need anything you just let me know. I am really tough and my dad taught me how to punch.”

  “I will certainly look for you, Wes, if I need help. Now why don’t you put that water in the wash basin.”

  “Yes, sir.” Wes stepped inside, moving quickly to a large copper bowl sitting on the table. He poured the hot water into the bowl and laid down two clean towels next to it. “There you go, sir.” Wes looked at Kiln for the first time and walked over to him boldly. “I am, Wes, sir. Are you a warrior too?”

  Jonas choked back his laughter while Kiln smiled down at the boy. “I am, young Wes, but I am no cavalier.”

  “I want to be a warrior also, but my father just wants me to work here.”

  “Your father runs a good establishment. It is a noble profession and you should be proud to have that opportunity.”

  “Yes, I guess so. Well I better get back to my chores. I have a lot of work to do before the dinner rush. It was nice to meet you both. Oh, father said that your food is ready.” Wes turned and walked out the door. Jonas looked at Kiln and they both laughed.

  ***

  The dried meat was exquisite; cured with exotic spices that made Jonas’s mouth water. He washed it down with some hearty ale before stuffing a thick slice of white cheese in his mouth. The food was delicious, better than anything he had ever tasted.

  “What’s the plan now?” asked Jonas, reaching for another slice of cheese.

  “I say we go to the kulam and try to get those answers you came for. Then we come back here for dinner. After that, your guess is as good as mine,” replied Taleen.

  “I agree. Let’s go to the kulam first. See if we can find anything out about Jonas, the demon that attacked us, the missing cavaliers, and whatever they know about Malbeck. What we learn will decide our next course of action.”

  “What do you think will happen to me?” asked Jonas.

  “I don’t know,” Taleen replied. “They will probably want to test you. It is unprecedented that you would have the powers of a cavalier without going through the training. I imagine they will have a lot of questions for you as well.”

  “I would really like to travel to Finarth with Kiln.”

  “That may or may not be possible. You may get a calling, or the council may request that you stay here for more testing. I do not know,” Taleen responded as she finished the last piece of cured meat.

  “What of you, Taleen. What will you do?” asked Kiln.

  “If I get a calling then I will go where I’m directed. If not then I will stay with Jonas. Something tells me that we need to stay together.”

  Kiln nodded his head in agreement. “I agree. Let us go to the kulam and get some information. It is a waste of time to speculate until we know what the council will do with Jonas.”

  They found the kulam easily. It was a huge stone temple, as big as a small castle, and at least three levels high. The building was surrounded by a well manicured lawn.
It was an oasis in the middle of the bustling city. The center part of the temple stood fifty paces high with sharp spires rising towards the clouds. The entire façade was covered with carvings of gods and their symbols, Shyann’s great oak, Ulren’s four pointed star, Bandris’s axe, and many more.

  There was a main door located at the center of the impressive structure. It was made from a solid white stone over ten paces high. The symbol of Ulren was carved into the stone and the seam that split the double doors was so thin that it was barely visible. It gave the door the appearance of a solid piece of flat rock.

  Flanking the large temple were two large buildings that appeared to be two story barracks or warehouses. There were several entrances along the fronts of these buildings, and the entire kulam was made from the same white stone. Taleen explained that the center building was a temple representing the various gods of the realm. The outer two buildings were the training facilities and living quarters for the potential cavalier candidates.

  They walked up the stone stairs that led to the white stone door. As they neared the door its marvelous craftsmanship became apparent. The polished stone was covered with a detailed carving of Ulren’s symbol, one that was so intricate and the lines so graceful that it was obviously done by a master craftsman.

  “It doesn’t even look like a door. You can’t see the seam or the hinges,” Jonas said, running his hand over the smooth stone.

  “This must have been created by dwarves. No one else could do this,” added Kiln.

  Taleen reached out and grabbed what looked like an impression in the middle of the door. There were two impressions on each side of the middle seam and once your hand was inside you could firmly grip an inner edge giving you the leverage to pull. She pulled hard expecting the door to be heavy and cumbersome, but she almost fell backwards as the door, a foot in thickness, easily swung outward on invisible hinges that made no sound.

  “Incredible,” muttered Taleen.

  They stepped into a large interior room covered with polished stone. Jonas looked down and saw a large mosaic of Ulren’s four-pointed star on the floor. The mosaic was made from different pieces of marble ranging from colors of white to black. The symbol itself was gray and black while the background was white in contrast. There was silver inlaid writing over the top of the symbol that Jonas thought was elvish.