Gwaynn expected a sleepless night, but surprisingly he dropped right off and was a little disorientated when Lane nudged him awake in the morning.
“It’s time,” the man said so Gwaynn rose and pulled on his pants before he remembered that he would be leaving. He sat back on the bed, considering his options for a moment then making up his mind he stood and moved downstairs. As usual he grabbed a slice of bread, nodded to the two men sitting in the kitchen, and walked out into the early morning air. He stretched, relieved himself from the night then headed down to the beach for his morning run.
Krys, Vio, William and Tam were down on the beach when Gwaynn approached.
“Morn,” Gwaynn said.
“Morn,” both William and Tam said in unison. Vio nodded but said nothing.
“I’m sorry,” Krys added but Gwaynn waved him away.
“We will see,” Gwaynn said more hopeful than he felt and then watched as the other students topped a rise and headed down to join them. B’dall approached, but he said nothing and just smirked at Gwaynn. Tar Kostek was not with them, nor apparently would he be joining them, because they all lined up and began to run.
At the two-mile mark, Vio and Gwaynn began to pull away from the rest of the students. Gwaynn was tucked in behind her, as was his normal position of late, but for some reason just before the turn he moved over, sped up and past her, actually reaching the point ahead of her. Vio had not trailed at the half way point now for more than six months and she smiled despite her heavy heart. Her competitive spirit however, caused her to speed up, but as she did Gwaynn did likewise. They had an enormous lead when they finally passed the students heading the other direction and they were holding to their pace. When the finish finally came into sight, both were near exhaustion, but both continued to run all out. They even increased their speed the last quarter of a mile. Gwaynn was still in the lead and was determined that the girl would not pass him, not today. As they came down to the end Vio managed to run side by side with him and together they flashed toward the finish. But just at the end, Gwaynn with his last ounce of energy, lunged through the finish just ahead of the girl who could not be beaten. They both collapsed on the ground, panting hard and then Gwaynn turned over and threw up his morning bread.
“Very, very impressive,” said a voice to their left. Gwaynn looked over and saw Tar Kostek moving down a dune toward them. It was several moments before either could talk, but Kostek just stood above them, waiting. Finally Gwaynn caught his breath enough to stand, his legs very wobbly. He moved over until he stood above Vio, who was still breathing hard and he extended a hand. She smiled and took it and he helped her to her feet. Together they began walking around, getting their wind back.
Eventually they headed back to where Kostek stood.
“It’s true then,” Gwaynn stated. He had to know. “I am to go to Lato Island?”
Vio stopped where she was, all attention, looking closely at her Master.
“Yes,” Kostek said. “That appears to be the decision.”
“Do I have anything to say about where I go?”
Kostek frowned. “That is not up to me. I am to take you before the Council this afternoon. They will make the ultimate decision. But know that whatever they decide, it will be in your best interests.”
Gwaynn nodded but said nothing, and moved off down the beach with Vio following. He stripped and ran out into the sea. She followed him. They swam about, not speaking, just enjoying the cooling wetness, until finally she swam over to him.
“Will you go?” She asked, only her head above water. They were in very deep.
“I’m not sure I will have a choice,” Gwaynn answered, facing her. They were only a few feet apart, but she would not go closer.
“I hear it is a beautiful island, gardens everywhere,” she added quietly. Gwaynn had no answer for that and began to move toward the beach.
“Gwaynn,” Vio said.
“Yes,” he answered without turning, still moving slowly away from her.
“Gwaynn,” she said again. This time he stopped and turned back to her, noticing a hint of panic in her voice.
“The…the other night,” she began and he noticed that her face was growing red, “the night of the storm. I…I saw you here on the beach with that girl.”
Gwaynn said nothing, but he felt his face grow hot as well. He looked at Vio, who stared back, her dark eyes growing impossibly large.
“Do you love her?” Vio asked, barely above a whisper.
Gwaynn frowned, having never actually thought about it. “I like Mille,” he answered and Vio scowled at her name. “You’d like her too.”
“I’m sure,” Vio answered, gathered her courage and moved a bit closer.
“Do you love her?” Vio asked once more.
Gwaynn rubbed his face. “No,” he answered finally. “I like Mille, but I cannot become too involved with anyone.
Now Vio frowned, her heart soared with the first part of his answer and fell with the last.
“But why? I will not be on Noble Island forever,” Vio answered then blushed even harder as she realized just what her statement revealed.
Gwaynn smiled at her, truly touched, but shook his head. “No, I am a danger to anyone close to me, plus I have other things to do. Perhaps the Council is right; maybe it is time for me to go.”
“But Gwaynn…” Vio began.
“Prince Gwaynn Massi,” Gwaynn interrupted, unsure of why he told her, knowing it was stupid and dangerous. He could not help himself, but somehow he knew that she would never betray him. “That’s who I am. My family is dead. I will be dead too, if my enemies ever find out who I am and where I am.”
Vio was shocked into silence and looked at him in horror; suddenly she burst into tears and fled from him.
“Vio,” he shouted, trying to follow, but she waved him off and literally ran from the beach naked, gathering her clothes as she went.
ǂ
Tar Kostek came to collect Gwaynn just after he’d finished pushing his mid-day meal around on his plate. He came on horseback and Gwaynn was surprised to find that Lane had saddled up Prolly for Gwaynn to ride. They were on their way to Herra, the largest town on Noble, located near the center of the island. It was where the Council convened.
“It’s only a bit over ten miles,” Master Kostek said with a slight smile. “You could run it easily, but horses will be a bit more dignified.
Gwaynn nodded and swung up easily onto the horse. He’d not been on one for a long time but like nearly all royalty, he was a very accomplished rider. He turned the horse and was about to spur her into a trot when Mille rushed outside, followed closely by Deirdre and Karin. They all waved goodbye and Gwaynn waved in return then without looking back he headed off after his Master.
Despite the circumstances, Gwaynn found that he enjoyed the trip and even smiled as they entered Herra, which was located on the slopes of a pair of rolling hills. The immense Grand Hall was perched on the summit of the highest hill and was visible for many miles. It was heavily columned and made completely of white granite, which gleamed brightly against the dark blue of the sky.
As they made their way across the Parm River, Gwaynn noticed many small galleys docked along its banks. The low quarter, around the river, was the shopping district and at the moment it was very crowded and noisy. They rode through without stopping, though Gwaynn turned this way and that, looking at the brightly clothed shoppers. They made their way up and up, past more shops and then later a housing district. The higher they went the larger the buildings became. Near the top most were all made of white granite.
No one was waiting outside the Grand Hall when they arrived but two boys quickly appeared to lead their horses off. Gwaynn nodded at them but said nothing, and followed Kostek up the stairs without a word. On either side of the stairs was a large statue of a Weapons Masters, each in a classic fighting stance. The stone Master on the right sported a pair of kali, and the one on the left a long sword. Gwaynn was study
ing the artwork as he climbed, so he failed to notice that Tar Amon and Tar Endid were waiting for them at the top of the steps.
“The Council is waiting in the Sparring Hall,” Tar Amon said, placing a hand on Gwaynn’s shoulder.
“You are the High Tar,” Gwaynn stated, just a little accusatorily.
Amon nodded. “Yes, but it is the Council as a whole that will make this decision.”
“The decision has not been made then?” Gwaynn asked.
Amon smiled slightly. “The final decision has not been made as yet. First they would like to see you fight. But be aware that not all on the Council are privy of your true lineage.”Amon answered.
Gwaynn nodded, not truly understanding. How could they make a decision if they were not aware of who he was, and why was a decision even coming before the Council if that were the case?
Amon saw the boy’s confusion and berated himself for not better explaining the situation earlier.
“Only a few on the Council know the entire story, but the High Traveler and the Master Scholar both now know your true name. The Master Scholar, Putal, would like you to spend time on his island, though he does not fully realize the danger that would put his people in. He is not convinced that the High King is attempting to shift the balance of power, and feels that if the King was involved in the downfall of the Massi it was done so out of weakness and love. He believes that if the High King became aware of your continued existence he may yet return you to the throne of Massi and thus end the danger to the land. The Council is here to decide whether or not to grant his request that you be sent to Lato.”
Gwaynn nodded as if understanding, though he had a feeling he was missing something vital, but he asked no more questions as they crossed the portico and went through a set of large, heavily carved mahogany doors.
They immediately entered into a long hallway, which ran to the right and left, but they crossed this and went through another set of carved wooden doors. This pair opened into a very large room with a ceiling several stories high.
Gwaynn looked up at the rectangular ceiling far above and saw that it was painted royal blue with a gleaming gold sword running through the middle, the symbol of the Weapons Masters. There was also a balcony directly above, where a large number of people stood staring down at him. As they made their way farther into the room, Gwaynn’s attention was diverted to the large white marble dais that dominated the eastern end of the room. On the dais sat seven men and three women, all were elderly in Gwaynn’s estimation. He noticed that the seat directly in the center was unoccupied and wondered about it briefly. Behind the Council was a set of risers where another twenty to thirty people sat, most of them were much younger than the group that sat before them.
Tar Kostek placed a hand on Gwaynn’s shoulder easing him to a halt, while Tar Amon continued up and took the seat in the center of the Council. Gwaynn raised an eyebrow. Once in his place, Tar Amon banged a gavel to get everyone’s attention.
“Gwaynn, you have been called before the Council to determine whether we shall grant the request of Master Scholar Putal that you be put under his care for the remainder of your youth.”
Someone coughed from behind and above Gwaynn, but otherwise everything was quiet.
“Normally, we would defer to the judgment of Master Putal, but Master Kostek insists your fighting skills are worthy of Noble Island,” Tar Amon paused as a murmur went through the crowd. “If your skills are deemed worthy of our island it may be decided that you should remain and continue to study with us,” the gallery grew restless, for it was obvious that Gwaynn was not a formal student and had not been approved by the High King. The buzz of the crowd seemed to annoy the High Tar slightly. “However, even if we grant you leave to stay and study, you will never be given the rank of Weapons Master, or that of Tar.” He finished, and the crowd finally went quiet.
Gwaynn nodded, but otherwise stood impassive.
“Tar Endid,” Amon said addressing the large red headed instructor. “You have the honors,” he added, motioning to Gwaynn.
Endid bowed to the Council and removed a pair of kata from his belt, while another acolyte brought Gwaynn a pair. Endid then turned and bowed to Gwaynn, which he returned and then they both faced off, each in a classic stance, prepared to fight. They both remained poised and ready, unmoving until Amon addressed them once more.
“You may begin!”
Despite the audience, and the fact that so much was riding on his performance, Gwaynn fought as he always did since coming to the island, attacking relentlessly. Tar Endid was caught completely off guard by the skill of his young opponent and it was all he could do in the first moments of the fight to keep from being scored upon. Endid actually laughed aloud, marveling at the proficiency of the boy, but he somehow managed to deflect the initial onslaught, and then began to find the rhythm of this aggressive young man. It still took him, a Tar, an inordinately long time before he scored his first hit. He was elated at his victory, then immediately realized just what that meant. ‘They could not lose this boy!’ Endid thought. ‘If he left now it would be a tragedy.’
He was about to say as much but Gwaynn, who had backed off, bowed and then attacked again. He came at Endid with even more speed and ferocity than he had in the opening moments, but this time Endid was prepared and met the attack with a ferocious counter attack of his own, driving the boy back. Then Gwaynn stumbled, and almost fell, but as Endid moved in, he was met with a powerful kick to the midsection. The Tar doubled over and dropped to his knees, surprised beyond comprehension.
The Hall was utterly quiet, the audience above shocked and the Council sat in silence. Gwaynn backed off and bowed once more. He waited, ready for his opponent to rise and do battle. Tar Endid stood and faced the Council gave a half bow, then turned to Gwaynn and smiled. This time it was Endid who attacked and kept up an unremitting attack, never giving the boy a moment’s respite until finally he scored a glancing blow on Gwaynn’s left shoulder. Both stopped and backed away from the other once more. Each bowed and then continued. The sparring went on for another half an hour, with Gwaynn only scoring two more hits versus Endid’s ten, but it was clear to all present that the boy had truly exceptional skill. Even Tar Amon, who had been informed repeatedly by Master Kostek of Gwaynn’s talent, was taken by surprise and watched most of the sparring match in astonishment.
When they finally finished their bout, Tar Endid slapped Gwaynn on the shoulder, and turned to the Council. “He must stay!” he shouted emphatically. Noise immediately erupted from the balcony above but this time Gwaynn could tell it was of a positive nature.
Tar Amon stood and held out his hands, motioning for quiet. It took several long moments but finally the Hall sputtered into silence once more.
“It is now obvious,” Amon began, “that this bout was not a waste of our time as some have suggested.” He glanced down the table to his left. Several of those on the Council smiled ruefully at him. “And it is also obvious that we made a grave selection error some five years ago…”
“Tar Amon…” interrupted a voice almost directly behind the speaker. Amon turned. It was Master Scholar Putal, “if I may interrupt.” Master Putal was a tall man with a full head of silvery hair. He stood very straight and moved with a certain meticulous grace down to Tar Amon’s side.
“The boy has skill,” Putal began. “Even I can not deny that, but this decision should not be made on fighting skills alone.” The Master Scholar turned and addressed Gwaynn directly. “Knowledge too can be a powerful weapon against your enemies and it is knowledge that we of Lato Island will give you. Knowledge beyond your ability to fathom and not just of the current situation, but knowledge spanning back in time through the now and into the second age of man, and some believe even beyond that, back to the first age and the very beginning of time itself.”
Putal shifted his attention back to Tar Amon and the Council. “Perhaps the decision should be the boy’s. Perhaps we should give him the knowledge he n
eeds to choose and allow him to decide for himself.”
A murmur went up through the crowd and then a gasp as another man stood from the very back of the risers. He moved down and walked around to the front of the Council.
“Tar Nev, Tar Nev,” whispers filtered from the gallery above. Gwaynn frowned and then just gawked at the man. The man bowed to the council once and then turned to study the boy before him more closely. Tar Nev was the most famous Tar of his day, he was also simply the strangest Master Gwaynn had ever laid eyes upon. He was shorter than Gwaynn had expected, but with a full head of long, bushy dirty blond hair. It was not tied back, or even controlled in any way and looked strikingly like a field that a farmer had allowed to go fallow. Not a hair style one would expect to see on any Tar, let alone one of the Masters. His face was slightly grizzled, but he possessed startlingly gray eyes, that almost seemed to glow in the light of the hall. It was his eyes that gave the Master a slightly youthful appearance despite his obvious years.
“I will train Gwaynn,” he said simply and the Hall exploded with shouts, both cheers and protests. Tar Nev was the latest of a long line of Solitary Tars going back generations to Tar Ephs himself. Over three hundred years ago, Ephs, whose skill with weapons was unsurpassed at the time, broke off from the traditional school and refused to teach until very late in his life. He finally took a single exceptional student, who he trained and who likewise grew to dominate every other Tar of his generation, and so it went through the ages. One Tar, one student. Tar Nev, who was said to be the greatest of all the Solitaries, had yet to take a student…..that is, until now.
Both Master Putal and Tar Amon stood speechless, while Endid gazed at Tar Nev with something close to awe. Putal bowed to Tar Nev and without a word slowly turned and moved back to his seat. He knew that if the Solitary Tar had finally made his choice for student, nothing and no one would stand in the way of that decision.
Tar Amon looked at Tar Nev then down to Gwaynn, who was looking from one to the other, just as shocked as the rest of the Hall by this development.
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