by Reiter
“Do as you have been told, Commander,” Pelania asserted. “So commands your Empress.”
“Y-Y-Yes, Your Majesty!”
After only a few short moments, a classroom came into view. After one of the dinner guests made the verbal proclamation, Valian turned to address Pelania.
“It is the beginnings of an orphanage, Your Majesty. While the nearby Megacity of Imperia is not in the province of my Duke, I do not know how to draw boundary lines when it comes to the plight of children. This is the Jorkethian School, though hardly currently of a status worthy of a presentation.”
“I think I would be in a better position to make that assertion, Phytos,” Jorkethian said as he came away from the wall opposite of Valian’s position.
“Master?!” Valian exclaimed, turning to run to his Praeceptor. The look on the young man’s face was unmistakable, and Ulreejun pressed his lips together as he kept his emotions in check.
“Has it been so long?” he asked before he was embraced and lifted from the floor. “Oh my. I suppose it has been.” He patted Valian’s shoulder and whispered, “You are keeping me from making my Imperial respects, Phytos.”
“Forgive me, Master,” Valian said, bowing and wiping his eyes.
“Forgive the intrusion, Your Majesty,” Ulreejun said, bowing deeply and gracefully.
“I might have known,” Pelania said with a slight smile. “Sir Ulreejun, are you responsible for this?” she asked, gesturing toward Valian.
“I will hazard to say yes, Your Majesty. This is my Phytos. But it seems I have interrupted an impromptu tribunal.”
“More like a simple misunderstanding,” Valian inserted.
“No, I have further evidence,” Yorlson declared.
“You have yet to present any initial evidence, Your Grace,” Valian said in a tone suggesting that Yorlson should not press the moment any further.
“Lawrence Donaldson, come forward!” Yorlson cried.
“Who?” Jorkethian whispered.
“Larry,” Valian sighed. “He just summoned Larry.”
It’s lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself.
Muhammad Ali
(Rims Time: XI-4903.20)
Larry quickly came forward, followed by Kayjoe, Hugh, and Carlos. Larry looked over at Valian and smirked, shrugging his shoulders. “Too many of those old books, Valian. I tried to warn you.”
Yorlson made a very quick introduction of the four men to the dinner guests and then proceeded to ask Larry what he had witnessed while serving as a retainer to Valian.
“Point of order,” Valian called out.
“What order?” Yorlson sharply asked. “This man is one of yours!”
“Aye, he is one of mine... but he is no retainer. I would like that noted in the record correctly.”
“I am confused, Valian,” Pelania spoke. “You claim him and refuse him in the same statement. Explain this.”
“He is one of mine, Your Majesty,” Valian admitted. “He was an applicant to be a retainer in my service. For a brief time, he was a retainer-in-consideration. If you were to access House records, you will find that the date of his dismissal was the fifteenth of May of last year.”
“Do you mean to say that you have kept this man for nearly a year, but he is not in your service?”
“Not in my service and certainly not in my trust,” Valian replied. “He is, however, unaware of his actual position.”
“You expect us to believe that?!” Yorlson shouted.
“Young Ward, I am afraid I most align my voice with the Duke’s Proxy,” Pelania stated. “Why would you do such a thing if you did not trust the man?”
“Your Majesty,... Lawrence...” Valian stopped and turned to look at Larry. “Lawrence?” Shaking his head clear of the matter, he turned back to the Empress. “This man is not an Imperial Citizen and therefore is not subject to the same rights and privileges. I was under no obligation to tell him anything. But that does not answer your question.
“This evening, I have been honored with a grace few men will ever know: the privilege of escorting the Empress to an event. Unless I am out of order, I would think that the events on the Estate Grounds earlier today are what allowed me to serve my Duke and his House in this fashion.”
“Your courage and capability are indeed the reason why you are my escort this evening,” Pelania confirmed.
“However, despite my actions this day, the moment a question of my character was raised, I went from being the honorable representative of the Jhormynn name... to a pallid. The color of my skin somehow negates the Gateyans my family faced today. Why would I endeavor to allow one such as this man, who shares the same color skin as mine, to perpetuate the stereotype? Such a demeanor and lack of character would only reflect on my Master and Duke. As their defender, I had only two options: contain the problem or destroy the problem. As I am still in training, I have yet to find the opportunity to remove this... man from these lands, taking him back to the Middle Rim.
“If I have erred or brought any shame to the name Jhormynn,” Valian continued, “I will face whatever punishment Your Majesty deems fitting. The simple truth is this: Lawrence attacked my trainer after a long and grueling regimen of exercise whereupon he and several others cheated their loads to lessen their burden. Believing they were not as spent, Lawrence sought to use this advantage over my trainer.”
“And how did your trainer fare against this attack?” Pelania asked, having selected and viewed the event from the memories Valian shared with her.
“She did not have to face him,” Valian stated. “I had chosen him to be a retainer. His insult was mine to bear. I faced Lawrence and the three men that are now standing with him. And let the record also show, those three are my retainers. I stand for them as I would stand for this House.”
Pelania turned to face the four men. “It would seem that whatever this Lawrence would have to say would be in dispute. However, there are three who stand with him. Why are you there?”
“Larry asked us to come with him,” Hugh quickly answered.
“And you, large one... what would you have to say to anything Lawrence would have to tell us?”
Larry looked up at Kayjoe, a confident smile on his face. But as he looked at the large man, the smile faded and he stared intently at Kayjoe as the large man took a step forward. He addressed the Empress as if her were at Court, starting with a kneeling bow. Hugh snapped his fingers, chastising himself for forgetting that measure. Both he and Carlos took to their knees behind Kayjoe.
“Your Majesty, I am a simple man,” Kayjoe stated, looking down at the floor. “I know I am not smart like most people... and I thought Larry was the only one who never treated me like I was stupid. But he isn’t. Valian has only ever treated me like a man. He has taught me that I am not stupid or feebleminded... I am just different. I may not be able to think like most people in this room... but most people in this room can’t tackle two Gateyans either... so in this there is a balance.”
“Yes, retainer, on that point we would strongly agree,” Pelania nodded, her nostrils flaring slightly at the image of seeing him manipulate demonic flesh. “But of my inquiry, what do you have to say?”`
“I would not trust any harsh words Lawrence would have against my lord,” Kayjoe stated. “He doesn’t like that Valian is smarter than him. He’s a better man than him.” Kayjoe lifted his eyes to look at the Empress. “He’s a better man than me!”
“And what of the charges the Duke’s Proxy has more than implied here?”
“The Duke’s son is a dedicated man,” Kayjoe quickly replied. “He lives to uphold his father’s legacy. If he has claims against my lord, I would not question him... I would question his sources.”
“I could not ask for a better opening,” Valian thought, lowering his head.
“Proxy,” Pelania spoke softly. “Have you anything further to present?”
Yorlson looked at how Valian kept his eyes on
the floor at his feet. He then turned to look at his parents. His father still held a burning glare and his mother was on the verge of tears. Yorlson only had one other card to play, but it too had come from his informant who had been compromised. He shook his head ‘no’, taking a step toward his seat.
“As I stated before, this is not an Imperial Court,” Pelania mentioned. “In your case, that might be a very good thing.
“So, without further delay, Valian Styrke, Ward of the House Jhormynn, present yourself and kneel to this station.”
Valian turned to face Jorkethian and dropped to his knee. “My Praeceptor,” he said in a slightly raised tone. “... my Master, and my friend... with your permission, I will hearken unto the call of the Throne.”
Jorkethian knew he had no right to be surprised. After the Test Tower, the bar had been set and Valian had only ever endeavored to raise that standard. Still, to receive a dismissal request from the code of warriors long since gone, the Elder KnighT found it difficult to speak. “Stand and bid me farewell, child,” Ulreejun said softly, placing a hand on Valian’s shoulder.
“Goodbye, Master,” Valian said as he stood up and embraced the man. Ulreejun quickly wrapped his arms around Valian and held him close.
“I was never your Master,” he whispered in Valian’s ear. “I was only ever your guide.”
Stepping back, Valian smiled. “And now I know you’re human. You finally got something wrong... Master.” With a nod he turned and approached Pelania.
The table where they had eaten faded from sight and the Empress stole a glance at her lead Dreadnaught. They traded smiles and she drew her sword. Again white molten fire burst from the blade, arcing in the line of her drawing motion. Where the fire touched, light was born. Valian now glowed like the candles in the chamber.
“Your Majesty summoned me,” he stated.
“Kneel, young man.” Pelania lifted her sword as Valian touched his knee to the floor. “The light of Primus shines upon us all. The Inner Rim Empire is but a slight reflection of that light. The subjects of that kingdom are the true power; they are the brightest stars of that system, and with this act I seek to add to their number.
“With the authority of my station and the will of the Emperor himself, I touch this blade to your head. I smite the man you were! No matter your deeds before today, they are but shadow... forever lost in your awakening light. Rise, Sir Valian Styrke, KnighT of the Inner Rim!”
Just after Valian’s knee departed from the marble tile, women and men rose from their seats, applauding and cheering his name. He stood up slowly, lifting his eyes to look upon the Empress. When their eyes met, they both smiled and Valian took hold of her hand, pressing his forehead against the back of her hand.
“My Empress,” he stated.
“Not your liege?” she smiled.
“I am afraid not.”
Valian then turned toward the monitor. The older guests of the dinner celebration stated calling for quiet. While many of the younger guests did not understand why, they quickly obliged.
“My Lord, my Master, my Duke,” Valian said, bowing toward Vaiyorl. “Command me, Father, for on this day your House has gained a KnighT.”
“It has gained so much more than that, my son,” Vaiyorl replied, unafraid to let the tears rolls down his face. “What is your station?”
“I am the guardian of the House Jhormynn!” Valian all but shouted.
“And what is your code?”
“I quest for the ultimate light... the ultimate love... and the ultimate truth!”
“Thy code is accepted, Sir KnighT,” Vaiyorl acknowledged. “Be about your station.”
Applause was about to start again but Valian sharply called Yorlson’s title and name. The tension in the room drew so tight many forgot to breathe.
“What is it, Sir Valian?”
“It is time, my Brother,” Valian boomed. “In the name of the truth I seek, I do hereby serve challenge.”
“You challenge me?” Yorlson inquired.
“I do not! I do, however, challenge Sir Evard Bruntelior! I believe he is watching through the enchanted stone worn by Olpria Tunique.”
Heads turned, trying to find the person Valian was pointing at. No head turned more sharply than Yorlson’s, and he caught sight of the woman wearing a face of shock and dismay. Not the sort of face one would wear when falsely accused... but the kind worn when one was unexpectedly undone. She looked at Yorlson and stammered as she shook her head ‘no’. She stepped back into Annodia who took hold of the woman’s left arm and lifted it above her head.
“Most interesting,” Pelania said, waving her sword across Olpria. White fire flew from the tip of the blade, striking the raised hand – a simple ring on her smallest finger – where it sparked before exploding. The second half of the display image was changed from Suttara’s orphanage to a casting chamber where Evard stood beside a familiar-looking woman. “Countess Lusorra Necaltiere? Is that you?
“If I were not so grossly in love with my husband, I could kiss this man,” Pelania thought. A long time thorn in her side now approached a most startling revelation. The House Jhormynn had rescued the Empress years ago when Vaiyorl caught the attention of the Emperor. He had proven himself to be resourceful, capable, and loyal to the Throne when his estate had been attacked by Imperial forces that remained unidentified to this day. But the failed attack had allowed Pelania to suggest and ultimately name Vaiyorl as one of her directors, a seat the Countess openly coveted.
“Your Majesty,” Lusorra bowed. The sound of a falling body nearly drowned out her words. It was probably the SpellCasteR who was trying to break the connection between the chamber and the viewing charm worked into the ring.
“I am so glad you could attend, Countess,” Valian said, stepping forward. “... for my challenge extends to you as well.”
“What sort of challenge do you dare level at me, child?!” Lusorra snapped.
“I am a KnighT of the Inner Rim,” Valian declared. “I am the First KnighT of an Imperial House. According to the old and still-standing code, I can call to challenge whomever I find unworthy of their position.
“And when I win said challenge, I will then present all gathered evidence which has brought me to my claim. That is my right... how do you answer?”
“I am no KnighT.” Lusorra replied.
“You are a Countess! You have the right and the means by which to name your champion. You have ten minutes to respond!”
“Ten minutes?!” Lusorra cried. “This is an outrage!”
“Indeed it is, Countess,” Pelania added. “By my recollection of the old code, he only had to give you five.”
“Then we will take the time given,” Evard stepped forward to say. “Privacy, if you please, Your Majesty.”
“Requested and given,” Pelania said, waving her sword across the screen. She looked at Valian and nodded. “It is muted and blinded both ways, Sir KnighT.”
“Have you lost your mind?!” Jorkethian snarled through gritted teeth. He took hold of Valian’s arm and found his grip quickly foiled.
“A moment, Master,” Valian pleaded before walking away. He started running, signaling for Annodia to release the woman as he made his way over to his brother. “Yorlson–”
“You have made me–” Yorlson was shaken by how hard he was embraced by Valian.
“You are here, now, and forever my brother. In my heart, you always have been. What happened today needed to happen so that this house could continue to stand. But... in order for it to be strong... our father is going to need all of his children. All of us, Yorlson!”
Looking into the violet eyes he had come to despise, Yorlson shook his head in wonder. “How?”
“How could I do otherwise?” Valian asserted, grabbing Yorlson’s shoulders. “Do you remember my parents?”
“How could I forget?”
“Exactly! That is the same way I feel. Brother, they died for this family. They died believing that there was a pur
pose behind the Jhormynn name. A purpose worth dying for! I am their son... how could I even begin to think any differently?! But we need you, Yorlson. We’re always going to need you!”
“What do you need me for?”
“You are the first!” Valian proclaimed. “The very first work of love from our parents.”
“And all I’ve ever shown you is treachery.”
“Fine! Then be treacherous for us! The only reason you fell short here is because I saw you coming! I know that together we can do so much more. Will you help us?”
Yorlson looked into the eyes of the man he had yet to call brother and slowly nodded ‘yes’. “I don’t know what worth I will be... but whatever I have... it is yours.” He was prepared for the second hug and managed to hug Valian back. “What do you need me to do?”
“Go to the Empress and make your apologies,” Valian directed. “Tell her you will make amends for everything that happened tonight and then take your leave. When the Countess returns, I want it to be noticeable that you are not present.”
“Because then it will seem that I am not with you,” Yorlson concluded.
“Exactly!”
“Then I need to be quick about it,” Yorlson said, pulling away and running over toward the Empress.
The young KnighT then turned to look at Shonsatah and Pirion. He used sign language to say, “Give me a moment... I’ll be right up.” The two youths nodded at the signaling and quickly said their farewells.
Valian returned to his Praeceptor who had lost none of his ire. He turned to watch Yorlson make a very graceful and eloquent apology before quickly making his way out of the chamber.
“Please do not strike me,” Valian requested.
“I am left with no other recourse!” Jorkethian whispered his retort. It sounded more like a soft scream. “Boy, you are gifted, there is no other word for it, but Evard is a Master KnighT... damn near an Elder! His combative style may appear ineffective and clumsy, but it is potent and it serves him well!”
Valian took a step back, pointing at Jorkethian. “Ah-haa! I see it now.”
