“Cassandra, are you sure you want to try this again? We’ve barely survived the first three attempts.”
Cassandra was busy preparing the ingredients of the spell, and didn’t even slow down, “Flare. This could be our last chance. After you graduate tomorrow, you could be reassigned. We must succeed tonight. I will cast the spell, but I want you near, in case I make a mistake.” She paused, stepping closer. She placed her hands on his shoulders, and held his gaze with her own. “Are you ready?”
Flare took a deep breath before answering, “Sure.” Under his breath he mumbled, “With my luck, we’ll die in the attempt, right before graduation.” His hands were slightly clammy, an affect that Cassandra always had on him.
He stood behind her, as she began the spell process. The steps were performed in the same sequence as they had been done previously, but Cassandra pronunciation of the elven language was much smoother than ever before.
As before, the flame emerged from the bowl, and ran across the ceiling. The white sand was dumped on the floor, with Cassandra and Flare both tracing the runes in the sand.
For several hours, he assisted with the spell, but he began to get worried. With each step, Cassandra performed slower and slower. It was almost as if she was completely out of energy, and was having trouble remembering the steps.
Several times he had to step in and help her complete a step, and each time the step was completed just before time ran out.
Finally, the last step was complete, and all that was left was for Cassandra to speak the ancient phrase. He waited expectantly for her to speak, but she didn’t. She just stood there, with a dazed and confused look on her face.
“Cassandra, speak the words! Hurry!” There was a feeling of a building pressure. The magic was building up like it had the first night.
Cassandra raised her right hand to her temple, and slowly stumbled, “What? What are you talking about? What words?”
Each of the three previous spell attempts, Cassandra had spoken the words right on time. “Cassandra! What’s the matter? Hurry and speak the words!”
“What? ... I’m not quite....”
Knowing that something had gone wrong, Flare rose and spoke in a loud voice, “Alundia sezkial desnarrath. Alul dã lateth! Paloze en-tafille al gedst. Quintill fa la-cantorri. Yud xil akto!”
The magical energy, that had been building, suddenly disappeared. The magic book, which was sitting on the desk, suddenly glowed a brilliant white, getting brighter and brighter, and then finally going dim.
Flare turned to Cassandra, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Cassandra, are you all right? What happened?”
“I don’t know. I felt dizzy, and I couldn’t remember the last step of the spell.” She looked confused, and then smiled. “Flare, we did it. The guarding spells have been removed. The book is mine.”
Grinning and laughing, she embraced him in a huge bear hug. Flare was surprised when she kissed him. He was even more surprised when the kiss lingered.
“Cassandra, the graduation ceremony is in a few hours.”
Cassandra wrapped her arm around Flare’s waist, and pulled him up against her. “I’ll be sure to wake you tomorrow in plenty of time.” She kissed him again passionately, “I’ve already taught you magic, now I have something else I would like to teach you.”
Leading Flare by the hand, Cassandra paused only long enough to pick up the magic book, before entering the bedroom.
He followed her through the door. The excitement coursing through his body, followed closely by a bothersome anxiety.
The next day at graduation Flare was exhausted, but he wouldn’t have foregone the experience for anything.
The squads were joined into regiments, and then into divisions, where they patiently stood waiting for the various generals and lords who were reviewing them. The reviewing process lasted the whole day, and Flare only managed to stand at perfect attention while he was being reviewed.
In the middle of the inspection field, a large wooden platform had been built, with stairs leading up to it.
The generals and lords each reviewed each student, making sure that their appearance was satisfactory. Flare was immensely relieved that Duke Angaria was not part of the reviewing team. It would not have surprised him if the man had shown up just to insult him.
If the student’s appearance was satisfactory, then each reviewer asked a simple question, and passed on. The questions were simple, and the soldiers had no problem answering them.
After the graduation review, King Darion climbed the stairs to the platform, and addressed the soldiers.
“I have the great honor of proclaiming you the newest members of the guardians.”
A great cheer arose from the soldiers at the king’s words.
Flare himself cheered just as loudly as the rest. It felt as if a huge weight had been flung from his shoulders.
King Darion stood on the platform, listening to the cheering and smiling. He allowed the cheering to continue for several minutes, before he raised his arms for silence.
The cheering quieted immediately. “You have done well, and your efforts have made us proud. Your two years of training are complete. You are the essence of what guardians are supposed to be. But answer me this. Would you give your lives in defense of Telur?”
As one, the soldiers screamed, “Yes!”
The smile faded from the face of King Darion, and he became sterner. “Unfortunately, you may get your chance.”
King Darion’s words had a dampening effect on the mood of the soldiers.
“I am going to have to ask you to mature faster than you planned. We have discovered that the forces of Dalar and Ontaria are gathering to the east and south of us. I have ordered that all available soldiers be sent to our borders with these two areas. Your commanders will give you your orders. Good luck to you all. I have the utmost faith that each of you will strive to uphold both the reputation of the guardians, and the reputation of Telur, and that you fight and die if necessary. Do us proud.” The king paused a moment, and then climbed down from the platform.
Flare’s heart skipped several beats. The chance to earn glory would come sooner than he had expected, and he wasn’t sure if that was good or not.
The weight that had been removed from his shoulders had returned, although the burden was not near what it had been.
Chapter 9
The day after graduation, Flare was summoned by Sergeant Danlion. He already knew the troops were being sent eastward and he relished the idea of helping to defend the eastern territories.
He found Sergeant Danlion having a discussion with several other sergeants and military officers. They were standing near the edge of the field upon which the graduation ceremonies had been held.
Flare stood to the side and waited patiently for Sergeant Danlion. It took several moments before the sergeant noticed him, but he quickly broke free of the other men and approached.
Sergeant Danlion stopped in front of him, and ignoring Flare’s salute, slapped him on the shoulder. “You're early Flare, but that’s good. Promptness is an excellent attribute for a soldier.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“I sent for you, to give you your orders.” Sergeant Danlion said.
“Yes Sir!”
“Come, Flare. Walk with me.”
They walked for several moments in silence, until they reached the shade of several large pine trees.
“Flare, I suppose you know that the other squads in your regiment have already been ordered to the east, to help guard our borders with Ontaria.”
“Yes, sir. When do we leave?”
The sergeant pursed his lips “Well. Your squad leaves the day after tomorrow. But, your squad will not be going with the regiment eastward. The squad is being sent to the west.”
The words hit Flare like a blow. “The west!? But why? There’s nothing to the west. Why are we being sent there?” His spirits plunged at the sergeant's words.
In his surprise, he
had interrupted Sergeant Danlion; however the sergeant paid it no mind. “Flare, you are to take your squad to Fort Mul-Dune. A large number of the soldiers have been withdrawn to supplement our forces to the east, and your squad will help reinforce the fort.”
“Sir. What good are thirteen more soldiers?” In his surprise and anger, Flare was almost being argumentative, not a good thing to do with a superior officer.
“It’s not just thirteen; you will be leading four hundred and fifty soldiers. They’re all new recruits in the regular army, but they should be sufficient to improve the level of preparedness of the fort. Do you understand the importance of this assignment?” He paused, “Fort Mul-Dune separates the western frontiers from the wilds of Cail dar’mock. Without the protection of the fort, the savages, goblins, and other monsters would have unrestricted access to our western farms and villages. The fort must maintain an acceptable state of readiness”
Flare sighed deeply, “Yes, sir.”
Sergeant Danlion placed a hand on his shoulder, “Flare, a soldier’s job is to follow orders. Orders are not always explained, and the reasons behind them are seldom what they appear. Honor your oath, and follow these orders to the best of your ability.”
Flare nodded slowly, “Sir, it’s not a requirement to like orders, just to follow them.”
“Good. Your orders are to be at Fort Mul-Dune, and turn over command of the men in two fortnight’s time. That’s not much time, so you had better get your men assembled.” He smiled, “Oh, and by the way, you have been promoted to Sergeant.” He held out his hand, “Congratulations. Sergeant Flaranthlas.”
Flare was quiet at dinner. Was there a deeper reason that he was being sent westward? He was sure that it was because of him that the squad had been ordered to the west.
“Flare. What's the matter?” Kara asked. “You haven't spoken at all tonight.”
He looked up from his plate. The other guardians had all stopped speaking and were watching him. It figured that Kara would notice first. “We are not going eastward with the regiment. We have been ordered to the west, to Fort Mul-Dune.”
He wasn't sure what reaction to expect from the other guardians, but the reaction he got was as varied as the soldiers themselves.
Philip leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Who ordered that, and for what reason?” Philip had responded well since losing his fight to Flare. He was becoming trustworthy, although he still got indignant when things didn't go his way. Flare attributed his arrogance to being high born, although he had heard others refer to it as being spoiled.
“General Vergillion gave the orders. Apparently, the fort has been stripped of solders.” He watched their faces. Atock seemed confused, perhaps his lack of familiarity with the geography of the western mountains. Most of the fighters seemed unhappy, although Trestus looked somewhat relieved. Kara also looked relieved, and he could guess why. If their squad didn't have to fight, then she wouldn't have to tend any wounds.
“How many of us will be going?” Aaron asked, frowning.
Flare sighed, “This squad will go and we will be in charge of four hundred and fifty new army recruits.
Callin wore a frown, too. “They can't do this. They can't send away from the battle.” His words were forceful and commanding.
Kara paused in the middle of lifting a glass, to answer him, “Callin, perhaps it's a good thing we're going west. It you don't fight, then you won't die.”
“I don't want to die,” Callin answered angrily, “I want to join the fight.”
Several of the other guardians opened their mouths to speak, but Flare cut them off. “Enough!” He said, rising, “Our orders came from General Vergillion, and that's all you need to know. We leave the day after tomorrow and I need each of you to help me. We'll be in charge of four hundred and fifty green soldiers, and I need you to help keep them in line. I can't afford for them to see you arguing or sulking for the next month.” He met their gazes and held it until they looked away. “Do you understand?”
They murmured they assent, and even Callin looked abashed. Flare sat back down, “Tomorrow is the last day you have to visit any friends or family.”
Atock cleared his throat, “Flare, I'm not familiar with this fort that we are being sent to. Can you explain?”
Flare drank a little water before answering. “The Az’ha’rill mountains are the western border of Telur. On the other side of those mountains are uncivilized forest and wilds that are the home to savage human tribes, goblins, and other nasty things. The mountains effectively act as a shield to protect the west. There are some small gaps in the mountains, but they are dangerous to use and only a small number of people can use them at one time. The only gap large enough for a large group to travel through is the Fang gap, which just happens to be where Fort Mul-Dune is located.”
“Why don't they just go around the mountains, to the north or south?” Atock asked.
It was Enton that answered, “To the north, there are deep ravines and dangerous bogs. The south is guarded by the dwarves. There is a dwarven stronghold at the southern tip of the mountains and they allow nothing to pass through their territory. The goblins especially have learned to avoid them.”
Atock considered, “And no humans travel these forests on the other side of the mountains?”
“Some do; mostly trappers and hunters. Although, some men go there to track the goblins.” Enton said, and several guardians raised their eyes, and he quickly added, “There is a large bounty on the goblins. If you are any good, then you can make a lot of money quickly.”
After several moments of quiet, Flare asked, “Are there any other questions?” He paused and waited, but hearing nothing, he said, “Get some sleep. Tomorrow take care of anything that you need to, because we leave the morning after tomorrow.”
Two days later, Flare assumed command of the soldiers on the northwest side of the city. The men were young, barely old enough to be called men, but they looked fit enough to guard the western pass.
Sergeant Danlion was already there waiting for him. He saluted and waited for Flare's return salute. “Good morning, Flare. Are you ready for your assignment?”
Flare smiled weakly, “Yes sir, I am, but honestly I'm surprised to see you here. I thought I was to be in command of the soldiers.”
“You are.” Danlion answered, “I just wanted to give you some advice.” He took Flare by the arm and pulled him away. “Listen Flare. I know this is your first command, and I just wanted to remind you to keep discipline in the troops. These soldiers are not the guardians that you are used to dealing with. These soldiers are not quite as well disciplined.” Flare's eyebrows rose, and Danlion quickly continued, “All I'm saying is make sure that you let them know who is in charge. If you have any problems, pick someone and make an example out of them.”
Flare didn't like the sound of that, “That sounds kind of harsh and cruel.”
Danlion nodded his head, “Maybe, but it works.”
They set out shortly before mid-day, heading down the western road. Older women and younger girls cried as the soldiers started off. The old women had to be the mothers of the men, and the younger women were their sisters, or maybe wives. Flare had also said goodbye to several people, Cassandra included, but no one had cried for him. That didn't bother him as much as he would have thought; he had seen enough tears in his young life.
Callin and Trestus had both hugged an older woman and a young girl. Mother and sister perhaps? Several other guardians had family there, including Philip. An aging lord had visited briefly to grasp his son's arm. The lord was the Duke of Atwell, but he surprised Flare by not hugging his son. Philip's mother had no such compunction, and cried openly as she hugged him.
Not everyone had someone to wish them goodbye. Atock, like Flare, stood by himself waiting to get the trip started. The handle of a sword stuck up over each shoulder. During the guardian training, Atock had worn the required long sword, but now, he had reverted back to his traditional way
of fighting. When battle found them, Atock would meet it with a short sword in each hand. His swords were different than what Flare was used to, they were shorter than normal, and only one side had an edge. In addition, there was a slight curve to the swords. He had seen Atock practicing with them, and it was obvious that he knew how to use them.
Atock was not the only guardian that had changed his weapons; Enton now carried a massive two handed ax on his back. The ax had a double edged end, with the blades in the shape of a half-circle. He shook his head. He didn't know how Enton could carry the ax; much less swing it in battle.
Flare gave them as long as he thought they could spare, and then he mounted his horse and gave the order to form up. The other guardians moved the fastest, followed more slowly by the other soldiers.
The rising sun had burned off the early morning spring chill, and it felt nice. Flare was thankful that is was a clear sunny day for the start of their trip. The birds were chirping and singing in their trees and bushes as the soldiers traveled past. The stones underfoot quickly gave way to packed dirt, but the dirt seemed almost as hard as the stones, and didn't affect their traveling.
Flare rode in the front of the column, with the other guardians riding throughout the company of soldiers. The soldiers themselves marched along the road in their squads. Bringing up the rear, were the supply wagons.
Along the western road, farms occupied either side of the road. Farmers were busy working in their fields, but they stopped to watch the soldiers pass.
He was a little uncomfortable at so many people looking to him for their orders, but he relaxed slowly.
They traveled throughout the day, pausing only long enough for a hasty lunch and then they were back on the road. The farms thinned as they traveled through the afternoon. Small copses of trees were appearing between the farms, and off in the distance forests could be seen. All in all, it had been a good first day of traveling, and Flare was pleased with their progress.
The Guardians: Book One of the Restoration Series Page 15
