by Curtis, Gene
“LeOmi?” Ms. Vanmie’s gentle whisper of a voice called for her to follow. “I spoke with your counselor and she has informed me that you have some combat skills. She seems to think that we can get along well together, what do you think?” As she spoke she motioned LeOmi into the back room. There were tables of riotous, wooden practice swords.
“I got along well with my last teacher.”
“I am your Combat teacher here. Defend yourself.” Ms. Vanmie grabbed a wooden riotous baton from the closest table, and LeOmi did the same.
They began circling the room, each using their baton to make figure eights to limber their muscles.
“Let’s size you up, shall we.” They continued circling.
“Just since you have come into my shop, I have learned—” Ms. Vanmie faked a lunge and began circling the other way around the room.
“Street-kid smarts, kendo style fighting, French kick boxing. You have a notice-me type fixed attitude. Bold, brilliant, confident, unconventional, brave, a skilled fighter, yet untrusting, a loner, angry, quiet...a listener unless provoked, thinks most people are weak.”
LeOmi lunged forward, executing the perfect one-two-three: slash-turn-slash. The deadly dance is what Henry would call it.
Ms. Vanmie was fast, evading, not countering.
“Most children, outside our school, the soft ones, need to be entertained. You are not one of those are you?”
LeOmi clashed riotous with Ms. Vanmie and then each in turn evaded the slashing stroke from left shoulder down.
“Aw, basic ballet too. Rond de jambe. With attitude!” Ms. Vanmie mockingly performed a pirouette, while lunging and performing her own perfect one-two-three: slash-turn-slash; LeOmi evaded just as easily.
“When I was growing up, we entertained ourselves: books, cycling, swimming –no time for excessive shopping and drugs. I guess you have seen it all though?”
The pirouette again, “En Garde,” followed by a distracting toppling of a table of riotous. LeOmi narrowly missed the lunge of Ms. Vanmie’s baton toward her left shoulder.
Angrily, LeOmi dived, tucked and tried to roll past the strewed riotous only to find Ms. Vanmie’s riotous connect with her chest as she regained her balance. Ms. Vanmie had kicked the pile of riotous into LeOmi’s path, making the floor like a layer of pick-up sticks.
“Ah, your tombé en avant has failed you.” Ms. Vanmie lowered her riotous. “Am I getting you riled up yet?”
LeOmi dropped her baton, searching for a clear spot to place her hands and feet.
“Quick to anger. Remember what I said about the parts. Anger helps you focus, but leverage is the key to martial arts.” Ms. Vanmie reached a hand down to help LeOmi up. She didn’t take it.
“One without the other, be it physically or mentally, will make you lose before you begin.”
LeOmi stood up and brushed herself off, looking at her hands and still feeling the sting from the force expelled by both of them.
“Your size can be a hindrance or an asset, depending on how you use it.” Ms. Vanmie grabbed armloads of riotous and placed them on the table. “You may choose where you will fit into my classes.” She raised her hand to sarcastically stop LeOmi from speaking, “But not today. I will speak to you or Bekka later, depending on what you choose.” Ms. Vanmie walked to the door and turned the sign, she swung the door open.
LeOmi picked up her back pack and headed for the door.
“LeOmi. Can you turn back an arrow once it is shot by a strong archer?”
LeOmi stopped and looked at her.
“You can, if you know how.”
LeOmi scooted past Ms. Vanmie without giving a response. She heard Ms. Vanmie calling after her, but she couldn’t stop, one foot in front of the other, the calming rhythm of running, the release of being alone. Yet she heard Henry, “Have I got you riled up yet?”
* * *
It was a jog first but as she weaved over to a corridor that was less congested she began to run. She didn’t even recognize any of the shops or restaurants. Until she came to the bank, then she took the path that she had taken following Keith and Ralph to Slone. She was outside in the sun and then she made the turn into the cool alcove.
There were a few more kids there today. Slone actually smiled when she came around the corner.
He pulled out a chair for her and she grabbed a bottle of water and sat down, dropping her book bag beside the chair and drinking down water in big gulps.
He watched her until she had cooled down enough. He spoke with others as they came up to him, whispering in his ear…and he answered them by whispering in theirs.
“Are you ready?”
She looked at him, and shrugged.
“Then we will begin.”
Slone stood and looked towards the school entrance.
His sword was in his hand. Obviously, he liked the feel of it and the power that it gave him.
There were a lot of large jewels in the hilt, shiny and beautiful. He had a scabbard that hung on his back, but he didn’t use it. It was also decorated with jewels and golden filigree.
“I know this school has a reputation for its excellence, but I think we can do better. There is always room for improvement. Don’t you agree?”
He asked the entire group, but it was LeOmi that his eyes settled on, questioningly.
She gave no response.
“Just like most of you, it was pounded in my head that The Seventh Mountain was the school to go to. Now we are here, and frankly I am a little disappointed.”
LeOmi listened to some of his speech and left through the school entrance door and she finally stopped at the Olive Tree.
* * *
As LeOmi approached the Olive Tree she stopped in her tracks, Ms. Vanmie and Bekka looked up from their conversation.
“Come up.” Bekka yelled and waved for LeOmi to join them.
Bekka said to Ms. Vanmie, “Swordsmanship is a big draw for LeOmi, just as her friendship and mentorship of Henry.”
“Henry Ben Franklin of New Orleans,” Ms. Vanmie said. “He was a retired West Point teacher and instructor, part Cherokee Indian. His passion was sharp edged weapons of any kind.”
“So, you have heard of him?”
“He was a really good teacher. We have had a few students over the years that have been taught by him. I like the way she has put her own spin on his style and tactics. Most impressive.”
Watching LeOmi, they were still talking as she stepped inside the shady protection of the Olive Tree.
“My, how things are unfolding –Bekka, if you need any assistance, all you have to do is ask,” Ms. Vanmie said.
Bekka stiffened and responded with LeOmi’s type nod, “I can handle it.”
“I was just talking to Bekka about our meeting today. Apparently it didn’t go anything like she had hoped.”
Both women turned towards LeOmi, but there was no response.
“I didn’t set out to bruise your pride. You must understand that I do something similar with every new student, and once you get to my classroom you will find that you will receive your ranking very quickly. It will be obvious to all the first years that you have advanced training. But there are certainly other skills that you will need and I hate to have you at a disadvantage in the upper levels. As I have said before, it is up to you.”
LeOmi frowned, followed by the usual nod.
“I must go.” Ms. Vanmie bowed slightly and remanifested away.
“She has high regards for you LeOmi.”
Bekka pulled out two oranges and gave one to LeOmi. In silence, they pealed and as they began eating, Bekka asked, “You have questions?”
LeOmi thought for a moment, “Remanifestation. That is what counselors can do—what is it?”
“Remanifestation? A Magi can go anywhere that they have ever been to before as long as they are able to see the sky. Generally it is juniors and above that remanifest, it is a hard skill to learn.
As they stood and prepared to return to
the school, “What is that?”
They saw a cloud coming towards them. They both stood waiting.
As the cloud came closer, Bekka said, “It’s a horse.” It was running toward them, full speed. It had begun to slow upon approach and it stopped in front of LeOmi and bowed down on one knee waiting for her to approach.
“Oh my!” Bekka said.
“I think it wants you to ride it.”
LeOmi jumped up onto the bare back of the horse. The horse reared as LeOmi grabbed its neck with her arm and holding on with her legs. As it lowered, she was rubbing it with her chin and free hand.
“What a beauty.” LeOmi said.
“Amazing, you have just been pre-chosen.”
“What?”
“This is something that doesn’t usually happen. The choosing ceremony isn’t until the fourth day.”
The horse was bobbing up and down, excited about its own choice. LeOmi was smiling and the horse wanted to run. To take her out and away from the school. Away from the cares of this world, for just a little while. The young mare was so happy and LeOmi could feel her heart pounding.
Bekka pulled out her notebook and started making notations. “I must go and report this. Ride and have fun, Emerald Tribe Member.”
“What?” LeOmi felt surprise and shock, but she also felt like this was the right thing to do—in fact at this moment it was the only thing to do. The horse turned and walked back the way she had come.
She ran as fast as she could. It was like she was proving something to LeOmi. She ran towards a group of huge trees that towered higher than, and behind the wall, containing the desert area of The Seventh Mountain. It was obvious that the trees had been trimmed so they would not drape over any portion of the high wall around and as they advanced closer to the wall, LeOmi could see that there was a niche in the wall. She hadn’t known it was there until she was right on top of it.
LeOmi was just so happy to be riding that she didn’t even notice the other rider coming towards them, but the horse did. She began to slow and the rider on the other horse called out her name. She stopped and turned the horse to meet him.
“Well, isn’t this a busy day.” LeOmi recognized him, Gerod one of the main counselors. “The Council of Elders has called for you to come to the Council Chambers, at the center of the school on level one. Do you think you can find it? Bekka is already there.”
LeOmi nodded and rode back towards the school with Gerod keeping pace beside her. When she arrived at the Olive Tree entrance to the school she jumped down, hugged the animal, put her forehead to the mare’s forehead and said, “Thank you.”
“The horse will return on its own, hurry now. Bekka is waiting for you—and congratulations.”
LeOmi beamed a smile at him, then to the horse again, who reared up as if to say good bye and then she turned and ran into the school.
The Council of Elders was easy enough to find, she simply went to the innermost ring on the first floor and there was Bekka, waiting. She grabbed her hand and hurried her into the chambers through large double doors.
There was a spotlight in the center of the chambers and Bekka steered her to it. The Elders sat above in a semi-circle of seats.
“Elders, this is LeOmi Jones. Today I witnessed her being pre-chosen by the Chestnut mare, the one called Fireball, an Emerald Equestrian.”
“Fireball.” LeOmi said barely audible.
“Yes, Fireball. Most surprising and quite exciting. This has been a very exciting day. Do you know why LeOmi?”
LeOmi looked to Bekka and looked back at the older woman who was speaking to her, “No Ma’am.”
“Well, never in the history of The Seventh Mountain has a student been pre-chosen by an equestrian—until today and today five equestrians have pre-chosen their riders. Including you: four for the Emerald tribe and one The General himself. Very exciting!” The Council spoke in what seemed like whispers to each other. Bekka took the opportunity to give LeOmi a huge hug.
The voice from above said, “You can get your class tunics now and you may move into the Emerald dorm. Congratulations.”
Bekka said, “Thank you ma’am.” They turned and started to leave the chambers.
“Just a moment.” They were still conversing up on the upper level. The older woman raised her finger in the “just one minute” gesture.
“The Council asks that you would still go through the formalities of the choosing ceremony, although I feel that there can be no doubt that this is true. Thank you both, you may be excused.”
“All right, if that is the way you want it.”
They stepped out of the chambers.
“Wow, okay I have other duties that I have to do and so do you. You can get your signet and your books. What did you decide about Ms. Vanmie’s class?”
“I need to take it. Like she said, I don’t want to miss something that I would regret later.”
“Okay, I will let her know. I’ll see you at dinner again, same time and place. You’ll have your signet by then.”
LeOmi nodded, and this time she smiled.
As LeOmi approached the signet Shop she could hear Mr. Diefenderfer speaking, “Young Magi…make a selection…that speaks meaning…to who you are…You will…after…making your selection…be required…to articulate...and expound upon…that very meaning…Your counselor…will hear your words…and judge…the truth of them.”
He motioned for her to come to the jewel smith’s room.
“I understand…that…congratulations…are in order”
“News travels fast.”
“Indeed.”
“It was amazing.”
“I too…remember…the day of …choosing…of course…it was not… like yours…today.”
“Fireball knows…what is in…your heart…your hopes…and your fears…the animal…does not…lie…it only reacts…from what you…teach it...You cannot lie…to Fireball...She knows…your heart.
He opened a drawer, a little cubby behind the work table and pulled out a chamois cloth. He unfolded it, treating the article inside as it was precious and from the little bundle he took out her ring. He handed it to her.
LeOmi nodded, and then she said, “Thank you.” She again looked at the signet fascinated by the delicate details as she slid it on her finger. It fit perfectly. As she fingered her name, Mr. Diefenderfer seemed to stiffen, and he turned to LeOmi and placed his hand on her arm to steady himself. Then he started singing.
“Use the Signet…as a plummet…Stretch it out…upon the Line …of Confusion…Desolation…is void…and without form…and represent… the Stones of Emptiness…or if left untilled…they lay waste.” He reached for his chair and LeOmi helped him—holding his arm.
“I’m sorry…that happens…sometimes...The not...so niceties…of being…an Oracle.”
“What?”
He held up his hand to stop her from continuing to ask her question, “I do not interpret…I only divulge. But…if I were…to hazard…a guess….I would say…that the plummet…will always…point straight…which is the path…you…should…follow...That is…if I were…to hazard a guess.”
“Bekka said that you would have my signet. That you are an Oracle but I never thought that this...”
“I…too…did not…expect this.”
“There are questions…that we have…for each other…but…they will…come with…time.
LeOmi nodded, and he nodded also.
“I need to see about getting my books.”
“Ah yes…here is an…older copy...of the text book…I wish you …to have it. As I have said…I too…remember…my first year.”
LeOmi took the book, smiled and said. “Thank you.”
He nodded. “Farewell for now…Miss Jones.”
She headed for the door and then she stopped and turned.
He said, “I may not…tell you of…another’s signet…and…I will not…tell of yours.”
She nodded and turned as she heard him speak to the others in
the shop.
Stepping out of the shop, she thought about spending another night in the dorm room. There must be another place that I can sleep, and then she remembered Fireball. She went to the school entrance at the Olive Tree. Bekka wasn’t there, but as soon as LeOmi stepped out the door, she saw the cloud on the horizon that she had seen earlier. It was Fireball. She had come back for her.
The horse approached with such speed that LeOmi felt the exhilaration that the horse felt, she was so happy to see her and the horse kneeled just as earlier in the day. LeOmi jumped up on her and buried her head in the horse’s mane nuzzling her. The horse’s head was bobbing up and down with happiness.
“Fireball.”
The horse started out again, the same way that she had taken her earlier—until Gerod intercepted them and ended the ride so soon. They ran full speed up towards the Island with the moat around it—where the flags match flags were sent. They went past that and approached the wall and went through an opening that LeOmi hadn’t seen earlier and they went back towards the stables, slowing and then full speed again to the edge of the woods. At this point, Fireball stopped by a small creek.
LeOmi jumped off and stretched her legs a little. It had been a while since she had ridden, and twice in one day—bare back. Her legs ached and her butt was sore. A short walk was just what they needed. Fireball gulped water from the creek that flowed meanderingly at the edge of the woods.
The sun would be going down soon.
It was then that a man or an older boy came from the woods.
“What are you doing here? You’re not supposed to be here.” LeOmi was surprised, but she stood her ground.
“Get back on that horse and get back up to the school. Students are all over the place today. It seems like no one is keeping track of things now-a-days.” He came to about ten feet from her and stopped. He pointed to the horse and made a small motion as to represent her jumping up on the horse.
Fireball came over and nudged LeOmi, encouraging her to do as he said.
LeOmi stroked the horse’s mane as if to say, just a moment, there is nothing to be afraid of. She smiled at the little man and said, “Who are you to tell me what to do.”
