by Paul Latham
"I think they're waiting for me in Sareon."
Chapter Two
Sareon stood before him, massive, towering, whitewashed walls gleaming in the sun.
Gods, am I ready for this?
From a huge gate house streamed all brands of traveler from soldier to merchant to farmers guiding laden carts pulled by thick necked oxen. Some shouted greetings, others shouted curses, a wheel snapped on a wagon and a woman screamed in fright. Velar could smell smoke and meats and humanity and spices. It was an odd sensation to have one's mouth water and stomach churn with nausea all at once.
He had visited Sareon before but that was with Teacher. It had seemed wondrous then and exciting but now his wonderment felt tainted with a strange anxiety.
Velar chided himself. Teacher knew he was ready or he wouldn't have left the armor.
But visions of sorts occurred regularly. Velar saw himself riding into the ranks of the Knights of Anocren amidst laughter and jeers. Or perhaps the commander would approach, drag him from his mount and strip his armor away while explaining none too kindly that he wasn't worthy of the Order. Or maybe he'd be stopped at the gates by the city guard and turned away.
Or perhaps he was ready as Teacher had indicated, as the armor had indicated when it molded to fit his body perfectly.
Velar straightened his back, took a deep breath and started his mount forward into the throng that sought entrance to the city.
"Good day to you, Sir Knight," a woman called as her children waved. Velar smiled shyly and waved back.
"Make way," an unseen man bellowed. "A knight enters the city. Make a path!"
The crowd parted leaving the way open to the gate. Velar blushed and felt even more conspicuous since his scar would show white against his red face. He started his mount forward at a trot, waving to still more awestruck children and beaming adults.
"Strength in battle, Sir!" sounded another voice.
"Gods keep you!"
Sweat beaded on Velar's forehead. As he approached the gate the guards snapped to attention.
"Sir!" a captain said, and Velar cringed inwardly. He wasn't sure of an appropriate reply or even if there was one. Nodding to the captain, he rode through and hoped he wasn't insulting the man for lack of a verbal response.
" . . . see that scar." Behind him. Most likely one of the guards. "Battle tested, that one is."
Velar blushed again.
Further into the city, Velar paused at an intersection and cursed. He should have asked the guards where the Order's compound was or better yet, he should have asked Teacher last time they visited the city. Somehow, he doubted that the merchants and vendors that swarmed around him at the moment would know. Not that they would pause long enough to allow him to ask. Velar scanned his surroundings and shook his head. Tall white buildings apparently made from the same material as the outer wall lined the street and they all had a blockish quality with square holes for windows and arched openings for doors. Everything looked the same with one street very much looking like the last. With some dismay, Velar realized he couldn't have found the main gate again if he tried.
He had been traveling north when he entered the city-
"Lost?" came a booming voice. Velar looked up and saw a warror approaching on a large black stallion. The knight was huge with a round face and a missing eye that was partially covered by a mane of shaggy black hair. His armor shone brightly and, seeing the circle/sword cloak pin, Velar wondered what to do.
"I . . . " Velar began. "I . . . I guess I am."
The knight nodded knowingly, snorted and spat into the surrounding mass of people. "Happens to me quite a bit. Everything looks the same." He urged his mount forward and extended his hand. "Name's Olad. You're new."
Velar took the knight's hand and, for reasons unknown, a wave of relief washed over him. "I'm Velar and yes, I am."
Olad smiled a toothy grin. "Welcome to the Order."
"Thank you."
"Now, " Olad snorted again and the people around him scattered. "You need the compound." He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. "This road will take you through the main square and eventually to the west wall. Turn right and follow the wall. The compound is in the northwest corner of the city."
"Alright," Velar said.
"I'd take you there myself but I'm in the middle of a little errand. But I should see you tonight at the Blue Anvil."
"Blue Anvil?"
"It's a tavern on the square."
"Oh."
"You'll be buying of course."
"But-"
"Take care." Olad smiled again and started off. "Outta the way, ya' feeble lizards!" he roared, and merchants once again scattered.
I don't have any money, Velar thought as he watched the massive knight leave.
The square seemed to be close to the center point of the city. Vendors screamed for attention as farmers and merchants delivered and received goods. Herd animals stood tethered at various points and people streamed in and out of the stores and shops. Velar made his way across slowly weaving through occasional pockets of open space to find the road on the opposite side. The way cleared somewhat, and Velar started his mount forward at a trot.
Eventually he found the wall, turned right and, as Olad had said, soon found the compound which lay sectioned off from the city by a tall wooden palisade. Above the simple gate a sign hung with the painted symbol of the sword and circle.
A lump formed in his throat.
What now?
Through the open gate he could see knights training with wooden weapons, some on horseback, others standing about observing.
Velar thought for a moment. He should report to the colonel of his strike, but, of course, he would have to ask someone where that colonel would be. His heart sank. He doubted everyone would be as friendly as Olad.
Nonetheless, he had no choice. He must ask someone.
Dismounting, Velar adjusted his cloak pin, checked his boots and started in, leading his mount by the reins.
The spectators. He would ask one of them.
"By the gods!" a voice came, and Velar stopped. A knight approached, lean and bald with a sharp goatee and dark eyes. Velar saw a red star within the knight's cloak pin.
"Fine looking animal," the knight said. "Fine looking, indeed. What's his name?"
"Akeil," Velar said with a touch of pride.
The man snapped his fingers rapidly and looked to the sky as if trying to recall. "Ancient god of wind. I imagine he runs by the look of his muscle." The knight made a circle appraising the stallion. Akeil arched his neck and set his hooves. "Legs straight. Fine, fine animal." The knight finished his circle in front of Velar and extended his hand. "I'm General Elite Colmar. You must be Velar."
Colmar. Commander of the Order.
"S-sir!" Velar stammered and pulled his heels together. "Yes, Sir, I am, Sir." After a moment he realized the General's hand was still out, juggled the reins and finally gripped Colmar's hand.
"Relax," Colmar said. "Things are fairly informal within the compound." Releasing Velar's hand, he reached up and patted Akeil's thick neck. "Welcome to the Order."
"Thank you, Sir."
"You'll need to speak to Colonel Akis. Third door from the left over at the barracks. I've assigned you to his strike."
"Thank you, Sir."
General Colmar’s lips pressed into a grim smile. "Don't thank me yet."
Velar didn't know how to respond.
"But the Colonel is eager to speak with you," Colmar said quickly. "And I have business at the castle. A pleasure to meet you Velar."
"The honor is mine, Sir."
Colmar nodded, patted Akeil's flank and strode quickly out of the compound.
The spectators and combatants ignored him as Velar crossed the compound. No jeers or insults. Everyone's attention seemed fixed on the battle. Velar hurried to the third door from the left of the two-story structure, once again feeling profound relief. This was going much better than he had ever thought it w
ould. Securing Akeil's reins to a tethering post, Velar once again checked his boots and straightened his cloak. He stepped forward and knocked on the roughhewn door.
"Enter," came a muffled voice. Taking a breath, Velar pushed the door open and stepped in.
The interior was cramped and dim. The only light came from tapers set in sconces on the wall. In the center of the room sat a desk littered with paper and behind the desk was a knight. Velar closed the door.
The man behind the desk rose. He was tall with short blonde hair and quick eyes. A branching scar marked the left side of his face. Velar stepped toward the desk.
"You must be Velar," the knight said.
"Yes, Sir."
"Defend yourself."
His hand came up trailing red light. Velar imaged his shield and when the knight cast a sparkling beam of energy at Velar's chest, a disk of blue light deflected it away. Fire danced in Velar's veins as he set his mind to another state for possible counterattack.
"Outstanding," the knight said as he stepped around the desk. "I am Colonel Elite Akis. I am your strike commander."
Velar did not let his mind-set dissipate but he took the man's offered hand. Another test. Like Teacher's tests.
"An honor to meet you, Sir," Velar said. What next? A physical attack?
Akis returned to his seat at the desk. "There's a chair in the corner," he said. "Take a seat. We have much to discuss."
Velar stood his ground. Something was coming.
The door behind him crashed inward. Velar spun and brought his elbow into the face of the charging intruder, followed through, gripped the man beneath his arm and rolled him across his hip to the ground. Another came through the shattered door bearing a sword. Velar ducked beneath a high swing and drove his fist into the stomach of the assailant, gripped an ankle and pulled out the knight's feet. Velar touched the wooden floor, focused and imaged one of the planks to smoke. A billowing cloud of white instantly filled the room. Holding his breath, Velar rose and stepped toward the rectangle of light that was the door. Another attacker entered, and Velar stepped to one side and crouched again, leaving his leg extended across the man's path. The knight cursed and tripped, landed hard and Velar vaulted out the door and into sunlight.
Akeil nickered nervously as Velar found his footing, drew his sword and scanned his surroundings. The knights that had been training now formed a large semi-circle in front of the barracks with Akeil and Velar at the center. Smoke poured from the door behind him and coughing and cursing could be heard within.
General Elite Colmar stood a short distance in front of the other knights, arms crossed. Blood rushed like wind in his ears as Velar watched the crowd and held his stance.
"Bokril," Colmar shouted. A short knight drew his sword and charged. Velar stepped forward, parried away two wild swings and brought his knee into Bokril's midsection. A back-hand swing with Velar's free hand met the gasping knight's chin and sent him sprawling.
"Quanain," Colmar barked. A mounted knight charged raising an axe high overhead for a downward swing. Velar waited until the final moment before twisting away while curving his sword beneath the horse's neck. Quanain windmilled the arm and hand that held the severed reins fighting for balance and control. The horse whinnied in confusion and reared slightly. Velar stepped in, punched the knight's foot from the stirrup and pushed up. Quanain fell crashing to the ground. A murmur passed through the surrounding spectators.
"Coxlar," Colmar ordered. "and Hagmarand."
Two stepped forward.
"Hold!"
The knights stopped. Velar spun on one heel and resumed his stance. Colonel Akis emerged from his chambers, trailing smoke.
"Sir," he stated in a loud voice to the General. "This knight has been tested and proven. He is of my strike and should the test continue, me and mine will stand with him."
An unexpected surge of pride filled Velar's chest, but he did not relax. It was a test, and no one said it was over.
Colmar uncrossed his arms and took several steps forward. "I believe it's my prerogative to declare when a knight is proven."
"Of course, it is, Sir," Akis replied. "I merely state that he is accepted by me and I will fight with him."
"I want to know his limits."
"Quite frankly, Sir, I'm not sure we can afford to know his limits. He has taken down five of us and is one of only three to ever escape the chambers."
Colmar sighed. "Akis, he is the one."
Velar frowned and stepped back.
One what?
The Colonel's face hardened, and he stepped forward. "I would discuss this, Sir."
Colmar nodded and drew closer.
"Sir," Akis began, "he shows so much to be so young. It would be a waste-"
"No, Colonel. It would be a waste to send another veteran. The Chancellor has requested another agent and by contract I must provide him with one."
Akis spat. "A fool's quest-"
"Perhaps. But we have no choice. And make such a statement outside this compound in earshot of commoners and I'll kill you."
The Colonel stiffened only slightly. "Of course, Sir."
"Anything further, Colonel."
"I can think of nothing, General," Akis said. "At least nothing that wouldn't be considered traitorous or disrespectful.
"I appreciate your honesty," Colmar said, his tone softening. "And I appreciate your feelings. But I've held the Chancellor off this long and did so by promising him the next one through the gate." He turned. "That happens to be Velar."
The General met Velar's gaze.
"The test is over," Colmar said. "I accept you as one of mine." The General looked to Akis.
"The test is over," Akis said, shifting his eyes slowly from Colmar to Velar. "I take you into my strike. And relinquish you to the Chancellor of Sareon." Colonel Akis spun and marched off.
Velar sheathed his sword. His heart still pounded. His muscles twitched. He felt sweat trickle down his back beneath his armor. He looked from the departing Colonel to Colmar and back again.
"I-" he began but Colmar held up a hand.
"Silence," he said, gently. "At least for now." His eyes seemed sad or disappointed. Frowning, Velar looked once again to the Colonel until he walked into what appeared to be the stables.
"Velar," the General said. "It will all be explained."
Colmar sighed almost dejectedly. "Come with me," he said, turned and walked towards the gate.
After only a moment’s hesitation and a glance at the stable door, Velar turned and followed the General out of the compound.
Chapter Three
Colmar hurried through the streets and Velar matched his pace.
"Sir," Velar offered. "If I may?"
"We go to the see the Chancellor, Velar," Colmar interjected. "He has a task for you."
"Actually, Sir, I was going to inquire of Akeil."
Colmar stopped. "Your mount?"
"Yes, Sir."
Forward again.
"He'll be taken care of."
They made several turns and Velar noted that he was lost once more. The mass of population still astonished him. Open space was rare, but Colmar weaved through the congestion with ease.
"Sir?" Velar said. "This task?"
"The Chancellor will explain," Colmar snapped but again abruptly stopped and Velar slid to a halt behind him.
"No," the General said flatly then worked his way to the edge of the street. "I'll have an ale with my newest knight before I do this." He stepped through an open door. Velar followed.
A tavern of sorts Velar judged. The interior was dark and musty with haggard tables strewn about and occupied with a sparse number of patrons. A portly woman waddled forward, dusted off an empty table with a greasy rag and patted its scarred surface.
"They ye are, lords," she said. "Ales?"
"Yes," Colmar answered and sat down. "And food. You will eat, Velar. Your gut shouldn't make noise before the Chancellor."
Easing onto a rickety b
ench opposite Colmar, Velar nodded. The strangeness of it all soaked into him. He was drinking with the commander of the Order before meeting with the Chancellor of the Regent Aylos who obviously had a task that Colonel Elite Akis and General Elite Colmar considered foolhardy, dangerous or both. Velar was unsure how to react or respond. What should he feel? Fear? Betrayal? Disappointment? Perhaps even elation? Nothing seemed justifiable without knowing more about the situation. One of Teacher's favorite axioms was that emotional reaction was valid only after all factors were known. Otherwise over-reaction or under-reaction became more likely than not. Velar knew nothing. Therefore, he could not react.
He had been accepted by the Order and, for the moment, everything else seemed trivial.
The woman returned and placed food and drink on the table.
"The finest I got, lords," she said.
Colmar nodded and produced several small coins. The woman accepted the gold with a broad, decaying smile.
"Many thanks, lord," she gushed and, bowing repeatedly, backed away as she counted the coinage with stubby fingers.
Velar waited. Colmar took a long pull from his tankard of ale and nodded to Velar.
"Eat," the General said. "I can't say I have much of an appetite, but you should be hungry." He shook his head. "Five of my best," he muttered. "We heard good things about you, Velar but I never imagined"
Velar frowned as he forked a slab of beef onto a trencher of bread but said nothing. Colmar studied the froth of his ale in silence as Velar bit into the succulent meat. Juices instantly coated his chin and he leaned forward to drip on the table.
"Damn honor," Colmar said. "Akis is right but, gods be damned, Velar, I promised the Chancellor the next new knight that came through the gate and that," he pointed at Velar "was you."
"I understand, Sir," Velar said through a mouth stuffed with meat and bread. "And I'm ready."
"Don't talk with your mouth full, boy. It's rude."
Velar gulped. "Apologies, Sir"
"Never get a woman if you're constantly showing her what's going on in your mouth."
"Yes, Sir."
"And with that scar there."
