The Heart of Trelyssia

by Lisa Chitty

  Steve, with a big grin on his face went over to where James was sitting and passed him the wooden sword. ‘Have fun, mate.’ He gave James a whack on the shoulder as he got up to go to where Marldon was waiting for him. James gave Steve a filthy look to which Steve laughed wickedly.

  ‘Enjoy yourself, did you?’ Randall asked sarcastically.

  ‘You bet!’ was Steve’s enthusiastic response. ‘I haven’t had that much fun in ages.’

  Randall regarded Steve with astonishment. ‘You’re mad,’ he told him.

  Steve just gave Randall a devilish grin, before turning his attention to James.

  Marldon was taking James through the same moves that he had with Steve. However, James wasn’t doing quite as well. Marldon’s sword caught him several times, and James winced with pain when that happened. When Marldon was satisfied that he had seen enough he called a halt, and gestured for Randall to come forward and take James’s place.

  Randall got up reluctantly. He wasn’t looking forward to this. James handed him the sword as they passed and wished him luck. Randall took it, not even too sure how to hold it. He gave up trying to work it out and held it how he thought best. He had hardly got his grip secure before Marldon was coming at him with his own sword. As a result, Marldon was able to knock the sword flying from his hand. Randall was allowed to pick it up before Marldon attacked again. Throughout the session, whilst he didn’t drop his weapon again, he didn’t do very well. He felt Marldon catch him several times, and when Marldon gestured for him to attack, rather than defend himself, Randall really hadn’t had a clue and had just launched himself at Marldon with the sword raised over his head. Randall was immensely relieved when Marldon called a halt and allowed him to sit back with the others.

  Marldon came over and stood before the three of them. ‘Well,’ he began. ‘We’ve got quite a range of ability here, and to be honest I think the best course is for the three of you to be tutored separately as you are all at different levels.’

  Steve sniggered slightly at Marldon’s words. ‘That’s a very polite way to put it.’

  Marldon directed a stern gaze at Steve. ‘You will note that I think that all three of you need further education on how to use a sword. Whilst you, Steve, are clearly the best of the three of you, you really are the best of a bad lot!’

  Steve had the grace to look embarrassed at Marldon’s words, whilst James protested mildly. Randall said nothing, knowing that what Marldon said was completely true. None of them were brilliant.

  ‘Steve and James,’ Marldon went on. ‘As you seem to have some basic idea of what you are doing I’m going to pass you on to a couple of my deputies. As long as you listen to them and take on board what they are trying to teach you, you will progress quickly. Randall…’

  ‘Yes, alright!’ Randall interrupted. ‘I know that I’m totally useless, and that I need to have special tuition. There’s no need to rub it in.’

  ‘I wasn’t going to,’ Marldon responded at his mildest. ‘All I was going to say was that I will undertake your training myself. I wouldn’t call it special tuition, because believe me, by the time I’ve finished with you, you’re going to be good.’

  ‘Why are you doing this?’ James asked.

  ‘Like I said earlier, I need to know that you can at least defend yourselves. I don’t know what your roles in all this are exactly. It might be that you won’t do any fighting at all, but as I can’t guarantee that, you must be able to use the weapons that have been provided for you. As Master of Arms I am ultimately responsible for ensuring that everyone who is out on the battlefield knows what they are doing. You are all my responsibility and I would be neglecting my duties if I didn’t make sure your skills were at least adequate!’

  Randall paused in his reflections. Since that early morning they had all had to practice for several hours each day. He had been grateful that the initial session with Marldon had been in private, but they weren’t any longer. His lessons had been conducted in the openness of the training grounds which were a free access area for everyone who resided within the cave network. At first he had been very embarrassed and next to useless, but once he had gotten over the publicity of his education and focused on what Marldon was telling him, he had found what a good teacher Marldon was. Progress had been initially slow for despite the fact that Randall easily had the height and reach over Marldon, he had no technique and he had sensed Marldon’s despair. Randall had even tried using a bow and arrow as opposed to a sword, but he had barely been able to draw the lowest poundage bow in the arsenal. However, there was light at the end of the tunnel, he was getting better and today Marldon had allowed him to use his proper sword for the first time. The weight of it had initially astonished Randall, and he had been very clumsy with it to start with. Just before taking this break though he had actually adjusted to using it and Marldon had been praising him.

  Randall gave a huge sigh. He just wanted the session to be over, to go back to their quarters and go to sleep. He looked round at everyone else who was using the grounds and his eye fell on his two friends. Steve had taken to the training with relish, and now as Randall watched he could see how much better Steve was. It wasn’t that surprising though. Steve had always been up for a fight, ever since Randall had first got to know him, and being trained to attack someone and win, was right up his street. The surprise was James. Randall turned to look at him. If he hadn’t known that James had been a complete beginner just a few days ago, he would have assumed that James had been doing this all his life. He was parrying the stokes of his partner with ease, and then turning to attack, forcing his opponent back.

  Randall narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. He was worried about James. Of the three of them James had always been the pacifist, much more likely to break up a fight than start one and seeing James being almost as ferocious as Steve was scary. Randall was certain this change was down to Abi’s death and he couldn’t forget James’s words about killing the Baron with his bare hands if he had to. It was such a change in character that Randall knew that he would have to watch James carefully from now on.

  Marldon came over and sat himself next to Randall. ‘Shall we call it a day?’

  Randall nodded with relief. ‘Yes, please. I know I’m only just starting to get the hang of the real sword, but I really do think that I should quit whilst I’m ahead.’

  Marldon smiled sympathetically. ‘There’s no point in continuing when you’re tired and aching, it won’t get us anywhere.’ Marldon cocked his head and regarded Randall for a moment. ‘I think you should go and see Abraya, she should be able to help.’

  ‘How?’ Randall questioned.

  ‘Well, you know that Abraya is our healer. She’ll be able to give you a salve to ease the ache. She might even give you a massage. I’ll get someone to show you to her quarters.’ Marldon turned and gestured towards one of the young boys who were always hanging round the grounds, waiting until they were oldenough to be allowed to join in. ‘Turick, take Randall to Abraya’s will you?’

  ‘Will you teach me to use a sword if I do?’ Turick asked him.

  ‘When you’re old enough! Now go and do as I ask.’

  Turick sighed before turning to Randall. ‘It’s not far, come on.’

  Randall got up and stretched with difficulty. Muscles that he didn’t even realise that he had were protesting their overuse. He then stiffly followed Turick from the grounds. True to Turick’s word, Abraya wasn’t that far away from the grounds. As Randall entered, she looked up at him.

  ‘Well, you do look like you are in need of my services. Turick, run along now and close the door after you.’ Abraya rose from where she had been sitting and came over to Randall. ‘I think you’ve been overdoing it a bit haven’t you?’

  ‘I’m not really used to all this,’ Randall confessed woefully.

  ‘I’m sure you’re not, but I can help you to feel better. Now, take your top off and if you could lie face down for me, I’ll get to work.’ Abraya gestured to the
bench that was in the centre of the room and clearly used for all her treatments.

  Randall didn’t need any further encouragement. Abraya was a petite, blond, young woman, with a great sense of humour. Randall had liked her from the moment he had first seen her. He was soon lying down enjoying her massage skills. ‘That feels so good. You’re really great at this.’

  ‘Thanks. My mum taught me before she died. She used to be the cave healer, and it was only natural that I succeeded her.’

  ‘She must have been a good teacher!’ Randall paused before asking, ‘Do you miss her?’

  ‘Of course I do. You always miss those you love when they’re not with you any more.’

  Randall was silent, contemplating Abraya’s words. She was right, you did miss those who weren’t with you. His thoughts dwelled on his wife and children. He missed them so much. ‘I don’t even really know what I’m doing here instead of being with my family.’

  ‘You have a task to complete here, and then I’m sure you’ll be reunited.’ Abraya told him.

  ‘What?!’ Randall had been so lost in his thoughts of his family that he hadn’t realised that he spoken out loud.

  ‘You were brought here to help us out, and you must be the right person for the job, or someone else would have been selected.’

  ‘But what for?! I mean look at what’s happened since we arrived. Steve found us the weaponry that we need and which he seems to be bloody fantastic at using! James came up with a plan which appears to be much more workable than the crap that was the original idea. Abi …’ Here Randall paused. ‘Actually, I’m not sure what Abi did. She can’t have been brought here just to die, could she?’

  ‘No, of course not! Abi brought you here safely to us, remember? The way Sasket tells it, if it hadn’t been for her quick thinking, he’d have killed the four of you on the spot!’

  ‘Christ, you’re right! I’d forgotten that, it seems like it was so long ago. And, I guess there was that mystery task of hers that she completed the night she and James realised their true feelings for one another. But that still doesn’t explain why I’m here! It’s not like I’ve done a lot, apart from moan and complain.’

  ‘You’ve supported the others in their tasks.’

  Randall snorted derisively. ‘Anyone could have done that!’

  Abraya finished giving Randall his massage and told him to sit up and put his shirt back on. Now that he was sitting, she could look him in the eye and give him the reassurance he needed. ‘Maybe you haven’t done what it was you were brought here to do yet. The battle hasn’t even started, so there’s still time.’ Abraya placed one hand on Randall’s shoulder. ‘Whatever it is, I’m sure that you’re more than up to it. Don’t lose faith in yourself.’

  Randall looked at Abraya, into her deep blue eyes, and knew that she was genuine in her belief. ‘Perhaps you’re right,’ Randall said slowly. ‘You’ve certainly given me something to think about!’

  ‘I hope I’ve made you feel better too!’ Abraya smiled up at him as Randall stood to place his shirt back on.

  Randall paused in doing up the buttons on his shirt and flexed his muscles experimentally. There was no sign of any aches at all. ‘You have! Thanks a lot.’

  ‘You’re welcome, anytime you need some relief, my door’s open.’ Abraya told Randall, hoping he understood the deeper meaning to her words. ‘But for now, you’re all done. So get out of here and let me help someone else!’

  Laughing, Randall let himself out of her rooms, and made his way down the corridor, back to the suite he was staying in, feeling a lot happier in himself.

  * * *

  Steve was enjoying himself far more than he had in a long time. He had always wanted to learn to fight with a sword and now that he was being trained by a professional, he was relishing every moment.

  ‘Watch it! We’re only supposed to be practising, not trying to kill one another!’ The man that Steve was sparring with hastily ducked away from one of Steve’s strikes

  ‘Oops! Sorry, Payter. I guess that I got a bit carried away.’ Steve apologised.

  ‘Hmmm. Imagining me as the Baron ,were you?’ Payter replied thoughtfully.

  ‘Well, it is him that we’re supposed to kill isn’t it?’

  ‘That depends on Marldon,’ Payter told Steve. ‘It’s up to him whereabouts you’re placed in the battle and at the moment he hasn’t actually made up his mind about what the three of you are going to do.’

  Steve looked at him astonished. ‘But surely we’ll be fighting at the front along with everyone else. We were brought here to end the Baron’s rule, that’s what all the prophecies say, don’t they?’

  Payter sheathed the sword that he had been using and gestured for Steve to do the same. ‘Let’s go and sit down, you don’t really need any more practice and we can talk easier if we aren’t in the middle of everything.’

  Steve followed him over to the seats lining the grounds. ‘So, go on. Tell me why Marldon’s hesitating in using us.’ Steve paused reflectively. ‘Well, in Randall’s case it’s obvious!’

  Payter paused for a while before replying, trying to select his words carefully. ‘Well, it’s like this. The prophecies don’t actually say how all this is going to end.’

  ‘And…’ Steve prompted him when he stopped.

  ‘And, because of this Marldon seems to think that you’re not actually going to be on the front line.’

  ‘What!’ Steve exploded. ‘But what about the armour and weapons that were made for us? And why is he going to so much trouble to make sure that we know how to use everything?’

  ‘Marldon knows that he can’t personally protect everyone, so he does the next best thing. He makes sure that anyone who might be in the slightest bit of danger will at least be able defend themselves, and that’s what this is about for you, James and Randall.’

  ‘Defence! I can do more than that, I can fight, and I will! I’m sure that’s what I’m here for and I’ll tell Marldon myself.’ Steve looked about him. ‘Where is he, shouldn’t he be training Randall?’

  ‘Teaching Randall to defend himself isn’t the only thing that he’s doing right now. Don’t forget, he’s overseeing all the troop movements and making sure that everyone’s in place. He doesn’t just stay here, although I’m fairly certain that he’d prefer to.’

  ‘Fine! Then I’m going to look for him!’ Steve removed the scabbard containing his sword and the padding that he had been wearing for protection. He threw them angrily to the floor and then stalked from the grounds.

  Steve’s anger carried him for a long way round the network of tunnels which were a lot emptier now that everyone was being moved to the various camp sites, before he realised that he didn’t have a clue where he was going. Marldon could be anywhere amongst all the various caverns. There was no guarantee that he would be able to find him. Steve growled in frustration and clenched his fists by his sides. What was the point in being taught to fight if he wasn’t going to be allowed to use his newfound skills?

  He turned, and to vent his frustration, he kicked the wall, and then suddenly realised whereabouts he was. He unclenched his fists as a word on the wall stared back at him, reminding him of the reality of the situation that he was in. He breathed out slowly, forcing himself to relax, his eyes never leaving the wall and the name that was there. Abi.

  He had avoided this corridor deliberately, not wanting to see her name carved on the wall making the fact of her death absolute. He knew James had been down here, and came here frequently, but up until now, he couldn’t bear it. However, now that he was here it was making him face the truth of what was about to happen. He was going to go to war. Whilst he could use a sword and shield, anything could happen. Abi was proof of that. He began to see the sense of what Marldon was organising. It probably would be best if he stayed out of the way, towards the back. After all, he didn’t have a death wish. The last of his anger drained from him, and he determined to be much more compliant. Sighing he turned round and headed ba
ck towards the chambers he was sharing with Randall and James.

  * * *

  James dipped the point of his sword signalling that he needed a break and instantly his sparring partner stopped his attack and allowed James to have a breather.

  ‘You’re coming on very well,’ Juston told him. ‘You were defending yourself really well just then, I wasn’t able to score a hit on you once! Well done.’

  James smiled ruefully. ‘That’s all very well being able to defend myself, but I want to be able to attack and actually get somewhere! I hardly ever manage to get through your defences.’

  ‘That’s because I’ve been very well taught by Marldon. If it makes you feel any better, any time that I spar with Marldon he annihilates me!’

  James laughed softly. ‘But that’s not going to help me. I need to know that if I attack I’m actually going to get somewhere and not just waste my time and end up with someone having to come to my aid… or worse.’

  Juston regarded James thoughtfully for a moment. Like everyone else in the caves he knew that James and Abi had been very close and that the death of Abi had hit James very hard. He had been on the training grounds when James had finally given in to his grief. Everyone had stopped what they were doing and had listened in amazement. The memory of those eerie cries still sent shivers along Juston’s spine. As he looked at James he began to wonder what he was up to. A sneaking suspicion came into the back of his mind that James intended to have a very active part in the forthcoming battle. Still, it wasn’t up to him to decide what James should and shouldn’t do. Marldon had only told him to ensure that James could defend himself, but if he wanted to learn to be able to attack and win, why not teach him? Juston made his decision. ‘Right, let’s swap then so that you’re on the attack, and I have to defend, I’ll see what you’re capable of and then we’ll go from there. How does that sound?’