The Wizard

by Whiskey Flowers

  “Many Knights take advantage of their positions,” Knight Jeffries said. “I am not one of them and I demand the best from my Squires. No lying, cheating, stealing or any other foolishness. You represent me, we don't start trouble but we end it. You are good with a bow but you need to learn other weapons. What has your Da taught you?”

  “I have been learning with the sword a bit but I am far from a master,” Devin said. “I only received a week of instruction but I know which way is the pointy end.”

  “Were you in armor?” Knight Jeffries asked. “Because we fight in heavy armor. Hard to take us down but mobility is lost. My last Squire was caught by a Wizard without any armor on and killed three nights ago. I saw you asleep in the trees, stay there during the night until I can get you some armor made. Normally you would be expected to keep up my weapons and armor but I will not be parted from them in this environment.”

  “You really want me to be your Squire?” Devin asked. “I thought I was too small for you.”

  “You are,” Knight Jeffries said. “But you handled yourself with honor on the field of battle. Your strength needs to increase before you can wear real armor. It is heavy but it will save your life one day. Come, I will get you fitted today with something. You are wide so maybe someone will have something.”

  Devin followed Knight Jeffries to one of the Army smiths, his measurements were taken and he was then handed a flanged mace and a big shield. Devin picked up the shield, it was heavy but he thought he could move it well. The mace was unbalanced and top heavy, Devin gave it a few swings and then put it down. Knight Jeffries gave him a special belt to hold his mace and then walked him back towards camp.

  “These are easy weapons to use,” Knight Jeffries said. “If you have the armor, you can walk through a good swordsman and give a good hit. You just have to be strong enough to move and swing your weapon.”

  “I can do this,” Devin said. “But what about my bow?”

  “You can figure that out later and modifications can be made to your armor,” Knight Jeffries said. “You have proven yourself this day. Most Knights take the largest boy they could find and work them into shape. You will be outsized so you cannot be out worked. Your exercises or whatever you have been doing will need to be increased and you will have to become comfortable being uncomfortable. For now I want you to refill your quiver and take two more. One on each hip and another across your back.”

  “Yes, Sir Knight!” Devin said excitedly as he backed away.

  This was really happening, he was a Squire. He didn't have on any Squire clothing but that could come later. He was a Squire and would prove that he belonged. Devin found the Quartermaster who looked at him oddly when he asked for two additional quivers filled with arrows. The man grumbled and Devin thought he would need to learn how to make an arrow, it seemed simple enough although he had no idea how they got their smooth and cylindrical shape. Devin went back to his spot in the tree and hung his items up before scrambling down to get some food. He thought it wise to first get a bowl for Knight Jeffries who kept a blank lower face but nodded to Devin as he took the bowl. Devin ate his own food and then settled into his perch. Devin thought they would be in the middle of camp but it turned out that they were near the front.

  It was obvious to Devin why they stayed there. Other parts of the area had begun to be cleared out so men could sleep comfortably, Knight Jeffries had of course forbidden it along with anyone sleeping too close to their area. Toffey had tried to climb up the tree where Devin was but found it a hard task and soon just settled back where he was at. Devin kept watch from his perch and could see sentries get sent out and could make out the enemy camp. They were a bit farther out but they had moved their camp to be closer, Devin thought about what could be driving them.

  Even without Devin’s help, the pikes had befuddled the charging men and getting through them and the smaller pikes had killed or injured their fair share. Force on force Devin was sure the Savians were losing men and mostly made it up at night during their attacks. Devin wondered how long would it be before he was in battle with one of their sneaky men or a Wizard. Devin gripped his bow and decided to leave it unstrung for now. He didn't want to warp the wood and needed to keep his bow in good shape. The day turned into Knight and Devin could see many torches being lit on the enemies side and on his side. Devin was about to remark that the torches only gave the Wizards a big target to hit. As if on cue, Devin felt a raindrop. It was just one at first but then a torrent started. Devin felt wet and miserable, he could only imagine how the people below him felt.

  “Stay vigilant!” Devin could hear Knight Jeffries shout. “Do not let this water get you comfortable and killed. Stay vigilant and keep your weapons ready, we are near the front of the camp and if the enemy attacks they need to go through here. Do not be like those fools who are going to build little shelters and make themselves an easy target.”

  Devin thought those were good words as he drifted off to sleep, wet and miserable but full of hope. Devin was grateful for the words, he had thought about leaving his tree and that could have proved fatal. The enemy used the weather to launch an attack, the sky was dark and the torches had all been put out. It was probably just bad luck when the enemy attacked, they had tried sneaking right through where Knight Jeffries had camp set up and had stepped on a sleeping form. Devin was still sleep but could hear the sound of metal stabbing through flesh as the victim cried out in alarm.

  “Attack!” Devin heard as he looked around him.

  The bushes below his burst into action as he heard the sounds of combat followed by the sounds of men being stabbed or worse. The sound that drew Devin’s attention was the sound of rapid light strokes of metal hitting metal, it reminded him of how fluid the Acolytes were when they attacked the big blond boy. Devin’s ears picked up the sound, it was where Knight Jeffries would be sleeping and the bushes around the area erupted as Knight Jeffries pushed his attackers out of the bushes and into the open with a bull charge. Devin could make him out clearly along with two attackers. The men tried to circle him but Knight Jeffries kept rushing at one of them, forcing them to move the fight further away. Knight Jeffries held his shield and swung his big axe, his opponent rolled under it and slashed out at Knight Jeffries armored arm. The other opponent held his hand straight out and began to chant.

  Fire erupted from the man and bathed Knight Jeffries who had gotten his shield up. Devin had not spent the time idle and had his bow restrung and an arrow nocked. Devin could see their plan, the fire user would keep Knight Jeffries busy while the other one got into position to attack from the back. Only spot uncovered would be the neck and they were going for it. Knight Jeffries must have sensed it and charged blindly into the fire user who stepped to the side. Devin took his chance and fired. His arrow stuck in the side of the Wizard who stumbled for a bit but did not cry out. The other attacker stopped and started looking towards where he thought Devin could be as another arrow took him in the stomach. The man went to a knee and then stood up and had something in his hand. Devin shot an arrow through the shoulder but the man did not drop his hand. Strong wind came forth suddenly and threatened to blow Devin right out of the tree. Fire came from the other one and the tree Devin was hiding in was bathed in flames.

  Devin had crawled around to the other side and cursed himself for forgetting his quivers and arrows, including the quiver he had received from his father. Devin only had the two arrows in his hand and dropped to the ground, hoping that the wet bushed could protect him. The fire stopped abruptly and Devin could hear the sounds of metal impacting flesh and hard. The wind stopped quickly and Devin ran to the last place he had seen Knight Jeffries fighting. One of his attackers lay dead on the ground, the other was using his magic and had Knight Jeffries stuck in place. Devin thought through the dark that it looked like the ground itself and reached up and started swallowing the Knight’s legs.

  “You are going to pay for killing him,” a female voice snarled.

 
“Unlikely girl,” Knight Jeffries snapped as he struggled to free his legs.

  Devin loosed his arrow and caught her in the back with the first one and kept the second one nocked. The Wizard went down as Devin started looking around him for other attackers. Knight Jeffries used the time to drop his shield and weapon to free himself. Devin saw one enemy during that time but the man had passed them by. When Knight Jeffries was finally free he picked back up his gear and looked over at Devin.

  “Where is your shield?” Knight Jeffries asked.

  “Probably burned along with my quivers,” Devin replied. “I only have one arrow and I will make it count.”

  “Good job,” Knight Jeffries said. “We need to ensure our brothers are safe. Follow me and keep your eyes peeled behind us.”

  Devin followed Knight Jeffries as the man weaved through the camp. There were sounds of combat but Knight Jeffries ignored them as he came upon a group of Knights that were fully formed up with their Squires behind them. Knight Jeffries approached the group and could see that they were in no immediate danger and started talking.

  “My new Squire and I just took out two of them,” Knight Jeffries said.

  “Two?” came a voice deeper than Knight Jeffries. “Are you sure?”

  “Positive,” Knight Jeffries said. “They stumbled upon us and I brought the fight into the open. Thought it was my last night living since it was two of them and they would eventually use their magic. My armor took the worst of it, their little swords bounced right off me and my Squire started taking them apart with his bow.”

  “Get back with other Squires,” came another voice directed at Devin. “And watch our back, we are going Wizard hunting.”

  Devin followed the group that moved much quicker than Devin thought possible in the heavy armor. They followed the sounds of screaming men and eventually came upon a Wizard who spotted them. A strong wind spell hit and the Knights locked shields and kneeled. The Wizard tried to use the opportunity to get away. Devin ran forward and jumped. He landed on the shoulders of Knight Jeffries and another Knight and let his arrow loose. The arrow was a good one, it hit the Wizard right in the back and the man stumbled forward and then fell.

  “I got him,” Devin said as he jumped backward to land silently behind the shield wall.

  “You sure?” Knight Jeffries said.

  “He fell about a hundred paces in front of you,” Devin said.

  Devin saw the shield wall get up as one and followed behind. He had no more arrows or a way to defend himself as the wall approached the fallen Wizard. Knight Jeffries waved Devin forward. Devin quickly figured out what he wanted and started searching through the Wizards belongings. Devin found three crystals and touching them made him want to cry out. Devin put the crystals in his pockets and then stripped the Wizard of the two small swords they carried. Devin found a few weird looking knives strapped to a vest and took them as well.

  “Check the boots,” came a deep voice.

  Devin checked the boots and found a small dagger sheathed and took it. After Devin was done the group wheeled to find other Wizards but the enemy had fallen back and disappeared. The Knights kept up their watch and formed a circle with their Squires in the middle and them facing outward. Devin kept his hands on the twin small swords and prayed he wouldn't have to fight another Wizard while using the weapons. It took half an hour before the Knights relaxed, seeing them at ease made Devin’s heart stop pounding.

  “They are done for the night,” came a deep voice. “Go see about your men.”

  Knight Jeffries stood up and Devin followed him. Knight Jeffries had surprisingly lost no one but one man had been badly stabbed in the leg. They had killed one of the enemy but this man was not a Wizard, Devin found none of the strange crystals on him and his weapons were different. When Devin searched the other two Wizards he found more of the crystals and decided to keep them. In all he now had five of them along with six short swords and close to twenty of the little knives and three of the small boot daggers. Knight Jeffries put everyone to sleep until morning, Devin brought his haul up the tree and was surprised to see that a good number of his arrows and his quiver had survived, the water must have provided some protection.

  CHAPTER 6

  “You have made a necklace out of those things?” Knight Jeffries said as he saw Devin’s heavy new necklace. It was a simple leather cord and around it Devin had grabbed the crystals and tied them off to smaller cords to hang around his big cord like trinkets on a necklace. Devin thought the necklace looked tasteful if a little grizzly.

  “I did,” Devin replied. “Never thought I would tangle with a Wizard before, let alone win.”

  “Do not get a big head,” Knight Jeffries said. “My scars come from fighting Wizards, they are fast and deadly.”

  “I will not Sir Knight,” Devin replied. “I don't know what I am supposed to call you.”

  “Sir is correct,” Knight Jeffries replied. “You are good with your little bow. I never had much use for them but your skill cannot be denied. You are like the elves of old, quick and accurate.”

  “What is Elves?” Devin asked.

  “A race of people rumored to exist,” Knight Jeffries said. “Our records say that any mention of them was destroyed from any written text. There are many things that you do not know, things you will learn in due time.”

  “I have gotten all of my equipment and started with its upkeep,” Devin said.

  “That is good,” Knight Jeffries said. “The man who broke your bow has secured a replacement for you.”

  “Already?” Devin asked surprised.

  “The main part of the Royal Army already carries warbows,” Knight Jeffries said. “I believe he just switched it out. He handed it over but something about his smile makes me believe he did something with it.”

  “Can I see it?” Devin asked.

  “You will do more than see it,” Knight Jeffries said. “You and I are taking part in the day’s battles. I need to see your strengths and weaknesses and to do that I need to see you fight more. Do you have all of the throwing knives you took with you?”

  “Is that what those things are?” Devin asked. “I still have them but they are secured with the rest of my gear.”

  “Wizards use them and to great effect,” Knight Jeffries said. “In order to fight one you need to keep your heavy armor on and hide behind your shield. To unarmored men they are easy prey and Wizards keep them everywhere. Their magic is deadly but that is normally a last ditch effort, it is believed that their magic is not finite. Go to the tree you hide out in, your bow is at the bottom and return with it.”

  Devin went to his tree and did see a bow there. It was gigantic, a little taller than his other bow and as stout as a staff. The string with it had incredible draw weight, even with the heavy bow his father gave him, Devin never had a draw weight like this. The string looked twice as thick as his last one and Devin knew he would really have to lean into his bow for a shot. Devin found a full quiver of some very thick arrows and looked them over, they were wicked looking things with barbs on them. Devin hung the quiver on his waist, it was significant weight to be walking around with and his bow felt heavier still.

  “Tough draw weight,” Devin said as he found Knight Jeffries.

  “Can you use it?” Knight Jeffries asked.

  “Only one way to see,” Devin replied. “These arrows look like serious business, I would hate to get struck by them.”

  “Well come on the Squire,” Knight Jeffries said. “Our leader, Knight Soler is supposed to be fighting with his men. We are going to bolster his ranks and provide support. When I tell you to leave, get from in front and get the rest you earned.”

  Devin ate his breakfast and then followed Knight Jeffries. As big as Knight Jeffries was, Knight Soler had him by a few inches and carried a flanged mace, similar to what Devin was given. Devin could feel Knight Soler’s eyes watching him as he walked up.

  “This is your Squire?” Knight Soler said in a deep
voice. Devin thought he had to be the man who was giving out orders last night.

  “He is and he has proved himself already,” Knight Jeffries said.

  “He is a bit short,” Knight Soler said.

  “But deadly with his bow,” Knight Jeffries said.

  “He wears the crystals of the enemy,” Knight Soler said.

  “Won in battle,” Knight Jeffries replied. “I need a place upfront to see how he fares with his new bow.”

  “You have picked a horrible time,” Knight Soler said. “The enemy was angry about last night. Wizards have been spotted in the groups of men they are getting ready to send over.”

  “You ready Squire?” Knight Jeffries said.

  “I am Sir,” Devin replied.

  “If your bow is not what you need, then take one of the others,” Knight Jeffries said. “Now prepare yourself.”

  Devin could hear the battle chants and instruments of the Savians. Devin waited for them to run and sighted his bow. He would try for three hundred paces but if he fell short it would give him a good idea of his new bow’s strength. Devin loosed an arrow and heard the deep twang the bow made as the arrow flew. Devin knew the shot was good as soon as it left his hand, the draw was tough but the arrow flew straight and right into the chest of a surprised Savian who hadn't gotten his shield up yet. Devin sighted another arrow and let it fly, he wasn't as fast with his warbow but the results were far more devastating.

  “Hit the one in the blue,” Knight Jeffries said and pointed.

  Devin saw a man running in the middle of the crowd and fired, they were still over two hundred paces away when he was taken in the chest. Devin figured he had taken down six men before they got within a hundred paces. Shields started going up on everyone except one person.

  “Wizard!” someone screamed out and pointed to the man Devin was looking at.

  A strong wind spell hit which sent arrows flying off course. Devin stayed low as pikes began to come up. When the wind spell finished the Wizard dodged an arrow and knocked another down with his sword. Devin sighted him in and fired. The Wizard saw the arrow and was able to knock it off course a bit but it still hit. Instead of the center of his chest, the Wizard had a thick arrow sticking out of his shoulder. Devin sighted his bow again except this time he picked out one of the Savians who were closer. The man went down screaming from the thick shaft in his thigh and Devin already had another one nocked and waiting. As soon as the first Savian used his shield to knock aside a long pike, Devin caught him in the chest and thought the arrow had almost punched clean through. Devin started picking his targets, wherever the Wizard was, Devin was sure someone had eyes on him. Devin took down three more people before he was pulled back. Instead of leaving he stayed nearby in case another target presented itself.