“Your husband came here and made us look like fools,” Grand Wizard Charlotte said. “The Knights have grown more than what we took them for. Perhaps a flanged mace or something for the helm. Carrying it wouldn't be worth the weight though, magic will have to be enough. You may go Sir Knight.”
“It can't be helped,” Senior Ashley said. “I was originally going to give you four Acolytes but with our shortcomings maybe two is a better number. I think we will have to pull all of our Wizards in from the other Kingdoms to focus on this threat.”
“Who will it be?” Tasha asked.
“You can keep Wasp,” Senior Ashley said. “At least for now. Adder will be your other Acolyte, he is a bit more tempered than Krait. Once you get to the field of battle, remember to send updates frequently on the enemy and their tactics. I know Black Wizards exist, they have just been building up their numbers for something. So far we have been content to stick in the rear of the battles until a Black Wizard shows themselves. Even then they normally leave before the fight starts and we have a policy of not directly attacking their regular troops. This is ending when you and the rest get to the war.”
Tasha nodded and motioned for Adder and Devin to follow her. She already had a carriage packed and Devin was surprised to see that she had a pack for him in the carriage as well. There were two extra that she took off, probably for Gila and Krait and her driver took off as soon as she gave the signal. Devin looked over and saw Adder and thought he looked rattled.
“They fall just like everyone else,” Devin said.
“This is my first time travelling,” Adder said as he looked around outside the carriage. Devin had forgotten momentarily that Acolytes didn't leave the Grey Fortress until they were ready to apprentice, almost everything would be new to him.
“Just don't be a knobber,” Devin said. “I always thought Wizards were something special but the way they spoke to me when I met one made me think differently. Even while at the Grey Fortress it has been proven to me that most are ugly on the inside. You are going to have some boys and men look at you with awe. A lot of women are going to look at you the same way like you don't put your pants on the same way everyone else does. Just be friendly, that is how you get people to like you.”
“Not like you when you beat on my Acolyte?” Tasha said.
“I thought that was you at the party!" Devin laughed. “That knobber deserved it.”
“I don't want any woman,” Adder said.
“You don't yet,” Devin said. “Stones or no, every lad can appreciate looking at a beautiful girl.”
“Maybe not with the intensity you do,” Tasha said. “You are young so the young ladies really get your blood pumping. Adder can appreciate a pretty girl without the side effects.”
“Nothing but trouble,” Adder said. “Wasp, can I ask you a question, now that we are away from the Fortress?”
“What do you need?” Devin asked.
“Well despite what we led you to believe, you are a tough fight,” Adder said. “I don't really feel your blows as pain I guess but I can tell by the way my body moves that I was hit and hurt. I know I hurt you a lot of times while we were fighting. How do you stand it all?”
“It is rough,” Devin said. “But my Da ain't raised no quitter.”
“Why do you want to keep your stones if they make you a worse fighter?” Adder asked. “That is our number one target area, it stops fights instantly along with the soft flesh of the face.”
“Bro I grew up with these things,” Devin said. “I plan on having babies and the such.”
“It makes you more aggressive and prone to rash decisions,” Adder said.
“Eh, maybe,” Devin said. “Some farm animals ain't as mean when they had their stones taken. Still ain't going to give up mine though, my armor can protect me against a lot of injury and I just have to be smart. As for some bird, I ain't worried in the least. You are an Acolyte lad, the ladies are going to look this way anyway. Only folks get more attention are the Knights and that is because those brutes are tall with bulging muscles.”
“Not worried about them, only the fight ahead,” Adder said.
“Against a regular lad you are going to be a tough battle,” Devin said. “Try to get into one on ones instead of the big melee. That is how I took down people, they were worried about the fight in front of them and never paid attention to me and my bow.”
“We are not made for grand charges or to fight in a grand melee,” Tasha said. “I think we will have to find our place in the war where we best fit and our abilities could be used without putting us in undue harm.”
“I am good wherever,” Devin said. “My bow has done a lot of talking for me. I think our throwing knives can do a lot along with our magic.”
“Magic is a worst case scenario,” Tasha said. “We have our other skills for fighting. They are what will keep you safe, not magic. You have been in training for years Adder and Wasp you have seen first hand how difficult it can be fighting an Acolyte. This trip I want you both to stay to yourselves, be friendly but do not be a friend. Before you know it, we will be at the fight.”
CHAPTER 13
“Do not start anything with the Squires,” Tasha said. “They have lost many members since all of them have to be here to fight. Some of them were killed by Black Wizards and they are liable to take it out on you all.”
“I would take a Squire apart,” Adder said. “Your husband was just skilled with equipment.”
“Still keep your head down,” Tasha said. “I think most of the fighting is through for the day. I am not sure if we are the first to arrive with the new orders or not. We may get thrown into it early. Find the other Acolytes and stay put, I will locate you from there.”
“We have been pushed back a lot from where we were,” Devin said as he and Adder started walking away. The soldiers' spirits still seem the same so maybe they have made the enemy pay for everything.”
“There go some Squires,” Adder said. “And they have Acolytes draped all over them. Disgusting.”
“They are girls,” Devin said. “And I don't see any male Acolytes with them.”
“What do we do?” Adder said.
“Walk over and ask where the rest of our kind is,” Devin said and then frowned. “Pit, I threw down with that lot before. You see that big one?”
“All of them are the big one,” Adder said.
“The biggest one wanted it with me and I bashed him good,” Devin said. “Now that I am looking, that blonde Acolyte all in his face is named Cobra, she was there too.”
“What do you girls want?” the big blond Squire said as Devin walked up.
“Didn't I already beat the pit out of you?” Devin asked. “Even had the Knight Commander angry his Squire was thoroughly smashed. If you want to have another go I am right here.”
“Devin?” Evan said as he walked over. “It is you, what is up with the Acolyte colors? You look like someone grabbed a Squire and made him an Acolyte with the armor and everything you have on.”
“I am an Acolyte,” Devin said. “They pulled rank and took me out of Squire training. My master even took my Knight and made him her husband.”
“She did?” Cobra asked.
“Aye,” Devin replied.
“So what,” the big blond said. “You couldn't cut it as a Squire little one so you ran to become an Acolyte.”
“I still beat the pit out of you,” Devin said. “Sent you stumbling like a bum fresh out of a tavern after three to many.”
“Devin is an alright lad Six,” Evan said.
“I know what his problem is,” the big blond Six said laughing. “Your women already let us know your issue. None of you have the equipment to satisfy them, that is why they are over here with us.”
“Your mother didn't seem to mind last night,” Devin replied.
“You better leave this lot alone,” Evan said. “We both know what happened when the other male wanted to battle. I am having a lot of fun and I would rather
not fight any of these ladies out of armor since we know they could kick our backsides.”
“Where is Simon?” Devin asked as he looked around.
“Passed on,” Evan said. “A fortnight ago we were in it deep. Enemy all around us and no time to react. They sent a full force over on a full moon, not just assassins. He didn't suffer and killed a lot of them. New rule is everyone now goes to sleep in full armor. Also we just received our reserves two days ago. All of the Knights are now one force instead of leading others. We are at the teeth of every battle but we have been getting the job done. The enemy has started ignoring us and going after softer targets.”
“Sorry to hear about him,” Devin said. “Not my place to say it, but Wizards are going to start taking a bigger role in this fight.”
“We are?” Cobra asked. “Wait a moment, how are you here?”
“Training has been cut short,” Adder said. “If you can cast, then you can learn on the job.”
“What is with the armor and the extra weapons?” Cobra asked Devin.
“To protect me,” Devin said. “Hits still hurt, I cannot shake them off like the rest.”
“What do you mean hits still hurt?” Cobra asked. “You should be even more resistant than I am.”
“Long story,” Devin said.
“Why don't you get out of here and stop ruining the mood?” Six said. “No one cares about your story.”
“I know what my master says,” Devin said. “But my Da told me never to take shine off another man. Here is your reward for having a big mouth.”
“What are you going to…,” Six said as Devin slapped him across the face with one hand and used the other for a wind spell to lift the bigger boy off his feet and toss him backwards.
“Come on then,” Devin said as Six stood. Six snarled and charged directly into a wind spell aimed at his legs. The boy landed face first as Devin had his hands out ready to cast another spell.
“You are too weak to take me on without your fancy magic,” Six said.
“So you say,” Devin said as he started taking off his weapons. “You wanted this, you remember this is what you wanted. I am not letting you off with your dignity.”
Devin finished taking off his extra weapons and armor and bade Six to bring it. Devin could see he had a crowd including his master but she did nothing to stop the fight. Six came at him and Devin landed two good punches to the big boy’s ribs and moved out of the way of a returning strike to kick Six behind the knee. Six fell to a knee and then rolled to come up on his feet. Devin didn't give him any time as he was on him again, landing strong shots that was making Six wary of throwing his own. Every time Six tried to throw one he was hit hard in the body and Devin even got a good blow on the chin. Six was backing away now as Devin was landing at will. Devin backed away from the fight.
“Well?” Devin asked. “You couldn't even land a blow on me. You should just be lucky I didn't pound the knobber out of you.”
“He is bigger than your other Acolytes,” Devin heard a man’s voice say.
“He was raised out on a farm smithing and doing hard labor,” Tasha said. “Wasp came to us recently from this very field of battle.”
“The Squire who can cast magic?” the man’s voice asked.
“He was a very quick study as far as fighting went,” Tasha said. “He can move like a Wizard but has the power of a Knight. He is still a bit rough at fighting, some of my more experienced Acolytes have beaten him but he has his own modified style of fighting.”
“You taught this style of fighting in only a short amount of time instead of years?” the Knight said as Devin started putting back on his things. That is good but it wouldn't stand up to real plate in a fight.”
“Plate would require tougher weapons,” Tasha said. “And my Acolytes are not worried about it.”
“You are different Wizard, since you took Gerald with you,” the Knight said.
“And he is doing well,” Tasha replied then waved Devin over. “Wasp, this is Knight Daniel. He is Gerald’s best friend and they have known each other since before they were squires.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Devin said as he stuck out his hand.
“Big rough hands,” Daniel said. “A bit undersized to be a Squire. Gerald sang your praises, said you were a simple boy with a good work ethic.”
“My Da says you either going to do something or you are not,” Devin said. “Always made me pick a side.”
“Your Da sounds like a smart man,” Daniel said.
“I think so,” Devin said.
“You have had your fun with the Knight Commander’s Squire,” Daniel said. “Leave the boy alone, you never know when you may need each other. I think the other male Acolyte is just down the road in a large grey tent.”
“Thank you,” Devin said as Tasha waved him away.
Devin followed the directions and soon he and Adder was inside of the grey tent. Devin saw the Acolyte he had first gotten into it with, the boy he ended up beating in knife throwing. He just looked over Devin and rolled his eyes, Devin ignored him and started laying out his bed roll. Adder seemed like he knew the boy, Devin wasn't sure of the dynamic but knew the other boy seemed irritated. Adder finished getting his things laid out, he and Devin were right next to each other.
“So why are all of our people with the Squires?” Adder said.
“Because they are whores,” the other Acolyte said. “They are just throwing themselves at those weaklings. Now I have to deal with you two. What is he even doing here?”
“We are not in the fortress,” Adder said. “And you are not in charge of us. You are all alone in this tent looking for people to belittle.”
“Because he is an idiot,” Devin said. “The others must already know this.”
“They are just caught up on those Squires since we started losing people,” the boy said angrily.
“We have,” Adder said. “How many? When? How?”
“No Wizards yet,” the boy said. “Just other Acolytes.”
“I am Adder, this is Wasp,” Adder said. “Black Wizards?”
“They are many, they are Legion,” the boy said. “I am Sting, at least I was.”
“What do you mean that you were?” Adder said.
“I am going to become a Wizard because they need another here and I am the most accomplished Acolyte with my magic,” Sting said.
“Something about you isn't right,” Devin said. “You seem like you are barely holding it together.”
“You are a senior Acolyte,” Adder said. “Why are you letting others get to you like this?”
“I don't need this,” Sting said angrily. “I don't need you, this pretender you are with or those others throwing themselves at those Squires.”
“These Black Wizards must be scary,” Devin said.
“We need to watch ourselves,” Adder said. “The Squires are built for a war, the Knights are built for a war. We are built to take out certain targets.”
“My bow still works,” Devin said. “And if I see any more of them it will still work. Relying on fighting face to face is going to get you all killed. If they have magic then it only matters who gets the first shot.”
“Thanks for ruining our time,” Cobra said as she stepped into the tent with the rest.
“Shut up,” Sting said. “Throwing yourselves at them. You should be ashamed.”
“You started a fight with us and them because no one wants to bow down to you,” Cobra snapped. “And they are nice to look at.”
“Whores!” Sting said as Venom started moving to Sting's left.
“He isn't worth it,” Cobra said. “He is a little boy that is angry that he cannot compete with them and he is looking to name call. He wants us to engage him like he is someone to be worshipped. So what you beat up a bunch of Squires, so have we.”
“What can you tell us about the Black Wizards?” Devin asked.
“How are you back so quickly?” Venom said as she approached.
“
They are speeding anyone through that can use magic,” Adder said. “Which is how I got here. Wasp still feels a lot of pain but is a decent fighter.”
“He does?” Cobra asked. “Males are supposed to be more resistant.”
“He is not,” Adder said.
“No way I was getting rid of my stones,” Devin said. “Lunacy. I want kids, the wife, the whole thing.”
“You still have them?” Cobra asked.
“You wanna see his too?” Sting said disgusted. “Your whoredom really knows no bounds.”
“I see what this is,” Devin said. “These two were in some kind of a tangle and now it is over.”
“It is scary here and sometimes I just want to feel needed,” Cobra said. “We all do. What we don't want is to be cooped up in here when there are many people out there who also need to be touched.”
“Sounds fair enough,” Devin said. “But is this the right place for it?”
“This is the perfect place for it!” Venom snapped. “This is the perfect place for it. I am scared, everyone here is scared. Those Black Wizards just appear and some of them are just as trained as we are. They come down to cast magic and run, fighting them is hard and they are aiming for Knights and Wizards. We are being hunted.”
“Well we are supposed to be the ones doing the hunting now,” Adder said.
“Do they still come at night?” Devin asked.
“They do,” Cobra said.
“Here comes the Wizards,” said a brown haired Acolyte by the door.
“Get up,” Tasha said as she walked through the door. “We are going to make ourselves known.”
“Huh?” Sting asked.
“We are going to kill a few of them while it is still light outside,” Tasha said. “The Knights think it is a good idea instead of only defending. Maybe we can lure their Wizards into a fight.”
“I can hit a few at distance,” Devin said as he grabbed his bow.
“Then go do so while I get everything ready,” Tasha said and looked at Adder. “Go with him.”
Devin didn't need to be told twice. He was already out the tent with his weapons and started making his way towards the front. The land inbetween the armies was relatively flat, the enemy had a slight high ground but wasn't enough of an advantage to fight from. Devin looked around and could spot a few of the enemy sentries, they were three hundred or so paces away and didn't seem worried about anything.
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