by Ryan Evans
“Don’t mind Lathian. He has been with me almost eighty years now. I spared his life after defeating him in combat and allowed his family to escape into the forest. Because of my actions, he swore a life debt and has been with me ever since that day. I trust him with my life along with any secrets I might have,” Karsam said, reassuring me.
Such a strong endorsement was an uncommon thing with battle slaves like Lathian. They were usually dangerous and not trusted outside of the mines or gladiator schools. From the little I knew of Colonel Karsam, I had no reason to doubt his judgment. I decided to give the elf the benefit of the doubt. That being said, if he tried to harm me, I would break him.
I downed the rest of my drink after that, and while it still had a heat to it, it barely registered. It also lacked the tingling sensation that had followed my earlier sips. “Now that you are fully awakened, you’ll find that your body fights off intoxication along with poison and other debilitating effects. This ability is proportionate to the strength of your bloodline,” Karsam explained as he watched me finish my drink. It surprised me to hear this, but I wasn’t disappointed. It explained why violence settled so much among the older families of the empire, less direct methods didn’t work.
We both ate in silence from the tray in front of us for a while. Still aware of my newfound power circulating through my veins, I asked a question that had been on my mind since being told of my supposed origins. “Am I in danger?” I asked, looking Karsam in the eye.
He sat in silence for a long moment before answering, “To quote a famous beast-kind philosopher, danger lurks everywhere. I’d say this concept is especially true for you. If your existence becomes too well known or you do anything that defies the imperial family, they may move against you. Add to that the fact that many of the Fero bloodline’s supporters hold them responsible for their fall from grace, and the list of potential enemies becomes excessive. But have heart; I wouldn’t offer you a position in our house if I wasn’t willing to help you.” I didn’t press the matter, but his words almost sounded treasonous.
“Speaking of helping you,” he began, leaning forward and placing his own empty glass on the table, “if you’re still willing, we can perform your pledge to House Silvanti.” I agreed at once.
“Do you swear to serve Silvanti faithfully and loyally so long as Silvanti stays true to you? Do you vow to, from this day forward, put Silvanti House before all other noble houses? Do you swear to come to the aid and defense of all Silvanti House members and assets to the best of your ability, regardless of danger or odds against you? Do you agree to a term of service of no less than one year?” he asked in a solemn tone. To each question, I answered yes, and before long, I was a member of the house that had spent the last six years training me.
“Welcome to Silvanti House. You have the potential for greatness, and I hope to see that potential blossom within our house,” he said with a smile on his face as he patted my shoulder in congratulations and acceptance.
My oath obligated me to serve honorably and in Silvanti House’s best interest above all else. Karsam explained that after one year, I could take a more binding oath. During my trial period, I’d be paid a standard lieutenant’s salary of fifty silvers every two weeks until my year was completed. That translated into a gold a month, a veritable fortune to someone with a commoner’s background like me.
They gave regular soldiers in the imperial army seven coppers a week while those in the house armies made ten coppers. One hundred coppers made a silver, and one hundred silvers made a gold piece. Between expenses, drinking and frivolous spending, most soldiers were lucky to have more than a few silvers to their name.
To be making twenty five silvers a week was beyond my wildest imaginings. It almost made me forget about the potential danger I was in because of my heritage. Karsam laughed at my enthusiasm and said, “Don’t get too excited about your new wealth. You’ll find that being a noble is much more expensive than being a commoner, and once you gain land, you’ll always wish you had more gold.” I scoffed at his warning. I couldn’t fathom so much coin not being enough, but I didn’t see the use in arguing with him about it.
A knock at the door signaled Lathian’s return. Upon his entrance, I noticed that he carried a tabard (complete with the silver circle of lieutenant rank attached), new sandals, and under clothes identical to the other nobles’ clothing. He also carried a new sword belt of polished black leather complete with a bracketed seam and weapons attached to it.
“I think this tabard should do. It might be a little boxy, but the fit should work for a generic sizing,” he said, circling me and taking in my frame. “Later this evening, a tailor will take measurements and make sure your tabards are properly fitted to you. Unfortunately, we don’t have any armor like what the others are wearing. You must make do with what the house provides you until you can buy more.” With that, he handed me the clothing and gear.
While I changed, Karsam explained Silvanti house would provide three tabards and sets of under clothes along with one set of weapons and a newer set of the armor I had been issued. After that, I’d have to pay for my own. The nobility didn’t use shields as they were rarely in the press of the front line. Instead, they wore a long sword and dagger on opposite hips.
He also told me they would give me a horse. Seeing my expression at the news, Karsam assured me that I’d get used to riding in no time. Caring for and grooming horses was part of battle academy training, as soldiers often took care of those duties in camp, but we got little experience riding. After all, what use did a line soldier have for riding lessons?
As he told everything they’d issue me, I tested the balance of my new weapons. They were of a much higher quality than my old short sword, but I’d have to get used to the longer reach and the different balance of the long sword. Karsam might consider it rude for me to play with my blades while he spoke, but I would be vulnerable until I familiarized myself with the weapons. I practiced various swings and thrusts, mindful not to make too big a fool of myself in the others’ presence.
“Valian, before we go too much farther, we need to talk about your aura,” Karsam said, interrupting my sword play. “Our auras affect all the beast-kind around us. The range and potency of our aura is determined by the strength of our bloodline.” He paused for a moment, looking at me to gage my understanding. I gave a nod, and he continued.
“Being of such an old line, your aura doesn’t completely disappear when you suppress it. We can use that to our advantage in hiding your heritage. Others will assume that you’re not trying to suppress your aura at all. They’ll take its weakened strength as your full power. As long as you continue the ruse, you shouldn’t be in any danger of being discovered, but it will mean others assuming they are superior to you,” he said, giving me a knowing look.
“To our allies and neutral parties, our auras make us more charismatic and help us influence their feelings and emotions. To beast-kind against us, it’ll cause them fear and aggression towards us. I suggest that you try to be cognizant of your emotions towards others as we train you to control your new abilities. It will directly influence your aura. It won’t be easy, but it will be necessary.”
His words increased my anxiety. After an entire morning of trying to rein in my emotions, I now had to guard and control them for the rest of my life. I also didn’t want to alter the relationships I had with my classmates in the battle academy. We had six years together, and many of them were the closest thing to a family I had ever had.
“Well, if you’re ready, I believe we’ve talked enough for now. We should re-join the graduation day proceedings. The final rounds are scheduled for after lunch, so we should still be able to catch them,” Karsam said after a moment of silence. I was now a noble in Silvanti House. Walking out in front of those that I’d grown up with in my new station would mean a separation between us. I’d have to face my new role alone. The fear of being alone only lasted a heartbeat before an inner voice growled at my weakness.
“Very well,” I said, “I’m curious to see how the tournament plays out. A lot of tough fighters are graduating today.” Karsam agreed and led the way towards the exit while Lathian gathered the platter and glasses we’d used for our lunch. I made a point of keeping my posture confident and tall as we walked through the halls. If this was my new place in society, so be it. It would not intimidate me. And with that, I took my first steps out into the world as one of society’s elites within the Soltaran Empire.
Chapter 4
The hall impressed me just as much walking out as it did walking in, but the entrance was much different. As we passed through the double doors out into the sunlight, I scanned the faces of the two guards that stood there. They were the same two as before, but they didn’t eye me with speculation this time.
They remained at attention with their eyes facing forward and a certain nervous tension in their shoulders until we passed several feet beyond them. On one hand, their trepidation gave me a sense of satisfaction. On the other hand, I didn’t want people to be afraid of me simply by being around them.
“You must be careful for the next couple of weeks as you learn your auras range and power,” Karsam said as we traveled out away from the officers’ barracks. “With your abilities waking, even your suppressed aura will have a marked effect on the soldiers around you. Your emotions will dictate how your aura affects them. Anger and tension will translate accordingly. Excitement and lust also translate, so any dalliance with a commoner subordinate will be viewed as a crime and severely punished. Eventually you’ll learn to keep your emotions in check. Also, I would avoid directing your full aura at any one or two soldiers unless they’ve become acclimated to your presence.”
I thought about his words the entire walk back to the arena. I decided to take them to heart and try to avoid losing control of my emotions. It was difficult. I was acutely aware of the attention from the different training sergeants and their charges as we passed.
Five other training groups called the academy home; each was one year apart with the youngest being fifteen. With so many other groups, only a small percentage of the staff was present in the arena. Many of the looks reminded me of the respect and adoration my classmates gave the other officers earlier in the day. Disturbed by the observation, I focused on my breathing and tried to stay as calm as possible. I hoped all the gawking I endured on the way there would prepare me for entering the arena with my now ex-classmates. I was wrong.
As we walked into the stadium, I looked at the competition field to see who remained. The group was small, indicating the finals were about to start. The rest of the trainees were sitting in the stands surrounding the field. Of course, they were on the opposite side from the officers.
I spotted Sergeant Iglias first. He was working as a judge and talking to the remaining competitors. If I knew the grizzled sergeant I’d worked with all year, he was pumping up the combatants for their matches.
My eyes wandered over the others, noting whether I thought that person would have made the finals or not. As my eyes caught sight of the female trainee, Selene, it surprised me. Not that I thought her incapable, but she was on the thinner side, and many of the male participants used their bulk and strength to gain an edge. I concluded that she must be a fierce opponent to last this long.
Tristan also stood among the remaining competitors. He swung a practice sword as he talked to one of our classmates. For six years, he’d been my best friend. The thought of losing that connection momentarily saddened me.
Though we weren’t related, I considered Tristan a brother. I would do anything for him. It worried me that my new station would lead to the loss of that relationship. That fear welled up inside me, but I refused to have my family ripped away from me because of my change in station. I’d do my best to stay close to and protect Tristan, just as I always had.
The crowd saw us as soon as we stepped out onto the field. We walked in from the side entrance and crossed the arena grounds to reach the other officers. Many did double takes as I walked in with the colonel. From there, news of my arrival spread to the surrounding soldiers and sergeants. I heard whispers and felt the eyes of the trainees in the stands on me, but I kept my eyes straight ahead and focused on our destination.
I didn’t like all the attention, and it took a lot of effort not to let anxiety, frustration or uncertainty bleed into my aura as we made our way to the sitting area that the officers called their own. Karsam informed me the protocol was to introduce me to the other officers and not address the trainees.
The major saw us shortly after our arrival. He seemed to have a genuine interest in the tournament’s outcome and focused on the field intently. The other three weren’t as wrapped up in the field and didn’t notice us until we were half way to them. They strained, trying to see who the newcomer was; we weren’t close enough for them to size me up yet.
As we got closer to the stands, the two sibling Umbras spoke loudly enough for me to hear them. “Look sister, it seems Silvanti House has found an orphan puppy this year, how unfortunate,” Stephan Umbra said feigning concern.
“At least it means that one man carrying my supplies for me will have some class,” Saundra Umbra replied to her brother. Her arrogance chafed more than his condescension. Mentally I focused on my breathing to keep from letting my anger show. Part of me wanted to rip them apart, and that would not make for pleasant introductions.
I saw the moment we came close enough for my suppressed aura to reach them by the expression on their faces. The jests stopped for the moment, but the two Umbra siblings smiled widely. My aura supported the image that I was a weak bastard son of some noble’s dalliance with a commoner.
“Valian, I’m pleased to introduce you to some of your fellow nobles who serve in Silvanti House’s forces. This is Major Gortros Umbra and his two children, lieutenants Stephan and Saundra Umbra,” Colonel Karsam said, acting as if he hadn’t heard the two mocking me. Even though he tried to smooth things over, the effort wasn’t convincing.
I gave a bow in greeting as the colonel finished the introduction. I’d have much rather knocked some sense into the two siblings in front of me, but I’d been told to get along. They gave curt bows in return, but Major Gortros didn’t even acknowledge me. Apparently, I didn’t rate high enough for him to re-focus his attention.
Karsam ignored the exchange and turned towards the only person who he had not introduced yet, “and this young lady is my niece, the future head of Silvanti House, Lieutenant Aaryn Silvanti.” His smiling face and upbeat tone showed his love for her.
Her eyes narrowed at his introduction, and her shoulders tensed as she looked in our direction. Her grimace told me what she thought of his introduction, but he didn’t notice. I bowed to her, and she gave a nod herself. The exchange was warmer than the Umbras’ reception, but only by a little. At least she hadn’t insulted me yet.
“All three lieutenants here are just now old enough to lead and will select their first squad from today’s graduates. Ironically enough, that makes you all close to the same age,” he added, gesturing to us all as a group.
“It is a pleasure to meet all of you. I ask for your patience as I become acclimated to my new circumstances,” I said, trying to have as calm and level a voice as possible. The Umbra twins grinned at my supposed weakness, while Aaryn smiled, then re-focused on the competitors behind me. The major continued ignoring me altogether.
“I hope that nothing we said offended you, we were just having a bit of fun. This stuff is just so boring, watching a bunch of commoners run around all day.” Stephan said as I moved towards the bleachers to take a seat. His eyes didn’t reflect his smile, and his ability to insult me while apologizing for insulting me at the same time impressed me. Until two hours ago, I was one of the boring commoners.
“Think nothing of it Stephan. I’m sure these commoners would be just as bored watching you compete as you are with them,” I said with a neutral expression on my face. While he
didn’t show his irritation much, his eyes narrowed just a fraction.
“My brother is quite right about the quality of entertainment, but I’m sure your company will help ease our boredom,” Saundra added with a laugh after my reply. An icy, uneasy sensation covered me at her words.
Looking at her, I realized how attractive she was with shapely curves, a thin waist and smooth symmetrical facial features. That was, if you ignored her eyes. A predatory gleam emanated from them, and not the kind that came from the beast within.
I’d never seen it myself, but I’d heard of women that prided themselves on bending men to their will. I could see the young woman before me taking pleasure in such a thing. Belatedly, I realized that my gaze lingered too long, and she noticed. Based on how she licked her lips, in her eyes, the hunt was on. I mentally kicked myself for being so stupid. All the Umbras would need to be watched carefully, but this one presented the most danger.
I took a seat on the outside edge next to Aaryn as far from the Umbras as possible. As all the introductions were made, everyone focused toward where the competition was about to resume. I knew Karsam expected me to mingle with the others, but I didn’t care at the moment. My tolerance of the welcome I’d received was effort enough.
Based on the board, it looked as if Selene would compete soon, while Tristan’s match would be towards the end of the round. As I looked at the remaining competitors, I inspected Tristan’s condition. Several bruises stood out along his arms, and a cut at the side of his left eye bled freely.
His shoulders sagged, and his mouth hung open as he took in deep lungfuls of air. He wasn’t the strongest fighter in our class, but his raw athletic talent compensated for it. I expected him to make it this far, but I doubted he would win the tournament. Honestly, I hoped to win myself until my situation changed.
