by Ryan Evans
As I entered the room, the first thing I noticed was the bed. It was larger than any three bunks put together and had large pillows and fancy sheets atop it. A lamp on a bedside table illuminated the space. In an open wardrobe near the bed, two tabards and a set of leather armor hung on hooks. The leather armor was much finer than what the battle academy had issued me. One positive about beast-kind culture was that we were functional. Even in formal settings, well cared for armor and a noble’s tabard served as acceptable attire.
The armor they provided me was the same as the regular troops wore, but it appeared polished and new. Karsam had explained that Silvanti House would provide this set of armor for free as I was a newly sworn noble. Though head and shoulders above what I’d been wearing, my armor was still a far cry from what the other nobles would be wearing.
Wealthy nobles wore metal plated leather armor while less wealthy but still prosperous nobles wore studded armors. Even the poorest nobles had embossed armor. The tabard would hide the plainness of my armor somewhat, but to anyone looking, it’d be clear that I had nothing in the way of finances.
Silvanti House’s commoner tabards were solid grey, while the nobles wore half grey and half blue tabards of a finer material. The house crest of a silver sword with three wavy lines occupied the right chest. Our colors and symbols were easily distinguishable from the imperial orange and black with the tiger-head emblem. Rank insignia was worn on the left chest in the traditional fashion.
In a side room attached to the main sleeping area, there was a wash basin, a full pitcher of water, a copper tub in case I wanted to take a bath, and a chamber pot in the corner. I also saw that my razor and water cup, along with my small-clothes had been brought over before I arrived. As I finished inspecting the room, I noticed several books on the bedside table and what appeared to be a note.
Valian, just thought you might like to brush up on the knowledge needed to be a part of the noble class. Also, I thought you’d find it interesting that sleep patterns are heavily altered by the strength of a noble’s bloodline. Most of the strongest lines only sleep a couple of hours every few days. P.S. these are not a gift. I expect them to stay here when we leave. Karsam’s signature graced the bottom of the letter.
The books all represented different topics. One was about the various beast-kind species. Another was about the other races that the empire had encountered. Some were about different financial matters and theories, and yet another was all about politics. If I was doomed not to sleep anymore, I at least had variety in reading material.
After I stripped down to my under clothes, I washed up and then settled into the giant bed with the law book in hand. The soft sheets were a welcome change to the rough linen bedding issued in training.
When I opened the book, I found another surprise about my newfound abilities. As I read several pages of the book, my mind catalogued everything. When I thought about the pages, they appeared in my mind’s eye with perfect clarity. It didn’t seem possible, but my awakening had upgraded my brain along with everything else.
Thinking back to earlier in the evening, I realized that I also remembered my lesson with Lathian in perfect clarity. I read and memorized all the law book in one read through in just over an hour and moved on to another from the pile.
I lost track of time. The lamp was oil based and had a large reservoir on it that made it impossible to figure out how long I’d been at it. I burned through the books on the table, and in mere moments I finished them all. The knowledge seemed to blend together in my mind, helping me to understand and apply everything I’d just read. It was invigorating and off-putting all at the same time.
After I finished the books, I needed something else to keep me occupied. I worked on my sword skills. Utilizing the earlier lesson, I tried to adapt the different sword stances and grips I’d learned with the short sword over my years of training in the battle academy.
While I got mixed results, it allowed me to pass the time. For the rest of the night, I honed my blade skills. My forms started slowly, but it wasn’t long before the weapon was an extension of my arm as it blurred around me. I even combined different forms and styles randomly to produce what I hoped would be a superior technique.
It took much longer for me to become winded, and my strength didn’t flag as I continued the forms. At one point, I realized how ridiculous I looked practicing with a sword in just my under clothes, but I didn’t care. I needed to be as formidable as possible to survive as a noble, not to mention a soldier.
A knock on the door interrupted my practice, announcing that it was time to begin the day. My new life started this morning. I was ready to see where it led.
Chapter 6
I rinsed off and shaved with the cold water from the basin. I realized servants would bring me warm water if I rang the bell, but it seemed absurd. For the past six years, I’d shaved with cold water every day.
Dressing in my armor, I folded and stored my extra clothes in the backpack the battle academy had issued me last year. My backpack, gear and personal effects had all been waiting for me in my room the night prior, and the familiar weight on my shoulder comforted me.
I made my way down the hall towards the common room fully equipped and carrying my travel gear. The sun had not yet risen, so torches illuminated the dark hallway. The lack of smoke from the open flames impressed me. It appeared that the upper windows also provided ventilation at night on top of airflow during the day.
I passed various servants on my way to the common room, but all of them kept their heads down and didn’t speak. As I entered the room, an older servant stepped forward to greet me. He was wolf-kind and lacked the markings of a slave, making him a supervisor over the staff. He had been directing others with arranging dishes on the dining table, but there was no food anywhere in sight.
“Milord,” he said in a panicked voice, “we expected none of the nobility to be out of their rooms this early. I’m sorry to say there isn’t any food prepared yet. If you’ll tell me what you’d like, I can have the cooks prepare it at once.” His words came out quickly as he spoke as if his speaking faster would keep me from being offended. My early arrival clearly caused him distress.
“Don’t worry about it,” I said, trying to placate the hysterical man. “If you’ve got some dried bread and jerky, I’ll be fine.”
Judging by his expression, my attempt to make the situation better only offended him. “Milord, I assure you that our cooks are excellent; they won’t disappoint you if you allow them to prepare something,” he said in a pleading tone. Apparently, I’d somehow made this man think I doubted their skill instead of just not caring about what I ate.
Thinking about the situation, I realized I was trapped. I wanted to eat something quickly, and go about my day, but that didn’t appear to be a realistic choice without insulting the staff further.
“Whatever reasonable dish you would recommend from the cooks, have them prepare it for me,” I said, trying for an upbeat tone. I thought the request was over the top, but the wolf-kind attendant looked relieved at my words.
I retreated to the book shelves and sitting area to have some privacy. Shortly after I sat in a comfortable leather chair, a male servant approached me and asked if he could take my backpack and deliver it to the stables. After my last exchange, I didn’t have the heart to deny the request and nodded.
I was on the last page of my fifth book, this one about battle tactics and strategy before the empire’s rise to power, when I caught a floral scent waft into the room. Based on its strength, it had to be from a soap or oil of some sort. Shortly after the scent, Aaryn stepped in wearing a dark shirt, brown pants and sandals. Based on the fact that her hair appeared to be a little damp, she’d taken a bath this morning, hence the strong floral scent.
Her lack of armor and weapons surprised me. Remembering the group of people I was with, I wondered if I was the one that would end up looking out of place this morning. The servants all bowed deeply at her arrival
and a chorus of “Milady” rang throughout the room.
I had read a book on courtly protocol and manners last night, so I knew it was proper to stand when a lady entered the room, especially one of higher standing than myself. She just didn’t warrant the courtesy after the way she had been so distant yesterday. I decided that the book was more interesting and went back to finishing it.
The sound of a throat clearing alerted me to her presence in front of me. My senses had tracked her walking towards me, but I’d made a point not to acknowledge her. When I lowered my book, I noticed two things: the first was the offended look on Aaryn’s face; the second was the attendant who had taken my breakfast order standing awkwardly behind her. He clearly wanted to ask for her meal choice but feared pulling her attention in his direction.
Before she voiced her opinion at my lack of acknowledgment, I addressed the servant behind her. “She’ll have the same meal I am having,” I said with authority. Some of my aura surfaced when I spoke and the man blanched and bowed. He didn’t look her way to verify the order, instead, he immediately left to carry out my instructions.
Aaryn’s face turned a deeper shade of red, but my expression of aura and the others listening in the room gave her pause. “Have a seat Aaryn, we can talk while they prepare our breakfast,” I said to her smoothly. Her mouth hung half open for a moment before she seemed to collect herself and sit in the chair across from me.
“You have a lot of nerve, not standing to greet me and then ordering my meal for me,” she accused. Her voice was at a normal volume, but still conveyed her anger at my impertinence. Her aura pushed against my own in an attempt to intimidate me. Of course, it had no effect on me. My lack of visible response clearly confused her. She was probably the strongest bloodline in Silvanti House and was unaccustomed to having her aura blocked.
“Based on yesterday, I had thought you’d prefer I act oblivious to you,” I said with indifference. That seemed to take the wind out of her sails. We sat in silence for a moment as I returned to my book as if I was still reading it. I had finished it already, but I refused to be the first to speak after our last exchange.
“Fine, I’ll concede that point. Spending time with Stephan and Saundra puts me in a foul mood. I try to block everything out when they’re around me. What did you just order me for breakfast might I ask?”
Now I was the one off balance. I hadn’t expected a level headed answer, and I definitely hadn’t thought she would acknowledge a fault of her own. “I honestly do not know,” I said and told her about my earlier experience. She laughed at my story, and I was surprised by how natural it sounded. I had expected her to be the uptight sort, and that laugh did not go with the image I had conjured from yesterday’s interaction.
In the silence after my story, she seemed to notice the stack of books on the table before me along with the one in my hand. “That’s quite the collection you’re starting there,” she said with a teasing tone to her voice.
“Just passing the time until I can eat and go about my day. I hadn’t expected to be placing an order, so I’ve had plenty of time for some light reading,” I said, slightly put out. She smiled at my words, thinking it a joke. If I didn’t know my abilities, I’d have thought the same. Based on her reaction, not all nobles could so easily retain information.
The books in front of me were several hundred pages each, and before my awakening it would have taken at least a month to read them all, much less try to learn them. The ringing of a bell saved me from having to say anything further on the topic as another servant brought out a tray with two covered dishes on it.
The man who’d given me so much trouble earlier announced, “Breakfast is served,” in a clear voice. Those seemed to be the magic words as the servant placed the dishes on the large dining table and removed the lids.
Aaryn got up and moved towards the table, and I followed her. I decided that I’d enjoyed our talk so far this morning. It was enough to warrant following proper etiquette moving forward.
I pulled a chair out for her to sit in before sliding it under her and taking the place across from her at the table. Several servants descended upon us at that point. I noticed that all of them had the imperial slave mark without the broken spear. They lined up a full spread of silverware, laid napkins in our laps, and arranged and poured glasses of juice and water for both of us. The flurry of activity only lasted a few moments before the slaves stood at the side of room again.
Feeling out of place yet again, I focused on my plate instead of my surroundings. On the upper right corner of my dish were two boiled eggs sliced and arranged decoratively. The majority of the plate was dedicated to what appeared to be special bread with thin slices of meat on top, and a spicy smelling sauce lightly drizzled over the entire thing. The meal smelled delicious, and even Aaryn temporarily forgot proper etiquette as we both dove into the dish. After my initial bite, I followed the rules of eating in polite society instead of just tearing into it like I would have done yesterday morning.
The flavors of the sauce with the meat and bread was amazing, and even the eggs went well with the combination of flavors and textures. Until we finished our meals, the only sound was that of our silverware and chewing. “Remind me to let you pick my meals more often,” she said with a smile as we both finished the last bits of food on our plates.
I noticed the older servant standing in the corner, waiting should we need anything. I gave a slight bow from my seat. “You were quite right in your choice. Please give my thanks to the chef,” I said appreciatively. The man appeared surprised by my words, but I saw pride in his eyes and he stood just a bit straighter. When I looked back towards the table, Aaryn was staring at me.
“You just found out about your heritage yesterday, right? I expected you to have a harder time adjusting to a life amongst the nobility. You used all the correct etiquette throughout the meal and even pulled my chair for me. Care to explain?” There was levity in her voice but also curiosity.
I laughed lightly, “Thank you, Lady Aaryn. Your uncle gave me a book on the subject last night. I’m glad to know I’ve properly applied its lessons.”
She glanced back at the books still in the lounging area, and I could almost see her re-evaluating our earlier exchange. As if mentioning him was enough to summon him, Colonel Karsam entered the room at that moment. He wore his armor, tabard and knife, but lacked his sword. I thought I saw a look of surprise on his face as he noticed Aaryn and I sitting and talking, but if it was really ever there, it disappeared a second later.
He came over and greeted us both. “I see you both rose early this morning. That’s good. I’m hoping the Umbras are up by at least midmorning so we might begin the day’s march at a reasonable time.” He smiled as he spoke, but there was truth to his words. “Honestly, that’s why I banned alcohol until after we’re underway,” he added to drive home his opinion.
“You dream big uncle,” Aaryn immediately responded, and we all laughed.
“I believe I’ll have my usual,” Karsam said addressing the servant standing in the corner. He bowed and left to convey the order to the chef. “By the aroma in the room, you two had quite the meal this morning,” Karsam continued with an appraising look in his eyes. He stepped forward and took a seat next to me on the same side as my sword.
It was a subtle thing, but by being on the side closest to my weapon, he’d be able to prevent my draw for a moment. Polite society considered it to be a position of respect and marked him as my societal better. He caught my glance at my scabbard and then him and winked at me, disarming any irritation I felt. Aaryn laughed at his statement, missing our little exchange and told Karsam my story of events and how we ended up with such a robust meal. Her energy was contagious, and he was soon laughing and smiling at my awkward moment.
“I am glad to see the two of you getting along. I wonder though if you might allow me some time with my niece as I so rarely get to have a quiet breakfast with her at home.” Karsam said while looking at me.
“No mind at all, sir. I wanted to see about my horse this morning anyway since I have little experience riding one. Lady Aaryn, it has been a pleasure sharing a meal with you,” I responded with a bow of my head before standing. “Colonel Karsam,” I said as I bowed my head towards the man before turning and leaving the common room.
The stables were closer to the edge of the battle academy and a bit of a walk to reach. No doubt that if I waited around the officers’ barracks, servants would bring me my horse, but I wanted the exercise and to get some fresh air.
Walking through the academy grounds, I saw various groups of male and female trainees running or doing other exercises. Training sergeants led them all, and I made a point not to get too close to them. If I did, they’d be forced to stop and bow or salute, and I didn’t want to interrupt their training or cause anyone to get in trouble for doing the wrong thing.
The morning air was cool with a damp heaviness to it that clung to my skin as I made my way towards the stables. I knew from experience how miserable the air could make you feel at different times of the year and was thankful that the spring was mild. Heading to the east, I was sure it would be much less pleasant in a couple of weeks.
It was easy to tell when I neared the stables as the odor was always the first thing you noticed. Experienced cavalry soldiers used the stables here at the battle academy to break and train new horses for House Silvanti. As a trainee, I’d only had a few weeks of training here in my six years. Most of our work was done with grooming the horses and packing a saddle as those would be our primary tasks involving horses once we graduated.
The academy gave basic riding lessons for a single week for familiarity. Typically, only the nobles and select soldiers rode regularly. The only way a newer recruit would ride was if an officer made them a personal bodyguard or courier. That I’d only had a couple of hours in the saddle didn’t bode well for the upcoming march. I’d have much rather walked with my squad.
