A Knight's Path (The Path of Cinder Book 1)

by Nathan Grafton

  Warren went back to drifting around the room in search of his mother. He didn’t find her, but a young woman in a green dress with copper hair found him and practically pulled him out onto the dance floor. Her name was Tiffany and she had lovely dark blue eyes. He danced with her through a song and as it ended he parted with her as gracefully as he could and went back to searching for his mother. She had been against him joining the Army at all and now he was a part of the Royal Guard.

  The large teen finally spotted her out on the dance floor with his father. She was smiling and Warren knew that his father would tell her he was fine. The large boy felt himself relax and he turned, almost walking into a young woman with black hair and hazel eyes wearing a navy blue dress.

  Warren smiled, “Pardon me, miss…”

  He let the question hang in the air and she offered her hand and smiled at him, “Just Victoria. My friends call me Vic.”

  The large boy took her hand and kissed it, his mind working as he tried to place her. She was a high ranking Noble most likely from the way she offered her hand. He rose to his full height and towered over her as he replied, “Victoria. A lovely name for a lovely woman.”

  She met his gaze evenly, the height difference didn’t seem to bother her as she answered, “You’re too kind but I thank you…”

  She let the sentence drag the same way he had and the large boy smiled, “Warren Faulkner. Would you care to dance?”

  Victoria looked out on the floor and then back at him, “Of course. Hopefully you’re more graceful dancing then you are at walking.”

  The barb didn’t seem sharp to him and it felt almost playful as he led her out on the floor and they began to whirl about each other. He learned she loved cats and books but also had a passion for history. Particularly the events surrounding the Cataclysm and what exactly had happened during that day. A device had been activated, disabling everything else and triggering the disasters. Hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions were all caused by a single miscalcuation. And then the tears had opened. Pieces of the world were torn away and new ones were dropped into place. Elves, dwarves, orcs and a dozen others had fallen through. Magic had fallen into this world through one of the voids.

  Three songs later was when Victoria finally snapped her jaw shut and said, “I must be boring you with all of this.”

  Warren smiled and shook his head, “Not at all. I actually think it is rather interesting.”

  The young lady furrowed her brow, “Don’t lie to me.”

  The large boy cocked an eyebrow before noticing and lowering it, another tick from Alden, “I am not lying.”

  Victoria studied him a moment before saying, “What was the last thing I told you?”

  He cleared his throat and repeated, “The Cataclysm was triggered by an unknown device that disabled technology and caused natural disasters. Elves, dwarves and orcs came through to our world by crossing at the weakened seams.”

  Victoria looked down at her feet and mumbled, “I’m sorry. Most people just pretend to listen.”

  Warren felt the urge to hug her but kept dancing, “Don’t worry. I enjoy listening.”

  At that moment Warrennoticed out of the corner of his eye as his friend kissed Elise. The big man waited for the jealousy to come and it did, surging to life. Warren let out a breath and accepted the fact that she chose Alden. He turned his attention back to Victoria and smiled at her.

  Warren let Victoria carry him away as she talked about the things that interested her and his smile had returned. Before he knew what was happening she had led him back onto the edge of the dance floor and stepped back, “I’m sorry, Warren. My father gets worked up if I spend too much time with one man. I really hope we can find time to see each other. You’re a Royal Guard right?”

  The large man cleared his throat, “Cadet. I still have some training left to do.”

  Victoria smiled, “Well, I think you’ll make a wonderful Knight.”

  Warren bowed his head, “Thank you Victoria. You are an amazing woman and beautiful lady.”

  The young woman smiled, “Thank you, I really should be going. I’ll send you something soon, Warren Faulkner.”

  The large teen smiled, “I’ll be waiting, Victoria…I just realized I never caught your last name.”

  Victoria paused and stared at him and then smiled, “You’re joking, right?”

  Warren’s smile faded nervously and he said, “No, I’m sorry if I upset you but I honestly don’t know your name.”

  The young woman seemed to relax, “I’ll send you something soon, Warren. I promise.”

  She disappeared into the crowd before Warren could stop her and he frowned as he stared after her. What was the fuss about her last name? A hand clapped him on the shoulder and Alden’s voice reached Warren’s ears, “Me and Elise were just wonderin’ how you managed that?”

  Warren looked over at his friend who had his arm around the large man’s shoulders and Alden held Elise’s hand with his other arm. The large teen’s brow furrowed, “What do you mean? You act like I can’t get a girl to dance with me?”

  Alden shook his head, “No, I don’t doubt your ability to dance at all. I was just wonderin’ how you managed to dance that long, with that particular woman.”

  A sigh slid out of Warren’s mouth and he asked, “Why is everyone acting like I should know who she is? As far as I know, she is just some Noble’s daughter.”

  Alden stared at his friend and then started to laugh. He was trying to suppress it but failed and drifted away. Elise rolled her eyes and started talking, “Warren, that wasn’t some Noble’s daughter. That was the Princess.”

  Warren felt something drop into his stomach as the joy he felt came crashing down and his shoulders slumped, “Oh.”

  Alden stepped back over to the conversation, “I wouldn’t worry too much. She left with a smile and that means she’ll think of you and remember you warmly.”

  A smile tugged at the edge of Warren’s mouth. Alden had a certain wisdom to him that most people never saw. They heard his accent and wrote him off. He wondered what his father would think of the green eyed young man.

  Warren cleared his throat, “I hate to ruin a good time but my father wanted to meet you, Alden.”

  Alden chuckled, “Finally gonna introduce me to your mother?”

  Elise interrupted, “I thought you said you were going to get one drink?”

  The larger boy glanced up at the blonde, “I thought he was a little friendlier then normal.”

  Alden answered Elise easily, “I had one. At the bar. Then another on the way to the table. And a third at the table.”

  Warren let out a breath, “Nothing we can do about it. Come on, Alden. Time to find my parents.”

  Chapter 36 King's Mind

  Captain Fox strode through the halls of the Castle toward the Throne Room. The Royal Guards at the door inclined their heads to him and allowed him to enter the long room. King Edward lounged on his ornate throne of gold and silver. It had red velvet cushions and was set with large rubies and emeralds. The Captain hated the gaudy thing but never said anything to the King or anyone else for that matter.

  The Captain lowered himself to one knee as the King chewed on his lip, “Fox, do you know why I’ve summoned you here today?”

  Fox replied from his lowered position, “I do not, your Majesty.”

  Edward studied the rings on his fingers for a while, “This Faulkner boy. I never spoke to him but my daughter seems to enjoy his company. What kind of man is he?”

  The Knight Captain kept his eyes fixed on the base of the throne as he answered, “Loyal, strong, dedicated. One of the best Cadets I’ve ever seen, your Majesty.”

  The King was quiet and then asked, “I see. Get up, man. You’re getting too old to be kneeling all the time. What do you know o
f the Blackfeathers?”

  Fox slowly rose to his feet and reponsded, “They’re cunning and certain of themselves. Some might even say arrogant, your majesty.”

  The Captain watched the King shift his weight. A long silence filled the room. A question broke it, “If you were in my place who would you add to the nobility. The Faulkners or Blackfeathers?”

  Fox opened his mouth to answer but stopped himself before he actually gave his honest opinion. Instead the Captain replied, “I don’t know, sire. I’ve never been King before.”

  Edward muttered to himself, “Of course that’s your response. Give me a bit of insight man, you don’t have to worry about me cutting your head off.”

  Derek replied, “Faulkner, sire. He’s far more reliable. Blackfeather woul tend to his own interests before the Crown’s.”

  Edward let out a breath and continued, “Have you heard any rumors concerning the Blackfeathers?”

  The Captain replied, “I have heard rumors, your majesty.”

  There was a silence as the King made a gesture to go on and the Captain continued, “I’ve heard that Radcliff is set to become Duke Blackfeather by your command, sire.”

  Edward leaned back in his seat, “I see. Has he been making promises?”

  Fox had an itch crawling across his nose but he ignored it as he answered, “He has been promising positions in his house as well as making arrangements for his second son to inherit his businesses and his eldest son the Duchy.”

  The King let out a sardonic laugh, “That does not surprise me.”

  There was a popping as the King stretched, “And have you found out anything about the murders?”

  The Captain shook his head, “No, your majesty. Inquisitor Sol-.”

  The King interrupted him, “I don’t want to hear it. I want results. Someone is killing my men and you have no idea who it is but I suggest you find out.”

  Fox ground out his answer, “Of course, sire.”

  Edward leaned back in his throne, “How long has it been since we were at war, Captain?

  The Knight Captain hesitated, “Almost seventy years, your majesty.”

  Edward nodded and muttered to himself, “It’s been too long. They’ve forgotten who’s in charge. You’re dismissed.”

  The Captain bowed to the King before turning and striding out of the room. The aging Knight was glad to be back about his business but for some reason the talk of war bothered him.

  Chapter 37 In The Dark

  Meeting Warren’s parents had gone well. The big man had always made it sound like his dad wouldn’t drink or have fun. The opposite had been true and Alden had ended up getting drunk with him and stumbled out with him to the carriage singing a ballad later in the evening. Elise had been appalled, Warren’s mother had been exasperated and Warren had been shocked. Alden thought it had been a wonderful end to a delightful evening.

  The week had been dreadfully dull thus far. Wednesday Sergeant Hunter had announced that they had the basics of their weapons down. He immediately made them switch weapons. And then switch again and again. The reasoning behind this was that a Knight should be able to fight with whatever weapon was on hand. After a few hours of the weapon rotations and class they returned to their regular weapons and began learning more advanced techniques.

  That was all besides the point now though. It was Thursday and the day had gone on almost identically to yesterday. The young teen was on his way up to the Library to meet Elise again. Another long night of digging through law books trying to find a way to get her father out of prison. Alden was starting to lose hope but he never said anything to Elise. She was starting to fade as well and Alden knew if he gave up she would as well.

  The blonde was already there when Alden arrived. He gave her a smile and she returned it although it wasn’t as bright as normal. The young man walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her, “We’ll figure it out. Don’t worry.”

  She let out a breath and hugged him back, “Thanks, Alden. It just feels like we’re sinkingin the mud and the more we struggle the deeperwe sink.”

  He sighed, “I know, but we’re not givin’ up.”

  The blonde nodded and separated herself from him to start scanning the shelves again. Alden grabbed a book at random and started reading. It had to do with the Royal Guard and the authority they held. Essentially a Royal Guard was anyone who had completed all three Trials and served the King. Anyone who completed the first Trial and failed the second was placed back into the Army. Anyone who completed two Trials and failed the third became a member of the Blood Fists. Alden shoved the book back onto its shelf.

  He grabbed another and started leafing through it. It was laws concerning magic, trade of magical items and various treatise concerning forbidden magic. Nothing of use to him. Elise sat down beside him as he closed the book. It had been an hour already.

  Alden smiled at the blonde and placed his hand on top of hers as he closed the book with the other. Elise looked up at him as he studied her and eventually asked, “What’s going on behind those emeralds, Flint?”

  The young man leaned in and kissed her, before pulling back and saying, “That’s all.”

  Elise raised an eyebrow, “Really? Just a kiss is all you’ve got that mind of yours working on? I know how you men are.”

  Alden’s face formed a mischievous grin, “What? A kiss is all I wanted.”

  She rolled her eyes, “You’re nowhere close to what you really want.”

  He kissed her again, “That’s really all I want. You’re beautiful by the way.”

  Elise rose and snatched his book and set it back on the shelf alongside her own. She came back over and grabbed his hand, “I know you’re tired and distracted. I am to, Alden. I doubt we find anything to be honest. The King’s laws are absolute without the loopholes or vague wording used by law makers.”

  Alden’s smile turned grim, “I know. I’m sorry. We’ll keep tryin’.”

  The blonde climbed into his lap and leaned into him, “I know, Alden. Could you just hold me for tonight? We can keep trying tomorrow.”

  In response the young man wrapped his arms around the young woman and relaxed. They sat like that for three hours before either of them felt the need to move. And when they did move it was a leisurely pace down the halls to her room hand in hand. They spoke about nothing in particular. Music. She mentioned how beautiful lightning was. Alden talked about his fascination with the way a flame moved. They were content to be with each other.

  They reached her room too early for Alden’s liking and he kissed her once, long and sweet, before he said goodnight. She smiled at him as her eyes lit up and slid into her room. Alden started back down the hall towards his own room, humming to himself, when he heard something.

  The young man glanced back over his shoulder, half expecting to see Elise but froze as a figure dressed in black rushed towards him. Alden spun the rest of the way around just in time to slap aside the knife headed for his stomach. The young man hopped backwards as his assailant swiped at his stomach with the wicked knife. The dark figure jerked his arm forward in a stabbing motion that Alden sidestepped and he smashed his elbow across his attacker’s face.

  The dark figure staggered but Alden didn’t press his advantage. Something was missing. The assailant recovered and lunged towards Alden again. The young man slapped the first thrust aside and jumped back out of the way of the back hand again. The same jerking stab followed as before but this time Alden didn’t counter. The young man felt himself move on reflex and slapped aside a punch from his assailant’s free hand. The green eyed teen frowned as a wave of fimilarity washed over him.. The knife flashed again and Alden grabbed his attacker’s wrist before the blade could reach him.

  Alden grit his teeth and twisted, his assailant’s arm made a popping sound and the knife clattered to the floor.
The dark figure threw his weight against Alden and sent the young man sprawling across the floor. Rage roared to life and Alden surged back onto his feet but the dark figure was gone. The young man bent down and picked the dark knife up off the floor. It looked like he had to wake someone up.

  Chapter 38 A New Threat

  Before Warren knew what was happening everything had ended and it was Wednesday already. Hunter started them on a rotation of different weapons. They had to be able to fight with anything on hand. After lunch, Warren made his way down to the weight rooms. The biggest flaw in his regular weapons was their weight and that weight made him slow. He needed to be stronger to be faster. An he would get stronger.

  Halfway down the basement hall Warren felt a shiver rush over him as the temperature plummeted. The large teen spun as he heard footsteps behind him and Reginald was walking down the hall towards him. Something was very wrong here and Warren wasn’t sure what it was.

  Reginald stopped about ten feet from him and spoke, “I saw you dancing with Princess Victoria the other night. I thought I would come down and explain something to you.”

  Warren broke Reginald off with a growl, “Explain what exactly?”

  The young man glared at the large teen and continued, “Don’t interrupt your betters. I was just going to tell you how you’re going to stay away from her.”

  The large man laughed out loud at the pronouncement and he felt Reginald’s glare on him as the large boy spoke, “Seriously? You expect me to stay away from someone just because you say so. And why would you be allowed to decide who she sees or not?”

  Reginald barked back, “Because she’s mine Faulkner!”

  Warren closed the distance to the smaller boy in a second and growled down at him, “Listen carefully. She is not yours. She is not mine. She is her own person. She will see whoever she wants to see. That is her choice. Threaten me again and I will grind every bone in your body down to fine powder.”