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

by Nathan Grafton

  The third priest began, “Let us pray that the Master of the Battle finds John to be brave and valorous in his deeds and grant him a sturdy sword and shield to be used when the damned and forgotten rise up and try to claim to the Courts of the Masters. May the master find no crack in his courage or stain on his honor.”

  The dark priest continued, “We forgive him his sins and pray that you accept his soul into your Courts. Let us pray for John.”

  Silence filled the air of the tomb and was broken by frantic murmurs. Warren licked his lips as he bowed his head and heard Alden mutter, “Whoever’s up there. John’s a good man and you’d best accept him or or go damn yourself as well.”

  Warren smiled despite himself and muttered a silent prayer, a bit more standard then Alden’s version. The dark priest continued, “John has moved on from his world. Let us lay his body to rest.”

  Skorri stepped forward with John’s father. Together they slid the stone slab and the casket back into the wall and lifted the cover into place. Written on the plate was a short inscription:

  John Shaw

  A Loyal Friend

  And a True Knight

  Silence filled the air, broken by the sound of a hammer driving steel pins through drilled holes in the plate. A few minutes later Skorri and John’s father stepped back into the crowd and the priests bowed. The collection of people began to trickle out of the room. Warren felt a blanket of exhaustion settle over him as he moved for the door.

  Chapter 68 Flint And Feather

  Sunday didn’t come soon enough. Ever since the funeral Alden had felt his temper boiling just beneath the surface. He had become bitter and cruel. The young man dressed, wearing his armor and duster, longsword at his side. Warrenwore his uniform and carried his mace but not his shield. Alden headed out the door, moving for the roof. It was already the middle of the night and Alden climbed the stairs quickly, Warren trailing just a step behind him.

  They were almost there when Inquisitor Solace appeared in front of them, “Where are you two heading in the middle of the night?”

  Warren began to speak, “Well, uh, see the thing is that we were just heading down to-”

  Alden cut him off, “We were going to go get drunk, eat a lot of food and probably pass out somewhere since we’re off duty.”

  Solace shook his head and walked by, “The idiocy of the young. I wish I was still like that,” the Knight called back over his shoulder, “Come back in one piece.”

  The green eyed teen took off again before Solace had a chance to question them further. The large Knight followed just a step behind his friend and they reached the surface a few minutes later.

  Alden looked around, “I don’t see them yet. Think he chickened out?”

  Warren shook his head, “I doubt it. Reginald does not just think he’s better then you. In his mind, he is better then you.”

  The green eyed teen grunted, “Good. I’ll be glad to finally teach him some manners.”

  The big Knight crossed his arms and leaned back against the stone, “You do remember that you agreed this would be to the death right?”

  Alden waved a hand, “I know that. I’ll just knock him around some and when he starts beggin’ I’ll let him go.”

  Warren’s only response was a grunt as Alden leaned up against the edge of the wall, watching the river roll by in silence.

  Ten minutes later Warren broke Alden’s thoughts, “Maybe he did decide to stay home?”

  Alden shook his head and snorted, “I should’ve known he wouldn’t have the guts.”

  A laugh broke through the air, “What? Do you think I’m afraid of you, Flint?”

  The green eyed teen turned slowly and stared at Reginald Blackfeather. Hawkes stood a foot behind him and off to one side as Alden took a step forward, “You’re right, I know you ain’t bright enough to be afraid of me.”

  Reginald shook his head, “You don’t even know how royally screwed you are, farm boy.”

  Alden shrugged his duster off and tossed it to the edge of the wall, “You act like that’s an insult.”

  Blackfeather frowned, “Normally you lose your temper whenever I start saying things like that. So why not now?”

  The green eyed teen considered the question for a moment, “Well, normally you insult my family in the process. Which you can insult me as much as you like and I won’t quite care but my family on the other hand is off limits. Secondly, who ever decided that being a farmer is a bad thing? Farmers work honest, they take care of themselves, honor their word and can solve just about any problem you put in front of them. I’m proud to have grown up as a farmer.”

  Reginald rolled his eyes, “Look, I don’t care. I’m going to kill you now.”

  Alden raised an eyebrow as he drew his sword, “I’d like to see you try.”

  Blackfeather smirked and Alden frowned. Something wasn’t right. A single word, low and guttural, that Alden couldn’t quite hear rolled off of Reginald’s lips. A fist of power slammed into Alden and sent him soaring back through the air and rolling across the stone. The dark young man’s laugh echoed through the night, “Alden Flint, prepare to meet death. I’ll send your family along shortly.”

  Green eyes snapped open and flooded red with power. Reginald could use this power as well? Well, let him deal with Alden’s burning fury. The young man surged back to his feet and glared at Reginald. Warren had his mace out but the big Knight stepped back as Alden shook his head. This was between him and Reginald. Blackfeather’s lips started to move again, the words twisting and distorting so Alden couldn’t make them out. The young man felt his anger pulse as he darted forward.

  A shadowy chain latched onto Alden and the young man stumbled before it broke but didn’t go down again. Reginald drew his sword as Alden closed the distance and their weapons crashed. That distorted language sounded out again and something about it made Alden even angrier. His sword slapped Reginald’s aside and came around in a dangerous arc. The chain reformed and jerked Alden’s arm to a halt before the young man ripped through the binding. Reginald had already moved though and a single word sent Alden skidding back a foot.

  The red eyed teen felt to one knee and he balanced himself with one hand, a sizzling sound erupting from the stone below him. Why had Alden even expected Reginald to fight fairly? The thought made more anger flow and Alden pulsed with more power as the torches on the wall flared with towering flames. The young man darted forward again, sword flashing in the blazing light of the torches. There was a crash of steel and then another. Alden parried Reginald’s desperate lunge and slashed again. Blackfeather leaned back, narrowly avoiding the blade before barking that single syllable again. The fist slammed into Alden again but it was weaker this time and Alden took the brunt of the blow with a grunt. Alden’s sword stabbed forward and Reginald batted the sword aside with a sloppy parry but Alden reversed directions and the flat of his sword smacked across Reginald’s head sending the dark haired young man sprawling across the ground.

  Alden let out a breath as Blackfeather lay there, unmoving but breathing. He turned to face Warren and the big Knight was unconscious with Hawkes standing over him, dagger in hand. Hawkes indicated Alden’s sword, “Drop it.”

  The blade clattered to the ground but Alden’s eyes pulsed a deep crimson with power. Hawkes smiled, “Good boy. Now lie down slowly.”

  Alden chewed on his lip and considered charging Hawkes. The red eyed teen dropped to one knee as Hawkes placed the knife against Warren’s neck. Alden lay down and as his palms pressed against the ground there was a hiss. Hawkes raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

  The angry young man growled, “Why?”

  Hawkes grinned, “Because I know I couldn’t handle you directly. But I can’t leave you two around to be the King’s star pupils.”

  Alden’s mind took a moment longer then no
rmal as it worked through the clouds of his anger, “Wait. You’re the one who attacked me that night. I thought that fight felt familiar.”

  The young man nodded, “Ding ding ding, we have a winner. See, you weren’t my target that night but you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. And then you managed to get your hands on my knife of all things which slowed me down tremendously.”

  Red turned to green as curiosity took control, “What do you mean?”

  Hawkes sighed, “Well, you see, I’ve been murdering Knights, collecting information and all kinds of bad things here lately. But you don’t know about the murders because Inquisitor Solace and Captain Fox kept it all hush hush.”

  Alden grimaced, “What about Reginald?”

  There was a snort, “Reginald? He doesn’t know anything although he did drop the occasional useful tidbit. Warren’s lady friend might be in trouble before long. But anyway I’m going to kill Reginald with your sword, go take a nap and then report it to the Inquisitor this morning that he’s been missing since last night. This is Reginald’s knife in my hand, which I’m going to use to kill Warren here. And then, I’m going to throw you off the ledge. So, Reginald kills Warren and then you kill Reginald in a fit of rage followed by jumping.”

  The young man started to push himself up, “You shouldn’t have told me that last b-”

  Alden was cut off as Hawkes rammed into him and sent the young man stumbling back toward the ledge. The dagger flashed and tore a thin, short line across Alden’s cheek as the green eyed teen jerked out of the way. Hawkes pushed him again and Alden’s legs hit the stone at a look out, just like Warren’s had all those months ago. But Alden didn’t tumble backwards. A heavy hand caught his shirt and tossed him back onto the stone of the Wall.

  Hawkes screamed in rage as Inquisitor Solace closed the gap between them. Alden started to push himself up again as Hawkes dashed straight for one of the lookout holes in the stone work. The Inquisitor lunged toward the young man in an attempt to grab him but missed and Hawkes soared off into the night. Alden made it over to the hole and looked down. There was no sign of Hawkes.

  Alden fell onto his back as Solace tossed him out of the way and looked down. The older Knight scowled and turned to face Alden, “So what happened to drinking, eating and passing out?”

  The young man shrugged, “I’m blind drunk at the moment actually. Just a very coordinated individual.

  Solace glared down at the young Knight before a smile twitched at the corner of his mouth, “Smart ass. You two are lucky I followed you.”

  Alden sat up, unsure if he should stand and asked, “Why did you follow us?”

  The Inquisitor walked over to Warren and started to check him for injuries, “A few reasons. First of all, if you went out drinking in the dead of night I’m guessing Elise would kill you. Second, if Warren went out drinking in the dead of night I’m sure Victoria would make him regret it if she found out. Third, you, I can believe would decide to drink until you passed out, Warren, on the other hand, hates hangovers and only drinks if absolutely necessary. Now get up and carry this guy back to your room. I need to have a chat with Reginald.”

  The young man climbed to his feet, “So, am I gonna get kicked out or anything over this?”

  The Inquisitor shook his head, “This was just a midnight sparring session gone wrong. I was here for everything including the moment when you revealed that you had no intention of killing Reginald here. I’ll let it slide this time, Flint. But consider yourself in my debt.”

  Alden inclined his head, “Fair enough.”

  The young man managed to get Warren’s heavy frame over his shoulders and set off for their room again.

  Chapter 69 The Duke

  Wayne Faulkner was in the throne room on one knee before the throne and a split table at which each of the Lords sat. Warren was a step behind and to the right of his father, dressed in the colors of his family. The King rose to his feet and stared down at the Faulkners as he stroked his beard.

  The King walked through the gap in the tables and approached the elder man,“Wayne Faulkner, you have been chosen to rise to the rank of Duke by the Crown and to serve the Kingdom and it’s citizens. Will you accept this burden of duty?”

  Wayne licked his lips before responding, “I shall.”

  Edward continued, “Do you swear that you shall dedicate your life and the lives of your heirs to the betterment of the Kingdom, to set aside personal gain in favor of the greater good of your people?”

  The elder Faulkner responded smoothly, “I do swear.”

  The King turned to Warren, “Sir Warren Faulkner, Knight of the Royal Guard, do you accept your father’s oath as your own and swear to take up his mantle as your own upon his death?”

  Warren answered, “I do and I shall.”

  The King turned and sat back on his throne, “Rise as Duke of Athens then. Lord Sycamore, please inform the Duke of his holdings.”

  Lord Sycamore stood, a thin man with dark hair and started to speak as Warren and Wayne regained their feet, “As Duke of Athens you are also the Earl of Mariet, Earl of Arthur, Baron of Logan, Baron of Lexington. You will be referred to as the Duke of Athens however. Your son may use one of your lesser titles until you should meet your end, hopefully many years from now. Welcome to the gentry of the Kingdom of Cinder, your grace.”

  Wayne bowed, “Thank you, my Lords. Your majesty, I and my family are at your disposal.”

  The King nodded, “Thank you. An escort will be arranged to see you to your new lands. In the mean time, you may stay here. My advisors are at your disposal to learn the ins and outs of your new position. Please don’t hesitate to make use of them.”

  The newly appointed Duke bowed again, “Thank you, sire. Ignorance is no excuse for mediocrity and I shall endeavor to hold myself to the highest of standards in carrying out the duties of my new position.”

  -“Your best is what I expect, Wayne. I do not give you this position lightly. Is there anything else?”

  Wayne hesitated before asking, “Will my son be accompanying me back to Athens or will he continue his duties here?”

  The King glanced at the young man before answering, “He will continue his duties here for the time being. At a later date he will be given leave to return to your holdings and familiarize himself with the position. When the time comes for him to take up the mantle of Duke he will be prepared for the position and will retire from my Guard.”

  The elder Faulkner bowed again, “Of course, sire.”

  Edward let out a breath, “If that is all you are dismissed. Warren, take Flint with you when you leave.”

  Warren hid his shock as Alden peeled himself out of the shadow of one of the pillars in the back of the room and slipped through the door. The big Knight glanced at his father, expecting anger but there wasn’t any. As Warren stepped out of the throne room his father’s hand appeared on his shoulder and Warren stopped.

  Wayne smiled down at him, “Thank you.”

  The younger Faulkner raised an eyebrow, “For what?”

  Wayne shook his head, “For bringing honor to our family name. I always knew you would succeed and people would respect you, maybe even call you a hero, but I never expected you to make such an impression on the King and his daughter that he would grant us a title.”

  Warren opened his mouth, “Wait, he knows about Victoria and me seein’ each other? And he told you about it?”

  Alden appeared from around the corner, “Careful there Warren. This accent of mine is slidin’ through on you again.”

  The big Knight spared a glare for his friend before turning his attention back to his father as the older man replied, “He mentioned it in passing but he did not give me all of the details. All he said is that you had befriended his daughter and she described you as ‘intelligent, loyal, and occasionally charming.
’ After that the King looked into our family history and decided to appoint me to the position of Duke.”

  Warren mulled over the revelation and let out a breath. Victoria thought he could be charming. The elder Faulkner muttered something and stepped back, “I need to go get your mother and get ready. I have a lot to learn. We will catch up over dinner tonight and I expect you home as soon as you can manage to get away.”

  The big Knight bowed, “I will be, father.”

  The older man turned and walked away, headed toward the guest rooms of the castle. Alden grinned at his big friend, “Does this mean I have to address you as ‘your grace’ from now on?”

  Warren pretended to consider the question, putting a thoughtful look on his face before responding, “No, my father is the grace. I, however, would be addressed as sir, master, Baron or Earl. I think I’ll let you call me master as my closest friend and the others may call me Earl Faulkner.”

  Alden snorted and turned to go, “Let’s get goin’. The others are waitin’ to get to celebratin’.”

  A Knight banged into the hallway and skidded to a halt beside Alden and Warren. She scanned the green eyed teen before asking, “Alden Flint?”

  Alden nodded and the woman gestured back in the direction she had come from, “The Captain needs to see you.”

  Warren glanced at Alden, “What did you do now?”

  The young man shrugged, “Nothin’ that I know of. Let’s go find out.”

  Chapter 70 Foundation Breaking

  Alden strode into the Captain’s office and nodded to the Blood Fist waiting there beside the Captain’s desk. Fox rose and indicated the chairs before the desk which Alden fell into. Warren sat down beside him and the Captain let out a breath, “Alden, this. It isn’t easy. You may want Warren to leave for the moment.”