I nodded, “All done for today. I was about to fill the bath.”
“Ah, before you do, I have one more task for you. There are a few herbs that I need to restock, which can be found west of the city on the forest’s edge.” As he spoke, he grabbed a note from the small table next to his chair and handed it to me.
“Don’t take too long, now. I’d rather not have to come looking blindly for you in the dark again,” he said dryly with a hint of a smile.
I blushed, embarrassed that I had lost my way the last time I had been sent on an errand. Stopping to watch that street performer had taken awhile and, on the trip back, it had been too dark to tell the numerous roads apart. Enelo had found me on the main road of the city, as that was as far as I had made it. When I saw him approach that night, it made me realize that he truly cared about me. I knew then that I could always count on him when I needed help.
Not willing to admit these thoughts aloud, I simply said, “I know the way now, so it won’t happen again.”
Enelo smirked knowingly as I grabbed the basket near the door and made my way through the city. It was late in the day, so the midday market rush had calmed by now.
The biggest difference that I had begun to notice was that nobody looked at me like I was a nuisance or unwanted street rat. With my nice clothes and being all cleaned up I looked like I belonged.
The day was mostly calm, with only a slight breeze to rustle my clothes. With the fall season arriving, the sunlight was warm enough to be comfortable. Overall it was a perfect day.
Leaving the city during the day was easy enough, now that I had become accustomed to Erelith. It was a large city but, even though I did not know it completely, I could traverse the main roads well enough. As I passed the gate, a few of the guards that knew me as Enelo’s apprentice nodded at me in respect. Waving, I sprinted towards the nearby woods.
I had always enjoyed the forest, even during my time in Relvan. It had been a place to escape the harsh reality of the streets. Whereas now, I could come and find peaceful solitude away from the bustling city.
Pulling out the list that Enelo had given me, I glanced it over to see what he needed. There were quite a few more things to gather compared to the last time. Even though I may not yet know what they were used for, Enelo made sure that I knew what they looked like so that I could find them. I knew that seaspring sumac was used for stomach sickness and that chewing wrimmea bark would help with headaches. Most of the others I knew the purpose of, but the few that I didn’t would be taught in time.
Quickening my pace, I began to search. In the last year, after learning to read, Enelo had taught me much on the basics of healing. The numerous lessons of all the different flora and their effects, locations, and growth patterns helped me progress swiftly. To me, it seemed that no matter how much I learned there was always more.
It was slow going, but in less than a few hours my basket was filled up nicely. I checked the list once more before heading back into town. The sun was starting to set but, as I was carrying a full basket, I couldn’t move too quickly for fear of spilling. At least it wasn’t too heavy.
By the time I arrived at the front gates, there was very little light remaining. I wasn’t too worried, though. I was confident that I could make my way back, even during the night.
The buildings and houses that lined the streets were mostly dark, with a few lit up with candles and firelight. I was approaching a loud, bright inn when a figure was thrown out the front door and fell to the ground directly in my path. I startled, nearly dropping my basket. The man was fairly tall, with red hair and a full beard of the same color. With his rugged clothing and unkempt appearance, he had the look of a drunkard.
Not a moment passed as three angry looking men came out the door, intent on the man sprawled out before me. I began backing away at the sight of them. The man on the ground slowly came to his feet as the other three approached him, brushing the dirt off his clothes.
I realized how serious the situation was when the group of men drew their blades. Sellswords. Usually, only guards and mercenaries carried swords. Sometimes a noble who fancied himself a fighter would arm himself, but these men were clearly not nobles.
None of them had noticed me yet, as they were focused solely on the lone man before them. I was about to quietly slip away when the outnumbered man spoke aloud, “Three against one, eh?”
The man had a slight slur to his words as he talked. I gathered that his chances of escaping this were even less now that I knew he was drunk. I hadn’t noticed before, but my attention was drawn to the lone man’s sword as he unsheathed it.
For some unknown reason, I paused. The best thing to do in this situation would be to get as far away as possible, but I still froze. I was transfixed on the scene unfolding in front of me. My curiosity was someday going to get me killed.
“You’ll pay for those insults, filthy swine,” the middle sellsword spat, charging the drunk man.
I braced myself for the man to be cut down in front of me. Faster than I could follow, the lone man’s blade flashed and parried the mercenary’s weapon to the side. Following through, he smacked the leader hard on the head with the flat of his sword.
Crumpling to the ground, the leader was down and suddenly it was two to one. Unbelieving, my jaw loosened as I watched the remaining sellswords-enraged at their leader’s defeat-rush forward together.
Impossibly, the stranger held them both at bay, one sword against two. Blows were countered, parried, and dodged. It was riveting to watch.
Making no ground, the mercenaries began to maneuver to opposite sides of the man. Anticipating this, the stranger stepped in close to one of the sellswords, and punched him hard with his free arm.
Stunned by the blow, the mercenary dropped to his knees, out of the fight. The drunk man was hit in the arm from behind, as he was not quick enough to dodge the blow from the last remaining mercenary.
Even wounded, the drunken swordsman had no difficulties in a one on one fight and soon enough the skirmish was over. I was amazed that even under the effects of drink, he had singlehandedly fought off three mercenaries.
As I watched, the drunk man sluggishly dropped his sword and collapsed to the cobblestones. He ripped off a piece of his shirt and attempted to tie his arm.
“A little help here?” he asked, looking straight at me.
I didn’t move. Seeing my hesitation, he said softly, “I could use a hand, lad. I won’t hurt you, gods’ truth.”
As none of the mercenaries had been killed, I doubted he would harm me. Still, I approached him cautiously.
The wound on his arm was bleeding and he would need something more than simple cloth to help close it. I reached into my basket for a cylea leaf and used a loose cobblestone to grind it into paste.
The man watched me, his hand applying pressure to the cut.
“What are you doing?” he asked curiously.
I finished crushing the leaf as I spoke, “This will help to slow the bleeding.”
He nodded and let me cover the wound with the medicine. Finishing, I gently wrapped it with a piece of cloth from his recently cut shirt.
The man looked impressed as he inspected his bandaged arm.
“Well I’ll be, lad. You do some fine work. Who taught you?” He asked.
Picking up my basket, I responded with pride, “Master Enelo.”
As the man pondered the name, I finally noticed that with all the commotion it was now full dark. Enelo would be getting worried.
I spoke over my shoulder, “Change that twice a day, or it will become infected.”
The man nodded knowingly and asked one last thing as I left, “What is your name, lad?”
I called back before I entered the side street, “My name is Kayne.”
~
Time passed swiftly under Enelo’s tutelage. The weeks became months, and the months became years. More than four years of Enelo’s teachings had made me a great deal more confident and sure of mys
elf. At fourteen years of age, I was a fine apprentice, or so Enelo said often. When I sometimes felt inadequate as a healer, he would assure me that a person never stopped learning as long as they lived. No matter how much knowledge I gained, there was always much more left to learn.
In two days’ time, I would be heading to the academy and Enelo would no longer be my only source of knowledge. I was both excited and nervous to attend to the Academy. From what Enelo had said, there was so much to learn, and for that I was eager. On the other hand, I would have to leave Enelo and and live amongst those of the higher class. It was a worrying thought.
“Kayne!” Enelo called from somewhere in the house.
I was in my room laying down and thinking of the Academy. Lately, I had spent much time pondering the Academy, since I had been told I’d be spending the next four years of my life there.
I sighed heavily as I rose, wondering what my master could want. He stood waiting near the front door, talking to one of the king’s royal guards. I recognized him as Sergeant Radek from our many trips to the castle. Enelo’s training often required me to accompany him there.
Enelo turned as he spotted me, “The king has sent for you, with an escort at that.”
I was surprised, “What does the king need from me?”
The sergeant spoke, “His Majesty has requested a private audience with you, for reasons his own.”
I shrugged at Enelo and merely followed the guard out the door. One does not simply say no to the king.
We did not speak as we walked, but that suited me well. I was still wondering to myself why the king wanted to speak with me specifically. Enelo, good friends with the king, worked for him and I came along to many of those visits. The king knew of me but we did not have any personal relationship. I quickly gave up the thought, realizing I wouldn't come up with an answer. Soon enough, the reason would be revealed.
We passed right through the castle gate guards; they were expecting me. The inside of the castle also passed swiftly by as nobody halted our passage.
Following my escort into the throne room, I carefully regarded the king. It had been some time since I had seen him. He looked almost nothing like the first time I saw him five years ago. None of the sickness remained in the man before me. He was proud and regal, with not a hint of weakness in his posture or bearing. The one thing that remained was in his eyes. That sharp, hawk-like intelligence shone bright as ever I had seen it.
I knelt in front of the throne, and spoke, “My king.”
The king studied me silently for a moment before speaking. “When a student enrolls at the academy they are randomly assigned a roommate.”
I nodded in confusion, “Yes, of course, but what bearing does that have on my presence here?”
Marius leaned back on his throne as he continued , “I have asked the Academy to allow a small concession. You will be placed with my son, Erik, rather than randomly assigned a roommate. The royal family will always have enemies, even at the academy. You are the only one I know that, with absolute certainty, has no ill will toward the crown.”
Pondering, I asked, “Why tell me at all? You could have let me remain ignorant and simply placed us together seemingly at random.”
The king smiled and said, “You speak true, however, I wanted to show my appreciation by informing you. And, perhaps, you may spot a threat that would otherwise go unnoticed.”
I replied sincerely, “I am honored, though as my king, loyalty is only natural.”
Marius laughed aloud, “If only others thought the same as you, ruling would be much simpler.” He continued on a more serious note, “I have let the guards know that from now on you have access to the public areas of the castle. Report important matters immediately.
I nodded respectfully. The king then dismissed me with a gesture, and I bowed deeply, and made haste as I left the castle. I couldn’t wait to tell Enelo that I now had access to the castle, barring private quarters of course.
Chapter 7
“Attention students!” a loud voice called over the gathered crowd.
I had not slept much last night as I had been too nervous. I could barely see the speaker from where I stood.
“This day is your first amongst many, here at the Academy. We, the masters, would like to welcome you to the school. As you are all new to the grounds, today is yours to get accustomed and settled in. Be prepared, though, for tomorrow classes begin in full.”
I yawned in relief, shifting the weight of my sack from one shoulder to the other. Following the instructions I had received upon acceptance, I took my first look inside the academy.
The halls were supported by pillars of stone, allowing for wide open hallways. Here and there, someone had placed a piece of artwork on the wall or some other decor. None of it was near as embellished as the castle had been, but nevertheless it had its own appeal.
The instructions had my room location on it and a list of my classes. The students walking around, for the most part, appeared to be excited and visited with each other quite loudly. The constant buzzing of voices was beginning to make my head pound when I found my room.
It was a simple, fair-sized room with a pair of beds, desks, chairs, and trunks. On one bed sat a travel pack, and an expensive looking one at that. Clearly, the prince had already been here and left. I wasn’t too keen on the prospect of sharing a room, but I would worry about that later. I had been through worse things in life.
I unpacked the few things that I owned. Some clothes, books, and a small trinket that Enelo had bought for me when I was young and new to the city. Not having much else left to do, I left my room and started exploring.
I studied the list of classes and their locations. Today would be a good time to get accustomed to the school’s layout so that I did not get lost.
The classrooms were mostly the same, with large windows that let sunlight shine in and light up the rooms. Though currently empty, they had nearly thirty seats for students and one for the professor at the front of the room. Considering how many of the rooms I saw while wandering the halls, it was a bit overwhelming to think of the large number of people.
Thankfully, most of my classes were in roughly the same area, so it didn’t take long to locate them all. After making sure I could find them again, I chose a random direction and starting exploring.
Everywhere I went, crowds of students were gathered talking and laughing. Though some, like myself, were solely trying to get acquainted with the grounds.
While I was getting to know the school’s areas, my ears picked up some sort of clashing sounds and I followed it out of curiosity. The hall began to open up into a wide clearing that was undoubtedly where the combat school trained. The racks of wooden weapons and the banners with crossed swords were clear signs of warfare.
There were even a few students gathered on the grounds, sparring with the various weaponry.
Ever since that night when I witnessed the brawl outside the tavern, I had been curious about swordplay. The thought of me ever being as good as that drunkard made me chuckle.
“You find this amusing?”
I looked to my right to find none other than the prince himself. Like the last time I had seen him, he looked the spitting image of his father, albeit a younger version. Unlike the last time, he now wore a frown in disapproval.
I sighed, shaking my head. “I did not mean it in that way. I was imagining myself attempting to wield a sword, and laughed at the thought.”
The prince’s frown slowly turned to a grin as he realized his error.
He laughed, “Hah, with some practice, perhaps you could become a respectable swordsman.”
I shook my head in denial, now grinning myself, “A lot of practice, perhaps.”
We both shared a laugh, then he spoke, “I have heard from my father about the arrangements.”
It seemed to be an inconvenience for Erik, the crown prince of the city, to have to share a room with a commoner. Surely he had friends or acquaintances that h
e would rather have had as a roommate.
Erik spoke as he surveyed the training grounds. “I, for one, will be glad to have many a good night’s sleep without having to constantly keep one eye open.”
I wondered at his thinking, “You could have a friend or another noble stay instead of me, wouldn’t that have been better?”
He had a sad smile on his face as he shook his head. “Ah, but those nobles are those I am most wary of. With my family and I gone, they would have access to the throne. What, if not that, is motivation for foul play? Also, it is difficult to be friends with the king’s son, for if anything… unfortunate were to happen, that ‘friendship’ would be called into question.”
At first glance, being a prince would seem glamorous. But, if what he said was true, maybe it wasn’t so simple. With everyone surrounding him a potential enemy, it surprised me that he was so calm speaking openly of such things.
Erik turned back to the trainees, as he continued to speak. “It has never bothered me much. It has been this way as far as I can recall.”
I could relate, if only a little. My time spent on the streets of Relvan was similar. At the time, I had taken life as it was. It was all I had known. Now, I knew differently. Perhaps we had more in common than I realized.
My stomach picked that moment to loudly proclaim it’s need for nourishment.
Erik laughed aloud once more, “Food is an excellent suggestion. To the dining hall!”
As we walked to the lunchroom, I noticed a lot of people watching us as we passed by. Nobody had bothered to notice me before. Now that the prince was with me, though, everyone was curious as to who I could be. It was more than a bit unnerving to be the center of attention. I did my best to ignore the stares and focused my thoughts on lunch.
The cafeteria was a large area with rows upon rows of tables. At the far end was where the food line began, and we made our way there. Grabbing a plate from the counter, I watched as the helpers then heaped food onto our plates. In addition to the sausages, cakes, and eggs, they also had fresh milk to drink. It was a veritable feast!
The Student Page 4