The Student

by Darin Niemann

  Enelo guffawed, “I spent plenty of thought on your name. Now go on, run and do your errands.”

  I scratched lightly behind Shar’s ears before departing. She seemed to approve as evident in the way she purred. I stretched once I was outside. I yawned as I began to make my way through the streets. It was a bit windy as I walked, but not altogether a bad day.

  My first order of business was to find which tavern Dante had stayed at. I asked around at a few of the ones closer to the school with no luck. They all recognized him, of course, but none had seen him last night. I was beginning to wonder if he had left town, as he was known to do on occasion.

  I sighed in frustration, deciding to check one more before giving up. I approached the Traveler’s inn, recalling the events of my previous visit. Well, at least it was early so most of the drunks would be passed out or gone home. Entering, I spotted only a few patrons at this hour and none were recognizable.

  There was a man wiping down the counter, whom I assumed was the tavern owner. Nearing him, I asked if he had seen a man matching Dante’s likeness.

  “Ah, yes, he was here last night. He drank and drank until he finally retired to a room upstairs. I can have Emma show you which one,” he turned to the kitchen and yelled, “Emma!”

  A moment later the serving girl from my last visit appeared, “Yes, father, what is…” She paused, eyes widening slightly as she saw me, remembering my face.

  Her father explained, “This fellow is looking for that fiery haired man. Go on, show him which room.”

  He went back to cleaning his counter as Emma snapped out of her thoughts.

  “This way,” she said, heading up the stairs.

  I followed, noticing her occasional backwards glances at me. I wondered if there was something wrong. We came to a door, and I was about to knock when she spoke, “About the other night…”

  I paused, waiting to hear what she wanted to say. Her face was tinted red, and she was twiddling her thumbs in front of her as she hesitated.

  I spoke into the silence, “You were brave, for standing up to that drunkard.”

  She turned even more red, “I know you didn’t have to help me, but you did anyway… I.. thank you.”

  Abruptly, she ran back down the stairs. I was confused about the whole encounter. The door I was standing in front of opened to reveal Dante, with a huge grin stretched on his face. He laughed as he saw my expression.

  I frowned at him angrily, “What?” He laughed even harder and I crossed my arms and glared.

  “Kid, you have a lot to learn about women,” Dante remarked, shaking his head. Eventually he stopped chuckling and looked at me. “We have much to discuss about those fights yesterday.” I nodded and followed him out of the inn.

  Chapter 15

  It was late; my body was tired and sore. Dante and I had spent all day focused solely on training. Most of the other students were already away from the Academy, in preparation of the festival, so nobody bothered us. I longed to collapse on my bed and sleep forever, but as soon as I approached Enelo’s house I knew my rest would be delayed a while yet.

  Shar had managed to leap atop the window sill. Her green eyes followed me in the darkness as I came closer.

  As I entered I called out, “I’m back!”

  I stifled a yawn as I took a seat at the table. The cage still rested there, but I noticed Shar’s food and water had been placed near the window. The young cat pounced from the sill to the table with ease, nuzzling against my hand. The door to Enelo’s study creaked as he came and sat at the table as well. I glanced at him, gesturing to the window.

  He smiled, “After you left, she immediately hopped onto that window and watched you until you were out of sight. She wouldn’t move and hissed if I tried to pick her up.”

  We both looked at the cat, whom had now laid down near my hand. She purred loudly as I stroke her fur.

  “Did she eat?” I asked.

  He nodded, “At first I was worried that she wouldn’t recover without you around, but once I placed the food next to her she would alternate between the food and her watch. It still astounds me that such a legend could have merit…” He grinned as he paused, “Then again, it could just be her pining for you as she would a mother.”

  I sighed, “I am much too busy to be a mother.”

  Enelo chuckled, “You would be lucky, if that was all it was. Eventually she would learn to survive on her own and your paths would part. On the other hand, if the myth holds any truth, then your paths will continue to cross until death. Even if you did your utmost to keep her away.”

  I frowned, realizing that this cat would be much larger than it was now when it reach its maturity. If I was living in a city, it would be hard to keep her a secret. I doubted many others would want to live around a full-grown, mountain cat.

  I looked towards Enelo with worry, “What should I do?”

  He stood and patted me on the shoulder, “Do not fret, if it comes to that, I will help you through this. Today was a good measure that she doesn’t need to be around you every waking moment.”

  We looked at Shar, whose eyes had finally closed as she slept. My thoughts elsewhere, I absently watched as Enelo made his way back to his study. Before he closed the door though, he poked his head out one last time, and smiled again.

  “I advise you to lay down on your bed before sleeping,” he cautioned jokingly.

  I felt the sudden urge to throw something at him, but I was much too tired. I just shook my head as he closed his door. Once more I studied the frail looking feline before me. For a moment, I thought I noticed one of her eyes lift open and peek at me. I blinked and rubbed my eyes to find her still and resting. I stood and went to my own room, thinking I was exhausted from the day.

  ~

  The week passed as I helped Shar recover her strength. Each day brought me a bit closer to the surprisingly calm feline. Whenever I was not paying attention to her, she would follow me with her gaze and watch me in whatever I was doing. I even worked a bit in preparing some potions in Enelo’s study when he was away on errands and while Shar simply rested.

  I thought it would have been a lot more work, taking care of a mountain cat, but she wasn’t much trouble at all. She would lay silently in Enelo’s chair if I worked in the study, or rest on a blanket spread out on the table. It was actually a peaceful time and I enjoyed it. I only left for a bit of training with Dante in the evenings.

  Occasionally though, Shar did want to play. Her playing was actually quite fierce. She would hide behind furniture and ‘stalk’ me as I tried to prepare food or some other task. Then, from my blind side, she would pounce on my shoulder or leg, whichever was reachable. She did hold back on her bites though, but I was quite amazed with how far she could leap. And she moved very silently on her padded feet.

  Eventually, the last day of the week arrived. I woke early to prepare for the day. I fed Shar before making something to eat for Enelo and myself. When he emerged from his room he was smiling, as always.

  I had never wondered before but I asked now, “You always seem happy even when there is no evident reason to be. Why is that?”

  Enelo drank from his cup as he considered the question, “It is a choice. I have seen many things in this life, both good and bad. The one thing that I have learned above all else is that, no matter the circumstances, one always has a choice. Even if that choice is simply to smile.”

  I pondered this as I ate, thinking back to my days in Relvan. I remembered that even then, when life seemed to be nothing but a struggle to survive, there were times when I had smiled. Not many, but it is true, there were a few moments. Most of those being when I played in the forest or had eaten a decent meal.

  We finished our breakfast in silence. It was a good day. Sunlight filtered through the window and it looked calm outside. Perfect weather for the last day of the festival, by all accounts. I stood, cleaning up the table before opening the front door. I watched as Shar leapt to the window and waited for
me to leave.

  I spoke to Enelo, “I will be back when I can, though it will be a late night.”

  Enelo smiled, “Have fun tonight, Kayne. Festivals don’t happen too often. You have earned it.”

  I looked back over my shoulder, shaking my head, “It is all thanks to you that I have gotten this far.” I gazed up to the early morning sky as I paused in the doorway. “You have opened my eyes to the good that life can bring. Thank you for that.”

  Without waiting for a reply, I left. Just before I turned down an intersecting street, I glanced back to see Enelo standing in the window with Shar next to him.

  As I made my way to the school grounds, I noticed everyone was bustling about with a smile on their face. Enelo was right, festivals don’t happen every day and people were looking to make the most of it.

  Excitement filled the air as I approached the school. Apparently many of our classmates had the same meeting place. The courtyard was brimming with students. After a bit of scouring, I finally found them standing off to the side.

  Iselle wore a beautiful red colored dress with small white flowers breaking up the solid color. She certainly looked the part of a noble lady. Prince Erik had also dressed finely, with a sharp, black tunic that complimented his leggings. I felt slightly out of place, as I did not own clothes near as nice as what they were wearing. I wore my best though, a simple white shirt with dark brown trousers.

  I heard them talking about merchant trades as I approached. Erik was speaking animatedly, “... trade routes in the north could falter if things worsen. Those barbarians could incite a war if it gets bad, and as a result, many of the merchants wouldn’t have safe passage through their lands.”

  Iselle, noting my presence, interrupted the conversation. She smiled as she saw me.

  “About time you showed up, Kayne, I was beginning to wonder if we would have to speak of business the entire festival.”

  I laughed as the prince glared at her. “You were the one who first commented on the subject. I was merely giving you my opinion on the matter,” he said.

  Iselle ignored him, and asked, “Well, shall we get started? I have a few insights as to which places we should visit first.”

  I bowed to her, grinning, “As you wish, my lady.”

  Erik laughed as I bowed, “You do realize she is a merchant’s daughter and not a princess.”

  Iselle stuck her tongue out at Erik, and began walking away. I shrugged, and followed her.

  Erik scoffed merrily, “See? A princess would never even think of doing that.”

  I laughed.

  ~

  It was a grand day. We saw many interesting people as we explored. Merchants and entertainers had come from far off lands to be here for the festival. It was enlightening to see all the different cultures and people in one place. As for spending, the prince was much more loose with his coin than usual; he even offered some to the few poor we encountered. They thanked him adamantly before running off with their newfound wealth.

  We visited parts of the city I had never seen before, all of them filled with entertainment and exotic goods for sale. One of the activities we attempted was a contest of sorts. The goal was to toss a coin into a vase that sat atop a wagon. If someone made it within three attempts, they were given a prize of a rare, beautiful flower from the desert lands. We each tried but in the end it was Erik who won, barely making it into the vase on his last attempt.

  Spectators cheered as he was presented with the flower. We all clapped as he bowed to the gathered crowd. I was laughing at his foolishness, as he rejoined Iselle and I. He knelt down in front of Iselle and offered the rare flower. “For you, my lady.”

  She rolled her eyes, but did indeed accept the gift. I noticed a smile spread across her face though, as she breathed in the flower’s scent. The prince rose and brushed himself off. “Well then, shall we find something to eat?” He asked, gesturing to the various food stands. We all agreed and made our way towards the main market.

  The daylight was finally waning. We had been enjoying the day by visiting with foreigners and experiencing all of the different attractions. It was a night that I would not soon forget.

  The three of us sat on the edge of a fountain and watched as the actors conducted a small play about a prince who battled an army of demons.

  I grinned and turned to Erik, “Great princes are hard to find these days.”

  He punch me lightly in the shoulder as Iselle chuckled. It was silent for a while as we stared at all the commotion in the city.

  Iselle suddenly rose from her seat, “It was a wondrous time, but I believe it is time I retire.”

  She hopped off of the fountain ledge, straightening her dress. The prince and I followed suit.

  Erik stretched has arms out wide, “Indeed, it was a jolly time. One of the better festivals I have been to.”

  I nodded, even though it was my only festival. We said our goodbyes and waved as we parted ways. Erik and Iselle were going in the direction of the school while I made my way towards Enelo’s. I wanted to tell Enelo of all the exciting things we had done tonight and to check on Shar.

  As I turned onto a side street, I noticed that there was a group gathered outside of an inn. There looked to be a number of guards about as well, looking alert. I nearly took a side alley but, once again my curiosity got the better of me.

  I approached the group and noticed a familiar face. It was Sergeant Radek, the gate guard whom I had originally met on my first day in the city. The moment he saw me his face fell.

  Confused by his reaction, I confronted him, “What is the matter, Sergeant?”

  He gently placed a hand on my shoulder, “I’m sorry, son.”

  He closed his eyes and stood aside, giving me a clear view of what lay beyond. There was a man sprawled in the street. Blood soaked his shirt and pooled about him. I moved closer, finally getting a look at his face. I dropped to my knees, unable to believe what my eyes perceived as real.

  It was Enelo.

  I felt numb. Tears crawled their way out from my eyes. I tried to stop them but they didn’t obey. Sadness overwhelmed me. The one person I cared about the most was gone.

  Through tear-filled eyes, I glanced at the wound in his chest and noticed that it was more than just a single wound. Someone had stabbed him multiple times over and over again, to make sure he wouldn’t survive.

  Rage overtook the pain and sorrow that threatened to drown me. I looked to the sergeant, “Who?” I whispered, my voice harsh and cold, tears still trailing down my cheeks.

  He paused as he looked at me, seeing a completely different side of me. He knelt down next to me, “We will find him, I promise you that.” He nodded over to the tavern and I saw a girl crying huddled in a blanket. Radek explained, “She claims to have been roughed up by a cloaked and hooded man, when Enelo appeared and stepped between them, telling her to run.” He paused to take a breath, “The only thing she could describe was the attacker being slightly taller than herself.”

  I returned my gaze to Radek, the rage still coursing through me. “Why… why would anyone do this?” I asked, still unbelieving. Again, sadness overtook me, my emotions completely out of control and vying for dominance over one another.

  Radek shook his head sadly, “Some men have no conscience. All I can tell you is that we will do our best to find whoever did this, and bring them to justice.”

  Defeated and numb, I stared at Enelo’s face until the guards came and gently carried him off. For hours I sat there, staring at the blood, numb to the world around me. Radek was the last to leave, telling me that in time it would be easier. He advised me to go home, and I knew he was right but I just couldn’t bring myself to do anything. My eyes had run dry long ago, no tears left to fall.

  I rubbed my eyes and noticed something that I had not payed any attention to earlier. There, in the blood, near where Enelo’s hand had lain. It was a design of some sort. Perhaps a symbol. I looked closer, thinking maybe Enelo had tried to leave a m
essage.

  Upon closer scrutiny it was clearly some sort of figure. Enelo had failed to finish it, breathing his last before he could. I studied the symbol and memorized it. It could be a last message from Enelo, telling us who the killer was.

  I finally stood up as the sun started to rise. My knees were soaked in blood and I was exhausted. I staggered home to find Shar waiting at the window sill. I would have cried again, seeing the house without Enelo in it, but no tears remained. I sat at the table, trying to find a reason to do anything.

  Shar hopped onto the table from her spot at the window and whined. She came close and began licking my face. Even with everything that happened tonight, I half laughed and half cried at her attempt to cheer me up. I forced myself to get up and grab some food for Shar while she waited patiently at the table. I watched her eat, all the while thinking of Enelo...

  Chapter 16

  “Nothing?” I asked in disbelief. I was nearly yelling. “After three whole weeks you have found nothing about who murdered Enelo?”

  The king looked at me sadly, “I loved him too, and I would like nothing more than to bring his killer to justice. But, he is nowhere to be found.”

  I was angry. More than angry. I was infuriated. After so long, the king was simply giving up on any chance of finding Enelo’s killer. “I am sorry, Kayne.” I glared at him, and walked away without a bow or any other sign of respect. I had even shown him the half-symbol I had found hidden in the blood, but nothing had come of it. The king thought the blood had been smeared from moving the body, immediately dismissing it as irrelevant. I had searched around myself, scouring Enelo’s study for any hint of a similarity, but nothing had stood out.

  Leaving the castle, I made my way back to Enelo’s house. Or rather, my house now. It still hurt, thinking of him. Mostly though, I felt anger at everything and everyone. I knew that the king was not at fault for Enelo’s death, but he was a king! Surely he had the power to find a single man. I sighed as I approached the house.