Forgotten Conqueror

by Za1d3

  “That is not what I am ‘proposing’ at all Horan. How many people have awoken to their capacities and simply walk away afterwards?”

  “Never before….”

  “Then you should understand why this is such an important matter.”

  “Yes Sir.” The adjutant finally understood why the captain wanted to find the boy.

  “Have the men expand their search outward from the plaza, recruit the district guards too. Search the 3rd ward then expand to the 2nd and 4th if we have to.”

  “Yes sir. … What about the 11th ward? It could be possible that he is a part of the nobility.”

  “No, the child was wearing commoner’s clothing, and if he had been one of the lord’s child, I would have known.” The old knight refuted the possibility.

  “Where is the other kalligor?” the old knight suddenly changed the topic.

  “In its cage. It will be taken to the Mystiks guild to have the cage reinforced, along with the magic binding the beast.”

  “I see.” The old knight replied, relieved. “That is all. Let me know if the boy is found, or if anything comes up.”

  “Understood.” The younger knight replied before turning around and heading towards the exit.

  “Horan.” The knight stopped in his track.

  “The child’s hair was glowing… I saw it only for a second, but the glow was bright enough to force me to close my eyes. No matter what the speculation, if I am not mistaken, that child saved me… and possibly everyone here today. We must find him.”

  “We will, Sir.” A curt reply, before he walked out of the room.

  Chapter 11 – Confrontation

  Kaidus was sitting in a chair with one of the books he had procured earlier this morning, open before him.

  ‘…remnants of displeased followers. With his charismatic leadership, the new faction quickly rose in ranks to rival the others in the organization.

  The two years following their rise, the faction advocated the alliance and unification of the different factions…”

  A knock, then his door opened.

  “Kaidus, dinner is ready. Your father just got back so come down.” Adalina called to him

  “Be right there.” He replied as he marked the page with a piece of paper.

  Downstairs, Troyle was carrying Anise to the table while Adalina finished up setting the table.

  Kaidus took his own seat.

  Tonight’s dinner was steamed oriv deer leg with mulse bread, sides of pickled lisal leaves, and the left over qorkos from earlier.

  “What was it that was so urgent this morning?” Adalina questioned Troyle as she sat down.

  “Nothing serious. There was a report of korgas attacking the new fields, and Lord Varath wanted to document the damages and reassure the farmers that he would send out hunters to take care of it.”

  “Did that really require your attendance?” Adalina asked confused.

  “Lord Varath wanted to go out there to see the damages with his own eyes, so I had to accompany him.” Troyle answered her as he ate.

  “Daddy, I shaw nyite!” Anise interrupted.

  “Was it fun Anise?” Troyle stroked his daughter’s head.

  “Ehehe YESHH!!!!” the little girl had a grin from ear to ear.

  “Did you all go watch the demonstration today?” Troyle spoke while watching Kaidus.

  “I did take Anise this afternoon. We were only there for a while and Anise fell asleep, so we came back.”

  “What about you Kaidus?” Troyle asked.

  “Gai! Gai!” Anise started calling for his attention.

  “I was.” Kaidus answered, and continued eating.

  “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about what happened in the plaza today would you?” Troyle’s inkling suspicion was growing.

  “Wood yoo? Wood yoo?” Anise imitated.

  After passing through the gate into the 3rd ward, he had heard many rumors and saw guards moving about asking people questions about a young boy that was at the plaza. He never heard the details, but a dreadful feeling had crept over his skin, and he was sure he knew who the guards were searching for. Luckily, the 3rd ward was one of Ferrent’s biggest districts and the search would certainly take a while, but it was only a matter of time until they found who they were looking for.

  “Yea, I was there when it happened.” Kaidus answered undaunted and continued eating.

  “What exactly happened?” Troyle asked, his voice nervous.

  “What is this about? Something happened at the demonstration?” Adalina cut in, seeing Troyle’s discomfort.

  “Well, they were displaying a live Kalligor as the final show. Unfortunately, it called its mate, and well, things got out of hand.”

  “”What?!”” Adalina and Troyle both cried out.

  Kaidus recounted what he saw and what he did earlier that day to his parents.

  The Kalligor, the death of the first two knights, the battle with the other two knights, how the kalligor had targeted a civilian, how the older knight had been blown over to where he was hiding, how the knight had tried to protect him from the kalligor, and how he had killed the kalligor to protect the knight.

  Adalina got up, walked towards him and gave him a hug.

  “Are you alright?” she asked as she coddled him.

  “Yea. I’m perfectly fine.” He answered back.

  “You didn’t faint this time?” Troyle asked, recalling the last time something like this happened.

  “No, I’m alright. Sorry to worry you both.” He replied after Adalina released him.

  “Then why are the guards looking for you?” Troyle inquired.

  “I’m not sure. I left the plaza as soon as I could.” Kaidus replied as he sat down and continued his dinner.

  ————————–

  It’s been 4 days since the incident at the plaza, and the old knight was in his studies racking his brains over who the mysterious child was.

  The sheer number of boys under the age of 10 was over two thousand alone in the 3rd ward, and they had nothing to go on besides that he has black hair, which constituted at least 1/4th of all the relevant children in the 3rd ward. The knights and guards had questioned many children who had been at the demonstration, but none had been the one he was looking for. It the search was taking too long, and they had already expanded the search to the adjacent 2nd and 4th wards.

  “There is something I am missing…” the old knight told himself.

  Once again, he recalled the encounter.

  The child hiding then ran towards him as he was yelling for him to run away.

  The glow that he thought was an illusion.

  The dark black eyes that gazed at him without fear while thanking him.

  The way the child held himself even after such an event.

  The child taking out something from one of the stalls.

  Walking away as if nothing had happened.

  ‘My books, sir.’

  The words hit him like an arrow.

  ‘Maybe I’ve had this all wrong? What if those weren’t books for his parents or someone else, but for him?’ the old knight’s eyes shone with realization.

  He had thought the boy to be on an errand delivering the books for someone else, due to the boy’s age and status as a commoner. How wrong he would be, if that was not the case. He berated himself in his own mind for allowing such a simple piece of the puzzle to elude him.

  ‘What if, instead of looking for a boy between the ages of 5 and 10, I send people to question all the bookstores within the 3rd ward?’ the old knight thought to himself, remembering the bound parcel.

  “Renzol!” he old man called out.

  “Yes Sir?” a young squire answered after opening the doors to his studies.

  “Go find Thirn, I’ve got a job for him.”

  “Yes Sir.” The young squire affirmed before closing the doors to the study.

  ———–

  “Is this right?” The old knight asked the
one called Thirn.

  “Every word sir.”

  The old knight was currently reading a report given to him by the knight called Thirn.

  He had given Thirn the job of going around all the stores within the 3rd ward that sold stationary, books, and anything that could be construed as a book.

  “I did not believe it myself Sir. Almost all of the stores I visited within the 3rd ward knew about this child. If I am not mistaken, he is the one you are looking for.”

  “These statements are unbelievable…

  ‘First met him 5 years ago when he asked me to borrow a book… read and discussed with me about a passage out of Gorsholl’s Tomes of the arcane to prove his ability and understandings as a requirement before I allowed him to borrow.’,

  ‘Heard about him from Deuvus, a fellow bookstore owner. Said the child had pretty much read every book in his shop, so he was going to point the child towards my shop to see if I had anything different for him.’,

  ‘I told him about the library when he asked to borrow books from my shop, but he said he had already gone through everything he wanted from the library, then proceeded to name over 300 books from memory. I asked him how old he was, and he told me he was 5.’

  The statements go on like this! Just what in the world is going on here? You would think a child like this would garner more attention from the schools.”

  “That would be the case, IF he went to school.” Thirn cut in.

  “Explain.” the old knight quickly ordered.

  “Due to many of the child’s claims about the library, I took it upon myself this morning to inquire at the 3rd ward central library. Turns out, the child has been borrowing from there for almost four years. His latest visit was on the day of the demonstration. The librarian in there told me the child – Kaidus, was there for books about corvine vipers, and was in the library for at least three hours in the afternoon before leaving. Except for that last visit, it seems he usually borrows the maximum three books, and returning them within three to five days.” Thirn explained.

  “The child I’m looking for was carrying books as he left the plaza. Where did the books come from if he did not borrow them from the library?” the old knight asked perplexed. His anticipation slowly vanishing with what he just heard.

  “There’s an explanation for that.” Thirn smiled, as the old knight’s face lit up with hopes again.

  “The child was at the library around noon, but before that he visited a bookstore in the 3rd ward; Tales Corner. The shop had just recently opened, and it seems the child was there in the morning for around two hours, looking around before purchasing two books and leaving.”

  “How do we know it’s the same child?” the old knight asked

  “The librarian. When I asked about the child, he said the child came into the library that day with an unwrapped bundle that looked like they may have been books to him.” Thirn answered, having been able to remove his commander’s disappointment.

  “Do we know where he lives?” the old knight asked, eagerly.

  “Yes Sir.” Thirn confirmed.

  “Go get Horan and meet me at the front gate. He should be in the courtyard. Also, tell him to bring Daaro and Vion.” The old knight issued as he got up from his desk.

  “Yes Sir.” Replied Thirn before making his way out of the old knight’s study.

  —————–

  Sitting by the window, Kaidus was reading the new book he had obtained for free from Tales Corner.

  He had gone back to the bookstore earlier this morning and discussed the droll fashions of the Dorcon Court with the owner, they had also debated over; which elements within the Inguis religion caused it to fracture; allowing other religions to strengthen their influences, ultimately losing out on religious control over the Lagolls continent.

  Having rectified the shopkeeper’s view of him, he had been able to pick out a free book as per the deal.

  Though reading, he was constantly watching Anise as she played with some wooden blocks. Adalina was preparing dinner, and Troyle had not returned home yet.

  “Gai! blay wif mii!” Anise voiced, wanting to play.

  Looking at his sister, Kaidus marked his page and put down the book.

  As soon as he stepped over to where she was, there was a knock on the door.

  “Can you get that Kaidus?” Adalina called from the kitchen.

  Moving towards the door, he sensed a familiar presence. ‘So they’ve found me’. He mused to himself.

  Opening the door, an old man stood at the entrance. It was the old knight from the other day – except he was out of his armor. Four others, presumably also knights stood behind the old man – two looked in their 30s, one in his 20s, and the last in his teens.

  As soon as the old knight saw him, the knight’s eyes lit up with delight. While Kaidus scanned the other four.

  “May we come in?” the old man asked him, voice calm and grandfatherly.

  “Of course, please come in.” Kaidus stepped aside from the doorway.

  “What is going on Kaidus?” hearing the noise, Adalina came to check on him.

  “Lord Ravon, of the Three Royal Commanders and his entourage would like to come in, mother.” Kaidus answered his mom.

  The old knight’s eyebrows went up in surprise at the mention of his surname and title.

  “Oh! I am so sorry, we were not expecting guests. Please do come in!” Adalina curtsied before she went into the kitchen to fetch chairs.

  “Kaidus, please bring your sister to your room.” Adalina spoke as she brought back two wooden chairs, and turn back to grab the other two.

  “No, please, there is no need. My business here is in regards to him.” The old man replied, his face beaming at the name ‘Kaidus’.

  Having only four chairs, three of the knights had opted to stand. In the chairs were; the old man, one of the older knights, Adalina with Anise on her lap, and Kaidus in the last. The four chairs were facing each other, while the three unseated knights stood behind the two who were sitting.

  “I apologize for the unannounced visit. As you have heard, I am Gelrin Teralt Ravon. Royal commander of the 11th ward knights, Lord Knight serving directly under his majesty King Sarjace J. Roulus Dalzon the twelfth, Head of House Ravon, a Raezil spellblade, and leader of the Ferrent Spellblades. These are my subordinates; Horan Lorkaz – my second and a Rujal spellblade, Thirn Devershin – my third, Daaro Sinstal – a promising new spellblade under my watch, and Vion Zaile Ravon – my grandson and Horan’s squire.” Lord Ravon spoke as he gestured to each of his companions, them nodding in turn as their names were called.

  “Welcome to our humble home, Lord Ravon, Lord Lorkaz, Lord Devershin, Lord Sinstal, and young Lord Ravon. I am Adalina Paltos, this is my son Kaidus and daughter Anise. How may we help you?” Adalina introduced herself and her children.

  “How mey wee helf yoo?” Anise imitated from Adalina’s lap – a grin on her cute face, before Adalina could put her finger before the child’s mouth signaling quiet.

  “I gather you have heard about the incident during the demonstration the other day?” the old man cut right to the chase.

  “Yes, we have…” Adalina answered, uncertain what was going to happen.

  “Then you know that your son saved my life, and that of countless others.” The old man stated without any hidden intention.

  Both Daaro and Vion perked up, confusion and disbelief in their eyes. From the looks of them, they have heard about what transpired, but did not know the details.

  “Well, that…” Adalina had lost her line of thought at the candid statement.

  “I must also bring to your attention that we have been searching for him ever since the incident. Were you aware?” the old man asked Adalina inquisitively before she could form a reply.

  “Well, um… Yes… We did somewhat feel that to be the case…” Adalina replied, unable to deny it.

  “Might I ask why he was never brought forth to our attention?”


  “We-… My husband and I did not understand why there was a search, and for what purpose he was being sought after. We were just trying to protect him.” Adalina replied nervously.

  “I see…” the old man replied understandingly.

  “Is he in trouble, my Lord?” Adalina asked, still nervous.

  “No. Sorry to spook you, but he is not in any trouble. In fact, I had been searching for him to give him my thanks personally, and a suitable reward. If not for him, I fear to imagine what may have happened in the plaza that day. It was because of our arrogance that the incident occurred in the first place.”

  The old knight stood up.

  “As Lord Knight, and Commander, on behalf of all the royal knights you saved that day, thank you, young Kaidus.” The old knight gave a deep bow.

  “Grandfather!” Vion yelled out, having just seen his esteemed grandfather’s gracious bow to a commoners, not least, a child. Thirn, standing by his side held out a hand to motion him to stop.

  “Quiet Vion.” The old knight returned to his seat. “One must know to show gratitude towards those who they owe their life to.” The old man spoke to his grandson without looking back.

  “But your Knight’s honor!” Vion spoke again, against command.

  “Lord Vion, please, no more.” Thirn spoke.

  “What about my knight’s honor?” the old knight turned to look at his rash grandson. “Would it have been better for my honor if I had died there in the plaza? Unable to continue my knightly duty to the king? Where is the honor in not being able to thank your savoir?”

  “BUT! To a commoner!?” Vion argued back.

  “VION!” the old knight barked back, his previous calm and grandfatherly demeanor all but vanished. “Do you understand WHY I brought you? A knight’s honor means nothing if they judge themselves above the people! You are not a knight because you are better than the people! You are a knight because you SERVE the People! Because you have the power to protect those who could not protect themselves!”

  Vion’s mouth went shut. Unable to mutter a rebuttal against his grandfather’s anger.

  “Vion… If you truly believe that lowering yourself to someone because of their status is beneath you as a knight, then your dreams of following in our footsteps will always remain a dream. Remember that, boy.” The old man emphasized ‘boy’ to drive in his point.