To Be Chosen

by John Buttrick

  It was late in the day and Silvia, wearing bright green trousers and a tight yellow shirt with orange stripes, was walking beside him as they entered the carnival grounds. “Why do you stare at Sherree as if she was a pony up a tree?” he asked her, while a slender woman in the tent they just passed called for folks to come enjoy her meat pies.

  Silvia looked at him sideways and smiled. “Why do you look at her as if she is a woman rather than an Aakacarn?”

  Daniel did not feel like bandying words so answered straight out. “I see her as a beautiful woman. Now, tell me if you are looking at her as a Seer or Teki who doesn’t much like Aakacarns.”

  She stopped smiling. “The truthful answer is both. I am a Seer and a Teki. You know we are uncomfortable around Aakacarns.”

  “You and David seem to have no problem being around me.”

  “You are the Chosen Vessel, that makes the difference, you could not be who you are and face the Dark Maestro otherwise,” she told him. “As for me, the Seer, I am having visions and trying to understand what they mean. I’ve held off sharing them because I wanted to give you a clear revelation, hoping in time that what I am seeing will be more definitive. Do you want the revelation now or after I understand more?”

  Daniel stared at the ground as they walked between the tents. “Tell me what you see.”

  “There are two possible futures ahead for you and the Accomplished, which one will come to pass depend on decisions you make, and on decisions she will make. On one path you never see each other again and on the other, you will be spending a great deal of time together. I just can’t yet discern what the choices will be,” Silvia revealed to him, apologetically.

  “Thanks for the revelation,” he replied, wondering what choices would bring about the second out come, in which he and Sherree would be spending a great deal of time together.

  Two men in black and red silks were walking past a crowd of people. They were hard to miss with so many folks stepping aside, avoiding them, and making a clear path. The Accomplisheds were members of the Eagle Guild. They glanced Daniel’s way, even gave a respectful nod as if greeting an equal, and then continued on without saying a word.

  David, wearing bright blue pants and a yellow shirt with red horizontal stripes, joined Daniel and Silvia moments later. “Our people have counted eighteen Aakacarns, in and around Ducanton, all Eagle Guild. That is not counting the two members of the Aloe Guild assigned here. Word is they’re looking for someone who escaped their custody, perhaps that fellow you mentioned, Serin Gell,” he informed them.

  “Likely you’re right about that,” Daniel replied. “The sooner they catch him, the quicker they can repair their reputations.”

  When Sherree came into view from several tents away, David and Silvia went off on their own. People parted for the female Accomplished much the way they had for the members of the Eagle Guild. Daniel caught up to the beautiful Lobenian. “Greetings Accomplished,” he told her formally. They were surrounded by people. He did not dare speak to her as a sweetheart in front of them.

  Sherree eyed him up and down. He was still in his uniform. “Greetings Sir Daniel, what a happy coincidence meeting you here.”

  “I’d be honored if you would join me for a meal,” he told her with a nod of the head.

  Sherree glanced at the surroundings and smiled just a little. “I have nothing better to do so, yes, I believe I will.”

  They enjoyed a light meal consisting of meat pies and fried thin sliced potatoes, and then searched out a secluded spot. He held her in his arms and pressed his lips against hers. After awhile they watched the sunset. Music drifted in from a tent several hundred paces away where people were dancing and laughing. “Care to dance?”

  It was a slow dance and they swayed to the music in their private spot and all he could think of was how pleasant it was to hold her in his arms. They kissed and then she laid her head on his shoulder. It was difficult to keep in mind the stupid rules made up thousands of years ago by the Aakacarns, rules against marrying and having a family, traditions based on obscure reasoning that made no sense then or now. And there was Silvia’s revelation about choices.

  Daniel kissed her again and then dropped to his knees while holding her hands. “Will you share my cabin?” His estate could hardly be considered a cabin, but he was raised on Mount Tannakonna and this was the traditional way to propose.

  Sherree stared at him for quite awhile, then blinked and her bright green eyes turned cold. “Get up. How dare you ask me that? You have no regard for anyone else’s customs and none for my status as an Accomplished,” she scolded, and was becoming more furious by the moment.

  Daniel stood tall and opened his mouth to apologize.

  “No, I’ll speak and you will listen,” she told him. “In Lobenia, the woman proposes to the man, who either accepts or refuses. It is ill-mannered and a little crude for the man to propose. All that aside, you know I am a member of the Aloe Guild, how hard I worked to be where I am, and you have absolutely no regard for what I want or have achieved.”

  “But..,”

  “I should have known you are incapable of being just an affectionate friend. Perhaps if you had enough years getting used to the fact that Aakacarns do not marry, we may have been able continue sharing affection, but I see it is not possible. From now on we will be on a professional level only, address each other by rank and all casual contact will cease immediately,” She informed him in no uncertain terms.

  Daniel gazed down into her eyes and found no warmth there. He had gone too far and ruined the relationship. “It will be as you say,” he told her, then turned and walked away.

  He walked all the way out of the carnival grounds and waited among the carriages until David and Silvia finally joined him. She sat beside him facing David, who was staring at her with deep affection. She pulled a gold coin from a silk pouch and handed it to the juggler.

  “What is this for?” David asked.

  “The Gerabolli family made an agreement with mine. I am paying back my bride price so you need not feel cheated,” she told him and pursed her lips as if waiting, perhaps hoping for a certain response.

  David stared at the coin in his hand for a good long while. He blinked and then focused entirely on his intended. “I don’t care about the gold. I never cared about the gold. I only care about being with you. Will you marry me? Say no, and I will leave you be. Say yes, and you will make me the happiest man in the world.”

  “Why me?” she asked, and her eyes were watering up.

  “Because I love you,” he replied.

  “Then yes, I will marry you,” she said and David leaned forward and kissed her.

  Daniel shifted to the other seat and David instantly took his spot next to Silvia. The couple seemed to forget anyone else in the world existed, much less shared a carriage with them. “Congratulations,” he told them and was not surprised and even managed to smile when they pretty much ignored him.

  He leaned back and stared up at the sky for the rest of the trip to the Excursion. The happy couple went off to celebrate and he went up to his room feeling emotionally worn out. He and Sherree certainly made decisions just as Silvia predicted and it looked like they would part ways. Even though the thought saddened him, he would abide by what Sherree told him, forget about having an affectionate relationship with anyone, even though folks around him were developing their own, and focus on his duties as a Knight of the Realm. Besides, he had music to compose, not simple Melodies but Symphonics, to transport himself and others from place to place, and to heal the queen.

  In the room he found a note from Jared stating the account keeper was off arranging the purchase of fifty horses, evidently Marcus wanted mounts for each guardsman. Daniel stripped off his sword belt, coat, chain mail, and silk shirt, leaving on only his green cotton shirt and wool pants. He then pushed the chairs and small table to the side, clearing a broad area in the center, and drew his sword. His mind was still whirling from the events of the
evening and he wanted to clear his thoughts, so got lost in the forms taught to him by Cale. Pruning The Hedges transitioned into, Raking The Leaves, into Parting Kiss, which led to, Crack Of The Whip. He went on and on in the dance of swords, increasing the tempo until his blade was a blur few eyes could follow. The sword became an extension of his body and his mind was clear of all distraction. Triplets In The Carriage, flowed into, Spider In The Web, and then he started all over again, only faster.

  A series of rapid knocks brought him to an abrupt halt. When he opened the door a slim young man in his teens, wearing green palace livery, handed him an envelope. “Thank you, Barney,” Daniel told him. He knew all of the royal couriers and this one was only four years younger than him.

  “My pleasure, Sir Daniel,” he replied and took off running down the hall with a sack full of missives to be delivered.

  Daniel opened the envelope. The Queen was calling an emergency meeting and his attendance was required immediately. He cast, Refresh, cleansing his body, and then, Laundering, to clean his clothes. It did not take him long to put on the rest of his knightly garb. He went down to the common room, found Jason the doorman and then asked, “Would you kindly have Sprinter saddled and brought around?”

  “Of course, Sir Daniel,” he replied and turned to Toby, a wiry boy twelve years of age. “Have the grooms prepare Sprinter immediately,” he ordered, and the dark-haired lad ran to obey.

  Daniel stepped out the front door and did not have to wait long before Sprinter was led to him by, Ben, one of the grooms, who was small for his age. Daniel handed him a silver coin and then mounted in one swift motion. The street lights burned bright and many of the stone buildings were also well lit, keeping the darkness from every corner. People filled the walkways while carriages, wagons, and coaches went this way and that along the thoroughfare. It was well into the night but city life continued unabated, which was also something he was getting used to.

  Once into the palace grounds he turned Sprinter over to the royal grooms and made his way to the large conference room. Sir William Bonner and Sir Laurence Dugan, both equaling Daniel in height, with touches of gray in the hair, caught up with him just as he arrived at the huge double doors. They greeted each other and waited for the attendant, Benedict, a thin old-timer with stooped shoulders, to open the door on the right and call out, “Sir William, Sir Laurence, and Sir Daniel.”

  They entered in order of introduction. The huge mahogany conference table had the capacity to seat fifty-one people along with the Queen at the head. Not many of the seats were taken. There was a chair in the twentieth position to the Queen’s right between Sir Carlo and Sir Tomas reserved for Daniel. He went over and sat down while Laurence and William took their assigned seats over to the left. General Tallen sat directly across from Daniel. General Malcus, a lean, clean-shaven, gray-haired man, who commanded the Northwestern Legion, was in the third chair from the head of the table on the right, next to Lady Kurtz.

  Cleona entered with three people following her. Daniel steeled himself for whatever would come next because the third person was Sherree Jenna. The first person, going by the uniform, was a Royal Sergeant-of-the-guard, but not for the palace. Daniel knew every Royal Guardsmen from the Captain on down, so this man had to come from one of the other royal residences. The other man, dressed in a light green wool suit, was no older than Daniel and something about the set of his brow, nose, and chin, gave the clue that he was a member of the royal family. Both men were filthy, looking as if they had recently crawled out of a swamp. They each stood in front of an empty chair and all who were seated stood up until Cleona took her seat, and then everyone sat down except Sherree.

  Queen Cleona turned to the Lobenian, who avoided looking at Daniel, and asked, “Accomplished, would you be kind enough to refresh my nephew and his escort?”

  “Certainly,” Sherree replied and then was surrounded by an amber glow only Daniel could see. She touched the young man and then the older one, both of whom immediately perked up, eyes wide in surprise.

  “We appreciate your coming on such short notice,” Cleona told her. “I look forward to seeing more of you in the future.”

  “I and Accomplished Chen will be available when that time comes,” Sherree replied, and then left the conference room.

  Cleona faced the assembled dignitaries. “My nephew, Jonah Ducalin, has brought news of a serious problem occurring at Duke Cantor’s estate. At the same time, General Malcus brings me word of trouble along our border with Pentrosa,” she began, setting the two topics of discussion. “Jonah, I turn the briefing over to you.”

  The young man stood up. “My father’s estate is under attack by members of the Serpent Guild. Twelve were in the field leading one hundred and fifty sasquatches. While we were defending against the full assault, a team of Accomplisheds tunneled under the manor house and battle commenced in the lower levels. I and my two brothers were commanded to bring word of these events to the Queen with each of us going a different way to ensure the message got out,” Jonah spoke in a matter-of-fact way but his eyes reflected deep concern. “Sergeant Zaccum and I encountered three sasquatches before we emerged from the Swamps of Append. We have reason to believe many more of the creatures are in place to keep word from escaping the region.”

  “How many Aakacarns tunneled in? What happened to the three sasquatches?” Sir Tomas inquired.

  “Could be as many Aakacarns inside as out, I was ordered to deliver this message, so I cannot be certain. As for the sasquatches, two were dispatched by Sergeant Zaccum and I killed one,” Jonah replied, and then focused on the Queen. “I don’t know how long my father and the Royal Guardsmen can stand against the assault. The Accomplisheds were headed straight for the treasure room,” he added in a guarded tone, giving more significance to his words. Gold can be replaced. He certainly had not come all this way just to prevent the loss of some coins and jewels.

  Cleona motioned for her nephew to sit down and then took up the address. “What is about to be revealed in this room is sealed to the crown and is not to be spoken of to anyone not currently in this meeting. Nearly a thousand years ago, Della Lain entrusted to House Ducalin the safe keeping of the trumpet of Tarin Conn.” Gasps of in drawn breath came from everyone except her newest Knight. “For most of the intervening time the trumpet has been kept in the treasure room of the Ducalin estate in southern Ducaun, within the Swamps of Append. My brother, Duke Cantor, is even now battling to keep the instrument from falling into the hands of the Serpent Guild. Therefore immediate help must be sent,” she declared, and then fixed her gaze on the one man who stood a chance against the Aakacarn offenders. “Sir Daniel, the Captain-of-the-guard will choose fifty Royal Guardsmen, and you will lead them and whoever else you see fit to bring, to the Ducalin estate and do whatever is necessary to secure the trumpet.”

  All eyes were on Daniel, but only Jonah reacted negatively. His eyes widened in disbelief and he stared at the Queen as if she must have lost her mind. The young man apparently did not know Cleona was sending her greatest military asset. “I will prepare to leave immediately,” Daniel replied formally.

  Cleona nodded her head as if the matter was now solved. “We will meet privately before you leave to discuss the details more fully,” she said and then addressed the room at large. “Now to the other matter, General Malcus, brief us on the problem on our northern border.”

  The general stood up. “Pentrosan soldiers dressed as civilians are crossing the border and raiding farms and villages. The Pentrosan court is dealing with the loss of two princes, both of which were involved in tragic accidents. King Jarred denies any knowledge of what is happening along his southern border and is more concerned about his sons. Meanwhile, Prince Xavier, who is now heir to the throne, is still in Ducaun on his way home. The Pentrosan Cavalry is massing on their southern border to ensure the heir’s safe conduct to Holcum,” he explained and then sat down.

  “As you can all see, this is a serious matter which cou
ld lead to war if anything were to go wrong. We cannot allow the raids to continue, which means military intervention at a time when tension between both kingdoms is high. This will only increase the strain, due to the recent deaths in the Pentrosan royal family, and their heir to the throne being vulnerable. General Malcus, you will use all the resources of your legion to ensure the safe arrival of Prince Xavier to the Pentrosan border, where his continued protection will be turned over to your counterpart, General Kall. Sir Carlo, Sir Tomas, and Sir William, you will accompany him.” Cleona stated.

  “It will be as you command,” the General replied.

  “As you command,” all three Knights responded.

  “General Tallen, you will take your legion and put a stop to the raids. Sir Laurence, you will accompany him,” the Queen commanded. Half of Tallen’s legion was still in northeastern Ducaun, but he would have to make do.

  “It will be as you command,” Tallen replied.

  “As you command,” echoed Sir Laurence.

  “General Tallen, General Malcus, we shall meet again before you start out,” Cleona said, and then looked at the Accomplished she had the foresight to make a Knight of the Realm. “Sir Daniel, remain here for our meeting. The rest of you may begin preparations for the assigned tasks. Jonah, you and Sergeant Zaccum should go eat and refresh yourselves. The spell cast upon you by Accomplished Jenna is not a replacement for sustenance and rest.”

  Everyone except Daniel and the Queen left the room, although Jonah glanced at her and frowned, clearly not approving of how she allocated the resources. When the door was closed, she focused entirely on her Knight. “The defenses my brother has set in place are formidable but I seriously doubt he can hold out very long against so great an aggressor.”

  “A score or more of Accomplisheds with no Aakacarns to counter them makes me agree with your assessment. I can’t image the Duke and his men holding out for the number of days it took for word to reach us here and then that much longer for reinforcements to get back in time to defeat the foe. I think either the Serpent Guild will be in charge of the estate when I get there, or they will have taken the trumpet and I will have to chase them down,” Daniel replied.