The Cavalier

by Jason McWhirter

  “Yes,” said Jonas with some trepidation. “I can bring forth God Light, heal, detect evil, and I can wield God Fire, although I have not had much experience with any of those powers.”

  “The skills of a first rank cavalier,” muttered Weelon to himself.

  “Show us, Jonas, bring forth light,” ordered Tundis, high priest to Nomus. His voice was soft and inviting. Tundis was a small man and his face reflected many years of working in the sun. His skin was tough and tanned and his long wavy black hair was speckled with gray. He wore a simple tan tunic with loose gray pants common to a farmer. Jonas could even see dirt stains covering his knees as if he had just come from his garden.

  Jonas looked within himself and called upon Shyann’s magic. He felt it boil up within him and he released it in a brilliant flare of light. The bright light appeared quickly causing the six council members to rock back in their chairs in surprise. As the light bathed them, any remnants of tension and disbelief disappeared in a flash. Jonas let it flare briefly before dispelling it. They all stared at him for several seconds, their shock apparent on their faces.

  Taleen broke the silence. “When we healed Kiln, Jonas channeled his energy into me. I have never felt that much power. It almost consumed me. As you know, only a rare person can control the power needed to be a first rank cavalier. I believe that we are looking at our first true god picked cavalier.”

  “It is hard to imagine that being possible. We have never known that to happen. We have no record of it, nor have we ever seen a cavalier to Shyann,” muttered Lyrus in disbelief.

  “And yet we have a young man standing in front of us who can bring forth light, and he bears her mark on his chest. What else could it be?” asked Jeweleasiam, the beautiful priestess to Inis.

  “And we have the word of a true cavalier that he wields great power. How else would he have it unless it was god given?” asked Weelon.

  “May I see your swords, Jonas?” asked Lulaylin gently, her disbelief and frustration seemingly extinguished.

  Jonas reached down, drawing forth a sword. He approached Lulaylin, handing it to her hilt first.

  She grasped the bone handle and lifted it into the air. She closed her eyes and Jonas saw her lips moving slightly. Suddenly the blade flared brightly and receded just as quickly. Lulaylin opened her eyes and for the first time smiled warmly at Jonas.

  “There can be no question. These blades were given to him by Shyann herself.” She handed the blade back to Jonas. “Jonas, I am sorry for my outburst and for doubting you. It was just so hard to believe. Being allowed to see her tomb is a great honor, one that I wish was bestowed upon me. It was envy and doubt that sparked my emotional response. I am sorry. You are indeed a cavalier to Shyann. I am convinced.” Lulaylin turned her eyes on Kiln and bowed her head slightly. “I must apologize to you as well, General. I spoke rashly and I hope you will forgive me.”

  Kiln simply nodded his head in acknowledgment but said not a word.

  “I understand, priestess. I can hardly believe it myself,” replied Jonas.

  “Know this, young man. You are very much needed,” Lulaylin continued. “Lyrus, please tell them what is happening.”

  Jonas looked around at all the faces before them. They now looked at him differently, no doubt was apparent in their expressions. “What did you do to my sword?” asked Jonas.

  “I asked Shyann to tell me the truth, and she did. You are a cavalier. It is unprecedented, but true nonetheless.”

  “You spoke with her?” Jonas asked.

  “No, not exactly. I asked her if the sword was hers, and she responded in confirmation,” Lulaylin replied.

  “Jonas, Taleen,” interjected Lyrus. They both looked at the high priest as he sat forward in his chair. “There are no more cavaliers that we know of.”

  Taleen stepped back in shock as the disturbing news assaulted her. Kiln, who seldom showed emotion, was also visibly stunned by the horrible declaration. Jonas just stood, lowering his head in shock, his entire body deflating. It was too much to comprehend. The guardians of the righteous were dead. Who would protect the people against the darkness? The question lingered in Jonas’s mind as Lyrus spoke again.

  “An army marches toward Finarth as we speak. King Gavinsteal has sent out riders requesting aid. We have no cavaliers to send and we have not heard from any except you two. We only have three candidates that are close to finishing their training and they are still years away. Kandris, the young man you met, is furthest along and he still needs two winters, if he makes it all. The Kulam at Rohindrin has two candidates that are close, but they are still several years away. ” Lyrus sighed deeply, his weariness finally surfacing.

  “Do the people of Kraawn know about the dead cavaliers?” Kiln asked.

  “Most do not,” Lyrus said. “I suggest we keep it that way. It would not help matters if word got out that there are no cavaliers to protect them.”

  “King Olegaurd sent ten thousand men to Finarth four days ago. They should arrive at Finarth in several days,” said Tundis.

  “What would you have me do?” asked Jonas.

  “Jonas, it is not the job of the council to direct a cavalier. It is up to Shyann’s will. Have you received a calling?” asked Jeweleasium.

  “No, that is why we came here. To get some answers.”

  “I, too, have received no calling,” Taleen added. “I spent many weeks traveling across the Tundrens at Helikon’s request. He sent me to help Jonas, but now I am unsure of our next quest.”

  “I will leave at first light for Finarth,” Kiln announced. “They are in need of my skills. I think the cavaliers should accompany me to Finarth. Their gods may call them soon, but until then, their powers will be needed there.”

  “I concur with the general,” Rayall spoke up. “If we had cavaliers here then I’m sure several of them would have been called to that conflict. I think that Jonas and Taleen should accompany Kiln to Finarth. We do not have the time to test Jonas any further. He will be needed there. There is one more thing I wish to speak of,” he added. “Jonas is also a cognivant.”

  “A cognivant? Are you sure, Rayall?” asked Lyrus in disbelief.

  “I am. I wish I had more time to help you understand your potential as a cognivant, but the truth of it is my powers are limited. I can read minds and that is all. What cognivant powers have you realized thus far, Jonas?”

  “So far I am able to see the true make up of all things, the magic that makes up everything around us. This ability has given me the power to control objects.”

  “That is indeed a rare thing. Use that power wisely, young cavalier. That magic is old, and we know very little about it,” Tundis cautioned.

  “Jonas, do you get headaches after you use this power?” asked Rayall.

  “I do. The more power I use, the more severe the pain.”

  “You may want to practice this power so you know what your limits are,” Rayall said. “It would not be prudent to find the end of your strength during battle. It could prove disastrous.”

  Rayall’s advice was sound and Jonas nodded his head in thanks. “I will think on that, high priest Rayall, thank you.”

  “I wish we could further test you and help you understand your power, but I think we are running out of time,” said Weelon.

  “Do we know what army it is that attacks Finarth?” asked Kiln.

  “Yes, it is an army led by Lord Moredin, but we believe that he is backed by Malbeck’s power. A second force is marching from Banrith Castle toward Tarsis as we speak,” added Lyrus.

  “Malbeck is back then?” asked Taleen.

  “There can be no doubt. But we have yet to learn how this has happened,” said Lulaylin.

  “What aid will you need to get to Finarth?” asked Lyrus.

  “Horses and provisions,” replied Kiln.

  “Will you be in need of an escort?” asked Weelon.

  “No. We three will travel faster alone. I do not intend on taking the roads.”
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  “Very well. I will have horses and provisions brought to the main gate at sunrise. We wish you a fast and safe journey,” added Lyrus as he stood up, signaling the end of the meeting.

  “Remember, it is very likely that you are both still being hunted. Be vigilant,” cautioned Lulaylin.

  “We will,” replied Jonas. He looked at each of the council members and they nodded their heads in farewell. The trio turned and walked from the room without another word.

  ***

  The White Unicorn was busy; patrons crowded around the bar and filled the many tables in the dining room. Hundreds of candles and oil lamps lit the area casting orange hues throughout the large bar. The crackling fire blazed and the flames danced as if they wanted to leap out of the fireplace. The sounds of laughter and idle conversation filled the large room making it difficult to hear the gossip that seemed to be on everyone’s tongues.

  Jonas, Taleen, and Kiln sat alone at a table close to the fire. Bomm had saved it for them for more than an hour before the trio came back from their meeting at the Kulam. They were hungry and ordered Bomm’s recommendation, smoked mutton pie, oven baked and filled with onions, wild mushrooms, potatoes, mutton, and covered in gravy. They sipped cold water and discussed the new adventure ahead of them.

  “Kiln, tell me of Moredin,” Jonas asked.

  “Moredin is the ruler of Stonestep, a bandit city far to the east. Stonestep is a staging base for every invasion into Finarth, Tarsis, and Annure. On the surface Moredin stays out of most politics, but under the surface he is ruthless, conniving, and does whatever he can to gain more power, land, and wealth.”

  “Who are his allies?” asked Taleen.

  “None really. His kingdom is vast and surrounded by the nomad lands and Flatlands south of Mt. Ule. He usually allies himself with tribes from the Sithgarin and nomads from the Tarsinian Plains. He also has a decent relationship with Prince Bomballa of Numenell. Their relationship is one of convenience and they are not official allies,” Kiln added before he took a long sip of his water, his eyes scanning the room instinctively.

  Many of the patrons cast curious glances at the trio. Kiln hoped that Bomm had kept his mouth shut about who he was. He knew that Jonas and Taleen would be seen for what they were, but he did not want his identity known. Many patrons smiled, acknowledging the cavaliers, but none had the courage to approach them.

  “Why would Moredin risk everything by attacking Finarth? What is in it for him?” asked Jonas.

  Kiln returned his attention to them both. “I don’t know. His chance of winning is slim if King Gavinsteal’s allies arrive in time. Even if they didn’t, Finarth’s forces should have no problem repelling Moredin’s army.”

  “Even with Malbeck’s help?” Taleen asked skeptically.

  “That I don’t know. The only way to know is to scout Moredin’s army. Find out how many men, cavalry, and siege machines exist, and if Malbeck has sent his minions there to help him.”

  Kiln looked around the room again. Something didn’t feel right to the old warrior.

  “Would Lord Moredin fight alongside orcs, boargs, and other monsters?” asked Jonas.

  “I imagine so, especially if riches, power, and land were involved,” replied Kiln as he leaned back in his chair, getting a better look at their surroundings. He felt like they were being watched, and Kiln never questioned his instincts.

  Out of the crowd came a buxom serving girl carrying a large tray of steaming food. She smiled warmly at them, setting the tray down. Jonas’s mouth began to water when he saw the food. Each plate contained huge slices of mutton pie. The crust was thick and slathered with gravy, mushrooms, and onions. Jonas quickly grabbed his plate and began to consume the delicious and hearty food.

  “Can I get you anything else?” asked the rosy cheeked bar maid. She was pleasantly plump and her ample bosom was barely contained by her bodice. Her infectious smile was warm and made her average face seem attractive.

  “No thank you. Thank Bomm again for the meals,” added Taleen.

  “I will indeed.” The waitress quickly turned, disappearing into the boisterous crowd.

  The three ate their food in silence. The succulent flavors were enough to halt their conversation.

  As Kiln ate, he continued to monitor the crowd. The feeling was still there, the hairs on the back of his neck were standing up in warning.

  Jonas looked at him with concern, his mouth full of mutton. “What is it?” he asked.

  Kiln looked at him seriously as he set his fork down. He took a shallow drink of water before responding. “Something is wrong. I can feel it. Do either of you sense anything?”

  Taleen and Jonas looked at each other, replying in unison. “No.”

  “Would you sense something if it wasn’t directly evil?” asked Kiln.

  “No. Our powers enable us to detect, or be warned, in Jonas’s case, of true evil, evil that is deep and black, but we might not detect a normal person who chose to do an evil act. It is hard to say, it really depends on the person and the situation.” Taleen took another sip of her water. Following Kiln’s lead, she leaned back in her chair, away from the table’s edge.

  “I wonder why I didn’t detect the gnolls we fought up in the Dragon’s Spine?” Jonas mused as he drank from his mug.

  “There could be many reasons. Maybe they were too far away, or maybe they were not directly a danger to you. A cavalier’s power is very specific; each cavalier has different degrees of power as well as slight differences in how their power works. No two are the same,” answered Taleen. “How did you end up fighting them if they were not a direct danger to you? Surely you would have been warned if they attacked you?’

  “We found the gnoll tracks which led us to them. We attacked them as they ate at their fire,” said Jonas.

  “Without knowing their purpose?” Taleen asked with an edge to her voice.

  “They were gnolls who stole my cattle,” answered Kiln as if that were enough.

  “Are all gnolls doomed because of their race?” challenged Taleen.

  “Have you met a gnoll whose heart was not black?” asked Kiln.

  “No, but that does not mean that one does not exist. Not everything in the world is black and white, General.”

  “Easy to say from one who can detect evil. For the rest of us, living in the realm of absolutes can keep us alive. It was a raiding party that would have eventually attacked. I learned long ago to take every advantage in battle, so I brought the fight to them before they could bring it to me and my men. By killing those gnolls as we did, I probably saved lives,” Kiln said.

  Kiln suddenly shifted his attention to his surroundings. Jonas and Taleen both noticed the change in his demeanor.

  “You are making me uneasy. What is it?” asked Jonas.

  “I don’t know. Stay alert. My senses are not usually wrong,” added Kiln.

  Jonas slid his left hand down to one of his swords. The bone handle gave him some reassurance and made him feel a little better.

  Jonas watched Kiln close his eyes for a few seconds and then reopen them. His posture had changed and so had his eyes. He had just entered Ty’erm. Jonas, too, closed his eyes and concentrated on his breathing. After a few seconds he opened his eyes. He was in the relaxed state of Ty’erm and in that state the room seemed quieter, and everyone was moving more slowly, at least in his mind.

  Jonas scanned the crowd, looking for anything that warned his heightened senses. He was able to focus on separate conversations and shut out the other noises. Kiln was also scanning the crowd, looking for anything strange and out of the ordinary.

  “Do you see anything?” asked Taleen who had brought both hands under the table closer to her weapons.

  “Not yet,” replied Kiln. “Wait,” Kiln whispered as he looked to his left between two men standing about four paces away. It wasn’t the men that caught his attention, but the man moving just beyond them. A dark haired man with an un-kempt beard moved toward them. It was his pos
ture that triggered Kiln’s instincts. He was moving with purpose, and his pace was accelerated.

  Just then Jonas’s eyes looked up, scanning the railing that lined the landing on the second floor. It was dark, but the many candles from the chandelier shed a finger of light onto the edge of the railing. Just enough to see the sparkling crossbow bolts slowly emerge from the darkness.

  Instantly Jonas reacted, calling on his IshMian powers. “Crossbows! above!” he yelled, standing up quickly and raising his right hand. In his mind everything around him changed hues as he saw the spinning particles and the energy that moved them. Just like he had done when he practiced with the rocks, Jonas concentrated on the energy around them, drawing it into a translucent shield that covered the table in front and above them. He did this in a matter of seconds just as the bolts were fired. They hit the invisible shield, falling harmlessly to the ground. Everyone around them screamed in confusion, looking around trying to figure out what was happening.

  Kiln instantly slid his chair out and drew his sword in one smooth motion. The dark haired assassin barreled through the two unsuspecting men and tried to lance Kiln with a sword that he had hidden in his long black cloak. Kiln side stepped the blade easily and flicked his razor sharp edge across the man’s throat. The move seemed casual and effortless, but the result was devastating to the assassin. Blood sprayed from the gruesome wound and the man crashed face first into the table.

  As soon as the blades were out, everyone around the three warriors scurried out of the way in panic. Kiln scanned the crowd looking for another attacker.

  Taleen had leaped back, drawing her sword just as the man tried to skewer Kiln. She saw movement to her left and pivoted out of the way as a huge axe came crashing down onto the table, easily splitting the wood. She brought her sword down onto the attackers arm, severing it cleanly. The man jumped back screaming, but not before the deadly cavalier reversed her swing and drove the point of her blade into his heart. He fell backwards, disappearing into the frenzied crowd.

  In a matter of seconds everyone around the trio had run frantically out of the way, leaving the warriors alone with swords drawn and glistening in the firelight.