by Reiter
“Some things are clearer now,” Valian stated. “You met with him before my first day off from training, didn’t you?”
Travis turned to face Valian with a smile on his face. “Very good, Valian. That is exactly when we met. He wanted to verify who you’d be spending time with on your furlough.”
“And the house we used to meet at?”
“Something the Duke acquired when he was promoted to that position. His home away from home, or something to that affect.”
“I see,” Valian replied. “So... what is the plan going forward?”
“Valian, I think that is entirely up to you,” Travis answered.
“I had a feeling you were going to say that,” Valian said, getting up from his chair. “If it’s all the same to you, I’d like to talk to my Praeceptor now.”
“Of course,” Travis said softly. “I will let him know you wish to speak with him.”
“Thank you, Uncle Travis... for everything. I am in your debt.”
“Hardly, son,” Travis said, stopping at the door. “Whatever debt you think I am due... your parents more than took care of long before they saved True Lady Jhormynn and her children.”
“Then we will have to agree to disagree, sir,” Valian returned.
“Damn, he sounds like both of them!” Travis whispered, making his exit out of the room.
Ulreejun certainly did not waste time getting to the room, but he was surprised to open the door and find that no one was there.
“Imagine if I had been armed with weapon and cruel intention,” Valian commented as he stepped up behind Jorkethian.
“Indeed. Are you trying to make a point, Phytos?”
“No,” Valian said, stepping back. “I think we both know that I was successful. I have been to see the Sacred Empress, Master... and now I am in her debt. I do not know what she will ask of me, but perhaps as a KnighT... I stand a better chance of justifying her faith... and yours.”
“Perhaps you do at that, Valian,” Jorkethian said, turning to leave the room. “Perhaps you do at that. You get today and tomorrow with your roots. After that... we’re off to the last proving grounds you’ll ever see as my Phytos.”
The young man stood in silence after his Praeceptor left the room. He still had reservations about his path being chosen for him... but he could not put forward a genuine argument against becoming an Imperial KnighT. For a moment, he allowed himself to imagine would it would be like to see the colors of the Jhormynn Estate flying behind him as he stood behind the Duke.
“That is a handsome image,” K’Torru commented.
“You know, it’s something that you being in my head is something I’m alright with,” Valian thought.
“Do not worry... you were very much against it for the first nine weeks.”
“Yes, that sounds more like me,” Valian agreed. “And can you tell me how you managed to fool Zorkaysha into thinking that you didn’t train me?”
“You could say it was a very fateful exchange,” K’Torru replied. “The speed of thought is difficult to gauge when one is not engaged in the exercise. Zorkaysha saw what she needed to see. She was not looking to see anything else.”
“I see.”
“Yes you do,” the monk said. “You see quite a lot. Allow me to demonstrate. You have your back to the room. There is a small bookshelf on your left-hand side.”
“It’s on the right-hand side, Master,” Valian thought.
“Correct. And there are four shelves.”
“But only three of them are being used. For some reason the third shelf is bare.”
“Correct. Second shelf, second book.”
“Second book from the left is a book of maps... second from the right is the Imperial Catalog of Stations.”
K’Torru decided to say nothing more and allow the realization take hold in the mind of his student. He was pleased when a smile formed on Valian’s face.
“That, my friend, was a demonstration of your mental focus,” K’Torru added. “Wait until we are ready to re-embrace your hand-eye coordination!”
“I’m looking forward to it, Master,” Valian thought, walking out of the room.
** b *** t *** o *** r **
(Rims Time: XI-4804.18)
Valian certainly took advantage of the time his Praeceptor had given him. It was significant, touching base with his history and introducing that history to his present. As much as he enjoyed himself, he knew it paled in comparison to the elation Boris achieved. He was still everyone’s favorite and when he started to perform, there was no hesitation. Valian, his Praeceptor, and his retainers were treated to an impromptu carnival performance that went deep into the night. While most were still recovering from the jubilation, Annodia, Kethgeegan, and Valian were up at the break of dawn, exercising and training. Jorkethian was waiting for them at the end of their morning run, and applauded as the three of them all finished in a hard-pressed sprint.
“Well done,” he cheered. “And without instruction. That is very good. Now, which of you three could do that run again... but faster?”
All three lifted their hands.
“Truly?! Very well, prove it. Begin now!”
“About face!” Kethgeegan ordered as he turned around. “Three steps and set.” The three walked together, stretching different muscles as they took three steps forward, stopping on the third with a forward-leaning pose. “Ready... steady... go!” They took off, running three abreast as they had on their approach.
“Hmmm,” Jorkethian thought, folding his arms. “Not even a sigh, or any hint of anger, resentment, or aggravation. I have to be careful here. The other two look to Valian for the example they should follow... and he doesn’t break easy, does he? And up until this very moment, I was thinking the best place for them would be the Gulmar System. But that is looking insufficient now... and far too close. Another locale came unbidden to his thoughts.
“But I will have less control there,” he whispered, beginning to pace. “The potential detractors to my aims are more powerful and stand a better chance at being able to harm the boy. Of course, that harm could be a training measure as well... provided he lives through it.” Ulreejun looked up at the ledge the three were running along. They were still in good form; they stood a good chance of beating their first time. The Elder KnighT pressed his lips together and looked at the ring on his right hand. The small ruby seemed to flicker in response to his gaze. “Yes... arrangements will have to be made. Protects us, Sacred Empress... your KnighT finds himself on a most challenging quest: to train another KnighT.”
It was early in the afternoon and everyone gathered on the Northern Lawn to say their farewells. Boris took his leave of the carnies, and their children especially, giving them all one last hug with his tendrils.
“Is it me... or is something missing?” Kethgeegan asked.
Looking around, Annodia answered. “Everyone seems to be here.”
“Yes they are... but where is the transport?” All three of them looked around, seeing no sign of a spacecraft. “We are leaving, right? Is the training area just over the hill?”
“I doubt that seriously,” Valian said as he started walking away from his friends. “But that is not the only thing out of place here. Excuse me.”
Tacita, Thomas, Gwendolyn, and Travis were approaching, wearing what appeared to be variations of their old field uniforms and carrying duffel bags. Tacita flashed a bright smiled and waved. Thomas nodded his head... Gwendolyn giggled, and Travis put his hand on her shoulder while squaring his own.
“We thought we would come with you... watch your back,” Travis said.
“And I appreciate the offer,” Valian returned, walking up to Travis. “And if you truly want to watch my back, you’ll get to where you can watch over my brothers and sister at the Jhormynn Estate. We are all familiar with the fact that Vaiyorl Jhormynn has his enemies. With his work taking him away from the Empire, his house is left guarded only by the Estate Guard and the will of his eldest son.�
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“And the latter is the one you do not trust,” Travis stated.
“I have Jorkethian with me!” Valian continued. “Yorlson won’t accept assistance, especially if he knows that help is somehow associated with me. But if you truly want to watch my back, you will do this for me.
“I know what you fear, Uncle Travis,” Valian said, taking the man’s hand. “Will I be more like my mother and not be able to turn down a dare? Or will I be more like my father and not be able to resist a damsel in distress... ever the Beast protecting every Beauty in sight!”
Travis allowed his head to drop as he nodded. He squeezed Gwendolyn’s shoulder and she knew it was time to withdraw. “I don’t fear it so much anymore,” he said as he started to turn. Valian took hold of the man and brought him in for a strong embrace. Travis chuckled as he hugged the young man. Valian’s arms came out, reaching for Tacita and Thomas. While the former was eager to join, it took Valian looking up with a frown before Thomas consented to the group hug. A soft kiss placed on Gwendolyn’s cheek made the woman blush and giggle.
Jorkethian approached as the others joined their carnival brethren. He said nothing to the three students as he lifted his right hand, making a fist. The ruby ring flickered once before Jorkethian said, “Castellan, I wish to come home!”
In front of Jorkethian a red tear-drop of energy formed. It hovered for a moment before becoming an elliptical portal-way. Jorkethian lowered his hand and turned to look at his students. “After you.”
Stepping into the portal felt like being immersed into water, and Valian was surprised to find that he could not breathe. Standing in a tunnel of red and orange light, Valian looked to his left and right. He could see that Kethgeegan and Annodia were experiencing the same trouble with breathing. But they could all see the far end of the tunnel and they started running toward it.
Jumping out of the tunnel, the three appeared in a large circular chamber. The room was lit by torches and possessed a truly nostalgic look to it with all of the non-electrical trappings.
“Look out!” Kethgeegan yelled as he jumped up and over a staff being swung for his stomach. His feet barely cleared the weapon and he landed, falling into a roll that prevented the staff from striking his head.
Valian had never seen a Delman other than in projected images from his school texts. The diminutive height, the bulging musculature, the broad features, the fierceness about the eyes, it was all apparent as the Delman spun around with his weapon. Valian caught it in his hands.
“I do not wish to hurt you,” he said calmly to the Delman.
“Don’t worry, boy, you won’t! Stick!”
Quicker than Valian could blink the staff he had a hold of had changed form, and the wood now wrapped around his arms.
“Billiard bodies!” the Delman yelled, lifting Valian off the floor. “Flipping fop, corner pocket! Spinning around again, the Delman slung the staff and the top of it dislodged. Valian tumbled helplessly into Kethgeegan who had been too shocked at seeing the feat of strength to move out of the way. “Ha hah... got ‘em!” Suddenly the Delman’s staff was removed from his hand. He turned around only to get punched in the face. The Delman smiled up at the frowning woman and smacked his lips. “Did you hurt your hands, little lady?”
“Not in the least,” Annodia replied, landing a two-punch combination that floored the Delman. She winced in pain as the stout man fell down.
“His face must be made of stone!” she thought.
“Trust me, old friend, I’ve been struck by softer rocks,” Ulreejun said as he walked into the room. “And I really must remember to be specific when I’m using the portal ring.
“Kurshigg, stand down,” the Praeceptor commanded, holding his hand out toward the discarded staff. It flew to his hand and the man made his way over to his other two students. “Well, it seems that old Kursh found the one thing you people are no good at handling: each other!”
Kethgeegan was confused and stunned. He did not know how – for a body that could move the way Valian’s could – someone could feel so solid and heavy. Valian, on the other hand, was entangled in a growing mass of black vines and branches. Ulreejun was surprised to see the growth, and looked down at the staff.
“And he’s been busy in the forges again it seems.” Touching the staff to the vines, Jorkethian gave the staff an unspoken command. Valian rolled free as the staff collected its dislodged section. “There we are.”
“Intruders!” Kurshigg cried as he got to his feet.
“Stand down, Kursh,” Jorkethian repeated his order. “These are guests of mine.”
“And what makes you think you’re welcome?!” the Delman artisan barked, taking a good step toward Jorkethian. His blue eyes flared with anger as he gazed upon the Elder KnighT.
“Because it’s my house!” Jorkethian argued.
“A mere technicality!” Kurshigg shouted. “I spend more time here than you.”
“And apparently you wish to become a permanent fixture... once again!”
The two maintained their locked stare, but it was clear that the Delman was recollecting a moment in time. “I remember that,” he finally admitted.
“I am sure you do,” Jorkethian agreed. “Would you care for a refresher?”
“That... will not be necessary.
“And you forgot to say you’d be bringing strangers into your house!” the Delman barked. Assured of his high ground, the Delman artisan got up on his toes and glared up at Ulreejun.
This time, it was the KnighT’s turn to relent and he did so, holding up his hands and stepping back. “My apologies,” Jorkethian said softly. “Would you be so kind as to see our three guests to their rooms? I must retire to the lower chambers and start initiating Summoning Charms.”
“For what purpose?”
“The one you threw... he is a KnighT in training.” Ulreejun quickly made his way out of the door and into the corridor.
“A KnighT?!” Kurshigg whispered, looking down on Valian. “Hmmm, strong chin... solid shoulders... and those eyes! My word!
“Get up, lad,” Kurshigg insisted, taking hold of Valian and lifting him from the floor. “Get up, get up, get up and stand!” Kurshigg took a step back and looked Valian up and down. “You have a preference of colors, lad?”
“The house colors of Duke Jhormynn,” Valian stated.
“Good voice,” Kurshigg weighed. “Clear tone... not too assuming... not boastful... but potent! Yes, well, much to do and I don’t have time to tarry. Shall I carry your luggage?” he asked, pointing at still-unconscious Kethgeegan.
“No thank you,” Valian said, moving quickly to pick up his friend. “We’ll manage.”
“Good then. Not a bad back there either. Good. Well, right this way.” After they were in the corridor, Kurshigg looked back at Annodia. He moved his hand through his thick gray beard and inspected the woman as she walked.
“Yes?” she asked.
“Are you the brains of the group?” he inquired.
Annodia stammered, looking at Valian for clarification.
“Lady Annodia is my Squire,” Valian stated.
“Bah... too bad,” Kurshigg replied. “Would’ve felt better about your chances if the brains came with those fists of hers. Solid strikes, lass!”
Though they were given separate rooms, the three of them huddled together in Kethgeegan’s room. He was only just beginning to discern up from down and Valian had good reason to believe that Boris was the reason why he was recovering so quickly.
“She’s your squire?!” Kethgeegan whined.
“You make it sound like I can’t do the job!” Annodia asserted.
“I will deal with you in a moment,” Kethgeegan snapped at the young woman before looking back at Valian. “Don’t think I don’t see what you’re doing here.”
“Oh, you can see it, eh?” Valian grinned. “What do you see, Counsel?”
“I see you–... what did you say?”
“I don’t want you in charge o
f whatever retainers might be coming along,” Valian explained. “The particular skill set you’re putting together means you need freedom of movement. And it’s very good that you’re with Boris right now, because he’s your partner.”
A soft clicking nose came from the quivering fur.
“I know,” Valian said before looking at the other two. “He’s concerned that you won’t be able to understand him, but we can work around that. Besides, I think we can all agree that none of us needs to be doing anything alone anymore. This split up is the most effective... but I am open to suggestions.” After a few moments of silence Valian decided to speak again. “And before the mayhem reveals itself, let me say thank you to the three of you for all that you’ve done. I’m afraid all I have at this moment are words.”
“They come after your deeds,” Annodia stated. “... but even in that order they are appreciated. And if I may be so bold as to suggest ... there is something I learned from spending time with your carnival family. Simply put, that they are indeed a family... but at the core of that family is a unit with a bond that rivals familial definitions.”
“The sort of bond forged when people have faced life and death situations together,” Valian relayed. “When you put your life into the hands of another, receiving the responsibility of theirs as well.”
“You have my life, Valian,” Annodia declared, offering him her right hand.
“And mine,” Kethgeegan added, placing his hand under Annodia’s. A chirping noise sounded off from the bed and a purple-fleshed tendril moved under Kethgeegan’s hand. “Now that I understood.”
“No you didn’t,” Valian smiled, “but it isn’t too hard to guess. Then it starts here... it starts with us!” Valian put his hand on the top, knowing the others would not have accepted anything else.
“If it makes you feel any better,” K’Torru added, and Valian could feel something pressing down on top of his hand. “I am with you as well.”
“Then let the mayhem come,” Valian said softly.