One of the elders on the platform stepped forth. He introduced himself as Cardinal Alunetar Gracegiver. Cat noted in the past that several teachers and clerics of the seminary declared last names that were self-appointed. As the elder began to give his speech, Cat found it hard focusing on the words. Her mind drifted to the scenery, from the pennants flapping in the breeze, to the colored dress of the attendant worshippers of Abriana, and often to the young man that she loved. Trestan had all of his attention on the speaker.
At some point in the speech, the speaker mentioned something that jerked Cat’s attention back to his words. “…those who succeed will immediately leave upon their Embarking to begin your services to Abriana in whatever capacity you choose. Those who fail today’s tests will remain for another four months before being tested again. Pray to her for guidance, for there are always those who fail, and must remain behind…”
The words struck worry into the depths of Katressa’s heart. Those who fail today’s tests? Another four months? Uncertainty began to seep into her mind. Surely this should be the day that her and her beloved could ride away and finally be together again. If Trestan failed, how would he react when he heard about his hometown? Cat was upset with the notion that Trestan might not be leaving today. Had she misunderstood something he had said? Cat listened to the words of the elder, and her fears came to be realized. She began to understand why the field around the seminary seemed to be set up for a number of events. The senior acolytes would have to undergo a number of challenges this day, and if they failed they would be kept in the seminary for another four months of training, only to take the same challenges again during the colder month of Tiquierum.
As Cat pondered, the elder brought his speech to a close. “Go now to your visitors or sit and meditate on the virtues of the goddess. In a few moments we will start announcing names and having Abriana’s young chosen called to the various challenges that await them.”
Trestan walked towards Katressa as the acolytes dispersed into the crowd of onlookers. For his sake, she put her fears and worries into the back of her mind. One of Cat’s most alluring features was her smile, and she had one in place as Trestan came near. It had been a long enough time since they had last met and embraced and both were looking forward to the reunion. Trestan came up to her with a formal and respective greeting.
He took her right hand in his, “It is the finest day I could ask for, when both my goddess and my beloved shine their smiles upon me.” Trestan then bowed and kissed her offered hand.
Now that a formal greeting was finished, Trestan suddenly threw his arms around her in a warm hug. Cat giggled at the attention as they embraced and she found her lips trapped by his. The next minute was a flurry of kisses, hugs, and “I missed you”, repeated over and over. Cat was never sure if she would get used to kissing around his mustache, but at the same time she would miss it if it wasn’t there. The two remained lost in their own world as they embraced.
In the background, there were shouts that brought Cat back to the purpose of the occasion. The elders were reading off the names of the senior acolytes and assigning them to various areas of the field to face their final challenges. The two reunited companions enjoyed their embrace even as Cat tilted her head back to look Trestan in the eyes. His big, brown eyes were so happy to see her. She wanted to take him away from the seminary, make love to him, and enjoy life together. Of course, the repercussions of such a union always lurked at the edge of her thoughts. The half-elf would likely outlive Trestan for many years, and have to endure him growing old before her eyes. The uncertain pace of time worried Cat but she still loved Trestan. Therefore, it made every year, month and day even more precious. She hoped she would be taking him away from the seminary, and didn’t like the implications that Trestan might have to stay longer instead.
“My love,” Cat spoke, “What did the elder say regarding tests and challenges and the price of failing them? Is there a chance you might be called to stay here longer?”
Trestan frowned a bit, realizing he must not have explained all the ceremony in enough detail the last time he saw her. “We have to pass some final challenges in order to graduate and be able to leave the seminary. I wouldn’t worry about it much; it’s more of a formality. I’m sorry I didn’t explain it well before.”
Cat inquired, “Just a formality?”
The young man looked down a bit, “Well, it is possible that they may keep me here longer…if I fail the tests. Actually I do have a few classmates taking the challenges today that are here because they failed at the last attempt months ago.”
Trestan could see the way that Cat’s spirits fell at those words. Cat assumed Trestan interpreted it to be her sadness and disappointment that there was a chance they might not actually be together at last. He could not know there were other things that disturbed her as well. Inside, Cat was very upset at this unexpected news. She had waited long enough for him to be free of these walls, only to hear that she might have to wait longer. Additionally, there was the other fear that troubled her feelings and brought such disappointment to her face. His father needed him at this time, as there had been much suffering back at his home. Cat wanted to tell Trestan the bad news and get it out in the open. The temptation was there but Cat had to stop herself. Much as Trestan was needed at home, the last thing she should do was hit him with that awful news when his focus needed to be on the challenges of the day. If Trestan was distracted, if he failed to succeed in the challenges, he would not be allowed to go home honorably. How would Trestan react to the news if he had to stay another four months, into the fringes of the cold weather preceding winter? Cat wanted Trestan in her arms, but he was needed at home as well. Trestan simply had to win the challenges today.
Trestan ran his fingers lightly through her long hair, offering a gentle, comforting caress. He consoled her, offering words that responded to her unspoken thoughts, “Don’t you worry. I will succeed today. I have worked very hard for this day, and would not want to be separated from you any longer.”
Cat didn’t feel like smiling, but she did. The news from home would have to wait for later, lest Trestan’s concentration be shaken. Instead, she had to give him all her support. “Put your faith in your chosen path, Trestan. Be sure to pray as well, as that is essential if you are going to become a paladin. I know you can do it, and I’ll be with you here as you go through the challenges. Don’t be distracted by anything. Keep your mind on the tasks at hand.”
A voice called out from the platform. “Senior acolyte Trestan, report to the riding lane for the rings challenge.”
* * * * *
The students of Abriana at the seminary had different callings. Their final challenges reflected their chosen future in her service. Those who chose roles of clerics and preachers were given challenges that tested their wisdom, intellect and knowledge on various philosophical and arcane issues. Those who were following the path to be paladins, (such as Trestan), were given challenges that reflected combat, discipline and martial prowess, as well as some tests of knowledge and wisdom.
Trestan’s first test was one of martial ability. A jousting field had been set up with a number of rings hanging from bars. There were three rings total, starting large and ending small. Trestan was to gallop past each and skewer them on a long spear. A number of other acolytes and a few ordained paladins stood along the lane to offer encouragement.
Trestan led a horse to the starting end of the field. During his stay at the seminary he’d had the chance to work with several mounts. A dark, brown warhorse named Belgard served as his favorite steed. Aside from the horse’s left rear leg, the rest of the legs were white below the knee. It had another white stripe above its nose, which ended in an upward turned crescent moon shape above the eyes. Tall and muscular, he was trained to serve any warrior well. The warhorse stood tall and proud as Trestan double checked the straps and saddle. Trestan had spent many months becoming familiar with this horse’s habits. Belgard twitched his ears an
d listened as its rider spoke soothing words to it. Both Trestan and his mount were ready to face the challenge.
Cat drifted close to the riding lane to watch. As Trestan continued to get ready, the half-elf caught the attention of one of the other senior acolytes nearby. “Excuse me good sir, my name is Katressa Bilil. Pardon my interruption, but I was hoping you can answer a question.”
The senior acolyte turned to her with a smile. She had noticed him eagerly coming up to watch the ring challenge after succeeding at his own task a moment ago. The young man had correctly answered some philosophical question posed by the elders, though as Cat could see by his armor he was also a candidate for becoming a paladin. The young man displayed no beard or mustache like many of the other aspiring paladins. He did have long blonde hair that was tied into a ponytail behind his head.
He bowed gracefully to her and responded, “It would be an honor to serve, milady. I am senior acolyte Leander. How may I be of assistance?”
Cat indicated Trestan as he was hoisting himself into the saddle. “I came to watch my beloved, but dismayed to hear about the required challenges. I must ask: how many rings must Trestan take to win this challenge?”
The blonde student of Abriana gestured towards the rings. “He needs to take only two of the three. I know Trestan, and he would not be satisfied unless he takes all three. He has practiced at this event until he has gotten very good at it.”
Cat watched as Trestan shifted to get comfortable in the saddle. It then occurred to her that there was more she should ask while she had the chance. “Even if he passes this one, how many challenges are there? How many does he need to pass in order to go home today?”
Leander replied with a gentlemanly smile, “There are twelve tests, which mix combat prowess with knowledge of scripture and arcanum, as well as the ability to call forth the goddess’ miracles. If an acolyte fails two challenges, then their tenure at the seminary is not yet over. They will have to remain and study for several more months.”
Cat could not keep a smile on her face at the thought of Trestan not being able to leave. Leander attempted to reassure her. “Fear not. Trestan is very capable, and the goddess shines on him. If for some reason he fails, it is only because she wills it for the greater common goal. Try not to worry much about him, for he is a fine student.”
Cat could not be inwardly calmed by his words, not when it came to the importance of Trestan finishing his lessons and going home. She was silent, along with the rest of the crowd, as Trestan stood still and ready in the saddle on Belgard. A long spear was in his hands, pointing up to the sky in silent salute as he focused on the dirt path before him. Midway down the lane, an ordained paladin held aloft a red and gold banner of Abriana. Displayed on the banner was the coraross sigil. It was a very quiet moment. Encouraging words from the onlookers died out as silence reigned. A quiet hand signal was offered by one of the elders, and the paladin with the banner responded by dropping the flag down in a circular motion. As the sound of the rustling fabric from the snapping flag hung in the air, Trestan put Belgard into motion.
The young man yelled out as he began his first challenge of the day. “For Abriana and those that I love!”
Belgard lowered his head as his tensed muscles sprang into motion. Steel shod hooves pounded the soft ground as the beast of war lunged forward. As the first ring challenge of the day, Belgard’s pounding strides kicked up dirt clods from a freshly raked field. Cat’s heart quickened along with the crescendo of accelerating hoof beats. Trestan had his notched chin visor down, but it did not obstruct the goal from his eyes. Carried along on the back of the powerful warhorse, he gracefully started to lower the spear into position. The once apprentice smith of a small village was fast approaching the first ring, dressed in good armor of his own craft and guided by a religion that championed his ideals. His focus narrowed on that first large ring as the sharp tip of the spear lined up for it.
CHING!
The spear pierced through the hole of the ring as Trestan and his mount galloped past it. Cat smiled as the first goal slid down the length of the spear to rest against Trestan’s gloved hand. The first large ring trailed ribbons of red and gold as the warrior-in-training continued on to the second ring. Smaller than the first, it would naturally be a harder target on the back of a charging horse. Trestan never took his eyes off of it as every pounding step from Belgard thrust him down the lane.
Trestan stabbed the spear tip at the right moment. The shaft of the weapon penetrated the ring of iron, taking the second necessary ring that he needed. The middle ring slid down the length of the shaft to rest beside the first conquered ring. Cat could have yelled out in glee at that moment, but most were holding their silence as Trestan made the effort for the final, smallest ring.
Belgard’s hooves were digging up a cloud of dust and dirt as it charged down to the end of the lane. Some bystanders were already clapping at Trestan’s victory at the challenge. The young warrior paid them no heed as he judged the distance and angle to the final ring. Belgard’s strides were strong, but Trestan felt like he was flying along smoothly.
Cat saw the tip point out at the final ring, but the cloud of dust obscured her vision at the critical moment. For Trestan’s sake, she wanted him to come away with all three rings. Out of the blowing dust Belgard and his rider appeared as they slowed. The senior acolyte wheeled his mount around at the end of the lane and held his spear high. Trestan had skewered the third ring, which now rested alongside the other two by his hand. The crowd cheered at the young warrior. Trestan tilted his head back to the sky, probably voicing another prayer to his goddess at the completion of this first victory.
The elder supervising the test approached Trestan and made hand sign that was part of a blessing. “Abriana watches over you this day, my brother.”
The words were spoken at the successful completion of every test. Trestan handed the spear and rings to the others who would set up for the next acolyte’s run. Afterward, Cat’s chosen champion rode back to her with a smile.
* * * * *
The next event was decidedly more terrifying for Cat to witness. The half-elf noted an area akin to an arena, surrounded by spectators who were watching something from over a low wall. Trestan was standing beside Cat, though the young man remained rather silent. This was understandable, as Trestan had his mind focused on the importance of the tests this day. Cat did her best to relax him with comforting words and soft, gentle massaging touches. In the midst of talking to him, she decided to ask about the partially concealed arena.
“My champion,” Cat smiled, “What lies beyond those people there? It seems as if they are looking into a sunken arena of sorts.”
Trestan cast a worried glance towards the gathering. This was a challenge that he had not yet mentioned to Cat. It was one of the most dangerous challenges that any follower of Abriana faced. Acolytes knew of the seriousness and danger of this test early in their tenure. They accepted it as a necessary trial in order to become one of Abriana’s chosen. No acolyte could refuse to undertake this test without resigning themselves to failing the challenge ceremonies, thus continuing to study at the seminary for more months until they were asked to face the same trial again. They were allowed to fail when attempting it, but not to waive their participation without facing it. This test was at the core of their faith. It was a test of their ability to channel the miraculous powers of their goddess in the face of danger.
Trestan looked over to Cat’s eyes and explained, “It is indeed an arena, sunken into the ground and with high fences around the perimeter. It is part of a challenge that every acolyte must take this day, whether their pursuits are martial or academic, for it tests our faith.”
Trestan hesitated. One hand came up as he stroked and smoothed his mustache in silent thought. Cat watched him slide his fingers along his mustache. She knew it was a habit of his whenever he was in deep thought about something. He caught her gaze, dropped his hand, and tried to give her a reassuring s
mile.
“Cat, I’ll show you what’s over there but try to not be afraid. Even as I ask that, I know you will be bound to worry about me.”
Now Cat was nervous, more by the fact that Trestan told her not to be afraid than for whatever challenge lay inside that arena. As he guided her to the ring of spectators, he started to explain the challenge. “This is the challenge of the beast. Abriana’s love extends not only between the races, but also to the creatures of the lands. Many times animals of the wilds may attack men, but usually they have their own good reasons. They may be defending their family or property. In this test, a chosen of Abriana must face a wild beast, calm it, and then set it free.”
The two of them arrived at the side of the arena fence, allowing Cat to look down into the space below. She saw that the arena had an entry on the far side by which the acolytes entered and exited. There was not much room inside the pit itself. Another entry to the arena led from some animal pens nearby. It was discomforting for Cat to note the sounds of animal growls and snarls coming from the tunnel to the pens. There were several clerics of Abriana circling the top fence, as well as a couple near the entry points, yet there was little room inside the sunken area for comfort or mobility. Even as Cat and Trestan watched, another senior acolyte entered the arena to begin her test. The woman had short, curly brown hair. She wore some armor made of hardened leather, and yet carried no weapon. It seemed the woman had nothing but faith to protect her from the caged animal that would be introduced into the arena.
“That is Rhijin,” Trestan pointed to the young woman. “She is endeavoring to follow the call of a cleric. She bears nay weapons; nor will any of us on this test. It is not about defending yourself with weapons and armor. The challenge is one of faith and channeling of miracles.”
Cat shook her head. “I am opposed to this, Trestan. This display actually shocks me. They have enraged animals locked in cages here? And they set them loose in an arena with a lone student? That doesn’t sound like the tenets of your goddess to me.”
The Earthrin Stones 2 of 3: Trials of Faith Page 2