by Tom Burton
“Conviction, Aaron! There were two or three moments then where you could’ve exploited my moves. You need conviction in fights!” Jaylen barks. Then he helps Aaron up. “Come on, let’s have five minutes,” Jaylen suggests. They walk to the edge of the courtyard.
They watch as Daniel and Laura practice together. Daniel has improved, even though he was highly accurate from the start.
“I’ve been thinking, Aaron,” Jaylen says. Aaron turns to look at Jaylen. “This missions of yours…you three are simply not ready.”
Aaron is taken aback by this bold assessment, and Jaylen holds up a hand to stop Aaron’s protest. “Before you start verbally assaulting me, I think we both can agree that you need some protection on this journey.” Aaron wipes the shock from his face and acknowledges the truth of Jaylen’s statement. Seeing this, Jaylen continues, “Well, it would be an honor to serve the king by helping you with this mission.”
Stunned by the offer, Aaron can only think to say, “But the Lord Commander’s place is by the king’s side.”
Jaylen frowns at this. “The Lord Commander’s duty is to protect the king. If you are not successful in your mission, then these rabble-rousers will eventually get enough followers that we could have a civil war on our hands. I’m sure your friends in the West would like to weigh in on that.”
Aaron replies, “I’m honored by your offer, Lord Commander Vance, I meant no offense. I suppose we can ask the king. I’ll be glad for your company and your protection.”
Jaylen nods at this, and says, “We should go request permission from the king now. No sense in waiting.”
The Lord Commander parts ways with Aaron to clean up before going to see King Edmund. Aaron quickly cleans up and puts on a clean set of clothing, and hurries to meet Jaylen outside the Royal Chambers, having been told that King Edmund is working in his private study there.
Aaron marvels at Jaylen’s calm demeanor, considering what they were about to ask of the king. As the Lord Commander asks an attendant to inform the king of their presence, Aaron does his best to mimic Jaylen’s self-control. The attendant returns within moments and ushers them into the king’s study, pulling the door closed behind him as he departs.
“Lord Commander Vance! Aaron! How goes the training?” asks King Edmund. “It is going well, I hope.”
“It is, your grace,” replies Jaylen. “However, despite Aaron’s quick mind and able body, a few days of training simply isn’t enough for him to adequately protect himself on a mission of this nature.” Jaylen delivers this assessment in a clipped voice, as if making a report on a regiment’s training maneuvers.
King Edmund frowns thoughtfully at this. “That is certainly reasonable, Lord Commander. After all, it takes years of practice to master the sword. Do you suggest we send a few hand-picked soldiers with Aaron and his friends?”
“With respect, my king, given the sensitivity of this mission and the assumption that the group must remain small to avoid suspicion, I suggest that I accompany young Aaron and his friends on their journey to the North.”
Edmund stares at his Lord Commander in shock. “Absolutely not! There is no way I’m letting my Lord Commander leave this castle in the middle of civil unrest in the capital. The people may think we are abandoning them!”
Jaylen’s voice softens just slightly, reasoning with the king. “Your grace, sending me to Redlock to deal with this will help with this unrest. When we come back, they surely will trust the report of the Lord Commander. And when we tell the people that there is nothing there, then they are sure to calm down.” The king glances at Aaron briefly before sitting back in his chair. Jaylen looks at Aaron, then back at the king, sensing something was wrong.
“What is it?” Jaylen asks.
Eventually Aaron speaks up. “We have reason to believe that Mutaro could actually be there.”
Jaylen’s jaw drops open for a moment, and then he regains his composure. He says, “My king, if this is true, then the boy needs someone protecting him. We need to know, not for the sake of calming down the unhappy folk, but for the kingdom’s safety.”
After a long pause, the king nods slowly while gazing at the floor. Then he raises his head swiftly and fixes Aaron with a piercing look. “But you bring him back in one piece, Aaron Silver,” King Edmund says firmly. Stunned as much by the king’s tone as by his permission, Aaron stutters, “Th-Thank you, your grace.” Jaylen turns on his heel to leave, pulling the door to the study open.
“Aaron, wait,” says the king. “Lord Commander, you may do whatever is needed to prepare for your departure.” Jaylen nods and departs.
“Come with me to the throne room, Aaron. I have something for you,” Edmund says. Aaron nods just as Jaylen did, and the two then walk to the throne room.
When they enter the throne room, Aaron sees a small rectangular box at the foot of the king’s throne.
“As you may run into trouble in the North, I thought you should have a sword worthy of the mission you are about to embark on. I found the finest blacksmith in Dellmoor and had this made for you.” The king picks up the box and opens it, facing Aaron. Stunned by the king’s kindness, Aaron looks inside the box. A freshly forged sword glints in the light of the torches lining the walls. Aaron squints at the quillon, where the blade meets the hilt. He sees that the initials GS have been engraved.
“GS, for Greyshore,” says the king gently. “So that wherever you go, whatever you run into, your home will be with you.” Aaron carefully removes the sword from the box, holding the blade up and twisting it to catch the light. King Edmund places the box on the floor and lifts a scabbard out of the box. With a gesture, he offers to buckle the scabbard around Aaron’s waist.
“Thank you, your grace. It’s as fine a blade as I’ve ever seen, although that’s not saying much. I’m sure it doesn’t compare to your sword.”
The king smiles and unsheathes his sword in a smooth motion. The blade seems to shine more than a normal sword, and Aaron’s sees a crown above the quillon, the blade seeming to leap out of it.
“This is the Sword of Neroman, Aaron. It represents the responsibility of protecting the Kingdom, and leading mankind through any evil and into the light again. So long as a human wields it, then our race holds the hope of a brighter future.”
Aaron sheathes his sword in the unassuming but exceptionally well-crafted scabbard. A serious look passes over his face, and he turns to King Edmund. “My king, I am grateful beyond words for this gift, and for believing me and allowing Lord Commander Vance to accompany me. But may I make another request of you?” Edmund’s lip twitch in a small smile, and he gives Aaron a small nod. “Could you send a messenger to Greyshore for me, to tell my father what is happening? He is Robert Silver, and I’d like him to know that he and my brother are in my thoughts.”
King Edmund nods in approval and says, “I will send a man at first light tomorrow, I promise.” The king extends a hand to Aaron, and they shake hands. “Make sure you come back, Aaron. Make sure everyone comes back,” the king requests.
“I will, your grace,” Aaron says, wondering if he will actually be able to keep that promise.
Within the royal castle, Daniel is packing in the chambers. He mumbles the equipment to himself, concentrating that he has everything. Jaylen appears and knocks on the open chamber door; Daniel turns to see him.
“Is it time already?” Daniel asks nervously,
“Not yet,” Jaylen replies, as he slowly walks over toward Daniel.
“Is your surname Rane?” Jaylen asks keenly. Daniel stops packing and slowly turns around.
“Yes it is.” Daniel confirms. Jaylen pauses for a few moments before continuing the conversation.
“Come with me,” Jaylen suggests and walks out of the chambers, into the corridor. Daniel slowly follows him. As the two walk slowly side by side in the corridor, Daniel slowly becomes nervous thinking abou
t what Jaylen is going to reveal.
“Do you know your father?” Jaylen asks. Daniel is clearly irritated by this question, but attempts to calm himself.
“He died on the day I was born. My mother won’t even tell me his name.” Daniel answers. Jaylen chooses to not respond, which further irritates Daniel. They eventually reach a locked door. Jaylen gets a key and opens the door; Jaylen and Daniel both walk in, and Jaylen closes the door behind him. Within the room is a circular table and two chairs, accompanied with a small bookshelf.
“What are we doing here, Jaylen?” Daniel asks, but Jaylen does not respond; instead he approaches the shelf and retrieves a large book and places it on the table.
“Rumors have it that the first village attacks took place twenty years ago: the assault was on a small dock town in the far North.” Jaylen explains, as he opens the book and starts looking for a specific page.
“Many soldiers died fighting, including the Lord Commander, Karl,” Jaylen continues. He finds the page he is looking for and shows it to Daniel. Daniel reads and finds that Karl’s last name is Rane.
“The Lord Commander that night…was your father!” Jaylen summarizes. Daniel is stunned! He puts his face in his hands and starts breathing heavily.
“How do you know all this? How can you be sure?” Daniel asks softly but in confusion.
“A young soldier came to the capital weeks after the attack. She was the informant of Lord Commander. Three ships and a rowing boat made it to the Western shore…you and your mother were on that rowing boat.” Jaylen explains further. Daniel, in shock and disbelief, approaches a wall; he leans on it and slowly slides down to a sitting position.
“Why would Mother not tell me this?” Daniel asks, still perplexed. Jaylen walks over to him.
“After the Capital was told of the attack, we assumed the West was the culprit. There was always a conflict between the two states, but this would take it to another level. Your mother would not risk people knowing that the Lord Commander’s son was living in the West.” Jaylen explains while grabbing the open book from the table and gently placing it back on the bookshelf.
“Aaron won’t believe this.” Daniel says softly. Jaylen then quickly turns around and locks eyes on him.
“Under no circumstances can you reveal this information to anyone.” Jaylen orders. Daniel looks toward Jaylen, confused.
“We are about to head outside of the Capital to stop the protesting. If this information is leaked, it will only make things worse,” Jaylen explains. Daniel sighs in agreement. Jaylen walks up to him and offers a hand; Daniel accepts and Jaylen lifts him up.
“Grab your stuff, it is almost time to set out,” Jaylen orders, as Daniel leaves the room with haste.
Near the city gates, the four are ready to head out. Daniel turns behind and sees Laura standing near one of the stalls, staring back at him. Daniel walks slowly toward her.
“You leaving then?” Laura asks nervously.
“One more check through for everything, and then yes, we’ll be going,” Daniel replies. The two simply stare at each other for a few seconds, before Laura looks at the floor.
“Remember what I taught you,” Laura says while lifting her head up. The two smile at each other again and give each other a tight hug. Daniel struggles to turn and walk away, but does so eventually. As Daniel walks away, Jaylen approaches Laura—her stance changes from casual to military.
“You have command of Dellmoor while I’m gone.” Jayson orders. Laura nods.
“Good luck, sir!” Laura replies. Jaylen walks back to the group.
As Jaylen joins the others, the check is almost complete. Aaron has his Greyshore sword and cold visions medicine. Sam has his two history books and a map of Neroman. Daniel and Jaylen are carrying the majority, with Daniel also carrying his bow and arrow. Jaylen is carrying a spear and a two-handed sword but no longer wearing his Lord Commander armor; instead, he is wearing common merchant wear, matching with the others in the group.
As Jaylen uses hand signals and commands one of the watchmen to open the gates, the four get ready to go, and as they are moving, Sam stays behind, seemingly frozen.
“Aaron…” Sam shouts, as the three turn and notice him standing at the gate.
“…Do you think we’ll make it back?” Sam asks. Aaron walks back to Sam and puts his hand on his shoulder.
“No…but we’ll be together no matter what.” Sam nods and joins the others, and they then begin their journey.
Back at the king’s chamber, the king is looking over the balcony, and sees the four walking out of the city. The queen, now standing behind him, asks, “Do you think they’ll make it back?” She asks, the king continues looking at the four, and he eventually replies, “I don’t know.”
As the site of Dellmoor gets smaller and smaller behind them, Sam continues to lead. Jaylen occasionally turns around to check on others. Aaron chooses to gather more information about Jaylen: “So how did you get to the Lord Commander of the Royal Army then?” Jaylen pretends to ignore Aaron and continues looking around; eventually, he looks at Aaron cautiously and begins to answer.
“My parents both died when I was very young, but as I was already living in Dellmoor, it became easy to enlist. From there I pushed myself; I’ve never had known any other life than the one in my armor, and I wouldn’t change a thing.” As Jaylen speaks to Aaron, Daniel turns to smile at what Jaylen must say, but continues to stick with Sam.
Hours pass, and the sun begins to set; the darkness begins to creep into the floor. Daniel and Sam are almost finished building the camp for the night, whereas Jaylen continues to train Aaron on sword combat. Aaron begins to successfully deflect Jaylen’s lunges, and even manages to put Jaylen on the floor. They both smile, as Aaron offers a hand and helps him get up. The camp is complete. Sam sits by the newly created fire and continues reading his new history book, whereas Daniel creates a target cross on the nearest tree, and starts shooting at it, hitting it almost every time.
Once the three finish their training, they all join Sam around the fire.
“So how long have these protests been going on?” Aaron asks Jaylen.
“Long before you entered the Capital, but as they slowly figured out that the men sent to Redlock never returned, the protests spiked.” Sam puts his book down to pay attention to Jaylen, while he continues talking,
“I fear that if we don’t return with good news, then we’ll destroy ourselves even before this enemy attacks, whoever the enemy may be.” Aaron then begins to look around the fire, with a worried expression on his face.
A few days pass by. Aaron, Daniel, and Jaylen continue following Sam’s lead, who is still looking confident of where he is going. Jaylen then tells Daniel, “I’ve watched you hit your target many times that I would only count on one hand an imperfect shot from you. You’ve even impressed Laura, which is not easy.” Daniel then quickly turns to look at Jaylen, and then begins to stutter, “There’s nothing going on between us, Sir.” Jaylen simply chuckles at the response. “I’ve known Laura for a long time. I’ve never seen her smile as much as I have when she is with you. So, as the Lord Commander, you have my blessing.” They both smile at this.
Once again, as the night draws in, the four set up camp and continue training. As Daniel continues training, Jaylen approaches him. Aaron and Sam are sitting around the fire. Daniel fires his final arrow, and he once again hits his target. Jaylen smiles and says, “No matter what happens, once we get back, I’m enlisting you into straight into the Royal Army.” Daniel stands in stunned silence for a second, then he turns to look at Jaylen. Jaylen continues, “You won’t be a recruit, you’ve done your training, I’m placing you as official soldier of Neroman.” Jaylen opens his hand out for a handshake. Daniel, still shocked at the proposal, fails to reply verbally; instead, he slowly reaches his hand out for a handshake.
“Is this becaus
e of my father?” Daniel stutters; Jaylen nods.
“Yes, I met your father once. I was training in Dellmoor while he was Lord Commander. He had astounding leadership qualities, and he was great fighter. But most importantly, he had the respect from everyone around him. Some argue that he earned more respect than the king! I am seeing the same qualities come through with you.” Jaylen continues to explain. Daniel smiles at his comment, as the two slowly join Aaron and Sam by the campfire.
The four then sit around the campfire, with Daniel wearing a huge smile on his face. Before anyone can say anything, they here a growling noise surrounding them. They immediately start to locate the noise hastily, but fail. However, they stand in caution. The growling continues, rather gets louder and louder. Suddenly, they spot a grizzly bear in the woods. The bear is closest to Aaron, but Aaron fails to draw his sword. As the bear looks to attack, a spear flies from behind Aaron, past him, and into the bear’s chest. The bear screeches and falls on the floor. Aaron turns to find Jaylen walking past him and pick the spear up.
“Thank you,” Aaron says, seemingly out of breath. Jaylen looks toward Aaron, “If we are going to complete this mission, then we all have to have the conviction to kill, if we don’t, we die.” Jaylen then storms past him, and Aaron hangs his head.
As the sun rises on the camp, the four slowly awaken and resume their journey. The weather continues to turn overcast, with an occasional spitting of rain. They slowly walk down a narrow path between the dense forests. But from a distance, they can see a blackened city stretched over miles, seemingly destroyed and burnt down, with some remnants. The four stop to look at the damage of this forgotten building, but Sam is peculiarly interested; he gazes in awe.
“What is that?” Aaron asks, continuing to stare at this huge structure. Sam explains,
“It was the City of Meldom, the city which wizards built near the end of their reign. It was the heart of the country; all types of people lived here. Through trade, it connected the far reaches of the country. It summed up the peace and harmony with which the people lived. It was famously known as the ‘Unofficial Capital of Neroman’. But then the War broke out, and this was one of the first casualties, as both forces clashed at their strongest.” As Sam finishes, the four continue to observe the city. Daniel asks, “Was it bigger than Dellmoor, Sam?”