by Daniel Fife
"As I told you when we first met, my father was a soldier in the military. He died during combat, fighting for his country."
"Yes, Squire Firoth, I remember and I must once again apologize for opening old wounds. However, it is not his past that I am interested in, it is his spirit. Do you consider yourself much like him?"
Danny dropped his gaze and shrugged. He was only five when he had learned of his father's death, but he could still feel the pain of the loss. "I didn't really know him. I was very young when he passed. My mother always told me that Father intended to leave his ring to me. It was a silver band, engraved with an eagle and it’s the only thing I remember about him. But… it was lost during his death."
"Do you remember any more details about the ring?"
Confused, Danny peered up and met Sir Syndil's steady gaze. "Why does that matter?"
"Never mind, Squire Firoth, I did not intend to upset you. I believe that is enough for this day," said Sir Syndil, as if sensing Danny's uneasiness. "I encourage you to practice what you have learned on your own." Sheathing his longsword, placing it back on the wall, he turned and added, "For the Light."
"For the Light, Sir Syndil," said Danny as he slipped his sword into the sheath.
He began the long walk back to the barracks, unsure about what had just happened between them.
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Chapter 19 - A Test of Strategy
fter lunch, Calador led the squires to a large structure overlooking the cresting waves of the northern part of the island. A short man was waiting just inside the building. He had thinning, brown hair, cut short; everyone could see that he brushed it over a small bald spot in the back of his head.
"Greetings, Sir James," said Calador as he entered.
With a slight twitch of the neck, Sir James adjusted his glasses, "Greetings, Calador. You have brought me the new batch of squires, I take it?"
"Indeed I have," said Calador, propping the door open, ushering the squires within.
"Ah, yes, please do come in and find a seat," as he pointed at a large number of short tables that made up the bulk of the large room.
Danny found a seat near the middle of the room. Chris followed and sat down in a chair at the same table, opposite Danny. With only two chairs per table, Matt claimed a seat opposite Doug and Alonso sat across from Anthony at another.
"Good, good," Sir James said with a series of quick nods.
"I will leave them in your hands, Sir James."
"Yes, of course, of course," Sir James said as Calador closed the door behind him.
Danny took the time to look at the table before him.
Made from sturdy wood, the table stood a little over a foot off the stone floor and measured four feet square, on both sides of the table stood a series of crafted miniatures. Molded in the likeness of knights, there was twenty to a set. Examining the small figurines, Danny marveled at the exquisite detail, they almost looked lifelike.
"Careful, Squire," Sir James said, suddenly behind Danny, "some of them don't like to be handled."
"Yes, sir," said Danny, placing the miniature back on the table. Confused by the cryptic statement, he gazed down at the figurine with a squint, almost expecting it to move.
"I am Sir James Wallen," began Sir James, this time addressing the class as a whole, "and I will be your instructor in the art of strategy." His head tilted to the side in a subtle tic. "This course will be one of the most important studies in your training. What you learn in this classroom will help you in the Great Dome once you earn your Bonded and join the ranks of an army. Within this room, you will all compete against each other in mock battles. You will learn to command armies of your own so that, perhaps later in your training, some of you will be able to attain the rank of lieutenant or possibly captain." After another sudden twitch of the head, Sir James continued, "Please take note that you are all sitting two to a table. The squire opposite you will be your opponent for this day."
Danny shot Chris a curious look; Chris returned the gesture with a shrug. Chris, well-known for his strategic mind on the wrestling mat, as well as his quick wit at Knights, would make a worthy adversary. Danny felt nervous, at the same time, he was excited to be facing his friend. However, before Danny could ponder the thought further, Sir James continued.
"The tables in front of you are imbued with the same magic as the Great Dome. For those of you that are not aware, the Great Dome can generate random terrain for every battle that takes place within. Therefore, no battle is ever the same. The miniatures in front of you will be your army. Once the battle begins, you will play the part of captain and tell your army where to go and what to do. Just like real Knights of the Light, every figure has certain strengths and weaknesses. It will be your job as captain to decide how to best use them on the battlefield. Are there any questions so far?"
Sir James waited for a hand that never rose. "Good," he said, with a quick tic of the head and a grunt to clear his throat. "The first round will be a practice round to get used to the controls." After another grunt, he produced a green sphere about the size of a marble that glowed with a soft jade-colored light. Taking the stone in hand, he touched it to the table.
Danny's eyes widened as the surface of the table changed from its original color to a dark brown. The surface grew rough as it turned to soil, thin stalks of grass began to sprout. Next, miniature trees grew slowly, pebbles and boulders popped up like popcorn, populating the surface. Lastly, the middle of the table bulged upward, creating a steep hill.
Gasps of amazement filled the room as Sir James made his way to each table in turn, touching it with the shining stone. Each table formed into its own distinct environment. Some became mountainous; others had valleys, rivers and even ponds.
However, the magic was not finished, the miniature knights stirred to life and formed a straight line at the edge of the table. Unsheathing their tiny weapons with soft rings of the metal, they stood at the ready.
A soft glow drew Danny's eyes back to his own table, one of his knights stood encircled in a globe of light.
"You will notice that one of your knights is surrounded by a circle of light," explained Sir James, before Danny could question him. "This simply means that it's that particular knight's turn. The movement of the knight is limited to the area within the light. You may use basic commands, such as advance, retreat, attack or defend. However, the commands you give are limited only by your imagination. You can make them charge, climb, or even dance if you so choose." After a quick jerk of his head, Sir James added, "Go ahead and give it a try, Squires."
Danny surveyed the field of battle for a brief instant before leaning over and saying, "Move forward and take cover behind the boulder directly in front of you."
The small knight paced forward with even steps, reached the rock, and ducked beside it, pressing his shoulder against the hard surface. The globe of light vanished and transferred to the opposing side of the table, illuminating one of the figures that belonged to Chris.
"That was a very good command, Squire," said Sir James between two quick twitches of his head.
"Thank you, Sir James."
"How long will it keep dancing?" a familiar voice shouted out, Danny recognized Matt’s voice.
The entire class turned and giggled, some even stood to get a better look as Matt's knight twirled and hopped in a graceful ballet.
"Until it is that particular knight's turn again," said Sir James with a smile.
Matt shrugged as his knight continued to dance.
"Leave it to Matt," was all Chris had to say on the subject.
"Now, the opposing squire should have a knight to move. Please do so whenever you are ready."
Chris nodded, took a slow and steady breath and said, "Charge forward and cut down anything in your way."
The figure instantly responded to Chris's command, sprinting ahead and cleaving into a small sapling that stood in its path. Cut at the base, the slender tree toppled over, allowing the knight to
bolt forward and then stop as it met the edge of the lighted area.
"Good, Squires, very good," Sir James said, making his way around the room. "Now that you have a basic understanding of the controls, I leave the battle to you."
"This is going to be fun," said Danny, as the light disappeared from Chris's figure and enveloped one of his own.
The battle progressed as Danny commanded the full complement of his forces up the middle of the table, toward the high ground of the steep hill. Chris split his army in half, sending a cohort of ten around the side of the table in a flanking maneuver, while the rest worked their way to meet Danny's host on the hill. A hard-fought contest ensued as Danny's army repelled Chris' frontal assault. However, as Chris moved the other half of his army into position, Danny had no choice but to fight a two-front battle. Attacked on both sides, Danny's army dwindled to the last figure, not without causing heavy casualties of his own. Chris, left with two miniatures remaining, waited for what would most likely be Danny's last turn.
Taking a deep breath, Danny sighed as he searched for some way to win. The globe of light lingered around his one remaining figure, surrounded on both sides by Chris' two remaining knights.
"A well-fought battle," encouraged Sir James, looking the table over.
Taking his eyes off the unwinnable scene below him, Danny turned toward Sir James and said, "I've lost."
After a sudden, uncontrollable twitch of the head, Sir James adjusted his glasses and said, "In every battle, there must be a winner and a loser, Squire. However, this battle is not yet over. It seems to be your turn."
"It's a two to one no-win scenario," pointed out Danny.
"There are countless battles throughout history where two on one would have been a blessing, Squire. There are those that have faced even greater odds and won the day."
Taking another deep breath, Danny turned and surveyed his last miniature, which stood at the top of the hill. With an idea in mind, Danny leaned toward the table and gave the figure a command. "Use your entire momentum, charge forward and run the knight in front of you through with your longsword."
The instant the last word left Danny's lips, the knight leveled his longsword and bolted forward. Both knights met with a crash as Danny's knight forced the opposing miniature back and over the crest of the hill. Both figures tumbled down the steep slope and stopped at the base of the hill. Danny's knight stood up, victorious. The halo of light left Danny's knight and appeared around the single miniature at the top of the hill, which belonged to Chris.
"I don't have enough movement to get to you, that's not fair."
"An excellent display of strategy, Squire," Sir James said, placing a steady hand on Danny's shoulder.
Danny looked up and smiled.
"Use your sword for leverage and push the boulder on your right down the hill toward the last remaining knight," said Chris, leaning forward.
Danny turned and watched as Chris's figure went to work, loosening the large rock at the peak of the hill and pushing it over the edge. The lopsided boulder tumbled end-over-end down the hill, slamming into Danny's figure, crushing it into the ground.
"Nice," said Chris as he threw his hands up in victory; the globe of light lingered on the only remaining miniature standing at the crown of the hill.
"Well fought, Squire," said Sir James, moving to the opposite side of the table.
"Epic game, man," said Danny, admitting defeat with a smile.
"Game!" voiced Sir James. "What you have just taken part in is by no means just a game, Squires. Each miniature that was defeated represents a life. Thirty-nine souls perished this day on one table alone. Any battle, mock or real, should always be treated seriously."
"I meant no disrespect, Sir James."
Sir James took a deep breath to calm himself as his head twitched to the side. "None taken, Squire, it's just that I forget the innocence of youth now and again. What are your names?"
"Chris Greene."
"Danny Firoth."
"Squire Greene and Squire Firoth, I must say, both of you show great promise. It was wise of you to separate your forces and attack from both sides, Squire Greene. It was also good strategy to secure the high ground, Squire Firoth. Both of you have strategic minds for the battlefield; I anticipate your ascensions to lieutenant, and possibly even captain, during your coming years at the Academy."
"Thank you, Sir James," they both said in unison.
"Good battle, man," said Chris, extending his right hand across the table.
"It is also more respectful to refer to your fellow squires by their rank. After all, you are both Squires of the Light now," Sir James added, striking off to observe the other squires in combat.
"I will win next time, Squire Greene," said Danny with a smile.
Chris chuckled, returning the smile. "I look forward to the attempt, Squire Firoth."
Looking around, Danny noticed that Matt's dancing miniature had ceased to move. It was apparent that Doug had used his army to crush Matt's forces as five of Doug's remaining knights surrounded Matt's one, ready to deliver the final blow.
Turning toward the opposite table, Danny noticed that Anthony and Alonso looked evenly matched; only two knights remained on either side. Both commanded their knights forward into combat. However, Anthony won the day with one knight remaining.
"Well done, Squires," Sir James said as the last battle ended.
Danny watched, mesmerized, as the large hill on the table receded into the ground; the trees shriveled up, before disappearing and the soil reclaimed the rocks and boulders, swallowing them whole. The knights, finished with their duty, stood up, sheathed their weapons, and marched back to the side of the table, where they stood once again, motionless.
"This concludes your first day of training," said Sir James, after a slight twitch of the head.
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Chapter 20 - A Well-Deserved Rest
he first week of training passed faster than Danny thought possible.
Each morning began with Sir Fredrick's increasingly lengthy run and rock chopping, followed, always, by techniques with Sir Syndil. Danny had grown accustomed to staying after class for some personal instruction, practicing the deep breathing and focusing techniques Sir Syndil was teaching him. After techniques and lunch, the days of instruction varied, the first day, of course, having been strategy with Sir James, a class that had become Danny's favorite. Tuesday was lengthy with a class on Shadow defense, taught by Sir Keargrow Pain, whose height, black eyes and grim voice gave Danny the creeps. Packed into the same day was a class on the history of the Light with Sir William Torjan, an old Knight of the Light with a soothing voice.
The following day, Danny attended a class with Sir Ranald Buttle, teaching Shadow lore, a subject that had begun to interest Danny more than any other. Thursday turned out to be rather boring, as Sir Rilix Grorgan taught Grey lore, a class that seemed more like social studies, followed by Dark lore with Sir Filix Grorgan. A class in defense against the magical arts, taught by Alamber Halfelvin, took up the majority of Friday evening. Danny realized that the Half-Elf had a way of making even the most boring subject somewhat entertaining.
The final day of the week, Saturday, introduced them to the unarmed arts, taught by Lady Guinn Wellington, a course in which Chris seemed to be un-paralleled. However, Chris seemed more focused on Lady Guinn than the course itself.
Sunday morning, Danny woke to the seventeenth chime of the eighteenth bell. He groaned as he sat up, his muscles were sore and aching. The first week of training was over, Danny welcomed the day of rest. However, now used to the routine of getting up, eating breakfast, and meeting Sir Fredrick for the morning run for the past six days, he had difficulty falling back asleep.
"I feel like I should get up and get ready," said Chris, verbalizing Danny's thoughts.
"Yeah, I can't go back to sleep either."
"Why am I awake?" Doug asked after the lingering hum of the eighteenth bell.
"I'm
hungry," said Alonso, tossing the covers from his body and standing up.
"Me, too," said Anthony.
Swiveling his legs over the side of the bed, Danny turned to find Matt sound asleep. Yawning and stretching, he said, "Somebody, wake Matt up."
They decided to get some breakfast.
In addition to sore muscles, Danny was half-asleep as he descended the stairs to the common hall and sat down at the long table to eat breakfast. Chris and Doug found seats next to him.
Before Danny could take his first bite, Doug reached out and knocked over a tall glass of milk. "Careful," scolded Danny as he turned toward his friend. However, Doug didn't hear him as he stared straight ahead, across the common hall. Danny followed Doug's gaze, watching as Briza gracefully descended the last step that led up to the girls' barracks.
"Just go talk to her, man," said Chris.
Before Doug could respond, Briza's attention focused on all six boys, lingering there for a moment, before she turned and began walking toward Calador.
"I think she heard you, man," said Danny.
"Elves," was all Doug said as he watched her with dreamy eyes.
"You really should talk to her," said Danny.
"I don't know if I can."
"I really do think she likes you," imparted Chris.
"Really, you think so?" Doug asked, raising both eyebrows.
Briza turned toward them and smiled once again before turning back toward the much taller Elf and her current conversation with him.
"See, man," Chris emphasized.
"Okay, I'm going to go talk to her," said Doug confidently. Getting up from the table, he walked over to stand near Briza and Calador, both still locked in conversation.
"What do you think his chances are?" Matt asked, once Doug was out of earshot.
"Zero, I predict an epic fail," said Alonso with a snicker just before stuffing his mouth with a piece of jellied toast.