The New Guard (Crossroads Book 1)

by Matthew M. Johns

  “Deborah,” he breathed, “your birthday was. . .”

  Deborah blushed and bowed her head. “It was yesterday. I didn’t remember myself until last night during watch.”

  “Oh, honey, I’m. . .”

  “No, Dad, don’t. There’s been so much going on. Like I said, it wasn’t till last night when I had time to think that I remembered.” Deborah looked down, took a quick breath then made eye contact again. “Look, I’ll admit I was upset. Eighteen is a big deal, but what would fussing about it do? We’re all. . .” She paused once more and looked back at her brothers and sisters. “We’re all. . . adjusting. How much has complaining or throwing a fit gotten any of us? We could argue about how the situation is unfair, but we’d be no better off than we are now. I’m not saying I’m at peace about this; I’ve just come to accept it.”

  David shook his head and sorrow clouded his face. “I’m sorry, anyway. I’m sorry you and your siblings are going to be asked to make a great many more sacrifices to live a life you never dreamed of.”

  Deborah reached over and laid a hand on her father’s. “Just as you’ve told us hundreds of times, as we get older we get access to more of the world. However, that access comes at the cost of more responsibility. You can’t have more privileges, more freedom of choice, and more options without more responsibility.”

  David placed his other hand over his daughter’s. Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead, then pressed his forehead to hers. “I love you. May God bless you with some happiness and joy this year and those still to come.”

  After a moment, he broke contact with her and returned to his spot next to Hogan. Hogan had taken in the entire conversation and was still staring at Deborah when David rejoined him.

  “You have a remarkable daughter, sir.”

  Quietly David replied, “I’ve been blessed with many remarkable sons and daughters.”

  They brought the horses back to a slow walk before Hogan asked, “I take it that you just crossed over from your world?”

  David looked at Hogan, and his eyes seemed to be taking the measure of the younger man. Finally satisfied, he nodded and said, “We crossed over several days ago. We’ve had a time of it; nevertheless, my children seem to be taking it fairly well.”

  Feeling that David was not altogether comfortable about the subject, Hogan sought to change topics. “I’ve only heard legends of Truth Blades. Is it true that you are robbed of your freewill by the touch of your sword?”

  “No; God granted us free will, and He doesn’t intend to strip it away. Though I have the blade, I can still choose to follow or not. However, refusing to see, to hear, or understand the truth when it is wholly in front of you, vibrating through your soul, is nearly impossible. I can at any time choose to surrender the blade. I’ve been exposed to a great deal of true knowledge throughout the years, and surrendering the sword would not erase it. There is also the fact that at this point surrendering the blade would put me and my family at great risk. No, no creature touched by the Sword of Truth is robbed of free will, not even the demons. The Fallen Ones and other creatures of the Void have the truth of their lives thrust upon them when the sword touches or cuts them. Most times this truth is so unbearable that a mere cut becomes fatal.”

  Hogan took a moment to absorb this and then asked, “You mentioned using the blade to talk with my cousin; what meant you?”

  “I implied I would use the Sword of Truth in a discussion with Lord Avrant. The greatest use of the Sword of Truth is not as a weapon in physical battle, but as a tool to correct the assumptions of others. Though we are children of God, we surround ourselves with the trappings of the Lord of Lies. The Sword of Truth can hew through the veils of deceit to help people see the truth of life and come to agreement. I suspect, from Captain Yero’s response, that your cousin is surrounded by many falsehoods.”

  Hogan looked around, uncomfortable with the track David’s speech had taken. Then he lowered his head and whispered, “I fear a great deal of my family has.” Hogan then spurred his horse forward a few more feet and kept ahead of David for the rest of the trip to the stables.

  The group arrived at the stables a short time later. Fleet of Foot, Rock, and the children tended the horse with the stable staff. First Thunder finalized the delivery with the head steward. As David left the stables, he overheard the steward talking about tardiness and overworking the merchandise. David continued on his way, fully confident that First Thunder would get his due. Outside, Hogan had regrouped with Captain Yero and the other members of the patrol.

  “Sword Bearer,” Yero called to David. “I was just telling Lieutenant Hogan about our trip past the council meeting tent. They have apparently spent today arguing about whether to hold meetings tomorrow or to honor the Day of Rest.”

  Hogan spoke up quickly, “Captain Yero was of the opinion that your services could be used. I had not got around to reminding him that neither of us has authority to intervene in council matters.”

  David put up his hands to stop both men. “I’ve been told to come here instead of the Central Kingdom. I was told specifically to go to Council Rock. So whether it is your place or not, I’d very much appreciate an escort into the council meeting, and I appreciate you two volunteering.”

  Yero stood smiling while Hogan looked a little baffled. David enlightened Hogan. “The Sword of Truth is an angelic blade, and thus the wielder falls under direct service to the Lord of the Host. He issues orders, and I follow.”

  “Well then,” started Hogan, “I guess we’d be remiss not to take you into the council’s presence.”

  “Lieutenant Hogan has told me that your family has newly arrived from your beyond. Shall we show them to quarters while you are with the council?”

  David shook his head, “No, they will accompany me. I will only need to make my introductions to the council. Then if you would be so kind as to show us all to our accommodations, I’d appreciate it.”

  Yero bowed and then called over two of his men. A brief and whispered conversation took place and then the men ran off. Yero returned to David and said, “Your quarters will be ready before the hour is up. Do you require anything else before meeting with the council?”

  “No,” David replied. “Let’s get this over with.”

  Over the past two generations, the Council of the Seventh Kingdom had met outside the castle walls. This came about due to one queen’s objection of inviting the oft-times uncouth local leaders into her home. A large elaborate pavilion had been constructed on top of the very rock from which the kingdom’s capital derived its name. More often than not, the actual council meetings were not attended by the king or queen, but rather were overseen by their regent. Thus in recent years, seeing as their meetings didn’t allow the local leaders the opportunity to meet the king or queen, proxies were sent in their stead.

  Since neither the regents nor the proxies liked to bring bad news back to their superiors, these meetings became a great deal about maintaining the status quo and never accomplished much. However, this year was to be different. An increasing amount of tax revenue had gone unpaid, and the abundance of crop supplies was drying up. The king, Lord Avrant, was demanding a resolution be drafted that would solve these issues. The proxies were told quite explicitly that the blame was not be laid at the doorstep of their representatives.

  Over the past four days a great deal of arguing had occurred. The regent clearly stated the king’s goals for this council gathering. This statement was followed by many accusations as to who was to blame for specific problems. As each of the proxies combated claims laid upon them, they also pointed fingers at the other members of the council. Partway through the fourth day of bickering, the regent called an end to the day’s work, as it was clear nobody was ready to work toward the king’s goals. He stated that he expected them all to draft plans on how their superiors could accomplish the king’s desires. He then stated that he expected them all to present their plans in the morning for debate.

 
All of the proxies grumbled, but several of them stood indignantly. With much posturing, many claimed they were devoutly orthodox and could not conceive of working on a Sabbath. Others cited the orthodoxy of the region they came from as reason to not work the coming day. Then those proxies that did not cite religious objections, tried to argue for working through the Sabbath so as to just get the council over with. Several of them stated that their employers would not pay them for a day that was not used for work or travel. It was into this morass that Hogan and Yero led David and his children.

  When the new arrivals entered the tent, almost all of the proxies became quiet. The king’s regent stood puffing out his chest, on which he wore a silver seal from the king himself.

  “What is the meaning of this intrusion, master Hogan?” the regent asked imperiously. “Captain Yero, who are these rabble and what business do they have at the council’s tent?”

  A few of the proxies nodded their heads, making their faces look as indignant as possible. One proxy was even bold enough to shout out, “Yes, there is decisive business going on here.”

  Hogan stepped forward stiffly, his face red with embarrassment. He cleared his throat to speak; however, before he began, David rested his hand on Hogan’s shoulder.

  “Master Hogan, would you permit me to address these men in your place?” David asked, genuine respect lacing his words.

  Hogan nodded, a look of relief washing over his face. David stepped forward and took several seconds to make eye contact with each of the proxies and the regent. When he finally spoke, his voice boomed with authority.

  “My name is David Koen, Truth Blade.” David paused and let his first words sink in. The regent was mollified enough to turn pale. “I come by request of the King of Kings. By the power granted me from God on High, I speak. Those who doubt my claims can question my blade, the Sword of Truth.”

  With his last words, David drew the Sword of Truth from its sheath. The blade glowed ever so subtly, and a small ring resounded in the ears of all present. The two guards who had been lounging in the back of the pavilion stood quickly and began to draw their own weapons. Yero stepped forward, shook his head, and motioned for the guards to stand down. Both guards secured their weapons, but neither looked ready to be at ease.

  After half a minute the regent found his voice, “Truth Blade, we meant no disrespect. . .” The regent’s comment was cut short by one of David’s raised eyebrows. The regent took several seconds to clear his throat and start over. “It is well that you should be here; we have need of your services.”

  David looked around the room again and then sheathed his blade. “There is much to be done here, and I will help see that it gets done.” David looked directly at the regent. “Inform Lord Avrant that his presence will be required two days from now.” He then looked over to the proxies. “Inform, as well, your employers that the Truth Blade and the King will be present in council the day after the Holy Day. You will continue to stand in for them until they arrive to ratify the council’s decisions.” He scanned the room once more before concluding. “When God manifested Himself in the flesh to the chosen races, he performed miracles on the Sabbath. However, even the Christ knew to take rest. We will honor the Seventh Day by not spoiling it with arguing and complaints.”

  David turned and walked out of the still silent tent. He was quickly joined by Hogan, Yero, and his children.

  Yero was the first to speak. “That will ultimately make things worse.”

  David replied, “Yes, but now the various powers behind this boondoggle will have to come forward. If I were in a position to do so, I’d make sure the realm’s army was ready for anything.”

  Yero smiled and said, “I’ll do what I can,” then took his leave.

  David then turned to Hogan. “What title is the best to address you with: lieutenant, or master?”

  Hogan did not look at David; rather, he looked toward the castle proper. The young lieutenant had removed his helmet and felt awkward without all his armor in place and without the rest of his troops around. He fidgeted with the point of his right ear before he quietly responded, “Both titles have been granted me by my lineage. I’d like to think that under Yero’s guidance I’ve earned my military title. However, you probably should refer to me as master, as my family will respect that most.”

  David stopped walking toward the castle and put his hand on Hogan’s shoulder to halt him. Hogan slowly turned to David. David pursed his lips together and shook his head.

  “You speak of yourself as I’m sure many people have spoken about you. I may not be completely familiar with the dynasty of your family, but I know they pride themselves on their proliferation. It is not by them that I will judge you. I will look at you as you have presented yourself. Stand tall, for are you not a man created by God? Do you think your maker sees you as fifteenth of anything? What does it matter what others say of you if you are a man of Christ? It is through the sacrifice of the Christ that God says I cherish you. Seek to walk the way of the Word, and you will find your worth.”

  David looked back at his children. Most all of them had been listening as David spoke. The oldest three smiled at their father, having heard him tell them something similar when he had given them their coming of age ceremonies. Silas and Eve recognized the words David had spoken from talking to their older siblings. Silas’ mind began wandering as he imagined what his ceremony would be like, especially now in a place like this. Eve, on the other hand, was wondering if her father would even have coming of age ceremonies for them now that their lives were changing so much.

  As David turned back to Hogan, Eve looked over at Deborah’s left ring finger and the carved gold band with three small gems worked into the pattern and thought, He’s already forgotten his precious first born child’s birthday. How much more will slip past unrecognized? Surely. . . She stopped herself before she could think any further, though she could not completely obliterate the thoughts.

  “You really aren’t one to pull punches,” Hogan finally said. “You should refer to me as master when in the presence of the royal line, lieutenant in strictly military company, and Hogan will suffice in closed company.”

  “Very well, Hogan; I will require you to make my presence formally known to the king. Before you do that though, I would be most appreciative of quarters for myself, my family, and my traveling companions.”

  “Arrangements are being made to put in you in Way House. It isn’t as luxurious as Council House, but it is within the castle walls. I will send my own servants to see to your needs. The king may invite you to dinner, but I doubt he’ll extend the invitation any further than you. I would be honored if you would attend Sabbath service as my guest. Normally, I attend the soldier’s morning service instead of the king’s brief afternoon service. I’m not certain if Lord Avrant will invite you to that service.”

  “Thank you, Hogan. My family and I would be glad to join you for church. As for a second service, we will see what transpires at dinner.”

  Hogan bowed his head and resumed his course back toward the castle. David motioned for everyone to follow. As he began walking, Dinah ran up to him and took his hand. David looked down at Dinah’s beaming face and smiled back.

  “Daddy,” she said in an excited whisper.

  “Yes, Di,” David replied.

  “He’s an elf,” she finally giggled, “and our dog talks, and I rode a horse and camped out.”

  David shook his head and squeezed Dinah’s hand. “Seems to me like you’re having a great adventure.”

  “The Oswald boy gave Mary and me candy, but I didn’t like when the scary horses and dogs came. I’m glad you made them go away.” She paused, then very quietly added, “I miss Mommy.”

  David scooped up Dinah and held her tight as he walked. “I’ll do my best to keep the scary stuff away and get us back to Mommy. You just keep trying to be brave, and I’ll see if Hogan has any candy to share.”

  Dinah kissed David’s scruffy cheek and giggled a
t the feeling. She wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head down on his shoulder. She was asleep by the time they reached the castle proper.

  Chapter 12

  Though Dinah was the only one to voice it, the rest of the children were also feeling a great sense of adventure and trepidation. By the time Hogan had removed his helmet on the way to the council’s tent, they had all mastered not being completely surprised. However, most of them did stare at Hogan’s pointed ears and only looked like they were paying attention when he talked, because they were studying his slightly pointed, thin eyebrows.

  Hogan was not the only elf they had to observe either. While there were gaeder and some humans at Council Rock, the majority of people were elves. The servants Hogan set to help them get situated in Way House were also elves. The younger girls were amazed at the long, ornately braided hair that the female elves wore and ended up asking if they could have their hair styled.

  Hogan had been efficient in his instructions to his servants. As soon as they arrived they readied the wash rooms, drawing warm water into all three tubs. New clothes were laid out to replace the outfits soiled by travel. After the girls had bathed, the servants quickly cleaned out the wash room and redrew water for the boys. Hogan’s steward insisted that David be one of the first to wash, as he was to be attending dinner with Lord Avrant within the hour.

  When David emerged from the bath he was led into a dressing chamber, where he was fitted with new, more elegant clothes. He was told he would be allowed to wear his sword as it was the marker of his status, though no other weapons would be allowed. He finally rejoined his family shortly before he was to walk over to the king’s dinner. He was not surprised to find them all sitting down to their own meal, but he was taken aback to see Deborah standing by the door dressed more stylishly than he was.