The Paladin Archives Book Two The Withering Falseblade

by Jason Psilopoulos

  “Free me,” The voice whispered. Donavan opened his eyes, and for a split second, saw a flash of darkness across his vision. He went for his gun, but the shroud simply snapped away, leaving him next to the comm station again. The ground shuddered again.

  “You have the power to free me.” Donavan whirled around, and saw it again. A shroud of uneven blackness floating in the air. He pulled up his pistol and the cloak swirled for a second and vanished into nothing. Donavan pivoted around to make sure that the thing was really gone before he put his weapon away.

  “Dirk to Cortez,” he said after depressing the communication switch.

  “Sage here. I’m kinda busy Captain Sir.” Sage sounded almost cheerful as he said it. Donavan imagined him up to his armpits in electronics, grime on his face to offset his smile.

  “Where are you?” Sage answered truthfully.

  “Just finishing up a little work here in Engineering. The energy siphons were out of alignment. I was trying to correct a vibrational variance. That's the rumbles you felt.” Donavan nodded.

  “Nothing odd going on?” Sage was quiet for a moment.

  “No. But how do you define odd?” Donavan shook his head. Obviously, Donavan was the only one who’d seen the thing.

  “Apparently not the way you do.” Donavan could almost hear Sage frown.

  “Anything I can help with?” It took a moment, but finally Donavan decided that he needed a different opinion on the matter.

  “I think I need a paladin for this one.” There was a rustling sound on the line as Sage stood from his work.

  “I’ll meet you in the docking bay. If you’re going to see Marcus, then I’m coming along.” Before Donavan could protest, the line went silent. He shook his head again and smirked. Sage was nothing if not voracious when it came to tackling situations. He started for the door, but stopped. He listened for a moment more, and then headed out. He thought as he walked that maybe it was Drandis. He wouldn’t put it past his old tech sergeant to try to find a way to contact him.

  Except, that felt wrong somehow. Whatever this thing was, it was near. And it was not happy.

  Marcus watched as Ian and Aiko sat down, both feeling a little awkward. Neither of them looked at each other. They were both nursing their own small drinks of fruit punch, each watching the proceedings and trying to decide what to do next. Ian’s face kept changing back and forth. One moment, he looked to be screwing up his courage. The next, he was slumping down and losing his nerve.

  Aiko was no different in her mood changes, except that she kept opening her mouth to say something, then quickly deciding whatever it was she’d thought to say was ill-advised. In the end, Marcus figured they both were just too alike for their own good.

  Marcus danced slowly with Rebekah in that moment, and she was clearly getting annoyed that he wasn’t looking at her. She followed his gaze past the cameras and past the others dancing, seeing who he was focusing on.

  “Pathetic, aren’t they?” she said finally. Marcus shook his head in disappointment.

  “A matched set.” Ian had started twiddling his fingers, looking at the lighting next to him. Aiko was straightening her dress, and trying not to look nervous. After a moment, Rebekah started pulling Marcus in their direction. “What’re you doing?” he asked as she dragged him along.

  “Interfering,” she said simply. Marcus wasn’t sure he liked the way that sounded, but he followed anyway.

  “Marcus!” Ian sounded relieved. Marcus raised his eyebrows at his young pupil, and got the response he figured he would. Ian cowed a bit before him.

  “You know, you guys may think that this constitutes a date, but we’re getting complaints about you.” Both of them looked up at Rebekah. She had a half-pleased smirk on her face.

  “Complaints from who?” Ian asked. Rebekah tilted her head a little.

  “Me for one. You guys forget how to stand?” Marcus stifled a laugh in his hand.

  “What does that mean?” Aiko asked softly.

  “It means that bench isn’t going to grow wings and fly away if you guys stand up and dance a little. That’s why you’re here, right?” Aiko and Ian looked at each other sheepishly.

  “I do not mind,” Aiko said finally. Ian smirked.

  “I was hoping you wouldn’t.”

  “Oh please,” Rebekah groaned. Ian stood. Marcus could see the courage swell in him as he extended his hand to Aiko, who took it timidly. She arose and they walked to the dance floor. Marcus shook his head and chuckled inwardly.

  "You're right. Pathetic." Rebekah nodded as they watched Ian and Aiko fumbling as they began to dance.

  "And just a little sickening."

  Ian did his best not to look foolish as he danced with Aiko. He wasn't very good at dancing. His younger days hadn't involved much in the way of fancy footwork. He shuffled his feet around a little, trying to keep with the rhythm of the music. Of course, if he was making a fool of himself, Aiko didn't let on.

  "So," Ian started, his voice louder than he wanted it to be. "Why'd you become a samurai?" Aiko bit her lip a little, almost like she didn't want to answer.

  "It would take a long time to explain," she said simply. Ian smirked.

  "Oh, come on. It couldn't be that long a story." Aiko thought a moment and shrugged.

  "Let us say that I have a personal demon that I need to ensnare. I believe I can wrestle it to the earth like my father did. But beyond that, I am not ready to reveal why." Ian took that for what it was. He didn't want to press. Aiko took a deep breath.

  "Why did you become a paladin?" Ian smiled. She had turned it back at him.

  "I'm not one yet." Aiko's face pinched.

  "I was under the impression that so long as you desired to be, you were considered ready." Ian had heard something to that effect before. If he wanted to believe it, the belief would grow in him, and he would be ready.

  "I'm still trying to work out my faith," he admitted quietly. Aiko didn't show any signs of understanding. "Why don't we say that I ran into a few real demons, and I wasn't ready for my fight." Aiko nodded. "I'm not comfortable talking about it either." The two were silent for a long moment. That's when Ian started to laugh.

  "What is so funny?" Ian glanced over at Rebekah and Marcus, who had moved away from eaves dropping distance.

  "Those two probably think we're a couple of babbling idiots." Aiko looked over.

  "Why would they think such a hateful thing?" she asked innocently. Ian laughed.

  “They’re hopeless I think,” Marcus said finally, sweeping Rebekah back out to the floor himself. Rebekah didn’t protest. She was too busy enjoying Marcus’s rapt attention. She looked up into his eyes, and for the first time, she could see him looking back at her in the same way. It brought a glad smile to her face.

  “I’m in love with you,” Rebekah said finally. Marcus smiled.

  “Yeah?” Rebekah nodded, no waver in her eyes. Marcus smiled a little brighter and opened his mouth.

  “Ladies and gentlemen!” Sir Garamond was up at the podium, the music having come to a quiet end. Marcus turned his attention almost immediately. Rebekah did the same, but for a second, her face read of disappointment. She’d known what was about to happen. She’d been waiting for it for a long time now. But her luck with timing was still holding strong.

  “I would like to welcome you all to the Inaugural Dance of the Paladin Peace Games. Or the Littlefield Cotillion if you will.” Marcus took Rebekah’s hand as Vincent spoke, assuring her that he hadn’t forgotten her.

  “We are pleased to again hold the Peace Games. It is an event that as Paladins, we look forward to, as it is meant to foster friendship and friendly competition between nations. We are also pleased to welcome our distinguished competitors, who have come from far and wide to exercise their skills and if nothing else, give us a good show.

  “The Paladin Council, as it is so constituted, recognizes the two schools that have joined us of late on the Littlefield campus.” Vincent motioned to his
left. “Commodore Yarin Mattock, head of the Academy of Calidor.” The man stood, seeming small compared to Vince. He was dressed in his burgundy plate armor, which denoted his rank. “The Krossmen arrived only this morning, and we welcome them warmly.” Mattock gave his beard a wizened, arrogant stroke and seated himself. Marcus had met the man some years ago, and he still didn’t like him.

  “And also, we would like to welcome Hakai Shinji Tateishi, head of the Eriko Samurai Conservancy.” On Vincent’s right, a very young-looking man stood, his face long and severe. He had the cold stare of a man that had seen too much of war in his life, yet he scarcely looked older than Ian. He bowed curtly to the assembled crowd and took his seat.

  Marcus had never met Shinji Tateishi. Other than Aiko, he hadn’t met a Samurai from Eriko at all. He knew for certain that Hakai was a rank among them, something akin to a revered instructor. But Marcus had never bothered to learn Erikan, so the terms were lost on him.

  “It is pleasing to have these two nations in attendance, as they have been at war for some time now. They have put aside their differences to compete, and we hope this gesture will carry forward from these games.” Vincent paused for effect. “Though these represent a great many of our competitors, they are just a few of the many who have come to participate in our Games. We welcome participants from not only Eriko, Calidor and Littlefield, but also those from Norik, Meridian City, Vivica, Riamoa and all other nations represented here tonight. May the spirit of the games drive you to do your best, and may you leave here with a sense of brotherhood when we conclude.” Vincent stopped, looked at his notes and cleared his throat. Marcus watched him for a moment, noticing the tension seeming to set into his posture. What he was about to say, he clearly didn’t feel comfortable saying.

  “And now, as a matter of formality, Sir Lefein has asked that I introduce our sponsor for the Games. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give a warm thank you to Fall Memoria Publishing.” The crowd didn’t seem all that enthusiastic about giving their applause as the banner behind Vincent gave way to the symbol of Green Tree Entertainment, but they obliged anyway. Marcus gave the leafy pattern that hung behind Vincent a curious stare. Something about it seemed familiar.

  “So now that all the formalities are out of the way, let’s get back to it.” Vincent seemed relieved to be done. “Maestro!” The music came up full again and Marcus shook himself. He didn’t want to think about the Games just yet. He wouldn’t be competing for a few days anyway. Instead, he swept Rebekah back into his arms and dipped her deeply. She giggled a little as he did it.

  “Sir Kasidyne?” a small, familiar voice said from the left. Marcus turned and saw Mary there, her hair done up, her glasses missing and a dress that seemed a little big on her, untidily pinned in around her form. Marcus did a quick double take and smiled.

  “Miss Wyllder. What a surprise. I didn’t think you were coming.” Mary shrugged a little, causing the dress to shift slightly on her shoulders.

  "Uh, Marcus?" Marcus looked down at Rebekah, whose face was starting to flush as she hung there.

  “Oh!” He lifted Rebekah back to standing as Mary smiled sheepishly.

  “May I cut in please?” Rebekah chortled a little and got an embarrassed look from her dance partner. She nodded bemusedly and turned him over.

  “Go ahead.” Rebekah leaned into his ear with a smile. “I told you,” she whispered. Marcus had to reach down a ways to dance properly with Mary, but he didn’t mind.

  “So, who’s your date at the last minute anyway?” Mary grimaced a little. She glanced over at the refreshment table at her beau for the evening. Jack stood, rocking on his heels nervously. “Jack Roykirk?” She nodded grimly. “I thought he had a date already?”

  “So did I. But you know Jack.” Marcus nodded. He certainly did. Jack gave Marcus a manly head-bob, signaling that he saw them. Marcus returned it graciously and looked down at his partner.

  “I take it he owes you a favor then.” Mary smirked.

  “And I’ll make sure he pays up, believe me.” Marcus could hear the mischief in that statement. He smirked a little. “But I came because I wanted to talk to you about something.” Marcus could feel a conversation coming that he didn’t want to deal with. He glanced at Rebekah, who waved at him coyly. She’d said it once before. She’s got a crush on you, you know. Marcus felt a small wave of panic set in.

  “All right. What’s on your mind?” May as well keep it casual, he thought. Mary glanced to the side and frowned.

  “What do you do when you like a man who likes someone else?” Marcus took in a slow breath. This was it.

  “I’m partial to women personally.” Mary frowned. “Not the time for jokes?” Mary shook her head. “Well, first I try not to make a fool of myself.” Mary’s eyebrows came together. Unlike Ian, Mary obviously didn’t get the message. “You sure you don’t want to talk to Rebekah or your grandmother or something?” Mary shook her head.

  “No. I need to know what to expect from Ian before I say anything.” Marcus nearly swallowed his sash.

  “Did you say Ian?” he said as he cleared his throat. Mary nodded. “Ian SODARO?” Marcus took a few looks in Ian and Aiko’s direction and tried his best not to laugh. “Well, I’d . . ..” he stopped. His brain was still trying to process what he had just heard.

  “You know him better than anyone else in the area. I want to know about him.” Marcus allowed himself a minute to laugh inwardly. Chuckles started creeping out and Mary looked offended. “You’re laughing!” Mark tried to wave her off, letting out a bemused sigh. He stopped dancing for a moment and looked her in the eyes.

  “Look, Ian’s new to relationships. If you’re serious, then wait. Friends first.” Mary nodded again. Marcus glanced over at Rebekah, who was chuckling behind her hand. He gave her a quick shake of the head and turned his attention back to Mary.

  “But what if I don’t want to wait?” Marcus stopped dancing and took her hands in his. Mary had her complete attention locked on Marcus’s eyes.

  “The worst thing you can do to yourself is try to insert yourself into someone else’s life. Don’t do anything. If it’s right, it’ll happen. If not . . ..” Marcus let that trail off a moment. Mary seemed to understand. Still, she shrank a little, not completely pleased with the new advice. Marcus frowned. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t go cut in on his dance, now does it?” Mary smirked a little.

  “You think he’d be okay with that?” Marcus nodded.

  “I think he’ll be fine. Just watch it around his date.”

  "She dangerous or something?" Mary asked. Marcus shook his head.

  "I don't think so. But . . . Well . . .." Marcus wasn't sure what he was thinking. "Don't worry about it. She'll live." Mary smiled and moved to go cut in on Ian’s dance, then turned on her too large heels and gave Marcus a quick kiss on the cheek. He smiled as he watched her make her move. Aiko looked a little put out, but Marcus was right. She’d live. Ian glanced up to see Marcus, who gave him a simple nod.

  “Can’t wait to hear what that was about,” Rebekah said from behind. Marcus took her hand and grinned.

  “You wouldn’t believe it.”

  Uther sat alone just outside the borders of the dance, partially hidden in shadow. He was not there to participate. Not that he thought it would matter if he tried. He figured the outcome would be the same. But his attendance was requested at the Cotillion, so he did his very least to be there in the periphery, and busied himself with meditation.

  He was still trying to ponder what was going on around the campus. The presence he had felt in the Holodrome was not here tonight as yet. But Uther had learned to be diligent in discovering truth. Since most of his night would have been spent getting rejected by girl after girl for dances, he figured it was best if he used his time in a more efficient manner. Meditation seemed like the best plan.

  His senses could feel the emotions on the dance floor. Trepidation, nervous energy and a lot of amorous sentiments mostly. There were a f
ew people who seemed to have a mischievous air about them, but Uther sensed nothing of malice or rage. It was what one would normally feel from a party.

  “Do you ever NOT meditate anymore?” a biting voice said from the left. Uther didn’t need to open his eyes to know that it was Ellis.

  “I have no date, nor am I a six-foot-tall human male with a perfect smile so there is no point in wasting my time attempting to gain favor with the females here. They all seem somewhat caught away in what they see,” he said quietly. “My father taught me not to waste my time in fruitless pursuits.” Ellis looked at the dance, just a few feet away from them and frowned.

  “Yeah. But sometimes, fruitless stuff is fun.” Uther cocked an eyebrow. That was an odd thing for Ellis to say. But Uther had a feeling he knew what Ellis was getting at.

  “You wanted to be out there,” Uther asked. Ellis nodded. After a long moment, Uther stood following Ellis’s gaze across the floor, past the myriad of couples dancing, and saw what he was staring at.

  “I don’t have weak beliefs, do I?” Ellis asked. Uther could see the struggle in Ellis’s face as he watched Mary Wyllder laughing with Ian as they danced. Uther gave himself a moment to sense Ellis’s thoughts. His usual rage and combative nature were diminished by confusion.

  “Did she say that?” Ellis nodded, chewing his top lip a little.

  “Right to my face.” Uther watched Mary along with Ellis and tried to think of what he could say.

  “Ellis, I know we are not exactly friends. Though I would like to think that if I do have any, you would be one.” Ellis glanced at him only slightly, betraying his own surprise. “As a potential friend,” he continued, choosing his words carefully. “I think what Mary has told you is that you need to consider why you are here.” Ellis didn’t say anything. He wouldn’t allow himself the luxury of a statement. He’d been talking too much lately.