“He would be a proficient boy, Felinius.”
“One of these recruits, Herod. Any of these recruits. Hell, you miss a week, it may be all the edge he needs,” cautions Felinius.
“This is why I have you in my employ, is it not?”
“Among other things.”
“Speaking of other things,” says Herod, changing the subject.
Felinius looks up at Herod, half in anticipation and half dread. “You have a task that doesn’t involve murder and sabotage? Diplomacy, perhaps?”
“Something akin to mind.”
Felinius seems curious. “Well, if it is something that involves diplomacy, there must be a reason that you would send me and not one of the Councilmen you hold in gold-lined pocket.”
“I could never send one of them. They are too valuable. I need all of their votes if I am going to usurp the King.”
“And I am dispensable?”
“No, of course, not. You are closest I have to full-fledged knight, but should troubles arise, you will be the only one who can make it out alive. I send a Councilman, and they could be abducted for ransom. The Visi-Gauls are much chagrined over the fall-out from negotiations.”
Felinius laughs. “Fallout from negotiations. That is puffery, isn’t it, Counselor.” Felinius looks at Herod in an accusatory way. “You instigated fallout when you purposely let slip Gilleon’s vulnerability to Jason. You insulted him and then instructed him how to make a blow on own country like a hind-serpent that leads the badger to her own nest of eggs.”
“A necessary slip to hamper relations with Gilleon - one we will use to capitalize on. No one outside his circle heard it. We will use it to fortify our own union with Visi-Gaulia. At least a temporary one,” says Herod with a conspiratorial wink.
Felinius grows indignant. “Do not speak to me as if I am your imbecilic son, Herod. “Herod’s cheeks flush red, a look of consternation on his face. Not even the boy had been so disrespectful.
Felinius continues. “You knew the Knights would go into battle against the Visi-Gauls. If Jason had defeated the knights, you would be clear of their menacing presence. You could sweep in to secure relations. And yet, even if the Knights proved victorious, which they were, you would still retain rights to the mines with the annihilation of tiresome army. Either way, you were hard set to advantage.”
Herod approaches Felinius angrily. “I will forgive slight of son this once.”
“Because you have to,” interjects Felinius. “You need me, and I am not so indispensable. And we both know insult to be true. You would be wise to remember your place, counselor.” They both stare at each other for several seconds, menacingly, unwavering.
“Anyone else in mind to send, Herod?” Felinius asks. “I will make no more mention of your son. Cry pardon.” Felinius seems contemplative for several seconds and looks up to the ceiling, as if in a daydream. “Ten knights against an army of nine thousand men. Can you imagine? Was I to have been there? I would have been well placed and well met.”
“You forget your place, Felinius and common enemy we have made oath to destroy.”
“I do not forget or forgive slight, especially abomination. The Brotherhood is my enemy, but that does not mean I do not respect them.” He pauses. “Or admire them. To have been placed there.” He pauses. “In a most glorious battle.”
“But you were not there. You were displaced.”
“Ai. An insult never to be lived down.”
“Nor will mine. I will pick for you an entourage, and you will go into Visi-Gaulia on my behalf.”
“Set watch and warrant it so, Herod-Sai.”
Chapter 18: Counsel from a Mentor
Merlin drinks the delicious tea from Vangelis’ dainty saucers, sipping and resting in the overly-padded and comfy couch. Though he is restless and anxious from the volatile maelstrom that is brewing in his mind, being in the very presence of his mentor comforts him. He finds himself pausing too long and procrastinating, enjoying the mental and physical break.
“You are well-vaulted, Merlin. And well-relaxed, but I sense a deep-seated and growing dismay. Speak your misgivings.”
“I would have continued with our discussion were we not interrupted with a dilemma.”
“And how fareth dilemma? Well, I hope.”
“I reached the girl in time. Saved from a pack of hind-serpents. She has conceded to a new home as the willing recipient. But she still harbors psychological afflictions.”
“As to be expected. But you can help her, can you not?” asks Vangelis.
“Ai. With something more than love and prayer sans Germanicus’ concurrence.”
“Ai. To be expected. You two are well met and devoted to each other, but Germanicus has never understood the likes of us. We are a breed apart.”
“Ai. We are Closer than brothers. There is nothing I would not do for him.” Adds Merlin.
“And he for you.”
“Ai.”
“But our preternatural gifts are an assault to his neat view of Christianity. He fears those parts of us that have never really had ample place in Christian society. Germanicus craves structure. Our powers are not a part of that structure.
“That girl has suffered much,” says Merlin ruefully. “Germanicus will never know the extent of what she has suffered, and at a time when her disposition, temperament, and fortitude are as fragile as a blade of grass. If that had happened to one of the Brotherhood, they would be traumatized as well.”
“But she is not one of the Brethren. Is she?” asks Vangelis.
“No.”
“Sadistic and cruel men met well-deserved fate at your hands. Do what it is in your power to make the girl whole again, Merlin. Consider that my blessing and command. If Germanicus has words, I would hear them.”
Merlin nods and smiles. “Gratitude, Vangelis. I would lay down my life to have the girl whole again. If I must answer for my actions before God then so be it.”
Vangelis nods, concluding the matter.
“There is another topic that needs revisiting,” broaches Merlin.
“Our interloper. A topic that is overdue for palaver.”
“As you know, he is cloaked well by his sorceress,” observes Merlin.
“But you have your suspicions who it is?” asks Vangelis.
Merlin nods. “Ai. I have for a while. But that is not the problem. He leaves few clues to foul deeds, and she cloaks him well and anyone in the vicinity. She is more powerful than I am.”
“Even a ghost will leave behind clues, Merlin if you know where to look. You must look to the places where he has gained influence and affected his surroundings. A tidal wave on even a remote island makes waves thousands of leagues away. And even she cannot make him omnipotent. There are limits to any conspiracy. He is as vulnerable to mistakes as we all are.”
“I should wait for him to make a mistake then?”
“Do not be tripe, young knight. You are a master chess player, are you not?”
“Ai. So I must draw out the King by eliminating his assets.”
“Ai. And the answers are there if you know where to look.”
“In the beginning.”
“Ai. One or several of the Councilmen have taken rights of the mines that had been maliciously won from the hands of the Visi-Gauls. This you know. But it was not an inadvertent slip that ignited the Visi-Gauls to invade our lands, aided by the knowledge of our weaknesses. Our interloper cozened you into a battle. If you had been defeated, he would have one less threat to establishing a successful coup. Even with your victory, they would have no threat to their rights to the mines, giving them unprecedented profits from the mines. If you can prove the identity of that person or persons, you will have a valuable piece of evidence against him. It will not be sufficient enough to charge him for one so powerful, but it’s a start.”
“I ken it will not be such pube play.”
“No,” says Vangelis. He nods, concluding the matter. “How fareth our recruits?”
“Dante and Maximus.”
“Indeed.”
“Will one defer?”
“Dante would, but I have doubts about Maximus. As of late, he has lost that arrogant edge, but perhaps he is repressing it. He is capable of knighthood but deeply conflicted. I pray his benevolent side will win.”
“As do I,” says Vangelis. “St. Peters Birthday approaches along with the New Moon. Portentous perhaps?”
Merlin smiles. “I don’t know, but the first of the recruit’s test is imminent, and I ken that we will be eliminating a marked number.”
“I would ken as well.”
“Gratitude for needed counsel, teacher.” Merlin rises, approaches and kissed his hand.”
“Ever an honor to counsel my greatest student. And greatest friend.”
Chapter 19: Malevolent thoughts Resurface
Maximus had been deeply conflicted about his dilemma with Dante for months. And yet, in the last several weeks, he had accepted the rivalry, confident that his place would be secured in the Brotherhood. That was before he encountered her again. She is alluring as all gregarious and beautiful women are, but she is also deeply mesmerizing. Though Maximus had not yet discovered girls yet (they had certainly taken notice of him), he is extremely cognizant of them, his senses deeply in tune with their smells and feminine attributes. His hormones are only just beginning to take root, causing a stirring in his lower extremities.
And so their meeting is slightly uncomfortable. At first, Maximus is speechless, unable to find his proper tongue. When he does, he becomes flustered and trips up on his words. His tongue seems to swell to twice its size.
He bows to her awkwardly. “Good morning Lady, Sai.” She offers up her hand, which he gingerly takes as if he is handling dynamite and kisses it.
“Good morning to you, young knight. How fareth?”
“Well. Thankee for asking. I would love to palaver, but I cry pardon. I have only another hour of recess, and I have to practice my dog drills with Phates.” He says, almost too quickly.
“Well, it was a great pleasure meeting again.” She says, while her eyes seem to bore into him with each passing second.
He can’t stop himself from looking in her eyes any more than he could stop a wild oxenule with a handful of pebbles. He suddenly feels vulnerable, as if all his secrets, misgivings, insecurities and desires are laid bare for the world to see, as if she is intruding into his mind. Is she? He felt such insecurities at the possibility of the gifted boy usurping his position manifested itself again in an ugly way. He is helpless to prevent it.
Dottore and Merlin would never permit the two rivals to co-exist as fellow knights in the Brotherhood. The rivalry between the two is just too strong. One of them will have to go. What if that was Maximus? Maximus shudders at the thought. Thank God that she had enlightened him or he could have been forcefully removed from the program. But how did she enlighten him? She made no mention of it in passing.
Maximus now knows the truth. Dante is an insidious beast who is more than happy to take his place as Knight. Maximus cannot let that happen. He will use every means at his disposal to see that the boy will find his rightful place-removed from the rectory for good or dead; whichever is inconsequential to Maximus.
In less than two weeks, the test of manna will be given. The recruits will be competing against the other groups to hunt badgers and try to confiscate the other teams’ insignia colors. Maximus will ensure that Dante lags behind. Expedience is a must. Every day the boy trains, the stronger and more determined he becomes. Ending his tutelage is long overdue.
(2)
Morgana walks into Herod’s hall chamber, seductively with a devious grin.
“How fareth our little cuckaroo?” asks Herod playfully.
“Growing complacent, until I implanted a few suggestions in his mind, giving his repressed misgivings new life. Further cozening of the boy will make him as pliable as fresh clay. He will become an apt puppet, set for our stage and puppet master.”
Herod smiles. “Ai. It is well. You ken he will don turncoat colors?”
“The boy is ambitious and has a selfish streak we can exploit. He will do anything to ensure his place in the Brotherhood. He desires to become King above all else, and this is his only path. Failure is not an option for him.”
“We are agreed on a set path, then?”
“Ai, Herod-Sai. Set watch and warrant it so.” Morgana looks at Herod contemplatively, trying to intuit other pertinent information. Though she could enter his mind at will, she is reluctant to out of respect and the fact that she desired to her use her intuition rather than telepathy.
“There are other developments, are there not?” She asks.
“Ai. You are intuitive. And gratitude for not breaching my mind. I sent Felinius to Visi-Gaulia to broker a temporary reprieve and peace deal with Gilleon. Very soon, Menelaeus will send his emissaries to broker peace treaty. I had to offer my own to further our cause.”
Morgana appears irritated, a dour look on her face. “And would you seek to send him alone, Herod-Sai?”
“I sent him with Talonius, Jasper and the Brothers Primm. “
“Two elder rejects from the Brotherhood who haven’t seen action since King Arthur himself lived and pubes who have barely been alive long enough to pick up sword or shooter? And you did not think to send an imbecilic son, who would be well-placed?” Morgana remarks with bitter condescension.
Herod’s cheeks flush red. “This is not an expedition of brawn and action. It is a peace mission. Talonius and Jasper are two renowned Statesmen, and the Primm Brothers have an extensive education in law and diplomacy. All are well-skilled enough to handle themselves should a scuffle arise.”
“And what if Prefect Aramon should send out a band of assassins to repay the carnage the Brotherhood has instigated? What then?”
“Then I have the most gifted and deadly fighter ever to pick up sword or shooter in Felinius. He need only make it to an emissary to broker deal. Mere pube play for one such as him.”
“You would send him out to die like fodder for the cannons like some low-born enlistee?”
“Ai,” says Herod. “Because he is the only one who can make it to the emissary. Precisely because of his skills. If I am to stage a successful coup, I need the support of the Visi-Gauls. It is likely anyone else would die at their hands. Felinius is my only chance. I had to send him. Why is he so important to you?”
“He is indispensable to our campaign. He is highly intelligent, resourceful and his fighting skills are unmatched by all except for Merlin himself. He is privy to their most valued and exclusive secrets. He stands as the closest thing we have to full Brethren,” states Morgana heatedly.
“This I know. It is precisely why I commissioned him. Is there any other reason you would find my actions imprudent? Some other reason? Closer to the heart perhaps?” Herod asks in an accusatory tone.
“No, Herod-Sai,” lies Morgana.
“This peace mission is two-fold. I have sent Triberius to Swalgarth to rectify the situation with the Orachai. I have sent an envoy of mercenary scouts to aid should troubles arise. Is this juncture acceptable to you?” Herod asks with encroaching disdain.
Morgana responds, still with a dour look in her eyes. “It is Herod-Sai. Two noblemen of some worth but dispensable enough for the venture. Such men are easily found and commissioned.” Morgana pauses and stares at Herod icily for several seconds. “And decommissioned as you see fit. Are they not?”
Herod smiles wolfishly. “Ai. The world is my stage and the people my puppets to perform as I see fit.”
Chapter 20: Dante bonds with the Legend
The relentless dust storm along the cobbled streets in the town of Lycenea kicks up plumes of irritating dust devils that irritate the skin and eyes, permeating the membranes, causing violent sneezes in anyone who ventures out in such conditions. Such unpleasant weather conditions make a
n annoying presence in town intermittently and induce many to seek shelter indoors until the wind dissipates.
Most of the recruits had wisely taken their two hours of recess indoors, playing games of kiter tag, hoppyscotch and even brushing up on their martial arts skills or working with their wolves. Like all inquisitive and precocious boys, Dante grows curious about what the Brethren are doing during their free time.
Dante leaves the comfort of the rectory and ventures out into the mostly deserted streets. The blustering wind picks up tiny sand pebbles and grates Dante’s skin irritatingly like sandpaper, causing him to immediately cough and rub at his face. He reflexively shuts his eyes and puts a cloth used in dog training around his mouth to help him breathe.
Cammilia’s skin is well protected from the blasting wind, but her nose and eyes are not. She too reflexively shuts her eyes and intermittently wipes her paws at her nose.
As they travel farther down the cobbled streets, the smell of roasted halenuts, gruel, vino, and Tequila begin to permeate through the air. They approach a massive oak door with two brass handles. He pulls the handle, but the weight of the massive oak is just too much for him. He tries again, struggling to open it but only succeeds in opening the door a few inches.
Cammilia, sensing his goal, intuitively chomps down on the brass handle and easily pulls the door open. They both walk through as inconspicuously as possible. The smells that had barely registered in Dante’s nose are now ubiquitous. The smell of gruel, vino and roasted halenutsmesh pleasantly with the smell of roasted epper-pheasant, a gamey smell, unlike other white meat birds. Both Dante and Cammilia’s tummies rumble, feeling an unexpected craving for the exotic meat.
Most in the raucous crowd take little notice of the boy and the wolf that stumble into the bar, giving them nothing more than a peripheral glance. Dante is not the first recruit to find his way into their establishment, and the massive wolf is just another canine similar to the Brotherhood’s constant companions.
Numerous tables are set up in the establishment, and nearly every seat is taken. Hard looking men in ponchos, chaps, snake boots and leather jackets banter raucously with their fellow mates while playing cards and enjoying bottomless pitchers and bottles of vino, gruel and tequila spirits. Most of the men are more than a little drunk and had taken their revelry past the point of propriety. They yell at each other at the tables, slam back shots of spirits, laugh, curse and fart while they play cards and smoke pungently peppered cigars.
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