by C Woodward
Falstrid smiled, “Blake is already immune to most magic except for physical forms of it.”
The Arch Bishop looked at me, “Oh? Amazing. Yes, we should make the suit strong enough to repel powerful dark magic, but there is the matter of materials to get it done.”
I felt excited, “So, what materials do we need?”
The Arch Bishop sat down at his chair, “To place a strong enchantment, we need to imbue it with items to store the magic.”
Falstrid continued, “Items like gems, and other high-quality material can be used to store magic.” The Arch Bishop nodded, “Yes, plus when you enchant something of an element, the item must carry the aspects of it. It will be interesting for such a dark set of armor.”
I reached for my coin pouch, “Will this be enough to fund the items?” I placed the gems down on the table. Both Falstrid and the Arch Bishop looked surprised.
Falstrid looked at me, “Where did you get that?”
I smiled, “Oh, some draykens gave it to me as a thank you.” Falstrid gave me a blank stare. He was trying to soak that in. The Arch Bishop laughed, “We don’t need that many!” Falstrid inspected the gems and placed two on the table before handing me the rest. The Arch Bishop smiled, “I would be insulted to accept such an amount for the hero that got rid of such evil from our lands!”
I smiled back, “I don’t know what materials you’ll need or how much work is needed to get it done.”
Falstrid chuckled, “Well, enchanting something powerful can take a very long time, but we might hasten the process.” The Arch Bishop nodded, “I can get as many as I can to dedicate their time to enchant your armor.” He paused, “Leave your armor here. It might take a week or two.”
Falstrid thanked the Arch Bishop and I pocketed my remaining gems. I really didn’t expect that it would take that long to enchant. I was told that the more powerful the enchantment, the more mana and effort is needed to be put in. The armor wouldn’t be half as powerful as the Dragon Armor, but that was indestructible armor and it was powered by a dragon deity. This armor will only be powerful against dark magic, which is all I could really ask for.
I began to wonder what do to about the other kind of magic. The Blood Witch used lightning a bit, so I’ll have to face that problem later. Falstrid and I made it out the door. Jerak was chatting to the two paladins. One smiled as he looked at me, “I am sorry for being rude, I didn’t know who you were.”
I smiled, “No worries, but please keep my being here a secret.” The two nodded.
Jerak rushed up to me, “Good news?”
I smiled, “Yes, my armor will be enchanted but it might take a few weeks.”
Jerak shrugged, “That seems a bit long, but I guess magic is weird like that.”
We stood outside of the temple trying to decide what to do next. “A couple weeks. That’s a long time to do nothing” Torkuhl muttered.
Jerak smiled, “We can do more training!” I sighed. Could I do a few weeks of training without any armor? Falstrid cleared his throat, “Training might do you a world of good, Blake. Your body will get more out of it than any normal human. Although with your problems, it would be hard to stay hidden from watchful eyes for very long.”
One of the paladins chimed in, “You can train at our training center. It’s just a little northwest of the city.”
The other muttered to the first, “Clagmir doesn’t like other people knowing the location.”
Falstrid laughed, “Clagmir won’t mind if Blake used it. If he has a problem, he can speak with me about it.”
The guards let out nervous laughter, “Alright, I guess he won’t mind.” Night fell and we were still trying to figure things out. “I am sure one of these fine paladins will show you the way to the training grounds tomorrow” Falstrid smiled.
I asked him, “When do you think Clagmir will return?”
“I have no clue, though I could easily send some students to gather word for you,” Falstrid replied.
I smiled, “It would be great if you could also send someone to find Kalus and Jerak’s brother, Teltar, and let them know that Jerak and I are fine.” Falstrid raised a brow, “I know Teltar, but not the other two. Since they are traveling together, yes, I can send word to them. Just to be safe, I’ll have anyone traveling to Felmun check as well.”
I bowed my head, “Thank you for the trouble.”
Falstrid laughed, “Oh, I send students for lesser things! It’s part of their training.”
Torkuhl laughed, “Doesn’t sound like mage work.” Falstrid nodded, “Oh, sometimes a mage can get too cocky and needs to be humbled with a feeble chore. Besides, the long roads are great to let your mind wander.” Falstrid smiled and waved, “It was nice seeing you again! Hope we meet under better situations.”
I watched Falstrid walk away. He was always useful and friendly. I hoped to return the favor and maybe have him visit at Talestria’s home and go nuts in her library. Bolam would enjoy that as well. I turned to the two paladins and I asked about the location but, they claimed it would be easier if one of them showed the way. I asked them again to keep my whereabouts a secret. I really didn’t need to have Forren and his minions coming after me, again.
We found an inn. I wasn’t sure how much money Torkuhl or Jerak had. Having the gems in my pouch felt good. I didn’t worry. “I should have asked Falstrid about enchanting a new weapon” I muttered as we used some copper coins to get a room.
Jerak shrugged, “You can just ask him the next time you see him.”
I sighed, “Yeah, but I should shop for a good weapon.” It was good to sleep on something other than the ground for a change. I was thinking about Talestria and was worried about her. Now, it will be another two weeks without seeing her plus travel time. The armor needed to be enchanted to have a chance against the Blood Witch. I loudly sighed thinking about what Falstrid said about how I would get more out of training than a normal human. Knowing Jerak and Torkuhl, they would be into putting me through a rigorous training session.
The next day, early in the morning, we packed up and headed to the temple. Actually, I was excited to see the training site. We saw two different paladins at the door. I looked around, and another paladin came up to me. “Hey, you are up early! Are you guys set?” he said cheerfully.
I turned to Torkuhl and Jerak, “We should get some provisions.” The paladin shook his head, “No need. The Arch Bishop allows free board in the training grounds. Everything is provided.” Oh wow, that will be nice! The paladin walked to his horse and led us out of Vunash.
Jerak kept looking around for a large rock for me to carry, but he didn’t see any. As we traveled out the northern gates, the paladin explained a few things. “Rule number one is: tell no one of the location. You are one of the very few who will know this location, outside the Celestial Fist. The Arch Bishop is kind enough to let you stay as if you were members, so please be respectful and honor his generosity” he explained. We promised.
We traveled almost an hour before heading off the road. We reached rockier terrain; and faint wagon tracks. After another hour, we came to a hill, littered with large boulders. The wagon trail lead away from the hill, but we went closer to it.
“To be safe, I can’t let you know the way in” the paladin instructed. All three of us turned around and covered our eyes. A moment later, it sounded like a stone was being moved. “Alright, you can look now, but remember be respectful!” he instructed.
“Are you coming inside with us?” Jerak asked. The paladin shook his head, “I have other things to do today. You should have no problems getting through. Just try not to disrupt the squires.” With that, the paladin turned rode off at a fast pace on his horse.
The way was pretty straight forward. There was an opening and a boulder rolled to one side. Beyond that was a tunnel big enough that a large wagon would fit inside. We saw unlit torches placed along the wall. Torkuhl snorted as the boulder doorway closed behind us, “If this was a trap, it would be clever.�
�� I laughed, but I was wondering that same thing.
Jerak cheered as he took the lead and ran down a slight slope. Torkuhl and I ran down to catch up with him. At the other end of the tunnel, we came to a massive underground arena. There were multiple areas and doorways. We saw a small assembly of priests and squires wearing tabards of the Celestial Fist. It appeared to be like an underground barracks.
A paladin with a bald head and a grey goatee walked up to me. On his face was a large scar across his right eye, and the eye was closed up. He was large in stature. He looked at me and grinned slightly, “So, you are Blake. I am Master Kelv! It is an honor to meet you!”
I smiled and extended my hand. He gripped it tightly and smiled, “I was told that you desire to become stronger! You have come to the very best place to do so! But, I must warn you. Because of your reputation, I am going to work you much harder! It will be great!” I gulped.
Chapter 10
It was kind of crazy to see a functional place hidden away, under a hill. It mostly carved stone with wooden beams. The main room was huge with several small circles made for arena fighting. We noticed a few openings or vents in the ceiling. These were likely covered with rocks and natural plants so they remained hidden from the outside.
Master Kelv instructed me to go into a room where I found a long line of cots and chests. Near the door sat various sparring equipment. Most were well-made wooden sticks that were of much better quality than our simple sparring shafts. They were wrapped with ticking cloth, starting at the blade, to prevent bruising and to add to the weight. There were a few simple-looking helmets and other protective pieces, made of wood and leather. These wouldn’t be really protective against an actual weapon, but they could help someone spar all day without getting too mangled. On a shelf near the sparing equipment I saw bandages and the like.
I put my belongings in an empty chest. There were at least fifteen other people that were there to train. Some were part of the Celestial Fist, while others were from different sects in Halatross. Most of the trainees looked younger than me, and some even appeared to be barely in their teens.
Across the main room was a kitchen, and I smelled something cooking. I wondered how they explained smoke climbing up and eventually above the hill. There was a rack, full of white vests and shorts, as well as some simple-looking shoes. Everyone was wearing the same uniform so I guessed I should as well.
In another room, Master Kelv asked Torkuhl and Jerak “You two! What do you plan on doing here?”
They looked at each other and pointed toward my direction. Jerak spoke, “Well, we were training him.”
Master Kelv showed a slight smile, “Oh? How were you training him?”
Torkuhl looked and Jerak and back at Master Kelv, “Well, we both beat him with sticks.” Master Kelv looked them up and down. He was more impressed with Torkuhl’s stature; because he was big, even for a Minotaur. He called out to me, “I’m impressed that you are not covered in bruises.” I laughed.
After getting dressed and dumping my blood-stained and dirty clothes in the trunk, I went outside. Since he still had on some of his armor, Jerak decided to not bother putting on any protective gear. He put away his buckler and mace and picked up a sparring sword.
Torkuhl also had on some armor, although he looked too tough to need any. He grabbed two sparring swords. I noticed some of the trainees looking nervous, but they shouldn’t be. I put on my protective gear, since I was going to get most of the punishment. Master Kelv barked some orders to the trainees, who had been exercising and sparring with each other. He smiled as Jerak, Torkuhl, and I entered a large circle. I took a deep breath and the training began.
I was improving, and the protective gear felt a little odd. After a few rounds, I needed to catch my breath. After a minute or so of rest, we went at it again. I tried to be more aggressive. One kept me busy, then the other came around to nail me.
Master Kelv laughed, “You are better than the rest of these whelps, but you could still learn a thing or two.” He extended his hand and a trainee threw him a sparring sword. He took a step into the circle. He made a gesture for Jerak and Torkuhl to move back, “I am going to see how you face against one. Then, I can see what you are doing wrong.”
He stood there, holding the sword in a casual stance. I could feel that he was mostly curious to see how I fight. I moved in close, but didn’t want to leave an opening. To my surprise, he was already swinging at me. I parried his attack, but he held on with both hands. He stepped in, moving the practice sword from where it should be to where it would leave me bare.
Master Kelv was a large and very fit, but I had become quite strong myself. In his eyes, I saw curiosity as his contest of strength gained him no ground. I turned to throw him off balance. He was no novice. He side-stepped toward me and changed the angle he was pressing. A moment later, I lost my weapon and exposed my position.
He almost instantly countered with a quick jab, I barely jumped back to avoid it. He grinned, and then thrust at me. I side-stepped, but he faked his thrust and rammed me, causing me to stagger back. I took a deep breath and came at him on the offensive. He parried and then countered. I parried and countered. It almost seemed, that we were just jabbing at each other’s weapons. He then stepped close in and pressed his weapon at me. I blocked and pressed, but didn’t see his leg sweeping me off balance. Then, I felt the impact of his weapon.
He took a few deep breaths and grinned, “Good! Much better than I expected! You do need to be aware of the dirty tricks a foe might try, and be mindful where their legs are as well as their weapon.”
I took a few deep breaths, “Alrighty.” I didn’t feel too bad, since he is seemed to invest a heck of a lot more time fighting that I ever did. He turned away and looked at Jerak and Torkuhl, “You two are competent enough to fight him one by one, but…” He walked over to a rack of wooden weapons. He leaned into a barrel and pulled out some leather bracers. I didn’t know what they were used for until he tossed them to me. The impact instantly told me that they were weighted. “Put those on your ankles and wrists! Then only one of you fight him at a time!” he instructed.
I put on the straps by wrapping and tying them around my ankles and wrists. They had thick, iron cords lining along the straps, which made it hard to move around. “Normally, I make recruits wear these when they are not training to help them get used to the weight of armor, but I will make an exception with you” Master Kelv lectured.
He pointed to Torkuhl and said, “You go spar with him until I get back, then you three can go eat!” Master Kelv walked over to the rest of the trainees and barked orders for whatever exercise they were required to do. Torkuhl grinned as he held two training swords. Jerak stepped out of the ring and yawned while picking at his ear. The sound of Torkuhl’s hooves alerted me that he was coming my way.
I could only parry his first attack before his second weapon smacked me. The weights slow me down and his raw power was enough to knock a normal man on his back. Torkuhl took a step back and waited for me to get ready again. Then he came at me, once more. I doubted I could do any better.
After my second beating, Torkuhl took a few steps back and made a gesture for me to come at him. I knew what the results were going to be, but sighed and tried anyway. As I swung inside, he parried and smacked the side of my head with his second weapon. The protective equipment helped. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if, before too long, he broke my gear or his weapon. I staggered back, feeling dizzy. I remember sparring with friends back at home on Earth. We used padded swords, but we never used our full strength in our swings. I shouldn’t complain, since I doubted Minotaurs show any compassion by holding back. I had to remind myself that the harder this was, the more I will get out of it.
Several rounds and many bruises later, most of the trainees had gone to the kitchen for a meal. Jerak was wondering if it was our time to eat. Torkuhl glanced over, “I think we wait for further orders.” He turned and took a deep breath, “How heavy are
those weights? You are moving quite slow with them on.”
I was still trying to catch my breath, “I am not sure but they are quite heavy.”
Jerak laughed, “Kelv said they are supposed to weigh as much as a full suit of armor; maybe not the kind you are used to!”
I removed my head gear to wipe the sweat from my face, “No, this is much heavier than what I am used to.”
Torkuhl smiled, “Good! Then, when you are wearing your armor, it will feel light!” As soon as I put my helmet back on, the beating started again. Torkuhl was starting to get a little winded after another hour. Actually, he might just be more hungry than tired. As tired he was feeling, though, I felt twice as bad.
Master Kelv walked back and ordered the trainees back to their duties. He walked over to us. “So how are you feeling?” he said with a faint smile. I was covered in sweat and could hardly lift my weapon. He laughed, “You looked like you have suffered enough! Come, you three can go eat. After, I want you to fight this guy,” he pointed to Jerak, “Um, whatever your name is.”
Jerak sighed, “I am Jerak.”
Master Kelv raised a brow, “You also were involved in the battle with Xum’gol, right?” Jerak smiled, nodded and was about to brag about his achievements, when Master Kelv interrupted, “Good! You look like you know how to fight. You can take over for the big guy after you eat.”
I was told to keep the weights on, so it felt good to sit down. We three got large bowls of soup and several loaves of bread. The priests who were cooking, had a massive kettle and behind them, we saw several brick ovens. This led me to believe that they recently baked the bread and cooked the soup all day long and in large amounts. The soup wasn’t anything to brag about, but it was full of vegetables and some unidentifiable meat. I was not sure of the quality of meat, but I was hungry and it was filling.
An older priest put down two extra loaves of bread. He smiled, “Eat as much as you can, Sir. You will need all the energy you can get!” I smiled and thanked him, Jerak and Torkuhl were happy to fill their stomachs.