The Serpent and the Unicorn: Book I and II

by Susan Skylark

  Chapter 12

  Tristan pressed as hard for the University as he had for Astoria. By the time he finally reached Dara he was exhausted, had a fine growth of beard, and was covered in dust and sweat. He was so anxious to see Arora that he did not even stop to clean up but sought her out immediately (though it might have been a more pleasant meeting for her if he had). He found her in her rooms talking to a student after the day's lectures were finished. It took Raye a moment to recognize Tristan, but when he did, he was not pleased to see him. "What are you doing here?" scowled the boy. Tristan could not help himself, after all he had been through, being confronted so by a mere boy was too much.

  He burst out laughing and it was some time before he regained control of himself enough to answer. "I have come to speak with Arora," he said as calmly as he could.

  "Professor Arora and I," Raye began, emphasizing the title, "are in the midst of an important discussion. Whatever you have to say can certainly wait. Besides, I thought you had been arrested. You could at least take a bath occasionally."

  Arora rolled her eyes at the rudeness of her student, "Raye, we can finish this later. The major causes for the first battle of Corona really are not so vital that we cannot discuss them at a future time."

  "But I was here first," whined the boy, "he is not fit to be seen in polite company. Why is he more important than I am? He is not even a student."

  "Of course he is," said Arora, "he was registered as a student just the other day." Tristan gave her a horrified look but Raye did not notice. She continued, "all of my students are important. Tristan just has some information that I have been anxious to hear. We will discuss your questions later." The boy glared at Tristan as he left the room, but he allowed them a moment alone.

  Arora quickly shut the door once the boy was out of sight. As grubby as he was, she eagerly embraced her grungy husband. Once they had finished with the necessary greetings and endearments they got down to business. Arora was disturbed by Tristan's news, but it was nothing surprising. Her role as a professor was going well. The students flocked to her lectures and some of the other faculty were growing a little jealous. As the head of a department, she was authorized to find new faculty to work beneath her; she was actively seeking highly qualified individuals to assist her in actually teaching something useful. She was also allowed an equal vote on all issues addressed by the University, which allowed the Brethren to know exactly what was happening at the highest levels of the school.

  Pallin and his three associates had been keeping a close eye on things and there had been no further threats to her life. Though she thought someone was trying to undermine her authority from above, which seemed likely after Tristan's news. The students, though always eager to learn, seemed ravenous for knowledge that actually meant something. Arora's lectures were always full, which made security a little more difficult, but also prevented attacks that the perpetrator would rather keep secret. A curious rumor was also circulating that a man had fallen asleep in a disreputable inn and his horse had come in through the front door and drug him away. Tristan recounted his encounter with Arora's attacker; they knew his unicorn had found him in his enchanted sleep and would take him back to Astoria. If it were not so tragic it would have been ridiculous. They talked for as long as they could, but all too soon a knock came at the door. Arora peeped her head out and found a student waiting politely with a question. Tristan felt it better not to be seen alone in her quarters so disappeared out the window only to find a naked sword at his throat.

 

  Pallin quickly put up his blade once he recognized Tristan through the dirt and unshaven face. He laughed, "what happened to you?"

  Tristan joined in his laughter, "it has been a long journey." He told his tale and both men quickly sobered. "Are you here simply to threaten anyone who cares to jump out of a window?" asked Tristan lightly, though he appreciated the close watch they were keeping on his wife. "Has anyone noticed your security measures?" asked Tristan more seriously.

  "I do not think anyone has noticed anything suspicious," said Pallin, "we try to be discrete and most of the people around here are so caught up in their own little worlds that they would not notice us even if we wore bright red tunics, wide-brimmed hats with gaudy feathers, and openly brandished our swords." Tristan smiled at his observations, sadly it was not far from the truth.

  "Since I am now an 'official student' I can help with your guard duties," said Tristan, "at least once I have a chance to clean up." Pallin smiled and directed him to his quarters (which he happened to share with five other students, including Pallin). Tristan thanked him and headed in the direction indicated. Washing up had never felt so good nor had sleep ever been so gratefully received. By the time he awoke, it was nearly a day later.

  Pallin gave him a hard time for being able to sleep through the racket of five other students, but he was glad to see his friend well-rested (and clean). It was too late in the day to attend any lectures, but Pallin was happy to explain their plans and rotation schedule for protecting Arora. There was always someone close by, either in her classes, the dining hall, or outside her rooms. The robes the students wore provided a wonderful way to conceal a sword. Arora also carried her weapon with her whenever she was abroad. They found their way to the dining hall and claimed their share of the evening meal. Raye and some of his friends came and sat beside Tristan and Pallin. "Greetings gentlemen," he sneered, "I see you have deigned to dine with the commoners. We are honored by your presence, especially since you discovered the virtues of water." Tristan just shook his head at the boy's rudeness. "You will both remember that Professor Arora is a lady and will treat her accordingly," said the boy, "she is under my protection."

  "Your protection?" asked Tristan skeptically.

  The boy sneered, "yes, my protection. I am the fourth son of a very wealthy lord and you would be wise not to cross me. I also have extensive skill with a blade."

  "I see," said Tristan, "what exactly do you have against me?"

  The boy smiled viciously and said, "you interfere far too much in things that do not concern you. I do not like meddlers, especially peasants who meddle. It is one thing to meddle with a mental pygmy like Geff, but quite another to interfere with me, the University, or an esteemed Professor. You would be wise to quietly disappear. But I fear wisdom is not one of your strengths so I cannot expect you to do as you are told."

  "And how exactly am I meddling with any of that?" asked Tristan patiently.

  "Your very presence is irksome to me," said the boy, "and I do not think the professor appreciates it either."

  "Perhaps we should let her speak for herself," said Tristan wryly.

  "A lady should not have to say she is dissatisfied," said the boy, "a true gentleman prevents any irritation that he possibly can."

  "I will keep that in mind," said Tristan smiling. They resumed the thoughtful silence of eating, but many dark looks passed from Raye's friends towards Tristan.

  Since he had slept all day, Tristan felt refreshed enough to take the first part of the night watch. After supper, Arora attended the familiar debate upon the lawn, but said little. A few of her more promising students even found enough courage to make a few semi-rational statements. It was a start. Tristan mingled with the other students and talked briefly with each of the other Brethren scattered about the crowd. After the debate, Arora retired to her quarters for some much needed sleep. She left the window open and Tristan hid himself nearby, listening and watching intently. The night wore on slowly with nothing more exciting than a catfight interrupting Tristan's watch. Shortly after midnight, a pair of men approached, whispering quietly to one another; they stopped not far from Tristan's hiding place.

  "You are sure you can do it?" asked an older voice.

  "Yes," said the younger voice, "it will not be difficult."

  "I hope for your sake it is not," sai
d the older man as he ambled away. The boy crept towards the open window and concealed himself in the shadows for some time. Tristan watched him quietly. The time drew near for Tristan's watch to end and the next watch to begin.

  A dark shape quietly approached Arora's window. The man looked around cautiously, suddenly the boy jumped out of the shadows and said, "who goes there?"

  "Who cares to ask?" asked the confused man. He had been looking for Tristan, not some boy hidden in the shadows.

  "I will ask the questions," growled the boy.

  "And who gave you such authority?" asked the man.

  "I am acting under the authority of various important personages associated with the University," said the boy.

  "And what exactly is your goal?" asked the mystified man.

  "I am to keep a close watch upon this window tonight," said the boy, "there are foul plans afoot."

  "I see," said the man, "and who has alerted you to these plans and who is doing the planning?"

  "Why should I answer your questions?" asked the boy.

  "Because we seem to serve a common purpose," said the man, "it is also my duty to guard this window against hostile forces."

  Arora, awakened by the debate stuck her head out the window and said, "if you two must argue, can you do it elsewhere?" Both of the men jumped in surprise and made polite bows to the lady.

  "I am sorry to awaken you my lady," said the boy, "but this man insists upon asking foolish questions and will not reveal his business."

  "And what exactly is your business outside my window at such an hour?" asked Arora of the boy.

  The boy puffed out his chest and said, "I am here to defend you against those who would do you harm."

  "And what hostile foe am I facing save a lack of sleep?" asked Arora.

  "We should discuss this in private," said the boy.

  "I agree," said Arora, "you must all three come inside and we will discuss this civilly and quietly.

  "Three?" gasped the boy as Tristan stepped out of his hiding place.

  "Three," said Tristan patiently, "let us not keep the lady waiting, I do believe that is the gentlemanly way to act in such an instance." The three men traipsed into the building and quickly found themselves facing Arora in her own quarters.

  "My lady," began the boy, "what are these men doing lurking outside your window at such an hour?"

  "I will ask the questions Raye," said Arora patiently. "My question is," said she, "what exactly are you doing outside my window at this time of night?"

  The boy swallowed nervously and said, "it has come to the attention of some of the faculty that your life may be in danger. It was decided that perhaps a watch should be kept to keep you from harm. I volunteered for the first shift, as I am skilled with a blade. I was maintaining my position outside your window, ready to ward off any would-be invaders when this man happened upon me. And yet another man was hidden in the shadows watching everything. I must say that I have distrusted this man from the beginning. He has negatively influenced at least one fellow student and I also have reason to suspect him in the attempt on your life at the concert."

  "And what would you have done had a true threat arisen?" asked Arora.

  "I would have defended your life with my blade," said the boy proudly.

  "And what if you were outmatched by this attacker?" asked Arora, "would you have bought my life with yours?"

  "Any true man would call it a fair exchange to die in place of a lady," said the boy gallantly.

  "What training have you had with a sword?" asked Arora.

  "I have been instructed by the finest available warriors since I was big enough to hold a sword," said the boy.

  "Your sentiments do you credit, but I fear you will sell your life for naught," said Arora, "I do not wish an unsuspecting student to die on the blade of a professional killer."

  "I am not an unsuspecting student," said the boy in irritation, "I know what it is I face."

  "Do you?" asked Arora, "are you willing to face someone who has sold their soul in exchange for dark and vile powers? Are you willing to risk your life on the possibility that your swordsmanship is better than that of a seasoned warrior? Have you ever taken a life or even drawn blood? Have you faced a living man in actual battle where your life hangs in the balance? I do not doubt your heart, but I will not allow you to risk your life in defense of mine if you are not up to the task."

  The boy was not happy with her assessment of his skills and said, "I am every bit the warrior that either of these men could ever hope to become. I may never have faced someone in actual combat but I am not afraid."

  "It is not whether you are afraid or not," said Arora, "it is whether or not you will get yourself killed in the process because you are lacking in skills or freeze in terror."

  "May I ask what these two were doing outside your window?" said the boy petulantly.

  Tristan nodded to Arora's silent question. "These men were doing what you were attempting to do," said she, "there is a threat against my life as long as I remain here. There are those who do not appreciate my interference in matters concerning the University. They and a select few are constantly guarding my person from potential threats."

  "Why do you trust such a man to protect you my lady?" asked the boy as he glared at Tristan.

  "I trust him more than any man alive," said she, "and you would do well to trust him also."

  "Why?" asked the boy.

  "He is a skilled warrior and a dear friend," said she, "I trust him with my life." "Why are you so interested in my safety?" asked Arora.

  The boy blushed and said, "I have traveled a bit during my journey and everywhere I went I was ignored or ridiculed. You are respected and listened to everywhere you go. I want to know why so I can gain such respect. You also seem to know a great deal about many things rather than much about some small topic that no one cares about. You are the only professor that actually speaks about useful things. I have also come to respect you greatly as a teacher and as a person."

  "You would risk your life on only a few weeks’ acquaintance?" asked Arora in surprise.

  "Any man should risk his life in defense of even an unknown lady," said the boy simply.

  "Are there many students or faculty that feel as you?" asked Arora.

  "There are a good number of us concerned with your safety, though few are skilled enough to defend you," said the boy, "but such as have skill and are willing have formed an impromptu security detail to better protect your safety."

  "Why are the faculty convinced my life is in danger?" asked Arora.

  The boy was silent for a moment and then said, "I am not fully aware of all the details, but it seems there have been hints whispered among the faculty that some are not happy with your presence here. Also, there was the attempt on your life at the concert, though few of the students are aware of it."

  "I am not convinced that risking your life in this way is a good idea," said Arora.

  "Who will protect you?" asked the boy in astonishment.

  "I have protection enough with these two men and their associates," said Arora.

  The boy looked at her angrily, "they say that you are married and it should be your husband's duty to protect you. Where is he in your hour of need? If I ever meet this disgraceful man I will have much to say to him."

  Tristan smiled at the boy, "you have already met him, and you have also said more than you probably should."

  "Who is he?" asked the startled boy.

  "I am he," laughed Tristan, "but this must remain a secret between ourselves; it must not be known to the wrong people. I appreciate your dedication to my wife's safety, but I will not allow you to risk your life or hers by letting you guard her if I feel you lack skill with your blade."

  "You will not allow?" asked the skeptical boy, "I am master of my own actions."

  "Yes,"
said Tristan dangerously, "but I am in charge of my wife's safety and an inept guard is worse than no guard at all. You must prove to me that you are as skilled as you think you are before I allow you to ward her safety. The same will go for any student or professor who wishes to be part of her guard. If you wish to try your skill against mine, you may do so and then we will discuss this matter further."

  The boy looked dejectedly at Arora, but she said, "you must bow to his decisions. I will not interfere in such matters. If you wish to go forward with your plan, you must do as he says."

  The boy looked pathetically around the room for a sympathetic face, but found none. He said, "it will be as you say it must. What do you propose?"

  Tristan nodded approvingly and said, "meet me in the grove behind the University tomorrow around noon and we will see if there is skill to match your boast. Bring any other would-be protectors if you wish." Tristan and Raye retired to their quarters, Arora tried to return to sleep, and Tristan's replacement resumed his post.

  The morning dawned cool and fair, a perfect day for a little swordplay. Tristan, Pallin, and one of the other Brethren assembled in the little clearing at the center of the grove behind the University complex. Around noon, a dozen young men and two professors wandered into the glade. Tristan, a little surprised at the number of people, questioned Raye, "is everyone here for the same purpose?"

  The boy smiled at his surprise, "yes, there is much interest in keeping the lady safe."

  Tristan faced the gathered men, "you have all been briefed by Raye?" Nodding heads were seen throughout the gathering. "Very well," said Tristan, "anyone who wishes to participate in guarding the safety of Professor Arora will only do so under my authority. You must meet or exceed my expectations for martial skills, and must also obey any orders given by myself or my associates. Failure to comply with either requirement will result in exclusion from such duties. Any questions? This is a voluntary position and you may withdraw at any time, assuming it is not in the middle of one of your assigned watches."

  No one had any questions, so the sparring began. Tristan faced off with Raye, as he was the one who had initiated the whole thing. The boy was far from a seasoned warrior, but he had quick feet and good reflexes. His technique was excellent and a little practice in the more rough and tumble methods of real world fighting would make him a challenging foe. As they sheathed their swords Tristan said, "very good. There are a few things I would like to work on with you, but your skill equals your boast." The boy grinned from ear to ear, he still was a little distrustful of the man, but Tristan's skill as a swordsman had earned his grudging respect. One down, thirteen to go. The three Brethren rotated between the remaining recruits. Two more students and one of the Professors were found to have enough skill with a blade that Tristan felt they would not pose a danger to others or themselves. The rest had little skill, but high ambitions. Reluctantly, Tristan agreed to work with the assembled recruits on their technique; for some it would mean learning which end of a sword was which!

  The four men who had 'passed' Tristan's test would be paired up with one of the five Brethren and then would be allowed to stand watch with their new mentor. It might be annoying to have an accomplice that needed constant training and supervision, but having another set of eyes would be very helpful. It would also relieve some of the tedium that comes with constant vigilance and gave the students something to do besides absorbing useless information. Tristan scoured Dara, looking for used swords and weapons to use in his new training program. He acquired a dozen old blades that looked like they had last seen service in the Dragon Wars. He wrapped each blade in padding to partially protect his students from the consequences of an unintended blow.

  He still occasionally protected Arora himself, but as his sword training became more popular and his confidence in the students' abilities grew, he took a more supervisory and teaching role and became less involved in the actual guard duty. Though weapons and violence were frowned upon by a majority of the Professors and many of the students, enough found an interest in such things that once word spread of Tristan's fencing classes soon he was overwhelmed with requests for instruction in the art of the sword. Arora, seeing an opportunity, took Tristan on as an 'associate professor' in her department, claiming that the sword was an integral part of Lore and Myth. She insisted that learning more about the warrior arts was vital for her students' comprehension of history, myth, and legend. As she was head of her department, no one could gainsay her. As the popularity of her classes and Tristan's grew, the complaining lessened significantly, except from those who were jealous of her success. It was felt that whatever was good for continued student growth, must be good for the University, even if one disagreed with the finer details of what was taught. It was one of the advantages of the University that it had no governing body save the voting members of the faculty; it was also its greatest weakness.