Nestling

by Lupine King

  “The first objective has always been cultivation. Having embarked on this path, I will not stop until I discover just how far I can go and just what I am capable of. I’ll never quit this. In fact, cultivation is my ticket! I wouldn’t be facing this choice now if not for it. Additionally, I wouldn’t have this opportunity without it. My number one objective involves becoming the best cultivator I can be.

  “The second objective is closely tied with the first. I must bring my tellurian cultivation on par with my arcane one. If I truly am a talented arcanist, then I must prove myself to be as talented as a tellurian as well. I possess two forces. The legends and stories I have read about dual force cultivators make us out to be extraordinary. To not be able to make use of them is nothing less than a failing and a betrayal of my very self. Number two is to explore what it means to be dual force cultivator and to develop my skills as a tellurian.”

  At this point, the entire family was sitting at the edge of their seats as they listened to Valerian outline his hopes and dreams. The magistrate and his wife, who were the only ones standing had drawn closer and even Fuooh, the jadeite gecko eternally draped around his grandmother’s shoulders, opened her eyes, watching intensely. The other daemons did same. Sela even going as far as to slither up and coil up in front of the speaking boy.

  On his part, Valerian tried to disregard the attention being focused on him and concentrate instead on what he was saying.

  “The third is simple; developing my abilities as an array master. I know I said that I did not plan on a career as an array master but that is only because it is not my main focus. Array craft is a supplementary discipline to me and not a primary one. I wish to become the best array master I can be because I am genuinely interested in the art and I plan to continue using and developing it. Array craft has opened so many doors in my life that I would be foolish to drop it now.

  “Furthermore, now that I suffer no more complications in my tellurian cultivation I plan to find a path for it that is similar to what array master does for my arcane cultivation. Something that will deepen my understanding and support my skills in that field. You could say that my third objective is to develop my capabilities with my forces.

  “Now I understand that it might seem just like the other two paths I mentioned earlier but for me it is different. The first is me striving to go through the cultivation tiers and seeing just how far I can go. The second has to do with me making sure that my tellurian cultivation never falls behind, which is why I said that those two were connected. I cannot become an Arcane Emperor and still only be a Tellurian Lord. Number three is me discovering paths, passions, things that will not particularly advance my cultivation but will improve its quality and afford me diverse opportunities.

  “As for the fourth, it is the most important. In fact, you can actually roll all the others into it. It is the one thing I might call a goal on the list and the highest target for which I aim. The one that I have worked towards since I was eight. ‘Power is the most important thing in the world of Verre’ and that is my fourth objective, attaining power”, Valerian said.

  His grandfather’s eyes widened, no doubt recognising the words as his. Rather than acknowledge this, Valerian continued fearing that he might lose steam if he didn’t.

  “It is the summation of all my other objectives and yet so important that I place it aside to act as a constant reminder. I say power to mean cultivation but also more. I might not have a career path thought up or a profession that I aim towards but I know that whichever profession I pick will be something that will ensure and grant me power. Undoubtedly, cultivation is the first mark of power but I aim for more than that. I aim for might. Levels and tiers are indicators but actual might comes from both tier and combat ability. If this Zebre taught me one thing, it is that I require a lot more of the latter.

  “To add to this, I must become someone who possesses not just cultivation and might but also wields the kind of power that comes from influence, authority and legitimacy. I have thought this over many times and come to the conclusion that I cannot have true power if I am lacking any of these three. I can only attain influence and authority from acknowledgement and position. However, I cannot get those without first having a suitable cultivation tier and even if I had all of those my power base would not be secure if I lack the might required to consolidate my position.

  “My most important objective is power. The kind of power I have outlined and I do not have to explain to you why. My reasons should be clear enough”, Valerian revealed.

  Deliberately choosing not to look towards his grandfather and Uncle Richard, he continued, “You said that we could evaluate the schools based on my objectives Uncle Vorm. I have revealed them now and I will add that any school that would put me on the path to the power I seek is not a school I would go to.”

  The family sat there in silence after listening to Valerian talk. The boy in question called Sela closer, choosing to rub her scales instead of focus the bombshell he had just dropped on his family. In the end, he had opened up about his objectives. Well, a few of them. The ones relevant to the matter at hand and the ones that concerned only himself. The others, like the ones that concerned his family, he’d continue to keep to himself for now.

  His family pondered on what they’d heard until Jonas broached. “Valerian, if we were to use the criteria you’ve just given us we’d eliminate pretty every school on the list”, he said.

  “No! That’s not true”, his brother countered. Everyone turned to Richard at his interjection eagerly awaiting what he had to say.

  “You could still choose the Royal Military Colleges. There’s one school under them that will certainly put you on the path you want”, he told Valerian.

  “Which one, Uncle Richard?” the boy asked.

  “Strapping’s!” the man stated.

  Vorm immediately burst into laughter.

  TWENTY-NINE

  Strapping’s

  Valerian stared at the laughing Vorm, unsure what the merriment was about. Was it because of the name of the school or did it have a certain ‘reputation’? he considered it carefully. ‘Strapping’s’. He’d never heard of it. However, Richard had said it was a school under the Royal Military Colleges and he trusted the man’s knowledge of the military. His curiosity peaking, he asked.

  “Why the laughter?”

  Vorm raised his hand, index finger raised, to request a minute. Composing himself, he began, “I’m sorry boy. It’s just that Richard seems to have conceded that you and I have more in common than any of us thought. You see…” he explained. “Strapping’s could be considered my old stomping grounds.”

  “You went to Strapping’s?” Valerian asked eagerly. “What’s it like?”

  “Hold on for a minute Valerian, are you sure you want to go to Strapping’s?” his grandfather butted in.

  He turned to look at the man only to be stunned by the worried look on the man’s face. Looking around, he noticed that Jonas shared the same look. “It can’t be that bad, can it?” he inquired.

  Vorm laughed again. “I think this is where I come in”, he announced.

  Shifting to make himself more comfortable in his seat, he opened his mouth to begin, “Richard appears to be of a mind that Strapping’s can put you in sight of those objectives of yours and looking at it now, I am beginning to see it too. That aside, there are some things you should consider first. You see Valerian, the Royal Military Colleges cater to a wide variety of people.

  “Obviously, they train people for military service but they also offer many courses of study to military personnel looking to improve themselves by learning new skills or by taking up officers’ classes to qualify for promotions. Additionally, they train up cultivators to serve in support roles for the army as well as conduct lots of research and weapons development to do same. The Royal Bathan Army is one of the most formidable forces on the continent and the primary reason that remains so is these colleges. We’ve got a school or college f
or everything, from training field medics to archers all the way to construct artificers.

  “Nevertheless, they do not only train up soldiers and officers. They also cater to nobles. Now, there are many nobles in the army, myself included. We serve valiantly in the defence of our kingdom but that’s not what I am talking about. You see, the RMCs are elite schools, some more elite than others. Additionally, possessing peerage in Bathar is equivalent to holding a military position. By this, I do not refer to army ranks but rather to the fact that each peer of the kingdom is granted warrant to maintain a fighting force for the purpose of protecting and keeping peace within their territories.

  “For example, as ruling house of Cragsveil, our clan maintains a private army of close to 5, 000 men and women”, he illustrated. “Bear in mind that whilst this is our private force, they are registered under the kingdom and technically, are part of the Royal army. This means they get involved in military affairs and rotations and we are required to contribute a number of them to any ongoing conflict or engagement. However, most of the time, they are simply recognised as reserve troops and left in the hands of their respective lords.

  “What this means is that it is expected of any heir, lord or lady to be able to command troops or be recognised as a person of military prowess. More than that, military ability is so stressed that any lord or lady who has no military experience or leanings is somewhat disrespected by the masses. As such, in order to help with their public image as well as train their heirs for the roles, they will play in future, many noble houses and clans enrol a few of their youth in the RMCs. It is these nobles I am speaking of.

  “Your cousin Ethan is one of these. Like it or not, our clan has built up a reputation for military service and ability. He could have gained admission to any number of schools but as heir to the house of Cragsveil, he went to one of the RMCs. Granted, he went to one of the most elite ones but the point still stands. It is a choice that both reinforces the public image of our clan and allows him to network with and build connections with the heirs of other like-minded clans and houses”, Vorm calmly pointed out.

  “However, there is a third kind of RMC student”, he added. “One that earns the scorn of every soldier or person dedicated to the military. You must understand, Valerian, that our kingdom has been at war for more close to six hundred years. In that time, our military has come attain a certain position and level of privilege. Soldiers and military officers are respected, valued and trusted. As a clan that gained its peerage due to this factor and one that continues to coast on our military and battle achievements, we have never forgotten this or tried to misuse it.

  “Sadly, not everyone thinks same. There is a certain class of people who enter the RMCs for no other reason than to gain some renown for themselves. These are mostly nobles and the children of wealthy families as only people with a certain background can pull it off. What they do is enrol in a military college, meander through somehow and then pull strings so they serve in cushy offices or postings somewhere until their mandatory service is done. Some do not even go that far. When they are done, they claim soldiers’ benefits and use the standing of the Royal army and the concessions that provides to gain employment in the Royal Court or some other administrative office”, Vorm said.

  “I will tell you this now Valerian, there is no one in the army, not the lowliest corpsman to the highest career officer that does not view such actions with contempt!” he emphasised.

  Valerian took in all his uncle had said slowly. “You warning me off against using the army as a stepping stone”, he said in realisation.

  “Partly”, Vorm admitted. “I know you are not the kind to do that. You not wanting to pursue array craft for similar reasons tells me so and Richard was the person to bring the matter up and not you. The main point I was trying to make is that there are three reasons to go into one of the Royal Military Colleges. You must either want to join the army, need the training or platform to fulfil some other responsibility, or be one of the scum who nearly crippled Richard!”

  Valerian’s neck twisted sharply to bring him face to face with his quietest uncle. Was that what happened? Had the noble who had gotten the man injured been one of the ones who only enrolled so that the glory if the military would rub off on them? Valerian did not have to ask anyone to know to answer. He could tell from looking at their expressions.

  “You’re asking me to choose one”, he stated, turning back to fix Vorm with a hard stare.

  The magistrate let out a sigh before explaining. “On the contrary, Valerian, your uncle is trying to warn you that, while Strapping’s can bring you towards your objectives in a sense, choosing it would mean giving up your choice in the matter.”

  “Uncle Valan is right!” The man affirmed.

  “You see Valerian…” he began. “Strapping’s may be under the supervision of the RMCs but it is not a military college. Not in the slightest. Strapping’s is an elite training centre. You wouldn’t even find the name in any school listings. The only people who bother even searching for and applying to such centres are the scions of career military families and veterans who wish to sharpen their skills. Among all such centres though, Strapping’s has a certain reputation.

  “It is a proving ground that takes in young ‘talents’, I suppose you could call them, and then moulds them into the elite of the elite, even if it has to break them to do so. It is not the only centre of its kind mind you, just the best and its graduates enjoy that renown. There isn’t an army, militia or mercenary band in the continent that will not snatch up a Strapping’s youth if given the chance. Point is, they are not a school and hence the warning.

  “Strapping’s trains weapons. That is not an exaggeration but a fact. Those weapons belong to the Kingdom of Bathar alone. The resources, materials, training and the like that goes into the Strapping’s tuition costs more than a pretty penny and when all is said and done they expect to get as much if not more from you. Choosing to go to Strapping’s is a choice to serve Bathar. There is no other choice from then forward. You don’t get to become a reservist, you don’t get to sit in an office somewhere, you don’t get a few years of mandatory service before quitting and you don’t even get to join the regular army. What you get is active service in some of the dangerous posts in the military. Choosing Strapping’s is not a choice to make lightly Valerian.

  “You went to it!” Valerian pointed out.

  “Yes”, Vorm confirmed. “I did and I have never regretted it. I enrolled in Strapping’s in my twenties and was conducted through some of the most brutal training I have ever endured. I had batch mates who died in the course of it as well others who suffered accidents so horrendous their careers ended at once. Following that, I served in postings along the battle lines against Wherry troops and on the Grand Boundary itself, fighting off daemon hordes that sought to enter our kingdom. I can tell you now, it wasn’t fun and games.

  “Those are just a few of the cons. But the pros, the pros Valerian, might just be worth it. Strapping’s won’t just train you, they’ll make you good, scary good. And what’s more, they’ll put you on a fast track to greatness” he exposed.

  “I’ll use myself as an example. It’s been twenty-one years since I enrolled in Marshal Strapping’s Elite Training Centre and here I stand. I am in my mid-forties, an Arcane King and above all, an army Commander looking at a promotion to the rank of general before I turns fifty. I am the fourth highest ranked serviceman in the county even with those stationed in the Fangs of Garhul factored in and when I retire it will be with the titles of Guardian and Baronet at the very least with an estate that will leave most Baronies gasping for air”, he bragged.

  Valerian nodded in recognition. Some of these things, he knew and others he was hearing for the first time. He wasn’t very surprised at the revelations though. Vorm had always been the most accomplished of his uncles. He simply watched as the man’s voice grew tense and demanding.

  “You said you wanted power, Valerian?” h
e asked rhetorically. “I’ve got that. I am the single most powerful Arcane King in the region. Authority? One call from me will have a regiment of 7, 500 soldiers knocking on the walls and doors of this manor. Legitimacy? I have the backing of Royal Bathan Army. Wealth? I am the fourth salaried officer in the viscounty. Influence? I sit on councils and committees that handle the defence of Bathar’s entire eastern sector. I doubt you need more proof in addition to what I have revealed.

  “You too can have all these if you choose to go to strapping’s and you make it this far. You would not need to abandon your tellurian cultivation nor will you be forced into some production profession. You will be honed, turned into a force that will have your enemies and the enemies of this kingdom screaming and running for the hills. You can gain the power you seek, achieve all your objectives as well as whatever else you have in mind but like you said, you need to make a choice.

  “Are you okay with going into the military with all that entails? Are you prepared to push yourself to the point of breaking in your pursuit? Are you willing to brave the dangers and trails? Would you be willing to sell three decades of your life to the Royal Bathan Army? Tell me Valerian, how far are you willing to go to achieve these objectives of yours? After listening to all I have said so far, are you truly willing and prepared to go to Strapping’s?”

  Valerian looked at his uncle steadily. From the corners of his vision, he could make out his family staring at him, waiting to hear his choice. Keeping his voice cool, he answered.

  THIRTY

  The Steelborn Agenda

  “You seem to have forgotten just who it is you are speaking with. Endurance, willpower, sacrifice. I find it difficult to believe that anyone, much less one of you, would question me on these matters. As if you are not in the front row seats to my suffering all these years.”