Chapter 3

III

Talan, Maya, Cedric and Tarok were walking along one of the nine sections of the enneagon structure of the Academy. Tarok is being pushed on a wheelchair by Cedric. Though sitting down, Tarok still levels eye to eye with Cedric.

“At first glance you wouldn’t think this was a facility that breeds knights.” Maya said glancing at the colossal murals of the hall.

“They wanted to refine and put a little regality into knighthood.” Tarok replied.

“Some of them have no idea of what a knight is all about.”

“I guess not, but I actually wish some of these young ones never know all there is to know about a knight. Only the good side of it.”

“Yes, that is something to hope for.”

Maya continued looking at the murals. Talan was gazing outside into the courtyard where a large clock tower was situated at the very center of the Academy. He saw a number of students scattered on the courtyard. Some were practicing swordplay, others huddled on benches and poring over scrolls and books.

“Cedric, how does one become a knight here?” inquired Talan.

“Well uh, you see Master Talan… T-there are several grades you have to go through in order to become a full fledged knight.” Cedric stated, a little nervous that he is being included in the conversation of individuals such as these.

“On your first year you are a probationer. Most of the things taught at this level are basic. These are physical training and simple arithmetic together with a general knowledge of history and current events of the kingdom.

On your second year you become a page. Here you are taught things for combat, whether it is in weapons, hand to hand, or performing calculations that are necessary in the battlefield.

Third years are squires. For the first half of the year they are taught a higher level of combat tactics together with fighting. And they go out on excursions to different parts of the kingdom learning more about it and having somewhat a first hand glimpse of what knights do. The second half is where the fully fledged knights choose among the squires which one they will mentor

By the fourth year you are called a novice knight - we tend to call it a fledgling. You spend another full year with your mentor and at the year’s end you finally graduate to a knight of the Kalenian Kingdom.”
“That is a lot of years to be taken just to have the title of knight.”

“It is, but when you do finish it becomes one of the most fulfilling things.”

Cedric suddenly lowered his gaze after realizing he sounded like he contradicted Talan. Talan didn’t say anything and looked at one of the clock faces of the tower in the courtyard.

“Why don’t we go and have a look at the view from the Northeastern Turret. It’s been awhile since I have been up there.” suggested Tarok.

And so the four went out from the halls of Azure Knights Academy to the Grand Stairway connecting the Academy to the main castle where the Northeastern Turret overlooks the eastern plains of Kalen. They took the ramp route since Tarok was in a wheel chair and is unable to go up the steps.

“This is where the students of the academy literally ascend to knighthood. From the academy down below they go up the stairway in a grand procession towards the courtyard of the castle where they are knighted by the King.” informed Tarok.

“Hmm, interesting… Cedric, how long is it before you become one of those people going up these steps to be knighted?” asked Talan.

“If all goes well, it would be two and a half more years before I become knighted master Talan.” replied the lanky boy.

“If all goes well…?”

“Well, nothing is predictable in the academy. Stuff happens you see, unexpected stuff, you can’t stay too confident, especially in my case.”

“You don’t even sound like you have any confidence at all.”

That remark from Talan managed to get him a reproachful look from Maya.

“Pardon me; take no heed for that last remark.”

“No offence taken.”

“Well, this stairway seems to be taking on forever. At the pace we are in we might reach it after sundown, and that isn’t a good time to go sightseeing. May, I head out before you master Tarok?”

“Go ahead, I know your spirit is as restless as ever.” consented Tarok.

And with that, to Cedric’s awe Talan bolted towards the top of the stairway and in four jumps was already at the top. Last time Cedric checked how far they have gone he realized they were just at the halfway point, and the stairway had over a thousand steps, with that much more steps to go through Talan just jumped over them like that. Cedric was taken aback.

“A century has passed and you think he would mature at least a little bit.” remarked Maya.

“And that is why you are by his side.” answered Tarok

Maya just sighed and looked over the side of the stairway which showed only a glimpse of the view. The trio eventually made it up the stairway and headed straight for the northeastern turret. When they got there Talan was sitting by the ledge of one of the windows in the turret. But he was not alone.

“You finally made it.” said Talan with a mischievous smile.

“We took the scenic route.” answered Maya and then looked at the other individual joining them in the enclosure and made a bow.

Cedric was already on one knee the moment he caught a glimpse of the purple robe with gold trimmings that only the king would be wearing.

“His highness was already here when I arrived. It seems he likes the view here as well.” Talan said.

“Master Tarok and I used to frequent this place. We would spend hours talking about almost anything. And the view here is nice.”

“Yes, the view is indeed nice. As I said, it has been awhile since I have been up here; it’s good to be back up here again even if it is not that often anymore.”

They were casually engaged in a conversation when Talan looked over the horizon and smirked.

“Master Tarok, were you expecting more company?”

“Hmm, why do you ask that?”

“There’s a procession headed this way. And look who is in the forefront.”

The group looked out from the turret and witnessed a caravan coming in towards the castle by the main road. Over a hundred individuals compose the train of travelers.

At the head of the caravan rides a group of peculiar individuals. A huge oxcart is being pulled by a team of enormous hound like creatures with shaggy coats called whulves. A young man at the head of the cart is holding the reins to the team of whulves. His messy ash blonde hair gets thrown back by the breeze. He wears a pair of getas that make a clacking sound against the wooden floorboards of the cart with every bump they come across.

Seated beside him is a female that has a smaller frame than the driver of the wagon. She is wearing priestess robes and her hair is set in place with a jade hair pin at the back of her head.

Ahead of them and slightly to their right rides another female clad in a form fitting leather that hugged all of her curves and left little to the imagination. Her chestnut colored hair is braided long and reaches the back of her waist. A stern look is set on her face.

Further ahead a Knight leads the caravan. His silvery white armor glints under the sun. His short blonde hair giving of a comparable shimmer with that of his armor. His stance gives him a regal appearance.

Two other riders came in from the rear of the ox wagon and brought themselves along side the knight. One was a female, riding side-saddle and dressed similarly like the knight but with her faulds and tassets extending down further and forming a protective skirt about her legs.

The other, a male was wearing a scaled breast plate and faulds. Underneath his minimal armor he wore a long sleeved silk shirt and, strapped on his back were two sheathed swords.

“How are the travelers fairing?” asked the knight

“Seemingly well, they gained some renewed energy once catching the sight of the castle.” answered lady alongside the knight.

“We are all weary; it’s good to know we are nearing our destination.”

“You think they have spotted us already, Duke?” the braided female asked the knight.

“I’m almost certain about that Kaene. Master Tarok is not one to be caught unaware, he most likely knew the moment we stepped foot on the shores of this continent.”

“Then let’s not keep the old snake waiting.” remarked the driver of the wagon. He then gave a quick flick at the reins and the whulves hastened their pace.

Back in the turret Tarok has a broad smile on his face.

“Why don’t we go down and greet our visitors?”

“You should tell me things like this before hand so I could have prepared the castle for guests.” Esmour remarked.

“There is no need for that, these particular group doesn’t want anything frilly.”

“Still I would much appreciate it if you tell me before hand.”

“Duly noted your highness.”

The company then went down to the entrance of Castle Azuria. The king still insisted on some welcoming ambiance for the visitors and so instructed his palace hands to prepare something quick. The caravan settled at the foot of the plateau and only a few contingents actually went up to the very castle.

“That took you long enough.” said Talan the moment he was within hearing range of the guests.

At the head of the contingent the knight smiled and shook his head.

“You know how some of our traveling companions are, can’t have those basilisk nobles get tired now.” replied Duke.

That last remark was not heard by any other person, Duke relayed the message by mere thought.

“I guess you’re right, well at least you got here.” Talan answered in the same manner, without voicing out any sound.

“Now, now you two, let’s not make fun of my kind. That is just how they are, silly as it may seem to you.” interrupted Tarok.

“My apologies master.” Talan and Duke bowed as Tarok came into the hall still being pushed in the wheelchair by Cedric who was silent for most of the time.

“Well its best not to keep his highness waiting, if you would please follow me.” Tarok gestured them to follow him after bowing his head and placing his hand on his forehead and then extending it towards the other basilisks that came with Duke. The basilisks did the same gestured and then followed in silently.

Cedric couldn’t help but keep on looking over his shoulders to the other basilisks following them. The only other basilisk he has seen is Master Tarok but now he sees quite a number of them, the erect nobles and the hunched low rankers.
“They might be offended if you stare at them too long.” said Talan walking beside him.

“Oh, I wasn’t… well… uhh.” stammered Cedric.

Talan smiled, gave him a pat in the back and joined Duke.

“Where are the others?”

“They are still with the rest of the caravan. Once they have settled where the caravan will be staying for the meantime then they will come here.”

“Any word on the lads?”

“Last I heard they had arrived at Port Legas a few weeks ago. They should be here in a few days, a week at the most.”

“I hope they don’t make too much of a ruckus on their way here.”

“I doubt that, but since Zel is with them their chances of being in trouble every single moment is lessened to once a day.”

The two laughed heartedly. The entourage entered a grand hall, this was the throne room. Elevated by several steps seats King Esmour and by his side, his queen, Lady Amicia; they were decked out in the finest cloth. Maya was at the bottom of the steps and awaiting Duke and his group to come forward. The basilisks greeted the king in the same manner as Tarok greeted them while the humans of the group went down on one knee. The king and queen bowed slightly in return.

“I must apologize for I have not quite prepared for your arrival.”

“Do not trouble yourself on our account your excellency.” answered one of the basilisk nobles.

“In any case we invite you and your company to dine with us tonight.” said Queen Amicia.

“If her royal highness wishes… For now we take our leave.”

And with that the visitors withdrew and bowed once again to the king who signaled one of the pages to escort them.

That night a banquet was held but instead of holding the celebration in the great dining hall of the castle Esmour decided to bring the celebration to the caravan. A long table was set up in the middle of the camp with several tents surrounding it where food was being prepared. Anyone who could come was welcome.
The king was engaged with conversation with the nobles on one end of the table while Duke took the other end. Holding out a cup he proposed a toast.

“I’ts good to see you made it here safe, Talan.” said Duke.

“Oh come on, I have been through hell and back, you think a little horse ride will be getting rid of me?”

Duke gave a small laugh and nodded.

“No I suppose not. In any case, I am glad all of you could make it here. Talan Stormwind of the Blood Mask Corps; Lady Maya Willow of the Dark Chamber; Kaene Igma of the Order of the Lake; Sir Esmond Furric of the Iron Artisans; Lady Pasque of the Etoile House; Kenji Musashi of the Entaran Skull Knights; and Lady Luna Stardrop of the Moontower Mages, I raise my cup to you and our good fates in meeting here once again.”

“Hold It! And how come you never mention us, Duke Lightbringer of the Golden Hall of Paladins?” came a voice from behind Duke.

“Because, you are late and as such forfeit your right to be mentioned.” replied Duke.
He turned around and his smile broadened as Zel, Kirn, Hikaru and Dom emerged from the crowds gathering at the celebration. They clasped arms and greeted each other.

“Luna!” was the shout from Hikaru as he rushed towards the girl and tackle-hugging her.

“How are you little one? You didn’t get into too much trouble I hope.” inquired the mage as she patted him on the head.

“Nuh-uh! It was all fun and games!”

And so all twelve individuals were gathered together and they drank to their little reunion. They haven’t quite settled down yet when a squire approached Talan.

“Pardon my rudeness milord but Master Tarok requests an audience with you and your company.”

“Alright we shall be there shortly.”

“Looks like it’s already down to business.” commented Kirn.

“But we just got here! Can’t we even take just a little break?” complained Hikaru.

“The time it took for us to get here was the break.” answered Zel.

The twelve followed the squire into a large tent and inside was a makeshift throne room where the king and queen have already taken their place. Tarok was at a reclined chair to their left and an officer of the castle on the other.

“I see that the twelve blades have been assembled already.” commented Tarok.

The four new arrivals stepped forward and took to one knee.

“Dom Warsong of the Iron Highlands of Terra, milord.”

“Kirn Diablo, wielder of the Dark Flame.”

“I am Hikaru of the beast slaying Azroth clan.”

“They call me Zel Firedust…” Zel hesitated to say anything further.

“I welcome you four to Castle Azuria. I must apologize for I cannot say now to enjoy yourselves for now it is time to discuss something important as Master Tarok would put it.” said King Esmour.

“Well since all the participants are here let us begin. You all know that you are here not just to pay respects to me. You are here because we have a situation brewing. Something is amiss in the northeastern borders, something to do with the kingdom of Devall.” said Tarok.

“On our way here we were getting general gossips and news about some troubles over those parts.” added Zel.

“Those gossips have some truth behind them. We used to have an uneasy truce between Devall. Now it seems they are ending that truce and trying to take over some of the villages by the borders. Our border guards are on alert, though there isn’t any open skirmishes, deaths have been piling from both sides.” said Esmour.

“So you need our services to silence these invaders?” asked Duke.

“In truth no, Devallians we can handle, it’s their allies we are troubled with.” admitted the officer beside the king.

“May I introduce Commander Aefrus Greyloch. He is in charge of the 1st Division of the Azurian armies.” said the king.

“So what is so troubling with the allies of Devall?” Talan asked.

“If I may…” the commander gestured them to a table. “Over the course of a few months we managed to retrieve some of the weapons used by Devall during their secret raids. If you would have a look.” pointing at the assortment of weapons splayed over the table.

Dom snorted and came closer. He sniffed the air around the weapons and held one of the armaments, a huge double edged axe.

“By the Dark Shepherd, this one is a minotaur’s battle axe! See the grip? No human hand can carry this. And the stench! It reeks of them.” Dom boomed.

“That’s not all we are dealing with.” Kirn said, coming up behind Dom. “That crudely made arrow, notice that the arrowhead can easily be dislodged from the shaft, if that goes into you it’s nearly impossible to take it out, a trademark of centaur warfare.”

“Looking at these weapons it seems we are dealing with several kinds of creatures aside from the human kind.” remarked Talan. “I see why you are troubled, humans are already a handful to handle, and with these creatures coming in to play it makes things a little more complicated to say the least.”

“Our armies haven’t seen a minotaur or centaur for nearly five decades, our combat skills are refined to deal with humans and those creatures we often see in our territories, but not these other ones.” said Greyloch

“So you want us to deal with these other creatures for you?” asked Duke.

“We want you to train our troops in dealing with such monstrosities. Leaving it all up to you is too much to ask.”

“Well said, so when do we start?” asked Kirn suddenly smirking.

“I shall have a meeting with the other commanders tomorrow and by the afternoon I might be able to make it official then.

“So for tonight, we put aside this premonition of war and just go about with our merry making.” remarked Tarok.

“Sounds good, now give me some booze for imma be partyin’ tonight!” exclaimed Kirn and grabbed Zel and Dom by the shoulders and lead them outside.

The others followed until only Talan, Duke and Tarok were left in the tent.

“Coming Talan?” asked Maya, peering over the entrance.

“Be right with you.”

Maya left and the three were alone.

“So how goes your little investigation?” asked Duke.

“I see potential, but there is a lot of work to be done.” answered Talan.

“Think you can speed up the process of refining?”

“No choice, with a war coming up I have to, we have to.”

“I’ll see if I can help as well as the other professors and trainers. But I must entrust the general progress of this to you Talan.” said Tarok.

“I’ll be right on it master. Now let us go and enjoy the night, I heard the food is exquisite.”

And the three went out the tent as well.