Towards the main entrance, Metas passed Victoria who was heading to the room. He noticed her expression as she still retained her signature smirk, though it was almost like she was gritting her teeth. Metas gave a quick glance, before exiting through the door to the outside. 'Hmm... The weather's fair today.' He remarked to himself and something that could resemble a smirk on his face. He looked around and peeked at the surroundings. He crouched so that his tall frame could scarcely be seen, as leaving without permission and ample reason was strictly prohibited. He went around the side of the building trying not to be seen, but as he reached the back, he saw Lert had went outside as well. He saw the boy was sitting squatting on the ground, and his hand was motioning over towards something.
Metas thought that Lert noticed him so he quickly stepped out of the way to hide. Though, he quickly saw that the boy was gesturing towards something else and had not yet noticed him. 'Who... is he meeting here?' Metas said to himself. "Come on..." Lert exclaimed, beckoning something over. A small stray puppy waddled over towards the boy. It had mismatched colors on its fur, and was dirty and disheveled. "Here. I was saving it for you from this morning. It actually got pretty scary earlier, so you better appreciate this." Lert remarked, half-jokingly. He brought out a piece of bread, untouched and not a single bite taken out of it. The puppy quickly snatched it out of Lert's hand and ran back a short distance. It cautiously watched Lert who was still, as it munched down the bread.
Lert then extended his hand towards it, as it slowly inched towards him and sniffing his hand. "Come on... It's okay..." Lert remarked. "No! Ah, man..." He said as the puppy ran off, startled by something. He stood up, and Metas moved further into the bushes to hide himself. "Oh, uh..." Endro said, awkwardly. "You! Uh..." Lert exclaimed, startled. 'Hmm... At first I thought that it was unlucky that I went here because I could have been seen but now I'll need to step in if things go bad...' Metas said to himself. "Hey..." Lert said, stepping back nervously. "What are you..." Endro said before Lert suddenly broke into a sprint. "Hey wait!" The older boy exclaimed, running after him. "Please don't hurt me!" Lert cried out, crouching to the ground and holding his hands over his head to protect himself.
Metas put his thumb and middle finger together and was prepared to spring out from the bushes. "I'm not going to hurt... Hmph..." Endro remarked, frustrated. "Wha- What?" Lert exclaimed, confused. "I didn't come out here to... I just... Argh!" Endro kicked the dirt and then began running the other way. "Wait, you didn't follow me outside to take revenge on me?" The younger boy asked. "No, I... I came outside because I wanted to make up the training I lost this morning. And I saw you here by coincedence, but now that you're here, I... I wanna say... I'm sorry." With that, Endro gritted his teeth and then ran off before suddenly stopping. "What are you... Get out of the way!" He yelled.
Metas quickly ducked back down for fear of being seen. Endro looked down to see the puppy was sitting right in front of him, wagging its tail and was excitedly and happily looking up at him. "Shoo! Shoo!" The boy exclaimed. The puppy then started to pant and still remained at his feet expectantly. "Do you want some food again? Are you that hungry?" Endro asked. "You've... been feeding him? It must be quite a while for him to trust you, he's still afraid of me." Lert answered. "Hmph? Buzz off! I... fed him maybe once or twice, but I don't know either why he's not afraid of me." Endro said, grumpily. Lert backed away, slightly startled.
The older boy then went down to the ground and gently petted the small puppy. "Well, I don't have food for you today. I need to train, so you need to move out of the way. Maybe tomorrow I'll have some for you." said Endro. 'It looks like things here are going for the better, but if they're both staying here... I won't be able to sneak easily, and I can't stay here until the next training starts.' Metas thought to himself. "Wait, so were you getting extra food this morning to feed him?" Lert asked. "No! I... wanted it for myself! And you... why are you being nice and talking to me! I'm always mean to you and... You take him, I'm going to go train now." Endro picked up the puppy and handed it to Lert before standing up and dusting himself off.
'I need to slip away now while they're distracted. Maybe I should have left earlier. Or should I wait until they leave? I'm wasting time here...' Metas sighed. "You're... training? Huh." said Lert. "Hmph, what did I say about questions! Grr... I... have to make up for this morning. And for all of those days I slacked off... I... need to become a great knight! I... have to, I'm going!" Endro remarked. "That's... Great. I... think at most, I'm only going to become a guard somewhere." Lert said, putting the confused puppy on the ground. "Hmm?" Endro remarked. "I'm... not the strongest, and even if I train hard I don't think I'll last being out in the front lines. Training here is hard enough, and I'm lucky if I make it out..." Lert remarked. "Why... Are you telling me this?" Endro asked.
"Because... I have no one else to tell it to. I've... been always taken care of, whether I wanted to be or not... If what the others say is true, then your parents sent you here because of something you did... A lot of us don't have any parents... But a lot of those that do have them, live a less harsh life here. For that I feel lucky, but I know that a lot of people are luckier than me. I also know that I'm not the strongest, but others have given up before me... What I'm saying is, I know what I can do but I see other people who reach high and can do it, so I can only do what I can... I think." Lert remarked.
"Alright philosopher, talking too much like that... Hmph, I won't be able to get enough training out here. Take the dog, it's going to be better if you're taking care of it instead of me. I'm going now." Endro then left in a huff, facing away from the other boy. 'I'm going to become a great knight, right? Can I... do it? Maybe I should just aim lower for a lesser position... But, I'm not going to go home having only picked the easiest way out, I might as well be a failure. But...' He looked up at the sky, closed his eyes and clenched his fists. "I better get back to it." Endro said, breaking into a sprint. The puppy walked forward to follow him, but walked away from Lert as the boy tried to reach for it. Metas watched everything unfold attentively, and for a moment forgot what he was going to do.
'If I can be someone who can take care of them both, without them ever seeing combat... I'll be happy. I'll do anything I have to, if it means keeping them safe.' Metas thought. He then exited out of the brush, and surveyed his surroundings. Seeing that there were no eyes currently on him, he quickly sneaked by towards the river. He ran up and slid down a downhill slope towards the riverbank. He inhaled the air and seemed content, though the air was only slightly fresher than it was in the city. After letting himself be distracted for a moment, he then hastily turned towards a small shrub nearby him and rummaged under it. He quickly pulled out a makeshift fishing rod from the dirt and brushed it off before turning back towards the water. His creation appeared to be shoddy but was sturdy as it lasted against the elements.
It was a wooden stick with a long string on its end, and with the line tied to a small metal hook creating a rudimentary fishing pole. 'I need... Bait.' Metas looked at the muddy water and picked off a wriggling earthworm near the surface. 'Ugh.' He remarked to himself in disgust. He hooked it and cast the line into the water. As it descended, he remembered months earlier when Siegmund sat with him and taught him the craft. "Patience, the key is to wait for the fish to come to the hook and take the bait rather than swing wildly expecting to catch one..." Metas sat awhile waiting for any movement on his fishing line.
"Must we... take a life to even have an attempt at catching fish?" Metas had asked. "Well, we all eat meat to survive right? If it's for our survival, then taking the small measly life of an earthworm to ensure that we can ensure we don't starve." Siegmund remarked. "But... Don't we have food back at the training hall? Why do we need to fish?" Metas had asked. "Hah, you've got me there kid. But fishermen fish because they need to sell food for their livelihood, and others do it because its their only source of food. For some like me, its a hobby; and not to be wasteful, we cook what we catch. But today, our purpose is for you to learn how to do it. Like hunting, it's a skill that if learned, can keep you fed in the wilderness. With it, you can feed yourself or your siblings whenever you're near a body of water." But with Siegmund's words, there was a lengthy period of silence and inactivity in the water.
"Well... There must be some fish in the water for me to catch one." Metas remarked. "As I said... Patience." Siegmund said with a chuckle. Past Metas inched closer towards the water, watching the fishing line as Siegmund waited for any fish to take the bait. "There." He said, just before a carp emerged from the murky depths nibbled at the hook. "Wait... wait..." The knight said quietly, allowing the fish to nibble further. "Hmph!" Siegmund deftly reeled in the carp. As he used a small dagger to gut and clean the fish atop a smooth stone near the water, Metas stared grimly.
"Don't worry, I made sure that it died quickly so it wouldn't suffer. It's also important that you know how to clean and cook fish so you can eat it safely." said Siegmund. He then reached over to a nearby leafless shrub and broke off a twig effortlessly, and stuck it through the fish with ease. He pulled the rock away from the water and then crushed it with a strike from his armored fist. He brushed through the stone fragments and then put some dry tinder from his pocket and scattered it atop before clenching his fist. His palm opened violently and a flash of flame blasted onto the tinder creating a small fire.
Siegmund then put the stuck fish above the flame, slowly roasting it. "Why... Did you pick us up and put us into training to be a recruit for the knights?" Metas asked. "Hah, rather than be grateful, you question?" Siegmund replied somewhat jokingly. "I'm just curious." Metas said earnestly. "Well, you showed great qualities for a knight. You stood up for yourself, and you stood up to protect your siblings and others. And... you've proven that you'll be ready and willing to fight." The knight remarked. "But... why me specifically? Aren't there others that fit your description?" said Metas. "Just... Consider yourself special." Siegmund exclaimed. Metas looked up at him blank-faced, sensing that Siegmund was hiding something.
In the present, Metas had been too preoccupied with his thoughts to notice the splashing happening within the water. "Hmph?" He exclaimed. A fish was munching away at the bait, and had been doing so for a few seconds before Metas had realized. Metas quickly pulled and reeled back his fishing rod, but the fish slipped away. "Grr..." He whipped the line of his fishing rod downwards and his hook shot into the water and pierced through the swiftly swimming fish. Metas then grabbed the line and pulled the fish out of the water and slammed it onto the shore.
"Hah... Hah..." Metas huffed and puffed before wiping his brow. He sat back on the ground and removed the hook from the flopping and bleeding fish. He then retrieved a hidden dagger from his boot and readied it while breathing in. 'Why... Am I even doing this? I... should get back inside so I can be ready for the next training session. But... I have to finish what I started, I can't let this go to waste...' He thwacked the fish in the head with the back end of the dagger. 'He... did this and... I don't want to remove the scales from it, it'll take too long. I'll... have to get the fire ready.' He produced some dry tinder from his person and laid it on top of the same bed of rocks that they had used earlier. He then snapped his fingers and a small spark of flame formed above his finger tips. He lowered his pointer finger towards the tinder and the spark created a small flame. As he focused on the fire his unattended catch lay near the water before him, allowing a swift falcon to snatch away his kill.
"No!" He shot up to his feet and stretched out his hand but the raptor had flown far away to its roost at a high tree nearby. He looked upwards to see the raptor carry the fish towards a nest full of hatchlings, before it tore it to pieces and fed its young. Metas sighed. "Well... Should've paid more attention. Maybe I'll be going back now." He remarked. He looked up towards the falcon, taking to the skies and flying out of sight. 'That bird, its probably going to fly out to catch more food for its young... It's spending most of its day flying around, not sticking around in its nest. It's ironic that it spends so much time caring for its young, but it barely spends any time with its chicks... But why do they care about them so much, a survival instinct perhaps? What if it feels like flying off and being free, but... its young can't survive without it...' He said to himself. Suddenly, he heard footsteps on the soil atop the hill behind him. As if it was mere reflex, he kicked and threw dirt over the flame to smother it.
"Metas?" A familiar voice asked. "Hey..." Metas remarked. "So you're out here too." Flare said, before breathing in and blowing out a puff of smoke. She looked over towards the horizon and tapped at the end of the pipe with her finger, sparking it alight with a small flame from her fingertip. "I'm... going to make my way back now." Metas said dismissively, trying to walk away without drawing attention to himself. "It's... fine, if you don't miss any of the training sessions, what's the harm in coming outside once in a while. And besides, you'll be going back now anyway so you're not in much trouble." Flare remarked softly, she then looked downwards towards the smoldering earth near Metas' feet.
Flare remained silent, but Metas noticed her gaze. "You're... smoking." He exclaimed, slightly surprised. "Well, it was a gift from a senior knight. Siegmund. It's one of the habits you just pick up in the knights. But, even I recognize that its unhealthy, so I'm not gonna do it inside where the kids are..." She then blew in and exhaled another puff of smoke. Metas walked up the hill and passed Flare without so much as a passing glance towards her. "So... What are you doing out here, if I may ask?" She remarked, before turning around towards him. "Same as you, just looking to relax away from all the noise." Metas said, still walking away and facing away from her.
Flare then glanced near the shore. "So, fishing. Catch that hobby from Siegmund too?" She asked. Metas stopped and turned towards her. "Yeah." "Relax, I'm not going to tell anyone about your secret." Flare exclaimed. "What about it, it's a fairly common hobby and its not that strange if I'm practicing fishing... It could also be seen as a benefit because I'm learning to fend for myself in the wilderness..." Metas replied. "You mean catching a fish and letting a bird steal it is fending for yourself? Anyhow, are you quite certain that fishing is the secret hobby I'm pertaining to?" She exclaimed. "!" Metas was surprised and stopped in his tracks, but maintained his composure. "Well... shouldn't you be getting back now?" She asked.
"I... have a question." said Metas. "Hmm?" "Do you have an idea, why I was chosen by Siegmund? It's clear that most of the others aren't specifically hand-picked by high ranked knights." said Metas. "Well, you are right in saying that it isn't normal. But... as for the exact reason why, we can only speculate. Those who are selected to go to these places specifically have been chosen because they've showed some promise, or they've been part of an incident and are brought for correctional purposes... Are you one of the two?" Flare asked.
"Uh... Maybe. Let's say yes." Metas replied. "Alright, then you have your answer." "But... is that it? It seems strange to be specifically handpicked and cared for..." Metas remarked. "Are you bothered by the others talking about you? That you think that there's some reason to justify your special treatment? You shouldn't be letting them get to you, they're just spreading rumours..." said Flare. "I know, I know. It's just..." Metas stopped himself. "Hmm? If you have a suspicion, it might actually be the reason." Flare exclaimed. "It's nothing." Metas said, turning around and going back towards the building. "Don't you want some info from someone who was handpicked by him as well?" She asked.
"Since you asked... Please feel free to tell." Metas answered. Flare then put the pipe to her mouth, breathed in and exhaled. She then waved her hand around her face to try and clear away the smoke. "Oh, just be careful not to breath the smoke in..." She remarked. Metas crossed his arms. "Well, getting back to the topic at hand... There's only a few others whom I know who was selected in my recruit house, me included. Siegmund as a young knight was keen on helping his younger fellows even back then, but singling out one specific kid was rare. Usually, it would be an open recruitment for parents or orphanages to send kids here to get them ready to train before becoming an actual recruit for the knights. Normally, they're put and selected in batches but if a knight wishes to select someone, generally they just have to put in a word with a higher up and it'll be better the more senior a knight making the request is... Here, there's only three among all of you who didn't join normally. There's Victoria..." "Darius' chosen." Metas responded.
"Right. Then there's you... And there's Liam. Another of Siegmund's chosen." Flare remarked. "Him? Well, it's not that surprising that he'd be specially chosen by a knight, but Siegmund... Hmm, there's still a lot I don't know." Said Metas. "I can still tell you a bit more, but..." "Yeah, I have to go. I'm going to try to find out what I can on my own." He replied. Metas ran back but stopped once more. "Thanks." "No problem, kid." Flare said, tipping her pipe off towards him. Metas ran back as fast as he could and ran until he reached the front door. He ducked and tried to be quiet, before slowly standing up and peeking through the glass on the door. 'All right, clear. I have to hurry.' He quickly opened the door and slipped past the gap before it closed.
Up ahead in the areas and hallways surrounding him, he could hear the voices of others just beyond sight. While crouching, he looked left towards the common area and saw the shadows of people approaching. 'I have to make it look like I've never left the outside to the others. Other than Sethan and Asralyn, and... Flare now, no one can know that I...' He then looked to the right towards the hallway towards the rooms. "Ah." A girl, one of the recruits was standing and had seen him sneak in from the outside. The girl had medium-length black hair and dark brown eyes. She had rough, but fair skin. Common for the recruits, though many were tanned by their long time outside in the sun. She also had freckles on her face, and her height was average among the girls of the recruits.
Metas froze in place, unsure of what to do. As others drew nearer, he slowly stood back up while still maintaining eye contact with the girl. She was confused for a moment, before turning around in a flustered manner. Metas quickly walked by without hesitation before the group of people walked near. After he passed by, one from the passing group of kids greeted the girl.
"Ashley hey, how are you doing! Waiting near the door early?" "Uh... No, I was just... standing around, I guess." She replied. "Ash, are you waiting for Victoria again?" A girl asked her. "No, actually... I-" "She's just using you like a servant, she doesn't actually think you're a friend. You better just stay away from her and talk to the adults if she gives you any trouble." She said to Ashley. "That's obviously a dumb choice! What will we do if Victoria gets mad and takes revenge! Besides, the adults like Victoria, she's going to get off easy." A boy exclaimed. "Guys, guys! I'm fine. It's alright. If I leave from her side, she's going to get some other poor soul to do her bidding anyway... Better it to be me than them. Besides by being near her, I can learn to be stronger... I..." The others stopped their clamoring and gossiping as Victoria walked in.
"Ah, the riffraff. What are you lot mewling about now, something useless likely... Gathering near the entrance, it might be that you're all standing there to await the next training session... Unlikely, knowing you. But... Ashley, quite diligent of you." Victoria remarked. "Thank-" "Good of you to ensure my place in the line." "I-" "Move over." She cut Ashley off and proceeded to the front past her. "Hey-" "Now that I'm here, it'll be a hassle if I got my things myself. Fetch my training gear for me." Victoria commanded her. "Alright-" Ashley then began to walk away. "No, no. I should be the one doing it, I'll get it quicker." Victoria remarked, running back towards her room. Ashley then sighed.
Metas stood in the hallway ahead, and watched as Victoria walked towards him and towards the rooms. "Heh." She remarked, grinning towards him. "Hmph." Metas exclaimed grumpily. He then looked towards Ashley and the others whose stares followed Victoria. 'Her... She's the one who's always sticking around Victoria. Why did she... Let me off the hook? Maybe I'm just overthinking things. But, what could she possibly gain from being around someone like Victoria... Perhaps I'll never know...'
The group of recruits watched on concerned but powerless, fearing trouble or reprimand if they voiced out or took action. Ashley sighed, before looking up towards Metas. As her gaze met his, he turned around and walked to their room. "Hey, brother! Come on, we're going to be late for training!" Sethan exclaimed towards him. "Hurry, you still have to put on your training gear- Ah, you have it on already." said Asralyn, donning her boots and her other training clothes. "I prefer to not even take them off..." Said Metas. Sethan looked down and saw that his brother's boots had tracked prints in the mud on the floor. "But... If we wore them all day, they'd wear down faster. And... we have to take care of our stuff, right?" Asralyn said, looking towards Sethan in approval.
"Uh... yeah, a knight's most trusted allies are their armor and weapons. Take care of them, and they'll never fail you." Sethan remarked, imitating Siegmund's booming and jolly voice. "You've... Memorized all of his teachings have you? Yeah, since we'd be training all day, it'd be good if I didn't wear it all day. Thank you for reminding me." Metas said with a small smile, ruffling the hair of his two siblings. "But it's not usual that you keep them on..." Asralyn said, stopping Metas' ruffling with her hands. "I... must've forgotten. Don't forget your water canteens, we'll be travelling a bit in the sun so we'll need to be hydrated until we reach the training grounds." Metas remarked.
"Yeah, I didn't forget." Sethan said, retrieving a leather covered wooden canteen out of his personal belongings. "Yeah, I... also didn't forget!" Asralyn exclaimed, taking her water container. Metas went to his area and retrieved his water canteen as well. "Right." said Sethan. "Come on!" Asralyn exclaimed, quickly running out of the room as soon as she finished putting on her gear. "Are your boots strapped properly? You might trip." Metas warned her. Asralyn quickly reached down and checked her boots, tightening them before continuing to run. Sethan went off excitedly after her. They passed and bumped into the others who were walking through the doorway and were now gathering towards the kitchen counter and slowly forming into disorganized lines to refill their water containers as barrels of water with plug taps were placed there.
"Come on, refill your canteens! You won't get any chance to drink water under the hot sun until you get to the training grounds!" Flare exclaimed. "Thanks Big Sis Flare!" Lert exclaimed, getting some water. Sethan and Asralyn ran into line and quickly refilled their containers. "Hey!" Metas called out, though his siblings ran to the line in front of the entrance before him. He waded through the crowd of people and reached the counter. "Hmph..." Metas remarked, watching his siblings blend back into the crowd. He then turned around and filled his canteen. "Hey." Flare remarked. "Hey... Good thing there probably could be enough water for all of us this time." Metas replied.
"Oh, I forgot to thank you for helping me for that a while ago." said Flare. "It's nothing. And... About earlier..." Metas exclaimed. "What about it? You have to hurry after your siblings now, right?" Flare responded. "Thank you." Metas said, bowing and turning around to leave. Amongst the now gathering crowd, many of the recruits were excited, though some were feeling dejected or even annoyed as days passed by but they still were unable to unlock their flames.
The clamor began to grow louder as the various recruits were expectantly waiting to try to unlock their potential; to show off to their peers, and to improve their prospects and standing amongst themselves. "Hey maybe I'm going to get my flame today!" "No, you're way too old and it's past your time! Now it's my time to get mine." "But you're only a few weeks older than me!" Two friends chatted. "I hope I'll be able to make my flame stronger today... I can produce a small spark, but I can't make it any bigger..." "I can make a pretty strong fire, but I can't make it last for long... It's just like a big flash, but I can't make it stay alight..." Another two recruits said to one another.
Metas was one of the last to leave their room, and he observed the others as they exited. He walked up to the end of the line with a pleasant mood, but that changed as Victoria walked past him. "Try... Your hardest to 'unlock your flame' today..." She remarked with a sarcastic smirk that soured his mood. "Excuse me, please." She remarked calmly. The young recruits flooded into the hallway, having to make way for Victoria who walked through the hall and making the line formed into even more disarray. As she walked and stood at the front, she proclaimed: "Everyone, make sure to try your hardest today!" WIth Victoria's words, Metas snickered. He looked around and saw Endro and Lert dispersed among the crowd. 'They must've returned before I did. Hope they weren't seen... Hope they didn't see me.' He thought to himself.
"Hey... hey!" Endro whispered towards Lert. "Wha- What?!" The boy replied, annoyed. "You!" Lert said, surprised as he looked towards Endro. "I have a question. About Victoria." Endro exclaimed. "What? A question?" Lert remarked, confused. "Yeah." "Why me?" The boy asked. "Because... I don't have anyone else to talk to?" Endro shyly remarked. "Ah, oh... Alright, then. Ask away, but I don't think I can answer anything that most people can't..." said Lert. "About Victoria... Was she always unchallenged like this? The others seem to just let her do as she pleases all the time..." Endro remarked.
"Well from what I've heard, it wasn't always the case. When she first arrived here, she was vocal about Darius' endorsement of her, and was proud and confident about herself and her abilities. In her first day of her training, she outshone everyone a whole lot with that smug smile of hers, but she didn't show any trace of her flame. And that night, the bullies and the superior ones of the recruits back then wanted to take revenge on her as she slept." said Lert. "What... did they do to her?" Endro asked. "Nothing. They didn't get the chance to do anything. She was wide awake, and was expecting them." Lert remarked. "And? What happened?" Endro said impatiently. "I... don't know." "You don't know?! How... do you not know?" Endro exclaimed.
"Well, I don't know what exactly happened next, but I know the result. They were sent home before morning. The attackers instructed all of the other recruits to stay out of the room that night so they didn't see what happened. Their claims and stories are wild! Some of them say Victoria used her flame to make sure they couldn't walk again, some of them say she burned an eye out of each of them. All I know is they were never seen again, and Victoria came away scot free. She wasn't punished for anything, and she rose through the ranks as we see her now." said Lert. "Alright... Thanks for the info." Endro remarked, in thought. 'Hmm... She got away free from that incident... And her being endorsed by one of the knights, she probably was sent here to make sure there was order here... Scary. I'm starting to think I got off lucky. And this... Is this what I means to be a knight? There's... still so much I don't know...' He remarked to himself.
Amidst the crowd, Metas strode forward, being taller than many of the recruits his age and looked for his siblings. Spotting them, he walked and tried to avoid pushing past the crowd heading towards them. "Hey! You two!" Metas called out, as the common area near the door grew louder and louder as more and more of the recruits gathered. "Where have you been?" Sethan asked loudly. "I was just.... checking around if I forgot something!" Metas answered. "Argh, it's always so loud this time of day!" Asralyn exclaimed. "It's fine, it'll clear up in..." Metas reached the two of them and awaited the imminent silence.
"A-ttention!" Darius remarked loudly, echoing and commanding silence even before he stopped speaking. "For training we will be utilizing wooden training weapons. For today, those who will be bringing them are…" He started listing down some names of recruits. "… And Liam. That will be all." A dozen or so recruits retrieved boxes, racks and containers containing wooden implements like sticks or practice wooden swords and shields with them. Most of the chosen recruits grumbled, though they kept it from Darius for fear of being reprimanded or punished. Liam was silent as he calmly accepted his task, and he even carried a heavier load than the others did individually.
"Now, for-mation! Straight line!" Darius exclaimed and the recruits complied, the loose array of recruits formed and those who were scattered naturally walked into line. The recruits carrying the training weapons also went into formation, although appeared to be strained and dreading the long walk outside. They all stood straight-backed and silent, facing towards the door. "Recruits! Face the outside!.. We will now exit and head outside towards the external training grounds. We will pass through town and through the citizens, and you will be in charge of your own actions, as much as we will!" Darius exclaimed.
'We?' Metas thought to himself. Still donning his armor, Siegmund walked heavy steps up to Darius' side. "Knight Siegmund has volunteered to oversee the training session today and has taken leave from his duty to personally observe the fruits of your training." Darius remarked. "Don't pay me any mind kids, I just want to check up on your progress is all. Act like you normally do in a training session. But with Darius watching you, I don't think there's any room for tomfoolery with or without me watching." Siegmund said jovially. "Well, and that's that. Recruits, forward march!" Darius remarked, opening the door and leading the recruits outside.
The harsh sunlight bathed the lines of recruits, as they exited the building and stepped into the dirt ground. The soil and sand beneath them crunched and crackled as the march of the recruits kicked up dust and covered their boots with dirt. "It's... still hot outside..." Asralyn groaned as she covered her face with her hand and went behind Metas to shield herself from the sunlight. "Really... Makes this kingdom... earn the moniker of 'kingdom of flames'... But at least, we aren't those guys carrying all those weapons for training." Sethan remarked. "Don't talk too much, you two. Speaking while travelling just causes you to become more tired, we'll be needing our energy soon. And besides, Darius will tell you off if you complain too loudly." Metas said to them quietly.
"But it's so hot outside..." Asralyn complained quietly. While keeping a steady pace walking forward, Metas looked behind him towards Siegmund. Metas watched as the knight started a conversation with Liam who stayed in the rear of the formation. The latter of which appeared to be reluctant, only answering in one-word responses and trying to speak as little as he could. Siegmund however, had his joyful nature apparent even from a short distance away. 'So he's another of Siegmund's chosen, huh. If I could talk to him, maybe I could learn more on why I was chosen. No, asking him to talk is a fruitless task, and even if it wasn't, I'd rather not... But, there's a lot I can tell just by his personality...On why he was chosen in particular...' Metas thought to himself. But as he was preoccupied with his thoughts, he didn't notice as the line in front of him stopped. "Hmph!" Metas remarked as he bumped into someone in front of him.
"Hey! Watch where you're..." "I'm... sorry..." Metas loomed over the other recruit and was unintentionally intimidating as he spoke quietly. "A-Apology accepted." The other recruit remarked. Metas looked forward to see what exactly it was that made the line stop moving. "Recruits! Face the carriage!" Darius exclaimed turning to the right and standing straight towards the royal carriage passing by on the road beside them. All of the recruits then turned to the right and stood as if they were at attention. As the carriage began to pass them, it kicked up dust on the dirt road behind it. "Recruits, salute!" And with Darius' order, the lines of recruits raised their hands in salute to the passing carriage.
Cough, cough. Asralyn coughed as the carriaged kicked up a cloud of dust. "Why are they even passing by this road anyway? Don't they stay in the city most of the time?" She remarked. "They're the royalty, they probably have business all over the kingdom's territory." said Sethan. Metas' gaze followed the carriage as it passed them, though its windows were obscured by ornate curtains covering them. But from the inside, he could see an eerie light burning within. There were two figures within the carriage, though one could not see them clearly from outside. One was a large hulking figure, another was a smaller and thinner looking figure. From the covered rear window of the carriage, Metas could almost feel something peering at him from within, like two flaming orbs stared back at him unnervingly. He felt a chill run down his spine.
"Recruits! Face forward! And march!" Darius remarked, turning forward and leading the recruits down the road once more. They proceeded down the dusty path, passing by tall trees which provided ocassional shade, though the trees were bare and almost devoid of leaves due to the heat. Even the grass was yellowed due to the extreme temperatures outside. They walked under the hot sun as carriages, carts and caravans passed by them as they went in and out of the city gates. "Ah... I wish we could actually go inside the city. Most of the time, we're all cooped up inside, and the only times we go outside are for training..." Asralyn pouted.
"Well, at least we can get the chance to go outside and see the city ourselves even if we aren't going to it. And it's not like we're going to spend the rest of our lives in training. After we become knights, we'll be stationed all sorts of places, maybe even the city. And in our off-duty, we can use our wages to live a pretty good life." Sethan exclaimed. Sethan then looked up at his brother who was in front of him, looking for affirmation. "It's optimistic, but... Certainly not impossible. We just have to make it through training." said Metas. 'But I'd rather...' He said under his breath but he was cut off by Sethan. "That's why we need to get our flames quicker! Then our chances of becoming knights will become almost guaranteed!" Sethan remarked. "Uh... guys..." said Asralyn. "Hmm..." Metas and Sethan turned around and saw the large Siegmund standing beside them.
"Sir Siegmund! Uh..." Sethan exclaimed. "Hah, hah! No need to fret over that, young man. Old Darius over there made me sound like I was some kind of rabid dog who would bite you after a single misgiving, but alas... I was just curious to how you all were doing... Pay me no heed." Siegmund's words were reassuring and his tone was kind, though he was still intimidating because of his size and his heavy voice. Siegmund who was walking alongside them, began to walk back towards the rear and said: "And Metas, hopefully you can finally get your flame soon. Just so we can set a precedent for your other siblings to have their flames too." "Hmph..." Metas remarked, with an unchanged neutral expression.
They continued forward, with Metas taking a small sip from his canteen. Behind Asralyn chugged down water, while wiping sweat off from her head. "Don't drink too much all at once, it's not good for you. Besides, you only have so much you can drink..." Said Metas. "It's... hot. Even in the shade..." Asralyn remarked. "I think that's because it's humid..." Sethan answered.
The recruits walked wearily and tiredly, until one of the recruits near the front spotted the city gates. "Hey, its the city!" "Look at the buildings!" They began to murmur and whisper, pointing towards the bustling activity just out of reach. "Quiet down. We won't be going to the city today." Darius remarked. The recruits spoke softer but their excitement of even seeing what went on was felt clearly in the air.
The landscape seemed to abruptly change as the dirt road met the paved stone of the city. Countless guards surrounded the wide open gate, approving and checking the papers of the travelers and passers-by. Those with carts, and those who traveled in carriages, had their goods inspected and searched thoroughly by the guards. They donned metal armor which gleamed in the sunlight and made them sweat profusely from the heat. They were armed with halberds and swords, which they carried on their side or their back as they held up an increasing number of people crowding outside the gate. All manner of folk gathered around the different borders of the city, and the capital was at the center of various biomes, environments and locales, and made it the beating heart of commerce for the surrounding villages, towns and cities.
The recruits stared at the buildings in the city and the nearby towering castle as they marched forward. Though the recruits were all looking towards the city, the things they focused upon differed among them. Some of the recruits only took a brief glance towards the bustling crowds and the activity-filled roads and only saw it is a distraction, though others chose to forcefully ignore the city ahead as it only caused them unfulfilled longing and wanting. Even the recruits who were carrying the training weapons forgot their burdens for a moment as they looked towards the city. Some of the recruits looked towards those who were well-off and were rich with possessions.
Expensive clothing, carriages laden to the brim with all sorts of personal goods, those who had their own servants and horses, admiring and wishing that they would attain such wealth. Others looked at the knights, eager or perhaps weary to rise to their ranks. "All the knights and guards are working hard, though I'd like to be a great knight someday, fighting for the kingdom, protecting the people!" Lert exclaimed. "I thought you weren't skilled enough to be beyond a guard." Endro asked him. "Well... Its not like I can just give up because I know I'm weak. Who knows, if I reach high and work hard I might become something of a great knight somehow... And even if that'll never happen, I'll definitely stay weak if I don't try." The boy answered. "Wow, that's..." Endro was taken aback and stood still.
"Hey, keep moving!" The one behind him remarked, and he continued forward. "What? You were going to say that it was impressive, smart, and mature of me to say that?" Lert asked. "I was going to say that what you said was dumb..." Endro answered. "Oh." Lert remarked. "But... you're right." Endro added. "Okay... Well... how about you?" Lert asked him. "I'll... be a great knight. I... have to be one." Endro answered. Lert heard the sincerity in his voice and could only be silent as a response.
At the end of the line, Liam looked towards the eager and excited recruits but did not share their excitement. 'The city, huh. At one time I shared their enthusiasm but... Not anymore.' He thought back to his past as a young child. "Mom, dad! Look at all the people! Life must be great there! There's also so many kinds of food, places to go, and travelers from all over! I can't wait until we can move to the city!" He had remarked, though that dream was left behind in the past. 'I suppose looking towards the city isn't too harmful... I would be stationed in the city or have to report to the higher ups there when I become a knight after all...' He remarked to himself.
Ashley looked from behind Victoria and her eyes twinkled as she looked towards the city, though she tried to hide her excitement from the latter in front of her. She looked at the various citizens and travelers who were clothed with all sorts of colorful garb and compared to the clothing that the recruits were wearing, the ones worn by those in town were quite lavish. "I can see you're admiring the luxuries of the well-off ones in the city." Victoria remarked, still facing forward. "Wha-What, I wasn't..." "No, no. Be at ease, I understand why you would not want me to notice it, time and time again." Victoria replied.
"How do you-" "How do I know? It's simple observation. I noticed just now that your breathing changed." Said Victoria. "Changed?" Ashley asked. "Simply put, your breathing and heart rate quickened, and you began to perspire more. Also, you began to tremble slightly." "You... You can hear all of that?" "Heh. Well, some people like me are born with acute senses which can pick up minute changes in the environment by hearing alone. And with training, one can get to the point that you can isolate certain sounds and focus on them. Including the breathing and pulse of others; you can more easily expect your opponents' movements that way." Victoria exclaimed proudly. "Oh... That's... impressive!" Ashley replied. "Hah, you're praise is warranted. Although, I was only partially sure that you were excited." She remarked.
"What?" Ashley asked, surprised. "Many things can be surmised from observing someone's physical condition, but oftentimes one symptom can be an indication of many things. If you didn't agree with me, I would have just told you to drink some water instead. That is why you should consider more than just guesswork when determining someone's condition. First, I knew that most of the recruits are excited and long for the splendors of the city even though some don't admit it out loud. And second, I overheard you and some of the other girls gossiping over clothing, jewelry and the like... And so I have a certain and probable claim." Victoria explained.
"That's... pretty thorough of you... But that seems like a lot of work..." Said Ashley. "It's natural for those like me who have the ability to do so." Victoria said with a smile, continuing to walk forward after briefly looking back towards Ashley. 'She... says she does all of that work to completely analyze someone to get a full idea of them to make sure of their intentions. But...' "I also considered the possibility that all this walking had exhausted you, thus leading to the symptoms you showed. But I dismissed it quickly." Victoria remarked. "You did? I was waiting for you to mention it and was kinda surprised you didn't." Ashley remarked.
"Well if this short walk had tired you out, that would mean you fell below my expectations and view of your capabilities; Something that would be uncharacteristic of you." Victoria responded, with a smile. The other recruits talked amongst themselves. "She's always expecting too much out of everybody..." "Why do we have to be something just for her..." "Who does she think she is to demand that from us..." But Ashley simply smiled in response. ' I think that she just doesn't know how to approach someone any other way. And... because of her position, she can only express herself a certain way. She... has a lot on her shoulders and so she acts this way... But sometimes I just wish she'd be more straightforward.' Ashley thought. "Well a short march is not that tiring, so you're right about me not being tired at all!" She exclaimed.
Some of the others began to whisper amongst themselves again. "Whoa... she's being a suck up again." "I feel bad for her." "She'll probably be told off if she doesn't say the right thing..." Victoria had always heard all of their quiet prattling and tattling, but only ocassionally told them off. "Hmph Ashley, don't get too ahead of yourself. Overconfidence will make you complacent, and complacency can get you killed in the battlefield..." Victoria remarked.
"Well... That's what you get..." The other recruits continued their mumbling. "I'm sorry-" "However!" Victoria loudly cut off Ashley. "You only need to maintain your focus and effort, and do not let yourself be off guard. You do not need to say sorry, apologies are for those who are so weak, that they prefer spouting useless words to compensative action. You only need to keep up a continous effort, that will make you above the weaklings who merely yap about others instead of focusing on making themselves stronger..." She remarked. "Right!" Ashley exclaimed. The two kept walking with their heads held high while some of the other recruits continued whispering amongst themselves.
"The sights... The sounds... And the smell of... food! I can't wait for an opportunity to go to the city!" Sethan exclaimed. "Yeah, especially the food! No matter how good something is, if you're always eating it, it's going to be boring! And the food we have isn't exactly the best..." Asralyn remarked. "Hmph, if Flare were here to hear you, you're already be in the middle of a scolding about now... And the food's pretty good, we've had worse at the orphanage..." Metas replied.
"Well..." Sethan remarked. "And on going to the city, we've been there before remember? We came from the slums, and we passed through there to get here. You've already seen the sights and smells, it's pretty much the same everywhere, but there's just more people..." Said Metas, bitterly. "We're just thinking and using our imaginations. We know we might... We might fail and never get enough money to live like that but..." Asralyn remarked, saddened. "Is it that bad for us to dream? For just one second for us to forget about our situation?" Sethan asked. He had raised his voice and looked wearily towards the other recruits and Darius at the front of the line afraid that he was heard. "Yeah!" Asralyn exclaimed with a whisper.
"No... It's not an impossible dream. A better life for you two... It's not going to be easy, but... I'll make sure you'll reach it. It's good to set a goal to reach, and to work towards to. It's not something you can reach right away, but... all we can do now is work hard and try to reach for it..." Metas remarked hopefully. "Well until then, all we can do is stay back and look from afar...." said Sethan.
"Hey look!" One of the recruits pointed towards something. "Oh?" "Hmm..." "Whoa..." The recruits remarked. 'So noisy... What are the recruits fussing over this time?' Darius thought to himself. "Hmph?" He glanced up to see a regal ornate carriage travelling from the gate and downwards the road. It moved slowly, as it was surrounded by rows of knights on its sides and on the carriage's rear. The people who were lined up from the outside trying to enter the kingdom and those who were clamoring in the streets within all gazed upon the display. The carriage was colored an ornate red, and was covered in intricate golden trimmings and design all over the carriage's body. It was encrusted by jewels of different colors and sizes, all of which sparkled and gleamed in the sunlight. It was like a vivid rainbow had descended from the skies and had made landfall on the dusty dirt road.
Two immaculately brushed and spotless white horses led the carriage forward, clopping at a slow and steady pace. 'Well, that's quite a sight alright. No wonder they're all marvelling at it.' Darius remarked to himself. "Now that, that's quite something to have! Your own fancy carriage, plus your own guards to protect you! Maybe even your own castle, there you can have the best food, the best clothes... How rich do you need to be to have that kind of stuff!" Sethan exclaimed. "I don't think even if we become the highest rank of knights we'll be able to afford all of that luxury..." Said Asralyn. "Its too bad that the horses and the carriage have to go through all of this dust, they'll be covered in dirt in no time in this road..." Said Sethan.
"If they're that rich, they probably have people that clean the carriage and the horses and make them look good as new." Asralyn answered. "Maybe that's what we should do instead, if the people paying are rich then maybe we should just..." "You'd be better off training for the knights instead, it would be more likely for you to get accepted here than to be the kingdom's most decorated cleaners and horse... caretakers? Yeah, while there's lots of knights around the kingdom there's going to be only a select few who do this kind of stuff." Metas remarked. 'Either that... Or they're underpaid workers or slaves. Not something I want them to be dreaming to be...' Metas thought to himself.
The coachman sat in front of the carriage was dressed warmly, with an expensive long coat and top hat which appeared to be quite costly in appearance. He lifted his top hat and wiped his brow off sweat, before drinking from a canteen of his own. Some of the knights walking nearby the carriage wiped off sweat from their foreheads as well. "Going this slow under the hot sun must be hard for these people..." Said Asralyn. "Oh... of course. It... must be tough on them to be walking all this way to... Where are they even going? It's going to be a while before they reach the next town..." Sethan remarked, concerned. "Where they're going I'm not sure, but we might be able to know where they're headed based on who they are... Personal protection from the knights, as well as that luxurious of a carriage would probably warrant them being a royal, or a nobleman of high standing." Metas replied.
As the carriage moved further down the road, the door swung open and a finely dressed young girl emerged carrying a spotless glimmering silver tray emerged. "Attention everyone!" She announced towards the knights guarding her carriage. "Or noble... girl? Noble woman..." Metas added as they saw the girl peek out from the carriage door. She was wearing an elegant frilly dress, with the colors of vermillion and gold being the most prominent in the apparel. Her dress was long and extended all the way to her ankles, and her long sleeves and her skirt ended in gold-colored trimmings. Her clothes were made from the finest silk material, which was both expensive and delicate to the touch. Her eyes matched the color of her hair, amber. And her hair was tied in a bun, and it was held in place by an opulent comb going downwards into her it. It appeared to be pristine and untouched, and it looked to be comprised of porcelain. It was small and had long narrow teeth, a design of a rose connected to a stem was intricately carved into it. The design was given color by gold and jewels encrusted into it, and was an immediate drawer of attention to onlookers. She also wore thin white silk gloves, which were soft and delicate, and were almost see-through. They extended to her wrists and an interwoven flame pattern was laced onto the end of the glove.
"Young mistress Carmilla, you mustn't! It's dangerous for you to exit the carriage!" A mustached man in a well-tailored suit said across from her. "Mister Watercress, not to worry. This is why all of these knights are here, is it not? And would anyone be foolish enough to try and attack the carriage this close to the castle gate? With the kingdom's force of knights just nearby?" She asked the butler. "Well... we must consider the possibility... There's always a chance of danger..." Mister Watercress replied. "And that is why I have not exited the carriage, nor do I plan on having the door wide open for long; in which it will only take longer because of your intervention..." The girl remarked. "Apologies mistress, forgive my intrusion." The butler replied. "No, no... You were simply concerned and doing your duty." said Carmilla.
The coachman in front halted the horses, and one of the knights walked up to the carriage in response to the girl's query. "What is it mistress, have you forgotten something? Shall we turn the carriage back around?" The coachman asked, as he leaned out of his seat towards Carmilla. "No need to halt the carriage, I have not forgotten anything this time. In fact, you should speed up in order for us to get to our destination faster. I only wish to talk to the captain and his men." She remarked. "Understood ma'am." The coachman replied.
Marching towards the direction of the carriage, the recruits looked towards it as it was preferable to staring into the sun or into the barren dirt road ahead. "Must be good to be that rich, huh... You don't have to work hard, you get all that you need, all that you want... And you're basically set for life!" Lert exclaimed. "It isn't always good to get everything you want all the time..." Endro answered. "Well... I'd rather that than this..." said Lert.
Metas, Sethan and Asralyn were admiring the display. "Hmph... Somehow I don't feel right about this. I mean she's not much older than me, I don't think she's older than you, brother... But she has all of this stuff and all these people are working for her and she can make this whole parade of guards to stop and start as she pleases, hmph..." Asralyn pouted, her speech increasing in speed until it was akin to incomprehensible mumbling.
One of the knight guards walked up to the carriage, whom had bushy eyebrows and a thick mustache, removed and lowered his helmet as he approached Carmilla. "I... kind of feel bad for them, instead of guarding the city, fighting in the battlefield or doing something meaningful, these knights are stuck out here doing errands and guarding some spoiled brat..." One of the recruits muttered. "I guess if I was a knight, I'd like to do something that will be actually do good for the kingdom and the people..." said Sethan.
"Though I don't really mind working hard for a cute girl like her..." A recruit exclaimed. "In fact, If I become a knight, I'd prefer something like this instead of walking around the city or fighting on the battlefield." Another remarked. "Hmph, based on what we go through in training everyday, you two won't last an hour walking around in this heat." said Ash. "Well, there's enough time in between now and becoming a knight that I can become stronger... And why don't these guys have horses anyway? I don't know much, but that doesn't seem like the best idea if you're going a long distance away..." One of the recruits responded. 'Hmm!' Metas exclaimed to himself. "Brother, is anything wrong?" Sethan asked him. "No, it's nothing." Metas replied.
The recruits then continued their chatter. "Ash, maybe you're just jealous that she's prettier than you." Another recruit remarked. "Ooohhh..." Some of the recruits remarked. "Hmmp..." Ashley exclaimed looking downwards, flustered. "Hmm?" Victoria remarked, looking back towards Ashley. "Such a ludicrous accusation! Us trainee knights have no concern except improving our strength, and making ourselves ready for service of the kingdom. As such, your words have no weight against us. And while you all dream about frivolous extravagance, our gaze remains single-minded and focused." Victoria exclaimed, and was met by more quiet mutterings amongst the crowd. She then put her hand on Ashley's shoulder and whispered: "And if you become a knight and rise through the ranks, you won't be worrying about the others gossiping, and you can afford more freedoms. But only if, you can get through this." She remarked. "Now don't you dare dissapoint me!" Victoria exclaimed, giving Ashley a hard pat on the back. "Right!" Ashley answered, invigorated.
"Young mistress, is there anything me or my knights can do for you?" The knight asked. "Here!" She remarked, holding the tray she was holding forward. On it was an intricately designed teapot, a small stack of teacups, and a plate with a large round tart on it. It was exquisite, and expertly made, and consisted of a baked base with a custard filling and topped with an array of bright red-orange berries. "No mistress, we possibly couldn't! We... already tried to refuse your offer last time. We can't possibly accept more from you again!" The captain answered. "Yes, last time. I remember I didn't bring enough, so..." Carmilla handed the captain the tray and then went back inside the carriage to reach for more. "Ah, so that is why you packed extra of the tea and pastries. I was beginning to worry about your health if you suddenly undertook such a large appetite." Mr. Watercress remarked.
"Pass that tray around, and... Here's some more." Carmilla then reached for more wooden boxes filled with the sweet confectionery, two more teapots, and another stack of teacups. "I... apologize, that I was unable to bring more tea because they were too difficult to transport already prepared, but fret not... I'll make sure you all go home with the finest boxes of the kingdom's prized tea leaves. Though, it won't be the same as the ones brewed by Lodeleth's most skilled flame-brewers." She remarked. "Mistress... This is..." The captain remarked, as he passed along the goods to the other slow-marching knights. "Please... This is the least I can do! After a long day out here in the sun and the rain, this isn't anything much." Carmilla remarked magisterially.
"But these tarts, they're..." One of the knights remarked as he examined it in disbelief. "Yes, they're flameberries. Finely picked by the finest er... berry pickers. They go well with custard as you see." Carmilla replied. "And I also apologize for the tea, it has gone a bit warm and its best served hot... Mister Watercress, if you would." Carmilla said, passing one of the teapots to her butler. Mr. Watercress then clapped his hands twice and a small flame formed above his hands. "No, no mistress. We knights can handle it." Said the captain, gesturing for the teapot. "Oh, alright then." She remarked, reaching for the teapot and handing over to the captain.
The captain then stretched his palm open and a flame formed under the teapot as he held it. The other knights also began heating up their tea and tart with their own flame. "But... they're expensive! For us lowly knights to eat them..." The knight remarked. "I'll take care of it! It's already been compensated by my family's resources after all." She exclaimed. "But..." "If you aren't going to eat it, then..." The next knight then took the plate. "Wait, I..."
As the other knights marched, they began to pass along the tart plate with them getting a slice each. They also passed along the teapot and teacups, with them passing them along and pouring them with reverie, as if they were handling a religious artifact. They each took a slice and a sip for themselves, and delighted in the delicacies that were only once reserved for nobles. "This quality..." "It's good!" "This is great!" "This is nothing like I've ever tasted before!" Some of the knights cried out, but most were too busy stuffing their mouths to speak. Those who were not too fond of the taste still kept eating as it was an opportunity they shan't squander and they were not letting it pass.
"You better get a piece before it runs out." Siegmund exclaimed to the young knight. "Huh? Sir!" He exclaimed, turning and saluting towards his senior. "Sir!" "Sir." "Sir Siegmund!" The other knights saluted as he passed by. "Ah yes, Knight Siegmund! I remember you from..." Carmilla repeatedly snapped her fingers as she tried to recollect a memory. "The assembly." Siegmund answered. "The assembly! Yes, thank you for helping me recall. How goes the campaign? I didn't expect to see you here in the city." Carmilla replied. "Well, I'm only here on momentarily leave, and on the reason of overseeing the trainees and well... some administrative matters that are too mundane and lengthy to list down." Siegmund remarked. "I see. How goes it in the field, if you don't mind me asking?" Carmilla asked.
"I don't mind. It's... Advancing. We think it might extend for a longer period of time, but we hope a decisive victory might lead us to a successful defense and repelling of the invaders." Said Siegmund. 'Hmm... The war with the Reshans is going to continue for a longer period of time, huh? This explains the lack of horses of the knights guarding me here... And with what my people say, they've even resorted to buying off horses en masse from farms and ordering the citizens to give up a horse as a new form of tax.' Carmilla thought deeply.
"Mistress is there anything the matter?" Mr. Watercress asked her. "No, I was just thinking about how uncomfortable these knights must be out here in the sun. Can't we just get a few of these knights and get them in the carriage?" She asked. 'If only that were possible...' 'Mistress... You are too kind...' 'Maybe then I can spend just a day with my children...' Such thoughts circulated within the men and women guarding the carriage, alas they all knew such an occurrence was unlikely. "Mistress, that is a highly unsafe decision. Bandits or brigands might surprise and overwhelm the carriage, your safety will be at risk." Mr. Watercress remarked. "And the order has already been issued by our superiors, and so disobeying them is tantamount to desertion. Forgive us mistress, and please understand our position." The captain remarked. 'And that's that.' 'I... thought that would happen.' 'I knew that wasn't possible...' The knights all thought as they sighed amongst themselves.
"No, it is I who should be sorry. If it wasn't for me, then you would not be undertaking such a toilsome task right now." Carmilla replied. "No, no mistress. You are already too kind!" "The tart and tea you gave us is already enough to carry us through the whole way!" "Not to worry young mistress, we knights of Lodeleth are tougher than you think! We can brave tougher challenges than this!" "We've trained hard and went through harder! This is no sweat for us!" "Yeah!" And more such cheers and yells erupted among the knights. "It's good to see you all in high spirits. If that is the case then I suppose I can rest easy." said Carmilla. "Not to worry mistress, me and my knights shall keep you safe no matter the heat." said the captain.
The noble girl began to go back into the carriage but remembered Siegmund. "Ah, I almost forgot. Fare thee well to you Sir Siegmund!" She remarked. "And to you as well Mistress Carmilla!" The knight said, bowing. "And to you as well, Sir Darius! I deign not to forget a name!" She said to Darius who was keeping distance. "Mistress." Darius merely slowly and politely bowed in response. "Farewell to you also, trainee knights! I wish you good luck in your training!" Carmilla waved towards the trainees before going back inside the carriage.
Seeing her, many of the recruits clenched their fists ad they felt invigorated and inspired by the display. "I'm going to train hard and become the best knight there is!" One of the recruits exclaimed. "I'll train harder than I've ever trained before!" Another remarked. "Yeah! Yeah!" Said another still. "Well, I guess that's all that it takes..." Endro remarked. "Maybe... I can become a great knight after all!" Lert exclaimed. "You too?" said Endro. 'Hmph, they're all so simple minded... It's like anything and everything could sway their emotions...' Thought Victoria. "These simpletons-" Victoria said as she turned towards Ashley but then saw the latter shared the excitement the others had, her eyes wide and her gaze distracted. "Huh? Did you say something?" Ashley asked. "I said nothing... Though, its just that I'm certain the motivation the others feel won't last long at training..." Victoria answered.
Through all this Liam remained silent but observed intently, unbothered even with the load he was carrying. Metas had a barely perceptible smile as he looked upon the other recruits. His sister smiled towards the carriage as it passed by. "She's... Nice and pretty but... she's in there and we're out here. Really must be nice to be born a noble or royalty... But there's nothing we can do about it now, except just to work harder instead..." Said Asralyn. "Hmm..." Metas remarked in response. Sethan looked towards the passing carriage with an uncertain expression. "So, what do you think of her? Does it seem like she's being placed on a high pedestal even though she isn't doing anything?" He asked his siblings. "Um... I don't know..." Said Sethan. "Uh... Maybe?" Asralyn remarked.
"Well, you're not wrong for thinking that. Since, being born and raised into nobility means you can rise through the ranks and live a life of luxury without doing much except following the rules and standards of their family, and even others don't do that much. But some nobles can have a large power and influence over the politics and the people of the kingdom. Their decisions can affect a lot of people's lives, and they're highly regarded by many because of it." Metas remarked. "So that many guards, and her going out of the city... She must be on some important business then." said Sethan. "Or going on a faraway vacation somewhere..." Asralyn mused. "And because this road leads to the same direction, she must also be heading to the same place as that other royal carriage!" Sethan exclaimed.
"Maybe all the rich people are going to vacation to the same place!" said Asralyn. "Well... It's not entirely implausible..." said Metas. "Wow you know a lot about this stuff, brother." said Sethan. "It's important to know a thing or two about the kingdom you live in even if it might not seem that important but it might come in handy some day." Metas remarked. "That's... good to know." said Sethan. Metas then began to dive deep into thought.
'Two members of the higher class are going to the same place... Not that it has anything to with us, but... If it concerns the war, then... I hope it ends before we become knights. Though... unlikely. But wouldn't they send the top generals or maybe the king if its too important? No, they might have stayed in the city and only delegated orders to them because its more important for the top to stay in the capital. But in that case, it could be another different, important matter.' Metas looked down towards the ground as he walked, deeply immersed in thinking. "Brother, is there anything on your mind?" Sethan asked. "It's nothing, let's get to training." Metas answered.
From afar, Siegmund observed the recruits and looked towards Metas. "Hmm..." He remarked, narrowing his eyes. The recruits then turned at a fork in the road, going right instead of down the road towards the city. They were still beaming with excitement and invigorated with inspiration, but Darius walked closer to them and began to talk: "Well now, considering that you all are feeling excited, I expect you all to be eager for the upcoming hellish training that we'll be having?" He remarked.
"Uh..." Oh." "Um..." "Er..." The recruits said uneasily amongst themselves. "I am!" A voice cried out. "Hmm... Who was that?" Darius remarked with a smile, interested. He walked over towards where he heard the recruit from. "It was me, sir!" Endro exclaimed. "Forward, recruit! State your name!" said Darius. "Endro, sir!" He saluted and spoke with conviction, though he was uneasy. "Ah I remember you, recruit. You were the one who stirred up that mess earlier. Good to see that you've learned quickly during your brief time locked up. If you continued to act up and make trouble for us and the other recruits... Appropriate action would have been necessary." Darius remarked, walking forward and patting Endro on the shoulder.
"I expect great things from you, recruit. From all of you." Darius said, as he walked back to the front. Endro then went back to the line as the recruits continued forward. The other recruits, as they usually did, began to speak amongst themselves. "So he's the one who caused all of that trouble earlier..." "Really? I thought he was gone. They should've kicked him out because of what he did." "He really shouldn't be allowed to be here! He'll just cause more trouble like always!" "He's dangerous staying here..." "He doesn't belong here if he isn't taking this seriously..." "Does he just want to show off? People like him are all talk..." The recruits remarked.
"Hmph..." Endro clenched his fists tightly and looked down towards the ground. "You alright?" Lert asked him. Endro sighed. "They're... right." He remarked. "You... don't have to listen to them." Lert replied. "Don't... Don't talk to me. I... can handle things on my own now..." Endro said, turning away. Lert reached his hand forward, but put it down to his side. "Hmm..." Metas remarked, observing. "Here comes more training..." said Sethan. "When we get back... I'm going to have to sleep all day again... How do they expect us to go everyday like this?" Asralyn remarked. "Well, some don't." Sethan replied. "Do you mean some people don't expect us to continue, or that some of us won't be able to continue?" Asralyn asked. "Well... both." Sethan remarked. "You two, get ready." Metas remarked.
As the recruits walked down the path towards the next training area, there was a deathly silence that permeated the air. Only Victoria who was in front of the group, Siegmund who was ever-jovial, and Darius who had a smug smirk were the ones who seemed to show positive emotion. They went down a dirt path, in the middle of a clearing of trees, that led to a large open riverbank. The area was free of trees, having been cleared years ago by Lodelethians by burning them away. The grounds are covered with slashes and burn marks, ranging from years ago to merely days old. They emerged from the cover of the trees, and many of the recruits shielded their eyes from the fierce shower of sunlight that washed over them.
The recruits carrying the training weapons put them down, as they did several times across the journey in order to drink from their canteens. Some wiped sweat off their brows, others chugged down water from their now warm canteens, but Victoria had her arms raised wide basking in the sun. "Hmph, if only all that sunlight would make you seem a bit less gloomy in appearance." Ashley remarked. "Now, now. You're starting to sound like the others. But, that's quite alright for me. Even if I spend day after day in training and my skin remains pale as it is, if it serves to frighten the new recruits, then its fine." Victoria remarked. "Still, I wonder why your skin doesn't get any darker in the sun..." Ashley mused. "That's not that important right now, training is at hand..." Victoria replied. "Right." Ashley answered. Darius stopped and turned towards the recruits, and they finally stopped their march. "Recruits!" He exclaimed.
The recruits all turned towards Darius and saluted, with them trying to stay as still and rigid as possible though this was more difficult to those carrying the training weapons.. "Those with the weapons, put them there to the side. To the others, lines!" He remarked, and the recruits formed rows of horizontal lines in formation. 'Training's starting... Us standing here is the most rest we're going to get before it starts. Earlier was only supposed to be exercise, but now comes the hard part...' Sethan thought to himself. 'I need to do just as brother told us to. Stand straight, keep my ankles and my feet planted to the ground. I need to breath deeply... and calmly... keep my knees straight, but not to buckle them... I'm itchy. Try not to move to much...' Sethan thought. He turned his head slightly to the left, looking towards Asralyn who looked back towards him and was trying to stand perfectly still as the rays of the sun was beating down onto her.
Sethan turned his head the other way towards Metas who gestured to look back straight ahead. As Sethan turned forward once more, he almost jumped into the air as his eyes met Darius who was standing in front of the recruits and watching intently. Darius scanned and turned from left to right, and then walked around the formation of recruits. Siegmund walked to him and marvelled at the discipline of the trainees. "Hmm, they seem to be quite well-behaved. Are they like this usually, or only when an observer is present?" Siegmund remarked. "Heh, do you think they're only disciplined when somebody else is around?" Darius exclaimed. "I jest, I jest. But, they're unusually ruly for children their age..." Said Siegmund.
"Well, they're certainly better behaved than our fellow recruits when we enlisted!" Darius remarked with a chuckle. "Indeed, it's interesting to see that those who are a bit older are more likely to be truant or questoning of authority." said Siegmund. "The difference is, many of them grew up in orphanages or are sent here as children. Most of us then already lived full lives before we got enlisted." Said Darius. "But, I pity the children. For them to undergo an ordeal like this at their age... For us it was difficult even as adults." Siegmund exclaimed. "Pah, they're lucky they get training and discipline early in their lives. So they don't turn out like some of the guys that got kicked out or didn't last a day in training. And that they don't become like those who bought their way to the top of the ranks and serve as cushy guards inside the city only to fold the moment they enter a battlefield." said Darius.
"Do you remember when Alfred was late for attention, and the instructor chewed him out? He towered over him, but the old man made him seem like a small child!" Siegmund said, before laughing heartily. "It's almost hard to believe that a softie like him is now the kingdom's personal royal guard." Darius remarked. "Time really flies, huh." Said Siegmund."We all went through a lot to get to our positions. I'm retired, but only after decades of service. And you're one of the kingdoms premiere captains now." Darius remarked. "And now, its time for the new generation to take over. Which reminds me, I need not take up more of your time." Siegmund remarked.
"The recruits... They'll need the training. You and I know that from experience." Said Darius. "Well under your care, they'll surely become tough and sturdy warriors. Though, that is if they make it past your training..." Siegmund said smiling, walking past Darius. "Hmph." He snickered in response. Darius walked to the front of the recruits, unphased by the harsh sunlight, and stood firm. "Re-cruits! And... March! 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2..." He commanded, as he walked to the shade. The recruits marched in tandem to his count, their boots stamping on the hard ground almost in perfect sync. Darius walked around the recruits, studying if they kept up their marching to the rhythm. Some of the younger and frailer recruits began to pant and heave in combination of the harsh sun and the extensive repetitive action they were undertaking. It was only a brief time for Darius and Siegmund, but it felt like a droning eternity for the trainees.
Darius watched attentively as some recruits began to struggle and falter, still keeping up with the rhythm of the march though the strain they experienced grew and grew. "And cease!" Darius exclaimed. The recruits abruptly stopped their march, many immediately fell seated to the ground, and many more panted heavily with their hands on their knees or wiping away the sweat from their foreheads. Those who didn't already have empty canteens, downed them, leaving water dribbling from their chins onto the ground below.
Metas took a small sip of his canteen and looked toward Sethan and Asralyn who were chugging down their own canteens. He put a hand on his younger siblings' shoulders, which made Sethan lower his canteen. "I know, we shouldn't drink too much..." He remarked. "But its hot outside, and I'm still thirsty and... getting some more water is a hassle." Said Asralyn, lowering her canteen. She looked near towards the riverbank which a long row of large iron pots raised above old and burnt out stacks of chopped wood which now resembled white crumbling soil. The pots were burnt black and there were wooden buckets placed nearby the pots.
"All the more reason to save your water." Metas replied. "I... guess so..." Asralyn remarked. "If you drink too much water, you're body fills up quickly with water and it's going to want to release all that water because your body can't hold it all." Metas remarked. "And the only time we can pee is before, after or if you're going to do it during training, you're going to have to go back or run to the forest and Darius is going to chew us out. Got it." said Sethan. "Well... I drank some water on the way here, so... Even if I want to drink more, I kinda can't..." Said Asralyn, tipping over her empty canteen, a single drop falling and quickly evaporating on the hot ground.
Metas held his water canteen towards her. "Here." Asralyn reached for it, but Metas pulled his hand back. "Just a sip." He remarked. "Just a sip." She answered. Asralyn took his water canteen and took a small sip before lowering her hand. Metas reached for it, but Asralyn pulled the canteen back and took another sip. "Now I'm done." She said as she handed it back to her older brother. "Hmph." Metas said as he retrieved it. He put on a stern face as he turned away but as he glanced towards Asralyn, he saw her concerned and downcast expression. Metas ruffled her hair as he looked around to observe the others.
Many of them only took few gulps of their water, though some could not resist the temptation to slake their thirst and guzzled more than necessary. Few like Ashley and Victoria only took a small sip, only enough to prevent their mouths and throats from being dry. Fewer still like Liam, did not take any sips. Whether by somehow having finished all of their water, forgetting to bring their canteen, or Liam who elected not to drink even though he carried a full container of water. A single bead of sweat ran down his face as he appeared unperturbed and relaxed as if he did not go through any physical activity at all.
"Recruits! Enough dilly-dallying! Up, up! Go, go!" Darius remarked. With his order, the recruits ceased their momentary break and all began to jog around the training ground. "Faster! Run, run!" He exclaimed, there wasn't any required speed on how fast the recruits were running, though Darius yelled "encouragement" at the slower recruits that were lagging behind or not giving their all into running. "Go! How are you going to make it charging forward in the battlefield? You won't even make it past half a field out there! Come on, you're running without armor here, you'd be as slow a snail if you're moving this slow now." His voice boomed.
As the recruits ran, Siegmund watched them and turned to follow them as they ran in a circle around the grounds. "Hmm..." He remarked. He watched the movements of the various recruits and could observe a great deal from how they moved. Many of the younger trainees simply rushed forward and gave their all into running without care for conserving their energy or breathing properly whilst moving. They flailed about and ran forward hurriedly and they reached the front of the pack in short time but as a result they ran out of stamina quicker than usual. 'The younger ones are giving their all into running forward and though that certainly makes them move quickly, it also makes them tire quickly as well. Not a bad strategy for getting from one place to another swiftly, but speed is not everything in the battlefield. If you rush headlong without a plan, you'd be tired before any fighting even begins...' Thought Siegmund.
Some recruits like Lert, Sethan and Asralyn moved more optimally, opting to jog instead of sprinting to reserve their energy. Either by practice, experience and understanding, or by tutelage, they have somehow improved their technique and form. With a straighter posture, heads held high, and arms still swinging, but not wildly flailing like the younger trainees, they fared better than many. "Haa... Haa... This is punishing..." Endro said to himself as he sprinted forward towards the front, lagging towards the back, but rushing forward once more. "Hey. Hey!" Lert whispered towards him as Endro overtook him but slowed down due to fatigue. "What? I told you I didn't need your help." He replied. "You don't have to run that fast, you're only going to tire yourself out." Lert remarked. "Slow down? And be like the ones at the back that get yelled at for being too slow?" Endro answered. "You don't have to move so slow as to be in the back, you just have to be moving at a steady pace at the middle." Lert said, as Endro continued to rush forward and lag behind.
Endro observed that though Lert was not as fast as some other recruits and was panting, he appeared to have a more refined technique as he moved, at least compared to the others. "I'm... Listening." Endro said reluctantly. "Don't just run as fast as possible, and breathe as you step, run with a rhythm, and try to land on the ground on the middle of your feet. It should make you trip up less often." Said Lert. Endro tried to heed the other boy's advice as best as possible: slowing himself down to a stable speed, matching his steps with his breathing, and landing on his feet properly. He soon ran at a constant pace that matched Lert's, and did not lag any further. He then looked at the other trainees who were faring better such as Metas, Liam, Ashley and Victoria.
"And one more thing-" Lert said, before Endro cut him off. "My arms, I know. By looking at the others... Their arms aren't waving around too much... Their backs are straight and they're looking forward. Some of them are running like we were all marching earlier, following the 1-2 count. We should stop talking, we're only wasting our breath." He remarked. Lert didn't speak another word, but he simply smiled and continued running forward. 'Hmm... That boy quickly adapted and refined his running technique. Impressive that he learned and changed it that fast. Though, there are ones who are clearly above the rest.' Siegmund thought, as he rubbed his chin. He looked towards the front of the pack, where Liam and Victoria were leading ahead.
Liam was moving quicker than the rest, though he did not appear to be rushing and was moving at a comfortable pace. Victoria who was right behind him, appeared to be barely struggling. She even appeared to be slowing down to let Liam be ahead of the others, similar to what she did in training earlier. Just behind them ran a group that included Ashley and some of her friends, and consisted of some of the elder trainees. Behind them was a larger group where Metas, Sethan and Asralyn where. Behind them were Endro and Lert and where the slower third of the recruits were. Metas was purposefully behind as he took care of his siblings, and was watching them carefully ensuring that they don't lag behind or trip.
"Come on Lyn, remember... What brother told us." Sethan remarked. "Yeah! It's just tough.... Just running here... And remembering all this stuf too..." Said Asralyn, in breathing gasps. "Just remember: Raise your shoulder, lift your head and chest, and-" "Don't cross my arms in front of me, land on the middle of my feet and... and..." "Time your breathing to your steps." Metas finished Sethan and Asralyn's statement. "Follow a rhythm. Just like we practiced. One, Two..." "One, two, one, two. I remember, just like you told me." Asralyn said confidently. Metas smiled, and gently patted her shoulder before speeding further to go slightly past them.