Nearing noon, the door of the Healer's Center that was just fixed was busted open and it startled Latras who's guarding Sol.
"Ca-Captain!" he exclaimed as he barely managed to stand in attention.
Tobias nodded and went directly to where Sol was resting. He saw the bruises all around her body. There's a cloth on her head- that means she got injured there. He also saw two pairs of wooden planks on her left arm- that means that she has a fracture there.
"What happened?" Tobias asked without turning to Latras. His voice was deep, hoarse and cold.
"Several fellow aspirants ganged on her in an attempt to test her might, Captain. There have been rumors going around that she is faking her weakness in order to get special training from you, Captain. I'm sorry Captain that I wasn't able to prevent it," Latras said as he lowered his head.
Tobias couldn't blame Latras.He is also frustrated that he was not around as the Training Camp Head is currently on a business trip.
"Sound the horn twice," Tobias said.
"Yes, Captain," Latras answered and went on his way to sound the horn.
This will be bad.
Latras thought as sounding the horn twice would mean that there is an emergency formation. And judging by the dark look of the Captain, he can expect ruthlessness from him.
Then there came the blaring sound of the horn - twice.
Tobias then left the Healer's Center and went to the training field, gripping his sword.
XXX
It was scorching hot and the aspirants gathered at the training field- curious with the emergency formation.
Tobias didn't say anything and he unsheathed his sword. The aspirants became serious and shuddered at the sight of the unsheathed sword.
"THOSE WHO ARE INVOLVED IN THE RUCKUS LAST NIGHT, STEP FORWARD!!!" he shouted.
His voice echoed around the training field. It was a normal shouting voice of a training officer but it made their hair stand up. It was an eerie command.
The several aspirants, around 10 with Dana, stepped forward.
Tobias walked towards them and stared coldly at their faces.
"You seem to have forgotten the rules within this camp," he said, gritting his teeth, "and you seem to have forgotten who your training officer is - the infamous Captain known for his ruthlessness. I have been quite lenient to you but it doesn't mean that you can disobey the rules as you please."
"We can explain, Captain!" Dana exclaimed.
Tobias stopped on his tracks and looked back at Dana.
"What will you explain, Aspirant Craig? That you do not believe that Aspirant Moraii is weak, that's why you beat her up?"
"We just want the training to be fair Captain and we just didn't want you to be fooled by Aspirant Moraii's manipulation."
"Fair and yet you ganged up on one person-"
"She is a Wishbone Captain, she can take us all down."
In a split second, Tobias struck Aspirant Craig. A diagonal cut appeared on her abdomen. Blood started to drip and all the aspirants were stricken with horror.
"Who told you that you can talk back to me as you please, Aspirant Craig? I couldn't care less if Captain Himenes is backing you up or even if you came from the high society. Speak more and you're down!"
Dana gritted her teeth in anger as she tried to cover her wound with her trembling hands.
"And for everybody's information regarding Aspirant Moraii's status, I have a diagnosis that a Wishbone like her being weak is possible. So what should we do now about the mess that you have made? You can mess with other people but not her…because she is someone we shouldn't mess with," he said and stopped at the last person in the line.
Tobias then walked towards the aspirant who's first in line.
Latras noticed the grip of the captain on his sword.
He is going to strike them like what he did with Dana.
Tobias raised his sword to strike the first aspirant but Latras immediately pulled the aspirant backwards and blocked Tobias' sword with a wooden one. The wooden sword was split into two.
Tobias stared at Latras with burning rage. Latras feels that he can be burned alive with just his stare.
Latras fell on his knee and lowered his head.
"Please forgive me Captain. Please have mercy on them Captain. They are still young and foolish. Please be graceful and let them learn from this huge mistake," Latras begged.
"Please have mercy on us Captain!" the aspirants said in horror, and also kneeled before the Captain.
Tobias kneeled near Latras.
"So, tell me what I should do with these foolish people who committed treason!!!" he whispered to Latras, unconsciously revealing a clue on Sol's identity.
"T-treason? W-what do y-you m-mean C-Captain? A-and Ca-Captain…I …I think…I think that Aspirant Moraii wouldn't like this," Latras said trembling.
"You sure know how to threaten me," he continued whispering.
"I wouldn't dare Captain," Latras said with his trembling voice.
There were several seconds of silence. Then, the look on Tobias' eyes suddenly changed. It seemed like it calmed a little bit.
It's true, Sol wouldn't like this. She hates violence and cruel punishments.
Tobias harshly sighed. He suddenly stood up and glared at the aspirants begging for their life. He returned his sword on his scabbard.
"You are not worthy to be aspirants, more so to be defenders. I want you lot out of my sight and out of my camp. I'll see to it that you will never enter the force!!" Tobias shouted. He then gave a disappointed look at Dana and then he walked away from the training field.
The aspirants who were currently kneeling dropped themselves on the ground as they felt relief. They thought that the Captain would strike them dead. The other aspirants who were not involved were able to breathe properly as they dispersed immediately and went towards their quarters, leaving the accused.
"Dana, you should visit the Healer's Center. Even though that cut is not deep, you still need to get it treated in order not to get an infection," Latras said and also walked away.
Dana clenched her fist. The burning admiration for the Captain turned into burning hatred.
XXX
Meanwhile, on that Everlasting Tea Shop sat a defender in crimson robes. He looks melancholic as the white orchids on the table seem to wither.
"Are you okay, dear?" a middle aged lady said as she refilled his tea.
"Yes, Auntie."
"The one you're waiting for…she might not show up. It's already evening. Ah, you remind me of the lady a week ago. She's also been waiting and that person also didn't show up. Those people who don't show up on agreed appointments are really bad."
"I guess I am bad, Auntie."
"Ha?"
"That lady-does she have silver tresses, green eyes and a lovely smile? She might carry a lyre harp."
"Ahhh. Yes. Do you know her?"
"Yes, Auntie. I'm the one who stood her up."
"You? …No exceptions. You are bad. Dorn dear, how can you do that to a lady?" she said, scolding him.
"I have no excuses, Auntie."
He totally forgot about it because he was again called for the Mission. It was too late when he realized that he failed to show up on his appointment with Aspirant Grasi.
I guess I need to visit her later to apologize.
XXX
One early Monday morning, Reicha , who was on duty to look after Sol, was pleased when she noticed that her quarter mate had finally opened her eyes.
"How are you feeling, Sol?" Reicha exclaimed.
"Wa-water…" Sol mumbled.
"Water? Okay, just a minute," Reicha said and went to get a cup of water. In a minute she was able to return with it. She then helped Sol raise her upper body in order not to choke on the water if she drinks it.
Sol looked around and it looked familiar. She realized that she was inside the Healer's center. As she tried to move, she could feel some stinging pain from the different parts of her face and of her body. Her left arm also felt heavy. She then stared at the wooden cast of her arm.
"W-what did the healer say?"
"Um. Well, as those aspirants were really strong, they were able to leave a strong mark on you that's why you can feel the pain. You got a cut on your head when it was smashed and you also fractured your arm. But don't worry, that's all it is. You can recover in no time."
"Mm. Then…do you know what happened after that? About Dana and the others?"
"Well…"
Should I tell her that the Captain nearly killed those aspirants?
"Um. The Captain suspended…suspended them."
"Is that all?"
"Um..yes?"
"You know, I can still find out the truth even if you don't tell me."
Reicha harshly sighed.
"The Captain struck Dana on her torso, but it's alright it's a light wound. The Captain initially wanted to make them bleed but Latras was able to stop him. In the end, those who beat you up were expelled and will never be allowed to enter the force again!"
"Huh?... Isn't the punishment for brawling is only suspension? The Captain is being too much, don't you think?"
"Well, you are the Captain's precious aspirant so it's normal that he would impose more than enough punishment as he saw fit. If you have seen the way Captain looked that noon, you would be frozen in fear. His cold gaze carried his murderous eyes. Every step he made shouted death. Well...I agree with his decision. Those aspirants need some serious lessons."
Sol would say that he must be exaggerating but… she knew that he is not.
"Mm. So, where is the Captain now?"
"Uh…he left a while ago. I heard that he is being summoned to the Capital that's why the Training Camp Head took charge of the formation."
"Wha-why is he being summoned?"
"I don't know… all I know is two golden shielders came to escort him."
"Hmmm."
If two golden shielders came to take him, then it must be that he was taken to the Manse. I shouldn't worry right?
"Mm. Then should we go join the training?" said Sol- more of a statement rather than a question.
"Do that and I will feed you with sleeping medicine," the healer, who just came after having his late breakfast, said, "You are still not well. Rest for a couple of days."
"But, healer, I think I can move. I can't miss my lessons."
"No. The Captain will seize my breath if he finds out that I've let you join the training. He said that he will personally teach you anything that you have missed," he firmly said and turned to Reicha, "You can join your training. I can look after her."
"Noted, Healer. Just notify us if you need any help."
"Right."
"Then, I'll be on my way," Reicha said and went out.
"You sure are lucky that you are being treasured by the infamous ruthless Captain. He's been with you since he came back. I'm glad that you finally opened your eyes or I will go crazy from him pacing back and forth because of how worried he is."
"He is?"
"You bet. No matter how hard he tries to keep his cool, I can see how tense he is. So, you should be grateful to him."
"For sure, I am," she answered and smiled widely.
The healer also smiled after seeing that his patient's face went bright as the sun.
XXX
As soon as he arrived at the Manse, Tobias was immediately brought to the high court. Cases involving the defenders would usually be resolved under the courts of the Bloody Cloaks Division. However, this case involves the high society; thus, it was brought to the high court where the Supremo will decide the decision.
At the high court, the advisers, the scholars and the minister of justice were present. He can also see the aspirants that he had expelled and with them are their parents. Commander Osiros was also summoned and he stood beside him during that trial.
As some of the expelled aspirants were sons of the high society, there was a petition to dismiss Tobias from the force and to remove Commander Osiros, being his Superior, from his seat.
"Good day everyone! We are gathered today to discuss the case of Captain Tobias Karsh vs. the people of Largus. On a Friday night, a brawl ensued at the camp when the Captain was not around. The punishment would be just suspension, but no. The claimants accuse the defendant that he abused his power as the training officer by unfairly expelling the aspirants under his care and prohibiting them to join the force ever. In a camp where violence is highly despised, he unsheathed his sword and struck one of the aspirants without any just cause. Thus, the claimants petitioned his dismissal from the office as well as the removal of Commander Osiros, his highest superior who should have checked on him, from his seat as he is still responsible for the barbaric attitude of his captain, " the Chief Scholar narrated.
"There is enough evidence and witnesses to prove their case. Before I will announce your punishment formally, I still need to hear your defense statement, Captain Karsh. Why do you think that you are not guilty?" the Supremo asked with a hint of sarcastic tone. It is very obvious that he is not fond of him. Well, Tobias is a relative of a traitor. Who would be fond of him?
"Supremo, I couldn't care less whether I will be dismissed from my office…but Supremo, hear my reasons on why I went to such extreme lengths of punishment."
"Go on."
"It is a rule that there shouldn't be fighting inside the camp and yes, the punishment would be just a suspension."
As soon as Tobias said that, the audience started to murmur.
"So, you're admitting that their claims are true?" asked the Supremo.
"Partly Supremo. But you see, more or less ten aspirants beat up their lone brother without mercy; that she has been lying unconsciously at the Healer's Center for more than 2 days… and that lone brother is ASPIRANT Sol Moraii."
When the Supremo heard the name, his body trembled and went frozen. You could see the fury in his eyes as he clenched his fist.
The crowd also gasped at the mention of the name as they knew that the surname belongs to the favorite adviser of the Supremo.
Adviser Moraii immediately walked towards the Supremo.
"Calm down Supremo. If you are going to let your rage win over you, you are going to expose that that person is your daughter and it might put the young miss on more embarrassing rumors," the adviser whispered to the Supremo who forced himself to calm down.
"To beat a daughter of one of the most fervent public servants in our land is really abominable. It is highly disrespectful…then the aspirants involved should also receive their punishment," the Supremo said sarcastically.
The representative of the claimants immediately went before the Supremo.
"But esteemed Supremo, these aspirants are also sons of fervent public servants and as they are in same societal status, they also have the same right to be respected from the defiling of this training officer."
"Supremo, if I may speak, the brawl was caused by the claimants and moreover Aspirant Moraii is alone. I think that what Captain Karsh did is wise. Those actions of aspirants do not fit to be future defenders of this land," Commander Osiros stated.
"Supremo, do not let your judgment be clouded because of what the defenders said. This is a matter of societal order. If a classless individual like Captain Karsh could walk all over high society then it will be a matter of time that his kind will not respect us," the representative of the claimants said.
"Please hear our case!" The claimants implored louder and louder that the court roared with noise.
The Supremo struck his table and made all those individuals keep quiet.
"I will now read the final punishment for Captain Tobiash Karsh and Commander Osiros," the Supremo said.
The high court went awfully quiet.
"It is found that Captain Karsh abused his power and unjustly expelled the claimants…but note that it is of noble cause. Thus, he will keep his designation but he will receive 200 whips. As for Commander Osiros, he will also keep his office. As for the claimants, they can enter the force but will remain at the Fort Amethyst Division without any possible entry to the Bloody Cloaks Division nor to the Golden Shields Division. So, ordered," the Supremo announced and stamped his seal on the piece of paper where he wrote his decision.
All of the individuals inside the high court had no choice but to bow down and accept the order. They can't plead their case any longer as the victim is the daughter of the most powerful adviser in their land.
Captain Karsh was then escorted by the golden shielders towards the court yard specifically used for the public display of punishment. There, Tobias stood with a one layer of clothing as they removed his cloaks and vests. He is surrounded by the claimants, the advisers, scholars and the Minister of Justice.
The golden shielders started whipping the mighty captain as the claimants snickered as they watched the punishment being implemented.
As for Commander Osiros, he wanted to leave as he didn't want to see his Captain to be punished and humiliated like that but he doesn't want anyone to get clever with the punishment. He wanted to check that no one will impose any other punishment as stated by the order of the Supremo.
Meanwhile, the Supremo still had difficulty calming down even though a chamomile tea was served to him.
I cannot let anyone trample on my daughter like that. How dare they touch her!!
"Commander Remus," he called to his commander who is currently guarding him.
"Anyone and everyone who dared to touch my daughter, I don't want to see them breathing anymore."
"Understood Supremo."
"Do it discreetly and do it cautiously. You can take your time."
"Yes, Supremo."
XXX