Chapter Two

The day went on as usual despite Shin’s angry spell. After an hour, Shin woke up and was publicly whipped by Master Lucilla. He was also given cleaning duty, which included washing the windows and floors of the academy, cleaning several cadets’ dirty clothes, helping the cooks in the kitchen, and cleaning the privies of human waste.

It was mid-afternoon. The cadets were usually allowed an hour’s rest at this time before their physical training gave way to academic studies. Instead, however, the elites were asked to stand in a row, shoulder to shoulder.

The sun blazed overhead. Kou wiped sweat off his brow with his backhand. Exhausted as he was from the drills and the whipping--which didn’t get much of a chance to feel any better--Kou found it all unbearable and wanted nothing more than to collapse onto the ground. His ingrained Militia discipline alone prevented him from doing so.

Master Lucilla stood a few feet behind Master Zeke, who paced the length of the line as he usually did when making a statement.

“You’re all probably wondering about your final test,” Zeke began. “Now you are going to find out.”

He suddenly stopped pacing. “Your task tomorrow is as follows: You are to seek out the ancient Mist Dragon, Lord Guadizett, in the forest of Ester and retrieve from him the Token of Ester. You will then return here and be officially dubbed soldiers of the Militia two days hence.”

All weariness fled Kou’s body at the mention of that name. His eyes widened in astonishment. He focused on Zeke, intent on hearing all that the master had to say.

“The dragon lives in a lake somewhere in that wilderness. It’s up to you to find it. Any questions?”

Kou was too excited to check his tone. “I thought dragons were only a myth.”

“Oh they’re real alright,” Zeke said. “I’d be surprised if you went through life in the Militia without seeing at least one.”

Ayla spoke up, equally excited. “But didn’t the dragons leave the world centuries ago after the Demon War?”

“Most, but not all,” Zeke answered. “About two hundred remain. Some serve the Militia, like Lord Guadizett. Some serve other nations as well, but most keep to themselves. Any more questions?”

“What are we to do once we find him?” Dirk asked. “Somehow I doubt a dragon will just sit there and wait for us to show up so it can give us the Token as a present.”

Zeke laughed without humor. Something in that laugh sent a chill through Kou’s spine. “You are shrewd, Dirk. No, the dragon won’t make it easy on any of you. But you won’t have to fight him, if that’s what you’re thinking--that would just be suicide. Beyond that, whatever lies waiting for you in Ester Forest is for the dragon to know and for you to discover and overcome.”

Zeke stood silently, waiting for another question. When none came, Lucilla stepped forward.

“You may now rest for one hour. Afterwards you will report to the academy. We will conclude our studies of Cirnus History, Demonology, and Ancient Lore. In addition, you will find that gear and supplies have been delivered to your rooms especially for the test. Dismissed!”

The cadets went their separate ways.

Lucilla grabbed Shin by the shoulder, stopping him.

“You come with me,” she said, then half-dragged Shin into the academy with her.

Less than a half-hour after the announcement and word of the test was already spreading. Many of the ordinary cadets were envious that the elites were to meet the legendary dragon, Lord Guadizett. Still, many pitied them for having to face a test by such an ancient and powerful creature. The cadets were already placing bets on which of the elites would make it back alive. Even more, however, speculated as to whether or not the whole thing was just an elaborate ruse. All were fascinated by this turn of events.

As Kou laid on the grassy earth--gratefully resting and watching the clouds make their slow journey across the bright blue sky--he talked with Lance and Ayla, who sat on either side of him. Their conversation too didn’t stray very far from their final test.

“Do you think Zeke was serious?” Ayla said. “Is Lord Guadizett really somewhere in those woods?”

“I dunno, Ay,” said Lance, bemused. “Kou, you’re from this village. Have you heard anything about this?”

Kou looked sideways at Lance. “I’m as confused as you are. In all my years here I’ve never once heard anything about a dragon living in the forest.”

“So do you think any of this is real?” Ayla looked up at the sky, as if expecting the clouds to change shape and spell out an answer for her. “The more I think about it, the less sense it makes.”

Kou sat up. “I know one thing, though. Master Zeke doesn’t enjoy stories. I know this sounds strange, but if he says there’s a dragon in that forest somewhere, I feel inclined to believe him.”

“I’m not so sure,” Lance said. “Something as great and powerful as a dragon sitting in the forest specifically to test us sounds improbable enough, but that dragon being Lord Guadizett? The Lord Guadizett, who was the steed of Caion, hero of the demon war?”

“I know what you mean,” Ayla said thoughtfully. “I can’t believe it myself. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. I don’t like how they’re going to send us out separately, though. I hate solo missions.”

Kou jumped. “Whoa, hold on! They’re sending us alone? How did you learn this?”

“Oh, I have my ways,” Ayla said with a crooked smile.

“Let me guess,” Lance said. “You’ve been snooping around with your magic again. You have to stop doing that, Ay. Didn’t you learn your lesson when you got caught and Lucilla lashed you?”

“How was I supposed to know seeing spells could be traced?” Ayla said indignantly. “Don’t worry, Lance. I’m much more careful now. Those halfwit masters can’t touch my fabulous skills.”

Lance shrugged. “Just don’t drag me into it when those ‘halfwit masters’ lash you for scrying into other people’s rooms again.” Lance paused a moment; his face brightened with a sudden thought. “You have to teach me how to do that! I’ve always wanted to look into the women’s baths.”

Ayla gasped in disgust. “Just for that I’ll never teach you, pig!”

“Oh no?” Lance grinned mischievously. He quickly snatched the spectacles off Ayla’s face and jumped to his feet. “Teach me and I’ll give these back!” He dangled the spectacles teasingly in front of Ayla.

“My glasses. Give them to me!” Ayla yelled.

“Teach me first.”

“I’ll teach you ... to behave!”

She was on her feet in an instant. Lance bolted away from her; Ayla gave furious pursuit. Despite his still lingering weariness, Kou got up and followed them, not wanting to miss a thing. Ayla shouted as they went; Lance teased; Kou laughed. Some of the other cadets rolled their eyes, some stared and shook their heads, and others chuckled knowingly.

Ayla eventually caught up with Lance and managed to snatch the spectacles from him before tripping his feet. Lance fell shrieking to the ground like a tall blond tree. Ayla stood over him and laughed, but soon found herself tripped by Lance. When she hit the ground Lance made a grab for the spectacles. Ayla caught Lance’s hands before he could succeed. The two rolled and wrestled on the ground, pretending to overpower each other. Their match ended in a stalemate; they laid on their backs and laughed.

Kou laid down beside them and they watched the clouds. One cloud seemed to take the shape of a galley, slowly sailing across the endless blue sky. Another looked like a fierce hawk, talons outstretched and wings spread. There was something relaxing, almost hypnotic, about watching the sky. It was even better watching it with Lance and Ayla laying next to him.

Kou had a sudden, horrible thought.

“We’re going to be soldiers soon,” Kou said. “What if we’re stationed separately and far away? What if we don‘t see each other again?”

“That’s a possibility,” Ayla said. “I’m not happy with that thought, but it’s inevitable. You can’t choose who you serve with in the Militia.”

“But still ... just in case ... let’s swear we‘ll always be there for each other.”

“Kou, being sentimental?” Lance said jokingly.

“Just do it!”

Kou reached out with his hand, palm down. Ayla placed her palm on top of his, followed by Lance. They looked at their gathered hands.

“I swear,” Kou, Ayla, and Lance said together.

“Your rest time is over,” a master called from the distance. “Into the academy, now!”

The rest of the day went by at a crawl. After a swift lunch in the academy mess hall, Kou went from physically demanding drills to mind-numbing studies. Kou hated studies more than drills. It was one thing to face a challenge in the form of a sparring partner or a difficult exercise, but to have to sit idly and listen to Master Lucilla prattle endlessly about things he didn’t care about was the worst kind of torture.

He was forced to read select pages of various books on the subjects at hand. He had mastered the skill of reading only two years ago, as literacy was a requirement of the Militia. Kou scorned every book he was given, for he knew that meant he would have to spend long and arduous hours in front of it. More than once he muttered a prayer to Pyrfiene for the strength to hold on.

By the Blade, Kou cursed. What does a man of the sword need with books anyway? Leave that stuff to mages and scholars. People who can use it.

The torture didn’t end soon enough. Kou breathed a sigh of relief when the studies were over. He managed to coax himself through it with thoughts of a warm bath, hot food, and a good night’s rest before his final test. After that he would never have to sit through one of these boring studies again.

He stepped out of the study room and took in the sight of the big hall, stretching his cramped limbs gratefully. He looked over the railing of the second floor balcony and caught a glimpse of the big red carpet on the floor.

Woven into the carpet with white and golden thread was the sword of Pyrfiene from the mural on the ceiling. The carpet gave special praise to the Cutting Blade. Though the Trinity was worshipped as a whole by the Militia, Pyrfiene was generally recognized as their patron god.

Kou ascended the stairs to the third floor and stepped into his bedroom, closing and locking the door behind him. A bed lay in the far right hand corner, a window to the left of it. Across from the bed was a small study desk, complete with quills and inkpots. Aside from that and a small wardrobe the room was practically empty. The Militia valued cleanliness and allowed very few personal items unrelated to their training.

Kou almost immediately noticed that a large trunk had been left under the window. He had nearly forgotten Master Lucilla’s mention of supplies being delivered to their rooms. Curious, he flipped open the lid. Inside he found a padded leather suit--the tunic, boots, and gloves were brown and the leggings and sleeves were black. He also found a short sword and a dagger, a buckler, water skins, rations, and a bit of black string.

Kou eagerly striped out of his uniform and donned his new armor. He looked at himself in the mirror with excited relish. He barely recognized the man looking back at him. He strapped his new sword’s scabbard to his waist and drew the blade, testing its weight and balance with a few practice swings. It was perfect. The weapon felt natural in his hand, like an extension of his own arm. It was as if it were made especially for him.

Someone knocked on the door. Kou sheathed his sword and went to answer it. When he did, Ayla--at least he thought it was Ayla--strode into the room as if it were her own, black robes fluttering around her ankles. She had secured her red, curly hair behind her head with a ribbon. She spun around, showing off her new clothes. Elegant designs of golden thread contrasted with the blackness of the fabric. In her right hand she held a black wooden staff topped with a golden ball.

“What do you think?” Ayla said excitedly. “Don’t I look great? Absolutely magely?”

“I think you look hot!” called a voice over Kou’s shoulder. Lance whistled at Ayla, who stopped and gave him an irritated glare. Lance chuckled. “Well aren’t you gonna let me in, buddy?”

Lance walked into the room as soon as Kou stepped aside. He looked truly impressive in his suit of shining armor. The bracers, boots, chest and shoulder plates were made of polished steel, and the sleeves and leggings were a flexible mail. The symbol of the Militia was etched into the breastplate. As he was, Lance looked much older. His hand rested on the hilt of the sword at his side.

“You actually look ... like a man!” Ayla said. “Instead of a skirt-chasing, poor excuse for a boy cadet.”

“High praise, coming from her,” Kou commented.

“Oh, look at this!” Ayla exclaimed. She held the golden ball of her staff in front of her face and focused on a spell. After a moment, her staff glowed a dull blue color, as did her robes. Kou and Lance’s swords and armor glowed as well. They stared at themselves, open-mouthed.

“What did you do?” Lance asked.

“A simple essence spell. You should know it, Lance.”

“I know it. I just can’t believe it.”

“Well I don’t know it,” Kou said. “Can someone tell me what’s going on for Trinity’s sake?”

“The spell I just cast causes any magically endowed item near me to illuminate,” Ayla explained. “Whatever glows is either magical by nature or has some enchantment placed on it. Do you know what that means, Kou? They gave us magical gear!”

“By the Blade!” Kou breathed, staring at his glowing armor and sword with renewed awe.

“Ah, I see your things arrived on schedule. Very good.”

“Master Zeke!” Lance jumped, seeing him standing in the doorway. He quickly snapping to attention. Ayla and Kou followed his lead.

“No need for that now,” Zeke said, gesturing for them to stand at ease. “I truly am proud of you all. It reminds me of when I was an elite. I was all excited when I got my gear too.”

“Master,” Kou said, his voice shaken with disbelief. “Lucilla said that we were getting supplies, but I never even imagined something like this!”

“Consider it a going away and welcoming present,” Zeke said. “All elites receive equipment like this before their final test. It serves them well throughout their careers. Until, of course, they eventually replace it with better stuff along the way.”

“Thank you, sir!” Kou said.

“Trust me, you’re going to need that gear tomorrow. I suggest you prepare and get plenty of rest. Oh, and try walking around the academy wearing that stuff. The other cadets will think you’re a god!” Chuckling, Master Zeke left and walked down the hall to his own bedroom, closing the door behind him.

Lance looked blank for a moment, digesting this new idea. “Kinreol’s Ghost, he’s right! I can bed anyone I want wearing this great armor! I am a god!” Lance’s face lit up with glee. “I am a shining silver god!”

Ayla groaned and placed a hand on her head as if stricken with a sudden headache. “If you’re a god, I feel truly sorry for the mortals.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Lance asked. “Don’t answer that. I probably don’t want to know anyway. I don’t know about you two, but I’m going to milk this opportunity as much as I can!”

“You do that,” Ayla said. “Unlike you, I prefer to be prepared for a mission, especially one that involves a dragon. If you’ll excuse me, I have studying to do.”

Ayla walked out the door and into the adjoining room, closing the door behind her.

“Fine. Be a book worm!” Lance called after her. He turned to face Kou. “What do you say, buddy? Wanna tag along? It’ll be fun!”

“Thanks, Lance, but no. Ayla’s right. We should prepare for this.”

“Yeah yeah,” Lance said dismissively. “I’ll prepare and everything, but I’d like to have fun first.”

Lance rushed out of the room. Trotting down the stairs, he gave a great cheer. An even greater shout of “pig!” came from Ayla’s room. Kou smiled to himself and closed the door. After a bath and a meal he decided to call it a night and go to bed.

Kou ran as fast as his legs could propel him through the dark forest. His heart was pounding faster than ever before and he was drenched in sweat. He dodged trees, heedless of where his feet landed in his rush. More than once he tripped on loose rocks and branches, only to get back up. The sky was pitch black--no clouds or stars or moon. There was no stirring of air or sounds of the wild. He couldn’t even hear the snapping of twigs or the rustling of bushes as he charged through the foliage. The only thing he could hear was his own gasping breath.

His legs burned, his body ached, and his chest heaved. He yearned for rest, but fear drove him onward. He saw a bright light ahead of him. The air became hot and oppressive, and it intensified with every step. It was getting harder to breathe. The air smelled of oak and cinder.

Reaching the border of the forest at last, Kou gazed in horror at the sight before him.

The village of Ester was on fire.

As he stood there, gasping for breath, he saw something in the distance. A man walked out of the inferno, slowly nearing him. Silhouetted against the light of the burning village, he looked like a shadow.

“Don’t be afraid,” someone said.

Kou turned. A boy stood next to him, staring up into his eyes. Kou almost forgot how to breathe. This boy looked exactly like him, from his short reddish-brown hair to the shape of his features and the color of his eyes.

“Who ... are you?” Kou breathed.

The boy tilted his head. “I don’t know.”

Someone screamed. Kou turned just in time to dodge a sword aiming to cut him in half. The shadow stood next to him, holding a night-black sword with both hands.

“Kou,” said the shadow. “It’s time.”

The shadow moved to swing again. Kou reached for his own sword, but his hand clenched empty air. He jumped out of the sword’s way, cursing. The shadow moved inhumanly fast, striking before Kou could react. Its blade stabbed into Kou’s belly and jutted out from his back. Kou gasped and stared at the shadow in disbelief.

“It’s time to wake up,” it said.

The shadow twisted the sword. Kou screamed in agony as he felt his life slipping away.

“Kou!”

Kou gasped and his eyes flew open. He quickly sat up. He was drenched in cold sweat and his heart was beating like war drums. It took him a moment to realize that he was in his bedroom in Ester Academy. The light of the morning sun streamed in through the window.

Looking sideways, he saw Master Zeke standing in the doorway. Kou sighed with relief. It was all just a dream.

“Kou,” Zeke said. “It’s time.”