The Punished By David Day

Chapter 1- Brother Cecil

The last to enter the little room was nobility to be sure, silk doublet, fine longsword and an

attitude that the world belonged to him – almost. Like the other two teens in the room he was

about fifteen. When he saw the others, he stopped short, confusion more than dismay written

across his face. He turned to leave but the doors were already being shut and between them all he

could see was the brown wool of monk robes. He was about to call out to the Brother but thought

better of it at the last moment. The Brotherhood rarely made mistakes, at least none they would

mention. He pulled on the doors sharply once, then twice, without so much as a rattle. The young

noble was sure they would not open without breaking them down, which was unlikely. They

were made of heavy oak. Facing the closed doors for a moment, he closed his eyes and took a

deep breath.

The young noble turned back towards the other two occupants seated on the left side of

the room towards the center of the wall. Opposite the two was another door and there was a third

exit, double doors, directly ahead of him. The room was typical Brotherhood, solid wood with

little adornment. The room had just three chairs. There was an empty chair next to the two teens.

They both could be considered opposites to him. Something between a smile and a smirk showed

upon the ragged boy seated next to a young lady, primly dressed.

“We already tried that.” said the street urchin. He smelled worse than any street the

young lord had ever traveled in his short time on the earth. Though to be truthful, he did not

think it a short time at all yet. The ragged boy wore little more than castoffs and bandages of

white and yellow all dotted with the red dried blood. Between the bandages were bruises, adding

purple and brown to the color scheme. His hair was dirty blonde, though the noble thought it

truly could be blonde hair covered literally in dirt. He was short. Granted he was sitting, but he

sat short and his legs would not make up the difference. Height was not the sole important thing

in nobility but it had its advantages and summing up advantages and disadvantages was a

constant test in his world.

“Job means, ‘We already tried that My Lord.’” The girl made no attempt to get up while

speaking and she looked left, towards the street urchin – Job, while she spoke. A moment or two

later she hastily stood, turned to the young lord and gave a hasty but acceptable curtsey. She

gave him a wan smile of good will to the stranger.

“You know me?” asked the young lord, walking towards the other two and the only open chair on her right. Absent mindedly he shrugged his right shoulder as he alternately opened and

clenched is right hand.

“Of course, you are Lord Zedakai Winslow, third son of Count Winslow, guardian of the

Eastern Pass. He is what, tenth in line to the kingdom?” She looked expectantly at the urchin.

She eventually kicked him lightly on his right ankle.

Job looked to the girl for the first time since the young lord had entered the small room.

An unabashed smirk crossed his face. The street urchin had not had much contact or use for

nobles and had not intended to bow and scrape now, but if Amandine thought he should

acknowledge the “young lord” he would follow her lead. Slowly, painfully, he stood and

attempted a bow, sitting down with a groan. “If I may ask Lord, why are you here?” he added belatedly, “If it is not impolite to ask?”

His friend, Amandine, smiled approvingly. “That was almost courteous, Job. In a noble

hall you would still be beaten to within a fingers breadth of your life, but here you will get away

with it.”

“It is considered rude to ask without offering information in advance.” Lord Zedakai said formally. “But as this is the oddest situation I have experienced I will not hold it against you.” Turning to the girl he asked politely but in the same proper, almost pompous, tone, “May I ask your name and the name of the ruffian?”

“Of course milord, I am Amandine, daughter of the merchant Kewet Barthew. This is

Job, orphaned peasant with the manners of a muck frog.” The words were frank but the tone softened the phrasing. Lord Zedakai was forced to look at the two a second time. She was

slightly taller than her companion. She had brown hair, not too dark, pulled back hastily into a

bun with tendrils of hair escaping. Or were they wisps of hair? Zedakai decided it would depend

on who helped with the hair to decide. Her nose was short mildly up turned. In short, she was

cute. Not ravishing like Princess Nimadone, but cute. She wore a blue dress that almost covered

her ankles. He looked at her shoes only because he was told to by his mother, but they were

nondescript. More like traveling shoes than something his cousin would wear. He still had a

difficult time looking too much at the street urchin or at least finding anything important about

him. Besides his almost blonde hair, there was almost nothing unique about him. He had brown

eyes and was short-ish, with scraps of leather tied together for shoes. He had poor posture and

was bandaged and bruised more than just about anyone he had ever seen.

“How is it you two are acquainted? I can’t help but think you have met before today.” Lord Zedakai asked politely.

Job remained silent, staring directly ahead. Amandine gave a thoughtful expression. After

a long moment she said the first thing that occurred to her, “He saved my life.” The tone was almost emotionless. She could have said, “He made lunch.” or “He walked in my father’s shop barefooted.” It was abrupt. Stunned, Lord Zedakai starred and saw the bandages in a new light.

He saw the urchin in a new light as well. Now he saw the bruises and bandages as badges,

badges of rags.

Addressing Job for the time Zedakai said, “Job B, I congratulate you.” There was even a hint of a bow, and then to Amandine, “How did he save your life?”

“Job B? What does the ‘B’ mean? Since it is my name after all?” Job asked.

Lord Zedakai smiled warmly. “I am not completely certain at the moment. I felt you

should have some sort of last name and you appear to be little more than blood, bruises and

bandages.” He stopped for a moment. “Perhaps it stands for bravery. I suppose time will tell.”

“That,” Job said hesitantly, having not a single retort, “Is very…”

Interrupting, Zedakai asked, “Why, Miss Amandine, was Job’s sacrifice required?”

Amandine smoothed out her dress nervously. For a time she was unable to think what to

say. “I was attacked one night…by one of the Punished – in a rage.”

Job remembered while Amandine told the story. “It was dark out. I was coming home

late.” Even now she was flustered at that, “I had lost track of time while I was reading here at the monastery. I knew I was in trouble. My mother was going to be furious. So, I was running down

the street. A man came out of the tavern down the street from here several blocks. He was a big

man almost six feet and not a scribe or baker. He had dark hair with just a bit of gray. His

unkempt beard had more gray than brown. He saw me. He ran towards me, his eyes were wild

and he was screaming in rage and pain. Then his movements changed. Like a cat in for the kill. I

screamed like the girl I am, but before he got to me Job hit him in the knee with his foot. He fell.

Well, they both fell, but the Punished forgot about me completely. Somehow the Punished stood

up, I don’t know how. The hit looked painful. Any one I have ever met would have stayed on the

ground after that hit. He stood up and shook off the attack.” She had tears in her eyes. As she

spoke one could hear the whimpering seep through her voice despite her efforts to prevent it. “I was in shock. No one had come out to help yet. There were one or two who had come out from

the tavern, but they had either not noticed or not had the courage to face one of the Punished for

a silly girl out so late. Job got up before the Punished began to attack again. Job tried to evade

and block the onslaught of attacks. Mud splattered, I heard him groan over and over with attacks.

The rags he wore were even more ripped. Each hit felt as if it were striking my soul.” She paused. She was breathing harder, faster now. “I sound like one of those fainting women talking now. The Punished after only seconds had defeated Job. Job was pushed several feet away. I

could see he could not get up in time. He was defenseless. The Punished was in the mud puddle

that Job had been fighting in and was moving in for the kill. Suddenly he could not move

forward. He even lost his balance, giving Job a chance to move back, still on the ground. Job

seemed to be swollen. Once the guard and the men in the tavern saw the Punished was having

trouble moving and was focused on Job they moved in. The Punished was beaten down and

killed quickly. No one died, but Job looked bad. No one paid Job or me any attention. I tried to

get them to help as I moved towards Job. I finally started to drag him towards the monastery not

knowing what else to do. One of the Brothers saw me and took Job and me to the Brotherhood.”

“Why did he stop attacking?” Lord Zedakai was incredulous. “The Punished never stop attacking. They do not stop attacking until they are dead - once they go into a Rage.” Zedakai stood tall and began to pace. He did not know it at the time, but he was imitating his father. “It had to be one of the Punished that had broken late. Your description is clear up until he stopped.

He was running…coming out of the tavern. Drink can cause a break even to the ones strong

enough to hold it off. Then he stopped.” Lord Zedakai paused his pacing for a moment,

confused, deep in thought.

“Well, he was trying to attack. It was like he got stuck.” Amandine clarified.

“There was rope in the street, must have fallen off of a wagon or cart. His feet got

tangled.” Job added quickly giving his friend a stern glare quickly while the noble was deep in

thought. It was his turn to kick her ankle lightly.

“Well, that makes more sense at least.” Turning back towards his two new companions he added, “Quite the lucky break, in truth, to survive as long as you did is quite remarkable,

bigger men, well-trained men have gone down in single blows to the Punished.”

“That it is. That it is.” Brother Cecil’s baritone voice was strong and carried well, not that it needed to in the small room. “Young Lord Zedakai, Amandine, Job, it is a pleasure to see

you all. I am Brother Cecil.” Looking at Zedakai he said, “I hope you will allow us all to call you Zedakai, saying ‘young Lord Zedakai’ is quite cumbersome.”

The request was so polite and reasonable that Zedakai Winslow, third son of Count

Winslow, could not find a polite excuse to decline the request with any propriety. “Of course, Brother Cecil.” He said with a polite nod.

“If you will follow me?” the tall baritone voiced Brother asked the group casually,

holding open the right side of the double doors, opposite to the doors Zedakai had entered. He

invited the teens to enter silently. Walking them down the wide hallway, Brother Cecil

continued, “I had originally planned on seeing you one at a time but the world had other designs.

It was nice to see you all do so well together. I have no doubt that that was one of the least

appropriate introductions you have encountered Zedakai.

“True enough. Although Job clearly has more bravery than sense, a trait my father has

taught me to appreciate. It is clear that he has the manners of an abandoned dog. I have been

forgiving and polite as I can in respect for the Brotherhood. This in no way resembles court.” Zedakai looked as if letting his objections be known lifted a weight off of his shoulders.

“Well…” Brother Cecil was interrupted almost before he began.

“Miss Amandine, though apparently aware of propriety, seems unable to recall courtesy as one of her station should be accustomed. Why, pray tell, would any of the fairer sex go out

alone at night.” Zedakai paused briefly and looked around him as he continued to walk down the hall. “I apologize, Miss Amandine. I spoke more harshly than I should have, especially in your

company. Though the truth of what I say cannot be in dispute.”

Chuckling, Brother Cecil only said pleasantly, “Come Zedakai, we have much to discuss.

I have personally spoken with your father. Count Winslow has…entrusted me with your care for a time.”

“He What? I mean…that is un…ex…pec…ted.” His right hand opened and closed into a

fist though only Job and Brother Cecil noticed. Brother Cecil led them down the long hall

towards another set of double doors on the far side of the hall. On either side of the hall were

many doors evenly spaced.

“Where are we going?” Amandine asked.

Brother Cecil turned to look at the merchant’s daughter with a smile. “The training room.”

“We are to begin training then?” Amandine concluded quickly.

“Yes you are, but not Job.” A sneaky smile flashed across his face, replaced with a mask

of reasonableness preferred by most monks.

Ever protective of her savior, Amandine stopped, furious, “Why would you not train him?!” She stomped her foot hard. There was a blue haze like dust from the force of her right

foot. A loud “crack” almost like metal attempting to break stone.

“You understand dear, we have been training Job for better than six years. You and

Zedakai will begin your training. Job will continue his.” Brother Cecil had a wicked smile for a monk.

“You tricked me.” Amandine complained

“Yes, I did.”

“Why?”

“Because, I wanted to see if I could get you to use your magic of course.” Everyone stopped. There was silence in the hallway. Amandine could see the opening to the training room.

“Should we see if you cracked that stone? Move your foot Amandine.” Brother Cecil bent

down, squinting at the stone until she moved her foot. Pointing, he said, “Hah, look there. Do

you see? There is a starburst there, right where you stomped.” He beamed a smile at her. “Quite impressive!” They stared at the tall broad shouldered monk. Brown hair cropped short with a bit

of gray at the temples.

Job shook his head. “Brother Cecil! I stopped her from telling him just five minutes ago.

You said we had to keep it a secret. I had to make up that story about the rope.”

“Let’s keep walking.” Brother Cecil said amiably. “You are quite right. It must be kept a

secret. Amandine’s secret is quite safe with the young nobleman. Oh, and I did enjoy your story,

quite good there on the quick.” He nodded his approval at his young companion. “Not as good as the trick you played on Brother Robert though.” Job tried to stifle a laugh but failed. “Yes, yes that picture never fails to brighten my mood.”

“What trick Brother Cecil?” Zedakai asked, not liking the disrespect obvious in the reference.

Without turning around, Brother Cecil reassured Zedakai, “Do not worry Zedakai, he probably will not play a prank on you for several weeks.” The Brother’s mirth was contagious.

Or, perhaps, it is just that everyone enjoys tweaking a noble just a little.

Chapter 2 - All for One

Brother Cecil guided them through the doors and swept his hand in a welcoming gesture. Each in

turn examined the room. From left to right there was a large table, big enough to seat six, a bit of

open space with more comfortable chairs, a training floor of wood with mats nearby and on the

far right wall a rack of weapons. They were all set back ten to 20 feet. It was a big room by the

standards of all of the teens.

“Pick your weapons Job.” Brother Cecil said taking a seat in a comfortable chair near the training floor.

“Brother, I can barely walk.” Job protested.

“Up to you of course Job, but your opponent has a longsword.” He nodded to Zedakai. Brother Cecil appeared less than sympathetic.

“Brother Cecil, I do not wish to kill him for impolite behavior. Besides, you still have not

explained why I am here?” Zedakai sounded off more than reasonably. Job hearing the Brother’s tone chose two dirks and waited on the far side of the training floor. He was slightly bent over.

Some of the bandages were beginning to unravel. He kept most of his weight on his right foot.

The left leg looked a bit less stable and Zedakai noticed he had been guarding it during the walk.

They all saw Job’s features differently. Zedakai saw peasant stock, not an overly handsome face,

his left eye slightly higher than his right. His jaw looked as if it had been broken in the past. But

he was hardy and his resolve was plain on his face. Brother Cecil saw a son. Not his own child,

but one he had chosen. He saw the same features as Zedakai but remembered the pain and

distress of the jaw and the left eye had always been slightly off from the right. Amandine saw a

hero. He was handsome to her eyes. It was clear to her that anyone with completely symmetric

eyes or straight nose was somewhat distasteful and the jaw gave him character. The thought that

anyone saw him differently did not occur to any of them.

“Do you know how to use that thing Lord Zedakai?” Job taunted while pointing to Zedakai’s sword with the dirk in his right hand.

Before Zedakai could respond, Brother Cecil spoke up, “Zedakai is a bit of a prodigy.

From a skill point of view I dare say he is superior to both his brothers in honorable combat.

With your injuries slowing you down Job, you could be in grave danger. Now don’t get me wrong, the young lord has good control but I doubt he has fought anyone with dual wielding

dirks. Rules are simple. Keep control. Stop if I say or if someone yields. Draw your weapon Lord

Zedakai. Even injured he may well reach you before you can withdraw your blade.”

Zedakai did as instructed, while he whispered to his opponent, “What is he doing?”

Job only shrugged his shoulders. “It does no good to ask, believe me. I trust this is not

your first time with pointy weapons?” Job gently pushed his index finger on his dirk to emphasize the point. He spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear.

Amandine stood behind the monk and to his left behind a comfortable looking blue chair,

matching the monks chair and the other four in the room, facing the training floor. She was

trying to stand still but could not. She soon moved to sit beside Brother Cecil. “How can you force them to do this? They do not know each other yet. Someone will get hurt!” She moved forward in her chair to sit on the edge, back straight eyes intent upon the combatants.

“Begin!” ordered Brother Cecil, without answering Amandine’s question.

Job stood relaxed and motionless, weight mostly forward now. He nodded to his new

acquaintance, “Any time, milord?”

Zedakai was in a classic, well trained, fencing stance, weight on his back leg. Zedakai

advanced towards Job. Far before Job expected it, the nobleman lunged towards Job’s left shoulder in hopes of not killing the orphan. Before the lunge was complete, Job had gone to the

floor and swept Zedakai’s leg dropping him summarily to the floor. Before Zedakai could draw

another breath, he felt the blade of the dirk to his throat. Zedakai could see Job was in pain but it

had not stopped him.

“Halt!” Brother Cecil commanded. Job’s blade released almost before the command, “That is a dangerous move Job.”

“He caught me by surprise.” Job admitted. “I had to get out of the way quickly. Besides,

I doubted he trained in hand to hand combat like you train. So, I had a good chance.”

“That cannot count against me!” Zedakai was furious. “There was no honor in that.”

Brother Cecil nodded seriously, his brow was furrowed and he spoke more slowly than

usual. “You are quite right. There was no honor in it. Yet if it were a real battle you would be no

less dead.” Then, with his voice resonating loudly, he commanded, “Again!” He ignored the daggers shooting from Amandine’s eyes despite the uncomfortable feeling they left.

Job and Zedakai faced off again. “You are without honor.” Zedakai was more angry and more cautious now. He advanced slowly staying just out of range of his lunge distance. He

doubted that Job could make up that distance before he could defend. Not ideal but he had to

learn Job’s limits. He stomped and feinted. Job parried his left dagger to his left, the flat of the

blade along his forearm. Zedakai was taking a half-step forward for another lunge. Job retreated,

swinging another parry for good measure. It was needed. Amandine shifted in her seat nervously

and shrieked at the clash and sparks. Zedakai and Job did not notice her cry. Zedakai smirked

seeing Job’s retreat. Emboldened, he attacked – feint, half-step, lunge. Job saw it this time. He

caught the blade with his right dirk while turning right. He had taken the sword with good

leverage and in a flash had moved his weapon down the blade to put the dagger to his opponents

left side.

“Halt!” once again the Brother’s voice resonated within the training room. Job froze in

mid attack. Zed’s green eyes flared in rage. Job bowed and returned to his starting position.

“That was better Zedakai. Don’t get too upset. He has been trained for this. We do not practice

with…pointy things…often but he has done so more than you and he has been trained how to deal with your style sword as his preferred weapons are a bit shorter. Even with your talent, he

has the advantage.”

“Yes Brother.” Zedakai said defiantly.

“They will kill each other if this continues. You know it will!” Amandine was unable to hold back. She was happy that she had held out the few seconds she had managed.

“Again!” Brother Cecil’s voice rang out.

“So Zed, did he say prodigy before?” Job taunted. The battle was so fast Amandine

almost missed the action. She heard several parry’s then, “Blood!” Action halted immediately.

“Halt.”Brother Cecil said unnecessarily, a small red streak was present on Zedakai’s forearm. “Again!” Brother Cecil ordered. The boys returned to their starting position, “Begin!”

Zedakai almost immediately began to advance. Job retreated, realizing he was not well

focused as he had been taught. He continued retreating at a steady pace fending off attacks which

were almost serious. Suddenly, the next lunge came too fast, too well placed. The parry was late.

“No!” The sword was heading towards Job’s heart. There was a flash of blue, a

shattering sound like metal upon glass and a grunt from Amandine. Zed’s sword flew up into the

air handle over blade.

“Halt!” Both combatants backed away from the rising sword. A second later the sword

stuck into the practice floor with a “thud”. “Yes Job, a prodigy. Secure your weapons. Well

done, both of you.” Job put his daggers back on the weapons rack after cleaning them.

“Well done? Job almost died! Boys I understand! But you are a monk you know better!”

“I doubt the blow would have killed him. Zedakai had already released the blade

decelerating the thrust and the power behind the speed. That is why the blade flew into the air. I

told you he was a prodigy.” Brother Cecil said to all.

“It was a fatal blow!” She declared.

“Initially, it was.” Zed admitted. “I tried everything I could think of to lessen the blow.”

Amandine held up a hand to halt conversation. Zedakai quickly became silent. He saw

the look in her eyes. There was steel in her eyes and face that were not there before. It gave him

pause. It gave all of them pause, even Brother Cecil, though he expected it. She took a deep

breath to calm herself but it did little to help. Anger welled up from within, “This was not about them!”

“No, it is about all three of you. You will be a team.” All three spoke at once. Brother

Cecil waited patiently for the emotion to drain from the room. He sat quietly, covertly meditating

to remain calm despite the high emotions of the moment. He took it as a good training

opportunity. “That is better.” he said after the volume declined.

Zedakai took the initiative, “I do not understand. Why am I here? Why would my father

establish a team and put me in it? What does any of this have to do with me?”

“All fair questions.” Brother Cecil said reasonably. “But where do I start? He took a moment to reflect, hands steepled, eye level. He took a close look at the young lord. He had the

typical Winslow coloring, dark hair, green eyes. He was average height for his age. His brothers

were taller at his age. “You are the third son. You will not inherit. You are an excellent hand

with a blade, and will no doubt be anywhere from good to excellent with tactics after some

training. But you have shown little ability at politics. Your brothers will be jealous of you soon.

In a year or two you will be an even better hand at the sword. Your brothers will see you as a

threat. All you would have to do is find some cause for a duel. You no doubt have not thought of

this. That is what I mean by lack of political acumen. I predict that before you are twenty you

will either be killed by or forced to kill one, or both, of your brothers. As neither of your brothers

is incompetent or completely amoral and both are better at politics than you, your father seeks to

save you from that fate. He does not believe your ambition rises to the level of fratricide.”

“You think us so bereft of morals that we would kill each other?” Zedakai was beside himself in rage.

“No, I do not believe you would. But, like any man, you would defend yourself. Do I

think your brothers may eliminate a threat to their power? I do.”

“I can’t believe you think so little of my family.”

Brother Cecil looked at the floor and heaviness fell upon the room. “It has already started. You know this, even if you do not want to admit it. Now it is just the occasional beating.

They are three and five years older than you. Without training how long would you survive?

How long till you have to leave?” If there was any doubt about the effect of these words on the

young noble it vanished when, finding no convenient chair available, he sank to the floor where

he remained without even a complaint. He did not even roll his eyes.

“How do you know all this?” Zedakai asked.

“How do I know you were beaten?” responded Brother Cecil.

“No, how do you know where it will lead?”

“Ah, I see. It is no mystical power, though we of the Brotherhood foster such rumors. If I

make a snowball and push it down a hill would you be surprised to see it grow? This is a story

told over and over. Similar stories are present in the histories are they not? You can certainly

become another chapter. You may avoid it completely but you still end up following your

brother with no chance at lands and titles. I can do better than that for you.”

“Yes, just so. It occurred in the royal family three times in the past two hundred years,

every few generations. That does not include those nobles sent out to perform impossible

missions to conveniently die or sent on a mission in battle only to see military support vanish.” Amandine said plainly as if a history lesson was required.

Zedakai looked from Amandine to Brother Cecil then to Job, “Is she serious?”

Together, Brother Cecil and Job, said, “Yes.” It was almost in harmony it was so coordinated.

“It sounds like I am in. Unless I mistake my options, I must learn to protect myself with

both lethal and nonlethal force if I am going to survive nobility as it stands now.” Zedakai was hurt at the realization.

“That is nearly all of it. For today there is only one more issue we must solidify. I will try

to be brief. You know how to fight singly and with honor. Next you must learn to fight against

multiple opponents with varying degrees of honor. You must also learn to fight in a battle unit.”

“Why would I ever fight without honor?”

Brother Cecil did not answer. “Because, Zedakai, you will not be with nobility on this team, certainly not regularly. Am I right Brother Cecil?” Job was sure he understood.

“There is more. There is always more.” Brother Cecil lamented. “Perhaps we should retire for the night. Back up the hall are some rooms. Settle in. Brother Robert should be joining

us tomorrow. Plates will be brought up.”

Chapter 3 – Day One

Job, used to the rhythms of the monastery if not the room, woke first. He headed to the training

room. He was the first to arrive so he sat on the floor in front of the Training floor. It had become

his routine over the last several years to meditate before others arrived in the mornings. He was

disturbed by his lack of focus in the last bout with Zedakai. It was training but as Brother Cecil

had said, “…if this were real you would be dead.” Job took those words to heart. If not for

Amandine he certainly could have been dead. “I know what that blue flash meant.” He muttered to himself. Quickly he lost track of time.

“Job.” The voice was higher pitched than Brother Cecil but crisp and clear, seasoned

with just a touch of annoyance. “The food is ready and soon the eggs will not be at the ideal temperature. I have no intention of making more. Further, if you do not eat enough you will not

be able to perform optimally. I appreciate your efforts at meditation but we must keep to the

schedule. Where would we be without order and planning? Oh, it should be buttoned if you are

going to wear it.” The Brother nodded to his shirt, which Job had left open. “Meditation is not an excuse to ignore the proper wearing of attire.”

“Good morning Brother Robert.” Job said before opening his eyes, trying to decide if he was amused or annoyed by the man. With his eyes open he stood. “Good morning everyone.” He ambled towards the table laden with breakfast. He took a seat and said a small prayer over his

eggs. He almost prayed that his eggs were still at an ideal temperature for eating but resisted the

urge. Amandine and Zedakai were already eating. He ate ravenously.

While Job was eating Zedakai said, “Brother Robert, we all seem to be similarly attired today.” He nodded towards Amandine and Job. All three were wearing beige to brown light

wool pants, tunics and jackets.

“Well of course Zedakai, here at the monastery there is very little focus on social

hierarchy. All here have one goal. Besides, we are training today. Are you so eager to get blood

on your silk?”

“I like it.” Amandine said abruptly, “My mother would be scandalized if I ever left the house in men’s clothing rather than a dress. And thank you Brother Robert for a lovely

breakfast.” Amandine finished a strawberry.

“You are quite welcome Miss Amandine. Now to work. We start with hand to hand

combat then meditate and focus then back to hand to hand or weapons depending on need. You

will not be using blades against each other for some time. It was quite inappropriate of Brother

Cecil to have allowed such a thing. He knows better than that. There are rules to these things.

One should take their proper order.”

Job broke in, “Brother Robert, might you have some ink so I could write down the

appropriate order? I would very much like to avoid making such a grave error.” The tall thin Brother’s eyes flashed with anger, “I believe your access to ink was limited previously, Job.” His hand rubbed an ink stain on his training uniform. “You will have to take your chances on missing a step.”

Job grinned at Amandine and with a second thought included Zedakai as well.

“Job, make yourself useful, and demonstrate the form please.” Then he clarified, “Hand to hand primary form please.”

“Not the pre-form Brother Robert?”

“No, the pre-form is for younger children beginning or for those of us who teach. Our

two new pupils are intelligent and one is quite talented in at least one form of martial ability.

They will take to it quickly.” Without further comment Job moved to the training floor while the others turned their chairs around to watch. Job began. It was performed slowly and at a constant

rate. As he moved through the steps Brother Robert gave a running commentary. “You will notice the knees are always bent and the back is straight, though not rigidly so. That move is a

block followed by a take down. Do you see how he never stops? All motions flow from one to

another without abrupt changes or stops. It increases speed of movement and power during

battle. If you followed those several moves; he reached under his opponents guard, blocking

along the way, rising close to his opponent and controlling the arm. Did you see that corkscrew

motion of the arm and wrist? It is similar to a disengage Zedakai. Then it becomes a throw or if

one maintains more control, an arm lock or even a break should it be necessary. This is

especially important Zedakai as you can control the enemy without injury or death. There will be

times when it is invaluable. Now this section has multiple uses, but I want to bring to your

attention the strikes and movements all around him. This is to help you with multiple opponents.

It is rare for those of us fighting for the welfare of man to encounter a fair or honorable fight. We

are almost always faced with multiple opponents. We must plan in advance and avoid letting

ourselves be surprised as best we can. But when you are surprised, this section will be so

ingrained you may survive.” His tone was matter of fact. There were sections that disarmed your

enemy, others that dislocated joints. Towards the end of the form Brother Robert said, “Now see

the elbow strike there.” Suddenly Zedakai realized that although Brother Robert had not

mentioned it, there were moves like that laced throughout the form. Then Zedakai saw a strike to

the neck.

Zedakai spoke for the first time, “How do you make such violence appear so…gentle?”

“You noticed the death strike?” Brother Robert responded analytically. The young noble

only nodded while Amandine looked at the two quizzically. “How can a movement so slow be violent? Training first, attack second is the answer.” Job finished the form. “Very well done Job, another ten years and it will be perfect.”

“Ten years!” Amandine said exasperated. “I can’t do that. Ten years!” Her hands were in her hair pulling gently.

“Dear,” Brother Robert said bluntly, “If he gets it perfect in ten years he will be far better than most in this order. We are not learning for perfection. We are seeking it.” His tone was level. “You need to learn it to protect yourself as you will learn to remain calm in battle. But

even that will not be your true advantage. You must learn the skills because your magic may not

always be available. You may not be able to use it and keep your identity as a user of magic

secret. You do know what will happen if you are discovered?”

“They will take me away.” Amandine blurted out – blunt and contrary. “But I have already been taken away.”

Nodding, Brother Robert responded, “That is true to a point. I do not deny it. But your

mother will see you again. She believes you are at a Finishing School to round your rough edges.

In that I fear we may fail but Brother Cecil is determined to give you a chance at life. Have you

ever seen a low power mage once they were taken away for ‘training’?” Amandine did not blurt out an answer this time but her blue eyes widened and she pulled her hands back through her hair

in a very unladylike manner. Amandine was silent.

It was Zedakai who answered, “No.” He held the vowel longer than was proper, “Not in five or six years and those who had come back are harder and harder to find.” He turned his gaze from Brother Robert to Amandine.

Brother Robert, in his same measured manner with little emotion asked, “Do you know why?” All three shook their heads, Job had returned to the group. “Neither do we, but we would be remiss not to presume possible foul play. Remember in the world of mages, which seems to

have little to do with us now, there are Arch mages, True Mages, Minor Mages and then there is

the talent that Amandine possesses, that of the Lesser Mage. Compared to an Arch Mage miss

Amandine is a gnat to be swatted away. If they find you, even the Brotherhood cannot stop them.

We simply haven’t the strength. Perhaps they know something we do not. Perhaps they are being

stolen away and not reaching the mages for training. But no matter what is going on, one thing is

certain. If they take you, you are as likely to be risen from the dead as come home. We have a

chance because your talent did not show on prior visits. Your power was borne because you

would not allow Job’s death.” The tone was not as emotional as the words would suggest but for Brother Robert it was almost a scream. “Now we know your talent and we know of the problem.

Three years ago how would he have known of the problem? Training frequently takes more than

two years. It certainly does for the Brotherhood. Today we have a chance. This is the execution

of that opportunity. Make no mistake. We are seeking volunteers. But it does not appear that you

are ripe with good options from where I sit.

“Brother Cecil saw young Job here, sneak out of the monastery and followed him. He

saw you bind the legs of the Punished. He knew your life was in jeopardy from that moment on,

at least life as you knew it. If you were an orphan or a person like Job here, you would have been

taken into the monastery immediately but you are a merchant’s daughter. It took a bit of time.

We told you we would teach you magic and we will, as best we can. Our agents told your mother

we would train you up to get a fine husband. There is little more in life a mother wishes for her

daughter in these times. Since your ability to defend yourself against an Arch Mage is limited we

thought to complement your skills with ‘Protectors’, the stealth and lethal abilities of Job and the status and equally dangerous sword skills of Lord Zedakai Winslow. Together we hope that you

three will be able to do what we have been unable to do.

“Protectors?” Job asked.

“Yes Job, though that is a far too simple an explanation.” Then more gently than he had spoken before, “You have already saved her life once. None of us here believe you would let

harm come to her any more than Brother Cecil believed that Amandine would allow Lord

Zedakai’s sword to even graze a hair on your head last night.”

Silence reigned.

After a long moment Brother Robert finally said flatly, “Enough, to work with you.” With that the training began in earnest. Hand to hand combat first. Job helped Brother Robert

and they started with the form. This began what was thought of as the endless training: the form,

running, meditation. Meals were to be training as well, Job needed to know enough not to get

arrested when meeting a noble as well as other refinements to avoid embarrassment. There were

to be trainings on cooking and travel as well. In truth Job was lucky to be unworthy of ink. If he

had written down all the steps his wrist would surely have been sore for days.

At the end of the day Brother Robert spoke to them, tired himself. It was difficult to

challenge the well trained. “So free time now. If you leave the Training Area there can be no talk

of magic. Let them know we are working you together, they will conclude you are a team but

that is not important. None, but a select few can know your true goal or your true advantage.” He looked at Amandine pointedly, then to Zedakai, “It is not a secret you are here Zedakai, nor is it common knowledge.” Then to all of them he said, “It is not unusual for us to train small groups together. It is fine that they know. When they ask what you are training for tell them the

truth. You are not completely sure.” With that he left, turning as he opened the door, “I will see you at 6:30 for dinner. No formal attire today that will come later, just something nice. Oh

Amandine, it will probably be best if you wear a dress if you left the area - if you were to visit

the library for instance.” And with that he was gone.

Amandine headed towards her room. “Where are you headed Amandine?” Zedakai asked. “Aren’t you tired?”

Turning to her left, leaning her right forearm on the heavy doors, now closed, she sighed

deeply and said, “Yes, but I want to get to the library. I was grounded after coming home late

with a Brotherhood escort and a ruined dress. Maybe I can take a book back here since I am

staying here.” She vanished into the hall.

Alone, Zedakai and Job stared at each other for a moment. “Is it like this every day?” Zedakai asked exhausted. Only slightly less fatigued, Job only nodded. “So, six years of that?”

“Yes and no. You can’t push on a kid like that, but eventually yes. They are relentless.”

Dropping back to lie on the training floor “Even being mostly bandages, blood and bruises you could have dropped me before I drew my sword.”

Chuckling to himself, while Zedakai looked towards him trying to gauge the cause of the

laugh. “Yes probably, but there would be no honor in it.” Job let Zedakai’s fist hit his shoulder. Both were laughing now.

“I do believe in honor.”

“I know. I do not doubt that milord. I even respect it, to a point.” There was no mocking in his tone.

Still staring up to the ceiling, Zedakai asked, “To what point.”

“To the point where it gets you killed.”

“How did you survive on the street?”

“I stole. I ran. I hid. One day I stole a purse off of a monk. Well, I thought I stole the

purse. Obviously, he let me have it. Can you imagine a kid of ten cutting one of the Brother’s purses? It’s insane. There were four copper and a token for a meal. They run an orphanage. I

remember after a while Brother Cecil told me that he and Brother Robert could still teach me to

keep the bigger kids off of my back. They can do the same for you.”

“That I believe. Brother Cecil was right. If they will beat me with impunity, either they

will kill me or I will be forced to end them.” He was surprised that the thought seemed plausible; not just the attack but that he firmly believed he could kill both of his brothers. Was he

that arrogant? “I really did not have a chance yesterday did I?”

“I thought you did. Once you decided you were willing to kill me to win I could not stop

you.”

“I eased off in the end.”

“Believe me. I appreciate it. It never occurred to me she would do it again. Have you ever

heard of anything like that? A shield created of magic with no connection to the mage?”

“No. Dad told me a story about a block mage who helped in a battle once. But the shield

was big and thick – more like blobs of force. Dad said that He could push an enemy away with a

wave of his hand, but the force came out of his hand.”

“How do you fight something like that?”

“You don’t. Our mages have been the most powerful. It is one of our primary strengths.

Block mages have been allied with my family historically.” Zedakai closed his eyes trying to imagine. “How did she make your shield so thin? My father never used words like placed or sheet. He spoke of blobs and force and shoving. Not placed. Not thin. Not sheet, or even flat.”

Job thought a moment, “What about the Fire mages and the water mages? How do they stack up against Winslow’s Block Mages?” He watched the light in the skylight.

“Some like Fire Mages, and it certainly scares the troops, but my father said that blocks

do better at blocking fire and water than the others defend against blocks. I do admit that fire is

scary and water can flood. I have not seen them in action but there is no doubt that fire burns fear

into the heart of every army. Ice can work like a block but it takes more energy, too much. We

have…had all three types of mages here at Winslow, but more Block Mages than anyone, even the king. We needed them to make the pass.”

“Fire,” Job said softly, “It is scary. The thought of being burned…” He gently shook his head.

“You are not the first to think of that.” But Zedakai had other concerns, “How do they plan to use us? How do we fight the greatest powers ever to walk the earth? Why two men at

arms?”

“I would not describe myself as a man at arms, exactly.”

“Just because you use knives instead of a sword does not mean you are not a man at arms.”

“Let’s just say you have not found my greatest talent yet.”

Amandine wore a yellow dress and was humming a tune she had learned from her mother

as she walked into the library, quickly earning her a stern look from Brother Kiv. He was a short,

balding man in the typical Brotherhood brown wool robes and was there to monitor and enforce,

what Amandine considered unreasonable rules. Speaking quietly to herself, “I remember seeing a story…” She touched the old leather tomes with a reverence. She liked the feel of them. She

looked for the novel on one book case then the second. She remembered seeing it. It was not on

the third book case but there at the top of the fourth she saw it. “There it is!” She said just a bit too loudly as she stood on her toes and coaxed it off of the shelf. Holding the book to her chest,

not caring about the dust, she smiled brightly and did an excited twirl. Her dress flared out as she

turned. It was so spontaneous and unexpected she had surprised herself. She was rewarded with

another glare from Brother Kiv. Quietly, “Hmm, Mom said a twirl would soften even the coldest

heart, apparently not always.” She looked at the title, The Princess’s Bargain. She almost did

another twirl, but suppressed the instinctive move. She chose a seat and in moments was

engrossed in the story and lost in time.

She startled when she felt a tapping on her right arm. A boy no more than ten looked up

at her. “Are you Miss Amandine?”

“Yes, young man.” She said attempting to give more courtesy than was expected.

“Brother Robert asked me to tell you that it was time for dinner.”

“Oh, thank you. I completely lost track of time.” She brought the book to Brother Kiv, “Could you keep this for me?”

“I would be happy to. Don’t be late for dinner.”

The large table was now set for a semi-formal dinner. Brother Cecil and Brother Robert

were at the head and foot of the table respectively. The boys were seated on the left side of the

table and there was a conspicuously empty seat across from them. Amandine found it was good

to see Brother Cecil. It had only been a day and it surprised her. Brother Robert stood and the

others followed suit. He then said, “I am glad you can join us tonight.”

“Thank you for the reminder.” She replied, purposely not taking the bait, making a slight curtsey barely stopping for the act. “I was engrossed in a new book.” She said seating herself.

The gentlemen followed. Job, followed shortly after them. She looked at her companions one

blonde the other brunette, One orphaned peasant the other nobility. Today they were both

wearing dress tunics of merchant class or poor nobility. Zedakai wore a pin of his family’s coat of arms. Dark blue above green, sky over grass, with two swords crossed over a river

meandering from left to right. There was a small emblem in the bottom right hand corner of the

pin she could not make out. “Your pin is quite nice Lord Zedakai.” She spoke formally, clearly proud to have remembered appropriate courtesy.

“Thank you Miss Amandine, may I say you look lovely tonight.”

“Thank you, and Master Job, do I see fewer bandages and bruises than yesterday?” She was sure she could have phrased that better. She bit her lip in apparent disappointment.

Doing his best to play along Job said, “Thank you Miss Amandine. The yellow brings out

– the yellow brings out…your hair – looks nice on you. The dress I mean Amand - Miss

Amandine. The surgeon says I may well be rid of bandages before needing more.”

“Thank you for trying Job.” Brother Robert said drolly. “We will have to work on your small talk, no doubt.”

“I thought he was being very nice.” Amandine cut in defensively. “He is the only one to notice how the yellow dress brings out my lovely blue eyes.” Job blushed. She was close to what

he was trying to say before he tried to phrase it politely.

“He will continue to improve.” Brother Cecil said, still standing. “I am happy we are all together on this, the first full day of our training. Let’s enjoy the roast and we can discuss the many questions you no doubt still have.” He carved the meal and the sides were passed around.

“Job, this is very similar to how Amandine has probably grown up, dining in semiformal clothes,

nothing too lavish. It is perhaps not too far off from how our young lord might have had a casual

lunch at home when there were no formal guests. Not much different than the lunch hall but

slightly more refined if for no other reason than that women are present and we dare not

challenge their delicate sensibilities or constitutions.” Amandine glared at him. Brother Cecil

continued after only a brief pause, “Not that our fair companion suffers from delicacy of any

kind.” Brother Cecil played his comments with a straight face. Amandine sat back and slightly

more erect in her chair. Her fork dipped and her head tilted to the right, barely noticeable in a

moment of confusion turned to annoyance. “So, Amandine, did you find a book on magic?”

“How did you know?” She asked, quickly forgetting her annoyance.

“What else would you do? Besides, is there any topic you have not read? Math, biology, physics, I have been told you even read a book on metallurgy.” Job was smiling loudly if such a thing is possible. He could barely contain himself.

“Do you have something to say Job?” Amandine challenged.

“No, me? I did not say anything. I have...no nothing.” He looked to Brother Robert to save him. His mentor looked fascinated at what he had to say. “I…no…I would love to hear what book you found.” Feeling as if he had just escaped a lion attack, he smiled instead of raising his spear in victory yet feeling the same. “Hah!” he thought to himself, careful not to

actually even mouth the word. There was a pause in the conversation as Amandine chose not to

answer right away but rather take another bite of her potato. Job began to feel bolder, “What was interesting enough to take your mind off of your aches.” He took a bite of his potato then, “Or hunger considering the day’s activities.” Zedakai looked almost as proud as Job. That had been

Job’s most polite and appropriate public statement and they all knew it.

“I did not look for a book on magic, directly. I thought that would bring up far too many

questions. The book I became enthralled with was a book I had seen in the library before. It is

and adventure romance, The Princess’s Bargain. I remembered hearing it had some magic in it.

The story is very old. I thought it might provide some lore and what girl would not want to read

such a book?”

“I truly cannot imagine such a girl.” Brother Cecil said with mock outrage. “Besides, all of the scholarly books on magic have long since been removed.”

“Do you have some?” Amandine’s hope shone in her eyes and reached out with her voice.

Brother Cecil was stretching the anticipation as long as he could. “Of course! I have books, though not as many as I would like, at least not here. But it is a good start. After dinner,

we will clear the table and go through the basics.”

Zedakai was still silent. Not something he was used to but he held his tongue. He waited,

as if in battle, waiting for an opening. He was eager to get into conversation but had only

enthusiasm to add. He decided to keep his enthusiasm to himself.

“Amandine, I am excited! I can only imagine how you must feel. I can’t wait to see what you can do.” Job had almost risen from the table completely in his exuberance. Slowly, he

seated himself.

Seeing his time to enter the conversation and desperate to know, Zedakai asked. “How did she shield Job? I have never seen a block so thin. In the stories I heard, the mage would have

used a block to move Job.”

“You are starting early, Lord Zedakai. I am sure that Brother Cecil said after dinner,

everything in its time, place and order young lord.” Brother Robert took every opportunity to teach the important lessons of order. They were dear to him. “Order and timeliness are as important as ones martial ability.”

“Right you are Brother Robert.” Brother Cecil spoke confidently, “But let us use this opportunity to sharpen other skills. Zedakai, what do you know of mages?” Brother Cecil rubbed his hands in anticipation.

“She is a Block Mage with low power. She grunted at the lunge, even after I had released

the sword. She only had to deflect the speed and weight of the sword. Not my weight or

correction behind it. She has excellent control but with so little power I do not know how she

would survive against a mage of true power let alone an Arch Mage. I suppose it is more useful

to be a low power block mage rather than a low power fire or water mage. Though I suppose a

water mage can cause havoc.” Zedakai paused thinking.

“So, is there no hope for your new acquaintance, the young Lesser Block Mage,

Amandine Barthew of Winslow?”

Zedakai spoke thoughtfully, “My father has taught me not to ignore small gifts and talents. Without the farmer or the peasant what would we eat? Without the men at arms where

would armies come from or captains? Even the tactics develop and rise from such men and such

gifts are revealed in this way. This could be true even if their skill with a sword were average.

Not every tactician is a blaze of glory in the heat of battle. But I fear placing her against an Arch

Mage would result in a short unfortunate end to dear Amandine.” He looked down at the table.

“I apologize Amandine, I am sure those facts are difficult to hear and I regret to be the one to bring them to light.”

“How could the fire mage kill her while he is trying to kill me?” Job spoke with an uncharacteristically flat tone. Cold.

“Now Job, we are not looking to sacrifice you.” Brother Cecil said to defuse the tension in the room. “But part of what you say is certainly on track. I have no intension having

Amandine alone. And I doubt we will face off against an Arch Mage on day one. In truth I have

no plan for her to face off against a mage any time soon.”

“What do you see us doing?” Amandine asked plainly.

Brother Robert broke in, “All things in their order. Step one survive. For Amandine that

means having say over her life, seeing her family again. What happens with mages is yet to be

decided. Whatever it is, I pray she will have harnessed her power, and I look forward to see what

it may be. For Job survival means just that. Without someone to protect, his skills serve best on

the sinister side of life and politics. For the nobility in the room, survival means protecting a

vassal from forced servitude while avoiding the fate we believe would befall him or his brothers

without intervention.”

“Why? Why form a team at all. How can I take on the mages or someone powerful

enough to thwart their will? I appreciate you finding people to help.” She looked at Job while she spoke the words. “Job has already risked his life for me. If I can’t face the mages then why form the team. Zedakai is the only one of us who could leave now with little consequence.” Everyone looked to Brother Cecil.

“Well, I thought I had allayed your fears on this path already but I should have expected

it with your group.” Brother Cecil paused, waiting for the words to come to him. “In Brother Robert’s words, step two is to learn if what we all believe is actually true.” The faces around the room were in shock. Blue, brown and green eyes alike stared in stunned silence. Brother Cecil

looked to Amandine, “I expected an outburst from you, Amandine.” The soft gentle tone took away any sting from the remark. “Preconceived notions are the enemy and frequently the tools and lynch pins of the enemy. I do not pretend to know the outcome of this team or the challenges

it confronts.” The students could almost see an aura around the man who had initiated their two day conspiracy. It was universally intoxicating to them. Was it delivery, passion or just the sheer

audacity?

Job unexpectedly broke the silence, “What is step three? I don’t know if Brother Robert could explain anything in less than a set of three steps.” He was rewarded with nervous laughter, even a grin from Brother Robert.

“Step three is to find the Mages. And perhaps find the cause of the Punished. You will,

no doubt face the Punished.” After such a proclamation there was little to say, and the still hungry teens ate. Brother Cecil was amazed how much the two young men ate. He gestured to

Brother Robert who only shrugged. Even faced with the greatest challenges of the Age, the

nature of growing young men remained constant. Brother Cecil was sure there was a lesson there

but he could not make it his.