It took a full year for father to invite this special teacher from the capital. I wonder what he’ll be like. Warren was looking at the road heading north out of the village. His father was standing beside him. His father had even dressed up for the occasion; wearing his chainmail - with a leathered black top over it, and his treasured single-handed sword hanging in its straps by his waist. After his retirement, he hadn’t worn such an outfit anymore. Standing behind his son, one could easily imagine how valiant he had been in his prime. He even seemed a little happier wearing his battle gear. Warren even found his father slightly intimidating. The reason they were waiting at the northern entrance of the village was the impending arrival of his new teacher; father had received notice two days ago from a messenger that the Capitals caravan would be arriving this afternoon. The moment his father had received the news and read through the letter that came with it he had smiled and started instructing the households men to prepare for the arrival of the esteemed teacher.
Warren had simply ignored the busy people that were working hard for the arrival of his teacher.
He had however made a mental note on how important this arrival was to his father. So like the good – well behaved son he was he had earnestly prepared himself in the morning to be at his best when the teacher would first lay eyes on him. He too had a sword strapped around his waist. In the past year, his father had taught him the basics of swordsmanship and ordered him to have his sword with him at all times. This would help him get used to the weight on his waist. After some time he had come to find this weight reassuring. He felt this too might be another trick his father pulled to convince him to join the army in the end. But none the less he still wore it. He, however, was still deadset on forging a different path for himself.
The northbound winding roads stretched through the lush green hilled landscape and seemed to disappear in the horizon. Behind the gently rolling hills, the northern forests could be seen. After some time, a small dot appeared at the horizon that was slowly making its way to town. Warren was peering in the distance wondering what the caravan would look like. As the dot moved closer he got a view on the incoming caravan. The caravan was led by a luxury carriage and behind trailed several wagons. The carriage was made from wood and ironwork and was richly adorned. The wagons were like the ones that merchant Vaswel used; simple wooden carts with a leather canvas on top. The caravan was protected by several mercenaries. You could easily tell they were mercenaries due to their mismatched gear. His father had explained the trip would take roughly 3 weeks to make. To help his teacher father had paid him in advance so he could hire some mercenaries to protect him from harm during the trip.
As the caravan approached the father and son duo the caravan pulled to a stop. The oldest of the mercenaries came up to them. “General Oakheart I presume?” His father nodded and made some small talk with the mercenary.
“Alright, that’s fine then. We’ve held up our end of the bargain. Another 75 silvers upon safe delivery.” His father had already prepared a leather pouch for the mercenary and handed it over to the merchant. To ensure good service mercenaries would usually be paid in installments. In this case 50% from the get-go and 50% upon safe delivery. In total, they netted 150 silvers. A gold coin and a half!
There were 15 mercenaries so if they’d split it up evenly each mercenary had made 10 silvers. Each silver was worth 10 coppers. Above silver, there were gold coins, but they were rarely seen in the countryside. Each gold coin was worth a hundred silvers. Warren had concluded that a small household would need about a single silver to live for a month. For a 3 week trip, the mercenaries were rather well paid. However, they still had to travel back or to another place where they could get a new assignment. They also had to take care of their equipment as they relied on them to make a living.
After a quick count, the mercenary nodded. “Pleasure doing business general. If you’d ever have a need of mercenaries please think of us, the silver silence.” He then quickly moved to the carriage and said some quick goodbyes to the still mysterious teacher. Then once more nodded to father and mounted his horse and started to move to his companions. It seemed like they would immediately ride off in the distance again. While being distracted by his thoughts the door of the carriage had been opened and a tall well-dressed man stood in the doors opening. His grey-silver hair and his friendly smile made his face wrinkle up adding in some additional years to his already somewhat weary face.
His father made a friendly wave and tapped Warren on his shoulder. Together they moved towards the old scholar.
“Gerald! You truly surprised me with that letter of yours. You’re looking healthy, maybe retirement did you some good after all. This is your genius son I presume?” The man addressed his father in a familiar and well-hummed voice. Warren immediately knew their relationship wouldn’t be as simple as he’d imagined it would be prior to this meeting.
His father made a sound that seemed to express both amusement as annoyance.
“Robert you old bugger. Seems like the capital did you well too – I can see some healthy fat on your body! I’ve been doing good right here. This is my son Warren, the one I asked you to teach. He might be smarter than your average Joe but he needs some proper education.”
Robert chuckled “Well, you did write he was driving you nuts – not wanting to join the army and all. Finally, a kid in the old Oakheart family that has more brain than muscle.”
His father rolled his eyed and answered. “Seems like you’re in a good mood. How was the trip? Took you long enough to finish business in the capital old’ friend.” Trying to divert the attention on whatever he had written in his letters. It seemed his father had indeed pleaded really hard on his behalf – but felt slightly embarrassed by whatever he had written. Warren could relate slightly to it.
“Well, the capital has been really busy as of late. Courts getting cleansed by the king for a bit causing a lot of unrest among scholars and the nobles. Those matters aren’t simple and as an official, I couldn’t simply abandon my place at such a time you know.”
“Haven’t had news from the capital in a long time. We live in a rather small town. Only the traveling merchants sometimes bring news from the capital. However, they too have been away from the capital for some time as well. Didn’t know about the cleansing, but I doubt we’ll notice anything out here anyway. Let’s move to the house, so you can get settled in and we can have a good chat.”
Robert nodded and made his way back to the carriage, whilst passing the coachmen he instructed him to follow Warren and his father as they made their way into the village.
Father and son led the caravan through the village gates, his father getting greetings left and right from the gatekeepers. They were his subordinates so it was standard procedure to greet him as he was a superior.
They took the main road towards the centre of the village before taking a left into the villa district where their house was situated. In this world, a strict hierarchy was still in place. As a family of generals, the Oakheart family had been given the title of baron due to services to the country. They were hereditary nobles; true nobles. However, throughout history, none of the forefathers had gone to the capital to claim a piece of land to govern. As a family of generals, they did not have interest in land. They couldn’t govern their lands anyways if they had claimed them. Nobles who opted not to take lands would be granted a yearly income by the king. The reason was very practical: if they’d claim land it would make things difficult. They’d need to find suitable land worthy of a baron whilst the land had already been divided amongst other nobles. Nobles that had governed these lands would not look kindly upon this unwelcome intrusion. The nobles that held much land were also senior nobles; the king needed their backing to keep comfortable on his crown.
As they approached the mansion Warren saw his mother standing outside to receive them and their esteemed guess. Along the path leading to the front entrance the servants were neatly lined up, their faces somewhat tensed. They’d never had to attend such a formal event; leading to them becoming a bit nervous. This amused Warren, as the esteemed teacher had not made the impression that he would stand on ceremony. All the more as he seemed on such friendly terms with his father. He chuckled as he saw one of the maidservants quickly organize her dress once more. His father smiled at his wife and did a quick greeting to the present staff. As the caravan came to a standstill the door of the carriage flung open and the old grey haired scholar stepped out.
“You look as good as ever, Rosaly. I still wonder what Gerald has done to deserve you. Even the years can’t make your beauty wither.” A big smile adorned the face of Robert.
Warren once more took note to the familiarity in his speech. Seems like he knows mother as well. He does have a glib tongue. Even I can learn from him, even after spending years perfecting the arts of making deals. He made a mental note to try and pry in their joint history. As a momma’s boy, he didn’t want this man to become ‘to close’ to his mother.
“Seems like you’re doing well as usual Robert. Even a good 20 years in the capital don’t seem to wear you down. You’re still as enthusiastic and happy as I remember you” His mother smiled while exchanging a good handshake with Robert. For a second he had thought Robert would go in for a hug. But conventions in the kingdom of Copia were not in line with the modern world. Excessive bodily contact was frowned upon in the upper circles. A good thing Warren thought, don’t want him all giddy over mother. The trio of adults started making some conversations. Warren had been listening in on the side, but quickly found it was just some merrymaking words, some flattery, and small talk. He wasn’t that interested; therefore his thoughts were distracted as his eyes spotted his brothers. Both Terrence and Constance had dressed up for the occasion. However they both looked completely different: Terrence had dressed up to look like father; a chainmail, leather guards and a sword at his waist. Constance, however, had decided to wear his noble attire; blue cloth long short that fell over his knees, richly decorated with silver linings. On his back fluttered a rich blue cloth cape that fell to his waist. His belt was made of leather but had silver inlays, a ceremonial dagger was worn on his waist as was custom among nobles.
Both brothers were softly arguing; trying not to attract the attention. As Warren came closer he heard Terrence making fun of Constance.
“ I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so dressed up, you think the teacher will take a pretty maiden daughter with him? You look like an idiot” Terrence was having a laugh, enjoying the fact that he could take the piss out of his elder brother. Terrence was ten whilst Constance was 12. Accordingly, he was the natural choice to inherit the hereditary Baron title. Warren chuckled, seems like his brother was trying to at least act the part for once.."
“Terrence, you’re a 10-year-old dressed up as a knight when we’re receiving a honored guest. You’re the idiot, not me, idiot.” Constance's voice sounded muffled as he forced down his embarrassment and retorted to his brother.
“Well, you both look like idiots to me. Nothing changed there.” Warren added himself into the conversation whilst suppressing a laugh.
“Warren you dressed up too, so shut it. I’m your elder brother! So you should side with me. This moron is wearing chainmail that he can barely hold up.” Constance responded whilst making an angry look, he didn’t like getting ganged up by his younger brothers.
“Shut up Constance! I can totally wear this chainmail. I’m not as weak as you think. At least I look cool whilst you got some weird cape fluttering at your back.” Terrence retorted
“You’re both making a fool out of yourself though. Teacher is just a friend of dad. No need for ceremony. Oh and he doesn’t have a pretty daughter with him if that’s what you were hoping for.” Warren decided to fan the flames a bit, he always enjoyed teasing his brothers.
“Damned Constance, you said we needed to dress up for this esteemed guest. You’ve been annoying me with it for weeks now.” It seemed like Terence had only dressed up after being pestered by big brother Constance. Now that is was deemed unnecessary he definitely wanted to take a verbal swing to Constance. He, however, he still suppressed his swearing and lowered his voice so he wouldn’t get in trouble with father who was still standing nearby.
“How was I supposed to know! Dad’s been busy arranging for this teacher –“
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“His name is Robert.” Warren interjected to annoy his brother even further.
“Right. Anyways, I thought he was really important. Dad’s been spending a lot of time to invite him over from the capital. Thought it was natural to dress up.” Whilst saying this his faced drooped. He seemed to be disappointed that he dressed up for nothing important. Or perhaps just because he lost face in front of his younger brothers.
It seemed his parents and Robert had gone through all pleasantries and were going to move into the mansion. His father’s voice could be heard instructing the servants to unload the carts and help Robert settle in the mansion. His father had beforehand told everyone the esteemed teacher would be living in the east wing. Warren wondered why his father had been so mysterious about this teacher. His father had walked up to the three quarreling brothers and beckoned them to get inside the mansion. The group then started to make their way inside.
“Robert is going to get settled in the east wing. I want you guys to behave, okay? No mischief now. When he’s settled in I’ll properly introduce him. I guess we’ll do it over dinner.” Their father then dismissed them, telling them to go play since he was going to be busy until dinner.
At dinner all three brothers had taken up a seat well before dinner was served. The boys were always called by servants to attend dinner 20 minutes prior to dinner being served. Usually, they’d one by one join in at the table. The boys would normally be just on time or even come in late as their parents hadn’t been strict on these things. Things were different this time! The three boys were eager to learn about the newcomer. Different than his brothers – Warren was eager and anxious for a different reason: this was his teacher! Whatever he was getting taught was decided by the plump former official from the capital. He couldn’t wait to learn more about this world of magic! However – he had no idea what to expect from his lessons! His father had told him he would probably learn algebra, history and the like. But he hadn’t been sure and seemed to not be bothered by that vagueness. Something that had been gnawing at Warren. As a former 21st century resident he was well aware how important education was!
His father smiled at the sight of his now seemingly well-behaved children. He chuckled, he knew these three could cause tons of troubles if they were in cahoots making plans. Terrence had once been beaten up after trying to impress a girl. Constance, as a big brother, had then taken the assailant out – even breaking an arm and knocking out his teeth. He had to make apologies and bow his head countless time even after paying for all the expenses. Warren was even worse – he had a snappy mouth and wouldn’t keep sitting still if he was slighted. However, as a smart kid, he would hardly be found out. The times he was found out were complete dramas though. As these events quickly went through his head he saw Robert taking place at the table.
Warren took note of Robert taking a seat at the table and threw a wistful glance at his father, urging his father to give his introduction. Seeing the nervous and expectant look on Warren’s face his father chuckled once more. He hadn’t seen his child like this before – he liked it, he always felt his son had been trying to mature to quick. He figured it had to do with his two elder brothers.
His father glanced around the table, as he sat at the head of the table he found his wife sitting at his left hand and Robert at his right. Warren had naturally taken place next to his mother, whilst both his brothers had taken a seat across of him. They smartly left out a seat next to them for Robert as this was proper decorum for an esteemed guest.
“Well, since you little ruffians are on time for once, I think it’s about time to properly introduce Robert. Robert is an old friend from the military. Where I strived to become general, Robert took service for different reasons. He’s the third child of a senior noble family; his proper name would be Robert Greenland. As landed nobles, they hold some lands up north of the capital. After our joint time in the army, he decided to serve the government as an official. It’s been roughly 20 years since I’ve last seen Robert. Because of this, I was unsure whether I’d be able to invite him over. Luckily he still remembers old favors and chose to settle down from his life in the capital. After 20 years of life in the capital, I didn’t know how much our relationship was still worth and whether he’ changed. That’s the reason why I’ve been calling him esteemed teacher to you little ruffians. But even in this small time, I’ve found nothing changed at all. So you can address him as Uncle. However, if he’s teaching then follow his rules. His words are my words.” His father nodded to Robert, signing him that he could introduce himself as well.
“What you’re father says holds truth. However, forget the noble family lineage, Nobles can be a pest most of the time. You can call me uncle as your father suggested. However, when I’m giving class you are to call me Teacher or Master. At least this little formality should exist when teaching.
I was tied up in the capital for a long time because of some issues regarding the court. Warren I’ll be mostly teaching you, so I expect you in my office at 8’o clock tonight so we can discuss some important matters. When not in class, feel free to ask anything. As long as I’m capable I’ll try and explain things. I don’t care much for decorum or formalities so I suggest we just eat and get to know each other over time.” Robert then proceeded to cut his beef steak with manners belonging to a noble. Not even waiting till Warren’s father had approved – he had immediately proved that he didn’t care much for customs.
“Once more my thanks to Robert for taking up the task. We should eat before it gets cold. Warren, you’ll get your questions answered tonight.” His father then too proceeded to cut his beef and eat.
Later that evening Warren made his way to the East wing. “Should’ve asked where in the east wing he set up his office. Or he should’ve just told me.” He grumbled his mood worsening at the thought of searching the entire west wing for the office. He didn’t move around a lot in the house, so he was slightly amazed by the actual size of the mansion. He had stuck to his room, the main living, the kitchen and he had dropped by some servant’s rooms when he wanted a night snack. He trained with his father outside in the garden. The east wing was new to him. “Why do we even need this much space.” Another grumble came from his lips.
He was walking along the long corridor that led to the east wing. Unlike the rest of the building, this wing seemed to have come to life suddenly. He noticed the different servants cleaning out rooms and mopping floors. It seemed like the entire eastern wing would be cleaned out. Much more than a couple of rooms like he had expected. Then again, there were three carts loaded with goods. “Perhaps that man truly does need a lot of space” he mused.
At the end of the corridor, he took a left, leading him to an atrium where a richly adorned wooden stair would take him up the east wing. He had asked directions to one of the servants and though this servant knew not where the office was situated, he did mention that most of the stuff had gone to up to the third story. This made Warren wonder why the ground floor rooms where being cleaned out. As he inquired the servant told him, father was going to hire more servants to support Robert. Warren had been somewhat surprised but quickly acknowledged the decision. Someone with the status of Robert should have some servants, nothing weird about it.
As he moved to the third story he quickly found the office he was looking for. A silver plate had been put up the third door he walked past, it was neatly engraved with calligraphy “Office”.
“This man truly moves fast. Been here for a few hours and completely occupied the third floor, even has this plate up at his office.” Warren mused as he knocked on the thick oaken door.
Roberts somewhat tired voice sounded “Come in!”.
Warren then cautiously entered the office, after doing a quick check on his clothes.
“Teacher, your disciple, Warren, has come as you’d asked.”
Warren considered this his first true meeting with his teacher, apparently, he was going to get some desperately needed answers so he could finally quell the voices in his head.
(* Author * : Sounds sinister, but I mean to say that his mind is simply been occupied with questions about what he was going to learn )
Robert had been standing next to some bookcases, several crates next to him seemingly filled with books. He put the book in his hands on one of the shelves and walked behind the desk that had was set up in the middle of the room. Robert then gestured for Warren to take a seat across the desk as he himself sat down in a comfortable looking leather seat.
“Well, there must be a lot of questions on your mind. So let’s first get rid of those before we go on with the important things.” Robert looked inquisitively towards Warren with an expectant face.
“Yes teacher, first of all, what are you going to teach me?”
“Good question. You must have some suspicions, you’re father should’ve told you one or another as well but I understand why you want a definite answer to that question. First of all, I’m going to ascertain how much knowledge you have at this moment and from there on out I’ll plan your lessons.
You must know that I’m new to teaching as well, so it’s going to be quite a novel sensation. I’ll focus on teaching you general knowledge; increasing your vocabulary, history, topography, arithmetic’s, politics, anything that comes in handy... As a concession to your father, you’ll still have to learn military knowledge and swordsmanship from him. But that’s not too bad either, you’ll learn things that come in handy in all fields of work.” He then proceeded to pull on a rope hanging near his desk. This was connected to the lower grounds, there, a bell would ring. This would alert servants that he wished for something.
His face then became serious and added: “My method of teaching might differ from others, you’ll have practical assignments that you’ll have to complete within a given time.”
Warren nodded. This much he had expected. He also liked the practical aspect – doing things would give a much richer experience than just being told things. He also liked that the man elaborated as much as he could. He had also been nodding in agreement with taking tests to ascertain his knowledge. Starting from scratch would be time-consuming. His plan was simple; use his modern knowledge to his advantage! He’d ace every algebra test and get on with the pressing matters.
A silence fell in the room as both looked at each other. Robert had once again donned an expectant look as if waiting for more questions. Things started to get slightly awkward as a wry smile formed on Warren’s face. He was used to having a glib tongue but at this point, he had no clue what to do or where to go at. Noticing his predicament Robert softly coughed.
“Right, well. Let’s start with the important things then. First of all, what is it that you want to do in the future? “
Black lines were forming at the back of Warren’s face. He had seen this coming, but he had not prepared! He knew this was going to be awkward. His mind was churning – Should I just say anything – should I say I don’t know. He pondered in silence for a couple of seconds
“I don’t know, Teacher. The world is wide. I don’t know of many things. I just don’t want to throw my life away on someone else’s whim.” YES. The same excuse as he used on his father. He knew it wasn’t quite the answer you’d expect from a 7 – almost 8-year-old. But he could hardly put on a thick face and yell “FIREMEN, POLICEMAN, SURGEON”. He really didn’t know what he’d wish to become in this life. He only knew his goal: a comfortable life.
“You’re father informed me of that. I thought you just didn’t want to join the army. I figured you’d at least have some ideas as your father kept bragging you’re rather bright. A genius he calls you.” Robert chuckled near the end of his sentence.
“In all those years I really haven’t heard your father brag much so I take him for his words. Since you really have no idea I’ve got a proposal for you.”
Warren nodded, he was quite intrigued to hear the proposal. He figured it should be good, even though Robert talked an looked like any other old’ geezer with a friendly talk, Warren had reminded himself Robert had quite a background. Grew up in a big noble family and at least a decent career as an official, otherwise, he wouldn’t have been held back by his responsibilities so long.
“Good. I’ve promised your dad to teach you until you can get going on your own two feet. You don’t strike me as a kid who’d work hard his whole life for little gain. So, we can lose all jobs involving hard labor. You’ve got brains so you should use them. Regardless of what you will become in the future for you to have smooth sailing, it would be important to be a well learned individual. Every year at the capital there’s an imperial examination. This examination decides whether or not your eligible to enter the Descarta University. Descarta is famed for teaching all the greatest minds of this time.”
A silence fell as a knock was heard on the door. After Robert’s permission, a rather old looking servant entered. Warren recognised him as old man Herbert. He had taken care of him and his brother when they were younger. He’d entertain them with stories of dragons and heroes. He quite liked this old geezer but he hadn’t seen him much lately due to all the chores he had stapled up recently.
“You called, esteemed guest?” His somewhat old and dry voice rang through the office.
Robert nodded “Yes I’d like some good ginseng tea, and could you please instruct someone to draw a hot bath for me. After this is finished I’d like to recuperate from the long trip. As comfortable as the carriage looks, after some days it’s truly horrible.” Robert his usual longwinded way of talking answered. Herbert nodded in acknowledgment and gave a quick smile and an encouraging nod to Warren. He carefully closed the door on his way out.
As the door closed, Robert continued where he left off as if nothing had interrupted him earlier. This to some amazement of Warren. Robert is really hard to side-track or so he thought.
“They test on many fields and only those with a score over 700 out of 1000 are accepted in the academy. Those with a score over 850 will go to a special class. And the geniuses among geniuses with a score above 925 will get personal guidance. All nobles with somewhat competent children will send them this examination – your father excluded as he’s always been hung up on the army.”
Warren nodded, that did seem like a good opportunity. A place where he could find some status, make a name and after graduating such a prestigious school there should be enough ways to earn steady money.
As Warren was warming up to this idea and already imagining a glorious future as a rich philanthropist Robert started to chuckle “Don’t go imagining too much for now kid. The greatest geniuses of all Copia will congregate at the examination. You might be smart for a kid at a backwater place as Easton but you’re way behind on the true elite. The nobles start teaching their kids at 5, put all effort in them so they can enter the academy and gain face for their family. Basically, your starting point is shit compared to them.”
Robert’s words came crashing into Warrens fantasies as an avalanche on a sunny day. He shrugged whilst thinking “Well, those kids don’t have the modern knowledge or my 34 years of extra experience. We’ll see whether those spoiled nobles will be better than me.” He had unconsciously already regarded himself as a genius among geniuses. For some odd reasons he also had some bad opinions regarding nobles as he associated them with arrogant rich pricks. In Easton, they didn’t have many noble families so he completely based it on his knowledge of novels and some history lessons he had countless years ago.
Seeing the frown on Warren’s face Robert picked up his story again.
“No need for panic, you’ll just have to work twice as hard as those spoiled brats and make up for the lost time. Anyways, it’s a great opportunity. Graduating might actually set you up for life and there’s countless of good connections to be made. The test has 12 subjects, each contributing at most 100 points.
Overall fitness, History, War tactics, Physics, Chemistry, Algebra, Philosophy, General knowledge, Medicine, Applied theory, Liberal arts.
Robert gave a quick rundown of each subject and Warren questioned things he didn’t understand. The night crept by until another knock was heard at the door. Herbert once more entered after getting permission. “Esteemed guest, your bath has been drawn is awaiting you. I humbly suggest you use it now that it is still hot.” Robert nodded affirmatively and sent Herbert on his way again.
“Well, it was getting late anyway. So, let’s round this up so I can get these old bones to rest and recover some energy for tomorrow.” He slowly got up from his chair and walked towards the door. Warren with newfound respect for his teacher opened the door and they both made their way into the hall, they bid goodbye at the stairs and as Warren descended he heard the most exciting thing of the entire night.
“Right, Warren, I almost forget. During the examination, they’ll also determine the grade of your gift. This is a rather important happening. Since you’re almost eight your gift should be developed soon. I always think they resemble the personality of their owner. Your brothers got warlike gifts, you probably would get something more interesting than temporary blown up muscles I think.” Robert chuckled “We should talk about that tomorrow.” Then once more turned around after a quick wave of goodbye and walked towards where the bathroom would be.
Finally, a lead on his gifts! He had been so absorbed earlier he had forgotten to ask about this crucial piece of information! He only had some basic information on it, now it seems he would finally have a chance to learn about these magical gifts!