The other candidates had been bemused when Vann suddenly sprinted out of the hall, and after a few more minutes, Sir Bern’s voice rang out across the Southern Hall

‘Let’s take a break. Your concentration has gone and we don’t need someone in the infirmary or worse on the first day. Thirsts will kill you too, so take a drink if you need it. The small beer from breakfast is still on the tables.’

Ragni glanced at the corridor from the refectory where Vann had disappeared ‘Something has disagreed with him.’ Some of the others laughed and the conversation turned to all the possible reasons Vann could have had for running out.

Camryn nudged Bria and whispered ‘we could take some lanterns and explore a bit for a few minutes.’ Bria nodded and tapped Nia’s arm ‘let’s go’

The four girls took a lantern each and slipped through the gap between the western doors. Rosa didn’t react as they came in and as they drew nearer, the girls could see her eyes were shut. As quietly as possible, they made their way to the southern side of the hall where three darker rectangles looked like doorways.

Bria led the way into the one at the left-hand end. The remains of bunks were down each wall and in the centre of the room was the ruins of a table with chairs around it. ‘Looks like a barracks and refectory all in one’ said Adelyn. ‘Let’s try the next one.’

They trooped out of the barracks and went through the centre doorway before stopping in amazement. The armour stands weren’t doing a great job of holding up the armour anymore but scattered down each side of the room were gauntlets, helms, greaves and enough other armour to make nearly a dozen suits. Even in the dim light of the lanterns they could see that it was much darker than the armour that the Preceptor and other knights wore. ‘Let’s check the next one’ squeaked Camryn. She shot out of the door closely followed by the others.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

The next room was as full of dust and decay as the previous two. This one too had a table down the centre but in much better condition. Resting on the table was a poleaxe. The wooden haft was shorter than the halberds used by the knights and pitted and split where time had done its work, but the head gleamed in the lantern light. Camryn rushed over and ran her hands over the weapon. ‘The head has been covered in wax.’

Bria picked it up by the handle which was still strong enough to take the weapon’s weight. ‘Let’s go and show the others. Sir Bern will want us back at practice shortly.’

They left the room and hurried back to the Southern Hall, carrying the poleaxe. Everyone else was standing near the door to the refectory but clustered around as the girls came rushing over. ‘Look what we’ve found’ said Bria excitedly.

Ragni caught the weapon just below the head and rubbed some of the wax off the blade. ‘Good steel. My Da’s a blacksmith.’ He pointed at the fluke on the back of the axe. ‘Those are usually round, but this one has been indented and the three edges sharpened. It would be light and fast but a brute to forge.’ He looked at his hand. ‘My fingers are burning!’ He shuddered for a moment and then collapsed to the floor in a boneless heap.

The recruits stood in shock for a moment and then Adelyn screamed.

Sir Henrik pushed his way through the group and put his hand gently on Ragni’s neck. Then he stood and shook his head. ‘He’s dead. Drop that pole axe. Anyone who touched any part of it go and scrub. RUN! Sir Lars, get gauntlets and get this in a forge. Don’t melt it but burn off whatever is on it’

Bria let go of the handle and the poleaxe clanked to the floor. ‘Just me and Camryn touched it.’ She looked around. ‘Where’s Camryn?’