The door to the physician’s quarters had been left wide open. Peering through, Kaewyn could see wooden shelves bereft of all contents. A large table underneath the shelves however, was completely stacked with small crates, boxes of herbs and other various pieces of strange looking equipment he couldn’t even begin to know the names of. He stopped just outside the entrance and knocked three times and then called out to see if anyone was inside. When he received no reply, he decided to enter and have a look around. The room was very large, one of the biggest in Xu Castle he believed. It was looking fairly barren at the moment, but Athaia had been gathering medicines and supplies of her own for the past few days. Many of the old tomes on medicine and surgery had been removed as Athaia claimed that most held knowledge that had become outdated and, in some cases, obsolete. With Kaewyn’s permission, she had bought newer books and even placed a standing order for some particular tomes that were apparently quite rare, but very useful.
This room had been home to the previous Court Physician, an older man whom Kaewyn barely knew in all his years of service, a fact which now he found himself regretting. When Rahim returned from the Heartlands, he had brought news that not only their father Lord Corrhen had been killed, but the Court Physician who accompanied him as well. Thus, the position of Court Physician was, up until now, unfilled. Athaia had settled in quickly, but he still dropped by frequently to make sure she was content and getting all that she required. Yohren had also been advised to stay in this room until he recovered completely due to the severity of his injuries, but Athaia had assured him during previous visits that he was going to be fine with some rest.
“My lord? I’m so sorry. I thought I heard a voice but I wasn’t certain.” Athaia said as she entered from a back room that served as a bedchamber.
“No need to apologise.” Kaewyn said warmly. “I was just checking in on you to see how you are going.”
“You asked me the same thing yesterday and nothing has changed.” Athaia chuckled as she began to arrange some heavy looking tomes. “I think you just want an excuse to check up on Yohren.”
“Well…” Kaewyn said scratching the back of his head. “How is he?”
“You’ve missed him. He’s up and about.” Athaia said. “I told him to be careful, but he was being stubborn.”
“He isn’t here? I’m starting to realise just how stubborn he is!” Kaewyn said. “Do you know where I will find him?”
“He said something about training in the courtyard. I told him he could only watch, and that if I caught him trying to join in that I’d break his other arm.” Athaia said sternly as she shook her head. “You young men are always so eager to rush off and hurt yourselves.”
“Then it is most definitely our good fortune to have you with us Athaia.” Kaewyn said smiling.
“Indeed. I just hope this position lasts. I rather like it here already and it would be a shame for me to have to leave.” She explained. “Go on then, go find Yohren. If you see him then make sure you tell him I said to be careful for me.”
“I will Athaia, but first I should thank you for helping us escape Garren and his men. I cannot say it enough.” Kaewyn said genuinely.
“You are welcome, but in truth you were the ones to rescue me as well.”
“I suppose there is some truth to what you say.” Kaewyn said. “Anyway, I will take my leave of you. Please come find me if you have any issues.”
Kaewyn turned and headed out of the door with his head down in thought. His concerns about his brother and the succession had been weighing heavily upon him. He was so distracted that he never saw the person approaching from just outside the door. He bumped into someone and almost knocked them off their feet.
“…Camilla?” Kaewyn said in shock. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t even watching where I was going. Are you okay?”
She nodded. “I’m fine. What are you doing here Kaewyn?”
“I came to check on Yohren. See how he was doing.”
“That’s why I came too, is he alright?”
“He isn’t here. Athaia tells me he went to the courtyard to watch Arlan train his volunteers.” He explained. “I’m heading there now. Walk with me?”
Camilla nodded and offered her arm with that charming smile of hers. For a moment Kaewyn felt flushed, but he held his composure and linked his arm through hers. With their arms interlocked, the pair walked down the hallways on the way to the Great Hall, knowing that from there it was a short distance to the courtyard.
As they walked, Camilla frequently squeezed his arm prompting him to look at her. The pair locked eyes and shared a warm smile. He felt happy with her around, more comfortable and relaxed than he had been in a long time. It brought him joy to be close to her and he found himself hoping that she would be able to stay with him in Xu Castle for a while longer.
“You know Kaewyn, one of the handmaidens that has been attending to me here during my stay has been talking.” She said cheerily.
“Oh, what about?”
“Well, I don’t know for sure, but I think she may fancy Yohren.” She explained.
“Really?” Kaewyn said with a chuckle. “I bet he’d be happy to hear that.”
“Oh, you mustn’t say anything to him, not yet. Apparently, she first saw him during the feast after the battle. And the way she explains it, Yohren definitely noticed her.”
Kaewyn smiled. “I might even remember the girl you speak of.”
Camilla slapped playfully at his shoulder, startling him. “You weren’t noticing her too, were you Kaewyn?”
“Uhm, noooo…” He said, stretching out the word as he scrambled for an answer. “I just remember Yohren blushing and looking awkward. I found it to be quite funny at the time.”
Camilla initially smiled and looked joyful, but her expression quickly changed to a more sombre tone. “I envy them.”
“You envy them?”
“Don’t you?” She asked. “At least… at least they get to choose who they get to be with. They are free to choose and we are not.”
“There is some truth in what you say Camilla, but Yohren has had a hard life.” He explained. “It would also be safe to assume the handmaiden too, has had her fair share of troubles. I’m not sure if I would envy them.”
“I know, but we…” Camilla stammered for a moment. “Nobility I mean, rarely get to choose who we get to be with, who we marry, who we share our lives with. It’s all decided for us by our parents. It’s all just politics and alliances to them. I feel sorry for Alina being married to Rhys, I don’t know how she stands him, but they seem to care for each other I suppose. But me, I couldn’t stand being married to someone like him.”
“Your brother isn’t that bad Camilla. Though I wouldn’t want to be married to him either mind you!” He laughed.
Camilla raised her other arm to cover her mouth as she lost control of herself to laughter, the both of them soon succumbing to a laughing fit. “I was imagining you in a wedding gown standing next to Rhys and I just couldn’t stop myself.”
After they had recovered from their silliness, they found themselves in the Great Hall. It was relatively empty save for a few servants going about their duties. A few of them cast curious glances in their direction, but he didn’t care. Camilla seemed not to mind either, which made him happy. They continued to walk arm in arm through the Great Hall as they headed for the exit to the courtyard.
“You look all set and ready to train.” Camilla said, tapping his leather doublet. “How does it feel?”
“It’s a little tight.” He replied. “But yes, after all that’s happened in the past few weeks… with the battle, the bandits… and my father. I figured it best I put some real effort into learning how to handle myself.”
“You’ll do fine Kaewyn. I’m sure you will get the hang of it quickly. Perhaps you will even impress Rahim!” Camilla said supportively.
Kaewyn visibly soured at the mention of his brother. He had been fretting nonstop about what to do in regards to the succession, namely who would take their father’s place as the next Lord of Greystone Province. The court appeared divided, but he was more concerned about Rahim’s intense desire for revenge. He feared that Rahim’s burning desire to get his revenge for the death of their father would lead him down a drastic and harsh path. One where his brother would use his popularity with the military officials to make himself the next Lord, and as lord, launch Greystone Province into conflict against the Elentide family.
He had lost sleep over this matter, and a large part of why he had organised with Arlan to train him was to show that he was serious about being a lord. For the first time in his life, he wanted the responsibility. He hoped that it would show the others, like Seneschal Talbury and even Rahim himself, that he was finally going to take responsibilities seriously, as his father did. He loved his brother dearly, but deep down he knew that he would not be a good lord for the people of their province. He was too rash and quick to anger. Kaewyn was determined to prove to everyone, including himself, that he had what it took to become the Lord of Greystone Province.
“You okay Kaewyn?” Camilla said with concern in her voice. “You stared off into nothing there for a while.”
“I’m fine.” He said awkwardly, rubbing at his eyes with his free hand. “I haven’t had much sleep the past few nights. What was it we were talking about again? Oh right, me proving myself with a blade. I hope I don’t embarrass myself too much.”
“You seem unsure of yourself. What’s wrong?” She asked.
“I’m not sure Camilla. I know how much time and effort my brother put into becoming the warrior he is today.” He admitted. “I’m not likely to get there any time soon, regardless of how much effort I put into learning.”
“You still managed to rescue me from Lord Severus’ tent Kaewyn. That was quite heroic, don’t you think? You’re being too hard on yourself.”
“Yohren was with me and even then, Lord Severus and his sons were completely drunk. It was simply good luck.” Kaewyn admitted.
“It wasn’t all luck Kaewyn. Bravery played a part too.” Camilla said warmly.
“Maybe you should be the one training.” Kaewyn teased. “I saw you with the pitchfork at the barn. Natural talent for violence if ever I saw it.”
“Hah! A small part of me would like to be able to learn how to swing a sword.” Camilla expressed. “Knowing how to defend myself would have been good when… well, you know.”
“Then why don’t you Camilla?” Kaewyn said earnestly.
“Don’t be silly, you know I can’t.”
“Because you aren’t a man?” Kaewyn pressed.” I don’t know why it should matter. There’s plenty of examples of female warriors in history. I read about them all the time.”
“Really?” Camilla said with interest. “I… never knew that.”
“The founding Emperor himself battled against a tribe of warrior women before founding the Empire.” Kaewyn pointed out. “One of the few battles he lost too.”
“How come I’ve never heard of any of this before?” Camilla asked.
“You never read books like I did. Yet you and Rhys would relentlessly tease me for spending so much time reading them.” Kaewyn said. “You can learn many things from a good book.”
“Interesting, but eh, you still deserved it.”
“What!?” Kaewyn said in surprise. “What could I possibly have done to deserve it?”
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“Rhys and I would only ever get to visit Xu Castle every few months and sometimes you just stayed in your chambers and read all day. It was infuriating.”
“Ah, I remember.” Kaewyn said smiling. “You would hit me afterwards.”
“You’re lucky that is all you got.” She said laughing. “As I said, you deserved it.”
“Silliness aside Camilla, what do you think? I’m sure Arlan would not be against it.” He said earnestly.
“Hmm, I don’t know. I do not think people would approve. Especially my brother.” She said hesitantly.
“Well, if you were concerned about other people, I could always teach you privately, just the two of us. That way no one else would have to know, not even Rhys.” Kaewyn offered.
“Like a secret just between us? I think I’d like that Kaewyn.” Camilla said happily. “One issue with your plan though. You are only just starting to learn yourself. How long are you going to make me wait before you begin teaching me?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t worry too much about that.” Kaewyn said cheekily, putting on an overly pompous voice to his words. “No doubt I’ll be a renowned blade master before long. I tend to learn very quickly when I put my mind to something. I doubt I will be too difficult.”
Camilla scoffed. “Confident huh? Your tune has changed quite suddenly.”
“You doubt my words?” Kaewyn said, continuing with his silly voice. “Well, that’s just more reason for me to prove you wrong.”
“I suppose it is.” Camilla chuckled as she poked his side. “Come on then, we’d better get you to Arlan so I can watch him make a fool of you.”
“Ouch.”
“You’ll be fine Kaewyn. Remember, I believe in you.” She chucked and then pointed toward the exit. “Let’s go.”
Kaewyn and Camilla walked on and passed through the open entranceway that separated the Great Hall with the courtyard outside. Once they stood atop the marble steps, Kaewyn saw Arlan and a dozen or so volunteers gathered by a small field in the middle of the courtyard. Within the field, Arlan was sparring with one of his men. Even from this distance, he could hear Arlan’s shouting above the raucous voices of the spectators, giving advice and criticisms mid spar. A few guardsmen patrolling the walls of the castle also watched on from their posts, most likely happy to have something to see other than swaying trees and empty fields for a change. Kaewyn’s keen eyes also spotted a familiar person amongst the crowd of spectators. Yohren was clothed in a simple lightly coloured cotton tunic rather than sparring gear like the others which made him easy to find amongst the others. He was pleased to see Yohren was not participating in the sparring, but simply spectating. He was seated upon a weathered old crate and looked to be taking in as much as he could from Arlan’s lessons, the best he could do without actually training himself Kaewyn figured.
Kaewyn gently unlinked his arm with Camilla’s and smiled at her as he did so to let her know that his action was out of necessity rather than choice. The two then made their way down the steep marble steps, which would have been difficult had they remained connected, and headed over to where the spectators were gathered. Arlan and his volunteers noticed their approach almost straight away and soon the practice spar had stopped. The spectators parted in front of him as he approached and most of the volunteers began to bow and apologise for being in the way. Kaewyn shook his head and told them that such action was unnecessary and that such deference was unneeded. He was there as a fellow student he explained, his purpose was to learn just like theirs was and thus he should be treated as such.
Camilla quickly made her way through the crowd, gathering surprised looks from the volunteers as she moved through them. When she found Yohren, she sat down beside him and the two began to speak. Yohren was happy to see her, and despite some bruising to his forehead and cheeks, Kaewyn thought he was looking much better. Kaewyn then wandered over and joined them, happily smiling to see his friend outside and not in a bed for a change.
“My lord, good to see you.” Yohren said as he tried to rise to his feet.
“No need for that Yohren, it’s good to see you up and about.” Kaewyn said as he gestured for his friend to remain seated.
“I’m much better now, I look worse than I feel to be honest.”
“That may be true Yohren, but Athaia has already warned me that she’d be breaking arms if she saw you training today.” Kaewyn chucked.
“Ahh yes. I received the same threat as I hobbled out the door. I won’t train, but I would like to watch and learn what I can.” Yohren said optimistically. “It might not pick up much sitting here, but I might learn something.”
“A sound idea Yohren. You could watch as well, Camilla.” He said subtly, hoping she would get the hint about watching and learning. “You wouldn’t mind keeping her company for a while, would you Yohren?”
“Oh… of course. Of course not.” He said nervously. “I don’t mind at all.”
“Sounds great.” Camilla said cheerily, winking at him as she spoke. “Good luck Kaewyn. We will be watching and learning from here, won’t we Yohren?”
He nodded and smiled, knowing that Camilla had been sharp enough to pick up on his hinting. He turned around and made his way through the crowd of volunteers, most of which were engrossed in their own conversations, though many eyed him curiously as well. He paid them no mind, finding Arlan standing in the small area they had designated with Edderfield family banners in each corner. The banners formed a small square field that was not allowed to be entered by any spectator during a practice spar. Upon his approach, Arlan waved to him. The leader of the volunteers looked energetic and fresh despite a bead of sweat on his brow. Arlan was definitely fit and well used to training. Kaewyn hoped that he would be able to keep up with him.
“My lord.” Arlan said as he gave a polite bow.
“Good to see you Arlan. I’m here to train as agreed.”
Arlan looked around and smiled. “We’ve a larger group than usual. Seems word of you training with me has gotten around.”
“I won’t let it distract me. Shall we begin then?”
“Eager? Good. We can begin, but first I’d like you to leave your sword aside and use a tourney blade instead. A blunted edge will serve us better in training.” Arlan explained as Kaewyn untied his sheathe from his belt and handed it to a helpful spectator, who then at Kaewyn’s command, handed the blade over to Yohren for safekeeping. “Take one of the tourney blades from the rack and tell me when you are ready.”
Arlan then left Kaewyn alone and began to set up some volunteers with practice spars of their own. Kaewyn was grateful that others would be sparring too, as the less eyes that were upon him the better. He then made his way over to the rack of weapons and grabbed the old worn hilt of one of the many tourney swords and pulled it out. He tested the weight of the sword in his hands and felt embarrassed as he noticed others watching him do so. It was heavier than he was used to and shorter by a fair amount, but he did not think it mattered much. Re-joining Arlan upon the practice field, he signalled that he was ready to begin.
“Okay my lord.” Arlan said. “I want you to come at me and do your best, but take care with your blade. Blunted though it may be, it can still cause harm.”
Kaewyn nodded.
“Good. When you are ready then.” Arlan said with finality as he stepped backwards and twirled his blade expertly, readying himself for the fight.
Kaewyn took a quick breath and cast a final glance over to Yohren and Camilla. They watched him expectantly, showing their excitedness and support for him. He smiled and then approached Arlan cautiously with his blade held firmly in his hands.
Arlan moved defensively and reactionary, never once coming at Kaewyn or initiating the fight. Instead, he merely circled and backed away, defending every attempt Kaewyn made to strike. Several times Kaewyn closed the distance and attacked, but each time his blade was safely parried away. As the spar went on, he found himself becoming more and more frustrated that he was unable to land a single blow. He became more reckless and wilder, swinging harder and with less precision, but Arlan had no trouble in parrying or simply moving out of harm’s way. He could not believe how fast Arlan was. Eventually, overcome by aching joints and tiredness, Kaewyn called for a break. As sweat dripped heavily down the sides of his head, he sucked in air gratefully and rested.
“Very good my lord.” Arlan said with no shortage of breath. “You show promise.”
Kaewyn rolled his eyes and then wiped the sweat from his brow. “What promise? You completely outclassed me Arlan.”
“Maybe so, but I have spent countless days and nights upon the training field. I have lost many more spars than I have ever won my lord. Do not be hard on yourself. You might not know it, but you showed great initiative during our spar.” Arlan explained.
“How so?” Kaewyn said tiredly as he regained his breath.
“You tried something, and when it did not avail you, you tried something else. Experimenting and adapting are the hallmarks of a fine swordsman my lord.” Arlan explained. “With some footwork training and less predictable swings, I believe you will make a fine swordsman.”
“I’m not sure if I agree with you Arlan, but you do seem to have an excellent grasp of swordsmanship.” Kaewyn admitted. “I just need some time, then I will be ready to go again.”
“As you wish my lord.” Arlan said as he dutifully began to assist the other volunteers who were sparring with words of encouragement and advice.
As he was breathing in air, he was surprised to see that Marcus Linforde, his newly appointed advisor, had wandered over sometime during his spar and had been watching on. The enigmatic scholar was not one whom Kaewyn believed wanted anything to do with martial pursuits, so his presence at the training field now was a curiosity.
“My lord Kaewyn, I would suggest the sharpening of your mind rather than your sword.” Marcus said in his own pompous way. “I believe you are more suited to it.”
“Marcus… I did not expect to see you here.” Kaewyn said, finally feeling somewhat recovered from his exertions.
“Nor I, truth be told,” Marcus said. “but there are important matters I wish to discuss with you. Shall we speak privately in the solar?”
“I’ve organised with Arlan to train today and I’ve only arrived a short while ago.” Kaewyn explained. “It would not be proper for me to abandon this so soon after giving my word. Can it not wait an hour?”
Marcus sighed. “I suppose…”
“Good. You’ll have me in an hour then.” Kaewyn said sternly.
“It seems I have nothing else to do but wait. Hey! You there!” Marcus said pointing to one of the volunteers who were still spectating. “Yes, you. Fetch me something to sit on at once.”
“Marcus, there’s no need to act in such a way.” Kaewyn said, chiding him. “These volunteers deserve our respect. Without them, I doubt we would have been so successful in our gambit against Lord Severus.”
“Very well…” Marcus said sarcastically. “Excuse me sir? Yes, you again. Would you be so kind as to bring me something to sit on? I would greatly appreciate it if you would.”
The volunteer rolled his eyes and soon brought a small wooden crate for Marcus, who again, was over thankful and spoke in a mocking tone. Kaewyn sighed, thinking perhaps it was better if he had said nothing at all. He noticed that Yohren and Camilla were eyeing Marcus unapprovingly as well. He hoped that in time, Marcus would show why Kaewyn had chosen him to become an advisor, or at the very least become less abrasive and more cooperative. Only time would tell.
Kaewyn was eager to make use of the hour he had given himself to train before meeting with Marcus, and so he re-joined Arlan and asked for what was next. Arlan then spent the next five or so minutes explaining that the purpose of their previous spar was not for practice, but for him to judge where Kaewyn was at in terms of skill and ability for a warrior. He went on to explain that Kaewyn had good reflexes and believed he was a naturally intelligent fighter. He explained that he lacked good footwork and often his swings and movements were entirely predictable, and thus, that was there he would begin to teach him.
Arlan spent the next thirty minutes standing beside Kaewyn, teaching him the basics of footwork. He went through how it was better to move in quick short steps and micro movements rather than long ambitious ones, as it allowed a warrior to adjust his footing at a moment notice to react to a changing situation. Arlan showed and taught him an easy to understand stance, a way of standing that would serve as the basis and beginning for all combats. Once Kaewyn felt comfortable he could assume the stance at any given time, they had another sparring session. He could immediately tell that he was moving better and it was a little bit easier to keep up with Arlan. His teacher suddenly seemed to be not as fast as he was before. Content that he had learnt something, Kaewyn called for a break once again.
Camilla and Yohren praised him for his progress in such a short time while Marcus looked bored and uninterested. It was obvious that he was simply waiting for the hour to be done, but Kaewyn knew the hour was not yet up, and so after thanking his friends, he returned to Arlan still eager to learn more. Arlan too, praised him for his willingness to learn, but told him that it was now time for the more inexperienced volunteers to learn. With a smile, Arlan suggested Kaewyn assist him in teaching what he had just learned about stances to the others. Delighted, he agreed and the two, along with some veteran volunteers, began to teach the others.
It wasn’t long when Marcus tapped him on the shoulder impatiently, he could hardly believe his remaining time had disappeared so quickly. At the risk of angering Marcus, Kaewyn initially felt like making him wait even longer as he was enjoying himself so much. However, when a worried looking man who looked like one of the gate guards came running and shouting, his attention shifted. The gate guard revealed between short breaths that a rider had just arrived outside the castle walls with word that Captain Alaric and his troops had just returned to Greystone Province and crossed the border. The captain and his men must have finished their business within Vinum Province then, Kaewyn thought. When he requested the rider be brought before them, the guard shook his head and explained that Lord Rahim had spotted the rider from his camp outside the walls and already met with him. After their brief exchange of words, Rahim had ridden off with a company of riders, including the apparent messenger.
Marcus scratched at his beard slowly and seemed deep in thought. “My lord. Given this development, I can say now that this meeting can no longer wait.”
“You are right Marcus. We need to speak.” Kaewyn said softly. “I don’t think this should wait any longer.”
“Kaewyn!” Camilla called out, with Yohren dutifully following behind her offering up Kaewyn’s sword. “If you are leaving, may we accompany you too? It is not as much fun watching without you out there.”
“My lord…” Marcus said in a grumbling tone, his opinion on the matter obvious for all to see.
“Come now Marcus, perhaps the two of them can be of aid.” Kaewyn said.
Marcus let out a long-exasperated sigh and then began ascending the marble steps to the great hall in a hurry. Kaewyn shrugged and then said his thanks to Yohren for keeping his weapon safe during the sparring sessions with Arlan. After accepting the blade from his loyal retainer, he re-attached it back onto his belt where it belonged. He felt an intense desire to keep his sword close since the incident with Garren, a feeling he had never felt so strongly before. In part it was because he wanted to be able to protect himself and others, but it was also a sombre reminder of his father. Having it close by was comforting, it gave him a sense that at least in part, his father was still with him.
With a sad smile, he, Yohren and Camilla all followed the irritable scholar, with Camilla making a funny face that mocked Marcus as she gestured at him behind his back. He wanted to laugh or smile back at her, but he couldn’t force himself. When he didn’t react the way she thought he would, she became nervous and uncertain, as though she had done wrong. He tried to reassure her with a warm smile, but all he managed to do was worry her further. The implication of Rahim riding off to meet with the Captain concerned him greatly, and played upon a fear that had been growing inside of him since the day he learned of his father’s death. He could only hope that Rahim would remain a brother to him and not become a competitor for the Lordship of Greystone Province, because if it came to that, he knew deep down in his heart that he was completely and entirely unprepared to act against his brother. Perhaps Marcus had an idea or suggestion that would allow everything to work out the way he wanted, but he worried about what exactly the pragmatic strategist would come up with to deal with the issue of Rahim. This is what being a lord was all about, he suddenly realised. He placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and thought of his father, hoping that he was watching over him and approving of all the decisions he had already made.