None of the keys worked. Nero had tried each key on the ring several times over the past two days. Neither side of the cuffs unlocked. And one of the keys nearly broke during that time frame after he’d tossed the key ring at the wagon wall in frustration. While the outburst did calm him down, it also drew soldiers, so now he had to contend with the constant watch of Master Levan along with Jack.
The wagon was full, leaving little space to maneuver. It wasn’t a tight squeeze, but it was tight enough to make Nero eye the cloth flap covering the exit. Master Levan, who brought their number up to six, also forced them to make room for the crates of supplies the soldiers added for the rest of their journey. He hated the tight squeeze. If the overseer were here, he would tell Nero to meditate. And to allow any fear or stress he felt to fade into non-existence. However, the bumpy road and the constant talking by Carter and Master Levan made achieving a serene mind difficult.
“These shoes are too tight, Carter groaned. “I can’t wait to get to the academy and get a real pair of shoes made. Were these the best shoes you could find?” Carter pulled the shoes off, exposing his feet, and stretched his legs out.
“We’ll get you a new pair once we reach Valley Forge. Hell, maybe two pairs if they have them,” Master Levan said. He was engrossed in a book but still took time to respond to every comment Carter made. Valley Forge was an old military outpost built at the entrance of an extensive series of valleys. It connected the south to the midlands in parts of the east. The only time Nero had seen the inquisitors since their first meeting was to discuss rerouting toward the fortress. There were no more villages to check, and according to Master Levan, the inquisitors had better things to do.
“How much farther are we?” Nero had made it a point of emphasis to keep his front as a clueless farmer up around the soldiers. The restraints made him a little paranoid, but it was nothing he couldn’t contend with. He’d acted out of character when he met Carter and Assad. They didn’t mention his fiery struggle with the cuffs, but he had made sure not to stand out anymore.
“We’ll be there by midday.”
“Why are we going through the valley? Aren’t those roads restricted? My father said the midlands are beautiful this time of year. I hoped to see the cherry blossom trees and the mounded plains,” Assad said. His white shirt had become noticeably damp under his armpits. He was the only one amongst the prospective mages that brought multiple sets of clothes, yet in the summer heat, Assad had thoroughly worn his entire wardrobe.
“We are going to be late for the start of term regardless of what we do. The inquisitors want to cut into our late time as much as possible so that we will avoid the scenic route along the Emperor's Road. The valleys are slightly more dangerous, but the route allows us to circumvent a lot of lands,” Master Levan said.
“What’s the academy like,” Sanai asked.
Everyone turned to look at her. For the entirety of the trip, she had shown reluctance to speak, so the group grew used to her silence. She usually spent her time in the far corner watching everyone else talk while she fiddled with her thumbs like a mute.
Carter had asked the question before, but Nero had not heard an answer. Most of the soldiers who spoke to them didn’t know, and Master Levan hadn’t been around to answer. If anyone knew, he would. All the soldiers deferred to him as their leader.
Master Levan shut his book and put his hand to his chin as if he were thinking hard about something. “It’s hard to explain,” he said.
“I didn’t attend, but I was stationed in the academy infirmary when I first entered the service. From what I remember, the students often clashed, competing to stay high in a school ranking. I never saw what happened in his classes, but from the rumors, I can assure you it was violent. I’m sure you all know that mages are responsible for protecting humanity, but to do that, you’ll need to learn. Living In the North, I doubt any of you have seen a mana beast, but when you do, you’ll understand why many mages don’t live long lives. If you don’t want to die, try to learn all you can. ”
The wagon went silent for a moment at Master Levan’s words. They were all so young, and death seemed so far away, yet he spoke grimly as if their deaths were inevitable.
“Have you ever fought a mage? I heard stories about wars and duels between mages more than those about fighting mana beasts,” Nero said. Mana beasts aren’t who I am worried about, Nero thought.
“That’s true too. You may fight to protect the empire from the desert tribes or even the small kingdoms, but regardless it will be a struggle. Learn all you can and make connections with the nobles. Ignore whatever pride you think you've gained with your elevation in status and search for a patron at the academy. I was lucky enough to be offered to join my Lady’s house, and I’m not even a mage,” Master Levan said.
Asaad was wearing a fearful expression when Master Levan mentioned death, but his face brightened at the mention of nobles. “I heard that some mages become nobles if they contribute enough to the empire. My father has worked hard to achieve their wealth, but I will be the one who makes us nobles.” Carter snickered, and Jack scoffed at Assad’s assertion. Assad’s tanned cheeks flushed a subtle shade of red.
“Don’t feel embarrassed, Asaad. There's nothing wrong with having a dream. I’ve had many in my life. Some I achieved, and others I didn't, but all made me the man I am today. I dream of making my wife her favorite food when I get home. She can't walk anymore to make her favorites, so she has been nagging me to become a better cook.”
The carriage started slowing down, and the sounds of the horses grew rowdy with high-pitch neighs. Voices were shouting outside of the wagon. Everyone on the wagon was now upright and alert. The rattling sound of the carriage moving faded, and the wagon stopped.
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Master Levan unclamped the hook on his sword's leather case. Jack saw his superior's actions and did the same. “Stay here,” Master Levan said. The two soldiers peeked out the back of the wagon and stepped out. Nero could hear swords sliding out of their sheaths outside the wagon. He reached for his bag and grimaced. They had taken his knife. All he had to defend himself with was a few lengths of rope or maybe his blanket as a distraction. He decided against it and slid the bag into an empty crate underneath the bench.
“What’s going on out there!” Asaad’s voice was quivering as he spoke, and he scooted toward the driver's side wall next to Sanai's seat. Nero and Carter both stood up at the same time. Nero made eye contact with Carter, and they nodded to each other. Outside the wagon, the shouts had died down, and an eerie silence had followed. “Where are you two going? Master Levan told us to stay here,” Assad said.
Nero ignored him and peeked out of the flap. Their wagon had stopped on a hill overlooking a small plain below. The sun was at its zenith, so the scattered trees on the hillside cast almost no shadows. Nero peered around the corner of the wagon with Carter right on his heels. A small standoff was taking place. The inquisitors and the soldiers were a slight distance away, conversing with another group of heavily armored men. Master Levan and Jack stood right in front of the wagon, watching the proceedings. The new arrivals wore bright red colors, and one carried a red banner with a golden bird stitched onto it.
“What do you think they're saying,” Carter whispered.
“I can’t see what inquisitor Hannibal is saying, but the man he is speaking to said something about being sent by the emperor to escort us.”
“How do you know?”
“I can read their lips. It's an easy trick to learn. I practiced it with my friends at the orphanage before I worked in the village.” Nero strained his eyes forward to try and follow the conversation, but the man the inquisitor was talking to turned his back to the wagon. A loud thump came from behind Nero. He whirled around and saw Asaad sprawled out on the ground and Sanai standing behind Carter.
“You might be an idiot,” Carter said. Asaad scrambled to his feet quickly and dusted himself off. He had torn his pants in his fall, so now there was a rip running down his left pantside. Nero turned back around to focus on the conversation taking place atop the hill, but Master Levan and Jack immediately met his eyes. Jack was scowling.
“We told you all to stay in the wagon,” Jack hissed. Jack marched over and grabbed Carter’s wrist before he could dodge out of the way. “Why must you make my life so difficult?” Carter slipped out of his grasp and put his cuffed hands in front of him to defend against another attempt to grab hold of him. Carter had a playful smirk and danced with elegant footwork while an enraged Jack chased him around.
“Jack! That's enough!” Jack stopped at his superior’s orders and glared at Carter, who was in the midst of flicking him off. “All of you follow me. They want to see us atop the hill,” Master Levan said. The man inquisitor Hannibal was talking to motioned with his hand toward the wagon.
“All of you, come on. No use hiding now.” Master Levan usually had a calm demeanor, but now each step he took looked rigid. “Don’t worry. They are just an escort sent from the fortress. No harm will come to you.” The words came out of Master Levan’s mouth smoothly enough, but Nero noticed that the older man was clenching his fist.
“You two stay with the horses. I’d rather not have them run off with our wagon,” Master Levan said. He was looking toward the two soldiers driving the wagon.
“Yes sir,” one of the soldiers said.
Master Levan led the group up the hill where the mages were waiting. Nero inched forward slowly behind the others and allowed himself to fall to the back of the group. It was the perfect place for an ambush. The scenario fits the description, and Master Levan, who was the most relaxed soldier Nero had met, seemed tense. Their groups were even in terms of men and women, but losing the element of surprise never bodes well in any encounter.
As they reached the hilltop, Nero noticed that the man standing next to Hannibal and Helga was a woman. From a distance, it was an easy mistake to make. Her legs were as thick as tree trunks, and her shoulders were bulky. Up close, it was her narrow face and petite nose that gave it away. She looked young compared to the others in her group despite her
“It’s good to see you, Cecil.” The Lady nodded toward Master Levan. “We have missed having your company at the galas. I don’t know why you would waste time joining the Inquisition. If I knew you would be coming down this path, I would have informed my little brother. He was very much looking forward to meeting you again. His mastery over the sword has vastly improved since you last taught him,” the lady said. She jumped out of her saddle and landed gracefully on one foot beside Hannibal.
“I'm glad to hear that. Tolu was an amazing student,” Master Levan said. He smiled at her, but Levan still clenched his fist.
“Anne, we don’t have time for games. You’ve talked to your old friend. Can we please get on the way?” Hannibal’s voice was monotone as usual, but there was an edge of hostility layered beneath. Nero positioned himself behind Assad and as far away from the opposing troops as possible. It was the best defense he could manage in the situation. If Anne were a mage, as he suspected, nothing would work against her. His training covered fighting off multiple attackers but not out in the open and not mages.
“Don’t be like that, Hannibal. You're already late, don't try to rush me now. If anything, you should be happy I came. There's no way you’ll make it anytime close to the start of the term without my help. The general asked me to guide you through the valley at the emperor's behest. And who am I to disagree with him? These young mages are the future of our empire, after all.” She smirked and approached Nero and the other wagon riders, stopping in front of Sanai.
Sanai tried to avert her gaze, but Anne grabbed her face to force her face forward. Sanai’s cheeks got squished inward as Anne studied her closely. “You're a beautiful young girl, and I see a warrior in those eyes. You could do great things under the Elkhart banner.”
“That’s enough.” Master Levan walked over to Anne and pried her hand off Sanai’s face. “This is not the time for recruitment. We are in a rush, so if possible, could we set off now? The emperor sent you ahead to help us make up for time lost, not slow us down.”
“True enough.” Anne pulled herself from Master Levan's grasp and looked at Hannibal and Helga. She was no longer smirking. Her expression darkened and in a sneering tone she said, “If you want to make good time, we will need to leave your soldiers and mine behind. The mana beasts trapped in the valleys get hectic this time of year, so it’s best if we travel unnoticed. We will leave with mages and students only. My troops will lead your soldiers to Valley Forge, where they can restock before heading back to the capital.”
Helga whispered something in Hannibal’s ear that caused him to hesitate. He gave Helga a slight nod, and she walked back toward the carriage. “We agree, but we’d like Master Levan to come also. He is a pseudo-mage with his abilities, and while I’m not worried about the valley, he would make it easier to keep watch over the students,” Hannibal said.
“Of course. I'd be happy to spend time catching up with my old friend. Everyone, you heard them. Help organize the departure and pick the eight fastest horses you can find. We will set out as soon as possible,” Anne said.
Anne’s words spurred the soldiers on both sides into action. Anne’s troops dismounted and began to lead their horses over to the mages. Master Levan turned to the four students and asked, “Do any of you know how to ride a horse?”
They all shook their heads except Sanai, who was rubbing her freckled cheeks where Anne grabbed them. Master Levan took her silence for a no. “It’s easy to learn.” Master Levan paused for a moment and stared at Nero. “Nero, are you ok? Your nose is bleeding.”
Nero put his hand up to his nose and felt the warm liquid steadily gushing out. He pinched his nose to stop the flow and ran toward the wagon. His chest started to tighten as he ran like someone was grabbing his heart. The soldiers in his way were forced to jump out of the way as he stumbled down the hill. He could hear footsteps behind him.
When he reached the wagon, he dived for his bag. His throat was closing when he cracked open the medicine box to grab a vial. He poured it down his throat, ignoring the taste, and did his best to find his breath. The tight feeling in his chest faded away, followed by a few even breaths. One vial every three days, He thought. Good to know.