Grendhill

T561170801

Aton and his siblings gathered around the city square. This square, though maintained uncrowded by observation and enforcement of law, lay at the heart of Grendhill’s economy. It was not the only source of prosperity. Grendhill had its own farmers, blacksmiths, craftsmen, and tradesmen and women of all types, but this square was Grendhill’s interface with most of its international trade. This square was the site that allowed Grendhill further reach than obtained by natural law. This square was the home of the Thallenrose.

Aton huddled with Valkyr at the side of the square, under one of many lean-to awnings. Like yesterday, they looked across the square at Domido, Tido, and Misolfa. This time was different though. This ceremonial battle was their official Departure. Per tradition, they waited until the time of seventeen Years after birth, rather than Turns as they normally counted. This was ceremonial. This marked their passing from childhood and early adolescence into pacifist warriors who were fully ready to defend their land if needed. This battle took place in full public view in the square, at the heart of Grendhill. This was a battle for the Thallenrose.

The square had been prepared for this event. All the merchants and peddlers had been advised that the Departure was happening today. Not that they needed to be reminded; the Royal Arms would be collected soon, and they knew it. Nevertheless the royal guard had passed through at intervals of days, and then hours before this event, reminding everyone. They were permitted to carry on business as usual as much as they feasibly could, but as was hoped in the event of a real invasion or raid, they were to get out of the way when steel was bared.

House Farella had to evoke its rapport with foreign entities for this event. Traffic through the Thallenrose was monitored, though not tightly controlled, at least for most of the day. This involved posting Grendhill’s guards on foreign worlds, all that Grendhill had knowledge of, to be ready at a specific point in time. Traffic was allowed to flow, but at the given time it would be halted for a short period, except from one location. That location was changed each generation, but that would be the assault launch point.

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Aton could feel his nerves mounting. The Thallenrose was such a simple object, and yet so unique in the entire world. Because of its economic and military strategic implications the square was large, kept clear of structures except at the edge where merchants paid premium rates for booth space, and surrounded by walls. These walls, ten feet high and two hundred feet apart, arranged in a square, allowed for a greater peace of mind in the rest of Grendhill. These walls were continuously manned and gave constant advantage to the home position, should there be an assault.

It was unlikely there would be any assault or raid today, or most days for that matter. Today was ceremonial. A time to show off, but also to prepare that much more. Aton considered how it was different from yesterday because of the onlookers, but the most significant difference was the Thallenrose itself. It was no wooden platform with cavities underneath. After this defensive exercise he and his siblings would Depart. Then Domire, Valkyr, Tido, and Misolfa would Reclaim their weapons. They would spend their time in isolation. Finally they would Return, victorious at having achieved their maturity. Aton had nothing to Reclaim.

King Domido had encouraged Aton to take his token time in isolation as well. He was offered the chance to take as much part in the goings-on of the whole event as possible. In times when only one royal was to Reclaim his or her weapon, there was a Return ceremony two weeks later. This time, it was planned for eight weeks later…or ten weeks, if Aton wanted to take advantage of his time. Aton had refused. He didn’t want to come back from a supposed Reclaiming empty-handed, the same as before. Aton would act out the Departure, then do his best to return to life as normal. Not going to be easy with everyone else gone, he thought.

Aton glanced at Valkyr one last time before splitting his gaze between Domire and the Thallenrose to watch for a signal. Valkyr nodded, then also looked to Domire.

In the corner of his vision, Aton saw a group of men appear out of thin air atop the Thallenrose. Six of them, its full capacity. One was clearly the Sageman who brought them here. As soon as they stepped off, six more appeared, again including one Sagewoman.

Domire raised his arm in the air, palm forward. He opened his hand, spreading his fingers, then closed them and brought his arm down, his fist to his heart. A signal to all the guards in the square. Clear the square it said to one group, and wait to another. A short bird call sounded twice in succession. Warriors began to move.