It had been one week since Khal read the first letter from his mother. He had been too emotional to bother reading the others just yet. It was the first time he thought about what his father was going through and why his mother had passed away. It was difficult to come to terms with the fact that he got to live while she died. He wished he could have saved her somehow. He was grateful for his father's constant love despite his broken heart. He knew that if it wasn't for Erik, he would have been constantly gloomy and alone. He knew Erik would be there for him no matter what and he promised himself that he would do the same. Despite not being related by blood, the boys considered themselves brothers and no one could tell them otherwise. They had resorted to trading food for information about the outside world since they had never set foot outside Sydenham town before. According to Lord Tommel, the boys were not quite ready for the dangers of the world.
"Ha ha ha! Good lads, you did well. This should warrant at least 2 sets of information today," praised Bill while he kept his eyes on the food. "So, you can each ask one, what information would you like to know about first Khal?" Khal had a wide smile plastered on his face as he looked up at Bill, "I heard Bryce speaking about battleforce manual at the barracks, what's that?" "Ha ha!" Bill laughed again as his large stomach giggled in response. Khal didn't know whether he was laughing at his question or the amount of food now in the room. "I reckon you still spending your time watching the soldiers train Khal. There ain't much a farmer can tell you about battleforce, right? What I can tell you is that there are 2 types of energy in the world, Spirit energy which every living being has and World energy which is the bloody energy 'round us. These manual are secret books passed down through generations. At least that's what they say. It's supposed to teach knights how to use energy during battles."
Boop! "See Khal! I told you he wouldn't know!" Erik said as he hit Khal at the back of the head. "He knows more than you do," responded Khal as he rubbed his head and glared at Erik. "Well, wot ya want ta know Erik," asked Bill embarrassingly while licking the gravy off his lips. "Anything I need I can read in my books," Erik shrugged as he turned to Khal, "but Khal wants to know about Elementums." "Eh? Elementums?!" Bill got up quickly, spilling what little remained of his food before grabbing the kids' collars. "It be forbidden for commoners ta go on about Elementums. Are ya crazy lads, eh? Are ya trying to get us killed?", he ended while releasing the kids. The boys were both alarmed and confused. "Killed? Who would kill us for just that?" Khal asked while scratching his head. "Maybe it's because they don't want us, commoners, knowing their little secrets," responded Erik as he sighed.
"Well," Khal said, awkwardly fixing his shirt, "Can you at least tell us why Lord Tommel won't let us out of the town?" Bill sighed before shaking his head and held his hands from shaking. He took his seat before removing a metal toothpick from his pocket. "Over the last few years, Sagdel, the most famous bandit in Seabo, has been terrorizing everyone in Gontu. Some say he set up shop in Gontu looking for lost treasure at Tessle's rock while some say he's gone mad in recent years. Whatever the bloody reason, Lord Tommel has given strict orders to keep you fellas safe." Khal and Erik looked at each other before smiling. Everyone knew that Lord Tommel treated the boys with great care, always seeking their best interest. They could not have asked for a better life as commoners.
"Who is Sagdel?" Erik asked as he scribbled the name in his pocketbook before looking at the fat man again. "A terrifying existence me boy, the stories may be different but they all claim that he has been in Seabo for 100 years and he carries at least 200 men with him. Enough to have a bloodbath if provoked." Bill had a solemn look on his face as he finished what he had to say. "That's ridiculous, nobody can live for 100 years," said Erik as he scribbled some more in his book. "In any case fellas, believe it or not, that's two. Next time bring more bread," Bill smiled as he reverted to his regular jolly self. "Come along now, I have work to do." Bill watched the boys leave before turning towards his spilled food with an evil grin.
Khal and Erik made their way out of the manor towards the town's watchtower. Today was one of their infrequent breaks from studying with Lord Tommel and they planned to make the most of it. It was one of their favorite spots which gave them a full view of the surrounding area. They particularly loved watching the Tiger River at the south of the town. "So, Khal, why the sudden fascination with battleforce manual? You can't join the army for another 4 years and grandpa said elemental powers are rare for commoners."
Khal thought about it for a second before smiling. He turned to his friend and whispered, "Pa said he's preparing an awakening ceremony for me tomorrow. He's gonna ask Lord Tommel if I can accompany him to Talawa Stables to buy some new horses tomorrow. It's supposed to be a secret." Erik raised his eyebrows, "A secret? What's an awakening?" Erik asked as he took his book out of his blue robes and began writing the words with his quill pen. Khal shrugged as they turned towards the Barracks, "Beats me, but Pa seemed serious so it must be important."
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The following day, Khal woke up earlier than usual. His father had told him that Lord Tommel had allowed him to leave Sydenham Town for the first time. He had quickly gotten dressed in his usual brown shirt and grey trousers before running to his father's room. Bang, bang, bang!!!! Khal knocked on the door before quickly entering. He saw his father, Avery, packing a small bag of goods with his famous stern look. "You're up early today son," he said as his face instantly changed to a smile. "I was planning to give you at least 2 more hours before we set off."
"Good morning Pa. I was too excited to sleep, I couldn't risk oversleeping," Khal responded as he closed the door behind him and jumped on the bed. "Besides, it's been more than a year since I last slept in your room." Khal laid out on the bed with a smile on his face. His father shook his head and continued packing the bag with a half grin on his face.
Avery carried his son on his back and the bag on his waist as he made his way towards his pack horse. He was supposed to buy at least 5 new horses for Lord Tommel before making his way back home. "So, Pa, when are you going to tell me about the awakening?" Khal whispered in his father's ear as he hugged him. "We will talk about it once we leave the Town, Khal. Keep quiet about it for now," his father responded as he tied his small back to the horse's side. Khal sighed as he heard his father's response. Ever since he knew his father, he had been a man of few words. Bill had explained to him that the only people he spoke with regularly were Lord Tommel and Khal himself. Even at the age of 6, Khal could tell that it was because of his mother's death. He couldn't help but feel responsible for her death even if he knew it wasn't his fault. He kept his chin on his father's head as they headed out of the manor not bothering to ask any more questions.
"Well, well, well, if it ain't Avery takin' his son out for a stroll," said a short man a few meters away from the manor. He had a small grin on his face as he stared at Avery condescendingly. Avery stopped the horse from moving as he turned towards the man. "The Lord has asked me to buy some horses, if there isn't anything else you need, I must be on my way," Avery responded before turning away from the man and continuing on. "Wait, mate! I was just heading there myself! Baron Black has asked me to prepare a few horses for his son's wedding carriage. As you know, right, the blooming young Lord will be wedded this year," the man insisted as some of his guards circled Avery. "What is the meaning of this Poe? Are you causing trouble again?" barked Avery. "Of course not, I'm simply inviting you to a safer journey towards a mutual destination, is all," giggled the man as he nodded to the guards. "Has Baron Black finally decided to turn against my Lord?" Avery asked as he turned towards Poe, shielding Khal with one hand as he prepared for the worst. "Ha ha, have a look, boys! Even if you corner a mouse it'll be fighting back," remarked Poe as the guards all laughed in unison.
"What's with the bloody commotion here?" A voice in the distance could be heard as three soldiers came around the corner. "Nothing Ser Roth, we were just having a errr... chat, right Avery?" Said Poe with a nervous twitching of his eyelids. Ser Roth was a Senior Knight in service to House Black, unlike Poe who was the chief butler of house Black. Although Roth was sworn to house Black, he had spent a lot of time with the boys of Tommel's manor at the watchtower and thus couldn't help being partial. "Avery, I spot you taking the young Khal out on a stroll, right, let us escort you to the gate."
"Hey uncle Roth, good to see you," said Khal as he waved at the man. Avery was shocked. When did Khal get acquainted with a Knight from house Black? "Ser Roth, it would be my honor," Avery responded as his right fist pressed against his heart. Roth was surprised; it wasn't often that a commoner was seen doing the military salute and with such grace.
Poe was angry and annoyed. Baron Black would not even bat an eye if he found out about it so why was Ser Roth so interested in helping them? His intentions were clear, make a fool of Avery throughout the Town and let them know that he was not the highest ranked commoner in Sydenham Town. It was less than 10 years before Avery had taken everything he worked hard to build. His prestige had plummeted the moment Avery showed up. His proper speech and mannerism were not traits any commoner would possess. The word on the street was that Avery chose to be a farmer despite being offered to be a guest at Tommel's manor. Many rumors were spreading that Avery was secretly a Knight sworn to Lord Tommel. Having two knights in service to a landless noble was punishable by death. This caused a cascade of events that lead to a formal inquiry into the claim. Although it was proven to be a false claim, it did not silence public opinion of the man. To make matters worse, Avery had shown honor and selflessness, something Poe could only try to emulate.
"Ser Roth, well met," Poe said finally as he placed a fist towards his chest awkwardly. Ser Roth didn't bother to acknowledge the man as he, along with his two soldiers walked towards Avery before escorting them towards the front gate of the city. Poe stood there, stunned at being overlooked. "Ya orders Poe?" Asked one of the guards finally. Poe exhaled as he controlled his rage before turning to the man, "keep ya cock in ya pants, we will spot them again on the road. Let's see how they defend themselves witout the fuckin' Knight."