The Cavalier (41 page)

“I can’t believe we're going to war,” Calden muttered to Fil. “Are you nervous?”

“I am,” replied Fil. “But this is what I want. I want to avenge my family.”

“You think that Moredin’s army is led by the same evil forces that destroyed your town?”

“I don’t know, but Tanus told us that the king thinks this army is being backed by Banrith Castle. And if that is so, then they are somehow linked to the Banthra that attacked my village. I will get my revenge, Calden,” Fil said fiercely. He gripped his spear so tightly that his thick knuckles turned white.

“I hope you do, my friend, and I will be right beside you.”

Fil smiled at Calden, taking comfort in his friend’s presence. Fil’s mind wandered to Jonas, and wondered how he was faring.
 
He missed him dearly, but he realized that their paths were now different, and that Jonas’s calling would take him to different places. It saddened Fil that he might not see his friend again. What if he died in this battle? What if Jonas was already dead? It was a frightening thought, but certainly a possibility considering the enemies that were hunting him.

When Fil had heard that cavaliers were being killed all throughout Kraawn he immediately feared for his friend. He even went to Shyann’s temple in town to get some guidance. The priests couldn’t really help him. All they said was the normal religious rhetoric. That it would be Shyann’s will whether he lived or died, that type of thing. Fil couldn’t understand that belief system and that was why he had such little faith in the gods. Was it just a game to them? What right did they have to decide someone’s fate? Who were they to decide who lived and died? And did they really have that power anyway? Fil did not deny their existence, just whether or not the gods lived up to most people’s expectations. Fil didn’t think so. He often wondered whether or not they deserved his allegiance at all.

The sound of a galloping horse brought Fil out of his thoughts. He looked over his shoulder and saw a heavy warhorse gallop by. The dust from the road billowed around them as the warrior quickly rode down the column.

It was Tanus. Fil recognized his blue billowing cape and his unique silver helm. Fil had learned that years ago Tanus had taken a small group of warriors to a tiny farming settlement on the outskirts of their lands, almost to the edge of the Tundrens. The village had been raided by a small pack of boargs and the leader of Tanus’s akron had sent him there when he was a young officer. The story went that his entire pandar, which was fifty men, had been slain, except for him, and that he had killed the last of the boargs by himself, his men dead around him. Men tell the tale as if he had been surrounded by snarling boargs, and in berserker frenzy, Tanus had killed them all. No one really knew for sure what happened as he never spoke about it.

Tanus then cut the horns from the pack leader and had the king’s blacksmith fashion a helm from them so he would never forget the men that died. The helm was crafted from bright silver steel and etched upon it were beautiful, intricate patterns. The great curved horns gave him a menacing look and when he flipped down his visor, all you could see was the dark slits for his eyes and two massive horns curving outward. It was said that it had cost him a season’s wages to have it crafted and when Fil looked upon it he could believe it. It was truly an amazing piece of armor, more fit for royalty than a common soldier.

Fil shuddered every time he saw Tanus’s helm. The horns created a flood of memories that he would just as soon forget. But Tanus was an honorable man, and a great warrior, and Fil was happy to be serving under him.

***

Jonas awoke the next morning feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. He stood up, and looked around the camp. Kiln was still wrapped in blankets and unconscious. Jonas inspected his own wounds quickly and was surprised to feel only slight scarring on his face and arms where the demon had clawed him. The painful wounds were almost totally healed. The only reminders left of the horrible battle were the lines of pink tissue where the wounds had been closed. He lifted up his tunic and saw a similar mark on his hip. There was a round spot above his pelvic bone that was pink and tender to the touch, but other than that he felt fine.

Jonas looked around for his armor and weapons. He found them lying on the ground near the smoldering fire. Lifting up the chest plate he inspected the damage. He frowned with curiosity at what he saw. The silver chest plate was glistening as if it had been recently oiled. The silver embossed symbol of Shyann sparkled in the morning sun, and there was not a mark on it. Jonas then picked up his helm to see what damage the demon’s tail had done to it. It was perfect, no dents or scratches, and it shone with brilliance.

“How can this be?” Jonas whispered to himself.

“And you say you’re not a cavalier,” came a soft voice behind him. Jonas turned around to see Taleen ride up on a magnificent horse. He hadn’t even heard the animal as it trotted through the tall grass. The large animal’s chestnut coat glistened in the sun, accentuating its powerful muscular body.

It reminded Jonas of Airos’s steed. The horse wore plated steel on its chest and sparkling chain mail draped its massive sides. A black leather saddle shone as if it were just crafted and brought from the tanners shop.

Taleen was just as beautiful. She wore fitted black breeches and laced up riding boots. Her shins and thighs were covered with bands of silver steel, each of which was carved with intricate runes. A thick sword belt of black leather circled her thin waist and a silver cuirass covered her chest. The center of her cuirass had a carved symbol of Helikon, a double bladed battle axe. Intricate runes and symbols wrapped around her molded chest plate, forming perfectly to her feminine but strong body. Her muscular arms were bare except for black and silver wrist guards. A sturdy long bow was tucked in its sheath that hung from the side of the horse. Everything about the pair was perfect. They both glistened and sparkled as if they had recently been groomed by some invisible servant.

“I don’t understand,” Jonas said, taken back by their magnificent appearance, trying not to stare at Taleen’s beauty.

“A cavalier’s armor, steed, and gear are always clean and polished. No matter how much damage my equipment takes, I wake up in the morning to find it perfect and clean. Look at yourself, Jonas.”

Jonas looked down at himself, his eyes growing wide as he noticed his own clothing and armor in the same pristine condition. His breeches and tunic were perfectly clean, with no blood or rips anywhere. His chain mail shirt sparkled and his boots were free of any dirt from their hard travels.

“But this has never happened before,” he said in amazement.

“It’s not my place to know why, but it seems you are gradually being given the powers of a cavalier. That much is clear,” Taleen stated.

“I have come to understand that. The problem is I’ve never had the opportunity to talk to another cavalier, so I don’t know what powers I may have, or may gain.”

“Now you do,” she smiled. “But first, let us see to your friend.”

Taleen dismounted and strode through the tall grass to Kiln. Jonas couldn’t help but follow her swaying hips as she walked. He briefly felt ashamed at himself that he was looking at her in that way while his friend was lying unconscious nearby. He quickly moved by her as she knelt next to Kiln.

“How is he?” Jonas asked.

“He’ll be fine. He should have died but he is a strong one. I need your help, Jonas, if we are going to heal him enough to travel anytime soon. I don’t have the power to heal wounds as serious as he sustained. Do you feel up to it?”

“I’ve only healed one person before and I don’t really know how I did it, but yes, I will do whatever needs to be done to help Kiln.”

Taleen’s expression changed briefly at the mention of Kiln’s name. “Did you say his name is Kiln?”

“I did. Do you know him?”

“Kiln from Finarth?” Taleen asked, a hint of wonder in her voice.

“Yes, the same. Do you know him?” Jonas asked again, a little confused at her reaction.

“Only of him. He is a legend even in the West. He was once a great general who fell from grace, as the story goes.”

“He still is a great general, and he did not fall from grace,” Jonas replied with a little more edge to his voice than he wanted.

“Relax, Jonas. I meant no insult. I am only repeating what I’ve heard.”

“I know, I’m sorry. It’s just that he’s been such a great friend to me over the last few years. He is good man.”

“And a strong one, no doubt. It is said that he cannot be beaten with a blade. No wonder he was able to hold his own against that demon.”

“Now that is one rumor that is true. He is incredible to watch.” Jonas smiled as he thought of his friend and all the combat training they had done.

“Well, let us restore him to his talents. All you need do is hold my hand and call upon Shyann as you did when you last used her healing power. The power will be there, you just need to bring it forth. I want you to channel her energy into me and I will take care of the rest. Don’t stop the flow of magic until I release your hand. Do you understand?”

“I do,” replied Jonas.

Taleen smiled, reaching out for his hand. Her touch sent a tingle down his spine. Her hands were calloused but warm, and the way her thumb lay on his thigh made Jonas’s face flush
. Concentrate on healing, you idiot
, Jonas told himself.

It took him a moment but he was finally able to concentrate on the task. He fervently prayed to Shyann, asking her for her help in healing Kiln. Instantly he felt the familiar heat within him. The magical energy surged through his body and rushed into Taleen’s hand.

He felt her body jolt as her hand gripped his harder. Jonas just fell within himself and let the power fold into her. He didn’t know how long he was praying but suddenly Taleen let go and the connection was broken. Shyann’s power receded within him and Jonas slowly opened his eyes.

Taleen was staring at him wide eyed.

“What is it?” he asked with concern.

“I have never felt that kind of power. I thought your energy would consume me.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I thought that the more I gave you the faster Kiln would be healed.”

“Theoretically true, but the wielder of the power has to be able to control the energy. I barely had the strength to wield your power, Jonas.”

“I’m sorry, Taleen. I truly didn’t know.”

“I know. I should have explained a few things to you before we tried that.”

“Can you teach me how to control my power?” Jonas asked.

“I don’t know, but I think we need to at least discuss it, so you have a better understanding of the powers gifted to cavaliers.”

“I would like that.”

“Are you going to just sit there and talk with the beautiful lady, or help me up,” mumbled Kiln.

They both looked at Kiln with astonishment.

“That was fast. Here, let me help you,” Jonas said as he helped Kiln to his feet. Kiln stood up slowly, arching his back to work out the kinks, and stretched his arms and legs to loosen them up. His body was sore and his mended wounds ached, but he felt great considering.

“I feel as if my insides are burning, but it’s a pleasant feeling, a feeling of warmth and energy,” Kiln muttered in disbelief as he inspected the wounds. There were only small pink scars to remind him of the horrible injuries that almost killed him. “How can this be?”

“Taleen and I healed you,” replied Jonas. Kiln looked at him and then looked at Taleen, his hard features suddenly broken by a gentle smile.

“I am Kiln. We are deeply indebted to you. You’re a cavalier to Helikon?”

“I am. How did you know I’m from the west?”

“We call Helikon, Bandris, but the western symbol for Bandris is different, longer in the blades with different markings. I recognize that symbol on your cuirass.”

“You are very observant.”

Kiln continued to look at Taleen and Jonas felt a twinge of jealousy. “I take it that it was you who came to our aid last night?”

“It was.”

“Again, we are in your debt,” Kiln said for a second time.

“No, you are in Helikon’s debt. He sent me here to find this young man.” 
“I see.” Kiln looked at Jonas with concern. “How did you fare, Jonas? I don’t remember much after that demon lanced me in the back with its spiked tail.”

“I was hard pressed. I fought it with God Light and my blades, but the beast had magic of its own and countered mine. He injured me badly before Shyann came to my aid again and helped me burn it badly with flame.”

“It’s called God Fire. Not all cavaliers have such a gift. Most are not strong enough to wield that power,” interjected Taleen.

“I sent God Fire into the demon and that forced the beast back. It was just about to attack me again when Taleen came to our aid. The demon then charged her.”

“And that is when I lanced it with my sword, a second time,” added Kiln remembering.

“You stabbed it twice? I couldn’t see with all the blood in my eyes but I knew you were battling it. How did you counter the demon’s spell?” Jonas asked.

“I don’t know. I broke the demons trance just before its spiked tail slammed into my side. I was able to get my blade up to deflect most of the power, but it still cut me, and the pain was severe, far more than it should have been for those wounds.”