PROLOUGE

“I think this is it,” Serio the Centaur King said as he looked at the growing army of humans. “They are many and we are few.”

“It is those horses,” Minos, King of the Minotaurs said. “They have given them speed beyond what our troops could do.”

“It is the magic,” Elvara, Queen of the elves said. “It is that fool Javale’s fault. So eager to gain power he taught the humans and now they amassed against us. My people have been running long enough, if this is our last stand then I will go with my head held high.”

“It is what we deserved,” Wethril, King of the dwarves said. “When we cast out the gods, we did so for a better life. All we have done is play with humanity like the Gods used to pay with us. We will not silently, your elves still have their magic and my dwarves still have their mithril. Minos your people still have their strength as do yours Serio.”

“Every single dryad has either been ravished or killed,” Serio said. “All we can do now is die. How did they ever learn to use magic?”

“Javale,” Minos snapped. “He has figured out a way for humans to use magic.”

“But how?” Wethril asked. “Their minds are not conditioned to hold such power and neither are their bodies.”

“He trained them in secret,” Elvara said. “For years his humans were taught to sharpen their minds to appreciate the magic. The humans they are calling wizards are not like their brutish counterparts.”

“So their minds can be trained,” Wethril replied. “But not even a dwarf’s body could take the stress of casting spells even if we knew how.”

“Neither can thiers,” Elvara said. “At least not without any help. I think the first of Javale’s humans were fed diets of elven flesh to prepare their bodies. This has made their minds sharp and the magic is unable to affect their bodies. They have come up with another way to do it now I fear. If he had not, he would not have his forces here to kill us.”

“So their minds are sharp and their bodies can use magic,” Mithril said. “But where are they getting it?”

“From the crystals,” Elvara said.

“What crystals?” Wethril said as he started to slightly shake.

“Those crystals,” Elvara said. “When we slayed the Gods, crystals formed out of their bodies. Anywhere a God bled became a place that gave off magic. The more blood, the stronger the magic it gave off to collect. Humans go about their magic differently than elves, they can control all of the elements with their spells while elves cannot. High elves control the air, wood elves control the earth, dark elves control fire and the Aqua elves control the water. Only I have all four because I was the first of my kind.”

“We are all the first of our kind,” Minos said. “I just wish we heeded the dragons and the others when they begged for our help. This could have been different.”

“We had no way of knowing,’ Serio said. “The orcs, goblins and most of the others have been nothing but tricksters and were angry about us killing our masters. They were a scourge that needed wiping out. The others who were normally neutral during any war, they did not ask for help until they were practically wiped out. This is our last stand, the world will belong to man after this.”

“How is my child,” Wethril asked. “It is past the time for secrets.”

“Child?” Minos asked. “What are you talking about?”

“We had a child, a son,” Elvara said.

“You had a what?!?” Serio bellowed. “You have been against us from the beginning.”

“Knew you would feel that way,” Wethril said. “Which is why he was kept secret. Where is he?”

“Safe,” Elvara said. “It took a lot of my magic and an artifact I had taken from the Gods. I could have used that same artifact to save myself, but it would have been a coward’s life. If we survive, then perhaps I can find a way to retrieve him. If not, then I hope he becomes worthy of our sacrifice.”

“So your children survive while ours is to be put to death!?!” Serio said angrily.

“In a thousand years your children will still look like Centaurs,” Elvara said. “They would grow up in a world devoid of our kind to be ostracized and killed.”

“And what of your son?” Minos asked.

“He looks almost human,” Elvara said. “He did not inherit my size, tall and slim or his father’s short and stocky frame. He is a mixture, I can see the elf and dwarf in him but anyone who does not know what to look for will not.”

“I wish I got to hold him,” Wethril said. “My dwarves are poised to defend the mountain. Any ground gained by the humans, wizard or not is going to be in blood. There are tunnels big enough for anyone to get through, and some only dwarven sized. It will be cramped but it should allow us to hold out for a bit.”

“Thank you for arming my people,” Minos said. “The humans will pay in blood for every wrong they have committed. If all the minotaur die this day or in the coming days, the humans will write to our bravery for generations. We are ready to go.”

“Their horse riders are swift,” Serio said. “I still do not know how they even made the dumb beasts, probably some perversion of the unicorns that used to roam these lands. My centaurs will give better than they receive. Thank you for arming us dwarf.”

“We have had enough talk,” Elvara said. “The humans are ready and my people are as well. It has been an honor to know and fight alongside of each of you.”

CHAPTER 1

Devin watched in awe as the wizards walked by. They were magnificent, not an ounce of fat to be seen. The way they walked let any would be robber know to give them space, their muscles always seemed ready to strike and their eyes never stopped roaming. Devin wondered what it would be like to be one of them, to know no fear and have even the bravest of knights wary of facing you.

“You still dreaming about those wizards?” Geflin asked. “You watch out for them. They are better off left alone. Now get to work, there is a lot of it and only a little time to complete it.”

“Yes father,” Devin said. “Why aren't Troy or Damon out here helping? Why is it always just me?”

“Those lazy good for nothings,” Geflin said and spit. “You know as well as I do their mother has plans for them to be some kind of scholars or something. I don't feel like hearing her mouth or Mr. Darcy’s. I am just happy she leaves you alone.”

Devin knew what he was talking about. Devin was not Martha Smith’s son. His father had never told Devin the story of what happened to Devin’s real mother and Devin had never asked. If she was any kind of woman then his father would have brought her up at least once or twice. Devin’s father had been a poor smith, his father had lost the family smithy and he had been scrambling to make ends meet. Geflin eventually found employment working for Sawyer Darcy, a rich merchant who had need of another blacksmith. Sawyer Darcy’s daughter Martha had gotten pregnant with twins, rumors swirled around who the father was and Devin thought he had heard it was from a bard. Sawyer Darcy needed a husband for his daughter and it was a scandal from what Geflin had told him. Many people were angry at Geflin for taking advantage of poor Martha Darcy and always remarked that the only reason she married him because he tricked her and had gotten her pregnant. Devin could never say that their marriage was a happy one, just one of convenience.

Martha did not treat Geflin poorly, she also did not treat him like a husband either. She treated him like he was one of the servants around her household who just happened to lay together from time to time. She didn't treat Devin poorly either, she just never showed any love. Devin knew growing up at he and the twins operated on two different sets of rules, if Devin acted up then he knew his father would tan his hide and do it well. If the twins acted up they were given to Martha to deal with who never held them accountable for anything. They also didn't have to be out with his father banging on steel to make things around Sawyer Darcy’s house. They were given good education and were expected to carry on the business from their grandfather. Sawyer knew he probably wouldn't have that much luck. Maybe he would be kept on as smith but the job paid poorly since there were many smiths around and the materials they used were higher quality than what Devin could ever hope to get. Geflin had been training him in the hopes that one day he could become a squire to one of the Gifted, the name of the knights that kept order in the kingdom.

In the Kingdom of Hatos, Knights were the King’s men. While many cities had a City Watch, the Knights spoke with the authority of the King and were sent to handle either tough or delicate tasks. Each Knight had at least one Squire, some had more than one. Becoming a Squire was tough, not just anyone could get in. Squires would one day become Knights themselves and the requirements of becoming a Squire was well known and a little hated. Unlike a commission in the army, no one could just buy their way to becoming a Squire. Squires had to be a certain size, the bigger the better. The only exceptions would be if someone was extremely talented or capable. Devin was not a tall man but he wasn't short either. Devin had shoulders slightly wider than normal and was in decent shape. Devin had nothing that could separate him from the other hopefuls physically, his father hoped his smithing skill could do the trick. If a Knight’s gear was damaged and they needed it fixed quickly he could do it. Devin was also adept at keeping weapons and armor in top shape so that was something else going for him. He could read and write but Geflin had told him so could anyone else trying to be a Squire.

“You still daydreaming about the Wizards?” Geflin asked.

“No,” Devin replied. “I am just dreaming about becoming a Squire. “Being a wizard is out of my control, I can nudge things in my direction to become a Squire. If not I will still have my smithing to fall back on and if that goes belly up I can still join the army. Begging Mr. Darcy would be horrible but I think he would give me the money.”

“You don't have to beg him for a thing,” Geflin said. “Martha would give it to you if I asked her.”

“Troy and Damon should still be out here,” Devin said as he split a chunk of wood. “I know they hide inside the house doing nothing but daydreaming and reading while I am out here breaking my back.”

“Breaking your back is why you look like you do and they look like they do,” Geflin said. “The harder the work, the better the reward.”

“I know, I know,” Devin said. “Any day I go inside with my muscles hurting is a good day. Troy and Damon are still goofing off though.”

“They have some party to get to,” Geflin said. “Noses to rub and that sort of thing. Martha is supposed to be taking them. It will give me and you a bit of peace and quiet for once.

“Parties,” Devin said shaking his head. “It is filled with snobby people who have nothing better to do than to put others down. One girl said I look like I can’t read like reading is something just so special.”

“Don't let a few bad experiences jade you from hanging out with young people,” Geflin said. “You will never belong to that world. They have a lot of money and want other people with a lot of money. I lucked out when I met Martha and Mr. Darcy took pity on me since I had a child. We both know our places in society just like you should. There are plenty of pretty girls in town that would be more than willing to give you some time with them.”

“No they wouldn't,” Devin said. “They assume I am rich and when they find out I am not they look at me with pity and disgust.”

“Away from this place then,” Geflin said. “Your arms are still big and not just for a boy. There are women around here that would appreciate that. Martha seems disgusted just by the sight of me sometimes because I am not some fancy dressing dandy. She still comes for a tumble every now and again even if she has secretly been seeing Lord Paramount.”

“She has been what?” Devin said louder than he meant to.

“Announce it to the neighborhood boy,” Geflin said. “She has been seeing Lord Paramount when his wife is not about. I haven't said much to her, she knows I know.”

“Then why do you stay?” Devin asked. “There is no love in this marriage.”

“Because I owe a lot to her,” Geflin said. “I got to see you raised up right and I have a lot of money in the banks. I rarely spend a dime and Martha has all of the money from her father. I still got you and the twins to raise up. Once that happens I will ask her if she wants a divorce so she can go out and have fun. Who knows if she wants one or not.”

“Then why don't you go find you something on the side as well?” Devin asked.

“Not that easy,” Geflin said. “She is the one with the money, I would be out on my behind and you with me. Besides I am not that old, I can still get married and have another family if me and Martha call it quits.”

“But what about Lady Paramount?” Devin asked.

“I am sure she would give me a tumble despite how nasty she is to me,” Geflin said. “Heard rumors about her, she isn't the most faithful to her husband either. None of our business. Farelin will be here in the morn, he wants to start training you on the blade.”

“The blade?” Devin asked excitedly. “Are you for real?”

“I am boy,” Geflin said. “He owes me one and he trains enlisted soldiers in the blade and in the pike. He is supposed to be training all three of you although I doubt Martha or Mr. Darcy let the twins come out and learn to defend themselves.”

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Devin said excitedly. “I have been wanting to learn the sword for ever.”

“Do not get too excited,” Geflin said. “It takes years to learn the sword and even then you have to keep practicing. This is just the first few steps.”

“Thanks Da,” Devin said as he raised his axe and split another chunk of wood. “This is the best present I have ever gotten.”

“You boys want to come out here and do some men’s work?” Geflin said as the twins walked out of the house with their mother.

“Oh no father, that is for Devin, not me,” Troy said as he looked over at Devin. “He has fun doing things like that, I have a party to go to.”

“You know you two pretty boys could get arms like these with a little hard work,” Devin said.

“I don't need those to entice a girl,” Troy said. “I am going to take over for grandfather when he retires.”

“And what about you Damon?” Geflin asked. “You too good to come out here and split logs with your Da and big brother?”

“I have a party father,” Damon said.

“They don't have time to be smelling like sweat and filth,” Martha said. “They have a party to go to. One that is going to be filled with important people for them to meet. Nothing but young people.”

“They still could use some exercise,” Geflin said. “I have a tutor coming over in the morn to teach these boys the sword.”

“If they wanted to learn the sword then they could have one of the Squires teach them,” Martha said. “They have no reason to learn from whoever you procured.”

“Squires?” Devin said confused. “What do Squires have to do with anything?”

“Squires are going to be at the party,” Troy said. “So are some young wizards.”

“Squires and Wizards?” Devin said in shock. “In a party you two are going to? Why would a Wizard be there?”

“Why wouldn't they?” Martha said annoyed. “We do not have a lot of time to stand here in the hot sun and talk about whatever. I have important people to see and so do the twins.”

“Martha,” Geflin asked.

“Yes what is it?” Martha said annoyed.

“Can you take Devin with you?” Geflin said. “His eyes look like they are going to pop out of his head.”

“Take him with me?” Martha said annoyed. “Why would I take him with me?”

“Because I just asked you to,” Geflin said.

“He doesn't have any nice clothes,” Troy said. “At least not like these and he can't wear what he has on.”

“He has something he can wear,” Geflin said. Just give him a few minutes to wash up and he will be good as new.”

“My goodness now I have to wait on him,” Martha said impatiently. “Well hurry up! I don't have all day.”

Devin practically flew in the house and out to the well. Seconds later he was bringing up buckets of water to the bath house. Geflin laughed and helped him get ready. Devin thought he took a bath in record time with the cold water, he hit all of his hotspots really good with water and soap and then rinsed off. Devin kept his hair short like his father’s so messing with his face didn't take long at all. Devin went into his closet looking for something decent to wear and frowned when he saw that all he had were work clothes. His father came into his room holding a nice brown outfit.

“This was supposed to be a birthday present,” Geflin said. “I had it made a few weeks ago. Don't destroy it because it is the only decent clothes you have to be out and about.”

Devin’s eyes went wide as he took the outfit and admired it. His father helped him put it on and when Devin looked into the mirror he thought he looked the part. Well he looked like someone that had a bit of money anyway. Devin smiled when he saw the boots his father bought to go with the outfit and put it on. Devin gave his father a hug and took off out the house. He barely noticed that he had passed an irritated Martha on his way to the carriage. Martha climbed inside along with the twins and soon they were traveling.

“Devin the only reason I am letting you come along is for your father’s sake,” Martha said. “Do not embarrass me or your brothers when you get there. This is not the average party, relationships made here could be worth a lot of gold.”

“I won’t,” Devin said. “I always wanted to be a Squire. I could have tried out last year but Father wanted me to get a little more seasoning and muscle on me.”

“Why would you want to be a Squire?” Troy said. “All of that traveling to get to gods knows where.”

“Because he has to do something with his life,” Martha said. “I didn't know that is what Geflin had planned for you. I thought he was teaching you smithing.”

“He has been,” Geflin said. “I am happy we haven't smithed in a few days or I would be smelling like smoke. He has been making me more rounded and showing me how to fix different things.”

“For what?” Troy asked. “Just hire someone.”

“I don't have a grandfather to see about me,” Devin said. “I have our Da and he is showing me the best he can. Hard work but it is kinda fun once you get used to it.”

“Well have fun then,” Troy said. “I am not going to be out there learning whatever with a sword. Damon could go but I am staying inside.”

“I don't want to either,” Damon said. “I don't even want to go to this party. You should have just asked Devin to go with you and left me at home.”

“Do not be ridiculous,” Martha said. “You two do not appreciate the things your grandfather has been trying to teach you. You could be out there working hard like Devin and having no fun.”

“I have fun,” Devin said. “I am learning a lot when it comes to making things. Da said that me and him are going to make a small cabin from scratch starting this month.”

“Why make a cabin?” Troy said disgustedly. “I would never do something like that. You need to learn how to make real money and then you could pay others to do it for you. Just look at your hands compared to mine. Your hands look like they have been pounded on with a hammer.”

“They have,” Devin said and admired his hands. “You don't get callouses like these from being in the house. Da says they are man’s hands.”

“What girl would want those rough things touching her?” Troy asked. “It takes time to get your hand as soft as mine.”

“Not looking for a girl,” Devin said. “But I am looking to gain knowledge while I am here.”

“Knights are all taller than you are,” Martha said. “They only take real big men.”

“That is why Da has had me breaking my back out there Miss Martha,” Devin said. “And eating so much. I don't have the height but Da says I am plenty strong and I got a good grip.”

“How long are we going to have to stay?” Damon asked.

“As long as it takes!” Martha snapped. “A lot of strings were pulled just to get you invited. How often is it when Wizards and Knights are both someplace? They have their own money but they know many people who have coin to spend.”

“So what is this party about?” Devin asked. “I know some important people are supposed to be there but Knights and Wizards?”

“Something about a war,” Troy said. “The kingdom is trying to secure help and keep our army all volunteer. My grandfather was invited because he sells a bit of everything and some of the nobles want to secure his help.”

“A war?” Devin said nervously. “As in men going into battle?”

“There is only one kind of war,” Martha said. “The Savians want to fight and the Wizards are here to smooth things over. Nothing to be worried about.”

“Miss Martha,” Devin said as he was surprised he had to explain things to her. “If war comes, all three of us are leaving. We can be pressed into battle and we will be pressed into battle.”

“Stop being so dramatic,” Troy said “I am not fighting in any war.”

“I don't want to fight in a war,” Damon said. “What is he talking about mother?”

“Devin doesn't know what he is talking about,” Martha said and rolled her eyes. “If there was going to be a war then it doesn't concern us. We aren't poor people.”

“Miss Martha, no one in here is a noble,” Devin said. “It doesn't matter how much money you have. There are many people that would see to it that we go. Commoners get sent to the front line in the thick of it unless they have a commission and then even still.”

“You are scaring me,” Damon said. “You are lying, you have to be.”

“All I have been doing is studying the three paths laid out for me,” Devin said. “I could become a Squire, that is outside of my control. I could get a smithing job somewhere, I think I have a good chance of that happening. Or I can join the army, I have looked into doing it as a regular enlisted man. They have need for a smith and always will. I also thought of doing it with a commission. I have read any book I can on what to expect during training. Troy, you and Damon need to read up on it before you get a nasty surprise.”

“He sounds serious mother,” Troy said. “I don't want to fight in any war.”

“I don't want to fight in any war either,” Damon said. “Can we buy our way out of it?”

“Devin you are getting everyone riled up,” Martha said. “No one is going to any war.”

“Miss Martha, who exactly is going to be at this party?” Devin asked.

“Some military people and those other people or something,” Martha said, waving him away. “They are not important, all of the merchants and nobles are the reason we are going.”

“Miss Martha,” Devin said. “You barely mention a war and glaze over who is going to be present. How often does this group get together? Wizards and Knights and army people and nobles and such?”

“Who cares,” Martha said. “I only care about the gathering of nobles. I am meeting my father there and we can make decent coin from this.”

“I hope this doesn't blow back on you Miss Martha,” Devin said. “I am trying to help us all out but it seems that you are either not interested or annoyed by me bringing it up.”

“Hear him out mother,” Damon said. “I don't even want to be in here or going to the party. You could have just taken Troy and let me be.”

“There is no reason to,” Martha said. “You both should be focused on making coin for your grandfather instead of some stupid war.”

“Devin what do you think is happening?” Damon asked.

“I think Miss Martha, no matter what, would not be called to war so it does not affect her,” Devin said. “But you two, rich or not, would be. Noblemen would also be called up since they are expected to lead their commoners in war. There are Wizards there, why would they be at a party with Knights? Why would military people be there unless it was serious? These are groups that do not really like each other or get along.”

“Mother,” Damon asked. “Is this true? Please do not tell me anything about money or coin or anything else. If there is a war, would nobles be pressed to fight in it?”

“Well maybe,” Martha said annoyed.

“So both of your sons could be dead in a year and you are worried about money?” Damon asked.

“That is not it at all,” Martha said. “I should have left you with your father Devin.”

“Miss Martha,” Devin replied. “The Wizards are a group who enforce the law in all of the five kingdoms. They are not beholden to any Kingdom and can chase criminals through different borders. The City Watch do not like them but often they are outclassed depending on the criminal.”

“What does this have to do with whatever war you have everyone spun up on?” Martha asked impatiently.

“Our Kingdom wanted our own elite peacekeeping force and came up with the Knights,” Devin replied. “Although Wizards are still allowed in our borders, the Knights handle most of our criminals that the various City Watch cannot deal with. We do not send as much money to the Wizards for their help as other Kingdoms which is why both groups hate each other. The Knights have been trained in military tactics and know how to command men. Lifelong military people hate that they can be replaced by people who never served. They do not get along with the Knights and you are telling me that all three of these groups decided to get together to make merchants money?”

“I don't expect you to know how coin is made, unlike your brothers,” Martha said, sounding less sure of herself.

“And how many parties have you all been to that has all three of these groups?” Devin asked.

“I have never been to a party like this,” Damon said.

“Because you never pay attention to whoever is there anyway,” Troy said. “But I have never been to a party with Knights or Wizards before.”

“And there are going to be nobles there,” Devin said.

“Well there is nothing that can be done even if he is right,” Martha said.

“Yes there is,” Devin said. “Get your plan together. I always planned to join either the Knights or the Royal Army anyway. Your first plan should be seeing if there is anyway out of it unless you want to go. See if there is a monetary gift that could excuse the twins. Troy could possibly be saved because he is Mr. Darcy’s eventual heir since he came out first. I am not sure about you Damon if there is nothing monetary that can be given.”

“Well what do you plan on doing?” Damon asked worried.

“I plan on trying to become a Squire,” Devin replied. “If that doesn't work out I planned on asking your grandfather for enough money to buy me a commission in the army. If he will not then I will enlist and try to become a smith for some unit in the army. My plans do not change either way, I just wish it wasn't so close to happening.”

“Mother this sounds like something that needs to be addressed,” Damon said. “Are you sending us to our doom unprepared?”

“I am not sending you to your doom,” Martha said nervously. “Devin you are scaring them and you are scaring me.”

“I don't mean to Miss Martha,” Devin said. “The only issue that I have is that you said Squires will be there. There has to be a reason people think this is some type of party. I say have a plan when you get there and talk to Mr. Darcy about my worries. I could be overreacting and I hope I am. I just wanted to come so I can pick the brains of some of the Squires on what I could do to become one of them.”

CHAPTER 2

Devin didn't know what he expected when he got here but this was not it. The adults, or at least older people, the movers and the shakers in the Kingdom were hidden away in some other area of Lord Paramount’s home. A lot of their children who came were out in a big room but hardly any of them were talking. The groups were separated into their own corners. Most of the girls that came to rich people parties, the name Devin called them, were not there. The only girls in the room were Wizards, it was six of them and they stayed to themselves and the young boy Wizard that was in the room. Devin had found out the young Wizards were known as Acolytes, that was the official name given to young Wizards apprenticed to a Wizard.

The Squires were on another side and they were easy to pick out. They were huge, Devin didn't think he was small but these boys had the height and the weight behind them. Devin could see that his muscle to body weight ratio was greater than theirs was but none of the Squires looked like someone Devin would willingly want to tangle with. In the third corner were all of the younger army officers. They were around Devin’s age and were at the bottom of the commissioned ranks. They just eyed both the Wizards and the Knights. In the final corner there was much of the normal crowd that came to rich people parties. Both nobles and rich commoner young adults were nervously whispering to themselves.

Devin knew what they spoke about, he was sure everyone knew. The Kingdom of Savia saw them as weak and insulting and wanted a fight. It was unknown how it started but the Savian King felt insulted and was willing to fight. The Wizards had come to smooth things over between both Kingdoms, in the room with Devin were junior wizards also known as Acolytes. Their masters were willing to try and settle the War peacefully, in return they wanted a bigger part in the Kingdom’s law enforcement and more money coming from the Kingdom. Meetings like this were happening all over the Kingdom, the army was here to see if they could recruit junior officers and to let the nobles know if a war was to start, how many men they would be expected to field and where they should go. This ensured the nervousness that was in the air. Devin felt like he didn't belong to either group and was lost in the middle. He made up his mind to first approach the Squires.

“What do you want?” a large blond boy said as he looked down on Devin. Devin thought the boy had him by an entire head and was even broader than he was.

“I have never met Squires before,” Devin replied. “I want to become a Squire and just wondered if you had any tips or could point me in the right direction of what I need to do to separate me from anyone else who wants to become one.”

“And what makes you think you can become one of us?” the blond boy said as he got into Devin’s face. “We face down criminals, the kind that would send someone like you running to his mother.”

“I don't run,” Devin said.

“You some kind of tough guy?” the blond boy said as he shoved Devin hard.

Devin could feel himself falling but was always light on his feet. Devin rolled backwards into the shove and came up quickly with a punch that landed solidly on the blond boy’s chin. The big blond was caught off guard by the first punch and was off balance due to Devin stepping on his foot. Devin came around with another blow which also landed solidly and lifted his foot. The blond went crashing into the ground and Devin was hit from the side. The blow wobbled him a bit, Devin instinctively ducked and went right at his attacker, a large red headed boy who seemed to be caught off guard by the ferocity and number of punches Devin was throwing. All it took was one to connect for this new foe to go down and Devin started taking blows from everywhere.

Devin felt someone rip his new shirt and fought with renewed vigor. There was a lot of yelling and Devin noticed the army guys had jumped into the fight against the giants while the Acolytes watched on. Devin wanted to laugh at one girl, she looked bored watching the entire thing until Devin was able to get under one of the smaller Squires and tossed him right at her. Her drink spilled everywhere and the Squire stood up and decked the Acolyte closest to him. Devin was not able to laugh for long as the Acolytes got into the fight. They moved like water flowing around rocks. They were too quick and precise for anyone in the brawl to get a good lick on and they were taking people out. Devin noticed they went after the back of knees, throats, eyes, any soft flesh they could find. The big blond was up but was woozy, two of the female wizards seemed to be hitting him at will and were tearing him apart. A male Acolyte appeared in front of Devin and swung. Devin saw he had his fingers together but outstretched like he was going to drive them through Devin like a blade. Devin moved to the side which surprised his foe as the fingers meant for Devin’s throat passed by harmlessly.

Devin stepped on the wizard’s foot and crowded him. The wizard gave him blows that were precise and hurt but Devin’s trunk was solid. Devin took the blows and tried to drive a fist through the wizard’s sternum. Devin was happy to see the blow landed and gave him another one. The wizard went down and Devin was looking for another person to fight when he was shoved hard into the wall. It was like he stepped into a tornado and was plastered against the wall and could see more bodies starting to join him. The Acolytes that were still standing had a variety of objects aimed him, the army people and the Squires. Devin thought even some of the nobles were also caught up in the storm. Devin could see the anger on the faces of the Acolytes as Damon came running into the room alongside a Knight and a Wizard. One of the Acolytes noticed them and dropped her spell then bumped the others with her elbow who let their spells drop as well.

“What is the meaning of this?” a tall Knight with a bushy black beard said as he came into the room. Devin noticed he was blind in one eye and could see a nasty scar that could have been from a sword. The scar was from his forehead to just below his cheek. The blind eye was a milky white color and made him even more intimidating. The Knight looked at his Squires and was disgusted until he saw the Acolytes also had some bruises with one of the Acolytes still being down.

“They are using magic!” the big blond Squire choked out as he grabbed his throat.

“I didn't need magic to take care of the likes of you!” a brown haired girl screamed.

“Settle down,” the Wizard said as she walked into the room. She wasn't very tall and Devin didn't think she was very big either but she commanded attention. She walked over to one of her Acolytes that had a bruise forming on her cheek and sneered.

“You let these, these Squires do this to you?” the Wizard said as she looked at her Acolyte. Before the girl could speak she jabbed her in the throat and was already looking at the next Acolyte who showed a bruise.

“They attacked first master when we were not looking for a fight,” the first Acolyte who got punched said. “I may have been rougher with some of them than intended. Two of my victims are still on the ground.”

“Control your people Knight,” the Wizard said as she kicked the boy Acolyte who was still rolling on the ground from Devin’s punch.

“How did this happen?” the Knight with the milky eye said as he went up to the blond that had pushed Devin.

“That one came up looking for a fight,” the blond said as he pointed to Devin and held his jaw and winced.

“You?” the Knight said with a sneer. “I do not care whose child you are lordling.”

“I came over to see about becoming a Squire, Sir,” Devin said. “That one told me I was a coward and shoved me so I punched him.”

“You punched him?” the Knight with the milky eye said. “Is that how you got these bruises?”

“Partly,” Devin said. “I flattened him good and was blindsided. I dealt with that lad and then the army people saw me getting swarmed by your Squires and jumped in. I got my blows from the big melee and then tossed one of the Squires into that pile of Acolytes to get him off me. He jumped up and decked that one the female Wizard was talking to in the jaw and it was a big jumble after that.”

“Which one of you put this Wizardling down?” the Knight with the milky eye said as he pointed to the boy the female Wizard kicked.

“They are called Acolytes, brute,” the female Wizard said. “And just because one of yours blindsided one of mine in the middle of a big battle means nothing.”

“I put him down,” Devin admitted. “He tried for my throat and I moved out of the way and stepped on his foot. He got off some good shots but my hands are heavy and I am bigger than he is.”

“You?” the female Wizard said as she walked up to Devin. “This one is not one of yours, Brute,” the Wizard woman said.

“I wasn't trying to start any trouble, I just wanted to see how I could become a Squire,” Devin said.

“You are lucky my Acolytes did not kill you,” the Wizard said as she fixed her lip into a sneer.

“I am lucky,” Devin admitted. “First time I ever got hit by magic, it is unbeatable.”

“Without magic,” the Wizard corrected him.

“They move fast,” Devin said. “But I will throw fists with anyone. My Da taught me.”

“Your Da?” the Wizard said and looked at the milky eyed Knight. “This meeting was over anyway. If I see anyone of your Squires again I will not pull my Acolytes off of them.”

“And if I see any of your Wizardlings again I will not pull my Squires off of them,” the milky eyed Knight said.

“If you are both through posturing,” said an older man in a military uniform. “Both of your people got throttled by a couple boys who just got out of training. You both let that stick with you. This Kingdom does not need any giants or fancy spell flingers. Just a couple of good boys with no fear.”

“Get out of here!” the Wizard woman snapped at her Acolytes who hurriedly picked up their fallen member and rushed out of the door.

“Soldiers that goes for you as well,” the older military man said as the young officers got themselves together to leave.

“Sir,” Devin said as he looked up at the milky eyed Knight. The man had a hard face and Devin could tell he was angry.

“What, Boy?” the Knight said in a clipped tone.

“I was wondering how I could become a Squire,” Devin asked.

“You will never be a Squire,” the milky-eyed Knight said. “You cannot buy your way into our order Lordling and you are shorter than the minimum. Run along to your mother.”

Devin fixed his face into a frown and let the Knights pass him by. The military man was still in the room despite his soldiers leaving and walked over to Devin. Devin was a bit angry and a little heartbroken, he had wanted to become a knight but their attitude was so nasty towards him and for nothing. All Devin got out of this party would be a swollen jaw, possibly a black eye and some bruised ribs. He wasn't even a noble like the Knight kept calling him.

“You don't let him get you down boy,” the older man said as his face softened. “The Knight Commander is a proud man who was just embarrassed. Those Wizards are nothing to play with, I am sure they gave much better than they received. I have fought one once, it was like fighting smoke and I got my ass kicked. Jerold Jolly has always hated Wizards since before he was a Knight and was just a Squire. I could tell he was nervous having his Squires around the Acolytes, it is the only reason I brought some young officers with me. You went out and not only beat the pit out of one of his giants but a Acolyte as well.”

“So it is hopeless,” Devin said dejectedly. “I didn't know he was in charge of all of the Knights.”

“And there is nothing you could have done differently,” the older man said. “When this goes down, you can be one of my junior leaders if you pay for your commission fast enough.”

“I would have to ask my stepmother,” Devin said.

“Stepmother?” the older man said.

“I am not a noble,” Devin replied. “I am not even rich. She is though, she has good money. If that doesn't work out I was thinking about joining as an enlisted man since I am a smith.”

“Apparently with good reflexes if you punched out a Wizard,” the older man said. “Listen son, I am General Savare, one of Minor Generals of the kingdom. I am always looking for a good lad, you could join my personal security detail.”

“I can?” Devin asked surprised. “How? When?”

“Well the training is a bit much,” General Savare said. “Most commoners are just going to be given a pike and sent off to wherever to learn under whichever nobles they fall under. You would have to take specialized training, it could be a bit rough.”

“I’ll do it,” Devin said quickly. Working as a guard of an important General seemed a lot safer than being on the front lines even if it was as an officer. Being a smith would have gotten him off the front as well but the General's guard seemed like a sure thing.

“Well I will leave you some of my information,” General Savare said. “This is an opportunity that not many people receive. But fighting off an Acolyte and a Squire is worth praising.”

Devin waited as General Savare wrote him special summons and signed his name on the bottom. Devin hung onto it like gold as he was ready to leave with his family. Devin could tell something was not right, right away. He had just gotten into a good fight with some serious characters and looked like the pit. Martha didn't even remark on his appearance. Troy was not his usual self-important self either. All of them seemed to be doing their best impersonation of Damon who himself seemed especially distant.

“Okay, someone knows something that I don't,” Devin remarked. “Was I right about the war being more important than making coin?”

“It is horrible,” Martha said. “There was no coin to be made. The kingdom wants all of the merchants to start donating or selling items to the war effort for half cost.”

“Forget the coin mother!” Troy said. “They are going to send us to war, we could die and the only thing you are worried about is money.”

“I am not worried because there is a way out of it,” Martha said. “Your grandfather was angry at the price. Fifty gold coins for the first family member, one hundred gold coins for every family member after that. I don't know if he would pay that for you Devin.”

“I have other plans,” Devin said.

“What other plans?” Troy said as Devin could see his brother visibly relaxed.

“I am going to be a part of General Savare’s protection detail,” Devin said. “He was surprised I got it on with big Squires.”

“What was that fight about anyway?” Troy asked. “I got punched in the face for you.”

“You did?” Devin asked.

“Well I couldn't let you get beat up and not jump in,” Troy said. “Father would have my hide when I got home and I doubt mother could save me.”

“Well you look pretty good,” Devin said.

“Because the little wizard who hit me was a girl but it still hurt,” Troy said. “Damon tried to help me and got thrown on the ground. That is when we were smart enough to go get help.”

“They are fast,” Devin said. “I saw that big blond one I was getting it on with get taken apart by two of those girls. The one who came after me just got too close to get away. Da’s fighting technique worked like a charm.”

“What technique?” Damon asked. “He never taught us any technique.”

“Because you both hide out in the house instead of coming out and working,” Devin said. “Da’s technique is simple, step on someone’s foot if they get too close and beat the daylights out of them. Bonus if you can grab them by the hair or shirt or something. I am always swinging a hammer or an axe or something. If I get close I can really pour it on.”

“You don't have to worry about fighting anyone Troy,” Martha said as she took a deep breath. “Maybe we can use this to our advantage. With most of the boys and youngmen gone maybe the both of you can find better prospects.”

“Is there an age limit?” Devin asked.

“It doesn't apply to tradesmen like Geflin,” Martha said. “Your Da is expected to help out.”

“Da is supposed to go?” Damon said. “Grandfather could get him out of it.”

“Da would never accept something like that,” Devin said quickly.

“And my father wouldn't do it anyway,” Martha said. “The both of you, Troy and Damon are really going to have to make it up to your grandfather. There are going to be a lot of hurt feelings going on for people that cannot afford to buy their way out of it.”

“Me and Da are both going,” Devin began. “That should be enough to move any blame away from my brothers.”

“Grandfather should be buying Devin the best training he could afford,” Troy said.

“Da has got me covered,” Devin said. “Besides I have General Savare liking me.”

“Don't say that man’s name around me anymore,” Martha said. “He was so smug when he gave out the prices for exemption while lowering the cost for a commission. The cost for exemption is bound to go up. You should have seen him smiling at everyone, my father let him have it.”

“The price goes up?” Devin asked.

“Anyone who pays right now has to spend the price in gold I gave you earlier,” Martha said. “That man said if the war doesn't happen that the money will be considered a donation and not refundable. If we wait too long then the price is going to double the closer we get to war but the cost of a commission will shrink.”

CHAPTER 3

“Faster boy!” Geflin said as he yelled at Devin. “Put your back into it!”

“Hold!” Farelin said as he put down his blade.

“How was I?” Devin said as he wiped the sweat from his brow.

“Untrained,” Farelin said as Devin’s face fell. “But you have good reflexes and are light on your feet. That sword arm of yours is strong and you can really beat someone down with it if they let you. You have some glaring holes in your game but they can be fixed depending on your style of fighting.”

“I am supposed to be watching a General,” Devin said.

“Hmmm,” Farelin said and rubbed his chin. “Fighting with a sword is decent but you may be more of a sword and shield man. You would need to learn the horse as well. Maybe a bow would be something you need to try but I don't have a regular hunting bow. I only have a longbow and it is a nasty piece of work. Cumbersome to carry around and the draw weight of it is not for the faint of heart. Keep your coin Geflin. I am too old to be running off to any wars but I can train your boy with what I know right now. When do you have to report?”

“In a week,” Geflin said. “I want to get him trained up as best as I can until then.”

“I am going to get my bow,” Farelin said. “If this thing with a General doesn't work out you are going to need real skill unless you want to go the smithing route. Geflin you and your boy can have a talk while I go get all of my things.”

“You are a good man Farelin,” Geflin said as he shook the other man’s hand.

Devin watched the old trainer walk away and had to admit he was humbled. He was faster than Farelin was, Devin suspected that he was stronger as well but the old man was crafty. Farelin looked at least fifteen years older than his Da and moved like it as well until he had a sword in his hand. Then the man moved like a master of his craft, he didn't have the exaggerated moves Devin himself had but instead only moved slightly to avoid a blow. He had a lot of knowledge that Devin was excited to learn.

“You really got to pour yourself into these next couple of days boy,” Geflin said. “Even then it won't mean much except it wouldn't be the first time you handled a weapon when you meet the General’s people.”

“Anything would help,” Devin said. “I want to impress him and let him know he made the right choice. When do you leave?”

“I have been talking to the engineers in town about it,” Geflin said. “They actually tracked me down along with some others. I am going to fight alongside of Duke Harrell’s men, he wants to get all of his crafters together and go over the things we might be called to do. Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to pick up another trade just in case there are other smiths. I am going to leave right after you and travel to Duke Harrell’s estate where he can then tell me my business.”

“Maybe I will get to see you out there,” Devin said. “After the war I have to see what I will be getting paid and decide if a commission is better for me.”

“Your brothers are being foolish for not taking advantage of free training,” Geflin said. “They should be out here trying to learn something instead of whatever they are doing. This war seems like serious business that is going to happen.”

“I don't know why you let their grandfather have so much power,” Devin said. “They are your sons and he seems like he is always in your business.”

“There is a lot you don't know there,” Geflin said. “Maybe one day but today is not the day.”

“You should still say something,” Devin said. “It is like we are a family apart from the family. Me and you versus everyone else.”

“It is sort of like that, isn't it?” Geflin said. “Maybe when you get older it will all make sense. Enough about them, tell me more of this Wizard fight. I heard they were deadly adversaries to tangle with.”

“If they had a dagger or something it wouldn't have even been a fight,” Devin said. “They moved like the water, hard to lay a punch on them. When I got a hold of one of them I just laid into them. The Knight I fought was strong and at least a head taller than I was. I don't think he was ready for me to paste him like that though.”

“Cracks me up,” Geflin said. “My boy out there mixing it up with the best in the Kingdom. I wish I could have seen it. Troy even jumped in and got a piece. Damon most likely would have been the one I guessed. Troy seems a bit too snooty for fighting but those are my boys.”

“Here comes Master Farelin,” Devin said. “And what is that?”

“That is a heck of a bow,” Geflin said. “It looks taller than he is by far.”

“How would you even use something like that?” Devin said as Farelin came riding up on his horse.

“This is a warbow,” Farelin said and handed it over as he got off his horse. “This is what someone in war would fight with instead of the smaller hunting bows.”

“Well it is massive,” Devin said as he held the weapon.

“It can get you out of a jam,” Farelin replied. “Smaller bows won't be able to penetrate the armor worn by the enemy. Even a good longbow might not be able to get through shoddy armor. This one might not as well but it will have more sticking power. Faster shot and the arrow will not be able to be reused.”

“Other than being bigger, what else does this bow do?” Geflin said as he took the bow.

“Smaller bows you have to arc everything and you may not even hit anything,” Farelin said. “They are meant to be fired en masse and rain down on the enemy. This longbow is for those on the frontline. This bow you fire straight at someone and it can get to over a hundred paces away. More accuracy and better equipped to fight in war. I will show you the technique, it is a bit odd compared to firing other bows but effective. You have to lean into it with your chest.”

“What about crossbows?” Devin asked.

“Costly to make,” Farelin said. “More punching power and easier to aim.”

“What makes it costlier?” Geflin asked.

“Well you need a woodworker, a smith and a good string man,” Farelin said. “Loading it is something else but that depends on the crossbow, it is much like a regular bow how technology has changed the war fighting game.”

“I have seen crossbows load just as fast as a decent archer,” Geflin said.

“Because that is for hunting game,” Farelin replied. “Some crossbows you just pull back on the string with your hands, load a bolt, aim and fire. Takes about five or six heartbeats longer than a regular bow. Against an unarmored human or poorly armored ones you could do damage. Against good plate though it would bounce straight off. Good chainmail would bounce that right back at you as well. You would need a windlass bow which involves a lot of cranking and takes a long time to reload. I could fire off nine arrows before the second bolt could be fired. You really need two windlass crossbows and a second person to load it for you to be effective. Maybe they could just load their own bow and shoot at different times. It is the weapon of someone with a lot of money who does not want to train how to use a proper bow. Now let’s get this thing set up.

Devin watched Farelin shoot the bow, he had seen an archer shoot but not the way Farelin was. Farelin stood with his feet shoulder with apart then leaned over and really put his chest into the bow. His drawing hand was actually passed his body along with the bowstring when he released it, every archer Devin had seen had the drawstring roughly midchest. When Farelin let the bowstring go and the sound it made was much sharper than any other bow Devin had heard. The arrow took off across the area and impacted with a hard thwack. Devin was surprised at the weapon as Farelin grabbed another arrow. Devin noticed the old man struggling to nock the bow. Farelin finally fired and then opened and closed his nocking hand and started rotating his shoulder.

“This bow ain't for women,” Farelin said. “You need a strong back to fire something like this.”

“My boy has a strong back,” Geflin said. “All he does is bang on a hammer and chop into wood. He can really get after it too, better than I ever could.”

“Well come over here and let me show you how to hold this thing,” Farelin said.

Devin thought the technique would feel unnatural but it was like he was made to hold it. In only an hour’s time he was outshooting Farelin and was able to keep up his rate of fire without getting tired. Within fifty paces Devin could hit an apple dead on. At a hundred paces it would take him three or four shots and at two hundred paces he had come close but had not had a hit on target. Devin ended up going back to sword practice but loved the bow. The first day ended and Devin was a bit more comfortable with the sword and could move okay but Farelin told him it would take some time.

The next day Devin woke and was confused to see his father with a bow even larger than what Farelin had. Devin tested the string and could see the draw weight of this bow was significantly higher than the big bow he trained on the day before. Devin looked the bow over, it was two different colors. Devin stood the bow up and was right about the size, it was not only taller than he was but was probably taller than the big blond he had gotten into it with.

“This cost me some coin,” Geflin said. “It is supposedly top of the line and has a draw weight much harder than Farelin’s bow. It is my going away present to you. Go ahead and give it a couple of shots, you only have a few arrows. The cost of this thing was something else but I was assured it would be difficult to break.”

It took Devin a few shots before he became comfortable with the heavy bow. The draw didn't bother him as much as it did before and he was able to put arrows on target. Devin thought he could fire an arrow every five of his heartbeats and keep it up for a while. When Farelin finally came he had Devin practice hitting moving targets. It was difficult at first but Devin had quickly gotten the hang of it which according to Farelin should have been impossible. Devin thought the technique was just natural to him, the pull, the sighting, everything just felt right. Sword practice was a little better but to Devin it was obvious he would have been killed if he went against the old swordmaster. Maybe if he was well armored he could have lasted a bit longer but winning would be tough to do.

At the end of the week Devin thought he had learned whatever could be taught with the longbow. Farelin remarked that Devin had to be the best archer he had seen and was more accurate with the warbow than anyone he had seen with a much smaller and lighter bow. Devin was able to hit the apple at two hundred paces now and the heavier draw made it so Devin could hit a target the size of a small shield at three hundred paces. Devin was passable with a sword but knew he still had a long way to go. Getting a hit on Farelin was still beyond him but now the man had to work to keep Devin off him. Devin didn't have a big send off which put him off a bit. His brothers had been taken by their grandfather who knew when Devin was leaving. Even his stepmother was not present which Devin thought was typical of her. His father was there though and gave him a good meal before he saw Devin off to the recruiters, it was there when things went wrong almost instantly.

CHAPTER 4

“I don't give a pit what General gave you what,” a bald gruff man said as he ripped up Devin’s paperwork before his eyes. “You got a bow so you are an archer and it looks like a good bow.”

“I was supposed to be part of a security detail,” Devin said. “If I cannot then I am not signing up.”

“Then you will be pressed into service,” the bald man said. “Either way we need more archers and you are one.”

“You try that then,” Geflin said. “I don't know who the pit you think you are ripping up things.”

“So what?” the bald man said. “What are you going to do about it?”

“I am going to make sure that General hears about this,” Geflin said.

“You do that,” the bald man said.

“I will,” Geflin said. “Let’s get out of here son. You can smith with me for His Grace.”

“You just wait right there,” the bald man said angrily. “We need more archers in the Royal Army and your boy has a bow. He ain't going nowhere to fight for no Duke.”

“You try to stop him then,” Geflin said. “I’ll make sure you won't live to brag about it.”

“What is going on in here?” said a young looking man as he came from the back of the building. His uniform looked spotless and his brown hair was slicked back and tied into a pony’s tail. Devin thought he couldn't be older than twenty.

“This one came in here with some letter from General Savare saying he was supposed to be a part of his personal security detail," The bald man said. “Obvious forgery so I ripped it up. Now he says he isn't going to join and will fight with Duke Harrell’s men.”

“And he will,” Geflin said.

“You don't give orders here,” the young man said.

“I ain't in no army,” Geflin said. “You come over here if you want telling me what to do with my boy and you will regret it instantly.”

“Sergeant Conn,” the young man said looking at the older man. “Take his bow as needs for the army. If he doesn't want to fight then he doesn't need the weapon.”

“Do it and the man who gave it to him will be down here to have your head,” Geflin said bluffing and snatched the bow from Devin and tossed it down. Enjoy whatever you have left of your life.”

“Wait,” the young man said and rolled his eyes. “We need archers. Sergeant Conn is a bit blunt but we are desperate. I do not have much time to field a semblance of a force before people start getting pressed into service. I need strong men who can hold a pike and archers. I don't see anyway a regular swordsman can defeat the Savians when they have a good amount of Wizards fighting for them.”

“Wizards?” Geflin said. “Wizards are neutral?”

“Not anymore,” Sergeant Conn said. “Supposedly a good number of them split off from the main group. They hate us because we don't pay as much and have the Knights to protect us instead of them.”

“What does that have to do with us?” Geflin said. “That sounds like your problem.”

“It is all of our problem,” Sergeant Conn said. “And your boy is the first one I have seen come in here with a bow. He can come fight with an actual trained force or go with your Duke and a bunch of nobodies and get himself killed.”

“Better than being here,” Devin said as he picked up his bow. “Rip up paper in my face will you? Duke Harrell needs a good archer, I only got this because I was supposed to be guarding a General.”

Devin followed his father outside and was at a loss. The army men had ripped up his paper and now he was unsure of what to do. Duke Harrell would use him as an archer once Devin showed off his skill, he was sure of it. Just as Devin was getting ready to leave and go back home he spotted a rich looking carriage. Devin stood there shocked by the appearance, it was even better than what Mr. Darcy had.

“Take a knee boy,” Geflin said as he got down.

“Why?” Devin asked as he did what he was told.

Devin looked up to see the carriage stop in front of the army recruiter’s building. An auburn haired man walked out of it flanked by three guards. Devin noticed he was dressed in the royal colors. The man turned out to be a boy, Devin thought they could have been the same age and the sneer the boy gave him before he walked inside made Devin hate him instantly. Once the Prince or whoever he was went into the building Devin and his father turned to leave. They were not out of town before they were stopped by an official looking messenger who demanded Devin and only Devin return. Devin was about to tell him to get lost when the man pulled out an official looking summons asking for experienced archers. Geflin just looked hard at the paper and noticed it was signed by Prince Victor who was probably the boy from the carriage. Devin gave his father a hug and returned to a smiling Sergeant Conn and the young officer from earlier, Lord Nelson who was a newly minted leftenant in the Royal Army and apparently someone who either knew the Prince or was bold enough to ask for help.

“Now that you are going to be with us boy,” Sergeant Conn said. “I need to see what you can do and then get you a uniform. What do you think about that?”

“I just want to get this over with,” Devin said.

“You better get used to using my title or I will have you flogged,” Sergeant Conn said.

“I want to get this over with Sergeant,” Devin said through gritted teeth.

“That is better,” Sergeant Conn said. “I have a few targets set up out back. I will have a go with my bow and then watch you with yours.”

Devin briefly thought about missing his shots, maybe he would be bounced out of the Army or maybe he would be handed a pike. Devin didn't want to chance it and followed Sergeant Conn out back and saw the man did have a target set up. The bow he used was a delicate looking thing, it was a lot shorter as well as thinner and the bowstring did not look as thick. He picked up a thin arrow and fired it right at the target. It was in the center dot but off to the right, Devin noticed the bow barely made a sound when fired and the arrow did not have the same kind of velocity his did. Devin pulled his bow back and nocked one of his big arrows, it was like the target was only a pace away instead of thirty and Devin let his arrow fly. The thick arrow flew quickly through the air and buried itself into the target. Sergeant Conn looked over at Devin and nocked his own arrow, before he could let it fly, Devin had another arrow in the center of target, practically touching his first. The sudden movement startled Conn and his arrow went wide of the target. Conn nocked another arrow and before he could fire, Devin had two other arrows in the center of the target.

“You got some skill with that warbow,” Sergeant Conn said. “We were just looking for people to fire bows like these. They are easier to make and easier to fire. Take this one and see if you can use it.”

Devin thought it felt like a child’s toy and he was surprised he didn't break it just pulling it back. Devin fired off a shot and was just left of center. His second shot went next to it and by his third shot he was able to hold an arrow while firing another. Devin could keep up a higher rate of fire with the smaller bow but preferred his warbow. If someone got close to him he could still whack them with it. Devin put down the small bow and went to get his warbow and retrieve his arrows.

“You got skill boy,” Sergeant Conn said. “You are going to make a good addition to the legion. Have you ate yet?

“No and I won't accept anything from you,” Devin said before adding, “Sergeant.”

“Go ahead and be nasty,” Sergeant Conn said. “It will not change anything. We still have a war and one day you might need me to save your life.”

“Then let me die, Sergeant,” Devin said as he started pulling out his big arrows.

“Go ahead and get mad,” Sergeant Conn said. “Let me show you where you are going to be bedding down at.”

Devin followed Conn to a small building that looked like it was recently made and shoddily. It was nothing but a bunch of bedrolls on the floor and he was told to take one. Devin was the only person living there it looked like, he picked out one and sat down with his bow and arrows. Conn left him for a bit and returned with a wrinkled uniform and told him to put it on along with a pair of stiff boots. Devin put everything on and Conn told him that was the new uniform and if he knew anyone else that was good with a bow. Devin just shook his head at the man who laughed a little and let him be.

The next day Conn returned, where he slept at Dell didn't know. The Sergeant came in and made Devin follow him back to the rear of the recruiting office. There were others there now, Leftenant Nelson and another man who also had a warbow. This man was big, he could have been a Knight if he wanted to and Devin wondered if he was a Knight. He had big arms and a strong wide chest. This man had no hair anywhere, even his eyebrows were gone which gave him a weird look Devin thought. There was another quiver filled with big strong arrows like the four Devin had. Conn handed it to him and then stood back.

“This is your boy?” the big bald man said. “He don't look like much and that bow he has will tire him out in three shots if he is lucky.”

“He can shoot that thing,” Sergeant Conn said. “Good too.”

“Well boy I am going to see what is what,” the bald man said. “Pick up your quiver and fire away. You have ten and I have ten, keep going until you have no more arrows.”

Delvin picked up the quiver and fastened it on his hip like he saw the bald man do but fumbled in his task a little. His opponent laughed at his experience and said he would begin when Devin grabbed his first arrow. Devin grabbed it and nocked it quickly, it was still in the air when he grabbed another one and had it nocked as his arrow hit its target. Devin thought the motion was smooth and kept it up, it took a little less than a minute to have all of his arrows on target and during that time his opponent only had five on target and was rotating his shoulder to relieve the soreness.

“Well,” Sergeant Conn said. “You are the master bowman Terry. Is he as good as I told you?”

“From thirty paces,” the bald man Terry said. “Let’s bring it to a hundred paces and see what he has. Bring us another target and some more arrows.”

Devin beat him again and had to admit he liked the quiver on his hip. It was easy to draw from and gave him better speed. Devin was tested from two hundred paces and it was the same thing except Terry only got one on target and missed everything at three hundred paces. The arrow didn't even reach the target most of the time but Devin thought it was because he was using a lighter draw weight than the big warbow Devin had.

“He is for real,” Terry said. “Don't talk much, he doesn't seem happy to be here at all.”

“He is still ticked that I ripped up some missive and His Highness had him come right back up here to join the Army. He wanted nothing to do with us and has been sulking ever since.”

“That is not good,” Terry said. “Angry men will never put their lives on the line for you or look out for you. This one will kill enough of the enemy but if they get close and you need help out of a tight spot then may the Gods help you. I will tell you this though, he fires like the elves of old.”

“Ah he will come around,” Sergeant Conn said then looked at Lord Nelson. “What do you think Sir?”

“I think we need to start grabbing men off the streets and start teaching them the bow,” Nelson said. “We don't have long before we leave, maybe get some pikemen as well. These commoners are too scared to join a real force and are relying on Duke Harrell to pull them out of the fire.”

“Get me the men and I can make it happen but I am not cheap,” Terry said. “They will not be on this lads level but they will be able to fire those toys you have.”

“Start the round up Sergeant Conn,” Nelson said. “His Highness wants us on the move by next week. Take only the strongest you can find. They need to be able to pull the bows back and it is tiring. We meet up with the rest in less than a month and we are going to be the most inexperienced unit by far.”

“Come on then you,” Sergeant Conn said looking at Devin. “And pick up your quiver. Any man leaving his weapon unattended is bound to get lashed.”

Devin picked up the quiver and followed Conn to an inn. Conn walked in and took a seat, seconds later some kind of soup was placed in front of them both and Devin thought it smelled good but it was probably because he didn't eat supper. Conn dug into his and gestured to Devin to eat up. Devin just looked at the bowl and refused to touch it. Conn shook his head and finished up eating.

“You not gonna eat boy?” Sergeant Conn said.

“My name is not boy, Sergeant,” Devin replied.

“You are not going to eat recruit?” Sergeant Conn said.

“Not with you,” Devin replied. “Can I go now? I will find my own food.”

“Get out of my face,” Conn said annoyed. “That bit yesterday is over with. We need you more than some General. With your skill we may be able to take out a few of them before they know what is going on.”

Devin didn't reply but instead left the inn. He had a few coppers and knew where the cheapest food was. Devin grabbed a hard roll of bread and some meat that was probably rabbit. The food was filling which is what Devin wanted. He had enough coin to last the week on the meal but would be hard pressed after that. Maybe he could hunt, Devin had never done it before but thought it couldn't be that hard.

CHAPTER 5

It was a little under a week when Devin marched out along with almost a hundred other men armed with pikes and bows. They were broken down into two groups called legions and Lord Nelson, or Leftenant Nelson as he wanted to be called, took the oldest amongst each group and made them into junior leaders under Sergeant Conn and himself. The first day was filled with non-stop walking, most of the men were grumbling when a halt was finally called for lunch. Devin had snuck off during that time and was sure he had seen many small animals and birds in the forest surrounding the roads.

Devin thought the brush was too thick and climbed a tree. Devin was amazed at how easy it was even holding a warbow and took a look around. There were no animals since they had probably run off with the men being so close. Devin was able to jump from tree branch to tree branch effortlessly, he was amazed he hadn't fallen and broken his neck and soon began to get bold with how quick he was moving. Devin had been running through the tree tops for about fifteen minutes when he spotted a hare. It was a bit tricky keeping his balance and firing from a treetop but his thick arrow took the hare in the head and was so strong it then embedded itself into the ground, pinning the dead animal in place. Devin hopped down and grabbed his prize, he just didn't know what to do with it. Devin brought back his kill and was tackled by an angry Sergeant Conn.

“Where in the pit have you been?” Sergeant Conn snarled as Devin tossed the man off him. Devin had heard a crack when he went down and saw the tip of his bow was now broken. Sergeant Conn looked at the hare and then at the bow and then back at Devin.

“Let that serve a lesson for you,”Sergeant Conn said. “You don't go anywhere without permission even if it is to hunt. Now go turn that hare in to our cook. Everything hunted goes to everyone, not just yourself.”

“You broke my bow,” Devin snarled.

“You broke your bow when I thought you deserted,” Sergeant Conn said. “It is junk now.”

“That bow cost my Da a lot of money,” Devin said angrily.

“I thought the Duke bought it for you,” Sergeant Conn said. “So you are a liar as well as an idiot. Serves you right. Now do what I said.”

Devin just stared at the man and thought he wasn't worth it. Devin turned in the hare but was too angry to watch how the man cleaned it. When Devin finally ate, there wasn't anymore of the hare left. The leftenant had eaten most of it and whatever was left Conn probably had. During the night they were made to pull watch, someone had to stay up to make sure they were not attacked. Devin was middle watch, he spent the time looking at his broken warbow and saw it was hopeless to fix. When he was done with his watch he went to bed and was up early the next morning. The march started after breakfast and he noticed Conn smirking at him as he carried the broken warbow. The march that day was just as long but frequent breaks had to be made. Only Conn and Nelson had horses so the rest of them were on foot. Whenever they stopped to rest, Conn had them spread out and hide in the woods to provide security. No one would be able to sneak up on them. People looked at Devin oddly with his broken bow, Devin kept it stringed and let the broken piece dangle.

When halt was called for the day Nelson wanted hunters sent out. They hadn't stopped in any of the small towns and he wanted meat. Devin was happy that didn't include him, all he had was a broken warbow that he now tied up around his back. When the hunter’s came back empty handed Devin smiled a bit, if he wasn't eating meat then no one was. When it was time for Devin to pull watch he thought about nasty ways to get back at Conn but they were just fantasies. He wouldn't kill the man although he could have many different times.

The next couple of days were spent walking long hours and eating what Devin thought was the thinnest soup possible which was more potato broth than anything else. Nelson had ordered hunters to go out but they always returned empty handed which made the man angry. Devin had heard him yell at Conn to give Devin a bow and let him go hunt but Devin wouldn't have caught anything just out of spite. Conn never came up to him anyway, Devin didn't speak to the man until they had finally caught up with the army. The men looked worried, nervous and scared at the same time. Conn let them know that he was only supposed to be over fifty men and would give one group to the army to spread across and bolster the army.

The Royal Army had been in contact with the Savians and it was not going their way. Man on man the Royal Army held their own, at the end of the two battles they had the same amount of dead as the enemy. The problem was that during the actual battles the Savians died at a rate of two or three to one. During the night is when Savia would send over its Wizards to do damage. The men Devin was looking at looked like they hadn't slept in a while, they had bags under their eyes and looked like they wanted to pass out.

“Alright let me get fifty of you over here with me and fifty of you over there with Sergeant Drest. He is the man over there holding a quill and paper.”

Devin grabbed his bow and made sure to get lost in the crowd. He walked up to Sergeant Drest and made sure his name was written down and showed him his bow. Devin was given another bow, this one small like the others along with a small pike. Devin grabbed both items and was led over to a unit of men that were commanded by an actual Knight. The man frowned at Devin and the four other men that had followed him over. Devin didn't know what the Knight looked like since he wore a weird helm that only covered the nose up and sides of his face. There were little slits for eyes but Devin couldn't make them out with the way the man held his head.

“Archers,” the Knight said as it rolled off his tongue like a slur. “Do any of you actually know how to fight?”

“I don't ,” Devin said. “But I can make this bow sing even if it isn't the weapon I prefer.”

“Make it sing can you?” the Knight said sarcastically. “What happens when the elite troops come? They wear plate and your little arrows will not do anything to them. Even their horses wear plate and will run right over you. What do you plan on doing then?”

“Running,” Devin said truthfully. “But I think I will take a few of them down before that happens.”

“Your arrows are worse than worthless,” the Knight snarled. “Just make sure you use that pike when you find out your arrows are garbage.”

“I will do Sir Knight,” Devin said.

“Sir Knight?” said Toffey, one of the quickly trained archers that Sergeant Conn recruited.

“What is it?” the Knight said.

“I hear there are Wizards on the other side,” Toffey said.

“There are and they could kill ten of you without using any magic,” the Knight grumped. “With magic they can clear out the field quickly and get to their targets. They have been making nighttime raids using their magics to get into camp and start the killing.”

“Well what are we doing about it?” Toffey asked.

“Not your business,” the Knight said. “It is bad enough that I have to run around and lead you soldiers, I am not going to answer every stupid question you have as well.”

“What do we call you?” Devin asked.

“Knight Jeffries,” the Knight said and spat. “The way we fight is simple. You pikemen hold up your pike and you better not drop it. Archers will fire into the incoming horde and if the enemy gets past that, you pikemen drop your long pike and pick up your shields and arm yourself with your mace. Archers, you drop your bows and pick up your short pike to fight with. We just have to hold the line for a bit.”

“Where will you be?” Toffey asked.

“I am not like your so called officers,” Knight Jeffries said. “When it happens I will be right in the thick of it. I owe these bastards a killing and they are going to get it. They killed my Squire two nights past, tomorrow will be the first time we are regulated back to the front line and I aim to kill at least five of them.”

“I can back you,” Devin said.

“Unlikely with your little bow,” Knight Jeffries said. “They have shields, poor shields but they are good enough to move away your little arrows. We win with the pike, the long pike and the shorter ones.”

“I guess you don't like us much,” Devin said. “I’ll stay out of your way and do my job. Not sure what I was thinking.”

“And what does that supposed to mean?” Knight Jeffries said and Devin could tell by the frown on his lower face that he was getting angrier.

“It is just that I always wanted to be a Knight,” Devin said. “I thought my first time meeting the Squires was a case of a bunch of bad apples. Then I met the Knight Commander and now that I have met you, I don't know what I was thinking.”

“That you don't match up,” Knight Jeffries said. “You have some muscle on you but you are too short and unskilled.”

“That is not it at all,” Devin said. “Now that I have met you all, I have no idea why I looked up to any of you.”

“Listen here you little shit,” Knight Jeffries said. “If we weren't in the middle of a war I would smack your ass like your Da should have done. You just be ready for when it starts.”

Devin decided not to push the issue further and just nodded. His group would be up tomorrow so none of them had sentry duty. Devin was led by another of Knight Jeffries men, a man who looked in his late twenties over to the area where they would sleep. Knight Jeffries had them deep in the bush, it was uncomfortable and had bugs and things crawling all around in it. It was difficult to get in and get settled but soon found out that was the point. Wizards attacked at night and the little tents the Army used were easy pickings. Devin got settled on the ground and decided maybe he could find a better place in the trees, if someone was coming to kill him he wanted to be able to use his bow. Devin left his bed roll and other items including his broken bow and climbed a tall but stout tree with his issued bow and arrows. Climbing the tree was easy, it had always been easy to him as he got high enough that he would be difficult to spot for someone not looking for him. He could see Knight Jeffries look up at him in disgust, Devin knew why the man wore the odd looking helm.

Knight Jeffries had suffered terrible burns, or he was mutilated or both. The tip of his nose was gone which let people see into his nostrils. Horrible burns were all over his head and the man had no eyebrows or hair. He just looked up at Devin, then shook his head and put his helm back on. Devin looked out and could see the entire camp, there were a lot of them and many people were busy working. Pits were being dug, earth walls were being built up and it looked like a group of men had a small model of the camp and the battlefield. What caught Devin’s eyes was a gathering of archers. None of them had a pike or were with pikemen, it had to be close to four hundred of them and they proudly wore their bows on their backs. Devin put them out of his mind and thought about other weapons. He still needed help in the sword and any other fighting he could do. The only thing he thought he did decent with was the bow.

The day turned into night and Devin felt himself getting sleepy. He hung his bow and quiver on nearby branches and tied his leg off to a branch using his belt. If he fell he wanted the ability to wake up and hopefully get himself out of the situation. Dell wasn't sure how long he slept, he woke up when he heard the sounds of men screaming followed by the clanging of swords. Devin couldn't see any attackers near him and started scanning the camp. It was dark out but Devin always had excellent sight, he thought wherever the action was, it had to be covered by a tent or something. A bright flash of light caught his eye, it wasn't light but a fireball. Men were screaming and Devin was sure he saw one person running around on fire. The sight sickened him and Devin vomited. It came and didn't end until he was finished. By that time the camp was up and torches were being lit. The screaming had stopped and men were out looking for the intruders, Devin knew they wouldn't find any. The Wizards had come, killed and were now gone into the night.

Devin grabbed his bow and kept it gripped in his hands until morning. He climbed out of his tree and grabbed his things to get ready for the morning. No one said anything, not even Knight Jeffries wanted to speak. Devin grabbed his pike and started carving a small letter D into the small shafts of his arrows, when he took down the enemy he wanted them to know it was him who done it. Knight Jeffries snatched one of the arrows then looked at Devin and tossed it down. Devin didn't know what the Knight thought about it and didn't care. Breakfast was eaten quickly, they were one of the first to go through the line since they would be needed early. Once they were set, Devin notched an arrow and fired it. Wherever it landed he knew that would be the limit of his bow.

“What are you doing boy?” Knight Jefries asked.

“Finding my range,” Devin replied. “That is about a hundred and thirty paces so I shouldn't shoot until they are within a hundred.”

“You forget about that nonsense,” Knight Jeffries said. “Just remember when I say put down your bows you raise your smaller pike so our long pikemen can back away and get reset or pull out their weapons.”

“I will do my part,” Devin said.

“You better,” Knight Jeffries said.

Devin could see they were off to the side. They wouldn't be in any position to stop a flanking movement but they should see some action. The plan was clear, no one in the middle had a big pike, just sword and shield. The plan was to funnel people towards the middle so everyone on the sides could attack. Devin held his bow and could see the enemy had started massing. Devin took a sharp breath as Knight Jeffries started talking again.

“If we got horsemen, they carry their own pikes,” Knight Jeffries began. “If it is their elite, they have lances and will be well armored much like I am. Your main duty if you see the horse is to pull the man riding it off. You folks with the pretty bows may be able to take the horse down. If we are still fighting peasants then watch out for their small shields.”

Devin said nothing and waited. Loud horns blew and Devin could hear drums being played as well. The enemy started shouting and he got nervous. Devin found his calm place, he was with his father and Farelin learning the bow for the first time. Devin saw the enemy rush but focused on the fun he was having learning to shoot. Devin drew back his bow as dirty looking men ran towards him leading with their shields. Devin sighted his arrow and fired, before the arrow struck he had another already loaded and fired at another enemy. The first arrow struck his target in the navel, right below the area the shield was covering. His next arrow went through a thigh and Devin thought that was the way to go. Arrow after arrow flew from Devin’s bow and the enemy was falling over themselves right in front of him. He could hear screams but kept firing as fast as he could. Devin felt strong hands behind him yank him back as he saw he was out of arrows.

“Here,” Knight Jeffries said as he pushed a full quiver of arrows into Devin’s chest. “You stand back and keep firing, don't hit any of my men.”

Devin saw Knight Jeffries as he filled the spot that Devin was holding and smiled. He had proven to the man he could handle himself and Devin nocked another arrow as the attackers reached the pike line. They used their shields to move the pikes out of the way, unfortunately for them it opened them up to fatal arrow fire. Devin waited for the right shot and took it. The enemy didn't see what was going on until too late as they fought through the pike line. Devin thought he had taken out ten of the enemy before they got through the pikes and were now in up close combat. Devin picked his targets more careful since there were a lot of bodies moving around. Whenever he had a clear shot he took it but mostly he just stayed back waiting. The enemy started pushing forward and was careful to avoid Knight Jeffries, the man had a tower shield and an axe and was chopping into men while his armor turned away most blows. Devin took off running and used his elusiveness to sneak through the fighting men until he had gotten behind them. It was as easy as shooting the side of a barn as he started pumping arrow after arrow into the backs of the unaware enemy. When Devin ran out, he picked up a shield and a sword from the downed enemy and went after them. Devin felt bad for killing men who didn't realize he was behind them, that didn't stop him from swinging the short sword he picked up until his arm got sore.

The enemy eventually pressed on in some areas. Knight Jeffries had his men start falling back and grabbing their weapons while they did. The enemy seemed loathed to follow them, they knew they had lost a lot and many of their men now lay injured, dead or dying on the field of battle. Devin thought they had lost at least fifty men and could see Knight Jeffries had also taken casualties, three of his lay dead as well. Knight Jeffries fell his group back until they met up with the other sides of the line. Eventually the enemy backed off but they had killed a decent number of the Kingdom’s men. The Savians were nothing to play with, Devin thought. The army stayed ready to fight for another hour after the enemy retreated and rest was eventually called.

“You there boy,” Knight Jeffries said walking up to Devin. “You did good work. Best archer I have ever seen. You saved many of my men out there today. We are going to mourn the dead but we didn't lose many and the enemy knows we were a tough battle. What is the story behind the broken bow you carried?”

“One of the Sergeants broke it when he thought I was trying to run from the army,” Devin said. “When he found out I just went hunting, he took my kill and laughed at my bow. My Da bought me that, it had a strong pull on it and I could get three hundred paces accurately with it.”

“Three hundred paces,” Knight Jeffries said. “Go grab your bow and point out this man to me.”

Devin went to grab his bow while Knight Jeffries waited. When Devin returned, Knight Jeffries was there waiting for him along with Toffey who was telling Knight Jeffries another view of the story about Conn and the bow. Knight Jeffries weaved through the camp and asked a few questions. Soon there were seven other Knights and their Squires following behind him as Devin finally saw Sergeant Conn talking with the noble Leftenant Nelson. Devin pointed him out, Knight Jeffries snatched the broken bow and walked right over.

“You are the man who broke my Squire’s bow?” Knight Jeffries said as he looked at Sergeant Conn who was taken off guard.

“What?” Conn said as he got to his feet.

“You broke my Squire’s bow,” Knight Jeffries repeated. “The story is that you broke his bow and took his kill. Is that what happened?”

“No,” Sergeant Conn said quickly. Knight Jeffries turned to look at Devin.

“Yes you did and any man who marched over here will back my story,” Devin said.

“Then I will ask them,” Knight Jeffries said. “And if you are found lying as a commoner to Knight in service to the Kingdom….”

“Wait,” Sergeant Conn said. “I didn't know he was some Squire. He came in with some letter saying he was going to be a part of a General’s personal security team. We needed archers, even Prince Victor signed off on it.”

“And what did that have to do with breaking a bow of this quality?” Knight Jeffries said as he tossed it at Sergeant Conn’s feet.

“Well I thought he was deserting,” Sergeant Conn said. “He is the best archer I brought. He shouldn't even be over there with you. My Leftenant went looking for him but he was gone. He should be with us.”

“What does that have to do with anything?” Knight Jeffries said. “When you broke his bow, was he near your camp or did you have to hunt him down.”

“He had just entered camp,” Sergeant Conn said. “But never told anyone where he was going.”

“Did he miss movement?” Knight Jeffries said. “Or were you stopped for the day?”

“Doesn't matter,” Sergeant Conn said. “He never said he was leaving.”

“That bow is now yours,” Knight Jeffries said. “You will pay to replace it or suffer the justice of the Kingdom.”

“He already has another bow,” Sergeant Conn said.

“The same type of bow you broke?” Knight Jeffries said. “If not then this needs to be fixed. Stop looking at your Leftenant, not even he will interfere with the Kingdom’s justice keepers. You have a week to make this right or show that you are trying to. A daily report needs to be given. This meeting is over.”

Devin was surprised Sergeant Conn didn't puff out his chest. Then again Knight Jeffries was huge and so were the people with him. They were well armed and armored, fighting them would have been tough to do. Did Knight Jeffries call him his Squire? Maybe it was said in the moment to scare Sergeant Conn. Devin knew he definitely heard it though. As they walked back to their camp Devin thought it was a wonder they hadn't been pushed off of it entirely, The front half of the camp would have to move which would leave Knight Jeffries men now in the middle or towards the front if more people decided to move. The Knights broke off with their Squires and went their own way, Knight Jeffries dismissed Toffey and then took off his helm and looked at Devin.

“Many Knights take advantage of their positions,” Knight Jeffries said. “I am not one of them and I demand the best from my Squires. No lying, cheating, stealing or any other foolishness. You represent me, we don't start trouble but we end it. You are good with a bow but you need to learn other weapons. What has your Da taught you?”

“I have been learning with the sword a bit but I am far from a master,” Devin said. “I only received a week of instruction but I know which way is the pointy end.”

“Were you in armor?” Knight Jeffries asked. “Because we fight in heavy armor. Hard to take us down but mobility is lost. My last Squire was caught by a Wizard without any armor on and killed three nights ago. I saw you asleep in the trees, stay there during the night until I can get you some armor made. Normally you would be expected to keep up my weapons and armor but I will not be parted from them in this environment.”

“You really want me to be your Squire?” Devin asked. “I thought I was too small for you.”

“You are,” Knight Jeffries said. “But you handled yourself with honor on the field of battle. Your strength needs to increase before you can wear real armor. It is heavy but it will save your life one day. Come, I will get you fitted today with something. You are wide so maybe someone will have something.”

Devin followed Knight Jeffries to one of the Army smiths, his measurements were taken and he was then handed a flanged mace and a big shield. Devin picked up the shield, it was heavy but he thought he could move it well. The mace was unbalanced and top heavy, Devin gave it a few swings and then put it down. Knight Jeffries gave him a special belt to hold his mace and then walked him back towards camp.

“These are easy weapons to use,” Knight Jeffries said. “If you have the armor, you can walk through a good swordsman and give a good hit. You just have to be strong enough to move and swing your weapon.”

“I can do this,” Devin said. “But what about my bow?”

“You can figure that out later and modifications can be made to your armor,” Knight Jeffries said. “You have proven yourself this day. Most Knights take the largest boy they could find and work them into shape. You will be outsized so you cannot be out worked. Your exercises or whatever you have been doing will need to be increased and you will have to become comfortable being uncomfortable. For now I want you to refill your quiver and take two more. One on each hip and another across your back.”

“Yes, Sir Knight!” Devin said excitedly as he backed away.

This was really happening, he was a Squire. He didn't have on any Squire clothing but that could come later. He was a Squire and would prove that he belonged. Devin found the Quartermaster who looked at him oddly when he asked for two additional quivers filled with arrows. The man grumbled and Devin thought he would need to learn how to make an arrow, it seemed simple enough although he had no idea how they got their smooth and cylindrical shape. Devin went back to his spot in the tree and hung his items up before scrambling down to get some food. He thought it wise to first get a bowl for Knight Jeffries who kept a blank lower face but nodded to Devin as he took the bowl. Devin ate his own food and then settled into his perch. Devin thought they would be in the middle of camp but it turned out that they were near the front.

It was obvious to Devin why they stayed there. Other parts of the area had begun to be cleared out so men could sleep comfortably, Knight Jeffries had of course forbidden it along with anyone sleeping too close to their area. Toffey had tried to climb up the tree where Devin was but found it a hard task and soon just settled back where he was at. Devin kept watch from his perch and could see sentries get sent out and could make out the enemy camp. They were a bit farther out but they had moved their camp to be closer, Devin thought about what could be driving them.

Even without Devin’s help, the pikes had befuddled the charging men and getting through them and the smaller pikes had killed or injured their fair share. Force on force Devin was sure the Savians were losing men and mostly made it up at night during their attacks. Devin wondered how long would it be before he was in battle with one of their sneaky men or a Wizard. Devin gripped his bow and decided to leave it unstrung for now. He didn't want to warp the wood and needed to keep his bow in good shape. The day turned into Knight and Devin could see many torches being lit on the enemies side and on his side. Devin was about to remark that the torches only gave the Wizards a big target to hit. As if on cue, Devin felt a raindrop. It was just one at first but then a torrent started. Devin felt wet and miserable, he could only imagine how the people below him felt.

“Stay vigilant!” Devin could hear Knight Jeffries shout. “Do not let this water get you comfortable and killed. Stay vigilant and keep your weapons ready, we are near the front of the camp and if the enemy attacks they need to go through here. Do not be like those fools who are going to build little shelters and make themselves an easy target.”

Devin thought those were good words as he drifted off to sleep, wet and miserable but full of hope. Devin was grateful for the words, he had thought about leaving his tree and that could have proved fatal. The enemy used the weather to launch an attack, the sky was dark and the torches had all been put out. It was probably just bad luck when the enemy attacked, they had tried sneaking right through where Knight Jeffries had camp set up and had stepped on a sleeping form. Devin was still sleep but could hear the sound of metal stabbing through flesh as the victim cried out in alarm.

“Attack!” Devin heard as he looked around him.

The bushes below his burst into action as he heard the sounds of combat followed by the sounds of men being stabbed or worse. The sound that drew Devin’s attention was the sound of rapid light strokes of metal hitting metal, it reminded him of how fluid the Acolytes were when they attacked the big blond boy. Devin’s ears picked up the sound, it was where Knight Jeffries would be sleeping and the bushes around the area erupted as Knight Jeffries pushed his attackers out of the bushes and into the open with a bull charge. Devin could make him out clearly along with two attackers. The men tried to circle him but Knight Jeffries kept rushing at one of them, forcing them to move the fight further away. Knight Jeffries held his shield and swung his big axe, his opponent rolled under it and slashed out at Knight Jeffries armored arm. The other opponent held his hand straight out and began to chant.

Fire erupted from the man and bathed Knight Jeffries who had gotten his shield up. Devin had not spent the time idle and had his bow restrung and an arrow nocked. Devin could see their plan, the fire user would keep Knight Jeffries busy while the other one got into position to attack from the back. Only spot uncovered would be the neck and they were going for it. Knight Jeffries must have sensed it and charged blindly into the fire user who stepped to the side. Devin took his chance and fired. His arrow stuck in the side of the Wizard who stumbled for a bit but did not cry out. The other attacker stopped and started looking towards where he thought Devin could be as another arrow took him in the stomach. The man went to a knee and then stood up and had something in his hand. Devin shot an arrow through the shoulder but the man did not drop his hand. Strong wind came forth suddenly and threatened to blow Devin right out of the tree. Fire came from the other one and the tree Devin was hiding in was bathed in flames.

Devin had crawled around to the other side and cursed himself for forgetting his quivers and arrows, including the quiver he had received from his father. Devin only had the two arrows in his hand and dropped to the ground, hoping that the wet bushed could protect him. The fire stopped abruptly and Devin could hear the sounds of metal impacting flesh and hard. The wind stopped quickly and Devin ran to the last place he had seen Knight Jeffries fighting. One of his attackers lay dead on the ground, the other was using his magic and had Knight Jeffries stuck in place. Devin thought through the dark that it looked like the ground itself and reached up and started swallowing the Knight’s legs.

“You are going to pay for killing him,” a female voice snarled.

“Unlikely girl,” Knight Jeffries snapped as he struggled to free his legs.

Devin loosed his arrow and caught her in the back with the first one and kept the second one nocked. The Wizard went down as Devin started looking around him for other attackers. Knight Jeffries used the time to drop his shield and weapon to free himself. Devin saw one enemy during that time but the man had passed them by. When Knight Jeffries was finally free he picked back up his gear and looked over at Devin.

“Where is your shield?” Knight Jeffries asked.

“Probably burned along with my quivers,” Devin replied. “I only have one arrow and I will make it count.”

“Good job,” Knight Jeffries said. “We need to ensure our brothers are safe. Follow me and keep your eyes peeled behind us.”

Devin followed Knight Jeffries as the man weaved through the camp. There were sounds of combat but Knight Jeffries ignored them as he came upon a group of Knights that were fully formed up with their Squires behind them. Knight Jeffries approached the group and could see that they were in no immediate danger and started talking.

“My new Squire and I just took out two of them,” Knight Jeffries said.

“Two?” came a voice deeper than Knight Jeffries. “Are you sure?”

“Positive,” Knight Jeffries said. “They stumbled upon us and I brought the fight into the open. Thought it was my last night living since it was two of them and they would eventually use their magic. My armor took the worst of it, their little swords bounced right off me and my Squire started taking them apart with his bow.”

“Get back with other Squires,” came another voice directed at Devin. “And watch our back, we are going Wizard hunting.”

Devin followed the group that moved much quicker than Devin thought possible in the heavy armor. They followed the sounds of screaming men and eventually came upon a Wizard who spotted them. A strong wind spell hit and the Knights locked shields and kneeled. The Wizard tried to use the opportunity to get away. Devin ran forward and jumped. He landed on the shoulders of Knight Jeffries and another Knight and let his arrow loose. The arrow was a good one, it hit the Wizard right in the back and the man stumbled forward and then fell.

“I got him,” Devin said as he jumped backward to land silently behind the shield wall.

“You sure?” Knight Jeffries said.

“He fell about a hundred paces in front of you,” Devin said.

Devin saw the shield wall get up as one and followed behind. He had no more arrows or a way to defend himself as the wall approached the fallen Wizard. Knight Jeffries waved Devin forward. Devin quickly figured out what he wanted and started searching through the Wizards belongings. Devin found three crystals and touching them made him want to cry out. Devin put the crystals in his pockets and then stripped the Wizard of the two small swords they carried. Devin found a few weird looking knives strapped to a vest and took them as well.

“Check the boots,” came a deep voice.

Devin checked the boots and found a small dagger sheathed and took it. After Devin was done the group wheeled to find other Wizards but the enemy had fallen back and disappeared. The Knights kept up their watch and formed a circle with their Squires in the middle and them facing outward. Devin kept his hands on the twin small swords and prayed he wouldn't have to fight another Wizard while using the weapons. It took half an hour before the Knights relaxed, seeing them at ease made Devin’s heart stop pounding.

“They are done for the night,” came a deep voice. “Go see about your men.”

Knight Jeffries stood up and Devin followed him. Knight Jeffries had surprisingly lost no one but one man had been badly stabbed in the leg. They had killed one of the enemy but this man was not a Wizard, Devin found none of the strange crystals on him and his weapons were different. When Devin searched the other two Wizards he found more of the crystals and decided to keep them. In all he now had five of them along with six short swords and close to twenty of the little knives and three of the small boot daggers. Knight Jeffries put everyone to sleep until morning, Devin brought his haul up the tree and was surprised to see that a good number of his arrows and his quiver had survived, the water must have provided some protection.

CHAPTER 6

“You have made a necklace out of those things?” Knight Jeffries said as he saw Devin’s heavy new necklace. It was a simple leather cord and around it Devin had grabbed the crystals and tied them off to smaller cords to hang around his big cord like trinkets on a necklace. Devin thought the necklace looked tasteful if a little grizzly.

“I did,” Devin replied. “Never thought I would tangle with a Wizard before, let alone win.”

“Do not get a big head,” Knight Jeffries said. “My scars come from fighting Wizards, they are fast and deadly.”

“I will not Sir Knight,” Devin replied. “I don't know what I am supposed to call you.”

“Sir is correct,” Knight Jeffries replied. “You are good with your little bow. I never had much use for them but your skill cannot be denied. You are like the elves of old, quick and accurate.”

“What is Elves?” Devin asked.

“A race of people rumored to exist,” Knight Jeffries said. “Our records say that any mention of them was destroyed from any written text. There are many things that you do not know, things you will learn in due time.”

“I have gotten all of my equipment and started with its upkeep,” Devin said.

“That is good,” Knight Jeffries said. “The man who broke your bow has secured a replacement for you.”

“Already?” Devin asked surprised.

“The main part of the Royal Army already carries warbows,” Knight Jeffries said. “I believe he just switched it out. He handed it over but something about his smile makes me believe he did something with it.”

“Can I see it?” Devin asked.

“You will do more than see it,” Knight Jeffries said. “You and I are taking part in the day’s battles. I need to see your strengths and weaknesses and to do that I need to see you fight more. Do you have all of the throwing knives you took with you?”

“Is that what those things are?” Devin asked. “I still have them but they are secured with the rest of my gear.”

“Wizards use them and to great effect,” Knight Jeffries said. “In order to fight one you need to keep your heavy armor on and hide behind your shield. To unarmored men they are easy prey and Wizards keep them everywhere. Their magic is deadly but that is normally a last ditch effort, it is believed that their magic is not finite. Go to the tree you hide out in, your bow is at the bottom and return with it.”

Devin went to his tree and did see a bow there. It was gigantic, a little taller than his other bow and as stout as a staff. The string with it had incredible draw weight, even with the heavy bow his father gave him, Devin never had a draw weight like this. The string looked twice as thick as his last one and Devin knew he would really have to lean into his bow for a shot. Devin found a full quiver of some very thick arrows and looked them over, they were wicked looking things with barbs on them. Devin hung the quiver on his waist, it was significant weight to be walking around with and his bow felt heavier still.

“Tough draw weight,” Devin said as he found Knight Jeffries.

“Can you use it?” Knight Jeffries asked.

“Only one way to see,” Devin replied. “These arrows look like serious business, I would hate to get struck by them.”

“Well come on the Squire,” Knight Jeffries said. “Our leader, Knight Soler is supposed to be fighting with his men. We are going to bolster his ranks and provide support. When I tell you to leave, get from in front and get the rest you earned.”

Devin ate his breakfast and then followed Knight Jeffries. As big as Knight Jeffries was, Knight Soler had him by a few inches and carried a flanged mace, similar to what Devin was given. Devin could feel Knight Soler’s eyes watching him as he walked up.

“This is your Squire?” Knight Soler said in a deep voice. Devin thought he had to be the man who was giving out orders last night.

“He is and he has proved himself already,” Knight Jeffries said.

“He is a bit short,” Knight Soler said.

“But deadly with his bow,” Knight Jeffries said.

“He wears the crystals of the enemy,” Knight Soler said.

“Won in battle,” Knight Jeffries replied. “I need a place upfront to see how he fares with his new bow.”

“You have picked a horrible time,” Knight Soler said. “The enemy was angry about last night. Wizards have been spotted in the groups of men they are getting ready to send over.”

“You ready Squire?” Knight Jeffries said.

“I am Sir,” Devin replied.

“If your bow is not what you need, then take one of the others,” Knight Jeffries said. “Now prepare yourself.”

Devin could hear the battle chants and instruments of the Savians. Devin waited for them to run and sighted his bow. He would try for three hundred paces but if he fell short it would give him a good idea of his new bow’s strength. Devin loosed an arrow and heard the deep twang the bow made as the arrow flew. Devin knew the shot was good as soon as it left his hand, the draw was tough but the arrow flew straight and right into the chest of a surprised Savian who hadn't gotten his shield up yet. Devin sighted another arrow and let it fly, he wasn't as fast with his warbow but the results were far more devastating.

“Hit the one in the blue,” Knight Jeffries said and pointed.

Devin saw a man running in the middle of the crowd and fired, they were still over two hundred paces away when he was taken in the chest. Devin figured he had taken down six men before they got within a hundred paces. Shields started going up on everyone except one person.

“Wizard!” someone screamed out and pointed to the man Devin was looking at.

A strong wind spell hit which sent arrows flying off course. Devin stayed low as pikes began to come up. When the wind spell finished the Wizard dodged an arrow and knocked another down with his sword. Devin sighted him in and fired. The Wizard saw the arrow and was able to knock it off course a bit but it still hit. Instead of the center of his chest, the Wizard had a thick arrow sticking out of his shoulder. Devin sighted his bow again except this time he picked out one of the Savians who were closer. The man went down screaming from the thick shaft in his thigh and Devin already had another one nocked and waiting. As soon as the first Savian used his shield to knock aside a long pike, Devin caught him in the chest and thought the arrow had almost punched clean through. Devin started picking his targets, wherever the Wizard was, Devin was sure someone had eyes on him. Devin took down three more people before he was pulled back. Instead of leaving he stayed nearby in case another target presented itself.

Devin learned that although the bow was slow to fire, the arrows flew far faster than the bow he was using yesterday. The arrows were thicker and the arrowheads better made. Devin had another of the thick arrows sighted when the fighting became up close and personal. A Savian had his sword raised at Knight Soler and Devin took him in the face. Knight Jeffries had just cleaved a man with his axe and made Devin pause. The little swords the enemy had couldn't do much to the heavily armored Knights, the best thing to do would be to swarm them and grab hold of a limb. The enemy started doing just that and Devin could see both Knights being swarmed. The men around them started trying to hack into the Savians and Devin started letting his arrows fly.

Devin lowered his bow down as Knight Jeffries and the others started backing away. A spout of flame bathed the entire area, men from both sides were screaming and dying except for the Knights who held their shields held out in front of them. Devin was right behind Knight Jeffries when the man tripped over a fallen man as he walked backwards. Devin was able to bring his bow up and fired into the inferno and then ducked. Flames licked his back but were out quickly. Devin looked up to see the same Wizard now had an arrow going completely through the hand that held the crystal, making him drop it. Devin nocked another arrow and the Wizard dove to the ground and pulled out another crystal. Devin had just missed him and was ready to fire again as a strong and concentrated wind blew him off his feet and into the air at least twenty feet. Devin got his feet under him and landed softly as the Wizard started retreating. Devin sighted his bow but lost his shot because of the men screaming and running around. Devin lowered his bow for good this time, the enemy that were not yet dead met their end from the unaffected Knights who cut through the injured men. Devin looked around and could see that was not the case everywhere.

“We are being surrounded!” Knight Soler shouted.

“We should press forward,” Knight Jeffries said. “The field in front of us is clear.”

“Grab a shield and a suitable weapon, long pikemen,” Knight Soler said.

Knight Soler raised his big mace up and then pointed it at the enemy as the remaining men gathered around him. They began their march and Devin could see they were correct, there were none of the enemy in front of them. The two Knights led the way, their heavy armor making them slower than everyone else. The slow march across four hundred meters did not go unnoticed, the Savian reserves started forming up and Devin used that time to get to the front of the march and fired off an arrow. The arrow struck a man two hundred paces away and left him with a shocked look on his face. Devin had another one nocked and let it fly but noticed this one was harder to pull back.

“Toss that bow down, we will get it later,” Knight Jeffries said. “Quiver as well, someone give him your bow.”

Devin did just that as a man he had traveled with to war gave him his bow. Devin frowned when he didn't remember the man’s name and continued forward. Devin noticed the Savians were ready to fight, each of them had a pike ready but Devin noticed something else, none of them had any shields. Knights Jeffries and Soler recognized this as well, they formed up in front of Devin with their tower shields held high.

“On two and be prepared to loose,” Knight Soler said as he started counting.

Devin loosed an arrow and had another one knocked as he heard the impacts of arrows on the Knights shields. They were still moving forward and the count changed every time. Some times Devin had three seconds, sometimes four and sometimes one. Soon they were up on the pikes and the Knights went right through them without slowing. Devin found his targets easily, the enemy started pointing him out as he fired his bow as quickly as possible. Devin looked back and could see other Knights were crossing the field and had their men, they ignored the larger battle and were coming to reinforce them. The Savians had thought about surrounding the small group but now started pulling their men back.

The battle ended soon after. The Savians started backing away and the Royal Army, not content with defense, started charging after their foe and pushed them off of their campsite. Everyone was sent, even those not in the rotation and the Savians had no answer for the charge except fall back and regroup. Many of their supplies were left during the retreat, the Royal Army made sure they would have no time to retrieve them or their sleeping gear. Devin was told to grab all his items which weighed a bunch. He had grabbed his warbow and quiver, then he had to return to his tree to grab his other items. Devin was tired when he finally finished, the Knights were all there and were talking to what looked like important members of the Army. Devin waited with the other Squires he saw standing around.

“Well if it isn't the archer,” a dark haired boy said. “Anyone can be fancy with a bow, try getting up on your opponent where they can strike you back.”

“We are all on the same side,” Devin said. “If you forgot, the Savians are the enemy, not me.”

“He is just jealous,” said a boy with dirty blonde hair. “So am I. You were really laying it down out there.”

“Thank you,” Devin said.

“Don't fill this runt’s head,” the dark haired boy said. “So what he is good with bow, we don't fight with bows.”

“Are you serious Simon?” the dirty blonde haired boy said. “He ran off a Wizard and stuck him twice with his bow. You came in the back end of the fight, I was there to see it happen.”

“He got lucky,” Simon said.

“And all of these crystals around my neck are also luck?” Devin asked. “You are just jealous.”

“You take that back,” Simon said as he faced Devin.

“Or you are going to do what?” Devin said meeting the larger boy’s eyes.

“We can handle this,” Simon said.

“Yes we can,” Devin said.

“Enough of it you two,” the dirty blonde haired boy said. “If you want to pay him back, do it on the battlefield. You know those Wizards are not going to be happy they are finally being killed. I wonder if they are going to attack tonight? After last night I know they have to be hurting.”

“I know the one I shot will not be back,” Devin said as he stepped away and then frowned. “They are more gifted than we are.”

“Traitor!” Simon yelled.

“You go fight a Wizard then,” Devin said. “Show me what you got.”

“They are tough,” the dirty blond haired boy said. “Festus tried to take one on a few days ago and got his throat slit, disemboweled and his left hand cut off.”

“They gave Knight Jeffries problems,” Devin said. “They are quick with their little swords and tough to get off of you. If you back up out of their reach then they could use their little magic. Did you see that one I shot dodging and smacking down arrows?”

“I did,” the dirty blonde haired boy said. “I even saw one catch two arrows out of the air, one after another.”

“Why are you talking to this guy, Evan?” Simon asked the dirty blonde haired boy.

“Why not?” Evan said. “He seems like good people and he took out a few Wizards. This is the first time since we have been here that we have actually pushed the Savians back. They have a lot more people than we do but we still handled it.”

“Our nobles are coming soon,” Simon said. “Then you will see a real fight. This guy is just some archer. There are tons of them around, not everyone has what it takes to Squire to a Knight. What is he going to do when the fight is up close and personal? You can't have an archer when that happens.”

“I will get along,” Devin said. “But out here in the thick of it, with the enemy in my face and men dying all around me. I am showing my worth and not you or anyone else can match it. You choke on it, you choke on it good and long until you are red in the face.”

“Are those Wizards?” Evan asked.

“Where?” Devin and Simon asked simultaneously.

“Right there and there are a pit lot of them,” Simon said. “And they brought their Acolytes.”

“Oh pit,” Devin said as he looked at the three Wizards and their Acolytes. “I know that bunch and they already hate me.”

“How do you know an Acolyte?” Simon asked.

“They were at a party I was at when I tore into a knobber trying to get in my face,” Devin said and then stopped as he thought about it.

“A Wizard got into your face?” Simon asked.

“Not exactly,” Devin replied. “It was a Squire. He was huge, even bigger than the Knight Commander. Anyway a brawl happened and I tore into that one on the end pretty good.”

“You met the Knight Commander?” Evan asked. “As in the Knight Commander?”

“One milky eye and looks like he could fight a bear?” Devin asked. “Yeah I met him, he don't like me.”

“Even the Knight Commander hates your archer Evan,” Simon said.

“Silence both of you,” Evan said. “They are coming over here and we will show our unity. Man, their women are fine though.”

“And barren,” Simon added. “Like a desert thanks to their magics.”

“What are you doing here?” the Acolyte said with a sneer as Devin could see his brown eyes flare. “And where did you get that necklace?”

“He got it off a Wizard before we gutted him,” Simon said with a smile. “You should have heard him rolling around and crying on the ground.”

“Liar!” a brown haired girl said. “You didn't take down any Wizard. You must have stolen those.”

“From where?” Evan asked. “We do not have any Wizards or Acolytes on our side.”

“I knew the Knights were pathetic but they accepted you to join,” the male Acolyte said.

“I beat the pit out of you,” Devin replied. “You didn't do enough of your fancy jumping and you bobbed when you should have weaved. Last time I saw you, they were helping you up to get you away from me.”

“Ha!” Simon said. “Beaten up by the smallest Squire around.”

“That was you?” the other female Acolyte said as she walked over towards Devin. She was shorter than he was, more than a head and was petite. “That was you. You started the whole thing when you punched out that blond boy. You were not a Squire then.”

“My Da taught me to not take shine off of anyone,” Devin replied. “He asked for that when he put his hands on me. I didn't see you backing away from a fight either. Now that I am remembering, all of you were there with your little crystals laying people on the low.”

“Of course they need magic to do anything,” Simon said as he looked over the Acolytes.

“Well we have done our posturing,” Evan said. “Why are you lot here? I thought you were neutral?”

“None of your business,” the blond girl said looking at Evan.

“So this is how it is, is it?” Evan said. “We can continue this if you want, snapping and yelling at each other. Or we can pretend to be civilized. All of us are in training to become peacekeepers or am I missing something?”

“There is no way you beat a Wizard,” the male Acolyte said. “Not even a fallen one would lose to someone like you.”

“They would if they didn't see me coming,” Devin admitted. “When my bow starts singing, not even their fancy magic and slapping arrows out of the air helped them. Well that and my Knight is huge and armored. In an unarmored duel I have little doubt of who would win. You lot are too fast and shifty to lay into properly. In war though, well Knights are built for this sort of thing.”

“An archer,” the blond girl said as the rest of the Acolytes nodded. “You have to watch out for the archers. They are sneaky and can get the drop on you.”

“My name is Devin and I am done with this fighting,” Devin said as he held his hand out to the male Acolyte.

“As if I would,” the male Acolyte said as Devin shrugged his shoulder and held his hand out to the brown haired girl.

“Acolyte Viper,” the brown haired girl said as she returned the handshake.

“Viper?” Devin said as he broke the handshake.

“What, are you poisonous?” Simon laughed.

“Yes,” Viper replied which made Devin take a step back. “But only to those who break the law.”

“Well none of us plan on doing that,” Devin said. “So what brought you all here? Isn't this going against your neutrality?”

“None of your business,” the male Acolyte said. “And I want a rematch.”

“In the middle of a war?” Devin asked. “I think I’ll pass. You had your chance.”

“Acolyte Cobra,” the blonde girl said as she stuck out her hand.

“Devin,” Devin replied with a shake and a confusing expression.

“What is wrong Squire Devin?” Cobra asked.

“Why are you all named after snakes?” Devin asked.

“It is self explanatory,” Simon said. “You should trust them as much as you would an actual snake.”

“No you oaf,” the male Acolyte said while rolling his eyes. “It is just the level of training they are in. They will get new names when they complete it and become full Wizards.”

“Who you calling an oaf?” Simon asked as he got up on the male Acolyte.

“You,” the male Acolyte replied. “Now what are you going to do about it?”

“Not worth it,” Evan said as he got in between the two. “This is the first time any of you have gotten to meet your counterparts. Maybe you should spend this little time getting to know each other in case your paths ever cross again.”

“Sounds like wisdom,” Devin said as he got between the two. “Can any of you show me how to work this thing?” Devin finished as he held up a throwing knife.

“Where did you get that?” Cobra said as she snatched it out of his hand.

“Got it from the man I killed,” Devin replied. “Had a bunch of them but I never saw him use it.”

“You aren't meant to use it,” the male Acolyte said.

“Then it is a contest,” Devin replied. “I know you are supposed to throw this thing but I do not know the technique. Teach me and I will give you one of my crystals.”

“I am not teaching you anything,” the male Acolyte snapped and fixed his face into a frown as he looked at the crystals. “I will show you the basics but one such you will not have real skill in it like we all do. I am also not going to be teaching you all day, you either get it or you don't.”

“Deal,” Devin said and stuck out his hand. The male Acolyte reluctantly accepted it. Devin followed him over to a tree. The Acolyte produced his own throwing knife and looked over at Devin.

“Real throwing knives have no edges and a thick sharp point,” the male Acolyte began. “The edges of the blade should be dull and not able to cut. Fancy blades mean nothing, no designs or any other foolishness you see others with. Anything over half a pound affects your accuracy, any holes in the blade means it will not last as long as others. As a beginner, you should watch your toes, these are sharp and will puncture skin.”

“Good to know,” Devin said with a nod.

“Your grip is on the blade itself, handle towards the sky” the male Acolyte said. “There are many different throws you can make depending on your distance to the target. I am going to show you the spin and a half throw, it is good for targets about four paces away.The main thing is to have the correct throwing motion, the accuracy and power comes later.”

Devin watched the male Acolyte toss the knife. The first time he had an overhand throw, the motion was fluid and stuck into the tree he was aiming at. He pulled another throwing knife and repeated the same movement. Devin paid close attention to his grip and his release and could tell the Acolyte had thrown many times before. After the fourth throw Devin stuck out his hand to get back the throwing knife that had been taken. His first throw felt awkward, the knife left his hand and managed to stick in the tree but it was off from where he wanted it. Devin grabbed another of his knives and tried again, it was still not where he wanted it.

“Bring your elbows in more,” the male Acolyte said.

Devin brought in his elbow a bit and let the knife fly. It was closer than it had been and Devin was moderately happy. Devin untied one of the crystals which felt weird to his touch and gave it to the male Acolyte. Devin retrieved his three throwing knives and tried throwing again. He was getting closer to where he wanted it but it was not a crisp throw. Devin thought back to the throw he saw the male Acolyte do and snapped his wrist a bit harder. It was three fingers away from where he wanted it and Devin noticed it left his hand a lot faster. Devin kept snapping his wrist and putting more power into the throws. He was hitting very close to his target so he decided to back away a little. Devin kept up his throwing and was getting better with his accuracy. The power he could put into the throw was sizable and Devin thought he was reasonably accurate at thirty paces.

“Your Squire has talent,” Devin heard a female voice say. This was the voice of a woman instead of a girl. Devin ignored it and continued with his knife throwing, he was now at forty paces and thought he did a decent job of finding the target.

“I can't believe you admitted that,” Devin heard Knight Jeffries say.

“I do not hate you Gerald,” the woman said in a soft tone that Devin was sure he wasn't supposed to hear. “But you broke my heart.”

“And you left me looking like a monster,” Knight Jeffries said angrily.

“You shouldn't have done it,” the Wizard said. “How is she anyway?”

“She left soon after I was healed,” Knight Jeffries said. “No one wants to live with a monster.”

“You could always leave this life and come with me,” the Wizard said. “I still love you despite cheating on me. I know you want a child, there are plenty of them around.”

“No,” Knight Jeffries said. “My place is here doing the good work.”

“Still an idiot,” the Wizard said. “Still worried about what your buddies would think. Your Squire, he prefers ranged weapons?”

“He is good with them,” Knight Jeffries said, raising his voice. “Best I have seen. I will get him his real armor and make a proper Squire out of him.”

“He looks undersized,” the Wizard said.

“Much bigger than the ones you brought,” Knight Jeffries said as Devin let a throw go at fifty paces.

“That's what it is, right there!” Devin said as his knife sank into the spot he wanted it to.

“Do you think you could best any of the Acolytes?” Knight Jeffries said loud enough to be overheard.

“I think they would find me hard to beat and I just got started with it Sir,” Devin said loudly. “They got the accuracy but not the power like this.”

“Is that a challenge?” the female Wizard asked.

“It is Tasha,” Knight Jeffries said. “Bring your best Acolyte. In fact you can join in along with any other Wizard who wants to be embarrassed.”

“Is that so?” the Wizard Devin now knew was named Tasha said. “Then you have a silver on this?”

“I do,” Knight Jeffries said.

Devin became a little nervous as he went to grab his knives from the target. Devin pulled them out and saw the blond Acolyte Cobra come over with her throwing knives. She looked at Devin and gave him a smile that Devin thought wouldn't be out of place on a crocodile. It was the smile a predator gave prey and Devin took a deep breath and held his knives loosely.

“You challenged me to a throwing contest, Squire Devin?” Cobra asked. “That is the problem with you Knights, you see a female and think we are easy prey. I am in training to be a Wizard and have been since I was too young to walk or speak while Squires are only taken once they reach a sufficient size.”

“I could take on anyone,” Devin said. “I think I picked it up well enough.”

Cobra said nothing as she went up to the tree and marked out a target with her knife about two hands wide. She backed up about six paces and tossed to knives rapidly and then went to retrieve them. All of them landed dead center and she went ten paces away and did the same thing. She was satisfied at ten paces and held up three knives for Devin to look at. One by one, all three knives sank into the center. Devin pulled out his three knives and matched her feat which made Cobra raise her brow a little. Devin stepped back fifteen paces and repeated his throws, they were solid and Cobra matched them. Devin could see her weakness, she was putting her entire body behind the throws and they did not have the same velocity. Cobra walked up until she was ten paces away and threw again. All of them found the target and Devin matched her. Devin then stepped back thirty paces and let his knives fly. They were not dead center but still in the target. Cobra looked nervous as she let her first knife fly, it was too short and landed below the target. The next knife was a bit higher and nicked the bottom of the target while the last was off to left and too short.

“Bring in your male,” Knight Jeffries said. “Your girl is just too small to do anything. And the bet is now two silver so you can win your money back.”

Devin could see the other Wizards who had come had been watching the match along with most of the Knights and Squires. Devin grabbed his knives and waited for the surprised looking male Acolyte who had a look of amusement on his face. That amusement was gone when Devin sank three knives into the target at forty paces. They were not as tight as they could have been but all struck the target. The male Acolyte gasped at the display and went to try it himself. Only one stuck in the wood near the target, the others were wide. The male Acolyte sneered at Devin and pulled out the Crystal Devin had given him.

“Adultero Flamano!” the Acolyte screamed as fire shot out in a straight line, almost like a whip. The fire licked the tree and the male Acolyte brought the crystal up until the flame landed on target and started scorching the knives. The male Acolyte smiled and tossed the crystal to Devin who caught it. Devin looked at it weirdly and held it out like the Acolyte had done and repeated the same words. Devin could feel energy pulse through his arm but it felt wrong, fire erupted from the crystal and struck the tree dead center. Devin dropped the crystal and grabbed the forearm that held it.

“What the pit!” Devin screamed as he flexed his hands open and closed.

“That should not be possible,” Wizard Tasha said as she ran over and picked up the crystal.

“How did you do that Squire?” said another Wizard as he approached Devin who was trying to get all of the pain out of his arm.

“Same way he did,” Devin snapped as the pain in his arm started lessening.

“Both of you get away from my Squire,” Knight Jeffries said. “Come Devin, leave your knives.”

“All magic belongs to the Wizards,” Tasha said. “It is the law!”

“Then tell that to the ones the Savians have that you have yet to discipline,” Knight Jeffries said. “Come Squire.”

Devin followed Knight Jeffries and could see the other Knights were right behind them. Knight Jeffries walked them to a small clearing and told Devin to sit down. Devin sat down and Knight Jeffries told the other Squires to stand watch.

“How did you do that?” Knight Soler asked.

“I just held out my hand and repeated what the Acolyte did,” Devin said as the pain finally went away.

“It should not have been possible,” Knight Soler said. “The Wizards go through some sort of rituals to be able to cast magic like that.”

“It hurt a lot,” Devin said.

“Their bodies are trained and they are given some sort of drinks while they are small to deaden most of the nerves. That is the reason they rarely cry out, you noticed the one you took with an arrow in the shoulder was not bothered by it too much?”

“So that is what it is,” Devin said. “Well that hurt a lot Sir.”

“We have to get your Squire out of here Jeffries and you along with him,” Knight Soler said. “Those Wizards do have a claim, however thin it is. With you gone, we can find out all there is. Get him to the Knight Commander.”

CHAPTER 7

Devin rode hard with Knight Jeffries, his armor was discarded so the horses could last longer. When the horses were tired they changed them out often and when they were ready for sleep they took carriages to stay on the move. When they finally got to Rew, the capital city and one of the main residences where the royal family lived, they stopped. Devin didn't even get a time to gawk at anything, instead he was brought straight to the Citadel, the name of the place where all Squires are trained. Knight Jeffries was angry to learn that the Knight Commander was not present. As a contingency he grabbed whatever Knights that were present and had them follow him to the courtyard.

“What is this all about Gerald?” an older man said angrily. “We have things we have to do, we are in the middle of a war.”

“I know we are in the middle of a war, Master Katee,” Knight Jeffries replied. “But we do not have much time and my mission is of the utmost importance. Anyone of you who wishes to leave, do so now. I am certain the Knight Commander and perhaps the King himself will be cross at you and turn you loose. This is the only time I am explaining anything. Your jobs for the next couple of days is to find out as much as you can about my new Squire.”

“He is your new Squire?” came another voice. “He is a little short for the job.”

“And has killed at least twenty times his weight in men including three Wizards,” Knight Jeffries replied.

“Impossible!” Master Katee said. “Those bastards are as slippery as they come. A full Knight would be celebrated for killing even one of them and you are going to tell me this boy has killed three?”

“For all intents and purposes,” Knight Jeffries said. “Which is why we are here right now. You had to have noticed the number of their crystals that he carries.”

“All of you go get something to write with,” Master Katee snapped. “Put every Squire in the building on guard duty. No one gets in or out of this place unless they belong here or are a landed noble. Get to moving, Gerald you and your Squire stay here.”

“It is more special than you think,” Knight Jeffries said. “For that I need to tell you a story and I do not want to be interrupted. What you hear will make you want to interrupt me, either angrily demanding answers and thinking your time was ruined or in wonder. Please do not, just listen to my tale.”

“Go on,” Master Katee said.

“My Squire Festus had been killed a few days prior,” Knight Jeffries began. “He wanted to take out a Wizard on his own and did not bother to use any armor. He died and did so horribly which served as a lesson to the others. My new Squire was pressed into service because he is an archer, I had no use for his services. He mentioned he wanted to be a Squire but I would not be seen with an undersized archer until the actual fighting began. It seemed as if every shot he took killed or hobbled a man. Those rushing us found it hard to keep him off of them, the closer they got, the faster they fell. The enemy became so focused on him that the soldiers under my command were able to kill the unwary. Our deeds of that day were praised by a few Army Officers and may be in a report somewhere soon. It was because of him and his bow. I took him for a Squire immediately after that. It was in the night during the Savian Wizard’s attacks that he really proved himself worthy.”

“Break in your story,” Master Katee said and held his hands up. “Your Squire was the deciding factor in the battle, not you?”

“It was like the elves were reborn,” Knight Jeffries said. “Many men were dead before they even reached me.”

“Continue,” Master Katee said.

“I hide my men in the worst places to sleep,” Knight Jeffries began. “The Savians attack at night and all of those pretty tents in rows attract Wizards. They had killed at least twenty men every night, they are good enough to bypass our sentries. That night either them or one of the Savian elite soldiers tried creeping up on the sleeping Royal Army and ended up stepping on one of my men. My man gave a curse and protested, the enemy stabbed him in the leg and he screamed out. I was up and ready as I noticed I had startled a Wizard. I burst out into the open area, my armor couldn't fight in such close quarters. I didn't notice there were two of them until too late. I prepared myself to die but I wasn't going without a fight. They got more than their hits in, my armor turned most of it away but they hadn't used their magic yet. One of them bathed me in fire, that is when I heard one of them cry out and saw an arrow sticking out of the fire user. Both Wizards started using their magic then, they were looking for my Squire. My Squire took the uninjured Wizard in the gut with an arrow but the Wizard stood proud to deliver his spells. In a lack of awareness the other one joined him and I was able to bring my axe down and deal with one of them. The one with the gut wound was brought down soon thereafter. I joined up with Knight Soler and my Squire took another Wizard down. My Squire gathered war trophies which is where this tale really starts.”

“The trophies being those crystals around his neck?” Master Katee asked as most of the other Knights started returning.

“Yes,” Knight Jeffries began. “Wizards and their Acolytes approached us, not from the Savian side but from our side.”

“There has been much happening that you do not know,” Master Katee said. “I will tell you their story, but I want you to continue.”

“Our Squires and their Acolytes do not mix,” Knight Jeffries said. “A few weeks ago at a party, my Squire met that particular group of Acolytes. A fight started and my Squire was able to get the best of one of them. That Acolyte hated my Squire but noticed the crystals around my Squire’s neck. My Squire wanted to learn how to use the Wizard’s throwing knives and was willing to trade one of the crystals for the instruction. In an hour’s time he was as accurate as could be and I told a Wizard there I bet a silver that my Squire could beat any of their Acolytes throwing those knives.”

“You placed a bet on a Squire who just picked up the skill, to beat an Acolyte?” Master Katee said unbelievingly.

“He trounced the first girl and I told the Wizard I was betting with to send in a male Acolyte,” Knight Jeffries said. “My Squire has their accuracy but the arm of a Squire, so he quickly made the contest one of distance. When the Squire he had fought previously lost, he pulled out a crystal and chanted a spell. His spell burned the target they were aiming at and he tossed over the crystal to my Squire. The only opinion in my story is that I think the Acolyte was embarrassed at losing to a Squire and wanted to prove that he didn't need throwing knives. My Squire grabbed the crystal and held it out. He repeated the chant the Wizard did and fire erupted from his hands.”

“What?!?” came a voice from somewhere behind Devin. “Do this again.”

“He cannot keep it up for long, but my story has not yet ended,” Knight Jeffries said. “The Wizard demanded he be turned over and started quoting a law about magic being the sole property of the Wizards as agreed upon by Kings and Queens past. Knight Soler told me to travel here as fast as possible. I took carriages when it was time to sleep and left all of our gear to get here swiftly. When I returned I gathered all of you and now we are here.”

“Tannel, go get me the spell book,” Master Katee said. “You there Squire, do you think you can cast that spell again?”

“I think so,” Devin said as he pulled out a crystal. “It hurts a lot, it feels weird even holding this thing.”

“Let me see it,” Knight Jeffries said and took it. “This does not feel uncomfortable, just a little warm. Probably from the magical energy inside. Do your spell and do not be scared. This deed of yours could place you in our history as one of the most influential Squires ever.”

Devin did his chant and braced himself as the pain ripped up his arm. The magic flicked across the courtyard and Devin focused on a particular brick. Devin ended up having to drop the crystal and grabbed his forearm in pain. Knight Jeffries picked up the crystal and did the same chant, nothing happened.

“This is unprecedented,” Master Katee said. “Many things have happened since you left. His Majesty summoned some of the Wizards and accused them of breaking the Treaty. They said the Savians had rogues on their side, that the Wizards still had neutrality. His Majesty countered that the Savians then are breaking the Treaty and the Wizards are doing nothing about it, which makes them a party to also breaking it. They were angry but unable to counter what the King said, Wizards are going to fight on our side now. Those you saw were probably just the first going to bolster us.”

“I knew some of that story but not all,” Knight Jeffries said, then looked at Devin. “The casting hurts my Squire, he hasn't undergone the training they do to deaden the pain.”

“Maybe different magics do different things,” Master Katee said. “That was an intense beam of fire, maybe something like water would hurt less.”

Devin just gripped his forearm and waited for the pain to go away. Soon a book was given to him that looked new. Devin looked over the cover and the title was simple, ‘Known Spells of Wizards’. Devin opened the book up and found a water spell, it was supposed to give a light dribble of water and Devin thought it couldn't be too bad. Devin tried the water spell and it felt as if he was being blocked, he could feel the energy rushing inside of him but it stopped at his hand where he felt a burn. Devin put the crystal down and decided to grab another one, Devin tried the spell again and was still blocked, although the feeling from this one felt weird.

“What do you have?” Knight Jeffries asked, as the rest of the Knights looked on.

“These crystals feel different to me,” Devin said. “They are stopping me from casting but the feelings in each are different.”

“Then it is true,” Master Katee said as he looked over his shoulder at Knight who had an entire table brought out along with a quill. “The different crystals use different magic. I want one of you to study this fire crystal. If we can discover another one you will have something to compare it to.”

“I think I felt wind with this one,” Devin said as he held up the crystal.

“Try a wind spell,” Knight Jeffires said as Devin flipped through his book.

“This is supposed to be for a gentle breeze,” Devin said as he started the chant. Devin could see the clothing of Master Katee start to sway and the pain still raced up his arm, it was just not as severe.

“That still hurt,” Devin replied as he started shaking out his arm. “Not as intense as the last one, but it still hurt.”

“That is wind crystal then,” Master Katee said and took it. “One you compare the feel, shape, size or anything you can notice between this one and the other one. Squire I want you to find out how many different crystal types you have.”

Devin nodded and was able to find a water crystal, an earth crystal and another fire crystal. The water spell he tried felt cold, it was a different type of pain. Devin could hold it longer than fire but not as long as a wind spell. Master Katee spent the day trying to recreate what Devin had done. None of the Knights were able to do so but Master Katee was not upset. Instead he wrote down all of Devin’s thoughts and feelings while casting. Master Katee eventually called a halt and sent everyone away. Knight Jeffries and Devin needed a proper meal and a good night’s sleep and they could try again tomorrow. Master Katee invited them into his room for dinner, there was a table set up and three chairs were already present.

“It was her,” Master Katee said and looked at Knight Jeffries who had taken his scarf off. During their travels the man had a thin scarf which he tied around the top part of his head to hide his scars and deformity.

“How did you know?” Knight Jeffries asked.

“Because you didn't call the Wizard a male or a female,” Master Katee said. “That woman is not someone you should be playing around with. She has already proven that to you once.”

“Maybe I shouldn't be around to hear this,” Devin said and went to stand.

“Sit down boy,” Master Katee said. “Gerald was my Squire many moons ago, before I became Master of the Citadel. When he was your age, he somehow met an Acolyte and they snuck around and fell in love. When her Wizard found out about it, he barred her from ever seeing Gerald again. Wizards have some code where they cannot be in any relationships.”

“They can be in relationships,” Knight Jeffries said. “But since they cannot have children, why bother? Maybe the males can find a widow or a woman whose husband has ran off but what then? No woman is going to want her child following in the footsteps of a Wizard, why would she? The only thing that comes close to motherhood for a woman is to become a grandmother. I didn't care either way, I never knew my father and I grew up in an orphanage after my mother’s new husband didn't want me. Me and Tasha were a thing until her Wizard broke us apart. I was heartbroken and started tearing through women, barmaids, laundry girls, seamstresses, whores, whoever wanted it could get it. Tasha decided to leave the Order to be with me, right around the time I thought I found a woman to marry. She already had two children so me coming around had to be a blessing. She was beautiful and happy to have nothing to do but keep home. We were together for two years and eventually got married, of course I had been taking care of her for almost as long as I had met her. Tasha had come from the Kingdom of Barbia and found us together. She went insane and went to torch my bride, but I stepped in the way. Tasha thought I would wait for her, after all her Wizard was only angry because I was a Squire. My bride tried but she eventually wanted nothing to do with me. My scars were too great for her and she found someone else who said they would take care of her. That someone turned out to be a criminal and conman, everything fell apart after two months.”

“Did you take her back?” Devin asked.

“I probably would have,” Knight Jeffries chuckled. “But my Knight graduated me and sent me to the far reaches of the Kingdom. He threatened to have me disbarred if I came back before my three year stint was up. When I finally came back I found her living on the street but I was over what we could have had. She was pretty enough to finally land a city watchman, he is about thirty years older than we are and she has had four more kids since then.”

“Sounds like you got off lucky with her,” Devin replied. “I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but it sounds like she still wants you.”

“She does?” Master Katee said surprised.

“She wants me to settle down with her,” Knight Jeffries said. “This life is all I have known.”

“You have already made your money,” Master Kaytee said. “And you have had a good career. Why stay here? I think she is crazy but you are beyond your womanizing and she doesn't care about your scars.”

“You think I should lay up with her after she did this to me?” Knight Jeffries said laughing.

“Yes,” Master Kaytee said. “And I know you have at least thought about it.”

“Enough about her,” Knight Jeffries said. “What is to become of my Squire?”

“Hard to say,” Master Kaytee said. “The accords were written that said all magical persons belonged to the Wizards. It is not that simple though. It was written that way to stop any Kingdom from trying to buy a Wizard for their uses. If your Squire already has magic, then he was not trained by any Wizards. Who knows what could happen? Your Squire would be a fool to not at least learn what they could teach him. He holds no bonds or loyalty to them, whose to say he wouldn't leave on his own accord?”

“He would still not be welcomed into the Kingdom,” Knight Jeffries said. “Whatever job he takes could not be serving King and country.”

“But he could make decent money as a Wizard,” Master Katee said. “It is unknown if he can refuse them. Wizards could always just kill him, he wouldn't have a way to protect himself. If he at least learned what they could teach him, then he would have a better chance to protect himself if they ever bothered to hunt him after he left. The King will not risk a war with all the other kingdoms and the Wizards over a boy. The Savians will need to end their war soon or they will find themselves besieged on all sides. Maybe if they withdraw from the accords but who knows what problems that brings. Maybe every Kingdom withdraws?”

“What I don't understand is what took the Wizards so long to come put down their own?” Knight Jeffries said. “I have my opinions but we deal in facts.”

“You are most likely true,” Master Kaytee said. “We came up with our own elite peacekeeping force. Every Kingdom has watchmen but Knights were a step above. We have been handling business just as good as the Wizards which has resulted in less money being sent to them. They wanted to have us struggle against their people, eventually I think they would have joined in the war or their people would have went away. I think it was a setup, no Wizards really left the order, they were there to cause confusion. With their deaths at your Squire’s hands combined with the fact that he has performed magic, his days here are numbered as a Squire.”

“Thank you for your candor,” Knight Jeffries said. “Squire, it sounds like you may not have a choice. I do not think it will take them longer than four days to catch up to us. They will move as fast as possible once they learn that we have fled. I want you to spend the rest of the night reflecting on what you want to get out of your time here and if you know of other ways to cast magic. If it comes to the worst, the only way I can help you is by finding you a good teacher.”

CHAPTER 8

The Wizards came for Devin on the fifth day after he arrived at Citadel which was surprising. Devin had cast many spells and had learned things about himself that he decided to keep silent. Devin had read anything he could get his hands on, Knight Jeffries insisted that he read since the books in the Citadel likely did not exist anywhere else. Dell learned about the different races that was said to inhabit the world thousands of years ago. There were two races in particular that sounded too much like him for him to ignore, the elves and a group called the dwarves.

Elves were said to have lightning quick reflexes, uncanny accuracy, excellent balance and climbing ability and the ability to use magic naturally. Devin would have ignored most of it except everyone he had met remarked on his bow skills and he did defeat someone in a throwing knife challenge. Devin had always been able to fight, but from what he had been hearing there was no way he should have been able to dodge a blow from a Wizard and beat the pit out of him. When Devin tried casting magic without a crystal it came naturally to him. What was even more telling was that he found that he didn't need to really say any words once he knew what he wanted the magic to do. There was no pain and the feeling just made him seem alive. Devin did not look like an elf though. He wasn't very tall or slender, he was a bit taller than average but was nothing like an elf. His ears were not pointed and no one would have called him amazingly beautiful. The other race called dwarves also had him intrigued.

Dwarves were short and wide. Devin always had a decent back and shoulders, it looked like it would be more comfortable on a taller man. Dwarves had strength beyond that of a human and also had tough skin. Devin thought his skin was always tough but thought it was due to always being outside and his hands were the result of working iron. What convinced Devin was that the Dwarves had never gotten sick and were naturals at working stone, metal or wood. Devin was also good at these things, he thought he was better than his father was. Devin had began thinking he was a mixture of the two when he grabbed a stick and tried whittling it with a knife he was given. Devin had never been a sculptor but his impromptu statue looked like it was carved by someone with some talent. Devin wanted to talk to his father, Geflin would have answers he needed.

Knight Jeffries was currently yelling at the group of Wizards who had showed up for Devin. Devin knew the man was just being difficult for difficult’s sake. Devin left most of his weapons and crystals, the only thing he took was a bow that Knight Jeffries had made for him. It was thick but relatively compact compared to his warbow. It had a tougher draw weight than the bows the army had and Devin had thought he was a great shot with it.

“Squire,” Knight Jeffries said. Devin was surprised to find the man in regular traveling clothes and without his face covering. He had a travel bag packed and was talking to four angry looking Wizards, the woman Tasha being one of them.

“Sir,” Devin said.

“These Wizards wish to have words with you,” Knight Jeffires said.

“We don't want words!” An older Wizard with graying brown hair snapped. “We want him.”

“I will not let you kill my Squire,” Knight Jeffries said.

“We are not going to kill him,” Tasha said. “But we will question him.”

“I do not trust your Order,” Knight Jeffries said.

“And I don't care!” the older Wizard said.

“You should,” Knight Jeffries replied. “Because if something happens to him you would be seen as enemies of the Kingdom for all time. I am not an idiot and neither are my people. Wizards conveniently fighting for Savia is suspicious at best.”

“I have a signed writ from your King,” Tasha said.

“And I have a Citadel full of Knights that would end all of you,” Knight Jeffries said.

“We are not going to harm your Squire, Gerald,” Tasha said in a softer tone.

“You do not have to explain anything to this Knight,” the older Wizard said. “He has to obey his King.”

“And I am not a Knight,” Knight Jeffries said. “My name is Gerald and I am his mentor.”

“You are no longer a Knight?” Tasha asked, surprised. “Is this some kind of jest?”

“No,” Gerald replied. “And I will accompany Devin to wherever you are going.”

“You are not welcomed animal,” the older Wizard said. “You look as ridiculous as you sound.”

“And you can sod off you old crow,” Devin said. “You are no one special.”

“Silence boy!” the older Wizard snapped.

“Or you are going to do what?” Devin asked. “I am not scared of you, all you can do is talk.”

“You belong to me,” the older Wizard said.

“So you think I am going to be your slave now?” Devin said with a laugh. “You really are a nutter.”

“That is enough Devin,” Gerald said. “How many Acolytes can one Wizard take?”

“That is not of your concern,” the older Wizards said.

“Four,” Tasha said.

“I want my former Squire to be under you,” Gerald said. “I do not trust the rest of your order.”

“I said it is not your concern!” the older Wizard snapped.

“I can take him,” Tasha said.

“You are listening to this man?” the older Wizard said.

“I am,” Tasha said. “I think my second chance has come and I am not going to mess it up.”

“He can't come with us,” the older Wizard said.

“He is going to be my husband,” Tasha said. “He can come with me.”

“Wizards do not settle down,” the older Wizard said.

“This one does,” Tasha replied.

Gerald had Devin walk in front of him, outside of the Citadel there were eight horses and a small carriage. Tasha gestured for Devin to take a horse, Devin guessed the small carriage belonged to her and it already had a driver. The older Wizard looked disgustedly at Devin and jumped on his horse with the others. The first day was decent, no one talked to Devin, even the other Acolytes left him alone. When they went to their first inn to stay the night in was when things got interesting. Gerald had Devin speed shooting with his bow into a bale of hay that had been set aside for the horses that frequented the inn. In ten seconds, Devin was able to get fourteen arrows into someone from a distance of ten paces. Gerald had Devin switch to knives then arrows again. Tasha came out to watch him and didn't say anything but just studied his skills.

“He really knows how to use that bow,” Tasha said. “With magic, we rarely have a need for a bow.”

“He is fast,” Gerald said. “I knew he was something special when I saw him on the field of battle.”

“How is his fighting?” Tasha said.

“Unknown,” Gerald replied. “But he has caught an Acolyte by surprise and won before.”

“There is only one way to find out,” Tasha said with a smile. “Come over here Acolyte.” Devin stopped what he was doing and walked over.

“You need a name but I am not sure of where in the training I should place you,” Tasha said. “Our junior members are named after small mammals, like rabbits or mice. Our senior members are named after venomous animals. There are tests that you need to pass to have a more substantial name. For now your name is Fox. You will respond to that name. Foxes are crafty and often underestimated, you like you were and will be again. We are going to have an unarmed fight, see if you can hit me.”

“Do you want me to fight like a gentleman or how my Da taught me?” Devin asked.

“It doesn't matter,” Tasha said as she got loose.

“I just need a drink of water first,” Devin said.

Devin went to get his skin but used the time to pick up a hand full of dirt. Devin took a good drink of water and decided to keep some in his mouth. His Da said that liquor worked best, but a surprise was a surprise. Devin nodded that he was ready and Tasha gave him a ‘come and get it’ motion with her hands, waving him in. Devin charged but purposely stood a little short as he threw his first punch, it was a jab and Tasha easily weaved to the outside. Devin let the dust in his hand fly at her face then, Tasha brought her hands up as Devin stepped on her foot and turned into a punch. He felt bad for hitting the woman as solidly as he did but not for long. Her knees buckled but she did not seem to be in any real pain.

“Dirty trick,” Tasha said as she jumped around a bit. “Solid punch though, you got your whole body into it. I am finding it difficult to stand, I think you got me in the liver.”

“How are you able to speak from such a blow?” Gerald asked.

“You may have gotten the girl but you do not have my secrets and that would be telling,” Tasha said. “My body is going to need a few days to fix itself after that but let's go another round.”

“You are pathetic,” the older mage said as Devin just noticed him. “You got dropped by a brute who doesn't even have real training yet. Come at me boy and I can show you what a real Wizard can do.”

Devin went right after him with a big looping punch. The older mage ducked into it and was right up on Devin about to punch him when Devin spit the water in his face. The older mage flinched for a second and Devin stepped on his foot and started wailing. His opponent was giving short, compact, powerful strikes but Devin knew his hurt as well. Devin could feel the damage being down to his body and started pounding harder. The Wizard started trying to free his leg and Devin let it go as he charged forward and stepped on the other foot and was content to pound on the smaller man. The Wizard hit Devin down below, Devin crumpled and managed to wrap his arm around his opponent’s neck in a reverse headlock. Devin squeezed and tugged for all he was worth, his opponent just fought harder until Devin could feel the blows stop.

“I think he is out,” Gerald said. “How are you feeling boy?”

“Like the pit,” Devin replied as he tossed the older Wizard off him and laid on the ground. “He is too fast and his hits hurt.”

“Yeah but you were giving as good as you got,” Gerald said. “Your Da must be good at brawling.”

“He thinks so but I have never seen him in a fight,” Devin replied. “Taught me every dirty trick he knows. That stepping on the foot business is the one I am most proud of.”

“Well get up then,” Gerald said as he held out a hand and pulled Devin to his feet.

“If he had something sharp like a blade, I would have been dead,” Devin said. “But in a punch out against an old man smaller than myself, I like my chances.”

“Acolyte Fox,” Tasha said. “Your tricks are decent, we do not use them at the, well we do not use them. Now fight me without any foot stepping, dirt throwing or water spitting. A pure striking contest. You will learn that while against a single opponent, these moves could win you the day, but against many you would have to move and the time you took to step on a foot to wail could mean your death.”

Devin nodded and went after Tasha again, at first he marveled at her speed, she was dodging everything he threw. Devin backed away from her and tried a spinning backfist, that almost caught her and made her drop on her behind. Devin went to get the downed woman but she flipped up to her feet and now she started throwing strikes. Devin backed away and was trying to keep her off him. Devin was backed into a wall and put his hands up in surrender.

“She was reading you boy,” Gerald said as Devin could see the older Wizard was awake and frowning. “Every punch you threw, she was reading you like a book. You are faster than she is, stronger and longer as well. She just knows how to fight and you are a decent brawler at best.”

“He is a cheat using illegal moves!” the older Wizard said. “But you have promise boy. Your headlock was a good one, it was sound and effective. Your body is also well trained but something about you isn't right.”

“I noticed that as well,” Tasha said. “Your body is not as trained as it needs to be. You flinched and felt pain where there should have been none.”

“No pain?” Devin asked. “Are you serious? He is older than I am and I am sure he was putting his all into it.”

“The magic,” the older Wizard began. “Where are your crystals?”

“Given away,” Devin replied.

“What do you mean given away?” the older Wizard said angrily. “Do you have any idea how much that costs?”

“No,” Devin replied truthfully.

“You both know that the reason I left in a hurry was to get as much information out of my former Squire as I could,” Gerald said. “It would go against my code if I left the order and then started betraying secrets of another. It wouldn't be right. While I was a Knight, I felt it prudent to learn all we could about Wizards and magic. The crystals are with Master Kaytee under careful study.”

“And what did you find out?” Tasha asked.

“That different crystals are for different magic,” Gerald replied. “That the crystals themselves hold the magic power, not the Wizard. It explains why Wizards prefer to fight without using magic, it is mostly a last resort.”

“And this is the man you wish to bring into your home Tasha?” the older Wizard said.

“He was doing what he thought was right,” Tasha replied. “What else did you learn?”

“That different magic takes a different toll on the body,” Gerald said. “Other than that, not much.”

“Were any others able to use magic?” the older Wizard asked.

“That would be telling,” Gerald replied. “The only things I would tell, I already did. The Wizards are seen as untrustworthy, you should have ended some of your number joining the Savians before you did. It also does not look well that you all hurriedly went after my apprentice when you had known Wizards were fighting for Sapia and did nothing.”

“Are you accusing us of…” the older Wizard said and furrowed his brow. “It looks exactly that way.”

“Which is likely to make the Wizards fall further in the eyes of the King,” Gerald replied. “He likes having his Knights. We are decent at stopping things in the Kingdom, our size and gear make a lot of would be criminals think twice about committing a crime. The best part of it is that we belonged to the King, whereas the Wizards do not.”

“We can take a Knight apart,” the older Wizard scoffed.

“That you could, in a fair fight,” Gerald admitted. “But I am often wearing armor much thicker than your little swords could break through. Add my shield and my axe into it, things get interesting. I was able to hold off two Wizards and force one of them to use his magic to defeat me.”

“You held off two Wizards?” Tasha asked.

“I did,” Gerald replied. “My Squire is the best with a bow I have seen. It was dark and they did not know he was there until one of them were wounded.”

“Archers,” the older Wizard said and spat.

“Archers are the only way to fight a Wizard,” Gerald replied. “Maybe throwing knives, but arrows definitely. Straight on I have seen a Wizard snatch an arrow out of the sky, catch them unaware and they are like everyone else. Second rule to being a Knight, do not let your size, skill or armor substitute for awareness.”

“You have a point, Knight,” the older Wizard said. “It does not look well on us that we hurriedly snatched your Squire because he had magic. I was in no hurry to put down our people who joined the Sapians. Some of my number would have been killed and I was not in a hurry to help your Kingdom because of the disrespect we receive whenever we are in your Kingdom. I did write the Grey Fortress and let them know. It wouldn't have been my place to bring them in anyway, but it was still something I was content with.”

“You admitted that Dontrell?” Tasha asked.

“We are Wizards,” the older Wizard said. “We don't lie and we are supposed to use logic. The war is still going, who knows if we will get another chance at it. Tasha you need to bring your Acolyte to the Grey Fortress and await further orders. The council will be interested in hearing this story and seeing what your Initiate can do.

CHAPTER 9

Devin could see the Grey Fortress as they rode up, at least the walls to it. It was an odd place, it was built on a very steep hill and had sizable walls. Once Devin was through those walls there was a sheer drop and he had to take a ramp which spanned the interior of the wall in order to be flat enough that carriages wouldn't be out of control. The Fortress itself was on ground that looked level with the ground outside before the steep climb uphill. Devin was happy the others were not here or they probably would have made fun of him.

The older Wizard Dontrell decided to take all of the Initiates except Devin and bring them back to war. He didn't like the way his inaction made the Wizards look and wanted to change things. Tasha had a home in the town of Cephil, a small place where almost everyone was a Wizard or dedicated to serving them. Tasha’s home was simple, it was one bedroom and since she planned on living with Gerald, Devin figured it was big enough. They had only stayed there long enough to get Gerald settled in and then left. Tasha was insistent that they leave immediately to meet someone.

“It is bigger than the Citadel,” Devin said amazed.

“The Grey Fortress is where the best fighters are trained,” Tasha said. “You are bound to be a subject that everyone wants to learn. You can do magic which should be almost impossible. Your body is not trained for it, you feel pain when you should feel none.”

“Why not?” Devin asked.

“You have an oath to complete before I can tell you more,” Tasha said. “The secrets of our order is not for outsiders to learn.”

“Why did Master Dontrell not want you to get married?” Devin asked.

“A long story, but I will tell it,” Tasha replied. “The train up to cast magic is hard, your body has to be, uh, prepared for it. Part of the preparation leaves you sterile, I cannot have children and neither could Dontrell. This is especially true of male Wizards, I cannot fathom how you are able to cast and still procreate.”

“How do you know I can?” Devin asked.

“We will talk about it when we get inside,” Tasha replied. “We have a healer that will need to look at you to confirm my suspicions.”

Devin followed Tasha inside of the walls of the Grey Fortress. There were children about but they didn't act like children. These children had sticks and were being instructed on how to use them. They were in a formation and gave strikes as a Wizard called out blows. Devin rode passed them into the Grey Fortress itself. The Fortress was large enough to accomodate horses and Tasha rode hers inside. Devin followed her to an indoor stable and climbed off his mount when she did. Younger kids hurriedly grabbed the animals and Tasha led him through the massive structure. Devin was sure the building was at least a thousand paces across as he followed her, Tasha knew exactly where she was going and led him to a room.

“Sit down,” Tasha said as she pointed to a chair.

Devin sat down as Tasha disappeared. Devin thought he was in some kind of healing room, there were bottles of liquids and herbs and things all around. The only thing he found odd was that there were no cots. Just ten stone slabs that Devin guessed was where people were operated on. The acolytes probably hurt themselves a lot and needed a lot of medical attention. Devin was getting restless and thought he was there for an hour before Tasha returned. She had three women with her, all of them were old.

“This is Fox,” Tasha said and gestured towards Devin. “He can cast magic but has never been through the fortress.”

“The Knights have found a way?” an old woman with graying blonde hair asked. “This could change our entire way of life.”

“I do not think they have Senior Ashley,” Tasha said. “My Acolyte was new to their order and surprised everyone by casting magic. It hurts him to do so but he can.”

“And you are sure he never went through here?” Ashley asked.

“I am positive,” Tasha said. “He got into a fight and was able to best one of our Acolytes.”

“Impossible,” the woman who looked to be the eldest said. “It must have been a lucky punch.”

“He was able to land a hit on me and Darnell,” Tasha said.

“Where were you taught?” Ashley said as she walked towards Devin.

“My Da taught me how to throw down,” Devin said proudly.

“Your Da?” the last old woman said surprised. “What do you mean your Da? You shouldn't have a father.”

“I do and he taught me to brawl,” Devin replied.

“He is crude when fighting,” Tasha said. “But he can get the job done. He has also helped kill more than one of our renegade Wizards with his bow.”

“Archers,” Ashley said and screwed up her face. “I want to see your Acolyte cast magic for myself before I come to a conclusion.”

Fox I want you to cast your fire spell,” Tasha said. “It will not damage anything inside of this room. Use this to cast it.”

Devin took a small magestone from Tasha and took a breath. He hated the burn that was sure to come. Devin let it play in his hand and could feel that it felt like fire but that the fire was weak. Devin could also feel a little emptiness and quickly surmised that this magestone only had a small amount of fire inside. Devin held the magestone out and did his chant, the pain shot through his arm as the fire leapt from his outstretched hand and into a wall. Devin dropped the magestone and grabbed his arm. It felt like fire had gone through his veins.

“This should not be possible,” Ashley said. “That was fire but he is feeling the pain. Those not ready would not be able to cast at all.”

“And I do not believe he is sterile,” Tasha said. “Whatever technique that was used is different than ours.”

“It is worse,” the oldest of the women said. “He cannot even focus while casting the pain is so much.”

“But he is a boy and he can cast,” Tasha said. “While everything is intact.”

“Bring in our best healer to look him over,” Ashley said. “Once we know for sure, then we can move forward.”

The next hour had to be the strangest and most embarrassing thing that Devin had ever been through. A man came in, he was the junior healer but told Devin that the alternative was Wizard Meredith. Devin had to get naked in front of this man while he was checked out. The man looked into his rear, checked his stones and made him do different stretches. The man had a few instruments, some hurt like the burning iron while some tickled his arm like the feather. Wizard Cameron looked amazed at Devin’s results. The man freaked Devin out a bit as he paid too much attention to Devin’s stones but something about him made Devin think it was purely for medical purposes. When they were finished, it even got more embarrassing. Wizard Tasha along with Senior Wizard Ashley, and the other two who he found out was named Senior Wizard Carly and the oldest who was Grand Wizard Charlotte came in to talk about his stones.

“And did you feel them to make sure they were there?” Grand Wizard Charlotte asked.

“Yes, they were there,” Cameron said.

“I think I should check for myself,” Grand Wizard Charlotte.

“This is making me very uncomfortable,” Devin said. “Can we talk about something other than stones and whether they are there.”

“Fox,” Tasha began. “Maybe it is time you find out more but I am not sure of your status as of yet.”

“My status?” Devin asked.

“All Wizards belong to the Grey Fortress, at least they are supposed to,” Tasha said. “It is rare that anyone voluntarily leaves our order. Most people are kicked out during our final test. It is always tough but necessary. Most of these boys go on to be elite guards somewhere to survive. Maybe you have seen some of them and maybe you haven't.”

“What does that have to do with my body?” Devin asked.

“During training, we are constantly fed and treated with certain potions,” Tasha said. “It has to be rubbed all over the body. For some reason, it painfully interacts with a hormone men produce in greater amounts than women. That is the reason that most Wizards are women, many men do not want to go along with a known remedy to stop this pain.”

“What remedy?” Devin asked.

“Having your stones taken out,” Cameron said. “A very tough decision to make but practical. In a fight that is a weak point that any enemy would go after. It limits the production of the hormone tremendously and allows movement onto the next level.”

“But it is your stones mate!” Devin said horrified. “What happens when you want to have babies?”

“Wizards cannot feel anything down there anyway,” Cameron replied. “And although the attention can be flattering for the ego, sex is something many do not care about either way. The biggest reason is that all men who have tried to keep them, just could not cast spells.”

“Not at all?” Devin asked.

“Not at all,” Cameron said. “They are tremendous fighters, you would be amazed how hard it is to keep some muscle on your body with no stones. They do not have to worry about that. They are faster and stronger.”

“They are meaner and likely easily swayed by anything in a dress,” Ashley said. “They are not a good fit and never will be.”

“What will happen with my acolyte?” Tasha asked.

“He is not a Wizard,” Grand Wizard Charlotte said. “He has not signed any agreements and if he leaves he will end up like most of the others who have left.”

“It is not so ominous Fox,” Tasha said. “Exposure to filled magestone has a positive effect on us. It makes our minds sharper, our reflexes better and it staves off any internal sickness. A Wizard who has left the order would eventually run out of magestone, at least what gives it its abilities. There is also nothing for them to do. Sure they may get riches but then what? We do not taste food the way you do, our palette has been extremely muted compared to yours. Men do not enjoy secrets of the flesh and none of us can have children. It is a fleeting feeling of freedom. There is no where those that left can refill their magestones, it is one of the few types of happiness that many can enjoy. We do not need to hunt anyone down, they just cease being a Wizard.”

“Oh,” Devin replied.

“I will leave it up to your Acolyte,” Grand Wizard Charlotte said. “He can leave if he wants, however he will be followed and so will this father of his until I can determine if there are others out there trying to make Wizards. I would not be surprised if those that didn't want to move on to the next phase have tried doing just that.”

“Well Fox?” Tasha asked.

“I want to stay,” Devin replied. “If I get to keep my stones. If not then I will happily leave.”

“Then it is settled,” Ashley said. “You need to place your Acolyte. I think he is too big to start off with younger ones, he would most likely hurt one of them. I do not think he is up to task to train with the others his age. I think the name Fox suits him for now. I want you to stay his Wizard for at least a few more weeks until I can get a better handle on his abilities.”

Devin watched them leave and was excited he had made the cut. At the same time, he couldn't imagine being someone like Cameron. Giving the boys a good scratch was one of the simple things in life. Just to feel them in the hand and check they were still there was comforting. These poor bastards would never know the feeling, Devin thought. Devin was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn't notice that Tasha had remained behind and was looking at him oddly.

“What is going on up there, Fox?” Tasha asked.

“I just couldn't imagine going through life without any stones,” Devin replied. “There has to be a way to cast magic and still keep them.”

“No,” Tasha replied. “Which is going to be the reason you will become famous here. It is also going to give your opponents a weak spot they can target during training.”

“But no stones and no feeling,” Devin replied. “I haven't had the pleasure but I want to lay with a woman eventually. I know that is too much information and my Da would tan my hide for saying such a thing to a lady but it is the truth. I am not sure why you even wanted to be with Knight Gerald if you can't feel anything.”

“I forget I am dealing with the average young man,” Tasha said and giggled a bit. “The male Wizards can lay with a woman if they desired. It takes a longer amount of time to get ready but it can happen. And the women here do in fact have partners even if it is not advertised. Nothing happens to us down there and we can never get pregnant or sick. It only affects the men. I want to marry Gerald because I love and lust for him, even with his injuries. In fact I think it is even more so now. I doubt he will find many willing partners and would have no reason to stray. Many female Wizards here do not have families because we cannot have children. We also make enough coin to care for ourselves and are horrible keeping house. Every human craves relationships so we normally have many going in many towns, just nothing as intimate as I have with Gerald.

“You don't want children?” Devin asked. “My Da says all women want children and they will trap you into having them.”

“Of course I want children and so do the others,” Tasha said. “Adopting is harder than you may think. All unwanted children are given to us from all over the kingdom to turn into something other than a drain on the economy. I could easily pick from them but then who would watch over this child? Finding a reliable husband is harder than you may think. They want women to bear their children and hardly any of them want to just stay home and keep house. Those that do want to stay home are often lazy and not worth the time. All women I know would never deal with it. Gerald has already made his fortune and will find his peace in doing something rewarding to do when I am not there. He is also not opposed to raising a child that is not his.”

“So if you are a man, you basically get the raw end of it,” Devin said. “And if you are a woman then you are good as gold.”

“A lot of men feel that way in the beginning,” Tasha said. “And there may be a little jealousy but eventually they find their way.”

“So what now?” Devin asked.

“Well we have spells to learn but maybe they can come later,” Tasha said. “I think I should get you better trained in your fighting. You have strength and can really put your body weight behind your blows. The punch you gave me would have crippled a lesser foe and the fight would have been over at that point. You are a decent brawler but we get by on more than just strength. Wearing heavy armor is difficult for us, most of us are women and our men lack the muscles the knights do. Our style of fighting is different but maybe we can combine the two. What you learn from me is to never be practiced or spoken of in front of outsiders and that includes Gerald. We have a lot of work to do so we might as well start now.

CHAPTER 10

Devin woke up and stretched, his body was sore all over. His muscles ached, he was bruised and he thought he had a finger dislocated. He could have started that routine they went through in order to prepare himself for magic but it was normally started a lot younger than he was now. Devin was content to live with the bruises and the pain of getting them. Wizard Tasha was correct when she said Devin would be targeted, in the three weeks he had been here it seemed everyone was aiming for his stones. Devin thought they were sick and twisted and tried to make them pay in every fight.

Devin was not the best fighter amongst the acolytes by far. He couldn't use the dirty fighting his Da taught and had to fight clean. A lot of them knew how to fight and were hard to avoid. They also didn't feel pain like he did so small punches didn't do much against them. Devin had figured out his own technique to fight. He was willing to take a blow to get up on his opponent and land a punch. The others felt no pain but could still get their bell rang or the wind knocked out of them. Devin thought maybe a better term was that they couldn't feel normal pain. Devin would crowd his opponent and go for a head punch. It would rattle them a bit and some he would knock either on their behinds or unconscious. Devin was getting better at throwing a punch, his big hands seemed to be the perfect instrument for delivering punishment but he still took too many hits in return.

In hand to hand, Devin could afford to fight this way. He was reasonably quick, Devin thought he was faster than the people he fought against. They landed on him because they knew what they were doing, with weapons they were hard to stop. They used wooden weapons to simulate for steel ones, Devin would have died many times over in this form of combat. The only thing Devin could say he absolutely excelled at ranged weapons. Devin could throw knives with the best of them and had even outdone all of his instructors. Instead of just the small knives, Devin had started throwing small throwing axes as well. They were a heavier weight and he could really get his strength behind it. Devin could reliably hit a small flying target at forty paces with the axe. Devin enjoyed the feeling but then came magic, which was a mixed bag.

Devin had tried magic with a low powered magestone, the actual name the Wizards called the crystals, and discovered it didn't hurt as much. Devin tried it with a magestone with no power and found out that not only could he cast, but that the magic was coming to him easier. Without a magestone was the best way. Devin already knew he didn't need to speak to get the various spells to come to him. If he thought about it and focused himself, the magic would just happen and he wouldn't have the pain afterwards. The Wizards knew various spells and Devin hadn't learned them since technically he was not supposed to be practicing magic, only his fighting. The only time he practiced magic was during his off time with Wizard Tasha.

Devin decided to keep that he did not need magestone to cast to himself. If the Wizards were not worried about defectors since their ability to do magic was hampered, what would they think of him? Devin already had detractors, almost all of his fellow male Acolytes hated him. They saw him as a wanna be, Devin hadn't went through the pain they had of getting to the point they were at. Devin ignored them for the most part, even their attempted beatings meant nothing to him since they normally got the worst of it. Sure Devin was in pain, but he didn't have any concussions to worry about. Devin grabbed some soap and a towel and went to wash up before his day started. He had taken to getting up early because something he would never be used to.

Everyone bathed together, this wasn't an issue for the few other boys there but it was for him. It was difficult to keep his eyes to himself and impossible for certain parts of his body not to react. Devin had hid it for the most part but had to have a very embarrassing conversation with Tasha about what his difficulties were. She said she understood and gave him off times to go take a bath. This one today was especially important because today Devin would get to see Gerald. Gerald was like a stand in for his actual Da. Devin’s father wasn't allowed at the Grey Fortress and Devin could only visit once his training was complete. Even if he was, his Da was at war and wasn't with the Duke. He had to stay behind in a specially made smithy and churn out weapons and armor and wouldn't be given leave. They wrote to each other but it was different than seeing each other, seeing Gerald was far from his Da but better than nothing.

Devin hurried through his bath and was just about complete it when the three other boys around his age walked in. Adder, Krait and Gila were taller than he was, a good height for a squire but lacked the muscle tone. The three spent most of their time either exercising or training, they were a tough fight to have and didn't mind going up against him. The three hated him, Devin was sure it was because he had what they were lacking but kept it to himself.

“In here hiding?” Krait said. Krait was who Devin thought of as the leader of the other two. He was a better fighter than the others and was the first person to try to really hurt Devin. Devin had done his Da proud by holding his own but thought there wasn't any doubt that Krait was a better fighter. Devin thought as intimidating as Krait tried to be, his light voice just ruined the whole thing.

“From you?” Devin laughed. “No, not now or ever.”

“I am getting placed to go out into the field,” Krait said. “In a year I will be a Wizard and you will still be here.”

“So will your girlfriends,” Devin replied.

“Girlfriend?” Krait replied confused.

“You know,” Devin began. “It is no fun going back and forth with you if you don't even know when you are being insulted. Now what do you three want? You know I am not scared of you and I picked this early hour because no one is here. Don't pretend you were just in the area, the sun isn't even up yet. Only person you would be lying to is each other.”

“Alright then,” Adder said. “He is not as dumb as he looks. There are only four of us here out of three hundred, that are at this level. We want to know about Wizard Tasha, is it true she has a Knight at home?”

“That sounds like a Wizard Tasha question,” Devin replied. “Definitely not a Fox question.”

“You were a Squire,” Krait said. “What are they like?”

“Mean,” Devin replied. “Just like you all are.”

“We are not mean,” Krait said. “Putting you in your place is a public service. There are many fake wizards running around throughout the Kingdoms and it is our job to put them down.”

“I am not a fake Wizard,” Devin replied. “You all have fought me. I am not the best one here but I am far from the worst.”

“You feel pain,” Gila said. “I have nothing against you but real Wizards do not.”

“And I have beaten everyone here at least once,” Devin said. “I am only going to get better.”

“You still feel pain,” Gila replied. “I have fought against you enough times to know that you are a regular opponent.”

“I am faster than all of you are,” Devin said.

“You still don't know the moves and can feel the pain,” Gila said. “It will be the reason you die out in the field. Now we want to know about Knights and Squires. They are talked about as being our enemies, do we have reason to be scared?”

“Yes,” Devin replied. “You will be faster than they are. With magestone near you, you will be even faster than you are without it. You will be able to land on them at will, however they will fight you the same way I do. They will reach out and grab you and then bring the fight in.”

“I beat you when you grabbed me,” Krait said.

“You did,” Devin replied. “But there has been a few times that you didn't. You just know how to fight up close, yet I am sure your body let you know that you shouldn't put it under the stress I gave you. Knights and Squires are bigger than I am, they are tall and strong. You are used to being the tallest thing around, not when they are around. They command the attention of every man, woman and child in the room when they enter and our moves are not as effective as you may think.”

“Then how have you been taken down?” Krait said. “You have been beaten and humiliated little fox. I have had you screaming in pain to get out of a fight with me.”

“And I have smashed you in the head enough times that you stumble around like a drink and are unable to fight,” Devin replied. “The magestone helps fix your wounds and clears your head but there are times where you are vulnerable. Against the Squires, you would be susceptible to these kinds of attacks. Feeling very little or no pain is one thing, none of this matters when your body cannot physically continue.”

“I can avoid you little fox,” Krait said. “Your hits are pointless if they do not land.”

“You are a tough fight,” Devin admitted. “All of you are. Your minds are sharp and against a normal person you would be tough to battle. Against a Squire you would still be a tough fight. You are just not an impossible fight.”

“I have magic,” Krait said. “I have already begun casting spells. I would destroy any Knight, let alone a Squire.”

“Magic is tough to get away from,” Devin admitted.

“We are all supposed to begin casting spells today,” Gila said. “There is a rumor that you have already been casting spells.”

“The rumor,” Devin said. Devin knew that rumor was around, it was impossible to hide why a boy of his age suddenly started at the Grey Fortress.

“Yes the rumor,” Gila said.

“I have cast a spell before,” Devin said. “But I don't have a magestone anymore.”

“How?” Krait said. “We have all had to be dosed and treated many times with powdered magestone. Mixture made from it had to be spread all over our bodies to prepare to even use magic.”

“We all have been treated with powdered magestone, why haven't you?” Gila asked. “It helps deaden all pain. If you eat it, it allows your body to withstand the magic.”

“Because I can already cast,” Devin said.

“But how?” Gila asked. “If it was as simple as picking up magestone and saying a few words then everyone would do it, regardless of pain. Krait was deemed ready a week ago, Adder and I only got the nod today.”

“I don't really focus on it,” Devin said. “I know there are focusing classes and other things to get your mind right but I don't do any of it. It just comes natural to me, the magic is just ready to use.”

“How can you connect with magestone if your body isn't infused with it?” Gila asked.

“I don't know,” Devin admitted. “I don't even know how magestone gets filled. I only know I can cast the spells. I haven't really thought about magic since I got here, the only thing I care about is fighting. I think I am faster than you all are, I know I am faster than you all are. You all know how to fight and what to look for, it makes it hard for me to keep up.”

“I told you little fox was worthless,” Krait said. “If he was better, then we wouldn't still call him Fox. You both will get your magic, you just have to practice more.”

“I am not the worst Acolyte here,” Devin said. “You three are just the best and you are fighting a bunch of females smaller than you are.”

“And yet I can still beat you,” Krait said.

“For now you can,” Devin said as he finished washing up. “It will not always be this way.”

Devin finished bathing and dried himself off. The workouts they had him doing was different from the hard work that he had been doing with his father. These workouts stressed flexibility as well as muscles and Devin had to admit that he liked the look it was giving him. He lost a little of his bulk but the definition that was coming in was making up for it. Despite the other boys being better at fighting, Devin knew he was stronger than all of them and sometimes that carried the day when they were grappling. Devin put on the simple clothes all Acolytes wore and went to eat breakfast.

Devin hated breakfast here, these people only ate for the calories since their taste buds were fried. Sometimes things were heavily seasoned and the Wizards and Acolytes tended to like that but Devin thought it was disgusting. Meals here were either over or undercooked and mostly bland. He doubted Gerald ate that way and looked forward to having actual food. Devin looked around and grabbed his throwing axes along with a short sword. Devin could never grip the weapon right due to his big hands and couldn't wait until the one Wizard Tasha was buying him was finished.

“You are up already?” Tasha said as she walked into his room. None of the rooms the Acolytes were given had doors, it really rattled Devin when he first moved here since random people always just walked in.

“And ready to go,” Devin said. “Gerald has my bow and I want to get in some good work on it.”

“You think this trip is for you to relax?” Tasha asked.

“I thought so,” Devin said confused.

“That husband of mine has heard about your struggles and has his own ideas of how to help you,” Tasha said. “I am sure he plans on working you hard since he mostly sits at home all day keeping house.”

“Either way it has to be better than here,” Devin said. “No one should ever call what I have a mattress. All of my furniture is rough and hard.”

“It doesn't matter to a Wizard,” Tasha said.

“Because you can't feel much anyway,” Devin said.

“We can,” Tasha admitted. “Depends on the area. Remember what I said about secrets?”

“That there are some things Gerald can never know,” Devin repeated in the tone Tasha had often spoke to him in.

Devin followed Tasha out of the Grey Fortress and into the small town Cephil where a lot of Wizards kept their homes. Devin thought they passed by Tasha’s home from what he remembered of it. Tasha took him to a much bigger house, Devin was sure this was a different house. This one had a small stable and a decent sized yard. A huge warhorse stood in the yard and Gerald was out front brushing him down. Tasha walked over and gave Gerald a big kiss, Devin had hardly ever seen Miss Martha and his father act this way so he was a bit embarrassed.

“There he is,” Gerald said as he broke the embrace and walked over. “I have something for you, the sooner you try it out, the better things will be.”

Devin followed Gerald into the house, it had real furniture inside that Devin couldn't wait to sit on. Gerald gave Devin a weird looking coat thing he called a gambeson. Once Devin put it on he was given a breastplate! Devin hurriedly put it on, it had all kinds of straps and other things that fastened it securely. Once Devin had it on, Gerald made him throw a few punches. Devin thought they felt good and that the breastplate didn't hinder him at all. Gerald gave him a big shield and was trying to teach him how to use it.

“Wizards don't use those shields because they are too heavy and cuts down on attacking,” Tasha said. “We are strong for our size but a big shield like that would be too much.”

“There are attacking shields out there,” Gerald said. “I can attack with a big shield like that. You can bash people right out of your way.”

“Limits visibility too much,” Tasha said.

"Maybe a small buckler for the forearms," Gerald said. "I know you like your bow Devin and it wouldn't get in the way. No, what was I thinking? You need a vambrace boy. Something made of metal that will protect you from the bowstring when you shoot arrows. It will also give you another weapon to use if you find yourself defenseless."

"His main problem is that the others really go for the body," Tasha said. "He is too smart to give them free shots to the eyes and throat. He worries so much about them that he opens himself up to leg kicks."

"The breastplate will take the brunt of that off," Gerald said. "All he has to worry about is his legs, I think with that as the only target his opponents will find out that Devin could counter. Vambraces would really be helpful to block incoming attacks and keep him in the fight longer. It may not be with the people who train him want. I know you types don't use armor much and may not want him to either."

"He is under me," Tasha said. "I have the final say. I want him to focus on avoiding attacks instead depending on armor. The problem is that when he gets hit, he reverts to brawling to lay a big hit on his opponent instead of the fundamentals. Maybe with this armor he can focus on fighting and watching the cues his opponent gives him. He is better at fighting than he was but still has far to go unarmed."

"What about his skill with a blade?" Gerald asked.

“Only thing I am not worried about," Tasha said.

“You are not?” Devin asked.

“You often get off the first hit and you are hard to dodge,” Tasha said. “You leave yourself open to counters but the first hit is decent. Now get outside and let's fight while Gerald is here to watch you.”

Devin kept his guard up and threw a couple of fast jabs to test his range. Tasha was up on him and quickly got past the punches. Devin had played this game before, he brought up a knee and an opposite elbow. He would get punched but he should be able to protect his groin and give a good blow in return. He felt the blow Tasha gave him to his ribs, nothing but pressure. With the pain taken out of the blow he was able to bring his elbow down hard, Tasha had to roll under him to avoid it and she barely avoided his follow up backfist or axe kick.

Devin pressed as he fought, he could remember some of the fluid techniques and went into them. Tasha was barely moving out of the way of the blows and was able to get some blows in of her own but Devin pressed. Devin thought the breastplate gave him a lot of confidence, he still took blows to the arms, the legs and was hit in the head a few times but he was making Tasha work for it.

“Hold,” Gerald said as Devin and Tasha backed away from each other.

“You see something?” Tasha asked.

“It is almost like you both are doing a rehearsed dance or something,” Gerald said. “There are some variations to the dance but it is the same moves over and over. When I have fought a Wizard it is hard to follow. Now that I have seen you fight Devin twice and I saw Dontrell fight I think I am correct. You may be good at reading your opponent but more than that is going on here, you know what moves Devin is going to do whether you realize it or not. He upped the intensity but you were already moving out of the way before he even threw the strike. He needs more feints and more double moves. His body realizes what strikes you are going to throw as well, I can see him wince when he knows he is about to get hit.”

“I can't comment on that,” Tasha said. “But do you see a way he could become better than he is right now?”

“Feints and double moves,” Gerald said. “You lot are used to moving at a blistering pace so hardly anyone ever avoids any of your blows. Even against a Knight you can land at will, we rarely move out of the way. You also strike in such a way that you can only be attacked from one area, you often protect yourself from that. Those jabs he throws out could easily be shortened into an elbow. The knee he raises to protect himself could be changed into a kick. There are a lot of different things he can do to give himself a chance. To be sure though, I need to see you both fight in slow motion and I can go over what his counters might be.”

“You know I cannot do that,” Tasha said.

“Tell you what,” Gerald said. “I am going to teach Devin some moves. Do you mind if I ask him questions about where he normally takes the most damage from and what kind of hit it is?”

“That would be acceptable,” Tasha said.

Gerald had Devin throw different strikes and punches. He rolled a mattress up and tied it into a cylindrical shape with rope and had Devin strike it. Devin was amazed that he could attack from off balance angles and still have enough power on it to back people up. Tasha went and helped him with some moves. When they fought again Devin thought he did a lot better. He was still losing the fight but Tasha couldn't run in on him like she had been and had to really pick her spots to retaliate. When lunch was called, Devin was happy. He couldn't wait to go inside and eat real food.

“You seem excited,” Gerald said.

“I finally get to eat something other than mush,” Devin said.

“Training food is always tasteless,” Gerald laughed.

“I ate at the Citadel,” Devin said. “The food was a lot better and a lot more of it than where I am at.”

“Because you are a big boy who needs his calories,” Gerald said. “But I am sure they feed you until you are full.”

“The people that cook there are the worst cooks anywhere,” Devin said. “I know you don't eat like that and will feed me real food.”

“That I can do,” Gerald said.

“There is something I want to talk to you about,” Tasha said. “Something you have tried to keep hidden but is pretty obvious.”

“What is that?” Devin asked.

“The way you do magic,” Tasha said. “I have progressively given you the um, crystals with less and less magic inside of them. Twice I have given you crystals with no magic inside of them. When that happens, I have noticed you cast two different spells from them.”

“That obvious?” Devin asked.

“Obvious enough that no one has seen it fit to start preparing you to take less pain,” Tasha said. “Gerald already knows how the crystals work, the Knights figured that out through you. When I cast my magic, the crystal has to recognize my mind and body as being part of it. The magic circulates through my body and then back out through the crystal. That part doesn't tickle, it is mostly through the upper half of my body which feels far less pain than the rest. I have seen you cast and you are not affected at all.”

“I don't know how I do it,” Devin said. “I just do.”

“Well you both can talk shop after food,” Gerald said.

“Do you want me to make it like all of the other little wives in your Kingdom?” Tasha said.

“I don't want you to make it,” Devin said quickly, causing Gerald to laugh. “I know how to cook, my Da taught me.”

“Well then whenever you get a new name Fox,” Tasha began. “You can ask to cook your own meals.”

“Why haven't I gotten a new name?” Devin asked. “I am not the worst Acolyte there.”

“You can fight,” Tasha admitted. “But your knowledge of the laws of different Kingdoms is lacking.”

“I do need more study,” Devin admitted. “I wish I could just shut the other boys up. They keep getting the better of me. I have won a few times and landed some big punches, but even stumbling around they are still in the fight enough that they could hurt me.”

“Then there is a series of base moves,” Gerald said. “They strike quick and hard. The breastplate will stop a lot of boys, they will still be able to hit you but it will not feel the same. The Vambraces will help out a lot as well. I think the feints is where you will make your money. Especially if you can get up on them and grab. Pain or not, the body can only be bent so many ways and you can out muscle an Acolyte, even if they are stronger than they look.”

“In a real battle I am not worried about anyone there,” Devin said. “Not that we would ever fight each other. My axes are nothing to play with and I have throwing knives and when I get my bow back, well I don't see anyway that anyone could survive that thing.”

“That bow of yours is tough to fight,” Gerald said. “That sergeant gave you the biggest, toughest bow in the kingdom. You were still able to make it sing.”

“I got tired from the draw weight,” Devin admitted. “I want to keep practicing with my bow, it was a good back and chest workout and I have talent there.”

“You will get it back,” Tasha said. “But Wizards are made to work up close. We rarely see an enemy out in an open field somewhere.”

“Tasha,” Gerald said as he faced her. “You know I travel away from here sometimes to buy things, like actual furniture instead of the heavy wooden stuff you have.”

“I know,” Tasha said. “Hard to miss the giant horse outside.”

“What are Black Wizards?” Gerald asked. “I have heard some things, but I want it from the source.”

“Wizards who have left the order,” Tasha replied. “There are not many of them.”

“Well then I am going to let you in on a secret that I am not sure I should,” Gerald replied. “But I think it is something you and your order should know.”

“What is it?” Tasha said, confused.

“The Knights know of a small place where your crystals grow,” Gerald said. “I can guess your fortress is so big because it is sitting on a lot of the stuff. There are two other places that I know it grows.”

“Where?” Tasha asked seriously. “Where have you heard of this happening?”

“Savia,” Gerald said. “I can tell you the town and give you the location that we think it is located.”

“How do you know this?” Tasha asked.

“Because I know what started the disagreement to get the war started in the first place,” Gerald said. “The Savians know we have spell books and have tried prying any secret we can out of you Wizards. By we I mean the Knights, after all, we were made to replace you. They wanted that knowledge in exchange for magestone, yes I know the name you use. My King wanted the magestone but wanted to know about the training you all go through even more. Knight training is rigorous and we used to only take the rich. It should have been impossible for a man to get beaten up by a woman, yet the Wizards did it often. Eventually we started picking the largest men we could find and hoped strength could overcome your speed and skill. It worked a little but the best success we had was with our armor. We learned where you liked to strike and made sure our armor covered those points.”

“That is why you always picked fights!” Tasha said excitedly. “You never thought you could win the battle.”

“Partly,” Gerald admitted. “But it allowed us to protect ourselves and a Wizard would always have to resort to using their magic or just vacating the field. A large Knight in full armor is a hard lad to face one on one. You will score the most hits but our armor is hard to ignore. We didn't care about the secret of magic, that was a good way to get the other kingdoms to come after you. The only thing we cared about was your training. Could you imagine a man my size moving like you all do? Your men are taller than normal but look at my size. I would be an unstoppable force, especially if I were in armor. The Savians only wanted to us to share how to cast spells in return for magestone, your fighting techniques would not be a part of the deal. So my King declined the trade which brought war.”

“Why wouldn't you want magic?” Tasha asked. “I know Knights are jealous of our magic.”

“How would we cast it without magestone?” Gerald said. “We first thought the magestone was a focus of some type. Why would the Savians give us anymore after getting the knowledge they wanted. Of course now that they have their own Wizards, I do not think they need the knowledge anymore. I think your order is in danger, these Black Wizards are going to be more dangerous than you are giving them credit for.”

“So what if they learn a bit about magic,” Tasha said.

“Tasha I want you to listen to what I would do if I were in charge of Savia,” Gerald said. “I know Wizards can be killed by a boy with a bow. Imagine if the Savians unlock the secret of magic? How long do you think it would take to train some of their men? Ignore your fighting styles, your knowledge of law and anything else you have going on in your fortress. How long do you think it would take if I was in a hurry and wanted to train people right away.”

“The men would never agree to what needs to be done,” Tasha said.

“Then they could use criminals or women,” Gerald said. “Now how long do you think if I focused on nothing but casting one spell. How long would it take me?”

“The Grey Fortress is large because we have lots of magestone, of all different types,” Tasha said. “They may only have one type of magestone.”

“You still haven't answered my question,” Gerald said.

“I have to go,” Tasha said. “Stay here Fox and do not leave. I may return with some elders and Gerald I want you to tell them the story you told me.”

“Whoa now,” Gerald said. “I have given you a lot of information that maybe I shouldn't have. What do I get in return?”

“I already know what you want,” Tasha said. “And you will meet your child in a few days. Tests have to be run to see which children are not suitable for the training.”

Devin watched Tasha go and his stomach was rumbling. Lunch was a nice slab of perfectly seasoned deer along with potatoes. Devin thought it was the best thing ever, especially the ale that he washed it down with. Devin’s Da didn't let him drink ale that often so Devin thought it was a treat. Tasha came back with the three old women that Devin met when he first came to the Fortress. He was ordered out of the house while they talked, Devin didn't care since he had his bow and went to shoot. The bow was perfect for him, he could really put his power behind it and was striking targets at will. Eventually he went further and further away, he was still on target and thought that perhaps his vision had gotten sharper. The few times he missed, he was able to make immediate corrections to adjust for the distance and was soon on target.

A few Wizards who lived in the area came out to watch him. They hated archers but appreciated skill when they saw it. Eventually Devin went to his throwing knives, it was a weapon Wizards loved and Devin was keen to show off. Devin went from static targets to throwing things in the air and trying to hit them twice before it landed. He was successful most of the time but before he could do anymore, the old women came out. Tasha was right behind them and beckoned Devin to gather his things and join her. The women came in a huge carriage, they climbed inside and Tasha and Devin climbed in after them.

“Gerald knows some things we didn't know,” Tasha said as she looked at Devin. “It answers some questions we didn't even know we needed answered.”

“What your master is telling you is that we are going to speed up your training,” Senior Wizard Ashley said. “Any of you that can pass a physical test will be deemed acceptable to start learning magic and can then go out into the world. Your apprenticeship will be longer but we need to find out if what we have heard about Savia is true.”

CHAPTER 11

Devin was amazed at what he was doing. The test the elders were talking about consisted of fighting an unarmed opponent, an armored opponent, and an armed and armored opponent. After this they would have to test their skills against an actual Wizard. Devin was fighting unarmed against a rough looking man who was paid a lot of money to take part in the fight. It was obvious he wasn't a Wizard but looked to have been in a bunch of brawls. The man couldn't lay a hand on Devin. Devin had not been practicing long with the Wizards but what he did learn was sticking. The stinging kicks and other strikes were landing, Devin could have ended the fight a long time ago but was having too much fun. Against other Acolytes he was upper mid tier, against this man he had too much speed, too much length and too much power. Devin backed up from his opponent and could see the man was in a bit of pain.

“I have won this fight,” Devin said as he looked at Senior Ashley. “I know it, my opponent knows it and you know it.”

“He isn't even facing a real opponent,” Krait said as he looked over at Senior Ashley.

“Then come show me what a real opponent can do,” Devin said as he loosened up.

“You think that stupid breastplate is going to save you?” Krait asked. “I am the top fighter in this school.”

“You are?” Senior Ashley said. “Well then get in there.”

Devin waited until Krait got into the fighting area, there were some things about Krait that Devin already knew. Krait was a little taller than he was and had more length. Devin was faster, stronger and Devin thought he was more perceptive. Gerald had let Devin know that he was predictable and Tasha thought so as well. Tasha had already known some of the moves Devin used but when they fought again it was a bit different. Wizards were taught to strike fast and target sensitive areas, Knights were big and targeted whatever was in front of them. Devin had used this to batter Tasha and if it was a fight to the death with weapons, Devin thought he could have possibly won. Krait didn't know Devin now had a few tricks and intended on using them, if Krait had better reflexes and perception, now was the time his opponent would need them.

“You want unarmed against me?” Devin asked.

“So now you are scared,” Krait said.

“I have beaten full Wizards before if I catch them by surprise,” Devin said. “Come bring it.”

Krait came right at him and Devin decided he would attack first. It was a simple front kick aimed at the knees. The follow up was a strike at the throat with the hand opposite to the kicking leg followed up by another kick to send your opponent tumbling. Devin was correct when he thought Krait would stop before the kick, dodge the throat strike and then rush in before Devin could set up with the kick. What Devin did though was kick, throat strike and went for a reverse spinning elbow. Krait was almost hit with it and had to duck into Devin. Devin grabbed Krait around his back and started into him with punches and knees. Krait was trying to back away but Devin wouldn't let him get far, to beat Krait Devin knew he had to keep the distance close. Devin had stepped on Krait’s foot and in return Krait started striking Devin in the sides and was trying to get a liver or kidney shot. The breastplate Devin was wearing soaked up the blows and made Devin smile as he continued his assault against Krait’s body. Krait might have felt no pain but his body was still in shock, Devin noticed Krait’s punches were not coming as strong or fast while Devin continued to pound away like a smith on some metal.

“Time,” Senior Ashley said.

“He is cheating,” Krait said as he was breathing heavily. “He is wearing armor under his uniform.”

“No rule against it,” Senior Ashley said. “It is looked down upon because you would not be as quick. Acolyte Fox would have eventually won this battle. He was fresher and has more stamina, your body would have eventually given up on you. Your only choice was to attack his body and he was doing enough to stifle any of your attacks.”

“Then with swords,” Krait said.

Devin picked up a sword and knew this was his weak point. In a brawl he wasn't worried but in a sword duel he was. Devin waited for Krait to pick up a sword and was confused when Senior Ashley took off her necklace. It was loaded with thick magestone and she slowly walked over and put it around Krait’s neck. Devin knew the magestone upped speed, reflexes and strength. The little Krait had on him already would be nothing like what he would get now. Krait looked as if he was magically healing, that was something Devin couldn't recreate. Devin would rather not have any magestone, it didn't work for him the way it did for others anyway.

Krait smiled at him and beckoned him forward, Devin did a forward thrust and almost got Krait who had to almost throw himself down to avoid being scored against. Krait went for a leg sweep to get himself on his feet and Devin backed away. As Krait got on his feet Devin struck again, Devin knew his first strike was quick and Krait knew it to. Krait had scouted it and rolled backwards and to the side. Krait was able to get on his feet and Devin went at him, Krait was able to block all of Devin’s strikes but Devin didn't open himself up for riposte.

“You think you are something?” Krait smiled. “How about this?”

Krait came at him fast and Devin had to roll backwards and then put out his foot. Krait ran right into the big boot but bent forward to roll towards Devin. Krait had his sword out and scored across Devin’s breastplate. Devin reached up and grabbed the wrist holding the blade as a small wooden blade took him across the throat. Devin wanted to curse, his own small wooden blade was unsheathed and in his hand but Krait was quicker.

“You are dead,” Krait said as he hopped off Devin and went down to his knees.

“It was a decent body kick,” Senior Ashley said. “But you would have died. In a close quarters battle you would have been done for.”

“I would have,” Devin admitted. “But I do not fight with a sword really Senior.”

“You cannot carry a bow into a Wizard battle,” Senior Ashley said.

“I have hatchets, and throwing knives,” Devin replied. “I think I am better than most full Wizards Senior.”

“You are passable in the sword,” Senior Ashley said. “I have seen enough, I have a need to put more Acolytes in the field and with a master you will not get yourself killed.”

“He just got here Senior!” Krait said.

“And he can already do magic,” Senior Ashley said. “I have seen enough of you both to pass you through. Fox you need a new name.”

“Wasp,” Devin said.

“Wasp it is,” Tasha said. “How many Acolytes am I getting?”

“All of the males for now,” Senior Ashley said. “This may change according to Charlotte's wishes. As for our other Acolytes, if they are at least passable at fighting I am going to push them to focus on nothing but magic. It is a horrible and dirty way to teach but even the best fighter has no defense against it.”

“Then I will start training all of my Acolytes immediately,” Tasha said. “How long do I have?”

“Up their dose of powdered magestone,” Senior Ashley said. “The highest recommended dose and get them through. It should take no longer than a week for the basics to be taught followed by another few days of practice. They only need killing spells, I am sure the people we go up against will be taught the same.”

“You would have died little Fox,” Krait said.

“In a real fight I would have killed you long before you got to me,” Devin said. “I wouldn't have let you get close to me.”

“Because you are a coward little Fox,” Krait said.

“And you are an idiot who was getting beaten so bad the Senior had to pull me off of you,” Devin said.

“We will see how you do in magic,” Krait said. “I don't care if you call yourself Wasp or whatever. You are not one of us.”

Devin let Krait speak his garbage and just smiled at the boy. When Tasha took both of them to practice their magic while the other two sparred, Devin was happy. Devin watched Krait hold his magestone. His rival took a deep breath and blanked his mind as he held the stone in front of him. Krait chanted and Devin could see he messed up the spell. Krait grunted and tried again as fire left the stone and impacted the wall on the other side of the room.

“You need more powdered magestone,” Tasha said. “I think two large doses should be enough. We normally only do it in increments so you can learn all of the spells slowly. I am going to have to make all of you learn quickly. Wasp go ahead and cast the same flame spell. We are all Wizards here and your secret is already out. Now cast.”

Devin stuck out his hand and flame erupted from it. Devin thought it felt natural as the fire left his body and impacted on the wall. Devin smirked at a shocked Krait. Devin knew the boy didn't expect him to be so talented with his magic in a fight it was now clear to Krait who would win. Devin stuck out his other arm and a combination fire and wind spell erupted. It normally took two magestones and two mages to cast fire serpent. It was a rope of fire that the wind user could direct at a target like a striking snake. Devin had his spell impact the same spot and let it die out.

“Sure you can take me,” Devin said. “You wouldn’t even get close and that is without my bow and every other thing I have I can throw at you.”

“Enough of this,” Ashley said. “The enemy is not in this building. Devin that spell was something I have never seen one Wizard perform. You have been really holding out on me. While I train the others up, I am going to have you at my home. I have nothing more to teach you and perhaps you and my husband can come up with a better fighting style.”

“The Knight?” Krait said. “We all heard that you married a Knight and you make him stay home to clean your dishes and wash your clothes.”

“I suppose he does that,” Tasha said. “But he is my husband and does those things because his job is in the home and mine is out here. He was Wasp’s Knight back when Wasp was a Squire.”

“So that is who is teaching him how to cheat,” Krait said.

“Wasp is talented, that doesn't make you less so,” Tasha said. “And you should try marriage or a relationship at least once. It is nice to come home to another person.”

“Why would I need that?” Krait said disgustedly. “It is embarrassing how some men act over a woman. They are ready to kill themselves and others over some physical pleasures. It is lunacy.”

“Not all relationships are that way,” Tasha said.

“If you were with another man, would your Knight try and kill him?” Krait asked.

“Well yes, but we are married,” Tasha said.

“What if you were just together and not married?” Krait asked. “Your Knight would try and hurt the other man. I have heard the women here carry on multiple relationships and get all manner of men jealous. The female acolytes here all try to sneak and converse with little fox. They think his stiffness is charming even if he tried to hide it and stopped coming to bathe. The only reason they haven't tried more is because my room and the rooms of your other acolytes are close by and we are always around. I am not going to have that in my life. I hear the female Acolytes tell me all of the time that once they leave here they are going to find all sorts of men and leave me, Adder and Gila alone for good. You should hear the way they taunt us like they are something special or that I am supposed to suddenly get angry.”

“Girls are still girls,” Tasha said. “Your anger is misplaced though. They are young girls and have grown up hearing about how men were supposed to in a hurry to sweep them off their feet or do nice things for their attention. You or your brother Acolytes have not tried to do either. You are just someone to vent their anger at by comparing you to whatever else is out there. They are going to go out into the world and find out that most men are intimidated by them. At least the men they may want. Others are looking for a good time and they will be plentiful. They can still feel the pleasures of the flesh but it gets old quickly and soon they will want a husband. Do not think women have it better than you do. While we may still be able to enjoy pleasures of the flesh, very few men want a woman that cannot give them an heir. You on the other hand will find no shortage of women who want a relationship with you. Some already have children and were abandoned, some are just seeking a better life. You can train your body so that in the right circumstances with the right person you can meet their needs. But enough of that, I am sure the older male Wizards will tell you all about it.”

“Do you seriously think that within two weeks that we will be able to cast magic?” Adder said. “Like Krait and Wasp?”

“You and Gila both will,” Tasha said. “Then we are going to join the war. We are after Black Wizards.”

“What can you tell me about them?” Adder asked. “All we know is that they can cast magic.”

“They likely will not have your other abilities,” Tasha said. “You are taught how to fight and how to sneak. That is not to say that they are not dangerous. We think the Black Wizards are mostly soldiers who were chosen. They may already be good with the sword and other weapons and just added magic to their repertoire. They are not as elite as Knights would be if they had magic so you will still likely have an advantage but with magestone they may be faster and stronger than you may think. Do not underestimate them. We are going to operate under the assumption that their strongest members are as good or better than our weaker members.”

“They can fight us at range with unblockable attacks,” Adder said.

“We can always use magic against magic and for now we think they only have access to fire magic but that may be false,” Tasha said.

"The ones I fought used wind and earth magic as well," Devin said.

"Those were actual Wizards," Tasha said. "Since you left, other wizards serving the Savians have been killed," Tasha began. They were not as skilled in combat and in one case a normal man who was pressed into service did the deed with a pike when the Wizard ran out of magic. “We think our renegade wizards are still in the battle and the Black Wizards have been receiving great instruction from our rogue members. There is credible evidence that those who washed out of Wizard training may be over there instructing. I just wish I knew what they could have offered our rogue members to join. Food and women is not something our men go for and they are already paid well. Maybe our women could be enticed by flesh but it still makes no sense. There is never a shortage of men willing to have fun. These next couple of weeks your intensity level is going to go up and I may bring my husband in to provide you a challenge you may not have had before.”

“The Knight?” Krait asked.

“He is slower than some but is heavily armored,” Tasha said. “It will give you an idea of how to face an elite opponent. For now I want you all to keep training, all except for you Wasp. Your breastplate has been helpful in giving you the confidence to fight. You have weaknesses that the rest do not have and it covered it for you a bit. I think my husband can help you out even further with what he already knows, the breastplate didn't seem to hinder you at all during your match.”

“I want to fight the Knight now,” Krait said.

“Not now,” Tasha said. “I still need permission.”

CHAPTER 12

“So this is the Grey Fortress,” Gerald said as he looked around. Gerald had some armor and things made as soon as he and Tasha had gotten married and this would be the first time he could use it. Gerald also had Devin some armor made that wouldn't hamper him too much and exploit his fighting style. It was not full body armor like Gerald had but it covered his weak spots and gave him added attacks. Some of his armored pieces were studded with small spikes and were good at causing injury if someone struck them or Devin attacked with them. There were even places that he could attach his throwing axes and throwing knives. Devin carried a small sword because he was expected to but his greatest prize was the bow that was made to be slung over his back.

“This is it,” Devin said.

“What do you think they are going to say about the shield you just had to have?” Gerald asked.

“If they can beat me with it then they can talk,” Devin said.

“You were too tough a fight for me,” Gerald said. “Only when I got in full armor could I hold you off.”

“All of that makes it tough to use my axes, my knives or my sword,” Devin said. “I am not sure about my bow either.”

“That magic of yours is the game changer,” Gerald said. “Tough to get around. So what am I walking in to?”

“A bunch of Acolytes and some Wizards want to see the fight,” Devin said. “I think they will clown because they will get hits on you but will not realize that their blows will not do much.”

“I am amazed they are even letting me into this place,” Gerald said.

“They have no choice,” Devin said. “The enemy already knows our tactics. They need someone else to learn the basics of this style of fighting and see what they can do against it.”

“How do you think I will do,” Gerald asked.

“I think you will surprise the lot of them,” Devin said. “Especially when they get close enough for you to grab. They are slipperier than I am but I am stronger than they are even with the magestone.”

“Well here is our welcoming committee,” Gerald said.

“This is my husband Gerald,” Tasha said to the Wizards and Acolytes around her. “As some of you know, he used to be a Knight and is wearing the standard uniform for a Knight, complete with helm. There is a chance that you may face armored Black Wizards, we really don't know what they will look like. They may even look like any old soldier in an attempt to blend in.”

“I want to fight the Knight first,” Krait said. “I don't think he is all that.”

“Come at me then boy,” Gerald said as he held a wooden club.

“Well then I guess let’s get started,” Tasha said.

“Rule number one of the Knight’s Code,” Gerald began. “Never expect a fair fight.”

Devin looked on in anticipation of what was going to happen. Hidden on Gerald were two small bladders filled with pepper juice and had a small spout. If the bladders were crushed in the hand they would spray out in whatever direction the spout was facing. Gerald went after Krait who had both of his swords out and swinging. Gerald charged through these and kept on Krait and the smaller boy was able to get at least six good hits on Gerald. Krait was still in full retreat, he was trying to get to Gerald’s shield side but Gerald would bash and spin with the shield, it made things difficult for Krait to get set. The kicks Krait gave might as well had been pokes with a feather the way Gerald charged right through them. Gerald didn't try to attack with his club, he was content to just charge after Krait. The moment of the fight came when Krait briefly gave his back, instead of charging in, Gerald threw the heavy club and Krait barely blocked it with his arm. The heavy club was solid and Devin knew the blow on the forearm hurt, at least it would have hurt him. Krait smiled when he saw the club gone and charged right into the pepper juice followed by a big boot to the chest. Krait was flat on his back struggling to breathe when Gerald stood over him with his big shield pressed to Krait’s neck. Krait tried to kick him in the stones and was met by armor.

“If I press down this fight would be over,” Gerald said as he backed away.

“What did you see?” Tasha asked.

“You need a weapon to get through this armor,” Gerald said. “It is solid plate and I think only your magic could make things uncomfortable. I was hit a lot but I am at least twice as big as this boy. If we were both unarmored then he would have won this fight. He was too fast for me and his strikes had decent strength. My armor is especially made with Wizards in mind. If the Knights could last against you, then common criminals have no chance.”

“I want to give it a go,” Adder said.

Gerald reset and charged when the signal was given. Adder spent most of his time staying away from Gerald and his only attacks were attempted trips. Gerald was too heavy and in some places on his leg armor there were spikes, it made Adder caution trying to strike one. Adder waited for Gerald to stop chasing him which is what the bigger man did. Gerald threw a bladder at Adder who foolishly brought his sword up to swat it away. Instead he cut the bladder in half and now was drenched in the pepper juice. A second later the club followed, striking true in the chest and then Gerald was up on him. Gerald bent his knee and the way his armor was made had a sizable spike that ran up his thigh when the leg was straight. Now it was poking straight out and he would have skewered Adder.

“This is pitiful,” Senior Ashley snapped. “We have taken Knights apart before.”

“Aye,” Gerald said. “But not in full armor in a one on one fight without using magic.”

“What do you recommend?” Tasha said.

“Bola,” Devin said as he held up a length of rope with two steel balls attached.

“You need a tripping hazard,” Gerald said. “Also my sight is limited in this helm, the pepper juice would work as well. I came up with the idea watching my former Squire fight. These are just boys so a full Wizard will be tough to take on but you get my point. My Squire and I killed two Black Wizards or traitors or whatever you call them. They couldn't get me down fast enough and were picked apart by arrows. You are also susceptible to this.”

“Do not kill my husband Gila,” Tasha said. “I want you to use magic to keep him off you.”

Gila pulled out his magestone and started chanting. Gerald threw his shield hard and it went right through the fire Gila had and hit the hand holding the magestone along with the Wizard behind it. Gerald was already moving behind his shield, When Gila recovered he was hit solidly in the stomach and Gerald thought the smaller boy took the blow well. Gila went to power out of the grip Gerald had him in but soon realized he had no way to hurt the large armored man or get out of the bear hug he was in.

“That is enough Gerald,” Tasha said. “You are more formidable than I thought.”

“It is because you are fighting me at my strongest and I know how to fight a Wizard,” Gerald said. “Your strengths are not running to fight a large armored man on a field of battle. At night the Wizards were at their best, they were almost invincible. At night is when you will find people who may be out of their armor, Knights are taught to sleep in their armor and to become uncomfortable. It is doubtful the Black Wizards you fight will be able to wear this and keep this up. I have surmised that magestone gives you extra speed and power but at the cost of diminishing the power in your magestone. I am unsure how tough it would be to move around in this much armor but I think it is worth it to test it out. You could find out the average size and power contained in magestone and then have one of your Wizards move around in this much plate. It would at least give you a target time on how effective men like this would be if you met them under less than ideal conditions.”

“How many Savians did you fight that was armored like this?” Tasha asked.

“None,” Gerald said. “I was able to walk through almost every attack. My trouble was when they were content to grab and hang off of me. It opened me up to helm attacks.”

“Thank you Gerald,” Tasha said. “I know some others want to test themselves against you but that can wait for a later date. Wasp, I assume that you have found what you believe to be your best equipment?”

“Yes,” Devin said. “I have armor piercer arrows that won’t do much against good plate but can punch through weaker armor. When I was last on the battlefield the things I have could take out the men I was fighting.”

“If you need anything else, come find me,” Gerald said as he looked at Tasha. “And I told you to never count out good plate.”

“Your husband came here and made us look like fools,” Grand Wizard Charlotte said. “The Knights have grown more than what we took them for. Perhaps a flanged mace or something for the helm. Carrying it wouldn't be worth the weight though, magic will have to be enough. You may go Sir Knight.”

“It can't be helped,” Senior Ashley said. “I was originally going to give you four Acolytes but with our shortcomings maybe two is a better number. I think we will have to pull all of our Wizards in from the other Kingdoms to focus on this threat.”

“Who will it be?” Tasha asked.

“You can keep Wasp,” Senior Ashley said. “At least for now. Adder will be your other Acolyte, he is a bit more tempered than Krait. Once you get to the field of battle, remember to send updates frequently on the enemy and their tactics. I know Black Wizards exist, they have just been building up their numbers for something. So far we have been content to stick in the rear of the battles until a Black Wizard shows themselves. Even then they normally leave before the fight starts and we have a policy of not directly attacking their regular troops. This is ending when you and the rest get to the war.”

Tasha nodded and motioned for Adder and Devin to follow her. She already had a carriage packed and Devin was surprised to see that she had a pack for him in the carriage as well. There were two extra that she took off, probably for Gila and Krait and her driver took off as soon as she gave the signal. Devin looked over and saw Adder and thought he looked rattled.

“They fall just like everyone else,” Devin said.

“This is my first time travelling,” Adder said as he looked around outside the carriage. Devin had forgotten momentarily that Acolytes didn't leave the Grey Fortress until they were ready to apprentice, almost everything would be new to him.

“Just don't be a knobber,” Devin said. “I always thought Wizards were something special but the way they spoke to me when I met one made me think differently. Even while at the Grey Fortress it has been proven to me that most are ugly on the inside. You are going to have some boys and men look at you with awe. A lot of women are going to look at you the same way like you don't put your pants on the same way everyone else does. Just be friendly, that is how you get people to like you.”

“Not like you when you beat on my Acolyte?” Tasha said.

“I thought that was you at the party!" Devin laughed. “That knobber deserved it.”

“I don't want any woman,” Adder said.

“You don't yet,” Devin said. “Stones or no, every lad can appreciate looking at a beautiful girl.”

“Maybe not with the intensity you do,” Tasha said. “You are young so the young ladies really get your blood pumping. Adder can appreciate a pretty girl without the side effects.”

“Nothing but trouble,” Adder said. “Wasp, can I ask you a question, now that we are away from the Fortress?”

“What do you need?” Devin asked.

“Well despite what we led you to believe, you are a tough fight,” Adder said. “I don't really feel your blows as pain I guess but I can tell by the way my body moves that I was hit and hurt. I know I hurt you a lot of times while we were fighting. How do you stand it all?”

“It is rough,” Devin said. “But my Da ain't raised no quitter.”

“Why do you want to keep your stones if they make you a worse fighter?” Adder asked. “That is our number one target area, it stops fights instantly along with the soft flesh of the face.”

“Bro I grew up with these things,” Devin said. “I plan on having babies and the such.”

“It makes you more aggressive and prone to rash decisions,” Adder said.

“Eh, maybe,” Devin said. “Some farm animals ain't as mean when they had their stones taken. Still ain't going to give up mine though, my armor can protect me against a lot of injury and I just have to be smart. As for some bird, I ain't worried in the least. You are an Acolyte lad, the ladies are going to look this way anyway. Only folks get more attention are the Knights and that is because those brutes are tall with bulging muscles.”

“Not worried about them, only the fight ahead,” Adder said.

“Against a regular lad you are going to be a tough battle,” Devin said. “Try to get into one on ones instead of the big melee. That is how I took down people, they were worried about the fight in front of them and never paid attention to me and my bow.”

“We are not made for grand charges or to fight in a grand melee,” Tasha said. “I think we will have to find our place in the war where we best fit and our abilities could be used without putting us in undue harm.”

“I am good wherever,” Devin said. “My bow has done a lot of talking for me. I think our throwing knives can do a lot along with our magic.”

“Magic is a worst case scenario,” Tasha said. “We have our other skills for fighting. They are what will keep you safe, not magic. You have been in training for years Adder and Wasp you have seen first hand how difficult it can be fighting an Acolyte. This trip I want you both to stay to yourselves, be friendly but do not be a friend. Before you know it, we will be at the fight.”

CHAPTER 13

“Do not start anything with the Squires,” Tasha said. “They have lost many members since all of them have to be here to fight. Some of them were killed by Black Wizards and they are liable to take it out on you all.”

“I would take a Squire apart,” Adder said. “Your husband was just skilled with equipment.”

“Still keep your head down,” Tasha said. “I think most of the fighting is through for the day. I am not sure if we are the first to arrive with the new orders or not. We may get thrown into it early. Find the other Acolytes and stay put, I will locate you from there.”

“We have been pushed back a lot from where we were,” Devin said as he and Adder started walking away. The soldiers' spirits still seem the same so maybe they have made the enemy pay for everything.”

“There go some Squires,” Adder said. “And they have Acolytes draped all over them. Disgusting.”

“They are girls,” Devin said. “And I don't see any male Acolytes with them.”

“What do we do?” Adder said.

“Walk over and ask where the rest of our kind is,” Devin said and then frowned. “Pit, I threw down with that lot before. You see that big one?”

“All of them are the big one,” Adder said.

“The biggest one wanted it with me and I bashed him good,” Devin said. “Now that I am looking, that blonde Acolyte all in his face is named Cobra, she was there too.”

“What do you girls want?” the big blond Squire said as Devin walked up.

“Didn't I already beat the pit out of you?” Devin asked. “Even had the Knight Commander angry his Squire was thoroughly smashed. If you want to have another go I am right here.”

“Devin?” Evan said as he walked over. “It is you, what is up with the Acolyte colors? You look like someone grabbed a Squire and made him an Acolyte with the armor and everything you have on.”

“I am an Acolyte,” Devin said. “They pulled rank and took me out of Squire training. My master even took my Knight and made him her husband.”

“She did?” Cobra asked.

“Aye,” Devin replied.

“So what,” the big blond said. “You couldn't cut it as a Squire little one so you ran to become an Acolyte.”

“I still beat the pit out of you,” Devin said. “Sent you stumbling like a bum fresh out of a tavern after three to many.”

“Devin is an alright lad Six,” Evan said.

“I know what his problem is,” the big blond Six said laughing. “Your women already let us know your issue. None of you have the equipment to satisfy them, that is why they are over here with us.”

“Your mother didn't seem to mind last night,” Devin replied.

“You better leave this lot alone,” Evan said. “We both know what happened when the other male wanted to battle. I am having a lot of fun and I would rather not fight any of these ladies out of armor since we know they could kick our backsides.”

“Where is Simon?” Devin asked as he looked around.

“Passed on,” Evan said. “A fortnight ago we were in it deep. Enemy all around us and no time to react. They sent a full force over on a full moon, not just assassins. He didn't suffer and killed a lot of them. New rule is everyone now goes to sleep in full armor. Also we just received our reserves two days ago. All of the Knights are now one force instead of leading others. We are at the teeth of every battle but we have been getting the job done. The enemy has started ignoring us and going after softer targets.”

“Sorry to hear about him,” Devin said. “Not my place to say it, but Wizards are going to start taking a bigger role in this fight.”

“We are?” Cobra asked. “Wait a moment, how are you here?”

“Training has been cut short,” Adder said. “If you can cast, then you can learn on the job.”

“What is with the armor and the extra weapons?” Cobra asked Devin.

“To protect me,” Devin said. “Hits still hurt, I cannot shake them off like the rest.”

“What do you mean hits still hurt?” Cobra asked. “You should be even more resistant than I am.”

“Long story,” Devin said.

“Why don't you get out of here and stop ruining the mood?” Six said. “No one cares about your story.”

“I know what my master says,” Devin said. “But my Da told me never to take shine off another man. Here is your reward for having a big mouth.”

“What are you going to…,” Six said as Devin slapped him across the face with one hand and used the other for a wind spell to lift the bigger boy off his feet and toss him backwards.

“Come on then,” Devin said as Six stood. Six snarled and charged directly into a wind spell aimed at his legs. The boy landed face first as Devin had his hands out ready to cast another spell.

“You are too weak to take me on without your fancy magic,” Six said.

“So you say,” Devin said as he started taking off his weapons. “You wanted this, you remember this is what you wanted. I am not letting you off with your dignity.”

Devin finished taking off his extra weapons and armor and bade Six to bring it. Devin could see he had a crowd including his master but she did nothing to stop the fight. Six came at him and Devin landed two good punches to the big boy’s ribs and moved out of the way of a returning strike to kick Six behind the knee. Six fell to a knee and then rolled to come up on his feet. Devin didn't give him any time as he was on him again, landing strong shots that was making Six wary of throwing his own. Every time Six tried to throw one he was hit hard in the body and Devin even got a good blow on the chin. Six was backing away now as Devin was landing at will. Devin backed away from the fight.

“Well?” Devin asked. “You couldn't even land a blow on me. You should just be lucky I didn't pound the knobber out of you.”

“He is bigger than your other Acolytes,” Devin heard a man’s voice say.

“He was raised out on a farm smithing and doing hard labor,” Tasha said. “Wasp came to us recently from this very field of battle.”

“The Squire who can cast magic?” the man’s voice asked.

“He was a very quick study as far as fighting went,” Tasha said. “He can move like a Wizard but has the power of a Knight. He is still a bit rough at fighting, some of my more experienced Acolytes have beaten him but he has his own modified style of fighting.”

“You taught this style of fighting in only a short amount of time instead of years?” the Knight said as Devin started putting back on his things. That is good but it wouldn't stand up to real plate in a fight.”

“Plate would require tougher weapons,” Tasha said. “And my Acolytes are not worried about it.”

“You are different Wizard, since you took Gerald with you,” the Knight said.

“And he is doing well,” Tasha replied then waved Devin over. “Wasp, this is Knight Daniel. He is Gerald’s best friend and they have known each other since before they were squires.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Devin said as he stuck out his hand.

“Big rough hands,” Daniel said. “A bit undersized to be a Squire. Gerald sang your praises, said you were a simple boy with a good work ethic.”

“My Da says you either going to do something or you are not,” Devin said. “Always made me pick a side.”

“Your Da sounds like a smart man,” Daniel said.

“I think so,” Devin said.

“You have had your fun with the Knight Commander’s Squire,” Daniel said. “Leave the boy alone, you never know when you may need each other. I think the other male Acolyte is just down the road in a large grey tent.”

“Thank you,” Devin said as Tasha waved him away.

Devin followed the directions and soon he and Adder was inside of the grey tent. Devin saw the Acolyte he had first gotten into it with, the boy he ended up beating in knife throwing. He just looked over Devin and rolled his eyes, Devin ignored him and started laying out his bed roll. Adder seemed like he knew the boy, Devin wasn't sure of the dynamic but knew the other boy seemed irritated. Adder finished getting his things laid out, he and Devin were right next to each other.

“So why are all of our people with the Squires?” Adder said.

“Because they are whores,” the other Acolyte said. “They are just throwing themselves at those weaklings. Now I have to deal with you two. What is he even doing here?”

“We are not in the fortress,” Adder said. “And you are not in charge of us. You are all alone in this tent looking for people to belittle.”

“Because he is an idiot,” Devin said. “The others must already know this.”

“They are just caught up on those Squires since we started losing people,” the boy said angrily.

“We have,” Adder said. “How many? When? How?”

“No Wizards yet,” the boy said. “Just other Acolytes.”

“I am Adder, this is Wasp,” Adder said. “Black Wizards?”

“They are many, they are Legion,” the boy said. “I am Sting, at least I was.”

“What do you mean that you were?” Adder said.

“I am going to become a Wizard because they need another here and I am the most accomplished Acolyte with my magic,” Sting said.

“Something about you isn't right,” Devin said. “You seem like you are barely holding it together.”

“You are a senior Acolyte,” Adder said. “Why are you letting others get to you like this?”

“I don't need this,” Sting said angrily. “I don't need you, this pretender you are with or those others throwing themselves at those Squires.”

“These Black Wizards must be scary,” Devin said.

“We need to watch ourselves,” Adder said. “The Squires are built for a war, the Knights are built for a war. We are built to take out certain targets.”

“My bow still works,” Devin said. “And if I see any more of them it will still work. Relying on fighting face to face is going to get you all killed. If they have magic then it only matters who gets the first shot.”

“Thanks for ruining our time,” Cobra said as she stepped into the tent with the rest.

“Shut up,” Sting said. “Throwing yourselves at them. You should be ashamed.”

“You started a fight with us and them because no one wants to bow down to you,” Cobra snapped. “And they are nice to look at.”

“Whores!” Sting said as Venom started moving to Sting's left.

“He isn't worth it,” Cobra said. “He is a little boy that is angry that he cannot compete with them and he is looking to name call. He wants us to engage him like he is someone to be worshipped. So what you beat up a bunch of Squires, so have we.”

“What can you tell us about the Black Wizards?” Devin asked.

“How are you back so quickly?” Venom said as she approached.

“They are speeding anyone through that can use magic,” Adder said. “Which is how I got here. Wasp still feels a lot of pain but is a decent fighter.”

“He does?” Cobra asked. “Males are supposed to be more resistant.”

“He is not,” Adder said.

“No way I was getting rid of my stones,” Devin said. “Lunacy. I want kids, the wife, the whole thing.”

“You still have them?” Cobra asked.

“You wanna see his too?” Sting said disgusted. “Your whoredom really knows no bounds.”

“I see what this is,” Devin said. “These two were in some kind of a tangle and now it is over.”

“It is scary here and sometimes I just want to feel needed,” Cobra said. “We all do. What we don't want is to be cooped up in here when there are many people out there who also need to be touched.”

“Sounds fair enough,” Devin said. “But is this the right place for it?”

“This is the perfect place for it!” Venom snapped. “This is the perfect place for it. I am scared, everyone here is scared. Those Black Wizards just appear and some of them are just as trained as we are. They come down to cast magic and run, fighting them is hard and they are aiming for Knights and Wizards. We are being hunted.”

“Well we are supposed to be the ones doing the hunting now,” Adder said.

“Do they still come at night?” Devin asked.

“They do,” Cobra said.

“Here comes the Wizards,” said a brown haired Acolyte by the door.

“Get up,” Tasha said as she walked through the door. “We are going to make ourselves known.”

“Huh?” Sting asked.

“We are going to kill a few of them while it is still light outside,” Tasha said. “The Knights think it is a good idea instead of only defending. Maybe we can lure their Wizards into a fight.”

“I can hit a few at distance,” Devin said as he grabbed his bow.

“Then go do so while I get everything ready,” Tasha said and looked at Adder. “Go with him.”

Devin didn't need to be told twice. He was already out the tent with his weapons and started making his way towards the front. The land inbetween the armies was relatively flat, the enemy had a slight high ground but wasn't enough of an advantage to fight from. Devin looked around and could spot a few of the enemy sentries, they were three hundred or so paces away and didn't seem worried about anything.

“The ground is dry,” Adder said as he looked between them. “Fire?”

“Maybe,” Devin said. “I want to get a lot closer and see what we can do.”

“They will see us coming,” Adder said.

“Then we will run,” Devin replied. “You have magestone?”

“I have two of them,” Adder said.

“Good,” Devin said. “Keep up with me, I want to get close enough to start using this bow, maybe I can push the sentry off his mark.”

Devin took off running at a sprint. The sentry looked confused for a moment and then sounded a small horn. Other sentries looked at the two running Acolytes as Devin was as close as he wanted and fired off an arrow. His aim was true and he took a shocked sentry in the chest as he then continued with his run. Less than a hundred and fifty paces was between him and the sentries when he fired again, that sentry was smart enough to duck as Devin was now within a hundred paces. Devin went with the fireballs then. It shocked the closest sentry as the grasses around him ignited. He bolted from his hiding spot only to be shot by an arrow.

Many small horns started going off then. Devin didn't bother trying to engage the entire army but instead went after the sentries who first started falling back and then went into a run. Devin found it easy to hit men running away from him, it wasn't very sporting but they would have most likely killed him if they could. Devin thought he took down five men before the enemy sent a force running towards him. Devin settled himself and started firing. The incoming soldiers were slow to realize that Devin was holding his ground and just looking to inflict casualties. Eventually an enemy leader sent out two different forces, one was heavy shield and the other looked like infantry with a few cavalry.

“Time to go,” Adder said.

“Almost,” Devin said. “Get ready to run. I am going to drop my strongest magic and get the pit out of here.”

“They aren't going to give us that chance,” Adder said. “They are slow in their march.”

“Back up then,” Devin said as he lowered his bow. “Get about fifty paces behind me while I cover you, then I will bound back once you are set.”

Devin watched Adder leave and sighted in his arrow. He let it fly and took a man holding a shield in the foot. He could hear the man curse from where he was and shot another. The enemy now moved slower and were trying to watch their feet when Devin took one man in the visor. This made them stop marching as Devin fell back, the calvary and infantry started moving faster as Devin fell back to Adder who pointed off in the distance. The Knights and Wizards were formed up and they were moving. Devin smiled as he figured he would use all of his arrows and then flee.

“There it is,” Devin said as he shot a man riding a horse through the leg.

“I can't believe you are making these shots Wasp,” Adder said.

“Watch this one,” Devin said as he took an infantry man in the chest. “They will be on us before I can use all of these arrows.”

“It will be close,” Adder said. “Do we defend this ground or fall back?”

“The enemy needs to make a choice too,” Devin said. “Do they attack us or do they retreat since they see our back up coming.”

“They aren't stopping,” Adder said as he pulled out a magestone.

“Neither are we,” Devin said as he shot another man.

“There!” Adder pointed to a man who held out a magestone.

A fireball shot across the sky as Devin held his hand out and met it with a wind spell which ripped it apart. Three more fireballs from the enemy’s moving shield wall came at them. Devin was able to blow them off course as well. Devin nocked an arrow and shot it at a Wizard he did see. The man just stepped to the left of it and let the arrow land harmlessly beside him and shot off another fireball that Devin blew apart.

“Black Wizard,” Adder said.

“No,” Devin said. “Only someone trained in the Grey Fortress could do that.”

“What about the others?” Adder said.

“They have only fired one volley,” Devin said.

“We move back,” Adder said. “I’ll get set, then you follow. Too many things we don't know.”

Devin fired another arrow except this time he ignored the Wizard who had dodged his last one. Devin hit his target but became increasingly worried that the Wizard he had tried to hit had stopped his men from moving and was now walking towards Devin alone. Devin fired an arrow, the Wizard caught it and tossed it down. Devin started backing away from this enemy, it seemed like it was taking Adder forever to get set. Devin fired another arrow as the Wizard had closed within twenty five yards. The Wizard snatched it up as Devin turned to run.

Devin could see Adder had just gotten set and had his magestone out as Devin took off running. Devin stayed low as he ran, Adder looked like he was trying to get a shot off. Devin could feel the ground churning up underneath him and chanced a look back. The enemy Wizard had started running and the man had out both of his swords. Devin would have continued running until he realized how stupid his opponent was. Devin turned and let out his fire serpent. The magical fire streaked across the area and latched unto a surprised wizard who was only wearing flowy clothing. The Wizard dropped his swords and pulled out a magestone and drenched himself in water. Devin had just nocked an arrow and was a little angry that the Wizard had managed to dodge it. Devin used a wind spell to blow the Wizard back and pulled out a throwing axe. The Wizard fought for ground but then allowed himself to be blown backward once he saw the axe.

“Come on then,” Devin said as he held the axe out.

“You think you are something?” the Wizard growled.

Devin started backing away and could hear Adder was moving up from behind him. The Wizard started backing away as Devin held his ground. When Adder was finally beside him the Wizard had backed away enough that he started to run back towards his reserves. The rest of Devin’s group had caught up then, thirty Wizards and Acolytes and they went after the moving heavy shield. Spells erupted as the heavy shield fell, the enemy had turned to run and the cavalry had also decided to fall back. The enemy started forming up into bigger units now, Tasha had everyone fall back after that. She just wanted to keep the enemy on high alert.

CHAPTER 14

“Wake up,” Cobra said as she brushed against Devin.

“What is this?” Devin said.

“Stop screaming, what do you think this is?” Cobra said as she slid up against him. “Why are you in all of this armor stuff?”

“I am not getting involved in this,” Devin said as he sat up. “Whatever you and the others have, I don't want any of it.”

“Relax,” Cobra said. “It is almost time for us to hunt, the others are already up.”

“Pit,” Devin said. “How long was I asleep?”

“Long enough,” Cobra said. “Can I feel them?”

“Feel what?” Devin said.

“Your stones,” Cobra said. “The Squires aren't shy to show me theirs.”

“That’s them,” Devin said.

“Stop being so shy,” Cobra said. “We could be dead tomorrow morning. Even you could be dead tomorrow morning.”

“You could be dead by tomorrow morning,” Devin corrected. “I stood my ground against a Black Wizard and he got the worst of it.”

“I’ll get a few of the enemy tonight as well,” Cobra said. “I will get more than enough of them. Just Wizards and Acolytes are going, no Knights, Squires or Soldiers.”

“I just need my things,” Devin said as he hopped up and grabbed his bow.

“Always with the bow,” Cobra said as she stood up and away from him. “Real men do not need such a weapon. I do all of my fighting up close where the enemy can see me.”

“And I’ll do mine from the shadow from where I can still make a difference without getting myself killed. If the fight comes to me is when I’ll either take it or run.”

Devin grabbed his things and saw Cobra was correct, everyone was waiting for him outside. The soldiers were also up and on high alert, Devin wondered how the attack would be perceived by the enemy. Devin was sure his impromptu attack along with Adder and followed up by the combined Wizard and Knight show of force had to rattle the enemy. They were now dealing with an enemy who wanted the fight and Devin had even used magic. Magic, Devin thought.

Devin could feel his magic was back being topped off, he didn't have a need for magestone and his spells were always with him. Devin didn't know the reason but thought it was a good problem to have, in a fight he could back stronger men off of him easily as he looked for either an avenue of attack or to escape. Devin supposed he was still happier with the bow, it just called out to him and the one he had now had decent distance along with great accuracy. The enemy respected him, at least those that survived did.

“We are not looking for any particular targets,” Wizard Dontrell said. “We are there to spread misery and slaughter. It is horrible and against everything Wizards stand for but our very culture is being threatened. Do not waste your magic unless you believe the fight is dire or if you see a Black Wizard. Fight with your skills, we do not plan on being there longer than a few moments.”

“We will split,” Tasha said. “My two Acolytes and I will take out some of the sentires on the left side. I have already seen one and I can find him again.”

“I will take the right,” Wizard Dontrell said. “My group is just going after whoever is on the fringes. This is going to be a quick attack and we will withdraw for a few hours before we do it again. They should get little sleep and be prepared to face this army in the morning.”

“Are we ever going to get any backup from the other kingdoms?” Devin asked. “Didn't everyone sign an accord?”

“They do not want to get involved,” Dontrell said angrily. “Unless they are granted their own access to magic. They are content to sit on the side but let it be known if we are not doing our jobs as Wizards then they will stop paying. They do not care about this war.”

“The Savians are also paying to have them stay out of it,” Tasha said. “They are paying them with knowledge of how to become a Black Wizard and the others are taking it. It is weird that our only ally is also one of our most troublesome Kingdoms. The Knights were a slap in our faces and yet they are the ones here ready to do blood.”

“They have a lot to lose as well,” Dontrell said. “The Savians would attack for the information they have on us.”

“Why wouldn't they just lay siege to the Grey Fortress itself?” Devin asked. “If we do not have any allies willing to come aid us.”

“The Seniors are ready for that,” Tasha said. “But our mission is in front of us. The Savians are the enemy and it is time to make them pay.”

Devin was ready when it was time to move. Tasha moved silently through the landscape and stuck to the shadows, Devin knew he needed help with this kind of movement. Devin could barely hear her or Adder, he thought he was doing okay but was the loudest by far. Devin also had the most gear on but still thought it was no excuse. Tasha didn't move quickly, sometimes she just laid on her belly and didn't move until she thought the time was right. Devin was just about to move with her when he caught movement from up ahead. Devin drew an arrow in one swift move and let it fly. The twang of the arrow pierced the night and made Adder who was to his left jump. Devin could hear he hit something as he sent another arrow into the same blurry target who had now stood up.

“Down!” Tasha said as she rolled off to the side. Two streaking fireballs came over at them but it was obvious to Devin that the caster hadn't seen what shot them. Devin fired off another arrow and saw it also thud into the target. The Wizard went down from that attack, Devin must have hit something vital. The fireballs didn't hit anything but it briefly silhouetted Devin and his group while providing light blindness on the side of the enemy.

“There are more,” Tasha said silently. “They will eventually come this way, we are not going any farther.”

“What do we do?” Adder asked.

“Have your magestone out,” Tasha said. “Wasp, you and Adder will be the perimeter. Stay low, everything to the left is yours Adder, everything to the right is yours Wasp. Lay down and touch feet, if you see something, then wiggle the other person’s leg.”

“What will you do, Master?” Adder asked.

“I will go see what we are up against,” Tasha said. “There are others out here, I could barely see them but I know they saw us. Good aim from this distance, the only reason they haven't overran us is because they don't know how to get past you but they will. Anyone with sense is eventually going to do what I am doing right now.”

Devin watched her go, he could track her for a ways but had to stop to scan his area. His bow was still in his hand and he was waiting for movement. Adder bumped him, Devin looked and could see two figures crouched low trying to get around them. Devin and Adder switched places and Devin let an arrow loose. His first target took a fatal blow either in the head or neck, the man stopped moving and didn't make much of a sound as he went down. The man behind him stood up to run and Devin missed that shot. He possibly got him on the leg but his enemy did not slow down if he was tagged. Devin continued looking into the darkness, the silence was broken when he could hear far off men screaming. Wizard Dontrell and the others must have been conducting their attacks or were getting killed, Devin wasn't sure which was which.

“There!” Adder screamed as the sky lit up with magic from the area Wizard Tasha had gone. Three big spells had erupted and Adder had pointed at a figure moving swiftly through the darkness followed by two others.

“I can’t tell who is who?” Devin said as he nocked another arrow.

“Wait until they pass us by,” Adder said. “She could be getting us a good shot. The enemy still doesn't know exactly where we are.”

Devin saw his chance when the first figure cut the angle they were running at and came right for him. It was Tasha and she jumped over him without stopping. Devin started firing with his bow, the first man was taken in the heart and dropped like a puppet with cut strings. The second man pulled out a magestone only to be overwhelmed by a fireball from Adder who then took out his throwing knives and started tossing them as furiously as possible. The enemy Wizard went down from the onslaught, Devin thought Adder had tossed all six knives he had on him before Tasha touched his shoulder for him to stop.

“Six or seven Wizards,” Tasha said. “Strip them of their valuables. I snuck up on a group of them hiding in a pit and used my biggest spells. I think I got all of them but these two were just coming up and saw me.”

“We got two on the other side,” Adder said.

“Our part is done for now,” Tasha said. “We need those magestones and anything else we can bring back. I have a sack, if you don't have one then start making it a part of your gear.”

Devin followed Tasha and looted the first two bodies. They both had two magestones a piece. The pit she had taken out earlier also had two magestones a piece, Tasha mused that it was common issue. They had been roasted alive and was still smoldering when they were searched. Devin thought it was the grizzliest business he had ever taken apart of as he found the first man he had shot. This man was dressed a bit differently, Adder called it out and Tasha recognized the face. He had studied at the Grey Fortress. The trio couldn’t stay for long, they had others to search and Tasha didn't want to be gone for too long. When they had everything they could grab, Tasha brought them back through the secure perimeter of the Army and met up with the others.

The others were in good spirits, they hadn't run into any Wizards and had decimated scores of sleeping men. Wizard Dontrell had made the decision to just use magic since the enemy was gathered together and sleeping. They had been able to sneak deep into the Savian camp and attack and then fell back during the confusion, killing anyone they found during the way. The others were shocked to hear about the Wizard fight, Dontrell wanted to go right back out to see if he could find any more of them. Their magestones were welcomed, the Wizards with Dontrell had run low and Dontrell himself had run out.

There were two more attacks that night, Devin didn't see any action and was regulated to being the defense in case someone had to run back in a hurry. The next morning was filled with tired but happy faces. The military commanders knew they harassed the enemy all night and wanted them to feel what it was like to have discouraged troops to rally. The Knights were as always, already up and ready to go. Devin wasn't sure what the Wizard portion of the fight would be like but he still had a few hours left in him that he could give if needed.

“Wasp,” Tasha said. “I want you and Adder to act as back up to the Knights. Your bow is something they need whether they realize it or not and Adder can serve as your protector in case any of the enemy tries to sneak a blow.”

“We are ready,” Adder said. “I have been hearing that the Knights place themselves at the head of the fight.”

“They are the biggest roughest men in the kingdom backed by heavy plate armor,” Tasha said. “It is where they should be. Together they have even turned back cavalry charges with their stout weapons and armor. The Savians know any victory has to go through those men and the Knights know their kingdom is looking at them as heroes. We need to show the men here that they have others that they can look up to. I will be close by but I am only looking for Black Wizards to go after, as are all the full Wizards.”

“What are the other Acolytes going to do?” Adder asked.

“They will be on standby just in case a Wizard is spotted,” Tasha said. “They should be able to hold one up until a full Wizard reaches them.”

Devin followed Tasha to where the Knights were formed up and ready. None gave the Wizards any sneers, at least if they did Devin couldn't tell through their thick helms. Evan saw Devin and gave him space, even Six nodded when he saw the bow and moved over a bit. Devin could see the enemy was also formed up, Devin thought this was what the war was all about. The Knights marched slowly, the enemy archers were just about to fire when Devin raised his hands and started letting his fireballs streak towards them. The fire wasn't as accurate but could be tossed farther. The archers or the men behind them were not ready for the attack as Devin decided to waste all of the energy he had.

“Steady!” said the deep voice of the Knight Commander. Devin had recognized the voice from the party and should have figured that the man would be in the thick of the action.

“Keep that fire going Wizard,” said another deep voice from somewhere to Devin’s left.

Devin tried as the enemy archers tried filling the air with arrows, they were too far away and any arrows that were close were batted away by shields. Devin could hear a lot of movement behind him that eventually went in front of him. It was the Kingdom’s own archers who started firing into the confused mess before the enemy could regroup. A couple of horns and drums were sounded as the enemy started dropping back, Devin was almost out of magic and let his fire attack drop. The march started again, other soldiers had formed up and were right behind the archers who Devin thought were brave for leading the way with little armor.

The enemy was eventually formed up enough to fight, at least their Wizards were who started firing off spells into the crowd of rapidly dispersing archers. The Knights just kept their shields high as the rest of the soldiers decided to charge. They were throwing themselves on the spells in an act of foolishness Devin thought. The Wizards couldn't miss with their spells and neither could the archers who had formed back up. The onslaught wouldn't be denied, they eventually were too close as the hard fighting started. Devin couldn't see much from the glut of men around him but could hear men dying all around him.

Devin couldn't do much with his bow when the Knights got into the fight. Things were too close together and he didn't have any clear shots. The Knights fought through the crowds despite taking numerous hits and still looked ready to go. A few spells had hit them, Devin wasn't sure if the casters were killed or out of magestone since it was not a sustained attack. Loud drums started playing from behind Devin and the sounds of more screaming men filled his ears. The Savians were being pushed back and the combined forces were gaining momentum. Devin hung his bow over his shoulder and just grabbed an axe in each hand.

“I can't see pit,” Devin said as all he could see were shoulders and backs.

“The Knights are still pushing,” Adder said as he gripped the back of a big Knight and pushed himself up to balance on a few pairs of shoulders. Devin watched Adder take out a throwing knife and toss it, The Acolyte lowered himself after the throw.

“Big jumble,” Adder said. “We can't do anything here.”

The fight was the longest Devin had been in. It sloshed along until both armies gained enough control that their leaders could at least determine what was happening. Devin thought his side had definitely gotten the best of the battle, they had done the pushing and they had killed a decent number of archers and probably some Wizards as well. The Savians had withdrew further than they needed to, Devin thought they needed the time.

CHAPTER 15

“What is happening?” Devin asked as he could see almost every Knight, Wizard and high ranking military gathered around a tent.

“It’s over,” Adder said as he looked at the gathering of important people.

“What do you mean by it is over?” Devin asked.

“The Grey Fortress itself is under attack and has been probably since we left,” Adder said.

“An attack?” Devin said surprised.

“Three of the other Kingdoms are attacking the Grey Fortress,” Adder said. “I think all of us are traveling back to defend it.”

“Where does that leave this Kingdom?” Devin asked.

“We have to abandon our allies,” Adder said.

“My family lives there,” Devin said. “Being a Wizard and getting good money is nice but I still have my Da and brothers to look after.”

“The Savians need to be crushed,” Adder said. “We are pushing them back and I think we can do more. We just don't have the time.”

“Here comes Wizard Tasha,” Devin said. “She doesn't look happy.”

“We leave,” Tasha said. “Grab everything you can.”

“We are just walking away?” Devin asked.

“No choice,” Tasha said. “The Seniors sent out word that they are under attack. All of our people, even the youngest are there fighting for their lives. Everyone is on the wall and is killing the enemy but there are just too many of them. We are going into an unwinnable fight.”

“So we are just going to get our licks in before we fall,” Devin said.

“That is what it seems like,” Tasha said. “We are all going to have to make a choice soon. If the Grey Fortress falls, what happens then? You are expert guards, maybe even expert assassins if need be.”

“That doesn't make much coin,” Devin said. “I can probably pick back up being a Squire, even with all of them angry because of my height. I am not going around in any shadows doing illegal stuff.”

“I have enough money saved up over the years,” Tasha said. “I will be okay but the Acolytes might not. I know if the Fortress falls, we are going to try and destroy everything possible. All magestone and all of the training that we have cultivated over centuries will be destroyed. It is information that should not just be shared or given away.”

“I think that is what got us into this,” Devin said. “But you can depend on me until it all ends. I know you have to be worried about Gerald. I still am not sure if my Da has even gotten into the war yet.”

“Gerald can take care of himself,” Tasha said. “He was a Knight and has gotten out of worse.”

“The Kingdom has to call everyone up if the other three nations are fighting on the behalf of the Savians,” Devin said. “If that happens I already know where my place is going to be.”

Devin followed Tasha as she, along with what had to be at least a hundred Wizards and Acolytes. Devin didn't think they had that many and was even further surprised when ore people from his Kingdom joined in and were also going the same way led by Gerald and Senior Wizard Ashley. The Wizards had taken precautions in the case of an attack and had tunnels that Devin knew about leading to the small town of Cephil and other places all throughout the forests surrounding the Grey Fortress. Devin could tell that Tasha hadn't known about the contingencies that were in place either, Senior Ashley had only shown the one tunnel she used to escape and had met up with Gerald by luck.

Gerald had seen the enemy closing in and had taken his armor and anything he had of worth and left. He had met Senior Ashley on the road and together they went to the Citadel and then on to talk to the King himself. The King knew his people were now winning battles but would ultimately lose the war if the Grey Fortress were to fall. Senior Ashley had worked out a deal with him and Master Katee who was a stand in for the Knight Commander. The King was now pressing his entire populace into action, even those who had previously paid before since it was now four kingdoms versus him. Women were surprised to be tossed into battle, those with no children younger than eleven were taken. Anyone over eleven was also tossed into the war effort.

Devin surmised that Senior Ashley had to mention some of the things that went into spell casting since there were only women and a few nervous looking boys and men on the march. Devin hadn't really talked to either of them, he had gotten most of his information from Gerald who was always hugged up with a very nervous Tasha. Getting into the Grey Fortress was harder than Devin thought it would be. The tunnel really wasn't wide enough for more than two people at a time. The Wizards in the front made it through because they realized how a line worked, even in darkness they just grabbed the person in front of them and continued walking until they reached the end. The citizens of Hatos were another story. They complained about the darkness and stopped frequently until Senior Wizard Ashley had started separating people and sending them out. Once they learned she was sending them back to the kingdom along with a missive saying that they were too lazy and refused training, they started shutting up and moving along. Many were out of shape and had to stop during the walk which made things even worse. Eventually a system was worked out where the ones that had to stop would move off to the side and let the others through. Devin thought it took hours longer than it needed to, Devin and a few others were placed in the back by Senior Ashley. Once she saw them then she knew there were no others.

“Finally,” Devin said after hours in the dark. The route Senior Ashley took them through was through thick forests that the enemy didn't bother with. Devin hadn't seen any of the enemy but knew they were out there when he had gotten out of the tunnel. Everyone was around and doing something. Devin had never seen the place so spun up and his annoyance at being in the dark soon faded away.

“Wasp,” Tasha said. “It took a bit longer than I thought to get you all through. During that time I have our orders.”

“How bad is it?” Devin said. “I haven't heard or seen anything of the enemy.”

“We are surrounded,” Tasha said. “But we have the high ground and our spells can reach them easily. They found this out the hard way since we are sitting on a large reserve of magestone so we can cast spells indefinitely. All of those oathbreakers have pulled outside of spell range and are now content to just surround us.”

“So it is not as bad as we thought?” Devin asked.

“They are waiting for us to run out of supplies,” Tasha said. “They know we cannot attack them and risk opening ourselves up to counter attacks.”

“I don't get it,” Gerald said. “Why not send a force like the Savians used to do and attack them?”

“That is what I was going to tell Wasp and Adder,” Tasha said.

“I don't think you understand,” Gerald said. “By them, I mean where they sleep.”

“And that is what we are doing,” Tasha said.

“So when do we leave and what do we pack?” Gerald said.

“Pack?” Tasha said, confused.

“You don't get what I am saying,” Gerald said. “I mean go into those Kingdoms and start the killing. So what they sent an Army to siege, they are probably safe at home thinking they will have magic before long. Strike them at home. Go after the men who think they are safe back in their kingdoms. They started this fight, all you are doing is ending it.”

“You want us to kill a King?” Tasha said.

“No,” Gerald said. “Kings are often well protected and ready for war. Barons, Baronets and Viscounts? They wouldn't be expecting to be ambushed.”

“You are talking about assassinations,’ Tasha said.

“And what of the babes here who died when they were attacked unexpectedly?” Gerald said. “Some weren't even ten.”

“I have to bring this higher,” Tasha said. “And you are not going even if I do.”

“What do you mean I am not going?” Gerald said.

“You are a huge heavily scarred man that sticks out in a crowd,” Tasha said. “Wizards do not stick out, we can look like everyone else. Once we get close we can strike, kill who we need to and keep moving. Here you will be safe and you can teach some of the people from your kingdom how to defend themselves. There isn't enough time to give them our techniques. Wasp I want you and Adder to help Cameron in the healing bay. He has a job that you both are going to hate with all of your being but it has to happen and happen now.

Devin was unsure of what she meant but went to go to the healer. Devin remembered Cameron for being too handsy during his initial health inspection. As Devin got closer he got a sick feeling in his stomach about what Cameron could need help with. When Devin saw groups  of men in a line outside of the operating room he was sick to his stomach. Devin walked inside and saw men laying on each table and all looked unconscious. Cameron was the only person there and was about to begin a surgery.

The next few hours were some that Devin would never forget. He had never dreamed of holding another man in his hands but that is exactly what happened. They were put under by some weird powdered magestone mixture and operated on. Cameron did his operations ten at a time and then his patients were put on stretchers and taken away by those waiting in line to other rooms to recover. Devin was wishing Wizard Tasha would come get him but she never did. Devin had to stay for the entire thing, every cut, every grizzy thing. There was a bucket of stones that they all went into, Devin almost vomited looking at it. When it was over, Devin was shaken and Adder and Cameron found him humorous and overreacting. Devin thought they were depraved and wondered what the men were given to make a decision like this. Devin slept good and was only awakened when Venom came to get him.

“Why are you still in this armor?” Venom said as she touched his chest.

“What are you doing in here Venom,” Devin moaned as he stretched.

“I came to get you,” Venom said. “You could have had a bit of fun but you still have all these things on.”

“Huh?” Devin said and then got her meaning.

“The Squires were quick to play with me,” Venom said as she ran her fingers down the side of Devin’s face. “I know you want to as well.”

“Maybe,” Devin said. “But you have something going on with other lads here and I don't want any trouble.”

“Please,” Venom said sarcastically and rolled her eyes. “You have no idea how long it takes for them to warm up and even then it is not worth it. They can last with the right set of circumstances but they are not really having fun. Boys like you shiver when their necks are kissed and are so excited you become clumsy. That is a turn on in itself and many of you don't mind playing with me instead of the other way around. I had fun with the Squires, I could have fun with you too.”

“I think there are acolytes here that object to that,” Devin said. “Besides, there are plenty of men here now, not just me.”

“They will be busy,” Venom said. “Do you seriously think I’m going to beg for something I can get anywhere?”

“You might can get it anywhere,” Devin said. “Anywhere but here. I don't want any of the drama that comes with it. Was that all you wanted?”

“In a few minutes we are supposed to be woken up to listen to the day's orders,” Venom said. “There are a lot of new people here so you are eventually going to have to share your bed anyway when you are working. “Wouldn't you rather share it with me?”

“I would rather share it with you,” Devin said. “And I am sure I could have a whole lot of fun with with you. I ain't never laid with a girl before and trust me I want to. I just don't want any drama and you and the others seem like that is what you are about. Even my master warned me about having a relationship with a young Wizard girl, you only out for one thing.”

“Isn't that what boys are about?” Venom said.

“Maybe,” Devin said. “Just not this one.”

“What are you doing in here?” Krait said as he walked in. “And with him?”

“Ahh, there is the drama,” Devin said.

“When did you get back?” Venom said as she got up.

“I heard all about you from Wizard Daniel,” Krait said. “Throwing yourselves at those Squires and making their heads all big. You are nothing but a whore.”

“Big?” Venom said. “Are you scared you don't measure up? They are bigger than you are and you are worried if it is all over.”

“Just like a whore,” Krait said.

“Relax,” Venom said. “Even if I had fun, that doesn't take away from my time with you.”

“Disgusting,” Krait said as he walked away.

“Wizard boys are so much work and drama,” Venom said as she retching sound. “The Squires were way more fun.”

“Well look at his way,” Devin said. “Poor bastard only gets his jollies from emotions. There is no fun in it at all for him when you lay down together. You get yours but he is only in it for you. When you decide you want to share yourself with whoever, you break that bond with him. He was feeling special thinking you were the only one and he for you. You telling someone like me that you still want to sleep around and still have fun with me is one thing. Many men would jump at that, the chance to have fun and not worry about hard feelings. My Da didn't raise me up that way though. With that said those were some nasty words he used but his feelings are probably hurt. I always thought he was a tosser anyway so it could have happened to a nicer guy.”

Devin left Venom with her thoughts as he went to wash his face and get ready for the day. Grand Wizard Charlotte was personally handing out the roles each person would play. Some were in charge of sneaking out and killing whoever they could in the dark. Others were sent to get supplies from wherever they could. There were many jobs but the only one Devin cared about was the one he was put on.

There weren't any other Acolytes given the task, Devin would be going with full Wizards on the account that he didn't need magestone to cast. In all there were twenty targets spread out between four kingdoms. Twenty full Wizards would be sent to Savia, they had their main targets and if they could spot anyone trained at the Grey Fortress they were to kill them. Ten people apiece were sent to the other Kingdoms for a total of fifty Wizards sent out altogether. Devin’s group were going into the Kingdom of Raenalia and would be split into five teams of two. Each team had a target they would go after, Devin had to kill someone named Baron Fury. The man was difficult for the Wizards to deal with before the war. He was angry to see them in his lands and had little use for women other than warming his bed. Tasha had told him that the man was short, overweight and suffered from inbreeding. He held his head at an angle and one shoulder was higher than the other. There were many times where some laundry girl accused him of rape but it was impossible to prosecute a landed noble and the trials were always left to the City Watch who was in his pocket. Tasha wished that was her target but she was known to the man. Devin was teamed up with Wizard Suzan, a Wizard that was promoted early because of the war and lack of Masters. She would be Devin’s master during this trip, Tasha agreed she was perfect for it.

Suzan was young, only a year older than Devin and was in great shape. The plan was for her to get a job as a servant somewhere and hope to catch the eye of the Baron. When they were alone she was supposed to kill him and then flee. Devin was her backup, he would use his skills to try to get the kill the old fashioned way. The issue Devin had was that he couldn't carry a bow with him and had to use other means. His throwing axes were also a no go, as was his armor. Devin had to blend in and appear to be a normal lad. He could have a few throwing knives and his boot dagger on him but that was it.

“Are you ready for this Acolyte?” Suzan said as Devin could tell she was nervous.

“Relax Master Suzan,” Devin said. “I know you are in charge and I don't plan giving you trouble on your first mission.”

“I am not worried about you,” Suzan said quickly.

“Maybe not,” Devin said. “But I wanted you to know it anyway.”

“I am worried,” Suzan said. “I shouldn't be a full Wizard for at least six months and I wasn't ready for this. I barely beat the purge.”

“The purge?” Devin said confused.

“I was in the Kingdom of Milkia when this all started,” Suzan said. “Men came for me and my master, armed and ready to fight. We tried to flee but they had us blocked in. We killed ten of them to break the siege they had on the inn we were staying in but my master was taken down trying to give me time to escape. I think they were trying to take us alive, I know my master would have never let that happen.”

“Well it is time for payback,” Devin said. “I never figured on what happened to those of you that were in enemy lands when they attacked.”

“Now you know,” Suzan said. “And I was promoted and somehow wound up the only Wizard with an Acolyte on this mission.”

“Well I can throw down,” Devin said. “If things get tough I got you. I know many see me as some untrained lad and maybe I am. No one who has fought me thinks I am an easy fight. Going into the belly of the beast may be rough but we could luck out. If I see him outside I am going to unleash my biggest spells and get the pit out of there. I am not one for murder but my brothers and my Da are apart of the war.”

“Hopefully we can do it quietly and get out of there,” Suzan said. “Sneaking into the country shouldn't be hard. Once we are inside is when it will get crazy.”

“How far away is Raenalia?” Devin asked.

“Only a half day's walk,” Suzan said. “Each of the five kingdoms has a well maintained road leading from their border to the Grey Fortress. What they don't know is that their are secret tunnels also leading into the Kingdoms. Only Wizards with twenty years of Wizard service know about them, well and everyone on the trip now. I was given the location so we won't have much problems.”

“Then when we get in?” Devin asked.

“We are going to take a carriage to the city of Mayalia,” Suzan said. “I have it written down on what we need to do to get there, who we should talk to, our backstory and how to survive. Once we reach Mayalia you are supposed to buy a cheap bow and practice with it until you are satisfied. Then I am supposed to get into the Baron’s home while you try to get a job working for a smith.”

“I didn't hear all of that,” Devin said.

“You just heard the basics,” Suzan said. “I was up all night with people familiar with the country on how to get around and what the best plan would be. I was told you could smith a little.”

“I can,” Devin said. “How much money do we have?”

“More than enough to live wealthy for four months,” Suzan said.

“Then I really shouldn't have any problems,” Devin said. I can buy smith tools and offer to work as an unpaid apprentice for a few days to show my skill. After that I will negotiate a price cheaper than I should get paid. It will be enough to barely get me by, before then I need a cheap room.”

“I already have a place picked out,” Suzan said. “Along with some of the Baron’s habits.”

“Then we should do some damage,” Devin said. “What is our backstory? I can always be what I am, a hard working son of a smith seeking to make his own way in the world. My Da got sent off to war and I took the time to find a new place to settle.”

“We are supposed to be um, lovers,” Suzan said. “My father doesn't approve of us and your family hates me. We ran off together and are trying to make it on our own.”

“Believable story,” Devin said. “One that could open us up to a bit of trouble if someone gets handsy with you.”

“Well if they do I will play the role,” Suzan said. “I can protect myself and not be obvious doing it. Why do you think there will be trouble?”

“Because I will be one lad, not from the area, with a pretty girl on my arm,” Devin said. “Trust me, some lad will want trouble.”

CHAPTER 16

“Here we go again,” Devin said as he sat at a table with Suzan.

“It is like every town we go to there is trouble,” Suzan said. “I can't be that pretty, not with these barmaids showing it all off.”

“You look like a big eyed sweet innocent girl on the arm of a boy,” Devin said. “They can see I got some size on me but these baggy clothes you have me wearing do not show off any muscle. Once they find out your story they decide to get stupid.”

“Hopefully it is not like the last town,” Suzan said. “You overreacted.”

“They had swords and dragged you off,” Devin said. I can still see the surprise in that idiot's face when I pulled my dagger and took him in the throat with it. The other one with him was still stunned when I then buried it into his chest.”

“Yes but I had already gotten myself free,” Suzan said. “I had a throwing knife on me and I used it without killing anyone. I hurt them a bit but the City Watch woulndt have been looking for us.”

“Those idiots were the City Watch,” Devin said.

“Yeah but we had to run for three days with no resting in inns before we could relax and you killed two more of them,” Suzan said.

“They stopped the chase, didn't they?” Devin said. “Which reminds me of something I wanted to talk about Master. Our weapons really give us away.”

“Only if we leave one behind which we will,” Suzan said. “At least we were far away when you started the killing. But we are in Mayalia now, you can't kill these men.”

“They have been getting louder and louder while looking straight at me,” Devin said.

“Only because they are a bit jealous,” Suzan said as she slid closer and kissed him on the cheek. Devin knew it was just a ploy but it felt nice. Suzan pulled away and then nibbled his ear. “You see the one on the far left?”

“Yeah,” Devin whispered.

“He is wearing the Baron’s colors,” Suzan said. “He may be a way in. You know they want to separate us. Maybe seeing us together will help us out.”

“Well that Baron and any other man wants to have a go at the naive country girl,” Devin said. “But they may not wait for that long. It is a matter of time before one of those men come over here to try and embarrass me in front of you. It is always the same story, they are getting drunker and drunker and you flirted with the barkeep.”

“I didn't flirt with him,” Suzan said. “He asked me what I was doing in town with a boy. I just told him that we were both looking for jobs. He told me that he could hire me here but my job would be more than waiting tables and he wanted to personally try me out to see if I made the cut.”

“He did?” Devin asked. “People are bold.”

“I told him I was untouched and waiting for my wedding day with my love,” Suzan said.

“I bet that got his blood boiling,” Devin laughed. “And apparently he must have told that group that has been eyeing us.”

“There are two other men in a corner that has also been looking over here,” Suzan said. “I don't know if they want to ravish me or rob us.”

“Well I am tired of waiting,” Devin said. “Can I go to the bar to order us a drink?”

“You know if you leave that they will come over here,” Suzan said.

“All the more reason to go after my girl when I am not around,” Devin said. “It is going to be the middle guy. That one has a mean face and has been getting louder and louder about what he would do with you.”

“Go ahead and don't kill anyone,” Suzan said.

Devin got up and went towards the bar, as soon as he moved he saw everyone but the Baron’s man get up. So that was how they were going to play it. Devin had seen the move before, one would talk to Suzan while the others would stop him from doing anything. It was supposed to show the girl her man was a nobody. If Suzan wasn't with it then they would try grabbing her and get Devin to react so they can beat him up to salvage their manhood. Devin had seen the move twice now and was more than ready for it.

“I need a big cup of your cheapest drink,” Devin said.

“What's wrong boy, no money?” the barkeep said.

“Something like that but I have to buy my girl a drink,” Devin said.

“One gold,” the barkeep said and crossed his arms.

“That should a copper at the most,” Devin said.

“Not for you,” the barkeep said. “Either pay it or piss off.”

“Oh I got it, Devin said as he emptied his coin purse on the bar. Three coppers and a gold fell out. The barkeep looked surprised and tried to grab it. Devin grabbed his arm before he could pull it back.

“If you take my coin before I get my drink, I think you and me are going to have big problems,” Devin said.

“Get your hands off of me!” the barkeep said.

“Drop my coin,” Devin said.

“You better get out of here boy!” Baron Fury’s guard said as he drew his sword.

“So that is what this is,” Devin said as he let go. The barkeep took the coin as Devin turned to go.

Devin went towards Suzan and could see the two men blocking his way, Devin didn't hesitate as he picked up a chair and smashed it as hard as possible over the man of the left’s head. The chair was a sturdy one and kept its shape as Devin kicked out with his leg and caught the man on the right directly in the stones. As he was going down, Devin smashed the man over the head with the chair as he was going down and spun in place with the chair to catch Baron Fury’s man running in with it. It was a good blow that sent the man down. Devin turned around and saw his original opponents and started stomping and hitting them with the chair until it finally shattered and left him with a chair leg. Their friend who was talking to Suzan was now up and worried. Devin tossed the leg down and went right at him.

Devin was enjoying himself, he often did during his bar fights. He was just too fast and instead of blading his hand like the Wizard’s taught, he kept a big meaty fist and loved slamming it in faces. The man he was fighting had been caught square and sent flying, Devin followed him down and got four punches in before the man was out. Devin got to his feet and grabbed the chair leg just as Baron Fury’s man shakily stood up. Devin caught him full across the face and sent him down as he approached the barkeep.

“Here is your coin!” the man said as he practically threw it on the bar.

“I am going to get my coin alright,” Devin said. “I am taking it out of your ass, all one gold of it.
Devin was across the bar and on the man quickly. In a closed area with no where to go fighting a larger man, the barkeep was outclassed and was taking a beating. Devin had smashed him worse than the others and started bashing him in the face with bottles of his own liquor. The City Watch eventually came in and were unsure of how to proceed. Five men were down and the other patrons were staying the pit away from Devin.

“Look it here you,” said an old man in a shaky voice. He was in the City Watch uniform but he and the two next to him were nothing special. The speaker looked as old as Mr. Darcy and the skinny watchmen he had next to him looked Devin’s age. “I am uh, I am Guard Barley and you have started a dust up in here and attacked Teo Kaley, one of uh, Baron Fury’s men. You have to uh, go to the dungeon to uh, wait for Baron Fury’s judgement.”

“I was just here minding my own business and they tried to rob me and take my girl,” Devin said.

“Still,” Barley said.

“Well I don't have any place for her to stay,” Devin said.

“I, maybe can find her a place but only if you don't give me any trouble,” Barley said.

Devin nodded and followed the Watch, he knew Suzan was thinking the same thing he was. If he was brought before the Baron there were many things that could happen that would put them in position to accomplish their mission. Devin could kill him straight up when he saw him and use his magic to flee. Suzan could offer herself to Baron Fury to secure Devin’s release and kill him then. Devin thought seeing the man would be harder but currently he thought his chances were high. Devin let the watch tie his hands behind his back, Devin could easily bring them to the front with his limberness. Devin was put in a wagon and ridden along with Suzan and the watchmen until he got to a big estate.

“Who is this?” said a guard that Devin could smell had been in his cups.

“Some lad who got into a punchout down at Alan’s,” Barley said. “Tore into Teo pretty good. His Lordship wants anyone attacking his men to go to the dungeon for his personal judgement, not his magister’s. The girl is his wife that has nowhere to sleep.”

“Oh I got a place for her to sleep,” the guard said as he tried to reach out and grab her.”

“None of that,” Barley said. “I told her she will get a safe place to sleep. I am going to toss her into the same cell as her man.”

“You don't make decisions here,” the guard growled.

“Then I will tell His Lordship that I was doing my job and you stopped me,” Barley said. “He is all yours Jasper. Come on boys, our work here is done.”

“Wait a minute!’ Jasper screamed. “I only wanted the girl.”

“Take em both or don't take any,” Barley said. “What is it going to be?”

“Just get out of here,” Jasper said as he leered at Suzan who was in a thin dress.

Devin was around the huge estate and into a side door. There were cells all around and Devin spied a torture rack as he walked in along with a man that was tied to a pole in a cell and looked like he had been lashed good. Devin was shown to a cell and Suzan followed him. The door was closed and Devin started giggling once he knew the Watch had left.

“They were so nervous that they didn't search you or me,” Suzan said. You want out of those?”

“Not really,” Devin said as he brought his arms under his legs until they were out front. “False security for anyone that sees me.”

“I am going to take them off anyway and tie them loosely,” Suzan said as she began working on his bonds. She was quick taking them off and tied them back in such a way that they looked secured but weren't. Jasper had come back and leered into the cell. Suzan had got up on him and whispered that she was a virgin and willing to trade her maidenhead for Devin’s release. Jasper readily agreed but Suzan wanted the Baron to come sign off on it. That ticked Jasper off, the man was probably trying to get lucky and would keep Devin there. Suzan wanted the Baron involved. Devin thought they would have to wait until morning until they saw someone else. In just an hour Japser reappeared with an obese man who could only be the Baron.He had five men with him and all had their swords out.

“Your Lordship!” Suzan said as she approached the bars. “It wasn't my Devin’s fault, I can pay for his freedom.”

“Baby no!” Devin pleaded. “I’ll get through this, they started the fight.”

“Shut up unless I tell you to speak!” Baron Fury wheezed. “And you don't have the money to pay for him after attacking one of my guards. No one wakes me up.”

“I can pay with my maidenhead!” Suzan pleaded.

“What?” Baron Fury said and then licked his lips.

“No baby!” Devin said as he started towards Suzan and tried pulling her back as she held onto the bars.

“Bring the girl to my room,” Baron Fury said. “Beat the boy until she finishes me off twice. Her performance is going to determine when the beating stops.”

Devin waited for the cell to open and then cast his biggest fire spell, Eruption. The fire was hot and covered the Baron and his men in flames as Suzan went for the cell door and made sure it didn't close. Devin didn't keep the spell for long, it was enough to back people off the door and give them something to worry about. His targets were all aflame and trying to roll around on the ground. Devin and Suzan both grabbed swords and plunged them into the Baron. Suzan stabbed twice to ensure that she had completed the job, Devin thought it was overkill since both of her stabs were to the neck and the first one had nearly decapitated him. They left the dungeon through the estate, Suzan wanted the entire thing burned down and Devin started casting his fire magic everywhere to get the place blazing before they made their exit.

Three more guards were killed as they fled, Suzan wanted no witnesses and had managed to get two strong horses from the stables saddled up and ready to go. They were off as people started coming to see the fire, Devin could hear screams coming from the upper floors and hoped they were smart enough to jump. If not then they were probably stupid and deserved none of his mercy for serving a man like Baron Fury. Devin thought it took them less than two hours since they entered town to find their target and kill him. No one could prove it was a wizard which Devin thought would make Suzan angry. No weapons were left and no one alive could say who they were.

The pair rode into the night, Suzan thought they should only make camp and never stop at an inn for more than a moment to resupply if that. The moon was out so at least the horses could see, they would eventually need a rest or they could be ridden to death. Devin had told Suzan about how Knight Jeffries had him sleep in the war. She wasn't thrilled about it in her thin dress but didn't complain too much. The rest was only for three hours and they were moving again, already they had passed through three towns and thought they needed more space between them before everything was put together.

Baron Fury and his men were burned horribly, Devin didn't think anyone could survive his fire and the people who found them would just find charred bodies. It would take them a while to do so, the big estate was in flames and putting it out would be hard. Devin thought it was tough luck for the man that had been lashed. The dungeon was stone but the smoke would probably get to him.

“Next town we trade the horses and buy supplies,” Suzan said. “No real haggling, whatever we can get and then start moving. Buy yourself a bow as well, speed is our friend, not secrecy.”

“Haven't we had it out in this town coming up before?” Devin asked.

“If anyone gives us problems, we kill them,” Suzan said. “Any pursuers we kill them as well.”

“Yes Master,” Devin said. “Buy the weapons I need, you may need a heavy coat to snuggle up in when it gets cold.”

“When we get to town, we split up,” Suzan said. “I saw a stable through here before. I will take the horses there to trade along with tack. I should be able to get saddlebags thrown into the deal along with old blankets and coats or something. These are prized horses and I will likely get old beat up animals that can't move as fast. They will be enough to get us a few towns down the road and we try it again.”

When the town came into view Devin had a good idea of what his part was. There was a bowyer near the smiths and he would buy a bow and some arrows from him. Devin knew he would overpay but wanted a decent number of arrows just in case he had to use them. After that he was to meet Suzan at the stables she mentioned and they would both go buy whatever else they needed and be on their way. Suzan wanted to stay in town no more than an hour, if it took longer than that then they were going to steal what they could and leave. Suzan didn't care that they had to probably kill people and only wanted to get going. As they rode through town, Devin separated and went into the bowyers. There was a man around seventy summers inside.

“I need a bow and I need it fast,” Devin said as he held out his coin purse.

“Well that depends on what you need it for son,” the man laughed.

“Not in a mood to jaw with you and I don't want to be disrespectful,” Devin said. “A hunting bow, bring me what you got.”

“Well you haven't told me the draw weight you need or what you will be hunting,” the old man said.

“I am not trying to be funny with you,” Devin said irritated. “Just give me a hunting bow, don't care what you grab.”

“This isn't how to pick a bow,” the man drawled. “I like satisfied customers.”

“I am shooting deer and whatever draw weight you think is best,” Devin said quickly. “Just get me a bow with some arrows.”

“So you are shooting deer?” the old man said. “Well what kind of deer are you shooting?”
“Nevermind,” Devin said as he snatched his coin purse off the counter and turned to leave.

“Well wait a minute,” the old man said. “You came in here bothering me and all I am trying to do is help you.”

“No you aren't,” Devin snapped back. “You are being an ass and think it is funny. I have asked you for a bow four times and you keep giving me stupid questions.”

“I am trying to help,” the old man said offended.

“No you are not, I said I need a bow!” Devin screamed. “I don't care what kind, just a bow. You wanted to know what it was for, I gave you an answer and said I wanted one and then you went into all sorts of even dumber questions.”

“So you can get the right bow!” the old man said.

“You are a terrible businessman,” Devin said. “I hope when the next lad comes through the door you will just give him what he wants instead of what you want to give him. A man asks for a bow, then get him a bow. At least show him some product instead of sitting asking stupid questions.”

“I’ll get you a bow,” the old man snapped. “A deer hunting bow and you better be happy with whatever thickness, draw weight or arrowheads you get.”

“Finally,” Devin said. “I need forty arrows and quivers to carry them. I don't care about fletchings, wood type or anything else you want to talk about. Give me whatever fits into the bow and we will call it even. How much for a bow, and the arrows, and the quivers to hold all the arrows?”

“Well normally all of that would run you five silver but you have been an ass,” the old man said.

“Here is a gold,” Devin said as he slammed it down on the counter. “I just want my stuff.”

“I don't get why you are in such a hurry,” the old man said as he took the gold. I have been in the bow business for over fifty summers. I know everything there is about hunting game, best type of bow, best type of string and what arrows to use. I could save you money by ensuring you don't buy too much bow for your needs.”

“And that is nice, but I told you I was in a hurry and don't want to chat,” Devin said. “Now please, go get, my things.”

“I’ll get up,” the old man said angrily. “Whatever you are all spun up about doesn't mean you have to be an ass to an old man. Why, back in my day, even if I was angry I would show some respect.”

“MY BOW SIR!” Devin yelled.

“That is what I am talking about, no patience and want everything done right away,” the old man said.

“Give me my coin back,” Devin said as he stretched out his hand. “You keep all of your stuff, I’ll find someone with a bow that is willing to sell it.”

“Well you just wait a minute, I said I was getting it,” the old man said.

“And you are taking forever and are happy berating me instead of getting my things no matter how much in a hurry I told you I am,” Devin said. “My coin, give it to me.”

“I already have the money and I am getting your things, you just need some respect,” the old man said.

“I don't want your things, I want my coin,” Devin said.

“Well I could have gotten it if you would let me,” the old man said. “It is only rush rush rush with you.”

“Well then get it!” Devin screamed as the door opened behind him.

“What is taking you so long?” Suzan said. “I got the horses quickly, traded them for some others the owner was coming to pick up. He threw in almost everything we needed and I got food.”

“I am getting my money back from this old man who is moving slow and doing nothing but complaining,” Devin said irritated.

“So this little lady is why you are in a hurry,” the old man smiled.

“Get my things or give me my coin,” Devin said.

“Unlike you I can always take the time to be nice, especially to a young lady,” the old man said.

“I’m done with you!” Devin said. “I am about to go around that counter and take it directly out your ass!”

“Well what?” the old man said as Devin jumped the counter and grabbed the old man by his shirt.

“I asked for my money and you want fun and games,” Devin said angrily. “Here is some fun and games.”

“Let me go!” the old man said as Devin’s fist slammed into his stomach, bending the old man over.

“I said I want my coin or my things!” Devin screamed as he picked the man up and belted him hard in the stomach again. “How does that feel? Looks like it hurts. Now go get my bow.”

Devin picked the old man up and felt bad by bashing his head into the door to open it. In the back room was only one dusty bow that looked like it had been there a while. Devin tossed the old man down and grabbed the bow along with a rotten looking quiver and the only five arrows he had. Devin wanted to scream as he looked around the place, all of that and the old man didn't have anything. The old man was still on the ground and was looking wildeyed, Suzan was looking confused as Devin looked down on him.

“All you had to do, was get me a bow,” Devin said. “None of this had to happen but you wanted to play games. You only got one bow back here, it wouldn't have been hard for you to just go get it and come back. I am the best customer you could have hoped for, one that would have taken whatever and left. I should beat on you more so the next bloke that comes in here does not have to answer stupid question after stupid question. Now go ahead and say something so I can stomp your teeth clean down your throat.”

“Just go,” the old man said as he covered up.

Devin felt bad for his actions, he should have just walked out when the old man first started his questions and left. Then again Suzan said if they couldn't buy what they needed then they should steal it and didn't care if anyone died. Devin left him in the back room and spotted the gold on the floor. Devin picked it up and tossed it in the room with the old man who had to be shocked to get a proper throttling from a man a quarter of his age. The more Devin thought about, the less he felt bad. That old man probably used his age to annoy people and definitely wouldn't be doing that anytime soon. Devin didn't mind talking to older people about whatever but thought respect went both ways. When someone was in a hurry stop trying to delay them with stupid stories. Devin had asked for his coin back and the old man refused and then went into another story. Devin climbed on his horse and took off out of town. They had been riding an hour before Suzan started to speak.

“Was that necessary?” Suzan said. “I know I told you to steal and kill if you have to but that was a frail old man Acolyte.”

“He just got to me,” Devin said. “Reminds me of my brothers’ grandfather, Mr. Darcy. Nothing is ever easy for me, I could ask for a plum and he would talk about how lazy I am and why don't I buy my own land like he did. Then I could get some seeds and plant a tree and have my own plums. Only to me he would do that to, with his grandsons he never bothered. That old man just reminded me of him too much, people who think they are cute by being annoying. The last straw was when he had my coin and still didn't go get my things. I went too far but I bet he will never make that mistake again.”

“It will bring attention to us that we don't need Acolyte,” Suzan said sharply.

“Sorry Master, I will try to do better,” Devin said.

“See that you do,” Suzan said. “We are already trying to stay ahead of a possible mob.”

“It might take them a bit to even come looking for us,” Devin said. As if on cue Devin heard some people riding hard behind him. Suzan turned back and saw the riders as Devin had them take the horses and turn off the road. Devin used the time to scale a tree, Suzan was going deeper and if they were being pursued then the riders would have to go in and get them and put themselves in his sights. The riders did come, it was fifteen of them, most were wearing Baron Fury’s colors and they were joined by what looked like two City Watchmen from Mayalia. They got off their horses and started into the brush.

“That is far enough,” Devin said from above them. “Turn around and leave.”

“There you are you little shit,” Jasper said as an arrow took him in the throat.

“I said turn around and leave,” Devin repeated. “Leave your horses and drop your weapons.”

“We can cut him out that tree,” Teo said as he hid up against a tree. Devin leapt from his tree and started running along branches until he got to Teo’s tree. The man didn't even notice as an arrow took him right through the top of the head.

“I said drop your weapons and leave your horse,” Devin said as two arrows thudded into his tree.

Devin ran back around the side and waited. His attackers were trying to get him and already they were two down. Devin took off to another tree and then another tree as he went deeper into the forest. Devin was fast, he found Suzan who had tied off her horse and was trying to climb a tree. Devin ignored her as he sighted his bow and looked through the branches. His pursuers came walking up with bows drawn, Devin took one in the chest which made them all scatter. Devin knew he wasn't seen and didn't want to give away his position by moving. They knew he was in front of them but that was it.

The twelve men he was now facing split up. Four went to the right, four to the left and four stayed in the middle. They must have had an idea of how far away he was and wanted to surround him. Devin let them run, He sighted his bow and just waited for the group coming around the left to come into view. The fourth arrow caught a man in the eye and Devin was moving. The group on the left didn't get a good time to set up as Devin shot another one and then quickly moved down the tree he was in and to one of the downed men he had shot. Devin took the arrows out of his quiver and then hid behind a tree. He had just nocked an arrow when he heard a scream coming from at least fifty paces behind him. The first scream was followed by another and then shouting.

“He’s over here!” a voice cried out as Devin was confused. The two men he was hunting shed their cover and came running straight at him. Devin hid behind a tree and was surprised when both men ran past him. Devin shot them both in the back and then topped off his quiver and traded bows with one of the men.

Devin snuck threw the forest and could see one man was dead with a throwing knife sticking out of his throat. Two others had been hit but the knife didn't have enough power behind it. The man struck in the shoulder bled but was still able to fight, the other was caught in the forearm. Suzan was up a tree and trying to hide, Devin saw the remaining four come up.

“He is right there,” a man said not bothering to lower his voice. “We finally got that bastard. He can't move from that spot and is out of arrows. He has these little throwing knives but is either out or only has one or two. We are going to surround this tree and…”

Devin had heard enough and took the speaker in the back. Devin was able to take the stunned man who was talking to him in the neck and then waited for the rest. They went running away from Devin and had forgotten about Suzan. A fireball hit one of the men and brought him screaming out of his hiding spot and into an arrow from Devin. Suzan was in the perfect spot as she started raining down arrows as Devin shot anyone trying to run. When it was all over they stripped the men of what they could and changed horses. They were still far from home but any pursuers they had would think twice about going after them and it would take time to even raise a good force.

It took the pair a little over two weeks of heavy riding to get to and pass through the border. Devin was sure Suzan was still holding her breath and wouldn't be happy until they were safe back in the Grey Fortress. The tunnel they used had a strange marking on it and neither Suzan nor Devin knew what it meant. The pair went through the tunnel anyway, it was slow going since they didn't know what to expect. When Devin finally made it through the tunnel, he could tell something wasn't right. He should have been challenged by someone, instead he wasn't and he and Suzan had walked on through. Suzan sensed it as well, Devin had his bow out and would follow her.

It was daytime so Devin could see, Devin could hear the sounds of people but was still cautious. Suzan pressed on a stone and a passage opened up, Suzan was met by a sword to her throat. Whoever it was recognized her and pulled her and Devin inside. A torch was lit and Devin could see it was Sting who had been standing watch.

“What happened here?” Suzan asked.

“We have been breached,” Sting said. “I was told that any who came would probably be safe if they came through the tunnel and headed straight for this passage.”

“They are through the gate?” Suzan asked.

“They made a big push and took a lot of casualties to do so,” Sting said. When they cleared the gate they were not ready for the drop and we took out even more as they tried to get around. Some jumped and hurt themselves but we took out a lot more. Eventually we all had to barricade inside of here. They have been trying to breach the Fortress but we have been making them pay. They tore down our walls, that was their main goal, I am amazed you didn't notice.”

“I didn't,” Devin said. “I was just focused on not being challenged and came straight for the Fortress.”

“We have been sending the Hatosians away along with our younger members. They have been retreating to Hatos with plenty of magestone to keep them up. There are not many of us here anymore. All three kingdoms threw a lot of people at us, it was like they didn't care about dying.”

“Come Wasp,” Suzan said. “We have a story to tell.”

Devin followed Suzan through the passage as it let out in Cameron’s operating room. Suzan went through the halls and Devin was happy when he saw Gerald. The two gave each other a big hug, Tasha went to see what everything was about and gave Devin her own hug. Suzan told him to stay as she went to speak to the seniors.

“You done already?” Gerald said.

“Only took two hours once we got there,” Devin said. “I got into a dustup and was thrown into the dungeon. The Baron came to see us and we took him then and burned his estate to the ground. Got into it trying to flee but we met our goal.”

“I was worried about you,” Gerald said. “Not many teams have made it back yet. We expect in the next month to start hearing word on assassinations and if they were successful.”

“You think we will last that long?” Devin asked.

“A siege is a horrible thing,” Gerald said. “Too many of them died trying to get here and they can't just leave. We are sitting on magestone that they want, they have Black Wizards that have been trying to help out but we still have the high ground and they need to get through our walls which is difficult with fire raining down on you. Their magic users only have so much while our side is constantly getting fresh magestone to use.”

“This still can't last forever,” Devin said.

“Our last ditch effort is to destroy our teachings and collapse the fortress onto the magestone itself,” Tasha said. “Then we are all headed into Savia with as much magestone as we can carry and plan on slaying the King.”

“Any word on how the war is going?” Devin asked.

“Savia has found it rough going,” Gerald said. “It only took three weeks to get magic users trained up and then we sent them with a lot of magestone to face down Savia when we realized we had enough to hold out. Savia has been pushed back into Savia and we have started fighting inside their borders but can't do too much. We don't want to be open to counter attack but a plan has been hatched.”

“Well out with it,” Devin said.

“Our King is in talks with Formia,” Gerald said. “If they help his side, then he would split the magestone he finds in Savia down the middle. He said he doesn't care if they continue sieging us or not. In fact he said they should probably continue to ensure they leave with some magic.”

“That would be rough on Savia if Formia joins in,” Devin said.

“And if the assassinations are successful I think they would cave,” Gerald said. “All we have to do is keep hitting the nobles. Eventually they will be on high alert and stay on high alert. In the dark it would still be difficult to stop a Wizard attack when you aren't even sure if you are next. Formia would also cave if they hear how bad Savia is getting beaten. No one expected this place to hold out as long as it did.”

“So there are two plans of action,” Devin said. “How long do you think this place can hold out?”

“Hard to say,” Tasha said. “They breached the walls but coming here is difficult. This place is hard to reach with trebuchets and there is the fact that they are not trying to destroy the Fortress. I think we have at least a month on the low end and four on the high end. The assassinations haven't really been felt yet so who knows.”

“I think my part in whatever this is has to be put on hold,” Devin said.

“I know you have your family you want to check on,” Gerald said.

“I am happy you lasted with us this long,” Tasha said.

“I’ll be back through here regardless,” Devin said. “I have a family to look after and questions I need answered from my Da.”

“Safe journeys Devin,” Gerald said.

EPILOGUE

Devin could see his home up ahead, he hadn't gotten any letters or anything from his father so he wasn't sure where the man was. Devin knew that Ms. Martha might and would get information from either her or Mr. Darcy. Devin was travelling in the full uniform of the Wizards and hadn't been stopped, searched or accused of being a deserter since he had crossed over into Hatos. Devin had a decent amount of coin but Wizards normally didn't pay for their stay anywhere anyway. The crown of whatever kingdom they were in footed the bill.

Walking up to the estate felt weird to Devin, he had never felt warmth from Ms. Martha and wondered if he even belonged there. Devin briefly thought about knocking but decided to just open the front door. He wasn't sure what he would find since the war was still raging, on the way here he had heard decent news but knew everything was far from over. Not every woman was taken to the war effort, only those who already had kids and didn't have the money to buy their way out of serving. That really wasn't the information Devin was told before but it didn't matter. The big news is that all of the new Hatosian Wizards joined in the battle and immediately made their presence known and had helped push the Savians far into Savia. Devin thought the Kingdom was holding out hope its allies would take the Fortress. Devin didn't think the news was that great because the Savians eventually would do the same thing. They would put the majority of their populace through spell casting to fight off the enemy.

“Devin?” Troy said as he turned a corner and ran into his brother.

“Troy!” Devin said as he gave his brother a hug.

“What are you uh, doing here Devin?” Troy asked suspiciously. “And why are you dressed like that?”

“I made it through Wizard training,” Devin said. “I can do magic.”

“You can?” Troy said surprised. “I came to find out what became of you all, what became of our Da. Why are you here?”

“I am hiding,” Troy whispered. “War is not for me. I was rounded up with the rest even after paying my way out. Me and Damon were separated and were going to be put through for a commission to lead men. I found a poor commoner before I made it there and convinced him to take my place. He thought it sounded better than being on the front line with a pike.”

“What if he tells?” Devin asked.

“I hid out for a week just to see,” Troy said. “He went through with it and I know he will never tell a soul.”

“How do you know?” Devin asked.

“Because his body arrived here a month ago,” Troy said. “It said he was killed in his sleep by an assassin. Mother told everyone it was one of our new servants who had the same first name.”

“So you hiding in here until everything calms down?” Devin asked.

“Are you going to turn me in?” Troy said, fearfully. “I know you hate me. You hate me for staying inside while you and father break your backs doing hard work.”

“I don't hate you Troy,” Devin said. “I just think you are lazy. No I am not going to turn you in. You got out of it and I just hope you stay safe. Where is Damon?”

“Still fighting,” Troy said. “He is still out there and still fighting.”

“And our Da?” Devin asked.

“He is supposed to be coming here soon,” Troy said.

“He is?” Devin asked.

“Not much he can do anymore,” Troy said. “More than enough weapons have been made and if any is needed they can be salvaged from the dead. His part in the war is over unless they need more smiths. I should have learned to smith.”

“You should have,” Devin said. “I was on the frontlines for a bit and was even a Squire like I wanted.”

“You made it?” Troy asked surprised.

“I did,” Devin said. “And from there I became an Acolyte. This war and killing business is not for everyone, I will never judge you. I am worried about what would happen if you are discovered here. Who all knows you are here?”

“Just mother and she has been a horrible pain,” Troy said. “She had to send most of our servants away. At least those that work in the home but many of them were snatched up for war anyway. She hates cleaning after herself and you know I hate it as well. We have been forced to make our own food, do our own laundry and many other things servants usually handle. She blames me for ruining her easy life and maybe she should. She has briefly thought about hiring them back and forbidding anyone to go to the top floor. It may be the only plan that would work, we have also thought of putting up a wall to block off an entire part of the upstairs. I think something will have to happen, I am too soft to go without servants and so is mother. We also have other issues between each other.”

“What is that?” Devin asked.

“She has been secretly seeing Lord Paramount,” Troy said. “When I first came back I caught them together in an argument. When Da comes back, it will really be bad.”

“Maybe not as bad as you think,” Devin said.

“How can it not be?” Troy said. “She was seeing another man who already has a wife. Why she would cheat on our Da with a man like Lord Paramount I do not understand. Da is tall, handsome and he has a lot of muscle. You have been out with him, women stare at him whether he notices it or not.”

“Da knows,” Devin said. “If you spent more time around him then you would know that as well.”

“What do you mean he knows?” Troy snapped. “Why would he stay with her?”

“Because she has money and Da needed help raising me,” Devin said. “That is why he stayed and has let your grandfather interject in how you and Damon should be raised. I know you and Damon think it is nice not going outside and doing any work with your hands or learning things. Just think about it, what Da would let their boys get off that easy? Da doesn't really need Mr. Darcy’s money or Ms. Martha’s. He needed a place for me to stay and now I don't think he needs that, I don't see them staying together.”

“I don't see anyway they can stay together,” Troy said. “She went out and got pregnant.”

“What?!?” Devin practically yelled.

“Yes and she is showing,” Troy said. “That is what the fight was about.”

“Your mother always wanted to be with a noble,” Devin said. “True, Lord Paramount is nearly twice her age but she always wanted the title of nobility.”

“She wants him to divorce his wife and marry her,” Troy said. “My grandfather is taking it horribly and has been over here twice to yell.”

“Mr. Darcy knows about it?” Devin asked.

“He found out almost the same time I did,” Troy said. “I still don't know why grandfather doesn't like our Da but he was livid when he found Mother and Lord Paramount arguing. He had noticed she started to show and did the math and came to ask her about it.”

“Pregnant though,” Devin said. “No way to get out of that.”

“And grandfather’s business is set to suffer,” Troy said. “No one would buy from him with my mother tearing apart noble marriages. Even if Lord Paramount divorced Lady Paramount, it wouldn't matter. Grandfather is trying everything he can to keep his things, including having Damon or I open up as a competitor and use Da’s name. That way when everything comes out people would flock to us and keep the money going.”

“People know who you are,” Devin said.

“Maybe manufacture a falling out,” Troy said. “The man is desperate and I know it is not a good plan. My mother may want to yell and berate me secretly about running but she is in no place to do so. I just wish I had learned smithing, I could be back here as a man instead of hiding in this house like a rat. I bet many commoners not as wealthy or well known as I are in hiding.”

“Probably,” Devin said. “If you are in hiding, why did you leave the front door open? I could have been anyone in here and saw you.”

“I was expecting mother,” Troy said. “Follow me up the side stairs. With you here, maybe I can send my clothes out to launder instead of doing it myself.”

Devin turned to follow Troy and could hear straps on the front porch. Devin motioned Troy to hurry as he walked out to the front door. Whoever it was, Devin would stop them before they could discover his brother. Devin could hear Ms. Martha pleading with someone. Devin waited as there was a heavy knock at the front door followed by a heavy boot kicking the door in. Devin had his throwing knife in his hand as he recognized Leftenant Nelson, he came inside with two other men. Ms. Martha was hanging off him and he threw her down and looked at Devin.

“You are going to pay for that door and I want my money now,” Devin said cooly.

“It is the archer?” Leftenant Nelson said. “I knew there was a deserter here. I should have been on this duty all along instead of at the front. Search this place, there are probably two others.”

“I said you better pay for that door,” Devin said as he could see Ms. Martha. “Pay for it now or I will take it your of your ass.”

“Pretending to be a Wizard,” Leftenant Nelson said. “Give him twenty lashes and send him to the front.”

“I am a Wizard,” Devin said. “Now get out of my home, and do it now.”

“I have had enough of you Archer,” Leftenant Nelson said as he drew his sword. The other men with him did the same as they stepped inside.

Devin’s throwing knife left his hand quickly and stuck in the forearm of Leftenant Nelson. The man screamed as the men next to him flew into action. Devin was wearing the normal uniform of a Wizard, he wasn't big on the thin short swords they carried but drew his and went into the fight. The first blade passed over him as Devin stuck the blade through the top of his first opponent’s foot  and then spun away and scored a nice hit across the back of the thigh. The man yelled out as Devin was now on his partner who gave a thrust which Devin dodged and gave the man a double shallow cut in the form of an X across his chest. He cried out and dropped his weapons as Devin  now had to dodge a blow from Nelson. Devin ducked and caught the man in the stones. Nelson was trying to go downas Devin gave him a headbutt and then pushed him out of the door. Devin turned around to look at the other two, they were wide eyed and scared.

“You two attacked a Wizard in his home for no reason,” Devin said. “You have destroyed my door and drew your weapon. You threw my pregnant mother to the floor. You both should be dead right now along with that idiot outside. Leave my home or I will kill you right now, I do not care about your injuries, if you are too hurt to go then I will kill you here.”

Devin watched them go, the one with the leg needed help and they were bleeding all over the place. Devin saw Nelson on the porch, the man was in rough shape. He slowly got up and Devin could see the forearm that took the throwing knife was bleeding. Someone had known Troy was at home and this was the group sent to grab him. Ms. Martha was surprised to see him home and was probably relieved he was there. Leftenant Nelson crawled and then stood up to leave. Devin watched him go as Ms. Martha walked passed him to get into her home.

“He will be back,” Devin said.

“What are you in my,” Ms. Martha began.

“Save it,” Devin said. “You save it for someone else.”

“Well I didn't give you permission to just…,” Ms. Martha began.

“I already know about Troy,” Devin said. “Just like I already know about you. Just like I said, save whatever you are about to say. Troy needs a safe place and I have plenty of work to do. He is upstairs, get him down here now while I find a suitable hiding spot. Now move.”

“Just who do you think you are talking to?” Ms. Martha said.

“So we are playing it that way,” Devin said. “I am leaving then, good luck cleaning this up.”

“I didn't tell you that you could just leave,” Ms. Martha said as Devin continued walking. “I said come back here!”

Devin didn't turn around and could hear Ms. Martha screaming his name. The woman was always pompous and acted like he was beneath her. Devin figured the woman would soon recognize the predicament she was in and would be more receptive. Devin knew he couldn't just walk out on her on the account of Troy. Devin would make her worry though, Ms. Martha was a stuck up woman who felt Devin and his father was beneath her. Now that she needed him it would give her some humility. Devin thought he would at least get to wherever he was going to stay for the night before Ms. Martha went to find him. Ms. Martha ended up running to catch up to him. Devin could hear she was out of breath and she tugged on his sleeve.

“What?” Devin said as he looked down at her.

“Don't talk to me like that,” Ms. Martha said.

“Look,” Devin said. “I know you don't like me, growing up you made it painfully clear that you were not my mother and treated me the same as you would have done any servant. Once I left here, I have lived life. I don't like you and I don't need your money. Now let go of my sleeve.”

“Troy needs you,” Ms. Martha said.

“He has you,” Devin said. “I am not being talked to like I am a bug or something crawly by you anymore. You are supposed to be married to my father and not only do you treat him like filth, you went out and got pregnant by a married man. You want to be some great lady and think that you are above it all, well now you are.”

“Please,” Ms. Martha said. Devin could see the word hurt her to say it.

“You talk to me like I am beneath you just one more time and I am gone,” Devin said.

Devin followed her back into the house and closed the door. Troy came down stairs and Devin wondered what they could do to hide him. Eventually Devin went to grab some tools and started tearing up the floor. His skill along with his magic would make a nice little area for Troy to hide out in. Devin would have to make it in a way that the floor would have to be torn up to get to Troy, they couldn't risk a trap door being found. Devin worked long into the night, the extra dirt he had he just stacked it by the back door and would get rid of it as soon as Troy had a halfway decent area.

Troy objected to being underground in the dark, Devin told him then to come up with his own plan. Troy didn't have one and just wanted to complain, especially when Devin made him grab a shovel and start digging for himself. There was a secret trapdoor near the hearth, it was only big enough for a small saucer to fit through and Troy had a bucket of dirt that he could hold up to the hole so if it was discovered, they would think it was just dirt. Once everything was complete and Troy was in his new hole, Devin had the job of hiding the dirt. Wind magic helped out a lot and so did earth magic. Devin was able to get it twenty paces away from the house and used his remaining magic to make it seem like he was tilling up a field. Ms. Martha had to clean the inside of the house while he was doing that, dirt in a kitchen would be noticeable. Devin knew she wanted to object but she didn't.

Devin slept good that night, it was nice to be back in his own bed and around his own things. Devin woke up normally and could hear a far off scream. Devin wondered what it was as the scream sounded again. It was a strange sound, like a crack of lightning or something making a sharp crack. Devin slowly woke up as the strange sound and the scream was heard again. Devin went to find the sound, it was coming from in front. Devin went towards the front door, it was still broken. Devin opened it and could see at least twenty men. They were all soldiers and had his father tied to a wagon while someone was beating him with a whip. Leftenant Nelson was there, Devin could see he had four archers with him.

“Come out of the house deserter!” Nelson screamed. “Everyone in there is getting twenty lashes, starting with your father you has helped hide you.” Devin ducked back inside and ran to get his equipment, his father would have to endure as he was hit again. Devin quickly dressed and grabbed his things, he was back outside after a few moments.

“I am going to let you search my home,” Devin said. “I have nothing to hide and the law is clear. Four times the punishment on the perpetrator if nothing is found. That will be forty lashes and they are going to you.”

“I am not getting any lashes, now drop your weapons,” Lefttenant Nelson said.

“I will not,” Devin said now conduct your search.

“I am only going to ask you one more time,” Leftenant Nelson said. “Drop your weapons and come over here to receive your punishment deserter. We have it on good authority that there is a deserter in there. If you do not you will be fired upon.”

“Any man who tries to kill me will die,” Devin said. “I have a right to protect myself, both as a Wizard and as a citizen.”

“Kill this idiot,” Leftenant Nelson said as Devin could see the first arrow speeding towards him.

Devin drew his two blade and cut two arrow from two different directions in half at the shaft. The other two he ducked and then rolled as he came to his feet. Fireballs shot out of his hand and enveloped the first archer, the move shocked the soldiers with Nelson as Devin then turned to one of the other archers who was in shock. Fire took him as the soldiers started backing up, Devin could see the shock on Nelson’s face as he went back to get his swords and then ran flat out at the third archer.

“I-I didn't know you were a…, the archer said as he had his hands up. Both of Devin’s swords entered from his abdomen and went straight up into his chest cavity forming an X. The last archer could see him coming. A soldier next to him drew his sword and swung as Devin ducked and opened him up at the belly. The archer had an arrow nocked and was hit by Torrent. It was a tough water spell that sent kiloliters of water at someone but Devin couldn't hold it for long. Devin didn't  need to as he took the man in the chest and then flicked his swords to get the blood off of them.

“Five people have died here because of you,” Devin said as he eyed Leftenant Nelson and then realized it was Conn who was doing the whipping. “You fired on a Wizard in his home.”

“I’I didn't,” Leftenant said shakily as Devin cut him off.

“You are already charged with attempted murder and you can guess I do not care about your status,” Devin said.

“I-I have seen enough, cut this man down, sorry for the mistake,” Leftenant Nelson said.

“It’s not that easy,” Devin said. “Men are dead. You are going to conduct your search and ensure you search every part. After that your man with the whip along with yourself are going to get your forty lashes for attacking an innocent man. Once that justice has been dealt with, you are going before the Duke for attempted murder.”

“I am not getting any forty lashes,” Leftenant Nelson said.

“Then I will give you justice at the tip of my sword,” Devin said as he started walking towards Nelson. “Any of you men, not wishing to die, shouldn't draw your weapons.”

“You can't do this,” Leftenant Nelson said as he backed away.

“Conduct your search and make it thorough,” Devin said. “Anyone breaking anything will deal with me.”

“I-I don't need a search,” Leftenant Nelson said.

“Then are you prepared to face your justice?” Devin said. “I am not going anywhere and neither are you. You told your men lies to get them over here. You spun them up, beat an innocent man and sent them after a Wizard. Now five of them are dead and you are trying to get out of this. You don't just pull up and beat an innocent man and then try to kill a law keeper for no reason. You have to pay.”

“That’s it,” Leftenant Nelson said. “I’ll pay!”

“You would have to ask the man you had whipped if he would take monetary compensation and come to an agreement with him,” Devin said. “That does not rid you of trying to kill me and breaking my door.”

“I am not a part of this!” one of the soldiers said. “You said you had a lead on some deserters and that one was pretending to be a Wizard. How stupid was I, one boy beat the pit out of three of you. He didn't catch you by surprise, he is a Wizard! I am out of this, I want noting to do with it. You don't get this job going after deserters by being nobodies, I have a life to get back to. Wizard if you need someone to speak about what happened here and what I know, you can count me in. I am getting out of here for someone else dies.”

“I am with Hoyer,” said another Soldier. “I know you have some relationship with the Prince but he is only a little boy. You all are on your own. Five men killed, two of them were roasted alive. Count me out of searching his home or anything else.”

“Looks like your men are leaving, Devin said as he father got to his knees and then shakily stood up.

“He wasn't a Wizard!” Leftenant Nelson said. “How was I supposed to know. You, you can talk to him. You are his father,” Nelson said as he looked at Geflin.

“Your words are with me,” Devin said. “Now you and whatever men you have a part of this, go make your search.”

“You are on your own Sir,” another Soldier said. “I am out of here.”

“I don't uh, want no parts of this,” Sergeant Conn said.

“You don't get to leave,” Devin said. “You are a big part of this, forty lashes is what you are looking at. And I am going to make sure they are just as nasty as the ones you gave. Now go search the house so this can be over with.”

“You were suspected of being a deserter,” Leftenant Nelson said. “And you refused to drop your weapons. You weren't a Wizard when I met you and the training takes forever. You can't pin any attempted murder charge on me and I demand my day in front of His Grace.”

“And you will get it,” Devin said. “However you did throw my mother to the floor and kicked in my door. While you may be able to replace that, you were still entering illegally and you whipped my father. This is my last time telling you to go make your search. Since you have tried to kill me before, I assume deadly force is how you are going to try and get out of your lashes. Before you bring up His Grace, I am going to give you the same justice you gave my father. Anyone running will be burned to death, now conduct your search.”

“Fifteen gold,” Leftenant Nelson said as he looked at Geflin.

“I am going to enjoy beating the pit out of you,” Geflin said. “You caught me and taunted me, and insulted my boy. You keep your fifteen gold.”

“Eighty gold,” Leftenant Nelson said.

“Eighty gold is a lot of money,” Geflin said wincing.

“Then it seems Leftenant Nelson has bought his way out,” Devin said. “His sergeant however is still due forty lashes. You have an hour Leftenant to return here with the money. If I have to find you, I am going to do so with my swords.”

“You there Sergeant Conn are going to either conduct your search or take your whipping,” Devin said.

“I don't have that kind of money,” Sergeant Conn said. “This isn't fair, Sir can you pay for me?”

“That is too much money,” Leftenant Nelson said.

“Your time is running,” Devin said. “If you are not back in an hour then the eighty gold is off the table.”

“Sir!” Sergeant Conn pleaded.

“Not looking good for you Sergeant,” Devin said. “You just whipped a man for no reason and haven't even checked his home. Your Leftenant is going to have his day in front of the Duke for attempted murder, he is still going to be punished for kicking down a door and not replacing it.”

“Okay listen,” Leftenant Nelson said. “I don't have much coin, one hundred gold and we forget all about this.”

“You want five dead men to be forgotten about?” Devin asked.

“One hundred gold and your door fixed,” Leftenant Nelson said. “You all sign papers saying restitution has been paid and no harm done. That is including anyone you have a grievance with. No Duke, no trial.”

“Deal,” Geflin said.

“I have no idea why you were stupid enough to believe someone was here,” Devin said. “I am assuming you did not know where my home was.”

“It was Lord Paramount!” Sergeant Conn said. “He said a boy was in here. A rich merchant boy who ran away from the war.”

“I didn't run from any war,” Devin said. “You all have an hour to pay my father. Da let's go get you patched up.”

Devin walked with his father, the man was moving gingerly as they went up the stairs and into the house. Ms. Martha was there and was looking wide eyed as Devin carried his father into the house. Devin laid him on the floor in the prone position, Ms. Martha snapped out of whatever she was feeling and ran to get water and a clean rag. Devin thought he would need something to clean the wounds with, maybe liquor or something else strong. Geflin raised his head and looked at Ms. Martha who had the sense to be embarrassed.

“That stomach belong to Lord Paramount?” Geflin said. “No use being shy about it, I already knew you started up a relationship with him.”

“Y-yes,” Ms. Martha said.

“He is the reason for all of that outside,” Geflin said. “I am guessing he knows about the babe?”

“He does,” Ms. Martha said. “If you knew about us, why didn't you ever say anything?” Ms. Martha said.

“Martha you have always been spoiled and looked down on other commoners,” Geflin said. “You look down on me even if I do a lot around here. Even if I had as much money as your father you would have never been happy, you fancy yourself a noble. We both know the reason we had gotten married and love wasn't a part of it. If you wanted to go off and have your fun, who was I to tell you no? I thought I still had a year or two with my boy and then I could leave and you could go out there and find whatever it is you were looking for. I didn't tell Lady Paramount anything because it is not my place. You should have known this gamble of your wouldn't work out.”

“It was working out,” Ms. Martha said.

“No it wasn't and it never would,” Geflin said. “You fancy yourself a noble, they look down on you the way you look down on me. Sure you can be polite and you don't want anything happening to me, but you never thought we were equals. To a man like Lord Paramount, you was something nice to warm his bed once or twice and perhaps he wanted it a bit more. He never planned on being with you, it doesn't matter how his wife looks. Lady Paramount is a noble and you are not. Now from the little I gained, either Damon or Troy ran back here and I am willing to bet it was Troy.”

“He did and he is hidden,” Devin said. “Da, you don't seem like a man surprised that I can do magic.”

“Another story for another time,” Geflin said. “With the money I am about to receive, I think my biggest plan should be to find us some land and put two small houses on it.”

“What do you mean land?” Ms. Martha said. “You are leaving?”

“Martha you are pregnant with another man’s baby and during our years together I have been a little more than a bed warmer to you,” Geflin said. “I didn't put that bay in your belly and you decided to end whatever we had when you went off with Lord Paramount. I do plan on having a real wife and actually get a say in raising my kids without worrying about you or your father.”

“You did raise your kid,” Ms. Martha said getting angry.

“And what about Troy and Damon?” Geflin asked.

“They are not your kids!” Ms. Martha snapped.

“Wait, what?” Devin said shocked. “What do you mean they are not his kids?”

“They are my babies,” Geflin said. “Martha is just feeling a bit angry because she doesn't know her next move.”

“They are not his kids or even your brothers,” Ms. Martha said as her anger began to build.

“Careful now Martha,” Geflin said. “I am just leaving, if you want me to slam the door on the way out I can.”

“No Da,” Devin said. “I want to hear what this is all about and so does Troy. He is buried beneath you. I want to know why you would stick around. We might as well be servants here with as much interaction we have with Ms. Martha.”

“It is because he already had you when we met and I was already pregnant with Troy,” Ms. Martha said.

“What are you saying?” Devin asked.

“I said that is enough Martha!” Geflin screamed and aggravated his back which called him to wince.

“Troy isn't your brother which is why I hated for him to even be around you,” Ms. Martha said. “Troy has noble blood running through his veins. His father was just to much of a coward to claim him after saying he was. Your Da was just some boy who had come up begging my father for a job. My father didn't know what to do with me so he made us marry to save some of the family reputation.”

“And Damon?” Devin asked.

“Damon has noble blood,” Ms. Martha said. “His father is the same as Troy’s. He didn't want to leave his wife and instead moved across the Kingdom with his family like a coward. I have money, more than many nobles. He should have stayed with me.”

“This makes so much sense of why Mr. Darcy was always in your business,” Devin said.

“They are your brothers no matter whose blood is running through them,” Geflin said. “I think you have said and done enough Martha. Did you honestly expect me to stay here and give up my happily ever after while you run off with whoever? You did it with Damon and now you are doing it again. I am tired of putting up with you and your Da. You have treated me okay through the years but now it is over.”

“Let me bring you upstairs and place you on my bed for as long as I have it,” Devin said. “There are things we need to talk about.”

Devin helped his father upstairs, it was a bit tricky since the wounds he had he didn't want to open up more by unnecessary pulling. Devin laid his father on the bed face first and then frowned at the marks. Troy was stupid for running back home but he was the son Ms. Martha raised. Lazy and entitled, now that Devin had heard Ms. Martha speak about nobles and their blood, Devin knew without a doubt where his brother got the attitude from. Devin could see his father was warring with his emotions, Devin decided to give him the same advice Geflin often gave Devin.

“Best way to get it over with is to start,” Devin said. “Don't look for the right words, just begin talking.”

“You are not my blood son,” Geflin finally said. “I was given you long ago by someone I had a deal with to raise like my own.”

“Who?” Devin asked.

“Don't know,” Geflin said. “I only know she wasn't human. She was a bit too tall with a frame narrower than it should be. Her eyes were bigger and she had pointed ears. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever met. I was dying son, it was a slow nasty death and she offered to heal me.”

“Why were you dying?” Devin asked.

“I was born that way,” Geflin said. “I could never walk right and I was extremely weak. Whoever my mother was abandoned me to an orphanage where I was misused a bit. I was basically an invalid. A woman, I believe her to be your mother offered to heal me if I could take care of her son. I thought she was mad, I wasn't yet twenty summers and nothing could heal me. My bones never grew right and I was disfigured. I agreed and a bright light came from her hands. I think I remember her talking to someone, who I don't remember. I woke up in a sunny field, I later found out I was in a different kingdom and I had a baby next to me. My body was healed and was as muscular as it was right now. The field I woke up in is the field behind this house. I saw you and knew I needed to keep my bargain. Mr. Darcy has always looked at me like trash but it was better for his ego and his family’s reputation that his daughter had gotten herself pregnant by a hired hand.”

“Is that why you throw yourself into physical work?” Devin asked. “Because you were an invalid?”

“That is the exact reason,” Geflin said. “Hard work takes on a new meaning when you couldn't do any work. Martha had a home and even servants to help me care for you. Mr. Darcy didn't want anything to do with me other than to be Martha’s husband and help take care of his grandbabies. When Martha got pregnant again, I am sure the man knew Damon didn't come from me.”

“I have magic father,” Devin said.

“I don't know anything about that,” Geflin said. “I only knew you were special, you had to be if someone could fix me up. Your mother had to be desperate. I do not know why she would give her baby to a stranger to raise but I have tried my best.”

“Thank you,” Devin said. “I just always assumed I looked more like my birth mother instead of you. When you get your money, I think you should leave.”

“I cannot abandon that brother of yours,” Geflin said. “I made a grand speech but I will have to wait until this war is over or your brother is in a safe place before I make any moves. I am guessing you must have a story to tell as well, like how did you go from a Squire to an Acolyte?

HATOS Devin’s kingdom

Troy: Devins brother, stuck up

Damon: Devin’s brother, lazy

Raenalia: kingdom devin will be killing in