Disclaimer: I don't own Golden Sun, or any of the related characters.
They are owned by Camelot Software and their rights are reserved.
Author's Note: This is an alternate universe fic, so if an event isn't familiar, it's because I created it. This is to clear up any confusion as to what "AU" stood for.
Also, considering this fic had "technical difficulties" caused by a certain author, whose name will not be mentioned here for the sake of business and maturity, there will be no muse outings in this fic anymore. The ones that were here have been removed for the sake that the problem never happens again. I apologize for the inconvenience you all have endured on this author's part. Thank you.
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Isaac sighed as he placed his long sword back into its scabbard. His brown hair blew around with the west winds, sending his golden scarf flapping to the east. His blue and red tunic that hung somewhat loose flapped with his scarf, but his blue pants did not. The training he had chosen to undergo had been rigorous and tiring to say the least. His arm muscles ached from swinging his weapon and his legs burned from the dodging he was forced to do. He stood outside the stone walls of his hometown, Vale; it was the capital of the great nation of Angara, and it was ruled under the trustful and honorable king Picard, who hailed from the same city as himself.
Vale was a rather huge city, population exceeding twenty thousand easily. The houses were made of wood and the roofs of hay; and in the center of the walled-in city lay the huge Vale Castle, where Lord Picard reigned fairly and justly. Under his command were the dozens of cities and towns that lay on the continent-state of Angara; among those were Vault, an excellently proportioned town, known far and wide for its massive cathedral to Sol, the Sun God, Kalay and Tolbi, both towns with extraordinary commerce, Xian, known for its fine silk, and Altin, Bilbin, and Lalivero for their mining colonies. There were several other towns in the kingdom, but they were usually small, close knit villages that didn't care if they were well known or not.
"Well done, Isaac. You've really made some excellent progress these past few weeks." A voice said to him. Isaac turned away from his hometown and back to the person speaking.
"Thank you, Master Felix. I just want to do the best job that I can." Isaac replied.
Felix let out a hearty laugh before he continued. "Well Isaac, it's easy for me to say that you have been the best apprentice I've ever had. Not everyone is cut out to be a Paladin of Sol, but you seem to be perfect for the role."
"You speak too highly of me, Master Felix."
Again, Felix laughed. "Isaac, I've told you before, just call me Felix. Come on, let's go back to the castle and get some dinner. You must be starved."
"I am." Isaac admitted sheepishly. His stomach growled loudly after he finished his statement. "I guess that's the proof right there."
"Indeed." Felix smiled. "Let's go home." He turned to the direction of the huge wooden gate and started walking slowly, waiting for his young apprentice to catch up. Isaac soon quickened his walking pace to catch up to his master. Felix turned to look at him, and then continued. "You know, you've progressed through the training at an unusual rate. I mean, you've only been a squire in my service for about a year now. Most Paladins are in training from when they are only seven years old. You, you joined up at sixteen!"
"I know, right after my parents. . ." Isaac halted. He didn't speak any farther.
"I'm sorry, Isaac. I didn't mean to. . ."
"It's okay, Felix. Just forget about it." Isaac replied, sighing. "So, do you really think I'm ready? To become a Paladin of Sol?"
"Not yet, Isaac. You'll be ready to take your tests soon, you can count on that. Right now, we must go get our dinner. Afterward, I want you to study the code again."
"Of course."
"I know that you've nearly memorized it, but the Code of Sol is the rules a Paladin must live by."
"Yeah, but the Luna Code isn't nearly as strict; of course, they're just knights after all. Merely normal foot soldiers."
"Watch your tongue, Isaac. A Knight of Luna may not be as powerful individually as a Paladin of Sol, but they are far greater in number. As well, they are formidable in whatever task they undertake, as we are."
"I didn't seek to chastise them, Felix."
"I know, but you shouldn't underestimate them. If you'll remember, Lord Picard was a Knight of Luna before he ascended to the throne."
"How could I forget? He never let's anyone forget." Isaac smiled. "Nonetheless. . ."
"Greetings, Lord Felix, Master Isaac." The guard at the city gate greeted, snapping to a salute.
"Good day." Felix stated, returning the salute.
"Greetings." Isaac replied, smiling. Both of the warriors passed through the raised portcullis gate, and they marched into the town. It was busy with late-day wanderers, people combing the markets for deals, beggars, and your assortment of peasants. Even with the beggars, Vale was not a city of hardship; jobs were easy to be found. Most beggars had just chosen themselves not to work. For the most part, the people were clothed in high quality garments, sturdy shoes and boots and gloves. It looked like Vale was a city of wealthy merchants, but it was rather a town of commoners that could get off quite well. The streets were of cobblestone, and they were all clean as could be. Vale was a prime city for life; nothing seemed out of place or oppressive. The path through the center of the town took them past the busy town square, where the travelling merchants and clergymen had set up shop to sell and preach. Suddenly, a voice called out from the crowd.
"Hey, Isaac!" A loud voice boomed. A rather large, muscular person about his age lumbered up. The figure had tall and spiky red hair, and his eyes were of a dark crimson. He wore a brown and green tunic with traditional blue pants; nothing really out of the ordinary, save for the sword scabbard on his side.
"Garet, you old goof! How are you?!" The smaller Isaac asked, playfully punching his friend in the shoulder.
"I'm doing all right. I haven't seen you around in awhile! I guess all your Paladin training has taken up most of your time?"
"I've been busy."
"Yes, I've been giving him quite the run-around, Garet." Felix stated.
"Um, Lord Felix!" Garet snapped to attention. "I. . . didn't know you were here."
"At ease, Garet. I'm off my main duty for the day."
"Sorry, sir. It's just that I was taught. . ."
"Yes, I know. As a Knight of Luna you are taught discipline and respect for your superiors. The respect is there, but I'm not sure they hammered the discipline part out yet." Felix smiled.
"That hurts, sir." Garet laughed.
"The truth normally does, Garet." Isaac chuckled. "So, how goes your training?"
"I've graduated, Isaac. I'm an actual Knight now."
"Wow! Congratulations, Garet! I had no idea!" Isaac exclaimed, slapping his best friend on the back. It was kind of funny; Garet was an unusual one to say the least. His bloodline was traced back into the Northern Mountains, the home of several roaming barbarian tribes. As well, Garet had been the first of that lineage to become a follower of Luna; a barbarian knight. Few knew something else about the oafish Garet; he had the power to control the element of fire.
In Valean terms, he was what was called an Adept; a person who could harness the power of a force called Psynergy and use it at will. Psynergy was a fundamental part life; the power consisted of four elements, with which everything on the planet was made up of. The four powers were of Fire, or Mars, Wind, also known as Jupiter, Water, known also as Mercury, and finally Earth, or Venus.
Isaac himself was an Adept; it was one of the requirements for being a Paladin of Sol. The young warrior prided himself on being a Venus Adept, and his teacher prided himself of the same. Several in the order had the power of Mars, Jupiter, and Venus, but few possessed the power of Mercury. Despite this, Psynergy training was given on many levels; Isaac had already learned from Felix how to Cure wounds and how to cause Earthquakes beneath the enemy. King Picard was an Adept himself; he was the most skilled Mercury Adept in Vale. Some say he was the most powerful Mercury Adept in the nation.
"So, Garet? Are you busy right now?" Felix asked.
"No, not really. Why?"
"Well, do you want to come to the castle and eat with us tonight?"
"I'd be honored, sir."
"Excellent. Come on, then." Felix motioned for them to keep moving. "So, may I ask who trained you, Garet?"
"Lord Dargon did, sir."
"Ah, the head of the Knights of Luna himself. I should've known; you have the same tenacious look in your eye that he does."
"Yes, I've been told that." Garet smiled. They finally reached the castle in the middle of the city, where the guards promptly threw a salute to Felix, and he quickly returned it. All three of the warriors were granted access to the palace.
Picard's castle was huge, and lavishly decorated. The interior walls were made of limestone, and the floors of marble. Countless colorful tapestries hung everywhere, suits of silver armor lined the walls, paintings of previous rulers were put up between the suits, and on the ceiling were several pictures of Luna and Sol. The setting sun shone through the westward windows in the castle, producing an effect much greater than during the most part of the day. The halls were massive, and the ceilings were so high up not even the most powerful bird could reach the top. The main corridor seemed to stretch on and on for miles as they finally reached the throne room. The huge wooden door was pushed open by Felix, and they proceeded to enter. Upon making sight with King Picard, they all quickly kneeled.
"Ah, Lord Felix, Sir Garet, and Master Isaac! I've been expecting. . . two of you." Picard said, somewhat confused.
"Pardon me, your highness. I invited Sir Garet to dine with us." Felix responded.
"Ah, but of course. Anything for an old friend, Felix. Don't just kneel there. Get up, already." Picard ordered, hardly sounding like a king among friends.
"Pardon my rudeness, your highness, but how do you know Lord Felix so well?" Garet asked.
"Ah, Garet. Dargon never told you, did he? I was once the head of the Knights of Luna, and he was my right hand man. Felix and I were good friends, though our two organizations were in a friendly rivalry. I daresay Felix is my best friend, Garet." Picard smiled. His blue eyes and hair seemed to give him an angelic, other-worldly appearance. His face was so full of wisdom and truth, one could not disbelieve him. His clothes were very regal; they were all a royal blue. His clothes were made of furs, and he wore a fine silk cape. He had a massive long sword strapped to his side.
"Picard, I think Isaac here is almost ready to take the initiation into the organization." Felix stated.
"So soon? He's only been in training for a little more than a year." Picard looked stunned. "Then again, this young man is quite the image of such a noble warrior. I will approve his testing when you are ready, Felix."
"Thank you, sir." Felix stated.
"Thank you, my liege." Isaac replied, still at somewhat of an attention stance.
"Ease up, Isaac. I'm not going to give you a grade on being able to stand like a rod." Picard smiled. "Now, for the dinner. Follow me." Picard began leading them through the corridors again, until they reached another grand set of doors. The smell of hot and steaming food drifted through the cracks of the doors, and Garet could feel himself begin to drool. Picard shoved open the doors, and revealed the elegant dining room. The oak table in the middle of the room seemed to stretch on for miles. On its surface lie every dinner dish imaginable; there was stuffed turkey, chicken, roast beef, steak, lamb, Shepard's pie, pork and even some type of liver. The side dishes included countless varieties of potatoes, corn, beans, peas, and seven kinds of bread. Even more food actually lay on the table, but there was so much there, it was overwhelming.
"A little elaborate for only four, right, Picard?" Felix asked, wide-eyed.
"No, as Lord Dargon should be showing his head any time. I've also called in for another guest."
"Whom?" Isaac asked.
"You'll see." Picard smiled. "For now, let us be seated. I know you all must be. . ." Picard was cut off by the loud growling of Garet's stomach. "Hungry."
"Garet!!!" Felix snapped.
"Sorry! It's not MY fault!"
"Please, let us just be seated." Picard said with a smile. They did so, with their king sitting at the front of the table. Garet piled his plate sky-high with almost everything on the table and began scarfing his food down quickly. Isaac watched in awe at his friend's voracious appetite, and he quickly filled his plate with a more reasonable amount of food. Felix and Picard joked around for a little while before a rap on the door was heard.
"Come in." Picard ordered. The doors slowly opened, and a twenty-one year old man walked in. "Ah, Lord Dargon. I'm glad to see you are here at last."
"Indeed. My apologies for being late, my liege."
"Can the formalities, Dargon. You and I are friends."
Dargon was the same height as Felix, but his hair was a considerably lighter shade of brown. His eyes were a deep cobalt blue, and his face was without imperfection. The head of the Knights of Luna was so overflowing with charisma one would expect to see a fountain of it spurting from his ears. His body was lean, but very muscular. Normally, Dargon was seen in his full plate mail, but now he wore his dress uniform, which was a gray tunic with a large embroidered blue crescent moon on the front. A long, blue cape was attached to the shoulders of the tunic, and his pants were of the same color.
"Has our other guest arrived yet?" Felix asked.
"Yes, he will be here shortly." Dargon stated. "Wait, there he is." He said, looking down the hallway. He stepped sideways to allow the figure in. "Your highness, I present you with the mage known as Ivan."
A small framed boy appeared in the doorway, clad in a purple, green and yellow tunic, purple pants, and wielding a staff. The boy was no older than fifteen, yet he looked wiser than a sage and more cunning than a fox. His purple eyes revealed insight and intelligence; his innocent looking face masking a powerful spellcaster. Ivan bowed to Picard.
"It is in honor to be in your service, your highness." He stated, truthfully.
"Please, just call me Picard."
"I couldn't. It is informal and rude."
"It is not rude when I say it is okay, Ivan. Please, sit down and join us in our feast." Picard gestured with a wave of his arm. His tone was light and kind, not condescending like many past rulers whom had always thought themselves better than everyone. Ivan nodded, and he took a seat next to Isaac. Dargon promptly seated himself next to Felix, and they began to join in on eating.
"Ivan, allow me to introduce to you Lord Felix, commander of the Paladins of Sol, and his apprentice, Master Isaac." Picard stated, before Ivan started eating.
"Pleased to meet you, Ivan." Isaac said, holding his hand out for Ivan to shake. He did so, and returned the gratitude.
"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Isaac. I've heard about you in Kalay; you're quite the warrior."
"What? You heard about me in Kalay?!"
"Word travels fast these days, my apprentice." Felix said. "Confidentially, last time I was in Kalay, I brought up word of you to the mayor. Ivan, are you not the son of the mayor of Kalay?"
"Adopted, but yes, I am. That's how I heard of you, Isaac." Ivan stated. Casual conversation ensued for about fifteen minutes, and the topics included training, life as a king, and the very food they were eating. Eventually, the young mage turned to the king. "Now, Lord Picard, may I ask what you would request of me?"
"Certainly. I called you all here today because there is a matter I'd like to discuss. You see, over the past several weeks, there are rumors that in the countryside surrounding Vault there are strange monsters. These are not the standard fare rat warriors or zombies. Rumor has it that skeletal knights, riding undead steeds have emerged from the dark wilderness. Others say that Ghouls feast upon the flesh of the living. There have been reports of unusual activity in the area, and I don't want people getting scared. I would like you all to check out the anomalies in the area and comb the lands around the city for the enemies. If you find anything at all, I want you to come home and report back to me."
"When do you want us to leave?"
"Tomorrow afternoon. You should arrive in Vault a couple of days later."
"Wait a minute! So, you want us to hunt down a creature that you have little information about?" Garet asked.
"Yes."
"Okay. Fine by me." Garet smiled, continuing to devour his food.
"A Skeletal knight?" Felix asked. "What could this be the work of?"
"I'm not sure." Dargon replied. "I don't like this at all. I have a bad feeling already."
"Stop worrying, Dargon. Just eat." Ivan stated, between bites. Isaac rolled his eyes as he finished his meal. The Venus Adept wanted nothing more than his warm bed right now. His eyes sagged with fatigue as he swallowed the last bite of food. His workout with Felix had been far more rigorous than usual today; Felix had kicked him out of bed at four in the morning, commenced with intense Psynergy training until 11 in the morning, gave him thirty minutes for food and rest, and then quickly began a massive fencing match that lasted until they left for the castle. He had never been on a seven hour Psynergy spree AND a six and a half hour fencing spree in one day before.
"You look exhausted, Isaac." Dargon stated. "Did Felix grind you into the ground today?"
"Yes." Isaac smiled. "Can't say I didn't learn anything though."
"He's learned a lot, Dargon. I bet he could beat you in a sword fight." Felix jeered.
"Don't get high on yourself, Felix. You know I'm the best swordsman in the kingdom."
"Well, what about the time at the joust when I knocked your sword away, put a hole through your shield, and then cut your shirt right from your chest?!" Felix retorted. The incident in question was humiliating for the Luna Knight. Felix's story was true; he had actually beaten the stuffing out of the knight. Both luckily and unfortunately, the only thing that was hurt was his pride.
"I told you never to bring that up again, Felix!" Dargon snapped. Everyone in the room began laughing, and Picard continued.
"Well, young Isaac, if you're tired, you may go to your billet and rest. You have an important mission tomorrow. The rest of you may want to relax too."
"Thank you, Picard." Isaac sighed, standing. He saluted his king and dragged himself out of the dining room and toward the barracks of the castle. The long hallways were miles to the exhausted warrior; when he finally reached the barracks and his bed. He scarcely had removed his leather boots, gloves, and golden scarf before he passed out into his soft pillow. He was definitely going to get his sleep tonight.
Author's Note: This is an alternate universe fic, so if an event isn't familiar, it's because I created it. This is to clear up any confusion as to what "AU" stood for.
Also, considering this fic had "technical difficulties" caused by a certain author, whose name will not be mentioned here for the sake of business and maturity, there will be no muse outings in this fic anymore. The ones that were here have been removed for the sake that the problem never happens again. I apologize for the inconvenience you all have endured on this author's part. Thank you.
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Isaac sighed as he placed his long sword back into its scabbard. His brown hair blew around with the west winds, sending his golden scarf flapping to the east. His blue and red tunic that hung somewhat loose flapped with his scarf, but his blue pants did not. The training he had chosen to undergo had been rigorous and tiring to say the least. His arm muscles ached from swinging his weapon and his legs burned from the dodging he was forced to do. He stood outside the stone walls of his hometown, Vale; it was the capital of the great nation of Angara, and it was ruled under the trustful and honorable king Picard, who hailed from the same city as himself.
Vale was a rather huge city, population exceeding twenty thousand easily. The houses were made of wood and the roofs of hay; and in the center of the walled-in city lay the huge Vale Castle, where Lord Picard reigned fairly and justly. Under his command were the dozens of cities and towns that lay on the continent-state of Angara; among those were Vault, an excellently proportioned town, known far and wide for its massive cathedral to Sol, the Sun God, Kalay and Tolbi, both towns with extraordinary commerce, Xian, known for its fine silk, and Altin, Bilbin, and Lalivero for their mining colonies. There were several other towns in the kingdom, but they were usually small, close knit villages that didn't care if they were well known or not.
"Well done, Isaac. You've really made some excellent progress these past few weeks." A voice said to him. Isaac turned away from his hometown and back to the person speaking.
"Thank you, Master Felix. I just want to do the best job that I can." Isaac replied.
Felix let out a hearty laugh before he continued. "Well Isaac, it's easy for me to say that you have been the best apprentice I've ever had. Not everyone is cut out to be a Paladin of Sol, but you seem to be perfect for the role."
"You speak too highly of me, Master Felix."
Again, Felix laughed. "Isaac, I've told you before, just call me Felix. Come on, let's go back to the castle and get some dinner. You must be starved."
"I am." Isaac admitted sheepishly. His stomach growled loudly after he finished his statement. "I guess that's the proof right there."
"Indeed." Felix smiled. "Let's go home." He turned to the direction of the huge wooden gate and started walking slowly, waiting for his young apprentice to catch up. Isaac soon quickened his walking pace to catch up to his master. Felix turned to look at him, and then continued. "You know, you've progressed through the training at an unusual rate. I mean, you've only been a squire in my service for about a year now. Most Paladins are in training from when they are only seven years old. You, you joined up at sixteen!"
"I know, right after my parents. . ." Isaac halted. He didn't speak any farther.
"I'm sorry, Isaac. I didn't mean to. . ."
"It's okay, Felix. Just forget about it." Isaac replied, sighing. "So, do you really think I'm ready? To become a Paladin of Sol?"
"Not yet, Isaac. You'll be ready to take your tests soon, you can count on that. Right now, we must go get our dinner. Afterward, I want you to study the code again."
"Of course."
"I know that you've nearly memorized it, but the Code of Sol is the rules a Paladin must live by."
"Yeah, but the Luna Code isn't nearly as strict; of course, they're just knights after all. Merely normal foot soldiers."
"Watch your tongue, Isaac. A Knight of Luna may not be as powerful individually as a Paladin of Sol, but they are far greater in number. As well, they are formidable in whatever task they undertake, as we are."
"I didn't seek to chastise them, Felix."
"I know, but you shouldn't underestimate them. If you'll remember, Lord Picard was a Knight of Luna before he ascended to the throne."
"How could I forget? He never let's anyone forget." Isaac smiled. "Nonetheless. . ."
"Greetings, Lord Felix, Master Isaac." The guard at the city gate greeted, snapping to a salute.
"Good day." Felix stated, returning the salute.
"Greetings." Isaac replied, smiling. Both of the warriors passed through the raised portcullis gate, and they marched into the town. It was busy with late-day wanderers, people combing the markets for deals, beggars, and your assortment of peasants. Even with the beggars, Vale was not a city of hardship; jobs were easy to be found. Most beggars had just chosen themselves not to work. For the most part, the people were clothed in high quality garments, sturdy shoes and boots and gloves. It looked like Vale was a city of wealthy merchants, but it was rather a town of commoners that could get off quite well. The streets were of cobblestone, and they were all clean as could be. Vale was a prime city for life; nothing seemed out of place or oppressive. The path through the center of the town took them past the busy town square, where the travelling merchants and clergymen had set up shop to sell and preach. Suddenly, a voice called out from the crowd.
"Hey, Isaac!" A loud voice boomed. A rather large, muscular person about his age lumbered up. The figure had tall and spiky red hair, and his eyes were of a dark crimson. He wore a brown and green tunic with traditional blue pants; nothing really out of the ordinary, save for the sword scabbard on his side.
"Garet, you old goof! How are you?!" The smaller Isaac asked, playfully punching his friend in the shoulder.
"I'm doing all right. I haven't seen you around in awhile! I guess all your Paladin training has taken up most of your time?"
"I've been busy."
"Yes, I've been giving him quite the run-around, Garet." Felix stated.
"Um, Lord Felix!" Garet snapped to attention. "I. . . didn't know you were here."
"At ease, Garet. I'm off my main duty for the day."
"Sorry, sir. It's just that I was taught. . ."
"Yes, I know. As a Knight of Luna you are taught discipline and respect for your superiors. The respect is there, but I'm not sure they hammered the discipline part out yet." Felix smiled.
"That hurts, sir." Garet laughed.
"The truth normally does, Garet." Isaac chuckled. "So, how goes your training?"
"I've graduated, Isaac. I'm an actual Knight now."
"Wow! Congratulations, Garet! I had no idea!" Isaac exclaimed, slapping his best friend on the back. It was kind of funny; Garet was an unusual one to say the least. His bloodline was traced back into the Northern Mountains, the home of several roaming barbarian tribes. As well, Garet had been the first of that lineage to become a follower of Luna; a barbarian knight. Few knew something else about the oafish Garet; he had the power to control the element of fire.
In Valean terms, he was what was called an Adept; a person who could harness the power of a force called Psynergy and use it at will. Psynergy was a fundamental part life; the power consisted of four elements, with which everything on the planet was made up of. The four powers were of Fire, or Mars, Wind, also known as Jupiter, Water, known also as Mercury, and finally Earth, or Venus.
Isaac himself was an Adept; it was one of the requirements for being a Paladin of Sol. The young warrior prided himself on being a Venus Adept, and his teacher prided himself of the same. Several in the order had the power of Mars, Jupiter, and Venus, but few possessed the power of Mercury. Despite this, Psynergy training was given on many levels; Isaac had already learned from Felix how to Cure wounds and how to cause Earthquakes beneath the enemy. King Picard was an Adept himself; he was the most skilled Mercury Adept in Vale. Some say he was the most powerful Mercury Adept in the nation.
"So, Garet? Are you busy right now?" Felix asked.
"No, not really. Why?"
"Well, do you want to come to the castle and eat with us tonight?"
"I'd be honored, sir."
"Excellent. Come on, then." Felix motioned for them to keep moving. "So, may I ask who trained you, Garet?"
"Lord Dargon did, sir."
"Ah, the head of the Knights of Luna himself. I should've known; you have the same tenacious look in your eye that he does."
"Yes, I've been told that." Garet smiled. They finally reached the castle in the middle of the city, where the guards promptly threw a salute to Felix, and he quickly returned it. All three of the warriors were granted access to the palace.
Picard's castle was huge, and lavishly decorated. The interior walls were made of limestone, and the floors of marble. Countless colorful tapestries hung everywhere, suits of silver armor lined the walls, paintings of previous rulers were put up between the suits, and on the ceiling were several pictures of Luna and Sol. The setting sun shone through the westward windows in the castle, producing an effect much greater than during the most part of the day. The halls were massive, and the ceilings were so high up not even the most powerful bird could reach the top. The main corridor seemed to stretch on and on for miles as they finally reached the throne room. The huge wooden door was pushed open by Felix, and they proceeded to enter. Upon making sight with King Picard, they all quickly kneeled.
"Ah, Lord Felix, Sir Garet, and Master Isaac! I've been expecting. . . two of you." Picard said, somewhat confused.
"Pardon me, your highness. I invited Sir Garet to dine with us." Felix responded.
"Ah, but of course. Anything for an old friend, Felix. Don't just kneel there. Get up, already." Picard ordered, hardly sounding like a king among friends.
"Pardon my rudeness, your highness, but how do you know Lord Felix so well?" Garet asked.
"Ah, Garet. Dargon never told you, did he? I was once the head of the Knights of Luna, and he was my right hand man. Felix and I were good friends, though our two organizations were in a friendly rivalry. I daresay Felix is my best friend, Garet." Picard smiled. His blue eyes and hair seemed to give him an angelic, other-worldly appearance. His face was so full of wisdom and truth, one could not disbelieve him. His clothes were very regal; they were all a royal blue. His clothes were made of furs, and he wore a fine silk cape. He had a massive long sword strapped to his side.
"Picard, I think Isaac here is almost ready to take the initiation into the organization." Felix stated.
"So soon? He's only been in training for a little more than a year." Picard looked stunned. "Then again, this young man is quite the image of such a noble warrior. I will approve his testing when you are ready, Felix."
"Thank you, sir." Felix stated.
"Thank you, my liege." Isaac replied, still at somewhat of an attention stance.
"Ease up, Isaac. I'm not going to give you a grade on being able to stand like a rod." Picard smiled. "Now, for the dinner. Follow me." Picard began leading them through the corridors again, until they reached another grand set of doors. The smell of hot and steaming food drifted through the cracks of the doors, and Garet could feel himself begin to drool. Picard shoved open the doors, and revealed the elegant dining room. The oak table in the middle of the room seemed to stretch on for miles. On its surface lie every dinner dish imaginable; there was stuffed turkey, chicken, roast beef, steak, lamb, Shepard's pie, pork and even some type of liver. The side dishes included countless varieties of potatoes, corn, beans, peas, and seven kinds of bread. Even more food actually lay on the table, but there was so much there, it was overwhelming.
"A little elaborate for only four, right, Picard?" Felix asked, wide-eyed.
"No, as Lord Dargon should be showing his head any time. I've also called in for another guest."
"Whom?" Isaac asked.
"You'll see." Picard smiled. "For now, let us be seated. I know you all must be. . ." Picard was cut off by the loud growling of Garet's stomach. "Hungry."
"Garet!!!" Felix snapped.
"Sorry! It's not MY fault!"
"Please, let us just be seated." Picard said with a smile. They did so, with their king sitting at the front of the table. Garet piled his plate sky-high with almost everything on the table and began scarfing his food down quickly. Isaac watched in awe at his friend's voracious appetite, and he quickly filled his plate with a more reasonable amount of food. Felix and Picard joked around for a little while before a rap on the door was heard.
"Come in." Picard ordered. The doors slowly opened, and a twenty-one year old man walked in. "Ah, Lord Dargon. I'm glad to see you are here at last."
"Indeed. My apologies for being late, my liege."
"Can the formalities, Dargon. You and I are friends."
Dargon was the same height as Felix, but his hair was a considerably lighter shade of brown. His eyes were a deep cobalt blue, and his face was without imperfection. The head of the Knights of Luna was so overflowing with charisma one would expect to see a fountain of it spurting from his ears. His body was lean, but very muscular. Normally, Dargon was seen in his full plate mail, but now he wore his dress uniform, which was a gray tunic with a large embroidered blue crescent moon on the front. A long, blue cape was attached to the shoulders of the tunic, and his pants were of the same color.
"Has our other guest arrived yet?" Felix asked.
"Yes, he will be here shortly." Dargon stated. "Wait, there he is." He said, looking down the hallway. He stepped sideways to allow the figure in. "Your highness, I present you with the mage known as Ivan."
A small framed boy appeared in the doorway, clad in a purple, green and yellow tunic, purple pants, and wielding a staff. The boy was no older than fifteen, yet he looked wiser than a sage and more cunning than a fox. His purple eyes revealed insight and intelligence; his innocent looking face masking a powerful spellcaster. Ivan bowed to Picard.
"It is in honor to be in your service, your highness." He stated, truthfully.
"Please, just call me Picard."
"I couldn't. It is informal and rude."
"It is not rude when I say it is okay, Ivan. Please, sit down and join us in our feast." Picard gestured with a wave of his arm. His tone was light and kind, not condescending like many past rulers whom had always thought themselves better than everyone. Ivan nodded, and he took a seat next to Isaac. Dargon promptly seated himself next to Felix, and they began to join in on eating.
"Ivan, allow me to introduce to you Lord Felix, commander of the Paladins of Sol, and his apprentice, Master Isaac." Picard stated, before Ivan started eating.
"Pleased to meet you, Ivan." Isaac said, holding his hand out for Ivan to shake. He did so, and returned the gratitude.
"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Isaac. I've heard about you in Kalay; you're quite the warrior."
"What? You heard about me in Kalay?!"
"Word travels fast these days, my apprentice." Felix said. "Confidentially, last time I was in Kalay, I brought up word of you to the mayor. Ivan, are you not the son of the mayor of Kalay?"
"Adopted, but yes, I am. That's how I heard of you, Isaac." Ivan stated. Casual conversation ensued for about fifteen minutes, and the topics included training, life as a king, and the very food they were eating. Eventually, the young mage turned to the king. "Now, Lord Picard, may I ask what you would request of me?"
"Certainly. I called you all here today because there is a matter I'd like to discuss. You see, over the past several weeks, there are rumors that in the countryside surrounding Vault there are strange monsters. These are not the standard fare rat warriors or zombies. Rumor has it that skeletal knights, riding undead steeds have emerged from the dark wilderness. Others say that Ghouls feast upon the flesh of the living. There have been reports of unusual activity in the area, and I don't want people getting scared. I would like you all to check out the anomalies in the area and comb the lands around the city for the enemies. If you find anything at all, I want you to come home and report back to me."
"When do you want us to leave?"
"Tomorrow afternoon. You should arrive in Vault a couple of days later."
"Wait a minute! So, you want us to hunt down a creature that you have little information about?" Garet asked.
"Yes."
"Okay. Fine by me." Garet smiled, continuing to devour his food.
"A Skeletal knight?" Felix asked. "What could this be the work of?"
"I'm not sure." Dargon replied. "I don't like this at all. I have a bad feeling already."
"Stop worrying, Dargon. Just eat." Ivan stated, between bites. Isaac rolled his eyes as he finished his meal. The Venus Adept wanted nothing more than his warm bed right now. His eyes sagged with fatigue as he swallowed the last bite of food. His workout with Felix had been far more rigorous than usual today; Felix had kicked him out of bed at four in the morning, commenced with intense Psynergy training until 11 in the morning, gave him thirty minutes for food and rest, and then quickly began a massive fencing match that lasted until they left for the castle. He had never been on a seven hour Psynergy spree AND a six and a half hour fencing spree in one day before.
"You look exhausted, Isaac." Dargon stated. "Did Felix grind you into the ground today?"
"Yes." Isaac smiled. "Can't say I didn't learn anything though."
"He's learned a lot, Dargon. I bet he could beat you in a sword fight." Felix jeered.
"Don't get high on yourself, Felix. You know I'm the best swordsman in the kingdom."
"Well, what about the time at the joust when I knocked your sword away, put a hole through your shield, and then cut your shirt right from your chest?!" Felix retorted. The incident in question was humiliating for the Luna Knight. Felix's story was true; he had actually beaten the stuffing out of the knight. Both luckily and unfortunately, the only thing that was hurt was his pride.
"I told you never to bring that up again, Felix!" Dargon snapped. Everyone in the room began laughing, and Picard continued.
"Well, young Isaac, if you're tired, you may go to your billet and rest. You have an important mission tomorrow. The rest of you may want to relax too."
"Thank you, Picard." Isaac sighed, standing. He saluted his king and dragged himself out of the dining room and toward the barracks of the castle. The long hallways were miles to the exhausted warrior; when he finally reached the barracks and his bed. He scarcely had removed his leather boots, gloves, and golden scarf before he passed out into his soft pillow. He was definitely going to get his sleep tonight.