Hello!! Just giving you an update. Hope you enjoy!! :D
Arrival
"Now, you've packed everything? You have all your belongings?"
"Yes, mother," Raziel replied out of frustration. He grabbed his two bags and loaded them on the wagon with the rest of the luggage. Recruits could only carry a minimum of three bags on the trip to The Sarafan Stronghold. Since Raziel was only traveling with about ten others from Ziegsturhl, he wondered what the hassle would be to bring more. Then again, the wagon was fairly small, and he wasn't going on vacation somewhere. He was going to a tournament with others who craved the same destiny as he.
"Alright! Everyone, climb aboard!" yelled the driver. Raziel took a deep breath and nodded. This was it. His journey would start now, and there would be no turning back.
"Raziel." The boy hesitated to look at his father, the man who doubted him so. Yet, out of a forceful will, he looked up. His father put a hand on Raziel's shoulder and gave a firm squeeze.
"I guess this is it, eh?"
"I guess," replied Raziel. Dalgus sighed and squeezed harder.
"You are becoming a man now, my son. This path is what leads you to your destiny. I know that you'll do well at the tournament. It's unfortunate that your mother and I cannot
make it to see you, but we have faith that you'll exceed our expectations." Raziel knew he was referring to Von. But, his father did not want him to surpass his older brother; he wanted him to become strong like Von.
"Last call! All aboard for the docks!" yelled the driver one final time. Dalgus ruffled Raziel's hair and smiled.
"Make us proud." Raziel forced a smile and turned to his mother, who hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek.
"Take care of yourself, Raziel," were her final words. The boy nodded and made his way to the wagon. He seated himself towards the front of the wagon where his figure could not be seen from his family's position. Raziel thought it would be better if he didn't wave goodbye; he didn't want to feel any sadness on the road. With a "he-ya!" from the driver, the wagon shifted and was moving with haste. Raziel sighed and rested his head in his hands, his elbows on his thighs. A few strands of hair fell just above his eyebrows, but Raziel made no attempt to comb them back with his fingers. He hadn't realized how long his hair had grown, such a short period since it was last trimmed. Longer hair suited him better anyway, he figured.
"I think that's him, Horace."
"Hm. He looks a bit smaller than I thought."
"Yes, but people say he's the best in Ziegsturhl. Why would they lie about that?" Curious about the whispers, Raziel sat up straight and turned himself as if to crack his back. Sure enough, the whispers he had heard were being directed at him. Two boys about a year older
than he was were staring at him. One of them had the same build as Raziel, but with blonde, shoulder length hair, and a somewhat plump face. His eyes were…blue, green? Raziel couldn't tell with the amount of light in the wagon. But, he didn't care to find out. The other had a shaved head, but was very slender compared to his friend. His face was boney and a noticeable scar was over his right eyebrow. Some of the hair was gone completely, leaving a bit more than half of the brow. Raziel stared a moment more before breaking eye contact. He slumped in his seat and rested his head on the wood of the wagon.
"Hey! Kid!" Raziel closed his eyes pretending not to hear.
"Hey! My friend is talking to you!"
"Is that right?" replied Raziel, opening his eyes. "I'm trying to rest over here, if you don't mind."
"Your name is Raziel, isn't it?"
"Well, it seems you've done your homework." The girl next to Raziel chuckled, putting a hand over her mouth.
"You think that's funny, whore?" replied Horace. "How about I teach you a lesson?"
"Aw come on Horace. Leave the lass-
"Hold your tongue, Christopher!" growled Horace. "I'll do what I please." By this time Raziel had stood, shielding the girl from the boy.
"You will not lay a hand on her." Horace stood and unsheathed a dagger on his belt. This made Raziel tense.
"Oh? And what are you going to do to stop me?" Horace took a step forward, causing Raziel to act. Within seconds, Horace was on his knees, the dagger behind his head. Raziel held the other's hand behind his back.
"What the…" Christopher moved away from his previous spot. The others in the wagon wore faces of fear and confusion, smashing each other together in an attempt to escape from harm.
"Argh! Get off me…Raz-
"Oh? Why would I do that? You threatened to harm that girl. How do I know you won't do that again?" The girl blushed at Raziel's words, how poignant they were. She stared at Raziel's eyes until he caught her and looked to the floor.
"Tell her you're sorry." Horace looked up at the girl sitting two feet from him. She bit her lip in anticipation as she waited to hear those blissful words. But, when they did not come, Raziel frowned and shoved the boy.
"Say it," he growled. "Look into her eyes and say it." Horace sighed in frustration and slowly brought his head up and looked at the girl once more. Her green eyes glowed with excitement, her cheeks reddened and her face became hot.
"Sorry," mumbled Horace.
"I don't think she heard you. Louder!"
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! There I said it now let me go!" Raziel turned the boy around to face him and grabbed his collar.
"If you tell her anything like that again, I'll make sure your mouth is permanently shut. Got it?" Horace nodded in fear and was released from Raziel's grip, scrambling to the other side of the small wagon, where the others were seated.
"Hmph." Raziel shook his head and sat where he was previously. Like before, he slumped in his seat and rested his head on the wood. What an idiot, he thought. And this girl…she's very pretty. How did I not see her when I came in?
"Thank you." Raziel cracked open an eye and turned towards the voice. It was the girl. Did she just say thank you?
"I-I'm sorry. Did you say something?" The girl smiled and put a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"I said thank you. That was a very brave thing you did, standing up to that boy for me. I'm grateful…Raziel." Raziel raised a brow, not really seeing the issue. It wasn't that big of a deal. But the girl's smile…how could he resist?
"You're welcome…uh…"
"Oh!" She extended her hand. "My name is Tallis." Raziel hesitated momentarily, unsure of returning his own hand. He never had any interest in girls before. Not because he was young
or immature, but because love made him weak. His father forbade Von to ever have a girlfriend while he was in the order; he claimed women were distractions and would cloud a warrior's mind, preventing him from his goal. And yet, Dalgus resigned from the order because he met Zaida. Besides, it's only a hand shake…how bad could that be? Raziel extended his hand gave a sort of half-smile.
"Nice to meet you Tallis," he replied, in a charming matter. Tallis giggled in embarrassment. Raziel could only chuckle at her silliness. Well, at least he found someone who's friendly so far.
"So, Raziel, were those your parents that were with you earlier?"
"Yes. They came to wish me good luck, and then they said their goodbyes." So had she been watching him this whole time? "Were your parents here too?" Tallis bit her lip and lowered her gaze. Raziel frowned and mentally kicked himself.
"Tallis I'm so-
"No, no, it's fine." Her green eyes locked with Raziel's blue ones. "I just live with my aunt now."
"Now? What happened to your…never mind. I shouldn't have said anything. I'm sorry, please forgive me." Tallis smiled and wiped a stray tear from her eye.
"They're dead now, Raziel. It's alright. I'm not worried about it, and neither should you." Raziel nodded. He felt horrible for asking such a stupid question. Even though Tallis seemed fine
about the subject, Raziel felt compelled to comfort her, or hug her at least. Yet, despite her despair, the boy could not allow himself to get attached.
"In all honesty, I think you're a brave girl."
"Really?"
"Of course. You're able to talk about your parents even though they are no longer on this earth. Even so, you still honor and cherish them. That takes a lot of courage to do. Not many people can move on after a loved one has passed. In your case loved ones."Tallis smiled again and put a hand to her mouth.
"I'm sorry."
"You're just full of smiles aren't you?" This caused Tallis to laugh.
"I'm sorry, Raziel. You're just making me smile. I can't help myself." Raziel chuckled to himself and watched as Tallis calmed down. This was going to be an interesting trip.
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"I don't like boats," said Tallis, holding her stomach and leaning over the boat's side.
"I would ask why, but I think it's quite obvious now," replied Raziel, patting Tallis on the back. "Are you alright?" Tallis wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and nodded slowly.
"I guess so. I just won't eat anything until we arrive at the stronghold." Raziel shook his head.
"Not wise. You'll just make yourself very ill, and then you'll become very weak. If your health means anything to you, you can at least eat little bites of something. And of course, drink plenty of water." Tallis did not reply. Instead, she turned herself back to the side of the boat and vomited once more into the great south lake. Tallis wiped her mouth again and sighed.
"There is nothing to eat, Raziel. You think they would have a feast on this boat?" she asked mockingly. Raziel narrowed his eyes.
"You're funny," he replied sarcastically. "I have some bread in my bag. My mother gave me enough to hold my stomach. That is, until I got to the stronghold." He reached into his bag and pulled out a piece of cloth no bigger than his hand. Wrapped inside was his bread. He tore a piece off and gave it to Tallis.
"Eat this," he commanded. Tallis did not move. Her eyes went back and forth, from the bread to Raziel. "It will ease your stomach pains. Eat it." With a gulp, Tallis took the bread from Raziel's grasp and nibbled on it slowly. The boy nodded in satisfaction and took a piece for himself. He chewed it with haste, seeing as he missed dinner last night and breakfast this morning.
"Mmm. That was quite delicious. Your mother must have gone through a lot of trouble to make it." Raziel swallowed his last bite and looked at the last piece in his hand. He looked to Tallis and handed it to her. She smiled and thankfully took the piece.
"No not really. She uses a secret family recipe to make her loafs. It takes much less time than you think. She loves to cook. That woman lives in the kitchen to "serve her men," as she says."
"I see. She sounds very productive. Why doesn't she open up a bakery? I'm sure she'd be very successful."
"They thought about it, my mother and father. But, they figured it would be difficult to raise us and watch the shop." Raziel shrugged. "My father said he didn't want anyone else to taste my mother's magic food. He said it was for the family only." Tallis raised her eyebrows and swallowed. She had eat just eaten a piece of his mother's work.
"Don't worry, Tallis. I gave it to you. Besides, he will not find out." Tallis smiled.
"Alright, Raziel. I trust you." Raziel gave a diminutive smile. In an instant, his body jerked forward. The conversation with Tallis must have been longer than he thought. The boat he was on had reached shore. Everyone immediately left the boat and made way up the dock. Raziel helped Tallis out of the boat and soon joined the others.
"Dear God," uttered Tallis. "This place is enormous. How will we find our way around, Raziel?" The boy grinned.
"I'm sure they'll give us a tour, Tallis. It would be unprofessional of them to assume we know our way in this labyrinth." Tallis slowly nodded, keeping her gaze on the Sarafan fortress.
"All right, competitors. This way, to the main gates!" The group obeyed and followed the guard that was waiting at the top of the dock. In doing so, Raziel's eyes began to wander. The place was very new to him, nothing like the stronghold Von was from. This was the headquarters, the main building in all of Nosgoth. It intrigued Raziel that he lived so close to it, yet he never had the desire or interest to visit it. Now that he was here, it was a dream come true.
"How many others do you think there are, Raziel?" whispered Tallis. Raziel snapped out of his day dream and looked at his friend.
"I believe there are only one-hundred competitors, including us. At least that's what one of the officers told me when I signed up. I suppose we'll find out once we get inside, eh?" Tallis nodded with a smile.
"I suppose you're right. I like being surprised." Raziel said no more and bit his lip, nervous as he and the others walked down a long hallway. Candles and stained glass windows decorated either side of the walls. Sarafan banners, embellished with their emblems, hung motionless over two double doors. Each door had an engraved insignia on them. Raziel raised his brow in question as they passed it.
"They seem very obsessed with the order," he whispered to Tallis, who nodded upon seeing the symbols.
"Perhaps they are proud to be Nosgoth's protectors. It must be an honor for them."
"Perhaps…" Raziel didn't finish his reply. Instead, he stared curiously at another soldier, who stopped his leader.
"Ah, Philip, there you are. I'd thought you'd be making your way over to the main hall." The soldier extended his hand and Phillip shook it.
"Aye, Kraus. I have to bring in the competitors so that we may begin the feast." He looked at the recruits and opened his arms. "These are all the ones from Ziegsturhl. They're a smaller bunch than last year, eh?" Kraus? Raziel mentally grinned. It was the knight that had recruited him. The boy was still shaken about the man's sword; he must have amazing strength.
"Yes. You have quite a small bunch here," he replied, scanning over the small group. Raziel lowered his head somewhat as Kraus stepped forward. "Rather sad, isn't it? Ziegsturhl is known for its strong warriors. What a shame that we only have ten." Phillip crossed his arms, and sighed.
"Perhaps they have their sights set on something other than the order. Some might be interested in going to school or working with their families. Others might not even be allowed to join; you know how some mothers are. They would die if they lost their children." Kraus frowned and turned to Phillip.
"It's a possibility…but a weak one. If children are afraid to enlist because of death, then they are cowards. It is an honor to die for someone or something you cherish." Philip bit his lip and made no reply. Kraus looked to the floor. "Any who, the real reason I came for you was
because Lord Malek wishes to see you. Don't worry I'll take this bunch to the hall. Go and see what he wants." Philip made a slight nod with his head.
"Thank you, sir," he replied, looking at the recruits before turning down the opposite hallway. Metal clanked loudly as Phillip's lone figure retreated. Raziel found that he liked that sound; he felt that wearing armor would prove his worthiness. Kraus turned back to the children, a serious look on his face.
"Alright, let's get moving. The sooner we get to the main hall, the faster we can eat and show you to your barracks." The knight turned and the children followed. Raziel noticed that stubble was already forming on the back of Kraus' head. The boy frowned. He forgot about the hair. He knew they would shave it off; it was a requirement. Raziel remembered the time when Von came home after he became a soldier. His head was shinier than a coin, and his mother nearly had a heart attack. Since then, she's gotten used to seeing him without any hair. And now, it would be Raziel's turn.
After long moments of silence, another set of double doors came into view. Like the ones before, these also had Sarafan emblems on them. Kraus turned around just as they reached their destination.
"I expect you all to behave yourselves. There will be many others inside so no child's play. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" everyone replied. Kraus nodded and opened the doors. A cold rush of wind attacked Raziel as the heavy doors were opened. Inside were two very long wooden tables.
Each of them had been nearly filled. Luckily for Raziel, his group was very few. It seemed that everyone was waiting for the Ziegsturhl recruits. It was quite amusing how Ziegsturhl was closer than most of the other cities. Yet, he and his group were the last to arrive. Guards came up to Raziel and the others, showing them to their places. The boy felt uncomfortable under hundreds of eyes; it made him somewhat nervous. As they were seated, Tallis moved closer to Raziel, not wanting to feel alone. Getting somewhat situated, the boy noticed that the hall was fairly quiet. Perhaps out of respect? Raziel thought. Or perhaps out of fear.
"All rise!" Immediately, everyone stood at attention. Raziel wore a face of confusion. Why did he have to stand? He just sat down and now they want him to rise? The double doors that Raziel had come through were held open. All eyes were on the knights that came through. A young man in very light armor, walked between two knights, staring straight ahead. His complexion was flawless, Raziel noticed. He was not by any means gay, but the man was very handsome. His eyes were icy blue, almost like the ocean, and darker than Raziel's. He had to be at least six feet tall. As he passed by Raziel, he looked at him briefly, gave a small nod then continued down the aisle to his seat at the front of the room. (A/N: the setting is sort of like Harry Potter's great hall.) What was that for? Raziel thought. He looked to the front of the room, where the man was being seated, and noticed that the knights waited until he sat before seating themselves.
"You may be seated!" Everyone sat back down in their appropriate seats, whispering amongst themselves. He leaned towards Tallis and whispered into her ear.
"Who is that man? Why are the knights treating him like royalty? He doesn't seem important." Tallis glanced once more at the young man and shrugged.
"I have no idea. He might belong to one of the knights, you know a son." Raziel raised a brow and frowned.
"Don't you think he's old enough to take care of himself? He can't be much older than my brother, Von."
"That's no knight's son, lad." Raziel looked up and fixed his posture. A boy, about two years or so older than him replied. His hair was shoulder length, black like the darkness. His green eyes held tenderness in them, and Raziel couldn't help but grin.
"Oh? Then who is he? Why did we have to stand when he came in?" The teenaged boy chuckled at Raziel's curiosity and leaned in closer.
"That's Lord Malek." Raziel gave an incredulous look, unsure if he heard correctly. He smiled.
"You must be joking." The teenager raised his eyebrows at the other's denial. "That man? He's the great Paladin and protector of the circle of nine? What kind of fool do you take me for?" The older shook his head and put his hands up in defeat.
"Believe what you want." Raziel looked at the young man from afar. He couldn't be…could he? The stories that he had heard before told of a young warrior, destined to become the protector of the pillars and the circle of nine. But this man did not fit the description. I suppose looks can be deceiving, thought Raziel. The man sipped his drink in silence, listening to
a conversation two knights were having. The boy smiled, seeing as the man was enjoying his company. Still, Raziel was not convinced, he couldn't be. The man seemed far too soft to carry such a burden as to protect the pillars on his shoulders, let alone be a paladin. Malek set his drink down and scanned the room, almost as if he were seeing who would survive the first few rounds. Gradually, his gaze landed on Raziel, who froze in shock. Malek narrowed his eyes, neither of them looked away. Mere moments had passed before Raziel broke the stare, his face turning red with embarrassment, knowing that no one had seen him.
"I think you're right." The teenager put his cup down and licked his lips.
"Excuse me?" Servants from either side of the hall came out with large trays of food, placing them on Raziel's table. His eyes widened in amazement; what delicious looking food.
"I think you're right…that is him," he said finally. The other took a chicken leg and placed it on his plate, licking his fingers of juice.
"Hm. Well, keep it to yourself, lad. Not many people know that that's him. You'd be wise to keep this a secret. Malek doesn't like too many people knowing about him. There could be assassinations and such, you know? That's why his armor looks like that of a guard, except he wears a helmet."
"Why doesn't he just wear his helmet here?"
"Do you see any other soldier with their helmet on?" Raziel quickly scanned around the room, only to be disappointed.
"No." The teenager raised his eyebrows.
"You see? If he wore a helmet, everyone would know it was him." Raziel nodded. "His lordship does not really like to be bothered by children anyhow. If he was hiding behind a helmet, everyone would want to know what he looked like under it." Raziel smiled and took a piece of chicken from the plate, along with some rolls and a roasted potato. Boy was he hungry. The teenager wiped his hands on his cloth and offered it to Raziel.
"My name is Turel, how do you do?" Raziel's heart stopped. Turel? That had been one of his "brother's" names. Could this boy be…? The younger extended his hand and shook Turel's.
"My name is Raziel…of Ziegsturhl. And this is Tallis of Ziegsturhl." He nudged Tallis, who was eating her chicken with desire. She wiped her mouth and shook Turel's hand, embarrassed.
"It's a pleasure to meet you both. I'm from Uschtenheim." Tallis and Raziel nodded, smiling under Turel's tender eyes. "Well let's dig in shall we?" Turel…one down, four to go. The younger boy took picked up his cup and sipped the contents. He sighed. It tasted bitter.
Finally!! This took me like two weeks to finish!! I did have a writer's block, mind you. I am sort of happy with the results. I hope that you guys feel the same way. Please feel free to review and give feed back. I need to know how I'm doing. Thanks. :D-Lil V.