The Gods Pugna – Joren's Ordeal

By Imperfectionist

Disclaimer: I don't own any tortallan characters or settings. All belongs to the genius Tamora Pierce!! ;D

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Joren bathed slowly in the water, his heart gradually beating faster. He was going to be spending the night in the chamber of Ordeal tonight and he would have to face up to his fears. Paxton stood near the tub, preparing to instruct his squire.

"If you survive the Ordeal of Knighthood," he said, using words required by the ritual, "you will be a Knight of the Realm. You will be sworn to protect those weaker than you, to obey your overlord, to live in a way that honours your kingdom and your gods." Joren nodded in agreement.

"To wear the shield of a knight is an important thing." He continued, "It means you may not ignore a cry for help. It means that rich and poor, young and old, male and female may look to you for rescue and you cannot deny them."

And so it went on like that until Joren knelt outside the chamber. He focused on the heavy iron doors, curious of what he might meet behind it. He thought of what he would do after this, he would probably go on adventures independently and save citizens from danger and slay brutal immortals. Would he have a squire? 'No' He thought it wouldn't be necessary. What will Shineal want from him? It was still a mystery for him. Eventually the iron doors opened slowly to reveal complete darkness. He got up stiffly as kneeling on the cold stone floor was not the most comfortable thing to do. He silently prayed to Mithros and the Goddess that he would be able to live, to see another day. The doors closed behind him when he walked in. He was startled by the plain darkness. 'Is this it?' He thought sarcastically.

A sudden chill sent shivers up his spine as he felt something soft brush past his ankle. The darkness was then filled with light. He was in a stone chamber, he looked down at his feet to see a small black feline purring and rubbing itself at his ankle. He was about to swear but sharply held his tongue. He absolutely loathed cats!

He tensed up as the cat continued to rub itself on his leg, its pink tongue licking his skin but Joren kept quiet, no matter how tempting it was to scream. He had an idea; he stared at the cat, waiting for it to get in the right position. In one swift move he kicked the feline away from him. It hissed at him and was gone in smoke.

He covered his face with his forearm as the smoke filled the whole room. When the smoke cleared, he looked around. He saw everything from high up, he recognised it and he knew it was Corus with the splendid palace in a bright red sky. Not only was the sky was red, but the buildings that made the city were burning in fiery orange red flames. Groups of people crowded together. Not to put out the flaming city, but to fight. There were riots everywhere, women with their children screamed in horror. Blood was being shed everywhere. Joren felt the wind behind him and it blew him closer to a fight. Now he saw it clearly he knew the two men in action was his father and Paxton. Sweat rolled down his father's brow as the old man tried taking on 3 men one on a horse, two other with spears.

"Paxton retreat! Retreat!" he shouted in his mind as a spear settled into his ribs. Joren itched terribly to help his now helpless Knight Master but he couldn't move to do so. He was being bound with rough invisible ropes around his ankles and wrists and he couldn't break through. He had to stand by his Knight side to win this fight. He panted as he tried to wriggle free. The more he attempted to struggle, the tighter the binds held him. Soon the invisible ropes were so tight around him; that he started to bleed where the ropes were digging into his flesh. He was desperate to be part of the action, to provide the service he was supposed to, that he didn't care if he was bleeding.

Soon the chaos faded out and all he could see was plain darkness. He lay on the floor motionless as the terror of being helpless had dawned him. Later he heard a pair of big doors creaking open.

"He's not moving!" said a dull voice.

"Get Lord Wyldon. He needs to know about this." Said another urgently.

"No! This can't happen. My son!" screamed a lady.

Mother, thought Joren.

"My lady, may you please sit down and calm yourself."

"How could you tell me to calm when my son looks like he is DEAD!"

Tears rolled down freely on Joren's face. He lay there on the cold stone floor weeping.  

Joren of Stone Mountain, do you think you are worthy to become a knight? Said a cold whispering voice within his mind. Joren raised his spinning head and saw on the other side of the room was a growing a shadow. In it grew an image. A fair boy smirked down on a frightened boy and kicked him a few times. He recognised this bully, it was once him.

Another image grew as this one faded into the shadows. It was dark; he could make out two tall figures standing over another who was much shorter. Despite the height difference, he could see who had the higher status.

"I want you to kidnap Keladry of Mindelan's maid."

"How much?"

"Three gold coins."

"Oh well. You are asking for a bargain."

"How about 5."

"Sorry my lord. We can't do this."

No! He shouted in his mind. He squinted his eyes, trying to bring back good memories. Flashes of memory came in view like a picture gallery in the chamber. There was a time when Lord Wyldon complimented at jousting and he smiled in pride of himself. A time when he saved villagers from Spindrens. Times when he told Shineal about his rescues and he watched her smile and glow with glee. And last year how he saved the most loathed girl from a close rape by his friend. See, I did so many things. If you think I'm unworthy. I'll die happy unsatisfied. He said in his mind proudly. Darkness clouded the proud images on the walls.

This is a test. You won't leave here until you suffer everything you have done. Said the chamber. Pain shot through Joren's head like two iron plates smacking both sides of his head. He held his head in pain and rolled into a tight ball.

"Be more careful stupid page. This is my new uniform."

"So Faleron, you're friends with her now because you can have her whenever you want?"

"She looks like a Lump."

"You get to repeat a year. Congratulations. I feel happy for you."

Every word filled with anger, hatred that has tumbled out of his mouth stung him each time in his mind. He wept freely, I don't want to die. I have so many things to live for. Like Shineal, all her hope and her love are placed on me. I can't her down. The realm needs me. Who will help those village children in archery?

A faint light shone into his eyes, he got up slowly, and every part of him ached as he slowly stumbled out of the chamber. Thanking the Gods and Goddesses that he was alive. He didn't care if he was crying or if he looked terrible. He was alive.

You did well my son. I'm so proud. He beamed in pride inside. Paxton wrapped him up in a cloak and guided him out of the chapel. He stumbled towards the door but stopped as an unexpected girl stood inside this chapel watching him.

She didn't know why she was persuaded to come, Yuki somehow got round her. Kel met Joren's ice blue eyes. He looked shattered and had obviously been crying. She nodded congratulations bitterly. He gave the faintest smile and walked off followed by his family.

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Big thanks to you Ally (bubblegum*girl) for beta reading this.

And sweet + tasty hugs and kisses to:

Angel of Wind – I'm happy you find this interesting. You will have to find out about your prediction.

DaughterofDeath – thanks for reading and reviewing this.

Alcapacien/Quiggles – I hope this has given you more. Lol