Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Raistlin Chronicle characters. But I do own those that aren't. So there! *Sticks tongue out*
Hmm. . . Here is a new chapter. *Smirks evilly*
Ohoo yeah: Just in case I didn't make my point clear about my story. I have revised the Raistlin Chronicles to fit my OC character. As if she was already in it before. But I changed quite a bit.
Thanks to:
Guan: I have taken that into account. Thank you very much!! ^_^
ChildLike Emperess: The romance still goes without saying.. I'm not quite sure.
for reviewing!
Book One continued.
Chapter 3: Seething Rage
" Rules are meant to be
broken."
~RoguesHeart~
The next morning, the twins and Scrounger joined a long line of men forming a double column in the courtyard outside the baron's castle. Crysallis had left earlier on in the morning, claiming that she had business to attend to and she would catch up to them later.
A large plank of wood set on two trestles made a table. A piece of parchment was nailed to the table, to keep the paper from blowing away in the breeze. When the officers arrived, they would take the men's names, then sent them off to the training camp.
There, the men would be fed and sheltered for a week at the baron's expense, undergoing rigorous training that would be the test of their strength, their agility, and their ability to obey orders. Those who didn't make the grade would be weeded out during the week and sent packing with a small sum of money to thank them for their trouble. Those who survived the training would receive a week's pay. Those who survived after a month would be accepted .
The twins arrived early. Caramon was so eager that he would've left before dawn, had not Raistlin, who foresaw a long day ahead of them, persuaded him to at least wait until sun up. He was too excited to eat more than one breakfast, sat at the table fidgeting his sword and asking every five minutes if they were going to be late. Finally, Raistlin said they could go only because Caramon was nearly driving him into insanity.
Scrounger had been nearly as excited as Caramon. Raistlin doubted that the Baron would accept such a thin and childlike youngster into the army, feared that Scrounger might be in for a serious disappointment. He had spent all night polishing his armor and by morning, it had outshone the sun itself. Such was the ebullient nature that Raistlin guessed Scrounger wouldn't be depressed about it for long.
The tavern owner was sad to see them all leave, particularly Raistlin and Crysallis. The garlic and oregano in the beans had proven quite magical, the smell luring in customers in off the streets. The owner had tried to prevail upon them both to remain behind in the capacity of the cook. Raistlin, who was flattered refused politely. While Crysallis smiled lightly and left without speaking a word to him.
They took about their places in line, waiting in the bright sunshine. About twenty five men stood in line before them. They waited about an hour, during which some of those in line began to chat with their neighbors. Caramon and Scrounger were talking with the man behind them.
The man standing in front of Raistlin glanced at him, as if wanting to strike up a conversation with him. Raistlin pretended not to notice. He could already feel the dust from the road tickle the side of his throat. He feared that he would suffer one of his coughing spasms, he could practically see himself being cast out by his own ignominy. He avoided the man's friendly gaze by studying the baron's fortifications with as much interest as if he intended to siege them.
Raistlin could catch out the corner of his eye, the man opening his mouth to address him in a conversation. Raistlin sucked in his breath, attempting to calm down the rumbling in his chest. Yet the man was cut short by the familiar swooshing sound of robes.
Turning his slightly, Raistlin breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Crysallis walking towards them. Though she was wearing her robes, and her hood covered her face; her form was still distinguishable from all others. She sauntered wryly over to where Raistlin and the others stood. Promptly cutting in front of many of the others who had gathered in line behind them. But there banter was cut short by a glare directed towards them from Caramon.
" Hey Raistlin.." she said lightly, as she walked up beside him.
Raistlin nodded his head at her, afraid that the tickling in his throat was growing worse. Crysallis tilted her head to the side, studying the expression on his face; her emerald eyes glistening brightly in the sun. As she opened her mouth to say something, she was distracted by a loud laugh erupting from one of the Sergeants.
The Sergeant, a cocky bantam of a man, bow legged and missing one eye, arrived escorted by five veteran soldiers. The sergeant cast a long glance over the hundred men or so that stood waiting in the lines, and didn't seem impressed.
The Sergeant called forth a man garbed in a farmer's smock.
" Write yer name, and if y' can't write put an X here."
The Farmer meekly walked over to the table, where indicated he marked an x on the document. One of the veterans began to call out " here piggy piggy". The others laughed aloud at it, appreciative that the veterans had taken their attention away from them. The Farmer cringed and ducked his head, undoubtedly wishing the Abyss would open up and swallow him.
The litany continued so and so forth with each new recruit that had to come up and sign the document. Most of the men took the bantering and allowed it to brush by them, but the man in front of him grew angry and clenched his fist as if to attack the sergeant.
" Steady son, it's death to strike a superior officer.. Take your place in line."
The young man who was better dressed than most and who was one of the few able to write his own name, glared at the veterans, who grinned back at him.
" Fighting spirit", Raistlin heard one of them men say, as he approached. " He'll be a good soldier."
" Yet he can't control his temper." said another. " He'll be gone within the week."
" Bet?"
" Bet."
The two men clasped hands to seal the deal.
Raistlin's turn. He could see plainly enough that the object of the exercise was to was not only to enroll students but to humiliate them as well. Having read up on training methods, he was aware that the commanders used words to tear the men apart, reduce him to nothing so that the officers could build them back up.
" All very well for a common foot soldier.." thought Raistlin in disdain. " But it shall be different with me."
The men behind the sergeant gave a low murmur and nudged each other with their elbows. The sergeant snapped his head up. The single eye focused on Raistlin, who said politely.
" Where do I sign sir? I am here to enroll as a warrior mage."
" Well, Well." said the sergeant, squinting in the sun. " This is a new one, we haven't had your kind in quite a spell.. " He laughs.. " Spell, get it, that's a joke."
" Where do I sign sir?" Raistlin asked.
The dust and the heat were stifling. He could feel his throat beginning to close, dread kept him from having his coughing fit then, before the grinning veterans. He pulled his hood low, keeping his face and eyes hidden. He did not want to give these men fodder for their jokes than was necessary. As it was, they already found him humerous enough.
" Where did you get the gold skin boy?" asked one of the veterans. " Maybe your mama was a snake.."
" A lizard most likely. "
" He'll be a cheap recruit ." Said the first. " All he eats is flies."
" Bet he got's a long tongue, as to catch them with.."
" Where do I sign?" Raistlin coughed out.
Raistlin could feel his throat closing in on him. The sergeant peeked up and glanced up, catching a glimpse of his hourglass eyes.
" Go tell Horkin.." he said sternly to the men behind him.
" Where is he?"
" The usual."
The soldier nodded and left off after on his assignment.
Raistlin couldn't help himself any longer. He began to cough. His lungs ached with each cough, as he rasped out. The soldier's recoiled away from him, their eyes narrowed suspiciously.
" What's wrong with him, is he sick or something?"
" Is it contagious?"
Before any of the men could say anything else. They were interrupted by a blur of red, flying past them.
The men watched in vacant astonishment as the other mage helped the coughing one.
Crysallis crouched down beside Raistlin. His face was construed with pain; his hourglass eyes glared harshly at her. As if daring her to try and take pity upon him.
Crysallis rolled her eyes at him, and conducted Caramon to stand behind his brother. Reaching into her pouch, she pulled out a small olive colored leaf. Seizing Raistlin's jaw, she carefully placed it upon his tongue; much to Raistlin's displeasure.
After a small moment, the spasm passed and the scent of mint wafted around his body. Silence followed, everyone watching on wordlessly; wanting to see if the mage had cured the young man.
Raistlin lifted his head to stare at Crysallis. Her face remained passive, as if whatever transpired wasn't really worth her time. As soon as her emerald eyes met his, she sent him a side wards smirk.
Everyone turned their heads away when they noticed that the young man was fine. Their eyes darting everywhere, to avoid catching the death glare that the young mage was passing their way.
One of the veteran soldier's sneered at him, his eyebrows furrowed with disdain and repugnance.
" What's the matter with you boy, you sick or something?"
" My infirmity is not contagious.." spoke Raistlin through gritted teeth. " Now please sir, Where do I sign?"
The man indicated the paper.
" With all the rest." he said, lip curled. He obviously didn't think much of the new recruit.
" Go Stand with the others."
Raistlin frowned slightly.
" But I. . . "
" I know why you are here." The sergeant dismissed him from his sight and mind." Do as your told."
His cheeks burning, Raistlin walked over to his ignominious place with all the others, who were staring at him, as were most everyone else in the area; with the exception of Crysallis. Stoically, Raistlin ignored them all. His hope laid among his companions, seeing that they were now the new targets of the veteran soldiers and the sergeant.
The sergeant took one long stare at Crysallis as she stood before him. Her hood was drawn over her head, shielding most of her face from further scrutiny. Her emerald eyes glared darkly at him, boldly defying any sort of derogatory comment that would be sent her way. Her crimson red robes were long and flowing, concealing the sensuous figure that she was known to have; of course only by those who knew her well.
The sergeant arrogantly cocked an eyebrow at her. His eyes twinkled with wicked humor.
" Take off your hood soldier."
Crysallis glared back at him.
" I would prefer not to…sir." she responded in a dull tone.
One of the veterans slammed his hand down against the hardwood table.
" He is your superior soldier, You shall follow his command!"
Crysallis shrugged nonchalantly and reached up to pull down her hood. Raistlin opened up his mouth to protest, but no sound came out. She turned to give him a quick glance to assure him that nothing could possibly happen.
Her dark shaded hair, fell in elegant waves down her slender back. The streaks of crimson shone off in the sunlight, illuminating her entire body. Her emerald eyes glistened coldly as she watched the men examined her.
" Well now, isn't this turning out to be quite an interesting day?" spoke one of the veterans.
" I would have to agree.." spoke another.
One of the veterans, waltzed over to Crysallis's side. He stood tall and proud as he continued to look her over. His brown eyes squinting at the overall intensity of the radiating cloaks.
" First a Lizard boy and now this. . . "
Raistlin watched on silently as they continued to berate her. His mind screaming that he should say something to help her out but his mouth wouldn't listen. Everytime he opened his mouth, a silent gasp would fall out.
Caramon stood behind Crysallis, his thick fists clenched at his side. He also stood silent as he watched the men throw chauvinistic lines towards her.
" Hey, shouldn't you be at home cooking me dinner?"
Crysallis stared at them, her face in an emotionless mask. This hadn't been the first time she had to face people like this, and her mother guaranteed her a long time ago that it wouldn't be the last.
" Would you like to me sign it sir, or are you going to stare at me all day?"
All the men laughed. Obviously finding her comment amusing.
" You want to join the Baron's Army, woman?"
Crysallis kept her face completely stoic.
" I wouldn't be here if I didn't sir."
The sergeant smirked at her, revealing his crusted yellow teeth.
" We don't usually allow women into our Army Ma'am.." he scoffed.
" Yeah, they are too soft for this line of work.." mocked another.
Crysallis shrugged.
" Well, there is always a first for everything sir."
The sergeant didn't seem to take kindly to her tone.
" This ain't no joke nor game woman, this is real.. We fight real battles. . . People die…"
Frowning slightly, Crysallis crossed her arms.
" I am not so stupid as to not know that sir. Do not insult my intelligence." she hissed.
The sergeant stared back at her; and she stared back. This lasted for about a minute before one of the veterans coughed. The sergeant glared him down, and diverted his attention back to Crysallis.
" Very well do what you wish. . ."
Crysallis nodded her head and walked over to the table and signed her name underneath Raistlin's. Then she walked over to join him on the sidelines. All eyes followed her as she strode next to Raistlin.
She nodded at them and turned her attention over to Caramon, who was next in line. Raistlin followed her gaze and tensed up.
" Write yer name son, and if you can't write, mark an X on the line, then take your place to my left." spoke the veteran, yawning slightly.
" Sure thang Sergeant." spoke Caramon cheerfully.
He wrote his name with a flourish on the parchment.
" Big as an ox.." spoke the veteran. " Probably as bright as one too."
" I like 'em big." spoke his comrade. " They stop more arrows that way, we should put him in front ranks."
" Thank ya kindly sir!" said Caramon pleased. " Oh by the way, I don't need any training. I can just skip all that part."
" Oh you can, can you?" asked the Sergeant.
Crysallis hissed under her breath, her hand smacking against her forehead.
' now that was stupid…'
Raistlin groaned.
' Shut up Caramon.' yelled Raistlin mentally. ' Shut up and walk away!'
Yet Caramon was charmed by the attention.
" Yes, I know everything there is to fighting, Tanis taught me." he said proudly.
" Tanis taught you did he?" said the Sergeant leaning in forward. His friends covered their mouths with their hands and rocked back on their heels, enjoying the sport.
" And who would this Tanis be?"
" Tanis Half-Elven."
Crysallis snorted softly, but after a death glare from Raistlin she held it in.
" An elf? An elf taught you how to fight?"
" Well really it was mostly his friend, Flint. He's a dwarf."
" I see." said the sergeant, stroking his grizzled chin. " An elf and a dwarf taught you how to fight."
" Me and my friend Sturm. He's a Solamnic Knight." Caramon added proudly.
' SHUT UP CARAMON!!' Raistlin urged silently, desperately.
" And then there was Tasslehoff Burrfoot, " Caramon went on, without any heed to his twin's silent plea. " He's a Kender."
" A kender? " the sergeant was awed. " An elf, a dwarf, and a kender taught you how to fight."
He turned to his fellows, who were red faced with suppressed laughter.
" Boys.." he said solemnly. " Tell the general to resign, we have his replacement."
At this, one of the men groaned and stomped his foot , trying to desperately contain his mirth. The other lost his composure and had to turn his back. His shoulders shook and tears streamed down his cheeks.
" Oh that won't be necessary, sir." Caramon hastened to assure him. " I'm not that good yet."
" Oh so the general can stay?" the sergeant asked; the corners of his mouth twitching.
" He can stay." said Caramon magnanimously.
Raistlin closed his eyes, unable to watch anymore. Crysallis on the other hand was gaining vast amusement from his twin's denseness. Her emerald eyes twinkled with delight the entire time.
" Thank you, we appreciate it." said the sergeant with deep gratitude. " And now Caramon Majere, " the sergeant looked at the list. " Or is it Sir Caramon Majere?"
" No I'm not the knight." Said Caramon, anxious to not have any misunderstandings. " That was Sturm."
" I see, well take your place in line with the others, Majere." spoke the Sergeant.
" Okay but I already told you, you don't have to waste time training me."
Crysallis held in her mirth, her side aching from the pressure.
The Sergeant stood up, leaned forward and said softly,
" I don't want to make the others feel bad. They might get discouraged and quit. So just play along will you sir Majere?"
" Sure I can do that sir." Caramon accommodated.
" Oh and by the way, if the drill master-that would be Master Quesnelle--, makes any mistakes be sure and tell him. He'll appreciate the help."
" Yes sir, I'll do that." Spoke Caramon proudly. Smiling he joined Raistlin and Crysallis on the sidelines. " Gee that Sergeant's a nice guy."
" You are the world's biggest idiot." spoke Raistlin with soft fury.
" Huh me? What did I do?" asked Caramon dazed.
Crysallis snickered next to him, her face turning red from holding in her laughter. Raistlin turned his back on his twin, to watch as Scrounger approached the table.
The sergeant eyed him.
" Look kid, why don't you run along home. Come back in ten years when you've finally grown up."
" I've grown up enough Sergeant." Said Scrounger confidently. " Besides Sergeant you need me."
The sergeant rubbed his forehead.
" Oh yeah, give me one good reason. "
" I'll give you several. I'm a scrounger and a good one. Whatever you need I can get it. What's more I can climb any wall standing. I can fit into tunnels mice would refuse to enter. I'm quick, fast, and good with a knife in the dark. I can walk through the woods so quietly that if you were to compare me to caterpillars, they would be making the ground shake. I can slip into a three story building and take the golden locket around milady's throat and kiss her into bargain, and she'll never hear me or see me. That's what I can do for you sergeant." said Scrounger. " and more."
The veterans had quit laughing. They were regarding Scrounger with interest. So was the sergeant.
" And you can talk the wings off a fly." the Sergeant gazed at the young man intently. " All right. Put your name down. If you live through training, you might be of use the baron after all."
Feeling a touch on his shoulder, Raistlin turned around, followed by Crysallis.
" You be the mages?" asked the soldier unnecessarily, since they were the only ones in the compound wearing wizard's robes. Both of them nodded towards the soldier.
" Come with me. "
Raistlin and Crysallis nodded and stepped out of line. Followed by Caramon.
" You a mage, too?" the soldier asked, coming to a halt.
" No I'm a soldier. He's my brother. Where he goes I go."
" Not now Caramon." Raistlin said in a low voice.
The soldier shook his head.
"I have orders to bring the mages. Take your place back in line puke."
Caramon frowned.
" We're never separated."
" Caramon!" Raistlin turned to his twin. " You have shamed me enough this day, do as you're told in and get back in line."
Caramon's face went red, then white.
" But Raist.."
Crysallis placed her hand upon Caramon's shoulder.
" I think you should do what he says Caramon. You are a low ranking soldier, it is best for you to follow their orders." she said softly.
" But Raistlin and I. . . "
" Caramon don't make this harder than it should be. Either you go back in line or I shall make you." spoke Crysallis in a harsher tone.
To enforce what she had said, she allowed for her eyes to flicker from emerald green to ice blue for a split second; showing her control over her powers.
Caramon's shoulders slumped down in defeat.
" Well if that's what Raistlin wants.."
" That is what I want." spoke Raistlin sharply.
Caramon, hurt, returned to line and took his place next to Scrounger. Raistlin and Crysallis accompanied the soldier through the gate and into the baron's castle.
That's all for now.
REVIEW for me please!
~RoguesHeart~
