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A Legend's Journey

Chapter 31

Though newly established, The Academy of Guardians was flourishing. As soon as the first class began the second phase of its training, another beginning class was started, following the same stringent requirements as the first. As soon as each class moved up a level, a new class was waiting to begin. The Cortland class was about ready to graduate, the Academy's first.

Auron was thankful for the very high caliber of men that Marin had chosen for his Security Forces. These men were performing well as instructors under the watchful supervision of Marin, Sten, Kimahri, Alsa and himself.

The extraordinary screening process to which prospective trainees were subjected was proving itself in the performance levels of those actually accepted for training. More than one young man was sent home disappointed by not being accepted.

One morning, Raine had wandered into the Academy building and observed some of the beginning swordsmanship classes. Standing quietly to the side, she noticed one young man, not much taller than herself, who was really struggling.

As she watched, she saw that his problem was that he was trying to use the same tactics as his taller, heavier sparring partner. She looked at the instructor but didn't know him, so her eyes searched the area until she saw the tall figure she was looking for.

She eased around the perimeter of the area until she reached Auron's vicinity and waited until she could catch his eye. As soon as he saw her, she made a tiny motion for him to join her. Auron knew that she rarely came to the building so he went to her immediately.

"Everything okay?"

"Yes, my husband. I just wandered in to observe a bit and I noticed a problem." And she explained. From her own experience in sparring against Marin, she had learned much about tactics to use against larger opponents.

Auron nodded. "I have noticed the same thing but haven't had time to work with them."

He thought a moment or two more, then said, "Come with me!" Hurrying to keep up with his long strides, she finally said, "Auron, slow down!"

He looked back at her, that corner of his mouth twitching as he waited for her to catch up. "Sorry, my love!" She followed him out of the building and, puzzled, into Harlan's new building.

Harlan saw Sir Auron and greeted him with a smile. "Hello, Sir Auron! What can I do for you?"

"Harlan, remember that package you put aside for me?"

The tailor's eyes smiled as he nodded. "I'll get it for you." He returned in a few moments with a carefully wrapped package and handed it to Sir Auron.

"Let me know if it needs any adjustments." Auron nodded and took Raine's elbow and guided her toward the villa.

A puzzled smile on her face, Raine asked, "Auron, what are you up to?"

Getting no response other than a slightly upward tilt of his mouth and a glint in his eyes, he ushered her into their home and straight down the hall to their bedroom. She was confused! What was he doing?

Auron said, "Take your clothes off."

Raine's mouth dropped open. "Auron?!"

He had his back to her as he was removing the wrapping from Harlan's package. The tone of her incredulous voice caused him to turn, realizing how that had sounded.

He laughed. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean it like that." Looking at her shocked expression, he took her in his arms and hugged her to him with a chuckle as puzzled blue eyes looked at him.

Turning back to the package, he said, "I have something for you." When he turned back to her he held up a beautifully tailored Academy staff uniform.

Raine's mouth dropped open again. What?!

Auron took her face in his big hands, smiling at her tenderly. "I hoped that the time would come when you would join the staff at the Academy so I had Harlan make this for you. Now, I think that time has come. You can fill a vital role there. Will you accept?"

Raine was taken aback. This wasn't something she had even thought about! Would she be accepted by the other instructors? The trainees? Would they think that she was there just because she was Sir Auron's wife? Would her presence disrupt the smooth running of the new operation?

Her blue eyes sought Auron's dark ones. "Auron, I don't know if this is the thing to do! There's a lot to consider."

His low voice said, "I've already considered it from every angle, my love. I've thought of every question you can bring up. No one can question any instructor on the staff as long as that instructor is providing a needed service. And you will be. In fact, I brought it up to the top staff at the outset, just waiting for the right time. It's time."

Raine was still hesitant. Auron finally said, "Will you at least give it a try? Please?"

She looked into the face that she found so beautiful. "Because you ask, I will. But, if it causes any problem, you must tell me immediately, okay?"

He smiled and caressed her face gently. "I promise. Now, will you change?" He couldn't wait to see the uniform on her!

She smiled and began changing into the black pants, sleeveless shirt and boots and the scarlet tunic. Harlan's mastery in his profession showed in the perfection of the cut and fit of the uniform. She brushed out her shining dark hair and turned to see her husband looking at her, his face very soft.

Shyly, she asked, "Is it okay?"

Auron reached for her hand and led her to the full-length mirror Shandin had given her so long ago. "Yes," he said softly.

In the living area, he reached for her blade and sheath. "Which way do you want to wear it?"

She paused for a moment thinking that it was more natural to her with the back carry, but didn't know if that would work with the uniform. She asked Auron's opinion. "Wear it the way it is most comfortable for you." So back carry it was.

Auron took a long moment to look at her before they left. Raine said, "Auron, I feel like I'm playing 'dress up' or something. I just don't feel that I'm qualified to wear this. I haven't earned it."

Auron took her by the shoulders and looked at her with intent eyes. "Raine, you are more qualified than any of the instructors already on staff. And, believe me, you have every right to take your place on the staff of the Academy. I've been waiting for this!"

He continued, "Now, raise that chin and let's go. There is something I want to do!"

She had to smile at him. She took a deep breath and nodded.

Entering the Academy building, Sir Auron asked the nearest Instructor if he knew where the Commander was. "I last saw him in the first classroom, Sir Auron." Auron nodded his thanks and headed that way.

Raine wasn't sure if she was supposed to stay or follow him. When he realized that she wasn't with him, he turned and gestured for her follow. A small shrug and she caught up as he reached the classroom door.

Marin was quietly standing at the back of the room, just observing. Seeing the scarlet coat in the doorway, he immediately headed that way, nodding at the instructor by way of apology for the interruption.

As soon as Marin saw Raine, his face split into the biggest grin she had ever seen. "Finally!" he said with a laugh. "We've been waiting for you, Baby Girl!" Looking at Sir Auron, he asked, "How did you finally convince her?"

Lips twitching more than usual, Auron replied drily, "I took her home and told her to take her clothes off."

Raine's eyes squeezed shut as her face winced and grew very hot. Her loud whisper was mortified, "Auron!!"

A very low chuckle, "Then I unwrapped the uniform."

Marin was so happy to hear their banter again, to see them enjoying each other again.

Sir Auron turned to the man he had selected to head the Academy. "Marin, I need to ask a favor of both you and Raine. There is one area of the sword training that we have overlooked and I want to rectify that beginning today."

He had their full attention.

"I'd like for all trainees to be convened for a demonstration which I will conduct."

Marin responded, "Yes, Sir. I can do that; no problem. But what is the favor?"

Auron said, "I want you and Raine to have a match with each other before the assembly. We have men of different sizes all trying to fight the same way. We know that doesn't work."

"At times during your session, I will call for a freeze and you both will hold your positions while I explain what I'm seeing and how that position can be used to their advantage or disadvantage. Both tall and short will benefit."

Marin and Raine looked at each other. Until now, their sessions had been private and each felt a moment's apprehension at the prospect of performing before the entire Academy.

Seeing this, Auron said, "I'll be functioning as your Instructor, as always. You simply have to focus on each other and listen to me, just as before. I have full confidence in you both or I would never ask it."

He paused as he considered his next words. "Neither of you realize just how far you have come. I've taught many people through the years and you are the best students I've ever had. And, you are the most advanced of anyone here except me, Kimahri and Alsa."

Looking at their surprised expressions, that corner of his mouth tweaked upward as he said, "Don't let it go to your heads. I can still beat both of you at once!"

His two students laughed quietly at the obvious truth of his last statement. In response to his raised eyebrow, they nodded their agreement to the demonstration, then looked at each other and grinned.

In an hour's time, the trainees of all class levels and the entire staff of the Academy were assembled in the large weapons training area. They waited quietly until they heard the command to rise as the door opened to admit the Academy Commander, The Guardian and a small woman who was wearing the distinctive Academy staff uniform.

Sir Auron stood on a slightly raised stage at the front of the assembly flanked by Marin and Raine as the trainees heard the command to be seated.

Sir Auron stepped forward and a pin drop could have been heard.

"I requested this assembly to conduct a demonstration in swordsmanship that will be beneficial to everyone here. Also, The Academy of Guardians welcomes an Instructor in Advanced Swords to the staff, Lady Raine D'Auron. Lady D'Auron and the Commander will provide the demonstration."

He stepped back and in a very low voice that only they could hear gave a last few instructions to his two students as the wide eyes of the audience took in the three famous people before them, the Cortland story making the exploits of Marin and The Guardian's wife well known to all.

Marin and Raine removed their scarlet tunics, leaving them in the all-black portion of the uniform. The sleeveless black shirt revealed the long, angry scar on the Commander's left arm. Everyone knew how he had gotten it and now, actually seeing it, their respect for him increased even more.

Auron stepped forward again. "It is obvious that the Commander is much taller and heavier than Lady D'Auron. This demonstration will show both types of individual how to use his body type to advantage."

He stepped to the back of the stage leaving ample room for Marin and Raine to move, signaled them to take their beginning position, then a soft "Begin!"

In less than a moment, Marin and Raine may as well have been back on the roof. There was only the two of them and Auron's quiet voice in the background. At times, he would give the Freeze command and they froze in their positions as he showed the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.

But after a short time, Auron just let them go, letting the audience see them in uninterrupted action. Those watching knew they were seeing something special by the two highly-trained private students of The Guardian and their attention was rapt.

At last, Sir Auron's "Break!" stopped them and the two breathed heavily following the long, strenuous bout they had fought.

Marin and Raine couldn't help but flash a grin at each other. Both looked at their Instructor and, seeing the small quirk to one side of his mouth, knew that they had not disappointed him.

The entire assembly spontaneously broke into loud, thunderous applause which caught Marin and Raine off guard. When the building was again quiet, Sir Auron addressed the assembly.

"You have seen a superior demonstration today. An even draw. Just because you are tall, doesn't mean that you can't be taken. Just because you're small, doesn't mean that you can't win. Learn from this!"

The assembly was called to attention by an Instructor as Sir Auron nodded to his two students who bowed their heads to him, sword hilts at waist level, blades straight up in front of them, a salute to their Instructor. The respect shown to him was not missed.

After Sir Auron left, Marin and Raine collected their tunics, Marin going to his apartment in the Academy complex and Raine returning to her home for a long, hot shower.

Auron was waiting for her just outside the door. Raine's shining eyes told him how much she had enjoyed the match. "Auron, that was so much fun! But we can still continue our sessions on the roof, can't we?"

He smiled down at her flushed, happy face. "Of course! But after instructing all day, I wonder if you'll want to."

They were walking into their home as she said, "What kind of schedule will I have? Won't Marin or Sten have to revise what they have?"

Auron shook his head. "No. I told you we've been waiting for you. The slot is already in place. Marin will probably bring a schedule when he comes."

She gave him a long look. "You were pretty sure about me, weren't you?"

"No. But I hoped. And I wanted to be prepared if you did agree. And after today, you are fully respected and accepted as an Academy Instructor." He grinned. "You and Marin were superb! You really made me proud!"

He caught a laughing, happy wife as she launched herself at him! When she was again set on her feet, she said, "I need a shower. I'll be right back."

A short time later, a freshly showered Marin appeared at the door, grinning from ear to ear. Sir Auron's raised eyebrow asked why. Marin said, "As soon as the assembly was released, there was a near-riot of people wanting to sign up for the Advanced classes! Some of the Instructors actually had to intervene!" He was so pleased he simply couldn't retain it.

Raine, having finished her own shower, entered the living area and gave Marin a hug. "What are you grinning about, Big Brother?"

He told her and laughed out loud at her stunned look. She took the copy of the schedule from his hand and found the Advanced Swords time slots. She made no comment, just stared at the paper in her hand.

Auron finally asked her if something was wrong. She looked at the two men who seemed to expect her to walk in and start teaching as if it was something she was accustomed to doing.

"Auron, I've never taught anybody anything! I've just been your student and Marin's partner. It's one thing to observe and notice something or to put on a demonstration, but that's not teaching. Marin, you've been teaching for almost two years now, if you include the original Security Forces." She hesitated, then said, "I wouldn't even know where to start!"

Auron wrapped her in his arms. "I know, my love. We thought about that, too. You, Marin and I will be teaching the Advanced courses together. I guess I should have been more clear on that."

Blue eyes sparked. "Clear?! It was about as clear as mud! You should have told me."

"Yes, I should have. I'm sorry. I think once we get into it, it is going to be a rewarding experience for all of us."

After their evening meal, they sat in the cool roof garden discussing the classes to be taught. Thankfully, Auron took the lead, Marin and Raine happy to follow his direction.

Raine asked, "I need to know the protocol on something. If I see something that needs correction, as I did today, may I ask the Instructor's permission to show or demonstrate something?"

Auron and Marin both nodded, Auron responding. "Yes. When not teaching our own classes, we are to observe and supervise the other classes, always showing respect to the Instructor, especially in front of his students."

He rumbled, "And after the show you two put on today, there's not an Instructor anywhere who would not welcome your assistance!"

That small, upturned corner of his mouth showed his pleasure with them and they were thrilled to have pleased him, but for them personally, challenging and pushing each other was just plain fun!

Today was a very important one for The Academy of Guardians. The first class of the new Guardians would graduate.

That morning, Marin sought out Lan who headed the class from Cortland. Finding him still in the dormitory section, Marin held out his hand. Lan, looking into the eyes of the Academy Commander, took his strong hand with a smile.

Marin said, "Who knew where our meeting would lead, huh?"

Lan replied, "It's been amazing, Marin, seeing the transformation in all of us. I'm taking home a unit of men that the people of Cortland can be proud of, who they can really depend on to protect them. I can't tell you how much that means to me."

"You know what I started with; it was pitiful! It took Sir Auron nearly dying to get some changes made. And meeting you, seeing how you conducted your department, gave me the vision of how I wanted ours to be. I'm taking that home with me, Marin. It was your department that inspired all of this! I just want to live up to the standard you set. I'll do my best!"

Marin answered, "Lan, you'll have no problem. You have it in you to continue Sir Auron's Legacy or you wouldn't have been accepted here."

Lan nodded. He understood. When the emblem of The Guardian was pinned to his uniform shirt today at graduation, he would wear it with extreme pride and devote his life to living up to the standards expected of one wearing it.

Marin clapped him on the shoulder. "Stay in touch, Lan. And good luck!"

Lan nodded and thanked him, watching with respect as the Academy Commander walked away.

Later, as everyone assembled for the first graduation, Raine looked at Auron from her place in the ranks of the staff and read much in his face and eyes. His vision for continuing the role of Guardians was actually happening.

The entire staff stood in neat rows, their appearance in their striking uniforms very impressive. Behind them in the center of the raised stage stood The Guardian flanked by the members of the senior staff: the Commander, Deputy Commander, Kimahri and Alsa.

The graduating class, dressed in the neat dark blue uniforms they had chosen for themselves, were seated in the first two rows, the undergraduates in their tan trainee uniforms seated behind them. The leader of each graduating class had several different styles of uniform from which to chose for his contingent, usually after taking a vote of the preference of his men.

Marin, as Academy Commander, stepped forward to speak, his eyes meeting those of Lan. He paused a moment as he gathered his thoughts.

"An unlikely course of events led to this moment, but, by those events, the vision of one man has been culminated in the establishment of The Academy of Guardians."

"It is the sworn obligation of every person here to live by the code of conduct established by this man, to uphold the ideals and purpose of those codes in order to fulfill our duty."

"This man once told me that it is our responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves. He said, 'It is not what we do, it is who we are. We are their Guardians.' It is a lifelong profession."

His eyes scanning the men who were graduating this day, he said, "At the conclusion of this ceremony, you will be taking up the Legacy of the most respected man in the history of Spira. The emblem that will be pinned on your chests today will be your constant reminder of whose footsteps you are following and carrying into the future. It is incumbent upon you to wear the emblem, to live your lives and to govern yourself accordingly, at all times, without exception."

The Commander paused, then walked to the side of the stage, leaving Sir Auron standing alone in the center of the stage.

The overwhelmingly impressive appearance of The Legendary Warrior and Guardian of Spira in his full uniform and the aura of raw power emanating from him spread out over the audience in increasing ripples. Every man there felt the physical impact of it and experienced chills with the sheer realization of the path on which he was embarking and the place in history that he was taking with this graduation.

The silence in the building was broken as the entire assembly, unbidden, seemed to rise as one in total respect for the man standing before them. Their silent salute to The Guardian was incredibly intense.

After several very long moments, the Commander and Deputy Commander moved to center stage and the assemblage took their seats.

As the name of each man graduating was called, he stepped onto the right side of the stage, was presented his certification document by the Deputy Commander, had The Guardian emblem pinned to the left side of his uniform shirt by the Commander, then turned to look into the eyes of The Guardian himself as he shook the hand of each graduate who would then exit to the left. It was a powerful experience.

The undergraduates, watching this, desperately wanted that same experience for themselves, vowing to work as hard as they could to achieve it.

The last man called to the stage was Lan. It was a very meaningful experience for all of them. Lan's eyes looked deeply into those of the men on the stage, each of them acknowledging Lan's place in the story of the Academy's birth.

In addition to the beautiful silver Guardian emblem pinned to his dark blue uniform shirt, Marin also pinned the gold stars of rank on his collar to denote his position as head of the Security Forces he would lead in his town.

The ceremony complete, the assembly was dismissed for the rest of the day. The new graduates were extremely happy, yet sober at the same time at the mantle of responsibility they had taken onto their shoulders.

Since the stage was now empty, Lan stepped up on one edge and gathered his men in front of him. First he congratulated them for for completing the very tough Academy courses and graduating as Guardians.

Having given very careful thought to his selection, he next asked Dale to step forward. Grinning at his surprised friend, he pinned silver stars to Dale's dark blue collar, officially making him the unit's second-in-command, the perfect choice.

Then, giving them his instructions for their departure early the next morning, he dismissed them. Most sought out this Instructor or that one to give a few last words of thanks, then went out into the square where they would secure their supplies for the long walk home and tend to the packing of their belongings.

Marin and Sten stood off to the side quietly watching after the ceremony ended. Looking at the men respectfully listening to Lan, they glanced at each other with small smiles. They were looking at themselves as they were not so long ago. But, thanks to Sir Auron, these men and those who would follow them would not have the struggles to create a Security Force as they themselves had had.

Neither would have ever dreamed that they would be standing where they were today.

On the other side of the enormous room, in the shadows, stood a very tall man wearing a scarlet coat. Beside him, a small figure in a sharp Academy uniform, quietly watched with him, his hand holding hers.

As his group disbanded, Dale stayed as his eyes scanned the room for someone who had played an important role in his successful graduation. Watching him from the shadows, The Guardian gave his wife a gentle push toward the open floor.

As she stepped out of the shadows into the light, Dale spotted her walking towards him and a big smile lit up his face. As one of the smaller men in the group, he had especially benefited from her tutelage and had actually become quite good with his sword. His practice partners had begun to eye him warily whenever they drew him as their partner for the day.

Lady D'Auron had worked with him and some of the other smaller men on the sidelines for many hours as they mastered the moves she showed them. She and her group were often the last ones to quit for the day and the first ones on the floor before the official start of the instruction day.

Other Instructors, taking note of the time she spent with students who needed a bit of extra help in one area or another, began to follow her example. The trainees, seeing that the staff was willing to spend the additional time with them, worked that much harder themselves.

Auron found himself doing the evening meal preparation more and more often, his lip tweaked upward as he did. One evening it was well after dark before she came through the door, obviously bone tired, to find Auron, Marin and Sten at the table, enjoying a cup of coffee after their meal.

Unfastening her sheath and removing her tunic, she plopped down in a chair at the table. Auron took one look at her face and couldn't hide a chuckle. "Long day, huh?"

She sighed, closed her eyes and nodded.

He saw that she had something on her mind and waited for her to tell. As he warmed her food, she began to tell them about one trainee named Nelson.

He had the vision, he had the heart, he had the intelligence, he had the very great desire to become a Guardian. The only problem was that he had coordination skills of somewhere around zero to none and wasn't nearly large enough to try any of the other weapons with which Kimahri and Alsa could help.

She signed. "He's just too good in every other category to expel him outright. He wants to serve so badly! We just have to find a slot for him somewhere!" She looked at the men. "Any ideas?"

Sten looked at Marin who returned the look. Seeing this, Sir Auron raised one eyebrow and waited for a response.

Sten said, "Sir Auron, Marin and I are finding ourselves back where we were when we were trying to run the Security Forces for the town: too much to do, too many places we were needed at the same time."

A glance at Marin as he continued, "We badly need an administrative assistant to handle a lot of the paperwork that is threatening to bury us! If Nelson has the aptitude for it, he may be able to fill a very real need for us."

They waited for Sir Auron's response. He was aware of the need, having seen all that Marin and Sten were trying to do. The needs of the Academy had already surpassed their ability to meet them all. This may be the answer.

He nodded. "Check him out and make your decision based on your findings."

The Commander and his Deputy were looking forward to meeting this young man and both were grateful that Lady Raine had not given up on him!

Having been on the go nearly non-stop since early that morning working with trainees, Raine was almost too tired to eat.

Auron's lip twitching, asked, "So, are you ready for a match with Marin this evening?" He received a light swat on his arm for his trouble. Marin and Sten tried to hide their chuckles.

The next morning when the Deputy Commander appeared in the doorway of the classroom and asked for Trainee Nelson, the blond-haired young man's heart hit the floor. He was being expelled.

Escorted into the Commander's office, Nelson was ready to look for the nearest cliff from which he could throw himself.

The Commander waved him to a seat and looked at him for a moment. "Having some problem in weapons training, Nelson?"

His low response, "Yes, Sir. I seem to have all of the physical prowess of a Shoopuf. I've really tried hard, Sir! Lady Raine – uh, Lady D'Auron - has probably spent more time working with me than any body else in the whole Academy," his head dropped, "but I just can't do it."

Looking back up, his clear blue eyes, full of self-loathing, looked at his Commander, "Sir, I understand why I'm being expelled. I did my best, but – I'm just not good enough." This was one very sad young man.

Marin struggled to keep his face neutral. "Well, we have a few more questions, Nelson. What is your academic level?"

Nelson's blond head popped up. "Oh, I excelled in academics, Sir! I was educated from an early age." Somewhat abashed he continued, "I never could do much else, but I was always an excellent student!"

Marin and Sten swapped a quick glance. The Deputy Commander asked, "Nelson, are you comfortable with paperwork? Organizing things?"

Nelson's eyes brightened. His earnest response was, "Oh, yes, Sir! I was always the one designated to organize whatever needed it, and I find that paperwork is actually quite interesting."

Marin nodded and said, "Thank you, Nelson; you may return to your class."

Nelson stood, not certain that he had heard right. Return to class? It was all he could do to keep himself from just yelling from happiness! "Y – yes, Sir! Uh – thank you, Sir!" and he fairly floated back to his seat in the classroom with an impossible grin plastered on his flushed face.

After he left, Marin and Sten grinned at each other. They had their new Administrative Assistant.