Chapter 6

The Master and His Knight

Jote awoke with a start as the sun's rays filtered through the window and into her bleary eyes. She had severely overslept.

She had somehow ended up in her bed still clothed in her Undying robes from yesterday. Her exhaustion from staying up late was lingering behind her eyes and in her head but the panic from oversleeping sent forth a burst of adrenaline.

She hurriedly washed up in the nearby basin and changed from her red, gray, and white Undying attire into a set of dull indigo robes. They match the tunic he wore yesterday. She brushed it off her mind and hurried out the door to check Joshua's room. She sensed the room was empty the moment she knocked on the door. She cracked it open and the view of his tidy room confirmed it.

Pacing down the hallway towards the main chamber, she opened the door to find a few members of the Undying going about their late morning tasks quietly. But what she found the most surprising was Joshua's presence. More importantly what he was doing.

He was currently assisting Merle with preparing ingredients for the stew that would simmer until suppertime. The current ingredient before him was none other than carrots. She caught a slightly uncomfortable expression on his face right before he looked up to acknowledge her presence. His neutral expression blossomed into one of warmth.

"Jote! 'Tis a bright morning, is it not?" he exclaimed. She perceived a playful glint in his eyes. Almost as if sharing a secret with her.

Imagining herself appearing as frazzled as she felt, she breathed in to calm herself.

"Your Grace. I apologize for my tardiness."

"No apology is needed, Jote. It was an eventful evening." Joshua responded in an amused tone.

She approached the prep table and began assisting with the chopping of parsnips and leeks. Noticing his hesitance at chopping the rest of the carrots, she offered to prep in his stead which he politely declined. Apparently chopping them was tolerable but not consuming them.

Even though the Dominant of the Phoenix was the former heir to the Rosarian throne as its future Archduke, he never saw it beneath him to learn menial tasks. The Undying had taken care of his every need but he insisted on helping and becoming more self-sufficient.

They worked on vegetable prepping in a soothing silence for some time. Merle strolled to the table on the other side of the room to pick dried herbs to grind with a mortar and pestle. That left Jote and Joshua alone.

"I spoke with Cyril and Sulien this morn. You and I are to meet with them at noon to discuss the next actions we will take on our united mission," Joshua informed Jote.

"Understood, your Grace," she replied. Perhaps it was the lingering sleep deprivation but despite the oath she made to him and to herself last night, she nonetheless still held a sense of trepidation.

The meeting with Cyril and Sulien that day set the stage for Jote's life for the next two winters. Soon after Joshua's decree on that previous evening, the Undying all across the Twins were alerted of their new collective mission through secret missives, stolas, or word of mouth. A two-part mission: trace Clive Rosfield's whereabouts and comb the lands for every historical and religious manuscript. Every wise man and loresman would be consulted to assist the Undying affiliates with their findings.

During that meeting with Cyril and Sulien, Jote was given the monumental task of becoming the official Knight of the Undying, charged with the protection of Joshua Rosfield, Keeper of the Flame.In some ways, Jote was already a protector to Joshua but this was different.While her survival and combat skills were remarkable, the Third Chair, a man of exceptional combat ability, would make sure Jote's skills would become unparalleled.

The Third Chair was often referred to his title rather than his name and he had climbed the ranks of the Undying quickly in his youth. His piercing blue eyes hidden underneath the cowl alone was intimidating enough. There was an anticipation of travel for the future and Jote had to be ready to handle any situation. Her training would be focused on singular knife fighting, endurance, escapology, scouting, and even learning how to handle a degree of torture.

In addition to the physical preparation, there was a mental element where Joshua and Jote would read as many books together – history, religion, politics, anything that would help them on their quest. Though Joshua was especially already well-versed in that knowledge, there was still more to discover about the Twins.

They also perfected their sketching as a means of record keeping though Jote had already been doing that for years. For the first time, Jote acknowledged Joshua's knack for sketching. Apparently, he had practiced as a child in Rosalith's castle when he was kept indoors for his sickness.

It took many moons yet through blood, sweat, and tears that she managed to keep hidden, Jote broke and renewed her body and spirit to become the official Shield to Joshua. Though she trained with small daggers in the past, Cyril believed it more befitting if she trained exclusively with a single dirk.

At times when Jote felt dejected, she would remember moments of the past when Joshua spoke about his brother, his first Shield, with the utmost respect and admiration and the slight jealously would motivate her training. It was unfair to compare herself to someone she had never met and she knew Joshua did not mean to compare them. But in vain, she struggled with her feelings.

Striving to become the best Shield became her one and only goal. When Joshua was not consulting with the Undying who brought news of their discoveries or combing diligently through documents, he would train alongside her. He practiced more advanced shielding spells. Sometimes when he sat upon the rocks on the edge of the training circle, he would watch her knife spar with an Undying comrade.

During those moments, she would force her concentration on the task at hand to prevent herself from being sliced apart. Her goal when it came to using the dirk was to observe and calculate the opponent's most vulnerable spots. Within seconds of a duel's commencement, she would perceive every twitch, nonverbal gesture, stance, and intention, circling slowly around the opponent. She refrained from attempting a stab until she was absolutely certain that a second attempt wouldn't be necessary. Just one critical hit was all that was required even if it took time to deliver.

Don't strike your blade often but when you do, strike once to kill.

Thewise advice from the Third Chair.

The best comparison she was told by the Third Chair was that of the legendary Tonberry which only appeared slow in its decision-making but once it made a move, it would single-handedly destroy its opponent in one swift knife stab. Of course, she and her Undying brother would stop their weapons from driving into each other's flesh but accidents could happen if one was not cautious.

At times she glanced from the corner of her eyes in Joshua's direction when she bested her Undying brother in a match. Joshua held a sense of wonder in his expression when he beheld her sparring abilities.

In her mind, what he witnessed of her abilities was nothing compared to what she saw when he used his divine blessings as a Dominant. He was becoming well-versed in his Eikonic abilities and magic usage. It was a sight to behold. She pondered if she would ever witness him fully priming into the Phoenix. A part of her hoped she would never have to witness it as it may imply of her failure to protect him.

At some point during her training, Jote had decided to cut her hair shorter to prevent it from getting potentially caught in the midst of a battle or even accidentally scorched by Joshua's flames. She had worn her hair short for most of her life – sometimes just long enough to tie it back - but this would be the shortest yet. Jote had been taught to let go of all attachments to worldly possessions and superficiality as they detracted from her purpose.

When one of her Undying sisters fulfilled her request and trimmed away her dark chestnut locks to a shorter style, Jote did not feel much emotion as she watched her hair fall like petals on the ground. What stirred her was the moment she stepped into the hallway afterwards and came across none other than Joshua. He was carrying an old leatherbound book in which he was engrossed and pacing slowly towards his room. He glimpsed up.

"Ah, Jote, good after—" He stopped. His eyes widened in surprise.

Concerned at his reaction, Jote's eyebrows rose in mirrored surprise.

"Your Grace? What is it?"

"You cut your locks."

Jote was taken aback. She did not expect him or anyone to notice. All were trained not to make remarks about each other's' appearances with the exception being concern for an injury or sickness.

"Yes, sire. I thought it the best course of action to prevent any distractions for when we are in the field."

Joshua delicately closed his book and stepped a bit closer to get a better look. His eyes grazed around her face and the sides of her hair. She sensed that he held thoughts he wanted to voice but decided against it. This was also the first time she had noticed how much taller he had grown over the years. Her own short stature made her less intimidating and certainly a perfect disguise as his Knight to outsiders. But here she was just a young woman with a young man. Jote's cheeks began to blush and she broke eye contact with him.

A soft smile graced Joshua's lips as he settled on a response.

"It is quite becoming of you," he noted in a sincere way. He was technically breaking the rules by commenting on something superficial. But the comment made warm tendrils spread within Jote's heart again.

"Ah…thank you…your Grace," Jote replied timidly.

There was a bit of a silence between them as they stood in the hallway with the flickering flames in the sconces mounted to the stone walls.

Joshua softly cleared his throat and gave a small cough. Something that happened out of habit that Jote had grown used to it. That never stopped her from being concerned and recounting in her head if he had taken his daily medicine.

"Jote, I am in need of your assistance. Tomaj has informed me that he has come across information that is of great importance. Shall we proceed to the Archives?"

"Let me fetch my parchment and quill. I will be with you, anon," Jote bowed her head as she headed to her chambers.

What she did not know was that Joshua did not move as she walked away, his gaze following her down the hall. What she did not know was that when Joshua had seen her new haircut, he had to stop his own hand from lifting to gently touch her hair. Naturally being a curious individual since he was a child, Joshua had the instinct to reach out and see how her short hair would feel between his fingers.

But he did not want to perform a gesture that may potentially be unwelcome. There were times he could not tell how she really felt on certain matters even small ones such as a simple touch. He always knew that her eyes said more than her lips did.

Though it pained him to think of it, in some ways she reminded him of Clive – strong, resilient, devoted, and carrying the burdens silently. But he would be patient with her no matter how long it took and encourage her to open her heart each day if she so wished. Someday, he hoped to become stronger so that he may protect her and alleviate her from the burdens.

And to see her genuinely smile and laugh.

Every moon, the Third Chair personally tested Jote to see if she had mastered her ultimate skill - a single blade strike that would cause fatality to a hypothetical opponent. Her mastery would be determined by how closely her dirk reached the Third Chair.

Each time she lost when the Third Chair stopped his knife point an inch from her flank or her throat and then he would simply state, "Not yet."

Then she would have to retrain with Sulien and his men, sometimes to repeat lessons.

She would have to defeat everyone again even the ones she already overpowered in previous sparring matches. It was like falling to the bottom and climbing her way up again – a regimen that demanded patience and perseverance.

Jote focused on trying to learn from her mistakes every time she lost to the Third Chair - retracing her actions and seeing where she fell short and how the Third Chair moved in contrast to the other Undying opponents.

Even as Jote bested each of Sulien's men several times over and, even Sulien himself, she was still unable to defeat the Third Chair.

They would strike each other almost simultaneously yet Jote would be three inches away with her knife point while the Third Chair's blade would always be within one inch from her form.

"Not yet."

During the next moon, Jote was sure that this was it until she saw her dirk reached two inches while the Third Chair's remained at one inch.

"Not yet."

In the following month when the sun dipped beneath in the western horizon and a cool breeze swept across the sands of the Krozjit Echoes, the Third Chair and Jote stood inside of a circle naturally created by Sulien, the assassins, and a couple of Undying novices in training.

There was no sound except for the grains of sand shifting. There would be no formal announcement that their match had commenced. It began the moment they stood in front of each other and made eye contact.

Jote felt the gust lift her short fringes and pull them to the side while it blew the fluttering hood of the Third Chair. She directly faced him at a few paces away but her eyes were not focused on his. They were glancing away to the side, not focused on anything in particular. Somehow it felt right to trust her instincts rather than relying on her eyes.

The Third Chair moved ever so discreetly closer to her while Jote stood her ground, her eyes not breaking away from the nondescript spot on the ground.

She didn't move.

Her breathing flowed steadily and her meditation erased all thoughts and slowed down her heartbeat.

To an onlooker, she appeared lost in contemplation or perhaps even distracted. She heard the Third Chair stop for a moment which stretched on for an eternity.

But an image flickered in her mind as if she was foretelling the future. His blade would swipe from the side and aim straight for her midsection. She reacted to the image quicker than Ramuh's lightening. She repositioned herself, using her empty left hand to deflect his weaponed arm. Simultaneously, she hooked her right arm, which held the dirk, and swiftly reached the Third Chair.

The match was over and there was a pause as both of them froze in their last positions. Jote still had her left arm crossing herself, pushing his arm away. The Third Chair's other arm held his blade – he had switched it to his non-dominant hand within a split second and now held it an inch from Jote's neck. But Jote's knife point sat right on the fabric of his flank – at a fatal touchpoint.

A sure kill.

That move she just executed required great control to prevent the breaking of skin.

The Third Chair was fast but Jote was faster.

Jote's eyes still had not moved from the side even to make eye contact with the Third Chair's.

The Third Chair swiftly stood straight and Jote followed suit now making full eye contact with him, maintaining her solemn expression.

His searing eyes were neutral but there was a slight crinkle to the them as if resisting the shadow of a smirk.

He chucked his knife down into the sand by Jote where it stood up as a formal sign of defeat. He gave a silent nod of approval to Jote. There was weighty silence among everyone present.

Jote's eyes simmered with an overwhelming emotion of triumph but she carefully checked herself as she bowed to the Third Chair as a sign of gratitude. When she glanced up, she focused past the Third Chair as she noticed familiar blond waves fluttering in the breeze and a pair of gentle eyes gazing at her from the distance.

Joshua was not always present at every match between the Third Chair and Jote as the Third Chair conducted them at random each moon. But Joshua stealthily appeared without her noticing and had witnessed her moment of victory.

He gazed at her with the same awestruck expression that she had once given him when he wielded the abilities of the Phoenix years ago.

The Third Chair, Sulien, and Cyril unanimously agreed that Jote had mastered her training and began making arrangements for her official knighting ceremony with Joshua.

Though she kept her outward expressions in check, Jote was inwardly elated as this was the greatest honor that could be bestowed upon any Rosarian let alone any Undying member. She was chosen to serve and protect the most powerful symbol in Rosaria that brought hope and revival to its people. Though it was a massive responsibility, Jote was determined to uphold each and every aspect of her sworn duty.

The Elders and the acolytes all gathered one night in the main atrium. Joshua was perched upon a modest dais holding a blade. The extraordinary blade had been procured in secret from the late Archduke Elwin's arsenal in the royal vaults from contacts within Rosalith.

Cyril, the Third Chair, and Sulien each gave their own speeches and each ceremoniously ended their statements by asking Jote if she swore to become the Knight of the Undying to which she would always reply in the affirmative.

Then she approached Joshua and kneeled before him soundlessly. Joshua took the sword and gently tapped each of Jote's shoulders and declared her as his Knight. He hesitated but then pulled the sword in front of him facing downward and held the hilt with both hands. One fist on top of the other – the Rosarian salute that the ducal army performed in honor of the royal family and the nation.

Seeing this gesture brought a brightness to Jote's eyes – it was a reminder of their birthplace and their mutual nation. But that brightness dimmed as soon as she looked into Joshua's eyes and saw a melancholy pass through them. He was smiling but it didn't fully reach his eyes. It seemed his thoughts were far away and he was remembering something nostalgic from a different life.

Year 872

Two summers had passed since Joshua's official decree. Joshua was now twenty-two years old while Jote held eighteen years herself. Since then, the Undying's spies, archeologists, archivers, tavernkeepers, bards, gossipmongers – everyone and anyone who was dedicated to the cause, had assembled an abundance of information from all of their collective texts, tomes, and scholarly sources.

However, procuring a copy of Moss the Chronicler's journal proved to be the greatest miracle and challenge. The once denounced scholar from the past held the key to the future – the door of discovery that led to the dark force which now had a name – Ultima.

The Undying's Book of Martyrs had the misfortune of gathering new names as a few Undying affiliates died in the process of obtaining Moss's journal. A mourning ceremony was held for the departed. It was held under Joshua's insistence.

At some point, their findings reached a complete standstill. It was decided that now was the time that Joshua and Jote prepare themselves to travel the realms to assess the ancient apodyteries. There they hoped to uncover truths in person about Ultima and the Circle of Malius faith that held him as the center of worship. Being the Dominant of the Phoenix, Joshua was the only one allowed to enter the apodytery under Phoenix Gate as he was supposed to that fateful night many winters ago.

The populace's discovery of Joshua's true identity was forbidden and therefore the smaller the entourage, the better. Jote alone would be adequate to accompany him. A retinue would only bring attention to Joshua's important status and make him a target upon entering cities and villages. Fortunately, there were Undying contacts across the realm and they would gladly assist Joshua and Jote in whatever their needs were whether it be provisions or information.

The Undying did not wish for anyone, especially Clive Rosfield, to hear of rumors of Joshua's existence so that they could continue their research in secret. During one of the council meetings, the Elders beseeched Joshua to stay far away from Clive and keep his identity unknown to the outside world.

Joshua knew he had to concede to this point and reluctantly agreed. He made a vow in front of the Elders that he would someday find and destroy Ultima for tearing his brother apart from him. For the first time, his absolute determination truly frightened Jote for his future.

It appeared to Jote that throughout the past couple of summers that Joshua was still finding it difficult to accept the reality that he could not reveal himself to Clive. She secretly knew the true reason why Joshua agreed to keep away from Clive. But only time would tell when Joshua would reunite with his beloved brother for that future was as certain as the rise and fall of the sun each day.

Though the Undying at the headquarters kept their thoughts to themselves, Jote sensed that even they still had a difficult time trying to understand why Joshua held such faith in his brother. It painfully occurred to Jote that perhaps Joshua did not see the Undying as his real family.

While he spoke of his brother the most throughout the past seven years, Joshua had also spoken about his late father's confidence in him despite his self-doubt as a child; the kindness which his mother reserved exclusively for him; a young silver-haired girl named Jill that kept watch over him; and a feisty wolf pup named Torgal. He missed them dearly. Jote did not believe the Undying could be a perfect replacement to his past familial relations.

Throughout the past decade until the present time, it was up to the Undying affiliates to quash any rumors of the Phoenix and Joshua Rosfield should they arise. The gossipmonger in the Bokland Markets was all too enthusiastic to assist in doing just that.

It was decided that Joshua would go by another name in public to keep himself incognito. Just as the Undying members chose their own names upon joining the order, Joshua would shed his upon stepping outside of the Undying's base. Cyril suggested a name to Joshua, one that their Undying brothers and sisters could easily identify him – Margrace. "Grace" because of his designation and "Mar" meaning "shadow." As if in his brown cloak and cowl, he was but a hidden version of himself. Joshua agreed to the name and the plans were set forth in motion.

A date was set and the Undying began to make preparations.

The day arrived with a painting in the sky of an orange and rosy sunrise. It was early in the morning but Jote and Joshua had their rucksacks packed with the provisions needed. They were fully dressed and standing in Merle's room per her request. She had asked them to visit her alone as she wished to gift Joshua something incredibly important.

Yesterday, Merle had given Jote an ensemble created with painstaking labor with the hands of the Undying seamstresses. Layers of pine green and tan leather that were perfect for lighter wear but could handle surface level slashes. Leather was the signature craft in Tabor and therefore held its own symbolism of the village that raised her.

After overhearing the Tonberry reference from the Third Chair and other Undying members who oversaw Jote's training, the seamstresses had modelled her attire after the legendary beast. While the Undying did not outwardly demonstrate signs of affection, Jote beamed when Merle told her of the inspiration behind her clothing. The silent gesture was incredibly heart-warming and even a bit humorous from her older Undying sisters.

On that note, a thought whispered itself in her mind. The most openly expressive person in the Undying order was Joshua. He was the most friendly and affectionate out of everyone. Not to mention the most generous. A newly polished dirk was gifted to her by Joshua during her Knighting ceremony. It was very fitting for her – practical, light, minimal design but forged to kill an opponent in one shot.

The gift had taken her by surprise as the practice of gift-giving was not in the Undying's habits. She learned later from Cyril that Joshua had commissioned the blade from a blacksmith in Dravozd. Of course, this was done through a third-party. Instead of forging the dirk from scratch, the Undying's contact there suggested the refinement of an existing blade instead - one of last remaining fine dirks from their late chief's arsenal which was considered a great honor. Hearing its history made Jote treasure the blade even more.

Jote was pulled out of her drifting thoughts.

"Your Grace…before you and Jote commence your journey, there is something I personally wish to give you. As a remembrance of where you came from and where you are going," said Merle.

She moved carefully toward the iron chest sitting to the side and ceremoniously opened the lid and took the garment out.

It was a complex assembly of scarves made of three types of materials and three colors - bright scarlet, royal indigo, and black. The top scarf was made of bloodred tattered linen. Another layer had red shoulder covers and consisted of a regal pleated fabric. Underneath was the royal indigo textile with black designs on it. The entire ensemble was tied together with a simple black scarf that wove through the others. Joshua's eyes lit up with recognition.

"This is…." He gently took the scarves into his own hands and specifically touched the pleated scarlet shoulder pieces.

"Yes, your Grace…" the elder woman's eyes filled with mournful tears. "They are the remnants of your courtly clothes as a child that night we discovered you. I washed your garment myself and had to unfortunately cut most of it away. The remaining parts were hemmed and dyed into the current form you see before you."

Jote stared at the clothing with wide and wonderous eyes. She was surprised anything was salvaged from that Rosarian clothing Joshua wore as a child that night he was discovered at Phoenix Gate. A part of Jote felt like this moment was private and her presence was invasive. She wondered why Merle had asked her to come to the room with Joshua.

"And here, your Grace, is the red linen scarf that the Guardians of the Flame wear. It represents the blood given by the men for Rosaria. My sister Goditha, the keeper of the royal vaults, was the one who obtained the linen scarf from them," Merle explained.

Joshua brushed his gloved hand on the linen scarf and then across the other fabrics. He took the entire scarf assemble and folded it over his arm then with his other hand silently took Merle's hand and touched it to his own forehead as a sign of reverence. A local Tabor practice he had picked up.

"You have my gratitude, Lady Merle," he said with closed eyes as he tried to contain the wavering in his own voice.

Witnessing that simple gesture melted Jote. He was always the kind that demonstrated tenderness through the language of touch.

Merle showed Joshua how to drape the scarves onto his shoulders and across his chest and Jote made sure she also understood how Joshua was supposed to wear them.

They beheld his entire appearance. Each piece he wore was a tapestry representing aspects of his past, present, and future. His royal beginnings, the battle with death, the rise from the ashes, and rebirth. Naturally over time, he would add more pieces as he made his journey across the Twins that further reflected him.

Jote gave him his final clothing - the hooded brown travel cloak that would fully disguise him.

Both of them were now ready to depart.

"Come, Jote. Let us take our leave. Lady Merle, thank you once again. Do take care of yourself."

She bowed to him and then smiled at Jote.

"I pray your travels will bear fruitful discoveries, your Grace. Dearest Jote. May the Firebird's flame burn ever in your hearts."

Merle watched as Joshua and Jote turned to leave through her chamber door and head to the main antechamber where all of their Undying brethren gathered to bid them farewell.

She held tears in her eyes as she thought how far Jote and Joshua had come in their own lives. She had watched them break and be reforged into something much stronger for the past seven years. Though both were both sworn to their duty, she had no doubt that there was something hidden in their hearts for each other. Merle chuckled to herself as she wiped her eyes. Perhaps his Grace will find a loving companion in Jote in the course of their travels. Afterall…his Grace is obliged to continue the Phoenix's bloodline someday.

Joshua and Jote took the time to greet each of their Undying brethren farewell – all of the Elders from the First, Second, and Third Orders from each special division was present. Their acolyte brothers and sisters were present as well. There was a silent gloom in the air as each one quietly spoke their biddings of good health and safety.

This was a risky mission and it would be the first and the longest time that Joshua would be away from the Undying. It was decided that should Joshua and Jote become unexpectedly separated for a period of time, they would return to Tabor within a certain number of days.

The last ones the pair greeted goodbye were the Third Chair, Sulien, and Cyril.

Jote thanked the Third Chair and Sulien for all of their training and mentorship and promised to protect the Phoenix with her life. When she reached Cyril after Joshua had spoken to him, she bowed to Cyril in reverence.

"Master Cyril, you have made me into the person I am today. I thank you for the faith you have placed in me to protect his Grace. I promise to guard him across the realms."

"You have earned that privilege, sister Jote. I sensed your keen loyalty and dedication from the moment we brought his Grace under our protection. There is none other better qualified for the duty of wardenship," Cyril remarked proudly.

Though Jote felt conflicted at times about Cyril, she greatly appreciated the path that Cyril advocated for her among the Elders throughout the years. Even as he rose through the ranks himself. He vouched for her to become Joshua's retainer as well as her refined education and special training.

Joshua and Jote stood in front of the door as they gave everyone a final look.

Everyone simultaneously bowed to them and said, "May the Firebird's flame burn ever in your hearts."

Joshua turned to look at Jote, his expression determined.

"Are you ready?"

"Of course, Lord Margrace."

It felt so strange referring to him by his secret name already.

Joshua gave her a subtle smile.

Seeing his countenance made her realize that despite her doubts from the past, she truly felt the Phoenix's flame burning within her heart. With its Dominant ever at her side, not even the darkest force could stop her and she would place her undying faith in him.

They turned and strode through the threshold into the beaming sunlight together.