The Tempest of Eerikki - Book One - THE PANACEA QUEST

Chapter 6

The Sword Master roused Tempie before the presentation of the sun bid her bathe and dress for training. As Tempie exited the Sword Master's chambers, she was met by the brothers, Bailey Dale and Boé, who were also on their way to the bathhouse. All walked together. The bathing assistant was already there. Within a short time, she had helped Tempie bathe and dress and as always insisted on arranging her auburn locks.

On exiting the baths, the brothers were again ready to return to their quarters and all walked together. They talked as to what she could expect during the day and suggested she eat a hearty breakfast because the training sessions were long and she would need the sustenance.

She returned to the Sword Master's chambers and did just that gulping down two servings of breakfast pudding and two large, sweet rolls. During the meal, Batair had joined them and was talking with William over the day's upcoming activity. As she was finishing, Batair took his leave to attend to his King.

The Sword Master saw her nervousness as he bid Tempie to retrieve only her bow and quiver for the day's training. Together they walked through the hold to the training grounds followed at a slight distance by Albern and Xear.

Emerging into the bright sunlight of early morning she was confronted by the vastness of the training grounds. The area incorporated several small sand covered fighting surfaces, archers' targets, and the neophyte armoury at one end. The armoury containing all the equipment needed to train the neophyte to warrior standard, each neophyte was responsible for the maintenance of not only their own equipment but the training field equipment too. This occasionally could mean many hours of polishing with fine sand of the blades, lances and shields for those who lacked discipline or whose performance was inadequate.

The neophyte were separated into groups of twelve, that were commonly referred to as a 'Rotte'. Each having their own trainer who was always a warrior of vast experience and high standing. These training warriors were responsible for the day-to-day drills. On any one day, they could receive drills in sword, bow, dagger, lance as well as unarmed combat. The more seasoned neophyte approaching the end of their training were also exposed to the basics of warfare and spy craft.

The Sword Master positioned himself towards the front of the assembly area and indicated to Tempie that she should join the boys that were already assembled. Albern and Xear stood to the far rear.

"She is so much smaller than them all." Xear expressed with a slight trepidation.

Albern stated, "But she has what they do not," he crossed his arms continuing. "Our support." The men nodded to each other and continued to watch.

In due time, the assembly area filled with both neophyte and training warrior. The Sword Master addressed all in attendance, stating his pleasure as to the state of the training grounds upon his return but there were several shields that required additional work.

Xear and Albern noted the slight grin at the corner of the Sword Master's lips. Knowing he would assign their care to those that did not perform to their best during the ensuing training sessions. He indicated to a line and Tempie fell in behind the last boy.

Tempie's mind when to the conversation she had had with the Sword Master the previous evening.

"Tomorrow you will join a unit of about ten other neophytes that unit is called a 'Rotte'. The warriors of your rotte will often become closer than family you would eat, sleep, train and fight together and sometimes even die for each other."