The Tempest of Eerikki - Book One - THE PANACEA QUEST

Chapter 19

This moon cycle saw the commencement of the Sacra Bellator, the Rites of the Warrior, the challenges that would see the senior neophytes earn their elite warrior status. Only those senior neophytes that had already proven themselves to the Sword Master as being skilled in all forms of war craft could undertake the rite. The rite comprised three parts.

Firstly Celer 'the Fast, each neophyte would be confined from early on the first morning, not given any food or water.

Then Inveniet 'to Find, at first light on the second day, they would be blindfolded and taken out a full hard day's ride from the hold, left at sunset with a small canteen of water and only a dirk dagger for protection. They would then need to find their way back to the Hold by sunset of the next day, they would need to avoid the recce rottens and hold guards that were set in their path.

Lastly Pugna 'to Fight, presenting themselves on the King's personal practice field, they could challenge any elite warrior present for the right to join their ranks.

The rites were specifically designed to test their mental, physical and spiritual strengths. They never expected a neophyte to best an elite warrior but they expected him to spend every ounce of strength even if there was no hope in winning the bout.

Rheinhold, Lachlan, Tempie and the other eight had been taken out in eleven different directions across Eerikki the day before and their return was now expected.

Tempie had been taken out by Albern and Xear north of the Hold and while they were reluctant to leave her alone, William had given them specific instructions.

"She needs to do this on her own and prove she really has the right to be one of you." With a sternness that saw no on arguing he continued, "If anyone interferes, they will have to answer to me."

With that command still ringing in their ears, they reluctantly left Tempie sitting on a log in the middle of the high forest and returned to Eerikki to wait.

"Bloody She'ols if she doesn't get here soon, I will go out of my mind" Valiant was pacing showing none of his usual control.

It was mid-afternoon and so far, they had received reports that while tracks had been sighted for some neophyte none had been captured. The recce rotte that were surveying the north reported no signs of Tempie. To everyone's surprise, the first neophyte to appear at the side of the practice field was Lachlan. He was looking a little worse for wear but totally ready to fight. He stepped forward and challenged Khalon, handing him his sword they commenced.

The Kings Practice Field was a circle of a good fifty feet wide, covered in sand and surrounded by a high fence with a small viewing stand at one end. It was away from the prying eyes of most of the Hold, a secure place where the King could retain his warrior skills.

Khalon and Lachlan circled each other and then there was an immense clash of blade on blade. Lachlan's fatigue was clear, but he just kept coming, keeping his strikes tight and his defenses firm. It was Khalon who ceased the bout, clasping Lachlan on the shoulder, welcoming him to the Brotherhood of the Elite. Lachlan's eyes glistened.

And then as if coordinated by the Goddess, Rheinhold strode onto the field, his eyes blazing ready to battle. Rheinhold challenged Jian as the two would both one day be lords, he wanted to forge a special warrior bond. Their bout was elegant and full of grace showing perfect technique, the two were so closely matched neither giving quarter it was William that stepped forward to halt the match.

Now late afternoon all other neophytes except two that had been caught by cook dallying at the kitchen door had made it to the practice fields with the distressing exception of Tempie. It was getting close to sunset when the King and Batair had entered the practice fields to see how the neophyte had faired. The nine were now becoming frantic as Tempie had not appeared and had now approached the Sword Master for permission to look for their ward.