Rise of the Blade

Chapter Ten

The interior dome of the Academy was much cleaner now that the labourers had gone through and scrubbed everything. The colourful stone tiles still had stains on them, but at least it wasn't mold. The draperies that had been hanging from the windows had all been torn down, too decrepit and moldy to keep. The windows still needed to be replaced, but the statues added an air of elegance to the empty space.

"This was once a ballroom, yes?" asked Elena, twirling and doing a pirouette. She was very graceful and Ilya's eyes followed her movements, wanting to join her, but at the same time lacking the courage.

"I think so, but the Makarov family was also fond of magic. I suspect this room may have been used for magic," answered Dobrynya, wandering around the room, his focus on the statues. "I suspect they revered the ancient wizards and warriors of old. Many of the statues in this room are depictions of the various Heroes of Olde."

Elena stopped and looked down at the stone tiles beneath her feet. "It's a pentagram! Look! There's five of them. Five pentagrams in a star pattern."

"And twenty-five statues of famous heroes," added Ilya. "Maybe they were trying to summon the dead? Or perhaps they just worshipped heroes?"

"If that was true then who is that?" Elena pointed to a statue that was along the north wall, between the statues of assassin Introsek and King Margus the Conqueror. Ilya knew immediately which statue she was referring to.

It was the only statue with no name, but it was also the only statue which had no artist listed. It was a very life-like figure of a warrior with two bastard swords, one in each hand and he was advancing towards the viewer confidently. He was dressed in finely made chain mail armour, possibly of elven make, and he looked to be every inch the formidable warrior that the others were. His eyes reminded the Bogatyr of a hell panther, they were so intense and life-like.

"Dunno," answered Dobrynya. "It's the only one without a name. I have no idea who he might be. Might be a more recent addition. Different sculptor, certainly. Marque Draque told me the statue may have been made using magic. See how the swords are perfectly shaped, no cracks in the stone? The stone is so thin, and yet it hasn't broken. Only magic could do that."

"Whomever he was he looked like a very skilled warrior. Very well trained," added Ilya. "Look at the way he holds his swords. They're practically extensions of his arms."

"I think that is just the artist taking liberties," said Dobrynya. "The pose is a bit too dramatic. They've depicted the warrior like he's coming to attack the viewer. Anyway, these statues are one of the reasons why I wanted to buy this place. Years ago I was in Weyvin and ran into a bit of trouble. I climbed the wall and hid inside this estate while the people chasing me kept running by. I spent the night here and saw the statues. I saw the potential this place had as an academy. Now that I am here however I am wondering if I should just sell the statues and-"

"No," said Elena and Ilya in unison. She smiled at him.

"Don't sell the statues. They're beautiful. They add to the history of this place. You should definitely keep them. Maybe hire a historian to come have a look at them. I am sure they have historical value."

Elena went closer to the statue of the unknown warrior. "The details of this one are so fine. You can even see the sweat on his face."

"Again the artist taking liberties. It is late and I am tired. Ilya and I have set ourselves up at local inn nearby. You're welcome to join us. I know the innkeeper won't mind extra customers." Dobrynya yawned and headed towards the front door.

"We can't stay here?"

"Chimneys are plugged up. If we light a fire to keep warm it will just leave smoke on the ceilings. The chimney sweeps are coming tomorrow," Ilya explained. He took a step to follow the older Bogatyr and gestured for Elena to join them.