Heroes and Monsters

Chapter 5

“That went just about how I expected it to. Thank you for restraining yourself, old friend. I understand that must have been an unpleasant shock but I hope you’ll find it in yourself to work with him. Did you want to see the list of Rangers that’ll be accompanying him? They’re all capable and have sterling track records.  I know you agree with their methods but you’ll be working together to keep an eye on my little sister.”

“Yeah send over the files when you get a chance and I’ll look them over. I don’t doubt they sent the best, I’m just wondering why you-know-who sent that sociopath instead of any other of the twelve. It’s almost like he wants us to be at each other’s throats. Even Schwarz would have been a better pick and she’s a bitch.”

“Yes, he’s doing it deliberately. The others have been quite adamant that I keep him from interacting with their Queen and it must have caused some offense. That or the litany of insults Alexander hurled his way during the meeting we held last month. Schwarz is roaming the island right now but I doubt a Keeper will be given guard duty. I may not agree with his choice either but I am glad someone as capable as a knight was assigned the task.”

I decided to break my silence now that we were away from the strange knight. “Sorry to interrupt, Sister, but who are you talking about?”

Chester answered first. “It’s the Forsaken, girl. Him and Alexander have been at each other’s throats for years now. I’m not sure what goes on during Faith’s council meetings but I can imagine them butting heads. Am I right?”

“Partially. Alexander is usually the instigator but he’s too young to understand why the Forsaken acts the way he does. Or why I allow him so much free reign. It doesn’t help when the young man is baited by someone older and craftier than himself. I stop it when it gets too out of hand but I like to think Alexander will learn a bit of humility as time goes by and not pick a fight when he loses his temper. But enough of that. How do you feel about Jester, little sister?”

“His behavior towards you is an insult. Chester’s reaction is unsettling as well. I understand that the Black Knights are all Immortals but that gives him no right to speak so openly towards you. Where is the respect? Also what style does his Order practice? I know nothing of his fighting style or talents. I’d be grateful for anything you can tell me.”

“Hmm, I suppose you could say the Black Knights are less knights and more of berserkers. Their bloodlust was infamous during the war and struck fear into the hearts of the Blue’s warriors. Well the sentient ones at least. They acted as the Main Army’s spear tip becoming the first thing our enemies would see and as such the battalions accompanying them had a high casualty rate. Today there are only twelve left out of the original three hundred and sixty two. The Order is small by our traditional standards, I know but their requirements were rigid. Each was selected because of previous experience facing the Inquisitors in combat, something which few survive so the pool to recruit from was small. As a general trend each knight has their armor inscribed with protective runes and few other magical additives so that they could withstand being on the front lines of the war’s worst battles.Their defensive script patterns are some of the best I’ve seen to date. The black Terra plates on their cape make it so they can shrug off blaster fire and lock Mors blades in place. I’m not sure if you noticed but Jester has only a handful of hidden weapons like the white Terra thorns retracted into his gauntlets. Their preferred style is named Martyr’s Last Stand; a purely offensive style that focuses on wide, sweeping strikes with their serrated cleavers and unconventional tactics with a healthy mix of brute strength. Each knight has their own preferred way of fighting but for the most part will rely on the brutality of their Order’s teachings. I hope you learn a few of Jester’s more useful skills. He is among the dirtiest fighters I’ve ever had the displeasure of facing.