Shadows of the Light

Page 32

The next day, they were awoken by a knock on the door. Sakiya was surprised as a black cloaked figure walked in. They were guards, yes, but servants too? Still firmly pulled over half of his face, was his black hood. With a smooth motion of his head, the figure motioned towards the door. Maybe it was because they didn't speak, that Sakiya noticed that his body language did the talking.

"Can I wash up first?"

A small smile appeared on the otherwise taciturn figure and he nodded. Now that they were bunked in a proper room, Sakiya insisted that he and Marcy sleep apart. Sleeping together in the wild was one thing, sleeping together in a civilised and populated place was another. So, there she was sleeping on the bed just across his.

The room was a very simple one. It was squarish with the two beds to the stone walls on the left and right. At the corners, parallel to the beds were cupboards - barely used since the two only had travel clothes with them - and on the wall between them was a wide window with a desk and two chairs placed beneath. Overall, it was a cosy room, and the weather was never too cold or too warm, thanks to the stone walls. There also was a small alcove which was a washroom and that was where Sakiya went to wash his face. The washroom was positively an ingenious creation. Instead of a tap and sink and a bath, there was a small waterfall instead. A slim space on the ceiling was where a thin stream of water came flowing down and there was another slim opening on the floor directly below it where the water exited. Since, as all waterfalls go, the water would never exactly fall straight into the exit, there was an ankle deep pool of water that formed. Hence, it effectively made a shower and a sink at the same time.

After the two had freshened up, they followed the black hooded man through numerous corridors and past several people, soldiers, Justices and Blades, most of whom gave a slight wave or just a smile, and reached the training field. The training field was humongous, stretching out as big as an area of a small castle. A huge blank field of meticulously equal stone blocks that hosted platoons of soldiers going through basic exercises, archers shooting targets across only a quarter downfield, Illuminators chanting at another area and tons more. Surrounding the field were rows of shophouses which Sakiya realised were solely devoted for soldiers; armories, weapon shops, blacksmiths, charm shops and lots more. Taoyir was sparring with five other veteran Blades somewhere around the middle. Though the Blades were tough and hard as nails, Sakiya could hear him admonishing them like children.

"Vadt! Be more flexible! You want your arm to get chopped off??"

He shouted as he cracked the butt of his spear on the side of one of his opponents' helmet.

"Lexa, half hearted moves wil get you dead! Put your back in it!"

Even those who would be stingy in praise would say that he was remarkable. At about 50 years of age, he moved with the fluid precision of a snake and struck as hard as a sledgehammer. His armored fist tore through a buckler with ease as Sakiya watched. Close beside him, Marcy watched open-mouthed. The practice lasted for a few more moments, before he lowered his spear. All his opponents deserved praise too; none of them faltered but maintained their fighting stances without slacking.

"Overall, good job, men," Taoyir told them. "Keep up the good work," then he turned to the two and went to them.

"Now," he said as the officers went of, "I am going to give you two a specific time to train, and I want results." He gestured to the man who had led them there. "You may not know this, but these men are elite fighters. They are present throughout the Illune Kingdom and serve as bodyguards for important people. His Majesty, King Tychard the Seventh has an entire legion at his call. They are called the Pillarmen, the ones who watch." A wry grin flashed on his face, "Or so we tell people. In reality, they are just human beings just like you and I. This man's name is Darv, and he will be responsible for training the two of you. However, as a rule, Pillarmen are sworn to silence, so you have to learn by observation and experience which is critical in battle. Also, he will fight against both of you at the same time which will enhance your ability to work together." A group of soldiers and a Blade jogged towards him at this moment, saluted but Taoyir lifted a hand at them. "I have to go. Once Darv feels you are ready, he will notify me, and I will assess you. Good luck." With that, he strode off with the group trailing behind him.