Shadows of Honor: The Arcane Warrior

Chapter 9: The Hunt

Emile waved as the transportation carriage took Gareth away into the distance, the cold air rustling through the trees as bright orange and red leaves fell to the ground. The day had finally come when Emile would be left alone for the week of the Harvest Festival. Most of the students were sent home to be with their families but some like Emile, had no family to go to. He pulled his cloak tighter around himself as the wind glided across his skin. For the first time in a long while, he once again felt the coldness of loneliness creeping in. Turning back towards the academy, he made his way towards the dorms.

He passed the courtyard, now empty and quiet without the sound of orders or the clashing of metal echoing across the yard. The once bustling hallways and crowded corridors now held an eerie, empty howl as the wind carved its way down the deserted space. He turned the corner towards the stairs leading up to his dorm, trying to ignore the thought of loneliness.

"Emile!" a strong, sturdy voice called from behind. Emile turned around to see Sir Richard exiting from a neighboring hall, gesturing for him to come over.

Emile smiled, relieved that he at least had Sir Richard with him. Nodding, he quickly approached Sir Richard, saluting and coming to attention as he did so.

"Good morning, Sir Richard!" Emile said, saluting, a hint of eagerness in his voice.

Sir Richard gave a dismissive gesture. "Good morning, Emile. Are you not going home for the holiday?" Sir Richard questioned, though he already knew the answer.

Emile shook his head, a slight frown crossing his face. "No, Sir Richard, I..." He paused, searching for the right words. "This is my home now, Sir," he asserted.

Sir Richard nodded approvingly, though deep down he had not expected the response.

"I see," he said, rubbing his beard thoughtfully. "Well, Emile, would you like to join Sir William and me, along with a few other squires, on a hunt today?"

Emile's eyes widened, and his mouth dropped in shock. "Me? Sir? I... Yes!" he stammered.

"Excellent!" Sir Richard bellowed, a large smile crossing his face. "Come with me to the armory. You'll be no use with that dull sword."

Emile followed Sir Richard towards the armory, a small attachment to the administrative office on the other side of the building. The air inside the building was cool and filled with the scent of oiled leather and polished metal. As they reached the door, Sir Richard gave Emile a knowing wink and swung the door wide open, revealing Sir William along with three other squires strapping on their breastplates and tightening their boots. Emile recognized one of the students as the boy who had knocked him over on his first day at the academy.

"Emile, let me introduce you to everyone!" Sir Richard's strong voice echoed across the room.

He pointed at Sir William. "As you know, this is Sir William." Emile gave him a faint smile and a nod, feeling a bit more at ease.

Sir Richard then moved to one of the squires. "This young man here is a second-year squire named Peter." The boy stood tall, almost as tall as Sir Richard. His light brown hair and dark brown eyes indicated a kind person, especially with his warm smile.

Peter nodded towards Emile. "I've heard about you. You're the one who saved Madelyn and Gareth." He shook Emile's hand with a firm grip. "Pleasure to meet you, mate."

Emile smiled back. "You too, Peter," he replied, then looked towards the next person in line.

"This here is Miles, who has just become a squire this year," Sir Richard explained as the two shook hands.

"Emile, a pleasure!" Miles said eagerly, shaking his hand. His skin was dark, his hair short and curly, and his eyes a deep black, constantly examining Emile, sizing him up. Emile assumed Miles was from one of the colonies located on the outskirts of the empire.