Gallantry and Hesitation (A Final Fantasy Tactics fanfiction)

Chapter II

            I had slipped out during the closing ceremonies, I rushed to the Military Akademy Library. I was much more interested in learning all I could about becoming a knight of the dark arts than worrying about how pleased our kingdom was with our advancement into knighthood. Commander Dycedarg bestowed access upon all graduates to the Akademy library, and I was looking to absorb as much as I could in the smallest amount of time. 

            Walking along the corridors, I reached the library doors. Unnaturally heavy, I pushed them open to enter, and I was welcomed by a breathtaking sight; the Military Akademy Library was enormous, and filled with ancient literature as far as I could see. I was overwhelmed and excited to get right to studying.

            I approached the library clerk, who was currently reading one of the many books from the shelves nearby. She quickly verified my Northern Sky crest, and waved me through. She was an older woman, maybe in her late forties and prudish. I assumed when she was younger, she was much more vibrant and easy going. I inquired on where I could find books on becoming a dark knight, and she frowned upon my request.

            “Sir,” she intoned. “The blood arts are forbidden here in Eagrose Castle. All books on that particular subject have been removed and burned by official order of Duke Larg.”

            My brow furrowed in confusion. I had figured that the Military Akademy would have every subject under the sun available! I wore my disappointment out on my sleeve, to which the library clerk picked up on it. Reaching over to pick up a bookmark (a simple origami paper crane), she placed the paper bird in the crease to keep her spot, and closed the book.

            “I don’t know what you’re planning on doing, but Duke Larg does not want the same treasonous activity that arose out of the rogue Touten Knights.” She took off her glasses, and pointed them at me, chiding my inquisitive nature. “Many untested knights that come out of the Akademy were stripped of their knighthood because of their interest in becoming such a wicked warrior. If I were you, I would keep your pursuit in this to a minimum. Headmasters and instructors are instructed to report any and all fascinations with the blood arts to General Zalbaag.”

            My curiosity began to bubble into anger, but I immediately realized that there was nothing I could do about Duke Larg’s decree. I huffed, headed to a bookshelf and took some material to read. I was extremely disappointed. How could I ever learn on how to become a dark knight? Obviously I wasn’t able to learn anything within the walls of Eagrose, and now, I wasn’t even able to speak openly about my interest on becoming such a knight! No one would be able to even lead me in the right direction.

I honestly wasn’t able to focus on the book I was reading, so I closed it with a snap of my wrist, and dropped it in the book return box. I had to figure out where I could get my hands on some manuscripts!

*          *            *            *            *            *            *

            I stormed out of the library and ran smack into Tavin. I fell backwards to the floor, holding my face. Tavin was still wearing his ceremonial armor, and with my face running into his solid frame, I didn’t end up the winner within the exchange. He peered down at me, and his face contorted into a jumbled mixture of confusion and concern.

            “Monarch? Where were you during the closing ceremonies?” He reached down and helped me up, brushing me off. He also saw my frustration and figured something was amiss.

            “Where’s the fire? What seems to be the problem? You must have had some sort of urgency within the library to not stick around.” Tavin crouched down to peer in my face. I turned away, angered with his persistence.