The Song of the Keepers

Chapter 37 The Selection Process

"Do you yield?"
I asked, my new blade resting squarely against Ranen's throat.

"Yes, yes."
He grunted.

I pulled the sword back, a grin on my face as I extended my hand to him. We were both panting from the exertion, it had not been an easy win I can tell you that much.

"Looks like my sword doesn't need a name to put you at the end of it."

"Alright, you've evidently been practicing, I'll give you that."
He acknowledged begrudgingly, taking my hand and getting to his feet.

"That's kind of all they do in the Order, train to kill and teach Latin."

Ranen grimaced.

"We'll be doing quite a bit of training with the royal guard. I hope to convey that the art of warfare is not just used to kill people but to protect people."

"A noble cause, albeit a strange concept in Itova."
I leaned against the wall, dropping my sword hand down to rest.

"When I am King, I want warriors to be honored for protecting the innocent, for defending their country. The shedding of blood should be a necessary evil, not a desirable result."

"It'll take more than laws to change centuries of a consistent destructive pattern. Bloodshed and violence have been normalized in our culture, taking it away will not be so easy."
I told him.

"That's one of the reasons this royal guard means so much to me. We are bringing together people from every walk of life, you a Keeper, me a Prince, the three Sentinels, the Guards we will soon select, Ilian, and perhaps others yet. This was not only my chance to get you back but to develop a cohort that fights with honor, who is loyal to me, who can lead by example."

"A romantic notion. I hope it works."

"It will. It has to."
He insisted.

It was a strange feeling, realizing that I might not have to kill people for foolish reasons anymore. I could protect the Prince, fight with honor when I fought at all. I realized Ranen had done more than simply get me out of the Citadel, he'd gotten me out of the horrors of the Keeper life. For that, I would always be grateful.

****

"Did you sleep well?"
Ranen asked me the following morning as we convened in the hallway.

"Are you kidding? That's the best night's sleep I've ever had!"
I exclaimed.

"And breakfast was to your liking?"

"You ask these questions as if there was a chance in heaven I would say no."
I snorted, amused by his concern.

Ilian's door opened and out stepped the grim-faced best friend. He surveyed the two of us for a moment before clearing his throat.

"Should we go? Don't want to keep the Guards waiting."

"Yes, General Li is expecting us at nine o'clock sharp to inspect his troops and make our selections."
Ranen glanced at his watch.

"We should be right on time."

The three of us fell in step as we tracked through the elegant halls of the palace. Out front, a sleek black limo was waiting, which we climbed into and made ourselves comfortable.

"You got something against limos?"
Ranen queried, watching my stiffened body language.

I shrugged noncommittally.

"I had a bad experience once, sets me a bit on edge is all."

"In going to a ball?"
Ranen raised an eyebrow.