Lords of Deception (War of Four Kingdoms 1)

2. FETZER

Perilune Academy, Barres Ministry

Midspring, 3034

Fetzer tapped his foot impatiently and looked around at the other young men and women on the benches. Fresh-faced sergeants all, hoping to hear their names called at the end. Fetzer's mind drifted to his journal entry prior to the assembly.

     ...and if they don't, well, that will be it. I'm already twenty. Most make knighthood by now. I don't even have a squire badge. If Father were alive he'd have made this right. Uncle won't, so perhaps I must.

His thoughts were interrupted when everyone jumped to their feet and stood at attention. Fetzer did too. Headmaster Cabot entered the assembly hall, followed by Count Atilon's representative, Renz. Fetzer wrinkled his face in disgust. The count could not be bothered to greet his new knights.

"Be seated," Cabot said as he took the podium. "Today I have the honor of announcing the promotions to squire and knight for service in Count Atilon's army under Sigbert, Lord Minister of Barres and servant to our king. As you know, every year we..."

Fetzer's mind wandered again. He stared past the headmaster to the count's coat of arms, the lord minister's coat of arms above that, and the king's royal banner above that. He hated their ridiculous, overdone ornamentation. His own Sember family crest was a simple azure shield with thin bands of red and black. He had once written in his journal:

     The academy's crest is painted with boar heads that speak of decapitation, not vigor. The grain bundles of Atilon are reminders of famine, not plenty. And the wheels of Sigbert Wachot betray crushing oppression, not commerce...

"And now," continued the headmaster, "the count's representative will call the names of those promoted with these honors."

Renz stepped to the podium and began reading a list of names given to him by a scribe. The young men and women across the benches could not stifle their small celebrations upon hearing their names. It made Fetzer feel sick. To be placed at Perilune Academy was easy for low nobles like the Sembers. But to be personally chosen by Count Atilon was rare.

Fetzer kept his eyes fixed like ice on Renz as he spoke, anxiously thumbing the sapphire wist ring on his finger. He recalled his father giving it to him, and how his older brother sneered at Fetzer's pride at feeling like a Sember man. The longer Renz spoke, the more agitated Fetzer became and the harder he pinched the sapphire. Shame and anger burned like a red coal within him as he stared into the bland face of Renz.

"Report to the courtyard in the morning," Renz said. Fetzer watched him and Headmaster Cabot depart, leaving some sergeants elated and others hopeful for next time. He noticed a group of sergeants congratulating Gade and a few others. Before Fetzer could look away, Gade sent a glare his way that slowly turned into a smile.

"Another failure for Fetzer!" Gade shouted across the hall. "Tuck your tail and go home!"

Fetzer felt the burn swell within him. He made himself breathe and recalled his plan.

     ...pass me over again. Then I'll abandon my post here. I don't need them. I don't need any of it...

Fetzer finally stood and yanked the yellow Perilune tunic up over his head and let it fall to the floor. The young man next to him picked it up.

"Fetzer, you dropped your—"

"Shut it! You can stop pretending to care." Fetzer glanced toward Gade again but he was gone. He felt a chill down his spine.

He leaped into the aisle and rushed straight to the barracks, expecting to find Gade ransacking his things. Everything seemed normal, so he gathered his few possessions and stuffed them into his travel sack. But there was something missing. He held his breath and looked again. His heart throbbed as his eyes darted across the room, looking for the worn binding of his journal. He overturned his bed in frustration. Then snickering bubbled up behind him.