The Reformation Wars: The Venerable Rogues

Chapter 5

As Tom had predicted, by the time the sun retreated and the moon took its place, they had just exited the difficult mountain pass and emerged into Monterayne's northwestern possession of Aroria. A wonderland of vast fields of lush grass and grain, the land was a paradise for any who took pleasure in agricultural pursuits. In recent years, it had been ravaged by the war with Innutuk, but if Keely had informed Tom accurately, the main thrust of the expanding Empire's onslaught had been refocused on Antapeño to the north. 

The four swordsmen spent the next day skirting Aroria's southern border. About an hour after lunch, they crested a luscious hill, and finding themselves on a higher elevation, they all snapped attention on Tom when he gasped. His eye focused in on a handsome house ahead of them, constructed from dark wood, and surrounded by an expansive field that appeared barely attended to. 

"What is it, Tom?" James asked with a concerned voice. 

Tom shook his head. "Excuse my dramaticism. But that house belonged to my grandfather many years ago, in the days before he took up knighthood. I was born there, believe it or not." 

"Wow. Who lives there now? Surely not him." 

"Yes, the last I knew, his brother watches over the property." 

"And a mighty fine job he's doing at that." Trevor remarked, attention on a particularly overgrown corner of the field, "I'd assume he's slowing down in his old age?" 

"Likely so. Perhaps I'll have to take it off his hands someday." Tom remarked absentmindedly, "It'd be a lovely place to settle down for." 

"I agree. Do you think Keely would appreciate it?" 

"Oh, definitely." Tom grinned. "She loves sitting out in nature and writing. I can see her adoring the prospect." 

Jay nodded. "But what of your academy?" 

"Well, I see room for expansion. And the house is rather large to begin with." 

Trevor raised an eyebrow. "It seems to me there's more to what you just said than meets the eye. Excuse me, ear." 

"Well, how would you three feel about being part of this academy?" 

Jay smiled. "I like your thinking. You'd easily have yourself teachers for Raskan, Halotinian, and Torlenian, all three." 

"And as another plus," Trevor said, "we actually get along. Usually, anyways." 

James shrugged. "I guess I wouldn't have much to bring to the table, though. Just another Halotinian swordsman." 

Tom grinned at the younger man. "Don't speak foolishly, my friend. It's almost certain Halotinian would be in high demand, and I couldn't give everybody all the attention they deserve by myself." 

"That's true." 

"So, how is that for a retirement plan?" 

Trevor snickered. "It sounds more like a renewed bout of activity in a new direction than retirement. But nonetheless, I love the prospect. I can't imagine parting from you distinguished men for too long." 

"You flatter us, Trevor." James remarked before turning to Tom, "If you'll have me, I'll gladly be had." 

"What a thoroughly James-esque statement to make." Trevor jested. 

After they had laughed at Trevor's remark, Jay sat up straighter in his saddle. "I think it's a wonderful idea. With the corruption of the knightly order undoubtably growing worse with the passage of time, it would be beneficial to have an alternate route of learning the Monteraynian martial arts."