Kratz

20

When Bas turned fifteen years old, he had risen to nearly the skill level of Jarin. All from his years of training, the Patrol Captain was confident he had taught him all he knew. At the time Cleo believed it necessary to send the Kingdom a letter of recommendation that Bas be promoted to Patrol Captain over another region. This was an extremely prestigious request. The Diamond Guards highest position was Patrol Captain. Keeping command in lower sections kept the Diamond Guard a little less organized. Purposely done by the Commoners to disrupt a possible conspiracy.

Jarin had been a Patrol Captain for over seven years. It was a big position and worked hard. He too believed Bas to be special and had intentions to send a recommendation as well. This was a private act though and Cleo made it clear she wished he sent a letter too. Eventually Jarin admitted he would speak over the topic during a social meal. Cleo loved the idea and made plans to accommodate the Captain for dinner. An incredibly important dinner.

By that time Cleo and Bas had developed quite a relationship. Often, she fixed him food to his liking, helped dress him for when he accompanied her on meetings, and tucked him in. While also tending to any training wounds. Which became rarer as his skill had increased immensely. His ability to control daggers in combat and move at quick speeds made him far more threatening. Bas had matured into everything Cleo had hoped for, and more. He was the greatest, she privately declared.

Jarin's approval of this would be her only obstacle to sending Bas up the ranks. This dinner was the most important meeting of both of their futures. Though Jarin called it a simple discussion, they both knew it was his final assessment. Through all his training, everything had led to that dinner. Bas was anxious, but prepared. He was prepared to do whatever it took to make something of himself.

The Patrol Captain arrived as Cleo was preparing the table. He wore his black robe that night. Over time he had allowed his hair to grow longer, much as Anderson had done. It had reached a point where the glowing brown locks rested on his shoulders with a fair amount of slack.

Bas had opened the door to greet the Captain. He immediately nodded politely at him and gestured Jarin to his designated seat for the evening. The table was appropriately set for three. Carol and Francis were not invited. It would not be a typical dinner either, therefore it was right to keep them from attending. Instead they each shared a warm piece of bread in their room. Cleo, Jarin, and Bas would eat stew. A special stew with soft rabbit meat and several vegetables.

The trio sat together as the outside sky darkened into a soft gray tone. Jarin was positioned across from Cleo and Bas. At first, they ate. Nobody said a word. Coincidentally, they were all quite hungry. Cleo had been working on the stew all day and hardly ate anything besides the occasional taste test. The Captain and his pupil had spent their day outside for much of the time. They hadn't trained together that day, but training for a Diamond Guard soldier was mandatory every day. Even if it was done alone. When they did finish, Jarin was the first to speak.

"Dear Ellis and Viktor, hath embarked north this evening. I was seeing to their journey before attending this evening."

"You must elaborate," Cleo encouraged, slightly anxious over the news. Viktor and Ellis were on track to be the towns finest patrolmen. At least, near the finest.

"The letter I received from the north was quite disturbing. It would appear several patrolmen passed suddenly. Their request was for a fine pair of reinforcements."

"How many seasons would you believe?" asked Bas.

"I fear indefinite," he frowned.

"Such a sudden wish," Cleo gasped.

"Indeed. Now, for my visit. I hath little to say over such matters. There is no soldier as there is Bas, he has shown tremendous talent. His power grows by the day. I could only imagine his triumphs to continue as he ages. Such a gentleman would serve as more than instrumental as a Patrol Captain himself. Therefore, I will also send a recommendation."