章 7: Hunt
Raizel
Of course, Edgar stops mid-way. And with that, the potent match comes to an end. And the victor is Edgar.
Not only David, but almost everyone remains perplexed. The barbaric Knights, were refusing to move another step, as if stuck on spot. The on looking servants, gulping away their sweat, wide-eyed, not knowing as to what to do. I don't have any remark for them, as I, myself am utterly befuddled.
The Ferdinand Knights enjoy the luxurious title for being the most qualifying, skilled, professional, competent Knights. Only 2nd to the Royal guards. But that's namesake, if we try, we can be even better than the Royal guards. But a Duke can not have an army greater than the Emperor.
That's why, whoever came to apply for these Knights, they had to go through an ordeal of tormenting training before they could succeed in their evaluation. But this time, it was different. The whole competition was different. A commander never fought a newbie. Th-
'Clap, clap' sounds of clapping echoed the grounds. Everyone's eyes directed toward the sound, and it is none other than the Duke Allen. He had a cunning smile, accompanied by his arrogant strut, generously clapping along his walk.
A steady awareness touched me and I fling to the two competetiors, who were now standing still with their swords lowered, panting still. I remember I have to announce the winner, I take a step forward and unexpectedly, a constraining wrist rests on my shoulder. I halt.
Without any second thoughts, I know it is Allen. Only he can raise a hand against me.
"Don't bother" the voice commands
His finger tips were practically grinding into my shoulder "tch" I grumble, as low as a whisper, I step aside for Allen to go to David and Edgar.
His gaze met mine, he had a plastic smile as always, he tilts his head to 45° before he is walking away from me. 'He wants to talk to me in private', that's what his eyes said. Hate it or not, I have come to a point where I understand his expressions more than his words. 'Hah' I heave a tired sigh, these troubling days...
He smiles pleasantly at the two competitors, and goes to stand in between them. "So that's that" he smirks, getting a hold of everyone's attention "As everyone can already see" he exclaims "Edgar Radford, the new knight, is the winner and" Sire Davidson" he stops, taking in a breath or rather thinking what to say "has lost"
Everyone started murmuring among themselves. Astonished, at David's loss. The murmuring was expected but never imagined. I mean, no one thought the Commander could lose to a newbie. And Allen, I thought he would mix something up to loosen David's loss, but he didn't, which means he has plans of his own.
David, who would look guilty or determined in this moment is actually acting like a curious cat. He really talks casually with the newbie, as if the match never happened.
Allen whispered something to Edgar and in response to that, he was perplexed, then enraged, then sore. I'd say, it was the appropriate reaction you should give to Allen.
"Now, he will be an official member of the Ferdinand Knights" Allen commands, with his superior voice.
"Edgar is free from the training tomorrow" I informed Daniel "He can get used to life here, and get on role"
"Yes, Captain" Daniel replies
"Good, inform him in my stead"
"Where are you going, Captain?"
"To the Duke" I grumble, but didn't show it.
Fast forward 30 minutes and I'm face to face with Allen, in his vintage study.
Allen is looking out of the window, at the bijou garden, which was enveloped with a coral shade. He didn't have his coat on, his folksy shirt shadowing his firm built. He is facing the window and stands, taking support offered by his colossal desk.
"You're late" Allen complaints in an informal manner
"I apologize" I reply, trying to brush up my mistake, but I'm only 3 minutes late
"Is it ever heart-felt?" he asks, turning to face me
My sorry? No, it isn't. But I just reply with "You know better" I start being informal with him
He gave off a wry smile "what about your "hunt"?"
"I did study the prey. And it was indeed, in need for some 'special' education"
"Hmm.. Let's prepare the stage" Allen replies, his eyes glinting mischievously
"As you like it"
"One more thing, I wanted to tell you" Allen said "it's about appointment of my personal knight"
"I don't recommend anyone" I instantly reply "not even me". I don't think anyone can handle his "peculiar" orders.
"You are so harsh!" Allen scrutinized
I'm being informal with him, but that is only between me and him. Even the butler need not know this. He is okay with it and I'm.. I'm actually blessed to speak my mind.
"You won't accept it but I'm thinking of taking Edgar as my personal knight"
"Edgar as in..." I ask
"Edgar, the newbie"
"Is this supposed to be a joke?" I question "if it is, it's too late for it"
"Sure" Allen shurges "I just wanted to inform you about it"
"Wait Al- no I mean, Your grace, don't you think this is going overboard?" I start speaking gibberish
"You really think so?" Allen asks, surprised
"I'm really not challenging you" because I'm afraid of what more you'll do.
"Strategically speaking, you'd receive huge backlash from the military unit-“taking a complete amateur and using him with high regard” and also such high responsibility. And you just witnessed David's loss, do you think the Knights morale is still high?" I refute; my brow arched, and my hands, doing a flying unknown dance. All this, to stop Allen's ridiculous moves.
"Precisely, the reason" Allen interrupts me
"Pardon me?"
"David just lost, Edgar won; now who do you think gained a good public opinion?"
"Edgar?"
"That's right, he's a newbie, yet he defeated the Commander, do you really think that's normal?"
"I do not, definitely not after knowing your intuitions" I refute "but, you must be aware of David's leg injuries?"
"Yes, I do know about it. And also, do you really think Edgar fought with his all?"
"What do you mean?"
"Simple; you, yourself observed Edgar's movements, let's say he is now 4th strongest of the Ferdinand Knigh-"
"5th strongest" I correct Allen in his speech
"Are you perhaps including yourself?, if you are, that's petty"
"of course not! I'm talking about that prudish four-eyes"
"Ah, yeah, let's go with that 5th strongest. So, you see his agility, his explicit moves, his prehension..... It may be normal for a competent knight, but you know, he is a newbie- or must I say, an 'amateur'?"
"Hah" I exhale "I see, so you want me to train him into a better version of himself"
"Took you long enough" he adds
"Probably, but I still think you are going overboard?"
"Not again Rai-"
"And?" I demand "did you really think David's position won't be questioned?"
"Not actually"
"I'll never get a Commander like him again, and I'm definitely not going to lose such a possession"
"You are the Captain. And I don't interfere in your matters, so do you really need my permission? You'll do what you want anyway" he states with an obvious look.
"And let's think about the blue-bloodsʼ?" I bicker, hoping for him to catch some sense "All the noble knight families will wreck a war, if they find out about this ordeal"
"Is that so?" Allen inquires, wringing his brows, a line forming between his eyes. The amber in his eyes is burning with ire, the golden hues were easily reflected as red, leaving his onlooker scared and crumbled like a ball of fur.
"Can they really defy "me"? He asks again
"They can't" I reply. Of course they can't, if you play "this card", they'd definitely be unable to say anything. "But stil-" I try my best to bicker with him
"Raizel" his stern, domineering voice pierced through my consciousness, making me aware of his position. I halted, alarmed at my mistake. "This is my decision, I'm only informing you" Allen ordered
"I apologize, Your Grace" I bow slightly "I still have doubts about your 'decision'" I reply, without looking at him
Allen let out a small laugh. "You can go" he ordered.
I did what I was told, giving him a small glance of disquiet.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°
I come out of the expansive room, only to find a wary butler. Holding piles of documents, coming towards the room.
"Don't go creating trouble for Your Grace" Sebastian reminds me with his strained form.
"Only if he stops being one" I retort back, walking past him "a nuisance that is"
"Hercella was looking for you" he informs me
Now what? "Are you perhaps threatening me?" I inquire
"Is the Milliuer Swordsman that easy to threaten?" he rebukes
I just go away from there, leaving behind a "peculiar" Duke and his hard-nosed butler.
I walk along the broad foyer, rays of setting sun illuminating the dark corners. I halt a bit and look outside the splay window. The sky is slowly turning blue-black, orange and red being widespread over the sky. There is no hint of any clouds, but there is twinkling here and there.
"Edgar Radford" I say, looking grim. Who are you? And Why you? Allen only keeps close the people, who serve him a purpose. Without that, you are just a useless chess piece. If you are useful, he'll use you or else, you'll be discarded. But, he intends on keeping Edgar close, for him, he even kept his work aside... Just what's going on?
From the looks of him, the butler knew what was going on. I swear, I'll definitely find out about you, I resolve. I'll "hunt" you on my own.
First things first, let's go and eat. I already hear the grumbling from my stomach.
°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°
I go through over all the Knights gathered at the training field. It's 4:55 AM right now. It's comparability darker than the last time I had this training. A thick coat of black is covering the sky, though there are some holes in that coat, and light blue peaks from it. There is a faint orange light at the horizon, impending the sun rise. But that's enough of admiration for the sky.
The sun hasn't risen, the Knights are allinged, the instructor, me, is present, so everything is fine. But where is that Edgar? I glare up at the knights present in front of me. Or must I say, the jittery pandasʼ
"Pardon me for the overdue!" I hear a loud outcry. My guess is right, the late-comer is him. And now, everyone is aware of Edgar's presence.
"You must have a good reason for this?" I question, demanding a reasonable answer.
"In my defense, I can only say, that I am new here, and inexperienced. So please pardon me for being disrespectful" Edgar requests, his vigilant brown eyes are filled with courtesy.
"Very well" I command, satisfied at his answer "take your place". I must say, he is well-versed with his mannerism. I glance at Daniel, to begin the training.
"All Knights!" he hollers "Assemble"
And just as asked, everyone had their attention focused on me, their Captain.
"Is everyone ready?" I bellow
"Yes!" everyone cheered
"Pipe down!" I command. After I hear no more shouts, I start giving them orders. "10 km from here. The sun will be up in no time now, you need to come here before sunrise. You have about 35 minutes to yourself"
I give off a flare to start the training, and all the Knights start running. Then I spot familiar dark yellow hair. "I'm sure you will be able to do this warm-up" I ask Edgar, scanning for a difference.
"I'm extremely grateful for the Captain's concern" Edgar replies, stiff-necked "yet I apologize for any incompetence from my side"
What the-? Is he another Sebastian? I look at him, puzzled at the new query
"Please excuse me then" he asks before joining the dissappearing Knights.
What was Allen interested in him for? Perhaps he got a hold of another Sebastian? I give a hold to my imagination and I run off to join the running Knights.
***************
I prepare them for the forthcoming matches, they'll be holding against each other.
"Get your breakfast at 8 AM and come back at sharp 9 AM to the grounds" I exclaim
By now, it is 7:15 AM and all of them start to move out for breakfast. Everyone is dead on their feet, either panting or wheezing. Making them train outside, without giving them food is pure agony. That's why, they are off to enjoy their 1 hour and 45 minutes of rest.
I spot Edgar from the clamorous Knights. I'm so unsuccessful at finding more about him, I sigh. Let's try asking him some questions.
I reach near Edgar, between the disorderly Knights.
"Edgar" I call out, but my voice didn't do much due to the commotion next to me.
I try to yank his shoulder or arm, but my hand only reaches till his wrist. So I grabbed his hand, in order to get his attention. And I was successful at it. Edgar jerk his head towards me and quickly yanks away his hand from my grasp.
"Your heart beat" I question. My eyes doubled in size at finding this strange puzzle
"I- I mean t-" Edgar is stuttering like a 5 year old
"Are you alright?" I ask, my questioning look changing to a worried teacher real quick.
"Oh yea-yes Captain" he hurriedly replies "I'm still new to the training, I need some rest"
He gets away after telling me this.
I stand there, perplexed at my finding. I expected his rapid pulse rate, because he was gasping not so long ago. I even felt his heart beat, vigorously. But... If he had been exerting himself, the rapid pulse I felt, was comparatively lower than normal.
Is his heart weak? But that would mean he can't exert himself from time and again. But that's impossible, his perfected pose for the training today, can't be achieved in some weeks.
His heart can't be weak, or else he can never stand on a battlefield. His pulse was more like... I wring my brows, thinking of a metaphor to use.
"Women" I call out, my eyes having a dubious look. That's right. His pulse was weak like a women. Females have a lower pulse than Males. Even a male 12 year old has a higher pulse than a female of 19 year old.
"Are you thinking about women after such disciplinary training?" Daniel says, coming close to me. All the Knights left. The training field is empty.
"You got a death wish?" I prompt at him.
"If I don't get piping hot soup and fresh bread, I'd die before I wish for death" he answers, grumbling evident from his stomach "let's go, the servants will be here for clean up"
We go inside to the military division. All along, my thoughts roaming around, 'Women' or 'Weak heart'.
Whatever the truth is, Edgar, we'll soon have an man-to-man meeting.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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