The Apprentice (23 page)

“Interesting,”
Baird mused.

Rowan
placed the sheath down and grasped the sword with both hands. The hilt was just
long enough to allow for a double grip, but it felt perfect sitting in his
hands. The lower half was worked metal, cool to the touch, and the upper
portion was wrapped with black leather and silver wire.

The
pommel was set with a red stone.

The
blade was just the right length. When Rowan held it out, the sword felt like an
extension of his arm. It felt right.

He
longed to swing it, but with people surrounding him, he had no room to do so.
But even holding it still, he could tell that it was perfect.

Rowan
returned the blade to its sheath and placed both back in their box.

“It is
magnificent,” he said.

“That’s
good. I like to know that my work is appreciated,” Jared said.

“May I
see the sword, Rowan?” Baird asked.

Rowan
handed the weapon to his master hilt first, allowing Baird to pull the sword
free from the sheath. The blade seemed to sigh as Baird released it.

In the
hands of his master, Rowan’s blade looked small. Baird could not hold the sword
with two hands and it was only just longer than the length of his arm.

“Move to
the side for a moment,” Baird said, moving away from everyone to stand in the
center of the room. He swung the sword in small arcs faster than Rowan could
follow, finishing with a lunge.

“This
truly is a fine blade,” Baird said, sheathing the blade in the case that Rowan
held out. “Did you give it a name, Jared?”

“A
name?” Rowan asked. It had not occurred to him that his blade might need a
name.

“No,”
the smith replied. “I tried, but nothing seemed to fit. Besides, it seems more
appropriate to allow Rowan to name his own blade.”

Everyone
looked to Rowan, who looked down at the weapon, studying the intricate details
on the sheath as though they might offer him a name. He thought for a moment,
pondering titles for his weapon.
Steelgrim
,
Shadowlance, Darkness,
Striker.
None of them fit very well, though he liked the idea of Striker.

“I think
the name should be elegant, since the sword is so pretty,” Eliza chimed in.
With her words came inspiration.

“Tenro.”
Rowan breathed the name as though the word held power, trying the sound of it.
The name seemed to fit and as Rowan spoke it aloud, he knew that the title was
right.

“A light
name for such a dark blade,” Baird said. “I like it.”

“It
sounds heavenly,” Eliza said. The king nodded in agreement.

“Then
that shall be the name of your blade: Tenro.”

Chapter 17
                     
 

Rowan bit into his apple as he
walked, savoring the sweet and sour taste as he hurried through the castle. The
apple was the last of his lunch, which he had taken slightly later than usual
that day. As a result, he had lost track of time and was now running late for
his lessons with Baird.

After
receiving Tenro, Rowan had been filled with excitement and enthusiasm. But it
did not take long for his excitement to wear off as his life went back to
normal. Rowan was not bored, but his life in the capitol left much to be
desired, especially since he was often left alone.

One of
the younger maids curtsied as he hurried past.

“Greetings,
Young Master.”

“Greetings,
Gretta,” Rowan replied. He had come to know the names of several of the
servants, though most he could only recognize by face, if at all. He also still
found himself lost when he wandered the halls of the castle. He was unused to
such a large structure.

He gave
the girl a nod and a grin but did not stop walking. He was already going to be
late for his lesson and he had no excuse as his time was not occupied with
important tasks as was Baird’s.

Lately
Rowan’s master had become occupied by tasks of great importance. Most days
Rowan would accompany Baird around as he began to resume his usual duties in
the capitol. Baird introduced him to people and explained what he was doing so
that Rowan could understand how the capitol worked. He showed Rowan the
barracks where the soldiers lived and the area where the young soldiers were
trained. Many of the boys looked at Rowan with envy and resentment.

Rowan
enjoyed the times when he could accompany his master, but as of late he was not
often able to do so. There was much that Baird had to attend to without the
presence of his apprentice. Some days Rowan barely saw his master at all. On
those days, Baird would leave notes that instructed him to perform certain
exercises and train on his own.

It
helped, but Rowan could not train all day without company. At times he would
even have welcomed the company of the princess.

Rowan
turned a corner and found himself in a hallway that he did not recognize. He
cursed the size of the castle and his inability to remember the layout. He felt
the fool every time that he found himself lost, particularly when he was
searching for a way out.

He
turned back the way that he came and searched for the correct hallway.

*           *           *

“You are late.”

Rowan
stood outside one of Baird’s rooms. His master had several different rooms
throughout the castle grounds, though he preferred to use the one where Rowan
still resided.

The
current room was one he used when giving Rowan lessons. It housed a pair of
bookshelves, a table, a desk, and no comfortable place for sleeping. Not for
the first time, Rowan wondered just how much his master actually slept.

“I lost
my way in the castle again.” Rowan admitted.

“You really
should learn your way through the halls of the castle. It is large, I will
admit, but it will not do for you to keep getting lost. Come and take a seat.”

Rowan
entered and sat at the table. Baird closed the door behind him and took the
seat opposite him.

“Today’s
lesson will focus on our relations with the neighboring countries,” Baird said,
spreading a map across the table and weighing down the edges. The map was
large, depicting several lands with their borders and cities clearly marked.
The right side was colored in blue, which Rowan knew to indicate the waters of
a sea or ocean. Baird had taught him enough that Rowan could immediately
identify Atlea.

Baird
began to speak at length about the lands displayed. He spoke of histories and
of customs, wars and alliances, and politics. Lauratrea, he indicated the
eastern land, was the land’s largest trading partner. They two countries were
not allies, as King Alden hoped to make them, but they were far from enemies.

Rowan
listened to Baird speak of diplomacy and politics, his attention waning.

“Is
there anything more to do than just politics?” Rowan asked. Baird gave him a
look.

“I’ll
admit that the politics are rather dull,” Baird said, “but is an important
knowledge base. The security of the castle and those inside its walls is
something that requires much attention, and politics are how wars are begun,
and how they are prevented.”

“Wars
are fought by armies and soldiers, not politicians.” Rowan argued.

“But
only those with influence are able to call armies to arms and command them. A
single soldier cannot start a war, nor can he stop it. But an influential man,
he can make others act. His actions will ripple throughout those who obey him,
and the effects will be greater.”

“So why
do you lecture me on the politics of Estoria as well?”

“Because
it is important. Not every threat comes from outside.”

“What
does that mean?”

“It
means that we have to be careful who we trust. But that is something that you
don’t need to concern yourself with yet; it is for me to deal with.”

“Alright,”
Rowan said. He hadn’t quite understood what Baird had said, but he didn’t feel
as though he was meant to, so he continued to read. Baird had given him several
books and scrolls that focused on maintaining one’s blade and Rowan had been glancing
through them as they talked.

Rowan
waited for Baird to resume his lecture, but when his master spoke, it was on a
different subject entirely.

“There
is something that I need to discuss with you Rowan,” Baird said. The tone of
his voice made Rowan glance away from the scroll.

“What is
it?” Rowan asked. Baird took a moment before responding, which worried Rowan
because Baird didn’t often hesitate unless the topic was bad or troublesome.

“I’ve
arranged for you to be placed with the other soldiers in training.”

“Why?”
Rowan exploded. “I’m your apprentice, I should stay with you.”

“That is
generally true, but this will serve you better,” Baird said in an even tone. “I
will continue to train you each day, but now you will receive additional
training with other boys. Things have been coming to my attention which need to
be investigated and dealt with, and this will be occupying a large amount of my
time.”

“But why
can’t I help you? Am I not your apprentice?” Rowan protested.

“These
issues are not something you need to concern yourself with,” Baird said,
echoing his earlier statement. “As an apprentice, you need to be trained and I
can only offer you so much. You are still my apprentice and I am still your
master. That won’t change. Now let us continue our lesson.”

Chapter 18
                     
 

The next day, Rowan did not
accompany Baird as he went about his usual work. Instead, Baird led him to the
barracks so that Rowan could meet the trainer. Rowan avoided speaking to Baird
as they walked, focusing instead on the weight of Tenro at his waist.

When
they got to the barracks, Rowan was introduced to Darius. The trainer wasn’t
big like Baird was, but he was clearly muscular. The man held himself with
authority, standing tall and dignified in a very stiff manner.

“Hello,
Baird and Baird’s apprentice,” the man said.

“Hello,
Darius,” Baird replied. “This is Rowan.”

The
trainer gave Rowan a slight nod and then looked back to Baird.

“You
would like me to place him with the other trainees, correct?” Darius asked.

“Yes,”
Baird said. “I’ll be coming around often to observe the training and as my
apprentice, Rowan will still be learning under me.”

“That’s
acceptable,” Darius said. “Is there anything else that you need at the moment?”

“No, I
just wanted to bring Rowan over and make sure that everything is settled
smoothly.”

The two
of them continued talking without paying any attention to Rowan’s presence,
which he found annoying. He did not say anything, though.

“Alright,”
Darius said. “If nothing else needs to be done, then I’ll take care of the rest
and allow you to return to your work.”

Baird
nodded and turned to Rowan.

“I am
leaving you with Darius. Listen to him and follow his orders while you’re with
him,” Baird said. He turned to leave and then stopped. “I won’t be able to spar
with you today, but we will still be continuing our sessions together.”

With
that, Baird walked away and left Rowan alone with Darius.

*           *           *

“Come.
I will show you to the barracks, where you will be living,” Darius said. He
started walking towards the buildings, signaling Rowan to follow. As they
walked, Darius talked.

“Typically,
trainees are not allowed to carry their own weapons. Once they have become
soldiers in the king’s army, they may take up arms of their own, but not
before. However, you are a special circumstance. As Baird’s apprentice, you are
different from the other trainees, but never let it get into your head that you
are better or more privileged. I treat all trainees in the same manner, and
while I am not a harsh man, I do not hesitate to punish or deal with those who
need it.”

“Of
course,” Rowan said.

“You
will, from now on, address me as sir or by my name and title. Baird may be your
master, but I am your trainer.”

Rowan
simply nodded this time, which Darius noticed and seemed pleased with. He
continued speaking.

“As I
was saying before, trainees are not allowed to carry weapons outside of
practice. They are never given weapons of their own, especially not ones as
fine as yours,” Darius said, eyeing Tenro with curiosity. “I will allow you to
keep your sword so that you may train with it when circumstances allow.
However, you may not carry it with you. When you are not practicing, you will
leave your blade in the barracks. In addition, I expect that you will act
responsibly. It should not need to be said, but you are forbidden from using
your weapon against others. Not for intimidation and never in any kind of
fight, no matter what the circumstances are. Do you understand and accept
this?”

“Yes,”
Rowan said, fingering the hilt of the sword.

“Then we
have an understanding.”

A pair
of boys close to Rowan's age passed them by, both covered with sweat from
exercise. They bowed to Darius as he passed, but the trainer paid them little
mind. Rowan caught the pair eyeing him, wondering who he was and why he was
there. Their gaze made him feel even more lost, for this was not his place. He
did not belong.

“There
are many rules that trainees must follow. You are not here as a trainee, but
you will be expected to abide by them.”

“What
are they?”

“There
are many, but I haven’t the time to explain each and every one. I will explain
to you the most important ones; you will come to learn the rest in time.”

Rowan
listened closely, committing the following words to memory.

“Our
first rule is that you are to obey your trainers and superiors in every way.
Your instructors are learned and disciplined, and they will teach you. If an
instructor orders you to do something, you will do it, for every task, every
order, is a lesson. If nothing else, you will learn discipline and respect.

“Second,
you are to understand that as a soldier in training you are the equal of every
other trainee, no better. Class, wealth, parentage—all are cast aside, for they
do not define us. You will prove your worth by honing your skill. That is how
you can be recognized. But at the day’s end, all are equal. Remember that. Your
position as Baird’s apprentice does not afford you special privileges.”

Darius
halted, forcing Rowan to stop as well.

“There
is one more rule that I enforce, and this one is absolute.” The trainer stared
at Rowan, his gaze cold and unflinching, reinforcing the significance of what
he was about to say.

“I will
not tolerate in-fighting between trainees. Soldiers must learn to be brothers,
to trust and rely on each other. I expect there to be peace within my barracks.
Any grudge held, any anger and resentment towards another, it must be cast
aside. If a brother bests you, you do not hold his skill against him.”

“I have
a true brother. I understand.”

“It is
easier with a true brother,” Darius said. “Tolerance and peace is expected of
all trainees, but I expect even more from you, Rowan. The rest, they are
working to build a brotherhood that will serve them as soldiers. They are to
learn to work together and to trust one another, even if they do not like one
another. But you, you must be greater than that. I will expect more from you.”

“Meaning
what?”

Darius
narrowed his eyes in annoyance.

“Meaning
that if you are the cause of trouble, if you are a disturbance and you break
the peace, then you will no longer have a place here.”

Darius
stared at Rowan until he could take it no longer and turned his head. As much
as he wanted to be with Baird, he knew that causing trouble and being sent away
would not get him what he wanted.

“I
understand.”

“Good. I
have much to do and if you are to eat with the others then you must be settled
soon.”

They
approached a structure that Rowan guessed was the barracks.

“You
will have a specific bed, which is where you may keep your blade and anything
else that you have. Do you have any other possessions?”

“I have
my travel sack, my bow, and several scrolls. They are with Baird.”

“Then
you may store those items in your bunk as well. It is not a large area, nor is
it private, but you will be spending very little of your time there so it
should not matter.”

Rowan
followed Darius as he entered the building. Their entrance was greeted by
silence; any noise or conversation that had been going on before ceased. Heads
turned to face them, most glancing at Darius and then staring at Rowan.

He felt
uncomfortable before the eyes of so many, but he was not afraid.

“This is
Rowan.” Darius shouted so that all could hear him. “He will be joining you from
this day forth.”

Rowan
received a number of looks from the many boys who were listening. Those present
were of varying ages, some young and some older, though Rowan did not see many
who were well beyond his own years. Some of the boys stared while others spared
him little more than a glance before turning their attention elsewhere.

“Erik!”

A voice
from the back of the room answered the trainer’s call and a tall boy with sandy
hair approached. At this, the rest of the boys returned to what they had been
doing before Rowan and Darius had entered the room.

Darius
addressed the boy.

“Erik, I
want you to find Rowan an open bunk. I am placing Rowan in your charge for the
rest of the day. Lead him around, show him what we do, and explain anything
that he does not understand.”

“Yes,
Darius,” the boy, Erik, responded.

“Good.
Now unless you have further need of me, Rowan, I will leave you here until the
training exercises begin.”

Rowan
did not say anything to Darius, so the trainer turned and left.

All Erik
said was “Follow me” before walking off towards the rear of the barracks. Rowan
followed the other boy without a word as he led the way to an area near where
he had come from.

The
barracks were lined with beds, each of which had a chest at the foot or near
the head. Not every bunk was occupied, and the further Rowan got from the
entrance the fewer number of beds there were.

“Who’s
the schrub?”

Rowan
stumbled as one of the boys he passed stuck his leg out. He caught himself
before falling and turned to find the one who tried to trip him, but could not
identify the offender.

“Shove
off, Byron.”

The
largest of the boys laughed, hesitantly followed by the others.

“If only
you could make me. I would enjoy seeing you try. But I don’t care about you. I
was talking to the new kid.”

Rowan
looked at Byron. He wondered if Byron was the one who had tried to trip him. He
also wondered how he should respond. There was hostility here, but he had only
just arrived. He did not want to make enemies.

“My name
is Rowan.”

“Look!
It talks.”

Laughter
followed.

“Come
on. Leave them be.” Erik pulled Rowan away, leading him towards the back of the
barracks.

“This
can be yours,” Erik said, indicating a bed that was unoccupied. “We eat at the
mess hall. Follow the others when it is time for food. Darius should be
returning soon, so all you need to do is be ready and wait.”

*           *           *

After Erik left, Rowan took a
moment to settle himself. He took a seat and found the bed hard and unyielding.
The chest was empty, as were the beds surrounding him. That suited him though.

He set
Tenro aside and took a moment to look around.

The
building was large and mostly bare, filled only with the boys’ bunks. Rowan
stared at the ones nearby that were not empty. The boys closest to him were
younger, though there were a few who were close to his own age. None seemed to
be much older than him. The eldest maybe by only a year or so.

On the
far wall, near the door, hung banners displaying the colors of the land. They
were the only things adorning the walls of the building.

Within
the hour, it was time for food. Rowan followed the other boys as they left the
barracks and made their way to a mess hall. Though it pained him to do so, he
left Tenro behind. He would have no need for his blade while eating, and he had
no desire to give Darius cause to take it from him.

Rowan
found himself sitting alone as he ate his meal. It was warm, but that was all
the praise he could offer. He looked around as he ate, watching as others came
and went, sitting together in groups and laughing as they ate.

He
looked for Erik, the only boy he knew, but did not see him, nor did he see Darius
or any other trainers. He wondered if perhaps the trainers ate separately.

After
finishing his meal, Rowan walked outside to explore the grounds. There were a
number of buildings nearby, none standing taller than a single story. As Rowan
walked, he did his best to identify them. Some were easy, such as the barracks
and the building where the training gear and weapons were kept. He had come
from the mess hall, which was connected to another building where Rowan
supposed that the trainers took their meals. The rest of the buildings he could
not identify.

When
Rowan came to the training fields, he stopped and admired the sight. The grassy
expanse extended outwards, sectioned off into areas for different practices.
The land was flat and wide, bordered by the kingswood nearly a half mile away.
This place was familiar to him. He had spent a number of evenings training with
Baird here. Yet it felt different now.

Rowan
was not the only one present. There were others gathered, some training and
some performing other various exercises, and it seemed that more were coming.

Rowan
watched as others began to train, hesitant to participate and unsure of what he
should or could do on his own. To occupy his time, Rowan stretched and began
performing the sword dance. He had become used to performing the motions while
holding his blade, but Baird had taught him that the sword dance did not
require a weapon.

It was
not long before Darius found him again.