The Guardians: Book One of the Restoration Series (14 page)

Flare paused to consider how best to word his response to the question. “Sir, I have no desire to die, and I have no desire to take the life of another. But in joining the guardians, I will probably have to kill. And if I am called upon to give my life in defense of Telur, I will make that sacrifice. And in doing so, I hope that my death will be worthy of both my elven ancestors, and of the guardian tradition.” Flare smiled, “Although, I must say that I hope it doesn't come to that.” The officer looked down toward the table and smiled at Flare's words as he made some notes on a piece of paper on the table.

‘
That might be one of the four I need,’ Flare thought to
himself
, hope starting to rise up against the fear in his stomach.

The next person to ask a question was a young blond nobleman. The man had sharp features and pale skin. His clothes were fancy, and his hands had never seen the first little bit of work. “Tell me young prince, would you be willing to fight the elves for Telur? Would you be willing to kill the very elves that you grew up with?”

This question bothered Flare, as he had tried not to contemplate it. “Sir, I do not know how to answer that question. I hope that I am never confronted with that problem, but if I was placed in a position where I could not perform my duties, then I would resign my place in the guardians. I would not let my inability to perform my duty affect the guardians.”

Flare thought it was a good answer, and he observed approval in several of the men at the table. However, the noble who had asked the question was not satisfied.

“So Flaranthlas, your answer is no. You would not defend Telur against the elves?”

Flare realized that this vote was lost before he had entered the room, so he answered as calmly as he could, “I do not know what I would do in that situation. And I hope that I never have to face it.”

The next question came from a young man, who was sitting third from Flare’s right. He appeared to be a cleric or priest of a religious order and wore a plain brown robe. He had long black hair and a close cut beard. “Petitioner, describe to me how you would handle the following situation. Let us for a moment; imagine that you are a soldier in the Telurian army. Let’s say that your commanding officer orders you to slaughter all the men and animals of a small village, and he decides to use the women for the men’s pleasure. What would you do?”

“Sir, I believe that all life is sacred, and I would never partake in slaughtering defenseless farmers. I understand that in a war, the resources of the enemy must be destroyed. I could partake in the destruction of the enemies’ food supply, and basically starve the enemy into surrendering. I could kill the enemy, but I do not believe in the slaughter of innocents, and I never would allow women to be abused in the way you were suggesting.”

Flare noted approval from several of the questioners.

The next question came from the general who was sitting directly in the middle of the table. He was an older man with short gray hair. “Flaranthlas, you have been raised a member of the elven royalty. Do you believe that you can be an effective soldier, while surrounded by commoners? And furthermore, can you do all the menial tasks that are required of soldiers?”

Flare answered the general's questions slowly, “Sir, I can only do the best that I can do. I understand that I will have to do things that nobody wants to do, and I will do them the best I can. I do not know how else I can answer that question.”

The general responded, “Sometimes, only time can answer a question, and sometimes the answer that you give is not as important as how you give it.”

The general’s response confused him. He couldn’t determine if the general was a favorable vote, or an unfavorable vote.

There were three questions left for Flare to answer. Out of the first four, he believed that he had two favorable votes, one unfavorable, and one unknown. Of the three questions left, Duke Angaria was an unfavorable vote. That meant of the other two members, he couldn’t afford more than one negative vote. He shifted on his feet as he waited for the next question.

The next question came from a nobleman who was sitting to the left of the general. He was an old man with thin white hair and blotchy skin that hung loosely on his face.

“It seems to me, that your loyalties shift rather easily. First you say that you will not fight elves, and then you say you will. It appears to me that you answer the question whatever way you think the tribunal wants you to.”

“Sir, I have each question honestly,” Flare answered. “If the elves attack, then I will defend myself, my comrades, and the city of
Telur
. But I will not participate in an attack on the eternal city. And if I was willing to help in an attack against my former home, why would you want me in your army?”

The nobleman responded, “I do not believe that any individual should be allowed into the guardians, if that individual has a loyalty concern. You are not fit to be in the guardians.”

Flare heart sank at these words. If the general voted negatively, then he had already lost.

Duke Angaria was next. “I have no question for this applicant. He is a poison, and the mere thought of letting him into the guardians makes me ill.” As he spoke, Angaria folded his arms across his chest and sat back into the chair.

Flare was actually pleased. At least the Duke couldn’t try to catch him in his words.

The last question came from the military officer all the way to Flare’s left. He was a young man with an intense gaze, he appeared new to being an officer. “Tell me Flare, Do you think that you will receive a fair judgment from this tribunal?”

“Sir, I don’t understand the point of the question.”

“It’s very simple. Do you think this tribunal will treat you fairly in its decision?”

“I believe that most members of this tribunal will judge me based on the answers that I have given, but I also think that some members came into this meeting with their votes already decided. But may I ask what
was the reason for this question
?”

“I wanted to see if your answers to the other questions were truthful, and a lot of applicants would have been too intimidated to have answered the way you just did. By answering honestly, I now have faith in your previous answers.”

'He may be young, but he's sharp.' Flare thought.

The general in the middle, said, “Prince Flaranthlas, Please wait outside while we discuss your petition.”

Flare stepped outside, and paced nervously. The time went by slowly, even though He knew it had only been several minutes. Finally he was summoned back into the tribunal room.

The first thing he noticed when he reentered the room, was the absence of Duke Angaria, and the other two noblemen who had been against him. They had apparently left via an unseen door, leaving only the three military men, and the cleric. He was exceedingly relieved by their absence. He hoped that this signified a positive vote for him.

The general spoke, “Congratulations, Flaranthlas, you have passed the tribunal’s review. You are now a member of the guardians.” He paused, “Are you prepared to accept this commission, and act only in the best interests of Telur?”

Flare choked out an ecstatic affirmative answer, the room swirling in front of him.

The general then continued speaking, “Please send in the last petitioner.”

Flare left in a daze. Remembering little as he left, he hardly even answered as the last applicant offered congratulations. He walked slowly toward his tent, chills running up and down his spine.

Chapter 7

Guardian training was simply grueling. The first year consisted of improving the physical condition of the guardian cadets, as well as instructing them in the art of war. The training was conducted several miles to the west of the capital city of
Telur
. The terrain was much rougher, and therefore more conducive to improving their physical conditioning.

The fighters had a much tougher training regime than the magi. The fighters started before the sun came up, enduring several hours of intense physical exercise. After a short break, the students were broken into small groups for instruction. They were instructed in fundamental military tactics, with historical battles used as examples. Flare found these sessions captivating, as the intricacies of military battles were demonstrated to the students. More than once he wondered whether or not he could ever grasp all the complexities that were thrust on the commanding officer. These instructional sessions lasted until an hour before lunch.

The hour immediately before lunch was used to practice the individual skills that each fighter must have to be a successful soldier. Sword fighting, archery, unarmed fighting, and horse handling were practiced, rather extensively, on different days. The use of other weapons were also taught, but not with the intensity of the sword. Flare was excellent at archery and soon rode a horse like a seasoned soldier. He joined the guardians as a mediocre swordsman, but with his agility and speed, he was always improving. He quickly picked up the moves and tricks that the instructors demonstrated. Most of the other students had received more weapons training growing up, so they were better initially. But since Flare had more to learn, he improved faster.

Every day after lunch, the students were given instruction on various current topics. Geography, history, and political alliances were explained and discussed in great detail. And while most races spoke common, several also had their own language. The students were taught basic phrases and words from the languages of different races.
 

After another short break, weaponry was once again practiced for several hours. The day was finished by another period of intense physical training. The instructors would drill the students until the point of exhaustion, and release them only after darkness or collapse.

A large number of students dropped out quickly after the training began, being simply unable to handle the physical and mental stress that came with the training.

Flare simply had no other options, and so he simply endured the physical exhaustion. Over time, he became aware of the changes the training was making on his body. His muscle tone and flexibility developed quickly, and his stamina and durability gradually improved.

He was gradually accepted as a comrade by most of the other cadets, but he would not have considered many of them his friends. Because of the intensity of the guardian training, very little time was left for anything else. The recruits spent a year following this schedule.

At the beginning of the second year, the students were broken into teams of thirteen students called squads. While the first year had taught the students how to fight, the second year taught them how to fight in an organized group.

There was a small graduation ceremony, to mark the successful completion of the first year, and then they were each assigned to a squad at dusk, and told to report there immediately. Flare was caught by surprise, not knowing that they would be relocated so soon, but he gladly went to his new squad’s barrack. Each squad would spend the next year living together to learn companionship and trust.

The barrack was a one story building made of logs, and placed at the edge of the forest. It was made to be functional, nothing else. He was amazed that thirteen students were expected to live in such a small structure. There was a single door, with a window on either side.

It took Flare several minutes to find his assigned barrack. When he found the lodge, the rest of the squad members were already assembled.

The interior of the lodge was brightly lit by an oil lamp sitting in the middle of the room. There was an officer sitting on a stool beside the lamp. The students were sitting in a half circle, with their backs to Flare, and with the officer sitting in the middle of the students.
 

The officer spoke as Flare entered, “Sit in the chair at the end.” He pointed to a chair at the end of the semi-circle of students.

Flare sat down quickly in the chair, looking around as he did so. The barrack was a single large room, which had bunk beds along the walls, and a fireplace in the middle of the back wall. He sat next to a human woman, who appeared to be a soldier. He did not recognize her, but that wasn't all that unusual. There were still a large number of cadets in training.

The officer waited as Flare sat down, before speaking, “Now that the squad is completely assembled, let me introduce myself. I am Sergeant Danlion, and I will be in charge of your instruction.” He spoke quietly, but his voice had the ring of authority. “You come from many different backgrounds, and some of you are even foreigners, but you must become like brothers.” He paused, gauging the affect his words had on the young students. He made eye contact with each student, measuring each one. Flare felt uncomfortable under the piercing gaze of the sergeant, and slowly let his gaze drop.

“Now you know who I am, but you do not know your fellow soldiers. So, I want each of you to introduce yourself, and tell a little about yourselves. I think we will start at this end,” he said, pointing to his left.

The young man was a muscular warrior. He had short brown hair, and was clean shaven. “My name is Derek Aldanon,” he said slowly, seeming unsure of
himself
. “I have always lived in Telur, since my father is a merchant who deals in spices.” He stopped speaking, and looked expectantly at the sergeant.