BK1 Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-One

Trainees assembled and patiently waited outside the eatery, their anticipation growing with the sound of the first bell resonating throughout the city. True to his word, Lieutenant Cragborn arrived promptly, assuming the role of our guide, as he beckoned all of us to follow him away from the building. Scanning the area, I confirmed that most trainees arrived on time. However, as we embarked on our journey, I couldn’t help but notice a young beast-kin boy chasing after us, a fluffy grey tail wagging behind him while he hurriedly devoured an apple. With Lieutenant Cragborn at the helm, we ventured deeper into the intricate compounds of Alinor Keep. Navigating through the bustling crowds, we manoeuvred into an expansive courtyard, our footsteps echoing against the grand architecture surrounding us.

The courtyard was unusually quiet compared to the rest of the keep we had seen. Here, a lush garden adorned the space providing a serene atmosphere amidst the hubbub of activity. I spotted flowers of various species carefully pruned and well taken off. A large gazebo at the centre of the pathway joined an intersection as vines wrapped around the wooden structure. At the head of the garden was a large stone building two stories high, its weathered exterior giving it an air of timeless wisdom. It was evident that this courtyard held signification within Alinor Keep.

My attention was drawn to a secluded area beneath the shade of a towering oak tree. Soft rays of sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting gentle patterns on the ground. In the centre, a circular stone platform beckoned; it was an inviting spot of peace. Nearby, a small pond took shelter under the trees. Water lilies floated on its calm surface, spotting the blue water with speckles of white and pink. Another stone platform was seemingly floating on the water at the pond's centre. As I looked at it, I quickly wanted to avert my gaze, but it was already too late.

Callan sat on the platform in meditation, his legs crossed as he breathed deeply. The sight of him so composed and serene caught me off, guard. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so calm. However, he caught my gaze before I was able to turn away and strangely smiled. His presence surprised me, as I hadn’t seen him since that night he had apologised. Amid our chaotic parade into the capital, our paths had diverged, and I had lost sight of him. But now, in this moment of quietude, he appeared different. His light brown hair was clean, and his attire seemed less formal without the weighty armour he had worn during our march. He wore a matching grey cloak to us Trainees, but the deep blue of his vest stood out, reflecting his connection to the element of water.

Vishka’s Guidance System

Callan Heversham

Likeability: 19% (+7%)

I blinked at Callan’s number. It had increased, but why? I haven’t seen him for it to have changed?

“This is the Garden of Reflection”, Lieutenant Cragborn announced, dragging my attention back to him as we walked towards the building ahead. “Within these gardens, those of you who are able will learn to cultivate Aether from your surroundings. Areas of the garden have been arranged with specific plants attuned to each element which will aid in your growth as a summoner.” I looked at the garden again and noticed the four paths that led to the gazebo, each splinted into different themed areas. Callan watched us as he remained on his stone platform at the pond's centre. In his area, I saw plants coloured various blues and whites that I realised required a damp atmosphere near bodies of water to survive. Beyond Callan, the garden path led to an area we could not see, but I suspected there would be more ponds there for the section designed towards the water.

Besides the water garden, I saw many heavy trees standing tall and majestic. These trees seemed ancient, their gnarled trunks exuding endurance and strength. Their branches reaching towards the sky, interlocking to form a dense canopy. The shade they cast created a mysterious ambience as if concealing ancient secrets beneath their protective embrace. The plants struggling for space beneath their shelter spoke of a fierce battle for survival as bushes and vines intertwined and competed for sunlight. That must be the earth garden.

On the opposite side, the fire garden blazed with vibrant hues of red. The flowers with thorns seemed to guard the fiery essence of the garden, their pointed blooms reaching skyward as if defying anyone who dared to touch them. Small coves held dimly burning coals among the flourishing flora, creating pockets of warmth and flickering light. The contrast between the intense red plants and the dark stems, as well as the presence of stone pedestals, hinted at a connection to the element of fire, its power and transformation.

Beside the fire garden, the space opened, and rocks were piled, creating step ways to different heightened ground. Pale blooms of green sparsely poked through the gaps of the rocks, making themselves known with large petals that withstood a delicate touch. Some stone pedestals were on the ground surrounded by white sand, whereas others were placed atop the peak of rock formations impossible to reach by climbing. The wind garden held an ethereal charm. The gentle rustling of leaves and occasional breeze that swept through the area seemed to carry whispers.

My gaze returned to the courtyard's centre as we passed through the gazebo. Each garden had paths leading further within, leaving much more to be explored. Each area held its own allure; I was a little excited to see what sort of plants were here up close. There must be many I have only ever read about. I wonder how these gardens worked in aiding cultivation. Was there a method to get the plants sewn?

As we reached the edges of the garden, Lieutenant Cragborn motioned for us to gather around him, drawing our attention back to the building ahead. As we walked towards it, I realised that its exterior showed signs of decay as some areas had newer stones hinting at repairs.

“This is the library”, Lieutenant Cragborn directed with a revered tone. “Here, you will find the accumulated wisdom of summoners who have come before us. These books and scrolls will be your guides, helping you deepen your understanding of the elements and refine your summoning skills.”

“So we can get scrolls here?” Kit asked eagerly as he leaned forward towards the building.

“Yes, Lord Balburn. However, they are not without cost. You must earn them with credits.”

“Credits? I will just use gold” Kit frowned, holding his step at the Lieutenant’s glare.

“Gold, Lord Balburn, has no use within Alinor Keep. In order of fairness, everything that is obtainable here must be purchased with credits. Credits, which you can earn at the task centre. We do not condone rewarding anyone who does not earn their place.”

Kit’s disappointment was evident as he absorbed Lieutenant Cragborn’s explanation. It seemed the concept of earning credits instead of simply using gold didn’t sit well with him. But I understood the reasoning behind it. Alinor Keep valued meritocracy and the idea of hard work and effort being rewarded. It was a place where one’s abilities and dedication determined their progress. Teresa had tensed at the mention of gold, but I saw her slacken as she realised she would have the same chances to earn scrolls as the rest of the nobles. I pattered her shoulder encouragingly, and she thanked me with a smile. We knew better than to speak after the Lieutenant’s previous reprimands.

“The library is one of many places you can spend credits. There is also the armoury you can request weapons and training centres you can allocate sessions for private practice. I expect you all to utilise these, even those of you who can not become Summoners. A foot guard is required to learn how to fight just the same as Summoners. We do not keep slackers.” The Lieutenant’s stern words made one of the commoners gulps.

Silently, I admired the Lieutenant’s commitment to upholding the principles of meritocracy. Knowing that our progress would be determined by our own efforts and abilities rather than external factors gave me hope. I wouldn’t have to depend on Roger’s wealth or my brother’s aide. It also meant that nobles would not be able to get a foothold against anyone who didn’t have the same financial support.

“Before we can proceed any further,” The Lieutenant paused and glanced across us all. “I will be giving you each your evaluations.”

***

I pinched my hands at a smooth wooden desk. The Lieutenant had taken us all to a large building near the library he had called the lecture hall. The lecture hall was spacious with high ceilings and rows of neatly arranged desks. The air carried a scent of aged parchment and the faint echo of past discussions. I found myself surrounded by my fellow trainees, each of us wearing a mix of anticipation and nervousness on our faces.

“Ouch, I don’t think they got a good score”, Teresa winced as a Trainee shut the door to the Lieutenant’s private room. He slumped his shoulders and released a heavy sigh as he dragged his feet back to one of the desks.

The next trainee wiped some sweat from his brow before stepping inside.

“I’m dreading it”, Lacey shook as she gripped her cloak tightly with anxiety.

“Try not to threat, we don’t know what he was scoring us on” Rian tried to cheer her up, but it wasn’t very successful.

Honestly, I shared Lacey’s trepidation. The march had not been forgiving, I had been reprimanded by the Lieutenant for not following orders to save Harold and then Rian and I ended up separated from the brigade for a while. My score surely won’t be well received. I couldn’t help but feel a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach as I awaited my turn.

The Lieutenant had given us each a number; I suspected it was alphabetical as my turn was after Lacey’s. The trainee who had entered appeared, making Lacey freeze as she realised it was now her turn.

Lacey took a deep breath, trying to steady herself as she approached the door to the Lieutenant’s private room. Her grip on her cloak tightened even further, her knuckles turning white. We watched her with a mixture of sympathy and apprehension.

“You can do it!” Teresa raised a fist and saluted Lacey, making her break a small smile.

The door creaked open, and Lacey disappeared inside, leaving the rest of us to exchange nervous glances. We could only imagine what was happening behind that closed door, the intensity of the Lieutenant’s gaze and the scrutiny he subjected each trainee to.

“I’m sure she will be fine”, Kit mumbled from his seat in front of our row.

“Probably just has to grow a backbone”, Garret sighed, leaning back in his chair, tucking the back of his head into his hands.

I rolled my eyes at him, tempted to kick the leg of the chair he was balancing but resisted the urge to engage in petty confrontation. I didn’t need to be reminded that I wasn’t approved of in the army.

Time seemed to stretch on as we waited anxiously for Lacey’s return. The air in the lecture hall felt heavy with anticipation, and the silence was punctuated only by the distant sounds of shuffling papers and murmurs of conversation from outside.

Finally, the door swung open, and Lacey emerged. Her face was a mix of relief and disappointment, and we immediately gathered around her, eager to hear about her evaluation. But before she could utter a word, her shoulders slumped, and she sighed.

“I... I didn’t do as well as I had hoped,” she confessed, her voice tinged with disappointment. “There are areas I need to work on, things I need to improve.”

Rian stepped forward, offering a supportive smile. “Don’t be too hard on yourself, Lacey. We’re all still learning; these evaluations are meant as a starting point.”

Teresa nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with empathy. “Absolutely, it can’t be that bad. We haven’t even begun training yet.”

Lacey managed a small smile, gratitude shining in her eyes. “Y-yeah”, She sighed, looking down at the sheet in her hands. “I n-need to learn how to fight.” she trailed as her eyes began to water.

“We all do” I tried to offer her a little comfort reaching towards her, but Lacey stilled and stepped away closer to Rian. I dropped my hand, a little hurt at her fear of me but forced my lips to smile. “Guess I’m next,” I said, trying to push down the nerves in my stomach.

“Good Luck, Cerue”, Rian smirked, nodding towards the door.

“Yeah, I need all the luck I can get” I hesitantly raised my hand to the door and stepped inside.