Enlightened Relmar strode the lower halls of The Citadel tailed by his assistant, lost in thought about events in Etrusia. The conclave was finished, with most of those attending having assignments and tasks aimed at both reassuring the population that the Church had matters in hand and gathering information.

  He’d done his best to point them in the direction he wanted them to go. Carefully ensuring those sent abroad would report back to him. It wouldn’t do for the severity of the situation to become widely known, especially among the general populace. So he’d taken what steps he could to ensure he was the sole recipient of the information gathered and he would be the one to pass it all on to The Witness. In doing so he would be able to advise and guide the response.

  Many in The Citadel considered him the unofficial Witness, one who had the ear of and pulled the strings for the leader of Sayoshti’s Church. Their opinions were simplistic and overshadowed the truth. The Witness did indeed listen to Relmar and took guidance from him, but to say Relmar pulled his strings was untrue. In fact there were times when Relmar wished he had such pull over his superior. No matter, Relmar was certain things would play out as he wanted.

  The true issue facing him now was what to do about the meddling from Brother Anthin. His handprint had been all over the conclave, especially regarding Enlightened Serivus’ opinions on matters. Brother Anthin should have been content to while away his days back in Dimabri City, leaving such matters to his superiors and keeping his nose out of things. No matter, he had something up his sleeve that would take Anthin away from The Citadel and if things played out the way he hoped then Brother Anthin wouldn't be around to bother him.

  The past few months had been great for Dav and he felt in his element on his path to the clergy. Summer had passed and winter had arrived, though unseasonably warm and dry it still brought a chill to the air. His days were filled with training and lessons. Morning started with breakfast in the Corps mess hall as he had weapons training and drill with the recruits.

  His drill over he’d head to the seminary for lessons. The history of the Church, its doctrine, mission and the meanings and significance of the various rituals and ceremonies he’d be expected to know by rote. Later in the afternoons it was the ins and outs of knight training with stable work and riding, mounted combat and tactics.

  He took dinner in the seminary mess with the clergy students before returning to his small private chamber where he was expected to pray and reflect on his lessons. He was thus far a remarkable student of both the military and the theological lessons being imparted on him. To the point his instructors were taking notice. He was especially noted by Enlightened Relmar who gave lessons on the history of the Church and who also happened to be within The Witness’ inner circle of trusted advisors.

  Some dared whisper that Relmar was indeed the true power within The Citadel. Dav wasn’t certain about that though, still being new and unfamiliar with the politics involved. Word among the acolytes was that Relmar was curious about him as well as Tanisin and Brother Anthin.

  Sunday mornings were devoted to gathering mass and prayer, and for the seminary students at least the afternoon was free time. That Sunday Tanisin also had a free afternoon so it was that Dav rushed through his lunch and was making his way to the entry hall to meet up with his adopted brother. He was keen to spend the afternoon with Tanisin. They’d seen so little of each other outside morning drills since their training had commenced and they had a lot to catch each other up on. They were to head into the city for a drink.

  It happened that Dav was just leaving the seminary mess hall still absently chewing on his last bit of lunch and mind a whirl with all he and his brother would discuss that afternoon. As he turned a corner in his haste he bumped directly into someone.

  “Pardon.” He apologised, not realising at first who it was he’d jostled. Chagrined, he looked up while swallowing his food only to see Enlightened Relmar frowning down at him. His personal aide–Dav didn’t know his name or ranking–by his side looking scandalised. Dav’s face paled with alarm then ran red with embarrassment as soon as he saw them.

  “Your Grace! I…I…I.” Alarmed, stammering and getting redder he drew a breath to explain and apologise only to inhale the last bit of food in his mouth which set off a torrent of coughing as he half choked and wheezed, bending over. The Enlightened, seeing the danger Dav was in, pounded him on the back with an open hand attempting to dislodge the blockage. One, two, three strikes with that blessed hand, one more rough cough and Dav’s airway was cleared and he managed a deep breath.

  “Are you alright now young man… it’s Dav, correct?” The Enlightened seemed to have genuine concern.

  Dav’s throat was raw from his coughing so he could only nod. He soon found his voice however and blurted. “Your Grace, Yes sir. It’s Dav. I am truly sorry sir, I mean Your Grace. I… I, well I just wasn’t paying attention.” He was mortified and more than a little afraid of repercussions.

  The Enlightened was an imposing man, not in physical size but rather his stature. His high position and the acclaim that came with it lent an air of authority. He was a man accustomed to getting his way. Relmar was of Wayran descent, with the slightly dark complexion of his homeland, his face was stern and lined with age.

  “There now. Accidents happen. You should of course slow down in the corridors but who among us hasn’t run through these halls in our youth.” The Enlightened’s face softened and he chuckled a bit. “Redrick, would you be so kind as to fetch young Dav some water from the mess hall?” He asked his aide.

  “At once Your Grace.” Redrick moved to pass the two.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  Alarmed Dav blurted “NO! I mean, that is…” He couldn’t fathom being waited upon by these august authorities. “It's not necessary Your Grace, I’m fine.” He just wanted to remove himself from the situation.

  “Nonsense, it’s no trouble. In fact I insist.” Nodding to his man to continue.

  Redrick left to fetch the water leaving them alone in the hallway. Being served by The Enlightened’s aide, next The Witness himself shall appear to knight me. A silence hung between them for a moment. Dav, unsure what to say, merely stood there dumbstruck.

  “You’re one of Anthin’s boys aren’t you?” Relmar broke the silence.

  “Yes Your Grace, me and my brother Tanisin.”

  “I thought so. We all have high hopes for you two, high hopes. Being brought up by Brother Anthin. I daresay he’s put you ahead of the curve with his teachings thus far. Tell me you've been here for some months, your training is progressing well. How do you find life at The Citadel?”

  “I love it here, Your Grace. It feels like home already. I’ve several friends and am doing well with my lessons, and the Architecture. I’ve never seen buildings so grand or beautiful!” It was the truth as Dav considered The Enlightened would accept nothing less. The buildings that comprised the inner Citadel were strange and alien in build. Spires and domes, arching bridges and ornate columns fronting every one of them and it seemed all of the stonework facades were carved with reliefs of natural wonders and scenery. A deep contrast to the plain yet serviceable buildings he was used to. It seemed to him whenever he had a chance to actually look at things his eyes found new delights at every turn. A myriad of statues, some so worn with time they held no detail other than vague shapes leaving one guessing what they were in their prime. Fountains scattered all around, containing still more statues that trickled the sounds of flowing water everywhere one went. It was all strange and wonderful.

  “Yes, it is a grand thing isn’t it? Built by the Veliar in ancient times. They were as you know not human and as a species were at one with the natural world around them. It’s quite evident in their works, what little remains to be studied.”

  “Yes Your Grace.” Dav was awestruck.

  “A great shame, what was lost in those dark times, with Despair’s Abyss spewing its denizens upon the world and Despair’s influence strong upon the land. All the knowledge gone and all the true magic in Etrusia lost” The Enlightened bowed his head.

  Dav followed suit, bowing his own head for a second before daring to speak. “I’ve often wondered what the world was like back then, before Despair.”

  Relmar barked a sharp “Truly, with a teacher in Brother Anthin?” He paused for a breath before continuing. “ He happens to be one of the foremost and knowledgeable experts on the Veliar. I’m saddened to know he hasn’t imparted any of it on you or your brother.”

  “Oh, he has Your Grace, but not much more than can be found in the Book of Witness. I’ve always thought he knew more than he was telling though. We, Tanisin and I, knew he studied them. He was often making trips into the Westwood to visit ruins and dig up artefacts.”

  “Well lad perhaps he had more pressing lessons for you than the ancient history of Etrusia. Still it’s a shame, he knows so much and has studied them so long. I myself have considerable knowledge on the subject as well though admittedly not to Anthins degree. Perhaps there’s still time to teach you something of them.”

  Dav eyes wide looked at The Enlightened. “I’d like that!” Hastily adding the forgotten “Your Grace.”

  “Indeed, we will have to see about that in the future. Now, here’s Redrick with your water. I’ve taken too much of your valuable free time already.” He turned to leave as Redrick handed Dav a clay mug full of cold water. Almost as an afterthought he turned back. “I have some matters to attend to first but I would ask that you come see me in my apartments this evening after dinner? You can bring your brother along.”

  “Yes, Your Grace. We’d be honoured.” It was the truth, not every acolyte gained a private audience with one of the most influential and powerful men in the world.

  The Enlightened and his aide made their departure. Dav raced back to the mess hall to return his cup before darting out to meet with Tanisin who was surely wondering what was keeping him. He’d already forgotten in the excitement that his haste was the reason he’d bumped headlong into Relmar in the first place.

  Relmar continued his walk through the corridors with his aide Redrick at his side. He was silent, musing on this chance encounter with one of Anthin’s orphan boys. The meeting itself wasn’t accidental, Relmar had intended to bump into the boy though not as literally as it had happened. He’d been planning on meeting the two under less strict conditions than offered at lessons as he wanted a measure of them and the depths of Anthin’s influence.

  “I’d say that went well, Redrick.” Relmar looked over towards his companion. “The lad seems sharp of mind, if a bit scrambled.”

  “Yes, Your Grace.” Redrick was a person of few words. The majority of The Citadel referred to him as Relmar’s shadow. “I’d venture that any of the students would be a bit ‘scrambled’ at bumping directly into you in the halls.”

  “I wager you are correct.” Relmar chuckled at the thought. “Still, I can’t imagine getting Anthin’s influence off of the two anytime soon. We will have to have some separation between them and Anthin. I dare say it’s coming onto time for young Dav to take the next step. Come, we have some preparations to make.”

  Redrick, true to his nature neither questioned nor opined on his masters course of action, he merely nodded and followed along, living up to his informal title of Relmar’s Shadow.

  Tanisin was waiting annoyed when Dav arrived. “Sorry Tan. Sorry. I got held up, you’ll never guess by who though!”

  “Oh alright, tell me then. Must’ve been important.”

  “Haha, yah you could say that. It was… Enlightened Relmar himself.” Dav went into detail about his meeting with Relmar. The headlong bumping into him, Dav’s near choking when he realised what he’d done. Their conversation as Redrick fetched him water. Relmar’s surprise that Anthin had held back knowledge on the Veliar and lastly the invite for the two to attend The Enlightened that evening.

  “Light!” Tanisin was impressed. “Well, that’s not who I was expecting you to say. He actually talked to you, invited you to see him later?”

  “Not just me Tan, you too. He wants to see both of us though I cannot guess why. What could someone of his stature need from us I wonder?”

  “I assume we’ll find out later. Come on, we've got a tavern to visit.”

  The two exited the seminary and made their way along towards the southern gate of The Citadel. From there it was a short walk down the street to what was a favourite haunt of both the seminary students and the Corps’ recruits, a tavern called The Covered Maid. It was nothing spectacular; rather it just happened to be the closest place to The Citadel. The owner did however give discounted rates to students.