Dav was the one waiting this time, though not impatiently. Still giddy with the ale consumed earlier and elated from his afternoon spent with Tanisin. He milled about at the bottom of the grand staircase that led up to the living quarters for those who made their residence in the Citadel. Before too long Tansin arrived and they made their way up. The stairs ended at a large landing where the way split to six hallways, with a functionary sitting at a plain wood desk who looked up as the two approached.

  “Good evening Brother, could you direct us to Enlightened Relmar’s?” Dav asked.

  “You must be Brother Anthin’s boys, The Enlightened is expecting you. Take the far right corridor to the end of the hall.”

  With a parting “Thanks,” the two followed the instructions and arrived at the doorway. As with everything within the Citadel it was ostentatiously decorated with engravings. Tanisin gave a timid knock on the door, it was enough to warrant entry as the door swung open to reveal Relmar’s personal aide.

  “Ahhh, Dav and Tanisin. Follow me.” Redrick led the way deeper into Relmar’s apartment to a sitting room. He stopped to knock and stuck his head into the room. “Your Grace, they are here.” At some prompt from Relmar, the door was swung open to admit them.

  On entering they found Relmar resting in a comfortable armchair with more spread around in a half circle and much to their surprise Anthin sitting in one of the chairs across from Relmar. The two were engaged in conversation, one that broke off on noticing the new arrivals. There seemed to be an unspoken wariness hanging between the two, a distrust carried over years despite their congeniality at the moment. Both Relmar and Anthin stood.

  Anthin welcomed the two. “Hello Lads! Come in and sit…sit…” Dav and Tanisin prompted into the room, each stopping to warmly greet Anthin with an embrace. “I know we haven’t really had a chance to talk of late. When I heard His Grace had invited you up this evening… well I interjected myself by asking if I may attend as well. Enlightened Relmar was gracious enough to acquiesce.”

  “Welcome you two.” Relmar greeted them. “Yes please sit as Brother Anthin said. Redrick, I shan't be needing you for the moment, tend to your own needs.”

  “Yes, Your Grace.” Redrick gave a perfunctory nod before turning to exit and closed the door behind him.

  “A good man Redrick, he’s served me faithfully for years. Quiet and stoic, a bit blunt perhaps, but solid. I’ve come to depend on him greatly.” Relmar mused. “So now, I was just discussing you two with Brother Anthin here. I’m sure by now you both are aware that there’s a great deal of hope about your careers with us. Most of which stems from Anthin’s past at the Citadel.” Relmar declared.

  The boys sat attentive, only nodding in acknowledgment. Dav of course had heard this from Relmar himself just that day and had relayed it to Tanisin that afternoon during their conversation together. The two of them had chewed it over to no avail. Regarding Anthin’s past they knew next to nothing.

  Relmar continued. “I’ll let Anthin fill you in, it’s his story to tell as he will.”

  Anthin cleared his throat before starting. “It’s a simple but long story. As you probably have guessed by now, I have a past before my guardianship of you two. That past started here about thirty-five years ago. I came to The Citadel with much the same purpose as yourself Dav. My father was a Dimabrian lord with the charge of overseeing the mountain berg of Nobelsford, as well as the pass and the customs station therein. My place in his household as the second son was all but determined; I would join the Church. So it was that I came here as a mere acolyte to begin my own path to the clergy. I was attentive to my studies and quite quickly–too much so some would say–attained some rank…”

  “Anthin’s being self-deprecating,” The Enlightened interrupted. He excelled at his studies, and within the first week was the talk of all his instructors in both military and faith.” There was a hint of envy in Relmar's tone.

  “… Yes well.” Anthin brushed off the praise.

  “Well nothing. I was a Knight Commander then myself, and the talk reached all of us here at the time.”

  “Anyway…” Anthin looked pointedly at Relmar. “ I excelled at my studies. I was, and remain the youngest ever to take the pilgrimage from here to the Barrier, Sayoshti’s Hope. The youngest ever ordained, and I continued the trend by becoming the youngest ever raised to Enlightened. I won’t bother you with the full account of my time in the Church, nor of the postings and work I’ve completed as Enlightened other than to say I performed my duties to the best of my abilities.”

  Dav and Tanisin sat in awe of this man. Someone they already revered who now seemed legendary in their eyes.

  Anthin continued. “It came to pass, short years after my ascension to Enlightened, that our blessed Witness grew ill and passed away quite suddenly. Convocation was called and names put forward to succeed him. One name in particular, my own! To say I was surprised is an understatement and while I was flattered to be held in such high regard I didn’t feel I was right for the position. I was too young first of all, and there were others more suited to the task, with the experience and knowledge. I had already returned to the Citadel having ministered in each of the four realms over the years. I had come to believe that our Church had strayed from its purpose in favour of expanding power and influence, and had my mind on reformation from within. I felt rising up to the position of Witness would hinder my plans.”

  The boys sat in rapt attention as Anthin continued. “I was convinced by some of my peers to accept the nomination. I could use my new influence to attain real change and return the Church to its proper path, or so they reasoned to me. So I accepted the nomination and started campaigning. Alas, it was all to naught. Though I had plenty of support, my biggest opponent had more. His campaign was simple, to discredit me and cast doubt on my ability to lead the Church effectively. They campaigned on this as well as my young age and cast doubt on my goals for reformation. It worked and our current Witness was elected. I was despondent. I didn’t and still don’t believe that he was the best choice, yet here we are.”

  Enlightened Relmar took over the narrative then, proclaiming. “There were some desperate times for our Church. Factions had formed during that election, animosities raised that never truly died. Distrust and hostility were rampant among us. It took years and many of us worked tirelessly to bring harmony back before the current Witness cemented his position and took a firm hold on everything.”

  “Indeed.” Anthin agreed. “I saw all that was happening to my beloved Church and I grew more irate. Pissed off if you will. So in protest I resigned, denounced what I saw happening all around me and resolved to my superiors that I would not be a complacent participant in the destruction. I asked for a simple posting back home. It was granted, though as punishment my Enlightened status was stripped from me. The rest you know as you’ve been with me since shortly after I arrived back in Dimabri City.”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  “So now you know the reason behind all the talk about you two.” Relmar took over. “ As not only students but adoptive sons of Brother Anthin’s, you carry a legacy on your shoulders. I daresay you were ignorant of that legacy until now. I’m sure Brother Anthin has his reasons for keeping it so.”

  The boys sat stunned at the revelations, this insight into Anthin's life before them. Tanisin broke the silence. “Why didn’t you tell us about this before Anthin?”

  “I didn’t think it was important Tan. I felt then and still do, some shame about my exit from The Citadel. I was brought low from up high. It was a humbling experience.” He sighed. “Plus taking care of you two was a full time job I’ll have you know. These last years have not been easy on me overall.”

  “Fair, but I still think you could have told us.” Dav complained.

  “Would it have made a difference lad, had you known? I wouldn’t have done anything differently bringing you up.”

  They thought about it for a second before answering in unison. “No.”

  Relmar spoke up then. “There you have it. A former candidate for Witness, knocked down by circumstances. Anthin was and remains one of the sharpest and most dedicated minds our Church has ever known. His ascension to Witness would have brought great things to us I’ve no doubt. Alas we will never know. Now as for you two. Before you came to us this evening Anthin and I were discussing what's next for you both. Dav, your studies are progressing and I dare say you're on track to beat some of Anthins notable achievements in regards to age. The time for your pilgrimage to Sayoshti’s Hope draws near and we expect you to be ready for it within the next month, come spring.”

  Another surprise to Dav. He’d had no inkling he was advanced enough in his studies to make the trip, let alone survive it. By all accounts it was a gruelling trek through the Dreadlands to commune with the spirit of Sayoshti within the Barrier. Many who made the trip never returned. No one knew what became of them in fact, they simply vanished. Those lucky enough to return came back changed men and women, though it wasn’t spoken of. Each experience was an individual's own to hold close to their hearts and Faith. What was known was that not everyone who made it even had communed with Sayoshti’s spirit, she was notoriously choosy about who was allowed to gain such honour.

  These doubts were plain on Dav’s face as he mulled it over. The Enlightened spoke again. “I know it seems too soon and under the usual circumstances it would be. We are at a crossroads within our Faith. I daresay we will have a need for all the anointed clergy we can muster. That you have doubts and worries reassures me that you are ready Dav. In fact I’ve cleared it with the student advisory already. Your professors sing your praises, much like Anthin before you. The advisory has granted the act, all that's left is for you to prepare. You will receive your formal blessing before you go. This will envelop you in Sayoshti’s Light, enabling you to traverse the Dreadlands and ease the effects on your mind and soul.”

  “Yes Your Grace.” Dav replied. He turned it over in his mind and found that under the apprehension he was excited about the prospect. Completing the pilgrimage was the last step to the ordained clergy. After which he could expect assignments from the Church.

  “The trip is dangerous, make no mistake. We do not allow this lightly as there's always a risk that one sent won’t return. We will allow you to have some Corps troopers accompany you.” Dav perked up at knowing he wouldn’t face the path alone. “Now we come to Tanisin.”

  Tanisin looked up at his name. “Yes, Your Grace.”

  “I’m told by your instructors that you are a fine young man and will make a valuable addition to The Corps. Anders particularly sings your praises, he’s impressed with your progress and how you’ve matured since your arrival.”

  Tanisin with his recent elevation to squad leader had already felt he’d redeemed himself to the Master of Arms since his dressing down. To hear it said aloud was pleasing. “Thank-you, Your Grace.”

  “Thank yourself, you’ve made waves. Because of this coupled with your efforts to help your classmates learn and grow, your whole class of recruits will be sworn in as official Corps soldiers next week.”

  Dav gave a little cheer for Tanisin upon hearing this, causing the other to blush. Yet he sat a little straighter and couldn’t help but smile. Dav, embarrassed of his jubilation, cut it off as he beamed at his brother.

  “Dav you may choose four to accompany you, I expect Tanisin will be one and I’m told you have friends among the recruits.”

  “I do Your Grace. I already know who I wish to join me.”

  “Good, give your list of names to Brother Anthin, he will ensure it gets to me and I will ensure permission is granted from command on it. Remember! This will be an arduous journey, not some spring trip to the countryside. Were these recruits not graduating they would not be permitted. One last thing. As you know Dav, all who depart receive blessing from an Enlightened that they have studied under. One who knows the calibre of your character. In our case we will be blessing not only you but your whole party and Brother Anthin has asked for the honour of giving it.”

  They looked at Anthin, saw the pride and hope on his face for their futures. The love he held for them as a father to his sons. Emotion overwhelmed them, a tear hung in Anthin’s eye as he looked to his wards. The boys sat awash in his feelings.

  Anthin finally broke the spell. “I wouldn't trust anyone else to give the blessing. Not that they don’t have the capability, I just don’t think any of them know your true selves as I do. The blessing will be all the stronger because of the source. Through me I will grant Sayoshi’s Light upon you both, and your companions.”

  A knock came at the door and Redrick poked his head into the room. “Your Grace..?” An unspoken question hung in the air. Looking from Redrick to a clock hung on the wall The Enlightened waved him off.

  “Yes, yes… we are finished here, I’ll be right out.”

  “Very good Your Grace.” Redrick disappeared behind the door again.

  “Age brings wisdom, yet it also brings change, to the body and the spirit. Mostly the body.” Relmar declared. “At my age, and I do hope you all live long enough to experience this, I must consume certain mendicants and such. I regret that our time here is done for the now. Present Anthin with your list of companions, take note of all you will require for your pilgrimage and the Church will provide. Your final lessons Dav will prepare you as much as they are able for the event. Redrick will show you out.” He accompanied them to the study door and even opened it for them. Dav, Tanisin and Anthin all made their way after genuflecting to The Enlightened and exited his chambers.

  They left the living quarters together descending the stairs in silence, deep in their own thoughts and emotions. As they reached the bottom both the boys burst out in a slew of talk, unintelligible as they babbled over each other. Anthin quieted them with a raised hand and his face took on a grim look.

  “Do not, I repeat DO NOT take Enlightened Relmar at face value.” Confused, they looked at him. “I’m serious. He seems like a kind old man, caring and concerned. Well situated in his position within the Church he’d have you believe his life's work was furthering Sayoshti’s will. He is not what he seems. There is much I glossed over in the telling of my story, much that Relmar would not have me tell at all. Mark me on this! His Grace’s only aim is to further his own goals, his only master is himself and his only devotion is to personal gain.”

  “Okay Anthin, we’ll be wary. Still I can’t see any downside to what we’ve been told tonight.” Dav stated, matter of fact.

  “Don’t fret, we’ll be cautious.” Tanisin added.

  “Boys, I doubt neither your abilities nor your resolve, I do doubt Relmar’s intentions. He will have you at least under thumb Dav, after your return. He orchestrated this early advancement for the both of you and I’m certain it will only truly serve his desires. It’s almost unheard of for one so young and so early in their lessons to be granted pilgrimage. Especially since my own rather quick rise and fall. The Enlightened on the whole have since then been understandably hesitant to rush anyone through the process.”

  “Noted and understood.” Said Dav, the remark echoed by Tanisin’s “Understood.”

  “Now you rascals, you’ve basked in the attention of your superiors. The praise has inflated your egos, but it’s getting late and you both have things to do in the morning. Get some rest, the next few weeks will be hectic and will pass quickly I assure you. Goodnight lads.”