The Apprentice Page 21

  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 lea
ving 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.

&nbs
p; “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.