The Chronicles of Kadin

This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, this demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone, set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall,
Or as a moat defensive to a house,
Against the envy of less happier lands;
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England,
This nurse, this teeming womb of royal kings,
Fear’d by their breed, and famous by their birth.

-William Shakespeare

Apprentice

Summer in the forest of Erinor gradually transitioned to autumn as Kadin became more and more involved in the day-to-day activities of living in the deep forest, dependent only on the skills of his master, and what he had learned. Alaric continued to be amazed at how quickly his apprentice learned new skills as well as how well he became able to compensate for his size with the quarterstaff. The boy had clearly mastered the weapon, for it had been some time since Alaric had been able to do more than get his staff even close to Kadin in their daily bouts, even when using some dirty tricks he had learned over the years.

As the summer had progressed, the boy had been able to leave his teacher with more bruises than Alaric cared to remember; smoothly able to hold his own and even take the offensive against his much larger opponent. The previous day’s bout had decided Alaric’s mind that it was time to move Kadin’s education along to the next phase. His apprentice had, for the first time, neatly tripped him up, leaving him on his back and weaponless; Kadin standing over him holding his staff against Alaric’s temple with a huge grin on his face. The youth had shrugged his win off casually, making no attempt to gloat over his master’s loss, simply moving on to the next item on the day’s agenda.

The morning dawned crisp and cool, the first frost of the season fresh on the grass, sparkling in the morning sun like a million small rainbows. As the master and his student stepped to the weapons rack, Kadin reached for the quarterstaff he had been using, only to hear Alaric say, “Not this morning, my apprentice, you showed me yesterday that you’ve mastered the quarterstaff. I think it’s time to move on to the sword. What do you think?”

The shocked look on the boy’s face was answer enough, so Alaric reached over and withdrew a pair of weighted wooden practice swords. Handing the smaller of the two off to Kadin, he said, “Kadin, we are going to work with these practice swords at first to do a couple of things. The first is to build the necessary strength in your wrists through the practice routine I will walk you through this morning.”

“The important thing is to do the movements properly, Kadin. Speed will come with familiarity and strength. I do not want you thinking I believe you weak,” and here he smiled ruefully. “Yesterday’s session showed very clearly that you are not only fast, but much stronger than most would give you credit for. The point here is simply that you will use your muscles and wrists in different ways with the sword, and I want your body used to this kind of workout before we begin sparring. Are you clear on that point?”

“Yes sir,” Kadin responded quickly.

“Very well. I will demonstrate my routine for you, and I want you to watch the entire routine once before you begin to attempt the moves. I will slow my normal routine down so that you can begin to fix the movements in your memory. Remember,” Alaric emphasized, “the objective here is to learn the moves properly, not to be in a hurry.”

As Alaric placed himself in the center of the area the two had been using for their sparring matches for the last six months, Alaric mused that he would normally have taught his sword dance in the way he learned it, piece by piece. However, given the phenomenal rate at which Kadin absorbed his lessons, the master shaman thought it best to provide something that would be a challenge to the youth’s abilities.

Accordingly, Alaric assumed a ready stance, one where his posture was slightly forward, his knees unlocked, with his weight evenly balanced across the balls of his feet, his sword held upright before him, both hands grasping the hilt of the practice weapon. Alaric swept the weapon through a series of strikes and parry movements as he advanced against his imaginary foe. Alaric suddenly pivoted on his right foot, swinging the focus of his attack and advancing in the area behind him. Alaric’s muscles rippled with the controlled effort, sweat beginning to roll down his torso despite the chill morning air.

Alaric advanced across the clearing with strong strides, shifting his weight to maintain his balance as the weight and momentum of the blade wanted to continue pulling him in its direction of travel. Balance was critical to being able to change the direction of the blade, forcing the weapon to act as its wielder wanted, and not as its momentum would prefer to dictate. Strike, parry, and strike, with the entirety of his being focused on the task at hand, the man and weapon became fused in a fluid harmony of movement, a deadly ballet of strength and grace.

Kadin missed none of it, his eyes glued to his master’s movements, focusing his keen mind on committing the series of moves to memory, watching the older man move with admiration as his muscles moved in perfect harmony. The fluid dance was almost hypnotizing to watch, the sword and the arms controlling it weaving ever more intricate patterns until suddenly, his master drew to a sudden stop, sweeping the weapon up before him in salute.

As the man focused his attention on the slim blond boy standing at the edge of the clearing, Alaric saw once again that familiar look of intense concentration on his apprentice’s face as he worked to assimilate what he had just seen. “Come out onto the circle, my boy,” Alaric called, “and we’ll begin to walk through the movements.”

Kadin walked out to his master’s side with just the slightest hesitancy in his step, betraying the boy’s uncertainty about what he had gotten himself into. Still, Alaric knew this was well within the youth’s capabilities, and that it would just take practice and repetition for him to master what he had just seen.

“Follow my lead, Kadin, and do as I do.”

Matching action to his words, Alaric began to slowly and precisely demonstrate each move, watched Kadin perform the move, and gently corrected the boy’s posture, balance, and form until the move was done correctly. For the next couple of hours, Alaric worked Kadin through the moves of his sword dance until the muscles of his slim form were trembling with the effort of wielding the heavy practice sword. Deciding the boy had done enough for one day, he swept his sword into a salute, watching Kadin slowly copy his elegant move.

“A good start, my apprentice,” Alaric commented as the pair headed to the weapons rack to store the practice swords, “I know you are tired, but it will get easier with repetition and practice. For this week, we will do the sword dance only in the morning, but starting next week, we will do it in the morning, as well as in the evening, to help train your muscles and make the movements automatic.”

“Yes, Master, and thank you for this lesson,” the boy responded. “Do you think we could visit the pond later this morning?”

“I’m afraid not, son. After we finish morning chores, we are going to take the wagon into Caemlann to do a bit of shopping. So hurry through the milking, feed the animals in the barn, and get a quick shower so we can get on the road before mid-day.”

“Will we be able to eat at the Stag and Unicorn Inn again, Master?” the boy said with a sly grin.

“Since the business we have in town will surely keep us there overnight, we will not only eat there, my boy, we will also stay there tonight. Hurry now, so we can get going, and remember to wear your dagger and take your ward cubes,” the man called to the swiftly retreating form of his apprentice as he ran to the barn in his enthusiasm for the days activities.

Chuckling to himself at how excited the boy was, he hurried through his own chores in the garden, thinking to get to the shower before Kadin. Alas, however, he was not fast enough, finding the towel-wrapped form of the boy he was becoming increasingly fond of leaving the bathroom en route to his room to change. Sighing that there would be little or no warm water remaining, Alaric entered to rinse the sweat and dust from the morning’s exertions from his body…in cold water.

Several hours later found the pair approaching the gates of Caemlann, the buckboard nearly empty except for a medium sized wooden chest. The tight fitting dovetailed corners of the casework spoke volumes about the care that went into its construction, Alaric’s ‘A’ sigil deeply carved into its top. As they drew to a halt awaiting clearance from the guard to enter the city, Alaric appraised the youth sitting next to him and noticed a bit of a change in the lad since their last visit to Caemlann.

He was more confident in the way he carried himself, and his shoulders had broadened a bit from all the manual labor necessary to maintaining a comfortable living far from any outside help. There were calluses on his hands, earned through hard work and his efforts at mastering the quarterstaff. He was, in short, no longer the soft, pampered child that had come into his life some six months earlier. Anyone foolish enough to try anything with Kadin would soon find he had bitten off more than he could chew, especially given the boy’s progress in reading his way through Alaric’s library of spell books.

“Remember, my boy, please keep your hair over your ears while we are here and stay close. You’ve made a great deal of progress in your ability to take care of yourself, but remember there is safety in numbers, okay?”

“Yes sir, I’m not looking for any trouble either,” the youth replied.

“Well said, son. I’m thinking we stop for a late lunch after taking care of our cargo with a businessman I know in town. Does that sound good to you?”

“You know me, master; I’m always ready for a good meal!” Kadin responded enthusiastically.

As Alaric drew the wagon to a halt at the gate, he noted that there seemed to be double the normal number of guards at the gate, and manning the walls. While a lieutenant who Alaric thought looked vaguely familiar approached the wagon, Alaric set the brake and ventured, “Good morning, lieutenant, how fares the city?”

“A good morning to you as well, master shaman. The city fares well, thank you for asking. Might I inquire as to your business in the city this day?”

“Of course,” Alaric answered, “I’m here to sell some mushrooms, and to outfit my apprentice for the winter. I’ll also be visiting the Shaman Guild while I’m in town.”

Looking into the bed of the wagon and taking note of the sigil on the top of the only box of cargo, the lieutenant asked with a smile, “I take it there will be a fresh stock of cremini in the shop of old Mister Tunstall this evening?”

“There may indeed be a new stock in town this evening if Tunstall and I can come to terms. He can be a bit difficult at times, and he’s gotten sharper in his dealings as he’s aged,” Alaric chuckled.

“Excellent,” the officer replied, “I may have to see if I can acquire a jar this evening for my father. Will you be visiting Caemlann long, master?”

“Only a couple of days, lieutenant. Might I inquire who your father would be?”

“I have the great honor of being Evan, son to his majesty, King Eloron of Kronor. Do you know my father, master?”

Alaric replied with a laugh, “You could say so, lieutenant, when we were both children, I was your father’s friend, confidant, and whipping boy from the time we were both 5 years of age. If you don’t think it presumptuous, please convey my regards to your father in your next report. Tell him that Alaric is well and wishes the best for him and for his family. By the way, if you have a chance, lieutenant, swing by the Stag and Unicorn and I’ll tell you a few ‘unofficial’ stories about your father as a child.”

Looking surprised, the officer responded, “I know my father has missed you terribly, master, I will pass along your greetings and will stop by the inn at the seven o’clock hour if that would be acceptable?”

“I look forward to it. Until this evening then.”

As the lieutenant nodded that he was cleared, Alaric released the brake and snapped the reins down on the horses, who promptly jolted the buckboard into motion. Alaric guided the team to the right, down the outer wall road towards the western quarter of the city where the most prosperous merchants had their offices. Drawing to a halt in front of a red brick building with a large sign labeled ‘Tunstall and Sons,’ Alaric handed the reins to Kadin to tie the team to the hitching post, while Alaric set the brake and recovered the cargo from the back of the wagon.

Joining Kadin, Alaric cautioned his apprentice, “The owner of this place will be convivial and pleasant until we begin negotiations for the cremini. As soon as that starts, he will become antagonistic and mean tempered. It is not meant personally, it is merely the way business is conducted, and it is important that you not react to anything you might hear, clear?”

Alaric received a nod in the affirmative. The pair headed into the reception area, where a grey haired, heavyset man of advancing years glanced up at their entrance. “Alaric, my friend, good to see you again,” the man said as he shook their hands. “I gather you’re here to part with some more of those luscious mushrooms of yours?”

“Perhaps, old friend. I’d like to introduce my apprentice, Kadin.”

“Very nice to meet you, young man. Llwyd ap Tunstall, at your service.”

“Thank you sir, it is nice to meet you as well,” Kadin responded.

Llwyd turned his attention back to Alaric as he ushered them into his office, “So, make yourselves comfortable. I have some linden tea, can I interest the two of you in a glass?”

Seeing both faces light up, Llwyd signaled for his assistant to arrange for refreshment for his guests. Once everyone had a drink and had settled again, Llwyd was all business. “So, my friend, do you again intend to reduce my house to beggary for a few jars of your miserable mushrooms? What outrageous price will you be asking this time?”

Glancing around at the opulently appointed office, Alaric replied, “I’m sure I don’t have the slightest idea what you are talking about Llwyd. This office absolutely reeks of poverty, now doesn’t it? The price is the same one we always agree on, the weight of the mushrooms in gold. I even brought a sample for you to try since you always complain about buying sight unseen.”

Opening the case on the floor in front of him, Alaric removed an open jar of mushrooms along with a fork, and passed them along to Llwyd. For his part Llwyd stared at the small jar avariciously, wasting no time in sampling the luscious mushrooms preserved within.

“A nice tactic, Alaric,” Llwyd said between bites, “but your price is quite out of the question. I’ll offer you four silver per jar.”

Appearing furious, Alaric stood and held his hand for the sample jar as he motioned for Kadin to pick up the chest. “Who is beggaring whom here Llwyd? Your offer is as insulting as your table manners. Perhaps the Ballston brothers will be more interested in my products this year.”

Turning on his heel and motioning for Kadin to follow, Alaric strode toward the door. Before he could reach the knob, however, Llwyd ap Tunstall responded loudly, “Wait, ten silver per jar!”

“Llwyd, why do we go through this nonsense every year?” Alaric shouted back. “Every year, you attempt to see if I’ve lost touch with the market price of my product. I know that right know, market price is the weight of my mushrooms in gold, plus two additional silver coins for each gold coin in weight. I offered you a fair price and you, as usual, spit it back in my face. My price is now the weight in gold, plus one additional silver for each gold coin. In a couple of moments, the price will rise another silver. That is the offer, take it or leave it!”

Suddenly, the old man deflated like a balloon, and began to laugh. “Very well my old friend. Weight in gold plus one silver for each gold coin. You’re absolutely right that I don’t want those slimy Ballstons to get their hands on these. You know you’re the only regular supplier of these now?”

“What happened to old Rhodri?” Alaric asked.

“Damn goblin raid on his place to the northeast. I gather he lived somewhere just south of the Splitrock Knolls. The story is that the goblins looted his place and then burned it to the ground. I heard they cut old Rhodri into six large pieces. Nasty business, a very nasty business, indeed. The goblins are getting entirely out of hand again. I’ve been hearing about the orcs doing similar things as well, always seeming to hit outlying farms and small settlements. Nasty, nasty, business. Well, let’s get your creminis weighed, shall we?”

With that, their business was swiftly completed, although Llwyd handed the coins over only reluctantly, it seemed, with his fingers lingering on the coin purse as Alaric took it from his grasping fingers. Taking their leave, Alaric and Kadin quickly found themselves in the common room of the Stag and Unicorn Inn, searching for a quiet table away from the front door.

Finding a reasonably peaceful corner of the common room, Alaric and Kadin sat down and waited for someone to take their order. Almost immediately, a saucy young waitress stopped at their table asking, “What is your pleasure, gentlemen?”

Inquiring about the luncheon special, their dark haired waitress replied, “We have roast baron of beef, steamed cabbage, and pan fried potato and onion slices served with gravy on the side. For dessert, the special is treacle pudding with sliced peaches in syrup.”

“Would that work for you, my boy?” Alaric asked his apprentice.

“Oh, yes sir. That sounds fine!” Kadin replied with a nod.

“Then we’ll both have the special, young lady. I’d also like a mug of your best dwarven ale, while my apprentice would like a large glass of cold milk.”

The waitress replied, “Right away, sirs,” as she spun on her heel accentuating the sway of her hips in a blatant attempt to flirt with Alaric.

Smiling at the waitress’ sauciness, Alaric turned his attention back to Kadin, who had a look of concentration on his face. “What are you thinking, my boy? I’ve seen that look on your face far too many times to miss it this time.”

“A couple of things are bothering me, master. First, doesn’t it seem like the dark races are getting a bit more aggressive than usual? First there is what happened to my caravan, then what the guards mentioned about random attacks the last time we were here. On this trip, we hear about that man’s place near the Splitrock Knolls getting attacked and the owner basically drawn and quartered. Also, master, I assume you noticed that the guard force on the city walls is much larger than it was six months ago.”

“I noticed, young one, and am concerned by what we’ve seen and heard. I think we would be well advised to be placing some magical safeguards around our home as soon as we return. What else is on your mind?”

“Well sir, I’m a bit confused by Mister Tunstall and your dealings with him. First, everyone was very friendly; then as soon as you began discussing price, you were both very angry at each other, and as soon as a price was agreed, everything went back to normal. Why are things done this way?” Kadin asked with a puzzled expression on his face.

Chuckling a bit at the boy’s question, Alaric responded, “I have no idea why things are done this way, Kadin. It is just that they’ve always been done that way. Like I asked old Tunstall, why do we do this every year? I really can’t answer that, son, except to say that regardless of where one finds themselves, it is always best to follow local custom, and this is the local business custom.”

About this time, lunch was served, and the hungry pair made short work of the fine bill of fare. Moments later, after settling the bill and arranging for a room with two beds for the next night or two with the landlord, Alaric and Kadin were striding down the cobbled High Street towards the castle at the center of the city, ancestral home to the Baron of Caemlann and his family.

“Master, may I ask another question of you? This one is rather personal, so I’ll understand if you don’t want to answer.”

Rather than answer immediately, Alaric guided Kadin to a bench under the spreading boughs of a large oak tree in the city center. Sitting down and facing Kadin, he told the boy, “Kadin, I know we haven’t talked much about our relationship, but I hope you’ve come to see it goes well beyond a typical master-apprentice relationship.”

“I’ve never been very good at expressing how I feel about things and the people in my life. In truth, I live in the wilds because I’ve always found dealing with what Mother Nature throws my way to be easier than dealing with people.” Glancing up, he sought out Kadin’s bright green eyes with his own watery blue ones; eyes watery with unshed tears.

Alaric continued, “Still, I want you to know that you have made it impossible for me to ever take another apprentice, because I do not see how any other child could live up to the standard you’ve set. Vindayin warned me that you’d find a way to worm your way into my heart, and her warning has proven very true. I’ve come to love you like the son I never had. So, you keep asking your questions, lad, and I’ll do my very best to answer them, even if they’re a bit personally uncomfortable, okay?”

Kadin was a bit overwhelmed at this sudden show of emotion, his own eyes tearing up as he considered what he’d heard. Looking back into Alaric’s eyes, the young man replied, “Thank you, master. I promise I’ll continue to do my very best. May I ask a favor? Would it be acceptable for me to call you Dad, at least in private? I never really knew my father. He died when I was still in the womb of she who was my mother.”

Drawing the boy into a tight hug, Alaric whispered, “You can call me Dad anytime and any place you want, son. Anyone would be proud to have you as a son. I certainly know I am.”

Squeezing back tightly, Kadin couldn’t believe his luck. Despite everything, he’d found a new father, a new father who also just happened to be his mentor and guide. Breaking the hug, Kadin sat on the bench and turned his torso so he could look at his new dad.

“Were you really the King’s whipping boy?” Kadin asked quietly as he wiped the tears from his eyes. “That seems like a horrible thing to subject a child to.”

“Being beaten for something you didn’t do certainly wasn’t the best of things. Still, once Eloron came to the conclusion he was causing me to be harmed for his own misdeeds, the physical punishment slowed considerably. From that time forward, it was generally for something that got us both punished, because, as friends, we were always both involved in whatever stunt got us into trouble.”

Laughing softly at the memory, Alaric continued, “On the upside, I was tested for magical ability, and when I proved to have skill as a shaman, I was given the best training the old king could find, to make no mention of the fact I had weapons training from the same instructors as Eloron. Over time, we were sparring partners; because no one else would give the future king the workout he wanted in an attempt to curry favor. We were pretty evenly matched as we aged, sparring daily until I left the service of the king to forge a new life for myself.”

“Did the king send you away?”

“No, son, I left of my own volition. I have little patience for politics, and even less for self-serving politicians who quickly lost sight of what they were placed into office for: to serve the kingdom and its people. I truly felt I had the better end of the deal when I left the royal palace in Kelandra. I have missed my old friend though.”

“Is Lieutenant Evan the king’s oldest son?”

“No, son, I believe Evan is the king’s fourth son, and it appears he is attempting to build a life for himself in the army. I suspect his connections to the royal family will see him promoted to captain fairly quickly, which will make it easier for him to start a family, if this is his wish.”

Rising, Alaric extended a hand to his newly acknowledged foster son, pulling him up and to his side where he could give the boy a quick one-armed hug. “Come along, my boy, we need to hurry or we’ll find the guild office closed when we arrive.”

The pair hurried along and shortly found themselves in front of a solidly built building of varicolored red and black brick with granite lintels over the doors and windows, and granite sills under the windows. Carved into the door were several shamanistic runes, and as Kadin was studying them, the door suddenly began to swing open of its own accord. Glancing at his foster father and seeing nothing out of place with his expression, Kadin followed him into the foyer of the building.

Alaric strode to the desk in the hall and was greeted by a youngish man. “Master Alaric, it is very good to see you again, sir. How may the Guild be of service to you today?”

“Good afternoon to you as well, young Morgan. I see you have passed to secondary echelon. Please accept my congratulations for a very well earned step up the guild hierarchy!”

“Thank you, master, the lessons you provided seemed to unlock the problem that was holding me back. I find my study and practice going much more smoothly since then. May I inquire about the young man behind you?” Morgan asked.

“Morgan, I’d like you to meet my apprentice, Kadin. Kadin, this is Morgan ab Euderyn, a part time student of mine and new member of the secondary echelon.”

The two shook hands and exchanged greetings, following which Alaric continued “I am here to have Kadin tested, Morgan. Is Master Cadfael here today?”

“He is Master, please escort Kadin to the testing area and I will bring Master Cadfael there directly.”

As Morgan strode up the stairs in search of the other master, Alaric led Kadin into the basement of the building, stopping before a solid oaken door banded with five solid straps of hammered iron. “This is the testing room of the Shaman Guild, Kadin. Once on the other side of this door, I will not be permitted to speak to you, so I am giving you some advice before we enter.”

“First, it is clear to me you are already capable of passing the secondary echelon test. The requirement to pass is a simple one. You must be able to demonstrate the ability to successfully control a minimum of two secondary echelon spells and two primary echelon spells, or three secondary echelon spells, things you have done for me many times in the last few months. If you complete these, you will be granted your status as a secondary echelon shaman. Unlike the Metalworker’s Guild, the Shaman’s Guild has no ridiculous minimum equivalent age requirements. Here, we are primarily interested in whether or not you can, or cannot, do something. It’s really that simple. Are you ready to do this?

Kadin licked suddenly dry lips before replying, “I can do this, master, do you have any preference on which spells I use?”

Smiling wickedly, Alaric replied, “I think it would be advantageous of you to use the spinning fire blades again. There will be a fire in the room, as well as a number of targets. Since there is a bucket of water in the room, I think the ice daggers will get their attention, and perhaps the air shield spell. If you do that one, Master Cadfael will hit it hard, so I warn you to brace yourself well for his attack.”

“Shall we go on in?” Alaric asked his apprentice as he opened the door.

Once inside and the door was barred, wards sprung to life shielding the judging area from the testing area, where potentially dangerous magic would be tossed around. Kadin strode to the center of the testing area, squaring his shoulders confidently, thinking he wouldn’t let his master, and new father, down on this.

Glancing at the judging area, Kadin noticed an ancient dwarf whose snowy white beard nearly reached the floor. Acknowledging the judge with a very proper elvin bow, Kadin was pleased to see a small smile on the judge’s face as he rose.

“It is always a pleasure to see a young person with good manners, young man. You may begin when you are ready,” Master Cadfael announced.

Nodding his understanding, Kadin started by whispering the cantrip for the ice daggers spell. Reaching out towards the bucket of water by the targets, he pulled two small streams of water from the bucket, which the spell effect instantly froze into small pointed dagger shapes. Spinning his hands in a circular motion, Kadin sent the daggers whistling on a circular path through the air, controlling their course and plunging them into the center of a clay target in the middle of the testing area. Releasing the spell effect, Kadin glanced at the judge who responded by saying, “One.”

“Master, for my next spell, I will need your assistance if I may. I will erect a shield of air between us, and I will need you to attack the shield to verify it is strong enough to meet your standards,” Kadin told the old dwarf.

“As you wish, young man.”

Kadin whispered the activation cantrip and stabilized the shield mere seconds before the ancient dwarf attacked with a stunning barrage of magical energy. Feeling his control slipping, Kadin braced himself more firmly and poured more energy into the shield, which stabilized and began moving towards his attacker.

Seeing the shield moving towards him, Master Cadfael dropped his attack in shock. Only rarely had a student testing for secondary echelon managed to hold off his attack, and never had one been able to advance an air shield against him. Seeing that the youth before him had firm control of the spell, he looked directly at the boy and said, “Two,” before seating himself again.

Kadin released the air shield and took a calming and cleansing breath before beginning the last spell. Eying the two scarecrow-like targets, he whispered the cantrip for the fire blades spell, causing two blue tongues of flame to leap from the fire toward his hands. Spinning his hands in opposing directions, the flame resolved itself into two flat discs of spinning flame. As he had done many times before, Kadin spun on his heel and flung the blades into the straw-filled targets, which instantly burst into flame, dissolving to ash in mere seconds. As before however, the energy of the blades needed something a bit more substantial to allow them to fully dissipate, and they traveled on into the posts that had been holding the targets upright. Reaching something substantial enough to absorb the energy, the beams, like the practice logs before them, released the volatile compounds stored in the pitch of the wood, which instantly ignited in a ferocious explosion.

Seeing what was happening, Kadin hastily tried erecting an air shield, which had only begun to solidify when the energy of the explosion hit it head on. The shield deflected most of the energy away from Kadin, but since he was poorly braced for the impact, he was thrown across the room where he hit the wards protecting the judges from the magic of those being tested.

Fortunately for Kadin, all the weapons training had taught him to roll with an impact, and while battered from the collision, he suffered nothing more than a few bruises from the experience. Masters Cadfael and Alaric rushed to the boy’s side to check for injury, only to find him standing on his own by the time they reached him. Sending the boy along with Morgan to bathe and visit the in-house healer to have his bruises attended to, Cadfael drew Alaric to the side for a quick hallway conversation.

“Alaric, that boy is amazing. Most who test for secondary echelon take the easy way out, only electing two secondary spells along with two primary echelon spells. That boy not only did three secondary echelon spells to pass his test, he conjured an air shield in front of all of us in an attempt to contain the blast, meaning he was controlling two secondary echelon spells at the same time. I’ve never seen anything like this in my very long life.”

“Cadfael, my old friend, you’ll not get any argument out of me. The boy has exceeded every expectation that was set for him, and routinely does things I’ve never seen done. I’ve been intentionally restricting him to studying primary and secondary echelon spells, but if he continues to progress at this rate, it will not be very long before he has learned every primary and secondary spell I know. His mind is like a sponge, he learns things after only one demonstration, and seldom repeats a mistake. He is even able to take me down with a quarterstaff, believe it or not.”

“That slender boy can take you with the quarterstaff? You learned your weapons skills from the best the kingdom had to offer in your youth!” Cadfael exclaimed.

“It is a fact my old friend: I have the bruises to prove it. I started him on the practice sword this morning. I have no doubt he’ll sleep like a babe this night. I worked him through most of my sword routine twice, only holding back things that needed a bit more familiarity with the weapon. He needs practice to become good with the blade, but I’ve never seen anyone who could learn that much swordplay in a morning: simply incredible.”

Walking into the hall and up the stairs to the main hallway, they entered Cadfael’s office just before Kadin was ushered in. “Congratulations, Kadin, that was an impressive display for one your age, one I’ll not soon forget you may rest assured. Are you feeling better after visiting the healer?”

“Yes, master, he did a fine job on my bruises and I feel fine, only very tired. I’m looking forward to dinner and finding my bed early,” Kadin replied.

“Well, Alaric, how shall we enter your student in the Guild records?” Master Cadfael asked.

Glancing to his new foster son with a question in his eyes, Kadin responded, “Let’s make it official, master.”

With a catch in his voice Alaric answered the old shaman, “Master Cadfael, please enter him in the Guild records as Kadin ab Alaric.”

The old dwarf raised his bushy eyebrows at this statement, clearly surprised that Alaric had found someone he loved enough to claim as his own, for the name meant ‘Kadin, son of Alaric’. Still, the thought brought a smile to the old dwarf’s face as he made the official entry into the Guild records, recording that Kadin ab Alaric was, indeed, a secondary echelon member of the Shaman Guild and entitled to all the rights, responsibilities, and privileges pertaining to that office. With a whispered incantation and wave of the hand, the entry was promulgated to the books of every Shaman Guild hall on the world of Gaia.

“Well my boy, that makes it official, even if it is a bit unusual for an elvin child to have a human father.” Seeing their aghast looks, Master Cadfael continued, “Don’t worry, my old student, I see from your looks that this is something that needs to be handled with discretion. Rest assured, no one will know of it unless you want them to. Now, one final thing before you go.”

Turning to the vault behind him, Cadfael emerged seconds later with two things: a ring and richly embroidered dark cloak very similar to the one Alaric wore. Draping the cloak over the shoulders of the newest member of the Guild, he continued, “Kadin, it is occasionally necessary to identify yourself to others without visiting a Guild hall. The cloak will serve as sufficient identification to most, the pattern and color of the embroidery work will tell any intelligent person you are not to be trifled with.”

“The ring is for guild members who might need additional convincing because of your age. It will identify you as a secondary echelon shaman beyond any shadow of a doubt, because if anyone were to steal the ring from you and put it on, it would kill that fool instantly. Once on your finger, the ring will become attuned to you, and to you only. The doors of every Guild hall will react to the ring’s presence, automatically opening for you as the doors to this hall reacted to your master this morning.”

Seeing the boy move to place it on his left ring finger, the Master stopped him saying, “It is normally worn on the right hand, young one.”

“There is already a ring on his right hand, master; it is concealed unless Kadin wishes it to be seen. This ring, I’m afraid, takes precedence over anything of the Guild.”

“I’m afraid I’d have to see this to believe it, old friend. I would have to adjust the entry in the Guild records if it is worn on his left hand,” the old dwarf replied.

Kadin glanced at his foster father questioningly, clearly seeking his approval before acting. “My son, if you can’t trust Master Cadfael, there are probably none you’ll be able to trust. I’ve known him for nearly 20 years and have never known him to break his word. I recommend you show it to him, but it is your call.”

Reaching his decision, Kadin asked, “Master, will you freely give me your word that you will never speak of what you are about to see with anyone other than myself and my new father?”

“I so swear, young one. You have my word of honor, freely given.”

With that, Kadin concentrated for a moment, and suddenly there was a ring on his right hand. Reading the elvin script on the band,

Kadin, Prince of Aradan

meaning, Kadin, Prince of Aradan, the old dwarf gasped in amazement, reaching behind himself for his chair, which he sat in heavily. A wave of his hand activated a new set of wards in the room before he would speak. Concentrating for a second, there was suddenly a ring on the ancient dwarf’s pinky finger: a ring with the crest of the Damarrk high council. Alaric gasped as another secret came into the open; he had never suspected his old friend as being of the Damarrk.

“Kadin, I recognize the sigil on that ring, my prince. I know I should not ask any further about how the two of you came to be together, so I will not. Only know if you need anything in the future, my young Alvar prince, you need only ask. The Damarrk and dwarven peoples stand ready to aid you at any time you need assistance.”

Seeing the crest on Cadfael’s ring, Kadin replied, “Thank you, my lord. This has, indeed, been a day like none other. I have gained a father, and a new friend. Your trust and your offer are both greatly appreciated.”

Updating the records of the Guild and promulgating that information universally was the work of but a moment, and then the old master was showing the pair out the door with firm hugs for two very special people in his life.

Dinner that night was a bit unusual in that the king’s son, Lieutenant Evan, joined them. Spotting the new cape the boy was wearing and its unique embroidery pattern, Evan was quick to congratulate Kadin on his advancement in the Shaman’s Guild, which brought a broad smile to the boy’s face. Still, Kadin was exhausted from his efforts in the testing chamber, and when this was combined with the natural sedative effect of a large meal, the boy was soon leaning against his foster father. Seeing the boy nearly asleep, Alaric reached an arm around his shoulders in support as he slowly drifted off to sleep while the two older people at the table brought each other up to date on events in their respective lives.

“So, lieutenant, how did you come to be assigned this far from the capital? Nothing untoward, I hope,” Alaric ventured.

“Please, master, could you refer to me by my given name when I’m off duty? I heard enough stories about you growing up that I feel I know you,” the officer responded.

“I think I could find my way clear to call you Evan, if you could call me Alaric by way of exchange,” the shaman replied with a grin.

“Alaric, can you clear something up for me? I don’t think you really understood the impact you had on my father growing up. To this day, he measures people against the standard you set and finds most of them wanting in one way or another. May I ask why you left the capital? I know father was devastated when you took your leave.”

“Evan, I’m not sure someone raised to take palace politics in stride can fully understand how I came to loathe the people surrounding the royal family. It got to the point I had to leave when what dominated my attention day in and day out were the hordes of politicians who ignored the needs of the kingdom and its people to pursue their own personal agendas.”

Taking a long pull from his ale mug, Alaric continued, “I have a fairly clear cut sense of right and wrong, Evan, and what I saw those people doing was ethically and morally wrong, and was an affront to my sense of justice. Since I was not in the position to do anything about it, my only real choice was to leave. I explained this to your father before I took my leave, by the way. However, having been raised in the palace environment as a leader of nations, your father was not able to see my point of view in the matter.”

Pausing to take another pull from his ale before continuing, Alaric said, “I want you to understand one thing very clearly, Evan. Your father is, and was, the brother I never had. I love him to this very day, and if he truly needed me, I’d be on my way as quickly as I could put my affairs in order here. Everything I have, and everything I am, is because of my association with your father, the king. Now, allow me to follow up on my earlier question, why is one of the king’s sons this far from Kelandra, 800 leagues (roughly 2760 miles) from home?”

“The short answer, Alaric, is that I asked to be sent here. You might be surprised to hear it, but I’m not particularly fond of politics either. Given all the attacks out in this area recently, the king decided to strengthen the garrisons at the outlying major cities. I was asked if I wanted a garrison command and requested this one. I had no idea you were out here, but am certainly glad we met. I sent a dispatch to father after I got off watch. How can I contact you when I hear back from him?”

Alaric thought for a moment before replying, “I’ll be back in town in a week or so. Tomorrow, I’m heading to a number of shops to get Kadin outfitted for the winter, and it will take them a week or so to get everything ready for delivery. By the way, my weather sense tells me this winter will be long and hard, so I recommend you get yourself prepared with good, warm clothes before the rest of the city hits the tailors.”

“Thank you for the advice, winters are fairly mild in Kelandra as you know. Will you look me up next time you’re in the city?” Evan asked as he rose from the table. “If you don’t mind, I’ll take my leave now,” he said, “I think your new son needs to find his bed, and it has been a long day for me as well. Good night, Alaric, and please tell Kadin good night for me when you tuck him in,” he said, reaching out a hand in friendship before striding from the Inn.

Reaching down and lightly shaking Kadin awake, Alaric whispered, “Come on, son, time for bed. You’ve gotten a bit too big to carry anymore.”

Groggily, the lad rose and followed Alaric to their quarters for the night. While Alaric turned down the covers on the boy’s bed, Kadin was neatly placing his clothes on the back of a chair. Done, the sleepy lad slid between the sheets and was quickly tucked in. “Thanks, Dad, I love you.”

Moved nearly to tears hearing that simple declaration, Alaric bent over and lightly kissed his son on the forehead. Running his fingers through the boy’s soft hair, Alaric said, “Evan said to tell you good night before he left, and I want to tell you that I love you too. Sleep well, my son.”

The next morning dawned cloudy and cool, so after a hearty breakfast, Alaric again led young Kadin out into the streets of Caemlann. Their first stop was a tailor shop with displays of warm winter clothing in the window that had been Alaric’s favorite for several years. Entering, Alaric quickly outlined what he was looking for in terms of clothing for Kadin. The seamstress quickly had the lad standing on a stool as she carefully took Kadin’s measure to enable her to make the underclothes, shirts, pants, coats and cloaks that Alaric had ordered for his foster son.

Measurements done, the three consulted on fabric and settled on the color for each item. Kadin, like Alaric, preferred earth tones and natural colors and needed to be guided towards the white winter cloak. “Trust me son, it will be useful this winter, you’ll see,” Alaric assured the lad. After reviewing the bill for the items he had ordered, Alaric offered to pay half in advance; an offer the shopkeeper gratefully accepted, saying it had been a slow summer and that people were only now starting to order warmer clothing. Alaric provided the shopkeeper with a bit of encouragement, telling her he anticipated a long and cold winter this year, which should be good for selling warmer clothing.

Leaving the tailor’s, they then proceeded to the leather market and first met with a cobbler, where they ordered Kadin a pair of waterproofed leather boots for winter use, and a pair of new mid-calf leather riding boots of a pull-on style. This involved Kadin removing his shoes and standing on a piece of parchment while the cobbler traced an outline of his feet, which Kadin thought tickled, followed by measurements of his feet, ankles, and calves, which were quickly written on the parchment along with his name. Alaric settled terms with the cobbler as Kadin put his shoes and socks back on before they headed to yet another leatherworker, this time an armorer.

Alaric indicated he wanted Kadin fitted for a reinforced leather breastplate that would wrap his torso, providing protection front and back. Alaric told the armorer that he wanted an integral scabbard built into the back of the armor. The armorer protested that he would need the sword to be able to fit everything properly, but before he had finished, Alaric had pulled Kadin’s elvin silver steel sword from under his cloak and handed it to the man. As a finishing touch, Alaric had Kadin measured for a pair of forearm vambraces that doubled as archery guards, preventing the bowstring from slapping the tender skin on the underside of the forearm. In addition, he asked the armorer to fabricate a pair of greaves to protect Kadin’s lower legs. The armorer took his time with a measuring string to ensure the items would fit properly, even using some sample equipment to verify the size of equipment that would best suit the boy. Alaric ensured the equipment would be dyed black and available the following week before settling terms with the shopkeeper. Once complete, the two headed off to one final destination, the best ski and snowshoe makers in Caemlann.

Trapping during the winter meant travel across snowy and icy terrain, and when the snow was deep or drifted, it became necessary to have one or both means of travel in the backcountry. Kadin was quickly fitted for a pair of skis that would support his weight without being overly long, along with a pair of poles. The shopkeeper followed this up by carefully fitting Kadin with a pair of snowshoes whose frames were made from steam-bent ash. As a last measure, Alaric insisted Kadin select three pairs of winter gloves and heavy woolen scarves, claiming this shop made the best winter gloves and woolens in the north woods. While Kadin’s new treasures were wrapped up to keep them dry, Alaric quickly settled the bill with yet another shopkeeper before leading his charge back to the Stag and Unicorn for a quick lunch.

As they were heading home in the wagon through a gentle misting rain, Kadin said, “Thank you for all the new equipment and clothing, Dad, but I think you spent too much on me.”

“Kadin my son, you helped me with the harvesting of the cremini mushrooms, so part of that was your money by right. As for the balance of the money I spent today, I’m going to teach you to trap this winter, which will enable us to run double the number of trap lines I could handle on my own. Trust me, son, we’ll earn that money back, and then quite a bit more besides.”

With that, Kadin squirmed his way under Alaric’s arm where he stayed for the rest of the long trip home.