The Sentinel of Cassendar: The High Captain

By C Tarkington

The Sentinel of Cassendar has stood strong for over two thousand years protecting the kingdom of Lanoxan and the royal family. An elite group of fighters and users of Mystics, the Sentinel is legendary for its strength, honor, and bravery. No members of the Sentinel are ever so revered as the men who have

• Language: English
• Publisher: C Tarkington
• Release date: May 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9781087969589

Book preview

Prologue

If the rolling hills of Winsdell could tell stories, they would have plenty to choose from. They could tell you of young lovers who strolled over their grassy knolls. They might mention the many generations of families who built homes and lived in their valleys. Perhaps they would weave tales of brave men of old who fought and died to settle the land for the kingdom. The hills could whisper of the many kings and queens buried deep under their lush green grass.

They could tell you all these tales and more, but like the folk who lived among the rolling hills of Winsdell, the hills would probably tell the tale of the Sentinel of Cassendar over and over. No one grew tired of talking of the many adventures and triumphs of the Sentinel. The Sentinel of Cassendar was not a large group. They were too elite and selective for too many to be counted in their number. Their group never boasted more than five hundred members, yet it was said they could fight as well as five thousand other talented soldiers.

There were many tales where the Sentinel was able to overtake vast armies who tried to raid the village of Winsdell and the royal family of the kingdom of Lanoxan, who lived there in its High Palace. According to the tales, the Sentinel of Cassendar was never defeated. It was said when raiding soldiers heard the thundering hooves of the horses of the Sentinel, they quaked in fear. When the Elites of the Sentinel were seen on their black horses, dressed in black and silver uniforms, veteran soldiers would turn tail and run.

It was easy to see why the folk of Winsdell took such pride in the Sentinel. Winsdell had long been a stronghold of safety and peace. The High Palace had stood at its center for over two thousand years with the royal family of Cassendar within its walls. Turmoil may threaten the rest of the kingdom, but the town of Winsdell never fell. It never suffered raiders or destructions because of the might of the Elites of the Sentinel.

The favorite tales of the Sentinel were always about the High Captains who served. The brave men who had held the position were legendary. Talented fighters and users of the mysterious and magical power of Mystics, these men were known for their extraordinary deeds. Heroldare was known to have killed over two thousand men by himself before they could breach the palace. Marcus was said to have jumped the great river with his horse to regain a princess from enemy forces. Justice was known for climbing the tallest tower of the palace from the outside to save his king. All the men who held the position of High Captain for the last two thousand years were known to be great.

Now there was a new tale of the Sentinel. One that made folks raise their eyebrows and start their tongues to wagging. A tale that at first was thought to be some falsehood or mistake. It was laughed off and dismissed until the ceremony took place. High Captain Valian was getting old. He was ready to pass on his leadership. It was time for him to choose the next High Captain.

Folk in Winsdell spent weeks discussing who he would pick. Some thought it would be Darron, the Lord of Farrell’s son. Darron was a great favorite in Winsdell, with his good looks and easy-going manners. He was known to be a talented fighter and user of Mystics.

Roderick Ellis was also a good choice. He was a little young, but most new High Captains were. He was not as high born as Darron, but his father had still been a lord. He was known to best Darron in sparring regularly, and almost no one could sit a horse as well as him. The day of the ceremony came, and Valian handed off the Silver Sword of The Sentinel to the next High Captain. The sword went to neither Darron nor Roderick.

When Valian handed over his silver sword, he handed it to another Elite of the Sentinel. One that some had dismissed as a rumor. No one could say this Elite wasn’t skilled or wise. Young perhaps, but there had been younger High Captains. No one could argue that this Elite wasn’t a great fighter, or user of Mystics, because it wouldn’t be true.

In fact, it was rumored that there had not been such a great user of Mystics seen in over one thousand years. This Elite was very high born, almost royalty. This Elite’s father was the High Lord of Winsdell. This Elite grew up in the shadow of the palace, spending days learning and playing with a prince and princess. This Elite had every qualification except one. She was not a man.

When, Valian passed the sword to the only daughter of the High Lord of Winsdell, Dracia Yates, gasps were heard all around. The members of the Sentinel, usually so still and quiet, made disbelieving noises. It took a stern glare from Valian for the Sentinel to bow before their new High Captain.

With all this, Dracia did not look fearful or unsure. She stared out with her bright brown eyes over the Sentinel. She said her vow with a clear, steady voice. She called for her seconds with no hesitation. She was the epitome of what a High Captain should be, except for her one fault of being a woman.

The king came with the prince and gave his blessing to the new captain. Dracia kneeled before them and swore her oath. The king showed no signs of displeasure or surprise, but folk thought the usually pleasant prince seemed unhappy as he held out his hand to the new High Captain. There was talk that he even dared to glare at his father.

Folks may have talked and shaken their heads, but life for the Sentinel went on. The new High Captain proved her worth, and any doubts within the Sentinel seemed to have been put to rest within the year. The High Captain was known to be much loved amongst the men and few women who made up the elite group of fighters. Their devotion to their leader was evident in their manner and speech.

She chose Darron and Rodrick as her seconds, and they seemed to serve with much pride and pleasure. Life went on in Winsdell as the Sentinel of Cassendar stood as firm as it had for the last two thousand years.

Chapter one

The road seemed deserted, which wasn’t unusual for the time of year. There weren’t many farms or fields in that part of Lanoxan’s southern hills, and the nearest village was a half-day ride. Most of the inhabitants would be busy with the spring planting and not traveling about the kingdom.

As the early spring wind blew around her, Dracia took one of her hands off the reins and pulled her black and silver cloak a little tighter around her. She took time to adjust her gloves as she looked to both sides to see nothing but thick trees. She was tired of spending every day riding and spending nights on the hard ground. It had been three weeks since she had taken a group of twenty-five Elites with her from the Fortress in Winsdell to search for enemy forces amongst the southern hills.

So far, they had not come across any soldiers from the hostile kingdom of Gedonia, but they had visited a few villages that had been attacked. It all seemed very unusual to Dracia, which troubled her. Occasionally the forces of Gedonia would come and ransack one of their small southern villages on the edge of the kingdom, but never many at once, and certainly none that were far enough into the kingdom to be in the southern hills.

Gedonian soldiers usually liked to strike fast and close to their own kingdom. They raided villages to steal supplies and sometimes terrorize the people, but what Dracia saw appeared more like an organized campaign along the border and into the hills. It was as if all the attacks were leading to something else. It unsettled her and made her wonder what was really going on. There was no way the Gedonian forces could be so organized. The forces they sent usually didn’t have enough soldiers to do the damage she saw in the villages.

How much longer do you expect us to be out here, Captain? groused a voice on her left.

Dracia looked over to see one of her seconds, Darron, looking at her in irritation. She fought the urge to roll her eyes. She did not like the man as he always seemed to be trying to make her feel as though she was inadequate as the High Captain. It never worked as Dracia was very sure of her abilities. She would not have accepted the position if she truly believed she could not do it. Being a woman, she had grown used to being questioned about her position at the Sentinel even before she was made High Captain. Still, it didn’t mean she had ever gotten past being annoyed by the doubts that surrounded her.

She looked away from Darron and focused on the road in front of them. We will stay out here until we find the force that is causing such havoc in our kingdom and take it out. I would also like to know more about what is going on. There have been far too many attacks on our villages lately.

It is probably just Gedonian soldiers replenishing their supplies after the long winter, said Darron. I am sure they have gone back to their kingdom by now. We should head back to Winsdell. We have spent too much time this far south, leaving Winsdell and the palace unprotected. I know you will want to be preparing for the Disciplines soon.

We will not head back to our home until I am sure our southern border is as secure as it can be. We will not leave our people to suffer at the hands of some savage kingdom. Dracia looked behind her to see twenty-five fellow Elites of the Sentinel all riding their black horses and keeping watch around them. The sun was very low in the sky. It had almost disappeared amongst the hills. Darron, ride back and tell the others we will stop and rest as soon as I spot an appropriate place for us to set up camp.

Of course, High Captain. I serve at your pleasure, after all. He gave her a small mock bow in his saddle and drew up his horse to fall back and ride with the others.

Don’t let him annoy you so, Captain, said Roderick as soon as Darron had left.

Dracia made a slight noise of exasperation. He does annoy me, Roderick. He always has. When I made him my second, I knew he would cause some trouble, but I saw no way around it. I had to find a way to placate him a little after his disappointment of not being chosen as High Captain. He has enough friends amongst the Upper Elites to make my life a little too interesting.

You have more support amongst those in the Sentinel than he could ever have. Roderick paused for a moment. You also have allies much higher than Darron will ever hope to rise.

I do not like relying on my father’s position to lead the Sentinel.

I wasn’t speaking of your father. Roderick gave her a meaningful look.

Dracia sighed. I’m not sure how many allies I actually have now besides my father, not after ignoring certain people the past few months.

Roderick laughed a little. Has that has ever worked when it comes to it?

I am serious in my attempt this time. I cannot go on as I have. I must face reality at some point. Roderick shook his head at her as she swallowed hard. She hated how much the subject affected her. She was so sure of herself in all areas of her life, but this one. I do not wish to speak of it. I want to keep focused on the task at hand.

Very well. Do you have any idea what is going on around here? Why are so many villages being attacked?

Dracia looked behind her to see Darron and the other Elites a good ways behind them. She never liked to confess any weakness, and she felt that admitting she had no idea what was going on with Gedonia was a weakness. Only to her trusted second, Roderick, would she admit her failing. She spoke quietly. I really don’t, Roderick, and it has made me nervous. If this is the work of Gedonian soldiers, they have never acted as such before. We have to find this force and not only end them, but try to get one or two to tell us what is going on.

She soon found a spot amongst a dense area of evergreen trees at the edge of a forest. She led her Elites to the middle of the trees and commanded them to find places to rest. After whispering to her horse and dismounting, Dracia grabbed her supplies and sat down on the edge of the space by a large tree. Roderick joined her, carrying over an armful of wood. He placed it in a stack in front of her and raised his hand, taking a moment to spark a fire using his Mystics.

He moved back to sit next to Dracia as she offered him a container holding some water. He drank from it while she pulled out some dried meat to eat. She did not relish spending another night on the hard ground with the cold early spring wind swirling around them. She would like to be back in her rooms in the Sentinel Fortress, but there was a task to do. She would see the task through and find out all she could to keep her kingdom safe. She was the High Captain of the Sentinel, and she would do her duty to the best of her ability. The Sentinel was only as strong as its High Captain, and she would prove to be stronger than anyone could imagine.

She knew many still questioned her leadership. A woman as High Captain was unheard of a year ago, but it didn’t matter to her. She believed she deserved her position. She had to believe it because doubt would not do her or her fellow Elites any good. Of course, there was another reason she might have her position, but she did not like to think about it. She avoided the subject so much that she was willing to spend a month out in the south of the kingdom chasing a group of Gedonial soldiers when she could have sent a group lead by an Upper Elite.

She looked up as Darron walked over to her and sat down next to the fire. How long will we rest here, Captain?

Until the early morning hours. Everyone should sleep in shifts tonight to make sure all are as rested as they can be. Dracia took a bite of her dried meat. I have a feeling we will finally meet our foes by tomorrow.

The evening passed quickly as the sun disappeared. All around her, Elites slept, with a few patrolling the area. Darron left to find a place to lie down, and Dracia sat next to Roderick, both bundled up in their cloaks.

You should rest for a while, High Captain, said Roderick.

You go first, Roderick. I do not think I could sleep even if I tried. You know how I am the night before a battle.

You really think we will meet with our enemy tomorrow?

I do, though I can’t explain how. I feel as if they are close. I could very well be wrong, but it won’t stop me from being anxious. Now, rest while you can. I’m going to take a short walk, said Dracia as she stood.

Roderick gave her a look as if he wanted to say something, but she cocked one eyebrow at him, and he sighed, Yes, Captain.

Dracia walked over to check on her horse, Aarit. He shook his head at her approaching, giving out a short whinny in greeting. She patted his neck and spoke quietly to him.

I know you are ready to be home for a few days, my friend. I’m rather anxious for my own bed. It won’t be long, and we will be riding for home.

Dracia laid her head against Aarit’s neck and thought of all that awaited her back in Winsdell. She had a daunting task ahead of her seeing over the training of the new novices they would invite to the Fortress. The Disciplines would start the first day of summer, and they needed some new Elites. She hoped they would have at least a handful of new trainees that would prove worthy.

There was another problem waiting for her back home, but she did not want to think of it at the moment. It was too hard. She almost thought she would rather roam the southern hills for two months than go back and face what she must. She had tried to put him out of her head, and during the day, it was easier. At night, when all was still, and she was alone with her thoughts, she couldn’t help but think of him. She missed him in so many ways, but she knew it was best to leave him in the past.

She pulled her head away from her horse and looked at him. I wonder if he thinks of me as much as I do him, Aarit.

Aarit shook his head, and Dracia gave a small smile. She patted him one more time as she heard a noise in the woods ahead of her. She wondered if it was one of her Elites, patrolling the area or taking their own walk. Deciding she would give whoever it was a break and secure the area herself, she walked forward towards the dense forest ahead of her.

She entered the forest, not finding any of her Elites. They must have been on the other side of the group as they slowly circled. She kept going deeper into the trees as something seemed to be drawing her forward. She got a bad feeling as she moved into a small clearing. A coldness went through her body that had nothing to do with the night wind. She might have been imagining it, but the night seemed to grow darker the further she walked. She walked forward a few more steps into a clearing in the middle of the forest, putting her hand on the hilt of the sword at her side. She heard a slight rustle behind her, and she turned quickly.

We are lucky, men, said a harsh voice just in front of her. I believe we are in the presence of the High Captain we have heard so much about.

Dracia turned, drawing her sword to see five men come out of the nearby trees, encircling her to trap her in the clearing. She took note of their black and yellow uniforms, knowing they were Gedonian soldiers.

She gave them a smirk and a slight curtsy. It’s good to know my reputation has made its way to Gedonia. I am flattered.

You wouldn’t be flattered if you knew what they said about you, grunted a short man. The night wind gusted, rustling the trees all around them.

Perhaps you would be so good as to tell me what is being said about me, said Dracia as she started calculating in her mind how to take out each man in front of her. I will be happy to set the record straight.

Well, I can see at least one of the rumors about you is a lie, laughed the man who had initially spoken. Dracia noted he was tall and muscular. She wondered how agile he was with his sword. If he was as skilled as he looked, he might provide her with a small challenge. No one could mistake you for a man.

Dracia rolled her eyes. I’ve heard the rumor you are referring to. I was hoping you would be a little more original in Gedonia, but what can I expect from such savages.

The short man growled. You shouldn’t be so disrespectful when you are so outnumbered.

Dracia gave one chuckle as she turned slightly. What makes you think I am outnumbered? She held up her free hand. I see you don’t know the first thing about me, but I will be happy to enlighten you.

She threw out her hand, sending a blast of fire at the five men. They split apart to avoid the flames. She turned and moved her hand up, sending two nearby rocks towards one of the men on the ground. He tried to get up, but the stones hit him hard in the temple with a nasty thud. He fell to the forest floor and did not move.

She threw out a gust of wind, knocking one man, who had gotten up, off his feet. Pushing out her hands, she caused another blast of wind to throw him into the trees. Turning, she met another man’s sword with her own. She traded blows with him before overpowering him and running her sword through his chest. She was left with two men, and she wanted to make sure she kept one alive.

The men circled her with their swords drawn and ready. Dracia held up her sword and her hand. The men in front of her looked entirely too pleased to have just watched her kill their fellow soldiers so easily. She was about to make her move when a noise to her right made her pause. A large group of soldiers of at least one hundred men came into view from all around her. She felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. She could perhaps take out more than a third by herself, but it was practically impossible for her to battle her way through such a large group.

Dracia did not feel fear very often, but a small tendril of it snaked its way through her body. Shaking her head, she put the feeling away quickly. Fear would not help her; it would only be a distraction. She quickly weighed her options. She could run for it and hope to make it back to camp. She could probably take out some of the group and run through the men, but one wrong move, and it would be the end. She could fight and hope the noise from the battle would alert her fellow Elites. She was deep in the forest, but she was less than ten minutes from where her Elites slept. Perhaps the noise would be enough to wake them up, or maybe soon, those on duty would complete their circle and realize something was wrong.

The man in front of her took all options out of her head as he moved to strike. She blocked him by reaching up high to stop his powerful blow before she threw out a column of fire with her other hand. She kicked out, sending the man in front of her sprawling as she manipulated the column of fire to move around the soldiers that were surrounding her. A few got through and came at her with swords drawn.

She did not back down or turn to run. She was trained to meet each challenge head-on, and she let her training take over. She met one soldier and blocked his move before another lunged for her. She managed to sidestep him and turned to plunge her sword into the man she had blocked. She pushed his body aside and threw out a blast of wind at the man who had tried to hit her. He was forced back, but she felt two more coming at her back.

She turned to face them when she saw another two coming towards her. All fear had left her entirely. It was replaced by adrenaline and the high she always felt when she was in a battle. She was suddenly lost in an endless cycle of blocking and striking, taking out those she could while trying to keep safe. She threw out some more wind and fire, but she was becoming tired from her use of Mystics. She had no thought of giving up as she quickly wiped some sweat off her forehead. No matter her fate, she would fight until the end. Determination and pride in who she was as an Elite of the Sentinel were all she felt as she continued to fight.

She had just blocked a sword coming towards her back when she heard a horse approach. She kicked out behind her and was afraid she wouldn’t block the man in front of her in time when the man staggered forth with a sword poking out of his chest. The man fell to his knees, and Dracia could see Roderick behind him. A tremendous feeling of relief came over her as she stared for one moment at her trusted friend. She turned and took out the man behind her before she and Roderick backed into one another.

I thought you were going to rest, said Dracia as she ducked so Roderick could take out a man to her right.

I couldn’t get comfortable, so I decided I would see about walking with you. I didn’t get very far when I heard the racket you were making fighting all these men, responded Roderick as he moved so she could send a blast of wind at a group of soldiers to their left.

You didn’t happen to alert…., started Dracia when she heard the thundering sound of hoofbeats on the forest floor. She looked over, and her twenty-five Elites converged on the Gedonian forces.

Dracia took care of the soldier in front of her and turned to Roderick. We need to take at least one alive. We have to find out what is going on.

Roderick nodded as she scanned the area, trying to identify a soldier to take, preferably one who looked like he was in charge. She spotted two soldiers at the edge of the field. One was large, and his sword was still hanging from his hip. She thought he must be the commander. She grabbed Roderick’s arm and motioned with her head. She took off towards the man with Roderick running with her.

The man saw her coming, and he pulled out his sword, as did the man next to him. She could have easily killed him with Mystics, but she wanted him alive, at least for a time. The man in front threw out his hand and sent a wall of fire at Dracia and Roderick. Dracia threw her hands up and pushed out, causing the wall to be moved to the side. She threw a gust of wind back at the man, but he put his hands down and was only slightly pushed back.

Roderick moved in front of her with his sword drawn. He lunged at the man and was met with a block. He lunged again, and the man blocked and struck out, Roderick managing to get his sword up. Dracia moved around them, trusting Roderick to take care of his opponent. She held up her sword as the commander in front of her held up his.

He swiped at her, and Dracia blocked easily. Fear was long gone as now she only felt caution in trying to achieve what she knew she needed. She had to be careful in her fight with the man in front of her. She needed him alive and subdued. She turned and stuck out at him. He met her sword with his own. They went back and forth, Dracia looking for a way to disarm him. She had just found her opening when something hit her knees from behind. It was the man Roderick had been battling. Roderick had defeated him, causing his body to roll into her.

Her breath left her as she slipped forward in shock and fell in front of the man she was facing. He raised his sword to strike her when Dracia quickly recovered and pushed her hand up. A harsh wind blew, causing the man to lose his grip on his sword. She smiled, knowing she had her opening. Standing up, she put out her hand, ready to use her Mystics to push him down, when he staggered forward, a sword buried in his back. He fell to reveal Darron behind him.

No! yelled Dracia as her eyes grew wide while she moved forward. She kneeled down by the man, who was breathing heavily and coughing. She was frantic. She needed information from him. I will find a way to save you. I will ride hard and find you a healer if you tell me why you are so far into the hills. Tell me why you have been attacking village after village. What does Gedonia hope to accomplish?

The man coughed and half laughed. He shook his head. What makes you think it’s just Gedonia?

Dracia looked at him for a moment. What do you mean?

The man coughed up blood and breathed his last. Dracia stood up and looked at Darron as fury caused her to move forward. Why did you do that?

He was about to kill you, Captain. What did you expect me to do? Darron moved a few steps back.

I had everything under control, Darron, fumed Dracia. She turned and looked around the area. Are any left alive?

It doesn’t look like it, said Roderick as he held his hand.

Dracia sighed and looked at Roderick. Are you injured?

It is nothing, just a small cut, replied Roderick.

She could see the blood pooling in his hands. Let’s take care of that and then head towards home. There is nothing else for us to do out here now.

She picked up her sword and walked towards their camp, angry and uneasy and feeling like they had accomplished nothing.

Chapter two

The early spring morning air held a chill as Galen sat on one of the highest hills outside Windell. He shuddered slightly as a light wind blew around him, causing him to wrap his gray cloak around his body. He took a deep breath of the fresh air around him. It was the last few weeks of freedom for him.

As an eighteen-year-old, soon he would face his future. Now that he was home after studying the last four years at the lower academy of Cacia, he now would either attend the Royal Academy, work in an apprenticeship, or if he got his greatest wish, he would train to try to become one of the Elite of the kingdom.

Galen curled his fingers toward his palms, and several fist-sized rocks rolled towards him into a neat pile. He spread the fingers in his hand, and a spark flew out of his fingers, hitting the rocks, causing a small fire to burn. Galen placed his hands over the fire to feel the warmth.

Great gods of our king, Galen, where did you learn how to do that? asked Martin Nest as he walked up the side of the hill to sit by Galen.

The same place as many do, Martin, the lower academy. It is a usual lesson, replied Galen pulling back a lock of his black hair out of his eyes.

I’m sure they teach all students to spark fire, but I don’t think many could do it as easy as you just did, and the trick with the stones, do you even have to try at all? Martin adjusted his fine black cloak and ran a hand through his light brown hair.

Of course, I have to try; I’ve just had a lot of practice, said Galen with a smile. Did they not teach you Mystics at the Eastern Academy? I thought they had only the best instructors from both Lanoxan and Siccaria.

I have learned enough about Mystics. Why should I take it seriously? Besides casual use, when will I ever need it? asked Martin as he picked up a small stone.

Galen supposed Martin was right. As the only son of Lord Nest, he would take over for his father someday. He would serve on the king’s council and oversee the Nest’s lands and home. He would not have to use Mystics to fight or work as a healer or teacher or anything else. He would not have to forge his own way as Galen would.

When did you get back into town? asked Galen.

About a week ago. I meant to visit you earlier, but my father has taken up all my time since returning. He didn’t even let me have a full day of rest before he dragged me into his study to start teaching me about the estate.

The struggles of being the only son of a High Lord of the court. I am sure you will manage it, Martin, said Galen with a smirk.

So, what are you going to do with your impressive skills, Galen? asked Martin. You could be a healer. Our city hasn’t had a powerful Mystics healer in a long time. My father says our healers today couldn’t cure a simple cough.

I have applied to attend the Royal Academy and for a few other positions. Galen put his hand over the fire and called a small flame to jump into his palm.

Martin chuckled. Would I be able to guess at least one position, Galen?

What are you trying to guess, Martin? Is it how useless you really are? asked Tomas as he sat down heavily on Galen’s other side. Because I can tell you if you would like.

Tomas held out his hand and curled his fingers in and out. The flame in Galen’s hand jumped into Tomas’s. He had been in almost all of the same classes as Galen in the lower academy. They had spent many hours working on their Mystics together.

Jump off the highest hill, Tomas. I don’t care about your opinion. You’re just sour because your father has said you have to apply at the Royal Academy to learn apothecary. I heard your father talking all about it the other day when I visited the court with my father.

He wants me to study runes too, said Tomas miserably. While my stupid older brother can do whatever he wants as the next lord. Still, father doesn’t know what else I’ve applied to do.

Galen shook his head. What happens if you actually get selected? Do you think he will let you do it?

He will have no say. I am of age, and I can choose my own path, said Tomas.

He can cut you off from your inheritance and his support, suggested Martin. Are you prepared for that to happen?

I am, said Tomas. If I am selected, I will have no use for his support, anyway. I will have all I need with my fellow Elites.

What if you go to training and you aren’t selected. What will your father do then? asked Martin. Do you think he will take you back?

I don’t plan on failing. Tomas threw the small flame in his hand back into the fire on the stones.

Galen looked at Tomas and wondered what would happen if Tomas failed to make it as a full Elite. His father wanted Tomas to have no part of the Sentinel. Many parents did not like their children joining the Sentinel. It was a dangerous position with little or no chance for personal glory or riches. Would his father disown him for good? Galen supposed Tomas could make his way on his own. He was very good at Mystics. He was smart and could find work in many different areas of the kingdom. Galen thought Tomas might even be a good instructor one day if he ever learned to hold his tongue.

I suppose you are for certain going to get called by the Sentinel for training, Galen, said Tomas sitting back with his hands on the ground.

Why do you say that, Tomas? asked Galen. I imagine my marks in the lower academy have been about the same as yours. What makes you think I have any more chance than you?

Martin rolled his eyes. Your brother is a second to the High Captain. Shouldn’t that at least count for something?

Galen shook his head. If anything, Roderick having the ear of the High Captain does me no favors. Mother does not want me to join the Sentinel. I know she has written Roderick to see if he will step in and see that my application is denied.

Will Roderick do it, do you think? Tomas looked over at Galen.

Galen shrugged. Roderick doesn’t talk much about his life in the Sentinel when he visits. He says he cannot discuss the secrets of his fellow Elites or his High Captain.

He will tell you nothing of the High Captain? asked Martin. I wonder what she is really like. I have barely gotten a peek at her since I returned except from far away.

I hear she is built like a man, tall and boxy with a flat chest. I hear she even has facial hair, said Tomas grinning.

Martin snorted. And I hear she is a great beauty that no man can look away from. I hear the only reason she was chosen as High Captain is because she seduced Valian with her womanly ways.

Galen rolled his eyes. He liked his friends well enough. He became close to Tomas at the lower academy as they studied the same subjects, but Tomas could be ridiculous at times. Galen had barely seen Martin in the last four years, and he had hoped Martin would have matured while he was away. It didn’t seem like it was the case. Galen didn’t have much time in his life for such childishness. She was chosen as the High Captain because she was worthy. Roderick would not serve her if it were not so. As far as the rest, I imagine the truth is somewhere in the middle as it is with most gossip and rumors.

Besides, Martin, what do you know of womanly ways? asked Tomas. Have you ever talked to a girl? I am willing to wager half my inheritance that you have never kissed one.

Martin grew red in the face. You know nothing of women and me, Tomas. I have more experience than you know. It does not matter because I am already promised to a great beauty from Northonton, the Lady Isadale.

Who says she is a great beauty? Tomas laughed. Is it your father? What would he know of beauty? I mean, look at your mother. You should be glad you didn’t get her nose.

Martin stood up abruptly with his hands at his side in fists. Do not talk about my mother, Tomas, unless you are prepared to handle the consequences.

Tomas stood up and dusted off his dark pants. He held his hand up and three large rocks rotated around him. I am very prepared to handle anything you can throw at me, my lord.

Galen jumped up and stood between them. Stop it, now. Martin, I am sure Tomas was only joking. Your mother is a fine woman from a good family. He has always liked to get under your skin. You need to learn to ignore him. Tomas, how would you like it if I talked about your mother and the rumors that run through the village about her?

Yes, Tomas, if you want to talk about noses, yours doesn’t look like your mother’s or your father’s. Some say it looks exactly like Axen, the head of the armory, said Martin angrily.

Did you just insinuate I am a bastard, Martin? The rocks around Tomas increased in their speed of rotation.

Perhaps, I did. Martin raised his hand, and the wind picked up all around them.

Galen took a deep breath and threw his hands out. The rocks by Tomas’s side burst into dust. He pushed out his hands, and the wind swirled around them. He threw his hands down, and Tomas and Martin were both sat down hard on their backsides.

You are both too old and have been friends for too long for this pettiness. You need to leave this childish behavior behind. Galen sighed and gathered himself. He turned to Martin. Martin, you will be a High Lord of the court of Cassendar. You cannot bite at every little baiting that comes your way. Galen looked at Tomas. Tomas, if you want to become an Elite of the Sentinel, you will have to learn to keep your mouth shut and control your temper.

Tomas leaned back with a huff as he shook out his wavy dark hair. He picked up a rock and threw it down the hill. Martin looked at Tomas and then leaned forward with a deep breath. Galen took his place between them and looked out over the hills hoping they would have some peace for one moment. He could see someone on a black horse riding towards them. As the horse came to the crest of a few hills over, Galen realized who was riding their way.

Is that your brother? asked Martin, shielding his eyes from the small amount of sun that was peeking through a cloud.

I believe so, said Galen. I guess he made it back from his trip in the southern hills. I wonder what he is doing out here.

I would guess looking for you, Galen. Tomas picked up a rock and levitated it over his hand.

All three watched as Galen’s brother, Roderick, rode up to them. Like all horses of the Sentinel, Roderick’s large horse was mostly black except for two white markings on each of its back legs. Galen watched as it made its way over the rocks of the hills with ease.

Roderick stopped a little ways from them. He gracefully got off his horse and stretched. He was dressed in the usual Sentinel attire. His britches and shirt were black. On his shirt was the Sentinel's standard, a tower with vines around it, stitched in silver. He had on a long black cloak that was edged in silver embroidery. It was fastened around his neck with a large silver clasp. He wore a long silver chain with a shield on it, marking him as a second of the High Captain. Combined with his dark hair and light blue eyes, Roderick was an intimidating sight as an Elite of the Sentinel.

He whispered something to his horse and then smiled at Galen and his friends. He walked in front of them and nodded to each one. Martin, Tomas, it is good to see you back in Winsdell. I trust your studies went well.

As well as they needed to for me, said Martin, good-naturedly.

Tomas rolled his eyes and caught the rock that he was levitating in his hands. Things seem to be going well for you, Roderick. Why don’t you have a seat and speak with us? Tomas scooted over, giving Roderick room to sit next to Galen.

Roderick nodded and sat down next to Galen with ease. How are you today, little brother? He lightly bumped his shoulder against Galen.

I am well, Roderick, and glad to see you came back safely from your trip, answered Galen. What are you doing out here?

I went to see you at the house. Jerr in the stable said you were out in the hills somewhere, so I came looking for you. Roderick looked at the fire in front of them. Which one of you took the time to build this little fire pit?

Galen did it in about ten seconds, said Martin. I’ve never seen anything like it.

Roderick glanced at Galen with one eyebrow raised.

Galen shrugged. It’s nothing really. Anyone who paid attention at the lower academy and applied themselves could do the same.

Tomas laughed. Your modesty does get old after a while, Galen. You do know it is alright to be good at something, don’t you?

And when I have an achievement that means something, I will take great pride in it, replied Galen. "Making a fire barely big enough for three people isn’t all that impressive.

Maybe not, agreed Roderick. But you should take pride in the skills you have learned. Mother and Alaric both seem to be impressed with your Mystics ability. Mother is worried and delighted about what you have learned.

Worried? asked Martin. Why would she be worried?

Galen picked up a pebble and threw it. "She doesn’t