Fox Elvensword the Road to Paladinhood: Book Four

By George Allen Butler II

The bridge at Canterbri cannot be ignored. Either a conduit to the east or a conduit into hell, but the bridge is not quite as abandoned as it first appears. The shard has awoken something in the mountains, something ancient and evil. A monstrosity has been alone for far too long and is hungry. From its hidden lair, the fiend threatens with nightmares. The beast simply will not allow the ranger to rest.

Drawn to the prospect of expansion like a moth to a flame, Fox sets out to make his mark and carve an empire of his own, but will Emperor Bhaal tolerate the ranger’s trespass? Fox quickly learns simply taking something is not the same thing as owning it.

A deadly assassin steps onto the field, but his motives are not truly exposed. It seems death is not finished with the ranger yet. Fox must avoid the pitfalls of success to regain what was lost and navigate the road to paladinhood.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 31, 2019
• ISBN: 9781728313641

George Allen Butler II

George Allen Butler II was born in Danville Illinois on Oct 20th1968. He graduated from Danville Area Community College in 1988. After trying several lines of work, accounting, small business owner, railroad repair, he enlisted in the U.S Army’s Rocket Artillery in 2000. He served in several overseas tours of duty fromthe Liberation of Iraq in 2003, Korea in 2004-2005, 2010, and 2016-2017, Enduring Freedom Afghanistan in 2008, and Operation New Dawn 2011-2012. While deployed, George Butler sat down to write the books he always wanted to. Fox Elvensword and the Sword of Bhaal is his first published work. That story is continued in Fox Elvensword, The Champion of Tanger, Fox Elvensword and the Shard of Terraman, and Fox Elvensword, the Road to Paladinhood. He has also written Utopia Prime, a space saga.

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© 2019 George Allen Butler II. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 05/30/2019

ISBN: 978-1-7283-1363-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-1364-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019906834

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Chapter 1 The Balcony

Chapter 2 Application

Chapter 3 A New Sword

Chapter 4 The Bazaar

Chapter 5 Unexpected Meetings

Chapter 6 The Naming Ceremony

Chapter 7 The Orphanage

Chapter 8 Dark Meetings

Chapter 9 The Death Toll

Chapter 10 Departure

Chapter 11 Emperor Bhaal

Chapter 12 The East Watch

Chapter 13 Return to the Main Hall

Chapter 14 The Next Morning

Chapter 15 The Way to the Snake

Chapter 16 Into the Cavern

Chapter 17 The Sword of Bhaal

Chapter 18 The Road to Canterbri

Chapter 19 Murder in the Palace

Chapter 20 The Best Laid Plans

Chapter 21 The Undead King

Chapter 22 Upstairs

Chapter 23 Bad News

Chapter 24 Blood Stain

Chapter 25 The Burial

Chapter 26 The Walk Home

Chapter 27 The Next Morning

Chapter 28 The Letter

Chapter 29 The Field

Chapter 30 Death Magic

Chapter 31 Death-Touched

Chapter 32 Bruin the Dog

Chapter 33 Unholy Rights

Chapter 34 The Gates of New Tanger

Chapter 35 Wafer

Chapter 36 The Way Out

Chapter 37 The Cave

Chapter 38 Trials

Chapter 39 Capture

Chapter 40 The Forge

Chapter 41 The Long Ride North

Chapter 42 East Watch

Chapter 43 Return to the Road

Chapter 44 The Blank

Chapter 45 Castle Black

Chapter 46 Brother Titus

Chapter 47 The Lesson

Chapter 48 Shield Training

Chapter 49 Cats

Chapter 50 The Return

Chapter 51 Murder

Chapter 52 Celenae’s House

Chapter 53 Nightmare

Chapter 54 Visions

Chapter 55 Nightmare

Chapter 56 The Gates of Nineveh

Chapter 57 The Arena

This book is dedicated to my two sons,

Aaron Michael Butler and Tristan William Briel.

May your lives be full of endless adventure, good health, and happiness!

Special thanks to Lisa Miles for her expert editing skills, to Dawn Spears for her patience in creating the perfect book cover, and to everyone who helped make this book possible.

The fox, the tiger, and the chicken.

T HERE ONCE WAS a red fox sitting on the banks of a raging river. He watched a chicken walk about on the opposite bank as it scratched the sand looking for seeds to eat. Hungry, the fox had often tested the waters of the river, but he found the waters too fast and knew he could never make it across. He always turned back just before being swept downstream.

From the deep woods behind him came a huge tiger who walked out onto the bank to drink and saw the plump chicken on the far side of the river. The fox saw him and started to dart away, but the tiger simply sat down on the sand and licked his lips, looking at the chicken. His maw dripped saliva as he too thought about eating the chicken.

I take it that you want to eat that chicken, as well, the tiger said perceptively.

I would very much like to eat that chicken, but I can’t cross the river, the fox replied. The current is too strong for me.

Well, I can easily swim across the river, but I can’t catch the chicken, the tiger said. He is too fast for me.

If you can get me over there, I will catch the chicken, and we can both eat tonight, the fox said.

The tiger got up and waded into the river, Get on my back and I will get you across the river, but remember, you have to let me have some.

The fox ran and pounced on the tiger’s back, and the tiger began to swim across the river. When the fox could manage the leap to the other bank, he stepped on the tiger’s head, driving it down into the water, and leaped with all of his might to the other side. The chicken saw him coming and dashed down the river bank, but the fox was too fast for him. He quickly caught the chicken, and tore into it with abandon.

The tiger took his time catching up to the fox and when he got there, he swatted the fox away from the chicken, grabbed the chicken, and tossed it up into the air to catch it in his mighty jaws. He chewed gustily, grinding the bones up into small pieces. In one mighty gulp, he swallowed down the rest of the chicken.

The fox rolled over on the sandy bank and stood up. The chicken was gone.

Weren’t we both going to eat the chicken? the fox asked.

We both did, the tiger responded.

But you ate most of it! the fox complained. I just got a small piece.

But without me, you would have missed out on what little you had, the tiger said.

The fox thought about it. After all, it was pretty fair that the huge tiger eat the most.

Rubbing his chin, Would you be here tomorrow for more chicken?

The tiger smiled, Only if you are treating.

An Old Human Proverb

Prologue

THE DEATH OF RICKTURIAN

Deep in the Caverns of Rickturian’s Lair

F OX CHARGED THROUGH the piles of molten coins to assault the dragon, face to face.

Instinctively, the dragon scooped up a clawful of coins as he backed away. Then, as if realizing his current advantage, he slung the coins as hard as he could at the approaching ranger.

The sting of being struck by so many small objects assailed Fox’s senses. He had to stop running as pain shot through his body. Another golden shower pelted through the air at Fox and he was forced to hold both arms up to shield his face from the raining missiles.

Seeing how effective this was at stopping the ranger, Rickturian grabbed another handful of coins and gems, along with a few scimitars. He slung the whole mess at Fox in a spray that struck Fox even harder this time.

Fox retreated back a step to give himself more room to block the most dangerous projectiles. A scimitar struck his sword and flipped end over end to slice a nasty gouge out of his arm. A large gem thumped against his side and Fox felt his rib crack from the impact.

How dare you come here and feel as if you can just slay me in my own home! Rickturian seethed, spit and gore driveling down his neck.

The mighty dragon looked now for the best pile to gather in his claw to toss at the ranger. He found swords, armor, and bones and tossed an enormous, jumbled clutter at the ranger.

Fox had to retreat again. Corrin was now nowhere to be seen as he fended off another assortment of rusted armor and weapons. Coins repeatedly stung his face and scalp as they rained down on him. With blood gushing from his arm, Fox had to run back to the safety of the niches in the cave wall.

Corrin’s face appeared from behind a stalagmite and Fox darted toward the safety it presented. A huge jeweled stone impacted the back of his head, causing him to fall. He scrambled forward and crawled through the mess of smelted weapons and gold. Corrin dragged him back behind the rock formation and rested him up against the stone. Fox immediately started to cast the spell that would alleviate the pain in his side.

I would fix that arm first, if I were you, Corrin advised.

Fox nodded, as he peered out to see what the dragon was up to. A boulder smashed against the wall by his face.

I think we’re about to get that licking we anticipated when we first got here, Corrin said. Why did you have to make him so mad?

Now that the flow of blood running from his arm had stopped, Fox leaned against the stone and brought the Sword of Bhaal up to look at it.

There had to be a way to kill this dragon, Fox thought.

Dragons are demonic and can only be put down by divine magic. Igget had said. The words rang in his head like a mantra. But where in all of this mess would I find divine magic?

The last time he had thought about divine magic was during the ceremony in the Great Hall in Treetop when his banner had dropped, revealing the colors of his new House of Elvensword. Instinctively, Fox touched the handle of Bhaal’s sword and felt the heat of it. The heat of a paladin’s sword, Fox thought. The heat of divine magic. The teeming energy from the sword surged through his fingers. If he could somehow pierce it deep into the dragon’s neck and then break the hilt off, it would release the powerful divine magic into the dragon. Surely nothing could survive that merciless power. He knew this action would likely kill him as well, but Fox had to kill that dragon at all cost. Corrin should be able to recover The Shard and dispose of it properly. It was worth a try. He knew it was all he had left.

Images of fire and pain filled Fox’s mind as he looked at the weapon. He now knew the weapon was fighting back in the only way it knew how. Its long razor-sharp blade glistened in the magical light given off by Swiftwind. Bhaal’s weapon was powerful, more powerful than even Swiftwind. The magic that controlled its destructive nature must be divine. The destruction of such a blade would surely rip the fabric of reality. Could a dragon survive the destruction of such a blade? Fox meant to find out.

The sword saw the plan forming in the mind of the ranger. It fed images of the blade holding him up in the Shard’s chambers during the battle with Bhaal. It fed him images of when he lay on his back on the mountainside as the dragon Terantheraxus breathed fire on his caravan. It tried as hard as it could to convince the master it was the most valuable thing on the planet to him. I mustn’t destroy my sword, Fox thought suddenly.

The sword is evil. It controls you, Fox, he remembered Celenae’s words. Twisted in hate with a blood-thirsty appetite is not how a paladin’s sword should feel.

In his mind, Fox saw the hammer smack the metal and twist it into a blade as he looked at the weapon. It was a weapon constructed just for him. Together, they could kill the dragon. Fox watched the magical energy enter the weapon. It gave him an idea.

Fox looked out at the massive beast making its way to him. Fox knew that there was no sword swing that could kill Rickturian, but the fury of released divine magic could. Fox’s face transformed from desperation to determination as he drew back to strike the demonic creature as it thudded on the coins on the ground, tossing them aside. Inspiration filled him as he imagined a way to destroy the sword and at the same kill the dragon in the process.

Corrin, throw your hammer at my sword! Fox shouted. As soon as it’s in his throat, throw your weapon at it as hard as you can.

Bloody and broken from the coins that struck him, Corrin looked at Fox from where he was hiding. The hammer glowed red hot in his hand as he cast a spell to make it fly true. Placing his back to the stone wall, Corrin watched Fox. He nodded to let Fox know he was ready.

Fox moved quickly from his hiding spot to stand where he could throw the sword. Staring the dragon dead in its eyes, Fox swung forward the sword he had found in the pit so long ago. It flipped end over end as it raced toward the throat of its target. Cutting its way through the scales of Rickturian’s neck, it stuck true.

Seeing the sword fly from Fox’s hand, Corrin tossed the hammer with all of his might.

Corrin’s hammer neatly followed the path of Fox’s blade and connected with the gem in the pommel, shattering it as it drove the blade deep inside the monster’s throat. The explosion threw Corrin’s hammer back the way it came. Sparks flew in all directions as the shattered gem glanced through the air.

Rickturian jerked back from the sudden pain and shock as the sword wedged deep into his neck. He reached up with a bleeding, sliced claw to try and tug it out. Corrin swung his heavy steel chain at the claw and it wrapped around it. Grabbing it with both hands, he pulled back with all of his strength and averted the monster from reaching the sword.

The blood from Rickturian’s wound ignited on the magical weapon as his saliva coated the edge of the weapon buried deep in his throat, dissolving the steel as no other solvent could. Fire shot from around the sword in his neck as the steel burned.

The magic that had forged Bhaal’s weapon so long ago was becoming undone. It exploded as the magic within could no longer be contained by the steel, ripping the fabric of reality as the wretched souls that had been trapped in the weapon tumbled out into the flesh of Rickturian and started tearing their way out. Energy roared through Rickturian as his head jerked away violently from the exploding weapon, snapping his neck.

With a last blasting surge of energy, Casorath released all of the power used to forge him. What was good and pure was expended, leaving only that which Serran had impregnated in the steel in its final reconstruction.

The cambion was finally free. Free of the cold, harsh steel that had imprisoned him for so long. Through the flesh and blood of the dying dragon it flowed as it sought release. The magic that Serran had poured into its blade ripped what was divine away from Rickturian and buried it deep inside of the soul of the cambion, giving him new life.

Unseen by the eyes of the cleric and the ranger who had just minutes ago destroyed the blade’s phylactery, the cambion escaped through the bloody flesh to seek a more suitable body. It felt the mystical call of healing magic from far above in the caverns as a human priest was praying over his fallen companion. Straight up through the ancient rocks of the cavern to take advantage of the healing spell being cast the cambion’s soul raced, until it plunged upward into the body of the dead elf’s body, giving it new life.

Andorian, are you okay? said a human male holding the hand of the elf, as he felt the sudden surge pumping through the body.

The cambion carefully opened his new eyes and peered out into the darkness for the first time. The faces looking down at him were full of concern. A fat human with a balding head, who obviously did not belong down here, bent over him with a flask of water in his hand. He poured it gently into the cambion’s new mouth.

Andorian drank water for the first time and savored it, relished it. He relaxed back on the stone and closed his eyes as he focused on breathing. He felt air enter his body for the first time. His arms and legs burned with the pain of the nicks and cuts that still had not healed, but it was nowhere near the pain he had felt when he had controlled Fox that one day.

Burdened by the heavy leather and ring mail armor that he was wearing, Andorian struggled to sit up and finally did with the help of those around him. He shook out his long blond hair even though his head ached.

With his blue eyes open wide, he looked at his new friends, I am now.

Chapter One

THE BALCONY

F OX STOOD QUIETLY as he looked out over the ever-expanding city of New Tanger. His attention was primarily focused on the new orphanage and its sister building that would become the new school. He marveled at the huge flying buttresses and red tile roof. At last report, it was almost completed, and he could hardly wait to see inside. But that was not what had Fox up so early. He had come to a conclusion.

His leather-gloved hands ground the fresh rust from the wrought iron rail, as he went over the decision that was burning in his head. He did not notice his sister watching him from the glass-pained double doors that separated the balcony from his bedroom. His blue eyes were fixed on the city, but his mind was miles away from there.

Celenae paused with a tingle of fear when she saw him standing there. She expected to find him, it was just that he was dressed as if he was about to take off again on some foolish adventure and leave her behind. His blond hair was blowing gently in the wind, and he was wearing a shirt of fine-woven chain mail just as he always liked to wear. The brass links of its hem dangled just over his heavy buckskin pants that clung tightly around his rear and were tucked neatly into his dark brown high-top leather boots.

Swiftwind was at his side, resting comfortably in its special holder for when he practiced out here. Redemption was miles away in the imperial palace in its own black basalt plinth, where it could be viewed by anyone who made the pilgrimage to see it. For the first time in its history, the imperial palace had a purpose other than being a resting place for Lord Draggo and his siblings, or a venue for occasional meetings. Specially trained palace guards now stood vigil over the illustrious weapon night and day.

Celenae brushed aside the silky gossamer curtain to walk boldly out onto Fox’s balcony. Her boots tapped softly as she made her way to his side and looked out at the city in a vain attempt to see exactly what he was looking at. The green and black dress she wore was blowing around her knees and she was thankful for the heavy green tunic she wore underneath. The cool breeze would have chilled her. She curled her toes inside her boots as she waited for him to acknowledge her.

I am going to take up Lord Gammel’s offer, he said without moving.

Celenae looked sideways at him. He has a position for you someplace?

Fox grinned as he looked back at his sister, I am going to train to become a paladin, just as I always should have.

So, you are finished with the ranger then? she asked.

I can be both, Fox said confidently, turning back to the city.

And the University in Te’are?

To hell with it, Fox said briskly.

Celenae looked carefully at his face, trying to read his expression. Had the loss of Flame’s love burned him that bad that he would give up his dream, or did he just realize that it was never really his dream anyway?

I seriously cannot see the difference between the two anyway, Fox said. I could have learned everything I needed in Treetop. The whole trip was a waste of time.

Lady Murrell must have had some reason to send us all that way, Celenae remarked as she thought about the long trip. We saved countless lives. Surely, that was not in vain.

Lady Murrell was all wrapped up in the Savior of the Elvin Nations crap, Fox spat. I am sure she thought others would believe it as well, if I was something more, something special.

You’re someone special to me Fox Elvensword, Celenae said, as she slid her hand up to his shoulder. You always will be.

Fox smiled as he looked back on the city as it awoke from its slumber. The sun had just poked over the mountain to flood the valley with its light. He was proud of what it had become. Huge block buildings were replacing the old ramshackle wooden ones. The wealth of the dragon Rickturian had been spread far and New Tanger had benefited greatly by it. So much had been done, but there was still so much left to do.

His eyes focused on the new orphanage and its school. Built to rival the architectural wonders of Te’are, the massive building far outshined the meager constructions around it. Its meticulous white stone blocks had been cut and painstakingly dragged from the cliffs of some far off quarry. Fox loved the color of its dark red clay-tiled roof. From here he could see the tall statues of elven knights that stood vigil amongst the columns in the breezeway around the third floor. Behind them, benches sat at regular intervals for the children to study at. He would go there today and spend the day teaching his short life’s most important lessons.

He looked from there to the newly refinished entrance to the dwarven stronghold in the mountain. Huge dwarven statues of heroes welding every sort of weapon imaginable had been carved in the rock face where the bland stone of the mountainside used to be. King Corwin had spared no expense to make that place appear as grand as he could. He wanted to exhibit that these dwarves were well-off, well-prepared, and no longer feared what was outside their mountain.

Fox knew that deep inside the once deserted caverns now bristled with new dwarves who had come from far away to live in the mighty stronghold. The smoke from the furnaces deep below pumped out of vents above the mountain to hang in clouds above its rocky crags. The dwarves were doing well for themselves, even though rumors existed that it was The Shard that accounted for their success.

From there, Fox looked east to the new smoke billowing up from the East Gate and knew Pellanor would be standing guard there with his Night Watch, making sure that the gate was well taken care of. He knew the smoke meant that Pellanor was burning the corpses of zombies who had attacked last night, as they continually had since The Shard had arrived here in New Tanger. The only good thing to come out of this was that Pellanor was getting much needed experience in leading small groups of soldiers with Flame at his side.

At least the mobs of undead assaulting the city were diminishing each night. The end of this hellish nightmare was closing rapidly. The only thing left was to clear out the town beside Canterbri Bridge and it would be done and over with as far as the elves were concerned. But who could Fox send to complete that? His soldiers were already depleted throughout the cities and lands that Lord Draggo had promised to protect.

The shuffling of feet behind him reminded him that his sister was still here, and for a reason. She wanted him to come down and eat breakfast with her. He would have to contemplate such things later on his rounds through the city.

Tomorrow, I will go with Pellanor to see Lord Gammel, Fox said finally.

I’m sure my father will be glad to see you, Celenae said. I’m sure he will be delighted to have you help with his class as well.

Fox sighed. He turned to walk with her down to the kitchen.

Chapter Two

APPLICATION

T HE NEXT DAY, Fox was dressed in his full plate armor as he rode beside Pellanor, who was dressed in the black armor of the Champion of Tanger. The two of them rode in silence through the streets of New Tanger, as little children peeked curiously from the safety of their doorways. Each one knew well the stories of the one who carried Swiftwind strapped across his back. Each one watched and imagined the two engaged in combat with hordes of undead or one of the terrible demonic dragons he was rumored to have slain. Every now and then a cluster of brave ones left their perches to stalk the soldiers in the shadows for as far as they dared. Some even scampered after the knights far out into the field between New Tanger and the road that led to the West Gate.

Fox was the first to see the circle of warriors forming, and he clearly picked out Lord Gammel in the middle by his surcoat alone, guiding his horse through the armored elves, engaged undoubtedly in some type of in depth lecture.

Lord Gammel brought his mount to a halt the second he saw Fox and his procession clear the rise that separated this part of the valley from the city. He waited for him unmoving, as the two knights made their way down the dusty dirty road toward him. Lord Gammel pulled his helmet off at the last possible moment to accentuate the honor and bowed his head as Lord Elvensword rode up to the outermost edge of the group. His students removed their helmets as well and lowered their eyes in respect for the powerful Champion.

Is there something you need done, Milord, Lord Gammel asked reverently.

Pellanor rode into the group and straight to Lord Gammel’s side, removing his own helmet as well. I present to you my squire, his Lordship Fox Elvensword. It is his wish that you accept him and allow him to join your class and to take up your offer to be schooled in the most noble art of Paladinhood.

Lord Gammel rode past Pellanor, grinning and shaking his head dismissively. Milord, you are far beyond the meager skills of a simple squire.

Am I to assume that you are now retracting your offer? Fox accused tentatively, memories of Grishnak’s rejection resurfaced in his mind.

Lord Gammel chuckled as his horse nervously stepped forward. Celenae would surely disown me if I did.

I can deal with her if there is a problem, Fox said, half-relieved.

Lord Gammel sat still, watching the boy’s expression. He truly did not want to turn him away. There was just something about being asked by the one he truly believed to be the savior of them all. Lord Gammel felt that he himself was unworthy of this task, especially after the way he had treated Fox all those years ago. He ground his teeth as he thought of a practical solution.

I had, at one time, desired to become a paladin, Fox continued, as he looked into the eyes of Lord Gammel. I would have applied properly if I was not a young Selwin trapped in the stigma of being Grumach. Now that that lie has been lifted, as well as the restrictions on who can and cannot become a paladin, I wish to pursue my childhood dream.

A shame I bare as well, Milord, Lord Gammel admitted. I wanted you in secret at the time, and have wanted you as my squire for some time now. But your path led you away to much nobler exploits.

The Empire has changed all that, Fox said straightening up. The edicts I helped to pass have made it illegal to bar worthy candidates based on their racial origins. This can be a new beginning for us all.

Lord Gammel sat back on his horse as he marveled at how far Fox had come. He was now the consummate statesman as well as a dangerous swordsman. Gammel lowered his head as he came to a resolution. I will accept you only as the errant knight that you are, Lord Gammel said, as he offered his arm forward. After you have finished climbing the ladder.

Are you absolutely sure? Pellanor blurted out, breaking the calmness of the application. Lord Elvensword has never trained as a paladin. That is a daunting task and unfair to a person of his position. To make him climb the ladder after all that he has done is an insult.

Lord Gammel twisted in his saddle quickly to address his former student. You doubt he can climb the ladder? I am sure he learned enough in the University to pass this simple test.

Pellanor shook his head at the remark. I have no doubt he can climb the ladder effectively as a ranger, but as a paladin? Lord Gammel, I don’t believe that’s its fair. He is here for training, not to have his knightly skills tested.

Fox sat quietly on his beloved stallion Kaysar as he watched the heated exchange. He was not sure what the heck a ‘ladder’ was, or why Pellanor thought it was such an unfair test of his skills. The time he spent in the University had only taught him skills with two-handed weapons. He kept quiet in hopes the argument would offer up an explanation.

Rest assured, Lord Elvensword will get the training he needs after he climbs the ladder, Lord Gammel said nodding. Let’s set the test for two days from now, to allow you and your squire to prepare. That will give us the opportunity to formally recognize you at the Summer Solstice festivities.

"I will be here," Fox said confidently.

Pellanor snorted angrily, nodded, and spun around as he spurred his horse into action. Dust kicked up from Skylar’s flying hooves as they made their way through the throng of squires and out into the clearing, before racing back up the road towards the gathering of curious.

Fox nodded his goodbye to Lord Gammel, reined Kaysar about and took off at a gallop after his paladin.

Lord Gammel watched them go before returning to the class he had prepared for the day. He had no clue what had infuriated Pellanor so, and at this point he did not care. In his eyes, Pellanor had dishonored himself by joining Lord Elvensword for nefarious reasons, and his opinion of him had not changed in the years since.

Fox was driving Kaysar hard to overtake Pellanor and Skylar. He intended to head them off, and when he finally managed to get in front of them, Pellanor’s horse barreled right into Kaysar, causing him to stumble.

Just what the hell happened back there? Fox yelled at Pellanor, as he regained control of Kaysar.

Pellanor looked angrily at Fox for just a second before looking away. He aims to embarrass you in front of the new ones. Either that, or deify you as the Savior incarnate, Pellanor said, throwing up his gauntleted hand with exasperation.

Fox looked at him even more confused. And he is going to do this by having me climb a ladder?

Pellanor nodded. The Ladder of Seven. You will have to fight as a paladin against seven other aspiring paladins. If you beat all seven, he will knight you as you will have proven your worth to the class.

All seven at the same time? Fox asked incredulously. Hardly seems fair.

Not all at the same time, but there are rules you will have to follow, Pellanor explained. Come, we need to talk to Celenae. As seneschal of the trials, she will know what must be done.

Pellanor pushed Skylar past Kaysar as he once again picked up his headlong gallop back to Castle Elvensword. Fox had no choice but to follow the outraged paladin. There was no doubt in Fox’s mind that he could easily beat seven well-trained squires. After all, they were still squires. His only concern was that he not injure them too badly in the process. Why Pellanor was so concerned about this was beyond him.

Celenae sat in her chair on the balcony as Pellanor strapped the heavy shield to his Lord’s arm.

I agree with you, Fox. I simply don’t see this is anything to be too concerned about. She said as she watched. You beat Pellanor and Lord Gammel when you were just a novice, and without the help of Bhaal’s sword. By all rights, father should have knighted you then and there.

Celenae, Pellanor said, as he finished strapping the shield in place. He fought as he was skilled. He fought as a ranger with two swords, not with the paladin’s chosen style of sword and shield. That is totally different.

I beat Bhaal twice, Fox contested, as he leaned back against the door jamb. And several have said that he was the greatest paladin at one time.

Pellanor shook his head dismissively. Fox the Ranger beat Bhaal twice. You, to my knowledge, have never fought in honorable combat with sword and tower shield.

I did fairly well against that dragon with a shield, he protested, even though he knew that did not apply here.

Fox shook his head and grabbed the wooden practice sword of choice that he used when sparring with Pellanor from its perch, and he pulled the heavy tower shield from the rack and turned to face Pellanor head on. Fox took up what he thought was a good paladin-like fighting stance. His arm was extended and bent so that his shield was placed totally in front of him.

Pellanor retrieved his wooden sword and shield from the rack and turned around to face his Lord.

Celenae busted out in laughter. Look at how serious you two are taking this! she exclaimed. You two look so ridiculous.

Well, it is time to practice, Fox said, peeking out over his shield.

Pellanor did his best to ignore Celenae, and put his sword out to tap Fox’s.

Fox slapped at the wooden sword with his own and drew it back behind the shield to protect it, and awaited his friend’s opening move. Pellanor swiped out hard in an obvious feint meant to distract Fox, and started his stunning spell. As Fox reacted as he always did to Pellanor’s feint, Pellanor crossed his shield, clipping the right edge in toward Fox’s chest. Fox straightened his shield just as expected, as anyone not skilled in tower shields would. Pellanor brought his shield back hard right, catching the leading edge of the right side of Fox’s shield and flung it out wide, like a door on a hinge. Fox, not so novice with sword play, used his wooden sword to block Pellanor’s wild sword strike. But, that was not Pellanor’s real attack. He completed his spell just as Fox blocked. The spell ripped through Fox, stunning him momentarily, and Pellanor watched him back up in an attempt to shake the effects off. Not finished, Pellanor brought his shield in and punched Fox hard in the face, staggering him, and completing the attack sequence.

Blood gushed from Fox’s nose as Pellanor brought the shield back and up, connecting the edge of the shield again with Fox’s jaw.

The second strike knocked Fox out cold. His feet slipped forward as he feebly attempted to hold his balance. He fell backward and crashed abruptly to the ground as Celenae shrieked. His head smacked resoundingly against the solid stone of the balcony as his eyes glazed over.

Celenae was quickly at his side, already casting the spell that would revive him and heal his broken nose.

Do you now see what I am talking about? Pellanor asked, with a small hint of concern. Fox does not know how to use a shield. It becomes more of a wall in front of him rather than the protection that we use it for.

Well, you didn’t have to bash his skull in, Celenae shot back. "This is supposed to be practice! Perhaps if you simply explained the maneuver instead of trying to prove your point, Fox would understand what you are squawking about."

No, Fox said as he sat up, his head pounding from the blow. I doubt very much the apprentice knights will be gentle with me either. I know they will be out to prove themselves against me. Better I learn it this way with you present to fix my nose than on the ladder where I will be helpless.

Pellanor nodded his agreement. They are going to hit you with every trick they have. Facing a dragon slayer is going to have them in stitches, and they will be terrified to not go full out on you. Expect Lord Gammel to have them well prepared.

Celenae sat back on her heels. It was clear from what she saw that Fox was a fish out of water with the unaccustomed shield hindering him. Still, there had to be a way to sway the battle to her brother’s advantage. If they could just get him past the first combatant, then he could pick up a second sword from that victory and face the second knight with two longswords and the rest would be a cake walk for him. She was realizing that the whole first fight came down to not just winning, but also securing the second long sword. And if he didn’t get the sword the first time around, he surely would have to on the second.

You’re going to have to beat the first combatant inside the first square and well out of reach of the second square, she concluded out loud. You must also make sure he drops his sword inside the square.

And Fox can retrieve it to fight the next fight using his Florentine, Pellanor realized where she was going with this. But this is a paladin’s test, not a ranger exam.

Square? Fox asked as he looked at them both with confusion.

The ladder is a succession of squares chalked out on the ground to resemble a ladder, Celenae explained. Each knight must stay in his own square. If he leaves, he is disqualified, unless you leave his square to enter the next.

It is legal to charge to the seventh square, Pellanor interjected. If you climb the ladder that way all the knights are allowed to follow you and you will end up fighting the entire mob.

There is a catch with that tactic, Celenae said. If you can push one or more out of the squares…

More than likely you will be pushed out of the last square first, Pellanor interrupted. That is why shield skills are so important. There will be a lot of shield bashing.

Fox looked back and forth between Celenae and Pellanor as if he was missing something, or just not quite making a connection.

Fox, you must beat the first knight in his square and cause him to drop his sword inside that square and out of reach of the next knight, Celenae continued. Nothing will be more important to know than that. Once he drops it, you must grab it and drop your shield. If you knock him out and he carries his weapon out of the square, you must start the next fight with the same tactic.

Fox looked from her to Pellanor, who nodded agreement. You are not going to beat seven knights toe to toe with a shield when you do not know your shield work expertly.

You also cannot let him turn you so your back is to the other knights, she added. Even though the knight in the next square can’t leave his square, he can still swing at you over the boundary line.

Okay. But, I will have armor, right? Fox asked, as if being hit in the back with a wooden sword was of any danger.

Oh, you can hit him as well, Pellanor smiled back, and then looked knowingly at Celenae. It was clear he was remembering a special moment between them. A moment Celenae chose to ignore from the look on her face. It was obvious that Pellanor was referring to his own ladder climb some years back.

Celenae pulled a piece of chalk from her pocket and started to draw a large square on the stone of the balcony. She stood back to consider the size, and then nodded as if it was what she wanted. Fox frowned at the small size of the square, and doubted if it was the right size. The real one surely had to be bigger.

Celenae grabbed Pellanor’s practice sword and took up a fighting stance inside the square she had just made and looked at Fox. Don’t leave the square and don’t let me turn you. We’re going to take it slow so you can see some of the tricks in slow motion.

She moved fluidly as she tapped and blocked like a marionette, until Fox caught on to her movements. Then she sped up, pressing her brother to the limits of his shield skill. Fox improved slightly as they fought.

The three continued to dance and fight as Celenae did her best paladin imitation, and Pellanor instructed Fox on how to move and counter all the tricks that Celenae knew. By afternoon, Fox was nearing perfection with his blocks, and Pellanor was also pleasantly impressed with how much Celenae knew about shield use. He knew that it shouldn’t really have surprised him, as obviously Lord Gammel would have taught his daughter well.

After a bit, Celenae held up her hand. Fox could see the sweat dripping off her. She was getting quite a work out from him.

I need a break, she said as she set her shield down.

Will there be breaks in the combat as well? Fox asked as he leaned on his shield. Like when Draggo called one back at school?

It’s non-lethal, so breaks and yields will be expected and given, Pellanor answered.

And you still think a bunch of squires stand a chance at beating me? Fox asked, shaking his head dismissively. I feel as if I can take them two at a time with just what I have learned today.

I hear Draggo’s brothers have joined that class, Pellanor said. You remember those clowns, don’t you? I think they’re going to go all out on you. Plus, your edict will open the door for any sell-sword with grandiose ambitions to join. I’m sure some of them will be well-tutored in the art of shield play, not to mention having their own bizarre styles and dirty tricks.

One of them will be first in line, I’m sure, Celenae agreed. You will need to get some good sleep tonight. Pellanor and I will brain storm some more good training for you. It’s going to be a busy day tomorrow.

Fox nodded as he dropped the shield, and spun the sword as he walked to the rack. He slid it in smoothly whilst pushing his door open to his room. Pellanor watched him go. When Fox left the room beyond, he tuned to speak with Celenae.

He just dropped it like it meant nothing to him, Pellanor said with exasperation.

You can’t expect him to value it after all he has been through without it, Celenae said as she picked it up to place it on the rack. It’s been nothing more to him than fire break.

Lord Gimpor trained those boys well, Pellanor said. They watched Fox gut their brother. I’m pretty sure they are training way harder than Fox is right now.

My coin is still on Fox, Celenae said. Even without Swiftwind, he is more than a match. I can’t envision this fight going any differently than the one way out in the swamps when Fox was taking on four or five undead all at the same time. There were no halts there, and no breaks other than the ones he created for himself. Fox is as inexhaustible as he is unbreakable. He won’t stop until he reaches the end.

Pellanor tapped the ground and Celenae looked down to see the chalk line. He did not have to speak to say that this fight had limits that a real battle did not.

My true fear is that he will step out and be humiliated, Pellanor said looking at the line.

The next day, Fox walked confidently out onto the balcony for the morning practice. Celenae greeted him with a handful of white rope, and Pellanor held up the same tower shield that Fox had used the day before. Both had looks on their faces that let Fox know that they were up to something.

We have an idea that will allow you to learn everything a tad bit faster, Celenae announced, striding toward him.

I thought you said that I was coming along just fine, Fox responded petulantly, as his sister proceeded to tie his arm to his chest.

This way you won’t be tempted to use your sword to block, Pellanor said as he buckled the shield in place. It will teach you to use your shield to your advantage.

Remember to stay in the square and not let him turn you, Celenae advised.

I’ll do my best, my Ladyship Fox teased as he walked into the square.

Pellanor frowned with concentration as he tapped the side of Fox’s shield and moved in to spar with his lord. He began swinging hard at the edge of Fox’s shield, and Fox blocked the simple sword swings, getting used to the awkward way he was restrained. Fox could only sigh as Pellanor started dancing around in circles, doing his best to tie up Fox’s feet whilst swatting him with the wooden sword.

This is painfully grueling, Fox complained. Is this what I should expect from paladin training in the future?

Not after you’re knighted, Pellanor exhaled as he danced right and left.

I am already knighted! Fox exclaimed.

He meant as a paladin, Celenae said as she watched. Her eyes were focused on Fox’s foot work.

I know that, Fox said. I simply don’t see how a bunch of students are going to be as good as Pellanor or you.

The frustration was apparent on Fox’s face as the battle went on through the morning. By noon, Fox was exhausted and thoroughly fed up with all the blocking he was doing. His left arm ached horribly from carrying the heavy wooden shield, and when Pellanor swung the wooden sword too close to his face and nearly clipped his nose, he stepped back and tossed his shield to the side. It skipped and scraped along the floor so hard that both Celenae and Pellanor backed up lest their leader swat them in anger. He used his left hand to jerk the rope up and off over his head, and tossed the whole tangled mess off to the side.

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