Chapter five
In the middle of the night, I awoke with my internal alarm clock, to see that it was still dark outside. I went downstairs in nothing, but a pair of panties that I’d found discarded on the floor. I stepped up to the window and I placed my hand on the pane to feel this chill go through my veins like a cold knife. I noticed lights outside. I opened the door to the spectacular show of fire streaking across the night sky. There were several of them up there and they were circling each other, but they didn’t look like they were trying to hurt one another. I would say that they were playing and it was nice to see that they had free rein to enjoy themselves when their masters were fast asleep. I almost felt sorry for them for being domesticated, but maybe that was the best way to go. If they didn’t do that, then they would extinct and they were magical creatures that really did deserve to live.
I couldn’t get over the different colors, but each time that they spewed fire, it was the same blue heat that most likely would have melted metal.
I watched for some time, as I’ve never seen something like this. There were a lot of firsts today, but my main concern was how I got here. Did I accidentally fall into something, or was I purposely brought here for a reason? I had to believe that somebody would be able to tell me.
It took every effort that I had to get out of bed. Seeing him sleeping with that smile on his face made me feel that there was a possibility for a future for the both of us.
I went inside the Library and once again began to pour through the details of the history of this proud land of Markham. I read of the history of the Dragos festival. Apparently, Lord Vadam’s ancestors had decided that it was a good idea to placate the locals. They wanted to find some way to interact with them, without really having to rub elbows. They came up with this to give those that were training some kind of incentive to push themselves even further than what they already were.
As it was, there was a need for warriors and the three castle alliance was always trying to make an example out of somebody. The guards were essentially used to do the Lord’s dirty work. They would go out to other lands and levy taxes on those that were struggling from day to day. Taxes came in the form of crops or any other such offering that would make the Lord happy. On each cycle annually, the lord would decide if your land was good enough to stay in your possession.
The festival was one time of the year where everybody got together under the black castle roof. It was a day of merriment, but also harsh competition that would leave many either dead or wounded at the feet of the Lord. I decided to familiarize myself with the rules and it was hard to understand, but eventually I got the main idea.
By the time that I was done, it was the crack of dawn and there were these brilliant blue and orange colors dancing along the treetops. It was nothing like the sunrise that I had seen back home. This one really did make you think that you were a part of something a lot bigger.
“I am glad that you have taken an interest in the rich history of Markham. It puzzles me that you have this need for a refresher course. As a child, I’m sure that you learned all about this. It is mandatory for all children to know the history of Markham, so that mistakes that were made in the past will not be made in the future. We live a relatively peaceful existence, but there are times that extreme force is necessary to make that freedom even that much more special to hold onto. Today was the trials for becoming one of the guardsmen. He looked freshly made up and I could smell this soap substance coming out of his skin. He looked ready for battle and if anybody had a chance to become one of the guards, it would probably be him. I wondered what kind of competition would stand in his wake. I was looking forward to seeing him best those inferior warriors that thought that they had what it took to take down Braden.
“It says here that there is a festival each year and every would be warrior is allowed three times in the span of three years to become one of the guards. If that doesn’t happen, then he is relegated to living off the land. That doesn’t sound like an awful existence. It sounds like a life of a hardworking man.” I knew that I was missing something and I would have to have him read between the lines.
“It’s not a terrible existence, but you’re never looked upon the same way again. They will always see that you are damaged and that you weren’t able to stand up to overwhelming odds. It’s very rare that somebody does join the elite, but it is very special when it happens. On the eve of…wait, you already know all this and why do I have to rehash the details? If you’re going to come with me, then I suggest that you get ready. I took the liberty of making breakfast.” I remembered the stew last night. After reading some of these books, I had a pretty good idea of what they made their food from.
It was essentially like a pig, but a lot uglier and quicker than what they appeared. It took a great feat of strength and agility to even capture one. There was quite a bountiful of them, but they would hibernate during the day and not come out until the crack of dawn or sunset to forage for food. They were black and that was one of reasons why they were so hard to spot at night. I did hear branches breaking outside the windows during the night and now had an idea that an Offus was responsible. I understood that they were just attracted to the smell of the burning wood from the fireplace. It wasn’t really a fireplace. It was just a pit, but it served its purpose.
The Offus was an animal that would be used to nourish those that lived in the land of Markham. There was something else called the Libra. It had feathers and could run for long distances and even fly when given enough incentive by threat or necessity. It had a multitude of colors. I looked to the plate for breakfast and noticed that the eggs were a swirl of different colors. The taste was remarkably the same as the eggs back where I came from.
The only liquid quencher was made from the sap of the trees. I didn’t exactly know how it was done, but it had all the nutrients that you would need for a growing boy or girl. It tasted like a cross between grapefruit and prune juice. It was kind of vile, but after a few sips, it became something that you could get used to. I never did like champagne, but on those celebrations that included New Year’s Eve, I would partake.
“You can use my coat. I only wear it when I’m outside without my armor.” It was something made of black fur and I was hesitant to put anything like that against my body. When I did it was like being surrounded in my own personal cocoon. I found the texture to be pleasing and the warmth was enough to keep out the chilly air, as we exited the house. Rankin was munching on the bullish green grass. There was no saddle and his scaly hide made it impossible for us to slip off.
He jumped onto Rankin and received a snort of blue fire in response. He grabbed my hand and threw me with ease behind him. The Dragos took off, but did not take flight. All four of its legs were moving at the same time and we were whipping underneath the trees through a path that was made specifically to go from one place to the next.
I knew from my reading that a Dragos was banned by the Lord’s ruling from flying during the day. There were those that went against that rule and Braden had been one of them. The griffin or sentry was sent out to make sure that those rules were enforced. There were only a few in existence and they were trained from birth to do the Lord’s bidding.
I was terrified for a second at the speed that we were going. The landscape became a blur and I began to laugh maniacally. It was exactly the same way when I was on a jet ski when I vacationed in the Caribbean. The first time, I was hesitant to go very fast, but the owner was more inclined to take things to the extreme. Once I was done with using it, he would take me back and the speed, in which he did, brought forth a case of laughter. This was exactly the same way.
I noticed that Braden was now standing slightly and letting the wind caress his face, as a new day had begun. When we got to a nearby village, we slowed and Braden was giving cheer for wearing the colors of honorable red. Apparently, they were putting all their hopes and dreams on his shoulders. He was one of many and others had taken up the mantle. If one of the red ones were to win, then the lands around castle Redstone would have a year of prosperity without the Levee of taxes.
He stopped altogether in what appeared to be a courtyard. In the distance, I could see the turret of the black castle. We were too far away, but I could already hear the faint sound of some kind of music.
Everybody gathered around and they craned their necks and raised their hand in salute to Braden. “My friends, this is indeed a proud day for our people. You have put your faith and trust in me and four others and we will endeavor to make you proud of that decision. I have been training diligently, living away from civilization to endure hardships. Once I am victorious, I will take my rightful place at the Lord’s side. My residence and land will be given to those that are ready to train for one continuous year for the chance to have the honor of doing the exact same thing that I’m doing today. I hope to see all of you there.” There was a deafening chorus of applause