The Hopes of Kings. Steve Reilly
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to provide the greatest effect.
“I hope you enjoyed our little show and you will see much more like it at the Academy.”
The crowd again offered their applause.
“But you are not here purely to watch shows of skill and daring, you are here to learn!”
He went on to explain that, while the King believed everyone should know the history of their great country, and he would like to see our boys read and use numbers, today they were here to see if they would like the life of a soldier.
“I know these other things are not skills you think you will need, but a storekeeper must know how to count, and a wagon driver could own his own wagons if he knows how to read and write. Even a farmer could improve his yield with education and training. But today our king has allowed you to watch his soldiers. Did you enjoy the demonstration?”
More shouts and clapping answered his question. The two soldiers moved to the box and removed the lid while the expectant faces of the boys watched on.
“Come on, get over here and collect your swords,” called Piaz.
The boys were quick to react, running to where the soldiers were passing out training swords made of thin strips of hardwood bound together and fitted with a basic hilt. Once all the boys were suitably armed, they were paired for their first practice fight.
The soldiers showed them how to stand and hold the weapon and then the call was made to fight. They were only allowed a few minutes, but many boys carried stinging marks that were sure to bruise when time was called. They had gotten the initial burst of energy out of the way and now they were placed in lines and the soldiers showed them various attacks and defences, and had them follow the moves. As each stance was practiced the soldiers moved along the line correcting posture and shape as they went.
Finally the boys were allowed to spar again and showed that they had listened well to the lesson. Now fewer lunges found their target, with most meeting the acceptable, if not solid, defence of their sparring partner.
Piaz finished the session and had the boys return their weapons to the box. He then asked if they had enjoyed the class, and whether they would return for the next one.
Though most rubbed at growing welts, they all agreed the day had been fun and looked forward to their next session. Piaz promised he would have another surprise for them next meeting but he also laughingly promised they would go home with fewer bruises.
~
Lord Grarm stepped back from the window. His grin showed how pleased he was with the first meeting. The others watched as the group of boys left the yard below. A knock came and the door opened for Marcus to enter. The inn-keeper held it to admit a serving girl carrying a tray loaded with goblets and a bottle of the inn’s finest wine. The girl distributed the drinks and left, followed by the inn-keeper, who closed the door behind him. Neither had uttered a word.
King Xavier raised his goblet.
“Lord Grarm sees the truth. That went well. I think we have witnessed the birth of the Academy today and I am certain the ideals of the forefathers will blossom in these boys and spread across the lands. Drink with me to the future of the Academy!”
The members of the council were pleased with the king’s gesture and the excellence of the wine. Thoughts of how he had gained his position were, if not forgotten, pushed aside as they grew to accept the growth the king had promised. They raised their goblets and drank to the future and the king until the bottle was empty then slipped from the room and returned to the tunnels and to their duties. Beth walked below the city with Xavier and Grarm back to the palace, discussing the Academy’s next meetings as they went. Finally she was forced to voice the question that had nagged at her since the day began.
“Do you think they will return?”
Xavier could feel them waiting or his reply. There was no question in his mind as he strode purposefully back to the palace.
“They will be back. And they will bring others with them. Word will spread of today. I would expect more people coming to watch as well, at least for the first sessions. It is not every day they get to see a show like that! But that too is good, because they will bring more boys with them. I think we will need to start the next group soon, probably in the north quarter, because these boys will talk of what they have seen and done and word will spread quickly throughout the city. We must capture their enthusiasm and take advantage of the need of these boys to grow and do more, to be more.”
He spoke with enthusiasm and his advisors were inclined to agree.
Lord Grarm added, “If we are going to have these groups meet in a challenge later, we should begin now by giving these groups names so they can form their allegiances and develop their trust in each other. It would be better if it was something in keeping with the educational approach of their training. I have considered this with the hope that today would grow. I suggest we call them ‘Chapters’. That way we could attempt to make them understand that, while they hold their own knowledge, they are still part of a larger truth, just as the knowledge of a book is bound in its chapters.”
Xavier put his arm around Beth’s shoulder and smiled as they walked. He gave her a wink of conspiracy. It was a good name and it would not hurt to pamper Grarm’s ego.
“I like it. What do you think Beth?”
The head of the spies concurred and suggested she thought the name carried all that they wished to portray. Grarm’s chest puffed with the unexpected acceptance of his suggestion and his words grew with the confidence their support.
“I think the chapter of The Academy we have just watched will prove to be very successful, and will have my support at the first tournament. I will wager a firkin of wine against any chapter you choose, if you are willing my king.”
Xavier laughed at his advisor’s rashness.
“You offer a bold challenge my friend, and one that I am willing to take. But I think that Josef and Luke should have the same opportunity, there are enough boys in the city that we can create four chapters. We will create these other chapters and each of us will secretly sponsor one. The winner of our wager can receive a pin of wine from each of the others. What say you?”
“Done, I will enjoy drinking my winnings!” chuckled Lord Grarm.
Xavier laughed with him.
“I would wait until you have won before getting out the goblets, but I am willing give you an advantage. I will take the north chapter though I have not seen them fight. I am confident they will not be easily beaten.”
Xavier felt relaxed accepting the challenge.
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