Spellscribed: Provenance by Kristopher Cruz

Author:Kristopher Cruz [Cruz, Kristopher]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 1484048849
Publisher: Kristopher Cruz
Published: 2013-03-22T13:00:00+00:00

Chapter 25

The young mage was received at the entrance to the sixth bowl by a large cadre of men. The barbarians were dressed in fine steel breastplates detailed in black iron filigree. They wore steel longswords at their belts and steel shields on their arms which bore the seal of a wolf emblazoned in black iron across the surface. Their gear was of top quality, and they carried themselves with the discipline any military would be proud to display. Ten of them were spread out across the road, their weapons sheathed but their demeanor severe. Their posture was not aggressive, and Joven raised his hand in greeting.

“Hail, brothers!” Joven called, dismounting from his horse. The men clamped their free hands to their breasts, and nodded their heads to him.

One of the soldiers, who bore a trio of long scars across his face, stepped forwards. “Joven, we were instructed by the king to take you two to meet him.” He said, his voice sounding like it too had been slashed by a wild animal. He glanced at the young mage and scoffed. “Sorry,” he said, “One and a half.”

Joven laughed and patted Endrance on the shoulder, nearly bouncing him off the horse he stood by. “Don’t let this one’s size fool you. His magic is mighty.”

The cluster of soldiers collectively spat upon the ground. “All the more reason to not like him.” The leader said. “That magic’s deceptive.”

Joven frowned. “And never will you meet a more pure hearted user of it. Let’s be on our way, I’m sure there’s much for the new Spengur to see before the feast tonight.”

The leader nodded “And we need time to prepare the sacrifices.” He waved a hand, and the other armored men fell into a loose circle around them. “Come,” the scarred man said, “Let us show you the true heart of our kingdom.”

The group of soldiers led Endrance and Joven through the sixth bowl. Endrance was amazed to see the size of the military that the barbarians trained and kept working there. Everywhere he looked, he saw men and women exercising, sparring with each other, being instructed in all manner of combat arts, and even forging their own weapons and armor.

“How big is the military here in Balator?” Endrance asked. “There seems to be half the people in the city here.”

The leader laughed, exchanging a look with some of his comrades. “That’s cause the other half is off duty!” he exclaimed; a frightful smile across his face. “Everyone in Balator serves in the military. At least for six years.” He shrugged. “Many stay for longer.”

Endrance had never seen so much martial prowess in his life. There were soldiers practicing with weapons he didn’t know the names of, men and women suiting up to go on patrols or perhaps even to battle, and commanders shouting out orders that echoed across the entire bowl.

They were nearing the exit when he saw something that was even more unusual. One building was separated from the others, and had its own training ring just outside of it.

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