The rain came hard; the skies a dark grey and the sun concealed by clouds. The weather was unusual today. Rain never came more than three times in one month; today it was over two weeks. Raziel smiled at the sight of another rainy day. He loved to watch the drops fall into the puddles created in the mud; he loved the smell of water in the air when the rain had ceased. Most of all, he loved the fact that sword practice was cancelled. He loved sword practice more than anything, which was certain. But the instructor always liked to embarrass him in front of the group because Raziel knew how to handle a blade better than he. It was this that automatically made his mentor enemy number one.
'He'll get his,' thought Raziel mischievously. The eleven year old sat back in his chair and sighed. He should really consider showing the man who was number one in the sport of sword fighting. Perhaps then, it would teach him to think twice before messing with Raziel of Ziegsturhl. The quill he used to write with was tossed on his desk, his notebook shut. The boy let out a loud yawn and scratched his head lazily, dark brown hair falling in his face. He rubbed his tired blue eyes with care and stood hastily, the legs of the chair skidding on the wooden floor. Raziel stretched his arms and made way to leave his room.
"Raziel is that you?"
"Yes, Mother," replied the boy, pulling out a chair to sit on at the table. "Where's Father?" he said in a curious tone. The short woman stopped peeling the potatoes and wiped her hands on the stained cloth next to her. She looked over to her son and smiled.
"Oh, he went with Von to get some firewood. It's been getting a bit chilly lately. Winter is coming, my dear, and I don't plan on freezing to death," she replied. "He's taking your brother hunting tomorrow. I think you should go with them, get out of the house for a while." Raziel drummed his fingers on the table and sighed.
"I don't think so, Mother. Hunting is more of Von's thing. You know I don't like killing animals. I don't have the heart to. Besides I'm going to see what Taos is doing tomorrow. He's going to show me the new bow he got from his Father."
"Not if it's raining," she said tossing the peels aside. "And how will you ever become a Sarafan if you waste time playing like that? Shouldn't you be training? Don't you want to be part of the brotherhood like your brother, Von?" Raziel got up from the chair and went to the window, watching the drops roll down the glass.
"No."
She turned suddenly to face her son. "Raziel!" The boy turned around and shrugged.
"Well, I don't. I don't know why I have to become a priest, Mother. I'm not much of a saint anyway." The woman frowned and tossed the potato peels out the window. The animals would take care of the rest. She turned her attention back to the boy.
"Raziel there are not just priests in the brotherhood. Your brother is a guard." Raziel rolled his eyes.
"Oh yes Mother, the streets are too dangerous for someone like me to walk around on. A cat or a homeless man might attack me," he said sarcastically. "Besides a guard is not really anything special. I could see maybe if he was a knight-
"Raziel," she said with warning. "You have no right to say such things. Especially when your not even apart of the Sarafan. I suggest you think before you speak, boy. It took a lot of hard work and effort for your brother to get where he is."
The boy sighed. If it wasn't enough she always bragged about how great Von was, bringing in the comment about Raziel not being enlisted made it worse. Von always got the attention he wanted; anything he did made everyone bow before him. He was like the god of Ziegsturhl, constantly accepting the gifts and praises from the villagers, with no sense of why he was even receiving them. If anything, Von was brawn not brains. The young man couldn't even outsmart Raziel if he wanted to. The younger studied the elder's movements and techniques and found them to be very amusing, so amusing Raziel wondered how he got admitted into the Sarafan at all. On the bright side, he was only apart of the city Sarafan quarters. 'He is nowhere near ready nor good enough to become one of the elite, like the great Paladin, Malek,' thought Raziel.
Malek was one of the few who made it to the Sarafan keep at such a young age. He became a so called guardian of the pillars the moment he was born, he just didn't know it. If Raziel wanted to be at the top like Malek, he'd have to train much harder than he was now. He'd even have to outrank Von somehow as well. It shouldn't be that hard…should it?
Raziel moved from the window and made his way to his room, sliding his fingers along the hallway walls.
"Supper will be ready soon, Raziel. Don't fall asleep, you hear? You're Father will give you a good beating for not eating again. You know he doesn't like you to skip meals."
The boy rolled his eyes and continued down the hall to his room. It was not much in size or luxury. Just a simple desk, bed, dresser, chair, and a view of the outside world. That was it. But that's all Raziel needed, nothing more and nothing less. He sighed and took a seat in his chair and opened his diary, which was kept in a small drawer. He dipped the quill in the ink and began to write on the next available page.
Dear Diary,
Mother is acting so dramatic. I must admit it's not the first time. I hate how she prattles on about my future enlistment of the Sarafan brotherhood. What's so special about them? Just because Von is in it, does that mean that I must follow as well? Even if I did join the ranks it's not like I'd enjoy it, make a living out of it. Who wants to protect others from harm if they can't even appreciate you? Stupid Von and his idiotic ways. How dare he think he can try and surpass me? Mother and Father may be blind of my abilities, but I can surely defeat anything Von is capable of. If they want me in the brotherhood then so be it. I'll get transferred to the main stronghold before Von can be promoted. They'll see…
Raziel blew softly on the fresh ink and sat there staring out the window, watching the drops falling off the tree leaves and on to the mud. The boy frowned, jealousy and rage flowing through him. His fists tightened, his jaw becoming stiff. What an imbecile Von is.
The boy's head shot up suddenly, hearing voices and footsteps in the house.
"Mother, we have returned."
'Speak of the devil,' thought Raziel bitterly. His diary was shut immediately, heading for the door right after.
"Ah my two men have come home at last," she replied happily. "What did you bring back?" The woman smiled and kissed her son on the cheek. "Oh my, you're as cold as ice! Come, come I'll make you some hot tea."
"We've caught a rabbit, Zaida. Let's get it cleaned for supper, eh?" Zaida moved from Von over to her husband and kissed his lips lightly. "That's wonderful, dear. It'll go well with our potato soup." They both chuckled and moved to the kitchen to clean the rabbit. Raziel frowned, knowing somewhat he was being neglected from his family. His Father nor brother had acknowledged his presence. He felt drained of all emotion, emptiness had occupied his heart.
Raziel moved from the hallway and followed everyone to the kitchen. "Hello, Father, Von. How was your hunting? Did you get the firewood?" His Father gave a sideways glance, handing Zaida the rabbit and smiled.
"There's my other strong warrior. You missed it Raziel. The hunt was such a thrill. Your brother managed to actually kill the rabbit. Looks like that Sarafan training paid off. Isn't that right, Von?" Raziel looked over by the fireplace where Von was crouched, tossing some logs into the open flames. Von stood, wiping his hands on his clothes, facing his younger brother.
"Well it wasn't too much trouble. They teach us how to hit moving targets. Once you get as high as me in the ranks, little brother, you'll be able to do that too," he replied with a smirk. "Of course I'll probably be a general by then." His Father smiled at Von and gave him a smack on the shoulder.
"Now there's a warrior with his pride." Raziel smiled weakly under the glare his brother was giving off. The vibe between them was not friendly. And from the look in his eyes, Von was not too happy about seeing his brother. Raziel gave a mirrored stare, not caring if their Father was present.
"Dalgus, can you come over here and try this soup? I think I put a little too much salt," called Zaida from the counter.
"Alright, I'm coming. You know your cooking…"
"Are you trying to intimidate me, Raziel?" The boy's eyes were brought to the elder's. Von gave a smirk and turned away.
"I could ask you the same, brother," challenged Raziel. "But I'm not scared of you so your plan wouldn't work anyhow." Von paused a moment and looked down at his sibling.
"Is that a challenge, Raziel? Are you trying to take on the great Sarafan-
"Be silent," he growled. "I'm so sick of hearing that stupid excuse of an occupation. You aren't even worthy of being in that so called order. Mother and Father praise you because of what you're not." Von moved towards his brother.
"It sounds to me that someone is quite jealous. Don't worry your pretty head little Raziel, once you enlist you'll get that treatment too," mocked Von. "You wouldn't believe how many women you meet. Too bad you haven't grown your balls yet," he finished with a chuckle and walked to the kitchen. Raziel stood there dumbstruck, giving Von the pleasure of having the last word, leaving him there to his thoughts. The boy mentally smiled in satisfaction; this was just the motivation he needed to exceed Von. And to prove to his parents that he was worthy; worthy enough to fight amongst the elite and destroy all evil and corruption. Tomorrow then…tomorrow would be training day number one. From then on, there is no turning back.
"Raziel, come try this. I think you're Mother is making up stories about her soup," said his Father. Raziel smiled. Yes, there was no turning back.
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"I'm telling you, Taos, my brother has gone too far this time. He thinks because he's in the order, everyone will bow down to his greatness. It's pathetic." Taos watched Raziel align an arrow into place and focus on the hand made target.
"Just let him speak, Raziel. Let him pretend he's great and that he's fit for the order. Who cares?" Raziel released his grip on the arrow and turned to Taos.
"Who cares?" He turned back to the target and fired, hitting the bull's eye. Raziel smiled at Taos.
"I think I do, my friend." Raziel handed Taos the bow and took his position perched on the wooden fence. "My so called brother thinks he's capable of being the greatest Sarafan soldier there is. He thinks he can be as great as Malek himself," he replied. "And now you're telling me who cares?" Taos picked up another arrow and frowned.
"No one is greater than Malek," mumbled Taos.
"My point exactly, Taos. So why does this simple minded creature think he is?" Taos looked up at the sky in thought before considering an answer.
"Because he's arrogant?"
"Because he's arrogant, yes," Raziel said proudly. "So how can we make it so that he's not arrogant anymore?" The boy aligned his arrow, concentrating on the bull's eye mark. Then it hit him…Taos lowered his bow and looked to Raziel, who wore a confident expression.
"No, Raziel. Don't tell me you're…" But the smile Raziel was giving off was far from doubt. Therefore, Taos had no choice but to believe it to be true.
"You're going to join the ranks aren't you?" Raziel's smile slowly began to fade. "Right? That's what this is about? To prove to everyone that you're not some small, helpless child, who needs babysitting all the time?"
"I think that was stretching it a bit. But the part about me joining the order is true." Taos dropped the bow and planted himself next to Raziel.
"Can you at least give tell me why you must follow, Raziel? Can you tell me why you must submit yourself to society so that you may be recognized?"
"I must follow because I am who I am and I know what I want. I must follow because I must prove to myself that I can achieve great things if I so desired. But, my friend, I will not submit myself to something as selfish as society. I care not if I'm recognized. Society is a plague to me, so much that I'd give anything to avoid it." Taos gave a weak smile.
"Becoming smarter, are we?" Raziel punched Taos in the arm.
"It's from all that damn studying I'm forced to do," replied Raziel defensively. "And what do you mean becoming smarter? What was I before?" The other jumped off the fence.
"I didn't mean anything by it, Raziel. I'm not trying to say you're stupid but you can be immature at times. Well, most of the time." Raziel frowned and jump off the fence as well. The boy picked up the bow and examined it in his grasp.
"I'm going to have to start my training today. I was wondering if I could borrow your bow until I get my own," he said without looking up.
"Raziel you know my Father gave me that bow."
"For the wrong reason, I'm afraid. You don't even know how to use it, Taos."
"So. It's all about learning, Raziel. I'm not able to catch on to things as quickly as you are, you know."
"Alright, so can I borrow it?" said Raziel, ignoring Taos' words.
"Well…I guess it wouldn't hurt. But you'll have to use it here when you come over. My Father will wonder why I'm not using my bow. Just think of the reaction he'll give off if I tell him I let my friend borrow it."
"Really?" Raziel came forward and gave Taos a hug of thanks. "Thanks a lot, Taos. I owe you one." Taos remained stiff against Raziel's body.
"As much as I like you as a friend, Raziel, this is over doing it."
"Sorry," he said, releasing his complaining friend. The two remained speechless for some time. In those few minutes of silence, they began to think.
'What am I supposed to do once Raziel is gone? He's my best friend. Well, actually my only guy friend, but still.'
'I can't believe Taos lent me his bow. This is my first step up on the Sarafan ladder.'
'Those Sarafan soldiers are pretty tall. I wonder if they have a height requirement.'
'I'll be able to shoot lots of moving targets with practice. I'll even be better than Von.'
'Well if there was a requirement, Raziel sure wouldn't meet it. In fact…'
"Raziel is there a height requirement in the order?" Raziel looked up from the bow and raised a brow.
"I don't think so, why?
"Well I was just thinking that if they did you probably wouldn't be able to join, considering your height. But that's just me." Raziel narrowed his eyes.
"What's wrong with my height?"
"Well, you're not exactly Sarafan stature."
"And? Size does not matter. As long as I can complete any task I am given I'll be fine." He picked up another arrow off the ground and aligned it. "My Mother is short too, Taos. Are you making fun of her as well?" The arrow was released, landing centimeters from the previous one. Taos gave an approved nod.
"No Raziel. I'm not making fun of you or your Mother. I'm simply saying that unfortunately, you've inherited the "small" gene," replied Taos with a small chuckle. "Good shot by the way." Raziel frowned.
"Don't try and change the subject, you're in trouble," the boy replied. "Besides, it was a lucky shot."
"I don't think so, Raziel. You only missed the bull's eye by a small measurement, don't be modest. If it makes you feel any better I think that height suits you." Raziel laughed.
"Oh?" Raziel picked up another arrow and fired, shattering the bull's eye arrow into pieces. "That was my real shot, Taos, not luck. Why the change in opinion of my height, I wonder. Well it does not matter." Taos' eyes remained transfixed on the target where the arrow shattered. He couldn't believe it. Raziel was a gifted genius. But apparently, the boy himself didn't seem to notice…or he didn't care to.
"Raziel. You truly are an idiot." Raziel went serious.
"Ouch, Taos."
"No I mean that you don't even need this training. You can easily hit the target perfectly each time." Taos smiled. "I always knew there was a high born Sarafan in you." Raziel rolled his eyes.
"Oh please…don't flatter me it's disgusting. Wait until I can hit moving targets. You can praise me all you want once I've mastered that." Raziel dropped the bow and sat on the floor, Indian style, and picked at the grass.
"What's wrong, Raziel?" asked Taos, joining him on the ground.
"Nothing. I just feel tired."
"Really? You don't look so good. Maybe you should go home and rest. Tomorrow you can come back and use the bow. Or maybe we can spar."
"Humph. You sound like my Mother, Taos. But I suppose I should be getting home, it's almost lunch. Mother will have a fit if I miss. Plus, I need to get my mid-day studying in anyways," he finished with a grin.
Taos stood and brushed the dirt of his pants. "Alright then. I'll see you later, if not tomorrow, Raziel."
"Bye, Taos and thanks." Taos waved goodbye and went inside his home. Raziel continued down the dirt path to his home where his mother awaited him with a plate of food. In this moment Raziel wondered if any of this training was necessary. After all…tomorrow would probably be the day he'd have to master moving targets. What a nuisance that would be. Of course, Raziel knew he'd have it down by tomorrow at least.
The boy neared his house in thought, not paying much attention to his surroundings. His mind must have been wandering, for he had no idea what was to come next.
"Ah, here he is now." The sound of his Mother's voice brought him back to reality, he looked up quickly.
"Raziel, there is someone I'd like you to meet. He's from the recruiting staff of the Sarafan order." A tall slender man with a large amount of armor came into view. Raziel stared in awe at all the shiny metal attached to the man. In one hand he held his helmet, the other, documents of some sort. At his side was the largest sword Raziel had ever seen. It was like no other, or at least Vons. This man had to be a knight. His serious brown eyes stared at Raziels like a hawk watching its prey. The man offered his hand.
"You must be Raziel, young man. How do you do? My name is Kraus." Raziel hesitated to grasp the man's hand in a respectful manner. His eyes remained glued to the others. "You're Mother tells me you are interested in joining the order. I find this to be great news, especially from a child so young. We don't normally allow eleven year olds to participate in the soldier exams. But we are considering on allowing you to anyway. Your birthday lands on the day after the exams so it won't be rule bending. However, you must show up on those days or your application will be void and you won't be able to apply for a year. Your Mother and Father have also mentioned that you are very skilled with a blade. Is this so?"
"Yes sir." Kraus smiled.
"Good. Well that's what we're looking for, the best there is. Now I have some documents that need to be filled out with you and your parents. They need to be turned in by the first week of December, two weeks before the exams take place."
"What will the exams consist of?" asked Raziel.
"We will have four rounds: one of archery, sword fighting, hand-to-hand combat, and strength ability. Each one will be graded by a series of higher ranked Sarafan knights. By the end of each round, those who do not qualify or those who are not yet ready will be eliminated from the exams. Those left will move on. I warn you though, it is not easy. We only allow one-hundred to compete each year. When the exams are done, only twenty five make it in the order. Those will become higher ranked as the years go on and so forth. At the end of the exams, the winners will become private soldiers and will have the opportunity to meet the Great Malek himself." Malek? Raziel smiled at the sound of the great Paladin's name.
"So…what do you say young lad? Do you think you'd be interested?"
"Sign me up." Raziel didn't have to think twice about this. It was the chance he waited so long for. And now, it was his moment to prove himself…on the first week of December.