Magi Guard: Chapter 55

Gregory sat in his cavern; the aether flame was much brighter and larger than even a year before. He’d just finished rewatching his unit’s run through the obstacle course, the flames that made it becoming sparks that drifted to his channels.

“There’s room for improvement, but I doubt we’ll ever see another course…” Gregory murmured to himself. “We’ll probably be told our assignments for next year during the banquet. It’ll be Krogga after that, but what will they task me with between now and then?”

He considered what he’d read before against what was most probable. In the end, he could see a border posting as the most likely. If not that, perhaps a post at a city, assisting a senior magi? That thought gave him a brief desire to be posted in Grakle so he could see his friends, but he dismissed it, as it was too hopeful. The last option was a post back at the academy, but that seemed as unlikely as being sent to Grakle.

“I could peek into the future… but if I’m going to be told today, what would be the point of using my aether now? The gods only know what might happen later that I’ll need my aether for.”

Getting to his feet, he stretched in the cavern. He took a slow walk around it, inspecting the walls. The channels were two fingers’ width wide and went farther back than he could see. He smiled, remembering when they weren’t even a pinkie’s width in diameter or depth. It seemed like ages ago, but was merely three years past.

“So much has happened since my dream came true. Everything about my life changed the moment my aether woke… but why does it take the ceremony to wake it? Why does it need to be when you become an adult?” Lips pursed, he continued his walk along the cavern, thinking over his own questions.

When he felt the time was right, he let go of his meditation. He was seated in his tent just as the fourth bell began to chime. Getting up, he stretched out his muscles, then left his room for the front of the tent.

“Good morning, Rafiq, Basal,” Gregory greeted the pair.

“Good morning, sir,” Basal replied.

“Good morning, Gregory,” Rafiq smiled. “Looking forward to the green tomorrow?”

“Is that when we get to change kimonos?”

“Indeed. The banquet concludes this year. You will officially be an adept tomorrow morning.”

Gregory took a deep breath. “I’m excited and disappointed. It’s odd to feel them both together.”

“I understand. I felt much the same before leaving for Buldoun.”

“I’m sure your feelings were sharper than mine. I know it’s only a year for my wives and me to be apart.”

“True, but the sharpness ebbs to a dull ache,” Rafiq replied somberly. “I know she would be proud of me doing what I am. That helps ease the ache. I was disappointed that the judges didn’t allow me to watch any of your tests, but I do thank you for explaining them to me so my notes do not have a giant hole in them.”

“I was surprised you weren’t allowed to watch, either, but they might’ve worried that you’d somehow assist me,” Gregory shrugged. “The men enjoyed last night,” he added, changing the topic.

“They did, indeed,” Rafiq chuckled. “You stayed with the sergeants longer than I thought you would.”

“It was a good game,” Gregory smiled. “I didn’t want to break it up too early. Any hint on what today will be like?”

“A free day until the late afternoon, when you will be informed of the banquet and what is required. The banquet is fairly standard: some mingling before the food, and after eating, the judges will give speeches, then recognize the best units. That has ranged between one and three units being decorated in the past. There are normally no rewards beyond the recognition, and some have felt slighted by that in the past. The army only rewards with medals and potentially a better posting, even for those who have long been in their ranks. After the speeches and potential medals, you will all be given an envelope with your orders for next year.”

“We leave tomorrow, then?”

“The day after is when the exodus begins, and since we were the last ones here, we are the first ones to leave. Tomorrow will be for supplies to be delivered so you can leave in as ready a condition as possible.”

“Today and tomorrow are all that remains, and we can’t even speak to each other…” Gregory muttered.

“Wait for the banquet. You can see them there, at the very least,” Rafiq told him gently.

Exhaling the irrational spike of anger that he’d felt for a second, Gregory let it go. “I know. Thank you, Rafiq. I’m happy you’re here. I know I’ve said it repeatedly over the entire year, but it remains true.”

“Greg,” Rafiq said; his informality was rare, which got Gregory’s attention. “You are a good friend. I am proud to be seen as such, even if it cannot be said in front of some. I came out of duty. I’ll be glad to stay, though, because your friendship means more than most realize. The depths you will go to for a friend is no small thing.”

Gregory met Rafiq’s gaze, then bowed formally. “I’ll never turn from a friend who is true to me. You’ll always be someone I treasure as a friend.”

“The same from me to you,” Rafiq bowed back.

Basal shifted, and both men looked his way. “Err… sorry, sirs.”

Gregory laughed, then clapped Basal on the shoulder. “You’re also a friend, Basal. You might be a servant, but you’re a friend.” He grew serious for a moment. “Did you have the talk with Dot?”

Basal flushed. “She said she’d be happy to wait, Greg. I’m nervous… it’s years away for me to become an adult. What if she finds another?”

“It’s possible,” Gregory said, squeezing the boy’s shoulder. “If it’s love, it’ll work out. Have some faith in her, as she obviously has some in you.”

Basal nodded. “I do. It’s more what if I mess up and—?”

“Peace,” Gregory chuckled. “Just do your best. That’s all we can do in life.”

“Yes, sir,” Basal said, bowing his head. “How did you manage with Yukiko? She’s your first wife, right?”

“Let’s take a seat at the table, and I’ll tell you about how Yuki and I finally got our dreams to meet.”

~*~*~

Breakfast was relaxed; everyone was chatting happily during the meal. Gregory announced afterward what the next couple of days would be like so everyone would be able to plan for it. Then, he told them they had the day off, but encouraged them to make sure their gear was in top shape, as they would be back to training tomorrow.

Once everything was done, Gregory stopped by the cook’s tent. “Barny, is everything okay?”

“Everything has been wonderful, sir,” Barny said. “The fact you bought me an actual stove and will carry it for me… I still don’t have the words.”

“Makes it better for all of us. Make sure Davis gets a list of anything you need. If we don’t get it issued to us, we’ll stop by a town or city and get it on our way to our next assignment.”

“Yes, sir,” Barny smiled. “I’ll make sure he knows.”

Leaving the tent, Gregory found Willof waiting for him. “Gregory, do you have a moment?”

“For a friend? Always.”

“Your tent, please,” Willof said.

The pair entered the tent a minute later, and Gregory asked Basal to step out for a bit. He didn’t see Rafiq, so Gregory took a seat near Willof. “Okay, looks like we’re fine. What’s the matter?”

“I just wanted to ask about your friends. The more I know, the more I can help without overtly helping.”

Gregory pulled up aether sight and scanned the room before nodding slowly. “Don’t help them any more than Egil helped us,” Gregory said seriously. “They’ve done their best when there was pressure to stand at the top.”

Willof exhaled slowly. “Okay. I’ll do what you suggest. I got a letter from Dia… I think it’s hopeful, but was wondering if you could look at a snippet and tell me if I’m reading too much into it?”

Gregory was surprised by that, but Willof had always been helpful to him. “For a friend.”

Willof pulled a letter out of his pouch, handing it over. “I marked the spot, so you don’t have to read all of it.”

Gregory chuckled. “I was going to ask you to do that.” Opening the letter, Gregory saw brackets around a small paragraph. As he read it, he began to grin. “I’d say it’s pretty clear. When you get back to Wesrik, Dia will be there to greet you. Hmm… I can see where you might have some doubts, though. You worry she means to hire you for the clan, as that would be the end of your twenty, wouldn’t it?”

“Yes…” Willof sighed.

“Dia’s always been honest and open. When you write her back, ask her. Without knowing what you wrote originally, it’s hard to say what her meaning could be. Did you make it clear that you wanted a relationship with her?”

Willof grimaced. “I don’t know. I was hedging around things to not get flatly rebuked.”

Handing the letter back, Gregory shook his head. “I’d let her know that you meant in a personal relationship, not professional. Let her know why you’re asking for clarification. She’ll probably smirk while she smokes the pascal leaf you sent her. If she doesn’t want a relationship, she’ll tell you, but gently. She isn’t harsh.”

Willof put the paper back into his pouch. “I know. Even with the hurt she’s endured, she’s kind, caring… lovely.”

“For what it’s worth, Willof, I hope it works out for you. Both of you deserve some happiness. She won’t leave the clan, so know you’d be tying yourself to Aether’s Guard.”

“I know. Armsmaster Watashi might wish to retire again when I go back. I thought I could pick up combat training if he did.”

“I’d recommend you for that,” Gregory smiled. “I’ll write up a letter of recommendation just for that.”

“I’d have to hold onto it for a few years, but yes, please.”

“Not that you’ll need my help if Dia agrees to a relationship,” Gregory chuckled.

“True,” Willof exhaled, feeling a bit better. “We’ll be getting called to use the bathhouse in a few hours. It’s based on the time we arrived, so we’ll be the last ones.”

“A bathhouse?” Gregory asked, sitting up. “With real tubs?”

Willof chuckled. “Yes. Massive place with stone benches and tubs large enough for a dozen men each. It was designed for forty men at a go. We won’t be allowed to stay in for long. There are time limits so everyone can bathe, but it’ll mean we’re at our best for the banquet.”

“I need to let the men know so they’re ready,” Gregory said, getting to his feet. “Willof, thanks,” he added, patting the older man’s shoulder. “You helped me get the men ready. Any accolades we receive are because of you.”

“It was my job, and I had good students,” Willof said. “Let’s go tell the men.”