Gift giver, p.7
Gift Giver, page 7
“He can hit,” Gemma said.
“Gemma, the Rockholds want to have a double date with us,” Jewla said.
“Doesn't mean anything to me,” Gemma said. “They look like the backside of an ogre.”
“Aren't you tired of boys making fun of you?” Jewla asked. “You could be out there like me and the others. Instead you are going to end up like Myrria.”
“And Myrria has been in real human fights and has fought and survived against dangerous monsters,” Gemma said.
“Monsters are scary,” Kaden said. “Some more than others.”
“Only thing I am scared of are tunnelers,” Jewla said. “I am not going to go out there and get killed trying to be tough. Let the men do all of that, you just need to learn your place Gemma.”
“What is a tunneler?” Kaden asked.
“You see these holes?” Gemma said as she looked up and pointed to the pockmarked ceiling. “They are not dwarven make. Tunnelers, monsters that live in the ground make them. They are solitary, they come in and kill dwarves, humans, whatever they can get their teeth on. They can move through dirt quickly, only stone slows them down.”
“Has anyone ever killed one?” Kaden asked.
“Of course we have but it is not easy,” Gemma said. “If you chop one in half, now you have two small tunnelers. They have a mouth at each end, whatever ground they eat they spit it out at the other end. That is why there are holes above us and not below. We keep raising the ceiling and lowering our ground. Tunnelers crash into our stone floors, it knocks them silly. If we are lucky we can get to them before they can escape. If not, well then we aren't lucky.”
“I have seen one eat a whole pen of humans,” Jewla bragged. “All of them just chomped down like good meat.”
“Are you trying to be insulting?” Kaden asked.
“She is,” Gemma said. “I have heard of a single Tunneler eating two months' supply of food. They grow bigger as soon as they eat.”
“I’ll run if I see one,” Kaden said.
Kaden started back giving instruction to Gemma while Jewla stood by and gave nasty quips. She wanted her sister to follow her to some date instead of learning how to fight. Kaden thought Gemma did okay for her first lesson. Gemma understood footwork and Kaden learned that most dwarves didn't bother. Their armor is what set them apart and it was their armor that determined the winner in most fights. The only thing that mattered other than armor was raw strength and endurance. Only Gerrum and a few others worried about technique. Kaden couldn't see any fault with the majority, dwarves were strong and hardy. Whatever they fought would be stronger, faster and probably larger. They had to get in close and then let go with whatever they had. Dwarves were always banging away on a hammer or chipping and cutting stone so they already had the tools they needed. Against another dwarf is the only time they would struggle. Kaden was finished with training once the first monsters were brought in.
Kaden saw many monsters that he hadn't come across, some of them were weak but it didn't matter. There were plenty of Forager brought in, Kaden thought they had twenty or more of the monsters. Water monsters were also brought in and kept in a special waterproof crate. The monsters were still fighting mad and alive, Kaden was brought forth and from the first big batch he saw he would get nineteen essences. Kaden had to be smart while giving them away, most of the weapons and armor could go to the dwarves, they could make better themselves. Kaden had to watch whatever else he gave away, even weak essence like the wings could be game changers.
“Come here human,” Dulan said as he cut open a spiky monster that looked like a large porcupine. “There is one of the purple things.”
Kaden ate the essence and shook his head. Dulan looked angry as Kaden summoned Froggy and had the large mouthed monster hop around and start eating the weak and common monsters that had essence. The uncommon ones were a bit larger and after Kaden ate the essence he had to leave them alone. Kaden didn't want anyone to see him drain anything. Kaden didn't give any hint as to if he found a transferable essence or not until he finished the last bit of essence.
“I found some,” Kaden said.
“Give it to me,” Dulan snapped.
“Just who do you think you are? Thondin said angrily.
“I have more than one,” Kaden said. “I have three.”
“What are they?” Dulan said.
“An armor, a weapon and the ability to transform,” Kaden said.
“Transform?” Thondin asked. “Like, into a monster like you do?”
“Yes,” Kaden said.
“What kind of monster, Gift Giver,” Thondin asked.
“It swims in the water,” Kaden said.
“Give me the armor,” Dulan said. Kaden touched his head and like Gerrum it felt like he had to burst through a barrier. The armor Kaden gave him was common class from a weird large beetle looking monster called a Stormer. Dulan summoned it and the armor had trouble forming over the thick armor Dulan already was wearing. Dulan started taking off his armor as Thondin asked for the weapon. Kaden gave him what looked like a small curved sword from the Manta monster. The sword had teeth along its reverse side, Kaden had no idea what they could be used for. Thondin showed off his blade and raised it high in the air. The dwarves started cheering as angry voices wanted the hunters to go grab more monsters. Kaden thought it was a pity that no elite monsters had been grabbed but was happy for the one uncommon essence he had received. It was a bow that Kaden would upgrade before he went to sleep. If he could get other arrow essences, then he would be in business.
CHAPTER 5
KADEN
Kaden awoke and stretched, two weeks had gone by since he had started Knight training and had been captured by the dwarves. The dwarves had reluctantly delivered a few messages from Kaden. One letting his father know he was okay and letting the Beks know that he had been captured. Kaden saw no reason to go back to being a Bek. He missed the few friends he had in Tinselton so he thought about settling in there. Kaden knew he would be an idiot for leaving the dwarves, Kaden had gotten many different types of essence. With his power he could upgrade whichever one he wanted. Kaden had handed out a lot of essence as well. Most melee weapons that he already had ten of he gave away. He did the same thing with armor. The dwarves liked them but were more interested in talents, mounts and transformations. Many of them could turn into a small swimming type monster, a few were given the ability of being a ground type monster and two had been given the ability to fly by being changed into the mosquito like monster called a Culic. Gerrum by far grabbed the best transformation, he could turn into an Exoco which was a type of flying fish monster.
In return, Kaden had started being treated like royalty by most of the dwarves. Kaden hadn’t learned how to make mithril but had learned better ways of working with it. Kaden almost had his own set of dwarven armor made complete with a better maul. All of the humans, even Kole had been turned out. The dwarves didn't want anyone knowing what they were up to. Kaden didn't mind, one of the essences he grabbed allowed him to become a Sorter. Kaden could tell everyones numbers now and didn't have to go through licking anyone’s forehead. Kaden was past a fifty, he was at a solid fifty seven in everything and thought the longer he stayed, the better he would become. Kaden was given his freedom to wander around as long as he didn't go for one of the exits. Kaden had killed and drained at least three monsters every night. The dwarves had taken to slicing open a monster to see if it had essence, if it didn't they let the monster heal normally. They were supposed to be future food, Kaden had heard Gerrum say that they would have to either start trying to trade monsters to the humans or just let them go. It was becoming crowded and stinky which suited Kaden fine. Life in Elmland was a different animal.
Kaden had of course passed the classroom portion and no one was even close to being a match for him physically. Kaden normally kept everything under wraps but couldn't help showing off a bit when he noticed Charlotte and her sister Eleanor floating above the physical training area watching them exercise. Many Mages started getting up early just to look, it made the men going through training try that much harder to catch their eye. Tyson and a few of the other instructors called Kaden a distraction even if they couldn't compete with him physically.
Kaden thought he became a spectacle, not only were there young women, but older men and women Mages also came early in hopes of seeing him perform. Kaden knew they were most likely trying to make a match which incensed Charlotte. Those visitors combined with the Norm girls and their families who were often present in Elmland in every area a trainee might visit made things real interesting. Kaden never bothered to stay after training and left on Elway. Elway moved faster than a Mage could so no one could slow him down to talk to him. Kaden wouldn't have that luxury today. Today they were all supposed to be on their best behavior because they were being visited by members of the Grand Senate. The Knights on staff were nervous about the entire thing, they didn't want any part of their traditions or lifestyle changed.
Technically the Knights still answered to the King, not the Senate. Baroness Ashborn had been successful two days ago getting a law passed that granted any dropouts from Knight training an automatic commission into the military. Her reasoning was that many going for Knighthood were already well trained and smart. Kaden’s father Uriah had seen through her ploy. He thought that any Knight who fell out and gained an automatic commission would never be back. They still had to undergo training for whatever job in the military they commissioned for but training would be toned down and lasting for less than a month. The Knights never brought that part up, they were worried about any change.
Former nobles probably had it out for them and wanted to make the training different. The Knights had been criticized for their strict admission standards for years. Some might want to do away with the Knights, after all their main mission was now being provided by the Royal Guard who were cheaper. The Knights didn't want to give the Senate anything that they could use against them. The visit was supposed to be a friendly one to inform the new senators of what the Knights were, what they did, and how they trained. The Knights would get a chance to meet the Senate and ask any questions they wanted. Kaden knew Knights like Knight Tyson would speak their minds. As long as he wasn't criticizing the Royals he could get away with almost whatever he wanted.
Kaden took a bath but forgoed his meal or his exercising. The Instructors wanted them there early and they were all supposed to be dressed in armor. The instructors didn't care which type, just as long as they wore a trainee’s surcoat over it. The Instructors wanted to look over them before any of the Senate got there. They were supposed to break their fasts as a group and then go into all of the formalities. Kaden climbed on Elway and traveled to training, when he landed he summoned his Terrortle armor.
The armor could be shattered by a hit from one of the sturdy dwarves if they had enough power on it. In Elmland it was decent sturdy armor. Kaden summoned his Manta sword. It was close enough to a claymore and Kaden had brought a sheathe to wear it across his back. Unlike real weapons and armor, Kaden’s didn't weigh much and he finished everything by placing his surcoat on. Kaden walked to the training area and saw other trainees were up and getting their armor put on. Kaden walked over towards Randall who had just arrived along with his brother Ronald and one of Ronald’s friends named Simon.
“You are through already?” Randall asked. “And where did you get that thing? What are the spikes for? Well I can guess what they are for but you might injure someone in here wearing that.”
“Hmm,” Kaden said as he banished his sword and took off his surcoat. Kaden banished the Terrortle armor and summoned a weak armor from past the second barrier from a Stormer monster. It was a darker metallic color and Kaden didn't think it looked too out of place.
“That was uh,” Randall said wide eyed.
“That was cheating and him showing off,” Ronald sneered as Kaden touched Randall. Kaden figured his father would be angry but only for a second. Kaden knew his father had known that Kaden had already given Randall essence before and Kaden would explain it was just so people would stop being mean to Randall. Kaden already knew the man took flak for being one of the few people Kaden talked to and Kaden doubted the weak Tertle armor he was just given would make a lot of difference.
“It isn't very strong,” Kaden said as Randall’s eyes opened wide. “But I think it's nice.”
“Did you just?” Randall said as he started breathing heavily.
“Ryder likes you, my father can give you a pass,” Kaden smiled. “I know I am not supposed to hand out any more magic because it tires me out and makes me sick for a bit. But I hope you like it.”
“Look at me!” Randall said a bit loudly. The Tertle armor appeared on him and Randall started moving in it. “I barely feel anything, it is like I am wearing another set of clothes or something.”
“Give me one,” Ronald said.
“No,” Kaden said. “You are mean and I am not supposed to give any away.”
“You just gave it to him!” Ronald said as he started to walk up into Kaden’s face. Kaden stuck his hand out, the force of it sent Ronald to the ground.
“Are you over here starting fights?” Tyson said angrily. “Just because your people are coming means nothing.”
“My brother came at him, Knight Tyson,” Randall said.
“If you ever meet my brother, I think you should be nicer,” Kaden said.
“I am not worried about your brother,” Tyson snapped.
“I think you should,” Kaden replied. “He doesn't mind beating up mean people. I am the nice one. I think an enemy is just a friend in disguise.”
“Is this your idea of a threat?” Tyson asked with a sneer. “That you will get your brother on me?”
“If we were fighting,” Kaden began. “I think I could beat you easily. You spend too much time being mean and not enough time being nice. Being mean makes your muscles weak. Your heart is a muscle, my father says mean people have weak hearts so they can't beat good people. I don't think I am mean, so I think I could beat you.”
“My brother is just angry that Prince Kaden just gave me a bit of his magic,” Randall said. “My armor is even glowing a little.”
“So you are getting an unfair advantage,” Tyson snapped.
“I think you are trying to be mean to my friends,” Kaden said. “I am going to leave and come back with my father. Maybe you can explain to him why you are mean to my friends. I don't care if anyone is mean to me. My mother says I am a big boy and words don't hurt unless you let them. But I don't like people being mean to my friends.”
“What?” Tyson said as wings sprouted from Kaden’s back.
“I’ll be back before time to meet the senators,” Kaden said as he turned to go.
“Stop!” Tyson said as Kaden saw the man was looking nervous. Tyson backed away from them and turned to leave.
“That is a mean man,” Kaden said as Tyson left. “And Ronald, why would you try to fight me? I didn't try to fight you.”
“You gave my brother magic,” Ronald said.
“And why should I give it to you?” Kaden asked. “You are mean. I don't really like mean people. I am nice to them because you should treat people the way you want to be treated.”
“He don't need anything,” Randall said. “Thanks for the armor.”
Kaden got himself together and was checked over by no less than nine instructors who wanted everything perfect. The Grand Senate showed up as one group, they all got out of their carriages and Kaden smiled when he saw the irritation in their eyes when his brother Ardler decided to drop in. Ardler stood directly in front of the gate with his arms crossed, as if daring anyone to try to push past him.
“We are on a tight schedule,” a Senator Kaden didn't recognize said.
“I don't care,” Ardler said. “Deal with it. Why are you here?”
“You can't just…,” said another senator as Ardler cut him off.
“I just did,” Ardler said. “If you want to make something of it then step forward. I am going to go through your so-called laws and find the part where it says you can go wherever you want. When it is not found I am locking you up. Criminals should not be Senators.”
“We are within our rights, Your Highness,” Ron said. Kaden recognized Randall’s father, the former Viscount instantly. “But I mostly just want to see my sons. I am a father.”
“What about the rest of you?” Ardler asked. “After your little game with sticking guards I cannot trust all around my home, I have no reason to be civil. Anyone brushes by me and I am going to take it as an assault on the Crown Prince and order every Knight and trainee to protect me by killing all of you. Now what is the reason you are here?"
“We are nosy, Your Highness,” Baroness Ashlyn said. “Many of our number used to be noble and they are curious if a Knighthood is something that their sons could get into. There are also a lot of handsome young single men in there and some of us have daughters. We are only here to ask a few questions and meet the new trainees. We are not trying to step on the King’s toes or your toes either for that matter. I have already cleared everything with King Uriah, our actual ruler.”
“Let me make one thing clear,” Ardler said as he looked about. “I don't care who any of you are or how great you believe yourself to be. My little brother is one of the trainees, do not talk to him. This isn't some request, this is an order from your future King. Threaten any of my instructors and you will be out of here. I pray that you struggle and raise a ruckus. I already know that I am stronger in magic than any of you here and I am backed by Knights, not your little attack dogs you call the Royal Guard.”
Ardler stepped to the side as the Baroness walked past along with the rest of the Senators who looked either annoyed or angry. Kaden was supposed to stand up tall along with the other trainees as Knight Liston started describing some aspects of Knight training. The Senators were led into the main hall where they all took a seat. The Trainees lined the walls in the hall as the Knight Instructors came up to introduce themselves and what the purpose of the Knights was. Kaden thought a lot of hard questions were asked, Tyson didn't disappoint when he was asked if he was for the Royal Family or the will of the people. He went into a tirade calling the majority of them traitors, some of the Senators in the crowd seemed like they understood where he was coming from. After the Instructors had their say, the Senators were given permission to meet the trainees and the instructors in a more intimate setting. They could walk up and talk to the trainees and learn their rank in class. Kaden was currently ranked number one since he was the only one finished with most of the classroom portion.
