Читать книгу The Hopes of Kings - Steve Reilly - Страница 19

Chapter 12

Once again the council met in the lightless room to discuss their plans to educate the youth of Arenia. Piaz was among them, along with Marta, Beth’s sister, who had been selected to head up the girl’s organisation that would parallel the one run by Piaz. Names such as The Young Society or Youth of Arenia and many more had been proposed and discarded before Josef offered his suggestion.

“We are trying to show that we are bringing the light of knowledge to these children, while not limiting it to Arenia or declaring it as a faction of The Society. We wish it to appear a school for learning without outside influence. Why do we not simply call these groups The Academy for Boys and The Academy for Girls, or more simply, The Academy?”

The name was well received by all who thought the name more than suitable, and discussions turned to implementation. Xavier was impressed with the young councillor’s choice and was pleased to see his proposal coming to life. He was also pleased that the council could be so easily led to the smaller decisions, allowing him the freedom to develop his own plans. He knew that Josef doubted himself at times but the man showed promise. Josef spoke again,

“I realise that Xavier chose to give Piaz a position in the army, but I question if this is the right choice?”

Xavier suddenly thought he may need to revise his decision on the man.

“It was my thinking at the time, but I am willing to listen to suggestions,” offered the King, his eyes wide in a gesture he hoped would encourage the man. He wanted to support Josef. The man’s ideas complimented his own in many ways.

“My thoughts are that we are presenting this as education and training to give our young people a better future in whatever they choose to do, and as such a military man may give the wrong impression. It will make the people think we are only trying to build the army, and though this may be one purpose, it is not one we should promote. I think that Piaz and his trainers would better be referred to as ‘Masters’.”

Xavier noted that the young man had clearly thought long on his suggestion.

“They should be looked upon by the people as being above the army and we should present them as knowledgeable leaders. We could assign two or three soldiers to travel with them who could appear to be under the Master’s authority to emphasise this point. Most boys will still see the excitement of life as a soldier as a model for their future, and those who think they are good enough would see learning as being more powerful than the sword.”

Everyone waited for the King’s reply. Xavier kept them waiting until Josef began to fidget.

“I like it. You have done well Josef. Piaz, do you object to losing your commission before it has begun?”

“I am happy to be doing the work of The Society in whatever role the council sees fit. The title of Master has great allure. It will capture the imagination of the people and lead them to bigger dreams. With the title of Master, I could do much for our cause.”

“What about the girls?” asked Beth.

Josef suggested their teachers should be referred to as ‘Mistress’ but they decided to see if they could come up with something better as this could have detrimental feelings. Then Josef made his final contribution.

“What about ‘Mother’?”

“Perfect,” agreed Marta immediately. “It is all that we are trying to present. They are leaders and carers who possess great knowledge, but who do not outrank the Masters.”

~

The first class of the Academy was organised to be held in the east quarter of the city, behind the blacksmith’s shop, where the horse-yard provided a location that was both quiet and open. It also provided the council an opportunity of watching discretely from the windows of the White Star Inn.

Boys with nothing better to do began to arrive and take their places on the hay bales that had been positioned along the split rail fence. Piaz sat watching from the box placed to one side of their arena and by the time he rose and made his way to the middle of the dusty yard, eighteen boys sat waiting.

“Good morning and welcome to the first meeting of the Academy. It is pleasing to see so many boys present and that you have brought their families to watch.”

He made a sweeping bow with a flourish of his broad hat, taking in all those present.

“My name is Master Piaz, but that is unimportant. You have all come to discover what will happen today, and I admit, I am as excited as you. The purpose of these meetings is to discover what this land holds for its people and I agree with you that, at first glance, it does not seem to offer much, but it’s purpose is rather grand. King Xavier has a vision and I have been privileged to offer it to you. He wishes to see all Arenians living a life much easier than the one they live now. To achieve this, he has created the Academy to teach our youth how they can attain this. Over time, all will have a greater knowledge and understating of the world, and skills enough to manage it.” He paused to catch his breath and allow the small crowd to voice their comments. “King Xavier has declared that these meetings must teach our boys to become better men. Here they will learn to defend themselves and their land by training in the arts of a soldier. They will be taught the history of Arenia, learn to care for their farms and honour their kingdom. They will know what it is to help their countrymen. And those with the willingness to learn will be shown how to read and cypher. This is a plan for Arenia and all its people.”

The parents stood outside the rail listening to what this man was telling their children and Piaz was aware that he needed to convince them of his good intent. He wanted to show that he could give their boys skills that would help their lives, but that it could also be interesting, that they could learn skills far more useful than other than just those of a soldier.

“We have many things to study and in time we will delight in the knowledge of the world, but today we are going to consider the skills of a soldier. The army is a life many seek and offers our boys a different life, and we can have some fun practicing what we are shown. It is not the only thing we plan to show, but it is the easiest for this first meeting. To do this I have with me two of the king’s guards who have agreed to demonstrate their craft for all.”

The crowd cheered as the guards waiting against the fence raised their arms to the accolades of their audience. After his introduction he stepped aside and the two soldiers strode into the yard. Both wore their black capes with gold clasps over dark clothing and both had swords at their hips. There were a few heckles for the gathered audience, but most waited to see what these men would do.

“These men are two of the best swordsmen in the King’s army,” Piaz called from his new position atop a hay bale beside the fence. “They have come here today to show you one of the many things you will see and do at the Academy, so watch them closely. Those who watch from outside can admire their skills, but later, we will see if your boys can follow their moves so pay attention.”

The two soldiers threw their capes back from their shoulders and drew their swords. They took their positions facing each other with blades raised and tips touching, standing frozen and ready. Sunlight glinted off the polished steel as stillness became motion.

One man leapt forward on the balls of his feet, his blade swinging in a narrow arc towards the other man’s side, only to be stopped with a loud clang as the other blade blocked the deadly attack. Swords flashed faster than the eye could follow as steel met steel, back and forth across the ground. Dust rose as boots moved quickly to take the soldiers first into attack and then retreat under the onslaught of cutting thrusts. The men were evenly matched and neither could gain a clear advantage.

Piaz smiled as he listened to the sounds of awe and appreciation from the boys nearby. The fight continued undiminished for fully ten minutes until Piaz called for a halt.

Both men stepped back to salute each other with their swords before returning the weapons to their scabbards. They were wet with sweat, but neither was short of breath as they returned to their positions against the fence. They had not spoken a word, yet their performance had the crowd listening with all their senses.

The boys were still cheering and clapping as Piaz moved back to the middle of their makeshift arena. No one suspected that this demonstration had been carefully staged 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.