Captains
Every single one of them.
“—sure it’s not a prank?” someone was saying.
He stood inside the darker stone square in the floor where knights and petitioners received orders or judgment. In the lieutenant’s case, the former. In Math’s case, usually the latter.
“Commander Talu called for me, sir.”
Murmurs shifted through the room as eyes turned toward the commander. Talu raised one imperious eyebrow.
“I did ask for Novitiate Kaven—over an hour ago.”
Math bowed lower. “My apologies, Commander. I was meditating on my mistakes, as required for penance.”
An elderly woman with a scrunched-up face and white hair pinned tight to her skull spoke loudly. “Penance? What’s he done now? Wasn’t that boy in trouble just last week?”
“I believe it was the same trouble, Captain Danvi,” the man beside her offered.
Being scrutinized by the entire leadership of Isofal Cenobium was enough to break a sweat down Math’s spine.
Captain Lilah of Mending frowned at him, then turned the same expression on the commander. “That was four days ago. He’s been meditating four days? Uninterrupted? Do you need the healers?”
Math bowed his head. “Thank you, Captain, but I’m fine. If I’d gone four days without interruption, I doubt I’d be able to stand.”
“Yes, but where were you?” Captain Jantu of Fields asked. “We looked everywhere.”
Math didn’t answer. He looked instead to Commander Talu, who met his gaze without blinking.
The leader of Isofal Cenobium was a man of sixty with the vitality of someone half his age.
People spoke of him as if he’d been here since the grim lords ruled the world.
His white hair and dark brown skin gave him a statuesque air, and his hawk-nosed profile might’ve been chiseled from granite.
His sharp brown eyes missed nothing. His voice could cut through an army like a sword through a training dummy.
Talu had ordered his penance. Talu had known exactly where he was. And had said nothing.
Still said nothing.
The silence stretched. They were all waiting—expecting the familiar story of some minor infraction, some barely tolerated breach.
Fine. Math cleared his throat. “I was in the antechamber of the maze, Captain.”
That did it. Fifteen voices rose at once. Noise swelled through the chamber like a struck drum.
Math found himself relieved he wasn’t usually required to attend captains’ meetings.
When the chaos ebbed, Captain Qin of Riddles stepped forward. “Who gave you permission to be in the antechamber? Novitiates are not allowed down there.”
Novitiates weren’t allowed down there. Monks weren’t allowed down there. Knights weren’t allowed down there.
Only two people could authorize access to the maze: Captain Qin, or …
“My apologies, Captain. I was under orders from Commander Talu.”
Captain Qin turned to Talu. The commander raised an eyebrow and shrugged: So what if he was?
The rest of the captains took a careful step back.
“Commander,” Captain Qin said after a taut pause. “I must protest.”
“Noted, Captain. And overruled. Novitiate Kaven, your penance is officially over. Go stand in your place.”
Math bowed and moved to the position just behind and to the right of Lieutenant Nuhzar.
“To return to the subject at hand,” Commander Talu said, “no, I do not believe it’s a prank.
Kegomar Lumber has always maintained a serious mien.
We must assume things have gone terribly wrong and treat it accordingly.
You have your orders. May the Tri-Mother bless us all.
Novitiate Kaven, stay behind. I would speak with you.
Afterward, you will join Lieutenant Nuhzar’s team. ”
If Math froze, it was nothing compared to Nuhzar’s reaction.
“Commander? He’s not a knight.”
True enough. Most who failed to manifest by eighteen chose the monk’s path, but there was no rule that said a novitiate had to stop trying to become a knight.
No rule—but plenty of pressure, silence, and looks just like the one Nuhzar was giving him now.
Commander Talu narrowed his eyes. “Yes, Lieutenant. I expect that hasn’t changed in the last four days.”
Lieutenant Nuhzar straightened. “Yes, Commander. But he’s not—”
“You know we’re under strength.”
“He shouldn’t be in the field.”
Math clenched his fists behind his back. He had no choice but to stand still while they talked about him like he wasn’t in the room.
“An opinion you’ve shared before, Lieutenant,” Commander Talu said coldly. “Thank you.”
“Quit while you’re ahead, Alik,” Captain Rabu cautioned.
Lieutenant Nuhzar’s jaw clenched, but Rabu was his commanding officer. The lieutenant bowed. “Apologies, Commander. I’m only concerned for the mission’s success.”
“As am I.” Talu’s expression didn’t thaw. “Which is why I want him to accompany you. He’s the only person in this cenobium who’s encountered anything like what you may face today.”
“Yes, Commander.”
Commander Talu made a small, sweeping gesture. “Then be off. Kaven will meet you in the stables and brief you en route.”
“Yes, Commander.” Lieutenant Nuhzar bowed again, spared a scathing look of contempt for Math, and stalked from the room.
Once the door closed and only the commander’s mage-light remained to light the room, Talu said, “Come closer, lad.”