G’aereth’s blunt manner, harsh tongue, and fiery temper. G’aereth became Captain of the Gold Cloaks the very day Tortaalik took the Orb.
This Captain, then, this G’aereth, was just coming into his prime, just arriving at the station for which he had worked all his life, and he accepted this as he accepted everything life threw at him: with a bold eye, good humor, a clear sense of what mattered, and unbending principles. Thus his first words when the friends arrived were to say to Pel, with something of a glint in his eye, “Your cloak appears somewhat different from those of your comrades.”
Pel bowed. “I am honored that my Captain should deign to notice.”
G’aereth chuckled, but said no more about it. Khaavren said, “My lord, we are prepared to assume our duties.”
“That is well,” said the Captain. “Are you aware of what these duties consist?”
“No, my lord,” said Khaavren frankly.
“But we hope to learn,” said Aerich with a slight bow.
“Then I will tell you,” said G’aereth. “There remain two more days of festivities in the city. Those who enjoy these festivities may, in their enthusiasm, become a menace to the other more restrained citizens. It falls upon us, then, to make certain there are no, or at least few, needless injuries. We must also strive to our utmost to see that the dueling code is upheld.”
They nodded.
“Very well,” said the Captain, “you are to enforce the laws of the Empire.”
“And what laws are these, Captain?” asked Aerich.
“Heh,” said G’aereth. “Use your judgement. If it looks illegal, then it probably is.”
“Very well.”
“Furthermore, if necessary, you may act as judges and Imperial Witnesses, but only if no other duty presses you.”
The four friends nodded once more.
“And remember, from this moment forward, your lives belong to the Emperor first, to the Warlord second, to me third, and to yourselves last. Is this plainly understood?”
They all agreed that it was.
“That is well. Now, have you found lodgings?”
All except Pel shook their heads.
“Well,” said the Captain, “the evening’s revelries will not begin for yet a few hours. Make use of this time to secure lodgings. Then you will meet outside of the Dragon Gate. Here you will find those I have chosen to be partners for each of you. Be warned,” he added sternly, “that your partners will report to me on how well you have carried out your duties. You perceive that admission to the Imperial Guard is not a favor to be earned lightly—especially when it is to my brigade that you wish to attach yourselves.”
They all bowed. The Captain’s words suited Khaavren well, for he would have found little value in a prize too easily won. Something occurred to him, then, and he said, “All of us? Isn’t Pel admitted?”
“He is, yes,” said the Captain. “His test was completed two days ago. But he has not yet made a patrol, and I wish for him to be guided by someone with experience.”
“I understand,” said Khaavren.
Pel, in his turn, said, “How long will this patrol last, my Captain?”
“You will begin as I have indicated, three hours hence. Continue until dawn, then you may retire. Tomorrow, present yourselves to me again. You, Khaavren, at this hour. Tazendra at the next hour, and Aerich one hour later and Pel last.”
There being no more questions, then, the foursome took their leaves and went out to secure lodgings. This was quickly done, but, as we have already taken up much of the reader’s valuable time with descriptions, we do not intend to try his patience with yet another at this moment—rest assured, however, that we will return to the matter of lodgings soon enough, as it plays a part in the history we have the honor to relate.
Chapter the Fifth
In Which Method is Applied to Mayhem, and Khaavren, To his Advantage, Recalls Certain Filial Advice
I N THE MEANTIME, WE WILL leap ahead, with our readers’ kind indulgence, to the
This Captain, then, this G’aereth, was just coming into his prime, just arriving at the station for which he had worked all his life, and he accepted this as he accepted everything life threw at him: with a bold eye, good humor, a clear sense of what mattered, and unbending principles. Thus his first words when the friends arrived were to say to Pel, with something of a glint in his eye, “Your cloak appears somewhat different from those of your comrades.”
Pel bowed. “I am honored that my Captain should deign to notice.”
G’aereth chuckled, but said no more about it. Khaavren said, “My lord, we are prepared to assume our duties.”
“That is well,” said the Captain. “Are you aware of what these duties consist?”
“No, my lord,” said Khaavren frankly.
“But we hope to learn,” said Aerich with a slight bow.
“Then I will tell you,” said G’aereth. “There remain two more days of festivities in the city. Those who enjoy these festivities may, in their enthusiasm, become a menace to the other more restrained citizens. It falls upon us, then, to make certain there are no, or at least few, needless injuries. We must also strive to our utmost to see that the dueling code is upheld.”
They nodded.
“Very well,” said the Captain, “you are to enforce the laws of the Empire.”
“And what laws are these, Captain?” asked Aerich.
“Heh,” said G’aereth. “Use your judgement. If it looks illegal, then it probably is.”
“Very well.”
“Furthermore, if necessary, you may act as judges and Imperial Witnesses, but only if no other duty presses you.”
The four friends nodded once more.
“And remember, from this moment forward, your lives belong to the Emperor first, to the Warlord second, to me third, and to yourselves last. Is this plainly understood?”
They all agreed that it was.
“That is well. Now, have you found lodgings?”
All except Pel shook their heads.
“Well,” said the Captain, “the evening’s revelries will not begin for yet a few hours. Make use of this time to secure lodgings. Then you will meet outside of the Dragon Gate. Here you will find those I have chosen to be partners for each of you. Be warned,” he added sternly, “that your partners will report to me on how well you have carried out your duties. You perceive that admission to the Imperial Guard is not a favor to be earned lightly—especially when it is to my brigade that you wish to attach yourselves.”
They all bowed. The Captain’s words suited Khaavren well, for he would have found little value in a prize too easily won. Something occurred to him, then, and he said, “All of us? Isn’t Pel admitted?”
“He is, yes,” said the Captain. “His test was completed two days ago. But he has not yet made a patrol, and I wish for him to be guided by someone with experience.”
“I understand,” said Khaavren.
Pel, in his turn, said, “How long will this patrol last, my Captain?”
“You will begin as I have indicated, three hours hence. Continue until dawn, then you may retire. Tomorrow, present yourselves to me again. You, Khaavren, at this hour. Tazendra at the next hour, and Aerich one hour later and Pel last.”
There being no more questions, then, the foursome took their leaves and went out to secure lodgings. This was quickly done, but, as we have already taken up much of the reader’s valuable time with descriptions, we do not intend to try his patience with yet another at this moment—rest assured, however, that we will return to the matter of lodgings soon enough, as it plays a part in the history we have the honor to relate.
Chapter the Fifth
In Which Method is Applied to Mayhem, and Khaavren, To his Advantage, Recalls Certain Filial Advice
I N THE MEANTIME, WE WILL leap ahead, with our readers’ kind indulgence, to the
Similar Books
