The Unknown Man: Book 1 in The Keepers of the Orbs Series by J.G. Gatewood

peered out the window of his temporary quarters. He could see out over the inner and outer rings, to the eastern gates of Havenbrook. For the last three days, he had witnessed a steady stream of people entering the city. How he yearned to be on the road, to find Norlun. He wanted to learn his identity and why he had appeared here in this familiar, yet unknown city. He couldn’t help but feel that Norlun could be the key to the answers he sought. He didn’t care what it took, he would get his answers from the wizard. He had had a few interesting dreams that left him even more confused. All of them pointed to Norlun though, lifting his spirits and leaving him ever more hopeful.
    Liniana had yet to arrive back in the city, postponing his plans thus far. He headed to the kitchen to eat his breakfast, which had become customary so he could eat in peace without any probing questions. After he finished his meal, he decided to stick to his normal routine and strode toward the courtyard to watch the young soldiers in training. He had done this to help pass the time during his stay.
    As he wound his way through the palace, he realized he had never felt so lost. He hated not remembering his own life. He kept his eyes straight forward, so he wouldn’t have to deal with the stares he received from people passing. When he made it down to the training grounds, relief overwhelmed his body. Somehow, combat seemed his only release and nothing made him feel so at ease.
    He walked over to an area of gravel where around a hundred recruits practiced different postures. He watched the group and found his favorites from his previous outings. Only a hand-full had the understanding and nimbleness to make good fighters. The rest would all be good soldiers, but wouldn’t last long in true combat. A split rail fence surrounded the training grounds. He leaned forward and rested his elbows on it. They practiced for over an hour, when they reached his favorite point of the afternoon—single hand-to-hand combat drills.
    The first few rounds of combatants took their turn, using practice swords. He found nothing noteworthy he could take from the session. About halfway through, Captain Markel noticed him leaning on the fence, intently watching the practice drills. Markel motioned for him to come closer so they could converse.
    “Good afternoon, Captain. Quite the group of recruits you have here.”
    This forced a sarcastic snicker from Markel and he said, “Yeah, out of the entire group, only a couple will make adequate soldiers.”
    “I count about seven, especially in hand-to-hand combat.” He smiled at the captain.
    “Good eye. I came to the same count myself.” He glanced at the recruits, before continuing. “I know you don’t remember who you are, but do you remember how to fight?” A grin crossed his face. “Perhaps you would like to face these seven recruits yourself?”
    A smile parted his lips. “Nothing would please me more captain.” He had hoped for an invitation such as this, so when the captain mentioned it, he was ready. He donned his helmet, called for a practice sword, and marched to the center of the ring.
    Markel ordered the seven recruits into the ring when four soldiers approached. A smirk crossed the captain’s face and he said, “On second thought, I have a different adversary for you to face, if you’re willing.”
    The man nodded his head, excitement coursing through him. Markel walked over to the new soldiers and had a quick conversation. The captain turned and to the man’s amazement, the smallest of the four soldiers accompanied him.
    Markel strode up to him. The captain’s gaze shifted to the smaller soldier. “The challenge has been accepted, but be wary, this was my most prominent student. I won’t obligate you if you don’t feel up to it.”
    He followed the captain’s gaze. “If he’s ready, so am I.” He closed his visor and prepared for the fight.
    The man stepped back in a defensive posture, and