Ah, the final chapter. Thank you for reading it until the end. This is a little longer than the previous chapters. Please bear with it. It's the last one, after all. ^_^ Disclaimer: Characters depicted in the story aren't mine. They belong to Konami.
To Become a Knight
". . .and that's how my father defeated two Dark Bunnies on the plains." The innkeeper's daughter looked at the boy sitting across her and smiled, her green eyes twinkling. Percival returned her smile with one of his own. He has found that he has been smiling quite frequently these days. It's because of that Red Knight's idiotic challenge two days ago. Can't charm a girl, eh? Hn. He'll show him.
"That's all fine and interesting." Percival replied after sipping a small amount of juice served in front of him. "But I'd rather we talk of a more important matter."
"Oh?" The beautiful brunette asked with her brows raised. "And what would be more important than my father?"
"You."
The innkeeper's daughter blushed.
Camus' choked on his drink. That was damn smooth! He never taught the boy that! The Red Knight could only shake his head in amazement as he replaced his cup on the table. He was enjoying a drink in the tavern that afternoon when the boy suddenly burst inside. Percival stood in front of Camus with a smug smile and told him to watch. And watch he did as he invited the girl for a drink and a little chat on the table beside his. That was when the boy started weaving his magic. By the goddess, has he created a monster?
Then again, has he forgotten what Camus told him a few days ago? He frowned. That women are to be treated equally and are not to be toyed around with? If he did, a good whack on the head should refurbish his memory.
Percival looked over at the girl's left to see the knight's dumbfounded expression. Instead, he received a disapproving look. What? He isn't doing anything wrong. He wasn't fooling around with the girl. Percival really found her pretty and interesting. He was being sincere with her.
'I'm serious.' Camus could clearly see the message in the Percival's gray eyes. He narrowed his own but nodded nonetheless. All right, he will trust the boy.
"I see you have been enjoying your stay here." An all-too familiar voice suddenly spoke behind the Red Knight as he raised his cup to his lips for a drink. Recognizing it instantly, he turned around and stood up, a welcoming smile on his lips.
"Miklotov." Camus greeted his friend as he placed a fist on his chest in a form of salute. "Good to see you again." The Blue Knight returned the gesture. He pulled a chair across Camus and sat, raising a hand to gain the tavern server's attention. "I was given more than enough time to finish my business here." The red haired knight continued after Miklotov placed an order. "Have I already exceeded my time limit?"
"Nay, my friend." He answered as he unbuckled his sword from his belt and placed it on the table. "You still have a month left."
"An ample time to get back to Matilda." Camus shrugged. "It seems that the summons you received before was no problem at all. Since you are back here so fast."
"Nay, the summons was quite important." Miklotov said with a shake of his dark head. "Our trading routes leading to the Grasslands are plagued with bandits. Merchants from various cities and villages have been complaining about it." His cup of ale arrived as the server placed it on the table and quickly retreated. "I've assigned sentinels to guard the roads."
"Good move." Camus nodded. "And the reason why you are here?"
"I will go to the Zexen Council tomorrow to propose a new trading route." He replied after taking a big gulp of his drink. "They should find this proposal interesting since it will bring them as far as Jowston."
"I see." Camus leaned back, an arm draped over the back of his chair while the other held his almost empty cup. "I can accompany you tomorrow to Vinay del Zexay."
"Are you finished here?"
"Just about." The Red Knight answered. "See that dark haired boy sitting behind you?" He raised his cup and tipped it, indicating Percival. Miklotov turned his head to his right for a quick look then returned his gaze to his friend and nodded. "That's the Fraulein boy. I've been instructing him on how to wield a sword, among other things." Camus continued. "He's a remarkable student. A fast learner."
Miklotov took another quick look at the boy and noticed his smile. An almost similar smile Camus wears whenever he's. . . charming, as he would call it, a female companion. "I can see clearly what those 'other things' you're teaching him are." He chuckled. "Bloody hell, you created a monster out of that boy."
His sentiments exactly, Camus laughed. "Don't worry. He'll come around in the end and settle down." He waved a gloved hand dismissively. "Once he finds the right woman." He added almost quietly. Miklotov hid a smile as he gulped down his ale. So, his friend speaks from experience, eh? "I'll even wager he wouldn't know what to do when love finally strikes him. All renowned rakes don't."
"Like you." It wasn't a question but a statement. Miklotov chuckled as one particular woman entered his mind.
Camus grinned as he recovered from his reverie. "Mayhap."
* * *
"Parries are made with the flat of the blade." Camus instructed as the training continued the next morning. Both knight and boy stood by the fields, far away from the villagers who were picking their produce. The crops danced as the soft morning breeze blew. Another perfect day for training. "Attack me." The Red Knight said.
Percival raised his wooden sword which was fashioned by him to perfection and swung. His attacks were easily parried by Camus. "Now, I attack and you parry." The boy nodded and prepared himself for the knight's offense. Camus swung his wooden sword, and each strong blow was met by Percival's defense.
He was able to parry all the knight's attacks, albeit exhausted from the feat. The Red Knight is undoubtedly strong, Percival thought as he dragged in deep breaths. It was good that the knight wasn't being too easy on him. He won't improve if that were to happen.
He paused. What if he used two hands instead of one to both attack and defend? Perhaps he would stand more of a chance and---
"I see your training is going well." Percival looked up when Camus' friend approached them. The Red Knight introduced him as Miklotov, the Captain of the Blue Knights, in the tavern yesterday. "Perhaps I could also teach you a thing or two. If that's all right with you, Percival?"
It is definitely all right, Percival thought excitedly. To learn sword handling from the two renowned knights of Matilda. He couldn't have asked for more!
"You can call him Percy, Miklotov." Camus said as he handed his wooden sword to his friend. "He likes being called that." The Red Knight laughed when Percival gave him a dark glare. He leaned back on the massive trunk of the Pasania tree nearby and watched the two duel.
Camus and Miklotov have almost the same style of swordsmanship, Percival observed as his wooden sword clashed with Miklotov's. He distinctly remembered Camus telling him that he and the Blue Knight hold the longest duel in Matilda. The one who reigned victorious, he does not know. But it couldn't have mattered now that he's seen their skills. Both emanate quiet strength and power. He respected them for that.
The duel ended. Percival almost knelt in exhaustion as he gasped for shallow breaths. Miklotov whistled as he sauntered back toward Camus. The Red Knight straightened from the tree. "That was fun." He smiled as he took the wooden sword from Miklotov. "My turn, Percy?"
The boy nodded, despite his fatigue, and raised his sword. Camus watched as the boy continued to gulp for breaths. This boy's will is definitely remarkable. A bright future lay ahead of him. "Hey, Miklotov, this boy is going to be one of the best swordsmen in the land, don't you think?" Camus lowered his hand and turned to the Blue Knight.
"Aye, the world should better watch out for him. He will become strong."
Percival lowered his guard and stared at the two knights. Are they praising him? Do they really think he has the potential of becoming one of the best swordsmen? A smile started to form on his lips.
"Of course." Camus continued as he walked back toward the tree. "That is because it is we who are teaching him how to wield a sword. Everything depends upon the teacher after all." He turned and Percival saw a smug smile pasted on his lips. His own vanished.
Miklotov laughed when he bore witness to Percival's reaction. "Camus jests, my boy. You should understand by now your mentor's wicked sense of humor."
"Aye. Wicked." Percival muttered as he walked toward the two. The Red Knight smiled sheepishly then motioned them that they should get back to the village.
"It's about time we leave for Vinay del Zexay, Camus." Miklotov said as they stopped in front of Percival's house. The boy went inside in a hurry, the two knights didn't seem to notice.
"I agree." The Red Knight nodded. "Yet I hear that the Zexen Council is quite pompous and difficult to deal with. They will not speak to you if they deem you unimportant."
"I will not tolerate that kind of treatment." Miklotov answered with a hard note in his voice. "I have come because of an important proposition. I will not be shrugged off."
Camus nodded. "The horses are stabled this way." He led the way to the village stables. Both took out the two horses Miklotov brought along and started to saddle them. The dark bay Camus brought that day he arrived in Iksay snorted, catching his attention. Percival has been tending to that horse. The Red Knight believed that he has even been training with it. He saw them once galloping around the fields, the boy having perfect control on the large animal. With a curt command from Percival, the horse slowed down to a walk. And to Camus' amazement, it began to skip. He smiled. What other tricks did the boy teach the horse?
"Can I go with you?" Percival suddenly appeared behind them. He has freshened himself up and changed to a simple white tunic and black pants. So that was why he hurriedly ran inside the house, eh? He wanted to come along.
"Er. . ."
"Please?" The boy said. "I'll be good. I just wanted to see Vinay del Zexay again."
The Blue Knight replied before Camus could. "Fine by me." Miklotov shrugged as he mounted his horse. "Taking him will be no trouble at all."
Camus sighed. "All right, Percy. Just tell your mother. I'll saddle up your horse."
"I already told Mum." Percival beamed. "I'll saddle Kelpie myself."
"Kelpie?"
"The dark bay." Percival answered as he took the horse out of the stable. "In a foreign folklore, Kelpie is a water spirit in the form of a horse that would drown its riders."
"That doesn't sound so pleasant."
"Aye, but I interpreted it to another meaning." The boy answered as he fastened the girth to the straps. "This Kelpie will lead you to the swift waters of victory in battle and drown you with its glory." Percival paused then realized what he has done. He turned to look at Camus. "Forgive my rudeness for naming your horse. I was just---"
"It doesn't matter, Percy." Camus cut him off with a smile as he mounted his horse. "I have a mind of bestowing the horse to you anyway."
For the first time in his life, Percival was speechless.
"Let's go." Miklotov chuckled and led the way to the village gates. Camus nodded and followed suit. Percival quickly finished saddling the dark bay, mounted on it, and followed the two knights out. Kelpie is his? He smiled as he ran his hand on the horse's dark mane.
"Thank you." Percival said quietly to the back of the Red Knight. Too quietly that Camus could not have possibly heard him. He cleared his throat. This is the first time he received anything in his life. So expressing gratitude is completely new to him. He cleared his throat to try again. Before he could say anything, he saw Camus raise his right hand in a dismissive wave. He heard him after all.
* * *
"The Council Hall is this way." Miklotov said the moment they entered the busy city of Vinay del Zexay. Percival's dark eyes lit with excitement as he surveyed the city once again. It was as beautiful as ever. Large houses and shops surrounded them as they treaded the cobblestone pathways leading to the Council Hall. Indistinct and loud chatter can be heard, people ambled from one merchant to another for one-day sales; children played tag; knights clanked their way around the city, supervising the activities that were happening inside.
"Can I go to the marketplace for a little while?" Percival asked the Matilda Knights as they reached the Council Hall. "My mother wanted me to buy some supplies."
"All right." Camus nodded. "You can even explore for a little while. I'm certain our talk with the Council will take some time." He leaned toward the boy and winked. "Find a girl to tour you around."
"Camus." Miklotov sighed when Percival gave a wicked grin. These two are hopeless. "You're giving him ideas."
"Run along now." Camus laughed, giving the boy a little push. "And come back here when you're done." He called to the retreating form of Percival. He waved a hand, a sign that he heard him, then disappeared into the crowds.
An hour later, Percival finished purchasing the materials his mother wanted. Bags in hand, he walked toward the Item Shop to buy medicine, the last on his list. As he made his way toward the shop, he saw a blond haired boy coming his way, a bottle of wine in his hands. He looked around his age and Percival decided to talk to him. Might as well make acquaintances while he's here, he thought.
"Hey." He smiled at the boy as he neared him. "Aren't you too young to be drinking that?"
The city boy stopped, a frown formed on his face. Looks like he can't appreciate a little joke. "This isn't for me, you idiot." His sherry brown eyes narrowed at him. "It's for our wine collection."
Percival frowned as well. He doesn't like being called names. "Did you just call me an idiot?"
"Because you are!"
"Oh yeah?" Percival glared at the boy. "Well. . . ," he paused, ". . .well, you're short!" He then stepped forward, showing the other boy his full height, a conceited smile on his face.
The blond haired boy gnashed his teeth, his grip on the bottle tightening. He didn't have to rub it in. He knew he was short, and was a little sensitive about that fact. The top of his head only reached the other boy's nose. He growled. "At least I'm---"
"Ah, there you are." Camus suddenly spoke behind Percival. "I've been looking for you." When the Red Knight neared the boys, he felt the tension that vibrated between the two. "Did I interrupt something?" He asked, an amused smile on his face.
"It's nothing." Percival answered and grinned. "I'm just being welcomed the Zexen way."
"Ah, I see."
"Is he your son, sir?" The blond haired boy suddenly demanded, looking at the newcomer. "You should teach him some manners. He's very rude." He continued, not noticing that both of them stilled.
The silence lengthened.
Camus finally stepped forward and towered over the boy. He leaned toward him, leveling their gazes. A vein pumped in his temples. "Do I look like a have a son?" He asked quietly. Wrong answer and this kid is going to get it.
"He's not my father." Percival said behind the knight, a teasing smile forming on his lips. "He's my uncle." He grabbed Camus sleeve and tugged. "Can we go home now, Uncle Camus? I'm hungry."
The expression on the Red Knight's face when he looked back at Percival was priceless. He spluttered the word. "Uncle?!" Bloody hell. He's only twenty-seven! He's not that old, is he? He practically felt himself age when he heard the boy call him that.
Percival tugged at his crimson sleeve again, a wide grin on his face. "We should be going home now, Uncle. Or we're going to be late for dinner."
"I ought to stuff half a dozen of your mother's lettuce in your mouth." Camus muttered as he led Percival away from the blond haired boy. Percival grinned in response. Camus laughed afterward and shook his head. The boy got him good that time.
* * *
"Please take me with you when you return to Dunan." Camus placed his cup of ale back on the table and looked at the solemn face of Percival. The tavern was quite empty that night. It was getting late. Both knight and boy sat at the far end of the tavern.
Percival went up to the inn and knocked on Camus' door, requesting the knight to have a little talk with him. The boy looked so serious that Camus agreed, despite the lateness of the hour. There, in the tavern, they sat. Percival told him that he wanted to become a knight, wanted to join the Matilda Knighthood. He wanted to become one of them.
But Camus thought it irrational. Becoming a knight of Matilda will sever his ties to Grasslands. As it did to his. Not only is the Matilda Knightdom far from Iksay, but becoming a knight requires years of hard training. He cannot let the boy leave his village. Not until. . .
"What about your mother?" Camus asked after a long silence.
"My mother? W-Well. . ."
"Be assured, Percival, that I am very pleased you want to become part of our Knightdom. Privileged even." Camus continued when the boy couldn't. "For I know you have the traits and skills to become one of the best." He paused. "But I'm afraid I have to give you up. For now." Percival's hands that rested on the table balled into fists as he frowned in confusion. Why?
"Your mother needs you more than the Matilda Knighthood does." Camus leaned forward. The boy must understand him. "You cannot leave your mother. Not yet. For your duty as a son is to help your mother. Fulfill your responsibilities to your family first. That way, when you become a knight, you can attend to your duties to your liege without any qualms. Else you'll find yourself unsatisfied with your decision and then you might even end up regretting it. Do you understand?"
"No."
"Do what you have to do in the village. Savor the time while you are still here." Camus explained. "And by the time you will leave Iksay, you will feel content. For the moment you completely involved yourself in this village, tried everything that the village has to offer, would you be able to say 'I've done what I'm supposed to do here, I'm now ready to leave.'" He paused, quite glad that the boy was listening to him.
"Because if you don't, you might end up quitting the Knighthood and coming back here to fill that emptiness."
"That will never happen! I will never leave the knighthood!" Percival vehemently replied.
"It will. Unless you do as I say."
Percival nodded. All right. He will. But his decision is final, he will become a knight. The Red Knight made him realize that dream, but first, he will heed his advice.
"Good." Camus chuckled as stood up, leaving some coins on the table. "Come. I'll take you home." Percival stood up as well and led the way out of the tavern. Oil lamps set alight the almost empty street of the village. The cool night breeze blew as they headed toward the Fraulein Household in silence.
Camus broke it. "Iksay is one of the most beautiful villages I've ever been to. The tranquil air can clear a troubled mind. You should be proud of your village." He waited for the boy to reply. When he received none, he continued. "Has your village ever been attacked?"
Percival scoffed. "Who would even want to attack Iksay? We hold no treasure here except our produce."
"But what if, goddess forbid, you were suddenly attacked? Will an army come to your aid?" Camus asked.
"I. . . I don't know." Percival frowned. "Maybe the Zexen Knights will come. It is the nearest city than can help us. The Budehuc Castle up north has ceased its operations for a long time now."
"The Zexen Knights, eh?"
"Aye." Percival nodded. "But we must not depend on others if we are to save the village. We will do our best to defend it ourselves."
"True. But without proper training?"
Percival stopped in front of his house and turned to look at the knight. Is he suggesting something? Easily following his train of thought, Percival grasped Camus' meaning. "Are you implying that. . . ?" Camus grinned in response as he nodded his head. "Becoming a Zexen Knight to defend my village. Not a bad idea."
* * *
Camus and Miklotov left Iksay Village the next day. Percival and his mother stood by the village gates as they watched the Matilda Knights disappear from their view. The raven haired boy took a few steps forward.
Oh, come on! So what if he'll never see the Red Knight again? The Lord Camus has just been annoying during his stay here. He made Percival do the most foolish things he could think of. Like pursuing women, irritating the hell out of people who deserved it, and cooking. Cooking, can you believe it? The knight said it is a valuable skill one must learn in order to survive. And so he tried it and proved to be very efficient with it. His mother praised his culinary talent. He just had to flush.
Well, it was all good and fun. Sometimes, he even had fun hanging out with the Red Knight and his madcap ideas. He learned sword fighting and horseback riding from him, which could prove very useful in the future. The knight even left his steed for him to sharpen his riding skills. He has done a lot for him.
Their paths will never cross again.
Before Percival realized it, he was running toward the knight. Camus must have heard him coming. He turned at the same time Percival latched onto him, enclosing the knight in a bear hug.
"Thanks." The word was muffled as he buried his face on the knight's crimson coat.
"You're welcome." Camus chuckled as he playfully ruffled his dark head. "Make your mother and the villagers proud. And become a knight who is noble, worthy, and humble."
* * *
To Become a Knight
". . .and that's how my father defeated two Dark Bunnies on the plains." The innkeeper's daughter looked at the boy sitting across her and smiled, her green eyes twinkling. Percival returned her smile with one of his own. He has found that he has been smiling quite frequently these days. It's because of that Red Knight's idiotic challenge two days ago. Can't charm a girl, eh? Hn. He'll show him.
"That's all fine and interesting." Percival replied after sipping a small amount of juice served in front of him. "But I'd rather we talk of a more important matter."
"Oh?" The beautiful brunette asked with her brows raised. "And what would be more important than my father?"
"You."
The innkeeper's daughter blushed.
Camus' choked on his drink. That was damn smooth! He never taught the boy that! The Red Knight could only shake his head in amazement as he replaced his cup on the table. He was enjoying a drink in the tavern that afternoon when the boy suddenly burst inside. Percival stood in front of Camus with a smug smile and told him to watch. And watch he did as he invited the girl for a drink and a little chat on the table beside his. That was when the boy started weaving his magic. By the goddess, has he created a monster?
Then again, has he forgotten what Camus told him a few days ago? He frowned. That women are to be treated equally and are not to be toyed around with? If he did, a good whack on the head should refurbish his memory.
Percival looked over at the girl's left to see the knight's dumbfounded expression. Instead, he received a disapproving look. What? He isn't doing anything wrong. He wasn't fooling around with the girl. Percival really found her pretty and interesting. He was being sincere with her.
'I'm serious.' Camus could clearly see the message in the Percival's gray eyes. He narrowed his own but nodded nonetheless. All right, he will trust the boy.
"I see you have been enjoying your stay here." An all-too familiar voice suddenly spoke behind the Red Knight as he raised his cup to his lips for a drink. Recognizing it instantly, he turned around and stood up, a welcoming smile on his lips.
"Miklotov." Camus greeted his friend as he placed a fist on his chest in a form of salute. "Good to see you again." The Blue Knight returned the gesture. He pulled a chair across Camus and sat, raising a hand to gain the tavern server's attention. "I was given more than enough time to finish my business here." The red haired knight continued after Miklotov placed an order. "Have I already exceeded my time limit?"
"Nay, my friend." He answered as he unbuckled his sword from his belt and placed it on the table. "You still have a month left."
"An ample time to get back to Matilda." Camus shrugged. "It seems that the summons you received before was no problem at all. Since you are back here so fast."
"Nay, the summons was quite important." Miklotov said with a shake of his dark head. "Our trading routes leading to the Grasslands are plagued with bandits. Merchants from various cities and villages have been complaining about it." His cup of ale arrived as the server placed it on the table and quickly retreated. "I've assigned sentinels to guard the roads."
"Good move." Camus nodded. "And the reason why you are here?"
"I will go to the Zexen Council tomorrow to propose a new trading route." He replied after taking a big gulp of his drink. "They should find this proposal interesting since it will bring them as far as Jowston."
"I see." Camus leaned back, an arm draped over the back of his chair while the other held his almost empty cup. "I can accompany you tomorrow to Vinay del Zexay."
"Are you finished here?"
"Just about." The Red Knight answered. "See that dark haired boy sitting behind you?" He raised his cup and tipped it, indicating Percival. Miklotov turned his head to his right for a quick look then returned his gaze to his friend and nodded. "That's the Fraulein boy. I've been instructing him on how to wield a sword, among other things." Camus continued. "He's a remarkable student. A fast learner."
Miklotov took another quick look at the boy and noticed his smile. An almost similar smile Camus wears whenever he's. . . charming, as he would call it, a female companion. "I can see clearly what those 'other things' you're teaching him are." He chuckled. "Bloody hell, you created a monster out of that boy."
His sentiments exactly, Camus laughed. "Don't worry. He'll come around in the end and settle down." He waved a gloved hand dismissively. "Once he finds the right woman." He added almost quietly. Miklotov hid a smile as he gulped down his ale. So, his friend speaks from experience, eh? "I'll even wager he wouldn't know what to do when love finally strikes him. All renowned rakes don't."
"Like you." It wasn't a question but a statement. Miklotov chuckled as one particular woman entered his mind.
Camus grinned as he recovered from his reverie. "Mayhap."
* * *
"Parries are made with the flat of the blade." Camus instructed as the training continued the next morning. Both knight and boy stood by the fields, far away from the villagers who were picking their produce. The crops danced as the soft morning breeze blew. Another perfect day for training. "Attack me." The Red Knight said.
Percival raised his wooden sword which was fashioned by him to perfection and swung. His attacks were easily parried by Camus. "Now, I attack and you parry." The boy nodded and prepared himself for the knight's offense. Camus swung his wooden sword, and each strong blow was met by Percival's defense.
He was able to parry all the knight's attacks, albeit exhausted from the feat. The Red Knight is undoubtedly strong, Percival thought as he dragged in deep breaths. It was good that the knight wasn't being too easy on him. He won't improve if that were to happen.
He paused. What if he used two hands instead of one to both attack and defend? Perhaps he would stand more of a chance and---
"I see your training is going well." Percival looked up when Camus' friend approached them. The Red Knight introduced him as Miklotov, the Captain of the Blue Knights, in the tavern yesterday. "Perhaps I could also teach you a thing or two. If that's all right with you, Percival?"
It is definitely all right, Percival thought excitedly. To learn sword handling from the two renowned knights of Matilda. He couldn't have asked for more!
"You can call him Percy, Miklotov." Camus said as he handed his wooden sword to his friend. "He likes being called that." The Red Knight laughed when Percival gave him a dark glare. He leaned back on the massive trunk of the Pasania tree nearby and watched the two duel.
Camus and Miklotov have almost the same style of swordsmanship, Percival observed as his wooden sword clashed with Miklotov's. He distinctly remembered Camus telling him that he and the Blue Knight hold the longest duel in Matilda. The one who reigned victorious, he does not know. But it couldn't have mattered now that he's seen their skills. Both emanate quiet strength and power. He respected them for that.
The duel ended. Percival almost knelt in exhaustion as he gasped for shallow breaths. Miklotov whistled as he sauntered back toward Camus. The Red Knight straightened from the tree. "That was fun." He smiled as he took the wooden sword from Miklotov. "My turn, Percy?"
The boy nodded, despite his fatigue, and raised his sword. Camus watched as the boy continued to gulp for breaths. This boy's will is definitely remarkable. A bright future lay ahead of him. "Hey, Miklotov, this boy is going to be one of the best swordsmen in the land, don't you think?" Camus lowered his hand and turned to the Blue Knight.
"Aye, the world should better watch out for him. He will become strong."
Percival lowered his guard and stared at the two knights. Are they praising him? Do they really think he has the potential of becoming one of the best swordsmen? A smile started to form on his lips.
"Of course." Camus continued as he walked back toward the tree. "That is because it is we who are teaching him how to wield a sword. Everything depends upon the teacher after all." He turned and Percival saw a smug smile pasted on his lips. His own vanished.
Miklotov laughed when he bore witness to Percival's reaction. "Camus jests, my boy. You should understand by now your mentor's wicked sense of humor."
"Aye. Wicked." Percival muttered as he walked toward the two. The Red Knight smiled sheepishly then motioned them that they should get back to the village.
"It's about time we leave for Vinay del Zexay, Camus." Miklotov said as they stopped in front of Percival's house. The boy went inside in a hurry, the two knights didn't seem to notice.
"I agree." The Red Knight nodded. "Yet I hear that the Zexen Council is quite pompous and difficult to deal with. They will not speak to you if they deem you unimportant."
"I will not tolerate that kind of treatment." Miklotov answered with a hard note in his voice. "I have come because of an important proposition. I will not be shrugged off."
Camus nodded. "The horses are stabled this way." He led the way to the village stables. Both took out the two horses Miklotov brought along and started to saddle them. The dark bay Camus brought that day he arrived in Iksay snorted, catching his attention. Percival has been tending to that horse. The Red Knight believed that he has even been training with it. He saw them once galloping around the fields, the boy having perfect control on the large animal. With a curt command from Percival, the horse slowed down to a walk. And to Camus' amazement, it began to skip. He smiled. What other tricks did the boy teach the horse?
"Can I go with you?" Percival suddenly appeared behind them. He has freshened himself up and changed to a simple white tunic and black pants. So that was why he hurriedly ran inside the house, eh? He wanted to come along.
"Er. . ."
"Please?" The boy said. "I'll be good. I just wanted to see Vinay del Zexay again."
The Blue Knight replied before Camus could. "Fine by me." Miklotov shrugged as he mounted his horse. "Taking him will be no trouble at all."
Camus sighed. "All right, Percy. Just tell your mother. I'll saddle up your horse."
"I already told Mum." Percival beamed. "I'll saddle Kelpie myself."
"Kelpie?"
"The dark bay." Percival answered as he took the horse out of the stable. "In a foreign folklore, Kelpie is a water spirit in the form of a horse that would drown its riders."
"That doesn't sound so pleasant."
"Aye, but I interpreted it to another meaning." The boy answered as he fastened the girth to the straps. "This Kelpie will lead you to the swift waters of victory in battle and drown you with its glory." Percival paused then realized what he has done. He turned to look at Camus. "Forgive my rudeness for naming your horse. I was just---"
"It doesn't matter, Percy." Camus cut him off with a smile as he mounted his horse. "I have a mind of bestowing the horse to you anyway."
For the first time in his life, Percival was speechless.
"Let's go." Miklotov chuckled and led the way to the village gates. Camus nodded and followed suit. Percival quickly finished saddling the dark bay, mounted on it, and followed the two knights out. Kelpie is his? He smiled as he ran his hand on the horse's dark mane.
"Thank you." Percival said quietly to the back of the Red Knight. Too quietly that Camus could not have possibly heard him. He cleared his throat. This is the first time he received anything in his life. So expressing gratitude is completely new to him. He cleared his throat to try again. Before he could say anything, he saw Camus raise his right hand in a dismissive wave. He heard him after all.
* * *
"The Council Hall is this way." Miklotov said the moment they entered the busy city of Vinay del Zexay. Percival's dark eyes lit with excitement as he surveyed the city once again. It was as beautiful as ever. Large houses and shops surrounded them as they treaded the cobblestone pathways leading to the Council Hall. Indistinct and loud chatter can be heard, people ambled from one merchant to another for one-day sales; children played tag; knights clanked their way around the city, supervising the activities that were happening inside.
"Can I go to the marketplace for a little while?" Percival asked the Matilda Knights as they reached the Council Hall. "My mother wanted me to buy some supplies."
"All right." Camus nodded. "You can even explore for a little while. I'm certain our talk with the Council will take some time." He leaned toward the boy and winked. "Find a girl to tour you around."
"Camus." Miklotov sighed when Percival gave a wicked grin. These two are hopeless. "You're giving him ideas."
"Run along now." Camus laughed, giving the boy a little push. "And come back here when you're done." He called to the retreating form of Percival. He waved a hand, a sign that he heard him, then disappeared into the crowds.
An hour later, Percival finished purchasing the materials his mother wanted. Bags in hand, he walked toward the Item Shop to buy medicine, the last on his list. As he made his way toward the shop, he saw a blond haired boy coming his way, a bottle of wine in his hands. He looked around his age and Percival decided to talk to him. Might as well make acquaintances while he's here, he thought.
"Hey." He smiled at the boy as he neared him. "Aren't you too young to be drinking that?"
The city boy stopped, a frown formed on his face. Looks like he can't appreciate a little joke. "This isn't for me, you idiot." His sherry brown eyes narrowed at him. "It's for our wine collection."
Percival frowned as well. He doesn't like being called names. "Did you just call me an idiot?"
"Because you are!"
"Oh yeah?" Percival glared at the boy. "Well. . . ," he paused, ". . .well, you're short!" He then stepped forward, showing the other boy his full height, a conceited smile on his face.
The blond haired boy gnashed his teeth, his grip on the bottle tightening. He didn't have to rub it in. He knew he was short, and was a little sensitive about that fact. The top of his head only reached the other boy's nose. He growled. "At least I'm---"
"Ah, there you are." Camus suddenly spoke behind Percival. "I've been looking for you." When the Red Knight neared the boys, he felt the tension that vibrated between the two. "Did I interrupt something?" He asked, an amused smile on his face.
"It's nothing." Percival answered and grinned. "I'm just being welcomed the Zexen way."
"Ah, I see."
"Is he your son, sir?" The blond haired boy suddenly demanded, looking at the newcomer. "You should teach him some manners. He's very rude." He continued, not noticing that both of them stilled.
The silence lengthened.
Camus finally stepped forward and towered over the boy. He leaned toward him, leveling their gazes. A vein pumped in his temples. "Do I look like a have a son?" He asked quietly. Wrong answer and this kid is going to get it.
"He's not my father." Percival said behind the knight, a teasing smile forming on his lips. "He's my uncle." He grabbed Camus sleeve and tugged. "Can we go home now, Uncle Camus? I'm hungry."
The expression on the Red Knight's face when he looked back at Percival was priceless. He spluttered the word. "Uncle?!" Bloody hell. He's only twenty-seven! He's not that old, is he? He practically felt himself age when he heard the boy call him that.
Percival tugged at his crimson sleeve again, a wide grin on his face. "We should be going home now, Uncle. Or we're going to be late for dinner."
"I ought to stuff half a dozen of your mother's lettuce in your mouth." Camus muttered as he led Percival away from the blond haired boy. Percival grinned in response. Camus laughed afterward and shook his head. The boy got him good that time.
* * *
"Please take me with you when you return to Dunan." Camus placed his cup of ale back on the table and looked at the solemn face of Percival. The tavern was quite empty that night. It was getting late. Both knight and boy sat at the far end of the tavern.
Percival went up to the inn and knocked on Camus' door, requesting the knight to have a little talk with him. The boy looked so serious that Camus agreed, despite the lateness of the hour. There, in the tavern, they sat. Percival told him that he wanted to become a knight, wanted to join the Matilda Knighthood. He wanted to become one of them.
But Camus thought it irrational. Becoming a knight of Matilda will sever his ties to Grasslands. As it did to his. Not only is the Matilda Knightdom far from Iksay, but becoming a knight requires years of hard training. He cannot let the boy leave his village. Not until. . .
"What about your mother?" Camus asked after a long silence.
"My mother? W-Well. . ."
"Be assured, Percival, that I am very pleased you want to become part of our Knightdom. Privileged even." Camus continued when the boy couldn't. "For I know you have the traits and skills to become one of the best." He paused. "But I'm afraid I have to give you up. For now." Percival's hands that rested on the table balled into fists as he frowned in confusion. Why?
"Your mother needs you more than the Matilda Knighthood does." Camus leaned forward. The boy must understand him. "You cannot leave your mother. Not yet. For your duty as a son is to help your mother. Fulfill your responsibilities to your family first. That way, when you become a knight, you can attend to your duties to your liege without any qualms. Else you'll find yourself unsatisfied with your decision and then you might even end up regretting it. Do you understand?"
"No."
"Do what you have to do in the village. Savor the time while you are still here." Camus explained. "And by the time you will leave Iksay, you will feel content. For the moment you completely involved yourself in this village, tried everything that the village has to offer, would you be able to say 'I've done what I'm supposed to do here, I'm now ready to leave.'" He paused, quite glad that the boy was listening to him.
"Because if you don't, you might end up quitting the Knighthood and coming back here to fill that emptiness."
"That will never happen! I will never leave the knighthood!" Percival vehemently replied.
"It will. Unless you do as I say."
Percival nodded. All right. He will. But his decision is final, he will become a knight. The Red Knight made him realize that dream, but first, he will heed his advice.
"Good." Camus chuckled as stood up, leaving some coins on the table. "Come. I'll take you home." Percival stood up as well and led the way out of the tavern. Oil lamps set alight the almost empty street of the village. The cool night breeze blew as they headed toward the Fraulein Household in silence.
Camus broke it. "Iksay is one of the most beautiful villages I've ever been to. The tranquil air can clear a troubled mind. You should be proud of your village." He waited for the boy to reply. When he received none, he continued. "Has your village ever been attacked?"
Percival scoffed. "Who would even want to attack Iksay? We hold no treasure here except our produce."
"But what if, goddess forbid, you were suddenly attacked? Will an army come to your aid?" Camus asked.
"I. . . I don't know." Percival frowned. "Maybe the Zexen Knights will come. It is the nearest city than can help us. The Budehuc Castle up north has ceased its operations for a long time now."
"The Zexen Knights, eh?"
"Aye." Percival nodded. "But we must not depend on others if we are to save the village. We will do our best to defend it ourselves."
"True. But without proper training?"
Percival stopped in front of his house and turned to look at the knight. Is he suggesting something? Easily following his train of thought, Percival grasped Camus' meaning. "Are you implying that. . . ?" Camus grinned in response as he nodded his head. "Becoming a Zexen Knight to defend my village. Not a bad idea."
* * *
Camus and Miklotov left Iksay Village the next day. Percival and his mother stood by the village gates as they watched the Matilda Knights disappear from their view. The raven haired boy took a few steps forward.
Oh, come on! So what if he'll never see the Red Knight again? The Lord Camus has just been annoying during his stay here. He made Percival do the most foolish things he could think of. Like pursuing women, irritating the hell out of people who deserved it, and cooking. Cooking, can you believe it? The knight said it is a valuable skill one must learn in order to survive. And so he tried it and proved to be very efficient with it. His mother praised his culinary talent. He just had to flush.
Well, it was all good and fun. Sometimes, he even had fun hanging out with the Red Knight and his madcap ideas. He learned sword fighting and horseback riding from him, which could prove very useful in the future. The knight even left his steed for him to sharpen his riding skills. He has done a lot for him.
Their paths will never cross again.
Before Percival realized it, he was running toward the knight. Camus must have heard him coming. He turned at the same time Percival latched onto him, enclosing the knight in a bear hug.
"Thanks." The word was muffled as he buried his face on the knight's crimson coat.
"You're welcome." Camus chuckled as he playfully ruffled his dark head. "Make your mother and the villagers proud. And become a knight who is noble, worthy, and humble."
* * *