Chapter 42: Disciples

Chapter 42: Disciples

“It was the stuff of nightmares.

For as long as I live, I’ll never make the mistake of entering a Rift again. The day after we stepped through that Goddess damned tear, I retired from my service as a Knight.

Have you ever seen a world where the very ground below is covered in flesh? Where it pulses to the beat of some unknowable heart? No. You have no idea of what I’ve seen. Of the swarming maggots that coated the surface of that cursed land. And I pray that you never do.”

- Knight Lieutenant Oswald, Rift Expedition Report (249, 3rd Era)

Garin wrapped an arm around Olivia’s shoulder as a fire blazed in the middle of their little encampment. There were a few different fires. The steel wagons of the caravan circled together in the middle of the wasteland in a mimicry of the steel curtain surrounding the Kingdom. It was a far cry from a perfect defense, but the space allowed those of the Order to have some peace.

A few others of the Verdant Oak had joined their fire. Including Gwen, who seemed a bit sour and kept shooting envious glances at Olivia.

Erec leaned forward, arms wrapped around his knees. Taking in the Armored Knights' silhouettes atop the steel wagons surrounding them. Their impromptu wall. The only line of defense against monsters that might roam and notice them in the wasteland. Would he be there one day? Burning the night away to ensure the rest of his Order could sleep safely?

“And that’s the first time we met; dragged in by his dad and with a burning red face when I suggested we play a game of tag.” Garin shook his head, eyes drifting toward Erec as he told of their first encounter to the strangers.

A girl named Veronica nodded her head, flashing Erec a smile. “I think the shy types are awful cute—very fun to mess with.”Witness the debut of this chapter, unveiled through Ñôv€l--B1n.

“Oh, I agree! It’s always fun finding a way to tease them, though; he’s a bit of a wild one if you’ve heard.”

"He doesn't look like much of a mad Knight now, does he?" Veronica asked and titled her head.

Erec shrugged his shoulders and sighed; giving her some platitude as the conversation floated away from him. There was some curiosity about him within their Order, and Garin was trying to dispel it and make them comfortable with him. Especially as it came out that Boldwick was paying special attention to his training. The Academy might think of him as a 'mad Knight,' especially as he showed off more of his fighting in public. But the initiates in their Order held a different opinion. He was theirs, one of them, and because of that, they were more supportive.

At least, that's what he'd gathered over the last few minutes. Hard to say how much of that was from Garin working on public perception.

They were tied together. A family, in a way.

A family that brought with it attachments that Erec had long forgotten how to feel about. It made him miss his mother and his younger days with Bedwyr; before other people crept in and they got yanked from that private life together to be tested by the world at large.

He became a Knight in part to walk his own path. And now that path involved VAL. So, he’d opted to steal from its past.

A Vortex Industries logo adorned the center of his chest piece. It was a perfect replica of the design; since VAL cheerfully guided him when he’d painted it. It felt fitting, given his technical employment. And he couldn’t lie; the symbol held a feeling of power and old-world mystique. It was a welcome step away from the typical heraldry of animals and mythological creatures most houses used.

Erec entered the Armor, throwing the cloak hood over his steel helmet as VAL engaged the camouflage protocol. The cloak turned a dull brown color, easily matching the surrounding dry landscape of dirt and rocks.

He cut past the groups of merry Knights. Even though they knew the dangers lurking outside and were fully aware that they were no longer protected, they had a cheerful atmosphere. They were confident with their numbers, and many were well accustomed to leaving the safety of the Kingdom. The ease in the atmosphere was concerning.

Who was really the mad Knight in this situation?

Erec reached a small group of people, Boldwick in his weathered gear, and Gwen approached at the same time as him in her Vallum model. And also two other people he’d yet to meet. One in a heavily modified Vallum and another in a custom Armor. Boldwick glanced at him and Gwen. “Ah, there we are. The two initiates.” He glanced at the group. “Introduce yourselves; then we’ll head out.”

The two mysterious Knights shared a look. Whoever was piloting the heavily modified Vallum stepped forward and cleared their throat. They had about twenty swords strapped to their frame—hilts, sheathes, and lengths of the blades varied greatly, almost like a damn cactus with all the pointy objects.

“Sir Alister, Knight Errant.” He nodded his head towards the two of them. “That old grump has taken two more under his wing, huh?” He snickered as Boldwick grumbled. “Don’t take any of his harshness personally, but yeah. Nice to meet you. Don’t be surprised if I stop by the Academy and come harass you in the future, now that I know who you are.”

The other Knight wore a slimmer Armor than any Model Erec had seen before. It reminded Erec of the Crimson Lotus’ type, though, even thinner. They lowered their head as a sultry feminine voice came through the helmet. “Dame Robin, Knight Lieutenant.” She said. Her head shot to Sir Alister. “Please refrain from scaring them away. It is best to treat new Knights kindly and ease them into these sorts of things. We are, for better or worse....” She kept staring at Alister, “Your seniors.”

Gwen introduced herself first, and Erec gave a quick sentence about himself. Their attention slipped back to Boldwick.

“Each of you knows the real details of this expedition. Erec, here is the other person seeing the White Stag. But tonight, I don’t think we’ll face an attack. Call it a gut instinct. So, I’m going to take this chance to teach you all a thing or two. And maybe in the process, we’ll find some kind of hint to what’s going on...” Boldwick seemed a little uncomfortable, in the way Erec always got when different worlds of his life came into a sudden an unpredictable clash together. Still, he forged ahead. “...That’s about it. There shouldn’t be any questions.”

“Now hold up,” Gwen raised a hand. “What’s he mean we’re all under your wing? These two your old students, or...?”

“Sir Boldwick is a mentor to us both, as he is to you, yes.” Dame Robin answered in a polite tone. “I fully expect him to solidify that relationship once you’re made into Knight Errants, like Sir Alister here. Just please vow to do better than him.”

“Hey!” Alister called out, pressing the side of his helmet. The visor opened to reveal his shocked face.

She shook her head and stepped past the caravans into the night. “We should get moving; we only have a portion of the night if we intend to come back and rest.”

Boldwick muttered under his breath, low enough for anyone except Erec, who was next to him, to not hear. “As if I’d get any sleep with that monster out there.”