Theodora Part I: The Burden of Lestyre

Chapter 1

The clouds were thick and voluptuous at the edge that day, akin to most other days in the land. They had to watch their steps or they would most certainly fall tragically. Tinnen walked up to Lestyre and wrapped his arm around his friend’s tense shoulder.

I believe you’ll find solace in time, Lestyre. But please, for Fian’s sake, do not think what I know you’re thinking.

Don’t you worry, Tinnen, Lestyre, confident while shaken, stated. What involves me should not involve you.

This was one of many recent days of sorrow, mourning, and questions for Lestyre Enselk, a desolate young man of nineteen years. He was only weeks away from completing Level Six Educant, the highest possible grade of education in Theodora. This was not how he imagined his last moments before becoming a Master of Instruction.

I worry, Lestyre, said Tinnen Gult, Lestyre’s greatest companion and fellow Level Six student. "How in Theodora could I not worry? We are a short bit away from being Masters of Instruction and you have this weight hanging over you. Not many Theodorans have made it past Level Five. We are there. Please, Lestyre. Please! It may sound harsh, but do try to clear your mind. I don’t think I would like doing this without you beside me."

"You’re right, Tinnen. I’ve gone through quite the extent to reach my goal. I will try to get back to the studies. Just be aware that I will not forget what has happened. My father is dead, gone forever, and it’s tearing me down. Something is wrong. Nothing feels right about it."

Please, begged Tinnen. Leave it to rest at least until we’ve passed the Educant Final.

Lestyre looked at Tinnen with tired but trusting eyes. Yes.

With one last glance at the cloudy edge growing darker, the two turned around to walk the short distance home.

Lestyre opened the door to his family’s cottage. The rugged but clean rafters of the humble wooden home stretched strong across the ceiling. Lestyre could touch them while on his toes—his abnormal height allowed it. He and Tinnen walked through.

Lestyre, gracefully greeted Quentia Enselk, Lestyre’s beautiful mother, her rosy face sublime in its glow. Are you two famished? I’ve just finished baking some good bread. Her straight, long black hair glistened in the light of the lanterns hanging on the cozy wood walls of the quaint abode.

Mother, said Lestyre, that would be great.

Quentia took the loaf of bread from the kiln and cut it into many fine pieces. The aroma of her food sent warmth through the aching body of Lestyre. Dunya, Lestyre’s adorable yet nosey kid sister, hopped into the room with a look of hunger in her eyes.

Is it ready, Mother Enselk? she asked.

Lestyre bent down to Dunya’s level. "Dunya, we don’t call her Mother Enselk. She is our mother so she is known only as ‘Mother’ to us. It’s insulting otherwise. We call other mothers by their last names. Do you understand?"

Yes, Lestyre, replied Dunya. Is Father not joining us again today?

Mother Enselk halted her food preparation and gazed at the rafters across the ceiling. Dunya, darling. Do you not remember when I told you Father rose to the Sile?

Yes, mother, said Dunya. When will we see him again?

We will see Father when we rise to the Sile, Dunya. You mustn’t keep asking me this. Mother Enselk still very much grieved over the death of her husband. Painful memories reemerged every time her daughter asked about her father.

Mother, said Lestyre. I have to rinse before I eat. I’ll return shortly.

Tinnen walked over to where Lestyre’s mother was resuming food preparation. He sat at the table.

Tinnen, my handsome man. Are you going to be joining us for this bread?

Without a doubt, said Tinnen. It smells delicious.

So did you and Lestyre go back to the edge?

Yes. He’s hauled me there every day for the past two weeks. It seems the only place where Lestyre feels comfortable enough to continue his studies. However—

Quentia struck a stern look Tinnen’s way. He’s not.

I’m rather sure he is, Mother Enselk.

"I strictly told Lestyre to remove those thoughts from his mind. That is all too similar to his father. When will that boy learn that you absolutely cannot question. It’s far too dangerous. And I most certainly don’t want to be known as the mother of a Haulganite. If that is the case, I might as well convict myself of Haulganism."

Tinnen nodded with agreement. Mother Enselk, you need not worry. I’ve placed in him strength. The knowledge of completing Level Six has swayed those Haulganistic thoughts at least some.

I do truly miss Garolt, Quentia remarked about her late husband. He had a fervor for goodness unsurpassed by anybody else. The only other person I know with such a passion is Lestyre. When I look at my son, I see Garolt. It’s both pleasing and torturous. My Fian, Garolt. Why did you have to rise the Sile?

Lestyre thinks his father’s death is suspicious, said Tinnen.

"That’s precisely what I’m speaking of, Tinnen. Lestyre refuses to believe Garolt died accidentally while working on a bridge in Messolarina. He was recruited by the Dinster Senate to repair the bridge over the Sansop River, which is an honor and privilege. Whenever the Dinster Senate asks a favor, consider yourself lucky. But Lestyre is suspicious because his father was a Master of Instruction, just like he is going to be. I tell him they recruit Theodorans from all occupations, but he does not believe me. He’s in denial, just like Dunya. There’s something to this. Every night over the past two years, Garolt would take Lestyre aside and speak to him for hours on end in privacy. I never knew what they were talking of and I never wanted to know.. He did the same with Darni."

Tinnen was suddenly enthralled by the image of Lestyre’s older sister Darni, the striking young woman he had an eye on for many years. Ah, Darni. How’s she taking the recent events?

Well, she only discovered the news four days ago because she lives in Sparius. She’s harshly saddened, naturally. As well with her, I had to insist not to question. All Enselks’ who become Masters of Instruction think alike, to my dismay.

Lestyre walked into the room playfully with Dunya on his shoulders. He stopped when he felt the tension and put the child down. Is this about me? he asked suspiciously.

Why, of course it is, Lestyre, replied Quentia. We were chatting about your concentration on the Educant Final.

Why does the conversation always involve me on this topic? Can’t we talk about Tinnen here? He’s taking the Educant Final also.

Lestyre, my friend, I’ve never failed anything in my life, Tinnen said gleefully. Besides, my situation isn’t as dire as yours is currently. Tinnen glanced over at the wall clock with three coils busted out of its edge. I must be on my way. This was very tasty bread, Mother Enselk. He licked his lips.

Anytime, my Tinnen, said Quentia.

Tinnen left the cottage as Lestyre and Dunya sat at the table to eat their mother’s wonderful bread. A tense quiet landed around the table with the three taking small bites.

A Master of Instruction is not supposed to work on bridges, Lestyre said unexpectedly.

Quentia slammed her fist on the table. I need you to be quiet now, Lestyre! The table was silent for the rest of the meal.

****

Chapter 2

The cobble street in Kelnic provided an obnoxiously loud path for Lestyre and Tinnen on their way to the Educant House. Before they could reach the door, they were confronted by their two companions, Waya Maniforte, the one who made them laugh, and Beln Doystat, the risk taker. The four met by the door every day before class.

Lestyre, the greatest future Master of Instruction in Kelnic, said Waya. Are you ready for study, or are the studies going to take you in?

No, Waya, my friend. Studies are not going to dominate my perception. But thanks for asking.

Now Lestyre, said Waya, we’ve seen your progress at studies since—

Waya, quietly interrupted Beln. He doesn’t need to be reminded of it. The whole matter is still fresh in his mind. Don’t be a rotten shite.

The whispers were not low enough. Lestyre heard every word. Boys, it’s a fine matter. Don’t worry. I’m dealing. My greatest therapy is facing the reality. You needn’t whisper, no matter how pitiful the attempt. Now if you would excuse us, Tinnen and I have some studies to complete.

The four walked through the brown brick halls of the only Educant House in all of Kelnic, the second largest town in Theodora, nestled at the northern-most area of the Kantinime Mountains along the great bend of the Denian River. The Educant House, with its black and grey stone exterior, stood four sturdy levels from the ground. Its noble halls suited over two-hundred students of various ages.

Lestyre had spent the last sixteen years of his life in this building just to leave it in a matter of days. He could only hope that when he got appointed to an Educant House after receiving Master of Instruction, it would be at this particular one.

Are you taking your time this morning, Lestyre? came a female voice from beyond the hall.

Lestyre looked and saw the voice was that of his Master of Instruction, Mella Pauneta, a very young lady with long, curly red hair and a heart of true gold. Her riveting dark green dress sensibly sat down past her knees. On her head was a green and yellow cross-hatched bow sitting neatly in the left side of her dangling hair. Lestyre liked nothing more than to see her soothing smile.

Why would I delay entering your study, Mastess Pauneta? Lestyre asked delightfully. He and Tinnen strolled up to the arches of the study.

Your study is all I live for, Mastess Pauneta, said Tinnen as he walked through the arch. Lestyre stopped at the arch where Mastess Pauneta stood. It’s not easy to believe, but it’s only days until I’m standing in the same light as you, Mastess.

Correct, Lestyre, at which time you can call me Mella instead of Mastess.

We must get to studies now if I’m going to be alongside you soon, Lestyre said as he started to walk through the arch.

Mella suddenly grabbed him by the arm making him jolt and look at her with curiosity. "Lestyre, we need to talk."

What is this, Mastess? Right now?

After studies today, Mella whispered. "It’s very, very crucial. I enjoy the company of Tinnen and your Level Five companions, but it must be you, alone."

Lestyre stared into Mella’s eyes to try and read her intentions. I will tell them I have some adjustments to make on the Educant Final arrangements, he said. He walked into the study followed by Mastess Mella Pauneta.

The study went by as usual as the students covered the regular topics—Senate rules, Theodoran history, Haulgany, Fianity, and Lestyre’s most cherished subject, mythology. The study of mythology in Kelnic, as well as all of Theodora, was very closely patrolled by the Dinster Senate, the overruling government of Theodora. The Senate existed on nearly every square inch of Theodora in the form of the Sund ul Knigh, the great fighting force of knights responsible for performing the actions ordered by the Senate which ultimately must be approved by the king of Theodora, Constable Vaum XV. Mythology was a sticky subject because it was a falsehood, something unreliable and unnecessary for the future of Theodora. If it was instructed incorrectly, the Senate would know and it would get back to the Constable, causing him to take action.

Mastess Pauneta gave a semi-secretive lecture involving one of her most beloved subjects, the Twenty-two Sights, a myth banned in many Educant Houses. The study then ended. All in the room stood and walked out except Lestyre. Tinnen turned and noticed he wasn’t standing from his table.

Aren’t you leaving, Lestyre? he asked.

No. Mastess Pauneta asked me to stay and look over documents about an Educant House in Trilamont. I’ll join you before the sunset.

Fine matter, then, replied Tinnen. Don’t become estranged.

Mella watched the last student leave the study. No knight was nearby because the day was over. She shut the door and sat down next to Lestyre.

I’ve things to tell you, she said. Things of a very critical and dangerous nature, and it has to be said before you take your Educant Final.

Lestyre was wrought in suspicion and terror. He listened to her speak as though she were his father.

I see the way you work, the way you listen, your interest in mythology. I see I can trust you with what I am going to say. She paused. I am a questioner.

You mean, a Haulga—

No, Lestyre! Do not say that word. You’re aware of the results. That’s why I’ve asked for your attention. I question. I have been questioning ever since I knew your father.

My father? said Lestyre.

"Yes. You know he was my Master of Instruction. He taught me nearly everything I needed to know, not what the Dinster Senate wanted me to know. He was an extremely intelligent man with wisdom incomparable to that of anybody I’ve met. When I was at Level Six he sat me down and gave me the most important talk of my life, just like I am giving you at this moment. I grew without a father. Garolt helped me through. And when I heard of his death...so many feelings raced through my mind. The most important was anger. I knew what had occurred."

What is your opinion on it? asked the student.

The most obvious. I believe you see it the way I do. Your father was killed by the Constable. He was killed for being a questioner. For the protection of you and your family, he tried to keep his involvement in Haulgany very quiet. But there must have been Senate infiltration and it got back to the Constable.

Lestyre glanced at the archway to ensure nobody was listening. Mastess Pauneta, you have my full attention. These are words I’ve needed to hear since Father’s death. There is no doubt in my mind he died in cold blood. Though I’m quite disturbed, you’ve eased me.

Please don’t feel relaxed, Lestyre, Mella responded. You must understand the timing of your father’s death was no coincidence.

What? It was a terrified inquisition.

He died just weeks before your Educant Final. This is something Masters of Instruction are not allowed to tell their students, but there is a decree in the Mandate of Theodora saying a Master of Instruction shall be expelled if suspected of involvement in Haulgany. Most Haulgany suspects stand a brief trial and aren’t necessarily expelled, sometimes just detained. But they place an enormous amount of trust on us Masters. Our punishment is heavier.

How does this involve the timing of my Educant Final?

The Dinster Senate and the Constable are quite intelligent, said Mella. They knew if you were to become Master of Instruction while your father was still alive, he would spill all information regarding Haulgany to your fresh, free mind far away from the eyes of the Sund ul Knigh in the Educant House you study at each day. They could not allow it.

Will they hunt me? Are they interested in anything I do? I have not been actively involved in Haulgany. I may question some, but I haven’t been radical like Father.

Lestyre, said Mella. The Dinster Senate knows your family’s history. It goes back farther than you could ever imagine. Of course they’re watching you. They’ve had their eyes on you for years now. And since you are the lone heir of the Enselk name, you stand to bear all of the burden alone. These are harsh words, but you had to hear them before you were taken by the hand of the Constable.

Lestyre looked at Mella and up at the ceiling of the study. His mind was stressed beyond comprehension. His eyes became watery. I miss him, Mella, he whispered.

Yes, replied Mella. I miss him too, Lestyre. Theodora has lost an important figure.

Why was father killed in secrecy and not expelled publicly?

Because your father is a very well known figure in Haulgany. An expulsion would cause a stirring which the Constable could not afford. It was too risky. It had to look like an accident.

And the Constable thought that would end all Haulgany? asked Lestyre.

Yes. They were counting on him to die without having a legacy. But they were sorely mistaken, for he had already begun. That is why you have to finish what he didn’t have a chance to finish.

Finish? Finish what, Mella?

Unexpectedly, Master Hundy walked into the study.

Mastess Pauneta, will you grant me a conversation? Master Hundy asked.

Mella wiped the tears from her eyes, let go of Lestyre’s hand, and stood up. Yes, she said. Yes we can talk, Master Hundy.

Lestyre and Mella were locked at the eyes as she regretfully walked out of the study. Lestyre had been handed a mighty weight. He was almost deliriously scared over what it was Mella was saying he needed to ‘finish’. He knew he would not see her until the next day. He dried his face and left the Educant House.

The past few weeks had been nothing short of devastating for Lestyre. In the process of mourning, he had neglected the small things such as hygiene and comfort. He passed by the Kelnic flatsmith on his way home from the Educant House. He looked at his feet and realized he was due for some new flats, a pair that fit and had no holes. He felt in his satchel to pull out three small, glossy rocks. ‘This should be enough for some comfortable flats,’ he thought.

He made his way through the people at the market square to the flatsmith. Yuilen Dopsi, the proprietor of the flat store, looked up from the fashionable flats he was working on to see Lestyre approaching. Why, Master Enselk, he said smiling. Quite a pleasure to see you’re finally taking notice in your tortured feet.

Yes, they’ve been on the aside as of lately, Father Dopsi.

Ah, Master Enselk, shortly you’ll need not worry about calling me Father Dopsi. Thus, the ‘master’ in your name, if you’re taking notice. Yuilen stood up and turned around to reemerge with a pair of rough gray suede flats. "I have noticed your feet, Lestyre, and assumed this pair of flats would be of your liking, both in comfort and appearance."

Lestyre took the flats from Yuilen’s hands and tried them on. Mighty comfortable, Father Dopsi, he remarked.

Cut straight from a dying heifer 3 days ago, Yuilen replied. That explains the comfort.

Lestyre took the rocks from his satchel. I have only 12 Lewe. Will that be enough?

Master Enselk, replied Yuilen, I was deeply heartbroken when I learned of your father’s passing. I could not ask payment of you in your time of mourning.

Lestyre stuck out the three four-mark rocks with the official Dinster Senate emblem engraved on each. I have to give you payment, Father Dopsi. It was one of my father’s most dutiful principles—give people what they deserve. Now please, take these twelve Lewe.

Yuilen reached for the Lewe and took one. I’m taking one and we’ll call it a draw. Compromise was not a principle your late father taught you, was it, Lestyre?

No, it was not, Father Dopsi, Lestyre replied. Thank you for your generosity.

As the transaction was being completed, a knight walked up. The unnecessarily heavy armor on his body was a dull grey. His flats were of black leather and rode up his shins near his knees. Two wooden pikes, each the length of his body, were strapped in a narrow ‘X’ on his back. His sword was sheathed on his left leg. He made a wall in front of Lestyre, surprising him.

Good sun, flatsmith Dopsi, said the knight.

Good sun to you, High Knight, replied Yuilen. He noticed the three lines above the Dinster Senate emblem on the knight’s armor implying his rank of Tenet Knight, one of three ranks of high knights, smashed between the proud rank of Gentry and the lower yet capable rank of Morat.

I need to inspect the flats you just sold this young Theodoran, he said.

These flats are perfectly in order, replied Yuilen. Nothing outside of acceptable.

The knight yanked the flats from the hands of Lestyre and held them up. I’ve been ordered by Constable Vaum XV to inspect articles of clothing at random. This shouldn’t take but a few seconds, flatsmith. He looked at the flats from all angles, searching for any suspicious items such as messages of Haulgany. Fine matter, gentlemen. Good sun. He shoved the flats into the chest of Lestyre and walked away.

Lestyre and Yuilen looked at each other with contempt in their eyes.

Don’t say a word, Lestyre, said Yuilen. Your eyes tell your sentiment. Just let it go.

Lestyre put the flats back on his feet, leaving the old ones for Yuilen to do with what he desired. Good sun, Father Dopsi.

Good sun, Lestyre. And it’s Yuilen. Call me Yuilen from here on.

Lestyre turned and walked away. Yuilen waved and turned around, unaware of the two other knights coming his way.

Lestyre saw many friends of his father in the market square that evening. Whereas they would normally walk up to Lestyre and greet him, today they did nothing of the kind. Most dropped their heads as he approached only to have them rise back up once passed. There were others who simply walked in another direction from Lestyre. He noticed this and brushed it off as their way of grieving. He took for home in his comfortable new flats.

The loneliness hit Lestyre that evening as the sun was halfway over the horizon, the air chilling toward a bitter freeze. He had seen the sunset like this many times before, but it never felt this way. The memories of his father explaining the facets of the sun during its descent were still fresh in his head, now a painful ulcer in his mind. He took the long road home on this occasion, passing by many of the things he held dear—the fish hatchery on the Denian River, the old Senate cell, the equine field where he and his father would frequently imitate the moves of the knights down to a perfection. All of the places Lestyre associated with his late father, all bringing back a plethora of memories, all of them good, none of them making him feel good. But no matter how involved the memory became, he kept returning to one question—what was Mastess Pauneta telling him he had to finish? It haunted him the entire way home.

As he arrived at the mild cottage, he peered through the window at his beautiful mother and sister cooking and pouring water.

‘Why aren’t you sad like me? Did he mean less to you than me? Are you over him already?’

The steady stream of questions heated up to a point where he simply went numb. Hungry, he walked in the cottage to join his family for dinner. It was the first night since his father passed that Lestyre did not make a trip to the edge.

****

Chapter 3

Although Mella’s study was routine the next day, Lestyre felt an uncomfortable rift flowing through the air in and out of his towering body. As the Educant Final neared, the Level Sixers reviewed what they were taught over the years—the number system, Theodoran history, the Gavish language, and Fianity, the religion of Theodora. Mastess Pauneta was cordial to Lestyre, as though their conversation the day before had not occurred. He knew when the time was right they would finish their talk.

The day at the Educant House ended. Lestyre, Tinnen, and Waya walked out together when they noticed a number of townspeople and equine cars heading toward the falling sun. All were in a rush to get somewhere. It was nearly a riot.

What’s the hurry for? asked Tinnen amongst the chaos. A tomato merchant was running by with a large basket of his produce when he heard Tinnen’s inquiry.

Expulsion at the point! the merchant exclaimed. Expulsion at the point!

Lestyre bit his finger tip in a nervous fashion at the thought of what was going to transpire. You mean...an expulsion of rule?

Yes, yes, at the Constable’s Point! The Senate asks for all able Kelnicians to show. Hurry, youngs! It’s about time!

The three looked at each other in disbelief. It had been one year since the last expulsion of rule ordered by the Constable involving a married couple who said to private ears they had doubts about Fianity. Lestyre knew a foul situation was building. He followed the large crowd to the Constable’s Point at the edge roughly an hour’s walk away. This was a chance for him to break in his new flats at the very least.

Once at the point, Lestyre and his friends saw the enormous audience flowing toward the high rock at the point, the rock which had served as the last solid ground for many Theodorans. There on top of the rock stood Chief Fauntus, leader of the Sund ul Knigh, which is an ancient Theodoran translation of Knights of the Constable. He had been Constable Vaum XV’s sidekick for the entire twelve years of his reign. All local expulsions, whether public or private, were handled by Chief Fauntus.

Lestyre marveled at the leader of the Sund ul Knigh, standing gallantly in his maroon and yellow leather armor suit with steel gauntlets on both forearms and his legendary pike dangling diagonally from his back strap. Its wooden shaft cradled the sharp steel point almost heroically. The chrome cap on his head, which was the mark of rank within the Sund ul Knigh, sat slightly tilted forward atop his head, a standard. Chief Fauntus’s stunning presence gave chills to all who laid eyes upon him—some were enamored by the great leader while others, such as in the case of Lestyre, were disgusted and terrified by the monster. Nonetheless, no Theodoran other than the Constable looked down at the Chief.

Chief Fauntus waited for the crowd to quiet down before speaking. He was on the rock alone. His arms raised and the crowd became almost silent.

Kelnicians! Theodorans! Friends of the Constable and the Dinster Senate! On this eve, we have a scar on the beautiful flesh of our beloved Theodora. A Haulganite.

The crowd booed and hissed at the phrase. Chief Fauntus continued.

"It was one year ago we were last here. One year ago, we were in the midst of evil in the form of a married couple. They believed Fianity was false. Only the Sarav, king of the Fire, would instruct them to say such words. One with kinship to the Sarav is not one with kinship to the Constable, and thus, not worthy of the title of Theodoran."

The crowd cheered in agreement.

A man and a woman were expelled from our land on that day. We have experienced many months of euphoria without the threat of Haulgany...until now.

An uproar arose from the disenchanted audience. The Chief motioned behind him to one of his knights to bring the accused on the rock. It was a man. He had a black cloth bag over his head. His arms were bound in front with tight leather ties. The knight jabbed him with a pike to walk onto the rock. Stumbling, he ended with a bump into the Chief and a pitiful weep. The crowd hated to see the filthy Haulganite touch the Chief of the Sund ul Knigh, despite the fact it was an accident. Chief Fauntus grabbed the man by the back of the neck and faced him toward the Theodorans.

This is a Haulganite, said the Chief prior to pausing for the jeers. He has been convicted of Haulgany in the third degree for insubordination in the presence of the Dinster Senate. In accordance with the Mandate of Theodora, his punishment is expulsion of rule from Theodora.

Although he had seen this display many times in the past, Lestyre was stunned by the events happening. He stood and watched, emotionless on the outside, bleeding on the inside. It was somehow different, this expulsion.

Bring his family beside the rock, ordered the Chief.

A woman clad in a dirty gray shawl and a green skirt hanging down past her feet was forced beside the rock by three knights. Two little boys and a small girl followed with pikes at their backs.

Lestyre was close enough to see the family. The face of the wife looked familiar, but just out of reach of cognition. The children looked like any other children to Lestyre, but the woman had him enthralled.

These are the loved ones of this coward, said the Chief. They have beared witness to this man’s association with the Sarav, embodiment of evil. On the account that this case of Haulgany is in the third degree, their lives will be spared.

Lestyre’s eyes were glued to the face of the woman. Little by little he eliminated the possibilities of whom the woman was.

To you, wife of the convicted. If you cry for this man during the course of this expulsion, you shall, in return, be convicted of Haulgany in the first degree. Your punishment would be a sentence of no less than six months detainment in a Senate cell. However, since your children are not of a sensible age, they can shed tears.

The face of the woman was perfectly still. She could not show emotion for the sake of her children. Grief had to wait. This was the face that snapped Lestyre’s thoughts. He instantly knew the woman with the stern eyes. His heart sank. It was an instance he would not forget.

High Knight, pull the cover from the convicted man’s head, the Chief ordered.

As the black cloth rose above the man’s clean beard, solemn eyes, and wavy hair, Lestyre produced a stone jaw and a face of pain, one of fear, anger, distress, and loneliness. The uncovering of the cloth revealed the face of Yuilen Dopsi, the flatsmith.

This man, flatsmith Yuilen Dopsi, is against all that our dear Constable holds dear. For years he’s played the role of friend to all in Kelnic who desired new flats. He is a betrayer.

The crowd’s jeers quickly turned into gasps. Their shock was not dissimilar to that of Lestyre. Yuilen was the one Kelnician everybody in town could trust. It was a moment of sheer disbelief. Anger quickly gathered. Tomatoes began to fly at Yuilen, many landing on the man.

Being a Haulganite, you have no right to speak, flatsmith, said the Chief. You signed your parchment with the Sarav, now die with it. Yuilen was looking from the corner of his red, teary eyes at his young son who was crying in return. They were not allowed to say goodbye.

Lestyre did his best not to cry, but it was to no avail. His tears were so heavy, he had to take a hood from his satchel and casually drape it over his head, covering his eyes to hide the tears from the Sund ul Knigh, which by now he had realized were watching him closely. He knew why they were watching him. The memory of his encounter with Yuilen the prior day was quite fresh in his mind. It was not a coincidence that this expulsion was happening today. It was Lestyre they were after. Yet, he stood watching Father Dopsi crying before his family for the last time. His flats suddenly did not feel so comfortable.

Two knights joined Yuilen and the Chief on the rock, pikes in hand. They turned him around to face the cliff. Yuilen looked down at the clouds below while he was gradually nudged forward by the pikes.

Yuilen Dopsi, whaled the Chief. For the act of Haulgany on the twenty-second day of the Tenth-Month in the year 328, you are to be expelled from Theodora by prompt orders of Constable Vaum XV.

Lestyre became ill when he remembered this day was the twenty-third day of the month.

Tinnen and Waya remained completely stoic at the event. Not a tear, not a smile. They frequently looked at Lestyre, hoping the Senate would not find him crying.

This is the result of reaching your hand away from the Constable and toward the Sarav, flatsmith. Now you may join him. Chief Fauntus began pushing him harder from the back. All Yuilen could do was look at his family, particularly his small son.

Ganan! Yuilen cried out to his son. Ganan, do good by me, son!

Quiet, old man, or they will go down too, replied the Chief as he pushed harder.

Ganan, become a man!

You be silent!

Don’t let them do this to you!

Enjoy the fire, flatsmith. The Chief swiftly yanked his pike from his back strap and plunged the spearhead into the abdomen of Yuilen. A kick from the Chief’s steel boot and Yuilen was ejected from the rock and ultimately from Theodora. His fall was accompanied by a haunting scream and a trail of blood through the air. Ganan joined his father in the screams followed by that of the other two children. The Chief watched Yuilen fall as he entered the clouds below and out of sight forever. He walked up to Ganan and kneeled down.

Child, that was not your father saying those words to you. That was the Sarav. The Sarav was what killed him, not me. He left the devastated young boy’s front and headed for the top of the rock again. The sun began peaking out through the fluffy clouds.

Let us make this the last expulsion for some time, Theodorans. Go home to your families. He hopped down from the rock and headed back toward Yuilen’s family. Stopping short, he looked down at them with a grin. The family just smiled back like good soldiers.

Lestyre still had the hood on with his head tilted forward. His motions were calm. Tinnen turned to Waya.

Did the Chief stab him with his pike? he asked.

Indeed, replied Waya. I’ve never seen that in an expulsion. Is that standard?

Tinnen shrugged his shoulders. They both heard a sniffle coming from under Lestyre’s hood.

My Fian! exclaimed Tinnen. We have to get you away from here, Lestyre. You know they can’t see you cry at this. They both put Lestyre in between them and turned to walk toward Kelnic, concealing his crash.

Once at Lestyre’s cottage, Tinnen and Waya looked around for any knights. All was clear. Waya reached up and pulled the hood from Lestyre’s head. He still cried.

Lestyre, you must let this go, said Waya. None of us could have prevented it. It was bound to happen.

Lestyre’s tears stopped. His eyes were fixed at his feet. He looked up at Waya in an attempt to focus, but it was too much. He broke out in tears again, heavier than before.

Mother Enselk opened the door to see what was happening. She saw her crying son and rushed toward him.

Lestyre, my sweet, what’s happened? she asked.

But Lestyre could not speak. Her arms opened and he buried his head in them. Tinnen took the role of interpreter.

There was an expulsion of rule at the point, he explained.

Expulsion? said Quentia.

Yes. First in a year.

Quentia’s eyes nearly popped from their sockets. Lestyre’s seen expulsions before. Why is he upset?

Waya looked at Lestyre’s flats. Quentia saw him looking at the flats.

Waya. Is it Lestyre’s flats?

They are involved in it, Mother Enselk, replied Waya.

How in Theodora is a pair of flats involved in an expulsion? she asked.

Tinnen gasped in preparation of telling her the news. Mother Enselk, they expelled Yuilen Dopsi, the flatsm—

The flatsmith! Oh Fian, the highest, oh Fian! Her panic was not quiet as she placed her hand over her chest. Yuilen Dopsi? He made those flats on my son’s feet, did he not?

Yes, replied Waya. He sold them to Lestyre yesterday.

But Yuilen Dopsi, he’s not a Haulg— She paused. She felt a tear run down her cheek. We have to go inside. Now! You boys go home. You have studies tomorrow. She wrapped her arm tightly around Lestyre and practically hauled him inside at a fast pace.

Tinnen and Waya stood still for a few seconds to take the instance in.

We can’t speak of this, said Waya.

Tinnen simply nodded in agreement. He was noticeably shaken up over the sorrow of his best friend. They walked to their respective homes as the cold rain began to fall. Even to these two young men, the events of the expulsion felt immeasurably off.

****

Chapter 4

Roughly one-hundred knights followed Chief Fauntus through the cobblestone streets of Sparius in an event resembling a parade without the lavish amenities. They were making their way back to the Vaum Palace complex, the heart of Theodora securely nestled inside the high walls of the largest town in the land. The Sund ul Knigh had been marching for half the day. The celebration was indeed thrown together at the last minute when the Constable’s son, Prince Nemmiul, heir to the throne, got word of the success of the expulsion. All Spariites were ordered to attend the parade.

Chief Fauntus had since switched to his formal armor, all pewter steel with a broad yellow stripe flowing down the entire right side. On the chest plate of the suit was the Toumine Crest, the Constable-granted mark of the highest of the Sund ul Knigh. The legendary pike hung on his back—it was caked with dried blood. It was a tradition in the Sund ul Knigh not to wash the blood from a pike until three days after it was last used. Many pikes never got a wash due to constant use.

The Chief arrived at the large duel gates of the palace, both graced with an enormous Senate emblem. On the large, elaborate archway above the gates were the names of each previous Constable, all ending their reigns at