Comrades We

Comrades We

by

A. Louise Olson

Published at Smashwords by A. Louise Olson

© 2015 by A. Louise Olson

Cover photo by Jeremy Olson

Cover design by Athena Johnson

Smashwords License Statement

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and you did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

Dedication:

For Christy

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

As the carriage loaded with boxes and trunks rattled down the bumpy road, a tow-headed boy leaned out the window, peering at the road ahead.

Tomas Simeon Ryeven! a voice thundered from inside. The boy was yanked back inside so swiftly he hit his head.

Ouch! he protested, rubbing the back of his head. Father, why’d you do that?

His father raised an eyebrow. Did you wish to tumble out and break your neck before your first day of school even starts?

Sander, said Tomas’ mother, placing a hand on her husband’s arm. He’s fine. Look at him.

Sander sighed and relaxed back into his seat. Fine. On your head be it.

I just wanted to see how close we were, said Tomas in explanation.

The girl sitting on the other side of the carriage looked up from her book. And how close are we? she asked.

Close enough, said Tomas. I could see the city in the distance, Gil. We’re almost to Veldalya.

Tomas’ mother smiled at how the girl’s face lit up. Excited, Gilli?

Yes, Leylan, said Gilli. I’ve been waiting for this for months. She closed her book, tucking it carefully into her satchel, and moved closer to the window to watch as the countryside went by.

It was a beautiful, sunny day at the far end of summer. The hint of coolness in the air suggested that autumn was not far away, but the fields bordering the road had yet to be harvested. The carriage hit a large bump on the hard earth road and Tomas yelped as it sent him nearly flying into Gilli’s father, who was wedged in one corner with a traveling desk, absorbed in paperwork.

Gilli snorted with laughter at Tomas’ anxious expression, but her smile faded when she realized that her father hadn’t even noticed. She went back to window-gazing, looking at the farmlands that surrounded the third-largest city in their kingdom. There was a subtle difference to the landscape here; it was similar to her home province of Tuedorne, which was also mostly farmland, but the mountains were farther away. On a few of the trees, the leaves were already changing colour. Tuedorne was further south, as was Ryeven, the small estate where Tomas’ family lived. Those were the two places she was most familiar with. She knew the capital, of course. They had just come from Tentallia, after all, and her father did keep a house in the city, but she had never spent much time there. She put thoughts of home aside as they swept around a bend in the road and Veldalya came properly into view. She had never visited Veldalya before, and now the city was to be her home for at least the next eight years.

She had been overjoyed to be accepted into the King’s Academy, the training school for the Kingsmen. While the King’s Academy was attached to the Royal University, and offered many avenues for learning, the Kingsmen were trained in the military arts as well as the more academic subjects. They were tasked with keeping the peace, caring for the people of Yaidanain in times of disaster, and standing as the country’s main protectors in times of war.

Gilli would be attending this school as her parents had before her. At twelve, she would be a novice, one of the students who studied both academic and military matters. Once she had completed her four years as a novice, she would be promoted to a provisional Kingsman, and then eventually to a full Kingsman. In those years she would work in the field. She assumed that, based on what little she knew of the Kingsmen’s current work, she would be engaged primarily in minor disaster relief and border patrol.

She wondered would it would be like, to be out there, helping people, maybe fighting. Skirmishes did happen along the northern border once in a while, so encountering real combat was possible. Part of her hated the idea, and part of her hoped to have a chance to see battle.

Every time she’d run across her father and her godparents lately, they’d fallen silent, as though their discussion was far too serious for her young ears. Her godparents’ son and her best friend, Tomas, said that they’d been the same around him. All he’d managed to overhear was that there was more tension than usual with their northern neighbour, Rhudea, and that the alliance with the southern nation of Caytan would be a welcome one. They keep saying that it’s all going to come to a head and it has something to do with how Father needs a new apprentice, Tomas had said. Any idea what that means?

Gilli had shrugged, mind working to figure out the problem. Maybe the Rhudeans are finally going to make a real move, instead of just raiding border towns, she had suggested. Remembering when we were studying history last year and we learned about how they were minor agitators for a while and then they just up and destroyed Ei, back in the last millenium?

Tomas had shuddered. Good thing we’re going to the Academy, then, he said. Maybe we’ll be able to stop them if they try that on us.

Gilli turned back to the people in the carriage and smiled as she watched her friend pepper his parents with questions about the Academy and the surrounding area, looking as though he had never been serious in his life.

Tomas leaned perilously out the window of the moving carriage yet again. We’re almost there! he shouted before he was abruptly yanked back in by his tunic.

Tomas Ryeven! Do I have to tell you again? Sit down! Sander Ryeven ordered. When you are a student, you are free to break your head on your instructors’ time, but you will not do so here.

Sorry, Father, said Tomas, looking not all repentant. But I could see the Academy buildings. We’re almost there!

Sander sighed with exasperation. I know. It’s very exciting. But please, for my sake, and your mother’s, cease leaning out the window.

Yes, sir, said Tomas. He sat back down and turned back to Gilli. Gilli, it looks so old! Older than your castle. Maybe even older than the palace.

Well, I know it’s older than our castle, said Gilli matter-of-factly. Isn’t it, Father?

Her father, Hanath Tuedorne, glanced up briefly from the sheaf of papers in his hand. Hmm?

Isn’t the Academy older than our castle?

What was that, daughter? he asked, quickly signing a piece of paper and fumbling with the sealing wax.

Leylan, pursed her lips at Hanath’s response, but replied pleasantly to Gilli’s question. Yes, Gilli, it is, she answered. By over a thousand years.

Father! said Gilli, trying to get his attention.

What? he asked. Must you keep interrupting me?

She bit her lip and then asked her question. I was just wondering, why can’t you teach at the Academy, too?

Because with Sander and Leylan at the Academy, the King needs me at court, Hanath explained, setting aside the letter he had just sealed. We’ve had this discussion before. He scribbled a note in the margin of the next paper in the stack.

Gilli leaned back against the seat and frowned. Tomas nudged her. Didn’t you know that already? he whispered.

Yes, but I thought he might change his mind, said Gilli. She slumped further down in her seat. It didn’t hurt to try, did it?

I think you’re lucky, he said. I finally thought I was away from all Mum’s fussing, and now they’re coming with me!

Did you really think we’d unleash you on the Academy and leave them unprotected? his father inquired idly.

I live in hope, Tomas replied with a cheerful smile.

The carriage rounded another bend and Gilli leaned out the window to see, being careful not to go too far. They were travelling through the town now.

The town of Veldalya had grown up around the Academy, but the institution’s ancient buildings dominated the area. Since it served both as the royal university and the training school for the Kingsmen, the grounds of the Academy were even larger than the king’s palace in the capital of Tentallia.

When the carriage jolted to a stop at one of the Academy’s primary entrances, Gilli and Tomas clambered out immediately. Sander followed, and turned to help his wife out. She called back into the carriage, Hanath, we’re here. Put the papers away and make yourself useful.

Hanath put his papers into their folder and climbed out. Sander was giving directions to the servants who had come to unload the carriage. While Gilli and Tomas had one trunk each, Sander and Leylan, who were teaching at the Academy, had more things.

Lady Ryeven, where does this bag go? one of the servants asked Leylan.

That one belongs to His Grace, the Duke, said Leylan. He should be staying in one of the guest quarters tonight. Hanath, did you know where you were staying?

Hanath shook his head as he lifted the carrying strap of his travel desk over his shoulder. I don’t believe I was informed.

One of the stewards will know, said the servant. I’ll see to it, Your Grace. My Lord Ryeven, the Headmaster wanted to see you directly.

Of course, Sander replied. Where did the children go?

Leylan smiled and pointed. Gilli and Tomas were staring up at the massive doorway in awe.

Leylan, I have to speak with Marken Gibbs, said Sander. Would you and Hanath join me once you’ve sent the children off to their quarters?

Of course, said Leylan. She took Hanath’s sleeve and tugged him over to where Gilli and Tomas stood. Ready, you two?

I don’t know, said Gilli. She swallowed, trying to summon the courage to move.

"Come on! said Tomas, grabbing her hand. Let’s go!" He dragged her up the steps and through the door. Hanath and Leylan followed.

The large entrance hall was crowded with Kingsmen, new students, old students, and parents. Leylan guided Tomas and Gilli to the table where first-years received their schedules and room assignments. Tomas pushed Gilli ahead of him. Girls first, he said cheerfully.

His mother hid her smile. Hanath came out of his daze long enough to take a deep breath and watch as his daughter, coming to the head of the line, responded, Gilliamel Tuedorne, when asked her name.

She looks so young, he murmured.

No younger than we were, Leylan said. Oh, it’s Tomas’ turn.

He’ll be fine, said Hanath soothingly.

I hope so. She sighed. Brings back memories, doesn’t it? she murmured.

The two came back to their respective parents. Gilli showed her father her room assignment. Only one roommate, said Hanath. They must have fewer girls this year.

I have two roommates, said Tomas. And look! Gilli and I are in the same wing.

They always do that, said Leylan. Wings are assigned by year. You’ll stay there until you’re chosen for a company as provisionals. Do you need help finding your way or will you be all right on your own?

We’ll be fine, said Gilli. The man at the table said they have signs and people pointing the way.

Then we’ll see you at evenmeal, said Leylan. She hugged Tomas and then Gilli. Gilli threw her arms around her father, who gave her a brief, stiff hug.

Bye, Mother! said Tomas. See you soon! He tugged Gilli in the direction of the stairs, where they followed the signs to their wing.

We’re even on the same floor, said Gilli, as they climbed the stairs. I’m glad.

Scared? he asked.

A little, she admitted. You?

He shrugged. She correctly interpreted that as, Yes, and didn’t press the issue.

They came to her room, number 204, first. Gilli lifted her key. You’re down the hall? she asked him.

Yes, he said. 217. Want me to come by here when it’s time for evenmeal?

She nodded. See you then, she said. Tomas darted off down the hallway, and Gilli took a deep beath and turned the key in the lock.

Gilli was surprised by the size of the room. She had thought it would be smaller. Her roommate, a tall girl with wavy, dark red hair, was already there, crouched on the window seat and looking out. She glanced up when she heard the door open.

Hello, she said. I’m Maris. She bounced off the seat and offered her hand to Gilli.

I’m Gilli. They smiled at each other. Maris broke the silence.

So...you’re my roommate. Maris spoke with a light accent that Gilli couldn’t quite place.

I suppose so, said Gilli. Have you picked a bedchamber yet?

No, said Maris. I thought I’d wait for you. You have a preference?

Gilli wandered to the doors of the bedchambers. There were three, since students were usually billeted three to a suite. She opened one. The bedchamber was just big enough for a bed, a clothespress, and not much else. This one’s fine with me, said Gilli.

Maris picked one of the others. Then I’ll take this one, she said. Where are you from?

Tuedorne, said Gilli. You?

Hachatzel, said Maris, naming the seaport on the southernmost tip of Yaidanain.

Oh, said Gilli. That makes sense.

With the accent? said Maris. It’s nae so thick as it was last week, she said, deliberately switching back to the southern accent and then changing back to the northern one again. I’ve been practicing.

Gilli grinned. Really?

Of course, Maris replied. I want one of my specialities to be intelligence. She leaned against her trunk and shoved. This doesn’t want to move, she said. Lend a hand?

Gilli helped her push the trunk into her bedchamber. It fit neatly at the foot of her bed. Maris helped Gilli with hers. Then she went back out to the main room and collapsed into one of the comfortable chairs by the fireplace.

You don’t want to unpack now? Gilli asked.

We have all day tomorrow, said Maris, running a hand through her wavy, dark red hair. I’m tired. I spent all week on a mail coach. Couldn’t swing the fee for a translocation mage. So what’s your family like?

It’s just me and my father these days, said Gilli.

Oh, I’m sorry, Maris apologized, seeing the need to change the subject. So, what is your father?

Gilli cleared her throat. He’s a duke, she said cautiously.

Oh, you’d be that Gilliamel Tuedorne then, said Maris easily. I did guess, when I saw your name. My father’s a fisherman. Well, he was, but then he moved up in the world. We have a fishmonger’s shop now. For the best, since he injured his leg a few seasons back in a storm. And Mum was delighted with the turn of events, us stepping up in the world and all.

Do you have brothers and sisters?

Four and three, she said. Sisters and brothers, respectively.

Gilli blinked in surprise. That’s a lot. Few of the nobles’ families bothered to have so many children.

I know, said Maris. We’re right in the middle, me and my twin brother.

Is he here, too? Gilli asked.

Dion? No, he wants to be a fisherman, like Da. Oran, my oldest brother, he’s supposed to inherit the shop, but there’s been talk of him coming to the university here in a few years and letting Dion take the shop. It’d be nice, to have someone else from my family here. It’s strange, being so far away from the sea. She tried to smile, but the confidence that had been masking her nerves was starting to fail.

Someone knocked at the door and then Tomas stuck his head in through the doorway. May I come in? he asked.

Of course you may, said Gilli. Maris, this is my friend, Tomas Ryeven. He’s a first-year, like us. Tomas, this is Maris.

Pleased to meet you, said Tomas. I brought my roommates. I thought you might like to meet them, Gil. He opened the door wider. This is Peterkin, he said, introducing a boy with untidy dark hair. And this is Tels. Tels was bordering on tall for his age and had brown skin like he was from the area of Yaidanain that bordered Tallissannan.

Wellmet, said Maris to Peterkin. She turned to Tels and her eyes widened with recognition. You! she hissed.

Tels furrowed his brow for a moment. Oh, he said, recalling something. I’ll just be going. He turned to leave and halted as Maris grabbed him by the sleeve.

Oh no, you won’t, Maris snapped. You bumped into me earlier and tried to pick my pocket!

Tomas looked at his roommate, eyebrow raised. Really? He looked delighted with this turn of events. Gilli debated smacking Tomas and decided it wasn’t worth the effort this time.

Tels looked embarrassed. Reflex, he said. Old habit. Sorry.

Sorry? Maris was furious. You do that again and you will be!

Hey, I gave your knife back, didn’t I? Tels protested, finally managed to extricate