Sentinels: Dragon Rider: Sentinels, #2

Prologue

Are they finally asleep?

Yes, so be quiet.

A fire cracked in the darkness of a small home, giving a soft orange glow that illuminated the bearded face of a middle aged man. Dressed in a vest and shirt that had been dirtied by a day’s work in the fields, he sat in his simple wooden chair. His beard had been grayed with age, and his skin was dark and hardened by years of work in the sun.

How long has it been since we had some time to ourselves? the bearded man’s wife asked as she approached, visibly exhausted from caring for her two young children during the day. She was tall and slender, dressed in a simple gown, and her long golden hair rested on her shoulders.

Too long, her husband replied. At least this year’s harvest seems promising. It appears we’ll have more than enough to last the winter.

The farmer’s wife smiled and breathed a deep sigh of relief. That’s good… she said as she sat in her own simple chair in front of the fire.

The farmer looked to his wife, puzzled by her reaction. Is something wrong? he asked. You’re usually more excited by a good harvest.

She smiled, and lazily looked towards her husband. I’m fine…just tired is all, she answered through a deep sigh.

He looked to his wife for a moment more before getting to his feet and taking her hand. Come on, let’s go for a walk. It’s a beautiful evening tonight.

She looked at him confusedly. You want to go walking with me after a long day’s work? Who are you, and what have you done with my husband? she joked.

A smile peeked through his beard as he pulled her to her feet and led her to the front door of their simple home. Come on. The boys should be fine without us for a little while.

The stars in the sky above decorated the night through the clouds, surrounding a brightly lit full moon. There was a slight breeze that felt soothing on the skin, and blew their hair about as they strolled around the village. Most of their neighbors had retired for the night after similarly working the fields. The only people awake and still alert were the guards.

This feels nice, she commented as they walked, holding her husband’s arm and resting her head on his shoulder. Keeping watch over two young boys every day is hard work. Maybe we should trade jobs for a few days. I could use the break.

He laughed at his wife’s joke. Are you sure you want to trust me alone with them? he asked. Every time you leave us alone you fear we’re going to hurt each other playing too rough.

A sound argument if I’d ever head one, she replied with a smile.

The silent wind waved the crops of wheat and corn around in an almost soothing dance. War with a neighboring kingdom had taken the lives of many of their friends who had gone to join the royal army. It wasn’t uncommon though, as the war had been going on for generations. He had fought in it, as had his father before him. She had even served at one point as a healer, using her talents in magic to care for the wounded. Their time on the battlefield had come and gone, but they knew soon enough that it would be their children’s turn to fight. It was a thought that went through every parent’s mind. He had accepted it early on, when she was carrying their first child, but she still dreaded the day no matter how far off it still was. 

The walks at night with her husband helped calm her nerves when she would fret over the thought, but he was commonly too exhausted from working to do so. When they did happen he couldn’t deny that they were relaxing though, and very much needed.

The pair walked around for a bit, going on about work, their children, and local gossip mostly. They even talked about foolhardy dreams of going on adventure and finding lost treasures like they were children themselves again. He would make her laugh and pretend he was a knight saving his princess from a beast in some faraway land. The behavior wasn’t fitting of an adult at all, but sometimes behaving like a child with a wild imagination was the best remedy for mental anguish.

And time passed quickly as their age caught up with them. They started towards their home, now ready for the sweet release of sleep. She laughed, happy that she had spent the time actually playing with her husband instead of dealing with responsibilities. He acted the same, although he was so tired that he had to lean on his wife for support as they trudged home.  They continued that way for a few minutes until they noticed something strange in the sky above them.

She stopped walking, fixing her gaze at something in the night sky. Do you see that?

He looked up through the distant clouds to see she was asking about. What is that?

Far above their heads, streaming through the air, were several objects that left glowing red trails in their wake. The sky around the objects reflected their light, making the clouds look like they had been set ablaze. They moved quickly through the air, approaching the village and growing larger with each second. They stared in amazement, having never seen anything quite like it before.

The first of the objects struck. An explosion resulted, knocked the couple to the ground, jerking them out of their stupor. More of the objects landed, colliding with buildings and farmland, setting everything on fire. It wasn’t long before the screams of those caught in the blasts rang through the air.

What’s happening!? she screamed.

I don’t know! he shouted back.

Everything was happening so quickly that neither of them had any time to think. More of the objects crashed down around them. The once serene landscape was now something out of a nightmare. The flames had taken hold all around them, destroying months of hard work in mere seconds. But the thought of lost crops was nothing compared what more could be lost.

The boys! he shouted as he got back to his feet, pulling his wife with him. We have to get back to the house!

The pair ran through the panicking town, pushing through the crowd of people stricken with fear towards their home. The couple’s fears were realized when they saw their roof had caught fire. By some miracle though, none of the objects from the sky had struck the building itself.

She screamed in anguish, immediately thinking the worst of the situation and that her children were dead. Her husband shook her back to her senses, telling her to listen. Through the sound of the fire they could hear their eldest son calling for help.

I’m going to get them! he yelled at her. I need you to wait here, understand?

Her eyes were red from the tears she was shedding, but she understood and nodded.

Wait here!

He ran in to the house, jumping through the fire that blocked the door. She lost sight of him, waiting patiently for his return with their children. Her heart pounded in her chest. Each second felt like an eternity. People around her were screaming in terror and anguish. Questions raced through her mind: What was happening to their home? Why was it happening? She thought they could be under attack, but she couldn’t focus on any singular thought except the fear that her family would be lost.

Her thoughts were interrupted when her husband leaped back through the fire. His clothes were singed, and he was bleeding, but in his arms was their youngest child. He was only five, and shaking with fear.

Jon! she cried out, and ran towards them. She grabbed her child and held him close, relieved that he was alive. Where’s Adam!?

He’s still inside, he told her through a coughing fit. I’m going back in to get him.

Ok, she whispered as she kissed her son’s head. Be careful!

Jon nodded and turned back to the fire. It had grown larger, but the sounds of their older son shouting continued to reach them.

She stood still, staring at her burning home with her terrified child, but she didn’t say a word. She couldn’t speak due to the fear. A section of the roof collapsed making her gasp. She heard her husband yell, presumably in pain, and her heart sunk. She knelt in front of her son and looked at him. His face was dirtied from the fire, and his eyes were filled with tears. Sweetheart, I need you to listen to me, ok? she asked.

The boy nodded his head to his mother.

She picked him up and carried him over to a door leading to an underground storage cellar used to hold crops. It hadn’t been affected by the fire yet, and was probably the safest place to be.  She opened the door and placed him down on the steps. Remember how you like to play in here with your brother? she asked.

The boy nodded his head again.

Good. I need you to wait here, Caroline told him. Your father needs my help, so be a good boy and wait here, ok?

Again, the boy nodded his head, but he continued to stare up at his mother. He had stopped shaking, thinking he was safe with her.

I need you to be a good boy, she persisted as she grabbed the door. Mommy loves you! she told him through a choked voice, and she shut the door.

______

The storage room doors opened, and sunlight poured in along with dust and ash. The sounds of people moving rubble around could be heard, along with whispered conversation.

Hello? the voice of a man called in to the room. Is there anyone down here? Any survivors?

Metallic footsteps echoed in the room as a soldier entered to check for survivors of the blaze. It didn’t take him long to spot the boy sitting on the floor drawing in the dust. He looked down as the boy looked up at him. The boy didn’t run. 

Are you alone down here, boy? the soldier asked.

The boy nodded his head as he got to his feet and stood at a makeshift attention.

The way the child remained still was odd, especially considering the circumstances. The soldier surmised that he had been taught to respect members of the military, considering how he was standing. Do you recognize my armor? he asked.

The boy nodded his head again.

The soldier approached him and knelt down to be eye level, examining him for any outstanding injuries. Aside from some small cuts and burns, he appeared to be in relatively good health. What’s your name? he asked softly.

Glenn Sturmwind, sir, he replied.

Chapter 1

Duty and Honor

The sun shined brightly from its place above the clouds. It was at its apex, midday above the military training ground of the Kingdom of Delrich. Men clad in dented old armor carrying swords, shields, spears, and various other weapons lined the field awaiting their orders. Among these men were two boys, no older than seven years. Normally such a location would be unsuitable for children, and their parents would forbid them from even stepping near it, but these boys were different.

An older man with long white hair tied in the back, a white beard and matching mustache, sat on top of a horse as he shouted at the new recruits. The boys were sent there, with permission, to observe and assist the aged man and his staff however possible.

Glenn, do you think he’ll let us use a sword? the scrawny, freckle-faced orange haired boy next to him asked in a hushed tone. 

We’re not here to play, Glenn replied, equally hushed but somewhat annoyed. He was standing at attention, like the adults being lectured, trying to listen intently to what the man on the horse was saying. He was commonly told that he was surprisingly well matured for his age and he took such comments as complimentary. Now be quiet and pay attention.

Bah, why are you always a bore? We’re not here to train, you know, the freckled boy commented.

His majesty granted us permission so that we can learn, Glenn told him, though kept his voice at a whisper. I will not embarrass him by acting like a fool, now be quiet!

The other boy huffed in annoyance. I didn’t even want to be here. I just want to go home…

Is there something you’d like to share with us, young master? the old soldier on the horse bellowed. He’d finished speaking to the group of recruits without the boy noticing.

The irritated child’s eyes widened in shock and he stiffened his back immediately to stand like Glenn. No, sir! he said up to him.

Then I suggest you act like your friend here, he said to him angrily. This is not a place for children, and as such you shall not be treated like children. He paused for a moment and examined both carefully before focusing on the Glenn and speaking again. You there; I am to understand that his majesty sent you here at your request?

Glenn raised his chin and replied, Yes, sir.

You’re the Sturmwind boy then, if I’m not mistaken. Glenn, as I recall.

He nodded his head in reply. Yes, sir.

Then I have no doubt you are aware that I am Louis Stark, Captain in his majesty’s army and primary instructor of new recruits. I knew your mother and father well, he told him. They were some of the finest I served with. Although the tragedy that befell them occurred some years past, I offer my condolences.

Thank you, sir. Your kindness is appreciated, Glenn replied, trying to hide the pain in his voice.

I take it you wish to take up the lance then?

Pardon, sir? Glenn asked.

The lance and shield, boy, the captain repeated. Your bloodline has produced adept lancers for generations. Is that not why you are here?

His majesty didn’t grant permission for training, sir, Glenn explained. Only to observe and learn.

And what better way to learn than to practice? The captain asked with a wry smile. Worry not about His Majesty. Go see the armorer in the far tent. He’ll provide you with some armor, a training weapon, and shield. He turned back to face the freckled boy who annoyed him earlier and his amused look faded back to dark seriousness. And you…Count Marshall’s boy, Leonard?

Leonard had let himself slouch a bit in astonishment while Glenn and the captain conversed, but quickly straightened out when he was addressed again. He was clearly nervous though, and was shaking and stuttering while he spoke. Yes, sir.

I’ve heard of your shenanigans, boy, and I’ll have none of it here, The captain stated coldly. Go with Sturmwind to the armory tent and make your choice of weapon. You’re both here to learn, and so I will teach you. Now go!

______

Sweat, blood, tears, pain, pride; all are part of what any who volunteer for the royal military feel during their training, both adult and child alike it seemed. 

The day had been hard on the boys. Captain Stark had treated them both as adults who had never held a weapon in their hands before. Leonard wasn’t fond of the experience, having proven his ineptitude for combat. Glenn however found the ordeal exhilarating, and while he was no professional lancer, he showed enough natural talent with the weapon to impress his elder counterparts.

Dirt and sweat covered the boys’ faces throughout the day, and they desperately needed a bath to remove the stench that found a home with them. Their clothes, just as filthy, were at least intact.

As they walked with a platoon of recruits to the castle’s barracks, Leonard stretched his arms and yawned, showing his exhaustion from the training. I hope father doesn’t send me back to this again… he groaned. I’m no good with a weapon, especially a spear…

You just need practice, Glenn replied. He sounded physically tired but his mood was positive. He reveled in the training, enjoying every second of it and envisioning himself as a great warrior one day. Keep at it, you’ll see.

Ha, easy for you to say, Leonard said sarcastically. You looked like you’d been using it your whole life!

Glenn chuckled at the comment. Well, my father did show me some things … His tone shifted from joyous to mournful when he thought about his family. Before he died, he would take my brother and I to the fields and show us…I still remember the smell of the crops…

What happened to them? Leonard asked, noticing the shift in Glenn’s mood. Your family, that is.

They died three years ago, on the day the clouds burned, he explained.

Oh… Leonard didn’t know what to say. He had heard of the event when the adults would talk about it, but having not seen it himself he never really thought about it, nor had he ever met anyone that had been affected by it. 

You don’t need to say anything, Glenn commented. He noticed Leonard’s confusion over what to say, having grown used to it throughout the years in the castle. The royal family has been very kind to me. I may be young, but I’ve accepted it and moved on.

Leonard was again taken aback. And how do you know his majesty? he asked. I’ve met the king and his family many times while my father came to the castle for business.

King Justin visited my home the morning after it was destroyed, Glenn explained. A soldier found me in one of our storage cellars. I was one of the few survivors, and…orphaned. When he asked the soldier who I was he told him my name.

And?

And I suppose he knew my family. I don’t really know why, but he took me with him to the castle and has raised me like one of his own, as a brother to Prince Robert, Glenn continued. I owe his majesty my life for taking me in.

Wow… Leonard was shocked. Life in the castle…

Before the conversation could continue the group reached the castle’s outer gate. Leonard heard the call of his father from the road and turned to go towards him while Glenn remained attentive to the group entering the barracks. His home was in the castle, after all. And for as much as he’d gotten to know Leonard over the years, he didn’t much like the idea of being too close of friends with a diplomat’s son, of whom he thought was a little pretentious.

Well then, Leonard began to speak as he straightened out his clothes. While I’d rather not, I wouldn’t be surprised if father forces me to do this again. Good night, Glenn. Perhaps I’ll see you the next time father has business here.

Glenn turned before entering the castle’s gates and nodded. Good night, Leonard. If your father does want to send you back here, you should at home. It wouldn’t do for the captain to make note of your performance to him, I imagine.

I’ll keep that in mind, Leonard replied, and then he broke from the group towards the carriage where his father waited for him.

______

You can’t be serious! There’s absolutely no way that happened!

The torches attached to the wall of a pub danced in a bright orange glow that filled it with light, showcasing a full room of soldiers and civilians relaxing after a long hard day. Mugs clanging together and cheers being yelled amongst friends made the noise loud enough that small conversations had to practically be yelled across the tables from one person to another. 

Ten years passed since Glenn’s first day of training. As expected, Leonard was sent back to accompany him while he continued under Commander Stark. Contrary to Glenn’s intention of not getting close with him, the two became the best of friends over the years, particularly after Leonard actually started practicing his swordsmanship. He may have been horrible with a blade when he was younger, and he didn’t want anything to do with his kingdom’s military at the time either, but something about Glenn and the way he carried himself at so young an age, after what he’d been through, left an impression that gave him a reason to try. Ten years after the fact, they were exceptionally close with impressive service records.

Glenn, as was expected of him, took up the lance and shield like his father and grandfather before him. As a boy he excelled at his training, attending military recruit training as often as the king would allow. He quickly became recognized as one of the foremost skilled lancers in the kingdom when he became of age, something that was bit of a shock to many due to his youth. The recognition earned him praise from many in his kingdom’s government, but there were those who detested him for it. Among the naysayers was Amador Astley, a spoiled brat of a child and son of a prominent nobleman who commonly used his family name and wealth to get his way, which included early attempts at rank and priority treatment. Astley was a skilled lancer in his own right, but the recognition Glenn received made him jealous, and commonly drove him to taunts on various occasions.

Leonard focused his training on sword and shield manipulation. At first he attempted to mimic Glenn in taking up the spear, but was so clumsy with the weapon that Glenn had recommended he take up the sword instead. It was a piece of advice that worked out beautifully, as Leonard quickly learned how to handle the weapon. The change also reinforced the boy’s confidence, which helped improve his relationship with his father who was a skilled swordsman as well in his younger days. When he was of age he joined the royal army, just like Glenn, and wound up serving in the same unit as he and Amador.

Now the pair enjoyed their evenings at a pub in Delrich’s capital city, which had been built up just outside of the front gate of the castle proper and surrounded by high walls. The establishment was popular with the military due to its proximity to the barracks. Each night they went out to relax and unwind, and in some cases find something to joke and argue about. In this case it was about a rumor of a young female healer with a short temper. Rumor had it she punched a guard so hard in the gut he fell to the ground and passed out, and then stole his sword.

It’s true! Leonard argued back with a smile as he swung his mug of ale around. Leonard had let his short hair grow out, which he tied into a long tail down the middle of his back.

And I’m telling you that you’re either a liar or gullible, Glenn coolly replied as he sipped his drink. There’s no way a healer would or could hit a man in armor hard enough in the gut to knock them out cold. And then take their sword? For what purpose does a healer need a blade? Honestly… Glenn shook his head, waving his short dark hair slightly to the sides. You’re being made a fool.

Leonard raised his arms in the air in dismissal. Bah, I think you should trust me more!

Fine, then, Glenn said as he placed his mug on the wooden table. You believe this wild tale so adamantly, so you must know the girl’s name. Who is she?

As if I would know, Leonard scoffed. I heard it from Windham, who heard it from someone else who saw it. I never asked what her name was.

Don’t you think something like that would have been brought up? Glenn inquired. I’m telling you…

Don’t, Leonard interrupted as he pointed a finger at his friend. I do remember hearing she had dark red hair though…

Oh, because that’s a sure sign of validity, Glenn said sarcastically.

And what would you know of validity, Sturmwind? an annoying voice said from behind the pair.

Glenn didn’t even turn around to see who as addressing him, recognizing the annoying sound instantly. What do you want, Amador? he said dejectedly. Come to gloat about daddy’s money and how you would never socialize in a filthy establishment like this, or do you actually need me for something?

Leonard looked up at their comrade in arms, and a wry smile appeared, partially because of the ale but mostly because of the expression of anger on Amador’s face at Glenn’s response and refusal to look at him. Evening, Astley, he said through a chuckle as he raised his mug. Care for a drink?

Amador was the same age as both Leonard and Glenn and wore armor matching armor to them. His hair was light brown, long down to his shoulders, and well groomed; a common visage for one of status. His skin was pale peach, just like Glenn and Leonard’s. By all accounts he was quite attractive and held the eye of many of the kingdom’s younger and older women alike.

Hardly, he replied coldly. I came to inform you and Sturmwind that I’ve been ordered to the Castle Guard, where I’ll be responsible for protecting His Majesty and the royal family, an honor much higher than what you two have. His face changed from anger to gloating pride as he raised his nose towards the pair, but Glenn seemed unaffected by the news.

That’s wonderful news, Amador, Glenn replied. I’m sure your father had absolutely nothing to do with getting his prissy brat a cushy assignment away from the battlefield. You must have proven yourself considerably to earn such a privilege.

Leonard laughed heartily at the blatantly obvious sarcasm and fell back in to his seat. He continued to drink his ale until the cup was empty and then continued to laugh even more at it.

Amador’s face tightened angrily. He hated being ignored and ridiculed, and Glenn never took him seriously. For years he tried to upstage him in lancing, but had never quite succeeded. Even those not of their unit recognized the rivalry. Everyone knew he was nearly a match in skill, but that wasn’t good enough. At least I have a father, you peasant orphan.

The conversations in the pub went silent almost instantly. Amador had said his comment louder than he intended, and everyone was staring at him in shock and disgust. Leonard looked stunned; amazed that Amador had stooped to that level of insult just to get a reaction. It did, however, work.

Glenn had slammed his mug on the table after what Amador said. He slowly rose from his chair and turned to face him. His face was full of rage and contempt. Whatever influence the ale had on him had vanished, replaced entirely by anger. Nobody speaks of my family like that, and I’ll be damned if I let you of all people say such things, you pompous bastard.

Amador stared back into Glenn’s eyes, watching as he grabbed his lance from its resting place leaning on the table. It wasn’t the first time he’d goaded Glenn into a fight, and it likely wouldn’t be the last. Each time was an attempt to prove superiority, but they always ended in failure.

Say something, you bastard, Leonard jabbed as he stood up. Well?

Fine, Amador replied with a mocking tone. It’s about time I put you in your place.

Everyone in the pub cleared out to the road and formed a circle where Glenn and Amador would fight. Cheers started echoing for the fight as the crowd was eager to see some blood. Whoever won was irrelevant to them, they just wanted to see a good fight.

Glenn, as enraged as he was, remained calm and collected when facing his rival. He held his lance and shield ready for the fight while Amador taunted and teased with a slew of insults and body gestures. While they circled around the perimeter of the makeshift arena, he watched as Amador grew impatient and started getting sloppy with his foot movements. That was what Glenn was waiting for.

He sprinted forward as the crowd cheered wildly, and went for a wide swing with the lance. Amador blocked it with his