Chapter 13 of     The Nightmare Rider

 

 

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Patrick stood just outside the door of the Solo Registry looking at the boards for local information. The one on the left featured assignments, the right held advertisements. The top of the boards were time sensitive and the bottom half were long-term. Like all previous Solos attending the Academy, he had rented a box. In the box were daily notices and any specific advertisements along with direct communication messages. Patrick had already collected from his box and now checked over the boards. The stable he had visited yesterday, along with a couple of other Solos, didn't bring good news. The Stable owner had told them that four days before Tournament he would change his rates because of all the visitors. They wanted a stable that they could all use and station a guard or two.

After sitting at one of the cafes to eat for appearances he began his search. He bypassed the other two large stables and the boarding houses. Instead he set out for the outskirts. He was riding Eskeldar. Daemon was currently being kept at the Academy still. Having two horses made things easier for the moment. One in view, one out. Soon they would be switched. After four tries he was successful. An old woman had a barn big enough for the Solos' horses. Though only the Fourth and Third years would be competing, all fourteen Solos would stable their horses together. She even agreed to keep the arrangement secret for an additional fee.

Miren Senun had been living alone for some time. The spring and summer weren't very difficult as she maintained a garden big enough for herself with some extra to sell in the village. The winter on the other hand was always difficult. The money Patrick promised the Solos would pay would get her through more than one winter. He also promised that if this time went as they liked they would contract her barn the following year as well for the same price. As a show of faith he made a deposit of fifty coins. For that the elderly woman eagerly agreed.

By noon the other Solos had arrived and looked over the barn.

"This will work just fine Fotens," Doril announced. "Let's get to work."

Jackets were removed and clean-up began. Miren saw an opportunity to earn more and proposed to provide meals for a fee. The Solos quickly agreed and she set about preparing dinner for them all. As the sun set they had finished and began to clean themselves up. The girls went inside while the boys merely washed up outside.

"Fine meal," Danze Marow stated as she set down her fork. "May we have an empty glass?"

Miren nodded, "certainly."

An empty glass was given to her and Danze dropped her meal payment into it then passed it on. Each did the same and Doril handed it to Miren.

"Thank you," the old woman smiled then went to her kitchen to clean up.

Doril looked over to Danze, "what have you learned."

"This is a big house. She has lived alone for four years, none of her children or grandchildren visit. She does fine enough during the fair months, but struggles through the cold months. She's fairly lonely as well," the Fourth year Solo informed him.

Kyl Borkor stated, "what are you thinking?"

"Probably the same thing I am now," Goron Favell said.

Doril looked around the table, "from what I've read in the various predecessors' notes; there have been previous, but rare attempts to manipulate the Tournament. I'm thinking that we submit a proposal to the Council. In short, an offer is made to this property owner to purchase. The Council owns it and she remains on site in the guise of owner, but actually the caretaker. The barn is in good shape and the upper level could be turned into barracks. Miren Senun would be paid to continue doing as she does along with meal service."

"Summer break is coming up. The first and second years could remain on site here to make the renovations," Bess Ginaar suggested.

Hensee Rassan agreed, "I have no obligations, I could oversee the project. Most of us pay monthly for boarding so it wouldn't be a problem. Didn't you say you pre-paid your entire two years Fotens?"

Patrick nodded, "I did. However I could oversee some days of the project as well."

Miren Senun came back in, "excuse me. Could I interest any of you in some pie?"

"Yes Miren. Also we would like to include you in our current conversation," Danze Marow replied.

Miren nodded. She went back into the kitchen and came back with a stack of small plates, forks and a pie. Quickly she served the Solos then sat down.

Quickly Doril explained the idea.

Miren looked around and asked, "I would get paid to pretend I still own the farm and just look after you?"

"More or less. The Solos enrolled at the Academy would be paying you for meals and any other services you offer but billeting would be paid to the Council of Regiments. That is, rent for their room would be paid to the Council," Bron Zako explained.

"I think I might like that. I do wonder though; I'm not so young. What would become of me when the day comes that I can't get around anymore," Miren asked.

Goron spoke up, "there's actually a program for Solos when they go beyond retirement. You would be eligible. The First Regiment is in charge of it. Doril can tell you more."

Miren looked to him and he nodded, "I spent a summer there. Its actually a castle with full staff, including medical. That option can be included in the terms of the contract."

"When I do eventually pass on, could I be brought back here? I'd like to be buried with my husband," Miren said.

Danze nodded, "if you wish. Any specific rites would be provided as well. This may sound callous, but it is honest. We want you happy with the arrangement. The reason why is because that would make us, and those after us, feel secure. That may sound harsh to you, but we are Solos and its our way to be clear."

"Would it be possible for a young lady to stay in the house, instead of the barn. Just in case," Miren asked.

Jen Siva nodded, "I think I understand your request. Yes, it could be arranged."

"Danze will come by tomorrow evening with the contract. I'll contact the Council in the morning and should have an answer by the end of the week. If the Council agrees then I'll come back that evening for the contract to be signed and your payment," Doril informed her.

Miren smiled, "so fast? I hope they agree. It would be nice having you young people around."

All the Solos got up and left with a nod to her. It was agreed that they would bring in their horses the next day after classes.

 

~*~*~*~
 

Fiona appeared to be wandering about idly. The day before, all the Solos had disappeared for the afternoon and Doril Hunley had a closed-door meeting with the Headmaster first thing that morning. That evening the Solos' stable was empty and being cleaned.

"If you keep getting that look on your face Fiona, your complexion will suffer," Vaan stated coming up beside her.

Fiona carefully looked around then whispered, "the Solos must know things. Doril Hunley had a private meeting with the Headmaster this morning and now the stables are empty."

Vaan took her arm and moved her along, "Oh Fiona. You spend too much time over trivial things! Have you seen the cake the cook staff made for the dinner dessert? Its simply a masterpiece!"

After a few steps away Vaan spoke in a low voice, "there's more than that. All the unaffiliated Solos are ordering Armor made elsewhere. They had their measurements taken by the Academy outfitter, but no orders were placed through the Academy. Including shields. The closets in the Wardroom have seals of some kind placed."

"Gods," Fiona whispered. "They must all be convinced something is going on."

"Yes and that they are supposed to be on the receiving end of it. I don't think measures of this severity have been done before," Vaan admitted.

Fiona stopped, "I'm going into the village."

"As you see fit Fiona," Vaan nodded to her and watched her leave.

An hour later Fiona found Doril Hunley at the tavern she knew he had been staying at since coming to the Academy.

"Solo Hunley," Fiona said and sat down across from him.

Doril looked up, "something you want Doucet?"

Fiona nodded, "answers."

The First Regiment Solo pushed his finished dinner plate aside.

"The Solos have removed their horses from the stable. Even the First and Second years. All the unaffiliated have had armor measurements taken but none ordered through the Academy and the closets in the Wardroom have some kind of seal on them. I asked at the local armorers. No orders have been placed through them. All this is making me nervous. Like you suspect something," Fiona listed. "Solo Hunley is there something going on I should be aware of?"

Doril sat there looking her blandly.

"What will this get me," Fiona asked and placed five coins on the table.

"The stables and Wardroom have been compromised. We're protecting our horses and armor. Those that don't have personal armor are ordering through a service. That armor will be secured as well. Goodbye Doucet," Doril stated and took the coins.

"May I barter," Fiona asked.

Doril shrugged.

Fiona said in a low voice, "bring your own drinks during the Tournament."

"Make your own meals the day before and during," he replied then got up to leave. "Doucet. Trust nobody, hire or send home for squires."

 

~*~*~*~
 

Phoebe and Daalumos could see the flames of torches in the distance as they rode close to the battle that had been going on for the better part of the day.

"Pity we missed the beginning," Daalumos remarked.

Phoebe replied, "its still going. We take what we can get. Now we get only the strong. This may work out better!"

A moment later the bound demon tore into the fray. Instantly fear began to flow into Phoebe as she was recognized. Fear that turned into terror as Daalumos let out and unearthly shriek. The rage and murderous intent flowed into him. Phoebe took their terror and sent it back out which returned even stronger.

"I AM THE NIGHTMARE RIDER," Phoebe shouted. "I HAVE COME FOR YOU!"

The foot-soldiers and remaining knights were horror-struck at her confirmation. They had started their battle late in the day in an attempt to prevent her appearance but the battle had lingered past nightfall. Now they would face her regardless of intentions. Many tried to retreat but found their route suddenly cut off by a wall of flames. The mortals shrank back from the heat and crackling sound, convinced the illusion was real. They came to the conclusion the only way out now was through her and charged to attack.

The BloodLust reared up on his hind legs and leaped forward, "YES FOOLS! COME UNTO US! KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL!"

Daalumos had fed their rage and was now taking in the magnified intent. He stayed in constant motion, culling and herding new targets into the range of Phoebe's sword and his own hooves.

"BRING HER DOWN! ATTACK HER BEAST," Someone called out.

Following the orders many did so only to find the spears would not penetrate and swords merely glanced off.

"Take them," Phoebe ordered Daalumos then bailed off his back.

The mortal combatants thought they now had her in the most vulnerable position, afoot. They were so very wrong. Her advantage was even greater now. Phoebe charged into the onslaught, like a boulder rolled down into the surf, and broke their oncoming wave. The sword of Vulcan's blade took on a glow as it sliced and smashed into shields, swords, armor and even bodies. The BloodLust was having his own time, inciting attack and making minimum effort to push them back only to attack again. It wasn't long and they began to attack each other for getting in the way of attacks. They had become blinded by frustrated rage. Anything that got within range became a victim.

Phoebe called out, "MORE! FIGHT YOU FOOLS! THIS NIGHT HAS ONLY BEGUN!"

It didn't take long. With Phoebe in front of them, an encroaching wall of fire behind and comrades falling all around; terror soon reigned supreme. Many began to succumb to the visions dancing before their eyes. Each man's deepest fears began to surface. They could see them take form and come out of the fire and approach. It was all an illusion though, only in their fear ravaged minds. Phoebe and Daalumos continued to rampage within their claimed area. Those outside the illusion wall of fire were still gripped with fear and struggled to make their way to safety with the withdrawing forces.

Phoebe looked over to Daalumos as they stood alone on the battlefield now.

"That was good," Phoebe said, still feeling power flowing into her.

The BloodLust chuckled, "delightful!"

Phoebe took several shield and used her sword to wipe them of device then inscribe her own. She affixed them to discarded swords or broken lances then searched for coins and bagged them up. After slinging the bags over her shoulder she climbed back onto Daalumos' back and rode away. They stopped at the new temple being built and left one of the bags that she hastily drew her symbol on.

"Does it make a difference if you give offerings to your own temple," Daalumos asked.

Phoebe replied, "of course. It pays for the temple to be completed."

The bound demon laughed, "you could have said anything else and I would not have been surprised!"

Daalumos trotted away, carrying Phoebe. Within minutes they were back at their home.

 

~*~*~*~
 

The next day started with the posting of the selection list. It was done during breakfast so the Headmaster announced after the majority had finished eating. Many rushed to look. It was easy to tell who held confidence as they took their time to avoid the rush. It was when several started to return with disappointed looks that the rest made their way to the notice board. The crowd of students parted when word that Fiona doucet was approaching.

"Thank you." Fiona smiled as she went to the board then began to announce, "Myself, Prince Vaan Arento, Jeffries Talfar, Eaton Laanower, Doril Hunley, Goron Favell, Danze Marow, Bron Zako, Fay Merfin, Dirk Sharvot, Lara Tarika, Moor Falek, Bon Loreen, Kern Winnower. Those are the Fourth years. Third years are; Patrick Fotens, no surprise there. Hensee Rassan, Jessica Weyden, Ponz Gerrare, Den Irth, Aruna Moning, Dagar Voluntas, Lyl Matrileek, Norr Luunos, Klin Makaal, Hirz Kez, Sera Arden, Ben Surlaang, Del Ekato, Hevrin Aulder, Debrie Beom and Ziekell Loxtonia. That's it. Those are the Selections."

Several murmured in disappointment, other congratulated those they had been sure of.

Fiona addressed everyone, "Selects; congratulations. For those that did not, please show your support. Third years, you now know you will have to work harder next year. Second and First years; I hope this inspires you in your own training. Also for you Third years, your performance can influence your support in the upcoming election at the end of term. I hope my successor does well. That's all. The bells about to chime."

The crowd began to dispersed. All the students knew the order was determined by points acquired. By the end of the day the betting lists would be started and by morning there would be initial odds. Gambling wasn't a secret, in fact it was very out in the open. Of course there were several official bookmakers and all of the taverns took small wagers. Both students, faculty and staff were allowed to bet. In fact sometimes the placement of the bets influenced the odds greatly.

Just as classes for the day were about to end notes arrived to each Select. Minutes later they filtered into the Dining hall and sat at tables as the Headmaster stood by waiting. When the last arrived and was seated the Headmaster began to hand out sheets.

"Those of you that have been to Tournament before know about this. The first sheet are the rules, none of which should be foreign to you. The same rules that apply during training, apply during Tournament. Any breach will result in disqualification, you will also be EXPELLED immediately. The second page are special instructions," the Headmaster explained.

They all began to shuffle pages and read.

The Headmaster took up a page and read aloud, "competitors will provide two squires for their events. Squires may be selected from the student body or hired. Staff, faculty and other competitors are excluded. Family retainers are acceptable."

Doril Hunley stood up, "It has already been agreed that the competing Solos are employing underclass Solos."

"Acceptable as always Solo Hunley," the Headmaster replied then continued. "All competitors will be responsible for their personal equipment, including mounts. Your armor, shields, horses; care and maintenance are your own responsibility."

Several nodded acceptance.

"Lances for events will be supplied by the Academy and are of regulation competition standard. Lances from outside vendors are not allowed and their use will be grounds for disqualification. Battle lances are forbidden and their use will result in disqualification and expulsion," The Headmaster said slowly and clearly.

One of the Third years stood up, "Headmaster; will we be required to purchase our lances from the Academy for Tournament?"

The Headmaster shook his head, "no. The lances are provided at no charge."

"Sorry for asking such an obvious question, but I had to be sure. Lances can get expensive," the Third year sat back down.

"This is your first time and the question was sensible. One last thing. Since not all live in the dorms, all competitors will be responsible for providing their own meals and especially drinks the day of Tournament. For those not in residence, Solos of the Second Battalion will be stationed at their billeting and be escorted to the event by Second Regiment. There will be NO outside influences," the Headmaster stated firmly.

That message was clear. Any attempt to prevent a competitor from attending the event would be met with extreme force.

"If there are no other questions," the Headmaster asked and when none were voiced he nodded to them. "Good day."

Everyone adjourned. Some to breathe a sigh of relief, others to softly curse their frustration.
 
 
 
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