We finally arrived in the capital, and it couldn’t have come any sooner. Gareth had become rather standoffish, but I think for the most part he was buying the story that I just wasn’t as interested in training with him as I was with two beautiful women. That said, my time really wasn’t wasted. While I couldn’t quite keep healing myself as I was practicing, I could easily wash away an hour’s worth of exercise fatigue in a few seconds. That would surely serve me well in the army. I was also improving my point work, as I could switch my lines and strike within seconds, hitting my target six or seven times out of ten. Not perfect, but my misses were within half a blade width, something that I considered a win. It also let me start slowly working in the slashing attacks Sebastian had taught me.

We had stopped in the middle of the merchant’s quarter, which wasn’t surprising to me. We were a caravan after all. What did surprise me was when Derrick came back to talk to me personally. “Well kid, I have to thank you.” He said, extending a hand.

“Thank me, sir?” I asked, confused as I still shook his hand.

He nodded, “Yep. You took your stint as a guard seriously and never shirked any duty handed to you. If I had future passengers half as well behaved and a quarter as helpful, I would never turn away anyone. Ennarion sort of filled me in on a bit of your family issue, but if you ever need to send something back to your hometown just let me or my company know. We’ll do it free of charge.”

“That’s. Well, thanks,” I said, a bit embarrassed, “That means a lot.”

“Anytime. I know you are probably heading to the main church here, but there are some places that you just don’t want to get caught in the city. I highly suggest finding a guard to guide you. I would offer to send one of my guys, but-“

I cut him off right there, “That’s ok. Loading and unloading is your guys planting and harvesting. Everything else is watching crops grow. Tell everyone I’m sorry I am missing the fun, and thank Carl for all the lessons. And above all, be safe out in your travels.”

“A fine passenger indeed. Take care of yourself kid, I’ll be expecting some fine stories should we meet again.” With a final nod of his head, he turned and started directing his men to unloading the rest, leaving me to my fate. With a sigh, I shrugged a bit to settle the load on my back. Both bladders fit inside a special backpack, as well as the rest of my worldly possessions. At Carl’s suggestion, I kept most of my coin in a purse there as well, with just some pocket change in a smaller purse around my neck. Looking at the sky, I still had the majority of the afternoon to work with. That was good, as I expected my first task was going to be rough.

I headed up to the closest guardsman who was walking the street, knowing that they were the actual capital police by the black armor they wore with silver clasps holding their capes to their shoulders. “Excuse me, sir, I was wondering if I could get an escort.”

“Where you heading and why boy?” Came the curt response, though he did stop his patrol.

Damnit, this was going to be rough. With a sigh, I explained, “I need to deliver this to Duke Cornick. It is of something of a sensitive matter.”

“You expect me to believe a beggar like you has something to deliver to the Duke? Do you want to be arrested?”

“How about this then,” I offered, knowing that I was going to have to jump through at least some hoops, “Take me to your Centurion. In their office, I’ll explain what and why I am delivering this, and let them decide if it is important. If they think I’m wasting their time, I won’t complain as you guys lock me up for the night.”

“Come along then. And there’s no way you will be able to see the centurion, but I can swing you by the Optio. That should be enough, right?”

“Fair enough.” I agreed, and followed the guardsman down the street. It seemed rather magical, but the crowds seemed to be able to sense the guardsman’s moods just by how they walked. Mine was twirling his baton in a rather simple, savage pattern and the crowd parted around us. I noticed others meandering and twirling more intricate patterns. Some of these would even carry on conversations with shopkeepers and passersby.

After about ten minutes of walking, we came to a supremely ugly building. Two stories, it was a giant stone block with no decorations whatsoever. The only windows were on the second floor. “Here we are, merchant’s secondary outpost.”

“Secondary?” I asked, confused.

“By the gods, how did I get saddled with an out of town street rat?” The guard mumbled, then turned and stared at me, “Doesn’t matter. I’m dropping you off with the Optio. He’ll answer your questions or not, but you are officially his problem now.” With that, he turned and strode into the building. I quickly followed, threading our way through the muster area. At the back was a set of sturdy stairs, which we immediately went up. The ones going down probably led to a set of cells. At the top, we stopped at the second door and knocked, entering when called.

“Sir. Legionary Aster reporting. Citizen asked for an escort to Duke Cornick’s. I didn’t recognize the citizen and given the state of his clothing, denied the request. Citizen then requested speaking to a higher officer, offering to spend a night in the cells if you determined that he was wasting your time.”

“Thank you Aster. I’ll take it from here.” Guardsman Aster slammed a fist to his chest, then turned and left without another word, though he left the door open behind him. As he was leaving, the Optio and I studied each other.

He was strong, obviously built as a fighter. He was bald with no other crazy distinguishing marks. “So. A young farmer from out of town is asking to visit the Duke. You have one minute to explain why.”

Surprised that he knew I was a farmer, and from out of town, I started for a second before slowly opening the box I was carrying. Father Ennarion had once again come through when I wasn’t expecting it, getting a box for Laura’s effects. “His daughter’s effects. I was unsure of how to deliver it, but figured it would be best to head straight there as a show of respect. I was there for her final moments, and would be happy to answer any questions they might have had.”

The Optio closed his eyes, and blew out a breath. “Damnit. We’ve had no word from the hunters. I assume you came straight here? Good. I’ll walk with you to give you some bit of legitimacy, but you’ll have to do the talking. Just say it is a personal matter best kept private.”

“I was delayed a week waiting on a caravan, but that was the first to leave my hometown, sir.” I answered.

“Alright. Not much I can do for you as far as formal attire, but I think they will be forgiving of the road dirt. At least the duke isn’t as stuck on formality as most of the nobility. Come on.” He said, stopping by a closet to put on a pure silver cloak as well as a plumed helmet. I followed him down, and though I tried to keep the streets in mind, I failed miserably. The capital was just so much larger than home! After nearly a half hour of walking, we entered a much nicer neighborhood. The homes all had yards, and several of them had guards in shiny uniforms standing by the gate. Some of the nicer ones even had awnings so their guards could stand in the shade. While I figured we would be heading to the largest house in the area, instead we went to a much smaller house that wasn’t much bigger than Elder Stannich’s place.

“Sirs, I’m going to need you to identify yourselves and state your business.” The guard said, standing from his bench in the shade and blocking our path.

“Optio Lawrence, here as escort for this young man.” He said, motioning me forward.

“Brandon Clayson. I, uh, have some pressing news for the Duke. Unfortunately, it is a personal matter, and best kept private.” I stammered. The guard looked at me oddly for a second, then noticed the box in my hand. He gave the Optio a strange look, then shook his head.

“I’m sorry to hear that. Gary, you have the gate. I’ll take this one.” He said to the other guard, leading us toward the house. It was surprisingly quiet inside, and while I could tell what was on display was of high quality, it wasn’t oppressive with the wealth like I had assumed it was. Soon enough we came to an office area in the back, and the guard knocked before sticking his head in the door.

“Sorry to disturb you, Your Grace, but you have some visitors. An Optio and a commoner from out of town.”

“Hmm, interesting. Not often you see that kind of combination. Send them in Antonio.”

“As you wish.” The guard said, before turning to us and motioning us inside. The room was covered in scrolls, and the desk the Duke was working behind was enormous. The Duke himself was on the thinner side, and was dressed in a simple white toga with red and gold trim. Laura had gotten his eyes, but his hair was a darker brown.

“Indeed a curious sight. What can I do for you fine gentlemen this evening?” He asked, sliding what he was working on to the side and giving us his entire attention.

“Sorry to do this so bluntly sir, but I am here to deliver Lady Laura’s items. It’s something she charged me with personally.” I said, stepping forward and gently sliding the box towards the duke. I watched as he opened the box with trembling hands, silent as tears slid down his eyes. His lips started to tremble when a memory opened in my mind, and I felt myself stepping forward and speaking.

“Don’t be sorry Papa.” I spoke in a voice that wasn’t my own. “I chose this life to feel like I could be useful to this world. While I never got the chance to fully explore that, I have no regrets. While I never got the chance to do even a small portion of the good you have done in life, I will have an eternity as an Angel of Solaris to do so instead. Unbeknownst to all, the kingdom owes this young man a very deep debt. I can’t give the details, but his actions directly saved the lives of several people. Several people who, had they died, would have led to the deaths of thousands more, if not the fall of the kingdom. I have to go now, but will be watching over you and the family. Take care.”

Suddenly woozy, I felt the Optio’s strong hands helping support me as the Duke wiped tears from his eyes. “Can. Can you tell me of her last moment?” He asked, reverently picking up her shirt and absently stroking it. Something told me that I could trust this man with my secrets, and that the Optio behind me would only hear what he needed to.

“I was a freshly turned vampire when I came across your daughter.” I said, watching him flinch. “I came upon her in a cave. Despite her life threatening injuries, she was going to meet me with sword in hand. After she failed to find the strength to stand, we got to talking. Her last wish was to have me kill her as the sun rose, inadvertently depriving those who plotted against her from what they needed. She offered her life freely, as a kindness to end my suffering. In doing so, she changed me from a vampire to a sanguimancer. I have no idea what that means for me, as I am the only one.”

The duke was silent for a minute, digesting what I said. “Optio. I thank you for bringing this man here. You’ve shown excellent judgement, and are to be commended. Merchant’s secondary outpost, correct?”

“Yes sir.” He said, obviously shocked he was recognized.

The Duke smiled, “Relax. You’ve had this coming for a while. The next time a centurion slot opens, it’s yours. Now, if you’ll excuse us, I have some pressing matters to attend with this young man here.” The Optio saluted, then headed out while the Duke made some notes on a spare scroll. Once he was done, he turned back to me and asked, “Now. I recognized Laura’s voice when you spoke earlier, and have no doubt of your story. While limited in what I can do directly for you, I can offer advice if you wish. Do you have plans for the capital?”

“Thank you, sir.” I said, a bit stunned by the gesture. Most stories had nobles as entitled pricks, and yet here was the highest noble outside of the royal family showing a commoner a debt of gratitude. “When I first left for the capital, I was planning on joining the church in some capacity. That hasn’t changed, though I feel my options are now limited. I have an aptitude for magic, but can’t cast. I also have no elemental affinities, only blood, holy and curse. I can heal fatigue a bit, but that is only on myself. Since I was changed into a vampire, I am also lacking in coordination. That is one of the reasons that I won’t be joining the Hunters.”

The Duke nodded along, finally saying, “I see. Without casting, you can’t join the mages, and eliminating hunters just leaves the soldiers. Well, here’s what we can do. In two weeks, official training of the newest cohort is to begin. We have enhanced the training routine, so you will be graduated in about six months instead of two years. I can also give you special dispensation to begin magic training immediately. Evokers aren’t the only ones the army needs.”

“Evokers, sir?” I asked.

“Ah, my apologies. Evokers are those that cast elemental magic, and are the most common. Each legion has a magic cohort assigned to it, and they are always the second cohort in a legion. You’ll find out more tomorrow, as I will set up some individualized training for you. Physical in the morning, magical in the afternoon. How does that sound?”

“That sounds perfect sir,” I said, excited about my prospects.

“Excellent. I’ll have a messenger deliver word to the church, and you can stay here for the duration. After that, you will have to move into the barracks with your fellow trainees. We will likely have to meet tomorrow with several heads of the church, but don’t mind them. They can be intimidating, but with me backing you they really don’t have much choice in the matter. Now, Clarence here will lead you to the baths so that you can remove all that road grime. If there is anything you need, just let him know.”

I was nodding along when I had a thought. “One thing, sir. I have several letters of introduction, but no idea who I should be giving them to. I’m sure one is for the church leaders, from our local priest. This one is from one of our town elders, for whoever takes me in with the army.”

“I see. May I see the one from your elder?” He asked, and I gladly handed him Stannich’s letter. He quickly skimmed through it, glaring at it for a second. “Well. Can’t say that I recall a Pilus Priori Stannich, but there are a lot of them out there. I will add a bit to the bottom myself, and add my seal next to the broken one. Now, off to the baths with you, then Clarence will give you a tour. You are more than welcome to join my wife and I for dinner, or you can dine with the servants if that makes you uncomfortable. I suggest a good rest tonight, as tomorrow will be rather intense.”

I nodded, and followed a servant who had silently appeared out to do as the Duke had asked. The bath was glorious, though I didn’t take my time as it was a good bit smaller than a public bath house. I had a mostly silent dinner with the servants, and slipped off to bed as soon as I could.