19Full Summary: Paladins Series 1: In the great kingdom of Vasconia, in the mountain city of Gwenael there is a group of powerful women known as the Paladins who seek to protect their people and their king with gifts given to them by their Lord.
Colette Toinette lives far from all of that in a small border town. Though she has a great attitude and big dreams and a plan to join the military and fight for her people. She is going to enlist, no matter what she has to do. Then enemy troops attempt to invade her town and she has to prove her worth to the High Knight Nicolas Sacha in the real heat of combat. Though unwilling to accept her at first, he begins to see something in her that no one else has before, and he believes she is an unknown Paladin.
War is on the horizon, and thousands of lives are at stake. Colette has never lost a fight before, she certainly doesn't plan on losing a war. But she has never been in a real batter before. And she has never felt her heart beating the way it does when she looks at Nicolas before. Can she overcome his dark past, and her own trials to protect her kingdom, or will she finally feel the sting of defeat?
"It is time to make your covenant, Colette."
The Lady and the Knight
"Make way! Coming through!"
"Woh!"
"Ah!"
"Hey! Colette! Stop running like that!"
"Sorry!" Colette shouted the apology over her shoulder. Not really looking at who was yelling at her anymore. She had used to stop, a long time ago now. She had made sure to use names even when she stopped stopping. Lately, however, she didn't even bother anymore.
Honestly, at this point, the people of her hometown were more than used to her running like a madwoman through town. Her gran liked to say that she learned to run first and never slowed down to figure out how to walk.
Colette was laughing as she sprinted down the street that led up to her house on the tallest hill. South Gate, the town where she had been born and raised, was a series of hills interconnected with low valleys. People all tended to live on the hills because that was where ships would dock. The valleys usually weren't livable since most of them were split by deep fissures in the earth. Wooden and stone bridges connected them all. The largest hill was connected to the second largest by a wide, natural stone bridge with a well-worn path that Colette was aiming towards.
She lived on the largest hill. Her best friend lived and worked on the second largest. Which meant going to visit him involved a bit of a hike. And why walk when she could run?
Her long blonde hair, loosely bound in a slightly messy braid, was trailing behind her, bouncing with each step, in time with the thick leather belt around her waist. It was made creamy brown leather, with golden studs and gently whirling designs, meant to hold her sheath and sword. Just at the moment, it was empty though.
Colette dashed around and between people going about their day. Most of them were used to her running and just quickly got out of her way. A few, unlucky citizens either didn't see her coming or forgot to move out of the way and she barely dodged them. Those were usually the ones crying out to her.
Unlike all the women in skirts that she was bypassing, Colette tended to dress in men's clothes. Men's clothes that she often altered herself to make more feminine. The tall, calf high boots were masculine; the whirling designs imprinted into the leather were very feminine. The breeches tucked into them were masculine; the buckles on the sides were feminine. The oddly metallic shirt she wore as a top should have been very masculine; but the way she designed and curved it to her figure made it only feminine. It honestly didn't even appear metal by the way it moved almost like fabric.
It also left her arms mostly bare, except for the short leather braces she wore with lengths of metal hidden inside for defense. Because of her habit of running around outside a great deal, her face and her arms were covered in bright little freckles. A couple of golden rings adorned her wrists, a pair of earrings studded her lobes.
She dressed like a man, and still managed to look completely like a woman.
Colette didn't slow down as she crossed the land bridge. If anything, she got faster because the route opened up for her. The second hill was steeper than the biggest hill and led up to the largest pier. It was the most popular trade area, so most people on this hill tended to be craftsmen.
Near the lower part of the hill, almost not even on the hill itself, her friend's smithy was in full operation. The forge was spilling out heat even despite the fact that it only had one wall, the rest of the ceiling being held up by support columns. There were two young men inside, keeping the forge lit and fetching errands for the blacksmith. His apprentices, both of them.
The blacksmith himself, her best friend since childhood, was busy hammering something against an anvil as she approached.
"Ferrant!" Colette yelled, throwing herself bodily over the front counter. The apprentice piecing together chain mail wasn't even upset. That was how she usually entered, despite the fact that the counter didn't even go around the full length of the smithy.
"Ferrant!" She yelled again when he didn't respond.
"One minute!" He called back, not even pausing in his strokes.
Colette practically danced in place as she waited impatiently. Ten seconds passed.
"Ferrant, you're doing this on purpose!"
"Patience is a virtue, Colette."
"We are not in church, do not preach to me. Hurry up! I have something important to tell you!"
He did not hurry up. He took his time, continuing to meticulously hammer the horseshoe in his tongs into proper shape. He dipped it into the water, sending steam hissing into the air. Then he brought it around to set next to the other three he had just finished. Only then did he put down his tongs and hammer. He blew out a breath and turned, giving her a smile.
"All right. Now what-"
"We just got a message and you'll never guess who is coming here!"
Ferrant's eyebrow raised curiously. "Who?"
"Sir Nicolas Sacha!"
"Is that a name I should know?"
"Ferrant!"
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding," he laughed, lifting his hands to calm her down. He blew out a breath, sending an errant strand of sandy blond hair up and away from his face. It wasn't able to join the others bound in a tail at the nape of his neck though and began floating back again.
He started walking around her, wiping his hands off on his apron. "So, what's an honorable knight of the crown doing coming to South Gate?"
Colette was nearly squealing in delight as she walked with him to rinse off his ash covered hands in a trough of water set to the side. "Apparently, he's recruiting for the military."
"Really?" He hummed thoughtfully with a frown. "First those rumors about Gascony, and now a high knight is coming recruiting? You don't think there really is a war looming, do you?"
Colette shrugged with a grin. "If there is, you'll find me on the front lines!"
"Please don't joke about that," Ferrant said seriously, standing up straight and drying his hands on a towel he grabbed from a bar above the trough.
"Who's joking?" She gave him a big, toothy, wicked smile. "I almost want it to happen. There's no one around here that can challenge me anymore. I haven't had a good fight in ages."
"You're entirely too naive, Colette," he gave her a look as he started walking towards the storage chests leaning against the only wall of the forge.
She gave him a look as she followed. "You're one to talk. You don't even know how to fight."
"I don't believe our problems should be solved with violence," he told her, opening a drawer of the chest.
Colette grinned with crossed arms. "Boy, did you pick the wrong profession. And friend."
He sighed sadly. "What do you mean 'pick'? Here."
Ferrant turned, holding out the prize he had pulled from the drawer. Colette gasped in delight as her eyes widened. She eagerly snatched the sword and sheath from his hands. She grabbed the blue leather handle, beaming at the filigree gold knuckle guard before jerking the sword free. She nearly cried at the beauty of the metal, shining as bright as a mirror.
"Oh, Ferrant! It's gorgeous!"
He smiled, leaning against the tall chest with crossed arms. He may not believe in violence, and he certainly would never wield a sword, but he could craft them as absolute masterpieces.
"Inspired by you, as it were."
She grinned at him over the filigree knuckle guard. A sword, so strong and masculine, but still somehow so beautifully feminine.
"The balance is perfect," she admired, holding it out straight. She took a few test swipes and thrusts and loved the way it fit into her hands.
"Please don't break this one," he gave her a look.
She laughed sheepishly as she slid it back into its scabbard. The sheath was made of wood but was skinned in more blue leather. It had a decorative golden head and, like her and her sword, was masculine but still totally feminine. She attached it to her belt and beamed down at the new weight. It felt exactly right.
"Thank you, Ferrant." From inside a pouch on her belt, she pulled a small bag filled with coins. The rest of the payment owed on the sword – she had given him half up front.
He took it and slipped it into his pocket without counting. He knew she wouldn't shortchange him, and even if she did, he knew where she lived to go tell her grandmother that she was being dishonest so he could collect the rest.
"It's much more beautiful than the last one," she admired, running her finger over the hilt.
"A bit stronger, too. I think your other one was old anyway. I was still an apprentice when I made it."
"It lasted me many years."
"That one should last longer. Have you thought of a name for it?"
She shook her head, taking hold if the hilt. "Not yet. You can't force something like that. Give me a little time. The name will come naturally."
He nodded. "When is Sir Sacha getting here?"
"Tomorrow. The day after at the latest. It depends on how the winds are blowing."
"Are you really going to try and get recruited?" He frowned, saddened at the thought.
She beamed, excited. "You couldn't stop me if you tried!"
He sighed as she turned and ran off again. That was exactly what he was afraid of.
The winds must not have been blowing favorably, because it took nearly three days for the anticipated ship to finally be spotted on the horizon. It was late in the afternoon of the second day that the watchers called out the approach.
South Gate was a bit far from most towns. It was one of the more isolated places in Vasconia. Because of that, they were almost entirely self-contained. A few trading vessels still made their way here, but they rarely, if ever, got a visitor straight from the capital.
So, when the large airship came flying down towards the largest port on the second hill, most of the town had gathered around it. Colette was nearly right at the front, behind those people rushing around in preparation for their landing.
"Gran!" She yelled out eagerly, rushing towards her grandmother.
Vivienne turned and beamed at her granddaughter. She smiled as the young woman put her arm around her shoulder and leaned down to kiss her wrinkled cheek.
Vivienne was much smaller than Colette, she had shrunk a great deal with age. Her gray hair, once so dark brown, was pulled back into a nearly identical, messy braid though.
"Where have you been all morning?" Vivienne asked, smiling gently.
"I was down by the beach. Just getting the feel for my new sword."
"Did you think of a name for it yet?"
"No. Not yet."
Colette left her arm around her grandmother's shoulder as she looked up at the lowering airship. She could almost see the sailors aboard as they ran around deck, preparing to dock. She heard their calls as they coordinated with those on the pier.
Ropes dropped down and were grabbed by waiting dock workers. They began tying them off and pulling down, settling the ship gently onto the waiting dock. Colette heard the engines inside being turned slowly off as it came to a halt.
The hatch on the hull opened and was gently lowered down. Everyone gathered just a bit closer in excitement as three men stepped into the opening.
Two of them stood back, both were wearing light leather armor. They were smiling, waving at the people jovially. They both wore pins on their shirts, bright silver in the shape of an eagle, showing their ranks as members of the Knights of Vasconia.
The man in front had no smile. He didn't wave. He looked out over the gathered people who began clapping and cheering at the sight of him without a twitch of emotion on his serious face.
"My, doesn't he look unhappy," Vivienne snickered into Colette's ear.
"Oh, goodness. Look at the pin on his cape, gran. He's a high knight. I think that's Sir Sacha. He looks absolutely miserable. Poor thing."
The two of them giggled together as Sir Sacha lifted his arms to call for silence.
He gave them all a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. He was wearing all black leather, from his cape to his boots to his gloves. The dark color was only broken by the silver of the eagle and star pin marking him as a high knight, the buckles on his belt and boots, and the sword at his hip. Even his hair was black, smoothed back away from his face and defining the sharpness of his features. He would probably be handsome if he didn't appear so dull and uninterested.
"Good people, it is my honor to be here in South Gate," he called out over them as though he were reading from a script. "I come in the name of our exalted ruler, King Cyrille Thierri, the Golden Hand, blessed by our Lord and beloved by his people. Long may he reign."
"Long may he reign," everyone else responded in kind.
"As you have no doubt heard, my knights and I have traveled all over Vasconia searching for brave men to join the ranks of our honored army. We are need of soldiers and, looking out over you all, I can already see some brave faces eager to join our ranks."
Vivienne squeezed Colette just a bit, earning a bright smile of anticipation.
Sir Sacha continued, his voice still completely dead. "If you think yourself man enough, come forward to meet me beginning tomorrow at sunrise. I will be taking down names and welcoming you aboard my ship. We will sail back to Gwenael once I have all those who wish to join. You needn't worry about quarters, weapons, or clothing. All this will be provided to you when you enter training. If you are good enough, you may one day be knighted yourself. Perhaps you will even become a high knight, as I have."
There were more cheers at that announcement. Though he said it mechanically, like he might not even understand the words he was repeating, the people still became excited. Even Colette was crying out eagerly, throwing up her hands in anticipation.
To become a high knight? If the Lord was kind...
If she became a high knight, she would join the ranks as one of the few females ever to do so. She would serve directly under the king and queen. She would even get to meet the Paladins! Oh, Lord, please be kind!
"The winds did not favor us, so we are later than we anticipated. Because of that, we will have to begin the process tomorrow. I will make myself a place near the...center of town," he hesitated as he looked down into their disjointed city. Multiple hills with clusters of homes. There was no real town center to speak of. He had to clear his throat and go off script. "I will make myself a place near the base of this hill. Those interested will line up before me. I will give you all one last night with your families once we're finished signing everyone up, then the day after we set sail.
"You might have heard rumors that there is unease between Vasconia and Gascony. You may have even heard that war is imminent. I cannot confirm nor deny this. Our noble king is doing everything in his power to prevent things from becoming violent. However, if he cannot reason with Queen Sabine, he may need all of us to act as his hand.
"I know that any one of you would be willing to die for our king or our Lord. Unfortunately, not everyone is capable of joining the military. I want only the bravest, the strongest to step forward. You are fighting for a place amongst the soldiers who will be under my command. You must meet my standards to be approved.
"If you think your mettle is not up to par, if you cannot face the idea of smiting our king's enemies, then please stay back and let those who can come forward. Being a soldier is an honor. It also requires a great deal of hard work and bravery. If you don't think you can do it, do not even try. Thank you, kind people of South Gate, for welcoming me and my knights here. May the Lord cast his blessings over you all."
The people began cheering again. He clearly wasn't interested in any of what he had just said, but that didn't make the people any less inspired. As he stated, any and all of them would be willing to put down their lives for their king and their Lord.
"Oh, Gran, I'm so nervous!" Colette said to her over the sounds of the people. She was gripping her belly, trying to calm the butterflies storming around inside. "Should I go up to him first thing in the morning? Or maybe I should give it a little time. I don't want to seem too eager, do I? Isn't that what you always say? Men don't like it when you're too eager?"
Vivienne laughed as she patted her granddaughter's arm. "That wasn't quite what I meant, love."
Colette beamed at her before turning and looking at Sir Sacha's back as he retreated once more into his vessel. The knights, however, stayed out. Continuing to wave and call out. A few more even emerged from inside to talk to the people up close. Even if their leader was apathetic, they were not. They were trying to get the people excited at the prospect of joining the military.
Colette might have even rushed forward to join the throngs waiting to talk to them. If said throngs weren't already cutting off her access. It would be amazing to meet a real knight of the realm – there simply weren't any all the way out here in South Gate. However, the one whom she was really interested in was the tepid high knight himself, Sir Nicolas Sacha.
To meet a high knight, oh the joy that would bring her. He had probably talked to the king. To the High Seat of the Sacellum. To the Paladins themselves! Oh, what stories he could tell!
Trying not to seem too desperate, Colette fought back the urge to be first in line with the breaking of the dawn. She took her time getting up in the morning. She made an actual effort ensure that her hair wasn't full of frizz or fly-a-ways – she wanted to look her best.
She strapped on her new, as yet unnamed, sword, then spent a couple of minutes polishing her boots before pulling them on. Even despite all of that preparation, she knew when she stepped out of her house that she was early.
Her gran had beaten her to get up in the morning, but Vivienne rarely ever slept more than a few hours. Colette decided to walk over to Ferrant's forge. She told herself that she was definitely going there and not towards the sign-up desk that would be set up very nearby.
She was lying to herself and she knew it.
Colette was laughing and excited as she sprinted down her hill towards the second one. Her efforts to delay herself this morning had already born fruit. There were only a couple of early risers up and presenting themselves before the high knight.
Sir Sacha himself was signing men up. There was another knight flanking him. He was the one congratulating the prospects and welcoming them to the military. Sir Sacha was asking names and writing them down. He didn't even look up.
Colette was fidgeting in excitement as she placed herself last line. She looked over towards Ferrant's forge and she wasn't surprised to see him standing out front. He was leaning against a support beam, polishing what looked like a kitchen knife.
Colette waved at him and he gave her a pained smile.
Even though Sir Sacha was only taking names, it seemed to take forever for her to get to the front of the line. The knight behind him saw her first and, though he was still congratulating the man before her in line, she could see him staring at her.
Then she was in front of the exalted knight herself.
"Name?" He said, voice dead as he dipped his pen in his inkwell.
"Colette Toinette," she declared with pride.
She saw Sir Sacha pause, hand suspended over the parchment. Then his eyes lifted and met hers. She gave him her brightest smile.
He sighed. "Miss, I am going to be attending a festival tonight thrown in my honor. You are free to meet me then. This line is for military prospects only."
"I'm aware. Did you need me to spell my name?"
His eyebrow twitched. "Miss, I don't have time for games."
"I'm not playing one. Colette Toinette. I wish to join his majesty's military and fight for my Lord, my king, and my country."
Sir Sacha closed his eyes to avoid letting her see him roll them. He set his pen down. "Miss, I appreciate your loyalty. However, I am not here to find women."
"According to the Statute of the Holy Warriors passed in the 618th year of our Lord, women are free to join the military and fight for their country."
His brows furrowed. "Are you quoting law at me?"
She crossed her arms, giving him a grin. "It's my favorite law. Since the passing of the law, and thanks to the Paladins, I am free to fight as well. So, do you need me to spell my name?"
Nicolas sighed. "I'm not denying your right to join the military. You are perfectly allowed to join. However, female squadrons are separate from male squadrons. As you can see, all my knights are male. The soldiers under my command are also male. You, miss, are clearly a female. Therefore, while I appreciate your enthusiasm, you cannot join my troop. If you want to join so desperately, you're free to apply in the capital."
"No. I want to join yours."
"You aren't joining mine," he said simply, picking his pen back up. "Good day, miss."
She glared at him and slammed her hand down onto the table, upsetting his inkwell. He gently lifted his parchment out of the way of the spilling ink before giving her a dull look.
"Really?"
"You have paid me an insult today, Sir Sacha," Colette declared, deliberately projecting her voice. "I will not stand for this."
"I'm sorry if I've hurt your feelings, miss-"
"My lady."
"Excuse me?"
She grinned. "I am the granddaughter of Vivienne Toinette, mayor of South Gate, her sword and hand. I am from a house of nobility and hold a high position in this town by my own right. I am a lady."
His eyes narrowed as he realized where she was taking this.
"As a lady, Sir Sacha, I will not abide this insult. I challenge you to a duel."
"I will not-"
"You have no choice," she leaned over his table, grinning. "Your honor as a knight requires you to answer a challenge."
The knight standing behind him shifted as he covered his mouth. He looked like he was trying not to laugh. Nicolas glared at him over his shoulder.
He sighed and looked back at her. "What are you trying to accomplish here?"
"I want to join your troop. I'm a good fighter. I'm better than anyone you have in your company, guaranteed."
"I doubt it."
"You have a lot of work to do today. There are a great many brave men in this town," Colette grinned at the line that had formed behind her. All of them men that she had beaten multiple times. They also looked like they were trying not to laugh. She turned back. "So I challenge you to a duel at dawn tomorrow. You can pick the location."
"My lady..." He hesitated then growled in annoyance. "You are so desperate to prove your point? Fine. A duel. Do you have a practice grounds here?"
"Naturally."
"Then we'll do it there. But before dawn. I was hoping to set sail back to Gwenael right after."
Colette grinned, standing up straight again. She nodded to him once before turning. She wasn't all that surprised to find Ferrant standing right there. Giving her a dull look.
"What are you doing?" He asked her as they walked away. Her head held high and proud. "What exactly are you trying to prove here?"
"That I'm the best," she said simply, smiling.
"You are. There, done. You're the best. You could have just gone to the capital to join one of the female ranks. What are you doing with this duel thing?"
"Everyone knows the female squads are different. They rarely ever see any action. I'm not joining the military to guard a city street. I want to fight for my country."
Ferrant sighed. "How about we name your sword 'Obstinance'?"
Colette laughed. "Excuse me, Ferrant. I have to go train for tomorrow. I am fighting a high knight. I'd hate to embarrass myself by getting a cramp because I'm not stretched and warmed up."
Ferrant sighed as he watched her run away. He loved her. He really did. There really was just no stopping her sometimes.
A duel. She had challenged him to a duel.
This job was supposed to be easy. Get in, get names, then get back home. Nicolas wasn't supposed to need to actually do anything. The entire reason that he had volunteered to be the one gathering recruits was that it would require minimal effort from him.
And now he had managed to find himself challenged to a duel by a lady.
Nicolas couldn't refuse either. It was her right as a lady to challenge anyone for an insult paid to her and it was his duty to respond. Of course, normally he would be fighting the lady's champion, not the lady herself. But he would be the one to pay some imagined insult to the lady who wanted to fight herself. This was already turning into a regrettable week.
Early the next morning, he was woken by his steward before the darkness of night had even begun to brighten in the slightest. He got dressed, put on his sword, and had one of the new recruits he had signed on show him where the training ground was.
On top of this ridiculous duel nonsense, he also had to delay his return trip due to some engine malfunction. Which meant that he had to wait for the engineers of this little town to fix a sophisticated, top of the line airship. He would be lucky to get out of here in the next few days.
Nicolas sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. He just had no luck whatsoever.
The new recruit leading him down to the practice grounds kept giving him an odd look out of the side of his eye. Nicolas pretended not to see it in the pre-dawn darkness. Which worked perfectly fine until the recruit ruined it by speaking.
"Um, Sir Sacha?"
He sighed, aggravated. "Yes? What is it?"
"It's about Colette, sir. Uh, Lady Toinette, I mean."
"A friend of yours?" Nicolas gave him a brief glance.
"Well, Colette is well-loved around South Gate," the young man smiled. It wasn't the fond sort of grin of love, but it was clearly affectionate. "She's a good fighter and she's loyal to Vasconia."
"Get to the point, recruit."
"What I mean to say is... Please, sir, just allow her to join your ranks."
Nicolas turned his head fully, giving the youth a dark look. "I've already declared my decision on that subject. You would be wise to drop it."
"But, sir-"
"I said, enough, recruit." Nicolas stopped to glare him down. "You have volunteered to join the military, which means you are now under my command. As a superior officer, when I give you an order, you obey without question. Do you understand me, recruit?"
"Yes, sir!" The young man snapped to attention.
Nicolas nodded, satisfied, before turning and continuing forward. He thought he could see the practice grounds from here anyway. It was the only place that was brightly lit despite the early hour. The only other people up at this time were the bakers.
And the audience that had come to watch the fight. Marvelous.
Nicolas rolled his eyes as he stepped into the arena. It wasn't a very large space, but there were wooden stands for watching and soft sand covering the ground to protect the fighters' bodies. His opponent, the good Lady Toinette, was already there. She looked bright and chipper as she talked to her grandmother who was nodding along with whatever she was saying.
There was also another young man there. A pale blonde with large arms. He caught sight of Nicolas first. He lifted up a long, narrow box that he had resting against his leg and started forward. The movement caught the attention of the chatting ladies, and the audience that was gathering in the stands started to hush in anticipation.
Nicolas was trying very hard not to begrudge them their spectacle. These people probably wouldn't ever get to see a knight in battle, much less a high knight.
The young man reached him and stopped, forcing Nicolas to do the same.
"Sir Sacha," he bowed his head, laying the box across his arms. "My name is Ferrant. I'm the blacksmith of South Gate. I'm also Colette's friend."
"Are you judging this competition then?" Nicolas asked, one eyebrow raising.
"Me? Oh, no. I'm afraid I don't approve of this."
"So then why are you here?"
"Lady Mayor Toinette asked me to provide practice blades for you two to spar with. She refuses to allow blood to be drawn from this competition. I've brought a selection so you can choose any you like. They're all fine quality, and they maintain proper balance and grip."
Ferrant opened the box, exposing the metal practice blades. They were dulled, a bit dented, and possessed no edge. They were for trainees to use when they progressed from swinging wooden swords so they could get accustomed to the metal weight.
Nicolas just picked one off of the top. He passed Ferrant his superior blade and instead strapped the practice one to his belt.
Ferrant couldn't help himself. He admired the hilt of the high knight's sword. It was gold with a single ruby at the pommel. "It's heavier than I would have expected."
"I prefer the weight. Allows me to hit harder."
"Yes, but it would slow you down considerably." Ferrant frowned and took a quick peek over his shoulder to where Colette looked like she was wiggling in eagerness. "Uh, Sir Sacha, if I may?"
"Yes?"
"Perhaps, in a fight against Colette, strength isn't what you would want to prioritize."
Nicolas raised an eyebrow. "Don't worry, Ferrant. I'm not going to harm her."
"Not really my concern. She's good."
"I'm sure."
"No, I mean, she's really good," Ferrant stressed. "She's fast. She can read an opponent like they're an open book. If you sacrifice speed, you won't ever get a hit in on her."
"You sound as though you want me to defeat her."
"If you do, she'll give up her quest to join your troop."
"And you desire this outcome?"
"Desperately," Ferrant sighed. "I love her. I don't want to see her harmed. If she can defeat you, it will only embolden her further. If there really is a war..."
"I wouldn't worry," Nicolas assured him, walking around the worried young man. "She's not going to be joining my troop."
Ferrant frowned at his back. Completely sure that the high knight was underestimating his friend. She was small and appeared as a lady – despite the trousers – but she was a tough fighter. If she defeated Sir Sacha and gained the right to join the army...
Ferrant didn't want to see his best friend lost to war.
He sighed and moved back across the field to offer Colette a sword. Nicolas, as the one being challenged, had first right to pick. Unlike him though, Colette took her time weighing the pros and cons of each sword that Ferrant had brought.
The one she finally settled on wasn't all that dissimilar to the sword she had recently broken. She smiled as she gave it a few practice thrusts before strapping it to her hip. Then she turned that beam of a smile on Nicolas as Vivienne moved between them. As mayor of South Gate, she had taken on the duty of officiating the duel and declaring the winner.
"One hit victory," she declared looking between the two of them. "Bow to your opponent."
Nicolas and Colette did so. She with a bright smile. He with a resigned scowl.
"Turn," Vivienne commanded.
They did so. Colette was having a hard time not fidgeting. She was so excited! She was about to fight a high knight! She felt like a child at the midwinter feast.
"Draw your blades!"
Colette's came out, fast and sure. Nicolas's was more slow. He really didn't want to be here. The audience didn't really bother him, nor did the fact that he had to fight. Mostly, he was just thinking that he could be sleeping right now.
"Begin!"
The pair turned at the same moment, dull swords barely gleaming in the torchlight surrounding the practice arena. The crowd immediately began cheering.
The first thing that Nicolas could notice was that she was smiling, so bright and delighted. It was almost a pure and innocent sort of smile. Which looked rather odd coming from behind the edge of a sword, even a practice one.
It was a shame. The lady might be attractive if she wasn't so annoying.
Colette moved first, and Ferrant was right. She was fast. She charged in without hesitation or fear. It was honestly a little impressive. Nicolas parried the blow and side stepped. She stepped past him but turned quickly, bringing her blade around.
Nicolas caught it, threw it off and sliced out for her. She ducked back so quickly that it impressed the high knight even further.
The blacksmith hadn't lied. She was good. If she weren't making him be up and moving around before the sun, he might even appreciate her skill. Might. She was still annoying. Still forcing him into the ludicrous duel in the first place.
Colette, meanwhile, looked to be having the time of her life. She moved quickly, effortlessly. All with that bright smile on her face. As though this might be a game. As he watched her and noticed that she wasn't even breaking a sweat, he thought that it might be for her.
Though, he wasn't breaking a sweat either.
The audience was enjoying their show. They oohed and ahhed appropriately, cheering on Colette or Nicolas as personal taste dictated. It was nothing compared to the screaming crowds he was used to seeing in the capital, but they made an appreciative audience nonetheless.
When he had determined that she had had her fun, he figured it was time to put an end to the charade.
The clash of steel echoed loudly as he and Colette hit against each other. Their blows were trading equally as they blocked and parried one another near flawlessly.
Then Nicolas didn't block.
He deliberately missed her next easy blow. One they both knew he could and should have blocked. It surprised her and the strength of her strike made her fall forward.
Nicolas turned to bring his sword around towards her chest.
Colette was already moving. Her body twisted as it was falling forward, bending itself around the edge of his sword so it didn't contact. The odd sideways position it forced her into should have been enough to put her to the ground.
If she wasn't already twisting her body effortlessly through the air. Spinning her legs around, her hair whipping about her face. Her sword came up and around-
-and smacked the point right into Nicolas's side, directly beneath his rib cage.
There was a brief moment of stillness and silence as everyone saw what had happened. Saw whose blow had landed. Nicolas made a slight face from pain. The blade might not have been sharp, but the dull force of having it jammed under his ribs wasn't lessened at all.
Then Colette and the audience realized what had happened. She let out a loud cry just a split second before everyone else. The practice blade dropped from her hand into the sand as she started crying out in delight, literally dancing in place.
"I did it! I did it! I beat a high knight!" She yelled loudly as the crowd of her own townspeople started chanting her name.
Ferrant sighed before affixing a smile to his face and coming forward. He might not be happy about it, but he wasn't going to take away from his friend's enjoyment. He gathered both practice swords and returned Nicolas's to him.
"Did you see, Ferrant?" Colette asked eagerly. As though there were any way he could have missed it.
"Good work," he nodded to her. Proud, in a way. He might not approve of violence, or this duel, at all, but Colette was a strong fighter. He admired the amount of dedication and work she put into her craft to make herself the best. It was that dedication that he was proud of.
Nicolas said nothing as he calmly adjusted his clothing. He didn't need to see it to know the exact moment when Colette turned to him with a big grin.
"Well?" She prompted, leaning around him to get into his field of view.
Nicolas nodded to her once. "Congratulations on your victory, Lady Toinette."
"Thank you," she beamed.
"If that will be all, I need to return to my ship to oversee the repairs."
She blinked as her face fell. "What? But, I defeated you."
"Yes, I conceded that already."
"So, then I get to join your troop now."
"No." His voice was firm and uncompromising. "You are still a woman trying to join an all-male branch of the military. This duel was to settle an insult paid to you. It's settled now. If you will excuse me, Lady Toinette."
"No, I will not!" She jumped in front of him, her face angry now. "I've proven myself, haven't I? I'm a good fighter. I just defeated you and you're a high knight!"
"Being a high knight isn't a matter of skill, my lady. It's a matter of luck," Nicolas told her simply. "I never questioned your skill, and truly you are very good. I will admit that I am impressed. I've seen knights with less prowess than yourself."
"Then why..."
"Because you are not joining my troop," he said simply. "Good day, Lady Toinette."
She stood there in shock as he walked around her. She didn't know why, but she had just assumed that defeating him would prove that she was better. That she deserved to be able to join him. That he was still unrelenting in his decision baffled her for a moment.
Because...she had defeated him...Right?
The clash of steel against rock echoed loudly around the small, mostly empty beach. The little sandy area was smaller than Colette's home. The strip of sand was thin; mostly the area was filled with rocks, berry bushes, and a single, tall tree. It was enclosed on all sides by the steep, high sides of the mountains where, just on the other side, South Gate rested. The only way to access this beach was through the cave opening that led into the mountains.
Because it was so isolated, and so far below the town, Colette was usually the only person who ever came here. Often it was when she was angry and wanted to take one of Ferrant's practice swords and beat on the poor, innocent boulders spread about on the beach.
Today, however, her friend had joined her. He was sitting on one of the low boulders, too low for her to hit with her sword, and he was gently polishing a dagger that he had brought down from the smithy. He wasn't really talking, or even looking at Colette. He was seemingly focused only on his task as Colette's grunts punctuated the ringing of steel and stone.
It was interesting to her how many of the stones resembled Sir Sacha's face.
Ferrant remained patient and busy until Colette had exhausted herself. Until she was glaring at one of the larger stones – now hosting more than a few strike marks – while she panted and wiped sweat from her brow.
"Feel better?" Ferrant asked kindly.
"No! He denied me! He! Denied! Me!" Each word was accompanied with another strike at the rock until, with the last hit, a piece broke off and hit the ground.
"It's his troupe. He can deny whomever he wants."
"But he denied me. After I defeated him!"
"Colette," Ferrant gave her a calm look as he stood, setting his dagger aside. "You need to let this go. He didn't want you under his command in the first place. If you try to force your way in, you would just make everyone miserable."
She put her hand to her hip, tapping her toe in irritation. "Suppose I dressed like a boy and just snuck aboard before he takes off?"
"I swear I will tell your grandmother if you attempt any such thing," Ferrant assured her. He came around and took her shoulders. "Look, I know joining meant a lot to you, but this isn't the way to do it. If it's so important to you, go to the capital. Or, better yet, just stay here in South Gate. You are the mayor's sword and hand. That's a very high position."
"If we were in the capital, maybe. South Gate is nowhere, Ferrant. It's nothing. I mean, I love this town and its people, but nothing ever happens here. If I ever want to see action, I need to get out and go. This is my chance!"
"There will be other chances, Colette," Ferrant promised her. He reached down and plucked the practice sword from her tired hands. "Come on. Let's get back home. I'll buy you dinner."
She sighed but allowed him to lead her up the tiny beach and towards the cave entrance.
The mountains around and under South Gate were filled with caves. Most of them were naturally occurring, formed by a river that still cut through the lowest branches of the tunnels. A few had been artificially widened by her people, and still others were totally man made. The caves extended over the entire length of the mountain range. They were like a maze, however. If you didn't know the way and attempted to go inside, you could end up lost and doomed in the labyrinth.
Colette had been playing in these caves all of her life, and she had often dragged Ferrant down into them with her. There wasn't a turn or trick to them that she didn't know. After so many years memorizing the layout, she didn't even really pay attention as they climbed their way up again. The many branching pathways didn't deter her at all. She knew exactly where they were and where they were going and she didn't hesitate once.
At least, not until they heard footsteps coming their way. The two paused, then shared a look before pressing forward quickly. The voices became clearer as they came around. Colette recognized one of the men from town easily enough. He was one of those that had signed up to join the military. The others, she wasn't familiar with.
"You said you knew the way around!"
"Well, I do. I mean, mostly. I've never really gone down this far before."
"Dammit, recruit. This isn't a game!"
"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't think she'd go down this far!"
Colette's eyebrow raised curiously as she turned a corner in the cave. The light in Ferrant's hand met with the light held by the recruit in the wide tunnel. The sound of their footsteps caught the attention of the five men in the tunnel. One of them was a man from South Gate, the other four were wearing the black leather armor of Sir Sacha's knights.
"There you are," one of the knights said, pushing past the recruit. He was glaring at Colette, grabbing for his sword as the other three fell in line behind them.
Colette gave them a big smile. "Evening, gentlemen. Did you need something from me?"
"Colette," Ferrant said softly.
"Don't worry," she laughed, waving him back as she walked forward. She put her hands to her hips as the four knights stopped in front of her.
"Lady Toinette," the leader – she assumed he was the leader – glowered at her. "We are knights who serve Sir Nicolas Sacha."
"I gathered that from the pins and the uniforms."
"You have embarrassed him today. You have humiliated him in a manner that we cannot abide. As his followers, we will restore his honor."
Colette blinked innocently. "What? By fighting me? Four on one, that hardly seems fair. Besides, his defeat was honorable. You should respect it."
"He let you win!" One of the soldiers on the end yelled, earning cries of agreement from his brethren.
"Sir Sacha would never lose to the likes of you except on purpose," another added.
Colette frowned. "Now you've insulted me."
"Colette," Ferrant said again, warningly.
She tossed back her braid as she drew her new sword. "I won't go easy on you."
The men laughed as they drew their own swords. The recruit behind them was making a face as he backed away. Ferrant sighed, shaking his head.
"Colette, really..."
She grinned, taking her stance.
Left of center would attack first with a lunge. He would be followed a second later by far left with a side attack. She would doge and right of center would try to hit her side. Blocked. Turn and block lunge from far right. Kick back, hit far left who is coming up from behind. As he reels, left of center tries to come in with an uppercut. Swing leg around and hit his face. As he's going down, use her sword to knock away right of center's sword. It falls, far right slips on it and hits the ground. Then her blade is on right of center's neck and the other three are on the ground.
It took about three seconds in total. Colette was left standing with her sword pointing to the last standing knight, the other three were rolling on the rocky floor. One with a broken nose, one struggling to breath after the blow to his chest, and the third had hit his head upon landing.
"Did I win?" She asked, grinning.
"You cheated!" The knight under her blade spat.
"Cheated? You set four men on me."
His eyes darted behind her for just a second.
Colette dropped and turned. The swinging of a sword over her head barely dusted her hair. The man who had her sword at his neck was going to bring his own sword down again. The one who had hit her, the one with the broken, bleeding nose, was going to swing his around.
Colette twisted her body a bit awkwardly. It stretched the muscles in her side painfully but the first sword slid over top of her and the second slid under her at just the perfect angle.
She finished twisting, landing hard on the ground. The two men, unprepared for her to dodge in quite that manner, blinked at her in surprise. It gave her just enough time to kick out her leg, upending the man with the broken nose before rolling away to avoid the first man's sword coming down where her back had been. She jumped up and planted her knee into his gut.
He cried out before dropping, gagging painfully.
Colette was breathing hard now, looking between the four men. She nodded once when she didn't see any of them standing again for a while.
She beamed at Ferrant. "How was that?"
"Showy and over the top. As usual," he said calmly. He hadn't been worried for her. He had seen Colette take on scores of men at the same time. She used to tell him that she thought of it as a fun little game wherein the goal wasn't to get hit once.
Then she wondered why he worried so much.
She laughed as she sheathed her sword. She put her hands to her hips as she looked out over the four men she had bested with ease. "If you boys are the best that Sir Sacha has to offer, then clearly I'm too good for his ranks anyway."
"Bitch..." The man who had been hit in the chest gasped.
She shrugged off the insult before turning to the recruit who looked terrified that she might be coming after him next.
"You can lead them up when they feel better, right?"
"No problem, Colette," he nodded. "Sorry, uh, about this. They kind of ordered me to..."
"It's all right. I understand. I'll see you later, yeah?"
"Sure. Later, Ferrant."
The blacksmith waved him goodbye as he followed Colette further up the caves. He caught up with her and gave her a dry look. It took her a moment to see it.
"What?" She asked, looking completely innocent.
"You attract trouble like flames attract insects, and yet you expect me to let you go to Gwenael to join the military?"
She laughed at him. "You worry too much Ferrant. If it means that much to you, why don't you come with me when I go?"
"I think not. I have a forge to tend to."
"You can join a smithy in Gwenael. Oh, wouldn't that be wonderful?! We could live together and you could keep me armed and armored for when I go out on patrol."
"I do believe that people would expect us to actually be related for that to work. Or married."
"Pfft," she scoffed. "We practically are related. We could tell people we're brother and sister. No one would ever know."
"Sometimes, I do believe you're entirely too flippant about life, Colette."
She shrugged as they came up to a series of natural stone 'steps' in the cave. They led up in an irregular pattern. She started up before him, having to lift her entire body up onto the first one as it was too tall to simply step onto. Then she turned and offered him a hand.
"And sometimes, I believe you worry too much," she beamed.
"Colette, I'm serious," he frowned at her, pausing on the high step. He kept her hand in his when she would have pulled it back as he lifted the lamp he carried to better cast the light over their faces so she could see his expression. "You're good. We both know it. If it were a matter of skill alone, I wouldn't have any fear at all about letting you leave. But it's not. It's also luck and fortune and eventually yours is going to run out. One day, you will lose a battle."
She scoffed again.
"Colette!" Ferrant snapped, jerked her hand to force her to face him again. "Don't turn your nose up at it. You will lose one day, and I don't know that you will be able to handle it. You've never lost before, you don't know how to do it."
"And I see no reason to learn now," she laughed, tweaking his nose. "If I don't know how to lose, then I'll just keep fighting until I win."
"It doesn't always work like that. Sometimes, determination isn't enough."
"Why so serious, Ferrant? It really is a waste that you don't have children. You'd be a great mother."
He groaned, releasing her hand. "Fine. Do what you want, Colette. But I'm not going with you to Gwenael to watch you kill yourself over your foolish desire for excitement and a challenge."
She frowned as he started climbing up the stone steps. She hadn't seen him this upset in a while. Ferrant had a very even temper. She must have really annoyed him.
She sighed and started after him.
"Ferrant, wait. I'm sor-"
"AHH-!"
The two jumped and turned quickly as a scream of horror and pain echoed up from the caves. It was cut off almost as suddenly as it started. They stood in silence for a moment, Colette's heart beating wildly in her throat.
"Was that...?" Ferrant hesitated.
"The knights! We have to go back!"
Colette leapt from the top of the steps and began sprinting. She was only slowed by the fact that Ferrant couldn't run as fast as her and he had the light.
She heard his feet hit the stony ground a moment after hers and the two of them raced back down the tunnels towards where she had left the defeated knights. Though the scream hadn't sounded like one of them. It sounded like the recruit.
Colette unsheathed her sword with a ringing, bell like sound. She turned a corner in the caves and saw a light shining from beyond. Far brighter than the lantern the recruit had carried.
She could also hear scuffling, like a struggle.
As she got closer, she began to hear voices.
"Tell us how to get up top, boy, and you can keep your teeth."
"L-Let him go..."
"Shut up!"
"Argh!"
"Colette," Ferrant hissed behind her.
"I got it," she assured him, her face drawn seriously.
As she turned the corner and the cave widened, the lights at the end began revealing the unknown, angry voices that she heard. Large, armed, armored men, all wearing dark brown leather and red tunics. A few with golden pins. She couldn't make out their shape, but she knew the colors. South Gate was a mountain town, but it was close enough to the border to occasionally get in ships from Gascony. The red and brown and gold colors, the cut of the cloth, it was the Gascony military uniform.
Her footsteps announced her presence and the soldier holding the quivering recruit aloft by the scruff of his neck turned-
-just in time to have Colette's fist clenching the hilt of her sword smashed into his face.
The recruit cried out as he hit the ground. The soldier cried out as he fell against his brethren. Colette smirked as she tossed back her braid.
"Who's first?" She asked, stepping over the recruit. Putting herself between him and the soldiers
"Capture them!" The man she punched ordered.
She could see his golden pin now. It was a fox with teeth bared. A member of the Gascony military. It was also rimmed in olive leaves, marking him as a superior officer. Not like the commander of this force, but definitely in charge of at least a portion of them.
At his order, some of the soldiers rushed her. As many as could move safely within the narrow confines of the caves.
As Colette kept them at bay, Ferrant ran forward and helped the recruit up. "Where are the knights?"
"There!" The lad pointed beyond the perimeter of soldiers. "They can't fight anymore."
Ferrant hissed a curse under his breath as he pulled back with the recruit. Trying to give Colette more room to move.
"We need to rescue the knights!" He yelled up at her.
"I know that!" She yelled back as she sliced her sword down the arm of the man trying to take her head. She could feel the resistance of muscle and bone. The soldier screamed in pain as she cut through the tendons and his sword fell, useless now that he couldn't wield it.
Colette slipped her toe under it, dropped as another man tried to bury his sword in her chest. She came up again, flinging the sword with her foot. The heavy hilt smacked into one man's eye causing blood to gush out as he dropped.
The commanding officer was up now, wiping blood from his nose and lip. He wasn't attempting to come forward with his troop though. He was standing back, glaring at her.
Colette was getting tired. She had been training down on the beach, then the fight against the knights, as short as it had been, had taken its toll on her. She wasn't equipped nor prepared to fight against so many soldiers, even if the funnel effect of the cave tunnels prevented them from attacking en mass. She was good, but she was still only human.
She wouldn't ever notice that about herself though. Ferrant cursed again under his breath as he watched his childhood friend single-handedly hold back what looked to be an entire army. Even if he squinted over her head, down the tunnel, he could see no end to them.
He could see the knights though. Two had already been killed. He could see their lifeless bodies laid out on the cave floor. Of the other two, he recognized the one with the head injury and the one with the broken nose. The former was being punched as one soldier demanded information. The latter was spitting into the face of another soldier, also refusing to talk.
Those men would be killed before they could ever reach them.
No doubt, they already knew that.
"Colette!" Ferrant yelled up to her, pulling back on the tired recruit. "Retreat, now!"
"What?!" She misstepped, nearly earning a slash to her face for the mistake. She blocked the oncoming blow sloppily before twisting around and burying her elbow into his kidney, sending up down in spasms. "Are you kidding me?!"
"There's too many! Pull back now!"
"I can do it!"
"I don't care! Do as I say!"
"You don't have authority over me!"
"Colette, so help me if you don't retreat, you'll force me to try to help you and if I die it will be on your head!"
Colette cursed in a very unladylike manner, gritting her teeth angrily. Ferrant was a pacifist. He may make swords, but he had no idea how to wield them. If he stepped in to 'help' he'd be cut down in a second. It would be the last she ever saw of her best friend.
Reluctantly, she began backing up. Keeping her face towards the onslaught. She kept fighting, covering their retreat. Ferrant nodded, satisfied, as he pushed the recruit back. "You know the way? Lead it, we'll be right behind you!"
The lad nodded before starting back. Ferrant moved with him but stayed close enough that he could still keep Colette in sight. He knew she didn't need his protection, but damn if he didn't feel the need to keep his eye on her anyway.
Colette wasn't familiar with the concept of retreating. However, she did know how to fight enemies while moving backwards. She spent most of her time blocking incoming thrusts or preventing someone from trying to pass her. Rarely now did she put anyone down.
She heard Ferrant climbing from behind her and knew the stone steps were coming up. She kept backing up until she felt two pairs of arms grab hold of her. Both men yanked her up and the three of them turned to sprint away.
The army remained close, climbing up after them.
Colette cursed as she looked over her shoulder. They didn't know the path of the rocks and they kept their eyes down to avoid falling. It gave them a slight advantage to get ahead of them.
"They're going to catch up!" The recruit yelled.
"Throw the lantern!" Colette ordered.
Ferrant didn't hesitate. The recruit had lost his to the Gascony troops already. Ferrant turned and threw his with all the upper body strength of a blacksmith. The metal lantern smacked into one of the near soldier's faces and he cried out in pain.
"Sorry!" Ferrant yelled, flinching. He hated hurting others.
"Go!" Colette pushed him.
"But it's dark!" The recruit yelled, worried. "We can't see!"
"Trust me!" She snapped, running ahead of them.
She grabbed both men by the wrists as the three of them ran into the dark tunnel at the top of the natural stairs. She turned left into a wide cavern. She could just barely see from the light reflecting from the soldiers below. Just enough to make out the thin fissure in the rock. She slid sideways and began shuffling through.
Ferrant was right behind her. The recruit a step behind him. The three of them shimmied down through the tiny crack and out into a completely separate tunnel. Colette turned back and watched with a racing heart as the recruit slipped through. She could see the light from the soldiers. She could hear their footsteps in the tunnels. But none of them attempted to slip through the thin opening, if they saw it at all.
She let out a sigh of relief.
"Now what?" Ferrant whispered to her. It was too dark to see any longer.
She pointed up, even though they couldn't see. "There's an opening to a cliff path up ahead. It's a long way around, and the drop is steep and the path is thin. But they don't know the tunnels. We'll get back to South Gate before they do and we can mount our defenses against them."
Ferrant nodded once, taking her hand and the recruit's both. "Lead the way."
She nodded and began feeling her way up in the dark. Moving as quickly as she dared. She knew these tunnels well, but she had never navigated them in the dark. She had to hurry though. She was the sword and hand of this town. It was her job to mount the defenses. She had to get back before the Gascony troops found their way through.