Imass opened the door of the Bittern Barracks. It was a large wooden frame with lots of metal rivets, built to withstand a battering ram. The main hall of the Barrack was half full with Knights sitting on tables eating breakfast; by this time in the morning most of the gentry were out and about on duty. Long thin windows let the bright spring sunshine fill the room.
Ambling down the center aisle, the two took seats alone on a simple wooden bench and table. The Akalak placed his dagger on the table for more comfort while sitting. A page approached them immediately and asked what they wanted.
"Bring us a loaf of bread each, two jugs of clean water, a large bowl of broth, and two plates of beef -- as much meat as you can manage -- you better be quick about it Page!" The little boy ran off with the fear of Rhysol in his eyes, as Imass stared him down with broken teeth showing.
Imass turned back to Faircroft, "You have been paired up with Ser Greyheart for a reason Squire. Everything has a purpose in Syliras. Nothing is wasted,"
Imass took a deep breath, "Out of all your peers only half will receive their vows. The rest will quit or die. Such is the way in Mizahar,"
Imass looked at Faircroft with dull yellow eyes, "Out of the Squires who make it, they will all be reassigned. Those without families will be sent to the far reaches to guard forsaken outposts. Others will spend a life of menial duty in the city. Others will be sent to their deaths in battle. All based on their strengths and weaknesses... but its not like you don't already know this; there is hardly a chance you will remain in the same Squadron as any of your peers... The training you are receiving is a duty beyond the scope of some of the others. You are expected to perform at a higher caliber, than most,"
The water and bread arrived, "What took you so long Page!? Bring us the rest and be quicker about it," Imass snapped with a mean look on his face.
Taking the loaf of bread, the Knight began to stuff his face. He ate loudly and unembarrassed. He looked like a savage, gulping the water in large portions and biting huge chunks at a time, hardly chewing.
"I have spent three entire years locked in a dungeon cell. I have found a new gratefulness for good food and drink. It is something I shall never take for granted ever again. This food is a luxury for those in the Order. If I see you wasting a drop, I shall beat you were you stand," As he said this he stared Alex in the eyes with a cold, relentless glare.
Picking up what remained of his loaf he waved it in front of Alex's face, "Bread is energy. Bread will make you strong. Bread is what will make or break you, mark my works, so, eat up pretty boy!" His eyes relaxed and a smile came to his face once again.
