Chapter One

Virgil was the twenty-second child out of twenty-four children. He would tell you he is a paladin, but really, he was a squire. A paladin in training. Chris, an elder brother and a full-fledged paladin warrior was his mentor. He was the fifth eldest in the family. Jet-black hair, Chris wore it short and clean; no beard, he kept himself clean-shaven. His eyes an icy blue, sparkled when he laughed and froze you with a glare. He was tall but not stocky like a human, broad and athletic. Quick and sharp as his abilities as a warrior.Virgil was grateful for Chris's help. Being part of the youngest and not as skilled, he couldn't make the cut as either a warrior or mystic.

Chris saw that Virgil's heart was in the right place and saw great potential as a paladin, so he looked for loopholes for him to join.

 Chris won his case, and Virgil was able to become one. On one condition. He had to have a mentor, and nobody wanted the job.They saw him as a problem child. A Casanova, brash and foolhardy. No one believed he would or could stick it out. So Chris took him under his arm and trained him.Virgil stuck to it and persevered. Even though he was impetuous, at times, impatient and frustrated. He was respectful, honest, kindly, and very polite to the ladies. He still thought himself a ladies' man. Chris didn't think so and had to remind him of the rules. He couldn't have relationships and had to stay ever vigilant. He listened and only tried to charm the ladies when Chris wasn't present.

Today was one of those days. His brother didn't leave him often

alone, but today he did. Actually, it would be for a whole week and at his favorite outpost. It was more like a hospital than an outpost and had well over 560 beds just for the injured. The soldiers that were brought here were mainly ones with serious injuries and couldn't get

back to the front.

St. Joseph's Medical was once a mansion, centuries ago, and turned into a hospital. One of the reasons that made it a weird place.It really didn't have much of an outpost feel to it. No big fences or dirty streets filled with people. Nice and beautiful countryside with the next largest town about twenty-five miles away. Small farms and villages skirted the border of the large property. Very green too. With lots of trees in various places and nearly endless fields of tall green grass. Those stationed there got nice quarters too. They were once servant houses. Now, the barracks. It's what the few soldiers that called it home, called it. Virgil called it vacation homes. Better than sleeping out in the rain and cold weather. It rained a lot out here in spring, and being a paladin didn't offer much in pay or in places to stay while traveling or while Virgil was training with Chris. So theymainly camped. This was a treat.

Chris and him had been stationed here for two and a half months this time. Watching for trouble that might come in with wounded soldiers. 

The reports had told Chris that shadow elf followers were sneaking in with the wounded in other places. That was how the humans were losing the battle, through their kindness. Most of the elves hadreturned to their borders when the shadow elves were driven back, and

Kaleb disappeared. It was rare to see one or get help from them. They had their own troubles to deal with.

The paladin family was the closest to the only elf anyone could see these days. Good majority of Virgil's family had slightly pointy ears and softened angled features. He didn't. Chris did. Virgil thought he was lucky. He got all the looks from the pretty girls and to Virgil's disgust, Chris ignored them. It only made his family look exotic. Virgil got the human side of the features. The only thing exotic he thought he had was his eyes. His were green while all his immediate families' were bright blue. Virgil was an average height and weight for his young age, dark brown hair that looked black and cut short like Chris's and light spring green eyes. And of course, fair skin. But he tanned like a human which was embarrassing.His brothers and cousins close in age would tease him about it.

Not today. Chris told him he was officially of age and being left to guard St. Joseph by himself. Virgil felt proud that his mentor was giving him a great responsibility. The only thing that would make this even better would be Chris coming back with the official paperwork to make him a full-fledged paladin, but he knew his brother wouldn't be going to be doing that. He wasn't old enough. This was a standard meeting that he couldn't go to because he wasn't a paladin.

Surprisingly, it was a bright day. The clouds had parted for the rare occasion as Chris pulled himself up onto his horse and gave instruction to Virgil.

"Remember to patrol the perimeter, every three hours. Make sure you have your sword and armor on at all times. Until I get back, check with the sergeant and the head doctor every day. When the gate opens—"

"Be there, and inspect everyone that comes through," Virgil finished. "Got it. I won't let you down, Teach."

He straightened, placing a hand across his chest, and gave him a serious expression. Chris gave him a mindful scowl, saying, "This is serious, Virgil. Just because we are far from the fight and in a barrier doesn't mean we can relax."

Virgil relaxed his stance, replying, "I understand, brother. I will be ever vigilant. Just hurry back and tell me what they say. Ride safe."

Chris gave him a smile and a nod, saying dolefully, "You too."

He pulled his horse and kicked its sides, making the horse dash away toward the gates to the east. Virgil waved and turned to start his daily tasks. He enjoyed fooling around, but when it came to Chris, Virgil made sure to do what he was told. He didn't want to let his brother down. Even though they had patrolled, Virgil did it again. He did his daily check-ins and did a few extra tasks before lunch.

The sergeant.

Sgt. Camryn J. Darros was an older man but had a laid-back personality. Well, only when Virgil was around. Yes, the soldiers and the sergeant were glad that Chris was gone for a week and could relax. The white was starting to show within the sergeant's black hair, and when he smiled, wrinkles would show, but that didn't stop the sergeant from showing the younger soldiers or new recruits who was in charge. The sergeant's team never needed a reminder. They greatly respected him and so did Virgil.

They had a good card game going, and Virgil got them lunch, so they didn't have to leave it. They offered to have him join, but Virgil refused politely. As a paladin, he couldn't gamble. Even if his brother wasn't there. The group didn't mind and understood, thanking him for the food. Virgil had made a lot of friends here. The cooking crew, the soldiers, Sergeant Darros, and the medical staff. Especially with some of the women. He and Chris got to escort the nurses to the town once a week. He called it date night and would slip away from Chris with one or two of the nurses and "escort" them around town. With his small, meager monthly allowance, Virgil would buy a small treat to share with them and sometimes get a kiss on the cheek as a reward for the escort. His favorite kind of reward. Once in a while, one would hold his hand as they walked. One nurse, Shelly, told everyone that they were dating. It was short-lived though. He and Chris had to leave for the next station soon after.

Virgil finished his tasks, got a sandwich, and finished it quickly so he could visit his favorite nurse of all. Liz.The moment he had seen her, he had a crush on her and look for ways to get her attention or talk to her. Even date Shelly. Nothing. Liz ignored his attention most of the time and was polite when he would offer to help or do something for her. He was stuck in the friend zone. Brown doe eyes. Liz's fair features wrapped around her beautiful warm brown eyes along with her dark blonde curly hair she pinned up during work hours and let down in a cascade of shiny curly, wavy hair to her shoulders. Virgil could watch her all day and never get bored. Tough and kind, Liz worked with Dr. Jeremiah Dandle. A relatively new doctor from a city to the southwest. Virgil thought him strange. For one he didn't have a tan for someone who came that far south. He was quite pale, but he checked out, and Virgil was pleasant. He still didn't like him or some of the methods he used to help the soldiers recover. Sergeant Darros didn't like him either. He didn't like doctors anyway and told Virgil he would find a better girl in the armed forces or with the Rangers.

Virgil found Liz was on the third floor doing her checklist for the week. She was in charge of ordering food and supplies for the patients they had besides her usual duties. Those conscious gave Virgil a smile or a short wave. They seemed to brighten when he came up. He knew why. Just seeing a paladin made them feel better. Most didn't know he wasn't and wasn't going to ruin that for them. Sometimes when Liz would work late, he would help by visiting with the patients. Giving them hope. Sometimes reading to them or telling them stories. Chris found it unnecessary. Virgil didn't. He believed it was helping them recover. Speaking and listening to them made them feel better, which gave Liz a smile. He didn't do it just for Liz. Part of him wished he could have been a mystic paladin so he could help heal them. Virgil hated to see them in pain. Sadly, the mystic paladins were needed elsewhere.

Some of the nurses would tease him. Telling him that if the paladin thing didn't work out that he would make a great doctor. Virgil thought it was a good idea, but all the same, he was a paladin at heart, and nothing would stop him being one. Stopping next to Liz, she glanced at him with a smile, saying politely, "Hey, Virgil."

Trying not to swoon and attempting to get her attention, Virgil gave her his best charming smile, saying, "Hey, Liz, finished yet?"

She smiled and shook her head with disbelief, plainly and pleasantly, answering, "Nope. Still got the rest of the rooms to go. Are you done with what you are supposed to be doing?"

"Yup." He followed her, trying to get her attention. "You, me, and dinner tonight?"

She looked up at him with amusement, and he grinned charmingly, saying, "Your place?"

"Don't you have to be on patrol then?" She asked, going back to her checklist, adding, "Besides, I thought paladins couldn't have relationships?"

Virgil let out an exhale as his ego deflated. He hated it when she ignored him and his attempts to charm her.

Blushing, he stammered, "Well, no. Not like that. We can still. Sit and eat dinner. I didn't mean it like that. Just wanted a friendly conversation and food. And well. You know."

Liz held her snickering in as she kept going. She always thought that Virgil's attempts were so childish. Laying it on thick. She really liked him but wasn't sure how to react to his Casanova bravado and ended up reacting the wrong way. Defensively. Which seemed to hurt him. He never admitted it and kept on trying.

So persistent and never disrespectful. That was what she liked about him. Even though he acted like a macho jerk, he was respectful and considerate. Never pushed it physically.

"Ah," Liz said when she pushed the humor down. "What does your mentor say about that?"

Relaxing, Virgil smiled as he straightened up and said, "He is out for the week and left me in charge."

Before she could compliment him, Doctor Dandle remarked with disdain, "Oh, heaven help us. Our lives are in your hands."

Virgil hadn't seen him at the desk in the far corner. Skulking in the dark, Virgil thought as he whipped his head around to put on a confident expression and not a scowl, politely saying, "Yes. My teacher believes I am ready. I am thirty-two and old enough to be left on my own. Feel safe, Doctor, you are in good hands."

Doctor Dandle's bland expression never changed. Disbelief in his eyes, he remarked, "Well now, I feel safer than ever. I will sleep ever so soundly tonight."

And he went back to his paperwork. Virgil didn't believe him or like his attitude toward him. Doctor Dandle hid his rudeness under his polite tone, and Virgil had to hold his tongue so he wouldn't get into trouble. Not wanting to tempt fate, Virgil said later to Liz and left to look for things to do. That was Virgil's week. The same every day. He didn't even get to take the nurses to town either, and this was the week Liz was going. He missed his chance and grumbled about it while waiting at the west gate. Wounded were coming in today early morning to fill the empty beds that the recovered left yesterday. Sergeant Darros had a humorous smile on as he drank his morning coffee.

Tea is all Virgil could drink. Coffee, even with a small amount of elf blood in your veins, was a detriment. Making you mean and unbalanced. Caffeine in small portions was okay, but something about the beans caused it. It was said that elven fighters would eat large amounts of the beans before battle to ensure victory. It came with a heavy price though.

Sergeant Darros could feel Virgil's discontent and commented kindly, "There will be other opportunities to woo your sweet lady. Right now is the time to stay focused, young paladin."

The comment forced a smile from Virgil. Calling him paladin made him feel better about losing his chance with Liz. The large horse-drawn carts came to a stop as Doctor Dandle strolled over from his carriage. It was a simple one they used for such an occasion. Since the gate and facility were far from each other, the doctors would use the carriage and receive letters, documents, and inspect the medicine if any came.

The soldiers at the gate opened the old and tall iron gates to let Virgil out, Doctor Dandle strolling behind. He seemed fearless and didn't care if there could be trouble. Virgil ignored him and jogged to the end of the caravan. Twenty-seven carts. Mostly wounded.

Beginning, he said the words and held out a small flat polished stone with letters on it. It was simple magic, but Virgil had to use the stone to help. He was never good with magic. Walking slowly, he passed the stone over and under the cart. This was the hard part.

The injured had to wait for him to finish. He had to focus as he listened to the anguished groans and moans of men and women who lay in the carts, waiting. Virgil wanted to finish quickly as possible so they could get care. Halfway through he noticed Doctor Dandle in a cart, rummaging through the crates. He seemed more discontent than usual. 

Virgil didn't care but worried and asked, "Doctor, what are you doing?"

Doctor Dandle ignored him, and finding what he was stressed about, he exhaled with relief. Noticing that he had an audience, he scowled at Virgil and snapped, "What are you waiting for! Get moving! I need this medicine in now!"

Surprised by the ferocity in his voice, Virgil moved on, checking the cart that the doctor had jumped out of twice. Doctor Dandle walked back to the gate and waited impatiently as Virgil finished. With the last cart checked, Sergeant Darros waved them forward. Virgil stood by the gate and scanned and watched the surroundings for trouble. Once the last cart was in, he walked in, and the gate was closed.

Virgil breathed in a sigh of relief and saw Doctor Dandle climbing into his carriage, leaving. He found the doctor's behavior odd. Sergeant Darros waved off his concerns and offered to share his private stash of chocolates he got last month. Virgil didn't argue and followed him.

"Mmmmmm. These are amazing," Virgil commented while sitting on the barrack's couch. The sergeant and some of the soldiers played cards at the table in the kitchen at the far end of the room.

With a pleasant smile on his face, Virgil savored the sweet and, after swallowing, said happily, "Thanks!"

Sergeant Darros chuckled softly as he won the game and pleasantly commented, "Hey, anytime. You've done so much for us, it's the least I can do."

Chocolate was an amazing treat and rare since the war. It seemed to make Virgil giddy and made his mind a little fuzzy. The soldiers thought it made him look drunk. Chocolate wasn't against the rules, so Virgil was happy to eat as much as the sergeant would give him.

After ten pieces, Virgil declined more and thanked them. He needed to keep somewhat alert while he went on patrol. Besides this, the nurses had come back. Liz with them. He said his goodbyes and left for the barrier's borders. The barrier was more of a first line alertsystem for paladins. Most things that were dark in nature couldn't get through, but if a shadow elf tried, it would send out an alert. It wasn't strong enough to keep one out. They didn't think they needed one that strong. Shadow elves hadn't gotten that close. That fight was thousands of miles away.Nature could come and go as it pleased. It seemed to not notice the barrier, and he watched as creatures came and went on their routines. Virgil didn't think patrolling the barrier was necessary, but he took it seriously. He believed Chris was trying to keep him out of trouble.

He hoped his brother was okay. He got a late lunch afterward and sat outside watching the soldiers change shifts. It was aquiet day. Not too cold either. Spring was heading into summer, and he and Chris would be moving on soon. A couple of nurses walked by giggling shyly at him, and it reminded him that he needed to visit

Liz.

Stopping by his room, he pulled off his armor and chain mail.

Putting on a dark blue long-sleeve shirt to give himself a more relaxed look. Virgil checked himself in the bathroom mirror as he combed his hair back, then looked from side to side as he inspected his jawline for stray hairs. Not a one. Yet another weird thing about him. Much of the men in his family could grow one. Even Chris. Once in a while Chris would let it grow when they were out in the middle of nowhere, but when they were about to head for populated areas, he would shave it. They had to uphold the paladin name he would tell him. Virgil exhaled sorrowfully. By now he should have had something and hoped when he came of age, something would show. He left the bathroom to finish getting ready. He really didn't think he needed his armor now, but just in case, he kept his sword belted to his waist. Hopeful that this look would get Liz's attention. It wasn't an official paladin sword. He would get one when he became a full-fledged paladin.

They were a simple structure, nothing fancy and all practical. Most paladin swords were a combination between the medieval European falchion and long sword. Some chose a Scottish claymore, or hand and a half, but all were the same long type of sword, solid metal with no jewels adorning them. Some paladins did choose to engrave it with a few enchantments or their initials, getting a custom grip and fuller. Very few, will at a certain age, would get the blade engraved more to complement their skills. Mainly mystics did that.

He waited until the soldiers finished bringing in the rest of the crates and went to find out what was in them. Liz was on the second floor finishing up getting the wounded their medicine and settling them down. Virgil walked in and looked around. It was good to see them in their beds. They seemed better now. Most of them sleeping.

Liz was unpacking things from the crates and going through the list. When she saw Virgil, she smiled warmly; with exhaustion in her eyes, she said kindly, "Hi, Virgil. Come to check on us?"

He smiled happily, answering, "Yeah, and wanted to see if you wanted to go on break with me."

She looked up at him with a raised eyebrow, and he continued as he tried to charm her, sweetly saying, "We could walk the perimeter together?"

She smirked with amusement and replied, "With new patients, I think I should stay. I am sorry."

Virgil breathed in to offer something else when Doctor Dandle exclaimed, "Yes! This is wonderful."

Virgil turned to see him lift a smaller box up onto a desk nearby and pull little vials of liquid out to inspect them. Virgil looked at him, confused. The doctor seemed quite happy. He had never seen him smile before. It was creepy, and Virgil preferred his discontent expression better. 

Liz picked up on Virgil's discomfort and said, "Isn't it great? The doctor got new medication in to help fight the war."

Virgil snapped out of his thoughts and asked in disbelief, "Medicine to fight the war?"

"Yes!" Doctor Dandle remarked happily as he turned to show a vial to Virgil. "Look at this! This medicine will stop the poison before it gets to the person. A deterrent. What do you think about that?"

Virgil snorted slightly, saying, "How can you do that without magic?"

The doctor placed the vial in the hands of a nurse and replied, "Simple. The power of science. This will help the fight. Everyone should take this. Not just the patients."

Virgil didn't think he needed it. There was no way a shadow elf could poison him and no reason for any shadow elf to come here to poison them. Doctor Dandle was handing out the vials to the nurses and doctors. Instructing them to give them to everyone. Including the staff. Out of curiosity, Virgil asked, "Everyone?"

"Yes," Doctor Dandle remarked pleasantly. "Including you. We wouldn't want our paladin to get poisoned, do we?"

The doctor walked over to Virgil, handed him one, and walked back to his cash of cure and started handing them out again. As nurses woke patients up to have the medicine, Liz was going through her list and waited for everyone else to get one. She wanted to make sure the patients got them first. The doctor noticed that, but before he could hand one to her, Virgil, as he looked at the clear liquid, asked, "What do I need to do with it? Drink it?"

The doctor grinned with wild amusement and replied, "Of course. Drink up, paladin."

Virgil shrugged, popped the top, and, with one more look at it, tossed the liquid down his throat. It didn't taste bad. More like syrup but washed down like water. He clicked his tongue a couple of times to figure out the taste and shrugged.

Virgil looked at the doctor to offer the empty vial and noticed that he had a sinister grin upon his face. That was the last thing Virgil saw as he lost consciousness painfully and slammed to the floor...