Nocturnal Lessons

The sun had already set by that time. Yet the Twins shared their light on the world, and with the sky devoid of clouds, the slopes of Cherson's hills were blanketed in soft moonshine. Borislav had brought three horses, a black thoroughbred steed for him, a wicked-looking mouse-grey mare for Blagoy, and lastly, a chestnut courser for Amyntas.

The beasts were already harnessed, with leather saddles reposing on weaved linen with a blueish tint. Borislav jumped on his horse in an experienced manner, before looking expectantly to the two others.

Taking a moment to admire the craftsman's work, Amyntas then followed suit. Hearing a strange sound behind him, he turned around. Blagoy was lying on the ground, covered in dust, under the mocking eye of his mare.

The aged-horse knew exactly when to sidestep each time Blagoy tried to climb on her. After a few more attempts, Borislav sighed loudly and departed, slow trotting away while leaving behind sharp words.

"Blagoy, whenever you manage to get on that mare, rejoin us to the old watchtower. I won't mind if you spend the entire night trying though…"

(Isn't that a bit cruel ?

But well Borislav does seem to be a tyrannical boss…)

Without giving him another look, Amyntas followed suit and sped up his courser. He had waited for this moment the entire afternoon, and now he was going to have the occasion to ask his questions.

"Hey, Borislav. I had some queries about this place. Mind answering them ?"

"Depends on what you ask."

"Well, I was thinking that the commerce of dyes and spices is quite profitable, especially since the fields grow naturally. So why is there only one village in the entire Azure Plain ?"

"It's toxic."

"What ?"

"The flowers that grow everywhere. They release a toxic perfume all year round. It won't kill you immediately, but erode your health slowly. Most people would die after spending five years here."

"But… I mean, Annara and the oracle, they obviously have spent a very long time here ?"

"Our ancestor were those that pioneered this place. Many of them died, and the others developed immunity, and transmitted it to their descendants."

"So that's why… so you are quite protected from the external world huh ?"

"No. Decades ago there used to be another village."

"What… what happened to it ?"

"…"

Borislav looked away, indicating that the question was over.

In front of them a stone tower was erected, its walls covered in green and lush moss. Dislodged bricks were covering the ground, and the whole place was surrounded in an aura of decay.

"This tower was built by our great-ancestors, but we lack the manpower to keep using it, which is why it's in this state."

"What was it used for ?"

"Back in the day, the Hetmanate was still standing, and they contested this territory with the Eastern Khaganate. They had to avoid the enemy patrols all the time, especially since the Khagan also brought non-local Khan to war, and they freely pillaged this land that wasn't their."

"I didn't know the Khagan himself came here… With the full strength of the Khaganate, how could the Hetmanate lock the war in a stalemate ?"

"The Khagan and his escort didn't stay for long, as the Old Empire instigated disturbances in Alania. They had to settle the problem there, but before they could come back in Cherson, the Old Empire had already crushed the Hetmanate."

"So now you are under the rule of the Khaganate ?"

"Yes, the Basileus is too busy to deal with the Cossack's Remnants to enter into conflict with the Khagan. Our lands are under Khan Aibek's jurisdiction. He never ventures here though."

"Then the plains should be pretty safe now ?"

"Not really. The Hetmanate split in three parts, the Free Cities, the Cossack's Remnants led by Aleksey Avramenko, and the rest turned to banditry. Since Khan Aibek does not care much for these lands, those robbers pose us a grave threat."

"Better be careful then…"

"Yes. Enough of politics. From your stance at horseback, it seems that you were imparted theory. But it's far from flexible enough if you want to travel with us."

"What do you suggest ?"

(And if I can't follow them, I'm curious to see how Blagoy could.)

"Wait a second."

Borislav jumped from his horse before walking to the crumbling tower. Stopping at the door threshold, he rummaged in the bushes to his left. When his hands came out, they were holding a short saber.

Amyntas yielded to his curiosity and urged his courser forward.

"What is it ?"

"A Cossack's saber. We took it from one of the bandits."

"Looks like craftsmanship from Korsun."

Borislav raised an eyebrow, a rare expression of surprise showing on his face.

"Indeed. I didn't expect you to recognize that."

"Anyway. What are we going to do with this ?"

"Training. Catch !"

Throwing the saber to Amyntas, Borislav hopped back on his horse and went further on the road. Catching the hilt a bit awkwardly, Amyntas rushed behind him.

"What…"

"Look. There are targets along the road. You need to gallop on five hundred meters and slash all of them. Understood ?"

"Erm… Alright ?"

"Then go !"

Slapping the courser's rump, Borislav authorized a satisfied smile to creep on his face as Amyntas was all flustered, trying to get back the control of his horse.

It took him three hours to be able to hit all targets without exception. And when he finally managed to succeed, his vision blurry and his behind sore, Borislav finished him off in one sentence.

"Now do it under one minute."

(Haaaaaa… truly a horrible man… I doubt I will be able to walk after that…)

"Yes…"

"Don't you dare think that I'm harsh. Most bandits from the Hetmanate are on horseback. And they won't wait for you to strike them. Right now we are training to make sure you can run away if we get ambushed."

(At least it's useful…)

"Alright… I will do my best…"

When the Twins gave place to Artinis in the sky, Amyntas truly could not bare to walk so he stayed on his courser. As they returned to the village, they passed by Blagoy who was sleeping on the ground like a log. His mare was grazing in the meadow a few steps away as if nothing was unusual.

"Hey. Why do you keep him on your travels ?"

"He may be useless on a horse, but he's one of the best bladesman of the village."

"You forgot to say that he eats like a pig and that he's a bit… dumb."

"Sigh… Harsh but true words."

"Let's wake him up."

"No leave him here. If I have the chance to not hear his voice for a little longer, I will take it."

(Who's harsh now huh ?)

"Anyway. I should make my farewells to Annara and the oracle."

(I'm looking forward to the second one…)