62 The Climb

AUTHOR'S POV

It was hard to watch.

Stellan cringed whenever Atrius caught up to Haelan. Focusing his eyes on Haelan, Stellan couldn't explain why it felt torturous every time Atrius comes to her rescue each time she falls down. Many times he wanted to call off the lap training, or run down himself towards Haelan to carry the sandbags, but when he sees the determination in the new paladin's eyes, he holds himself back and wait for Haelan to eventually finish the laborous run.

Last night, upon learning that the apotropaic walls aren't as dependable as it should be, Stellan sent more knights in the palace and made sure that Yereah and the other high priests would work on the apotropaic spell protections as soon as possible. Alesso and Vesta were alerted, and thankfully, for now, no attacks have been reoccuring.

Stellan sneezed several times, the rain didn't do any better. In fact, he woke up quite early today… as if, he didn't sleep at all. He kept tossing and turning all night given that he'll be training Haelan alone. He hurriedly left Hesam at early dawn, and even forgot his cloak or wear thicker clothes.

Arriving in Brandenburg at the time he thought everyone is still in deep slumber, Stellan walked quietly through the well lit hallways. As he went further, he caught a glimpse of Haelan going to the library. He followed the young paladin silently and waited by the door for her to come out. Wondering why it's taking so long, Stellan snuck in and saw Haelan completely dozed off already in the made up bed cushion with pillows on the floor. Stellan stayed there for a little while, as he watch Haelan sleep. From her eyes, her nose and lips, Stellan wondered why all Haelan's features are so feminine. She was sleeping peacefully under a thick blanket. Then his gaze focused on her chest that seemed to be bulging. He went closer so he could see better. He was about to pull down the thick blanket over her, when Haelan started talking and crying like she's having a bad dream. Stellan decided to sit down beside her, held her hand and hum a little… until Haelan calmed with a soft snore and a loud sigh. Moments later, Umbriel entered with a shock to see the two paladins together. Caught in a situation that's hard to explain, Stellan frantically told Umbriel to wake Haelan up an hour later, and proceed to the grounds for her training.

One more lap that's faster than the first, Haelan would finally complete the lap training. Stellan was impressed with her tactics, swinging the sand bags as she kept running. As Haelan run towards him, he couldn't be anymore prouder when the young paladin beat her own time considerably. However, Haelan misstepped on the slippery grass, that she slipped face forward along with the sandbags. Stellan extended his arms to catch her, but Atrius slid himself right under Haelan. The sandbags flew in the air that were thrown directly on Jacomus and Stellan.

Stellan didn't feel any pain when the heavy sandbag hit his face. What he couldn't explain, is the stabbing pain in his chest seeing Atrius care for Haelan. "Sir Stellan, a..are you alright?", Jacomus nervously asked as he brush the dirt from Stellan's face.

"That's enough", Stellan told Jacomus as he harden his jaw. Stepping aside slowly, Jacomus then lifted Haelan up and lend a hand on Atrius. "Well done, but poorly executed", Stellan said bitterly.

Haelan jumped and hooted in happiness with Jacomus, for she was able to finish the test on her own. Smiling, Atrius looked at her fixedly, while Stellan glared at him fiercely. Stellan led the way to the back of Brandenburg, particularly in one of the towers. The endless fine drops of rain continued to fall. The thunder and lightning rolled in the sky, as they stood outside facing the tower's wall.

"Climb", Stellan said briefly. "You can have your rest and meals when at least one of you could reach the top of the tower", he said blandly.

The three looked around to find any means that could aid in their climb. When they found nothing, they thought Stellan must be out of his mind. With no time to rest, the three climbed the highest walls of Brandenburg without ropes, or ladders along with their drenched clothes adding to their weight.

Scaling the wet slippery mossy walls, Jacomus was able to climb farther. But when he could no longer find anything to hold on to, he lost his grip and slid back down on the muddy puddles. Atrius climbed up as he grunt heavily. Slowly, he took his time lifting himself up, but then with a wrong footing, he eventually slid all the way down. Following the two, Haelan tried to climb but her weak arms couldn't lift her body at all. With only a feet or two, she keeps falling flat on her back with so much frustration.

Stellan watched them under the rain, sighing deeply like he's expecting that no one among the three could really make it. But then, Haelan thought that a test will never be made if it isn't possible to execute. She grazed the walls as she look up. She observed Jacomus and Atrius who kept falling everytime they reach farther up. She traced the protruding bricks on where she would climb with her eyes, then she tried to go up as much as she can. Holding onto the walls, the three went up one at a time. With Atrius on the lead and Haelan right behind, Jacomus was the last who's faraway down.

"Don't look down… don't look down", Haelan repetitively said as she climb half way up. Her body tremble as she keep going. The higher she goes, the colder the breeze blew. The thunder was like growling just behind her ear. Thinking he'd catch her, Stellan draw closer the walls just in case Haelan falls down.

Nearing the top, the three ascended. Struggling to climb as they keep their finger strength. "Soup, steak and bread!!", Jacomus shouted as he think of his inspiration, while Haelan only prays she won't fall on her death as her motivation.

"Haelan! Hold on to me and climb up!", Atrius said as he thought that if Haelan steps on him, she would reach the top. Stellan's ear itched a little hearing Atrius' request. At this point, he prayed that Atrius would fall down and break his neck.

'Climb on him', Stellan imagined Haelan's body will be rubbing against Atrius as she ascend.

Eager to reach the top, Haelan stepped on Atrius' knee, up to his shoulder climbing up. Stellan watched closely as he clasp his fists, holding his breath every minute. He couldn't understand why it is completely maddening to see Haelan too close with other men.

When Haelan reached the battlement, she grunted as she moved upward while stepping on Atrius' head. Securing her place on the top, she removed her brocade and lowered it down for Atrius so he could climb up. Then, she lowered her coat once again for Jacomus who's starting to lose his grip on the rocks.

Reaching the top felt honorific as the three taste the sweet success of working together. They jumped in circles with their arms locked together. When Haelan looked down to see Stellan, the Paladin Knight have already turned his back and walked out of sight.