Giant's Solace Chapter 3

“Alright you have trained long and hard for this Virgil. Through the several months of training you have easily bested several of the knights. Your first mission will be an easy one. It will also be the last part of your training. You will escort a caravan to the nearby port town of Maricia. The path taken is the least traveled through the forest in an attempt at avoiding thieves and such. However if you should encounter someone that threatens the mission you are to protect the goods, and the carriers by any means necessary.

Upon arriving in town you will go to the guildhall there. From there mention the name Vincent and show them your emblem. There you will be given further instructions. This is where the final test begins. I wish you luck Virgil. Now go and rest up for the big day.” The instructor gave a solute and the boy returned it as he returned to his quarters.

“The path to a true knight is opening up tomorrow. I hope your ready for what you will face Virgil.” Celcia said appearing in front of Virgil.

“I honestly can’t wait even though I’m nervous.” The boy sat down at the table and opened up a book he began to read a couple of days ago. “Something has been on my mind Celcia. Through these months of training you have hardly said a word to me. Why is that?”

“I have been helping you train. It has been consuming my energy.” Celcia said still standing by the side of the bed.

Virgil set down his book and looked at the eyes of Celcia “So all that I’ve done is because of you?”

“No I only helped increase your abilities to that above the normal human.”

“I see. That’s handy to know. So I could say you are my guardian angel.”

“Perhaps you can say that, but there are no such things as angels. There are only demons most foul. I have witnessed this first hand upon my original passing.”

“Demons… are they anything like the different myths have described?”

“Some yes, others are beyond the imagination of humans.”

“So if you passed on why didn’t you stay? Surely it would have been better than living as a spirit only a boy can see.”

“The truly just revisit this plane to help those which need it. We spirits can only bond with those with similar goals in life.”

“So you tried to better your life as well? Could I ask what you did?”

“That is not to yet be known. I have not been able to recall such events.”

“Well I’m sure we will figure out something about your life. Until then we will have to go on what little you have been able to recall.”

“I thank you. However now is not the time for us to continue to talk. You should rest up, as should I. We will have to be at our best in order to finish the training.”

“Alright guess I am feeling tired.” Virgil stood from the chair and quickly fell asleep on the soft bed.


“Alright is everything set to go? Yes but where is the knight you promised us?”

“He is finishing his preparations for this trip. He will be along shortly.”

“Better hope so. The longer we are out on that road the more the danger increases. I’d like to avoid that if at all possible.”

“We under stand, and speak of the devil he is here.”

“Wait we are to trust the safety of this delivery to a small boy not much older than my own? What kind of mockery is this?”

“I insure you he is a fine warrior that will prove to be useful.” Vincent motioned over to Virgil to hurry up and get onto the wagon. “Alright Virgil I wish you good luck on this mission. My god shine upon you with good fortune.”

“Thank you sir. I’ll be sure to protect this caravan with my life if need be.” With that the reigns were snapped and the horses began to move out at a slow pace. Virgil took one final look at the castle as it began to fade away into the distance.

“So we hear you are some sort of prodigy, is that true?”

“I’m nothing special, I just happen to learn everything slightly quicker than most.”

“Well we hope we won’t have to put your skills to the test. So sit back and stay relax. This is going to be a long ride.”

Virgil sat with his sights to the rear of the wagon, staying alert in case danger appears. The group traveled in silence entering the forest. It was dark and allowed for limited movement. It also enabled them to conceal themselves well, however the same could be said for the enemy. The wagon continued on until something caught Virgil’ eye.

“I think we might have company. Stay alert!” Virgil said to the driver.

“I hope what you think you saw was just some animal boy. I really do.”

The ride continued without a fight with the enemy. “Well boy looks like you saw nothing after all. Lucky us. Anyways the guild hall is to the east of town. Good luck with the rest of your training.” With that the wagon continued to its final stop. The boy got off and unloaded his belongings and began to slowly walk the streets east, making sure to take in the sights and smells of a new place. After a while he came to a big building with a fancy emblem above the door arch.

“This must be it” Virgil whispered to himself as he prepped himself to open the doors.

“Virgil wait, there is something I must tell you beforehand. What you thought you saw in the forest was indeed real. It seemed to have something unnatural about it. However I can’t place what it was yet. Best be on your guard, because I think he was looking at you. It also almost felt like he was looking at me as well.” Celcia said in Virgil’s mind. Virgil took a moment to calm himself down and entered through the doors.

“Well look what we got here. Boy you best be leaving. This is not a place for little boys to play in.” A tall well built man said looking at Virgil.

“I’m part of the King’s knights. I’ve been in training by Vincent. I have come to finish the training.” Virgil said taking the emblem out and placing it where he could see.

“I see. Sorry to keep you then. I’ll go get the boss then. Sit tight and he will be out soon.”

The boy was left alone in the hallway, nothing but the echoes from the inner chambers for company. After a short wait a thin man with blonde hair stepped out reading a large book. He glanced over the book quickly to take a look at the boy before him.

“So you’re the knight prodigy Vincent wrote to me about. Don’t look like much, but Vincent has good judgment. I’d like to welcome you to the guild hall of Maricia. Here you will undergo the final part of your training. You are to travel to the cave to the east of town and gather several rare medical herbs for this town. However don’t let this put you in a false since of security as you might have several encounters with the local wildlife, or monsters as the town folk have been known to call them. Many a good men have fell at the hands of the local monsters. Normally this type of class is reserved to the more experienced, but it was Vincent himself who asked you to take part. You set off tomorrow. Feel free to rest for the night in one of our rooms and make any final preparations. That said hope you find your stay here well. Night and I pray to your safe return.” The man said turning, still reading the book. He walked through the door into the inner chambers. Virgil just stood there going over what preparations he will need to make when a woman walked along side the boy.

“The names June. I’m to show you to your quarters and gather anything you need.”  This sudden voice shocked Virgil into a slight jump. “Sorry about breaking you out of your thoughts.” She said smiling down, trying hard to keep from laughing. “Please follow me and I’ll give you a quick tour of the place.