“Horsemanship above all is one of the most valuable skills a being can possess. Without proper riding ability, one would suffer greatly to travel any considerable distance across the continent. Thus, the majority of families with any money at all make it a point to train their offspring in correct equestrian techniques.” —“Traveling Across the Empire”, by Irika Del

  Tower Castle, Cryptonia, Ground Plane

  It had been several days since the couriers had left the Tower, and Jasper’s training had continued at pace. His regimen had expanded to include horsemanship, which he practiced with Titus. After a few sessions to reacquaint himself with the sensation of being in the saddle and Titus witnessing his easy manner, the knight had suggested riding in armor to grow more accustomed to the feeling. One morning after drill, Jasper had dressed in full uniform, save for a helmet. His sword hung by his side as he met the knight in the stables. The first day out riding, Titus had given Jasper his old horse—a sturdy chestnut named Notch.

  “He is named for the little cut in his left ear,” Titus had explained, patting the horse’s neck. “He’s a good one. Patient and calm if tension is high. Watch his ears. He’ll tell you if he senses something wrong.”

  Jasper had taken Notch’s lead, and the knight had shown him how to work the strange saddle into place with the many fastenings. Titus had thumped the horse’s side, and Notch grumbled as he tightened the girth straps. Titus quickly saddled his backup mount and they walked toward the main gate. Yuli had come by before they left to see that everything was well and to give the pair of horses an apple.

  Several mornings later, they mounted their horses and waved to the guards at the gate. Titus led the way to the grassy fields outside the walls for them to practice. Notch was about as tame a horse as Jasper had ever ridden and responded easily. The horse had clearly been well-trained and cared for over the years. Titus taught Jasper some of the horses basic commands. A nudge in the right spot or a certain word would make Notch wheel around, rear, or sidestep at a moment’s notice. Despite his calm demeanor, the horse was very quick on his feet.

  “Would you like to try some sword work?” Titus indicated a staggered line of pells that were cut at varying heights. Jasper had seen such courses before. A rider would weave between the posts, making various cuts with a sword as he passed, practicing attacks from horseback. He was eager to attempt the drill, but also somewhat nervous.

  “I don’t suppose we’d be using real blades?”

  “Heavens no!” Titus chuckled. “With respect, ser; you said you’d not done any fighting on horseback. The last thing we’d want is you to turn the horse into Two Notches.” Jasper had to laugh.

  “You’re right, that was my main concern.” He patted the horse’s neck affectionately. “Maybe tomorrow when we’re more prepared.

  “Very good, my Lord.” They stuck to the more simple exercises they had been practicing. He heeled Notch into a trot, a canter, then an ambling running walk. Jasper felt excitement and happiness as he had not in some time. The joy he experienced while riding in the beautiful fields outside his very own castle relaxed him. Titus noticed.

  “You’ve been smiling every time we come out,” he laughed. “What is it?”

  “It’s just been a long damn time since I’ve had this much fun.” Jasper wiped the sweat from his brow on the back of his sleeve. Titus grinned.

  “Riding is certainly a good way to get away from it all. Miss Fern enjoys taking to the trails herself from time to time. I’m sure she would be delighted to show them to you.”

  “I might just ask her.” They rode a bit longer, but the sun was climbing high, the heat making both riders and horses thirsty. They returned to the stables, and Yuli caught their bridles when they stopped in the lane.

  “A pleasant ride, my Lord?”

  “It was, Yuli, thank you.” Jasper hopped down and pulled Notch’s reins over his head to lead him. “How is Fleetfoot?”

  “He recovers well, ser,” Yuli smiled. “Mistress Fern’s medicine and our work has made quite a difference. He is still tender, but I’ve been walking him slow in the ring.”

  “Good. The last thing we need is him foundering.” Jasper clapped the satyr gently on the shoulder and smiled at him. “Keep up the good work, Yuli.”

  “Thank you, my Lord, I will.” He beamed, and they walked the horses to their stalls to be rubbed down. Yuli told Jasper he would do it, but the human insisted he help.

  “I was taught that it is important to care for your mount yourself,” he said. “Respect them, love them, and they’ll do the same. It also creates a more intimate bond between horse and rider, don’t you think?”

  “Spoken like a true knight of House Kenran.” Titus grinned over his steed’s back as he brushed her coat.

  “What’s that?” Asked Jasper, intrigued by the name.

  “That’s right! You haven’t been studying the Empire much these few days. In the south, there are several great families that built schools for knights to be trained,” Titus explained. “They learn the usual skills of knights and warriors, but typically each House specializes in one or two particular areas. House Kenran, in the Western Duchy, is famed for its mastery of horses, scouting, and quick cavalry warfare. They’ve made a name for themselves harassing enemies for days while taking minimal casualties themselves.”

  “Really?” Jasper’s eyebrows went up.

  “Yes,” Titus chuckled. “They actually call themselves ‘hunters’ instead of ‘knights’. Rightly so too, they use H’jata; large hunting cats.” Jasper’s mouth fell open. He had heard of knights and light cavalry using dogs in his own world. Hound hunting had become quite popular virtually worldwide on Earth. But great cats? That was a terrifying prospect.

  “You said there were other Houses as well? What do they study?”

  “House Tenigre is known for its strict military training regimens. They’ve had some of the most famous warriors, and their abilities with both sword and tongue are renowned throughout the Empire and here as well. House Erikeen’s primary area of study focuses on the subtleties of swordplay, both in honor duels and pitched battle, making them supreme bodyguards. While Tenigre studies war and the battlefield as a whole, Erikeen narrows down onto the more minute details of the sword. Several of the most accomplished Blademasters in the land come from Erikeen, many going on to become members of the Emperor's guard.”

  “They sound quite formidable,” observed Jasper. “Did you come from one of these houses?” Titus nodded, smiling.

  “Yes, ser. I am of House Erikeen, in the southern Duchy. I finally graduated to earn my braid after several attempts.” He raised his left hand to tap the woven rope on his shoulder the young man had noticed before. On it hung a tiny silver sword wreathed in vibrant red and yellow flames. “Only anointed knights bear the braids of their House.”

  “I see,” Jasper said, moving to Notch’s neck to comb out his mane.

  “After my own House, there is House Mornen in the Capital and House Larras, south of Brightholm in the East Duchy. The first family of Mornen were taught by Stone Elves from the mountains to manipulate the stone and earth to create the fortresses they became famous for. Their siege craft and weapons are unrivaled, but for the elves.”

  “And Larras?” Jasper asked, his eyes bright with eagerness. He wanted to soak up everything Titus could teach.

  “House Larras is unique,” the knight went on. “Their speciality is magic. Most of the paladins and clerics of the Empire are taught at their college.”

  “There’s a magic school?!” Jasper’s jaw had dropped open in amazement.

  “Not exactly. Larras primarily deals with holy magic, or channeling divine powers. They take in initiates from throughout the Empire and offer them a place to train and serve as their gods will. There are many who graduate from Larras who go their own ways on quests or to serve as healers and protectors. They often become guides on pilgrimages to holy sites.”

  “I’d been meaning to ask about that too,” said Jasper thoughtfully. He stood by Notch’s head and was gently brushing his neck and face. “What gods are there in this world? I’ve heard a few passing comments about ‘the gods’ but I have hardly seen anything written down so far. I suppose I’d have to be reading the right books.”

  “It’s been a while since we had any clerics or holy people in the castle,” Titus winced. “Lord Lerontis did not appreciate their corrective urging.”

  “I swear, we’ll be rid of his lingering influence,” Jasper said firmly. “I know he has cost you all so much, and I would have the Land and the people restored.”

  “We know, ser.” Titus smiled again and patted his mare. Yuli led her into the stall, and Titus joined Jasper at Notch’s shoulder. “Those at the castle, at least. The others in The Vill and the surrounding countryside will learn fast. But as to gods, I believe Miss Fern or Cook Harla might actually be your best bet. I am only human, I haven’t seen or read all they have.”

  “I certainly will ask,” Jasper nodded. “But what gods do you worship?” Titus pulled a necklace from his tunic. It was a double edged ax made of silver. The charm hung on a simple leather thong.

  “I follow Saint Pilinar, who was a warrior long ago. He fought for the people against oppressors who stole, murdered, and tortured folk who lived in H?llthar before it became an Empire. He died in his final battle and the great Father, the Ancient One, raised him up as a holy Saint.” Jasper’s eyes widened.

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  “There is a similar story from my world,” he said. “Our Ancient One—we just call Him ‘God’—sent His Son to our world to teach us how to live, how to be righteous. There was an ancient prophecy made hundreds and hundreds of years before that the Son would come. He taught for some time, but was imprisoned and crucified for his teachings.” Titus looked aghast. “You know what that means?” The knight nodded.

  “There have been terrible atrocities committed here as well,” he said quietly. “But to kill the son of a god? That is terrible.”

  “But that was God’s plan,” Jasper explained. “Our Bible, our holy book, written by eyewitnesses during the time of other people who were there and saw the same things, teaches us that God sent his Son to take the sins of the world onto Himself, and would sacrifice Himself for all.”

  “This prophecy was made so many years before?” Titus’ expression had shifted to one of amazement and wonder as Jasper nodded, smiling.

  “Several records kept from hundreds of years before it happened, to be yet another sign of God’s power.”

  “Truly, He is a powerful god,” Titus nodded.

  “Mm.” Jasper’s eyes defocused on Notch’s coat, following the flow and swirls of short hair as he brushed. He sighed. “I wonder if I was sent by Him to this place as much as the Land chose me.” Titus nodded thoughtfully, scratching his chin.

  “I do not know, Lord. I am a simple knight, I am ill-fitted to solving deep questions of the gods and their will.”

  “Perhaps we just need to study more and pray for guidance,” Jasper snorted. His spiritual faith had been put on a much lower rung on his ladder of priorities. He was on another world ruling as a feudal lord though. It bore more consideration. He had finally finished with Notch and patted the horse’s flank. “Yuli, if you’ll take him to the stall, I think we have some more work to do with Calian and the last thing I want is to get behind even more than we already are.”

  “Your will, Lord Jasper.” Yuli took the halter and led the horse away. Jasper and Titus made their way to the Main Hall for lunch. The militia and guards were already halfway through their own meal. Several raised their mugs and smiled as the pair entered.

  “‘Morning, Milord,” Keifer said, wiping his bushy mustache with a cloth. Jasper decided to sit and chat with him and his gathered troop. He broke off a piece of bread and Keifer handed him a plate of meat.

  “Good morning, Sergeant,” Jasper grinned. “How is the ham?”

  “Oh, fine as always, ser.” Keifer patted his belly appreciatively. “Miss Harla looks after us well.”

  “That she does,” Jasper nodded. “I’m excited to see what she’ll pull together for the celebration.”

  “I’m sure it’ll be a night to remember, Lord.” The old sergeant grinned.

  “And plenty of leftovers for the senior staff and soldiers to pick through, eh?” Jasper chuckled and Keifer’s grin grew so wide his teeth shone through his thick mustache.

  “I haven’t a clue what you mean ser!”

  “Sure you don’t,” Jasper laughed. He clapped the man on the back and continued on through the noisy Hall. Jasper waved at Aesil and Vek who sat with some of the militia members and appeared to be “teaching” the younger folk how to throw dice. The pair smiled up at him and he nodded in return.

  “Titus, which is Nima?” Jasper asked, looking over the gathering. “I’d heard we had a few half elves, but she is the only one whose name I remember, sadly. I’d like to meet her.”

  “There, Lord.” The knight pointed to an auburn-hair woman sitting a bit away from the militia, but not far from some of the other veterans. She was thin, but well-muscled and filled her uniform well. She seemed taller than the average woman, but it was hard for Jasper to tell since she was sitting. He walked towards her, and she stood before he reached her table, despite the fact he had approached from a quarter behind her and the hall was not particularly quiet. Nima bowed gracefully and rose with a kind smile. Her face was considerably softer and more rounded than Fern’s. Even with the healer’s warm and friendly nature, Nima was livelier, somehow. It was as if the half-elf was full of natural energy.

  “My Lord Jasper,” she said, raising her head. “I am Nima Kereis. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”

  “You are different from Fern,” he pointed out dumbly. She laughed, and Jasper blushed. “I-I’m sorry, that was rude.”

  “Not at all,” Nima shook her head and waved away his apology. “I am different. I am a distant cousin of the mountain tribes. My mother is a wood elf, from beyond the Middle Mounts.”

  “Ahh, that makes sense.” Jasper nodded, his smile returning. “I am beyond pleased to have you with us. I have heard you are quite the archer.”

  “I served with my mother’s people in the Rangers.” Nima smiled. “I am talented enough, though only falling amongst the middling ranks by their standards.”

  “I will have to be the judge of that! I’m sure you could outshoot me with your eyes closed,” he laughed. “Maybe you could show me a trick or two sometime?”

  “I would be honored, my Lord.” She bowed again, placing a hand to her chest. Calian appeared in a doorway behind the half-elf and nodded to Jasper, holding up a scroll he clearly wanted the young man to see.

  “We’ll have to speak again. Unfortunately, I’m being summoned,” said Jasper. “Enjoy the rest of lunch, Nima.” She bid him farewell and nodded as he passed. He barely caught the lingering glance she slid to Titus as he followed. But Jasper’s vampiric steward distracted him from giving the interaction more consideration.

  “I hope your meal was filling, ser.”

  “It was.” Jasper indicated the papers with a nod. “What have you got there?”

  “The remaining invitations to your celebration, Lord. I was just about to have Jayse here give them to Miss Pecunia for delivery. Though, perhaps you would like to look them over before I send them out?” Calian held up the thick envelopes. Jasper could see they were sealed with a wax signet. His signet.

  “Oh, I’m sure it is good enough. You know far better than I do what they will expect and how to speak to them.” Jasper grinned, then added, “Who is Pecunia?”

  “Ah, yes. Our last remaining messenger harpy,” Calian smiled sadly, handing a male servant—Jase, apparently—the letters. “She has stuck with us through all this time. Pecunia felt she had nowhere else to go after her flock was almost hunted to extinction a few decades ago. A few of her sisters come once in a while, but Pecunia resides in the Aviary.”

  “Oh!” Jasper straightened. He had almost forgotten that his tower was also home to a reality-defying bird house. “Um. Do you think I could go?”

  “Would you like to?” Calian cocked his head and held up a hand to keep the servant from leaving. “It is your Tower. Though, Miss Pecunia may be a bit timid at first.” Jasper nodded.

  “I would.”

  “In that case, I will lead you myself,” said the vampire. He took the post back from the servant. “I believe it will be more comfortable for both of you to have a friendly face present.” The pair ascended the spiral stairs. Jasper was both nervous and excited to meet another Cryptonian. He had no idea what to expect. A thought occurred to him during their climb and he asked who exactly the letters were for.

  “Most of the major town leaders in the region. Several heads of neighboring communities—the orc Coalition in the west and the Stone Elves to the north will certainly send representatives. One will go to the Emperor, though I am not sure if he will send a proxy. Things have become tumultuous in the south.”

  “So many different people,” Jasper said, eyebrows raised. Calian smiled over his shoulder.

  “You hold the Tower and the land surrounding it, the center of the northern country. Many would argue it is the seat of power in the north.” His face turned more serious. “Some will seek to take it from you.”

  Jasper had flashes of the war between Starks and Lannisters, and how that had ended up. Oh no, he would not let such a tragedy fall on this beautiful place. They reached the small landing in front of the Aviary’s thick door while he was lost in thought. Calian’s polite knock on the door jarred him back to the present. The hinge creaked and the vampire frowned at it before ushering Jasper inside.

  For some reason, Jasper had thought there would be cages or perches for the harpies to sit on. He was surprised to see a large communal bedroom with a big water fountain in the middle that looked like it could double as a bath. It was barely running and looked in desperate need of repair. Jasper noted Calian’s shoulders sag subtly as the steward looked around. Big plush beds piled with cushions of every color and shape were arranged around the room.

  They were all in a sorry state, as if they had not been cleaned in years. Only one looked lived-in, slightly less ragged than the others. It had a hanging curtain suspended around it, mostly obscuring the figure inside. Calian approached and cleared his throat gently.

  “Hello, Pecunia.” The person behind the curtain stirred, and Jasper saw bright blue eyes flash in a beam of sunlight that pierced the curtain.

  “Calian?” The voice was almost a chirp. The way she sounded out his name was musical. “Who? Friend?” Pecunia wiggled forward on the bed and drew close to the curtain’s interior. She tilted her head back and forth inquisitively. She studied Jasper intently through the curtain with her big eyes.

  “Yes. This is Jasper,” Calian said gently. “He is the new Lord of the Tower.” Jasper followed his lead and gave a little bow.

  “Hello, Miss Pecunia.”

  “Jasper.” Pecunia seemed to be tasting the name. “Red and silver veined stone. White and green flowers. Pretty.” At last, she reached out and spread the curtains with both hands. Well, not hands, exactly. Pecunia had wings that might once have been beautiful, but the plumes had been shed and roughly treated over time. She had three long, dainty fingers and a thumb protruding from the apex joints, allowing her to use them like hands. Pecunia’s lower half was also bird-like, with strong human upper legs and scaled claws like burnished pennies for feet. The feathers on her back and outer wings were shades of gray and white. Her chest plumage was brown, and her legs were a deep tan.

  Her face was angular but pretty. Her small nose was slightly hooked like a beak. Too-big eyes blinked and Pecunia’s head tilted back and forth as she studied Jasper. Instead of hair, there were soft fluffy feathers that fluttered in the air as she moved. She had pointed ears that were also covered in little feathers.

  “I have some messages for you to deliver, Pecunia,” Calian said with a smile. He reached into his waistcoat and withdrew a shining silver coin. “And this is for you.” Pecunia’s eyes flashed and she slipped off the bed to approach the vampire. Her gaze was locked unwaveringly on the coin.

  “Hmm. Silver Pine. Twelve years old. Halifax Mint, West Duchy.”

  “Wow.” Jasper’s eyes widened. “How did you know that?”

  “Shinies all special,” Pecunia nodded sagely. She took the envelopes from Calian and held out her other hand for the coin. The steward smiled kindly and laid it in her tiny palm. Pecunia clutched it and swept gracefully back into her nest of pillows and blankets, whispering quietly to herself. Jasper could barely see her rubbing the silver before secreting it under one of the pillows. He caught a glimpse of several other coins and baubles hidden there as well before she covered them again and returned.

  “Will deliver letters now. May take longer, though. Weather and bad feathers slow me down.” Pecunia extended her wings and flapped them slowly, creating a light buffet of air. A few loose plumes fluttered to the ground. “Will grow back though.”

  “Don’t push yourself too hard, please,” said Jasper. “I don’t want you to be hurt just for some invitations to be on time.” Pecunia’s darting head turned back to him and she looked at his face from several angles.

  “Will be careful.” She gave her head a jerky bow and made her way over to a large window in the wall. She had a strange gait that caused her to bob forwards and backwards slightly as she walked. Pecunia tucked the letters into a little pouch on a small leather belt around her waist before opening the shutters. She ruffled her feathers and straightened herself up one last time before approaching the edge and launching out into the open air. Jasper turned to Calian, a look of wonder on his face.

  “She’s amazing.”

  “Miss Pecunia is definitely that,” the vampire nodded. “Do not mind the loose feathers much. Like many creatures, harpies shed and regrow their feathers in certain seasons. She is going through that process now but will still be able to fly.”

  “She seemed in good spirits, considering what you told me.” Calian made a morose expression.

  “She has her bad days. She was relatively talkative this morning.” Jasper glanced around the messy chamber again with a look of concern.

  “We’ll need to do something about this room if she wants to continue living here,” said the young man. “And I assume she does.”

  “It is on the docket,” Calian sighed regretfully. The pair made their way back down to Calian’s office, where they spoke at length regarding what supplies would be needed for the upcoming celebration. Even more important was the long list of work to be completed in order to make the Hall and Tower properly presentable to so many high-ranking guests. He never imagined so much work could go into hosting a party.