A Game of Stones

[Corey LeMoine]

Life at the Black Tower was not altogether uncomfortable for Lir Gilbearn. The organization was essentially a freestanding military whose allegiance was to the Dragon Reborn, and Lir had spent his whole youth readying himself for a military career. The biggest difference between the Asha'man and the Queens Guards in Caemyln was one of discipline. The Tower was simultaneously more and less strict than the Guards had been. The soldiers for instance were kept on a strict leash, worked nearly to death and pushed even harder than that when it came to channeling Saidin, while those raised to full Asha'man were given a great deal of freedom to pursue their own interests. The punishments here were definitely different. Lir had seen a young man whipped to bleeding with flows of air for a prank that had gotten out of hand, and he shuddered to think of what the Black Tower did to those it deemed 'traitor'.

 

Channeling itself had gotten easier in the several weeks since he first touched the True Source. Sure he still had to eat the occasional charred sausage or bowl of cold porridge for breakfast, but he found Saidin most of the time that he attempted to seize it. One thing that frustrated Lir was just how much work he had to put into the process. He'd grown up feeling generally smarter than most of his playmates, and generally quicker if not necessarily more athletic. He'd taken well to his studies, and sword forms came easily to him. He had never before taken up a task and not excelled at it, but channeling took from him everything he had to give. Learning to see weaves and differentiate the five powers had been an extended exercise in aggravation. Handling multiple weaves was still beyond him, and he was only now getting the trick of tying off weaves. At least he was possessed of the dogged stubbornness endemic to the Andoran people, and spent nearly his every waking moment working to gain more skill with the Power.

 

This morning was as cold as most as Lir rolled out of his bunk. He stood shivering in his small clothes, waiting in line behind the other soldiers for the small basin that they shared. When it was his turn, he filled the basin with icy water and assumed the void. He seized Saidin and wrestled with the invigorating force of it. It was so very vast and wonderful to hold, and yet he felt as if every moment he were about to be consumed. He drew in nearly as much as he could for the sheer joy of it, but as always the taint nearly gagged him. He wove a thin line of fire around and through the water, counting three seconds before letting the weave disperse. He'd learned quickly that with five soldiers behind him there was no time to wait for water to cool down. He shaved quickly and returned to his bunk to don the uniform that was now the only way he really imagined himself dressing. He maintained the void, he did so as often as possible of late, even when not holding Saidin. He supposed that he'd probably picked up some of the stiff reserve that many of the men held themselves with here. He could live with that, there was a certain amount of detachment one had to have in this place. He'd seen several of his peers turned out after burning out, and at least one fellow killed by rock shrapnel. He particularly disliked that one, the light would need every willing soul come the Last Battle

 

Today was a good morning though, he had a bit of time to himself between early exercises and mid day patrol. He opened the small trunk at the foot of his bunk. It was here that he kept his prized possession, the second of two items from his previous life that he had been allowed to keep. The first hung at his side. In the trunk was a six volume study on the lives and battles of the Five Great Captains and the Hawking. Usually he spent his painfully small amount of free time studying those six books but today he was after a different goal. Rolled up on top of the books was a cloth stones mat and little baggy full of black and white stones.

 

He made his way down the main street towards the heralded inn, much talked about but rarely seen by the lowly soldiers. While they were not permitted inside, and light how he wished for a good bottle of wine, there were a few tables in the open space around the building. Lir nodded to the various folk that passed him by, and diligently saluted any man with silver on his throat. Many of the people were civilians who lived within the walls, sometimes family members and sometimes folks who had nowhere to go once they learned they could not channel. Lir chose one of the tables with just two seats and rolled out his mat. He emptied the stones onto the table and arranged them into their starting positions. He had tried to come out here at least once a week and get in a nice game or two of stones. He was determined to get to know the other men of the Tower, convinced that camaraderie was the one aspect of a truly effective military force that the Asha'man lacked. And so he waited with the game of stones ready before him.

[Clepto]

Gavin pulled on his coat, then strapped his sword on as he prepared to go out. He had a bit of free time, so he was on his way to meet Haver for their mostly-daily sparring matches. Bloody swords.

 

Their sparring place was just outside the unfinished wall, but it was on the other side of the grounds from the Soldier dorms, so the walk was rather long. Straightening his coat and baldric, Gavin stepped out into the cold to go meet Haver. The large Saldean met up with Gavin near the Inn, as their path went by there on the way to their spot. Walking together, they passed the inn, but something caught Gavin's eye.

 

Sticking his head back around the corner of the building, Gavin saw Lir sitting alone at a table in front of the Inn with a stones board. "Haver, I have to miss our match today." The big man raised an eyebrow. "I haven't had a game of stones in forever," Gavin replied. "You're welcome to watch if you wish. Besides, I think you're about to break my practice blade with your clubbing around."

 

Haver laughed, "No, you're about to break your practice blade by blocking when you should be dodging. Anyway, I've got some things to do. Enjoy your game, Gavin." Haver strode off, and Gavin shook his head. That man will be the death of me yet.

 

Gavin strode up to the table that Lir occupied. He recognized the man as another Soldier, but they hadn't met yet. Lir had come to the Tower only a few days after Gavin, but their sword training had been the first time Gavin had seen him. "Mind if I sit?" he asked. Not waiting for an answer, he sat at the empty chair across from Lir, grinning as he adjusted his cloak and sword. "I haven't had a game in what seems like ages. My name is Gavin, by the way. Gavin Mortisane. Gleeman, ladies man, and Soldier, though not necessarily in that order." Eyes twinkling with mirth, Gavin stuck out his hand to the other Andorman across the table.

[Corey LeMoine]

Lir watched as the gleeman cum soldier approached his table. From what Lir had been able to find out,the fellow had only been at the Tower for a few days longer than himself. He was an Andorman, something particularly common considering their location, and was of an age with Lir himself. From what he could remember, the gleeman had not fared particularly well during weapons class, perhaps he should offer to help out with his and Haver's practice sessions.

 

"I haven't had a game in what seems like ages. My name is Gavin, by the way. Gavin Mortisane. Gleeman, ladies man, and Soldier, though not necessarily in that order."

 

Lir smiled, even within the coldness of the void, it was good to hear someone retain their sense of humor in this place. Gavin had a strong voice, and Lir thought that it would be pleasant in song. He shook the other young man's hand.

 

"Lir Gilbearn, formerly of the house Gilbearn, soldier by trade until I became a Soldier." He nodded to the stones table. "I had to trade three days of stall mucking to get those stones off a dedicated, so by all means I intend to see that they get used."

 

Lir rotated the board so that Gavin could use the black stones and thus go first, and advantage given as token of friendship. He watched to see how Gavin reacted, some men were very proud and would be offended at the offer. Others would be shrewd and try to guess at the reasoning. It was said that you could learn more about a man by playing stones with him than talking for hours. Of course you could do both at the same time.

 

"So tell me Soldier Gavin, what could bring a showman to this particular lot in life? It seems a rather complicated way to gain access to preform at yonder inn." He smiled and gestured towards the forbidden inn of soldier legend.

[Clepto]

"So tell me Soldier Gavin, what could bring a showman to this particular lot in life? It seems a rather complicated way to gain access to preform at yonder inn."

 

Gavin smiled down at the stones board when Lir offered him the first turn. While not an excellent player, Gavin was definitely an aggressive one, and preferred first turn anyway. He seized the Power and used Air to place his first stone. The table shook slightly as he laid the stone with a bit more force than he intended. While his control over the Power had improved since that first day, he still had a ways to go. He could only hope he didn't damage the board that Lir had apparently worked hard to acquire.

 

"Well, Lir," Gavin began, "Others have already heard my spiel, but I guess you deserve to hear it too." He waited for Lir to place the first white stone before continuing. While many people talk during games, Gavin always thought it rude to interrupt the other player. "I came here because of my sister. She was taken from me in Tear, so I joined up with the recruiters there. Eventually, I will return to Tear, and justice will be mine." Gavin placed his next stone, then waited for Lir's move before continuing.

 

"As far as performing in the inn, well, that's not likely to happen. You see, I'm only partially a gleeman. My sister was the other part. I can do tricks and such, and tell stories, but she had the music. We performed together. Without her, I'm afraid you wouldn't get much of a show." Another stone went down. "That is, if I were even allowed into the Inn."

 

Neither of them spoke for a few minutes, both concentrating on the game. Lir had said little during Gavin's explanation, and Gavin quickly saw why. Looking down, Gavin saw that despite his aggressive start, he was losing. Well, he was only a fair player by anyone's standards, but it was apparent that Lir had some skill. "House Gilbearn. What part of Andor is that? I'm not familiar with your family," Gavin said, trying to strike up further conversation. Lir seemed like a good enough fellow, and Gavin genuinely wanted to get to know him better.

[Corey LeMoine]

Lir watched Gavin play from the confines of the void. The young man played reasonably well, he had good instincts and tried to keep the initiative, he simply kept getting distracted, or moved to early. His tale was not dissimilar to many of those in the tower. A quiet and peaceful existence did not lead many men to their certain death and madness. Lir channeled a small weave of air to move one of his white stones to capture a black one, it took a second try to get the piece onto the right cross.

 

"House Gilbearn. What part of Andor is that? I'm not familiar with your family." Lir rose an eyebrow at the inquiry. It had been his experience these past weeks that most folks in the Tower rather looked down on nobility. After all, with the Power, a farmer could be the equal of any lord. Then again, Gavin may have more interest due to his own nationality.

 

"Gilbearn, the Bronze Boar of the north. My grandmother Seargase owns several mines in the north, though my particular branch of the family was well removed from the house seat. Staunch Queens men the lot of us though." The pride in his voice did not match the dawning look of remorse on his face. "At least until I swore allegiance to the Lord of the Morning. Well it is said that the Dragon Reborn severs all ties is it not?"

 

The wind picked up, threatening to blow the little mat off the table, and Lir hastily wove a small shield of air to protect it. He smiled at the success, no matter how small. "Essentially my father could spare just enough coin on me to get me into the Queens Guards." He removed one of his own pieces when Gavin made another bold attack. The game was winding towards its conclusion. "I've always wanted to be soldier, long as I can remember. But Gavin I'll tell you this, when the shadowspawn come boiling out of the blight..." He shrugged, "Well both Towers, white and black will need to be ready. Steel counts for only so much."

[Clepto]

Steel counts for only so much.

 

That statement seemed to echo in Gavin's head. "You speak truth my friend. True enough anyway." Gavin studied the board carefully. The game was winding down, and Lir was going to win. Well, aggressive play will only get you so far. He's a noble. They're usually raised on this sort of thing. Gavin still had a couple moves left though, so he'd play it out to the end.

 

"That must be why I've not heard of your house, Lir," Gavin said as he was pondering his next play. "I'm Andoran by birth, and spent my first several years here, but once we started traveling with our father, we spent little time in Andor. Once a year, we stopped at Whitebridge for a few days at my father's behest. I suspect he's from there originally. The town I was born in is near Baerlon somewhere, but it's so small I doubt it has a name."

 

He placed a stone, then thought better of it, but he had already removed his flow of Air from the piece, so left it there. He waited patiently for Lir to make another move. There were only a few possibilities, and none of them good. For Gavin. He was ahead, but only slightly, and any move on Lir's part would have him take the lead. Once it was Gavin's turn again, he continued, "Anyway, as much as I've traveled, I'm not well traveled, so to speak. Spending one's life on the road is a good life, but small towns and villages hold more attraction for gleemen than cities. I've only been to Caemlyn once, and never further north." He placed a stone. "But, that's another good way to look at our situation here. 'Join the Black Tower! Fight for the Light and the Lord Dragon! See the world! Or what's left of it once we all go mad and break it again!'"

 

Gavin couldn't help but laugh at his joke. For all that some people were touchy on the subject of men channeling, he had made peace with himself over it. He had already made his choice, and would see it through to the end. Much like this game of stones.

[Corey LeMoine]

Something in Gavin's comments struck a chord somewhere deep in Lir's head. Join the Black Tower! Fight for the Light and the Lord Dragon! See the world! What was it about that statement that made him think of his book on Rodel Ituralde. He made a note to remind himself later. The gallows humor about madness did not bother him, it was something of a specialty here on the Tower grounds, and if a man could not make light of the taint what hope did he have.

 

Staring down at the stones, Lir contemplated making a suboptimal play to draw out the game, he was enjoying the conversation. In the end, he couldn't bring himself to do it. Perhaps he was as guilty of pride as any man here in his own way. Just like forswearing his titles could not strip away a lifetime of self image.

 

"To be fair, not many at court have probably heard of my house. Still, you have seen much of the world and had many different experiences. If we live long enough to be put on recruitment duty you will have a leg up on me then." He placed white stone in the optimal position to capture most of the remaining black ones."

 

Lir glanced up at the sun, it was a good idea to end the game soon anyway. Asha'man Tolliver would do unpleasant things to him if he showed up late for mid day patrols. "Let me know if you and Haver ever need another sparing partner. I've been thinking of ways to incorperate Saidin with swordplay. I've been watching some of the dedicated getting ready for their duels."

[Clepto]

Let me know if you and Haver ever need another sparring partner. I've been thinking of ways to incorporate Saidin with swordplay. I've been watching some of the dedicated getting ready for their duels

 

Gavin scooped the stones off the board with the Power, and dropped them into his hand, not trusting himself with moving them into the bag without breaking something. Putting the stones away, he handed both the bag and the rolled up game board back to Lir. "Thank you for the game Lir. It's been a long time," Gavin said. "We should do this more often. As far as another sparring partner, we'd be happy to have you." Gavin laughed. "Well, I'd be happy to not get beaten with a lathe repeatedly, at any rate. And I'm sure Haver would enjoy fighting with someone with skill."

 

They shook hands, and parted. Gavin's free time was almost up, and he had to grab a bite to eat before his next duty. As he walked back towards the dorm, Haver rejoined him. "You have a good game Gavin?" the large man asked. Gavin laughed. "I lost, but I had a great game. Tell me, do you play?" It was Haver's turn to laugh this time.

 

"No Gavin, I don't. I have no head for strategy. Nor do I have patience." Gavin thought for a moment. "Haver, how do you feel about Lir joining us in our sparring on occasion? I think I might enjoy watching you get thumped around the field for a change." Haver laughed again. "Whatever you say Gavin."

 

They parted ways again in front of the dorm. Haver was headed to another saidin basics class. The man could channel, but he had trouble grasping at the Source. Gavin could empathize. He had his own problems on occasion, though it was with swordplay. Speaking of swords, I should hurry on to the armory. I'd hate to be late. for polishing duty. Gavin chuckled to himself. Join the Black Tower, polish swords for the Lord Dragon!