Meuric Read Free Book Online

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    Paden nodded. “I think that you may already know everything. How about you tell me first what you remember and then I will fill in any of the gaps. Tell me first of the city itself.”
    â€œThe city that they live in is called Wardens Keep,” began the boy. “It has a five-sided outer wall with two inner walls and is surrounded by immense lands that are farmed and tilled which in turn are hidden from view by a huge and surrounding mountain range. You can only enter by invitation unless you have a charm and it is where people of faith and magick go to learn their trade. Will you ever tell me the name of those mountains, Paden?”
    â€œAbsolutely not,” laughed the Oak Seer. “I would be afraid of you just turning up. Now remember only those who are considered to be the best in their classes are invited to stay and serve the gods. Otherwise, you return to your homeland and serve the people. Now tell me of the people who live in Wardens Keep?”
    â€œNormal people?” questioned Meuric and Paden nodded. “There are a few thousand and everyone has a job. Space is limited so when they retire or can no longer work the Conclave set them up in a country of their choice and with a comfortable amount of funds.”
    â€œTell me of the Guardians.”
    â€œThey are also known as the White Knights as that is how they dress,” began the boy. “They erm… police,” he struggled over the strange word but Paden smiled and nodded encouragingly. “They police the city and the lands around it and protect the citizens and Conclave ministers whenever they leave the city on trade or on other business. Does that mean you have some with you?” Meuric could barely contain his excitement.
    Paden nodded. “I do but they are not on the island.” The boy visibly sank. “There are five of them under the command of a Guardsman but do not expect to see them in their white uniforms. This is strictly a low-key affair. Now tell me of the Troopers.”
    â€œOn each corner of the outer wall is a tower. It is here that the Troopers live. They are the military wing of the Conclave and are tasked with the protection of the Conclave Administrators, the Council of Eight and support the Knight Protectors on missions.” Meuric smiled at the mention of the “Knight Protectors”.
    Paden smiled with him. “Now for your favourite group,” he stated. “Tell me of the Protectorate.”
    â€œThey are the warriors of the gods,” said the boy excitedly. “Each of them drinks from the Gradalis when their training is complete and is bestowed with a long life, immune to poisons and granted great strength and speed. Each Knight Protector is also given three different additional magicks known as Gifts. They fight to keep our world safe from the Dark Ones in an effort to maintain The Balance. They live amongst us, there is only one to every region and their identities are known only to the Council of Eight. They only answer to the Council of Eight who in turn answer to the Religious Conviction. When they have to be seen they pretend to be emissaries for the Religious Conviction.”
    Paden nodded approvingly. “They dress as a captain in the Temple Knights. Do you know why?” Meuric shook his head. “A captain is one of the highest ranks in the Temple Knights. As a representative of the Religious Conviction, they are answerable to no one, not even kings. They are part of an organisation that the rulers of kingdoms must answer to in a sense. They cannot be refused.” The prēost laughed at the bemused expression on the boy’s face. “Let me put it this way. If the Oak Seers of this land said that the Ard-ri had turned evil and commanded the people to rise up against him what do you think would happen?”
    Meuric shrugged. “The people would fight. Oak Seers cannot be refused.”
    Paden nodded. “Exactly. Only the