Burchard raised his arms over his head and stretched before sliding out from the bench. “That was delicious. Thanks!” he called into the kitchen. Gathering up their empty dishes, Burchard deposited them into the sink before heading back outside.
When they reached the sword training yard, they unbuckled their scabbards and went through a series of stretches.
“Are we running first?” Ruschmann asked.
“Yeah, how about just two laps. I’d like to help the pages some too,” Burchard replied.
Ruschmann nodded and they took off at a run, keeping their pace steady. As they ran around the castle grounds, Burchard forced himself to let go of all his concerns over his father’s actions.
Burchard and Ruschmann sheathed their swords and walked over to the rows of pages. Sir Foxbright was leading the third- and fourth-year pages through sword drills, while an injured Captain Edward Russell was carefully supervising the first- and second-year pages on the archery range from a chair.
Sir Foxbright motioned for them to come over. “Squire Burchard, would you please walk the line and make any necessary corrections?”
Burchard bowed before he made his way down the first line of pages. Here and there, he had to adjust a page’s stance. A couple of them were so misaligned that he wasn’t sure how they weren’t just whacking their neighbors. Occasionally during the week the pages had been in residence, Sir Foxbright had asked either him or Ruschmann to walk the lines and help the pages. Much to his surprise, Burchard found he really enjoyed helping the pages and seeing their excitement when they finally understood what they were doing wrong and how to fix it.
Burchard was about to walk past Armand when Fang’s warning howl pierced the air. Burchard leapt out of the line away from the pages, trying to pinpoint where Fang was. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw Ruschmann’s gaze settle on the open gate. Yanking his sword out, Burchard sprinted out the gate and slid abruptly to a halt, almost falling on top of Fang, who was running toward him.
Burchard ran a hand along her back, trying to steady himself. He was shocked when he could feel Fang shaking. Tearing his eyes from the wolf, he looked where she had come from and began cursing. Swaying to regain his balance, he shouted, “Shut the gate! Shut the gate!”
Burchard ran as fast as he could, but it didn’t feel fast enough as he watched the gate slowly close. He slid through and collapsed just as it slammed shut.
Fang licked his face, and he grabbed handfuls of her fur, pulling her close. They were both shaking.
“What’s wrong?” Ruschmann asked, looking perplexed.
“It’s coming!” Burchard shouted.
Sir Foxbright was staring at him. “I ordered the gate shut as you requested…but there’s nothing out there.”
“The blackness is approaching!” Burchard spat, his temper flaring.
Sir Foxbright gave him a sympathetic look. “I didn’t say I don’t believe you, but none of us can see whatever you and Fang saw.”
Burchard took Ruschmann’s offered hand and ran up the stairs onto the wall, taking two or three at a time. “There’s nothing there,” he said in surprise. The big black wall that had been approaching at sickening speed was nowhere to be seen.
“What on earth is going on?” Ruschmann asked.
“I swear to you I saw it!” Burchard growled.
Fang echoed his growl, but hers continued as she peered out over the wall.
Ruschmann ran a tentative hand along Fang’s back. Burchard watched his friend uncertainly.
“Fang, can you still see the blackness?” Ruschmann asked.
Fang nodded.
Burchard stared as his friend. He had known Fang seemed smarter than most animals, but…she just answered a direct question. Did I know she could do that? he wondered.
“We know you don’t have magic, Burchard. So, what if something in Alderth Castle is blocking it?” Ruschmann asked.
“Like magical protection?” Burchard asked skeptically.
“If we’re lucky. I don’t recall the General ever saying that the castle has any magical defenses,” Sir Foxbright chimed in.
Burchard studied Sir Foxbright’s face, debating his next words. Since Sir Foxbright was also a lord, he was the highest-ranking man residing in the castle, which meant he would be giving orders leading to fight against whatever awaited them beyond the castle walls. “What would you like us to do, Sir Foxbright?”
The knight opened his mouth to respond and then snapped it shut. “Gather your armor and inform the pages to collect whatever gear they have.” Turning on his heel, Sir Foxbright walked over to the bell and rang it four times, warning any within the walls of Alderth Castle and those nearby that they were under attack and needed aid.
“Chain mail…what about shields?” Ruschmann asked as he and Burchard rushed into their barracks.
“It would probably be wise to bring the shields. Then we have them if we want them,” Burchard replied as he quickly pulled on his heavy leather pants followed by a chain mail shirt. The links quietly clicked together as it settled on his shoulders. Burchard smiled grimly. Whatever this enemy is, we will face it, he thought.
On his small armor stand was a helmet and another sword in a scabbard. He snatched the helmet and put it on his head, before his gaze fell back on the sword. It was heavier than the sword he usually used. Shrugging, he picked it up and belted it so it sat on his right hip with his usual sword on his left hip. Shield slung over his shoulder, Burchard gave one last searching look to his space before meeting Ruschmann outside.
Ruschmann stared at the second sword. “What are you doing?”
Burchard shrugged. “I thought I might need a spare.”
“What could you possibly be planning on doing that would require a spare?” Ruschmann paused and shook his head. “Never mind. Please don’t tell me.”
Burchard gave Ruschmann a smirk before they made their way back to the castle steps where Sir Foxbright wanted them to regroup. As they approached the steps, Fang reappeared at his side. Burchard looked down in surprise, realizing that the wolf had not been with him in the barracks.
