Ойкумена / Oikumena: Глава 17

Chapter 17
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Camrad_RIP 22.02.25 в 10:31

There were thirteen of them, a good, interesting number that promises unusual events and sudden turns of fate. Shotan loved surprises, he knew for a fact that no scheme or cunning plan ever goes as planned. And where there is a sudden moment of uncertainty, there always begins a contest of pure will, intelligence, and quick decisions. The Count loved such contests, not unreasonably considering himself a strong player in the tournament called Life.

Camrad_RIP 26.02.25 в 09:23

Shotan knew that the plan was good, that it would break down and require improvisation, and that the only question was how far the deviations and necessary corrections would go. Thirdly, it would be interesting anyway.

Camrad_RIP 26.02.25 в 09:24

So there were thirteen of them, and the Count saw through them. Young, yet not children. From poor families, but wrapped up in family pride like a tattered cloak with more holes than wool. They put on their best clothes, having cleaned and repaired them with the last of their money (but there was not enough money for the decent appearance of the servants), but they suffer terribly and secretly envy looking at Shotan and his gendarmes. They are worried about worn and darned cloth, weapons, from which all the jewelry has long ago been removed and pawned, and the treacherous gilding of noblemen's chains and rings. They want very much to look like Shotan and his men, to dress the same way, to look at the world from the heights of luxurious saddles. They will do a lot for it. Some would do anything.

Camrad_RIP 26.02.25 в 09:25

He liked them.

Camrad_RIP 26.02.25 в 09:34

The first acquaintance had already taken place, and Shotan had used his refined knowledge of etiquette and diplomacy to reproach the young men, to point out to them the difference in position, to point out the gulf separating the young, landless noblemen from the captain, a personal friend of the Emperor. Their attempts to preserve their proud self-importance were amusing in themselves, but the Count had another aim in view: to weed out at once the most ardent, the most incapable of wise restraint.

Camrad_RIP 26.02.25 в 09:26

"And now, gentlemen, we have to..." Shotan thought about what word or even a turn of phrase would be best, something beautiful, catchy, memorable. But he could not think of a word and decided there was no need to weave precious lace where a simple batiste would suffice. "Work"

Camrad_RIP 26.02.25 в 09:27

With a broad gesture, he pointed to a fascinating structure made by the palace carpenters by the Count's designs. It was a combination of a collapsible fortress and the skeleton of a not-very-complicated labyrinth. Made of boards, poles, and ropes, it apparently could be easily remodeled or even moved from place to place.

Camrad_RIP 26.02.25 в 09:30

The young men looked at each other uncertainly, trying to understand what their mentor was expecting but Shotan waved to the servants, who following the command removed the covers from the tables that had been laid out on the sand of the arena. There was a wide array of training weapons, battered but sturdy. Apparently, the Count had ordered some of his company's arsenal to be brought in. Shotan walked along the table, or rather the wide plank placed on the gantry, and ran his hand over the tried and tested weapons, as if caressing the hardwood, mottled with the marks of hundreds and thousands of blows. Some he struck, many struck him, for a warrior must exhaust himself with military training from his first to his last breath, and the earl never thought it shameful to be beaten in training.

Camrad_RIP 26.02.25 в 09:32

"I suppose you expected us to get on our horses and indulge in the amusement due to the Emperor's cronies, didn't you?" Shotan turned to the disorderly ranks and smiled, a little wryly. "The breaking of spears, beautiful flags, chilled wine, and heated infusions to temper the fervor of the soul and warm the weary parts. And, of course, fine horses from His Imperial Majesty's stables. Isn't that so? After all, your horses are too bad... if there are any."

Camrad_RIP 26.02.25 в 09:33

The confusion among the young men increased. Now the Count walked along the line of future pupils, looking inquisitively into the faces of the young men with an unblinking gaze. Shotan already knew that he would sift them like precious grains of gold through a set of sieves, separating out the empty, useless rock. He would measure and evaluate each one, like emeralds on a jeweler's precise scales, leaving only the very best. He would reject the worthless, afflicted with flaws and sins unforgivable for a warrior. And this long journey would begin today, now.

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:02

As if responding to the Count's unspoken thoughts, one of the nobles stood up straight, put his leg out, lifted his chin, and put his hands behind his back. In other words, he assumed the typical pose of an insecure person who is trying to balance the confusion of his soul with his body.

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:05

"Yes?" Shotan decided to help him with the inevitable, and at the same time shorten the wait.

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:06

"Your speeches… are devoid of the respect that we deserve by virtue of our origin and position," the guy said proudly. What was it… Damn, he forgot, or rather, he never remembered it. Shotan preferred not to litter his memory with useless knowledge for the time being. Neither the coat of arms nor the family of the young nobleman was worth knowing. For now, at least.

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:13

"It is quite possible, if you think so, then it is probably so," Shotan smiled, and then with a wide gesture pointed to the exit from the arena, silently and very eloquently, as if to say, if you don’t like it, you know where to go.

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:15

The nameless youth's face trembled, his gaze quickly jumping to the right and left, as if begging for support from his companions. They were silent, even slightly turning away, as if emphasizing: no, we are not with him. Shotan waited with the same smile, crossing his arms over his chest over the metal plate. The young nobleman suffered. He was forced to make a decisive choice in his life. The Count did not drive him away by word or deed, but a gesture... a movement of the hand is just a movement of the hand, nothing more. Now the boy had to either remain consistent and leave, or significantly lose face, immediately dropping somewhere to the last places in the general rank of young warriors.

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:18

Arrogance is a grave sin, thought Shotan. No, the quality is neither better nor worse than others; moreover, in reasonable doses, it is necessary for a man of honor, like salt, which with just a pinch seasons food. But one must understand well when and to whom it is worth demonstrating. And also not to confuse it with pride. For a young and poor cavalier, standing before a narrow crack into the shining world of powerful wealth, arrogance is an unforgivable sin and evidence of a not very sophisticated mind.

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:19

The young man finally made his decision; he bowed silently to the Count, then to both sides, to his now former companions. He turned around silently and walked towards the exit of the arena. To his credit, the cavalier tried to keep up appearances to the end, but the blow was too strong. With each step, the young man's shoulders sank lower and lower, and his feet began to scoop up loose sand.

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:21

The first, however, is unlikely to be the last. However, the Count made a note in his memory to take a closer look at the guy, perhaps invite him to dinner, and have a thoughtful conversation. A man ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of honor and principles cannot be completely hopeless. He just needs to find a reasonable use. The guy will not become a hetairoi anymore, but to serve the empire and the Count personally... why not? He just needs to figure out what capacity.

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:22

So, there are twelve of them left. Also a good number and again not final.

Camrad_RIP 26.02.25 в 11:35

"Let's get back to our studies," with these words, Shotan once again carefully looked at the line of candidates, which seemed to have straightened itself out and become more like a line. A silent question was read in the count's gaze. Does anyone else want to follow number one? But no, there were none. If anyone felt the unbearable pain of wounded pride in their souls, they successfully hid it.

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:25

"So, you dream of glory, of getting closer to the body of His Majesty, and also of the privileges, positions, and gifts that come with it. Of land, finally," Shotan said sternly.

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:26

Two infantrymen from Guyot's subordinates were passing by, apparently relieved after the night watch. Seeing what was happening, they slowed down, then stopped completely, looking around with interest. However, at a respectable distance, so as not to disturb the noble gentlemen in any way.

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:27

"And all this will be given to you," the Count unexpectedly promised. "However, not immediately. And only to the chosen ones."

Camrad_RIP 26.02.25 в 11:36

He moved along the line again, feeling the cold breeze and the dim light of the morning sun on his face. Here in Milwesse, winter ended early, and although there was still a month and a bit left until the calendar spring, the snow had melted almost everywhere, hiding in dark corners where the sun's rays did not penetrate, and in the cellars of thrifty housewives who had arranged an icehouse for the warm season.

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:28

++++"The Hetairoi, according to the ancient charter, are the guardians of His Majesty's body. This is their main and primary duty. As long as the Emperor's combat companion is alive, he is ready, at the first call or without it, to stand between the sacred person of the Bread-Giver and any danger. Neither age, nor illness, nor unhealed wounds can be grounds for failure to fulfill his duty. The Emperor, if so desired, can manifest his will and endow his faithful bodyguard with an additional duty to be performed on a permanent basis or a one-time task. But this is always secondary to the main and primary obligation. Such is the law of the Empire, which even its ruler cannot change."

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:29

Shotan looked searchingly into the boys' eyes, making sure he had created the right mood and prepared them for the inevitable. Now the time for bright words was over, the hour for real action had come.

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:30

"Sometimes the rulers are killed by despicable conspirators," the Count said, cutting off the cruel truth without hints or crookedness. The guys began to exchange glances quietly, with a silent question in their eyes.

Camrad_RIP 26.02.25 в 11:37

"And it happens not in tournaments, not under the bright sun of the arena, but in the chambers of palaces, in the quiet of temple halls, and in the streets of the city. Horses, spears, shining armor, all these things will be given to you by His grace. But later. For now, you will learn the craft of a true bodyguard. And that is exactly what it is, a hard, tedious craft. One that leaves your body sore and bruised."

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:36

The infantrymen came a little closer, one of the Count's servants bowed respectfully, and handed the gentleman a canvas pouch in which something clattered woodenly. Shotan weighed the object in his palm, then continued:

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:38

"The first thing you will do is put on your gambesons and helmets, the ones you will be given. Then each of you will draw a blind letter. It will have one of three symbols on it. This will divide you into groups of three, in random order. The first will put a sack over his head and represent the wounded person, the other two will defend him. The defenders will take the weapons from the kit," Shotan pointed to the tables with the training wood. "But not the one you like and are used to, but the one you are the worst with, and believe me, I will see if you try to cheat. The task is to guide a blind and helpless man through a maze. It's like a cramped street or castle chambers. You will be obstructed, you will be tried to “kill” by my handlers, and believe me, they are quite skilled at it."

Camrad_RIP 28.05.25 в 20:46

Shotan was well aware that he was now recalling the rumours that had been circulating quietly in certain circles that his gendarmes had played the most important role in the plot against the late Emperor Gotdua. And some directly pointed to the ‘soldier count’ as the murderer whose hand had cut short the lord's life. However, Shotan didn't care about the rumours as long as they were toothless.

Camrad_RIP 29.05.25 в 11:38

"After all the triples have passed the maze, you will draw lots again to change the composition of the groups. And we'll do it again. And again and again and again. The maze will be rearranged from time to time. The challenges will also change. For example, you may be shot at from crossbows from the first floors, bolts without tips, and your only task will be to cover your precious body with your own, enduring the pain."

Camrad_RIP 29.05.25 в 11:38

Shotan took a few steps back, the metal of his armor clinking and creaking slightly with each movement.

Camrad_RIP 26.02.25 в 11:38

"Thus, you will learn, no matter what happens, the first thing to do is to look for the nearest comrade and join forces. To fight in any environment and with any weapon. To defend your master at all costs, even sacrificing your own life. And when you have mastered this science to a decent level, only then, not before, will it be time for mounted combat."

Camrad_RIP 29.05.25 в 11:39

Shotan was silent for a moment, assessing whether these simple but wise words had achieved their purpose, had fertilised the minds of his listeners with useful thoughts. The Count's speech had come as a shock to everyone, for in essence they, true nobles, albeit low-born nobles, had been told that they would treat men of honour as if they were ordinary infantry. Most, however, accepted the rules. Most, but not all.

Camrad_RIP 29.05.25 в 11:39

"Is there something you want to tell me?" Shotan deliberately sharpened his voice, addressing the tallest gentleman, who was at the same time the best dressed. Moreover, he was the only one who appeared in full (well, almost) armour, even holding his helmet on the bend of his elbow. He was a native of the Northeast, with a mixture of blood from the savages of the far archipelago, if the combination of blond hair, sloping forehead, and hooked nose was to be believed.

Camrad_RIP 29.05.25 в 11:40

"I'm listening."

Camrad_RIP 26.02.25 в 11:38

"Yes, I wish to tell you..." The blond man glanced at the gate where the first eliminated man had already disappeared, his voice trembling slightly, betraying a traitorous doubt. And yet he made up his mind. "My dissent."

Camrad_RIP 29.05.25 в 11:41

"And in what way is it expressed?" encouraged the Count.

Camrad_RIP 29.05.25 в 11:42

Listening half-heartedly to his opponent's energetic, though somewhat confused, speech, Shotan thought about how to unfold further events. Having finally decided what to do, the gendarme simply snapped his fingers almost in the middle of the blond man's phrase, calling for the squires. The Count's gloves were very expensive, not ‘mittens’, but with a separate protection of each finger with thin chain mail and overlapping steel scales.

Camrad_RIP 29.05.25 в 11:44

"A horse," Shotan ordered. "And a lance."

Camrad_RIP 29.05.25 в 11:44

The blond man was watching the boorish Count with a sidelong glance. The infantry came closer, their curiosity undisguised, and the young men seemed to stop breathing, catching every moment, every sound.

Camrad_RIP 29.05.25 в 11:46

"Please," the Count kindly and cordially pointed to a raven-haired beauty, a premium animal with which he took payment for one battle won. The horse had been given instead of gold and was worth it.

Camrad_RIP 29.05.25 в 11:47

"I don't understand," the blond man said, taking the spear from the servant's hands. A real one, with a faceted tip designed to pierce through wrought armour.

Camrad_RIP 29.05.25 в 11:48

"You say that the exercise on foot does not justify the time spent," Shotan reminded him patiently. "For every knight is a perfect warrior in his own right, above all others."

Camrad_RIP 29.05.25 в 11:48

One of the infantrymen snorted loudly, unable to contain his laughter, and the other immediately slapped his younger colleague, reminding him of the need to remember the class differences.

Camrad_RIP 29.05.25 в 11:46

"You already have the spear, now get on your horse and kill me."

Camrad_RIP 29.05.25 в 11:49

"B-but... I can't..." The blond man turned grey, which could be attributed to the cold breeze, though the Count wouldn't have bet on it. "Your Lordship."

Camrad_RIP 29.05.25 в 11:49

The young man was silent and bit his lip, obviously solving a difficult dilemma for himself. It was not necessary to order a horoscope to realise that the Count was provoking his opponent, and that he was seeking a real fight, and under unequal conditions. The young man had already lost; if he had fought Shotan, everyone would agree that it was not a great honour to defeat a man on foot. And if it is the other way round, it is a disgrace, not to say indelible, but it will be remembered for years. But why did the Count intend to stake his life, or at least his health, on it?

Camrad_RIP 29.05.25 в 11:50