Page 3 of Theoden
CHAPTER ONE
Seven Years Later
“Come now, young Theodosius, it is time for your training,” Father Lucinius beckoned to me.
“Yes, Father,” I called out. I had been playing dice with Samuel in the courtyard and not faring well. It always seemed as though God favored Samuel over me, as he always won at dice.
“I wonder if I will defeat you at training today?” Samuel asked, a bright smile on his face.
I laughed. “You may have me at dice, but I have you at training.” The boast I gave only seem to make Samuel more determined as he raced me to Father Lucinius.
“Whoa there, lads. I fear you may tumble me with such robust speeds,” Father Lucinius said, hands outstretched before him to halt us.
We both came to a screeching halt and laughed at the thought of knocking down Father Lucinius. No doubt, we’d be in for a fair disciplining later. It wasn’t worth it. Father Lucinius wasn’t as old as Father Aurelius, with his balding, gray hair. Father Lucinius was nice and had black hair with a little gray in it. He was also very tall, which made him look rather grand. I hoped to one day be as tall as he was.
Father Lucinius placed his hands on both of our tiny shoulders. “Lads, you are growing stronger every day. It is pleasing to God and to the Bishop.”
I looked up at him. “Will we be able to hunt the blood drinkers soon, Father?”
He smiled down at me. “Not yet, my eager little warrior.” He ruffled my hair. “But soon, when the time comes, you will.”
That made me happy. I knew from my teachings that blood drinkers were the devil’s curse on the world. A demon belched from the bowels of hell, and weak men had allowed it to flourish. To breed and feed, and it was the church’s sworn and noble duty to end their scourge.
I was only twelve, but in a few more years, I would be ready to take the mantel of holy warrior, a title I was very anxious to live up to. Father Lucinius led us to the training yard, where Magnus and Lucius were already wrestling with each other. Father Quintus was motioning for me and Samuel to join them, so we did. I followed his instructions as I sparred with Samuel, who was a year older than I was.
His body had already developed fine muscles that I saw clearly under his sweat-slicked skin. He made me feel emotions I knew were forbidden. Being near him made my body feel things that made the heat rise within me. Samuel was very handsome with his blond, sun-kissed hair, blue eyes, and soft, red lips. It was hard training with him some days. Today was one of those days where the organ between my legs ached to break free of its shackle. Samuel took advantage of my distraction and pinned my shoulders to the ground, gaining the first point.
“Theodosius, concentrate. If you are battling an enemy, being distracted will cost you your life,” Father Quintus admonished.
“Apologies, Father,” I replied, then tried to focus very hard on defeating Samuel. I’d lost to him enough today as it was. The next time we locked limbs, I was the victor, and the time after that. Today was all physical training; tomorrow, we would be training with daggers. Every day was a new lesson. We studied philosophy, religion, arithmetic, and biology during the day and weapons and fighting in the afternoon. At night, we ate dinner, then said our prayers before bed.
Hours passed by as I began to grow tired, as did the other boys. Finally, Father Quintus released us from our combat training. We were to bathe, then meet in the dining hall for dinner. I praised Samuel on his one victory over me, but that seemed to anger him as he slapped my hand away from his shoulder and stormed off into the rectory. The others followed behind him, leaving me standing alone with Father Quintus, who took me by my shoulders.
I looked up at him. “Why is he angry with me?” I asked, frowning.
“Young Theodosius, do not concern yourself with such things. Young Samuel must learn to better counter your moves. You must maintain your focus on being your best. For you are special, lad. Your destiny is filled with so much promise…so much opportunity. You will become the church’s greatest warrior, but you must always apply thyself to the task.”
“I will,” I said. “I want to serve the church and God.”
He nodded. “God delivered you to our doorstep for this purpose. But even being born to serve the lord, you must work hard to always please him. You must give your life to the church and God’s mission. Do you understand, Theodosius?”
I nodded. “Yes, Father Quintus. I swear I will be the greatest warrior.”
“And when you swear to God, it is a promise that cannot be broken,” Father Quintus warned.
I nodded. “Yes, yes, I swear.”
He smiled as he released my shoulders and patted me on my head. “That is good, my boy.”
I was going to walk away, but he placed his hand on my chest, halting me. I looked up at him. “Yes, Father?”
“What happened today during your training when you lost advantage?”
Embarrassed by my reaction to Samuel, I turned my head. “It was nothing, Father.”
“Lying is a sin, Theodosius.”
“I… I…” I felt my shame increase as Father Quintus glared down at me.
