Page 6 of Theoden
I could feel my heart leap into my chest. My body was buzzing with excitement. My first mission, the day had finally come and I couldn’t be more thrilled. This was the moment I had been waiting for, training for.Thank you, God.
“When, Father?” I asked, my voice going up an octave in my enthusiasm.
“In two nights, you, Samuel, and Ashur will travel to Rome. There are reports of a blood drinker in the city. You will conduct your investigation, discover where this beast rests, and kill it. You must succeed in this mission, do you understand?” he asked me.
My heart was pounding like a drum so loudly, I could hear the rhythm banging in my ears along with the flow of my blood. I wanted this so much, to prove myself worthy. I nodded.
“Yes, Father. I would go tonight if you but let me.”
“You must not rush these things, as they are life and death—a matter of the greatest importance.”
I nodded and forced myself to take calming breaths. I was nearly lightheaded to the point of delirium. The Father was right to stay my hand.
“Precautions need to be taken… and preparations,” I stated.
He nodded. “Very good, yes. You are strong, Theodosius. Seventeen years old, you are already more powerfully built than other young men your age. You are a boy no longer. You are now a warrior and must prove yourself, as must Samuel and Ashur. Remember, you are a unit and must work as such.”
I understood what he meant by that. I was not to go off on my own, thinking I could take down this blood drinker solely because I was God’s chosen.
“Do they know about this mission?” I asked.
He shook his head. “We have told you first, as you will lead them. In two days, you three will journey farther than you have ever traveled. You will be without our guidance, the choices you make will determine if you live or die. As leader, the lives of those who travel with you are your responsibility, Theodosius.”
“Heavy weight upon my shoulders, Father,” I said. I was ready to become this warrior I had been bred to be, but wasn’t so sure I wanted to be responsible for the lives of others.
He cocked an eyebrow. “Being God’s Warrior carries such weight, my son.”
I paused to reflect on what he meant by that. If I was truly the church’s warrior sent to them by God himself, delivered on their doorstep, then yes, my cross to bear would be heavy. Nothing I couldn’t handle, as I had been born for this.
“What time do we set out, Father?” I asked, ready to get prepared.
“You will leave the day after tomorrow, and travel for two days until you reach Rome. You must not dally along the way. There is a tavern where several patrons have gone missing. That is where you will begin your investigation.”
I nodded. “Yes, Father.” I began to walk away when he stopped me.
“This quarrel you had with Samuel, do not let it unravel your focus. He will follow your lead, as will Ashur,” he said.
“I will not be unfocused, Father.”
“Not by your desires, either, Theodosius.”
“They never interfere, Father. Every day, I struggle to keep them at bay. I know they are evil, the influence of the devil trying to take me off my path. I will not let them sway me,” I said.
I had recently seen what the devil’s influence could do to weaker men. Father Quintus had caught me spying on Father Lucius with a young, male fry in the bushes three weeks ago. I had to confess, because watching them sin made me sin. I had felt feelings stir within me that would only hurt me. I didn’t want to be weak like them. I didn’t want my blessings to be cast away, because I knew my future was predestined for glory and I had to remain pure of mind, body, and soul in God’s eyes.
Although Father Quintus punished me physically for sinning, he praised me for my honesty and absolved me of my sin, as it was not too great, and he swore me to secrecy on what I’d witnessed as to not shame Father Lucius or fry Baylish. To my own shame, I was forced to admit in my confession that I wished to do the things I had seen them do, with Samuel. Which was why Father Quintus was reminding me to stay focused.
“I believe in you, Theodosius. Now, prepare for supper and then prepare for your journey,” he instructed.
I nodded and walked inside the rectory, returning to my room, where Samuel was standing by my door. “Why are you here?” I asked. I was still upset with him for being so rough with me during practice.
“I have come to offer my apologies. I should not have lost my temper when sparring with you earlier. I should not have injured you,” he said, then reached out and gently touched my shoulder where the bruise had worsened. I winced slightly from the tenderness. “Here.” He handed me a brown cloth. “It will help you heal.”
I took the cloth, the scent of mint and other herbs strong on it. I placed it to my shoulder and it immediately began to soothe the aching area.
“Thank… thank you,” I said with a nod.
He smiled. “I will see you at supper.” With that, he walked off and I entered my bedroom. I didn’t have much, never had in the way of belongings. A bed, blanket, and a desk on which to do my studies. A chair and chest for my clothing. I was never given toys like the other boys as a child, but I was allowed to play with theirs on the rarest of occasions. My room wasn’t where the other boys’ rooms were. Mine was closest to Father Quintus and Lucinius’ quarters.
I knew why. They had told me when I was young that I was special, but that was why I had to be monitored more carefully. I stripped out of my tunic and walked into the bathing room where I cleansed my body of sweat and other impurities. Afterward, I dressed in my supper tunic, tying my white belt at the waist, and joined the others in the dining area.
All the while eating supper, my mind was on our mission. My first blood drinker hunt. I would bring the church honor, as that was my true mission.
