Knights Apocalyptica

Chapter 38: Two Drunken Peas In A Pod

“There are those we cannot talk about, even mentioning it here is liable for the church to track me down and declare me a sinner.

But are we really humans if we ignore their suffering?

I propose a concealed effort to provide supplemental aid on a monthly basis.

Is the Goddess so inhuman as to scorn such a thing?”

- Unknown, Resource Allocation Suggestion (298, 3rd Era)

Olivia threw the door open. Gwen was on the other side of the door, but just as she was about to say something no doubt polite, Bedwyr strode past them both to the center of the room. For some reason, his brother was wearing his formals; A sharp jacket with gold trim over the top of a red dress shirt. Completed by slacks and polished pointed blacked shoes

Gwen wasn’t to be outdone by him either, wearing the clean girl’s version of the formals, which substituted the slacks for a nicely cut black skirt. Though, she’d chosen to wear bright red heels instead of the issued dress shoes.

Erec’s brother took in the scene with a passing glance, raising an eyebrow at the barely disguised drunken Garin behind the couch. Erec frowned at his brother and crossed his arms.

“Have you been drinking?” Bedwyr asked, sniffing the air and no doubt catching the scent of liquor. His eyes hardened as he looked at Erec and Garin. “Garin, stop trying to hide. I see you.”

“Ah—no worries,” Garin gave a fake laugh, standing up and swaying in his spot. “And yeah, just a bit.” He rubbed the back of his neck and tried to flash an award-winning smile. Bedwyr strode further into the room—almost acting as if he owned the place. Like he belonged here like he could do whatever he wanted.

Erec stood straighter and shot him a scowl. The last words his brother spoke to him were still echoing in his head.

“Ah, it’s a pleasure to see you.” Olivia gave a slight curtsy to both Bedwyr and Gwen. “Can I pour you some tea, perhaps?”

Gwen smirked. “Naw, but I’ll take a shot of whatever those two had. Their faces are all red, so it must’ve been good.” She pointed toward Erec and Garin.

“Ah. I’m afraid we don’t have any alcohol in this dorm; those two decided to go out and drink.” Olivia shook her head, guiding Gwen inside with her.

“Did they? Funny that. Considering why we’re here…” Gwen trailed off.

“So you’re not just here to check out your brother’s dorm—you uh, didn’t happen to see a couple of angry girls wandering by in the halls, did you?” Garin asked, eyes dancing between Gwen and Bedwyr.

“Causing problems?” Bedwyr asked.

“No, no, just had some fun, some drinks—and maybe left a little earlier than they’d like.”

“Oh, of course. I’m sure that’s all there is to that story.” Bedwyr’s eyes slid from Garin to rest on Erec. “How did you do on your exams?”

“Well enough,” Erec said and uncrossed his arms. He was painfully aware of the need to put a strong front against Bedwyr, or his brother would run him over.

“Did you get an A? Which courses were you assigned?” Bedwyr pressed him; his eyes carried a heavy weight as they judged Erec. He had no choice but to shuffle and look away under that intensity, or else he’d risk drawing out the anger under the surface.

With as frayed as he felt after the glyph training, he knew that losing himself was far too close for comfort.

“Ah, so you’re Sir Erec’s older brother,” Olivia stated, moving between him and Bedwyr. She bowed and caught Erec’s eyes for a second, clearly trying to interject and lessen the mounting tension. “I’ve heard that you made your name in the Academy and looked forward to meeting you.”

“Mhmm,” Bedwyr said, giving her a nod before returning that burning gaze towards his brother. Olivia’s attempt to redirect failed. “I have. I’m here to ensure Erec doesn’t do anything to detract from our family name. Though, it appears to be a bit late, given his performance against the Prince.”

“What, are you angry I lost?” Erec felt the anger stoke in him. “Did I not do enough to hold a candle to your legacy?”

“I’m angry that you attacked the Prince after you lost the spar.”

“I had no choice! Do you think I can control my Divine Talent—do you think I wanted to take a swing at you on a battlefield—“

"Whoa, whoa. Let's take it back a bit." Garin gave a nervous laugh, stumbling between the two. Olivia shook her head and slid next to him—holding the drunken Baron's son up. "I know you two don't get along, but there's no reason to start arguing whenever you see each other."

“A compelling point. I’ll make efforts to be more cordial.” Bedwyr said. “I was not aware you’d developed a Divine Talent. But that pressed my point forward. If it is uncontrollable, do you have courses to try to control it? Do you need additional training? I can make time in my schedule.”

That contrast. How could Bedwyr go from saying he’d crush Erec’s dreams to offering to help him a week later? It made no sense. “I’m fine. I have a course, and I’ve been doing extra training.” Erec rubbed his eyes. If Bedwyr were going to take a step back from the hostility, he’d follow suit. “Thank you for the offer. Is that why you’re here?”

“Is it not right for an older brother to visit his younger brother and ensure he’s settling well into his new life?”

“Last time we spoke, you said you’d—“ Erec cut himself off, reading the room and seeing everyone tense at his tone. Drop it for now. It was so hard. So hard when just an hour earlier, those voices haunted his head and whispered all of the horrible things about he stood up to Bedwyr. “—I’m fine. But I don’t think that’s why you’re here.”

“That would be partially correct,” Bedwyr admitted.

“We’re here to invite you to a party!” Gwen cut in, flashing a wide smile. “A lot of second years and first years will be there—it’s a good chance to mingle between the classes and Orders.”

“You will be attending,” Bedwyr stated clearly, his eyes lingering on Erec.

“I’m exhausted.” Erec shot back, having no real desire to waste his time at another function. Especially not already partially drunk and so defeated from the training with the glyph. His one solace coming back to the dorm was that he could sleep off the awful words and regain his sanity.

Garin let out a whistle; Olivia looked up at him. “We’re going! C’mon Erec it sounds like a blast” Garin said and moved a bit too fast as he got excited. Olivia caught their balance and steadied them before they fell over.

“Yes, I do believe that sounds like an excellent way to spend the night.” Olivia managed to get out after ensuring that Garin was once more leaning securely against her. “…Though, I think I’ll need to sober up these two beforehand.”

“I’m not going.” Erec started heading towards his room—only for Bedwyr to dart between him and the door. Though he was a couple of inches shorter, his brother took up too much space and ensured Erec wouldn’t get by. Not without a fight

“Calm down. Goddess above, Erec. You’re too much like her. Do you know what people are saying about you?”

“No. I don’t really care much, either. I’m training and doing my best. What other people talk about isn’t my concern.”

“They say you’re a mad Knight with no regard for honor.” Bedwyr shook his head. “A boy too dumb to respect status and too dangerous on a battlefield to be relied on. Is that the reputation you want? As a loner without honor? Were you not my brother, the rumors would be even worse.”

Erec shifted his eyes towards Garin—who looked away and leaned in more on Olivia, taking advantage of her help to distract himself and refusing to address his friend’s attention.

“So you’re here to admonish me for that too? I’m oh-so-sorry, Bedwyr; I don’t mean to tarnish your golden reputation.”

“Erec. Drop it.” Bedwyr puffed up his chest, danger entering his eyes. “If you don’t, I’ll make you.”

Erec paused, feeling that hot anger grow under his skin. He wanted to hurt Bedwyr, to make his brother angry. To get a measure of revenge against him for abandoning their family and refusing to talk about Mom. For everyone who ever compared him to his brother. So bad. So badly did he want to get under his skin and get a measure of revenge.

But it was pointless.

Bedwyr was offering a helping hand, and he was shunning it because he felt spiteful.

This was no way to live life. No matter what his Divine Talent drew out, he wasn't a mad Knight.

One… Two… Erec counted off in his head, letting the tension drain away. Bedwyr sensed the shift, as he backed away. Scratching the back of his head. There was embarrassment on his face. Unhappy that he’d let his little brother rile him up this far. …Ten. Erec softened his expression and frowned.

“I’m sorry. I’ve been out of line.” Erec admitted. “Can you forgive me?”

“It’s fine. After a year apart and the terms we last left, I can forgive abrasion as we learn to live near one another again.” Bedwyr rolled his eyes. “I came to invite you and your friends, and I highly suggest you attend the party. You should take care of your public image in this place. Some of these people will one day become future Lords, Dukes, and Earls. But I won’t force you.”

“I’ll go.” Erec agreed, though inside, he dreaded the event already. Bedwyr nodded and moved back to Gwen, pacified. His brother folded his arms and refused to meet Erec’s eyes.

“Tell us about this party.” Olivia said to Gwen, her eyes lit up.

“Ah, yeah,” Gwen mumbled before shaking her head and flashing the other girl a smile. “Pretty much this is an annual affair. They rent a ballroom in the main Academy every year. There’ll be music, food, drinks—though perhaps the two boys have had enough of that tonight—but make sure you show up in your formals.” Gwen spilled out, growing more cheerful with each sentence. The tension in the room cleared and gave way to excitement of the two girls and Garin. “It’s tonight. We were just stopping by before heading to it.” She smiled at Bedwyr. “I suggest you all prepare and head over soon.”

“Ah, so I see. Is it common for people to take dates?” Olivia asked. Gwen flushed a little, but the comment didn’t shake her.

“They aren’t required, but they do make it a bit more fun…”

The two slipped into a brief conversation, and after Olivia obtained all of the details, his brother and Gwen left.

Erec wasn’t happy he had to attend a party. He wanted to rest and recover from the hell that had been training. But, this was an extended hand from Bedwyr. A gesture of good faith, perhaps. He bit back his complaints and prepared himself mentally.

Except, he wouldn’t be wandering into this battle alone. Garin and Olivia didn’t count since they were made for this kind of thing. No.

Erec stared at Colin’s closed door. If he had to wade into the battlefield of courtly politics and evening get-togethers, it wasn’t fair that he’d be the only one forced to attend.

After throwing on his formals and having Olivia fuss over him and Garin, he slammed his knuckles on Colin’s door.

If he had to suffer, so did Colin.