‘Authority,’ Kobin gave a small chuckle. ‘I know not what you speak of. Perhaps it is a reflection of yourself that you see.’
‘You try your luck. You are not so new to our order, Callibrian, but I will forget this for all that you have given to us.’
Kobin was silent in his stare, as if he had not even heard Alkon’s warning. Alkon waited a moment for a response, but soon turned away when it seemed it would not come. It made him wonder at the unanswered questions he still had about Kobin—why he failed to address superiors in the proper manner, why his tone contained such arrogance and disrespect, how he could live like this, and why he had helped them at all.
At first, much of it had appeared as cultural difference. Now, he was not so sure. There had been countless newcomers to the Alliance, but all had learnt the proper customs in a matter of weeks. This man had taken years and still failed to show any sign of change. He was distant, away in another world, but his words often revealed that he was more than aware of what was around him. Alkon could not decide if what he possessed was a threat or an asset to the Alliance. He had helped in many ways already, but if he were given an army to command, what then? Would he hold as strongly on the battlefield as he did in person? Would he be able to earn enough respect to be able to send men to their potential deaths with his apparent ignorance? The High Council of the Alliance had already shown great interest in him. They seemed to believe him capable, but would anyone else?
‘I do not understand why you would want to be rid of all this,’ said Alkon, nodding to the trees. ‘The land here is beautiful.’
Again there was no response. Kobin’s eyes continued to wander about as if nothing had been said.
Alkon turned to face him. ‘I am sorry to hear of your companion’s fall,’ he said. ‘He was a good man.’
‘You would find no better,’ said Kobin darkly.
‘On that, I do not doubt you. He would have made a fine addition to the Alliance.’
Kobin seemed to have no objection, and both became silent once more. It was only when Alkon moved to walk away that Kobin spoke again.
‘No more could I stand this life,’ he said.
Alkon stopped and turned back slowly. ‘Does it not pain you to see your home in ruin?’ he asked.
‘This was not my home. My home is the future. I wish only to build anew.’
Alkon nodded in understanding. ‘For your service, I will see to it that once we have finished, this land will be given to you.’
Kobin shook his head. ‘If I were an artist, the world would be my canvas. That is why I have joined you and your order. With your help, my dream may be possible.’
‘Your wish is to change the world?’
‘It cannot go on this way.’
‘Ah!’ said Alkon with a smile, clapping Kobin on the back. ‘It is good to see others who share our dream joining with us. You will do well here, my friend. Together, we will create a better place. Come to my quarters later, the High Council has given orders for you to begin private lessons with one of our leading commanders.’
Kobin bowed slightly in gratitude, and Alkon turned to walk away once again. But he had walked no more than five steps when Kobin called out in a hushed tone, ‘Halt!’
Alkon turned quickly in surprise at the order, ready to gently remind him of the proper manner in which to address a superior, but held his tongue when he noticed Kobin looking down over the walls of the fort. Kobin was signalling for Alkon to come forward.
‘What have you seen?’ asked Alkon curiously.
‘Look, there, between the ferns,’ said Kobin, pointing.
‘I don’t see anything.’
‘I saw movement. Someone is down there.’
Kobin quickly walked to the nearest lookout tower and climbed the ladder awkwardly, returning shortly after with a rifle over his shoulder. Without looking at Alkon for assurance, he leaned against the railing and took aim through the sight.
‘A survivor. A boy,’ said Kobin.
‘Shoot to kill,’ ordered Alkon. ‘We have no need for more slaves.’
Kobin gave a slight nod as he increased pressure on the trigger. Alkon watched his movements intensely. He had never seen Kobin kill another man or participate in any battles. He had always been elsewhere, either communicating with the High Council or speaking with his travelling companion. This would be a test of his character, of his loyalty to the Alliance. To kill one of his own people, a teenager at that, would show his commitment.
‘Why do you hesitate? Load and fire,’ said Alkon.
Kobin gave him a look of irritation before turning back to the young man below, lining up the shot.