The Stonehearted Knight

The people in the temple didn't know how to react. What was supposed to be a simple ritual had turned into a shocking event.

The crowd could almost be grouped based on the expression they wore as they looked at Hex and his mark.

The majority of the people had a look of awe and admiration. Before today many of them had not even heard of Hex, but now he was already a Blessed one.

The people in the front rows were either the elite of Grindeston or represented the elite. They looked pensive. After all, each new Blessed could potentially tip the town's power balance towards or against them.

Hex's case put them in a dilemma. It was a chance as well as a risk.

Usually the Blessed came from the elite, so they were in one of the factions, even before they participated in the ritual. So, an unrecruited Blessed was a hot piece of pie.

But there were risks. Hex was an outsider. The lower district might not care but to the upper district it mattered. They considered Grindeston theirs. They couldn't allow an outsider to have such power.

But the bigger concern was Hex's current background. He represented the slums. His success would inspire many to try. This could threaten their position.

The hooded figures in the corner didn't show much, but the smirk on the face of the guy in the middle made it clear that he was quite amused.

"Priestess, this is a miracle." The old temple clerk whispered behind the priestess. He seemed elated. The other clerks at the back shared his sentiment.

A poor boy overcoming the odds could only be made possible by the grace of heavens. At least, the clerks believed so.

The priestess however didn't join their celebration. A strange gleam passed through her eyes as she looked at Hex. "Miracle," she whispered, barely audible.

Hex shocked everyone so much that no one looked even once towards the baron. So no one noticed that the baron's calm expression was gone. His forehead creased. He even seemed to clench his jaws.

There were of course also some who looked in disbelief, anger and envy. They couldn't accept that Hex got something they didn't.

….

Hex didn't notice any of these. He was in agony. He could barely stand. If the monolith retracted, he would fall on the floor.

Despite the pain, his gaze remained firm. He studied the mark on the back of his hand.

The mark was in the shape of a triangle with all three lines colored red. But that was not all.

There were additional lines inside the triangle, creating a pattern. Hex's eyes widened when he recognized the pattern.

'Why is that bear inside my mark? Is this sabotaging me?'

Hex was familiar with the basic mark a person received when bestowed with a blessing, but he had never seen additional marks inside.

The triangular shape was the standard shape for those below the Knight Class. Each additional blessing overlapped each other creating a triangle with thicker lines.

"You! You cheated, right?"

Hex looked up. Leem stood right in front of him and stared at him.

'Not this shit again.'

"Good luck proving it," Hex said with a wink. "Now, move away." He let the monolith go and pushed Leem.

Thud!

Leem flew to the side, landing on the hard floor. Hex paused and looked at his hand. He was surprised by his own strength.

'Is he weaker than I thought or are Blessings supposed to increase strength?' Hex realized once again that he needed someone to train and teach him. There was a lot he didn't know.

Leem whimpered in pain, but Hex didn't bother with him. He stepped forward to face the crowd. It was time for the main part of his goal.

"Respected Knights and representatives. My name is Hex…Hex Darkenmane."

Hex greeted the people in the front rows. They were the ones who could truly lift him upward. They all watched intently at the newest Blessed of Grindeston.

Right now it didn't matter how they felt about Hex. As per tradition a newly Blessed' plea for tutelage had to be heard with respect.

Hex felt nervous. No matter how much he hated the upper layer of the town, he knew he needed help. He wouldn't be able to grow much without proper tutelage.

"I am an orphan. My last name was given by the cloister. Many consider me an outsider, and my black hair does support that. But, I was raised here, in this town. Grindeston is part of me and I am a part of it."

Hex's voice shouted the last part. It was almost as if he wished to convince himself of it too.

"I have studied in the cloister, I have hunted in the mountains, I have lived in the slums. Even without a Blessing I have faced adversaries stronger than me. So, just think, with your guidance, what can't I do?"

His demeanor had changed. Hex looked imposing as he faced the crowd. He looked right at them.

"Knights of Grindeston. I, Hex Darkenmane, implore you all. Guide me. Sharpen my blade. And I will kill everything that dares lay harm to this town and its people!"

Silence.

Everyone eyed each other. Hex stood straight and waited. Whoever accepted him as their Squire had a chance now to speak up.

Time passed. But no one spoke. Hex knew his chances to gain tutelage inside the town was low, but he still wanted to try. But it seemed that there would be no miracles this time.

"Kid, join us," suddenly a voice said from out the corner.

Hex and everyone else turned their heads. A group of hooded figures stood up and walked to the middle. The person in the middle lowered his hood.

It was a middle aged guy, with dark brown hair and a full beard. His eyes twinkled as he looked at Hex.

"You are?" Hex asked curiously. There was no doubt these guys were travelers. Hex had never met or seen them. He was glad that someone wanted him, but he wouldn't join just anyone.

"We are roaming Knights. We go where our heart wishes."

'That sounds cool. I can visit many places. But I need to verify whether I can trust them.'

The prospect of seeing the world was very attractive. That was one of his goals. Of course he still wanted to prove himself to the baron.

"Wait," just as Hex wanted to look at the baron, the priestess interjected.

"Ronan, you know the rules. A Blessed can only join someone out of their town, when their place doesn't want or can't provide proper tutelage."

The priestess sounded cold and curt towards the guy named Ronan. Hex frowned at the priestess. Didn't she see that no one wanted him?

"My apologies. But is there someone who wants him?"

Ronan laughed and looked around. Everyone looked away. The priestess seemed furious at them, but she couldn't force it. The temple didn't have any say in this matter.

Ronan looked at Hex and laughed merrily.

"See that boy? There is no one willing…"

"He will train under me."

A loud voice interrupted Ronan.

Hex eyes widened in disbelief. He knew that voice. That voice without any emotions.