Young Writers Society

Marthan’s datapad had instructed him to meet his new master, High Master Zhong-xin in a one of the meditation chambers located inside the Bastion’s main spire. The main spire of the Bastion was the seat of power of the entire Paladin. At the top of spire was the meeting chamber of the Paladin High Council. Besides meditation chambers, main spire of the Bastion also contained sparring chambers that were only accessible to fully trained Paladins or exceptionally skilled initiates who show great potential.

Marthan was surprised that he was able to find the meditation chamber easily. He was supposed to meet his master there. The meditation chamber was around the same size of the circular hall Marthan was at not too long ago. The layout of the chamber was in fact almost identical, the only difference was that this chamber contained more potted plants, somehow making the room more peaceful and tranquil. At the centre of the room stood a tall humanoid figure with orange coloured skin which appeared to be leathery and whose head was slightly curved upward. The humanoid’s ears were much larger than that of a human’s and also much sharper on both ends. The figure was wearing the black and gold coloured robes of a fully trained Paladin. That must be him, Marthan mused to himself upon laying eyes on the figure in the chamber.

“Greeting my young apprentice,” said the humanoid figure in a deep voice. The figure turned around. To people who have not laid eyes on High Master Zhong-xin’s species before, the first time seeing them is usually a terrifying experience. This is because much of their face is covered with a black coloured mask which varies in design that obscures their eyes, nose and mouth. All Dorkelon that leave their homeplanet of Dorkel must wear the mask, as it is forbidden by their customs for any outsider to see what a Dorkelon actually looks like. Unlike many other people whose initial reaction is to be shocked or terrified at the sight of Dorkelon, Marthan was neither shocked or terrified.

“Greetings High Master Zhong-xin,” greeted Marthan as he bowed to his new master.

“Master Zhong-xin is just fine.” Zhong-xin signaled Marthan to stop bowing and to sit down on the maroon coloured padded cushion that was in front of him. Marthan obliged and did so. Zhong-xin then proceeded to take a sit on his own padded cushion. “Before I begin your training, you must first undergo a simple test.”

Marthan felt a lump form in his throat. He was not prepared for any test, and he didn’t want to disappoint his master during their first ever meeting. He took a deep breath and tried to centre himself. You can do this, he assured himself. “What sort of test did you have in mind master?”

“Just a simple test on our Corps’ tenets,” stated Zhong-xin, his deep and calm voice echoing throughout the chamber. “Are you ready?”

“Yes master.”

“Who does the Corps serve and pledge itself to?” queried Zhong-xin, “The Federation? Or peace and justice?”

Marthan took a moment to ponder over his master’s question. “Peace and justice, master,” he answered.

“And why is that?” probed Zhong-xin.

“Because the Federation is fallible, as they are run by politicians and bureaucrats. And although they say they champion peace and justice for all, there could be a day where they would turn their backs on those very ideals if it suited them.”

“Very good my young apprentice,” praised Zhong-xin. “It is our duty as Paladins to ensure peace and justice is maintained, and if the Federation breaks it, or refuses to uphold it, then we have the responsibility to right their wrong.”

Marthan nodded his head in understanding.

“Next question, what is the Corps’ stance on emotion?”

“Emotions are an integral part of us. Without emotions such as compassion, hope, will, and love, one can never become a strong Paladin.” answered Marthan, “but a Paladin must learn to control one’s negative emotions like anger, greed, and pride, as those emotions would only lead to the downfall of a Paladin.”

“Excellent, excellent. You have great knowledge of our tenets.” Marthan smiled upon hearing his master compliment him. “Now let us move on to the next step.” Zhong-xin reached into one of his pouches that was on his belt and pulled out a small diamond shaped colourless crystal.

Could it be? Could it be the time for that? thought Marthan to himself excitedly as he viewed the colourless crystal which Master Zhong-xin levitated in front of him.