Ethan Wright and the Curse of Silence by Kimbro West

talk to your superiors with respect,” snapped Marcus.
    “And who exactly would that be?” asked Ethan.
    “Me! In case the rules of the youth sword competition fell on deaf ears. Winner of the contest becomes captain of the youth Guard. That’s why so many entered — didn’t really matter though … just more for me to defeat,” answered Marcus snidely.
    Ethan looked over to Auren, who had entered the competition. “That true?” he whispered.
    “Well yeah I guess — wasn’t really paying attention to that part of it, wasn’t concerned with the prize at the time,” whispered Auren.
    Ethan nodded and refocused on Marcus, who was still staring at them with cold eyes. “Well you don’t have to worry about us being in your youth Guard, Marcus. If you’re running it, I would rather jump off a cliff,” said Ethan.
    “Not even you, Availia?” asked Marcus. “I was certain when I saw your application to the tournament that you had expressed a high interest in the Guard, but if not, I will be sure to pass that information along so none of you get in.”
    Availia’s hands formed two fists and her face turned bright red. Ethan couldn’t tell if she was going to cry or rip Marcus’ head off.
    “Tell me, Ethan, how does it feel to have a big stupid oaf as a best friend?” spat Marcus.
    Auren had just sat down, but bolted out of his chair as if he wanted to punch Marcus. Ethan put his hand on Auren’s shoulder and pushed him back in his seat.
    “Dunno, how does it feel to almost get taken out of the youth sword competition by a girl who has more talent in her right hand than you have in your entire body?” spouted Ethan.
    “Or maybe you want to talk about how a big stupid oaf spanked you in the backside in front of hundreds of people,” snickered Auren.
    “Or how you pick on, draw your sword, and attack an unarmed kid,” added Availia.
    “I’d be surprised if they put you in charge of washing dishes, let alone other people,” added Ethan.
    Marcus’ cheeks started to turn red. “At least I wasn’t scared to enter the contest because of my poor brother — ahh, boo-hoo,” he mocked.
    Just then, the door of the shabby classroom opened fiercely, interrupting the debate. In stepped a shady-looking but well-dressed man. He was led by his slightly large nose, which he carried in front of him with abrupt authority. He walked to the front of the classroom without worrying about the door, which reached the end of its hinges and snapped back. Alerted, all of the students sat up and came out of their daze.
    The man placed some fresh scrolls on the desk in front, and with a stern look walked right down the middle of the room to the back of the class. He then peered around at everyone.
    “Sit … down,” ordered the man. Everyone who was standing sat down, including Ethan.
    “I see all of the civilized families must have run out of noble sons to send forthwith,” he said in a very precise and sharp voice. He leaned over and looked down at Ethan. “And some would not even have the courtesy to send decent armor …” he said quietly as he made his way to the front of the classroom at a slow, intimidating pace, “….or in some cases, provide any at all.” Some of the others looked over at the three, who gave each other a look and then kept their heads down. “I am Captain of the armies of Tirguard. My name is Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, but of course, you will refer to me as Captain Heinrich Agrippa. This is one of many classes you must take before leaving the walls of Tirguard … so pay attention. I am not here out of free will so do not waste my time with silly questions or stories of why … you … are here, because … I do not care,” he said with his hands behind his back. His eyes rolled over everyone in the classroom, who were now paying much closer attention.
    He paused for a bit and then continued. “It seems to me that some of you may think you can come and go as you please. Allow me to inform