Journeys Chapter One p26
With a soft sigh, Jaymes moved away from the fire, and started checking the perimeter. Part of his mind was lost in thought, and part of him was paying attention to what was going on around him. Hence, he wasn't surprised when his father stepped out of the shadows and caught his attention. Jaymes paused in place and waited for the Grand Master to catch up to him.
“What's on your mnd, son?” Patryg asked as he walked over to the novitiate. When Jaymes didn't answer, he teased. “A Sherys for your thoughts.”
At the mention of a silver piece, Jaymes slowly emerged from his reverie, and looked up, an expression of momentary confusion on his face. “Pardon?”
Jaymes shrugged, “I was doing some calculations.” When Patryg arched a brow, he continued, “By the time we get to your friend's castle, it will be the Thirty-third of Lunar.”
The Elder knight thought for a moment, then smiled, “Yuletide. Aye. I'd almost forgotten.” Then with a glint in his eye, he asked, “What do you want for a Yule gift?”
“A warm bed, a roof over my head, and peace.” Jaymes said seriously, then chuckled as his father smiled. “But, I have the feeling that you didn't stop me to ask me about yule. What is it?” When Patryg gave him a blank look, he continued, “I know you better than most people, Father. You've trained me to notice facial expressions and know when people might be lying.” Patryg shrugged, prompting Jaymes to repeat his question. “What is it, sir?”
“Oh that.” Patryg shrugged. “I was going to tell you that we'll have the initiation ceremony tomorrow night when we camp.” At Jaymes' flat expression, he nodded. “I hope that you and your fellow novitiates are ready.”
It was Jaymes' turn to shrug. “We've spent the last three years studying everything about the order we want to go into. The Master's have put us through multiple tests. If we aren't ready by now, we'll never be ready.” He took a deep breath. “Don't worry, Dad. We are all ready.”
“Good,” Patryg commented. “Then tomorrow night it is.” He walked the perimeter with Jaymes and nodded in approval as he saw the minor improvements that been made. “Very good, you've learned well. How are you preventing night blindness?” Night blindness was when a man's sight had adjusted to the conditions of night, then suddenly looked into the light.
Jaymes briefly considered the answer. “I tell them not to look into the campfires or torchlight. I've explained that it takes ten minutes to readjust to the darkness. So far, it seems to have worked.” He turned back to the command tent. “If you'll pardon me, Sir. I have paperwork to start, and three rounds to walk before dawn.” He drew himself to attention and offered a half salute.
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Night Blindness, a clue to an impending night attack? Like maybe during the Ceremonies? Bad guys always like to mess up the good guys good times.