Ambitions of The Stained Glass Knight

It was a quiet day inside of the Metropolis. Calloway sat on his bed, reading a book authored by some forgotten human long, long ago. His window was wide open, the wind softly brushing the curtains outward, allowing the sun to pour into the room. Calloway, although not a devout follower of The Architect, adhered to his peoples customs, making his room very bland. White walls, white carpet, white curtains, white bed sheets, white clothes, and white furniture.

The entirety of Metropolis was this way. Except for the followers of the Anarchitect. Their houses were painted erratic colors, and they dressed almost as odd. Calloway didn't care much for either.

To each their own. He thought, licking his thumb, and turning the page of his book. The book was the only thing that wasn't white. It was more of an alabaster, from it's age. The book itself was about an orphan who turned out to be a wizard. Calloway smiled, thinking about the subject of the book.

Magic.

Calloway smiled even broader, and continued reading. He knew such things weren't possible, but he didn't mind using his imagination. A knock came from his bedroom door, which was open. It was more to get his attention than anything else.

"Happy Birthday, my child." It was his Mother.

"Thank you, Mother. I suppose it is time?" Calloway asked, flipping his book closed. He dogeared the page he was on to save it.

"'Tis. I do hope you'll comb your hair. The Seminary may think less of you." His Mother said with concern.

Today was a big day for Calloway. He was turning 19 years old. He, along with all of the other boys and girls turning 19, would gather at the Seminary, to determine their fates. There were no bad outcomes, really. Some would enter mandatory military service, some would become priests, others politicians. A good chunk usually became what was known as "Laborers". Those people usually were given free choice over their occupation, and were sent to specialized Seminaries to become Teachers, Doctors, Lawyers, those sorts of things.

Then there was the "Sentinel". Calloway wasn't sure what that position was, mainly because the Clerics kept it a secret, but he didn't want it. Too much religion for him.

Standing in front of the mirror, Calloway combed his hair, giving it the style he really enjoyed. It was one of the few aesthetics his people would allow him to have. His black hair was layer cut, and it wasn't long, either. Only an inch or two. He felt that it really complimented his light green eyes.

"Calloway Redmond Olympia!" His Mother called. "Are you coming or not?" Calloway smiled, gave his hair one last run with the comb, and made his way down the stairs. His mother smiled as she saw him descending. "That's much better. Father is currently at the Steel Mill, but I'm sure he'll want to hear all about the ceremony. Now, lets not dawdle. Malachy is waiting."

Calloway and his Mother chose to walk, being as the day was so beautiful. The Weathermen said there was to be no rain for quite awhile. They usually made sure it rained every Saturday morning, sometimes more if the Farmers needed it. A slight breeze gave him goosebumps, but not from being cold. The temperature was simply perfect, and it made him giddy.

Metropolis was still quiet. A few children ran about the marble sidewalks, pretending to play War. One child ran over to the other, and fake growled.

"Grr! The Anarchitect will defeat you, and bring about chaos, Architect!" He grunted. The other stood tall, and took a heroic pose.

"Never! Your silly efforts for 'workers equality' and 'equal rights' are just that: silly! Now die, usurper!" The other said. Calloway smiled, remembering his youth. He played similar games when he was younger. It was nice to see the generations after him following in his steps.

The Seminary was at the center of Architect-controlled Metropolis. Calloway and his mother were passing by a news stand, when she stopped. The Crier was approaching his soap box, preparing to shout out some headline. He stepped up, cleared his throat loudly, and began shouting.

"ATTENTION, ATTENTION! CAIA HENRIETTA, ANARCHITECT LEADER, PROMISES TO CLAIM MORE OF METROPOLIS WITHIN THE WEEK, SWEARS VIOLENCE!"

Calloway's Mother covered her mouth with her hand.

"Such nonsense! Don't these savages know what they're doing? The Architect gave us this beautiful city for a REASON, Calloway. We cannot squander his gifts!"

"Yes, Mother." Calloway droned. He didn't agree with either side, but had no choice. If the public had found out he wasn't a follower, he would be executed or sent into Anarchitect Metropolis, where he would immediately be killed, anyways. It was best to keep his mouth shut. Calloway's Mother smiled weakly.

"Well. Come now, lets not let this ruin your big day, my child. To the Seminary."

The Seminary was a large marble building, circular in construction, and surrounded by marble pillars. In front of it sat a large pool of water, very long and wide, also surrounded by pillars. Young Men and Women stood in the pool, revealing the water to be knee deep. The knelt on one knee, let their left arm sit at it's side, and had their right arm crossed across their chest: the salute to The Architect. Calloway knew what he had to do.

He waded through the pool to his spot, the one he had ever since he could remember his birthday ceremonies, between a young man named Balthazar and a young woman named Elspeth. Calloway knelt down, and saluted just as the others were. He remained in the salute for another half an hour while the others arrived, when finally, Lord Malachy addressed the group of 120 young adults.

"Servants of the great Architect! Although we struggle in our war against the FOUL Anarchitect, it is very important we carry on our ceremonies, so as to show our resolve! In His name we carry on!" Malachy cried out.

"In His name." The young adults, and Calloway, repeated.

"Now, allow us to get straight on with the proceedings! This drawing is for Military service! If your number is called, please rise, and join Warrior-Brother Isaiah, who will lead you to your barracks!"

Calloway swallowed hard, but maintained his salute. Military service was the only position where you immediately had to leave home. It also only had a 50% chance of survival.

"51...24...23...119...64...90...83....44...58...3...11...66...65...37...14." Malachy read out loud, as he drew slips of paper from a shining silver box. As numbers were called, the assigned young adult rose, silently swishing the water as they stepped out of the reflection pool. When it was apparent that all of the new recruits were with Warrior-Brother Isaiah, Malachy laughed. "Loyal followers of the almighty and all knowing Architect, please, give a round of applause for your  neophytes!"

The crowd clapped, save for Calloway and the others waiting for their fates to be decided. Malachy continued the drawing. Next were those being inducted into the Seminaries. Calloway wasn't one of them. Then were those who were to become politicians. Calloway wasn't one of them. Then the Laborers. Calloway wasn't one of them.

Calloway wasn't paying attention enough for the horror of the situation to sit upon him. He was busy thinking about the book he was reading. He was becoming anxious, wanting to go home and continue reading.

"Ladies, and Gentleman, Warriors and Builders, I give you, CALLOWAY, REDMOND, OLYMPIA! YOUR NEW SENTINEL!" Malachy shouted. Thundering applause and cheering literally shook the very water Calloway knelt in.

Calloway's blood went cold. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He stood shakily, looking around. His Mother was tearing up, proud of her son.

"In the trials of the Warrior and of the Librarian, Calloway has scored the highest! After much thinking, Calloway was unanimously voted to become the new Sentinel! Calloway, come on up here! Current Sentinel Tobiah will show you to your new home!"

New home? What? Calloway thought. He didn't want to leave his home, but he did what he was told. He climbed out the pool, and approached the marble altar Malachy was standing. He shook his hand, and pointed him to Tobiah, who was leaning against a marble pillar. As Calloway approached Tobiah, Malachy began to preach.

"Join me brothers and sisters, for prayer." He said, hanging his head.

"Shit. Let's get out of here." Tobiah whispered, signalling Calloway to follow him. As soon as they were clear of the ceremony grounds, Tobiah spoke up. "So. Calloway Olympia. Welcome, to the most boring job in the Metropolis." He said.

"Huh? But the Clerics seem to be so passionate about the position. And the public eats it up." Calloway responded, genuinely curious.

"Purely religious, my new friend. So, if you're a grand follower of the mighty Architect, then you're in luck." Tobiah then leaned in close, his hair dangling in front of his eyes. "And between you and me, I'm not that big of it, so, it's pretty miserable for me. Kinda glad you're taking my spot."

"What exactly will I be doing?"

"It's better if I show you."

Tobiah led Calloway on a silent walk through the weaving streets of Metropolis. The city was very large, and the walk took well over an hour. The funny thing about it was Tobiah had lived in the city all of his life. As had Calloway. Yet, both of them could still get lost. It was amazing what an all-white city did to it's inhabitants.

Finally, Tobiah arrived at the entrance to what was called "The Sacrament". It was a large forest of weeping willow trees. Nobody dared enter, as it was considered holy ground that only Malachy or the current Sentinel could enter. It was rumored to be the resting place of the Architect himself. Two large guard towers with a steel blockade in between them guarded the entrance to the forest. One of the patrols grew curios, pointing his rifle at Calloway.

"What business do you have with The Sacrament?" He asked.

"He's the new Sentinel." Tobiah answered. The guard immediately dropped his combat stance, and smiled.

"Excellent!" The guard turned towards the tower on the right. "Prescott! Open the gate!" He called. The blockade slid open, allowing access. "May The Architect guide you." He finished. Tobiah rolled his eyes, and continued his path, Calloway following close behind.

Tobiah led Calloway through the massive forest, which ended in a large opening. At the far end of the opening was a cave, which they entered. Finally, at the end of the cave, was a door. Tobiah stopped Calloway, his hand on the door knob.

"What's behind this door, you will defend with your life. If Malachy finds out that you're slacking off, or if the public gains notice of what we protect, you WILL be executed. Keep that in mind when I open this door. Got it?" Tobiah explained. Calloway nodded his head. Tobiah turned the door knob, and opened the door. Calloway received the shock of his life.

The door led to a large chamber inside the cave, obviously dug out in a perfect square. A small stone well sat in it's center, and torches brightly illuminated the room. However, this was obviously was not the trait of the room that stood out.

On the far end of the room, an enormous stained-glass mural seemed to replace the center of the wall. The mural depicted a man in a black coat, holding his hand out to what looked like a unicorn, which offered it's hoof.

"Who's that?" Calloway asked. Tobiah smiled.

"The Architect. It's the only known image of him."

Calloway examined the image closer. The man had blue eyes, and dirty blond hair. In his off hand, the one that wasn't being offered to the unicorn, was a hammer. Underneath of The Architect and The Unicorn, was what looked like Metropolis under The Architect, and an odd medieval style city under The Unicorn. They seemed to "merge" at what looked like The Sacrament, seeming symmetrical to one another.

"Can you explain this to me?" Calloway asked.

"What, the colors? I'm no Anarchitect, if that's what you're thinking."

"No, the image."

"Oh." Tobiah sighed. "Sadly, not even Malachy knows. He personally believes it to be a symbol for humanity being in tune with their imagination, which betters their creativity. It's the only theory we have, so, I use it."

Calloway walked over to the well, and splashed cold water on his face, listening to the fire crackle and pop from the torches in the room. After a moment, he spoke up.

"So. What exactly am I to do?" Calloway asked.

"I'll be training you. 6 Months of combat training and mental training. You're going to be guarding the only known image of these people's 'God', and with the followers of the Anarchitect causing trouble, you may need even more training than normal. Once that's finished, I'll be guarding with you. Two Sentinels exist at a time."

"We aren't left much room for failure." Calloway said. Tobiah laughed.

"If we fail, we best hope we aren't alive to experience the consequences."

=============================================================================

Cherilee led her class of Fillies through the old and ruined castle. It wasn't exactly the SAFEST field trip, but it was one ripe with knowledge, one that even she could learn from. Celestia was kind enough to provide a retinue of Royal Guards, and most of the Fillies had brought a sibling or parent with them. She also made sure that they would have ample time to get out of the mighty Everfree Forest before the sun had set.

The Fillies themselves were absolutely ecstatic about the dangerous aspect. Most of them were completely ignorant to exactly how dangerous it was, but perhaps it was best that way. Cherilee led the class into the old throne room, and began teaching what she knew.

"Okay Class. Welcome, to the very first castle Her Majesty Celestia occupied as our princess! Unfortunately, I do not know it's name, nor the exact reason why it was abandoned, but, most scholars tend to agree that it was called Marestrom, and that it was left behind after Luna had been banished to the moon. Scholars believe that the pain of living in the same area, coupled with the growing population, made things generally uncomfortable for her, so she moved to Canterlot. That being said, no one knows for sure. Scholars have been wrong before."

The Fillies all looked around excitedly, examining every detail. The idea of ancient heroes and princesses fascinated them. The castle itself was even fascinating. Although it was old, it still maintained its beauty, even in ruin. Vines overtook the floors and walls, and holes in the roof let it beams of sunlight, but it was still somewhat tranquil, as if Celestia herself was just in the other room, hard at work on some form of legislature.

"Ooo! What's that?" Cherilee heard Sweetie Belle cry from the other the other room.

"Darling, do be careful. That must be very prec-oh. Oh my." Rarity said, seemingly sharing Sweetie Belle's amazement. Cherilee, legitimately curious, had to see what their fuss was about. She made sure that all of the other Fillies were with a parent or sibling, and then followed their voices. Behind the old throne was a doorway, which opened up to a large stone room. In the center of the room, was a well, but that wasn't what was causing the marvel.

At the far end of the room, was an old stained glass mural. It had a little dirt on it, but the image was quite clear. It was an image of a bipedal creature in white armor, with it's sword drawn. Behind the bipedal creature, looked to be Celestia, backing it with some kind of magic. In front of it looked to be a black Centaur, one with a look of fear on it's face, fleeing the bipedal Knight and Celestia.

"Cherilee, you have quite the head about your shoulders. Do you know anything about this mural?" Rarity asked, absolutely enthralled.

"Actually, I do know a little bit. Nopony really knows what that creature is, but they call him The Stained Glass Knight. It's theorized that, a very long time ago, he aided Celestia in driving Tirek from Equestria, and that this mural is kind of a memorial of that.

"Fascinating..." Rarity said, looking at the massive mural. "Look at the intricate armor designs, look at it's stance, so noble, so stoic..."

Sweetie Belle giggled at how deeply her sister was getting at the mural.

"It is kinda cool, huh?" She said, carrying on small talk with her sister regarding the strange creature in the mural. Cherilee smiled. Seeing people enjoy history really made her happy.

"Cherilee?" A voice behind her said. She turned, revealing a Guard had entered the room. "The sun will be setting in an hour and a half. It'll take about an hour to leave the forest safely."

"I understand. Thank you. We'll be ready in just a moment."

Cherilee got one last look at the mural, before leaving with her class.

It was funny what secrets the past could hide.

=============================================================================

6 Months passed. 6 Months of wake up, practice with a sword, practice with a handgun, cardiovascular training, strength training, lunch, meditation and schooling, and bed time. Calloway was assigned a suit of armor, white with silver trim, which he was to don anytime he was in the chamber with the stained glass mural. He knew Tobiah would be lax regarding that rule, but he insisted on wearing it, anyways.

The followers of the Anarchitect had laid claim to another portion of the city, effectively splitting the city in two. The ideas of both factions greatly differed. Followers of The Architect believed in an almost pleasure free lifestyle, where the highest castes rule over the lower castes how they saw fit. They believe it preserved order. The Anarchitects believed that all were equal, and that all should work to benefit society, rather than people.

Calloway wasn't interested in such politics, especially not when it was laced with religion, but he didn't exactly stand with either side. He felt that both were right in some ways, and both were wrong in others.

One thing was certain, however. This was slowly becoming more than a simple conflict and rebellion. This was becoming a full fledged war.

A year passed. Calloway had become quite The Sentinel. It was very rainy outside of the cave, causing all of the willow trees to blow in unison with each torrent of wind. Calloway didn't know it yet, but this would be the night that his life would be forever changed.

"You hungry?" Tobiah asked. Calloway shook his head.

"No thank you. I had extra soup with my lunch today." He said, sitting at the edge of the cave, watching the rain. Tobiah shrugged.

"More for me, I guess. You about ready to head into the chamber for the night?"

"Yep." Calloway answered, coming to his feet and stretching. "You getting to sleep first tonight, or am I?"

"You can. I'm gonna eat some more, anyways."

"Sounds good to me." Calloway chuckled. "Architect knows I could use the sleep."

The two young men entered the mural chamber. Calloway sat against the wall, near the mural, and smiled sleepily. It was funny that the Clerics frowned upon color. If only they knew what their sacred treasure was. Calloway nodded off not too much later, a smile still on his face.

All in all, Calloway was a happy person. Although he never got to finish his book, he enjoyed his job. It didn't ask too much of him, nor did it ask him to bow his knees constantly. Tobiah, although a sarcastic ass sometimes, was a good mentor to have. The pay wasn't bad, the food, room and board were free, and he would practically be exalted by the time his service was up. It was a nice feeling of satisfaction Calloway enjoyed that night. It was the same feeling that would be interrupted violently.

Feeling a rock drop on his head, making his helmet ding, Calloway jumped to his feet, startled. He rapidly gazed around the room. Tobiah was gone. There was a loud booming sound in the distance, shaking the cave. Dust fell from the recesses in the roof, knocking small rocks loose. Calloways heart nearly skipped a beat with fear. He recognized the sound in the distance as the loud boom of an artillery cannon bombarding some place in Metropolis, and the smaller sounds to be gunfire. The followers of the Anarchitect were making a push. A big one.

Calloway drew his sword with his right hand, and his handgun with his left, exiting the cave as fast as he could. The rain hadn't let up, the sound of thunder had been replaced with the sound of warfare. He ran, as fast as he could, to the blockade at the front of the forest, and to his horror, saw that it had been destroyed, bodies of guards and Anarchitect followers strewn about.

Surely they aren't in the forest. I just came that way. Calloway thought. As he did, he heard the sound of glass breaking. He looked across the street from the ruined blockade. It was another guard, just thrown out of the window. He landed on his back in a burst of blood. He looked up at the Anarchitect follower stepping out of the window towards him, and laughed.

"You will always be scum in the eyes of The Architect." He said. The follower of the Anarchitect didn't howl. Snarl. Grunt. He didn't act like an animal, and attempt to brutalize the guard, like Calloway had been told they did.

"The oppressors must die." The Anarchitect Follower said. He held his rifle low, and shot the guard in the head, effectively ending his life.

Calloway didn't want to suffer the same fate, so he was left with little choice. He extended his left arm, and closed his right eye, taking aim. Just as the Anarchitect Follower looked over to him, Calloway fired, the bullet striking him in his eye. Calloway dropped his arms to his sides, breathing heavily and nervously. The gun had went from being cold steel in his hand to feeling as if it would melt. Sentinel's were assigned very old guns. Tobiah actually believed that they were more of a symbolistic thing than a weapon.

"Th-this is happening...this is really happening..." Calloway muttered to himself. He then remembered his chief duty. To protect the mural. He sheathed his sword, and holstered his handgun, turning towards the forest. Running faster than he had before, adrenaline pumping through his very being with every step, Calloway ran back towards the mural. As soon as he entered the cave, he felt a sharp pain in his right hand. He kept running, regardless.

Entering the chamber, he noticed it was empty. Everything seemed untouched. His hand really bothering him, he held it up, revealing a wound. Calloway had been shot, and had not noticed it. Someone was in the cave.

"You're really quick, kid. You know that?" A small female said, entering the chamber. 2 large men, dressed in erratic color entered the room with her.

"Caia..." Calloway said, reaching for his sword. He flinched when he felt the pressure of the hilt on his wound.

"Yours truly. Tell me, what is that you guard?" Caia asked, smiling mischievously. "Old Malachy used to try to break into this place with me when I was younger."

Calloway remained silent, instead steadying the grip of his gun in his left hand, ready to strike.

"What do you want? Why are you doing this?" Calloway asked. "Why do you serve the Anarchitect?"

"Anarchitect?" Caia asked, laughing. "Is that what they tell you? That we're evil savages? Boy, do you have any idea why the city is split?" Calloway remained silent once more. "It's because we disagreed with the Clerics. We wanted to live  our lives how we wanted to, not how they wanted us to. We wanted to pick our occupation, wear what we want, worship what we want. When we were caught expressing these desires, we were exiled."

Caia walked closer to Calloway, continuing her speech. She signaled her two brutes to remain in place.

"They sent us to the most filthy parts of the city. But as they sent more, and more of us, we gained more of the city. Then, we gained weapons. Then, political support. Then, power. Tell me boy, do you believe in the common man? Do you wish to serve good?"

Caia was now right in front of Calloway, with both of her hands on his shoulders. She was at least a foot shorter than him. She had a head of red hair and blue eyes, very beautiful for a "savage". Calloway looked her dead in the eyes.

"I choose not to become involved in your politics. I simply want to live my life."

"And you will, if you merely do us a favor."

"No."

"I wasn't asking."

"Nor was I."

Caia looked at Calloway, frowning.

"Pity." She said. She pulled him close to her, almost in what looked like a hug, before pushing him back, sending him slamming into the mural.

Calloway couldn't see exactly what was happening, as the shattering mural created a waterfall of color, but he could hear the shattering of glass before losing consciousness.

He awoke several hours later, albeit very slowly. When he finally came to his feet, he leaned against the wall, still woozy from whatever had happened. That's when Calloway examined the room. It was different. The well remained the same, but the torches were all out. There were also several holes in the roof, allowing sunlight in, which was odd being as he was in a cave. Ivy had also overtaken the room by force, climbing pillars and walls.

Calloway checked his equipment, finding his gun and sword still on his body. Caia hadn't looted him, apparently. He bumped himself off of the wall, and cautiously exited the room.

He wasn't in a cave. This was a castle. He exited around what appeared to be a throne, to reveal he was in the ruins of a castle somewhere.

Did Caia and her men bring me here after I was knocked unconscious? He thought.

Calloway made it to the gate of the castle, revealing even more shock to him: He was in the middle of a dark, expansive forest.

"Hello?" He shouted. "Hello? Anyone?"

Not hearing a response, Calloway straightened his sheath, and drew his gun. He was going on an adventure, whether he liked it or not.

TO BE CONTINUED...