The Trinity of Heroes (I Will Protect You Book 1) by Jared Mason Jr., Justin Mason Read Free Book Online Page A

worsening condition. The outside of the house was another story, however. The shutters over the glass windows had become battered from fierce winds, weeds dotted the cobblestone walkway to the front door, and the grass grew longer by the day. The home was in need of repairs on the exterior, but Elizabeth was in no condition to do them. With his commitment to the Knight Guard taking up most of his daytime hours, Lawrence rarely had time to work on it either.
    Elizabeth forced a smile. “I am well, son. I am in high spirits and hopeful that my health will improve.” Elizabeth was a strong woman who refused to admit to her failing health.
    “Mother, is there anything I can help you with? Should I clean up around the house for you?”
    “Lawrence, I know that tonight is Benni’s birthday, and I wouldn’t feel right if you missed it on my account. I want you to have fun. Just do one thing for me before you go.”
    “What is that, Mother?”
    “Take that pitcher and go fill it with water for me,” she said, pointing to a large empty pitcher on the table.
    “Yes, Mother, I will be right back.”
    Lawrence stood up, grabbed the pitcher, and sprang out the door. On his way to fetch water for his mother, thoughts of her sickness polluted his mind. He always felt guilty when he went out at night while she sat home alone. Even though normally he refused, tonight was Benni’s birthday, and they now rarely saw each other outside of their Knight Guard training. The two had been best friends for many years. Benni spent a good deal of time with Lawrence at his house when they first met, and Elizabeth had taken an instant liking to him. Elizabeth treated Benni like her own son. Because of Elizabeth’s fondness for Benni, Lawrence knew she wouldn’t be happy if he didn’t attend his birthday celebration. His mother had made it very clear that even though she wasn’t in the best of health, she still wanted Lawrence to enjoy himself when he wasn’t under obligation to the Knight Guard. Lawrence was prepared to be her caretaker at every turn if she so desired, but she had not, to this point, demanded or even requested that sacrifice from him.
    Lawrence quickly filled the pitcher with water from the well in the center of town and made his way home with haste. He opened the door and placed the pitcher on the table. He spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and tidying up around the house. As the hot sun gave way to a comfortable evening he readied to leave.
    His mother stood up and put her thin arms around Lawrence. “I love you, son, have fun.”
    “I love you too, Mother, rest well.” Lawrence kissed his mother on the cheek before turning and walking out the door. Lawrence was headed to the Silver Shield, and in the back of his mind, he was wondering whether or not Elsie would actually show up.

Chapter 5:
     
    That poor sod! I watched ‘im drown ‘is sorrows for nearly four days now! I swear ‘e’s ‘ad at least for’ey t’ree stouts now and still ‘asn’t gone ‘ome! If ‘e orders even so much as one more brew I might be in me right mind to rearrange ‘is face.
    - Annabell, Disgruntled Silver Shield Waitress
     
    The night was brisk and clear, and the moon and stars dotted the sky as Lawrence walked hastily toward the Silver Shield. His pace quickened as thoughts of Elsie continued to dance in his head, making him wonder if he really wanted to see her again. As Lawrence rounded a bend he saw the iconic emblem that marked the front entrance of the Silver Shield Pub. Lawrence could feel his heart flutter with anticipation as he got closer and closer to the pub. He could see a familiar figure standing outside the front door of the pub; it was Elsie. She came, she actually came! Lawrence couldn’t believe that she decided to show up, and before he knew it, she had turned and had noticed him approaching.
    “Hello, Lawrence, we meet again,” Elsie said with a hint of happiness in her voice. She approached him,