Two Heirs (The Marmoros Trilogy Book 1) by Peter Kenson Read Free Book Online Page B

time.”
    “Then how are we to address you, my lord?”
    Held hesitated for a second. “My given name is David. When we are alone together, within the walls of this tent, you can call me David.”
    “David.” Mo appeared to consider this for a minute. “David. I like it. It is a strange name but I think it suits you.”
    “Thank you,” he replied with a smile. “I’m sure my parents are grateful for your approval. How about you, Leyla. Do you approve also?”
    “Yes, I think so. Yes I like the sound of it… David.”
    “Good, then if that’s sorted, I’m going out to exercise.”
    “Yes, my… David. We will have food prepared for your return.”
    “Thank you. Please prepare a little extra this morning. We will have company for breakfast.”
    David lifted the flap and stepped out into the early morning sun, only to nearly stumble over Jaks who was loitering outside.
    “Jaks! What the devil… What are you doing here?”
    “Waiting fer you, milord. You said that if you stayed you’d teach me sword fighting.”
    Held paused in mid-stride. “So I did, Jaks. So I did. But does it have to be this morning?”
    “I’ve borrowed one of the practice swords, milord. So I’d be ready.” Jaks reached behind his back and produced one of the wooden swords from the previous day’s competition.
    Held looked at the gangly youth standing there with an earnest expression on his face and sighed.
    “Okay. For this morning, just stand behind me and try to copy the moves. Later, when we have more time, I will teach you each move individually, the name of the move and what it’s used for. But for now, just try to copy what I do.”
    Held thrust all thoughts of Jaks out of his mind as he concentrated on the sequence of moves in the morning ritual, occasionally grimacing with pain as he stretched the bruised area that Manny had given him the night before. When he finished he turned to find Jaks whirling like a demented dervish amid a chorus of chuckles and outright laughter from the circle of men surrounding them.
    He gave a little chuckle himself as he called out, “Alright, Jaks. Stop now.
    “And you men, you can laugh as much as you like but at least he wants to learn and he’s trying to learn. Cast your minds back, all of you, to your first day on the practice field and think whether or not you were the butt of the older men’s humour. Or of some grizzled old Master-of-Arms who put bruises on every part of your body that he could reach, and some that you didn’t think he ought to be able to.”
    The group fell silent and looked a little shamefaced until one of them called out, “Sorry Jaks. But it was a good show.” That started them all off again and chuckling to themselves the group moved off back into camp.
    “Don’t mind them, Jaks. There’s not many of them would have done much better on their first day. Now, run and put that stick away and then I have some errands for you. Find Bern Wolfslayer and Ash Farseer and ask them to join me for breakfast in my tent. And then go to Marta and ask, mind you, ask politely if she would join me as well.”
    “Yes, milord.”
    “And if she asks if Feynor should come, tell her no. I will come to him and talk after breakfast. Got that?”
    “Yes milord. Ash, Bern and Marta in your tent for breakfast and you will go to see Feynor later.”
    “Right. Off you go.”
    As Jaks departed at a fast run, Held headed for the water barrel to wash the sweat off before pulling his shirt back on. As he walked through the camp he acknowledged the nods of both the men and the women. There was no sign of disapproval of the previous night’s events.
    Back at the tent, he found the two men waiting outside for him. Marta appeared a few moments later, still smoothing down her apron and looking a little flustered.
    “Come in and make yourselves comfortable. Find somewhere to sit. Marta you take the chair.”
    “Oh no. I couldn’t do that, milord. That’s your chair. I’ll be fine