“Enough!” Draycott’s voice rang out over all other noise in the courtyard. All faces turned to see Draycott descending some stairs from an upper wall, Birkett and Wayte included. Birkett, taking advantage of Wayte’s diverted attention, took the opportunity and brought his practise sword swinging down. Arcaedus, sensing the malevolent intent shot out his arm and with a blast of magic diverted the path of Birkett’s descending sword. The impact of the wooden lathes against Wayte’s head was like a crack of lightning. Wayte crumpled to the ground and Birkett was sent flying by Arcaedus’ blast.

“I said enough Birkett. I will not tolerate disobedience amongst my ranks,” snarled Draycott warningly.

Birkett having regained his feet replied, “My Lord, this was the result of an arguement between Wayte and me.”

“Please,” said Draycott, “Fill us in.”

Birkett bowed and began to explain, “Guardsman Wayte has been in close quarters with the prisoners. I believe he is in collusion with them.”

“You believe?” asked Draycott, “It seems convenient that you have rendered him unconscious and unable to refute your claims. Fortunately, we heard what he was yelling. Now, how did this argument end in swordplay?”

“Well,” began Birkett, “When I went to collect the prisoners last night, to take them to their new chambers, there was talk of me being controlled, and Wayte was an active participant. He demanded I follow him afterwards. He told me that I had to leave the guards and stop the way I had been behaving. I countered that he was working with the prisoners, a traitorous way to behave. He got angry and challenged me to a duel. The loser would have to leave the guards.”

“So you think you won then?” asked Arcaedus, joining the conversation.

“Yes,” said Birkett without hesitation.

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“The sand he was about to blind you with wouldn’t have changed the outcome?”

“No, I-“ he started and then the words registered and he looked down at Wayte’s hand which indeed held some sand, “I don’t know my Lord,” he finished.

“What would you do in my position guardsman?” asked Draycott, with emphasis on the word guardsman.

Birkett thought for a moment, “I would not want to lose either of my guards,” he replied.

“You think you are so valuable?” asked Draycott amused, “Fortunately, you are correct in this matter. I do require all of my guards to be in active service. Do you think you can put aside your differences and work beside each other for the greater good?”

“Of course my Lord,” Birkett replied, “But what about-“

“-Wayte’s transgressions?” Finished Draycott, “He will face a punishment, you can be sure of that. He is a married man is he not? His wife could easily become leverage.”

“He is, My Lord; to my sister.” Replied Birkett cautiously.

Draycott barked a laugh, “What a tangled web you live in guardsmen. Have no fear; nothing will happen to your sister.”

“I do not fear for her my Lord; she has been nothing but trouble for my family. I could even see to it myself if required.” Birkett offered.

“A man after my own heart,” said Draycott dryly, “Very well young Birkett, I may very well take you up on your offer. In the meantime, I suggest you busy yourself lest I find something unpleasant for you to do.” He turned to leave and then turned back to Birkett, “Oh, and it might be an idea to get someone to take care of guardsman Wayte.” He turned again and walked back into the keep, Arcaedus trailing behind.

As they walked through the keep, Arcaedus voiced the question that had been on his mind since he heard Birkett’s explanation for their fighting, “What are we going to do with the guardsman Wayte my Lord?”

“What indeed?” asked Draycott, “If he believes we are out to control people, why don’t we do just that? I am currently radiating an aura that changes people to look at me for the better, a great political tool. Could we do something about that so that it heavily affects Guardsman Wayte in a different way?”

“A clever idea my Lord,” replied Arcaedus, “I’ll set it up immediately. Gather the other guards; I may have a way to use Wayte as an example to the others. But then I must leave and rest for a time. My body needs its rest, my time is nearly up, I must conserve what I have left.”

“Of course you can rest,” said Draycott, “But come back well rested, the situation here will only need you more and more as time passes.”