“You had no right to take Erik without my express permission,” Master Lepkin scolded. “He could have been killed.”

“It is my right to punish intruders as I see fit,” Lady Dimwater countered. “Besides, he was not in any danger while he was with me, you know that.” Dimwater sighed and crossed the room to sit at her desk. “Perhaps you shouldn’t keep him in the dark.” She pulled a paper from the desk drawer and set it in front of her.

“My secrets protect him. He isn’t strong enough yet.” Lepkin folded his arms and glared at Dimwater, ignoring the paper.

“Your secrets shelter him too much,” Dimwater replied. “He is stronger than you think.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Lepkin demanded. His tone becoming more animal-like as his patience stretched thinner.

“Did Erik tell you how I found him?”

“He said only that you caught him after he tried to enter your room with a key that Janik gave him.”

“He was too strong for the Natu,” Janik said from a seat on the opposite side of the room.

“You let him face Dimwater’s wolf?” Lepkin’s face turned red and his muscles tensed. “Erik has no knowledge of such beings! You could have sent him to his death.”

“Easy, my friend,” Janik replied apologetically. “I had no idea that he could get past the Natu. The ghost normally stops even the best apprentice wizards.”

“You should have followed him to ensure his safety,” Lepkin chided.

“I did,” Janik said. He leaned down and patted his twisted left leg. “I must have made some noise. I’m not as quiet as I used to be you know. Erik took off running after the hall with the wizards’ portraits. I tried to keep up, but he was far too fast for this old cripple.”

“I’ve already spoken with Janik,” Dimwater put in.

“As Erik’s master it is my decision what to do with Janik for contributing to Erik’s delinquency,” Lepkin replied. “Why did you send Erik to the tower?” Lepkin asked Janik.

“Because he asked about you and Lady Dimwater. I thought it would be best to send him here for answers. Tell me, Lepkin, should I have told him the truth about you and Master Orres?”

Lepkin thought for a moment before answering. He was angrier now than he had been in a very long time, but there was nothing he could do to fix the situation now.

“Lepkin, Natu is harmless,” Dimwater said. “The ghost prays on a person’s fear and uses its powers to render would-be intruders unconscious. Janik couldn’t have known that Erik would be too strong for the Natu.”

“Even so, you ought not to have sent him here. He may have been strong enough to fend off the Natu, but her wolf could have easily finished him.”

“No offense, but I wasn’t going to spend the rest of my evening being interrogated about the two of you. You know how stubborn and determined the boy can be at times. If you want to protect the boy, then perhaps you should answer his questions before his curiosity gets him into real trouble.” Janik rose to his feet and stretched his creaky limbs.

Lepkin nodded somberly. “I admit his incessant questions have driven me to imagine similar solutions to shut him up, especially when he nags me about Gelleirt monastery.”

“I, too, have some questions about the monastery,” Dimwater added.

“Not now, Dimwater, please,” Lepkin said.

“Very well,” Dimwater said with a nod. “You should look at this.” She slid the paper across her desk.

Lepkin picked up the paper and watched the magical image unfold. He was stunned to see Erik standing and throwing a punch at Dimwater’s wolf. “He attacked your wolf?” Lepkin whispered incredulously.

“With his bare fist,” Dimwater added. “You know as well as I that Silverfang has killed several Shadowfiends who have made the mistake of invading my study. If the boy is strong enough to break the wolf’s paralysis spell, then he is ready to learn of his true calling.”

Lepkin folded the paper and set it down on the desk. “He is stronger than I thought.”

“He is stronger than any of us thought,” Janik said. “But, considering his bloodline, I suppose his strength really shouldn’t surprise us.”

“Did you tell him about that?” Lepkin asked Dimwater sharply.

“No, I did not,” she replied.

“Good. He must not learn of that until he is completely ready.”

“He’s your apprentice,” Dimwater said reluctantly.

Lepkin knew her well enough to know that she disagreed with his decision, but he also knew that she would respect his wishes. “Janik, forgive my temper.”

“It’s alright,” Janik replied. “I would have been a lot worse if someone had done the same thing to one of my apprentices.”

“Yes, well you and your brother always did have bad tempers,” Dimwater chuckled.

“Speaking of Master Orres, he wants to see you about Spiekery and Lord Hischurn,” Lepkin said dryly.

“You spoke with him?” Dimwater asked.

“I ran into him on my way to see you,” Lepkin replied.

Lady Dimwater started to tap her fingernails and chew her bottom lip. “Did you tell him about Erik?”

“No, I will leave it up to you whether you tell him about that,” Lepkin replied.

“With the way Erik beat up our nephew, I might avoid bringing it up,” Janik suggested.

“I have to report about the wounded swordsman in Spiekery,” Dimwater noted. “Orres will be furious if I don’t account for all uses of force.”

“He is quite particular about writing his reports for the king,” Lepkin agreed. “Either way, I wish you luck.”

“You’ll need it,” Janik agreed.

*****

Erik lay on his back in a pool of sweat. His arms ached, his legs were numb, and his stomach burned. He tried to get up, but his body was depleted of energy. Even the late night breeze from the window of his training room wasn’t enough to revive him.

The door creaked open and then slammed shut, echoing off the walls of the room. Erik tried to turn his head, but he was so exhausted that he was only able to move his eyes. The soft slap of leather boots stepped closer to him. Pit…pat…pit…pat. Then the sound stopped. A large shadow loomed over Erik. He could see Master Lepkin standing next to him.

“How many pushups have you done?” Lepkin asked.

“All one thousand,” Eric whispered breathlessly.

“Did you complete the thousand squats as well?”

Erik nodded slowly.

“What about your sit-ups?” Lepkin inquired.

Again, Erik nodded.

“I also assigned one thousand pull-ups, did you complete those?”

“No,” Erik whispered.

“How many did you do?” Lepkin folded his arms and arched his left brow.

“Eight hundred and forty seven,” Erik replied.

Lepkin bent down and examined Erik’s hands. “The skin has torn in a couple places. I will bandage your hands. You will be alright in a few days.”

“I’m sorry for sneaking into the tower,” Erik offered.

Lepkin stood up and walked over to a small cabinet to get dressing for Erik’s hands. “I was not punishing you for that,” Lepkin said. “I was punishing you for not telling me the whole truth when I asked you.”

“You know about the key?” Erik guessed.

“I do,” Lepkin replied. He walked back and started to clean Erik’s hands. “But I was more upset that you didn’t tell me about the ghost and the wolf. A master must be able to trust his apprentice. I can’t trust you if you keep things from me.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry too,” Lepkin said. “I am partly to blame. I know I keep things from you too. Someday I will tell you of Gelleirt monastery, but not until the appropriate time. There are many things for you to learn first.”

“Will you tell me about you and Lady Dimwater?” Erik asked.

“No, that is not something you need to know. That is a private matter.” Lepkin sighed and began to wrap Erik’s hands. “However, since Dimwater has told you about the state of our kingdom, I will include you on some of my assignments, as long as Lord Lokton is alright with that of course. Would you like that?”

“Very much,” Erik replied. He smiled for a moment, but his joy was robbed by the stinging in his hand as Lepkin tied off a bandage.

“If you accompany me, you must follow my instructions instantly and exactly.”

“I will,” Erik promised.

“And I must be able to trust you at all times.”

“Yes, Master Lepkin, I understand.”

“Good. Your father is waiting outside to take you home. On Monday morning I will pick you up from Lokton manor. Instead of coming back to Kuldiga Academy, we will be going to Livany. Now go and get some rest.” Lepkin hoisted Erik up and gently pushed him toward the door.

Erik walked through the hall as though he was under a spell. It seemed that his feet were carrying him out to his adopted father without any conscious effort from his brain. He didn’t look at the paintings or other decorations. He didn’t notice that the clock in the entrance lobby chimed as it struck midnight. He didn’t even greet the carriage’s driver before opening the door and climbing inside.

“I understand today has been a long day for you,” Lord Lokton said.

Erik dropped onto the other padded bench and lay down. He nodded his head in answer to his adopted father’s question.

“Well,” Lord Lokton said with a kind smile. “Let’s get you home so you can rest.” He reached out and closed the carriage door, since Erik was too tired to remember to do it himself. Then Lord Lokton removed his long, green overcoat and laid it across Erik, who was already fast asleep.

“Are we ready, sir?” the driver called out.

“Yes, Louis, we’re ready,” Lord Lokton replied.

The carriage jolted forward. The first few yards were quite bumpy. Lord Lokton put his hand on Erik’s shoulder to keep the boy from being jostled around. Finally, the two horses drawing the carriage fell in step with each other and the ride became smooth.

“Sorry, milord, I had to replace Strider because he threw a shoe earlier today. I had no choice but to use Sable,” Louis said.

“It’s no problem,” Lord Lokton replied. “Sable has to learn sometime. It may as well be tonight.” Lord Lokton leaned out the left window and examined Sable in the moonlight. She wasn’t as big as Clopper, the veteran draught horse next to her, but like any Clydesdale, Sable was quick to take to the work. Lord Lokton admired the young mare’s shiny, black coat for a moment and then untied the curtain on the inside of the window. As he unrolled the thick, green cloth he checked to make sure that the light of the full moon was blocked from Erik’s face. For good measure, he untied the other curtain, the one next to Erik’s bench, and pulled it down as well.

When he was sure that Erik could rest without being disturbed by the bright, silvery light Lord Lokton slid over to the right side of his bench and watched the trees roll by. The great pine trees were offset by stark white, tall birch trees. Bushes, hedges, and ferns clumped together around the trees in all shapes and sizes. Lord Lokton always took pleasure in nature, especially during the night time. Although things were more vibrant in the daylight, Lord Lokton preferred the serenity of night. In the still of the night Lord Lokton felt more attuned with nature, as though he were part of it. That was something he could not feel as strongly during the day when the forest teemed with life and bustled with activity.

For the duration of the hour-long trip Lord Lokton watched the forest roll by, stealing occasional glances at his son –for he loved Erik as though the boy were his own flesh- to make sure he was comfortable. As the trees started to thin out, Lord Lokton poked his head out of the carriage. He could make out several buildings down the road. The faint odor of smoke caught his nostrils. He peered through the air and saw thin, dark trails of vapor rising from several small cottages on the edge of the forest.

“Almost home,” Lord Lokton whispered. He leaned back in his seat and watched the forest give way to the cottages, and then the cottages gave way to a vast field, enclosed with a wooden horse fence that Lord Lokton had helped his grandfather replace as a boy. A few minutes later the carriage pulled through the wrought iron gate of the inner fence. The large, gray stone manor swung into view as Louis turned the carriage to the left.

“We are here, sir,” Louis announced as he drew the carriage to a stop.

“So we are,” Lokton replied.

The carriage door was opened by Braun, Lord Lokton’s man-at-arms. “How was your trip?” Braun asked.

“Fine, thank you, Braun,” Lord Lokton unclasped his sword belt and handed his weapon to Braun. “I trust you received the message I sent,” Lord Lokton said.

“Yes sir, the falcon arrived from Kuldiga Academy shortly after nine o’clock. Thank you for the update.”

“Well, I didn’t want you to call up all the guards and storm the forest to look for me when I didn’t show up on time,” Lord Lokton chuckled.

Braun smiled and then nodded to Erik, who was still asleep. “So, why were you late this time? Was Erik still washing windows?”

“No,” Lord Lokton replied, “not exactly.” Lord Lokton reached back and took his overcoat off his son. “Take this as well, Braun,” Lokton instructed.

Braun took the coat, and caught sight of Erik’s bandages. “What happened to his hands?” Braun asked.

Lord Lokton noted Braun’s tone became stern and he couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “Erik was attacked by a pull-up bar. Shall we mount up and avenge him, brave Braun?” Lord Lokton teased.

Braun frowned.

“Forgive me, Braun. I’m afraid you take the brunt of most of my jests. I ought not to reward your loyalty so, but sometimes your over-protectiveness is amusing.”

“Shall you require anything else from me, milord?” Braun asked with the frown still stamped across his face.

“No, I can manage on my own. Just place my things on the desk in my study.”

“As you wish.” Braun turned and walked away.

Lord Lokton felt a little guilty for insulting Braun. He knew that Braun meant well. Perhaps he would check on him in the morning. For now, he just wanted to get Erik to bed. Lord Lokton gently shook his son.

Erik’s eyes fluttered open lazily. “Are we home?” he asked.

Lord Lokton nodded and helped Erik out of the carriage. “Can you walk?”

If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

“I can make it,” Erik replied through a groggy yawn. The boy trudged off without another word. Lord Lokton stood there by the carriage, watching his son until he disappeared inside the manor.

“He sure is beat,” Louis noted.

Lord Lokton nodded. “After you are done with the horses would you give this note to Mr. Stilwell?” Lokton pulled an envelope from his pocket and held it out for Louis.

“I will,” Louis agreed. “Is something wrong, milord?”

“No,” Lord Lokton replied as he pressed the note into Louis’ hands. “I just have a feeling that we may have some unexpected visitors over the weekend, and I think Mr. Stilwell should know.”

“Who are you expecting, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“I’m sorry Louis, but I want to keep this quiet. I would appreciate it if you deliver the note and then not mention it again. Mr. Stilwell will know what to do.”

“As you say,” Louis replied with a bow.

*****

Erik opened his eyes. The golden light of the sun poured into his room through the tall, arched window. Erik groaned and turned over. He pulled his pillow over his head to shut out the morning. It was Saturday and nothing was going to get him out of bed until he was good and ready.

Boom boom boom. The heavy knocking startled Erik. He poked his face out from under the pillow.

“Who is it?” Erik asked.

“Your father requests your presence in the solarium,” a voice said.

Erik groaned in protest and slammed his fist on his bed. The sharp sting in his palm reminded him of the previous day’s events. “Oh no,” Erik whispered to himself. His father would surely have something to say about breaking into Lady Dimwater’s study.

“Did you hear me, young Erik?” the voice boomed from outside the door. “Your father is waiting for you.”

“Yes, I heard,” Erik replied. He sat up in his bed and stretched his stiff, aching back. “I wish Janik had given me four bottles of that potion of his,” Erik moaned. He stood up and started to change out of his pajamas, except, when he looked down he realized that he was still wearing yesterday’s clothes. The dried sweat assaulted his senses as he sniffed under his armpit.

“Whoa,” Erik exclaimed. His eyes shot open and he threw his arm back down. “Not the most pleasant smell in the morning.” He scrambled out of his old clothes and hurried into fresh garments as fast as his stinging hands would let him. Then, he threw a dash of cologne on and stiffly marched down to the solarium.

He paused before opening the glass paned door to the solarium. What would his adopted father say? What would he do? Erik had gotten into trouble plenty of times before, but his past demerits were usually attributed to tardiness. Lord Lokton had laughed when Erik had explained the funny walk that Lepkin made him do which caused him to be late, but this was not the same. Erik was sure that Lord Lokton would not be laughing now. A strange thought occurred to Erik. What if Lord Lokton disowned him?

Erik took a deep breath of courage and pushed the door open. He saw Lord Lokton sitting in a green, high backed chair in between two miniature Bird of Paradise plants. Lord Lokton sat with one leg crossed over the other, so Erik could see the black pajama leg underneath the green and gold robe that Lord Lokton was wearing. He was facing the east wall, which was made entirely of glass windows, and peeling an orange.

“Good morning, Erik,” Lord Lokton said. He pointed to a wooden stool and said, “Come, have a seat.”

Erik pushed aside a leaning orchid plant and walked toward the stool. Normally the aroma of all the flowers in the solarium would have been pleasant, but Erik was too nervous. He sat on the stool, looked at his feet and began his explanation.

“Forgive me for any shame I have caused, Lord Lokton,” Erik said.

“How many times must I tell you not to call me that?” Lord Lokton handed the freshly peeled orange to Erik and smiled warmly. “I understand you may not feel comfortable calling me father, but I will not have you address me by my title as though you were my servant.”

“Yes, sir,” Erik replied. He took the orange and separated one of the wedges.

“Sir is just as bad, Erik. Call me father, or call me by my first name.”

Erik nodded, but he said nothing. He popped the orange wedge into his mouth and crushed it with his tongue, letting the tangy, sweet nectar flow through his mouth.

“As for your actions, I didn’t bring you down to discuss that,” Lokton said. He picked another orange from a bowl on his lap and began to peel it.

“You aren’t mad at me?” Erik asked incredulously.

“Come now, Erik,” Lokton said. “Even I spied on a professor or two at Kuldiga Academy.” Erik’s eyes went wide and Lord Lokton laughed. “I broke into Master Baird’s study when I was a first year, he was an alchemy professor. I was curious about all of the creatures that he kept in jars.”

“Did you get caught?” Erik asked.

“I sure did. The headmaster himself walked in just as I knocked over a small set of beakers filled with different potions.”

“Whoa, I bet that cost a lot of demerits,” Erik whispered.

“Actually, the headmaster wanted to expel me,” Lokton corrected.

“What did your father do?” Erik asked. He expected a horror story about dishonoring the family and so on. Surely Lord Lokton’s father would have been extremely angry.

“My father was very wise,” Lord Lokton replied with a wistful smile. “He took me to meet with Master Baird. During the meeting I apologized, and my father arranged for me to become Master Baird’s assistant. I spent about as many hours with Baird after school as you spend with Janik to work off your demerits. I also worked as Master Baird’s stable boy during the summers.”

“So you didn’t get expelled?”

Lokton chuckled, “No, to the headmaster’s chagrin, I was never expelled.” Lord Lokton ate a wedge of his orange, chewing slowly. “My father understood that a heavy hand was not the correct tool for me. Instead, he spoke with me, taught me, and showed what he expected of me by his own example. That is a smart way to deal with intelligent children, I think.” Lord Lokton opened his mouth wide and pushed the rest of his orange in.

“So will I need to go and meet with Lady Dimwater again?” Erik asked.

“I suppose she will have other things for you as time goes on,” Lord Lokton replied through a half-full mouth. He swallowed the rest of his orange in a single gulp. “But, that is a decision for her and Master Lepkin to make. I brought you down this morning for something else entirely.” Lord Lokton stood up from his chair and walked to the glass wall. “I was extremely impressed with Master Lepkin’s account of your swordsmanship. It’s no easy thing to duel so many challengers in a single day, especially when some of them are older, stronger, and have more training under their belts.”

Erik smiled ear to ear. “Thank you,” he said.

“Unfortunately, I am afraid that your duel with one of the boys will cause some problems for you at Kuldiga Academy.”

“Master Orres’ nephew,” Erik said. His smile disappeared and his shoulders drooped down.

“Well, that may cause some problems, I suppose, but Master Orres is not who I am talking about.” Lord Lokton walked back to his chair and sat on the arm, with his left leg on the floor and the right leg on the chair cushion. “I am speaking of Timon’s father,” he said. “I know Lord Cedreau very well. We went to Kuldiga Academy together. He values family honor second to nothing. I am sure that he will call on us either today or tomorrow.”

“Why would he come here?” Erik asked.

“You broke his son’s hand. He will demand some form of repayment for it.”

“Can he do that?”

“According to the law, he has the right to demand restitution.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt him, and I would never wish to cause you or Lady Lokton any grief.”

“You only cause us grief when you address us by our titles. She may be Lady Lokton to our servants, but you should call her either mother, or by her given name, Raisa.”

“Sorry,” Erik said sheepishly.

“I will handle Lord Cedreau,” Lord Lokton announced. “As we speak I am preparing a boar hunt. You haven’t ever gone on a boar hunt, have you?”

“I’m only fourteen, I can’t hunt boar until I am sixteen.”

“Ah yes, that’s right.” Lord Lokton got up from the arm of the chair and crossed his arms. “Well, in light of your exceptional feats yesterday, perhaps we should make an exception.”

Erik looked up anxiously with bright, wide eyes. “Really?”

“If you can best several apprentices in combat and face down Dimwater’s wolf, you can certainly join a boar hunt. I have already commissioned your first hunting sword. Demetrius said that he would have it finished by noon today.”

“Thank you!” Erik exclaimed as he jumped from his stool. “I shall be the first to find the boar!”

Lord Lokton laughed heartily. “I don’t doubt it.” Lord Lokton walked over and put a hand on Erik’s shoulder. “You are growing into a fine young man,” he said with a smile. “As you are receiving more responsibilities at Kuldiga Academy, you will learn all you need to know about the sword, and of other subjects that Master Lepkin sees fit to give you. I will teach you the other things of the kingdom. From this point on, you are the heir to all of my holdings. Raisa and I are unable to produce children of our own. That is why we searched for someone like you. You have the potential to be a great lord someday. I will expect you to spend with me every day not spent at Kuldiga Academy. You will attend audiences with me, go on patrol with me, and –of course- go on hunts with me.”

Erik had no words to reply with. His mouth fell open loosely and his eyes were the size of saucers. How can I be the heir? Erik wondered. I am not of noble blood.

Lord Lokton laughed knowingly and squished Erik in a great hug. “Go and eat,” he said. “Oranges alone will not sustain you on the hunt.”

Erik nodded and rushed off to the dining hall.

*****

“Erik, come forward and kneel before me,” Lord Lokton boomed for all to hear.

Erik glanced around at all of the people. He knew most of the servants, at least their faces if not their names. He also knew a couple of the children that lived in the cottages near the manor, but most of the faces that now smiled at him he had never seen before. He tried to look confident as he walked toward his father, but on the inside he was nervous. Don’t trip…don’t trip, Erik kept telling himself. He wanted to run, or perhaps have rain drive most of the people away so he didn’t feel so awkward and exposed with everyone watching him. Yet, his discomfort disappeared as he knelt before Lord Lokton, his adopted father.

“Today, my son becomes a man,” Lord Lokton announced. He placed his right hand on Erik’s head and his face beamed with pride as he looked out to the crowd. “Yesterday, my son was proved by several challenges. First, he dueled several Apprentices of the Sword, defeating each foe that challenged him. Then he accompanied Lady Dimwater to confront a Shadowfiend and bring the demon to justice. During this assignment, Erik bested a full-grown man in combat with live steel, but he honorably spared the man’s life. These feats exemplify Erik’s courage, strength, honor, and mercy. Some may say that it is unusual to present Erik with his first Boar Sword at such a young age, but to them I would say, show me a sixteen year old who better exemplifies the qualities of a Lokton noble.”

The crowd cheered and applauded. Many shouted accolades to Erik and others invoked the blessings of the Gods on House Lokton. Lord Lokton surveyed the festive crowd, but his smile diminished as three individuals pushed through.

“Lord Lokton, I cannot allow this,” the tallest individual said. The crowd ceased cheering, but a few whispered and murmured among themselves. “This orphan-child of yours has dishonored my family. Look at Timon’s hand,” Lord Cedreau pushed Timon forward and the boy lifted his broken hand, wrapped in a cast. “The law demands that restitution be made. So, to repay my son, your cast-away shall not receive his hunting sword today.”

Erik turned and saw Lord Cedreau for the first time. He was taller than Timon, but had the same dark, wavy hair accented by gray eyes that were narrow-set. The noble’s nose was prominent, with a slight upturn at the end. Though the man had grown to be rounder in shape than his sons, it was obvious to Erik that he still possessed great physical strength. His arms and legs were large, and his shoulders broad. The blue and gold tunic was secured in place by a large sword-belt, from which hung a silver-handled long sword. Lord Cedreau then caught Erik’s gaze with his own steely stare. At first, Erik wanted to look away, but he did not. He met Lord Cedreau’s stare and narrowed his eyes on the man.

“You twist the law, Lord Cedreau,” Lord Lokton countered. “The law does not demand restitution, it allows it. Furthermore, today’s festival is a rite of passage. In this ceremony Erik becomes a man. The payment you ask for is not equal with the offense against your son that you claim.”

“It is fair payment,” Lord Cedreau countered.

“No,” Lord Lokton replied. “My son broke Timon’s hand. Erik would’ve had to break something else to justify denying this ceremony.”

Chuckles rippled through the crowd.

“How dare you?” Lord Cedreau roared. “My son is noble-born, yours is a cast-away, an orphan! He is not worthy of the ceremony you are throwing for him now.”

“How dare I?” Lord Lokton echoed. “No, sir, how dare you? How dare you crash Erik’s Konn Deta! How dare you call my son a cast-away, and how dare you demand more than a fair restitution before my entire household and all of these witnesses. Your offense today is far worse than any offense Erik gave. You have insulted my son, me, all of my house, and the law that you profess to uphold.”

“Watch your words, Trenton Lokton, or we may be forced to end this feud by blood,” Lord Cedreau growled.

“Is that a challenge?” Lord Lokton hissed. “I don’t recall you ever coming close to beating me in a duel at Kuldiga Academy, so perhaps you should choose your words carefully.”

“I will summon the magistrate, and he will settle this,” Lord Cedreau promised. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he granted me a portion of your holdings for denying restitution to my family.”

Another man pushed through the crowd, followed by a large man with a hood drawn over his head. The first man had gray hair and a full, gray beard. His skin was tanned and leathery. He wore a simple, blue tunic with green trim and black trousers. Over his shoulders he wore a long, flowing black cloak, clasped across the front with a brooch in the shape of a golden eye. Erik knew at once who the man was.

“I am already here, Lord Cedreau,” the magistrate announced.

Lord Cedreau stiffened and clenched his fists. “I see your wit is still sharp, Lord Lokton,” Lord Cedreau said under his breath.

“Sharp enough for the likes of you,” Lord Lokton replied sourly.

“As of right now I see no cause for this intrusion, Lord Cedreau,” the magistrate said. “As you know, Kuldiga Academy reports all incidents of injury directly to me.”

“I did not think you would hear of this until Monday,” Lord Cedreau replied with the slightest of bows.

“That was your first error,” the magistrate replied. “Your second was to demand restitution without the support of the local magistrate behind you.”

“The law allows me to seek restitution without speaking with you,” Lord Cedreau replied bitterly.

“True, but tradition begs that you act prudently, first seeking the support of the magistrate. If you had done that, this whole mess could have been avoided.”

“Who spoke to you of the incident?” Lord Cedreau asked. “I have a right to know, so that I may challenge the account the witness gave.”

“There are two professors from Kuldiga Academy,” the magistrate replied. “The first is your brother in law, Master Orres.” The magister pointed across the crowd and Master Orres stepped out. He was in simple clothing, without sword or armor, but his massive arms and stone-cold expression drew a gasp from the crowd.

“I gave my account of the event last night. As I said then, I find Erik innocent of any offense. It was a training accident, nothing more.”

“Lest you question Master Orres’ opinion,” the magistrate began, “remember that Timon is his nephew as well as your son.”

Lord Cedreau scowled at Lord Lokton. The two locked eyes and seemed to be dueling with their stares until the next witness came forward.

“I am the second witness.” The hooded man behind the magistrate stepped forward. Erik knew the strong, confident voice. It was Master Lepkin. As the hood was pulled back to reveal Lepkin’s face, Lord Cedreau cheeks turned scarlet.

“I suppose I should thank Mr. Stilwell for this.” Lord Cedreau spat on the ground near Lord Lokton’s feet.

“Are you insinuating that the magistrate would fail to be objective?” Lord Lokton asked.

“Mr. Stilwell is the magistrate’s cousin,” Lord Cedreau replied.

“But he does not control me,” the magistrate countered. “I say again, I find that no offense was given to House Cedreau, and therefore your claims to restitution are erroneous. Furthermore, considering the timing and manner of your demands, House Cedreau has insulted House Lokton most grievously, and is hereby found liable for damages to Lord Lokton’s honor.”

“This is an outrage!” Lord Cedreau shouted.

“Watch yourself, Lord Cedreau,” the magistrate warned. “Remember that the power of the court is with me at all times. Wherever I am is therefore a court of the kingdom and you must respect me and my proclamations. If you challenge me, or have one more outburst, there are knights present who are more than capable of arresting you.”

Master Lepkin took a couple steps forward and pushed the side of his cloak back to reveal his famous, black sword. Erik also watched Mr. Stilwell, Master Orres, and a handful of others step forward, effectively surrounding Lord Cedreau and his two sons. Erik watched the standoff nervously, but it only lasted a second or two before Lord Cedreau gave a great, sweeping bow to the magistrate.

“I am always at the service of the kingdom,” Lord Cedreau announced. Erik was sure he detected sarcasm in the statement.

“Then stand firm and receive what is coming to you,” the magistrate ordered. “Lord Lokton, as we are on your land, and the offense by House Cedreau is of such a personal nature, I will allow you to decide the appropriate restitution from the following choices that I find reasonable.”

Lord Lokton bowed his head and waited, while Lord Cedreau stood up straight, face red and jaw clenched.

“You may ask for one of the following: fourteen horses of good stock, seven acres of grassland from House Cedreau’s holdings that border House Lokton’s lands on the east, or a one time payment of fourteen thousand gold pieces, plus seven steel ingots to be used as you see fit.”

The crowd was quiet as Lord Lokton mulled the decision in his mind. The options were fair, but he knew that Lord Cedreau would never understand that. Any one of the options would likely push Lord Cedreau into a deeper wrath than Lord Lokton had ever seen. On the other hand, he could not allow House Cedreau to insult his son, his only heir, without consequence. He had to hold Lord Cedreau accountable.

“If it will please the magistrate, may I propose a slight alteration?” Lord Lokton asked.

“What is it you wish to propose?” the magistrate asked.

“Perhaps we could allow Erik to choose one horse out of House Cedreau’s herds. My son does not yet have a horse, and we all know that House Cedreau breeds the finest war horses in the entire realm. This would be payment enough. Then after the restitution is paid, I would invite Lord Cedreau, and his elder son to participate in the boar hunt this afternoon.”

“If that is all that House Lokton requires, then it is well with me. What say you, Lord Cedreau?” the magistrate asked.

Erik could see the indignation all over Lord Cedreau’s face. The man’s fists were curled tight and the veins in his forehead pulsed. He turned back to face Erik’s adopted father, but he was silent for a long time. Finally, Lord Cedreau uncurled his fists and stuck out his hand.

“I will return home and prepare the horses,” he said bitterly.

“Then it is settled,” the magistrate declared. “Lord Cedreau will go immediately and prepare all of his horses to show to Erik. After the Konn Deta is finished, I will accompany Lord Lokton and verify that restitution has been made.”

Lord Cedreau turned on his heel and stormed away through the quick-parting crowd. His sons almost had to run to keep pace with him.

Lord Lokton calmly walked back to stand next to Erik. “Now,” Lord Lokton said loudly. “Where was I?” Instantly the tension in the air was gone and the crowd laughed together. “Demetrius, bring me the sword.” Lord Lokton placed his right hand back on Erik’s head.

Erik watched Demetrius approach. He wore a new, clean smith’s apron over his brown tunic and trousers. On his feet he wore leather boots with beads sewn onto the sides in the shape of a hammer. It was the only time Erik had ever seen the blacksmith without soot on him. Even his hands were clean.

Then Erik saw what Demetrius held.

Erik couldn’t see the sword because it was wrapped in a green cloth. Erik knew that it was customary to wrap the Boar Sword in a cloak bearing the family colors and coat of arms or sigil on it. Erik understood the significance and was almost too excited to wait for his adopted father to give it to him. He was almost a man of House Lokton. A nobleman as sure as if he had been born to Lord and Lady Lokton.

“Erik Lokton,” Lord Lokton began as he took the bundle in his left hand. “As you knelt, you were a boy, but now it is time for you to stand with men. I give you your cloak, so that you may officiate in the affairs of House Lokton. All who look upon you will now know who you are.” Lord Lokton paused. Raisa came forward, unwrapped the cloak, and placed it on Erik’s shoulders.

The crowd cheered. Lady Lokton took Erik’s right hand and slid a gold ring with a large emerald onto his finger. “I give you this ring, so you may remember your place in House Lokton. The emerald in the middle of the gold band represents you, just as you are between those who came before, and those who are yet to come. If you look through the gem, you will see a golden lion. This symbolizes the nobility within you, and serves as a reminder of your duties.” Raisa then bent down and kissed Erik’s hand. She backed away as the crowd sucked in a breath.

“As a man of house Lokton,” Lord Lokton began. “Your duties are to your family, your holdings, and your king. You will learn your responsibilities in that order. Therefore it is fitting that as you become a man, you will receive your first Boar Sword. This symbolizes that you will take it upon yourself to care for your family. You will provide food, shelter, and clothing. The cloak and ring symbolize your duties to your holdings. Care for the people on your land. Defend them and preside over them.” Lord Lokton took his hand from Erik’s head. He grabbed the hilt of the Boar Sword and thrust the point into the dirt in front of Erik. “Rise,” Lord Lokton instructed.

“I cannot,” Erik said, concentrating hard to remember his scripted part. “My cloak hangs loose, and without a brooch it will fall.”

Lord Lokton pulled a brooch from his pocket and held it briefly for all to see. “As the cloak can not stay in place on your shoulders without a brooch, House Lokton can not stand in its place without fulfilling its duty to the kingdom. Uphold the law, and House Lokton will flourish. Forsake the law, and House Lokton will fall as an unclasped cloak in the wind.”

Lord Lokton bent down and connected the cloak with the brooch. “This brooch represents your pledge to complete your training at Kuldiga Academy, and to one day become a knight in the Order of Kelteshteg, willing to serve and protect the kingdom.” Lord Lokton rose to his feet and backed away three steps. “Rise,” he instructed. “Rise and pull your sword.”

Erik stood and reached for his sword. As his hand went out, the brooch snapped and the cloak fell to the ground. The crowd gasped. Erik reached back with his left hand and caught the left corner of his cloak. He looked back to Lord Lokton, who stood still as stone. Erik could hear the crowd murmuring behind him.

“This is an ill omen,” Demetrius whispered.