I keep turning in a circle, noting the wide berth the other competitors and knights have given me. My blades are ready.

“Does anyone else want me dead? Come, give it your best shot,” I say, my voice deep and guttural. A few step back at my tone.

Wide, disbelieving eyes watch me. The few hostile gazes make my skin crawl. Most likely they are Wolfsbane's acquaintances, but the others are just plain shocked.

Sir Robert is the first to come forward.

“I’d not believe it had I not seen it with me own eyes. A slight stick of a boy taking down Wolfsbane. Gollywagot facing the Giant if I ever saw it!”

I smother a cough of disbelief as I hear The King's laughter reverberating in my brain.

His deep pride warms me as he watches from above.

I faced my fear—he was faithful in bringing me through to the other side.

I flick my eyes skyward. Thank You, my King.

My eyes are drawn back to Sir Robin as he stops before me, hands on his hips and a smile tugging at his lips. “Tell me, how long have ya had a sword in that hand o’ yours?”

He smiles merrily, and I can’t help but return a slight nod of respect even as I keep my eyes peeled for another attack. “I’ve had a stick in my hand since I could walk, and later, a sword.”

“Hear that, boys?” he bellows. “We ‘ave a young prodigy here! He took down Wolfsbane with but two wee daggers!” I hear The King's laughter again at that. Not a sling and stone, but two daggers took down this giant. And one huge, faithful King.

A cheer rises from those present. I suppose the Timber Killer wasn't all that popular.

Sergeant Glasson strides up and puts out his hand. “Sir Ri, that was a fancy bit of swordsmanship. I will be the first to admit surprise, but seems you are beyond competent enough to be a protector challenger. Welcome to the Trials!” He throws up his hands, as if ushering in a noble or some important someone. The theatrics are a bit much, if you ask me.

Nobody is. Ran is highly amused, so I shove her from my brain. She snorts in annoyance before I close the inner door on her, effectively locking her out... for now. She'll wiggle back in soon.

The Knights and nobles rush forward. I take a step back, but Sir Robin stops me with a hand on my shoulder. He gives me a wink. “Nobody gonna hurt you here, me boy. They didn’t like ‘im none, neither. Right dishonorable the knave is. Most wish you would’ve slit his throat and be done with it. None would’ve begrudged you such, given his attempt to put a blade between your ribs.”

I smile up at him. He returns it with a gleam in his eye and another wink.

I’m patted on the back so much that I feel mottled black and blue covering my shoulder blades. I laugh in delight as my soul is buoyed from the good cheer around me. Even so, a small seed of discomfort is sowed within my soul. But... I didn’t do this, My King. You did.

His smile comes in the form of bright sunshine alighting on my shoulders and a breeze whistling in my ears, even though we are inside. It's almost a whisper of wind, almost a sigh, but I like to think of it as a voice. It speaks to the heart more than my ears, words without words and meaning without explanation. A peace, a knowing. My heart swells with a joy and gratitude so deep words fail to reach the breadth of it.

~~~

“So you are the one the challengers are in an upheaval about.” Sir Hans greets me at the door to his home. His bushy mustache quivers. “I was wondering if you once again caused a stir.” His voice is stern, but amusement crinkles his eyes.

I chuckle. “Not that I meant to cause anything. I was just attempting to get accepted.”

“That was quite the fight. I doubt any challenger will question your right to be there. Come, Jenny is dying to feed you.”

I hand a servant my cloak, the only thing I kept from my once feminine assemble. The plain deep red matches Ran’s eyes in her fury mode, and it was my grandmother’s. I feel quite naked without it. Thankfully, it’s plain enough to be feminine or masculine.

“You saw that?” I ask as I rethink his last words.

He leads me through a door under one of the winged staircases and into a well-lit hall. A few tapestries line the small hall, but otherwise it's more plain than the rest of the house. A few servants nod at Hans when they pass by. They break off into another branching hall leading to the sound of clanking bowls and the general clatter I take to be a kitchen.

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“Quite a few nobles were up in the hidden sections of the arena. Most were very curious about the challengers, and hoo boy, they didn’t see you coming. Your display quite impressed the prince.”

“The prince was there?”

“Of course. You think he would have no say in who will guard his back?”

I shake my head, having no answer for that. “I need to get home, but wished to come by and get my things. I believe we should meet in secret after this. No sense putting a bullseye on your back as well as mine.”

We turn the corner into a broad dining area. The guests already seated rise at our entrance. Jenny quickly comes over to give me a gentle hug.

“You about gave me a heart attack, in the midst of those giants.” She smiles to soften her tease.

“I about had a heart attack myself,” I admit to answering chuckles from the table.

Jenny guides me over, and I’m surprised yet also pleased to find Sir Hans' adopted son there. I can’t remember his name, but his dark eyes behind his glasses jog my memory of an attempted kidnapping rescue attempt that almost cost my life.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again.” I nod at the tall skinny man, then about smack myself when I realize he met me as the Guardian... not as Sir Ri. My heart pounds.

He sticks out his hand and I reluctantly shake his forearm, hoping he doesn't notice my sweating palm. He shakes with a bit too much enthusiasm to be considered polite.

“The pleasure be all mine. All mine indeed. What an excellent bit of swordsmanship ye have! Knocked the stockings right off most them dumb nobles.”

He’s about to go on but Sir Hans interrupts. “Lorenth, we’re all starving. Do you believe you could release Sir Ri’s hand here so we may sit?”

I chuckle as Lorenth releases my hand with a blush. "It’s no problem at all," I say, and Lorenth sends me a grateful smile.

I take the seat that Jenny indicates. The dining area is quite large, but this table is small and round, designed for ten people. Jenny sets me at the place of honor on her right. Sir Hans is beside her with Lorenth to his left. Beside Lorenth is a young lady with a bright smile. She’s on the plump side, but her adorable blue eyes match that of Sir Hans. I take her to be a few years younger than me.

“Sir Ri, this is our daughter, Alicia. Alicia, meet Sir Ri.” Sir Hans gestures between us.

“It’s nice to meet you, Sir Ri,” she says, giggling under her breath.

Oh, nonono. Don’t let her get a crush on me, Great King. Please, no.

Ran snickers in the back of my mind. Of course, she would be stealing glances into my mind at this point in time.

I'm never far, rider. Actually, I hear every thought.

Which is not creepy at all... and explains quite a lot. I shove her out of my brain and try to focus on the girl at the table.

“The pleasure is mine.” I smile through clenched teeth.

Sir Hans gives me a questioning glance, but I shrug him off.

“Ye made taking down Wolfsbane look easy! ‘Tis more of a dance than a fight. Especially that of the bit with Sir Robert. Who taught ye that fancy bit of swordsmanship?”

It takes me a few moments to puzzle through his words. He speaks so quickly!

“I’ve learned from many here and there, allowing different styles to give me the edge in some battles. Are you learning the sword?”

His eyes grow wide behind his classes. “Oh, no. I have none the talent for that, not as me Father does. It’s just, I do so enjoy learning the many art forms. Ye seemed to mix the Swordsmanship of the elusive Jrakken Clan with the battle hardened plain fist of the Eluphites.”

I’m surprised at his knowledge, and his ability to pick it out from one fight. I nod at him. “Yes, in the first bit, I used a dance of the Jrakken. A master of their ways taught me when I was little. I combined it with the prowess of Eluphites as well as others I’m sure you will research until you find out.” A grin crosses my face as he groans. “I’m surprised you have knowledge of the Jrakkens and Eluphites. Their ways are almost obscure these days.”

“My son enjoys learning the history of our people. Much can be learned from it,” Sir Hans points out.

Servants bring out steaming trays, making my mouth water at the pleasant aromas. I’m keen to return to my family, but perhaps a few bites won’t hurt.

“Tis very true. I ‘ave learned the mistakes of the past are oft repeated in an endless cycle. If only one might be of open mind, one might learn the wisdom of ages past and glories ta come.” Lorenth has a twinkle in his eye as he speaks of something that he must be very passionate about. I could see him as a historian.

“What have you learned of this age?” I ask as I swallow some moist meat seasoned to perfection with a hint of rosemary and sage.

He sits back and steeples his fingers. I imagine him as a wizened wizard with silky white hair and a long white beard. His thin oblong face and slightly crooked nose where the glasses are perched enhances my imagery. I stifle the smile the image invokes. He’s oblivious to my humor, thinking deeply of the question I posed.

His eyes grow glassy and his face goes blank. “This generation has settled into peace too deeply. Wars of generations long past left a bitter taste in the minds of the people. The small border skirmishes mean nothing to our soft hands and spoiled minds. A battle shall awake us to the shadow of a war long fought, and bring the people a choice. Shall they see the war for what it is or choose ignorance over the freedoms that have been handed down from the blood of our forefathers? Thus shall the people themselves decide slavery or freedom upon the blood of the innocent and the weak."

A shiver runs down my spine. His voice... it's not exactly his. I don't know him well enough to say, but I don't think this is exactly normal. Perhaps a Gift?

Silence blankets the hall. With a growing certainty, I know he is right. There is a war brewing in the depths of my city. It’s likely enemy soldiers are already here, the black cloaked men I saw many weeks ago... I wonder once more if they are a part of the same operation as the assassin coming for the prince. And what part do the kidnappings play? And why do they want Ran?

A question lingers in my mind beneath the others: will the people choose the hard route of freedom when the brewing war comes to light? Will they fight? Or will they choose the simple road of ignorant slavery as chains tighten around their hands?