The Protector

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

'Rise and shine Half Pint!' I groan and pull the blanket further over my head. Who the hell wakes up before the first bell? Peering out from my hole, I squint through the darkness to make out the silhouette of Rafel and am thankful that I decided to sleep in my travelling shirt and breeches with my binding on. This, I think, is going to have to become a habit.

'Why so early?' I mutter as I roll unceremoniously out of my wooden bed and catch myself on my hands before pushing myself to my feet.

'Not as early as you think Tiny, plus it looks good if you are early down to the training arena for the initiation tribulation.'

'Why are you helping me?' I ask getting slight suspicious. I move to my pile of new clothes and begin to quickly pull them on as he leans against the door frame. I guess this openness is something I am going to have to get used to in order to not draw attention to myself. I hate audiences. I quickly stop in front of a mirror and check my appearance. I have to make a good impression. I look like a squire! My tan breeches and white shirt are nothing special but the king's insignia is embroidered over my left breast, over my heart. A silver and deep blue eagle in a circle, the wings of the eagle are outstretched as if in flight touch the edges of the circle as does its talons. A symbol of power, a symbol I am proud to wear.

'Let's just say I think you'll be one to surprise us in this round. Any way you look grumpy, grumpy people are honest, and easy to wind up.' I narrow my eyes at him as I buckle my sword to my belt and throw my bow and arrow onto my back.

'This round? What time is it?' I perch on the edge of my bed and pull on my riding boots and tuck in my breeches so that I don't run the risk of tripping during this ordeal.

'Yeah, this round of new recruits. You have about an hour so I thought I would escort you to the dining hall to get some food.'

'Why?'

'I said I would show you the ropes.' He smiles warmly at me, he was offering a friendship to me I realised.

'You like to bet on who you think will do well?' I ask as I walk past him and out of my room. He instantly falls into step with me and I follow him as we move through the labyrinth.

'It's something to do. I thought you would have worked that out last night. We have to be here, watch and participate when boss asks us to so why not make it a little more interesting? I reckon you'll have any of these new recruits in a swordfight, maybe not wrestling though, your too small for that really. Best you try keep a weapon in your hands at all times on the battlefield.'

'Thanks for the advice,' I roll my eyes, unsure if I should be offended or flattered that he's taking this much interest in me, 'What makes you think I'll be any good?'

I follow Rafel as he walks into the mess hall and over to one of the servants. I mimic his actions as picks up a plate filled with bread before following him towards an empty table in the far corner of the small room. Taking a seat opposite the blonde haired boy I just stare at my plate. I can't eat. Nope, not hungry. Too nervous. What happens if I mess up? At the very least I could bring shame on my family. Someone might know that my family hasn't got any male heirs, not anymore at least, what would I do then? I will have gotten my whole family disgraced or even worse killed for treason?

'I'm not hungry.' I announce pushing my plate away from me. I can't do this.

'Eat.' Rafel orders as he pushes my plate back in front of me. I frown at him but fold my arms over my chest. My chin pushes out stubbornly. I don't want to. He won't make me. He just smiles and rolls his eyes at me, he opens his mouth to reply but his eyes snap away from mine to someone who I can feel standing behind me.