The Heartfelt Saga

by Dustin De Felice

  Chapter 11

  April 2nd, 770; Talon and Marilyn

  As Talon turned onto the path heading towards the Inn, he heard a horse approaching from behind him. He turned and was surprised to see Trall galloping to catch up to him.

  "I guess we are both running behind." Trall said with a smile and continued, "Anything new?" Trall slowed to Talon's pace.

  "I had the strangest thing happen to me back at the castle. As a matter of fact, that is why I am late." Talon shook his head as he turned his horse towards the Inn.

  "What happened?"

  "Let me tell you once we get settled.

  "Okay. Trall looked confused, but dismounted and walked with Talon to the posts and lashed the horses off. Trall lead the way into Minty's.

  "Both entered the inn and were greeted by Minty at the bar.

  "How are you doing, Minty?"

  "Just fine. Things are starting to feel like the old days. It used to be everyday you two would find your way in here. Sit, anywhere you want." Minty said as he came out from around the bar.

  "Thanks, Minty. Seems more crowded than last night." Talon said as he scanned the crowd of about ten.

  "Of course it is. Most people aren't out until the wee hours of the morning."

  "You were here last night, Talon?" Trall said as he sat down at the table.

  "Yeah, the Prince, Blackheart and I headed out last night for old time’s sake. We knocked on your door but you weren't around. Spent most of the night here." Talon took a seat opposite Trall.

  "What can I get you, boys?"

  "How about some ale with an order of fried potatoes?"

  "Sounds good, that should do us, Minty." Trall said as Minty disappeared behind the bar. Trall gazed over at the bar and saw a younger attractive women come from behind it. "Look at her, Talon! Wow! I should've been coming in here more often."

  Talon laughed, but kept his mouth shut. His eyes met with Marilyn's and she headed over their way.

  "Talon, look she's coming over. Listen, not to be rude and all, but you have been on the farm too long. Let me do all the talking." Trall said as he fixed himself up and tried to push some of his hair down.

  Talon held his breath and tried to keep from laughing. "Okay, I probably am a little rusty. She is all yours." Talon shifted in his chair and almost broke out into a fit of laughter. Meanwhile, Marilyn had made her way over to their table.

  Trall jumped at the opportunity as soon as she was in striking distance. "Hi! You must be new here. My name is Trall Fagan and this is Talon Bastian."

  Marilyn looked over at Talon, who smiled and gave her a quick wink. Marilyn played right along. "Nice to meet you, Trall." Marilyn used a whispery voice.

  Trall sensing the kill sat back in his chair and winked at Talon. "I take it you are not from around here."

  "No, I just moved here from Redderin. What about you soldier, where are you from?" Marilyn sat down on the table right in front of Trall. She crossed her legs and threw her hair back.

  Trall was a little surprised, but took it in stride. "I have been around Heartfelt for awhile. What do you say I show you around the castle? Maybe tonight." Trall looked over at Talon. Talon was beet red and Trall made it worse by winking at him.

  Marilyn looked over at Talon and then back at Trall, “Under ordinary circumstances I would love to, but someone else is already taking me." Marilyn looked at Talon and winked.

  Trall wasn't sure what to do. He looked over the table and Talon just shrugged his shoulders. "Oh! Who in Valerica is this person that would be a better host then me?" Trall knew he was grasping at straws, but he wanted to save face in front of Talon.

  "Oh, I am not sure I can mention that." Marilyn tossed her hair over her shoulder and looked at Talon. He winked at her and mouthed that it was okay to tell Trall. "Well, I guess I can tell you since he is sitting across from you."

  Trall looked horrified and Talon couldn't hold his laughter anymore. Marilyn jumped off the table and sat down next to Talon. "Are we still on for this afternoon?" Marilyn finished as she threw her arm around the back of Talon's chair.

  "You bet, Marilyn. Where do you want to go first, the castle or the towne? I thought we would have dinner at the castle. Sound good?"

  Trall finally regain his composure with a look of total defeat on his shoulders. "You know each other? I mean, well, I, you set me up, Talon."

  "Now, I did no such thing. You wouldn't let me get a word in edgewise, but I do wish you could have seen your own face. Trall Fagan, I would like you to meet Marilyn Stevens. Marilyn, this a very good friend of mine, Trall."

  Marilyn and Trall shook hands while Talon watched with a smile on his face.

  Marilyn was the first to speak, "I am sorry about that Trall. When I looked over at Talon during your introduction, I couldn't pass up what his face was saying. It's nice to meet you." Marilyn smiled and looked at Talon, "How about I show you the towne first, then we can finish up at the castle?"

  "Okay, I like the sound of that, although I reserve the right to take you back here after dinner." Talon said with a laugh.

  "Okay, let me get you guys your order. Nice to have met you, Trall." Marilyn walked back to the kitchen with a wave to Talon.

  Talon was surprised to see such a change in her attitude. He hoped she had forgotten about her first impression of him. "She is from Redderin and she knew Barlow."

  Trall laughed and added, "Boy, did I look like an ass to her."

  Now it was Talon's turn to laugh. "You are right about that. You definitely looked like an ass, though I don't think she will hold it against you."

  Minty appeared with their dishes and a pitcher of ale. Marilyn followed behind him with some cups and silverware. "Enjoy, I will be back to refill this." Minty took off to the next table, which was filled by some new outsiders.

  "Excuse me, here are you cups. Talon, I am ready whenever you want to head out. Uncle said he can handle things for the rest of the day." Marilyn explained.

  "Okay. Great! I was hoping to get an early start. I have to meet Peter, you remember Peter, from last night? I have to meet him tonight, after I bring you home."

  "Talon, you know that's not necessary." Marilyn quipped.

  "Obviously, you don't know your own Uncle. Minty would hang me out to dry if I let you come back on your own. No more arguments. I will be ready in a little while, okay?" Talon said with a smile.

  "Okay." Marilyn said as she headed to the next table.

  "I see you two have hit it off rather nicely, eh." Cracked Trall.

  "You have no idea." Talon related their first meeting to Trall.

  With a laugh Trall added, "You can't catch a break. You know, I have the feeling your brother didn't meet women by using your tactics."

  Talon laughed as he finished chewing and said, "I never saw my brother in action, but he must have been something else. He seems to have won over the Redderins. I never thought how much that war against them must have hurt him. To answer your question, yes, she has warmed over to me. I should have left that farm a long time ago." Talon joked.

  Both men dug into their meals.

  "What happened to you at the castle?"

  Talon recounted the King's visit to his room and the attack the King suffered.

  "What do you think? Have you heard anything about the King having an illness?"

  "No." Trall stopped and thought for a minute. "Well, during the winter he fell ill, but I assumed it went away as the spring fell. He was in that much pain?"

  "Prince Christopher had to hold him up. It's scary, but I think I wasn't told for a reason. Anyway, I just thought you might find that interesting."

  "I do, but I better get going and get ready for maneuvers tomorrow morning. I will see you then." Trall stood up and waved to Minty. Trall looked back at Talon; “Good luck tonight. Stay out of trouble, too."

  Talon laughed
at that. "Take off with you." Talon finished his drink and searched the bar for Marilyn. He wasn't looking very long when Marilyn sat down next to him. She was smiling and looked ready to go, but both of them just sat there together and watched the people come and go.

  "I am ready to go, but I don't mind just doing this for awhile."

  "I know what you mean. I haven't had very many moments like this since I left the farm. What about you? Haven't things slowed down since you got here?"

  "Yeah, but it's different. It's a sad change. Nobody likes what’s happening. I can see it in everyone's eyes, even yours. I can tell bad times have affected a majority of your life. Not that I've been much luckier." Marilyn said.

  "Yeah." Talon whispered.

  "Oh, I’m sorry. Look what I have done. We are both depressed, but that's what we get for slowing down. Come on, let me show you the towne and then you can show me the castle." Marilyn jumped to her feet and threw her apron over the counter. She ran over and said a few words to Minty. She wasn't there long before she came back over to Talon. She picked him up by the arm and dragged him towards the door. "Bye, Uncle. I will see you tonight."

  Talon looked back and waved to Minty, "I will bring her back in one piece, Minty."

  "You better hope so, Talon. I will be waiting." Minty said with a scowl and a forced wink.

  The face almost made Talon laugh, but he knew better. They turned onto the path and off they went. They walked in silence for a little bit.

  The afternoon was almost over and the sun wasn't very high in the sky. It was starting to cool off and Talon glanced at Marilyn and saw that she seemed warm enough. Marilyn caught his glance and Talon tried to look away without getting caught.

  "Don't worry about me." Marilyn had caught the look. "I will be plenty warm. What do you want to see? Is there anything you remember from before and want to see?" Marilyn said with a smile.

  Talon looked around, "I have to be honest with you, Marilyn, I have spent many years in Heartfelt, but I have never been anywhere in the towne. Well, except for your Uncle's place."

  "I guess that the castle is worth seeing then." Marilyn smiled at the thought. "If you never came into towne, why would you stop by my Uncle's place?" Marilyn asked while side stepping a small puddle.

  "Well, my Grandfather died when I was pretty young. He spent almost all of his life at the castle. When I was old enough, I made my first trip to the castle. I was lucky enough to meet the Prince. It was a very young Prince Christopher and he asked me if I was the same Bastian as Cavanaugh, my Grandfather. After talking for awhile, he mentioned your Uncle's place as one of the old hangouts that all the soldiers went to. I was pretty curious, so I visited your Uncle. He acknowledged that he knew my grandfather and my father, but he didn't provide many details. I was to find out later that somewhere down the road your Uncle and my Grandfather had a falling out.

  Minty wouldn't give me any details, but I stuck around that day and started going there on a regular basis. He always treated me like a grandson. I think he has been trying to make up for losing my Grandfather as a friend. I guess, though I have never asked him about it, that sometimes he gives me that look, you know, like he is looking back in time. My father used to tell me how much I looked like my Grandfather. Barlow took after my Father, but I took after my grandfather." Talon said.

  "No one looked like your mother?" Marilyn said.

  "Well, we both inherited her gray eyes and, as my father use to say, her laugh. I really didn't know her. She died when I was very young. What about you, who do you take after?" Talon said as they turned onto the main road. As far as Talon knew this led straight to the ocean docks.

  "Well, I really don't remember my father, but people always told me that I looked a lot like my mother. Oh, have you ever been here?" Marilyn said as she pointed with a sweeping motion towards a side road.

  "Well, I thought this road leads to the docks?" Talon asked. "Where does that road go?"

  Marilyn laughed. "If we stayed on this road, we would eventually stop at the docks, but the Town Square is on the right side of the fork we are coming to."

  They walked down the road for a few more minutes. Pretty soon, Talon was able to make out the Towne Square. A couple more minutes later and he could see around the Towne Square. Buildings of every kind surrounded a large field which contained a monument that stood taller than most of the buildings. The monument was right in the center of a field and people having picnics surrounded it. A few couples were finishing their picnics and joining the crowds of people milling around the square. The outer square was full of shops and places to eat. Marilyn and Talon were walking through the only outlet. The square was actually more of an oval with only one way in and out and that was only by foot. Talon noticed horses were not allowed passed the entrance and there was a long guarded hitching post that sat at the entrance.

  Marilyn grabbed Talon's hand and dragged him along to the front of the stores. "What do you think, Talon?"

  "I can't believe I have never been here. I always thought how dreary the town felt. One would be inclined to believe that if they never left the street Minty's was on. I wonder if the Prince has ever been here or even Blackheart. This is great." Talon said as he took in the different shops and smelled all the different foods. They walked arm in arm deeper into the square. Talon started to smell the ocean as they got deeper and deeper into the square. "We are close to the ocean, aren't we?"

  "Yes, the main street runs parallel to the square and it continues onto the docks at the ocean. One of the reasons they closed off the square to the main street was to keep the traffic to a minimum. The ocean docks should be picking up again now that the winter has passed." Marilyn said as she looked inside a candle store.

  "You might find this hard to believe, but I have never been to the ocean on this side of Heartfelt territories." Talon said as he sniffed the salty air again.

  "Have you ever seen the ocean?" Marilyn asked.

  “Sure, the farm is practically on the ocean, but that is the Heartfelt side and it is actually a bay because of the Trio Islands. The closest I have ever come to the Hearttowne side was back during the war. I can remember smelling it, but it was dark and we never made to the water. Have you ever been to the bay?" Talon said as they continued to the next shop.

  "I, well, no, I guess I have never been over there. To be truthful, I have only crossed the bridge into Heartfelt once before. It was late at night and I really don't remember much. Someday, I hope to make it over past the castle. Maybe when things return to normal you can show me your farm. I bet it is the same as the land I have seen in Redderin." Marilyn said as she walked further into the square.

  "It probably is. The farm is pretty far away from the castle. My father always joked about us being more Redderin than Heartfelt. I guess I was never cut out for farm life or I wouldn't take every opportunity to get away from there." Talon said as he looked inside some of the restaurants.

  "Who is watching the farm?" Marilyn asked.

  "Oh, my father made friends with a farmer down the road. I sold him the livestock and gave him the land to farm this fall. He has a big farm and I am sure he would love to own the farm my father bought. Maybe someday I will have to sell it to him. I already know farming isn't going to be my way of life." Talon said as they walked up to a bakery. Inside was every kind of sweet Talon could imagine and even some he couldn't. Talon led Marilyn into the bakery and looked around. There were plenty of things Talon wanted to have, but he picked a small cinnamon bun. He saw Marilyn looking over the cakes and walked over to help her pick one out. Instead of a cake, she chose an oatmeal cookie. Talon paid for both and they headed back onto the walk. "How is your cookie?"

  "It's still warm. I will make you a deal, a bite of this cookie for a bite of your bun!" Marilyn joked with a big smile and puppy eyes.

  "I guess I can be persuaded." Talon sai
d as he thought to himself about how much he hated oatmeal cookies. A few moments after that thought Talon found a piece of her cookie in his mouth and him giving her some of his bun. It wasn't as bad as Talon thought it was going to be, but he quickly took another bite of his bun. "How was my bun?"

  "I have had better." Marilyn said and started to giggle uncontrollably. Talon didn't know what else to do, but her giggle was contagious. Talon started to laugh with her. Marilyn put her arm around his waist and pulled him close. Talon was surprised, but placed his arm around her shoulders. They continued to walk this way sharing each other’s food.

  The sun was starting to dip in the sky as they walked until they reached the far end of the square. Finishing with one end, they headed down the other side of the square and window-shopped the entire time. Before they realized it, they were back at the entrance and they drifted apart.

  "Do you want to head to Heartfelt? There aren't very many other things to see here?"

  "Well, I thought we would have dinner at the castle and maybe a quick tour. By the time, we get there it will be almost dark. Shall we go to dinner?" Talon asked.

  "Okay." Marilyn said as she kicked a stone down the path.

  "Great, then it's a date." Talon quipped. This time Talon kicked the stone before Marilyn could. This led Marilyn to speed up and kick it before Talon could. They did this the entire way back to Minty's. Before they knew it, they were back in front of Minty's.

  "Let me stop in and check on my Uncle. Do we need one or two horses?" Marilyn asked with a coy smile.

  "I think we can take mine." With that both of them went inside Minty's. The dinner crowd was starting to show up. A few tables were full, but nothing that Minty couldn't handle.

  "What are you kids doing back here so early?" Minty gave them both a curious look and a raised an eyebrow at Talon. "The night just started, did you see the castle already?"

  "No, not yet Uncle, we are on our way there now. I just wanted to make sure you were getting along without me." Marilyn half joked as she gave Minty a kiss on the cheek.

  "Well, I will have you know that I ran this establishment for years before you came along." Minty said with a smile. "Now why don't you take Talon and get along to the castle. If I remember right, Chef doesn't like to serve cold food." Minty gave both of them a glance before he headed to the closest table.

  "I guess we should go, kind sir." Marilyn said as she extended her arm to Talon. "Shall we?"

  Talon locked arms with her and headed out of Minty's. Talon unhooked his horse from the hitch and mounted. He grasped Marilyn and firmly put her behind him. With them both settled, they trotted off until they were crossing the bridge into Heartfelt.

  Talon couldn't remember the last time he had such a good time. Marilyn felt warm on his back as she was holding him tight, leaving him with a comfortable feeling. Even with the wind, he could still smell her hair. At that moment, he decided he could get very use to this.

  The sun was setting as they crossed the bridge. They stopped for a moment and it was a breathtaking sight to see the sun set over the river.

  As they came down off the bridge, Marilyn looked around her. Even at this distance, Marilyn could see two turrets on what seemed to be the front of the castle. As they trotted closer Marilyn was able to make out the front of the castle and the front gate. Right next to it and built into the wall was a large building. "Talon, what is that building used for?" Marilyn asked Talon.

  "That is the front gate guard house." Talon said as he picked up the pace and quickly led them to the gates of the castle. For once, Talon recognized the guard, Andrew Riker.

  "Greetings this fine evening, Talon." Andrew was already opening the gate to admit Talon.

  "Thank you, Andrew. Have you eaten already?" Talon asked as he slowed down to let the gate be lifted.

  "Yes, another fine meal by Chef, although I would stay away from the dessert. Enough to fill you up just by looking at it. Have a good evening, Talon, Miss." Andrew waved them on.

  Talon moved the horse towards the stables. Before he could even get within shouting range, Peter came running out to greet him. "Talon, you are early, although I am ready anyway. You should see the chainmail, and..." Peter trailed off as he realized Marilyn was with Talon.

  Talon spoke before Peter could finish. "Actually, I am not early. I am on my way to dinner with Marilyn." Talon winked at Peter who blushed. "Marilyn, do you remember Peter?"

  "Of course. How are you, Peter? What do you boys have planned this evening?" Marilyn commented.

  With a blushing face, but a big smile, Peter answered, "I am fine tonight, thank you."

  "How about I come and see you in a few hours?" Talon said. He turned to Peter. "Peter here is an expert with chain mail. He is going to be fitting me in a suit tonight." Talon said as he maneuvered his horse in front of the stables. "Peter, give Marilyn a hand off the horse."

  Peter reached over and helped Marilyn. With Marilyn off the horse Talon moved into the stables. Marilyn looked at Peter and said, "How did you ever become an expert in chain mail, Peter."

  With another blush, Peter shuffled his feet and answered her, "I think Talon is exaggerating. My job is mostly leather working. The chain mail was in very good condition. I did some cleaning, but the person who wore it was a little smaller than Talon." Peter finished while still being embarrassed.

  Talon reappeared from the stables and walked over to Marilyn and Peter. "I put her up for the night, Peter. Have you had dinner?"

  "No, I haven't Talon. I was working on Trall's suit. He stopped by a little while ago and I was able to make a few more adjustments. I guess I sort of forgot about the time." Peter said.

  "Well, why don't you come with us Peter?" Marilyn asked.

  "I, uh, I couldn't." Peter stammered.

  "Nonsense. Whenever you are ready we can head over to the hall." Talon added with a nod to hopefully reassure Peter.

  "Okay, I would appreciate that. I'm ready."

  "Okay. Great. Marilyn, Peter, let's get something to eat." Talon said. He then turned to Marilyn, "After dinner we can take that tour I promised you." Peter led them to the hall.

  Marilyn couldn't help but look all around her. She tried to guess what she thought each building was for. The wall surrounding the castle seemed to go on forever. It was tall-Marilyn guessed it was probably close to fifteen feet tall and was about four feet across. The top of the wall had a walkway built on top that ran the entire length of wall that was in Marilyn's view. Marilyn guessed that at one time it was probably used for defense, but now it just had flags of all sorts hanging from it. Marilyn recognized a few of the flags that were from Redderin, but she wasn't sure about some of the other ones. The stables were situated right inside the gate. From the stables, they walked along a path that was leading them to the back of the castle. To her left was one of the largest buildings Marilyn had ever seen. She guessed it was probably where the Royals lived. With a closer look Marilyn noticed a building running all the way down the wall on her right side. It literally started back at the stables and Marilyn swore she couldn't see its end. "Talon, this is wonderful." Marilyn was excited.

  Talon looked at her and realized her level of excitement. He saw the expression on Marilyn's face. The last time Talon had seen that look was when he had first visited the castle. This was right after he become old enough to ride a horse. During that trip into town, Barlow had taken him with. Their father forbid them to go to the castle, but Barlow had made some friends who lived inside the walls.

  Marilyn was able to remind him of what he was taking for granted. "I am glad you like it, Marilyn. I was hoping you could see more of it during the daytime, but it still has its charm in the evening." Talon held Marilyn's hand and they walked up to the entrance of the hall.

  "Here we are, Marilyn." Peter said as he opened the door for them
.

  "Thank you, Peter." Marilyn said as she walked inside. She could smell the food from back at the gates and now she knew why. The serving line was enormous. There was more food than she thought existed. The place was crowded. She saw uniformed soldiers, royalty and all kinds of people. She didn't realize she had frozen in place until Talon tugged a little on her hand.

  "Let's get something to eat." Talon led her to the serving line. Both of them started down the line.

  "Talon, good evening. I don't believe I have had the pleasure." Chef said while serving Talon.

  "Chef, this is Marilyn Stevens. She is Minty's niece." Talon said.

  "It is a pleasure to meet you, Chef. I have heard some great things about this place." Marilyn said.

  "The pleasure is all mine. You have paid me a great compliment; I've had your Uncle's cooking. Enjoy your dinner, Marilyn. If you will excuse me." The Chef disappeared into the kitchen.

  Talon and Marilyn finished with the serving line and headed into the general seating. It was going to be hard to find a seat, but Talon saw Blackheart waving him over. Talon and Marilyn headed off to that table.

  "Take my seat, Talon. I have to be running anyway. How are you enjoying the castle, Marilyn?" Blackheart picked up his plate and moved out of Talon's way.

  "I am impressed Blackheart. I understand why Heartfelt's have such pride." There was an empty seat next to Talon and Marilyn sat down.

  "Yes, I would have to agree. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. Enjoy your meal. Good evening to you both." Blackheart disappeared into the crowd.

  Talon looked around the table and recognized a few faces. Talon introduced Marilyn around as they both dug into their meals.

  "Talon, doesn't the Chef have a name?" Marilyn asked.

  Talon laughed, "Sure, I have only heard it once, back when I asked the same question. His name is Nicholas Bridges. I don't think I have ever heard someone call him that. His food is too good for him to be called anything but Chef." Talon smiled at her.

  Marilyn was surprised the answer was so easy. Both finished their meals and prepared to leave. Marilyn said good bye to Peter who was sitting at another table. They walked outside to a cool night breeze.

  "Are you ready for that tour?" Talon asked.

  Marilyn was ready to see more of the castle. "Lead on Talon and thank you for dinner."

  "My pleasure. Right this way, mademoiselle." Talon led her towards the back gate of the castle. From here, Talon pointed out the weakened portion of the wall. It was directly after the barracks building ended.

  Talon related the story to Marilyn. One of the raids that occurred in the final stages of the War of Occupation was almost successful in breaking into Heartfelt. If it weren’t for the Queen, the castle would have been overrun. With most of the units gone, the Queen led a small group of Guardsmen and a lot of civilians to reinforce the wall before it fell. Just as they got the wall secured an arrow made it over the wall. It was a random shot, but it struck down her majesty. She died later that week from an infection. It effected the King in a big way.

  Finished with the story, Talon and Marilyn walked towards the south wall. In the corner was the armory. It was built into the wall and also served as an entrance to the southwest turret. They continued, turned and headed back towards the front gate. This time they walked along the southern wall. They held hands and walked in silence for awhile. Talon pointed out the Royal wing and they headed back towards the stables. Before they got there Talon showed her the courtyard. From where they were standing, she could see the King's entrance. In the middle of the courtyard was a monument. Talon explained that it was of the first king to sit on the throne of Heartfelt. After Marilyn took it all in, they continued to walk to the stables.

  "I am sorry the tour was so short. I really have to see to this chain mail with Peter tonight." Talon explained.

  "Don't worry about it, tonight was perfect. Maybe when things slow down you can show me around the inside of the wings." Marilyn added.

  "Okay. Let me get the horse." Talon disappeared into the stables. He returned shortly after with the horse. "Ready?" Talon mounted the horse and lifted Marilyn on with him. Talon gave the horse a nudged and they took off to Minty's. The ride seemed quicker than usual. Talon was sorry that the night had to end. In record time, Talon pulled up in front of Minty's. "Here we are, my lady." Talon helped her down. "Apologize to Minty for me. Tell him I will see him later."

  "I will Talon and thank you for a wonderful day and night." Marilyn smiled to him. "Now get going, you are probably late enough as it is."

  "You are right. I better get going, but, um, would you like to have breakfast in the castle sometime?" Talon's stomach was in his throat.

  "Of course. Just let me know when. Good night." Marilyn squeezed his hand and headed into the inn.

  Talon watched her until she disappeared inside. Once she was inside he took off in a mad charge for the castle. It was getting late and he had another full day tomorrow. Hopefully, things with Peter wouldn't take too long. Before he knew it, he was dismounting and heading into the stables. Peter met him at the stall.

  "Are you ready for me, Peter?" Talon asked as he finished with his horse.

  "You got it." Peter led Talon into the back room. He brought out the suit and had Talon put it on. It didn't take long before Peter had his measurements.

  Talon took some time to look over the suit. It was now highly polished and once it was sized it would offer him a high level of protection. "Good job, Peter. I am glad the Prince chose you for my unit. Well, I will see you at maneuvers. Have a good night." Talon left the stables and headed to his room. He fell into his bed without even taking off his clothes.