The Dragon's Champion

by Sam Ferguson

  “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 wa
nted 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?”

  “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.