I really do not need a hat. As he runs off, I can finally look at myself. Wow, I look stupid. Why do I need to wear this sort of stuff? At least I like the colour. Now let us see if I can draw my weapon quickly. Good! Even though I am restricted, I seem to be able to draw and thrust. Must be why they have these pig stickers.
Couple of my feints and thrusts, block and—
“Ahem. Have you finished?”
I turn and look at Kilroy, seeing him drop the hat on a nearby seat. It has a huge feather in it—no thank you.
“Oh, yes. Just want to make sure I can defend myself.”
“You have some skill, but you are using it a little wrong. It is not a broadsword. You need a little more finesse. Five centimetres is enough to reach a major organ. Each over-thrust would ... Here, let me show you.” I hand him the sword. “I know you have weapons here too. Go grab them.”
I go to my clothes and belongings, pulling my sword out. “You know, it is a little slippery in here.”
“That is why we are heading to the courtyard. Follow me.” I follow. What else am I going to do? The way he is holding that sword makes me feel like I should listen.
We walk into a completely open courtyard filled with training mats, dummies, and weapons. What is this place?
“Here we are. Good, no one is using the training area.”
“This is no bathhouse! What is with all this equipment?”
He smiles. “Well, only the military and Adventurers can wield weapons, so my boss opened this place for rich merchants and lower nobility to train.” He stands in the middle of a mat, his body angled to a semi-profile position, heels only slightly apart. Sword arm is extended horizontal to the ground, sword held at arm's length. He raises his weapon's tip to be level with my eyes. I have never seen this sort of stance before. “Now, attack me!”
I drop into a low guard. I am no novice with the sword, but looking at him makes me feel like a child with a stick. I thought I should start with a feint, and move to a cross-attack. As I move in, he disappears and I feel a slight tap on my shoulder blade.
“Again!” Kilroy yells.
Fine, switch from one hand to two. Screw defence, pure attack! Hold my sword in front like that trainer from Havanti showed me. Slide forward and wait for him. Slide a little more, just a little more. Blades are now touching, main reason for this style is one strike, one kill. He shifts, looks like a thrust. I roll my wrists, step to the side, and move to a diagonal slice. He catches my blade on the hilt and sidesteps.
I follow him, drop back to one hand, duck and thrust up from squat position. He sees that, moves again. Taps me on the cheek. Not enough pressure to draw blood.
This is frustrating. I survived years of the army and the events of last night, and now some bath servant is getting the better of me. I yell at him, “Again!”
He hops back, lowers his guard. “Sword up, soldier!” I salute him. What? He is a bath boy! “Five-year tour?”
This guy has pissed me right off. “Yes.”
“Understandable that you are angry. You do have some good moves but they lack, mmm, how can I say this? Skill.” Say what? I will show you skill! “You are a wall feeder, with some skill with a sword, but you lack proper training. I can tell that you have diced with death a few times, is that true?”
“What, you want my life story, Kilroy? Yes, but I am standing and they are not. That is how a real fight is won.”
“You do not truly understand the art of the sword. Maybe one day you could come back and I can show you the path.”
“Bah! At least you did not mess up my costume. Joan would be so pissed if you had.” I wonder how far I have to walk for this ball thing. Where is it again? Oh Jenell’s book, it is at the Count's estate; that is a couple of kilometres away. Damn it! “I guess I should get going. It is going to take me an hour to walk to the ball.”
Kilroy cocks his head. He looks like some predatory bird staring at me. “Are you not taking a carriage to the ball? Walking will take you quite some time. And it is nearly mid-afternoon, so not long to go before the festivities begin.”
“I cannot afford it. The longer I stand here, the longer it is going to take, so thanks and goodbye.”
I turn to leave but his hand grasps my shoulder. “I have delayed you enough. Here is your sword back. Please, allow me to deliver your other clothes back to your home and also call you a carriage so you do not have to walk that distance.”
“Why do you care if I catch a ride or walk? Like I said, I have no money, so I will just walk.”
That intense stare returns. Kilroy replies, “Your Gnome friend talked strangely, but he said that you are stubborn and need to be shown the path. Your companions ordered you a ride … Did you really save that girl from the burning building a day or so ago?”
I sigh. Why did you not tell me earlier! Bloody trumped-up people! “Yes, I did, so I am getting a medal for it. But really, it is just some ploy. I am just a pawn in this whole thing.”
“Honestly, if you do come back, I’ll make sure they let you through. I’ll show you how to really use that sword.” A young lady calls out something behind me. I could not hear as I was fuming at this prat! “Ah, your carriage has arrived. Pleased to meet you, Solo. I’ll see you next time.”
“Yeah, sure.” With that, I have had enough. “Just send my stuff to the Hall, care of Pela or Bertude.”
“If that is your request, it shall be done, sir.”
I leave without another word. He is starting to run an equal first with Gunnar. Teach me how to use a sword? Yeah, using his fancy moves, but I survived battles and fights! What has he got to teach me? Damn, I need a drink. Wow, that is a nice carriage. I should thank WayWocket for hiring it for me.
“Where to?” The driver leans over and asks.
Does he not know? “The Count's estate, thank you.”
Jumping in, I am now alone with my thoughts. Such a great place to be. Oh look, there are some brown spirits in here. I do not mind if I do. Ah, that is just what I needed. Calms the nerves, allows bad thoughts to float away. Should not drink too much of this stuff. Stillwater will have my head if I show up drunk. But it does go down well.
Teach me how to fight! Where does that guy get off? I know how to fight! It is one of the things I actually know how to do. I learnt all these skills in the army. What can that guy teach me?
One more that should help. Nice burn and smooth. Relaxing might just switch off for a while … Oh, I forgot that ugly hat! Oh well.
Someone is shaking me again. Just let me nap for once!
“Sir!”
“What? Where am I?” Blinking the sleep out. Oh yes, the Count's place. “Sorry about that, must still be tired.”
“If you would kindly exit, as I have other patrons to pick up.”
Well, no need to be all snooty. “Sure thing!”
Oh my Holy Trinity, this place is huge! Being the Count must be good. Where is everyone? The sun is in the right position for four o’clock. Hope everything is okay. Well, at least for Stillwater and WayWocket; Gunnar can go jump.
I wonder what it would be like to live in a place like this. Your own room, beds not made out of straw, no having to worry about the cold, or biting insects. Rich people, bah! Should I just go inside or—?
“Hey, what are you doing, Halfy?” Great, it is Gunnar. “Get your Truth-spawn arse over here. We have been waiting for you.”
As I walk over, I can see what they are wearing. Why in the name of the most Holy am I wearing this frilly thing? Gunnar is wearing a long jacket with nice pants and shoes. He has even plaited his hair and beard and cleaned his face. WayWocket is wearing a blue cloak with white sleeves, a yellow tunic, orange pants, and one red shoe and one purple one too. And his hair looks a really light green-blue. Never noticed before.
“So where is Joan?” I ask.
“I am here.”
I did not even notice her there, not that she was hiding, but wow. She is wearing a light blue dress with la
ce trim. She is tall and muscular, her hair is the same, but something about her face, it looks beautiful …
“What are you staring at, Lone?”
“Ahem, sorry about that, Joan. I never … I thought … I mean, seeing you in a dress is a bit of a shock, that is all.”
“Well, I am a woman. What, you couldn’t fathom me dressed like a lady?”
Now, I could be honest, but this is a time to have a little tact. “Joan, just because I was surprised does not mean that I do not think of you as a lady.” Her face is contemplating whether or not I am lying to her. “I just think you look really nice in a dress.” Good, not too complimentary.
Stillwater has a ghost of a smile on her face. “Okay. Thanks.” Guess I am not going to be punched in the face. “Now, the plan. When Lone receives his medal, it should allow him to have a conversation with the Count; maybe the Duke.”
“We are going to leave the whole thing to Halfy here? That will go down well!”
Love you too, Gunnar.
“Things will happen, Dawn will rise, all shall follow. Only seeing will allow sight.”
“Yes, thank you, WayWocket.” He beams at me. I have no idea what he is on about. “Yes, Gunnar, I will be able to talk to the Count, and once that happens, I can bring you all over and introduce you to him. Zlata will go to the hangman for what she had planned for this city!”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Journal Entry Three continued …
At the time, I thought the skill that the kid, Phillip Isenhart showed me was useless, but after two years I can see the use in it. I am also glad that I met Kilroy as he showed me a future beyond my previous skills ...
There are the gate guards, being all guardy. I really dislike this, but I do have a piece of paper saying that I can be here. A stern guard holds out a hand and says, “Excuse me, sir, but the ball does not start until three hours after dusk.”
Need to wear these sorts of clothes more often. “Ah, my good man, I was summoned by Esquire Ludwig to come at four. Is he around?”
“Esquire Ludwig. Yes, he did mention that four individuals were arriving early. May I see your invitation, please?” I pass it over. He looks at it, looks up, and nods at Stillwater. “Head in and follow the page.”
Like magic, a page boy wearing something even more ridiculous than me appears. “Please follow me.”
Just like sheep, we move through the mansion. So many things, so pretty. It must be good to be rich.
Stillwater elbows me and whispers, “Lone, let me lead, okay?”
Gunnar grumbles, “Yeah, don't want your stupid mouth letting things slip, Halfy.”
“Sure thing, I feel a little out of my depth anyway surrounded by all these pretty things. I mean, really, it must be nice not worrying about food, shelter, or money.”
“Excuse me, sir, it would be better if you kept those types of opinions to yourself. There will be important people here tonight, and you do not want to make enemies.”
“Look, kid—”
“My name is Phillip Isenhart, not ‘kid’. I advise you, sir, to show respect to everyone you meet tonight. Even a page.”
Stillwater steps forward and elbows me in the stomach. Well, that hurt. She says to the page, “I'm so sorry, Lord Isenhart. It was not my stupid comrade’s intention to insult anyone of the court.”
This kid is related to the Isenhart family! My big mouth.
“No need, Sergeant Stillwater. And it is Page Phillip, not Lord Isenhart. I’m merely here to explain to you the proper decorum required at the Grand Ball tonight. Even though you will be seated at a table with lesser nobility, it would be inappropriate not to demonstrate proper dining etiquette.”
“Well then, we thank you for your guidance, Page Phillip. And it is now just Joan Stillwater. I left the Watch.” He looks shocked.
We enter a small room where a table has been set for one guest. There are four glasses, four plates, and way too many knives and forks. What in the holy of the most Holy are we doing tonight?
“Please take a seat. I will go through each course that will be served tonight and which utensils are to be used.”
I look at Gunnar and WayWocket. Neither seem to be fazed by this. “Phillip, I have to ask, why four glasses? I mean, I really only need one, maybe two. I assume ale and wine should not be mixed.”
“You are correct, Master Solo.” I was called Master—very gratifying! “They are for ale, white wine, red wine, and dessert brandy. The servants will keep them filled. If you do not want something, simply hold your hand over the glass and they will not pour.” He demonstrates that to us.
“Can I not just say, 'I do not want wine?’”
Gunnar and Stillwater roll their eyes at me; WayWocket is just spacing out. “You are stupid, aren’t you, Halfy?”
Phillip shakes his head. “Do not interact with the staff. It is their duty to be unseen.”
Stillwater adds, “This is high society, Lone. The staff are not allowed to converse with the guests. They can lose their jobs. This isn't some downtown tavern, so just control yourself.”
“It seems a bit stupid, Joan.” She gives me a look of pure malice. That is more like it! That dress was starting to make me feel like she was not my Stillwater! “Sorry, hand over glass. I have got it.”
“May I please continue?” We all nod; well, except for WayWocket, he is still off with the fairies. “Good, there is much to go over and only a couple of hours before you have to enter the ballroom. For the starting dish, you will be using these ...”
The best thing for me to do now is just nod. So stupid, all this fluff. Yes, out to in, hand over glass if grog is not needed. Use bowl of lemon water to wash fingers and table linen to wipe hands. Such a waste of time. Damn rich people.
“Now I would like to go over table conversation; what is appropriate for a formal dinner.”
What? “You mean, we are not supposed to talk like normal people, Phillip?”
Stillwater looks about ready to cut me down to size. A glance from Gunnar. “Bloody Abyssus, Halfy!”
“Do not give me that, Gunnar. I do not know anything about this sort of thing! Where I was raised, nobody cared about this.” I shake my head. “Sorry! It is hard for me to grasp this etiquette affair, but I will try my best not to make too many mistakes, okay?”
Stillwater looks at me with sympathy, then WayWocket pipes in, “Tis’ no vexation, Dawn. Heart and Soul are guides to the true path.”
Concerned looks from Stillwater and Gunnar at WayWocket. Gunnar says, “Way, make sure you treat this like patrol duty, okay? Sober and quiet.” Tears drop from WayWocket's eyes, but he nods silently. I have no idea what is happening.
“Please, Page Phillip, tell us what sorts of topics are appropriate.” Stillwater always gets us back on track.
“Simple things, like weather or travel, but keep it away from politics and other risky matters.” This make me feel like a bug, watching this kid being more mature than me. You would think living like I have I would be the older one, but that is what it is like to have duty. “As you all do not have a title, you will be one of the first to move into the ballroom. My father will greet you and then you will mingle with the other guests until dinner is called. The award ceremony will be held after. Let us go over each course and the cutlery used, again.”
Great, how long will this take? I need an ale!
Chapter Thirty
Journal Entry Three continued …
Some things you learn that do not really matter. What spoon to use or using the salad fork instead of the other one. Still, I cannot complain too much. I have needed it once or twice. Just wish it was not so boring ...
There is the boy going over and over the process of being a noble. I cannot believe there are so many rules. I thought money meant no rules, just respect and being a nobleman, damn it.
As we are going through everything again for the fifth time, that puffed-up Courtier Ludwig walks in. “Have you covered every aspect, Page Phillip?
We don't want to embarrass your father.”
“Yes, Esquire Ludwig. I have gone over everything thoroughly.” Yes, my brain is melting from this. “My father's dinner will not be hindered by any … uncouth guests.”
I am about to open my mouth, but Stillwater takes the lead. “Esquire Ludwig, the Rejects have no intention of embarrassing the Count in front of the Duke. We are simply here to celebrate our comrade's award for his selfless act of bravery. Can I say the same for you?”
I wish a painting or a drawing was being done right now. Ludwig’s face is precious. He splutters, “Ah, yes, um, as you were, Page.” As he leaves, we all burst into laughter. Best day ever, except for being handled by a man earlier. Damn you, Gunnar.
“So, what do we do now, Phil?” Gunnar asks. One day I think Gunnar might have some respect for someone other than Stillwater.
“Ahem, yes, Master Gunnar, we'll go over the cutlery again and—”
Not going through that again! “Oh, come on! We got it the first few times you went over it!”
“Lone, show more patience with the Page here. He has gone out of his way to show us how to navigate a dinner with decorum.”
“But still. Joan, do we have to listen to it again and again?”
Phillip gives a tight smile. “Well, Master Solo, I won't go over it again if you can tell me everything I have outlined, with no help from Mistress Stillwater or Master Gunnar.”
“What about WayWocket?” Yeah, no one will care, I can get that from their faces. “Fine! Okay, so, we will be the first to come in, as our status is not that high. We greet and thank Count Darel for inviting us and then move on to talk to other people until dinner is ready.”
“Okay, now the table.”
Pushy little squirt. “Our first course is a soup. Use the spoon on the very end and do not pick up the bowl to slurp the soup.”
Lake Merrin Page 21
