fables and exaggerations to make people feel safe. I am confident my axe would prevail,” said Graggis as he drained the last bit of his ale.
“No, he is not just a man,” Baylin said seriously. “He is the best swordsman in all the lands, maybe the best ever. My father told me many stories about him when I was younger. It is said that he is a warrior unmatched, even better than both Master Morgan and Master Borum.”
“I don’t believe it. I had heard stories about his bravery in battle but I had not heard that he was marked as an expert swordsman,” interjected Dagrinal.
“He is not marked. I remember asking my father when I was a boy why he was not wizard marked. He said that Kiln did not believe in advertising ones abilities to one’s enemies. He also thought it was just arrogance to get the mark.”
“That’s why Dagrinal wants to be marked. He wants to impress the wenches at Pygon’s Inn,” Graggis said, chuckling.
“Prince Baylin, how do you know he is better than Master Borum? I had thought that no one could beat our weapons master,” asked the young blond warrior, Piap.
“Master Borum told me many years ago, and so did my father.”
“He sounds like an interesting man. I am looking forward to meeting him,” said Dagrinal.
Jonas looked around at all the faces and noticed Sal eyeing him curiously.
Finally the young knight spoke up. “So, Jonas, do you think you are a cavalier?” Several of the warriors glanced at each other, obviously wondering the same thing.
“Sal, I told you that you were not to speak of it,” said the prince with authority.
“I’m sorry, my Prince, but we are all wondering what he is, what he can do, and since we volunteered to protect him, I think it fair that he explain himself to us,” Sal replied, losing some of his steam as the prince’s gaze hardened.
Prince Baylin addressed Sal, a calm authority lacing his words. “Fair? You are a Finarthian Knight, you follow orders! You do not have the right to question….”
“Sir, it’s okay,” interrupted Jonas.
The prince stopped abruptly, swinging his gaze to Jonas. The weight of that look caused Jonas to look away like a scolded child. He was not used to
being in the presence of great warriors, let alone royalty and an heir to a kingdom’s throne. “I’m sorry for interrupting,” was all Jonas could mutter.
“Son, let me tell you something. It is not Sal’s right to question me, or any of his commanders. Sal is young and ambitious, but not wise in these matters. The chain of command must be followed at all times. If I specifically told them not to question you, then I expect that order to be followed. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir, I do,” Jonas said.
The prince turned his piercing blue eyes to Sal. “Do you understand, young knight?”
Sal dropped his gaze, looking at the ground. “Yes, sir, I apologize.”
“Good, but with that said, I happen to agree with you both. The king ordered me to tell you all not to question Jonas, that it was his business, and that what had happened to him was something that maybe he didn’t want to continue to bring to the surface. But he said nothing about Jonas freely giving information. I agree with you, Sal. You all have sworn an oath to protect this young man, and yet you know nothing about him and what happened to him other than the rumors. So, young Jonas, I will not order you to tell the story since my father has forbidden it, but if you are willing, then I think they are ready to listen. What do you say?”
“Yes, my Prince. I will tell them,” Jonas replied.
All the men stopped eating and looked at Jonas expectantly. He began his tale as he had in the past. He was getting good at telling the story and the words flowed easily from his vivid memories, memories that, Jonas was afraid, had been burned into his mind. He ended the long tale with the attack of the demon and how Graggis had saved them.
“I guess you’re good for something other than belching, eh Graggis,” added Dagrinal, chuckling at his own remark. The men laughed heartily at the joke.
“You might have been there earlier to help if you hadn’t been so busy snoring,” said Graggis, throwing a small rock at Dagrinal.
“I was dreaming of your mother,” Dagrinal replied, smiling as he batted the pebble away.