The Choice of Magic - Michael G. Manning Page 0,120

surprising, Mister Shaw, since from the look in your eye I would strongly suspect you’d like to stick that spear in my gut. Isn’t that true, Mister Shaw?”

Tiny shook his head. “No, sir.”

“Perhaps you’re worried about being whipped. I’m sure you know that striking a superior is a mandatory flogging. Wounding one is punishable by death,” said the sergeant, his voice growing calmer. “In your case, though, I’ll give you permission. Would you like to hit me now?”

“No, sir.”

“Corporal Grim!” shouted the sergeant. The corporal hastily responded with a ‘yes, sir.’ Sergeant Nash went on, “Corporal, please make note that I’m giving Trainee Shaw permission to take a swing at me.” Then he turned back to Tiny. “Mister Shaw, would it surprise you to learn that the reason you’re so fucking big is because your mother was in fact the biggest sow on—”

The sergeant never finished his sentence, because Tiny dropped his spear and unleashed a wild haymaker. Sergeant Nash was expecting it, though. The sergeant leaned back and tilted his head, letting Tiny’s fist glance off the top of his helm, then he stepped forward, putting one hand on the back of Tiny’s arm and shoving while he kicked the big man’s leading foot out from under him.

Tiny fell like a ponderous oak, and the men behind him tripped over one another as they hurried to get out of the way. Meanwhile the sergeant caught Tiny’s spear as it started to fall and whipped it around with one hand. The point stopped just below Tiny’s chin. Sergeant Nash stood over him with a look of malicious glee in his eyes.

“I would dearly love to put this through your ugly neck, Mister Shaw, but until this war is over you are the property of Lord Fulstrom, and he needs your fat ass to help fulfill his duty to the king.”

Will couldn’t stand it any longer. “Sergeant—”

Quick as a whip, Sergeant Nash turned and focused his attention on Will. “I did not give you permission to speak, Mister Cartwright, but seeing as I respect your opinion, I will let it go this time. Did you have something to say?”

All eyes were on Will, and he suddenly felt uncertain. Swallowing nervously, he answered, “I just don’t think you should goad him about his mother, sir.”

The sergeant took a moment and seemed to fall into deep reflection before saying, “Is that so?” Then he looked down at Tiny. “Mister Shaw, according to Mister Cartwright I owe you an apology. Did it hurt your feelings when I suggested that the reason you’re such a colossal turd is because your mother was a farm animal?”

Facing the sharp end of a spear had caused Tiny to calm down quickly, but he still answered honestly, “A little bit, sir.”

Sergeant Nash planted the butt end of the spear in the ground and offered his other hand to the fallen soldier. “Then I apologize, Mister Shaw. Let me help you up.” Once Tiny was back on his feet, the sergeant addressed the company again, “I hope you all learned a lesson in courtesy from Mister Cartwright here.”

Will’s shoulders itched as he felt everyone’s eyes on him.

Chapter 38

That evening Will managed to save a few extra bites for Tiny, but it was an exercise of willpower for him. The long day’s labor had given him a tremendous appetite. But if I’m this hungry, how bad is it for him? he asked himself.

Dave glanced up at them. “Ain’t that cute. Will’s got himself a girlfriend.”

They ignored the remark, but Corporal Taylor took notice, staring at Tiny for a second as though he had just remembered something. Finally, he said, “They want you lean, Tiny, but given your size you probably need a little more.” He offered the big man the last portion of his pottage. “I’ll talk to the mess sergeant later and see if they can give you a little more from now on.”

Tiny seemed embarrassed, and he stared at his knees. “Thanks, Corporal.”

Dave spoke up again. “Sergeant Nash really seemed to love you, Cartwright.”

Before Will could reply, Sven jumped in. “Just his bad luck. They always single someone out like that.”

Corporal Taylor nodded in agreement, but Will was confused. “What do you mean?”

Sven waved his spoon as he talked to emphasize his point. “This ain’t my first time in the army. I served five years as an enlisted soldier when I was a lot younger. They always pick someone and praise them like that. They try to make the