99 Dangerous Signal (2/2)

”What? You think this is my first time being wounded?” She pointed at the scar on her face.

”Lucia's mark on your face is not fatal though” he commented.

At the mention of Lucia's name, Sylvie's smug face turned somber. He quickly understood her feelings.

”We are going to Solon aren't we?” she asked.

”Yes. Timothy is retreating back to Solon because of food issues. We're going with him” he answered. ”I know I promised to take you to Greenwater, but I need to meet with my mother first in Solon. Can you please allow me to do that? I missed her you know”

He tried to sway their topic because he knew that he made her worry by mentioning Lucia.

But it seemed Sylvie herself wanted to face her worries head-on. ”Do you think they'll forgive me?” she asked.

He caressed her hair and smiled. ”Tim and Lucia are not hateful persons. And even if they were, I'm going to protect you okay?”

It took a while but she nodded. ”And your father?”

”My father?”

”Your father is in Knightsend right? Are you not going to visit him?”

”Not yet” he answered. ”It's too dangerous to go to Knightsend right now. And it's not like he's going to lose or anything.”

”You seem to be confident in your father's ability.”

”Of course” he declared. ”My father is the famous Benedict Connel. With him guarding Knightsend, the western front is safe.”

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Knightsend, Western Castonia

Benedict bent his body and redirected Bernie's thrust. He flicked his wrist and struck his squire's hand with his sword.

”Ahhh!” Bernie exclaimed as he let go of his sword.

”How many times have I told you, don't forget to guard your hand. You're lucky we're using practice swords or else my squire would have to start making my tea with one hand.” Benedict reprimanded.

”I'm sorry sire. But you were just too fast! I couldn't see your movements. It's amazing”

”Ha! Shut it Bernie. Your praises won't make me stop our practice. Again!”

Bernie slumped ”But sire, I'm tired. Can't we just continue tomorrow? Also, I still have to cook your food.”

Benedict rubbed his forehead. Even though it didn't look like it, he was also tired. ”Fine. I'm hungry anyway. Don't overcook the potatoes this time. You know I like them tough.”

Bernie saluted. ”I promise that I'll give you a satisfactory mean sire!”

The squire then left in haste, probably afraid that Benedict would change his mind.

Since Bernie had left, then he had just lost his training partner. Of course he could just grab a random soldier from ones who were also currently practicing in the castle grounds, but he decided that such action would be dishonorable.

So he just went to the side and slumped against the wall. He watched as his men were sparring against each other. He then saw a soldier defeat another with a riposte so quick it almost eluded his eyes.

They are good, he thought. He himself wasn't capable of moves like that anymore. Maybe in the past, he was. But now aging had taken away his strength, his speed and his stamina. He missed his youth.

He also missed being able to awe ladies with his sword skills. Although Maria wouldn't admit it, he knew that his wife was one of his fans when they were still young. In the past, he had seen her many times peek at him whenever he was practicing. When he asked her about those peeking days, she just shrugged and said that she was merely curious. But he saw it in her eyes back then. She was impressed.

Oh Maria, he mumbled. He missed her and Erik. He missed his son and wife. He was shaken when he heard that Greenwater was attacked by the Calgarians. Thankfully, the Vanadians were able to repel the invaders.

He just hoped that these wars will be over soon. He hoped that someday, he will be able to put his sword to rest and repair Greenwater with Maria.

As for Erik, he hoped that Timothy would save his son. If that happened, then he would be able to forgive the humiliation of Erik becoming Timothy's squire.

Suddenly, a horn sounded and Benedict was pulled back to reality. His trained ears quickly deciphered the meaning of the blast. It was a signal that the enemies had been sighted.

But he was confused. If the Tulosans did finally arrive, then the scouts he scattered around would surely report to him first. He hoped that the men on the walls just made a mistake.

But as if to slap him with the grave truth, the horn sounded again.