“Are you sure you want to waste your one question on that?” His voice was deep, but not gruff.
I took a deep breath and shook my head.
“Alright, then. What do you want to know?” His dark eyes were filled with amusement.
“Tomorrow…”
He laughed and I stopped talking, anger welling in my chest. I glared at him. He got himself under control.
“I’m sorry. You were saying?” His grin was mocking.
“Look, I don’t know who the hell you are, but you can get the hell out of my dream!”
He shook his head, still smiling. “I have to give you an answer.”
“I’m not asking a question.”
“Oh, but you are. I can feel it. Whether or not you want an answer, here it is.” He pushed off of the wall and came to stand directly before me. I looked up at him and clenched my jaw, refusing to step back as he obviously tried to intimidate me. “You’ve always been a brave one,” he exclaimed, his grin widening. “Though, sometimes, I’m not sure if you’re brave or stubborn.”
I frowned and watched as he went to sit on a bale.
“Alright, then, here it is. Tomorrow.” He scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Tomorrow, you’ll get hurt.”
“But…” I had never had specific looks into my future in my dreams before. The man waved my objection away.
“You’ll be fine.” He looked at me intensely and I tried not to shift under the scrutiny. “I came here for a reason, Chael. The next little while in your life will be difficult. Just remember that you’re never alone; there are those out there who will fight with you.” He walked to the ladder. “The day will come when you’ll no longer know who you are and others will question it as well.” He frowned, his black eyes on mine. “When that day comes, only you can decide who that is.”
I sat heavily on a bale, trying to decipher his words, and was whisked into another dream before I could make sense of it all. When I awoke in the morning, the only thing I remembered was a deep voice saying, ‘only you can decide’.
*****
“Ladies and gentlemen!”
Everyone in the stands of the arena quieted at General Krane’s greeting. I stood in line with my fellow knights in training in the middle of the arena, facing the General, King Gale, Queen Margaret, and Princess Katheryn. The ground we stood on was hard packed sand. The round arena was surrounded completely by bleachers which were presently filled with spectators. Flag poles bearing all of the Knighthood family flags stood at regular intervals around us. I found mine and smiled.
The General’s voice rang through the arena. “It has been brought to my attention by multiple members of the knights-in-training that yesterday’s race was not won fairly. For this reason, we will not be handing out awards of any kind for this event.”
I felt Caleb’s hatred as his gaze swept up and down the line before settling on me. I stared straight ahead and ignored him. By the way some of the others were shifting nervously from foot to foot, Mac, Harry, and I hadn’t been the only ones to bring this to the General’s attention.
“It was discussed by members of the war council to have a rematch of the race, but with three members of the Knights-in-training injured and unable to participate, we will simply cancel the event for this year. As for those injured, they will take the Knight’s test once they are able to do so.”
I glanced at Mac, John and Hal who were watching from the entrance of the arena.
“Another change to this year’s agenda comes at the request of Princess Katheryn. As you are all aware, the princess turned sixteen but a few short months ago. The winner of today’s tournament will have the pleasure of escorting her young majesty to the banquet this evening.
A murmur spread through the crowd.
“Knights, I’ll have you exit the arena to await your turn in this final test. Those of you taking the Shadow Knight’s testing, be sure to stay close after your duel if you are not too injured to fight. If you are not injured and you do not show for the Shadow’s duel, you will be forfeiting your chance to be one.”
We turned on our heels, the sound of armor echoing in the arena. I stepped out of the gate and stumbled forward as someone pushed me from behind.
“It was you, wasn’t it, little one?” Caleb snarled.
Everyone gave us some space.
“As a matter of fact, it was.” I glared up at him.
He spat on the ground and took a step toward me.
“What are you going to do, Caleb? Beat me to a pulp before the King himself. I’m sure he’d love to see your true colors.”
“These are my true colors. I was born to be a knight.”
I raised an eyebrow at him. “And the rest of us weren’t?”
“Our first fighters of the day will be Harry Smythe and Caleb Kent.” The General’s voice carried down to us and whatever Caleb’s answer to my question had been was interrupted. The crowd cheered and the two walked into the arena.
“Come on, Harry!” My cheer was echoed by quite a few of the others. The two pulled their sparring swords and saluted the king and his family. The object of these games, of course, was to show off your skills and not to kill your opponent. The next ten minutes was filled with cheering, grunting, and the sound of swords hitting armor.
Caleb brought his sword over his head and swung down in an arc. Harry cried out as it connected with his forearm. Everyone close enough to hear it cringed at the sound of the bones breaking with the impact. Harry dropped his sword and fell to his knees as was customary for a person admitting defeat in the games. Caleb’s grin widened and I gave a yell before jumping into the arena and sprinting toward them. Caleb’s sword swung down to connect with side of Harry’s head. I grunted and my arm went numb as his weapon smashed against my elbow. The sound of feet running toward us and Caleb’s grunt as he was tackled to the ground made me smile despite the pain I was in. I sat beside Harry, both of us holding our arms.
“Thanks for that.” He shook his head in disbelief. “I can’t believe he was going to try and brain me when I’d already surrendered. How’s your arm?”
I shrugged. “Numb. Yours?”
“I wish it was numb.”
“What in the name of Dorathan’s honor is going on here? I have never seen the likes of this in all my years in the Knighthood! Caleb!”
Everyone jumped to their feet and stood at attention. The General stood before us, red with anger while the entire arena held their breath, waiting to see what was going to happen.
“Harry, Chael, you’re free to go see the healwife to have your arms looked after and Caleb…”
“No.”
Everyone looked at me, shocked by my refusal. Even the General stood speechless.
“Sir, when we spoke yesterday, you promised me the match I wanted.”
He nodded.
“I want it now.”
“Chael, son, you’re hurt…”
“With all due respect, sir, my arm’s not broken.” I moved it to show I wasn’t lying and tried not to wince as the pins and needles moved along the length of it.
The General threw his hands up in desperation. “Chael’s luck,” he mumbled before throwing an apologetic look my way. “Alright, Chael. Nothing else is going as it should and quite frankly I’m at a bit of a loss. Caleb, you fight Chael for the Shadow Knight challenge.”
“Sir?” He shook off the hands holding him. “I just finished a fight, sir.” He shrank where he stood as the General’s glare honed in on him.
“Caleb, if it weren’t for the fact that your father has served under me for years and proven himself to be a fantastic and loyal Knight, I’d be throwing you out of this tournament and sending you home a peasant. Strip out of your armor. Now.”
He turned back to me and nodded before heading back to his place by the king.
“Ladies and gentleman! There has been a change in the order of our duels. Since they are now the only two Shadow Knight nominees not to be injured, we will now watc
h Caleb Kent and Chael McKinney battle for the honor of top Shadow.”
I tried to hide my groan as I pulled the armor from my arm. My father appeared with my protective vest and Caleb’s with his.
“Stay focused,” coached my father. He put a hand on my shoulder. “Whatever happens, I’m proud of you.”
I smiled. “Thanks, Dad.”
By the look on Caleb’s face, it wasn’t encouragement his father was giving him. Sir Vincent turned to me. “Good luck, Chael.”
A hush fell over the crowd as our staffs were carried in, not by a fellow Knight as was customary, but by Princess Katheryn. Her long dark green satin dress brushed against the dirt, her small footprints followed by a drag line on either side as she pulled the staffs toward us. She handed Caleb his staff with a nod of her head and came to stand before me.
“Sir Chael.”
I smiled. “I’m not a sir, yet, your majesty.”
She smiled back, her dark brown eyes serious. “Everyone who’s been around the last two days can’t deny what you’re obviously meant to be.” She gave a nod and a slight bow which caused her blond hair to fall into her face. “I’d say good luck, but I don’t think you’ll need it. I look forward to the pleasure of your company tonight.”
I watched her walk back to her father where she turned and flashed a smile in my direction. I smiled back and turned to stare, surprised, at my father who was already looking at me with wide eyes. He gave a slight shake of his head, as if to clear it.
“Never mind about that.” He pulled me into a hug. “Make him regret every time he’s ever made fun of you.”
I grinned despite myself and nodded.
“I’m going to enjoy this,” snarled Caleb as everyone cleared the arena. He lunged and jabbed his staff toward my midsection. I twisted sideways, dodging the shot, much to the pleasure of the crowd who cheered their approval. I shook out my arm, trying to get complete feeling back into it. He thought to take me off guard and swung in an arc at my legs. I jumped over the staff, swinging my own at the same time and connecting with his elbow. He swore and switched his weapon to his other hand.
“What I want to know is what in the name of the gods has gotten into you?” I ducked and dodged another jab. “I mean, I’m used to you thinking I’m worthless, but what have the others done to you to deserve this?” I swung at his legs in an attempt to trip him. He jumped back and counter jabbed. The staff connected with my shoulder and sent me falling backwards. Pain flared down my arm and up my neck. His next jab caught me on the inside of my thigh. I grunted and rolled away from him.
“There’s a bigger picture, Chael. The rest of you are just too daft to see it.” He swung down and swore as he connected with the dirt.
My next shot took him in the knee and he went down with a cry of pain. I spun and connected with his midsection. He grunted as all of his air left his lungs in a rush.
“Come one, Caleb. Get up. We’re not done here.” I stepped back and took deep breaths, trying to get my breathing back to normal. He glared and stood with a growl.
I waited until he was on his feet then managed to connect with his thigh before spinning again and hitting his other leg. Caleb fell to his knees.
Realizing he couldn’t outmaneuver me with the staff, he threw his to the ground and tackled me. The air left my lungs as his entire weight fell on me. He straddled me and pressed a hand over my neck.
“Did you actually think you could beat me?”
My face exploded with pain as his fist connected with my cheek. Spots started to fill my vision. Somewhere through the fog I heard a woman scream that he was killing me. He rose up on his knees to put more pressure on my neck. Being small had its advantages and I brought my knee up as hard as I could. The crowd let out a sympathetic groan as he fell sideways and I rolled away from him. I sat on my hands and knees, trying to suck as much air in as I could. He crawled toward his staff.
“I don’t think so, you bastard!” I stood, ran a few steps and kicked him as hard as I could in the midsection. He collapsed and rolled, trying to avoid the rain of kicks I was letting loose. My boot connected with his chin and he fell back, his body limp. The crowd jumped to its feet and roared. I bent with my hands on my knees, trying to catch my breath, taking a second to wave a thank you at my admirers before straightening as much as I could to face the king and his family.
Princess Katheryn’s smile slipped and she pointed behind me in warning. I turned and felt the dagger stab into my thigh. I cried out, pulling it out and putting pressure on the wound. Caleb struggled to his feet. The only sound in the arena was our heavy breathing. Caleb grinned a bloody smile. His eyes widened as I launched myself at him, my shoulder driving into his midsection. I managed to get a few punches in before he rolled so that he straddled me. One second he was pummeling my face and chest and the next he was gone.
I looked up, surprised, and watched as four Knights dragged him away. I closed my eyes for a moment and reopened them as cool hands lightly touched my face.
“Chael, are you alright?”
I gazed into Princess Katheryn’s dark brown eyes.
“Believe it or not, I’ve had worse from him.” I sat up with a groan and pressed the heel of my hand onto the cut on my leg. “Bastard.”
The princess’s eyes widened and I smiled.
“Sorry.”
She started to laugh. “Don’t be. That’s precisely what I was thinking.” She took the hem of her dress and pressed it to the cut over my eye.
“I must say, I’m impressed, Chael.” The king stood behind his daughter.
I quickly stood and bowed. “Your Highness.” Realizing I’d left the princess in the dirt, I stooped, offered her a hand up, and bowed to her as well.
“General Krane told me you were the one to watch out for in this competition and I must say I had my doubts.” He had the decency to look embarrassed.
“Most people do, your majesty. It’s one of the advantages to being small. Most people don’t expect much from you, though, I have to admit, I’m not sure I was going to win this one if he hadn’t been pulled off of me.” I tried not to flinch as my father put a hand on my shoulder. He bowed to the royal family.
“Your Majesty, if it suits you, I’d like to get my son to some medical attention.”
The king smiled and nodded. “By all means, Sir James.”
My father turned me around and started walking toward the exit gate.
“Chael! Chael! Chael! Chael!” The chanting barely registered as I stumbled toward my horse.
I swung onto Klora with some difficulty and kicked him into a canter, suddenly eager to get away from the arena. By the time we’d reached my uncle’s, every muscle in my body hurt. I stumbled into the house, dragging the leg with the stab wound.
“Chael!” My aunt rushed to my side and glared at my father. “I told you this would happen!” She led me to my bed and started to help me undress so that I lay in my undershirt and shorts. “Is the leg the worst of it?”
I nodded. “I don’t think it’s deep.” She wiped my thigh down and I sucked in a breath at the pain.
“A couple of stitches should do it. Once I’m done, it will be a bath and bed for you, my dear.”
“Once I’m cleaned up I need to get my good tunic and pants out of my bag. There’s the banquet tonight.”
“There will be no banquet for you.”
“But Aunty, I have to. I’m to escort the princess.”
Her jaw dropped. “You can’t possibly!”
I shrugged and looked to my father for help.
“The princess has requested for Chael to be her escort. We can’t very well say no.”
My aunt jabbed the needle into my leg a bit more forcefully than was necessary. “Peter! You can’t honestly agree with this!”
Her husband shook his head. “No, I don’t, but as Jamie said, the princess requested it.”
She tied off the stiches and threw the bloody rag against the wall. “You’re all insane!
The three of you have lost it, I’m sure! In the name of the gods, how far are you willing to take this?” She stormed to the doorway, gave us all one last glare, and left the house.
My father looked to his brother. “Tomorrow, we leave. We’ll just have to make sure Chael stays on patrols.”
My uncle nodded.
Once dressed, I gave myself a quick look in the mirror. The dark green tunic and dark brown deerskin pants were my best and I smiled. The tunic had our family’s emblem, the black winged horse, embroidered on the right sleeve. Besides the bruised face and the limp, I looked decent.
“Are you ready to go?” My father poked his head into my room.
“I am.” I strapped my worn leather belt around my waist over my tunic and slid my dagger into its scabbard.
“Take that off.” He handed me a package. “I’ve been saving this for today.”
I peeled away the layers of cloth to reveal a new, black leather belt. I ran it through my fingers, marveling at the craftsmanship. My fingers hesitated over the silver and gold hilt of the dagger in the scabbard. I pulled it out, awed at the winged horse that had been engraved into it.
“Dad, I… I don’t know what to say.”
He smiled. “You don’t need to say anything. You’ve earned it, and then some.” He watched as I buckled it.
I smiled back. “Thank you.” We joined my uncle and aunt in the living room. My aunt’s hair was pulled up and curled on the top of her head. Her velvet dress was a combination of green and black layers. The green layer matched the green of the family tunics my uncle, father , and I were wearing.
“You look beautiful, Aunt Jannet.”
She smiled. “And you look very handsome.”
I watched as they climbed into the cart before mounting Klora. I gave him a pat on the neck. “I’ll get you back to the castle stables and you can get a good night’s rest after all the excitement of the past couple of days.”
He tossed his head as if to agree.
“Try not to cause too much of a ruckus in there, mind you. I don’t need a repeat of our last visit here.”
As if the stable hand had been thinking the same thing, his eyes widened at the sight of my horse. I pulled Klora to a stop and dismounted. The instant I handed the reins over to Nate, Klora started to dance around in a circle. I rolled my eyes, took them back, and led him into the barn myself.
Chael's Luck (A Knights of Dorathan Novel) Page 4