Legends Born: Tahir Edition (History's Shadow)

by K. Dzr

Chapter Twenty

  E N G L A N D

  Gavin often bragged about Tahir’s abilities with the bow and recommended he join the King’s longbow men. Gavin led him to the training yard. The soldiers eyed him suspiciously: He was young, and looked like one of the very people they were training to fight. They said nothing, but set up targets for Tahir so the King could witness his abilities.

  “I hope you’re not exaggerating again, Gavin,” King Robert said, taking his seat to observe Tahir’s demonstration. “I am well aware of how you enjoy promoting all of your students as legendary.”

  “This time, Sire, you will be amazed. Unfortunately, I can’t take all the credit. He was already quite talented with the bow when he came to me.”

  At the King’s command, Tahir unsheathed an arrow and aimed for the farthest target. It flew straight and fast, hitting dead center. Again and again he fired; each arrow hitting its mark. The King stood and applauded.

  “For once it seems ale has not hindered your vision, Gavin. There may be a place for you yet, Tahir.”

  “Expect nothing but the best from my students!” Gavin slapped Tahir on the back. “He needs a little work with the sword, but he’s a fast learner, you just wait and see.”

  “Teach him all he needs to know to serve in my army. Let’s see if we can make a squire of him,” the King ordered the captain. “As for you, Gavin, I expect you to resume your role as one of my instructors. Whip these soldiers into shape. The Vikings are a constant threat from the north and the Moors have been making steady progress in Spain. It is only a matter of time before they reach our borders.”

  From that day forth, Tahir was immersed in intense training. Although he was not a typical candidate for knighthood, his talent was far too valuable to be denied. He spent his days fine-tuning his abilities, building his strength, cleaning the stables and tending to the knight’s giant horses. He learned their religion—it wasn’t so different from his own; from what he could remember. They told him stories of Lancelot and kingdoms of old, the codes of knighthood and chivalry. He couldn’t have been happier; this is what he dreamed of his entire life. His father would have been so proud. At day’s end he was sore, dirty and tired, but he always made time to repeat everything he learned to Meelix and the two practiced sword fighting with sticks.

  Meelix began sneaking into the yard with the knights, mimicking their moves and trying to learn their language. In little time, he won their favor with his enthusiasm and charm—becoming a mascot of sorts. Oraden leapt the fence and grazed with the horses. He watched Tahir and Meelix spar. He too, grew braver around humans as he grew tired of being left out of the action.

  Tahir’s new training schedule left him little time for Destiny. He was fairly confident that she enjoyed being with him as much as he did with her, but one could never be too sure. He definitely didn’t want to do anything inappropriate. The problem was, he really didn’t know what was appropriate and what wasn’t.

  Tahir contemplated these things as he walked home after a long day of training. The sound of singing and the smell of cooked rabbit made his stomach growl and his pace quicken. He slid to an abrupt stop when he saw the scene in the clearing beneath his treehouse. Destiny chopped vegetables at a table, her voice tip-toeing up and down with the words of her song. Meelix sang along as he cleaned herbs in a bowl of water. For the first time in Tahir’s memory, Oraden was interested in food preparation; he stood between them, watching closely, and getting his narrow head in the way as they worked.

  “Tahir!” Oraden called out when he saw him. “Lady Destiny is cooking for us! She’s making me a salad!”

  “Meelix is teaching me how to cook like a gnome,” she explained as he approached.

  “I see. It smells wonderful.” he patted Oraden’s neck. “I can’t wait to try it.”

  “She is one quick learner, Tahir,” Meelix said, showing Destiny how the sprites cut their vegetables diagonally to look more attractive. “She’s even learned a few spritish songs!”

  “Meelix says food tastes best when flavoured with song,” she laughed.

  “It is true. And you sing beautifully; I’m sure it’ll taste great. Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “No, no. It’s not every day a squire is served by the Lady of the Castle. Just sit and enjoy.”

  Tahir washed his hands with the pitcher of water then sat at the table and watched Destiny prepare his food. Meelix and Oraden told him of their day’s adventures with Lady Destiny. She hummed quietly as they spoke; taking her eyes from Tahir just enough to make sure she didn’t cut herself.

  “So, what’s the occasion for this visit?” he finally asked.

  “Well, I thought you might be longing for a meal in the manner you are most accustomed to,” she explained, setting his plate before him. “Besides, you’ve been so busy; I’ve missed hearing stories about Elysi, so I thought I would come to see Oraden and Meelix. It has turned out to be quite the educational experience. How is it?”

  “Delicious!” he said, taking another giant bite. “Just the right amount of song.”

  She laughed as she arranged Oraden’s salad on the ground near the table.

  “It’s odd,” she said, “to make something so lovely just to throw it to the ground, but that’s how he said he wanted it.” They all laughed. She sat at the table watching them eat.

  “Meelix says you don’t eat much meat. Is that why you are so thin?”

  Oraden laughed and tossed his head. “I’m big and strong! See?” The unicorn held his head high and flexed his muscles, posing for Destiny. Tahir rolled his eyes.

  “My, my. Yes, you are, Oraden,” she smiled and stroked his ego as well as his coat. “You are a most handsome unicorn, and you must be very strong to run so fast.”

  “Yeah, but you’re still short,” Tahir remarked.

  “Jealous.” Oraden snorted at Tahir then went back to his salad.

  “I didn’t mean to embarrass you, Tahir.”

  “Meat is scarce in the desert. And my friends are animals; it didn’t seem right to eat them. When it’s hot and dry; cool, juicy fruit and vegetables are preferable,” he explained between bites. “Besides, I think my lightness makes me quick, like Oraden.”

  “Well, I have watched you training,” she said, resting her chin in her hands. Watching him enjoy the food filled her with contentment. “You are much more quick and agile than the other squires, and certainly more than the older knights.”

  “You watch me?” Tahir asked. “I’ve never seen you.”

  “Well, I…um…I watch all the knights train.” She disobeyed the ‘no fidgeting’ rule and turned her attention to straightening her clothes. “From the tower; you can see everything. And I like to know how our army is doing. It is, after all, my kingdom, too.”

  “I guess that makes sense,” Tahir agreed.

  “Yes. Well, you will be a great asset to my father’s army. He thinks quite highly of you, did you know that?”

  “No, I didn’t. I will work extra hard to be sure not to disappoint him.”

  “You will do well here, Tahir. Oh, and you may keep the table as long as you like,” she stood, fidgeting again with her clothes. “I must go now, to see that preparations are complete for dinner,” she gathered her things and stepped in the direction of the castle.

  “Wait, we can accompany you!”

  “No. You enjoy your dinner; I have walked through this forest alone many times before. Good night.”