“I have no parents.” The boy didn’t cry or tear up, “They are dead to me.” His voice was emotionless when he made that statement.
“Ah.” The King let out a breath. “That does say a lot.” He smiled down at the boy.
“What does it say?” The boy snarled up at the King.
Thaylen moved closer his hand going to his weapon. He would never interfere with his King, he was only moving closer to protect him in case the scamp attacked. The King waved his hand and Thaylen moved back.
“You said they were dead to you.” The King replied, “Not that they were dead.”
The boy’s eyes narrowed on the King, his mouth opened then closed against what he would have said.
The King laughed, he really liked this boy. “How would you like to come with me? I can give you food, clothing and training.”
With total disdain the boy said, “I know what old Lords like you want with young boys. I would not do that for all of the food, clothing and training in all of Hedal.”
The Kings eyes widened and then he burst out laughing. He laughed so hard he thought his sides would split. The little beggar had just accused him, the King of Hedal of either buggery himself or perhaps wanting this little fellow to sell into buggary. The King hadn’t had a conversation this entertaining in a long time.
When he was able to catch his breath he said, “No boy I am giving you a chance to leave the streets and come to the palace to train.”
“I was told they only accept noble boys into the palace for training.” The boy looked at him suspiciously.
“That is not true.” The King smiled kindly. “Would you like to come or no?”
The boy looked at him for a second longer then turning to look behind him and back. “I will only go if we are all allowed this chance.”
The King burst out laughing again. The little imp was bargaining for all his friends too? That showed true loyalty and intelligence for one so small.
“I agree to your terms.” The King said, “Would you like to know my terms?”
“We are to train to be warriors. Our loyalty will be to our King, to do as he commands us in all matters. To protect those who are weaker, and to give our lives in the service of our Kingdom if that is what is required. To honor our King we should value what he values: honesty, loyalty and valor.” The boy bent his knee, and his friends did the same. “Is that not close to the vow your warriors take, my King?”
Astounded again the King bit back his laughter. “You are going to be entertaining.” He turned to regain the saddle. “Thaylen make sure the boys all have a ride. I will take Marcael with me.”
“As you will my King.” Thaylen made sure that everyone mounted with a boy in front of him.
‘With me Marcael.” The King held his hand out for the boy. Seeing uncertainty in the boy’s eyes for the first time was a surprise. “I do value honesty, loyalty and valor above all things.” He told the boy. “But you forgot one thing in your vow that I value even more...family.” The King smiled again, “By blood or by choice I value those I call family.” Grabbing the small hand in his the King helped him into the saddle. “I have sons by birth, five strong boys who are training for their duties. But I also have sons by choice. The men of my guard are such sons. You will be one of those Marcael.” Holding the boy steady against his armored chest he whispered, “You may even earn the right to be my Knoet’un.”
“The King’s First Knight?” Marcael whispered. “I vow I will my King. I will be your Knoet’un.”
The King wanted to laugh at the fervor in the boy’s words, but when he saw the glowing certainty in the boy’s eyes he just smiled instead.
Marcael would go on to be the youngest Kings Knoet’un in the history of Hedal. He had a lot of titles by the time he was done. Legendary warrior, faithful Kings Guard, traitor, infidel...murderer of the last great King of Hedal.
About the Author
I really hate this part of writing a book. “About the Author” has to be the hardest part of publishing for me.
On the front of new and exciting I can now say that I no longer have to trudge off to work. I am now a full time, stay at home, writer/publisher/editor/ social media mogul. I am going to use my time to try to get out a book every few months, so I hope it works out that I am able to accomplish that.
My thanks go out to everyone whose support and kindness gave me the confidence to make the jump out of the workforce, and into self-employment. I am still a one-day at a time, everyday normal person. I have Mr. Stormy, my kids and a bunch of dogs running around keeping me grounded.
Thank you! I really do wish all my readers the best in 2015!
There is a link on my webpage at http://www.stormymcknight.com/ if you want to send me your thoughts, or sign up to be on the mailing list for release updates and events.
Other books available:
Kniam: Terraneu Book One
Knollig: Terraneu Book Two
Knaleg: Terraneu Book Three
Kneus: A Terraneu Novel (Book Four) Page 16