Page 12 of Picking Up the Gauntlet

“Thank you,” said Jonathon with a nod. “I am glad that you approve of my work.”

“While you’re here, mayhap you can fix the hilt on my dagger. It’s come loose,” said Sir Henry, handing it to him.

“Of course,” said Jonathon, taking it, turning it in his hands to inspect it.

“Nay. Not now,” said Rook, stepping in and taking the dagger from Jonathon, returning it to Sir Henry. “Jonathon has been hired as an extra guard for the tournament,” said Rook. “If you want him to fix anything, you’ll have to wait until nighttime. He’s also our temporary blacksmith and will be living here for a while.”

“If you’ve been hired for the tournament, why are you here so soon?” questioned Sir Henry.

“Aye. The tournament isn’t for another few weeks yet,” pointed out Sir Robert.

“I’m here because... because...” Jonathon looked over to Rook, not able to bring himself to tell the knights he was here to watch over a woman who obviously didn’t need his protection.

“Besides being the castle smith, Jonathon is also here as Lady Raven’s personal guard,” Rook blurted out, causing Jonathon to cringe. Just hearing him say it aloud sounded ridiculous. It didn’t sound true or even remotely believable.

The knights looked at each other and burst out laughing.

“Nay, really,” said Sir Henry. “Why are you here so early?”

“What’s so funny?” asked Rook.

Jonathon felt as if they were laughing at him.

“No disrespect, my lord,” said Sir Robert. “But everyone knows that Lady Raven doesn’t need a-a personal guard, and will probably kill him.” They both laughed again.

“Aye, it’s more likely that Jonathon will end up needing a personal guard to protect himself from her,” added Henry.

“Is this the way knights usually talk about their overlord’s daughter?” asked Jonathon, not liking the way the men were acting. Belittling him since he was a commoner was expected. Bad-mouthing a noblewoman was downright rude. Especially since she was the daughter of their overlord.

“Nay, it isn’t if they want to keep their positions and titles,” said Rook in a low warning voice to the men.

“We’re sorry, my lord.” Henry bowed and Robert followed suit.

“We didn’t mean anything by it. Please forgive us,” said Robert.

“You’re forgiven and dismissed,” said Rook with a wave of his hand, sending the men away.

When Jonathon realized that the knights weren’t going to be reprimanded or punished, that told him that Rook most likely jested about his sister with the knights in private on more than one occasion now. The whole thing disgusted Jonathon.

“Here,” said Rook, shoving a pouch of coins into Jonathon’s hand.

“What’s this?” asked Jonathon, feeling the weight of the pouch. “I thought I wouldn’t be paid in full until the end of my assignment.”

“Consider it a bonus.” Rook looked off in the opposite direction.

“For keeping my mouth shut about what I’ve just witnessed?” Jonathon probably shouldn’t have said that, but he still felt infuriated about the knights’ conduct and the fact Rook did nothing to reprimand them and stick up for his sister.

Rook’s head snapped around. “You have to understand that my sister isn’t always the easiest person to get along with, and she’s very rebellious. It’s no secret. Everyone knows it,” he said in a low voice. “She’s not like other ladies. It’s best that you keep your eyes open and your mouth shut if you want things to go smoothly while you’re here.”

“I understand.” Jonathon tested the weight of the pouch in his hands, knowing it was at least a guard’s salary for a month. “I’ll respect your wishes, my lord, but I won’t take money to keep quiet about anyone speaking ill of Lady Raven.” He pushed the pouch back into Rook’s hand. “No matter how different your sister is, she still deserves the respect of a lady. From everyone, not just the knights.” He was referring to Rook, but didn’t think it was wise to come out and say it aloud. Instead, he turned and started to walk out the door. He was certain he’d made his point clear and just hoped Rook wouldn’t have his head for saying it.

“Jonathon, you haven’t been dismissed yet,” said Rook, stopping Jonathon in his tracks.

“I’m sorry, my lord.” He turned to face Rook. “By your leave, then?”

“Aye. Of course,” said Rook with a nod. “But first, I want to say it’s a damned shame.”

“My lord?”