Page 21 of Picking Up the Gauntlet

“He’s young, but is a good worker,” said Corbett.

“Gerold, how old are you?” Jonathon could see this was not going to work. He needed someone who was strong and who could aid him. Not a lad that he’d have to watch over closer than tending to the hounds.

“I just turned nine,” said the boy proudly. He might be nine, but honestly, he was so small and skinny that he looked more like he was only six or seven.

“So, then you’ve just started your apprenticeship,” said Jonathon.

“He’s lived here with his father all his life. His mother died when he was born,” explained Corbett.

“I know everything about the forge,” bragged the boy, but Jonathon didn’t believe it.

“I’m sure you do,” he said, looking from the boy back up to Corbett. “You did say my brother Avery could assist me?” Jonathon checked. “I mean, he is twenty years of age and has also just completed his apprenticeship. He is a journeyman now and will be a great asset.”

“Are you a journeyman too?” Raven asked Jonathon.

“I am,” he answered. “Actually, I am only one masterpiece away from being a master at my trade. Your father assured me I would have time to work on my presentation for the guild masters who are to judge it sometime soon.”

“Yes, I did say that, and of course your brother is welcome here to assist you, as well,” said Corbett. “However, there isn’t much room for all three of you to live here.”

“Lord Corbett, will I have to give up my pallet in the bedroom?” asked the boy looking up to the lord of the castle with sad eyes.

“Well, that will be up to Jonathon,” answered Corbett, looking over to him, putting him in a terrible position.

Jonathon didn’t want the child living there with him and his brother. He would only be in the way. He certainly didn’t want the lad sleeping in the same room, either. But how could he turn the child away? This was his home. He didn’t have anyone now, and was an orphan. He’d lost everything he’d ever had. Jonathon’s heart broke for him. He wasn’t going to be the one to take away the boy’s home as well.

“He’s welcome to stay,” answered Jonathon, realizing how long his time here was going to feel, now that he answered in this manner.

“Thank you,” said the little boy, wiping his nose with his sleeve. Dirt streaked across his face. His clothes were worn thin and covered in ash. He wasn’t even wearing shoes, although at first Jonathon thought he was since his feet looked almost black. “What’s my first job?” asked Gerold excitedly.

“Grab a broom and start sweeping,” Jonathon told the boy. “I want this place to shine.”

“Right away, my lord.” Gerold ran barefooted to grab the broom.

“I’m not a lord,” he told the boy. “Just call me Jonathon.”

“Aye, Jonathon.” The boy sniffled and once more wiped his nose with his sleeve.

“Do you have other clothes? And a pair of shoes, Gerold?” asked Jonathon. “The forge is too dangerous to be working here barefooted. Besides, everything and everyone in the forge needs to stay as clean as possible. I insist upon it.”

“I had shoes but they fell apart last week,” said the boy, sweeping quickly, causing a big cloud of dust to rise up into the air. “These are my only clothes.”

“I’ll get him some shoes,” offered Corbett. “I had no idea of his condition.”

“I’ll get him clothes,” said Jonathon. “I have a younger brother just a little older than you, Gerold. You can have his clothes that he’s outgrown.”

“Fine,” said Corbett, turning to go.

“Father,” said Raven, making Corbett stop and turn around. “Can I go to town with Jonathon to see his shop?”

“Why?” Corbett’s eyes drifted over to Jonathon.

“I will need to bring some of my tools here. This shop is small and lacking. There are some things I will require to do my job,” explained Jonathon.

“Plus, he has to get my new clothes,” little Gerold reminded him, sounding excited to be getting something new. Or new to him, at least, even if they were hand-me-downs.

“I suppose that would be all right. Just stay with Jonathon at all times, Raven,” warned her father. “Remember, when the castle gates close at nightfall, leave him alone, since he’ll have work to do in the forge.”

“Why?” she asked.