Page 26 of Picking Up the Gauntlet

“I’m ready!” The boy perked up immediately. “What do you want me to do?”

“I want you to assist my brother Avery with unloading the horses. Show him the shop and where he’ll be sleeping as well.”

“I will, but I’m not giving him my pallet to sleep on.” The boy crossed his arms over his chest.

“You won’t have to,” said Corbett, walking up with Rook to join them, overhearing what Gerold said.

“My lords,” said Jonathon, with a nod and half-bow to greet them.

“My lords, I am Avery,” said his brother, bowing deeply, thrilled by being in the nobles’ presence.

“We wondered if you were ever returning,” said Rook. “You were gone most of the day.”

“Jonathon and his brother had some things to take care of in town,” said Raven. “I stayed, as well as ate with them. Were you worried?”

“You did what?” asked Rook, looking as surprised as Jonathon had felt when Raven decided she wanted to stay with his family longer.

“We weren’t worried,” said Corbett. “I knew you were with your personal guard, so you were in no danger.”

Avery stifled a chuckle, causing Jonathon to throw him a nasty look to shut him up. Avery got the message, covering up his laugh with a forced cough.

“Lord Corbett, what did you mean about the pallet?” asked Jonathon curiously.

“I’ve had three new pallets brought to the forge for you, Gerold, and your brother,” said Corbett. “I also had the servants bring over more blankets and pillows for you to use. I’m sorry the living area is so small, but it is all I have for now. Plus, it’s only temporary.”

“Aye, of course. Thank you, my lord,” said Jonathon. “We are very grateful.”

“I get to choose the pallet I want, so you two get what’s left,” said Gerold, taking off at a run in his new shoes to get a look at the new things.

“We came to tell you the main meal is about to be served,” said Rook. “Since it sounds as if you’ve already eaten, I’m sure none of you will be interested in joining us.”

“I will,” said Avery, his head popping up. “I’m still hungry.”

“I wouldn’t mind another bite to eat, either. Thank you—we’ll be there as soon as we unpack,” Jonathon told the lords with a quick nod.

“Good,” said Corbett. “Armstrong, since you are my daughter’s personal guard, I’m granting you permission to sit next to her up on the dais. However, your brother will have to sit below the salt.”

“What?” both Jonathon and Raven said together. Jonathon was pleasantly surprised by this, but Raven was scowling as if she didn’t approve.

“I’m honored, my lord, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable, since it’s not my place,” said Jonathon shaking his head.

“Yes, I agree. The dais is only for nobles and everyone knows it,” said Raven, her kind disposition suddenly turning dark again. “Everyone else sits below the salt, and that includes armorers.” She looked directly at Jonathon. This time, there was nothing in her eyes saying she was interested in him in the least.

“That may be true—however, I think I’ll allow Jonathon to join us atop the dais as our special guest while he’s here,” said Corbett, confident in his decision.

“You will?” both Jonathon and Rook said at the same time.

“Father, I have to agree with Raven on this one. I mean, think of what you’re saying,” said Rook in a low voice, but Corbett didn’t change his mind.

“I’ve already thought about it and I believe it’ll be a good way to introduce Jonathon as Raven’s personal guard. Everyone will know I value him, since he’ll be up at the dais with us. I want everyone to see him. Oh, and be sure to wear the clothes of one of my guards, since you need to look like more than just a commoner to sit at my table.”

“Aye, my lord.” Jonathon’s eyes closed and he groaned inwardly. He already felt like a fool being in this position, and now he was going to be stared at by the entire castle and have to wear those stupid clothes again. He felt like such a fake.

“Father, he’s a commoner, and I will not allow it,” complained Raven, her true personality showing again.

“Daughter, I’ll warn you to watch your sharp tongue,” Corbett told Raven. “You have nothing to say about what goes on at the castle. It is my decision and I’ll not hear another word about it.”

“But–”