Page 31 of Picking Up the Gauntlet

“Well, I can’t believe you’re still sleeping when the sun is already up,” was Jonathon’s reply. He held a list in his hand that he’d just finished making, checking it over once more. “Be grateful you’re here within the castle’s walls at all. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime that most commoners never get.”

“Right,” said Avery, releasing a deep breath. “What’s that in your hand?” Avery got up and walked over to join him, rubbing his eyes.

“It is a list I made of supplies I’ll need to make a suit of armor for Lady Raven.”

“Nay.” Avery shook his head. “You’re not really thinking of doing it, are you? That’s absurd.”

“You heard her. She’ll tell her father I abducted and kissed her if I don’t.”

“Nay, she’s just trying to scare you. She wouldn’t do that. Would she?”

“I don’t know, but with Lady Raven, I wouldn’t doubt it and can’t take the risk. “She involved a child in her daft deception, and I won’t let little Gerold get hurt. He’s already lost his family and everything he has.”

“Gerold,” repeated Avery looking back at the boy’s sleeping pallet. “Where is he?”

“He’s already up and about for the day, like you should be.”

“I’m up now, so stop your whining,” said Avery, with another yawn.

“The Lords Blake have hired me to do a job,” Jonathon reminded his brother. “They are trusting in me. I am supposed to report any man who badmouths Lady Raven or does anything improper toward her. I don’t want them thinking I took advantage of this position when I don’t report myself. Here.” Jonathon shoved the list into Avery’s hand and turned back to finish dressing. He wore his own clothes today, not wanting to don the garments of a guard ever again. He just didn’t feel comfortable wearing them. Hopefully, he could convince the Lords Blake not to make him wear them again.

“Here, what?” Avery made a face and held up the parchment and surveyed it. “Why are you giving this to me?”

“I need you to collect the supplies I’ll need.”

“Me? Nay,” he said, trying to give the parchment back to Jonathon. “I’m not your lackey. I’m a journeyman, not an errand boy. Do it yourself.”

“I can’t.” Jonathon didn’t take the parchment. Instead, he donned his weapon belt with sword and dagger. “I’ve got somewhere I need to be.”

“Oh.” Avery surveyed him and lowered his hand. “Then get the boy to do this menial task. He’s the apprentice.”

Jonathon took out his sword and used his sleeve to shine it. “Gerold looked hungry so I sent him to the kitchen, hoping the cooks would take pity on him and feed him. Besides, he’s just a child. If he tries to purchase these things by himself, he’ll most likely be robbed before he returns. But take him with you, because I think he’d like that.”

“What about me? Don’t you ever worry about what I might like?”

“Avery, now who’s whining? I got you the position inside the castle walls, so just hush up and do as I ask. We’ve got a lot of the supplies that I need already at our shop, but you’ll have to buy the rest. You can introduce Gerold to Heathcliff, since they’re about the same age. The boy needs friends.”

Avery looked at the list and shook his head. “I think I know where I can pick up the steel you want, but it’s going to be expensive. Where am I supposed to come up with that kind of money?”

“Aye. I see your point.” Jonathon remembered the coin pouch that Rook had given him, and pulled it out of his bag. He had hoped to give this money to his family since they were struggling lately, but he didn’t have a choice now. He needed those supplies, and he needed them fast. “Use this. It should be more than enough to pay for everything. Give whatever is left over to Father.” He tossed the pouch of coins to his brother. Avery caught it and looked inside, releasing a slow whistle.

“Where did you get this kind of money, Brother?”

“Let’s just say it’s a bonus for a job I’m expected to do.”

Avery nodded, closing up the pouch and looking back at Jonathon. “Where are you going, dressed like that? I hardly think you need to carry a full weapon belt around just to protect Lady Raven. We’re not at war here. It is a little too much, don’t you think?”

“Actually, not really.” Jonathon grabbed his cloak and put it over his shoulders. He wore the clothes of a mercenary today, but it was who he was. “I might need to take a mace and axe just to keep her in line, but honestly, I’m headed to the practice yard to spar with the knights before the main meal.”

“Spar? With the knights?” This got Avery’s attention. “What about me? I want to go to the practice yard, too.”

“You’re no good with a sword in your hand unless you’re heating it in the forge and we both know it. It’s not for you, Brother.”

“I don’t have to fight the knights. I just want to watch.”

“Not today. Now, get going right away. It’ll take you some time to find and collect everything on that list.”

“Right away? Oh, so now you want me to miss the meal as well?” complained Avery, throwing the list down on his pallet. “I thought when you brought me here it was because I always wanted to experience life in a castle, and you were being nice to your younger brother.”