Chapter 185 TEIGEN IX
"Look up, young warrior" his voice commanded and I did as told. I let my eyes wander over his form and he was unlike I had expected. He looked to be a man nearing his late sixties, his cream colored skin harboring a few facial wrinkles, his short ginger hair that was perfectly cut into small strands that covered his head possessed a few white streaks of hair, betraying his otherwise young features.
"I have been told by your commander, that you are an exceptional warrior, trained intensively in the art of archery"
I nod, "That is correct, sir"
"And you have been under his keep for 5 years now" I affirm his statement, glancing at Commander Tanner. He shoots me a comfort
ing smile, "I am also aware that this here is your last day?"
"It is, sir"
"So, where do you intend to go?" He inquires, his tone suggestive.
"Back to my father's tavern in the town, sir"
"I have a proposal for you, young warrior" he motions to Commander Tanner who takes a scroll from one of the other knights and brings it up to me.
"I am offering to hire you for a job as personal knight to the princess, the Grand Duke's daughter. As states in that scroll, you will be paid more wage than other knights, you will be provided with living accommodations at his manor. Should you choose to accept you will be tasked with keeping his daughter safe wherever she goes, outside his manor"
I unbound the scroll, looking through the wordings, written in black calligraphy. I was suddenly very grateful to Commander Tanner for teaching me to read, not that I believed the Count would try to cheat me. I scan through the piece of paper and sure enough, all the words he had just conveyed to me were written down.
"So, what will it be young warrior?"
I recall Commander Tanner asking me those same words, but five years ago, when I was still with Mr. Rae.
I frowned, glaring down at the paper in silent thought. I never knew the Earl had connections with the Grand Duke not that the Grand Duke had a daughter, now I was to be her personal knight, to someone I had never met nor heard of before.
This was a big step for me. All the terms were very favorable and now with this wage I could send some of it back home to Mr. Rae to show how grateful I was. If not for him I would not be where I stand today. He would be so proud but I needed to visit him, asking what he would have me do and to see him after such a long time
I bow, "I would be most honored to accept this proposal, your grace. But I must plead with you to grant me some time to visit my father and to inform him of this I would want to embark on" the Count seems deep in thought, his calculating brown eyes watching me with caution and admiration.
He stands to his feet, "Very well, visit your father. But I expect a response when you return, do not make me wait"
"Thank you, your grace"
"Do make haste. The Duke requests for a personal knight at the soonest, the princess would need her personal knight by her side" he gave me one last glance over, as if sending me a message, telling me not to refuse. The terms were very beneficial. I did not need to worry about housing, nor feeding which were easily the most costly things in the city. I already knew Mr. Rae would approve, I just wanted to go see him after such a long time away.
I hoped he was doing good.
~
"Er, what is all the noise about? One cannot get a peaceful day in this town anymore" Mr. Rae grumbles, approaching the loud crowd that had gathered in front of the market place.
Maybe they had caught a thief? I haven't witnessed any action around here, the quiet was becoming deafening but why this now when I wish to retire? Maybe I should move to a more desolate place. Hm, the young lad would probably refuse, if I move where would he come to when he returns? A sad smile wore his lips at the thought of Ryker. He must be getting such good training and living his life, why tie him down to an old fool like me?
Mr. Rae got to the growing crowd and stood, trying to peel at what the fuss was about. Suddenly he heard a voice, one he could identify anywhere, despite his failing ears
"Thank you for the very warm welcome townspeople. I missed you all dearly as well but I must be going to see my fa-" just then his voice stopped. Ryker looked into the crowd, the unmistakable smell of coal, steel and sarcasm filling his nostrils. He was here, father was here. Ryker pushed through the crowd, splutter of apologies as he bumped passed people.
"Come here lad" he felt an arm gripping him and tugging his stoic form. He crashed into him, hugging him tightly. Ryker smiled fondly, hugging his father right back. Mr. Rae silently wiped away a lone tear, willing himself not to cry in the presenve of the townspeople. Most of them did not think him human, he best keep his reputation.
Ryker had certainly gained some height and muscles, he was much taller that Mr. Rae now, so much so that Mr. Rae was no longer towering over the young man. Indeed Ryker was no longer a lad.
"My son" he pulled away, patting Ryker on the back affectionately.
"Father. It is good to see you still in good health" Ryker smiles, eyeing Mr. Rae's old form. He noticed Mr. Rae had begun to hunch over, his form leaning forward probably from too much time on the bench working.
They had so much catching up to do, so they left the presence of the townspeople who watched on with eager eyes, the mamas grinning from ear to ear at their future son in law. All wishful thinking, Mr. Rae made a mental note through his happiness to drive all of the hungry mamas away when they came over to "offer some pies"
☆
"You look well my boy" Mr. Rae noticed and I hid a smile, studying how much older he seemed but if possible not even a little bit different from the last day I saw him.
"I am. I've missed the smell of burning iron, smoke and oil" I grin, watching father grimace and shoot me a glare.
I snicker, pushing myself of the cot and walking over to the jar of water to get started on the dinner.