Chapter 17

What was the mission to be? Were they escorting the lords to a dangerous appointment? Were they confronting rebels inciting revolt among the estate's tenants? Were they rooting out guardsmen from their lair? Would he be called upon to fight? By fist or by the sword? The Commander had ordered full gear, he must be prepared for anything. From the oak locker at the foot of his cot, Leo pulled his old leather weapons belt, short dagger, and sword. Enthusiasm twinged in his belly as he tightened the scabbards to the belt. He settled and confirmed an adequate store of additional small blades in the pouch on the belt.

Uncovering the sensitivity of his dagger wanting, he drew out the honing stone and oil and set them upon the lid of the box. Placed on the edge of the bed with his legs straddling the corner of the lockbox, he began smoothing the blade, rhythmically drawing one edge rather than the other over the stone. The surprising turn of the afternoon's events was difficult to comp