Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 97306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
The servants turned away, returning to their chores but continuing to mumble.
“I will bring you what you need,” Merry said and summoned one of the servants to help her.
It was not long before Fia was doing what she enjoyed most… healing.
Varrick had woken early with thoughts of his warriors. With Brock having disobeyed orders it made him think what trouble that could bring. His warriors always obeyed without question—they trusted his leadership. That one warrior doubted him could easily spread to others and that he would not tolerate.
He had gathered his warriors together in an area just beyond the castle walls. They stood in a circle surrounding him and he could see doubt lingering in a few of their eyes while others looked ready to follow his command without question.
He took his cloak off, though the early morning air nipped at the flesh, and tossed it to Argus. He kept his voice strong, his tone commanding. “We have fought many battles together and have been victorious.” A cheer went up and he waited for it to settle before he continued. “We fought those battles as one in mind and strength. Anyone who is not of that one mind and strength, anyone who doubts my leadership step forward and challenge me here and now, for I will not tolerate another warrior disobeying my orders.”
Not one warrior accepted the challenge.
“Brock!” Varrick called out. “Step forward and receive your punishment.”
Brock stepped into the circle, keeping his head high and his shoulders drawn back even though he trembled.
Varrick’s stance was much more intimidating since it was his usual stance, his head always held erect, not a droop to it, and his shoulders always wide not even the slightest hunch to them and his muscles always taut ready to strike. But it was his bold blue eyes that frightened most men since there was a strength and confidence to them that none could match.
“You disobeyed me, and I would cast you from this clan never to return—”
Brock paled and he fought to remain on his feet.
“If you had not the courage to stand and defend my wife from the hounds, for that reason I will not cast you out from the clan. But you are no longer part of my renowned warriors. You are not trustworthy enough to enter battle with us ever again.”
Brock stared bewildered at Varrick. “My lord, the warriors are my brothers. I would die for them, for you. Is there no way I can redeem myself?”
“You sealed your fate when you made your choice.” Varrick looked past the devastated young man to glance over his warriors. “I chose every one of you to fight beside me because you are men of unbreakable honor, superior skill, robust strength, and tremendous courage. Others are in awe of you and most fear you. Do not let your unique status be threatened by foolish decisions. Stand by me without question or begone from this clan!”
In unison, the warriors shouted, “WE STAND BY YOU, MY LORD, ALWAYS!”
A cheer went up again.
When it calmed, Varrick called out. “Now go and see to your duties and there will be extra ale waiting for you to enjoy tonight.”
The warriors smiled and chattered as they headed to the entrance of the castle. No one said a word to Brock. They all ignored him as if he did not exist.
Marsh stopped briefly when he reached Varrick. “Good speech, my lord, and a necessary one.”
“My lord,” Brock said when Varrick turned with Argus to walk away. “If I can serve no longer as one of your warriors, how can I serve the clan?”
“I have not decided yet,” Varrick said. “Until I do—you will keep the horses’ shelters clean.”
Brock’s mouth fell open and he quickly closed it. “As you say, my lord.”
“Go! Now! See it done!” Varrick ordered.
Brock nodded and ran off as fast as his trembling legs would let him.
“A suitable punishment,” Argus said.
“When trust is broken, it is difficult to heal.”
“Trust is important, especially in battle. I pledged my trust to you years ago and I will never break that trust. It means too much to me,” Argus said.
Varrick halted his steps and placed his hand on Argus’s shoulder giving it a hardy squeeze. “We pledged our trust to each other many years ago, and it will always stand strong and never fail us, brother.”
“Aye, and for that I am forever grateful.”
“Now tell me,” Varrick said as they entered through the door in the stone wall, the guard closing it behind them. “I have seen some odd looks sent my way as I walked through the village earlier.”
“I intended to speak to you about that.”
“Speak to me now, for I am curious,” Varrick said.
“With Lady Fia saying she was tired yesterday, I may have questioned, to Marsh, that she could be with child and others may have overheard it since Marsh cautioned me to be quiet,” Argus confessed. “It seems that some are upset over the news and others welcome it.”