Read Online The Dragon's Champion by Sam Ferguson, Bob Kehl - Free Book Online Page B

“Sable has to learn sometime. It may as well be
tonight.” Lord Lokton leaned out the left window and examined Sable in the
moonlight. She wasn’t as big as Clopper, the veteran draught horse next to her,
but like any Clydesdale, Sable was quick to take to the work. Lord Lokton
admired the young mare’s shiny, black coat for a moment and then untied the
curtain on the inside of the window. As he unrolled the thick, green cloth he
checked to make sure that the light of the full moon was blocked from Erik’s
face. For good measure, he untied the other curtain, the one next to Erik’s
bench, and pulled it down as well.
    When he was sure
that Erik could rest without being disturbed by the bright, silvery light Lord
Lokton slid over to the right side of his bench and watched the trees roll by.
The great pine trees were offset by stark white, tall birch trees. Bushes,
hedges, and ferns clumped together around the trees in all shapes and sizes.
Lord Lokton always took pleasure in nature, especially during the night time.
Although things were more vibrant in the daylight, Lord Lokton preferred the
serenity of night. In the still of the night Lord Lokton felt more attuned with
nature, as though he were part of it. That was something he could not feel as
strongly during the day when the forest teemed with life and bustled with
activity.
    For the duration
of the hour-long trip Lord Lokton watched the forest roll by, stealing
occasional glances at his son –for he loved Erik as though the boy were his own
flesh- to make sure he was comfortable. As the trees started to thin out, Lord
Lokton poked his head out of the carriage. He could make out several buildings
down the road. The faint odor of smoke caught his nostrils. He peered through
the air and saw thin, dark trails of vapor rising from several small cottages
on the edge of the forest.
    “Almost home,”
Lord Lokton whispered. He leaned back in his seat and watched the forest give
way to the cottages, and then the cottages gave way to a vast field, enclosed
with a wooden horse fence that Lord Lokton had helped his grandfather replace
as a boy. A few minutes later the carriage pulled through the wrought iron gate
of the inner fence. The large, gray stone manor swung into view as Louis turned
the carriage to the left.
    “We are here,
sir,” Louis announced as he drew the carriage to a stop.
    “So we are,”
Lokton replied.
    The carriage
door was opened by Braun, Lord Lokton’s man-at-arms. “How was your trip?” Braun
asked.
    “Fine, thank
you, Braun,” Lord Lokton unclasped his sword belt and handed his weapon to
Braun. “I trust you received the message I sent,” Lord Lokton said.
    “Yes sir, the
falcon arrived from Kuldiga Academy shortly after nine o’clock. Thank you for
the update.”
    “Well, I didn’t
want you to call up all the guards and storm the forest to look for me when I
didn’t show up on time,” Lord Lokton chuckled.
    Braun smiled and
then nodded to Erik, who was still asleep. “So, why were you late this time?
Was Erik still washing windows?”
    “No,” Lord
Lokton replied, “not exactly.” Lord Lokton reached back and took his overcoat
off his son. “Take this as well, Braun,” Lokton instructed.
    Braun took the
coat, and caught sight of Erik’s bandages. “What happened to his hands?” Braun
asked.
    Lord Lokton
noted Braun’s tone became stern and he couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “Erik was
attacked by a pull-up bar. Shall we mount up and avenge him, brave Braun?” Lord
Lokton teased.
    Braun frowned.
    “Forgive me,
Braun. I’m afraid you take the brunt of most of my jests. I ought not to reward
your loyalty so, but sometimes your over-protectiveness is amusing.”
    “Shall you
require anything else from me, milord?” Braun asked with the frown still
stamped across his face.
    “No, I can
manage on my own. Just place my things on the desk in my study.”
    “As you wish.” Braun turned and walked away.
    Lord Lokton felt
a