The Four Swords

Chapter 31: On The Mend

The noise of the squeaky cot made Lord Garrison aware that his family was not alone in the room. Something in a hushed voice was said to his son, before Lord Garrison addressed his audience.

"Thank you for coming to look after Gavin, Your Highness. Please join him. Excuse me while I speak to a clansman." Lord Garrison motioned in the direction of Sir Pudgy vaguely. "Balor, follow me." His tone shifted from friendly to commanding. The carefree motion of his hand followed his tone in becoming a sharp point toward the door.

Although my face remained somewhat stoic for Gavin's sake, my thoughts were rejoicing. Latrines and monsters would soon meet Sir Pudgy! I should not celebrate someone else's misfortune, but is it socially acceptable to celebrate someone receiving a learning opportunity? I feel like that was a gray area between the heroes and villains in most of my books.

Balor slowly followed Sir Garrison out of the door. I'm sure he noticed our wandering eyes and puffed out his chest. Pride was his greatest folly.

Alina crossed the room to Gavin and his wisp of a mother. I had never met the woman directly but knew her by sight from royal functions. Her frame was so slight, I fear at times her husband concealed her presence unknowingly behind his broad shoulders.

"Sir Gavin, Lady Bree. It is good to see you both. I only wish it were under better circumstances," Alina greeted them.

Gavin sat up slowly, in an attempt to show respect to Alina. His shoulder was bandaged around his chest and under his arm. Evidence of which peaked through his low necked shirt. His right arm hung in a sling supported by his left shoulder.

"I am alive and on the mend. I think those are excellent circumstances, Your Highness." Gavin dipped his head in respect.

"Quite right you are," Alina stammered. Not expecting his response.

Cali stepped in to help Alina. "I am sure we can all be glad for your successful surgery. I only wish justice could be served to the individual who harmed you, Sir Gavin."

"Do not give up hope just yet, good lady. The swordsmen and the king will pursue justice." Lady Bree sounded hopeful. I wondered how many times she recited similar things to others. How often must she trust in her husband and the council to set things right?

"I'm sure both of our fathers are doing everything within their powers to do just that." Alina agreed.

As if he knew that we were talking about him Lord Garrison reentered the room. Balor's eyes must have found the floor or his shoes very interesting. He did not even glance up as he approached the group standing around him as he followed the head of his clan.

"Excuse the intrusion, Your Highness. I was informed that the other clans may need help with some, um," Lord Garrison paused to find the right word. "Unusual tasks. Balor is more than willing to take on the challenge, if such tasks still are available," He emphasized the word more. How much more could Balor take?

"Oh. Yes. I'm sure there is plenty for someone with Balor's talents to do." Alina's pleasant demeanor masked her shock that her offer had already been passed onto Lord Garrison. Her eyes momentarily slipped into a wide expression letting me know the truth.

"Very well then. Also please allow Gavin to join him, once the doctor has cleared him for such an undertaking. A future swordsman can better fulfill his role if he understands not only his clansmen, but his countrymen as well. If my request is not possible, I understand." Lord Garrison dipped at the shoulders. It was not quite a bow, but it was respectful.

This request made me wonder if Gavin was not the one that picked his assignment this morning. If his father had, it made his informal actions in the council chambers make more sense. Lord Garrison felt responsible for his son's injuries.

The leader of the clan of falcon must have assigned Gavin to babysit Sir Pudgy and his insulting ideologies. But then why would he send him away with Balor again? We saw how well Gavin helped Balor control his tongue. Somethings I would never understand.

"By all means. If that is what you think is best for Ensis, I cannot disagree. If you will, Lord Garrison, please liaise with the other Swordsmen to find a place for these men to best serve." Alina handled herself well.

"Thank you for this opportunity to serve, Princess. Thank you as well, Father." Gavin returned to the version of himself I remembered growing up. Duty. Decorum. It was at times almost tiresome to hear because I knew that every nobleman would compare my conduct to his. I was simply not that suave or self sacrificing.

Alina gave a strange grin. I could not decipher it's meaning, but maybe she was as uncomfortable being thanked as I was hearing it.

Lord Garrison faced his wayward relative. "Sir Balor, I will speak to my counterparts and let you know where you will next serve our country. I think your time for the rest of today is best spent packing." Lord Garrison turned back to the group, dismissing Balor without another word.

The chubby man was still in his herald's garb from the parade. It almost made his pathetic retreat from the room even more impactful. Never assume someone is less than you.

The doctor entered from his chambers that connected to the infirmary. He looked surprised to see that Gavin had such an audience around him.

I wondered for a moment if it would be appropriate to ask about my coat that I gave Gavin in the carriage. I don't think washing would get the blood out. Counting it as a lost cause, I passed on asking about it.

"Your Highness. Honored guests. Thank you for visiting Sir Gavin. Although the surgery was a success and I do think he will fully recover, rest is still best" the doctor almost sang the childish rhyme. He must say it often. " I will keep him till tomorrow to check for infection. You may all visit him tomorrow." Just like that we were all dismissed.

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