Chapter 7
“Here is the forge and where we will live,” Jonathon told his brother as soon as they’d returned to the castle.
They had been gone all day since Jonathon and Avery had to finish up a few projects at the shop before they left.
It also took a while to load up the horses with tools and supplies and their personal belongings.
Raven had spent the time talking to his sisters and mother, and seemed to enjoy watching them prepare a meal.
It surprised Jonathon that she changed her mind and wanted to stay longer with his family.
After all, he saw how the stench in town disgusted her, and also how upset she became when she stepped in the mud.
Perhaps carrying her to the shop was a good idea after all, since it seemed to calm her.
It also shocked Jonathon that Raven wanted to eat a meal at his house when his mother offered.
This noblewoman either liked change, or was trying to avoid going back to the castle, he decided.
Or more likely, she was just downright crazy.
If Jonathon was noble, the last place he’d want to be spending time was with a common family in town.
“Ah, it is a small place, just like you said.” Avery stopped the horse and jumped down from the wagon bench.
“However, the castle is mighty large.” He smiled and turned a full circle looking over the keep and courtyard, taking it all in.
“You said we can eat in the great hall, right?” he asked.
Jonathon swore he saw his brother already salivating.
Avery was a few years younger, but had the same build as Jonathon. His appetite was twice as large.
“Yes, Avery, that’s correct,” answered Raven. “You both are invited to do so for every meal.” She reached out for Jonathon to help her from her horse. He didn’t expect this, but didn’t object. He rather liked the feel of her body beneath his hands.
When he put her down, she looked up with her bright silver eyes and actually smiled. Miracles would never cease today. This woman didn’t even seem to be the same one he’d met earlier. Her dogs came running to greet her, and she bent over to pet them.
“Why are you smiling?” he asked, not sure if she was happy because he’d touched her, or if it was only because she saw her dogs approaching.
After all, it wasn’t in her disposition to smile or be pleasant.
Or at least from all the gossip he heard, he didn’t think so.
He bent over and petted the dogs as well.
“I always smile when my dogs greet me because they make me happy,” she answered.
“Oh. Of course,” he said, feeling a little disappointed. Part of him wished she had been smiling because of him.
“I enjoyed seeing your shop and spending time with your family today,” she said sweetly, hunkering down and giggling as Copper licked her face.
“You did?”
“Aye. It was very interesting.”
He wasn’t sure what she meant by interesting, but since she sounded pleased, he didn’t want to risk it by asking.
“I’m glad,” he answered, not quite sure how to respond.
He didn’t think it was a good idea to point out that it was far below her status to even be at his home in the first place.
He wondered if his life really interested her or if she was just pretending to like it for some odd reason. He decided to say nothing.
“Lord Jonathon, look at my new shoes.” Gerold ran up and held out his foot. He wore shoes that looked a little too big for him, but they were clean and in good condition. He’d grow into them in time.
“I’m not a lord,” he reminded the boy. “But I do like your shoes. Now try to keep them clean. I brought some of my little brother’s clothes he outgrew for you to wear as well.”
“Yay!” said Gerold, kneeling down petting the dogs, laughing when they knocked him to the ground.
“Who’s this?” asked Avery, eyeing up the boy.
“This is Gerold. Your new apprentice,” said Raven, brushing the wrinkles out of her gown.
“You? You’re just a child and so skinny. I’m sure you can’t even lift one of our hammers.” Avery chuckled, perusing the young and frail-looking boy. Gerold frowned, knowing he was being laughed at.
“Excuse my brother and his rudeness, Gerold,” apologized Jonathon, reaching between the two giant dogs and helping the boy to his feet. “He’s not used to such young apprentices, that’s all.”
Gerold’s eyes turned to slits and he made a pouty face. “I thought you said you had a brother who is an apprentice that is about my age.”
“He’s right,” Jonathon told Avery with a shrug. “It’s no different than working with Heathcliff, I’m sure.”
“Well I... well I...” Avery tried to find the right words but couldn’t.
“Gerold, I have a job for you,” said Jonathon, to break the tension.
“I’m ready!” The boy perked up immediately. “What do you want me to do?”
“I want you to assist my brother Avery with unloading the horses. Show him the shop and where he’ll be sleeping as well.”
“I will, but I’m not giving him my pallet to sleep on.” The boy crossed his arms over his chest.
“You won’t have to,” said Corbett, walking up with Rook to join them, overhearing what Gerold said.
“My lords,” said Jonathon, with a nod and half-bow to greet them.
“My lords, I am Avery,” said his brother, bowing deeply, thrilled by being in the nobles’ presence.
“We wondered if you were ever returning,” said Rook. “You were gone most of the day.”
“Jonathon and his brother had some things to take care of in town,” said Raven. “I stayed, as well as ate with them. Were you worried?”
“You did what?” asked Rook, looking as surprised as Jonathon had felt when Raven decided she wanted to stay with his family longer.
“We weren’t worried,” said Corbett. “I knew you were with your personal guard, so you were in no danger.”
Avery stifled a chuckle, causing Jonathon to throw him a nasty look to shut him up. Avery got the message, covering up his laugh with a forced cough.
“Lord Corbett, what did you mean about the pallet?” asked Jonathon curiously.
“I’ve had three new pallets brought to the forge for you, Gerold, and your brother,” said Corbett. “I also had the servants bring over more blankets and pillows for you to use. I’m sorry the living area is so small, but it is all I have for now. Plus, it’s only temporary.”
“Aye, of course. Thank you, my lord,” said Jonathon. “We are very grateful.”
“I get to choose the pallet I want, so you two get what’s left,” said Gerold, taking off at a run in his new shoes to get a look at the new things.
“We came to tell you the main meal is about to be served,” said Rook. “Since it sounds as if you’ve already eaten, I’m sure none of you will be interested in joining us.”
“I will,” said Avery, his head popping up. “I’m still hungry.”
“I wouldn’t mind another bite to eat, either. Thank you—we’ll be there as soon as we unpack,” Jonathon told the lords with a quick nod.
“Good,” said Corbett. “Armstrong, since you are my daughter’s personal guard, I’m granting you permission to sit next to her up on the dais. However, your brother will have to sit below the salt.”
“What?” both Jonathon and Raven said together. Jonathon was pleasantly surprised by this, but Raven was scowling as if she didn’t approve.
“I’m honored, my lord, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable, since it’s not my place,” said Jonathon shaking his head.
“Yes, I agree. The dais is only for nobles and everyone knows it,” said Raven, her kind disposition suddenly turning dark again.
“Everyone else sits below the salt, and that includes armorers.” She looked directly at Jonathon.
This time, there was nothing in her eyes saying she was interested in him in the least.
“That may be true—however, I think I’ll allow Jonathon to join us atop the dais as our special guest while he’s here,” said Corbett, confident in his decision.
“You will?” both Jonathon and Rook said at the same time.
“Father, I have to agree with Raven on this one. I mean, think of what you’re saying,” said Rook in a low voice, but Corbett didn’t change his mind.
“I’ve already thought about it and I believe it’ll be a good way to introduce Jonathon as Raven’s personal guard.
Everyone will know I value him, since he’ll be up at the dais with us.
I want everyone to see him. Oh, and be sure to wear the clothes of one of my guards, since you need to look like more than just a commoner to sit at my table. ”
“Aye, my lord.” Jonathon’s eyes closed and he groaned inwardly. He already felt like a fool being in this position, and now he was going to be stared at by the entire castle and have to wear those stupid clothes again. He felt like such a fake.
“Father, he’s a commoner, and I will not allow it,” complained Raven, her true personality showing again.
“Daughter, I’ll warn you to watch your sharp tongue,” Corbett told Raven. “You have nothing to say about what goes on at the castle. It is my decision and I’ll not hear another word about it.”
“But–”
“Nay!” said Corbett, raising his gloved hand in the air.
“Now, it’s a temporary thing, so it doesn’t really matter.
I am only doing it so the rest of the castle will accept him in this new position.
” Corbett turned and walked away, looking back over his shoulder.
“Let the others unload your things, Armstrong. If you’re sitting up at the dais you can’t be arriving late, so make sure you are there before the meal begins. ”
“Aye, my lord,” said Jonathon with a nod. When he looked over to Avery, his brother’s jaw dropped open in surprise. Then he looked over to Rook who was smirking at his sister. When his gaze met Raven’s, a shiver went up his spine. She honestly looked as if she wanted to kill him.
“Can I accompany you to the great hall, my lady?” Jonathon held out his arm.
“Get out of my way, you cur!” She pushed away his arm and stormed past him. “You’re going to make me look like the castle fool.”