Trail of the Gods_ The Morcyth Saga Book Four - Brian S. Pratt [42]
“I really don’t want to do that,” he says.
“I know, we’ve discussed it before,” Roland replies. “But try to come up with something, and don’t take too long about it.”
“Alright,” James tells him. “Anything else?”
Giving him a smile, he says, “Just that we’re all glad you’re back.”
“So am I,” agrees James.
Roland leaves him there in his room alone, shutting the door behind him as he leaves. He moves over to his window and looks out at the recruits. Jorry and Uther are demonstrating sword techniques while Illan explains them, how to achieve them and their various merits.
Errin is watching the exhibition with keen attention and is unconsciously pantomiming with her hands the motions she sees.
He leaves his room and makes his way out to his workshop. On the way, Illan sees him and waves him over. As he approaches, Uther and Jorry come to a halt and lower the wooden swords they’ve been using for the demonstration.
To his recruits, Illan says, “For those of you who don’t know him yet, this is James, the master of The Ranch.”
Eight pairs of eyes stare at him as he comes to a stop in front of them. “James,” Illan continues, “these young men and lady, have all agreed to help in keeping the security and to warn of any possible attack.”
“You know Devin,” he says. Devin gives him a smile and a nod.
“Yeah,” James replies, returning the smile, “we’ve met once or twice.”
“The other ones are, Orry, Caleb, Errin, Jace, Nerrin, Moyil, and Terrance.” He points to them one by one as he makes his way through the group.
When he’s done, James nods to them all and says, “Glad to have you aboard. I just have a couple things you need to know. First of all, I do magic.” Pointing over to his workshop, he continues, “Over there is my workshop and when I’m inside, don’t disturb me unless it’s for an emergency. It could prove disastrous. Second, I may have experiments running out in the forest. Don’t touch them! Walking by them will cause no harm, but there may be some where coming into contact can be fatal.”
Some of the recruits’ eyes widen and their faces pale. James smiles inwardly, these must’ve been the ones who had moved the crystals out in the forest while he was gone. “I would be most unhappy if I had to go and tell your family you’re dead because you couldn’t leave well enough alone. Understand?” He gets eight nods in response. “Good!”
“Finally, I would appreciate it if you all would stop spreading rumors about me. What goes on here, I want to stay here. Anyone caught talking about anything I do to someone outside of here, will be discharged.” Pausing a moment to let that sink in, he asks, “Any questions?”
Eight hands fly into the air and he says, “In case you’re going to ask me about whether or not I’ve captured evil spirits or not, I haven’t.” Seven hands lower and only one remains, Errin’s. “Yes?” he asks her.
“Is it true that the Empire sent a mage and fighters here to kill you?” she asks.
Nodding, he says, “Yes, that’s true. I have made some enemies and they may come here seeking revenge for wrongs they may feel I have done them. But I assure you, that I never sought them out, nor did I ever instigate anything with any party. My general philosophy is live and let live, be nice to all and to help those you can.”
“Anything else?” he asks. When no questions are forthcoming, he says, “Then I’ll let you resume your training.”
“Thank you, sir,” Illan says to him.
“You’re welcome,” he replies and then begins moving back toward his workshop. From behind him, he hears Illan say, “Alright now! Pair up and we’ll practice the techniques you’ve just been shown.”
Glancing over his shoulder, he sees the recruits picking up the wooden swords lying beside them on the ground. Then they get up and begin pairing off. He sees Devin has managed to be paired with the dark haired Errin.
Finally back in his workshop, he closes the door and takes his seat at the workbench. They all look so young, none can be over fourteen. He fervently hopes none come to harm