Sword of the Crown

And so it begins… Fitz looked out the window and saw below, on the practice grounds, his daughter trying to swing a sword. Gerald joined him at the window. “It seems we have a budding warrior, my lord,” said Gerald. “Mmm,” the baron replied, thinking deeply. “I wonder if we might encourage her a bit?” “Encourage her, my lord? You want your daughter to be a warrior?” “Why not,” he turned to face Gerald. “I daresay she has the determination.” “Isn’t that a little dangerous?” “My dear Sergeant,” the baron said after a brief pause, “I think it’s apparent by now, that if Beverly wants to learn to fight, she’s going to do it with or without us. I'd rather she learn to fight properly.” Gerald saw the look of resolve on his lord's face, and he knew how this was going to end, but he had to play his part. “And how, my lord, are we to proceed in this manner?” he asked, knowing full well the answer. “I think it's best,” said the baron, “that you ‘discover’ her training, and offer a few tips, don’t you? She has to think it’s her idea.” Gerald sighed, “Very well, my lord, I shall see to it at once.” “Thank you, Gerald,” said Fitz, then added, “Oh, and Gerald?” “Yes, my lord?” “Train her properly, real training, not pretend.” He was about to object but saw the look on the baron’s face. He swallowed his pride, “Yes, my lord.” And so Gerald Matheson, the Sergeant-at-Arms of Bodden Keep marched down to begin training his newest protégé, a seven-year-old girl.