Path Of The Broken

11. Ryan's Injury-5

Alex looked down on the practice session going on below him and smiled. He waited patiently until the session broke up, then when the ones he wanted were alone he reached down and drew them to him.

The three guards spun, drawing their swords and the veil, only to freeze when they recognised him. Marcus stared at Alex, tension draining from him; he sheathed his sword, motioning for the others to do the same. James and Megan didn’t question or hesitate as they put away their own weapons, breathing a sigh of relief, although they didn’t release their hold on the veil, which caused Alex to smile.

“Marcus, good to see you are all still practicing.” Alex grinned, knowing his guard well enough to realise he was being assessed. Alex waited, showing a level of patience that surprised him. In a way he enjoyed the experience, since it had been quite some time since he was capable of exhibiting such a trait. Marcus looked at his fellow guards and they both shrugged.

“Yes, Your Highness, we’re still practicing. Just in case.”

“Keep doing that and expand your sessions to all in the Fourth’s Elite that are trustworthy and talented enough. You remember the attacks we went on?”

“We remember.” Marcus glanced at Megan and James once more. “We have kept up our practice. It’s just that without you, my Lord Kyle and my Lady Jessalan, we have little chance against the Sundered. We will do our best, though, Your Highness.”

This time both James and Megan nodded agreement. It relieved Alex that the three guards were serious. They still trained even though they knew that to take up such a fight by themselves would mean their deaths.

Alex looked down at the ground before looking back up at the guards, his expression firm.

“You won’t have to. I'll be back, I only need some time. Look after my father and William.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Marcus nodded, along with assent from both James and Megan.

“There is a boy, Ryan. He is in Aaron’s care. I feel more than a little responsible for him. Can you see to him in my absence, please? Arrange somewhere for him to sleep, training, something? He has power, enough that he will go through transition, but not for years yet, I judge.” Alex stared at the three guards.

Marcus shook his head. “We’re not set up to mind children, Your Highness, but we’ll work something out.”

Alex smiled. “If you need money, speak to William.” Ryan’s last occupation occurred to him. “It may not be prudent to give the boy money, though.” Alex suddenly grinned at the guards, who knew him well enough not to ask, since they all knew they wouldn’t like the answer.

All the guards straightened and stood at attention, their faces not showing any doubt at all as Alex moved them back to their barracks.