Spring 965 MC
Beverly sat astride Lightning watching as a group of soldiers practiced their blocks.
"Keep the tip of your sword higher," bellowed the sergeant. "You"re blocking, not thrusting!"
His student, unused to fighting on foot, grunted an acknowledgement and made the correction.
"Sergeant Gardner," called out Beverly. The sergeant turned and, spotting the knight, revealed the slightest of smiles.
"Commander Fitzwilliam," he said. "What brings you to Wickfield?"
"I"m here to see you."
The man looked stunned. "Me?"
"Yes. How would you like to join my staff?"
"I thought only the marshal had a staff."
"No," the knight replied, "all the senior officers do now. It"s far more efficient."
The sergeant moved closer. "And what would this entail?"
"We"re going to be training the No
