“The lad is strong but he’s almost spent.”
His words had the desired effect, enraging his opponent into an unwise greater effort, which Kenrick resisted and as soon as the youth stopped the extra effort, shoved down with all his might and broke the resistance to win the contest. He stood in triumph and said,
“No-one ever has given me such a close-run battle! You are strong for your age, Radwig, I am pleased you will work on my church. Now we must discuss your pay!”
everThe sullen expression disappeared at once, to be replaced with a cheerful grin,
“Master, I will come and work with you under one condition,”
Irmgard gave him a ferocious glower that boded ill for the lad, but the youth said,
“On condition that you’ll give me another chance to best you at the arm contest.”
The smith be
