[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
swords for quite a while. The absence of bows and arrows, he explained, was
the result of a taboo on using archery against men of lordly rank.
Blade listened, trying not to look too surprised, and when Chenosh paused for
breath, he nodded. "You seem to know the history of all the weapons in the
castle."
The boy flushed and his blue eyes went hard. "The history, yes. The use, no."
Blade realized his mistake. The boy must have heard sarcastic remarks about
his crippled hand since he'd reached the age where his healthy comrades were
learning sword work.
"I'm sorry," said Blade. "I didn't mean that the way it sounded."
The boy stared for a moment, then said slowly, "I believe you. Mostly because,
other than Alsin, you're the first Lord to apologize for saying-that sort of
thing." He hesitated, looked around the room, then lowered his voice. "Lord
Blade, may I propose a bargain?"
There was no point in being rude to the boy by refusing to hear him. "If this
bargain doesn't require me to do anything against my honor as a Lord, I will
consider it. Also, I will not go against any plans your grandfather and Lord
Alsin have for me."
Chenosh's eyes widened. "You know they have plans?"
"Yes. It's as plain as their beards, to someone who has traveled as much as I
have."
"You do not know what those plans are, though?"
"No."
"Then I cannot tell you. But I can swear by my own honor and blood, that what
I am asking of you is nothing against Duke Cyron or Lord Alsin. Is that
enough?"
"It's enough to make me keep silent about your bargain, even if I don't accept
it. Now-what do you want?"
"You are looking for a sword with a point, aren't you?"
Blade decided telling the truth was the best course of action. "Yes. Or at
least one which will take a point."
"I thought so. I have read of such swords in the days of the Kingdoms, but no
one makes them or uses them now. I will not tell anyone of your plan, even if
you refuse my bargain. Believe me, Orric is no friend to me or-" He broke off
in the way Blade now knew too well.
Blade sighed. "Will you please tell me what you want? If you can help me, well
and good. If you can't, I
have a good deal more I must do before this afternoon."
"I will give you all my knowledge of the swords here. I will also lead you to
a blacksmith who will work on your chosen sword and keep his mouth shut. In
return, you will teach me the art of fighting with a pointed sword. With my
hand, I cannot use a regular broadsword and shield. But I could use a small
shield and a sword with a point."
Blade looked Chenosh over carefully. He was thinner than most of the Lords,
but he seemed to have plenty of well-toned muscle. They'd have to work out a
few times before he could be sure, but Chenosh might be the kind of tough,
wiry-
"I will not come to your bed, Lord Blade, even if you are a man for men. That
would be against my honor and that of the Duchy of Nainan. If you look at me
again that way I shall have to tell my grandfather."
Blade mentally counted to ten, then to twenty. By the time he'd finished
counting, he could speak quietly.
Page 31
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
"I was not looking at you with desire. I was looking at you to see if you were
the kind of swordsman who could learn to use speed in place of strength. Not
everyone can do that, and I would not give you any false hopes."
Chenosh turned even redder than before, and looked at the floor. Blade waited
until his face returned to its normal color and he could say, "I am sorry,
Lord Blade. I have heard too many of the wrong words, so I have come to expect
them even where they do not come. Around you, perhaps I will learn to listen."
"You'd better, if you want my teaching to be any good to you," said Blade
flatly. Then he smiled. "I do think you will make a good fencer, or at least
one worth teaching. I accept your bargain. Now it's my turn to listen while
you show me swords."
Chenosh swallowed and began to point out possibly useful weapons, although it
was a while before his voice was completely steady again.
The sun was still high when Blade stepped out into the castle courtyard for
the duel. It was hot, with the castle walls shutting off every last breath of
wind. The crowd in and around the courtyard made it even hotter. Every bit of
wall; every window, and every square foot of ground except the space he and
Orric would need for fighting was packed. Blade saw jugs of wine passing
around, and in the shade of the wall a few people were already lying sprawled,
overcome by the heat or the wine.
Half a dozen of Alsin's chosen Lords were keeping the fighting square clear
with drawn swords. The square was no more than thirty feet on aside, but that
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]