The Four Swords

Chapter 142: Honor

"Congratulations, Lord Carrion," Sir Gavin put out his hand to shake the newest member of our group. Carrion took it almost begrudgingly. "A tournament must be stressful to plan. Princess Alina, if you need any help please feel free to reach out."

"I am sure it is all well in hand with those who have been here serving the Crown," Carrion made sure to speak before Princess Alina could respond. My newest peer seemed to think he had jumped rank even higher than Swordsman.

I could not fathom speaking for the Princess. Not only did he do so, he was trying to condescend whilst doing so. He was in the party that dropped Sir Gavin and Sir Balor at my mother's doorstep. He should know their service there was not entirely their own choice. Maybe I should have left Carrion there too.

Sir Gavin, for his part, looked slightly disappointed. " I in no way meant to imply that The Crown is lacking in their service for any skill, craft or talent. I simply hope to be blessed enough to be considered if any need arises. Forgive me, Princess Alina. I think Queen Valerie and yourself have the kingdom well in hand."

Sir Gavin either did not notice that Lord Carrion's words were meant to injure his pride for being away or graciously guided the conversation to a safer interpretation. I suspected the latter, but it was so masterfully done that no one could challenge his understanding.

"No forgiveness is needed. I am not one to easily take offense." Princess Alina replied with a beaming smile. She too was a master of court politics. I could not tell if she was letting Lord Carrion know that she was not offended by him speaking for her, or if she simply was telling that to Sir Gavin. This place makes my head spin.

"Very good, Princess. You do not have to worry about being offended. You have three of your Swordsmen here ready to take offense for you. No need to get involved." Lord Carrion let out a forced chuckle.

Lord Jacobson stiffened with his fists balled. His tight smile was forced and I saw Calista tap his arm as if to hold him back from action. I too did not like the way our future sovereign was being spoken to. Princess Alina's once bright smile left her eyes and fell to a forced neutral expression that I was becoming all too familiar with.

"Lord Holden, I might be wrong since I am fairly new to the rank." Lord Jacobson started. "I thought our job description in court was more defensive than offensive. Is it not?"

Maybe I should have left all of my charges besides Princess Alina at my mother's house. I did not want to put myself in the middle of disrespectful court squabbles.

"And you are quite good at defending Princess Alina, are you not Lord Jacobson? Even from petitioners that might have her best interest at heart?" Lord Carrion jabbed with a hint of anger in his eyes.

Before my newest coworkers resorted to a brawl on the reception hall floor before me, I decided to intervene.

"Lord Jacobson. Lord Carrion. We find ourselves in a unique situation that might not happen again. Our fathers all held our positions before us. Sir Gavin is supposed to take up his father's mantle as well. Our fathers respected one another and served the kingdom even while having differing vantage points." I took a breath.

I looked toward Sir Gavin for a moment. I hated myself for secretly wishing I had his ability to so suavely navigate court.

"Let us leave past grievances behind us and look toward a future working together. If we must dig up the past, let it be to honor those who served before us." I looked around to see that my little reprimand received attention from those around us. Great.

"Well said, Lord Holden! I think inspiring others must be a familial trait." Sir Gavin beamed.

A small surge of pride in myself fought with the part of me that did not want to take a compliment from the golden child from the clan of Falcon.

"I don't think that it is." Sir Balor quipped. He was back to giving his unasked for opinions, but at least this one was not the worst thing I have heard him say.

Princess Alina cleared her throat and tactfully raised her glass. "I know Ensis is proud to have such passionate men lead them. Here is to the health of all of our Swordsman," She almost brought her goblet down to drink. Carrion's deep scowl gave her pause. "Especially Lord Carrion on this special day."

Lord Carrion's face perked up slightly in a pleasant facade. Clearly he knew more of the room was looking toward him because of the Princess's impromptu toast.

"Hear, hear!" Lady Calista loudly added as she grabbed a refreshment for herself from the table and lifted it high.

Those with drinks around us all raised their glasses and drank. Although it was not unheard of to have a toast at such an occasion, it typically was near the end of the festivities. Princess Alina brilliantly found a way to easily disband the party guests for her to escape Lord Carrion's unpleasantness.

Queen Valerie, who had been mingling among the courtiers since the receiving line had ended, took charge of the room before it drained of her guests.

"Welcome all who are gathered to honor our newest Swordsman, Lord Carrion. As my daughter so graciously started off the speeches, I will make mine brief." The Queen's voice filled the hall.

I stifled a laugh. It seemed Alina was not the only one who was done with celebrating Lord Carrion today. I braced myself for an overture of praise for the pigheadish man that, in my opinion, could use a dose of humility.

"Our country has a great need for men of valor. Men who do not shy away from battle and for those who lead them. To honor those men who will lead the charge against the Norads, there will be a tournament of champions! Join me in honoring all of our champions in one week's time!"

I found Queen Valerie's speech refreshing, but not everyone in the room shared that feeling.

The room erupted in applause. The least enthusiastic of which was the man nearest to me. Lord Carrion's slow measured claps spoke volumes of his opinion of Queen Valerie's announcement.