Thread: Squire's Secret (Benny and Gunner)

Friderick didnt know how he ought to feel. He had heard that Jacques Lancaster was a bit older and yet the boy before himwas still a boy. His voice wasnt developed and he looked skinnier than his pinky finger. Could he even hold up a sword, let alone a lance? Friderick supposed the esteemed Lord Lancaster expected the overworked Baron to teach his boy everything. Squiring was generally a one or two affair anyways, unless the boy showed remarkable promise on a field of battle or through other virtues. Give him time, he might surprise you. It wasnt that he was too stupid to see the truth behind the matter. Friderick would just never expect it of any girl to do. He fully thought Jacques was who he claimed to be. He certainly talked like a pompous ass. He didnt even get to answer what Jacques assumed was the standard duty of a squire when he had the gall to refer to their bar maid, a woman of loose virtue and entirely of sin, a lady . A lady! He might have cringed himself out of existence, already hearing a few snickers from those who overheard it. The awkward stumbling, the overly charming tone, the baby face lookGod, what had he signed up for? Great, now he had to deal with the ruthless trash talking of his travelling companions. Still, Jacques was paying for a round and he didnt complain. And could handle a knife. There was some promise. But Friderick wanted someone with a lot of promise, not just the prospect of such. He quirked his eyebrows when Jacques spoke of him and his background but felt irritation when the boy just had to bring up the state of his lands. Yes, we get it. Your family is rich. If flies were worth their weight in salt, most certainly so. That would be a lot of flies though just for a pound of it. And there were a lot of flies. And if my peasants sheep would stop roaming into bogs and drowning themselves, I could eat lamb every day. Friderick answered sarcastically. He needed to put his foot down early with Jacques. Get him focused and stern and prod him mercilessly until his skin was thicker than oak. The others would show no mercy. And he didnt want to be distracted by feeling sorry for the boy. You should forget about your prosperity boy, and mine. Were going to be sleeping on straw beds or in ditches under rain if we cant find a tavern on the road. Hot food is going to be a luxury. Hot bathshah, say goodbye to that, boy. This isnt some jolly adventure where we bounce on down to a lovely castle on a hill. This is going to be work. Youre not here to make friends. He reached over and took his knife, twirling it upon his palm a moment before shoving it back into his belt. You dont need to hear anything about me. Use your eyes and your brain, not your ears and mouth. Watch. Observe. Obey. Thats what I need from you. Friderick finished, before nodding at the bread. Pack that up. He ordered dismissively. They werent even going to eat it and let the boy get to it while he received the round of ale Jacques had ordered and promptly drained it in the next quarter-minute. Im tired. We hit the road early tomorrow. And train. One hour at sunrise and two hours at sunset, with sword, shield, spear, bow, and mace. Youll learn how to use an axe when you chop firewood. He added. Had she ever done that before? Pretty hands are going to end up very calloused. Maybe youll get lucky and the brat will maim his own foot. Another knight remarked. They were all listening. Everyone listened. And eavesdropped. They had all heard Friderick berating and lecturing Jacques. It was nothing new. All the squires got their asses kicked, verbally and sometimes even physically. They were supposed to be soldiers. And Friderick had been Jacques age and younger when he first served and killed a man in combat. The Long Peace did indeed breed prosperity. And plenty. It made for soft living. And soft living made for soft people. Friderick didnt answer or even look at the other knight, despite their round of snickering at Jacques expense. Our quarters are end of the hall, first room on the left. Curfew is sun down. Make sure you check on the horses, make sure they are watered and fed for the night. You make sure the water basin is full and clean for the morning for washing. And make sure youre in bed before the sun is down. Dont make me come find you with your virtue fingers deep in he nodded towards the barmaid, who was bending over quite suggestively for another men, her creamy cleavage hanging thickly, a lady . He snorted. That we will save for when you earn it. Any questions now? None. Good. Friderick said and slapped the table as he rose, picking up his longsword. If Jacques did have questions, hopefully he was smart enough to save it for behind closed doors and not reveal how stupid he was in front of everyone else. It wasnt Jacques fault. Everyone was this stupid at one point, even Friderick when he had been young. Ser Umberto del Magnos was how he squired for. And that man and his friends murdered Friderick on the daily. It was just how things were. Not to mentiondid the disguised noblewomen know as well this is what young men did before marriage? The women were expected to be pure and innocent for their marriage bed but squires and young boys got a taste, at least in practice, before they went to theirs. And Friderick had implied he intended to show Jacques the ways around a woman. Eventually. When he had gone, the nearest knight turned and smirked at Jacques. Piss in his water bowl. Itll be hilarious. He remarked vulgarly to Jacques. The one who hated gingers sneered. If the pocket faced cunt has a cock to grab. He can raise a leg up like a dog. Am I right or am I right? The first laughed, raising his mug and as he drank, a trickle poured down his jaw. His squire just stared blankly down at the table and said nothing to Jacques. The longer he stayed, the more they would rip him to shreds. And Friderick? Well he went to go lie down on his bed, one of two in the cramp, narrow space. And despite his comment about not reading, he didnt say anything about not writing as he pulled out some parchment and a pen, continuing a letter to a certain someone.