Free Knights: Book 03 - The Heart of Shadows by Robert E. Keller Page A

three
days." He motioned to an Orange Squire--a scribe. "Let this be entered
into the official records of Dremlock."
    Ulmason
swung onto his horse, as the Divine Knights and Squires looked on in miserable
silence. "Dremlock's days are coming to an end!" the Dark Knight
bellowed. "We have now gained a huge advantage, and you will soon
understand what I mean. Sit here for three long days and contemplate
that!" Ulmason threw back his head and laughed. "Oh, what a fine
morning this has been!"
    Timlin
grinned. "Enjoy your rest, oh mighty Taris. And you too, Lannon. Soon
you'll be resting for eternity."
    With
that, the two happy warriors rode from the camp.
    ***
    Later
that night, as the Squires sat warming themselves in their tent, Thrake
shuffled in carrying a flask and sat down. His face was gloomy, and again he
smelled of wine. He sighed and shook his head. The Squires gazed at him in
pity, knowing the pain he was undoubtedly feeling over losing the duel.
    "How
are you, Master?" asked Jerret, looking sad.
    "Terrible,
of course," Thrake muttered. "I still can't believe I lost. I'm certain
I could have defeated him, if only I wouldn't have slipped."
    "Things
like that happen," said Lothrin, with a shrug. The lean Squire was always
busy with something. This time, he sat polishing his bow. "At least you
lived to fight again. What more could a warrior ask for?"
    "I
almost wish he had finished me off," said Thrake, taking a huge drink of
wine afterwards. Some of it ran down his beard and he wiped it on his sleeve.
"I'm ashamed to call myself a Divine Knight. I came here, risking
Shennen's wrath, to apologize to you Squires for failing you."
    "An
apology is not necessary," said Jerret. "You fought well and could
easily have won. As Lothrin said, anyone can lose a fight if they have bad
luck."
    "I
didn't say anything about luck," said Lothrin.
    "Yet
a slip in the snow is bad luck," said Jerret. "Right? Or are you
trying to say it was Master Thrake's destiny to lose?"
    Lothrin
didn't reply.
    "You're
a great warrior, Master Thrake," said Prince Vannas. "You fought with
honor and did your best. Anyone can lose their footing. As far as I'm
concerned, you were the better fighter today."
    "I'm
just glad you're alive," said Lannon. "For a moment, I thought I was
going to have to stand there and watch you die."
    "I
was ready to die," said Thrake. "Now, I have to find a way to
live with my shame." He guzzled some more wine.
    "Perhaps
you should have some water instead," said Lannon, though he knew it was a
bold statement to make to a Knight. He thought of Dremlock's beloved Lord
Knight, Cordus Landsaver, who'd also tried and failed to drink away his
troubles. Lannon decided he would not follow that path regardless of the
sorrows he experienced, for no good ever seemed to come of it.
    "You
speak true, Squire," said Thrake. "But right now, I just want to
drink my wine until I sleep...and forget about everything."
    "You'll
be fine, Master," said Jerret. "We'll meet that Knight again on the
battlefield, and next time, you'll finish him off. I'm certain of it."
    "I
hope you're right, Jerret," said Thrake, though he looked doubtful.
"I would welcome a chance to redeem myself."
    Shennen
poked his head into the tent, glaring with disapproval. He sighed. "So
you're in here again, Thrake, in spite of my orders. I expected as much. You
have no respect for those who outrank you. No doubt indulging in spirits when
you shouldn't be and whining about your defeat."
    "I'm
not whining," said Thrake, "though the defeat does sting."
    "Thrake
fought well," Jerret protested.
    "Silence,
arrogant Squire!" Shennen commanded. "Or you will feel the flat of my
blade against your backside! The days of Squires with bold tongues are over.
Thrake does not need you to defend him."
    Jerret
didn't answer, but his eyes smoldered with anger.
    The
other Squires looked on with tense faces.
    "Shennen
speaks true," said Thrake, bowing his head. "I'm not worthy of being
defended. I