Free Whill of Agora Trilogy: Book 01 - Whill of Agora by Michael Ploof

amusement. “Do you hope to be a knight yourself one day?”
    Tarren nodded vigorously. “Oh, yes. I can’t wait until I’m of age for the tryouts.”
    “Well, if your father says it’s alright, then I would be happy to.”
    Whill didn’t think that the boy could exhibit more joy than he already had, but at Whill’s response he managed to. “That will be great! Do I get my own sword?”
    “Slow down, my young friend. Let’s start with your father’s permission and then we’ll work out the details.” He gave Tarren a gold coin. “Take good care of that horse for me. We’ve been through a lot together. And see to it that this bag of goods finds its way to my room.”
    Tarren looked at the coin with wide eyes and thanked him. Once inside, Whill spotted Abram sitting at the usual table, near the bar facing the door. He had a thing for facing the door. Whill took the opposite seat.
    “How did the day treat you, Whill?”
    Whill eagerly told him about the ship and what they had accomplished. Soon the serving girl from the morning came to the table.
    “Ready to order?” She aimed a particular smile at Whill.
    “Beef stew for me, with fresh bread, and another bottle of mead, please,” said Abram.
    “I’ll have the same, Miss—”
    The girl stared at Whill as if transfixed. “Oh, sorry, my name is Brillia.”
    “Brillia. That’s a beautiful name. Mine’s Whill.”
    “I know.” She blushed. “I mean, everyone has heard of your fight with Rhunis. My father told me all about it. He’s been bragging that the best fighter in Eldalon is staying at Ocean Mist. Well, I’ll be back shortly with your food.” Abram gave Whill a withering look. Whill waited until she had disappeared through the kitchen door before he spoke. “Do you think it’s bad that so many know of our whereabouts? Because of the gold, I mean?”
    “Yes, I do.” Abram seemed tense. Whill could tell something was on his mind.
    “Freston brought it to my attention that we should be careful of thieves.”
    Abram looked annoyed. “Of course we should be careful. I’m surprised no one has yet tried to rob us. You go about throwing your gold around like it’s candy and you wonder why we might get a little attention from the no-good scoundrels that walk these very streets. I haven’t raised you to be naive.”
    Whill looked at Abram with burning eyes. “Don’t treat me like a child.”
    “I’m not treating you like—”
    “Yes, you are! And what of you Abram, if anything I was taking your lead in my generosity. Of course it’s crossed my mind that we are in danger of thieves, but if they have half a brain they know the gold is locked up. And if they do try to take it from us I wish them luck, for they will bleed before they get their greedy hands on a single coin. It is I who beat Rhunis in that tournament—I, a man, not a child—and it was I who saved your hide from those wolves. But that means nothing to you. You eagerly sign me up to fight one of the best knights in Eldalon, but you think me too weak to handle my own past.”
    Whill had not been this angry in a long time, and never at Abram. He knew he was overreacting but he couldn’t stop. It was as if a dam had broken, releasing years of animosity towards Abram about the secrets he would not reveal.
    “What if you had been killed by those wolves, or that damned black bear last year?” he went on. “Or any of the many battles you fought when I was just a child? Where would I be then? If you were dead, there would be no one to tell me what only you know.” He breathed heavily but felt relieved to have his feelings out in the open.
    Abram was solemn. “I’m sorry. You are a man to me by every measure, and I am thankful to you for saving my life. Shortly you will know all you wish, as I have told you. You’re right, my death would have robbed you of all of your secrets. But if I had not been able to finish your training, you would not be prepared to know them. I have not