Free Kingdom's Quest by Chuck Black

breakfast.
    â€œJulian, this is Sir Weston of Cresthaven and Sir Sandon of Penwell,” Gavinaugh said.
    The boy bowed.
    â€œAnd I believe you remember Miss Keanna.”
    â€œIt is good to see you again, miss.”
    â€œHi, Julian,” Keanna said. “How did you happen to find us?”
    â€œI knew Sir Gavinaugh would come to the north gate this morning, so I rose up early and waited there for him,” Julian said enthusiastically. “I saw no boy in your service and thought perhaps I could be Sir Gavinaugh’s page. The tournament doesn’t require it, but I can be very helpful to you. An outsider can quickly get into trouble if he isn’t careful.”
    Sandon laughed. “I think we could use all the help we can get, young Julian. Sir Gavinaugh seems to have an aptitude for getting into trouble wherever he goes.”
    Keanna handed the boy a plate. “Sit down, Julian, and have some breakfast.” She had been unusually quiet since the encounter at the Court of the Lords the previous day, but Julian’s presence seemed to help. “Are your parents okay with this?” she asked Julian.
    â€œYes, Miss Keanna. Sir Gavinaugh has already talked with them,” he replied and then set to eating his breakfast.
    â€œWhat did you learn, Gavinaugh?” Weston asked.
    â€œNames of the knights are drawn today to determine who will be paired for the first round. There are also a number of equestrian events that should not be too difficult. Triumph will do fine.”
    Weston shook his head. “This is too risky, Gavinaugh. I think you should withdraw. What if you are wounded or killed?”
    At Weston’s words, all of them stopped eating and stared at Gavinaugh in silence. Gavinaugh considered his words but felt the fervor of his mission rise within him.
    â€œHere is an entire city that has never heard of the Prince. To the Thecians I will be a Thecian that I might win their attention and tell them of the Prince. This opportunity is too great to pass up,” he said firmly.
    â€œTo withdraw would bring great dishonor, Sir Weston,” Julian said humbly. “You would all be cast out of the city. I fear this is all my fault,” the boy said and lowered his head.
    Keanna put her arm around his shoulder. “Sir Gavinaugh is an excellent knight, Julian. He will be all right,” she said quietly, glancing toward Gavinaugh with a stern look that was reminiscent of the glares he had received from her back in Santiok.
    Gavinaugh tried to ignore it and turned to Weston and Sandon.
    â€œI do have a bit of a problem, however,” Gavinaugh said as he stroked his cheek.
    â€œWhat is it?” Sandon asked after finishing a bite of his food.
    â€œThe tournament requires every knight to have an accompanying squire to handle his horse and weapons. Julian is too young to pass as such.”
    â€œThe time is too short to find one in the city now,” Weston said.
    The men returned to eating their meal in silence as they pondered the problem.
    â€œThere is only one answer,” Sandon said. “I will do it.”
    â€œNo. I will be your squire,” Keanna said firmly.
    The men all stared at her. Gavinaugh was stunned that Keanna would offer to serve him as a squire.
    â€œBut you are a woman,” Sandon said. “I don’t think that—”
    â€œI can handle Triumph better than anyone,” Keanna interrupted. “And Sir Weston has already given me some training regarding the sword. You are too old to be a squire, and I am able.”
    Gavinaugh continued to stare at her and then became aware that his expression must have looked rather stupid. He recovered himself.
    â€œTraining?” Gavinaugh looked at Weston.
    Weston seemed a bit uncomfortable. “At Cresthaven she insisted … she, ah, is quite persistent … and quite good.” He smiled at her.
    Gavinaugh tried to imagine Keanna wielding a sword