Maddon gazed at Alek with pride puffing his chest and straightening his shoulders. He seemed much older than he was, which made Alek sad, before he regarded the youth with fond memory of himself. Alek had been just a half year older than Maddon was now when he took on the job as the kings Bounty Hunter, which seemed so many long years ago. But he felt the same then as Maddon did now. His boyhood was replaced with honor and duty.
Alek looked over at the guard that approached. “Sir, we’re ready to move out. Is there anything you need?”
He looked at Maddon for a moment, then back at the guard. “As a matter of fact, there is. Do you have extra mail in the weapons chest in the cargo wagon?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Any that would fit the lad?”
The guard looked at Maddon and smiled. “I believe we can dig some up. We should have a leather doublet in there as well.”
“Perfect.”
The guard left. Alek smiled down at Maddon. “If you’re going to do the job of a knight, you should look like one. It’s not official yet, but I doubt there’ll be any balking in the ranks. You’ll be a squire soon enough.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Alek. I’m not a knight or a noble. You don’t have to address me so formal. Besides, I think we’re going to become quick friends, you and I. I haven’t met a child as precocious as you since I met Princess Melenthia many years ago. She too had a stubborn streak about her, and you couldn’t tear her away from anything she wanted to do. She did everything for honor and because she cared about her people.”
“I’ve heard of her. She’s being hunted by Fallon as we speak, is she not?”
“Yes, but she’s safe from him. For the moment anyway.”
“I hope to meet her.”
“I’m sure you will. She’d be most impressed of your bravery and willingness to risk yourself for your neighbors and family. I’m sure you would get along well.”
Maddon smiled; Alek could see a slight flush to his cheeks. Alek could’ve sworn Maddon was embarrassed at the thought of meeting a lovely lady such as Melenthia. Maybe he wasn’t as old as he pretended to be.
Alek ruffled the boy’s hair just when the solider was returning with the mail and helm in his arms, as well as a scabbard and the doublet he promised. He handed the wad to Alek and showed Maddon how to put it on and where the weak spots in the mail were in case he was attacked. He placed the doublet over his shoulders and tied the laces. He then put the helm on the boy’s head and stood back to admire the scene. The mail was slightly looser than it should be, the shoulders not quite even with the boys, and the doublet hung slightly below his hips, but Alek agreed that it would do for now.
He gave Maddon a sack full of coins and tied the supply bag to his saddle strap.
“There’s enough money in there to pay for room and board when needed, and to pay someone for information if they are inclined to offer. You should also have enough in there to buy new supplies if you run out. When you reach Pembroke and give the message to Alban, you stay with him, and he’ll make sure you’re escorted to Eston safely.”
“Okay. Thank you, Alek, for believing in me and for getting my fellow townsfolk to a safer place.”
“You were a big part of that, Maddon. You were a part of leading all your kinsfolk to safety in the aqueducts, and you kept them safe. I don’t doubt your courage or your strength. I just want to make sure you stay alive long enough to commission you with a real rank of Squire.”
“I’d be honored to join the king’s ranks, just like my grandfather had.”
“It’ll happen. Now get moving. I want you halfway to Lakendra before dawn.”
He mounted his horse and got himself adjusted and comfortable in the saddle.
“Make sure you hole up somewhere where prying eyes can’t find you, and stay there until morning light. When you reach Lakendra, then and only then, is it okay for you to be seen. Stick to your story no matter who asks. Send word when you reach Alban. Give the message to no one but him, and make him prove who he is before you speak.”
“How will I do that?”
Alek rubbed a gloved hand across his chin in thought. “I know.” He motioned for Maddon to lean down so he could whisper a message in his ear. “His answer should be Salma. If it is, it’s Alban. Tell him I send greetings.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Now go.” He slapped the horse on the rump and watched as Maddon trotted off into the darkness.
After he made certain the wagons were packed and everyone and everything was accounted for, he mounted his horse and rode over to the lead wagon. An older knight, in his fifties, sat astride a beautiful brown bay, it’s silver bells on the bridle tinkling in the night air. He had ordered the guards to be in full regalia and to have the horses caparisoned. They were decked out with bells in their manes and the colors of the House of Grayson on their backs. A flag bearer rode along between the knights, and the coaches, which held the old and infirmed, were decorated, the curtains pulled down to hide the occupants.