Page 34 of Picking Up the Gauntlet

“Well, where is he now?” she asked through gritted teeth, not liking that the man was getting so much attention.

“Where is who?” Jonathon walked up behind her. She quickly let go of her brother. Both men took a seat. Jonathon, of course, sat right next to her. Raven looked over to see that his hair was dripping wet. He also smelled like lye soap.

“That’s not what you were wearing earlier,” she said, noticing him dressed in a plain brown tunic.

“Nay. I became soaked with sweat after sparring with a dozen men, so I had to change and wash. After all, I wouldn’t want to show up at the dais dirty, sweaty, and disrespectful.” He held out his goblet for the cupbearer to fill. “I’ll try some of that Elderflower Ale. Thank you,” he said to the boy in a sincere and pleasant tone.

“We don’t thank servants for doing their job,” she sniffed.

“Really.” Jonathon looked at her over the rim of his cup at he drank. “Why not?”

“Because, we’re nobles and they are mere servants, that’s why. It is expected of them to serve us. It’s their job. It’s not like they’re doing us a favor.”

He slowly put down his cup. “Like me doing my job, you mean?”

“Yes, that’s right,” she said, thinking he finally understood.

“Well, since I’m not a noble, I realize how hard these ‘mere servants’ work. Therefore, I find it appropriate to thank them. A little kindness goes a long way, my lady. You really should try it sometime.” He turned and started talking to Lark before she could even answer.

The meal started and they ate in silence at first. But before long, every few minutes it seemed that another knight or soldier approached the dais to talk to Jonathon over the edge of the table.

“Jonathon, I’ve got a crack in the hilt of my sword,” said Sir Lionel, showing him his sword over the edge of the table. “Do you think you can fix it?”

“Of course,” answered Jonathon. “I’d be happy to. Just drop it off at the castle’s forge and I’ll take a look at it later tonight.”

“My brother is building a barn and needs a barrel or two of nails,” said Randolph, the falconer. “I’ve been waiting for another blacksmith to arrive at the castle, but since you’re our temporary smith, can you do it?”

“I don’t see why not. I’ll get to it right away.” Jonathon didn’t turn anyone away.

Before the meal was over, another six men approached Jonathon and he promised them all he’d fix or make something for them. It was outrageous that he could even think he’d have time for all this work when he had her armor to construct.

Finally, Raven cleared her throat and Jonathon looked up.

“Did you want to say something, my lady? Please, go ahead. My attention is all yours.” He popped a sweetmeat into his mouth and her eyes followed. Just the way he chewed and swallowed made her remember the kiss in the forge. God’s eyes, she was starting to feel warm just watching the man eat.

And why did he have to always be so polite? That only made everyone like him more.

She leaned over and whispered to him, when no one else seemed to be listening. “How are you going to make my armor when you’re taking on so much other side work? My armor is more important and that is what you should be focusing on, not horseshoes and nails. Turn away these requests,” she demanded. “Tell everyone you are too busy.”

“I-I can’t. I’m the castle’s smith now, and it’s my job,” he said in a low voice. “I’ve made them promises that I refuse to break.”

“Well, what about your promise to me? To make my armor?” she whispered.

“Promise?” His eyebrows raised. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”

“Of course. Why? What would you call it?”

“Oh, I don’t know. He shrugged, most likely for effect. “Words like blackmail, trickery, and deceit are the first to come to mind.”

“Shhhh,” she said, her eyes scanning the table.

“You never told me why you want the armor.” He looked at her and waited for an answer.

“That’s right, I didn’t.

His craggy brows raised in question, only making him seem even more handsome. “Well?”

“It’s... it’s... none of your business. Now, when will you be able to start on it? I want it finished before the tournament, remember.”