This time though, he set the sword down and began to strengthen his knuckles by punching the tree. By this time, the only thing he felt anymore was a slight sting that he barely noticed. His knuckles were so callused that they no longer broke open when he hit the tree.

After several hours of this, someone came up behind him. “Nice form.” It was Liam. Thomas grinned.

“You think so?” He said rubbing the sweat off his forehead.

“Yes. It seems you’ve been practicing.”

“When doesn’t he?” Chuckled a voice coming out of the trees.

“Come to retrieve your sword, have you?” Thomas asked.

“Well I’ve to start guard duty some time and I can’t do that well without my sword.”

“Here you are.” Said Thomas handing over the swords.

“Thomas?” Liam said gently. “I know you aren’t into these kind of things, but some of the soldiers and I are attending a party in three days’ time. And although you are young, we would like you to join us. The party will be over in a neighboring town, but it will take two days to travel there. With your father’s permission, we’d like to take you with us. It’ll be a new experience for you.”

“I’d be honored to accompany you guys! Why didn’t you just say so? You should’ve known I’d agree with it being a new adventure and all. I’ve never been out of town before!” He said positively beaming.

Liam’s face split into a relieved smile. “I will ask your father tonight when you eat. I’ll send a servant to tell him that I’m coming over. Now I suggest you take a bath and get prepared so as not to anger your father when I come over.”

“Thank you!” Said Thomas already running off.

Thomas arrived at his house, not sweating too much, because he ran often. He ran in the door.

“Why do you look so happy?” asked his sister as he ran by.

“You’ll find out at dinner.” He yelled as he ran by.

One of the servants drew up a bath for him, and he washed himself quickly. He hopped out of the tub, combed his hair, and put on a tunic, hose and breeches: his best in fact. Then he slipped on his worn pair of boots. Last, he took the one dagger that had been given to him by a soldier and slipped it into his boot where it would be hidden.

…

The table was already set with food on it, and the only ones that weren’t there yet was his father, Liam, and himself. He sat down at his normal seat beside his sister.

“What honor it is to have our youngest brother grace us with his presence for once.” Said one of his brothers sarcastically while the others snickered.

His sister glared at them. “Knock it off guys. Dad said we would be having an important guest tonight. It wouldn’t do well to embarrass our father in front of any figurehead.”

They quieted at her words.

A couple minutes later his father came in followed by Commander Liam. All the boys went quiet in respect. All his brothers were wary in his presence, but Thomas was quite comfortable.

Liam didn’t look at him, but it was to respect the household.

Servants bustled around passing around food and drinks to everyone, and wine to the older boys, head of the household, and the honored guest.

“So… Commander, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit today?”

“Well,” Liam started in between bites. “Some of my men and I are going on an excursion to Anray. Tomorrow we leave. We will be gone for about two weeks. I was looking to see if one of your sons would like to accompany us. It’s a small party, well as small as it can get for Anray, but I know I’d need your permission first.”

“Johnathan would make a fine choice. My oldest. He knows how to party. Or perhaps Antoine? He makes for a fine wingman.”

“Actually sir, if you don’t mind, I’d like to take your youngest, Thomas.” Everyone turned to look at Thomas who tried to make it look like it was news to him. “I hear he doesn’t go to many parties. It’s better to start now than never.”

“Are you sure sir?” Asked Johnathan. “I’m sure I’d make a far better companion than little old Thomas.”

“Quiet Jon.” Said their father. “Although he is quite right, are you sure you want to take someone so… so… naïve with you? You might come to regret it.”

“Come now. He can’t be that bad. I’d like to take him with me, so do I have your blessing sir?”

“I guess, but I can’t help but wonder if you are really sure he’s the one you would like to take.”

“Quite sure.” The commander responded. “Now if you will excuse me, I must take my leave so as to get my things packed and the horses prepared. We leave at dawn tomorrow… no later.” Thomas found this funny but kept it to himself. They both knew he woke up well before dawn rolled around.

After Liam was well out of earshot, all the men in the house turned on him. “Why in the world would he choose you over us?” Said one of the them.

“You aren’t even fit to go partying. I on the other hand am the example of it.”

“Enough boys. What’s done is done. It’s not our right to questions the commander’s judgement.”

Later, Thomas retired back to his room where he found most of his belongings packed up, except for a tunic, breeches, and hose. Thomas was too excited for sleep, and yet somehow, he managed it.

At one point in the night, he woke up to a rustling and his eyes opened wide. A maidservant was standing over him with a dagger.