laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

"Alex, after we're done here, you'll have some time before dinner," Kenneth informed as they unsaddled their horses and carried the leather seats to their respective, wooden frames that stood at the rear of the stalls.

"Yes, sir."

"I'm going into the main sanctuary for my daily devotionals, why don't you accompany me."

He nodded, "Of course". He picked up the brush that sat within a small, leather pouch that hung suspended on the front beam that framed the entry to the stall and brushed his horse down, then moved to Sir Kenneth's and took care of him also. As he moved to exit the stall, he noticed Amayis and Martin following Drystan into the stables. He nodded as he closed the gate.

"Alexander," Amayis greeted. "How you been?"

"Well, you?"

"I've had to recruit two to overtake your old duties," Drystan informed. "Good help's so hard to come by these days." The large smith grinned as he continued on to the anvil, the younger squires in tow. He turned and headed towards the kitchen door as if out of habit, then realized that he didn't have to go there any longer and turned to head towards the large front doors. The clopping of horses on flagstone, cries of passersby and the laughs from children chasing one another through the street filtered within the manicured entrance through the gate as he walked up the broad, five steps and pulled open the rightmost door, carved with reliefs from the bible and surrounded by embossed borders that framed the thick, oaken barrier. He walked in, through the foyer and entered the main sanctuary that rose up into the sky before him. Far and to the left of the dais, he noticed Father Gaiven and hurried to catch him. Around the rearmost benches and down the length of the side gallery, he arrived to recognize the nearby guests in their white surcoats sporting black dragons rampant along with the swords hanging from their sides.

He bowed respectfully to the back of the duke's son, Sir Edward and turned to the bishop who noticed him and approached.

"What can I do for you, my son?"

"Father, I was hoping that you could tell me who sent me this three years ago," he pulled out the necklace and held it out, the ruby gleamed from the ambient light within the church. Greatly respecting the bishop, his heart raced with the bold move.

"I don't remember this right away," Gaiven stated as he studied it for a moment. "That was some time ago, you understand."

"Yes, sir. I'm sorry to trouble you with this, but I must know."

The round, hoary headed priest looked up as he straightened as Alex bowed again, noticing the duke's son approach with his entourage.

"Thank you for your help, Father," the noble stated. His deep, authoritative voice reminded Alex of the duke right away.

"Certainly, Arhus go with you on your journey, sir."

Alex watched as the steel plated feet passed him, then stop as the noble turned. "Where did you get that?"

"It was a gift to him some years ago, sir," Gaiven informed.

"From whom?"

Gaiven's soft hand covered the necklace as he stepped between Alexander and Sir Edward. "It was dropped off here by a relative, a merchant I think, from Polgar if I'm not mistaken. My lord has many miles ahead of him, don't trouble yourself with the boy. I look forward to your return," Gaiven bid as Alex wondered why the bishop was lying.

He heard their footsteps fade towards the front door as the bishop turned to him. "I told you to keep that safely hidden, Alexander."

Quickly, he returned it to the pouch and cupped it within his hand. "Sorry, Father."

Steel-blue eyes sternly glared at him. "Young man, this obsession with your matronage is becoming tiresome and is going to get you into a lot of trouble. Do you understand? You're becoming a templar which means that your father is Arhus himself and your mother is his church. Those are the only two that you should focus on in your prayers and thank for your health and life. I don't need the chamberlain coming to me and saying that one of our squires has offended him, nor do I need the duke's own family having you arrested as a thief."

Alex's brow furrowed.

"From now on, you are to dedicate yourself to learning all that your knight teaches to the utmost of your ability. Focus on justice and bringing His word and faith to the outside world that is devoid of hope in many places. Your task is beyond yourself which is where your mind should be also. Without steadfast dedication to His cause, our enemy will destroy all that we've come to hold to and enjoy. You know these things, they've been drilled into you since you were old enough to stand," Gaiven turned to leave, then stopped. "I also want you to stop visiting that tavern, that's no place for a boy. I've already spoken to Sir Stephen about it."

Alex watched the bishop walk away and wondered what had just happened.