Page 51 of Picking Up the Gauntlet

“My lord, I knew if I said no, she’d only keep sneaking away to practice on her own in the woods. If so, it was only a matter of time before she got hurt.”

“You do make a good point.”

“I figured, at least if she was with me, I could guarantee her safety.”

“Oh. I see your point.” Rook put his hand to his chin in thought. “I suppose you did the right thing,” said Rook as they started to walk to the great hall together.

“I’m glad you agree.” This was not at all what Jonathon expected Rook to say.

“Yes. My father will agree with it, once I tell him.”

“You’re going to mention it to Lord Corbett?” This bothered Jonathon more than anything. Everything was coming to a head, and it wasn’t looking good for him or his family now. Even if Rook thought it was a good idea to teach his sister the joust, Lord Corbett, he was sure, wouldn’t be so forgiving.

“Don’t sound so worried. My father is happy you stopped Raven from sneaking off to places, and that you have been chaperoning her. It takes the burden off of him. It was driving him mad.”

“I was supposed to stop her from doing those type of things and I only assisted her instead. I am sorry, my lord. It won’t happen again, I promise. I even told her I wouldn’t train her anymore, so you needn’t worry.”

“Nay, you have to train her.”

“My lord?”

“I want you to do it.”

“I don’t understand.” This confused Jonathon more than anything. “You do?”

“Aye. You see, we know that until my sister marries, she is going to keep doing stupid things like this. She is a stubborn wench and won’t listen to reason.”

“Yes, I’ve noticed that.”

“My mother is afraid she’ll hurt herself, but my father and I believe she’ll be safe as long as she is in your care.”

“Thank you for your confidence. I will do my best.”

“Just keep doing what you’re doing for now.” They approached the great hall and stopped before they entered.

“My lord, just to be clear,” said Jonathon softly. “You really want me to keep training Lady Raven in the joust?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I’m not a knight and haven’t had any real training. I’ve taught myself the sport, and honestly, I’m not really that good at it.”

“And neither do you need to be. I’ve seen you in the practice yard with your sword. You’re good with weapons, so I’m sure you know enough about the joust to quell my foolish sister’s wish to try it.”

“True enough,” he agreed.

“So, keep her distracted. That is perfect. The knights are going to start arriving for the tournament soon. We don’t want her scaring off any of them beforehand, since one of them needs to end up marrying her.”

“I understand.”

“Good.” Rook blew air from his mouth. “Just make her think you’re teaching her.”

“Then... you want me to lie to Lady Raven.”

“Not lie. Just give her whatever it is she wants, and keep her away from the arriving knights,” said Rook with a smile. “You see, we want you to keep her happy and distracted at the same time.”

“I-I see,” said Jonathon, not able to stop thinking about how distracted Raven and he had become in the forge when he was measuring her for her armor. “I think I need to tell you something else, Lord Rook.

“What’s that?”