Page 65 of Picking Up the Gauntlet

“You’re better than I thought you’d be,” he answered, feigning a smile and then wincing in pain. “I think I should have worn protection after all. These wooden splinters are going to be hell to remove.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” she apologized. “When I realized you were only making me think I was doing a good job when I wasn’t, I became angry. After all, I saw how accomplished you are at the joust when you practiced with my brother this morning.”

“Oh, damn. You were watching?”

“Yes, I was. That is why I know you are only doing this to make me want to stop jousting.”

“You unhorsed me, if you didn’t notice. That part was real. Help me up, Avery,” said Jonathon.

“Nay. You might have bruised a rib. Don’t move,” warned his mother.

“The only thing bruised is his pride,” chuckled Avery, helping Jonathon to his feet.

“Jonathon? What the hell is going on?” asked Crispin, hurrying from the house with Heathcliff and Gerold right behind him.

“I’m fine. Really,” he said. “I know what it feels like to have a broken bone, and this isn’t it. I just hit the ground hard, that’s all. Not to mention, I took in a few nasty splinters.” He reached over and pulled out a shard of wood and threw it to the ground.

“Then you’re all right?” asked Raven, jumping to her feet as well.

“I am, but you were right. I must admit that I wanted you to think you learned the joust so you’d stop with all this nonsense.”

“It is getting nerve-wrecking for all of us,” said his mother. “We are only commoners and not used to this. We live a simple life.”

“Your mother is right, Jonathon,” said his father. “I’ve never stopped you from doing what you want, but this isn’t a knight’s tiltyard. It is my place of business, and needs to be treated as such. My customers have been asking questions about what you’re doing out here, and I don’t want to tell them. I’m afraid I’m going to get into trouble with the nobles, even though you and Lady Raven said we won’t.”

“Jonathon, they’re right,” said Raven. “I suppose I should stop practicing here.” This made Raven sad, but she didn’t want Jonathon’s family to feel as if she were putting them in a bad situation, even if she didn’t believe that was so. She had tried to stop before, but then Jonathon insisted he train her again. This time, it would sadly have to end.

“Yes, stopping might be a good idea,” said Jonathon, rubbing his chest and shoulder. He pulled out another splinter of wood and threw it to the ground.

“Hello?” came the voice of a man from inside the shop.

“We have a customer,” said his father, hurrying inside.

Jonathon and the others followed his father into the smithy. His body ached and his pride was bruised. The damned wench had it in her to actually learn the joust after all. That was actually something he hadn’t been expecting. He’d underestimated her, but also admired her at the same time. He didn’t think her lance would ever touch him. He’d told her not to hold back and she hadn’t, so he supposed he’d gotten exactly what he deserved.

“Guild Master Wilkin,” said Jonathon in surprise when he’d entered the shop. “What are you doing here?”

“Who is that?” Raven whispered to him.

“This is the guild master to whom I’ll be presenting my masterpiece, in order to be judged and hopefully become a master at my craft.”

“I’ve stopped by to collect the dues.”

“I-I’m not sure I have all of it right now,” said his father.

“I do.” Jonathon stepped forward and paid the dues, using some of the money that Rook had given him.

Wilkin recorded it, and stuck the coins into his pouch. “Jonathon, you’ll be presenting your piece to me and the rest of the guild in two weeks’ time,” said the man.

“Two weeks? That soon?” This news was horrifying to Jonathon. He had thought he’d have at least another month or so to decide what to make and to complete it. He couldn’t possibly create a masterpiece worthy of becoming a master in that short amount of time.

“Is this a problem?” asked the man.

“It’s just that I’ve been hired to help out Lord Corbett Blake with his upcoming tournament that will happen in a fortnight as well.”

“A tournament?” asked Wilkin.

“Aye,” said Jonathon. “I’ve been staying at the castle’s smithy.”