Around the campfire

The evening had been peaceful. Alex had watched the two lads make their camp with keen interest, even Demon had taken a new interest in evaluating their worth as adventuring heroes.

Finally breaking the stillness Alex asked, "You said you come from a long line of Paladins, boy. What sorts of training have you received?"

The young Alexander replied, "The full temple guard training program, and I completed the Acolyte training as well. I am noble birth so I was barred from joining the priesthood so my miracles are limited to basic mending for wounds and illnesses. I was given a Shield of Terruch for the completion of my training, but that was all the training I was granted."

"And what training has Edward received?"

"Only what I was able to teach him through sparring. Even that was enough to displease my father, I was able to get away with it because I needed to drill and practice and Father was too busy to do it himself, and while he was a Paladin himself he only used that position as leverage among the noble houses. I don't think he ever stepped foot onto a tournament field."

"I suppose he also forbid you from entering the arena?"

"Yes," Alexander sighed, "I'm just the spare son, my older brother will inherit the house and title, but my father has kept me around to be used in case something happens to my brother. With my brother getting married last month my life is finally mine to live."

Not an uncommon story for a noble boy who wanted to be something besides rich and pampered. Children in poverty dream of the luxury of the rich, the children of the rich dream of the freedom and love they are denied by the necessity of pretenses. Alex stood up and brushed the dust from his legs, "In the morning I'll begin weapon's training with Edward. It will take us close to a week to walk to Grumen 'Kal, not enough time to let him master any weapon, but it might save his life on your journey."

Both lads showed obvious surprise. Edward looked to Alexander but the old mercenary cut off that line of thought quickly. "Don't even start asking him for permission, out here is the real world. Out here you're not master and servant you are best friends and companions. You better start acting like it or you'll both get killed by the first smooth talker who thinks you're an easy target. I'm going to train you to fight and live through it, but you are getting trained for your own survival, is that clear?"

After a few silent moments Edward finally spoke for the first time that Alex could remember, "Yes sir."

"Good. Training begins at the crack of dawn, get plenty of sleep, you're going to be sore and tired again by the time you get on your horse."

And with that Alex went to bed, with a black cat draping herself over his arm, tossing a little before finally being comfortable in her contortionist pose.