Bandits by Trey Hansford (lightweight ebook reader TXT) 📖

and decided he would find another book later. In the few days he'd spent reading the pain in his shoulder became less painful and considerably easier to tolerate. With this progress he decided to visit an old friend and look for small and easy work he could do with arm.
He petted his horse before hoisting himself into the saddle. He looked down at the horse and thought to himself. We'll be together for awhile, so I guess I should give you a name. A few different names came to mind but in the end he decided on "Midnight". It was a common name for black horses but he liked it anyway. He led Midnight through the city, which was surprising busy making him ride slower than he would have liked. He found "The Dancing Donkey" the Inn in which he had stayed at on his previous stay in Gadewain. He turned on the street the Inn was on and followed it until he found a small building with a sign above the door of two hammers crossing each other. He tied Midnight out front and walked into the building.
Derek was at the far corner of the store rearranging some weapons on their racks.
How are you? Ayden said trying to get Dereks attention.
Great, have yerself a look round. Lemme know'v somethin catches yer fancy. He said without turning around.
I was actually wondering if you could maybe use some help.
Derek stopped and turned around. Ayden me boy, I din realize it was you. Ow are ye? He said walking towards Ayden. Was wonderin when ye would show yer face.
You knew I was here? Ayden asked. How?
Whole city been talking bout ye. How ye survived bandits twice, and come close t' dyin. M'sorry bout ye village and friend. He added softly, tis a shame.
Thank you, Ayden said softly. I plan on making those bandits suffer once I recover.
Jus be carful. Derek paused then changed the subject. So yer lookin fer work are ye? There's not much ye can do wit one arm.
I know, Ayden admitted. I just looking to help out on anything if you need. I have no money and I can't rely on King David for everything.
Tell ye what, lot o' people special order weapons an armor. I'll let ye deliver em if ye wan? I only do one order a week, so is not much. But special orders cos extra, so I can pay ye pretty good for yer help and some o'the people tip.
I'll do it, Ayden said smiling. Is the anything I can take now?
Already got it, next should be done bout four days from now.
Okay, Ayden said. I'll be here. It had started getting dark by the time he made back to his house. He walked straight to his room and picked one of his swords up. He'd been wondering if he would be able to continue his training. He took the sword and walked out to the large oak tree. He was already used to wielding a sword with his left arm but even then his right arm did most of the work. He hoped that by training with his left arm while his right shoulder healed he could rely on it more in battle. That alone would make him a much better fighter. He raised the sword and ran it through a few motions testing how his shoulder would react. When he was finished his shoulder hurt slightly worse than before but not enough to bother him to much. Now he began swinging at the oak tree, twisting and turning while parried hitting the tree a few more times doing his best to simulate a real fight. Because he hadn't trained in almost two weeks he tired faster than usual, and by when he was finished his shoulders pain had gotten worse. Even so he was happy to be able to train again.
For the next month he trained every night when he was by himself. Now when he trained his shoulder gave him little pain and he could go longer before tiring.
Well your shoulder is healed up, Allison said that morning taking the bandages off exposing the scar his wound had left. You're still not fully recovered though, your arm will still be sore for awhile and hurt when you try moving it. Just try bending it a little everyday.
I will, he said happily. Almost he thought. Before long he'd be getting the revenge he dreamed about ever since this all started.
You don't have to get revenge, Allison said noticing the look on Ayden face. You should let the king and his men handle it.
I can't, he said leaning back in his chair. I'm sorry, but when my shoulder is back to normal I have to go after them. I promised Dairen that those bandits would pay, and they will.
Allison looked down avoided Aydens stare. You might not be so lucky this time. You can't just go out and get yourself killed. It's suicide, she said holding back tears.
I'll be prepared this time, I'm not just going to charge in without help. Once I find out where their hiding I'll lead the kings men to them. He grabbed her chin lifting it until their eyes met. You've been by me, taking care of me, ever since I was first injured. I won't ignore that, nor will I ever forget it. He wiped the tears from her eyes, but please understand that this is something I have to do. This is my home and once I am finished, this is where I will return. I won't be leaving for good.
Ayden looked up as Philip walked entered through the front door. Allison stood and silently left through the same door.
Sorry, Philip said. I can come back later?
No you're fine. She just needs some time to think. I'm actually glad you're here, Ayden said walking to his room and returning with one of his swords. Are you still interested in sparring? I still can't use my right arm, he said gesturing to his injured shoulder, but the pain had dulled enough to fight something other than a tree.
Yeah, I'd like to spar. But we're not using real swords, he said looking at Ayden as if he was crazy.
Me and Dairen used to do it all the time. We just went easy.
Yeah, but going easy means you're not fighting to your fullest and therefore not really learning much.
Well what would we spar with then? Ayden said understanding Philips point.
There's fake metal swords at the training grounds where the pages and squires train. I'm sure if we ask nicely they may let us borrow two of them. There perfect for training and we won't kill each other in the process.
Very well, Ayden said laughing. He was eager to try these fake swords out. He wished he would have known about a long time ago. He had acquired several cuts while sparring with Dairen in the past.
It didn't take long for them to make it to the training grounds. Ayden could see a few pages and squires already beating each other with the training swords. Most of them, pages he assumed, swung the piece of metal clumsily not yet sure how to handle it.
They tied their horses and stood watching the young would be knights learn how to survive. One of the teachers walked their way curious as to why they were watching his students train.
What business do you have here? The man said in a calm voice. Surely you haven't come simply to watch a few pages and squires hit each other.
Excuse us Sir, I'm Ayden and this Philip, he said pointing in Philips direction. We were wondering if we may borrow two of your training swords-
Ayden? The man interrupted eyeing him closely now. Looks like you've made a decent recovery so far. Although you seem to still be favoring your arm. How to you plan on swinging a sword?
Is there anyone in this city that doesn't know who I am? Ayden said out loud, irritation in his voice.
I'm sure there are a few. Although as a Knight it is my duty to know what goes on in this city, and most of all this kingdom.
My apologies, Ayden quickly said. I didn't realize who I was speaking with.
No need, the knight said in his calm voice. I understand your irritation, and you may call me Brent. Now back to my question, how do you wish to swing a sword if you're obviously having trouble moving your arm?
I wield swords in both arms Sir, I had intended on fighting with my left arm.
Very well, you may use them. Although I would much like to watch you spar. If that's okay with you that is.
Sure, Ayden said not wanting to tell the knight no. He looked at Philip noticing he to seemed nervous about this ordeal.
Brent shouted over his shoulder for the boys to stop fighting, and led them to the fight pit. He then ushered for the two students who had been fighting to hand the training swords over to Ayden and Philip.
Ayden gripped the fake sword in his left hand surprised at how real it felt. He bent his knees slightly but made no move to attack. He and Philip stood for a long moment watching each other waiting for the other to make his first move.
Ayden ducked as Philip finally decided to swing first, then quickly brought his sword above his head stopping Philips downward attack. He broke the connection between the swords following through with a successful hit to Philips ribs. He deflected a jab at his chest and rapped Philip hard on shin ending the fight as Ayden slid forward placing the tip of the fake sword on Philips heart.
Whoa, that was incredible, Philip said panting, as Ayden offered him a hand to stand up with. Even with your hurt arm I didn't stand a chance.
Agreed, Brent said walking in his direction. You show great talent even with an injured arm. Not many would be able to say that.
Thank you, Ayden speaking to Philip and Brent both. I had a good teacher, Ayden said plainly.
A good teacher indeed, Brent said smiling. In fact im not sure you realize just how good of a teacher you really had.
What do you mean? Ayden said starring at the Brent. He was curious as to why the knight would say that.
Sir Nydel happened to be one of the best knights of his time. You're very lucky to have trained under him. And by all rights would have made you a knight in training.
Nydel was a knight! Ayden blurted out. He never told us that. Ayden suddenly felt like he barely even knew his own mentor. And how would that have made me a knight in training?
Nydel retired from knighthood to start a new life. He must have decided to leave it in the past. Also, even retired knights hold the privilege of training future knights if they so wish.
Aydens surprise soon vanished. It actually made sense, he thought to himself. He and Dairen had always wondering where Nydel learned to fight, but when they would ask him about it he would simply tell them that he had seen many things in his time.
Well now my pride doesn't hurt so much, Philip said bringing Ayden back from his thoughts.
If you wish to finish you're training your welcome to join us. Brent said. That