Valeria

Falling a little behind Alexandria and her companions I whispered in Oberon's ear. “Sir Foltest told Alexandria not to trust us right before you shook Alexandria's hands. That’s probably the reason why he wanted to test me.” It was not something that I found surprising as Oberon told me that Sir Foltest was likely to ask me for a friendly match though we both did not expect him to be so bold and attack us unprovoked forcing me to show my strength.

He is as strong as Oberon says and more. Though his initial blow was powerful I could feel that he did not use his full strength. If I want to beat him in strength I will have to strengthen my limbs and sacrifice some mental enhancement to do so, something I have not had to consider for an opponent before.

“I’m not surprised Sir Foltest does not trust us. Now that he knows how strong you are he’ll be cautious of us so don’t let him become aware of your natural talents.” Oberon said softly.

“Even if he suspects something he would have no way to prove it. You’re the only living person that knows and I plan to keep it that way.” I said catching up to Alexandria and the other.

We soon reached the training yard, and I was impressed, it was huge and the green, trimmed grass spoke of constant maintenance and care, I saw a variety of weapon racks containing swords, spear, poleaxes, flails, hammers, and several weapons I did not care to identify then I spotted the experimental repeating crossbow. I had been told by a blacksmith in our care that the top-mounted magazine on the crossbow contained a reservoir of bolts that were fired and reloaded by simply pushing and pulling the attached lever back and forth triggering a mechanism that allowed for a higher rate of fire than traditional crossbows and bows. There were drawbacks to it however like the smaller and lighter bolts that were necessary to use for it to function, were not strong enough to puncture armor there was also the issue of range and accuracy as it had a much shorter effective range and lower accuracy than traditional crossbows and bows. The drawbacks were enough for me to dismiss it as an effective weapon, but the Blacksmith was insistent that he could tweak the design to overcome its drawbacks. Since I thought it would be a good weapon for Oberon I did not dissuade the blacksmith and instead encouraged him to make the design better. Shaking stray thoughts away I observed the training yard and focused on the people already here next.

I recognize some of the nobles and knights by their insignia, A mountain under a blue sky that’s house Serres. An imposing lion resting on its head on its paws would be house Thibaut but so many houses use lions in some way for their insignia that I can’t be certain. A shield blocking a sword strike that’s house Varon from Vesterwood.

I enhanced my vision looking for someone and found who I was looking for, Eldridge Varon the head of the family, and who could be considered Louis Flamberges' right hand.

Hmmm, unless Oberon thinks otherwise it is best to avoid any nobles from Vesterwood.

It looked like Alexandria and her companions were also watching the people already gathered in the training yard and had finished as well because Sir Foltest turned to look at us.

“I won’t apologize for attacking you Oberon since I would have redirected my swing if the lass had not reacted in time. I hope you can understand my need to understand her strength as you once did something similar to me when we first met.” He grinned then focused on me gesturing at the rip on his clothed greatsword where I struck. “I’m impressed lass, not many can parry my swing and then effectively follow through. I won’t insist since we have already had a decent exchange, but I would not mind a friendly match or two.”

Oberon shook his head in astonishment. “I suppose I should not be surprised that you won’t apologize and when you bring up the past like that I cannot insist on one either. Nevertheless, we are allies now Sir Foltest and I hope you refrain from attacking us in the future. Is there anything you wish to add Valeria?”

Quite a bit. Like, you are fortunate I did not chop your head off or the next time you attack Oberon will be the last, but I will keep those thoughts to myself.

I smiled eyes challenging and locked eyes with Sir Foltest. “I’m flattered that you think highly of my abilities, and I’ll admit that I have wanted to fight the “Giant of Sagitta” at least once since Oberon thinks so highly of you. Unfortunately, this is not the appropriate place or time for it as I’m sure you understand we don’t want to draw any more attention.”

Sir Foltest bellowed and drew the attention of the people in the training yard some stopping mid-match to send glares at us. “As long as you give me no reason to do so. Rest assured I will not point “Evangelina” your way again. Valeria, you’re right a match is not appropriate at the moment so let us postpone it until the opportunity arises.”

Then he smiled and spoke with a teasing tone. “I am surprised to hear you say that Oberon holds me in such high regard because if I recall he once referred to me as ,“An oaf who would never have risen so far were in not for his freakish strength.”

It seemed to me that Oberon's flush of embarrassment was genuine as was his cough to cover it up. “As you said Sir Foltest I was young and arrogant as well as upset that I could not beat you. But after much humility, I have since reformed my opinion about you minus the freakish strength, and I trust that you won’t hold a grudge over something so petty.”

Sir Foltest chuckled and reached out to ruffle Oberons hair in response. Alexandria, Brigette, and I could not help but smile at the scene, but Alexandria brought everybody’s attention back by clapping her hands together softly.

Clap! “As enjoyable as it is to you watch you two reminisce we are in the training yard, and I intend to get some training in with Sir Foltest. Oberon, Valeria can I trust you to keep Brigette company until we are summoned for the banquet?”

“If Lady Brigette wishes to do so I am not one to reject the opportunity to be in the company of two beautiful women.” He replied bowing his head at Brigette.

“I don’t mind accompanying the both of you Oberon, Valeria. I look forward to getting to know the two of you better.” She replied with a bow of her own.

I am glad you think so Brigette because you are the only one we do not know much about either and that is worrisome for us.

“You keep your hands to yourself you hear Oberon! I would hate to smack you senseless souring our freshly formed alliance.” Sir Foltest said with mock seriousness.

“Sir Foltest I appreciate your concern but I’m no longer a sheltered child that has to be protected I can stand on my own two feet,” Brigette said though she smiled at him with appreciation.

“Don’t worry Sir Foltest if I had any untoward thoughts of Lady Brigette then Valeria would beat me before you have the chance to do so yourself,” Oberon said looking up at me.

I nodded in agreement.

“Then let us go Sir Foltest after your display with Valeria I realized that I still have a long way to go to reach you!”

Alexandria and sir Foltest made their way to an empty spot in the training yard drawing glances when they passed others by. Brigette, Oberon, and I found a spot under the shade of a tree where we could relax. Oberon watched people spar and train, in my familiar position behind Oberon's wheelchair I Pulled out a comb and began brushing his hair as it was a mess after Sir Foltests ruffling. Brigitte who was standing beside us awkwardly shifted back and forth and finally spoke.

“Uhm, Oberon you said that you knew Sylvain, can I ask how you got to know him?”

I paused combing for a moment and fell into thought. I already figured that she did not have a good connection to Sylvain. Why does she want to know how Oberon knows him? By allying ourselves with Alexandria she should know we do not care for him so it may just be curiosity, or she thought it was the only thing in common that she and Oberon shared. I continued to comb Oberons hair as he responded.

“It was about 9 years ago I was 16 years old and had been making a name for myself as the “Prodigal Swordsman”, so I was invited to participate in the “Tournament of Champions” in the Sagittarii duchy a yearly tournament where warriors all over the Kingdom were invited to compete. Sylvain was there as well and since he is three years older than me he should have been about 19 years old though he was not there to compete, I think he was sent to familiarize himself with the Sagittarii duchy before being put in charge of it.”

Brigette nodded her head. “You are probably correct Oberon as Lady Alexandria went on a similar excursion in Aquilae before becoming Baroness.”

“I see. To continue my story, I did quite well in the tournament placing in the top 8 before losing to a Bronze-skinned man who used a spear like no one I had seen before or since. At the end of the tournament, the competitors who placed in the top 12 were invited to what was called the “Day of Champions” at the dukes’ estate with other nobles where we would be indulged in food, wine, women, and whatever else we desired. It was an obvious ploy to recruit us as various nobles including Sylvain tried to recruit me.”

“Did it work? Were the champions recruited?” Brigette asked curiously.

Your engagement and enthusiasm are appreciated but please let Oberon finish his story before interrupting Brigette. I thought as I finished combing Oberon's hair and putting the comb away.

“I cannot say for other years but in the year I participated only 3 of the top 12 were recruited. I believe the bronze-skinned man who beat me went into service for A Lady from Leonis. To get back on topic, when I refused Sylvains offer he raged over being refused and made not-so-subtle threats trying to force me to accept. When he realized I would not do so he challenged me to a duel which I accepted and won. After that, he was able to ban me from competing in any more tournaments in the Sagittarii duchy. We also had some other brief encounters after that, but it is not anything I gave much thought to. I also heard that after the news that I was crippled reached his ears he lifted the ban that prevented me from competing in the Sagittarii duchy no doubt as an insult to me.” Oberon shrugged exaggeratedly and said, “So ends the tale of the time I angered a prince by refusing to become his lapdog.”

Brigette giggled and said. “Thank you for sharing your story Oberon it was quite interesting.”

“I am glad you enjoyed it, now I have a question of my own for you if you don’t mind me asking. How do you know Sylvain? Oberon asked the same question that Brigette gave him.

I am sure that the hostility that Sir Foltest and Alexandria have for Sylvain is because of this girl. Now, let us hear what happened between the two of you.

Brigette stared at Oberon her eyes quivering, her body trembling slightly and when she spoke she stuttered.

“Th- That’s I a- am. Uhm.” Oberon and I were surprised by her reaction and when Oberon Noticed that she was tearing up he retrieved a handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to her.

Whatever Sylvain did to her seems to have traumatized the poor girl. Now I feel bad for wanting her to tell us about something that she has not yet overcome.

“Forgive me Lady Brigette I should not have asked something you were uncomfortable answering. I most of all should have noticed that it is something you do not wish to speak about.”

Brigette took the handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes. “I-It’s alright Oberon I asked you about Sylvain because I thought that if I heard someone else speak about their experience with him it would give me the courage to do the same. I expected you to ask something similar and thought I would be able to answer but it seems that I am still not strong enough to do so.” She said smiling sadly.

Seeing her like that I walked up to her and hugged her so tightly that Brigette was gasping for air.

“Val-Valeria you’re squeezing too tight!” she gasped.

I loosened my embrace but did not let go. At a loss, Brigette returned the hug eventually closing her eyes.

Perhaps feeling forgotten Oberon coughed and said. “Sometimes a hug and some understanding are all a person needs when going through or remembering hard times. Do not be deceived by Valeria’s cold and distant attitude she can be surprisingly sympathetic at times.”

Brigette laughed and opened her eyes tears flowing freely not letting go of me.