The Four Swords

Chapter 129: More Babysitting

Lady Calista and I burst into laughter. Even my mother has her own limits as to what she will endure with 'that child Balor'.

"I am sure Jack and Alina would be all for your mother leaving Balor on the other side of the border. I am not sure they would want him fully confined to the city though," Cali laughed at her own joke.

Shockingly, everyone seemed to have the same opinion of the young nobleman as me. I thought maybe he just challenged my authority.

"What's so funny?" A gentle voice rang down the hall. I turned to see Princess Alina and Lord Jacobson coming toward us.

"Lord Holden's mother. Let us all join you in your chamber's meeting room and we will better explain." Cali winked at the princess. Brilliantly done. Cali masterfully led us all into a place where I could complete my orders from the Queen.

"Of course. Sitting in comfort increases the enjoyment of the moment greatly," Alina nodded in understanding. "This way."

Princess Alina led us all into her chambers. Unlike the queen's guards, Alina's chamber guards were not as intuitive as to the princess's needs. The door loudly slammed behind us without regard to volume.

Alina's hand went to her temple. "Please excuse the newest guards my mother has assigned me. We have not found a rhythm yet. Should I start by asking why we need to be so secretive?"

I looked at Lady Calista. I hoped to see Cali confide in the people closest to her about everything we experienced today. Unnecessary secrets weigh heavy on me.

"Lord Holden, would you like to start?" Cali threw the responsibility my way.

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My eyes grew wide and I took a deep breath. I debated telling them everything, having to deal with the duel, the gnomes' vision and Carrion's actions. Queen Valerie did say we would discuss it all tomorrow.

"Are you okay, Lord Holden?" Lord Jacobson spoke for the first time. His face looked concerned. He has had enough worry for his lifetime in the last few weeks. I guess I should tell them what I need to do so I can abandon this babysitting job.

"Yes. Thank you Lord Jacobson," I tried to distance myself with his formal title. No need to make these kids feel like they need to open up to me any further than they already had.

"The Queen would like both of you to attend a Swordsman meeting tomorrow. Please do not speak of this meeting to anyone, including Lord Bleddyn. Also Queen Valerie is throwing a tournament and would like Lord Jacobson to pick two champions from his clan to compete." I wrapped up my duties in one succinct pass.

Alina and Jacobson looked at each other in confusion. I could dismiss myself and let Cali deal with the questions. Maybe that would be for the best, considering I still needed to find Lord Garrison.

"Are we discussing Lord Bleddyn's present demeanor at the meeting?" Princess Alina queried. "And how was that topic funny?"

"We will discuss some topics related to Lord Bleddyn, Your Highness." I offered. "Very closely related, in fact."

Lord Jacobson was too quick witted for me and caught my meaning, "Oh. We will be discussing Carrion? We should've guessed. I mean he made a fool of himself today."

"You have no idea." I whispered dryly under my breath.

"He probably blames me for it all too." Jacobson insightfully added.

"How can he? He could have saved himself all the heartache if he listened to me at all over the last few days." Alina almost spat. Her patience for being ignored must have run out. Alina took a deep breath and refocused herself.

"If anything, he should be mad at himself, but knowing him he is probably mad at me." Alina sighed.

"Let him be for today," Cali contributed. "And maybe tomorrow too."

Alina nodded at her friend's wisdom. I admired the way that Calista left out that Alina would not find Carrion in any of the regular places considering he was confined to his father's side in the infirmary.

"All of that still does not explain what was so funny in the hall earlier," Alina changed the topic.

I smiled remembering one of my babysitting charges had more power than myself. "Princess Alina, how do you feel about banishment for repeat offenders?" I smiled at the thought.

Alina's face flushed. "I suppose it depends on the crime."

"My mother would like to request that she be allowed to banish one of the guests from the lands of the Clan of Bear. I figured I might see if we could expand that request," I beamed at the thought.

Alina took a moment to connect my words with my meaning before smiling. "Although when I reign I might feel the need to exile Sir Balor, it is probably not wise to do so in a time of war with his uncle as one of our Swordsmen."

My babysitting charges all had a good chuckle at the thought. Maybe they were not so bad after all.

"I understand. Speaking of the Swordsman from the clan of Falcon, I have to go find him at the request of the Queen to complete my orders. Before I take my leave, Lord Jacobson, do you know who your champions will be?"

"My uncle and myself, I suppose." the young Lord stated. I wanted to wince, but kept it off my face. I am sure that Sir John wanted something more on his plate, but maybe hitting something with a sword would be cathartic.

I nodded before standing to bow and take my leave. I would probably have to find this particular group of youth later after I completed my tasks for Queen Valerie. For now, the kids can babysit themselves.

As the door started to close behind me I heard someone ask a rather apt question.

"I wonder what Balor did to get on Lady Evalyn's bad side? She seems like a saint!"

I wondered the same thing.