Chapter 97

Sensing no judgement and a sincere desire to get along, Alistar answered with a smile as they walked parallel to the hedges that lined much of the manor house. Today was a beautiful day, with clear skies that left a slight glare on the nearby windows.

"It was a few years back, yes."

"Where were you living before that?" When there was a hesitant pause, the older boy raised his free hand and shook his sable head. "You don't need to say. If Uncle Caedmon took you in, then I doubt you were living in the best of circumstances. He's a good man, our uncle."

"He is," Alistar agreed. "By the way, that's a fine sword if I've ever seen one. My master still has me wielding a wooden one."

"I had a feeling you were a swordsman. What style do you practice?"

"Crown Style."

"Ah, I should have figured. It's the same for me."