Chapter 94: A punishment to fit the crime
The training area was essentially a giant square. Each side had an entrance into the training area, and in each corner was some foliage or grass. It wasn’t completely dirt, but over time, that is just what happened. Dirt was easier to clean up, as well, if a fight broke out and someone happened to be injured. It didn’t happen often, Cass assumed, but he had a feeling injuries might be more common after this.
Especially for his guards.
The crowd around Sir Forsythe, and now Byron, wasn’t too large. Only about 10, maybe 15 people. It was enough to be intimidating, but neither of the men under his employ were intimidated. Sir Forsythe, in fact, was still doing his duty.
Cass hadn’t seen the man since he’d sent him out, but it was clear from the rags that he wore, the blood splatters, and the several discarded bottles of what Cass assumed was a healing potion of some kind, Sir Forsythe had been serious in his work. Cass was proud of him, honestly.
He should give him a break after this, and take the heat off of his back. The hatred being directed to him was quite intense, but the man didn’t flinch. Cass hoped that he continued to be this way. Byron stood defiantly next to him, protecting his back as the group yelled insults at them. His jaw was tight, his expression dark, but it went slack when Cass approached.
Noticing a change in his behaviour, a few other people turned towards where his gaze was directed and noticed that Cass was approaching. They began to nudge the others, and soon the whole group was looking back at him.
"My Lord, you didn’t have to come." Byron began, his voice serious. Sir Forsythe’s hand hesitated for a moment before he slammed it down, and then he turned to look at Cass. He wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, his expression clear, but it was clear that even his knight was getting tired.
"You’re right, Byron, I didn’t have to. I wanted to though. How goes?" Cass asked, and Byron shared a look with Sir Forsythe. They both noticed how Cass was ignoring the large group beside them, and decided to go along with it.
"Well, there were a few interruptions this morning, but everything should be done by the time 24 hours wraps around, my Lord." Sir Forsythe told Cass, and Cass nodded. He stood, his arms crossed, a frown on his face as he stared down at the unrecognisable man.
"Do you think he’s learned his lesson?" Cass asked, and Sir Forsythe cleared his throat.
"If I may be honest for a moment, Sire?" Cass nodded, and he continued. "Men like him never learn their lesson, even after such harsh punishments. He might remember this for a moment, but there is no doubt in my mind that he will continue down the path at some point." His words were wise, and Cass agreed with him. This was more of a show of force than an actual lesson, so that was fine, but he had a good point.