Chapter 95 - 96
Alistar smothered a small seedling of envy as he stared at the badge on the boy’s chest. He had reached this level a long time ago, but Tramon still hadn’t even bestowed upon him his first stripe. Such things were important, since these badges were issued by training institutions, guilds, and local governments on behalf of the crown, and they were also recorded on legers with copies sent to an archive in Cedor, the capital of Civus. These badges served as proof for swordsmen to provide to potential employers, and any sellsword looking for work was expected to have one in order to prove that they had received traditional training in one of the known sword styles.
"I’ve got my first stripe of the adept stratum," added Edmun, who confidently showed his badge off in the same manner that his brother had done. This one had a single black stripe on a yellow background. "I’ve only been practicing for seven years, but Master says I should receive my second by the time I’m sixteen." Even though he was only one tier above his brother, it was a very important tier and thus set a strong distinction between his and Calum’s attainments.
"How impressive," said Caedmon, who wore a patient smile. "As expected of Daniel’s boys."
Antoine and the youth behind him still hadn’t dismounted, both of them observing the gathered group with silent eyes. Once Edmun and Calum had finished greeting their uncle, Antoine nodded at his son, who dismounted and followed suit after his cousins.
Pulling his hood back, the boy revealed a handsome face that was recently shaven, showing himself to be more of a young man than anything else. "It’s nice to see you, Uncle Caedmon. You’ve been working hard for the sake of the kingdom, so I hope you take time during our visit to take things easy with us. It’s not often that we have the chance to meet like this, after all, and I for one am happy to have a chance to avoid my duties for a time."
"Johan, how you’ve grown. The last time we saw one another you were about a hand’s length shorter." Caedmon’s expression became a bit more tolerant, though only those who knew him well like Alistar and Anice would have been able to notice. "It’s been a year since you’ve become the lord of Hapselen. How are you getting along with your new duties?"
"I do what I can," said the youth with a smile, though this was quickly followed by a quiet sigh. "Though Grandfather is particularly interested in my territory, so I don’t always have the final say with certain matters."
"Johan."
Hearing the tone of his father’s voice, the young man moved on in a tactful manner. Unlike Daniel and his sons, he turned to the others in attendance and gave everyone a light bow. "Thank you all for gathering to receive us. We’ll be in your care for the next week."