Chapter 14: Friends or Foes?
While Leif hadn't seen Irene without a hood on, he had observed her from afar when she found her father and recognized her when he walked into the Duke's study after being summoned to help.
He looks like a girl, Leif realized, silently ridiculing the other kid. As long as he's strong...
His pale blue eyes then lifted and he saw Sir Arthur. Seeing the second in command in all of his glory, Leif recalled how the knight even gave him a quiet thanks in the tunnel which he would remember for the rest of his life.
Well, he's Sir Arthur's kid so he must be strong.
Sir Arthur wasn't someone a mere apprentice could approach without reason. He was only someone you could look up to from afar. Leif hoped to be a knight worthy enough to see eye to eye with the man.
"Commander," the apprentice greeted the Duke, bowing his head in respect. "Is there something I can assist you with?"
"Sir Arthur's son, Iro Litharion, will be with us from this point forward," Harlan explained. "You are to show him to one of the vacant apprentice rooms. He will be joining you in practice tomorrow morning then stables after the morning meal. Show him the ropes. I have high expectations for this child."
"Yes, Commander," Leif responded. "I will take him there."
Irene glanced at her father and the knight then turned to the Duke.
"Since this is unexpected, Commander, could I please abuse my position and have a word with my boy before I return home?" he requested.
Irene's face hadn't said anything in particular, but he couldn't leave his daughter behind when there were droves of men all around.