The Tempest of Eerikki - Book One - THE PANACEA QUEST

Chapter 10

The second day of the tournament dawned, while there were many sore heads from the previous evening's festivities everyone still wanted to do the best for the honour of their lords. Batair found himself drawn to his mother's pavilion early.

She was still dressed in night clothes looking radiant and about to eat a hearty breakfast.

"Batair," her brilliant smile greeted him.

It was his eyes that told her much for while her son was guarded with most. They were always open to her.

"Sit my son, let's eat." Batair admired his Mother's appetite while she was tall and willowy, she always ate like her warriors.

For a moment they ate in silence, before Corina spoke "So, you love Tempie."

Batair tried not to choke on the piece of pickled ham he had just placed in his mouth. "I was not questioning son, I was stating a truth." His mother continued, "King Rhain had advised me of her beauty and he is very proud of her skills, we have wagered that she would be the dea Neophyte at the end of this day."

Batair continued to eat wondering why his King would communicate with this Mother in such a way. His Mother had never been one to not tell her truth she had always dealt with situations like true warriors do, in an open manner.

Batair ignored her earlier comment responding. "Yes, she is very skilled."

His mother fixed him with a long hard stare, "Batair of Greenway."

Batair felt as though he had been struck with a full body blow from Albern.

"Mother, she is seventeen cycles and yes I love her but...." his mother rose an imperious hand to halt his words.

"My beautiful son, she has already decided on you," her sage wisdom poured over him, "remember, it is never the man who decides. Always the woman and my son she will decide when. Last night was but a glimpse of who she is yet to be it was a sharp awakening to you." She sipped on her jasmine tea. "I know you are warrior enough to stand a little time."

Batair was pretending to be transfixed on his meal and did not see the wicked little grin that passed his mother's lips.

***

Again, Tempie had taken the field displaying skill and strength far in advance of what anyone thought her capable. No one could doubt that this little paladin was becoming a warrior in her own right under the tuition of the Sword Master. William sat beside his ward, waiting for the unarmed combat bouts. Tempie's eyes were closed as if she was praying.

"Tempie?" he enquired.

"Yes, my Sword Master." Her reply was soft.

"What are you thinking, child?" William quizzed.

"About Batair." William was taken aback at her words.

"What about Batair?" he again spoke.