WITCH - The Queen

Chapter 97

Emmie

Finally, the fencing instructor arrived. While Emmie could burst with excitement, Peyo was far from pleased. He stared at the tall man, he was just over two meters tall, with his mouth open. And Fritz was no different. He stood behind Peyo, both hands on Peyo's shoulders, and looked likewise... stunned...

"So you're the fencing instructor? Hany sends you?", Paula asked. The family stood in the fireplace room. Here, servants had brought the expected guest. The giant, since you couldn't call him anything else, bowed with a grin.

"Prince Fritz. Princess Paula! I am pleased to be able to offer you my services as a teacher. It has always been my most ardent dream to see such a villa from the inside! My name is Tamino Bär. Actually, I'm just a little messenger. For special information. You know, Your Highness. The thing with the dirty socks. Do I have to address you with Your Highness? I was surprised when Hany told me that my services were needed here. As a teacher."

"Just a messenger?", asked Fritz quietly. He stared at the man's strong muscles and scarred arms. A wide scar also ran across Tamino's forehead. Peyo pressed himself close to Fritz wide-eyed. Emmie reached for Peyo's hand, amused. This man was clearly not just a messenger.

"Yes. Messenger! These days...." Tamino nodded unconcernedly. "And these two are my students?" He ruffled through Peyo's hair, who froze at the touch. Even Tamino's hands were huge. Emmie tried not to giggle. The giant looked at Peyo questioningly. "Well, boy? A little shy, yes?"

Peyo remained frozen. Their new teacher shrugged his shoulders and turned to Emmie. "And you are?", he asked, reaching out to her.

"Emmie. And if you try to touch my hair, I'll bite", she replied.

Tamino Bear laughed out loud. "I like this kid!", he announced. "She has guts!" And he ruffled through Peyo's hair again, who had just recovered from the fright. "Don't be afraid, boy. I definitely don't bite. And what's your name?"

Peyo didn't say anything. He seemed to Emmie like he wanted to run away. He squeezed her hand as if his life depended on it. Fritz had now prepared himself for this. "This is Peyo. Please don't touch through his hair. He doesn't know you. And Emmie does bite", he grumbled fiercely. "The two are Paula's and my unofficial adopted children."

"Ah!" Tamino laughed. His laughter was loud and rumbling. "Yes, Hany said it was about your oldest. Adopted children. Of course. I was wondering... When two humans jump through the bed, usually an elf and a wolf aren't the results of it!"

Now it was Paula's mouth that fell open. Fritz ignored the comment. "Yes, exactly. Our oldest. The two are sixteen."

"I have an adopted son. My wife and I were less successful at hopping. You know?" He winked at the prince. "Our boy, he is ten, got his first bow for his third birthday. He was very enthusiastic... And then, he complained that the guitar looked weird."

"Guitar?" Paula asked, irritated. Confused, she looked at Fritz, who just shrugged.

"Yes. He wanted a guitar. He mistook the bow for one! Ha!" Tamino put his hands on his hips and laughed again. Loud and rumbling. His voice was also very loud. "He got the guitar from his grandfather. Liked the thing better than its beautiful bow. Ai first. He is a good archer now. And he plays the guitar even better."

"How nice", replied Fritz.

Emmie, on the other hand, looked embarrassed at the floor. Peyo looked at her sadly. He pushed Fritz's hands off his shoulders and leaned against her. He did not let the giant out of his sight. He stared at the man uncertainly.

"Did I say something wrong?", the giant asked, surprised.

Emmie shook her head. Birthdays. Her two new friends had lost their family on their birthdays. And Emmie? Her birthday took place in a cage. Dirty and hungry. She remembered the smell of fear that was in the air. The crying, the screaming, and her own despair. "My last birthday was less beautiful", she said. Peyo nodded.