Strength In Our Bonds (The Strength in Generations Accompanying Book)

The Knight of Self-Made Armor

At least once a month, the guys- Vidina, Gale, Martine, and Berrik- would get together and hang out. This time was the first time they also invited Kazel and Harlan along, and though Berrik showed some skepticism about the idea at first, they all seemed to have just as much fun as before, if not more. They decided to go bowling this time, and it was going well. Kazel was a surprisingly good bowler; Harlan opted out, sitting at the table behind the lanes the boys were using, eating a slice of pizza. He'd let his chair up so high that even he could swing his feet a little.

"Hey, guy." Gale went to sit with him. "You don't bowl in Esthar?"

"Bowling is actually quite a popular Estharian pastime; I would prefer not to engage in it, however," replied Harlan, taking a bite from his pizza slice.

"Is it the shoe thing?" asked Gale.

"I'm afraid I lack the coordination to play just about any sport; also, the shoe thing." Harlan laughed.

Gale laughed with him.

"I do enjoy this pizza," Harlan confessed, taking another bite. "It's so greasy... yet so delicious."

"The type of thing your fiancée would have a fit over, huh?" asked Gale.

"Undisputedly." Harlan smiled, "I love Aurelie, as you know, but there are certain freedoms I rejoice in having when she's not around. The freedom to eat greasy food is on the top of the list."

"What's on that?" asked Gale, pointing to the pizza.

"Mushrooms, onions, spinach... almost went for bacon, but decided not to, in case there's a possibility of some late-night spooning."

"I hear you there." Gale chuckled.

"You're welcome to have a piece." Harlan gave him the tray.

"Yum." Gale grinned.

The two men ate in silence.

"Gale, may I request a service?" asked Harlan.

"If this is about any freaky shit, please direct any questions you have to Levi."

"It's nothing of that nature," replied Harlan. "I have a desire to learn the combat and magical arts."

"Oh. Well, that's admirable of you; guess I could expect it though. You wanna protect Aurelie, now that she's officially yours," Gale said.

"This has nothing to do with Aurelie. Protecting one's mate, if they are of the fairer sex, is such an archaic idea," Harlan said disapprovingly. "I wish to be stronger, physically. It's a good skill to have, is it not?"

"Whoo!" Both heads turned to see Martine celebrating a strike. "All ten, baby! I oughta take this up as a career!"

Gale took a second to smile over at Martine, before turning back to Harlan. "Why didn't you ask Linster about this? She runs the training center."

"I thought that would be unfair, since Linna's stature is so minuscule compared to mine; I was doubtful of the utility of training with her."

"Oh, okay. And that's why you asked me..." Gale nodded. "I don't use a weapon, Harlan. How are you expecting to train with me?"

"The same way you train with Aurelie, I assume. She's mentioned you sparring with her before," replied Harlan.

Gale winced, thinking of the many times he'd been caught by Aurelie's whip. "As long as you're not trying to whip me, I think we can put something together."

"Brilliant." Harlan grinned. "I look forward to your instruction."

~ * ~

"Hey, I need a favor, Lin," Gale said as he entered the training center. Linna was sitting on a large rock in the room's garden setting.