The Duel

Marshal's Mistake

"Elaine." Marshal Bertreuse paused before his young sister. The captains would handle drill for now. He had a few minutes to spare, anyways.

"Mhm, brother?" She quizzed him.

"Do you remember the man I told you about? The warrior." My old companion. I hope she remembers.

"Sir Ruene?"

"No, no. My old lieutenant." Goddamn that knight. Of all the warriors on his retinue, why him? Well, I suppose it's normal for a young woman to dream. I'll just make that rogue suffer during campaign.

"Oh. Yes, I remember."

"Would you do me a favor?" I suppose it's more polite to say it like this. Though, I'm not really asking.

"A favor. . . ? Well, tell me first."

"He may not be in the best spot right now. Er, financially and all that." The finest blade in the kingdom, perhaps continent. Reduced to a wandering mercenary.

"Oh?"

"I want you to do something for me."

"Well, I suppose I can deliver some coin or items after all I am hea-"

"No, no. He doesn't like that sort of charity." Proud bastard. I miss you, my brother-in-arms.

"Then what do you propose?"

"I've already explained part of it to father. But, I want you to bring these diamonds to your debut." A fortune for such a gaudy hunk of gold. The world's blessing upon warriors, who care not for such trivialties.

He reached into a satchel at his belt, carefully grabbing the necklace and extending his hand. She reached out with both hands, letting him drop it into her cupped palms.

"Don't worry, I'll get you something better when you return." Women and jewelry. Anything for my sister.

"O-ok. You just want me to bring it with me? To the capital?"

"Yes. Father will hire my old friend to act as a thief. The guards won't challenge him, and the driver will alert you beforehand. Just hand over the necklace to him, alright?" What a cunning plan. He smirked at his own brilliance. A simple way to pay back an old friend.

"I see. So that is all?"

"Aye. Farewell, sister. Best of luck."

"And best of luck to you as well. Try not to get hurt. Just let the other knights do the fighting for you, ok?"

"I'll be fine." Let the other knights fight for me. Hah, not a chance.

The marshal gave a half-handed salute. She laughed. He sauntered off to the door. Best not to keep the army waiting.