Enchantment of the Bow

Chapter Forty-Five

Lyra's POV

Our boots click against the cold floor as we walk down the otherwise quiet hallways to my chambers. My door stands well guarded tonight, but Lance insists that he stay with me a while longer before he retires. I don't send him away, either, because I secretly want to spend more time with my brother before he leaves in a few days. I will not say that I am dreading Sam's return, I wish desperately to see my men home safe, only when his company must leave for Whales.

I carry my bow over my shoulder, and turn to the flock of Guards that trail me as we reach the men who stand in front of my chambers. Our company had been joined by the men in the training hall, and I look to the group with a raised chin. "Who is posted here tonight?" I ask, glancing back at my father's Captain if the Guard, who is standing in front of my chambers with one of my mother's Guardsmen.

"The King requested that Merlin and Nikeil stand the first watch, my Lady." The formidable man says, dipping his head at me. I don't miss when his eyes drift to my bandaged hand, causing me to recall the night I earned the injuries. It had been him who escorted me back to safety.

Claudius is nearing his early forties, but he still carries himself with the strength of a man in his prime. He has a red beard neatly kept and wild orange hair that is typically in multiple braids and tied half up in a knot. He stands so tall that I have to crane my neck to look him in the eye, and his muscles threaten at the seams of his manicured white tunic. His eye color is not the same fern-like shade as Sam's, but looks more like an olive.

I remember when I was small, I was always amazed at his exotic appearance and his hearty sounding accent. He was raised in a foreign country, where most people, I suppose, have such genetic combinations. My father was traveling with the business of trade when he crossed through the country, and met Claudius at an inn. I was told as a girl that the King had seen his strength when a fight was picked with him by a group of drunk men, and Claud flipped his solid oak table on top of them. Many inn tables are weighed to the floor with bolts of some sort, to prevent this from happening. But Claud tore it right out, as easily as of it were a blade of grass in the ground.

I am reminded of Syl in the kitchens at his red beard, and I have to fight not to loose myself in thought and question. Claud's clear green gaze drifts behind me now, sizing Lance up. The two know each other well, as Claudius knew him before he left Nordic. I doubt they've spoken since my brothers return.

"The two newest recruits will be posted at the inner chamber door for the first watch." Claudius adds, nodding towards Kaladin and Hener.

When I glance back, I see disappointment shade Darion's expression. "Alright," I address Claudius, pulling his gaze back to me. "Then Darion and Saint Wolfstan will take the second shift at the inside door. Then Mashkíl and Jasla will swap out with Merlin and Nikiel."

Darion's wheat curls bounce up at my orders, his grey eyes alight with excitement. It looks as if he would like to embrace me, but Jasla places a firm hand on his shoulder to root him there. The ginger haired Guardsmen looks tired, but keeps his posture formal as he stands between Hener and Darion. I wish I could give him the night off as I did with Cam, but I cannot afford to lose another man.

"You would set the new man all night? My Lady-" Claudius starts, eyes shaded with concern. He doesn't think it is a good idea, and I see why. He is new to the castle, and cannot yet be trusted with such responsibility.

"What I've said is final." I conclude definitely, hushing his words. "He needs the experience time to learn to keep his eyes open on a night watch." I say, though the real reason is that I trust Kaladin with my life. I turn to my Guard behind me, avoiding Kaladin's gaze. "Well, those remaining may take the night to rest, until called upon. Sleep, if you can. I'll see you all in the morning." I say, letting my eyes rest on Sebastian. I am only glad that my father hadn't ordered him to be posted at my doors. I have no intention of letting him guard me while I sleep, not as long as I have a choice.