Swan Song

Three

"You're late." Said Malachi as Roan returned to the inn. "Luckily I covered for you. Outhouse. Bad chicken. You're all cleared out now though."

Roan glared at his friend and Malachi laughed. "Gee thanks."

"Anything for my closest confidant." He quipped clapping him on the back as they walked into the main hall of the inn.

"Let's go men. We are not on holiday. We are soldiers and representatives of Ofrincia. As such we will act like it. It's time to train." Calvin announced. Just in time for a grueling training session. Oh joy! Well he'd missed breakfast but at least he wouldn't miss midday meal.

They all grabbed their gear, swords, padding, bows and arrows, targets and the like and left. Calvin lead them to an abandoned courtyard nearby the inn. It was overgrown with weeds, tall grass and wild flowers and boasted a dead fountain covered in moss.

Soon enough a small crowd gathered to watch them spar. Roan was among them practicing with Calvin. Though they were related the guards captain would not go easy on him.

Calvin swung and Roan just barely dodged the blow. "Pay attention!" He shouted. Roan shifted his stance, parrying. Their swords clashed. Calvin came down hard but Roan managed to push him away both men beginning to sweat. Calvin attacked and Roan backed up losing his footing, he looked down then found himself on his back. A few people laughed.

Calvin shook his head. "To your feet! Have you forgotten everything I've taught you?"

"I'm sorry, I'm just... Let's go again."

"Come on then." This time Roan attacked first. Swords clashed. Roan grunted when Calvin came down hard on him again. Suddenly two balls of fire came out of nowhere. Roan dodged them just in time but fell and a third one hit Calvin on the behind.

"Aaah!" He growled as the crowd laughed at both of them. Calvin turned to see Malachi behind him with a silly smile on his face. "I should have known this was of you and your mystical foolery."

Malachi chuckled as Roan picked himself up of the ground. "What? I was helping him train."

"Huh." Calvin's laugh was devoid of humor. "Do me a favor and don't help. I doubt he's going to go up against any wizards and magical nonsense."

"No but he's clearly distracted. Have you even asked him what's wrong?"

"I'll tell you what's wrong. He needs to focus on his duties and get his mind out of the clouds."

"He's also right here and would appreciate it if you'd stop acting like he and everyone else can't hear you." Roan said and the crowd laughed. Well aren't we just putting on the most entertaining little comedy show. Roan sighed to himself.

"Let's go again." Roan said.

Calvin nodded and they went at it swords clashing. Roan fell again. And again. The crowd ate it up. "What's off with you? You're better than this." Calvin said helping him to his feet for a fifth time. They were both sweating but Roan was beyond tired.

"He's distracted." Malachi put in. "Are you worried? This is your first trip abroad it's alright if you're homesick."

"Homesick? What is he a prepubescent lad? I'll tell you what's wrong with him he hasn't had his breakfast. Where were you this morning anyway?"

"Will you two stop mothering me!" He cringed as the crowd laughed at the show. "I'm fine. Let's go again."

Calvin tsked. "Akk. You're done for the day. It's meal time any way." He turned and put his sword away. "Let's head back!" Calvin called to the others. They left the courtyard and the crowd finally broke up.