The Reformation Wars: The Unmarked Swordsman

Chapter 7

In the morning, Guistan, his two guards, and Alden each took a station at the inn's four entryways on the bottom floor. Meanwhile, Tom sat with Alice and her maid as the two women ate a hearty breakfast prepared by the innkeeper's wife. After ensuring Alden's one-eyed gaze wasn't resting on him, the young knight also requested a plate of his own. 

"So, Tom," Alice began after swallowing a bite of fluffy egg, "what is it like to live in Monterayne? I've heard much, but never taken the time to travel there. Is it as good as they say?" 

Tom grinned. "In all probability, it's even better than what you've heard. We have fertile fields in abundance, food to fill our bellies, even to excess if we're not careful, and agreeable weather most the time. The mountains take the brunt of any outside storms that come our way, and scarcely do plague or famine befall us." 

"I've heard not a woman exists in your land without unspeakable beauty. Is that really true?" 

"I'm afraid not, my lady." Tom replied with a chuckle, "Though we have our fair share of perfection, of course." 

"I see. And I've heard crime is unbelievably scarce, to the point many of your prisons have been demolished in favor of more profitable use of the land?" 

"That is true. Rare is the outcry in our streets, for we are a God-blessed land." 

Alice dabbed her mouth with a napkin. "Very much so. I should like to visit, if the Senate would ever find another to run their diplomatic errands." 

"You wouldn't have to look far for a tour guide." the young knight remarked, smirking at her obligatory eye roll. "I have to say, I've wanted to travel your republic for some time myself. Perhaps we can be of mutual service to one another." 

She put her fork down and leaned back in her seat. "You're a bold one, Thomas Holt, I'll give you that. Many a woman would fawn over you, verily, even noblewomen of highest rank." 

"But you're not one of them." 

"You have spoken correctly." 

Tom shrugged and crossed his arms. "That's fine by me. A woman ought to do with her heart what she pleases." 

"You seem to speak the most wisdom when the words leaving your mouth stand against their utterer." 

"I suppose so." 

His heart leapt when the lady's warm hand rested on his shoulder. Alice gave him a grim smile. "I truly apologize for any rudeness I may have exuded toward you, either now or in times past. It's just...a woman of my station cannot afford any subtleties in rejection of overzealous advances. Unkindness has never been my intent." 

"I understand and respect that." Tom said before offering a grateful smile to the innkeeper as he placed a steaming plate before him. After nibbling the end off a cut of ham, he returned his gaze to the blonde. "You know, where I'm from, you Alcontean women are all but idolized for inexpressible beauty, and a certain allure unique to your race. I suppose I've been irritating in my excitement to have had the good fortune of meeting one in the flesh." 

"That would be putting it lightly." 

"Indeed." He paused thoughtfully and ate another bite before continuing. "In your culture, are there any...peculiarities like that?" 

Like a true lady, she finished chewing her mouthful before replying. "I suppose so. Monteraynian knights are known among us for their skill and deeds of valor, yes, but among our women, I suppose a similar attitude exists toward them. I've heard many ladies say they dream of being swept off their feet by a pair of brawny Monteraynian arms...and the rest, I'm afraid I shouldn't repeat."