Kugan - 3 (to be a Squire...)
Kugan rode in silence down the long road to Hillcrest, keeping Callistro astride the pair of horses that lead the small personal coach that Sir Enderlin traveled in.
He was to be a Squire.
The thought still left him partially stunned.
And, to be a Squire to such a Knight as Sir William Enderlin, was an honor above anything Kugan could have ever imagined.
His father had brought in a local Merchant's son to help him with his studies nearly three years ago. Even the assistance of his precious Alaine could not help his mind grasp more than the basic concepts of mathematics and literature. Lord Landreth's eldest child, a son, had been gifted with the same business mind that his father had, so by all rights there was no need for Kugan to worry too much about his lack of such skills.
He had always been good out of doors; excelling in his lessons with the Stable Master and the Weapons Master that resided at the Landreth estate. Alaine had often teased him for his drifting into daydreams during their studies.
But he couldn't help it.
It made his skin crawl to be indoors for too long; needing the fresh air and the room to breathe in it.
His father had been corresponding with Sir Enderlin for some time, apparently, making arrangements for the Knight to take Kugan along when the Tourney came to the nearby city of Hillcrest. He was going to be trained to be Sir Enderlin's newest Squire, seeing as the current one would be going through the Knight's Trial once the Tourney reached Prisc, merely ten twelve-days away.
He doubted that knowing in advance would have changed his mind about going. Kugan wasn't cut from the same cloth (pun not intended) as his father and brother, and had no immediate plans to run off and marry into another wealthy family like his elder sister had done.
As a matter of fact, the only person's company that he truly enjoyed was Alaine's.
Alaine was a year his elder, smaller than he was, pale of skin and so delicate seeming, especially when compared to Kugan. Alaine would make a fine Merchant one day. His friend was terribly smart and always grasped things quickly, assessing business situations with an ease that Kugan had never mastered.
He would miss him, that was to be sure, but perhaps he could send his friend letters. He didn't write well, but he could, and he could read, which is really all that would matter. Alaine would forgive him for leaving so suddenly, he was sure. Kugan slipped his hand into his pocket, fingers closing around the length of blue cloth hidden there.
Kugan would return home one day, to his Alaine and to his family, bearing the Knight's crest.
He would make them proud, or die trying.