No one said a single word, not one. Lander took the horses and Merek went to fetch dinner, being a soldier on duty meant meals were taken care of. Jade sat in front of the fire and Phantom stubbornly would not leave her side and lay down behind Jade so she could rest her back against him. She knew he was still hungry from not having the chance to catch anything on his hunt but he refused to leave and Jade didn’t press him.

                When Lander finished tending to the horses he disappeared into the tent for a while and when he came back out, he was dressed in a brown tunic and leather trousers. He sat down across the fire from Jade and stared into the hot embers and Jade did the same. The silence built with every passing breath, and became more uncomfortable until Merek returned with food.

                Lander stood and retrieved plates and mugs and Merek unpacked the food and divided it among them. Hot soft bread with honey, a large lump of cheese, two baked potatoes and a large leg of chicken was handed to Jade on a round plate followed by a mug of cool milk that he poured from a corked jar.

                “Thank you,” she said breaking the silence.

                “You’re welcome.” After everyone had their food Merek pulled out a chuck of raw meet the size of Jade’s thigh. “May I?” He asked.

                A smile grew on Jade’s lips at thoughtful act, “You may.”

                Merek approached Phantom slowly and placed the meat in front of the wolf like a peace offering. Phantom sniffed and then pinned the meat under his paws before tearing into it. Merek smiled and stepped away and picked up his own dinner. They all ate, and again remained silent. Lander fed more wood to the fire and then when they finished they looked around at each other awkwardly.

                Finally Jade let out a long breath and rubbed her face before she looked back to Lander and Merek. “Go ahead and say what it is you’re thinking, because we can’t just sit here and ignore each other all night.”

                “What do you mean, my lady?”

                Merek burst into laughter and Lander joined him. Jade, shocked at first from the outburst, slowly joined in until they were all struggling to breathe. The laughter hadn’t been entirely because of the joke, but instead served to break the tension and the awkwardness dissipated. It felt good to laugh it was like taking a gulp of fresh air after drowning. After the laughter died Lander cleared his throat. “In all seriousness though, can you please tell us what the hell is going on?”

                “I would love to,” Jade replied honestly. She wanted nothing more than to tell them the truth of everything. Somehow, when Thatcher acknowledged Jade’s highborn status she no longer felt guilty for telling them who she was. Jade knew she wouldn’t speak of it openly again, so she did so while she could and it was a great burden lifted from her shoulders to tell someone…anyone, even if she would never do so again. “What I tell you tonight must never be spoken to anyone else, for as you witnessed, I could be put in a dangerous situation if word gets out to the wrong people. My full name is Jade Dryden, and as you have probably guessed, I am a highborn Felkorian…or at least I used to be. Of my own choice I decided to become an exile, it wasn’t long after I left my home that I met you guys. When you arrested me for poaching that was after I had been attacked by Protectors looking to take me back, similar to what was being attempted tonight. The story I told you back then had been true, although missing certain details. I dont feel guilty now, telling you the truth.”

                “Jade about that arrest-”

                Jade held up her hand. "Don’t. I neither need nor want apology from either of you. It’s I who should apologize to you. I was bitter for things that passed between us, it’s true, but I know now what you did for me and because of you I am alive. You saved my life and gave me the chance to make a living, for that I am grateful, and I need you to understand that I harbor no ill will. In fact I consider you my friends.”

                “Us to,” Merek smiled.

                “Of course Jade,” Lander confirmed.

                “Now, you’re probably wondering who and what this creature is.” Jade placed a hand on Phantoms fur. He had devoured the meat quickly and was starting to doze off now that he had a full stomach. “Growing up I was apprenticed to become a Protector, it’s why I know how to fight the way I do, and it’s why I know what I know. But in all my years there a great wolf never bonded to me and I was disbanded as an apprentice. I was told that I must marry or choice another service. Both of my parents were Protectors, and the history of my bloodline were all Protectors, all bonded to a wolf….everyone but me. Maybe I’m stubborn and stupid but I know what I’m good at. I know what I am capable of and I refused to be told that I couldn’t leave Felkor and do what I was born to do all because a wolf wouldn’t bond to me. So I left. 

                “After my path parted from you all Reed took me under his wing, and while we were working in the mountains we stopped a caravan of men who were passing through the border illegally. We assumed they were transporting slaves, but in the cage was a Dire Wolf.” Jade stroke Phantoms fur fondly. “The others wanted to kill him, believing it would be too dangerous to release him, but I released him against Reeds orders. I didn’t know it at the time, but he would later come back to me, and when he did…well.” Jade lifted her other hand and motioned between her and Phantom. “I’ve never heard of anyone bonding to a Dire Wolf before, and honestly until I saw him myself I wasn’t sure that Dire Wolves even existed. Reed wanted to use us to earn him a higher paying job, but I am not a Protector in either title or honor. I don’t have to right to call myself Felkorian anymore and he refused to respect that. And I knew that if other Protectors heard him claiming to have a Protector in his unit they would blame me for his actions.” Jade sighed, “This morning he disrespected Phantom and I blew up…I held a knife to his throat and threatened him. He said that if he ever sees my face again he’ll arrest me. I owe him a debt, more than just for my life but he paid for my medical expenses to recover, for food, and for buying back Chance, everything. I think technically that makes me a thief...either way I feel like I have stained my honor with every decision, and yet I dont feel as guilty for it as I should." 

        The fire popped loudly and Merek leaned over and jabbed it with a long stick. “Did you sign any papers under Reed’s service?” Lander asked.

                “No.” Jade shook her head.

                “Then he has no proof and nothing to legally hold you. He can’t have you arrested just for threatening him, not unless he’s royalty or you actually tried to kill him. Hell if that were the case we’d all be in jail.”

                “The others were there as witnesses though,” Jade said. “What’s more is that I know I owe him. Could I live with myself knowing that I owe him for the life I have?” Lander started to chuckled and Merek smiled at the fire, “What?” Jade demanded, “Am I missing something funny?”

                “You really don’t know Reed at all do you?”

                Jade frowned, taken back by the unexpected question. “Well honestly…no.” Jade took a deep breath, “I wanted to, but the men opened up to me more than he did starting out, and as more time passed the more we seemed to drift and soon it was hard to approach him about anything. Why do you ask?”

                “Reed will never hold you to that debt,” Lander said simply. “He may act like a hard asshole, but he’s been through a lot in his lifetime, and those men of his? He sees their lives as his personal responsibility, and will do anything in his power to provide and protect them. I’m not saying Reed couldn’t have treated you better, honestly I don’t know because I wasn’t around, but I do know Reed.” Lander paused a moment, Jade wanted to interrupt, but she knew Lander had more to say. “Have you ever wondered how Reed got that scar of his?” Lander tapped to his forehead, indicating where Reed’s was.

                “Of course,” Jade nodded.

                “I was there the day he received it,” Lander leaned back. “We enlisted into the army together, Reed and I. As younger men we had grand schemes of adventure and sword play, enlisting seemed to be the best way to make a living doing just that. We quickly advanced passed our age groups, getting promoted and given responsibilities quickly. But Reed had a weakness for people in trouble, I say weakness lightly, because it’s an honorable trait but it also tends to get him into trouble. Reed and I were on a patrol together one week with our unit, both of us were looking to be promoted to captain, though I knew Reed was the better candidate. We came to a town just as a public punishment was being carried out. The man they were going to make an example of was half starved, and we could all tell that he had been beaten badly already, Reed was quick to discover that the man as being punished for stealing food, the person who informed Reed also made it pretty clear that the man he had stolen from had refused to pay the man after he had done an honest day’s work.” Lander swallowed, deep in the memory his fist curled at the thought.

                “Reed went to our leader and explained the situation but the law was the law. Our leader didn’t care to hear what may or may not have been owed to the man, he had stolen, and rules were rules. Reed never could stand the sight of people taken advantage of power, but that day he snapped, I saw it before it happened. The way his body language changed, I tried to talk him down but his mind was made up.” Lander sighed, “I should have tried harder.”

                “What happened?” Jade asked quietly.         

                “He got off his horse, unsheathed his sword and set the man free of his bonds. The man was too weak to defend himself or run so Reed stood his ground and guarded him, daring anyone to challenge him. Our leader was furious and I remember being so afraid that I was going to watch my friend die. He approached Reed and yelled just as loud as I have ever heard anyone yell. He called Reed insubordinate among many other things, but Reed didn’t flinch, and he didn’t stand down. Our commander pulled his sword to try and push Reed aside and reestablish order but Reed wouldn’t budge. He guarded that man as if he were his own brother. The other men in our unit all dismounted to help and I followed but knew that if it came down to it I wouldn’t be able to attack Reed. I don’t know how Reed did it, even to this day but he protected that man. He wounded our commander, and fended off the others. Then our leader yelled at me to attack. I locked eyes with Reed and he made the decision for me, knowing I wouldn’t attack him and knowing it would mean the end of my career also. He came at me and we locked swords but neither of us wanted to harm the other. Our leader came up behind Reed while we were engaged and I tried to warn him but when Reed turned our leaders sword caught his forehead. When it happened I thought Reed had been killed, I hadn’t known where he’d been hit but there was blood everywhere. I’ve killed a few men in my time, but I’ve never seen that much blood. But as you know Reed didn’t die that day. The man he protected was still punished and Reed was dishonorably charged, never to be allowed back into service. The only reason he wasn’t executed for his disobedience or punished more harshly is because of all the achievements Reed had done in his time serving, and because of the multiple letters that had been written urging to spare him.

                “But even after all of that Jade this is most unbelievable of all. Reed walked away, head bandaged and honor wounded, straight back to that village. He found the man that had been beaten, he helped him gain back his health and then he offered that man a job, no strings attached. He didn’t blame him for his wound, nor his lost career, he walked back there because someone worthy needed his help, and he gave it without thinking about it. He saved that man’s life and he never spoke about money or debt, he simply helped. I would bet that if the time came again, he would do it all over again without hesitation.”

                “James,” Jade said surprised. She hadn’t heard that part of the story, and she wasn’t surprised now why no one wanted to tell that story themselves whenever she had asked about Reeds past.

                “Yes,” Lander nodded. “It was James he saved that day, but James wasn’t the last man Reed gave hope to. He’s risked his neck many times for someone he’s never met. I know you and Reed don’t see eye to eye Jade, and I know you have your disagreements, but you need to understand a man’s past before you can judge his present. I know that Reed is not perfect, nor are all of his actions excused because of what has happened but I know who Reed is inside that heart and mind of his. If nothing else, I think I would bet money that at this moment he feels ashamed that he let you down.”

                Jade swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry. She hadn’t taken the time to give full thought of Reed’s actions, she had simply been quickly to blame and accuse. She had been selfish, worrying only about herself. Jade trusted what Lander said and she put herself in Reed’s shoes, imaging how she would feel if the roles were reversed and she felt as he did. “I’m a fool.”

                “No,” Lander disagreed. “I only tell you that story so you will better understand your situation. Your ignorance in this doesn’t make you a fool.”

                “Besides, while Lander is right, Reed can also be a hard ass,” Merek cut in with a sharp grin.         

                “That’s true,” Lander laughed. “That’s very true.” 

 Jade felt worse and better at the same time after learning Reeds past. Better because now she couldn’t see Reed like some heartless tax collector, but worse because she had snapped without thought and now instead she felt like she owed a friend instead of a master. “I guess I will just have to take it one step at a time for now.”

                “I think that is wise,” Merek agreed. “Reed and James are good friends to us, maybe we can find some time to go visit them and see where their attitudes lay?”

                “If we get the time,” Lander fell back onto the ground and splayed is arms around dramatically. “We’ve been scheduled for patrols for two straight days. I do hope they will let us experience and enjoy this tournament rather than let the festivities pass right under our nose.” He groaned.

                Merek looked at Jade and rolled his eyes. “He can be such a child.”

                Lander bolted to sit up and pointed an accusing finger at Merek. “I am not a child, am a handsome and rather adorably charming man.” He ran and hand through his hair and winked at Jade.

                Merek rolled his eyes again. “Please, save yourself the embarrassment. Jade is immune to your boyish trickery. Unlike most of the girls you flirt with, Jade at least has class and a good head.”

                Jade blushed and she was grateful for the fire and dancing light that hid it from the two men. Both Landers flirting and Mereks enduring compliment had touched her in different ways. Lander was handsome, Jade had thought that the moment she had ever laid eyes on him. Then there was Merek, who at first Jade found rather cold, had shown himself under the shell he wore, and Jade found that while he didn’t share Landers outgoing sharp features, there was something handsome about his face when did show a smile. Jade looked at Phantom, and he showed that he thought of others, who else would have brought a strange wolf a meal? 

                 But while Jade blushed, she couldn’t help but wonder, was it simply the attention or something else that made her do so? She considered them friends, of that there was no doubt in her mind. But when she looked at the men, she couldn’t bring herself to consider any other feelings, whether or not they were there. It would complicate things too much, and things were complicated enough.

                “What’s wrong Jade? You went all quiet all the sudden and you’re frowning,” Merek looked a little worried. Of course you would notice.

                “I’m simply wondering how someone as nice as you could ever possibly be friends, yet alone serve under such a ridiculous person like Lander.” Landers mouth dropped open and Merek about died laughing, even his laugh was deep and reserved but refreshing all the same.

                “Jade!” Lander exclaimed. “That hurts.” He placed a hand over his heart and his lower lip trembled.

                “We all know it’s true,” Jade shrugged simply but couldn’t keep herself from smiling. 

        As the evening wore on the conversation become lighter, and Jade yawned more frequently. Finally when Jades eyes started drifting shut Lander stood up and stretched, “I think it’s time we get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day indeed if we don’t rest. Jade, I know you are without a place to stay. You are more than welcome to sleep with us here tonight; our tent is plenty big enough for three people and you could even have my bed.”

                Before Jade could open her mouth Merek stood up and shook his head. “You’re doing it all wrong Lander, if you ask Jade she will decline. You must tell her she is staying with us.”

                “You’re right of course,” he turned back to Jade. “You’re sleeping here whether you want to our not so don’t bother protesting.”

                “You’re sure?” Jade asked.

                “Yes.” Lander and Merek said in unison, and Merek stepped closer and offered her a hand and helped her to her feet. Phantom stretched out and yawned, he had fallen asleep.

                “My bed is on the left,” Lander said. “There are extra clothes in the trunk if you need something to sleep in. We’ll give you some time to yourself to get ready.”

                “Thank you.” She hugged Merek and then Lander. She also didn’t miss the look that passed between the two of them when she did so. Jade ducked into the tent and pulled of her boots and undressed, she found a large cotton shirt that was too large and slipped in on to sleep in. Jade crawled onto the small got and pulled the blankets up to her waist. 

        Phantom poked his head through the door but didn’t move to enter, he looked around and Jade did the same. They both came to the same conclusion that there was simply not enough space to fit the four of them. Without Jade even needing to ask Phantom backed out and she felt him settled down just outside.

                “I’m all settled when you guys want to come.” Jade called out and a moment later Merek and Lander popped in.

                “Find something that worked?” Lander asked, eyeing the shirt.

                “Yes thank you, it feels nice to change out of my clothes for the night.”

                “Of course,” Lander nodded. He went about unpacking a spare bedroll in the space between the two cots and Jade smiled when they both laid down. 

        “Do you normally sleep fully clothed?” She knew from Garth and Yates that men, like woman, had their preferences for sleeping. Lander and Merek exchanged glances, and Jade couldn’t help but smile. “I will roll over and close my eyes if it makes you feel better please don’t be uncomfortable for my sake.” Jade lay down and pulled the blanket to her shoulder and closed her eyes for good measure. There was a moment of silence then Jade heard shuffling noises and very hushed comments, and then everything got quiet again. The tent was dark, but not so dark that Jade was blind. She stared at the fabric of the tent that she faced for a moment. “Good night,” she said softly.

         “Good night,” they replied. Jade smiled and closed her eyes again.

When Jade woke the next morning Lander and Merek were both still asleep. Lander snored lightly and Merek was tangled in his bedroll, his long hair hung unceremoniously in his face. Each of them were bare chested after Jade’s comment the night before. Jade smiled and silently grabbed her clothes off the top of the trunk. She changed under the blanket without exposing herself just in case one of them should wake up and see her. When she finished she snuck out of the tent and stretched. Phantom was sitting patiently, already awake when she emerged. Jade dropped a hand and stroked on of his soft ears.

                The wolf leaned into her hand. Good morning, he seemed to say. “Good morning to you.” Jade started a fire and then went to find water for the horses to make herself useful. There was a community trough nearby; the water was being brought in by the barrels from the city to accommodate all the people. Jade did not envy the people who had the job. There was a constant demand for both livestock and people. Jade waited in the line with the two buckets she had brought and when it was her turn, filled them up and hiked them back to Lander and Merek’s tent.

                Halfway back she was stopped, “Good morning my lady.” Phantom let out a low deep rumble from his chest but he made no further threat when Jade didn’t react. Thatcher stopped in front of Jade, hands clasped behind his back, the cloak was gone from the days warmth, but his black uniform was still clean and perfect. The gold emblem again caught her attention.

                “You will refrain from calling me that Thatcher. If you still see me as a Lady then you will respect my wishes and only ever refer to me as Jade. Am I clear?” She hadn’t spoken or used her highborn status in a very long time, giving an order or acting as such felt like a foreign language.

                He made a slight bow and Jade did not miss the small pull on the left side of his lips, “Of course, my apologies Jade.”

                “Where’s your Guardian?” Jade asked looking around for the ghost like wolf, Phantom didn’t smell it either.

                “He is doing his duty.”

                Jade nodded. “Giving you a reprieve?”

                “Something like that, yes.” Thatcher nodded and looked down at Phantom. “The night tends to play tricks with the eyes, and after a nights rest I needed to see with my own eyes again. Is what you said true?” The buckets in Jade’s hands were growing heavier.

                “Yes.” She had no time for games. “What do you want Thatcher, are you here to try to arrest me again? If you are I’d appreciate it if you didn’t talk to me death.”  

                The Protector met Jade’s eyes. “I have no time for such things. No, I am here on my own curiosity.” Jade was confused.

                “No time for such things?” She repeated curious.

                Thatcher waved his hand. “I must be getting back.” He brushed her question aside. “I’m sure I will see you at the tournament?”

                Jade shrugged as best she could with the buckets, “I hadn’t decided yet.”

                “I’m sure it would be…fruitful if you did,” he said cryptically. “Good day Jade.” He nodded his head and left. Jade watched him go. The crowd seemed to part for him as he walked deeper into the grounds; a few she noticed greeted him when he passed. She wondered who he was sworn to, no doubt a high paying noble.

                “Fruitful hmm?” Jade said out loud, Phantom looked at her. “I want to know what’s going on in that man’s mind.” Lander and Merek and woken and dressed into their uniforms when Jade returned with the water.

                “Jade!” Lander called relieved when he spotted her. “I was worried someone had come and dragged you off.”

                “I just went to fetch water,” she watered the horses and Phantom drank as well. The beasts were spooked when he approached and didn’t drink until he had finished.

                 “Do you think it wise for you to go off on your own?” Merek asked.

                Jade smiled and looked at the two of them, “Whether it is or not makes no difference. The Protectors won’t try anything during the day. Anyway, even if they would I cannot sit idly around in fear simply waiting for them to try to prey on me. No, I will continue on as I always have, if they wish to threaten me they will not find me so off guard again. That much I can promise you, besides, you have your own duties to attend to. I must be left alone at some point.”

                “I suppose.” Lander admitted begrudgingly.

                “Well, either way we can still get some breakfast. Join us?” Merek offered his arm to Jade and she hers with his.

                “I would be honored dear sir.” She teased and Lander came up and took her other arm. Together they made their way to find breakfast, they were all laughing from trying to maneuver through the crowds three people wide. Some people found it funny, others were quick to curse, only to quiet down again when they noticed Landers captains patch on his uniform. When they finally made it to breakfast Jade’s stomach hurt and she felt refreshed and truly happy. She smiled fondly at the two men who took their seats across from her. “Thank you for this.”

                “Of course,” Merek smiled and Lander nodded. They ate breakfast and Jade thanked them for that too, even Phantom managed to get a small meal.

                “Well Jade, we must be going about our duties. If you need us for anything don’t hesitate to grab a soldier and find me or have someone get word to me.” Lander stood and Merek joined him.

                “I’ll be fine really.” She assured them.

                “None the less,” Lander said firmly. “You are also welcome to sleep with us again tonight. Merek has kindly offered his bed.”

                “I will see you tonight,” she nodded, knowing refusing would be stupid and only make them angry.

                Merek shoved a few coins into Jade’s hand. “Don’t starve yourself today.”

                “Merek…” Jade scolded but she also smiled, knowing she would only insult him if she tried to refuse. The two of them left walking side by side as they exchanged a conversation. She looked around at the other tables. Many of the other soldiers eating there were staring at her. Jade stood and squared her shoulders, when she did Phantom stood with her and the attention of the others shifted to him.

                Jade rested her hand on the hilt of her sword and walked away from the eating ground and picked her way toward the tournaments games. Already she could hear the shouts and cheers of the crowds as the games commenced for the day. Thatcher was still a mystery, and she didn’t know why he was so interested for Jade to attend the tournament. Maybe he has an elaborate trap planned with a dozen other Protectors trap and take me back to Felkor. Jade frowned, but he seemed genuinely disinterested in the notion this morning. Thatcher was strange to be sure; most Protectors were stiff and cold. Thatcher, while reserved and collected, also had an air of being relaxed and what’s more Jade was sure she had spotted a small smirk earlier. Protectors didn’t smirk. Well, not usually. She thought of Gregor, and how the old man had been so at ease with everything. I guess I can’t be so quick to judge them myself, the Elders are different.

                Jade watched the games as she did yesterday and when lunch rolled around she ate a delicious meal and found cinnamon bread wrapped on a stick for dessert, she also bought Phantom a rabbit for lunch which he ate quickly. She knew the wolf was capable of eating far more, but for now at least he was satisfied. When I get real work you can hunt more often and I will be able to provide you with as much food as you need.  

                Jade returned to the games after she was full. She found another arena which held more interest to her than jousting, archery and sword play. Jade watched as night with broad swords clashed against each other, and in another arena men with lighter armor and shields fought with one handed swords, maces, and axes. The archery was also interesting; some of the long bows that the men held were beautifully crafted and Jade felt a twinge in her chest. She missed having a bow. Protectors were trained to be masters of sword and bow, and more than competent in many other weapons. But the sword and the bow always came first. Not having one was like walking around with one sock.

                The crowd behind her erupted into cheers and Jade turned to watch the two men who had been fighting. Someone had clearly won the match as one walked off while the other stayed to be cheered at. Jade looked across the arena where the raised seating had been set up. She saw Thatcher sitting down next to a man who was younger than Jade expected, but still very finely dressed. His wolf was on the ground, sitting like a statue watching people walk by. Thatcher caught Jades gaze and smiled ever so slightly. He leaned over still watching Jade and spoke something into the ear of the man he was sitting next to. Jade froze as the man looked right to where Jade was standing. His eyes trailed to Phantom and back to her. He looked them over and then leaned and spoke back to Thatcher who nodded his head and spoke something back.

                Jade felt cold, the exchanged didn’t seem violent or threatening but the fact that they were talking about her made her feel uneasy. Who was the man that Thatcher was sworn to protect?  She also didn’t quite like the way the man’s eyes continued to evaluate her and Phantom. Jade started to back up to leave but the man noticed her move and he held up his hand, motioning her stop. She did, she wasn’t sure why she obeyed, but she did and the man smirked and stood. Thatcher stood with him and trailed behind the man as they descended out of the seating, as people noticed the man go they called out to him and he offered them a smile or a wave or a small nod of his head. Well whoever he is he’s well liked. She watched as Thatcher’s Guardian instantly went to Thatcher’s side when his foot touched the ground. The two men made their way over to where Jade was standing, people Jade noticed moved out of the man’s way when they recognized him, but for the most part no one took notice of him, she assumed it was because he was dressed in rather non attention grabbing clothes.

                “Thatcher,” Jade greeted. He stood quietly a few steps back from the man he was protecting. Thatcher only gave her an amused look and gave a sideways glance at the man standing in front of him, as if he expected him to say something. Jade frowned. I’m missing a key to this puzzle. She turned to attention to the man in front of her.

                “I can only assume that it was me you were motioning to?” She asked him bluntly.

                A smirk played and grew on the man’s look and Jade took a moment to take in his appearance. He wore a long brown cotton tunic that feel to this thighs, a thick black belt was looped and folded around his waist where a rather fine crafted but functional long knife hung secure. His black trousers were tucked into soft comfortable looking calf high brown boots. Jade examined his face, her eyes quickly taking in the details, he had golden hair that was longer and tied back neatly, his eyes were dark brown and he had strong but slightly feminine features without a beard on his chin and narrow lips. He was handsome Jade couldn’t deny it, no doubt many woman swoon over him in the court. But he’s far too striking for my taste.

                “Well?” the man asked, his smirk turning to a smile, he looked better when he smiled.

                “Well?” Jade asked.

                The man glanced sideways at Thatcher and Thatcher grinned at him. There was a strong friendship there she sensed, it wasn’t uncommon for Protectors to befriend their sworn. After all, Protectors would sometimes spend a lifetime guarding one person or family, over the years being so close for so long, relationships were bound to grow. “This is fun Thatcher, we should do this more often.”

                “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, but I’m worried that if we continue to torment her the consequences will be counterproductive.”

                “Ah, yes, very good point.” The man clasped his hands behind his back and looked down at Phantom for a moment then back to Jade. “My name is Charles Stone, but I’m better known as-”

                He didn’t have to finish Jade’s throat tightened the moment he said Stone and she dropped to one knee and bowed her head. “Prince Charles.” She finished for him, but also used it as a greeting. “Forgive my ignorance.” She felt pale, and sick. I’m an idiot. He’s a prince, a member of the royal family, and I didn’t show an ounce of respect. Jade knew if it were any other royal family in any other country people had been hung for less.

                “Please stand up.” He grabbed Jade gently on the arm and Phantom growled and he quickly let go. Back down, it’s fine. Thatcher’s white Guardian growled in return when Phantom threatened Charles. Jade stood up. “I apologize. He sensed my panic and assumed you meant harm.”

                Prince Charles waved his hand dismissively. “It’s fine. I moved quickly, it’s just that I enjoy walking around here without people taking much notice of me and when someone starts bowing others tend to follow and then my selfish indulgence of having some time to myself gets ruined.” Phantom and the white Guardian stared quietly at each other, but were otherwise well behaved. Phantom was acting more and more respectable with each passing day.

                “I do not wish to ruin your fun Prince Charles,” he smiled at her.

                “She’s much more warm and inviting than you painted her to be Thatcher. With your description I expected a somewhat dirty unmannered rabid woman.” Charles didn’t turn to look at Thatcher when he spoke, but rather commentated knowing Thatcher was in the conversation so he never saw Thatcher look up to the sky and shake his head slightly exasperated.

                “I said she’s fierce Charles, I never said she was rabid and untamed, which brings us back to the point of why we are here to speak with her in first place.” Thatcher not so subtly pushed the prince back to the point of the conversation. Jade was slightly taken aback by the informal way Thatcher addressed the prince, but she didn’t have any experience when it came to acting around the royal family.

                “Yes it does. Jade,” he said and Jade brought her attention back to him, “Are you a Protector?”

                “No,” she said firmly.

                “Is that a Great Wolf?” He pointed to Phantom. She had a feeling that he already knew the answers to these questions but wanted to hear it from her own lips.

                “No, he’s a Dire Wolf.”

                The prince grinned, “Well you see Jade…there’s a competition at this tournament for fighters. It’s a very prestigious competition for all those swordsman who wish to make a name for themselves but otherwise lack the name and bloodline.” Jade glanced quickly at Thatcher when the prince said bloodline, but the prince gave no indication that he knew. “Protectors have never entered this competition, not because they aren’t allowed, but because they’ve seen it as being below their talent and they also don’t need it to find a job. But if someone wanted to prove that they aren’t a Protector, if they were looking for a way to prove their value and skill with a sword, someone might find this competition to be wonderful opportunity.”  Jade’s eyebrows slowly creased and looked between the prince and Thatcher.

                “Why are you telling me this?”

                “To give you an opportunity, and maybe…just maybe give destiny an opportunity to find you.”

                His words were cryptic so Jade looked to Thatcher, hoping maybe the Protector would shed some sort of light on the situation but all her offered was a small nod of encouragement. “Why would you help me though?”

                He smiled, “Because I’m hoping you might help us.”

                “How?”

                “By winning dear Jade, by winning.”

        Jade was still lost after the conversation between the prince and Thatcher. She was simply given a silver coin and told where she could enter the competition. Jade supposed that flat out refusing would have been rude, and probably a bad idea. Though with the way the prince acted she wasn’t sure he would have taken offense to it. She tossed the coin up and down in her palm, weighing the silver and thinking about what it meant. The prince wanted Jade to enter the competition for a reason, not only that but he wanted her to win. Why? Maybe he’s a gambling man, maybe he wants to win money on me.  She snorted doubtful.  He’s a prince and well liked. He’s got enough money to secure him more than comfortably for the rest of his life, money isn’t the issue. No, Jade was sure there was something bigger planned here, she just couldn’t see it.

                She walked toward the booth that Jade had been directed too, there was a line so Jade stood patiently, still staring at the coin. Whether she liked it or not the prince had made a point that Jade couldn’t ignore. This could be the opportunity she needed to put herself out there and find work, real work, not a team, no debts, just her and Phantom sworn to protect. This is what she had left Felkor to do and she was finally here. When it was Jade’s turn she slapped the silver on the table, nothing is going to stop me. “I would like to enter to competition.” The man gave her a parting glance, barely looking up from his parchment.

                “Name?” the man asked.

                “Jade.”

                “Weapon of choice?”

                “Sword.”

                “Sign here please, and understand that we are not responsible for any injury that may occur. We do not provide weapons; you are in charge of yourself if you don’t show when the match starts you are disqualified. Understood?”

                “Yes,” Jade scribbled on the paper, she almost put her full signature but stopped at the last moment, making her handwriting look sloppy and unpracticed. But Jade noticed that it was not the worst on the parchment, there were some with X’s and small marks from those who didn’t know how to write.

                “Good, report to Master Robins, he will direct you to where you will need to go.” He handed a small square piece of paper to a boy behind him. “Next!”

                “Follow me please.” The boy said to Jade and led her over to a tall lean man in a red tunic and light leather armor. She could only assume that he was Master Robins, the boy ran up to the man and handed him the slip before running back to the booth. Master Robins looked at it and then looked at Jade, and then he saw Phantom. His eyes went instantly wide.

                “You there…Jade.” He pointed at her and read her name off the slip. “Come here.”

                The other fighters back away from her and started mumbling and talking when they saw the wolf. Jade let out an inaudible sigh and stepped up the man. She didn’t recognize the name so she knew he wasn’t a knight or noble. “Sir?” she asked stopped in front of him, he was standing on a small overturned crate, two men with parchments were behind him, making sure everyone was accounted for and she assumed they were matching up opponents for the first fights.

                “Protectors don’t fight in this competition, and wolves aren’t allowed on the field.”

                Jade made sure she spoke loud and clear so anyone who was listening would hear her, but she kept her eyes on Master Robins. “I am not a Protector, and my wolf will remain out of the fight, you have my word. I and I alone will be fighting this competition.” More whispers erupted but she ignored them.

                “Not a Protector?” He asked confused.

                “That’s right.” His eyes narrowed, “Besides, even if I was Protectors are allowed to fight in this competition, though as I understand it they never have. So that alone should be enough proof to show that I am not one of them.”

                He grunted, “Fine, go wait with the others and you better make sure your wolf stayed far away from the fighting or you’ll be out before you can spit am I clear.”

                “Crystal.”

                No one spoke to Jade or attempted to approach her. They stayed away and talked, most about her she knew. But she ignored all of them; she looked down at Phantom and fingered the hilt of the Katana secured at her waist. Jade had no doubts in her swordsmanship and her ability to fight; she of course had been trained since she was strong enough to hold a wooden play sword. She was deadly, but Jade was not wielding a normal sword. For the first time Jade truly felt uncertain about the Katana, it was a deadly weapon. She had killed men with it, she had used it to fight and protect herself. She had not however trained with it her entire life. Here facing so many opponents fight after fight she knew she would feel more comfortable with a normal sword, something she was more practiced with.

                Jade gripped the hilt tightly and clenched her jaw. Stop it, the moment you start doubting yourself is the moment you lose. You have been trained your entire life with many different weapons and this is no different. You chose the sword and now you must trust yourself with it. If you didn’t think it was a good weapon you would have never taken it from the blacksmith. And if you doubt your weapon or your ability, then you have no right to protect anyone. Jade took a deep breath and calmed her spirit and mind. She cleared herself of distractions and brought focus and attention to the front of her mind. Discipline and training came rushing back but it was not the suffocation of pride with discipline that Jade remembered, for she wasn’t under that rule anymore, but rather a discipline that came from peace and confidence. Jade felt like stone, she felt unshakable. 

        A trumpet sounded nearby short and loud, and Master Robins held up his hands and shouted, “Fighters prepare yourselves, the competition is about to begin!” Cheers and shouts rose in to the air. Jade took a deep breath and swallowed hard.