Children of the Fountain by Richard Murphy

Author:Richard Murphy [Murphy, Richard]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-12-17T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

The following morning Matthias decided to get up early so he could take a look at the turnout for the tournament. He noticed Harry’s bed was already vacant as he made his way to the mustering hall to help himself to some porridge. The hall too was empty. Even though lessons normally didn’t begin for another hour it looked like all the other children had similar ideas. Everybody, it seemed, wanted to see what was going on.

He made his way outside and even before he emerged he could hear the cheers. Out in the courtyard a space had been transformed into an arena with the students gathered on all sides. At the far edge Mr Cook was standing in a leather coat, whilst in front of him two boys were fencing with tipped foils. Matthias recognised them; Gerard, whose knife he had snatched on his first day and Alexander.

He spotted Sophie and Harry standing near the action and made his way to them. Just as he arrived a large cheer went up as Gerard, landed a blow. The tipped foil bent up but the impact still sent Alexander stumbling back.

Mr Cook held up his arms, “End of contest.” More cheers followed and as Matthias got Harry’s attention another boy entered the ring and started to stretch.

“You’ve missed all the action!”

“I didn’t realise it started so early.”

“Mr Cook doesn’t beat about the bush,” said Sophie. “These idiots are going at each other like animals. I think Edgar has possibly lost an eye.” She stifled a yawn.

Alexander trudged past them rubbing his ribs. He stopped near the edge of the ring, turned back to look at Gerard who was practising his thrusts before swiping at the floor with his own foil in anger.

He caught Matthias’s eyes as he went past, his face looking like thunder and his fists clenched.

“Unlucky,” said Matthias.

The blue eyes looked back blankly. “I’m a little out of practice.”

“Too much time in the chapel, perhaps?”

Alexander smiled, and a lock of blond hair fell over his eyes which he brushed back. “How are your classes?”

“I’m starting to enjoy it.”

“That’s too bad,” said Alexander, before striding off.

Matthias watched as he walked away, kicking at the dirt before turning to Harry. “Have you been up yet?” he said, trying to sound encouraging.

Harry turned around with a sour look on his face and pointed to a neat fresh cut on the top of his forehead “Gerard took me out in the first bout.”

Sophie scoffed, “You were lucky he didn’t take your head off!”

“I slipped!” said Harry. “Have you seen this surface? It’s dusty and dry. I was wearing the wrong shoes!”

There was a loud roar as Gerard despatched another; this time a girl lay on her side holding her ribs. Even though their padding stopped any serious injury the children were clearly feeling the blows.

Matthias noticed Mr Cook was working his way down through a list and was stood next to O’Grady. It appeared as if the flame haired solider was studying the names in detail and asking O’Grady questions about the combatants.

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