Salvation of Exile (A Legion Archer Book 10) by J. Clifton Slater

Author:J. Clifton Slater [Slater, J. Clifton]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-12-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15 – Possibly, A Wedding

Arona buzzed with energy. Trees filled out with leaves, grass even on the high slopes changed from brown to a lush green, and wildflowers filled the meadows. But all of nature’s spring wonders paled in comparison to the attitude of the town’s population.

“Mister Saltare, you’ll be late,” Sucaria warned. “The sun is coming up.”

“I know,” the youth agreed, not looking up from his chore. He continued to grind the mash of worms and insects with a grinder until the bottom of the bowl was coated with a fine smear. Using a pitcher of water, he added liquid a little at a time until the mash had the consistency of runny mud. Only then did Scanlan answer her. “I’m almost done. Just one final step. And I’ve told you, call me Scanlan.”

At a cage, Scanlan Saltare lifted the lid and two baby eaglets began high pitched chirps as they bobbed up and down.

“They think you’re their mother.” Sucaria laughed.

Scanlan extended a scarred finger with multiple cuts and positioned it over one of the eaglets. Seeing the digit, the second eagle began biting the finger with its sharp beak. Ignoring the pain, Scanlan poured the runny feed down his finger and into the little eaglets mouth. After the first had its fill, he moved to the second. Refusing to be snubbed, the first eaglet began biting his finger as the second one fed.

“Jace said, ignoring pain while completing a delicate task is the mark of a great warrior,” Scanlan quoted between grimaces of pain. “According to the eaglets, I may be one of the greatest warriors of all time.”

“Or the best mother in all of Gaul,” the little girl offered.

Scanlan closed the lid, set the bowl on top, tussled Sucaria hair, and picked her up. Next, he ran for a path down to the lake. On the way by the shed, he snatched a spear and a shield without breaking stride.

“Your legs can do one thing while your hands do another,” Jace coached. “Like anything difficult, it just takes the knowledge to understand the possibility and lots of practice.”

Armed, carrying the little girl, and at a full sprint, Scanlan raced downhill for the drill field and dawn practice. On this day of all days, he didn’t expect training to be too rough. How could it? Today might be Jace and Brigid’s wedding day.

***

Jace Kasia sat on a bench, carving a new upper limb for a war bow. Behind him, the surface of Lake Maggiore reflected the last vestiges of starlight. Dawn peeked over the crest of the mountain and shadows of spearmen gathered in front of the Archer.

“Jace, we’re all here,” one suggested. “Should we begin shield and spear drills?”

Scanlan raced up and stopped behind the group.

Acting as if he didn’t notice the youth, Jace instructed, “stack your spears and shields.”

“It’s because you’ll be welcoming a bride into your cottage this evening,” proposed another tribesman. “Saving your energy for her brothers. Very wise.”

Jace placed the knife and maple limb on the bench, stood, and picked up a nearby stick.

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