The Legend of the Kestrel (The Sylvan Chronicles Book 1) by Peter Wacht

Author:Peter Wacht [Wacht, Peter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kestrel Media Group LLC
Published: 2019-01-16T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Steel Dreams

A short rest after lunch from his morning’s lesson soothed Thomas’ aching head. Walking through the Shadowwood with Rynlin helped as well. Rynlin had named the forest on the Isle of Mist years before, using the huge shadows formed by the heart trees to create a perception of fear. It had worked, adding to the legend of the island and keeping away most unwanted visitors.

After lunch, Thomas was shocked when Rynlin told him to get his sword. He had waited five years for this. Running up to his room, he dug into his chest and pulled out the Sword of the Highlands. Throwing his clothes onto the floor, he lay the sword on his bed and carefully unwrapped the oiled cloth. Even after five years, the blade shined brilliantly. There was no evidence of rust, and it looked as if it had been newly sharpened.

Thomas had seen many different blades before, especially in the books he had read. All the swords that kings or lords wore at their sides had magnificent jewels in the hilt that sometimes ran halfway up the blade. But his grandfather’s sword — he corrected himself — his claymore was different. In fact, it looked just like any other claymore that a Marcher might own. The long, double-edged blade held an air of menace. The hilt was wrapped in soft leather so his hand wouldn’t slip. The symbol of the Kestrels — a raptor streaking down from the sky, claws outstretched to grasp its prey — was carved into both sides of the blade and at the pommel and was the only form of ostentation. The blade was still heavy in his hand, though it was much easier to control than it had been when he had first received it. That would change as his arms, hands and wrists grew stronger with practice.

“This’ll do,” said Rynlin as he led Thomas into a small glade. He walked around its edge as if he were looking for something. “No more than ten feet in either direction from the center of the glade. That’ll do just find for your training.”

“But, Rynlin. You said you didn’t know how to use a sword. How am I supposed to learn?”

“That will be taken care of shortly,” replied Rynlin. “But first, there is something you must understand before we begin.” Thomas hoped this wasn’t going to become a lecture. Rynlin had that tone in his voice. “As the next Lord of the Highlands, you are in a position to do both good and bad. If you rule as I know you will, with a fair and even hand, the Highlands and its people will prosper and remain safe. If you do not rule well, you can cause more hurt than you could ever possibly imagine.”

Once again Rynlin managed to surprise him. He had never expected this discussion, as Rynlin had never before said anything about him ruling the Highlands.

“There will come a time when you will have to fight to defend the Highlands.

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