The Oil and the Sword by R. E. Bussell

Author:R. E. Bussell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Send The Word Publishing
Published: 2022-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CONNECTIONS

CHERITH

Jed held the shield close against his body. ‘How do you get this from that?’ he remarked, pointing to a log that lay next to the work bench, ready for use.

‘Knowing what it will become before making the first cut is key,’ the wood carver replied. ‘The image is already there in the block of wood. I just have to carve it out.’

‘Why do you do it?’ Ethan asked, intrigued.

‘It is what my family have done for generations. I was brought up around the trees and learnt to carve from being a young boy. It’s instinctive in me. But I also love it,’ Levi replied. ‘I love the idea of forming something that will remain long after I have left the earth.’

‘Does it bother you that you cut down the trees though?’

‘I see it as an extension of its life. I reform it to give it further purpose. The trees that line the woods you walked through have defended many through the shields, bows and arrows that have been made from them.’

Jed picked up one of the bows.

‘I see you are drawn to weaponry, Jeduthun,’ Levi remarked. ‘Are you from a clan of warriors?’

Jed immediately put the bow back down and shrugged. ‘Who knows,’ he said nonchalantly.

‘Yes, he is,’ Asaph spoke up causing Jed to quickly look up, immediately on his guard.

‘What do you mean?’ he said roughly, cross that Asaph clearly knew something about his past that he himself did not know.

‘Your family were part of the Espionite clan, Jed,’ Asaph said gently. ‘Your great grandpa was a skilful hunter and swordsman and your mother a master at crafting bows and arrows. Your father was one of the greatest strategists that the clan had.’

‘How did they end up on the Island?’ Ethan asked. Jed scowled at him. He was not comfortable that his personal life was being discussed with those he considered strangers or that Ethan felt he could ask a question about his life.

‘There was a particular war that your parents wanted no part of, and they were sold to Sharaaim for their rebellion,’ Asaph replied. ‘But maybe the rest of that story is for Jed’s ears only.’

Jed was grateful for this. The conversation was unsettling him and he didn’t like it. The idea that he was part of the Espionite tribe panicked him, especially knowing what they had tried to do to Wynere. It made him feel inferior, as though he had no right to be here. He turned away from the others, pretending to examine his shield whilst trying to absorb this fresh piece of information.

‘What about me?’ Ethan asked. Ever since Sharaaim had revealed something of his lineage, he had been desperate to know more.

‘Your father ruled the city of Jachin, which is not far from the Capital.’

Levi looked up with interest. ‘I had heard that the heir had managed to escape. I had no idea you would still be alive,’ he commented. ‘My Uncle was part of the search for you.’

‘What happened?’ Jed asked, partly to get back at Ethan for asking questions about himself earlier.

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