I get up at four 'o clock and prepare for my first day as a bodyguard. I then stand and wait at Egan's door. Many people find it creepy to have someone stand at their door when they are not even up yet, but it's perfectly normal to wait on someone outside of their room, especially if you are supposed to be guarding them.
The door opens and Egan steps out from behind it. A peek into his room allows me to see he has already made it quite his own. His belongings are scattered in different chests and closets of every sort and the bed has been remade with his own sheets, pillows, and blankets.
"Do all bodyguards stand at their charge's door and wait for them to be scared out of their minds when they open it? Or is that just a you thing?"
I sigh and tell him," It's normal, and now that we've come to an understanding on that, you have eight minutes to get to breakfast with the king." I gesture to the way of the dining hall and give a small smile at the end.
"Of course, thank you," he says, and walks in the direction I point. I follow behind until he stops and turns around.
"Um, I don't...actually know where I'm going... you know...."
I chuckle slightly but take the lead without another word. When we reach our destination, I stay by the door(yet again) while Egan heads in to dine and make plans with the king. I lean in to the door so I can hear everything going on in case I am needed. Though, of course, I suppose I may have other motives.
"Eavesdropping are we?" A voice behind me asks slyly.
"No," I deny," I will only know if I am needed if I can hear them. Besides, you would do it too Armani."
"You know me all too well," he says with a grin."Oh, and I do need to go in."
"You could have just said that," I grumble, and I pull open the door.
"Ah, Armani!" I hear Donovan call.
"How good of you to finally join us." I tune out the conversation even though I long to hear it.
I let my mind drift to the ever closer coming war. The gnarlobs may be fewer in number, but one is more powerful than fifty humans.
If there is one thing I know, it's that we cannot beat them by charging in all at once, or with sneak attacks. I don't know what,but I am sure there is only one way to win. All I can do is hope we figure it out in time.
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Egan insisted on learning swordsmanship. He already knew the basics, but wanted me to teach him the finer points. He finally agreed to take a break when he ended up flat on his back with the breath knocked out of him.
"You're good," he pants. "There are not people that well trained in all of Highollow."
"Yes, well, I have been lucky enough to have learned to fight in two different places. Each kingdom has a different way after all," I explain. "You have a lot of potential-and exacuse me for saying so-,but clearly you have been prohibited from fulfilling it because of your duties as Duke."
He cocks his head and asks,"What makes you say that? I did study the sword in Highollow."
"Yes, but it's not really supposed to be necessary is it? You should have others protecting you instead of fighting for yourself." I shrug before adding, "That just puts you in more danger."
He looks like he is about to respond when I see Armani come from behind him and say, "She has a point. Many kingdoms do not teach their leaders any art of combat because they think- as Teknie said- that those particular people should always have a guard to fight for them."
"I see the point, yes," Egan agrees, "And you are right, I know several other important leaders who were not as fortunate as I was; and still I have much to learn." He turns to me and says," We should go now, I was appointed a ride at six thirty. Goodbye Armani, it was nice talking to you."
I go to follow him, but Armani stops me and says softly, " You are doing well," then leaves and I take after Egan again.