bastard

“I am Duke Hartford,” the man said. “And I came here to find a calificar-in-training that could serve my daughter. One not yet bound to the calificars. I would like you to become a knight in my service.”

That meant Elyssa was…

The walks in the gardens. The smiles. Her laughing at my jokes.

But that’s all it had been. All it could have ever been.

Why hadn’t she told me who she was?

It was late, and I was still in the Reverend Mother’s study when Elyssa’s father joined me.

“My daughter is shaken and worried for you.”

“A few bruises, no more.”

The man rocked back on his hips. “You defended my daughter before even Sir Gilbrand could respond, and he is my best knight. Why is that?”

“I couldn’t let them hurt her.”

Gillian was unwilling to challenge me directly.

A moment later, the room was filled with calificars and the Reverend Mother.

Kitchen duty for the rest of my life was worth Elyssa being unharmed.

“She’s a witch. We are sworn to protect mankind-“

“And the witches,” I said.

Gillian stared at me.

“We are the Architect’s hand. His will. The protectors of those who cannot protect themselves,” I recited. I had gone to services even if I didn’t like them.

I plowed into the first, using my momentum and his surprise to throw him against the far wall.

Slamming my shield into the second, I roared as I shoved him aside.

I kicked the legs out from under the third, then stepped on his wrist. He yelped and released his sword.

I took it and stood between Gillian and Elyssa.

As Ser Gilbrand and I circled each other, Gillian and three of his friends burst into the hall.

“There!” he shouted and pointed at Elyssa. “Witch!”

The four of them raced towards her, swords drawn.

I had only my training sword and shield, but I would not let them hurt her.