Waiting for the Match

-Dalen Capital, Valade Estate. Evening, 2 DSTR

Kalena led them over to one wall where an extensive collection of foiled weapons hung. Sabers, rapiers, epees, longswords, as well as cushioned quarterstaffs, maces and bolas and other such things that had been rendered as safe as possible for training purposes. “I'd be interested in seeing you and Kline spar together,” she said looking to the two big tall men.

Kline had been nursing his mug of ale and looked up when she mentioned his name. He looked at Gularzob, then to himself. “Well, I would not say I was dressed for it, and I do not think he or I would walk away from a sparring match without the need for some healers. It has been my experience most dinner parties are ruined with that sort of thing.”

He smiled and walked to the far wall, leaning against it he settled in to watch the two of them spar. He was sure it would be a good bout, though he did not know if he would see anything new.

Van walked up to him. “Sir, I am going to go back to the guest house for a bit, I will meet you for dinner, just send a slave when it is time.” He said and the girl he had with him gave a smile and a wave to Kline from behind the boy. Kline nodded.

The two slipped off and Laffy came up to Kline’s side. “So, we are all taking bets.” The older man said. “We have four to one on the boy.”

The big nobleman turned his head and looked at Laffy. “You have not seen the boy fight, and you would dismiss his abilities so soon?” He asked with a questioning arch of his brow.

“I have seen her fight.”

Kline had to nod in agreement, she was a capable fighter, and one on one she would be a formidable foe. “I will not bet on either of them, better to keep this hush hush as well. I do not know how they would feel being bet on like common pit fighters.”

Laffy nodded, giving a soft grunt. “You know, all this glitter and glamor, I am sure they are likely the same as us. They love what we love, and they hate what we hate.”

“Doubtful.”

“You think so?” Laffy said leaning against the wall with his old friend. “You think you being a noble has changed you.”

Kline took a deep breath. “Just that now I have a village to take care of. Yeah, responsibility.”

“You had that when you ran the mercenary company. You kept them fed and from being abused.” Laffy stood up and shrugged. “Don’t seem much different to me, you just cannot yell at the people in the village as much.”

Kline was left on his own leaning against the wall as the fight started.