Talon watched as a myriad of emotions washed over his new charge. He hated seeing the hurt and uncertainty there.
“Not to worry little one; I am going to teach you how to defend yourself.”
Brayden stared at the fierce looking warrior in dumbfounded amazement. “He is blind, how are you going to teach him?” Brayden flinched as he watched the warriors face harden. Cold, grey, eyes stared through him and it sent a shiver running down the length of Brayden's spine.
“Just because he cannot see doesn’t mean that he cannot use his other sense to protect himself.”
Javier smiled and leaned further back into Talon’s hand.
“What will you teach him first?” Ingrid enquired.
“We will start off with his fists, and then we will move onto weaponry.”
“Weapons?” Quinlan asked
“First the dagger, and then the sword.” When he heard a few gasps of disbelief he continued. “It is not the eyes that will win you the fight; fighting is instinctual. His hearing and sense of smell will be just as good in a fight. By the time I am done Prince Javier will wield a sword as good as any in the king’s guard.”
“With you teaching him, I dare say he will be better than most in the king’s guard.” Ingrid said honestly.
Talon bowed in her direction, “I thank you for that compliment.”
“I’m just stating a fact.” Ingrid said.
“Are you all fucking nuts?” Brayden exploded. “That is my brother that you plan on teaching to put himself in harm’s way. He is going to get himself killed.”
“No he isn’t.” Talon growled, and then paled at having just disagreed with Consort Brayden. His gaze moved to King Quinlan. “I ask for forgiveness to you and your Consort, I spoke out of turn.”
Quinlan smiled, “I think that you should train not only Javier, but Brayden as well. That way Brayden will see just what and how you plan on teaching Javier.”
“What?” Brayden demanded.
Quinlan rolled his eyes, “You thing that your brother is doomed to failure and get hurt; I think that is a good idea if you are there training alongside him in case you are needed.”
“What about you?”
Quinlan grinned. “Who do you think taught me to fight? Talon is one of; if not, the best.”
“You seriously want me to learn to fight?”
“Everyone needs to know how to defend themselves, love.”
A manic gleam filled Brayden's eye as he stared at his husband. Quinlan just knew it couldn’t mean anything good. He was prepared for more arguments and was surprised when Brayden agreed without fighting him.
“Alright then, I will learn to defend myself. I will learn to defend myself on one condition.”
“And that is?”
“That while I am learning to defend myself; you will be in training right alongside of me.”
Quinlan chuckled, “Love, I already know how to fight.”
“Your point being?”
“I don’t need to learn.”
“I have been here for a month and I have seen your warriors have drill practice every day, honing their bodies into their bodies into the perfect fighting weapons. You I have never even seen pick up a weapon. What happens if you need protecting?”
“That’s what I am for.” Ingrid cut in. “I am his protection.”
Brayden shook his head, “What if you are not there? What if you get separated?”
“That will never happen.”
“How do you know Ingrid?” Brayden snapped, “You cannot predict the future anymore than I can. So how can you tell me something that you may not be able to control?”
“Brayden.” Quinlan said warningly.
“No Quin’, how can she promise me something like that?” Brayden's voice held a little hysteria. “Unless she can promise me to never leave your side then I stand by my wanting you to train as well.”
Ingrid studied Brayden. “Don’t you trust me Brayden?”
“I do not trust anything anymore. I know your intentions are the best, but unless I am one hundred percent certain then no I don’t trust you.” Sadness flooded his eyes, “I’m sorry.”
“You’re right though,” Talon said quietly. He turned his attention to King Quinlan. “You have been lax in your upkeep. There are new styles of fighting since you last picked up sword. Someone out there already knows more than what you do. So even you need to upgrade on what you know.”
Quinlan felt his own face flush in embarrassment at the rebuke he had just received from one of his warriors. Ingrid smirked and he glared at her; mainly because he knew that she trained for an hour a day to keep her skills perfected. “Fine, I will train enough to be the warrior that I was meant to be.”
“You were never meant to be a warrior Quin’, you were born to be King.” Brayden said with so much conviction that it made Quinlan smile at his husband.
“Honestly Quin’,” Ingrid said as she stepped closer, “With what is to come I think we will all need to be battle ready. We need to find out those we can trust, and have each and every one of them prepare for what is heading our way.”
“Just what do you think is heading our way Ingrid?” Quinlan asked.
Ingrid thought for a moment breathing deeply to calm herself before she spoke. “Someone has put a price on you husbands head. Someone obviously means to cause you and yours harm in some way.” She looked deep into Quinlan’s eyes. “We have known each other too long to ignore this. You know as well as I do that we must protect our family.”
“Maybe if I left then they would leave you all alone.” Brayden's lip trembled.
“No,” Quinlan said defiantly. “You are mine. You will stand by my side and we will face this together.” Looking to Talon he said. “I am ready to learn.”
Talon smiled slowly and nodded... this was going to be fun.
