Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor Read Free

hoping to catch some of the delicious brown trout that populated the lake.
    “Are you going to see Mirya again tonight?” Twitch reached for a worm.
    “I guess I’m looking for an excuse to go see her,” Tav replied. “Hey, she’s got a younger sister. Why don’t you come along?”
    “Ah, I don’t think so. That’s just not something—”
    “Why didn’t I think of that earlier? You’d have a great time.”
    “No,
you’d
have a great time.
I’d
have a lousy time.” Twitch’s right cheek had begun to convulse as the conversation progressed.
    “I insist, chum,” Tav pressed. “Come for just a while. You can leave whenever you like.”
    Twitch hesitated.
    “It’s settled, then.” Tav smiled. “We’ll take our catch home, clean up, and make a visit.”
    “Why do I let you talk me into such things?” Twitch shook his head and recast his line.
    “Because if I didn’t, you’d sit around like moss on a rock.” Tav jabbed Twitch’s shoulder.
    “I really don’t like you. I hope you know that,” Twitch grumped.
    “Yep.” Tav flashed a grin. “I know it.”
    “Tav, have you decided what you’re going to do once you’re commissioned. I mean, are you set on staying in Burkfield?”
    Tav looked across the lake, gazing at the rippling reflection of Mount Resolute. “I’m not sure yet.”
    “You’re one of the best that’s ever been through training,” Twitch said.
    Tav shook his head, trying to refuse the compliment.
    “It’s true,” Twitch continued before Tav could say anything. “I heard Sir Carter and Sir Urak talking. They have high hopes for you.”
    “We joined the Knights of the Prince nearly five years ago.” Tav cast his line gently into the lake. “Now I look at the older knights who work at the haven, and I watch the knights on missions come and go, and I can’t help but wonder, is there something more to following the Prince than this? Do you ever wonder that, Twitch?”
    Twitch opened his mouth to speak, but just then Tav’s line jerked, and soon he was occupied with bringing in a nice-sized brown trout. Then Twitch’s line jerked, and they became lost in the joy of a bountiful catch, never returning to finish their conversation about the Prince and their future with Him.
    “I will never let you talk me into such a thing again,” Twitch complained that evening as they rode home from Mirya’s house.
    “Oh, come on. It wasn’t that bad, was it?”
    “I’d rather smash my thumb with a hammer,” Twitch replied sternly.
    Tav shook his head. “All right, chum. I won’t force you again. When it comes to women, you are on your own.”
    By now the sun was set and the street lanterns were lit. Tav and Twitch turned the corner off the main thoroughfare of the city and entered a merchant street that earlier had been full of people working and purchasing goods. Now the shops were dark and locked up … all but one. Its door was open, and yellow lantern light spilled onto the street. Inside they could hear the shopkeeper’s cheerful whistle.
    As Tav and Twitch passed by, the merchant gave them a friendly wave. They saluted and carried on their way. Tav glanced back at the shop once more, then reined in Valiant.
    “Twitch, look!” Tav pointed back at the merchant’s shop.
    On the counter of the merchant’s shop stood the strangest little creature either of them had ever seen. The tall, bald-headed merchant stopped whistling long enough to speak softly to the animal, then put his hand on the counter next to it. It scampered up the merchant’s arm and onto his shoulder.
    “You’re welcome to take a closer look,” the merchant called out.
    Tav looked at Twitch and shrugged. They dismounted, sauntered into the shop, and approached the counter. As they came, the little animal began to make soothing, chortling sounds in its throat.
    The closer they came, the more amazed they were at what they saw. The furry gray and black creature, about the size of a large hand,