The Trinity of Heroes (I Will Protect You Book 1) Read Free Page B

battles.
    Benni quickly cast away the intimidating thoughts and recovered his composure. He shook Bryce’s hand firmly and vigorously and bowed his head a little. “My name is Benni Wakewood, sire; it’s a great pleasure to finally meet you,” Benni said, summoning all the courage he could upon finally meeting one of his idols.
    Bryce stared at him, squinting in interest at the eager young boy before him. Bryce shook his hand and finally gave a slight nod and smile to Benni. “Hello, Benni, welcome to the Knight Guard,” he said in a firm, deep voice.
    It was the confirmation that Benni had only dreamed of. A surge of confidence flowed through him. He grinned from ear to ear. He bowed again and thanked the Captain, moving down the line to introduce himself to Mayor Flint.
    Behind Benni, Lawrence clenched his fists, trying to calm his nerves. He had never been inside the castle’s gates before, and he didn’t want to do or say anything stupid. He walked cautiously toward the parchment, aware of every step he took. Stand up straight, shoulders back, good poise. These thoughts ran over and over in his mind. The few steps to the stone slab seemed to last forever. His hand shook a bit as he dabbed the quill. It seemed to pain him as he laboriously wrote each letter of his name. He breathed a deep sigh as he finished and replaced the quill.
    He looked up toward the castle, taking in its majestic ambiance. He noticed a red haired girl staring out a high window, intently watching the proceedings. She looked away quickly as the two made eye contact for a split second.
    He walked over toward Captain Bryce Maxwell. His blue eyes skirted about, never holding the Captain’s gaze. His hand trembled a bit as he held it out. “Hello, sire, my name is Lawrence Sanctus; it is a pleasure to meet you.”
    Bryce shook Lawrence’s hand with a crushing grip. He stared at Lawrence for a few moments with intent, amber eyes. “You’re Jerreth’s boy, aren’t you?” he questioned gruffly.
    Lawrence really hoped he wouldn’t be asked questions about his father. He looked away quickly, then back to Bryce’s steely stare. “Yes, sire, I am the son of Jerreth Sanctus,” he responded meekly.
    “Jerreth was a great Knight, lad. It’s too bad he left…I hope you don’t follow in his footsteps,” Bryce added, taking a jab at Lawrence’s lineage.
    Lawrence was in no position to defend himself or his father, for that matter. He bowed his head and thanked the Captain, happy that he had not made a complete mockery of himself. He walked over to meet Mayor Flint.
    Razzius shuffled up to the quill and stared at it for a long moment. He knew what he was supposed to do. Razzius gazed at the parchment filled with names, then back at the ground. He heard the snickers from others behind him who sensed his incompetence. He felt ashamed, useless.
    Bryce sensed that Razzius was struggling and strutted over toward the young boy. “A problem, lad?” Bryce asked.
    “I can’t write, sire,” Razzius muttered, almost inaudibly. “I don’t know how to spell my name.” His face turned a dark crimson from embarrassment.
    Bryce stooped down on one knee and placed his hand comfortingly on Razzius’ shoulder. Bryce had been in this same situation years ago, and never forgot how Sabre Grey, who was Knight Guard Captain at the time, had ensured that he be tutored.
    “Tell me your name, lad, and I will write it for you,” Bryce said reassuringly as he looked into Razzius’ shadowy, gray eyes.
    Razzius hesitated for a moment, trying to compose himself. Finally, he summoned the courage he needed. “My name is Razzius Grimm, sire. The last letter of my last name is written twice; I’ve seen my father write it that way.”
    “Ah yes, Wurn’s boy, eh? I’ve seen the name in the ledgers. I tell you what,” Bryce scrawled Razzius’ name on the parchment, “I am going to request that you be squired to me, and I will train you not only to be a great