Rhys took them through some simple movements and then showed them how sparring should be done. He taught them how to follow the movements of their opponents and their eyes, as well as anticipating where they were going to move. The boys seemed to think the lessons were invaluable, but Pip was feeling left out.
“What dae ye think of my weapon?” he cried, scurrying up to Rhys. Pip presented the sword as though it was a precious treasure, holding it aloft in two hands. Rhys pursed his lips and regarded the young child, suppressing a smile at how strange he looked. Rhys took the sword. It was so light that he might well have been able to snap it in two if he had placed it over his knee. But he held it with the same reverence and respect as if he was holding Pip himself in his arms. Rhys held it in front of his eyes so he could test the angle of the sword, and then pricked his thumb to feel how sharp it was, before handing it back to Pip.
“It’s a fine weapon for a fine warrior. Ye should be careful. I’m sure ye’ll slay many foes with it,” Rhys said. Pip’s face lit up and he jumped for joy, although when he took the sword back in his hands he looked somber. Rhys smiled as he turned back to the elder brothers.
“I know our families hae been enemies for generations, but that’s changing, and we’re the ones who are gaeing tae hae tae change the most. I want tae take care of ye sister, and I think being protective of her is a noble quality.” He nodded towards Mark.
“Will ye give us more lessons after ye are married?” Dominic asked.
“Aye, if ye and ye da agrees,” Rhys said. “Keep in mind what I told ye, and keep practicing.”
“I’m sorry for drawing blood,” Mark said.
Rhys smirked. “It wouldnae be the first time, and it’s just a flesh wound,” he said as he walked away, leaving the three brothers alone. Just before he went back through the keep to see his own brothers he turned to have a look at them sparring together. It was an idyllic sight that brought to mind his own childhood, and he was filled with a profound sense of regret that they would likely be casualties of the attack. Perhaps he could find a way to arrange for Pip to be kept safe, but Mark and Dominic…well, Mark would fight to defend his home, and Dominic would do whatever his elder brother did. There could be no convincing them otherwise, and it was a saddening thing to think of them being slaughtered along with all the others. His head dropped as he walked through the keep, and he had a rueful expression on his face.
Rhys was not distracted by anything as he walked through the keep. He made it through the other side and marched the short distance across the soft grass to the Frasier camp. The place was filled with carts and wagons and a lively atmosphere. The air was heavy with the smell of ale, and despite these people not being allowed in the keep to stay, they had not stopped themselves from having a good time. There were songs in the distance and most people were in a good mood, although as he walked along he passed Black Pete, who was slumped against a wagon having drunk himself into a stupor.
Horses whinnied and he nodded to people as they greeted him. They were all eager for things to proceed, and he could tell that his father had informed them of his plan by the light in his eyes, and a few comments that hinted. More than a few people said that the wedding was going to be the beginning of a new era, and they all congratulated him on doing a good job at pretending to enjoy his time with the McCleareys, as though it was completely beyond their comprehension that he might actually be genuinely enjoying himself.
He found Shane and Sean sitting by themselves in a tent that had been erected to offer them shelter. They were throwing dice against a wooden crate and cheering. When they saw Rhys enter their faces lit up.
“There he is! How is it being at the beck and call of some McClearey lass?” Shane asked, and both brothers chuckled to themselves. Rhys wondered how many jokes had been said at his expense over the past couple of days.
“Actually she’s a bonny lass, high in spirits,” Rhys began, but he couldn’t continue as his brothers looked at each other and broke out in laughter again.
“Oh, dinnae tell me ye hae actually gone and fallen for her?!” Sean asked, slapping his thigh and shaking his head.
“And I thought we haed enough problems,” Shawn added.
“Dinnae ye worry about me, worry about yerselves. What hae ye been daeing?” Rhys asked.
“Ah, just waiting for the right moment,” Sean said, winking at Rhys. Rhys sat down with his brothers and picked up the dice to prevent them from playing while he was in their presence.
“I take it Da haes told ye about the plan then?” Rhys caressed the dice and felt them press hard against his palm.
“Aye, he came around and told us all, although we’re tae keep it quiet.” Shawn put his finger to his lips.
“I knew Da wouldnae hae signed a treaty like that unless
