Chapter 6

"Excellent!" Laurent said as they put down their swords. "You've been practicing!"

Henry smiled. "I'm still not as good as you, Laurent, but then again, that's why you are joining the Royal Guards when you reach fifteen."

Laurent grinned from ear to ear. "I can't wait," he told Henry. "You know, my father was a Captain. I hope to become one as well."

Henry smiled. "With the way you wield a sword, I have little doubt."

They both laughed so hard that they did not see or hear the approach of another boy.

"Still at your lessons, Henry, or are we finished for today?" Alexandre du Bois asked his cousin.

Laurent and Henry exchanged glances and smiled. "Actually, Alex, we just finished," Henry said looking at him.

Alex was only twelve, but he was shaping up to be a very handsome boy. In fact, he resembled Henry in many ways.

"Why do you ask?" Laurent piped up.

Alex shrugged; then shook his head. "No, no reason. I guess it's just too late to begin another swordfight, that's all."

"Not really," Henry said, looking around for his sword. He looked up at Laurent. "I know it's here somewhere. Now where did I."

"Are you looking for this?" a voice called out. All three boys stopped talking and looked up.

Facing them was Danielle de Barbarac. She was holding Henry's sword.

"Mind if I watch a little while? I can't stay as long as I want, but I did promise this boy that I would join him in the woods." She pointed to Henry, whose face became beet red.

"So you just want to watch us practice or would you like to participate?" Alexandre's eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Alex," Henry turned toward his cousin, "Leave her alone. She has to get back."

"Oh, stop it, Henry, she's so small and slight, I'm sure she couldn't even hold it straight with one hand."

Danielle shook her head and smiled. "I don't have to leave yet," she said, holding the sword out toward Alex. "Let's have at it."

. Alex watched in disbelief, but all the time he had a smile on his face. "Are you challenging me?"

Danielle smiled. "You could say that, but I believe, monsieur, that you challenged me first."

"Well, then," Alexandre's sword clashed with the sword Danielle was holding. "Let's begin, shall we?"

Danielle nodded and brought her sword forward, knocking the other sword out of Alex's hand immediately.

It landed on the ground.

Danielle smiled triumphantly and handed Henry back his sword. "Well, I do believe that it's time to get back now. Aunt Thérèse will be looking for me."

And she left the three boys there to stare at her in amazement as she walked away though the woods.