Sorry, I haven't posted sooner. School just started backup and there was no delay in piling on the homework. I know this chapter is short, forgive me. I will try to post soon. I'm gonna try to post at least once a week from now on unless i have a ton of tests or a project due or something. Thanks again for the great feedback! K, I hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: Don't own it

CHAPTER 3

Gavin, my father, Sir Rodney, the apprentice, and I are now all sitting in Sir Rodney's office around a mahogany desk lavishly carved with weaving vines.

"What was going on there?" Sir Rodney asks in a stern voice that allows for no excuses. I answer, Gavin is too busy looking greatly ashamed to be defeated by me, then caught by his master, "We were just sparring. It was all just for a bit of fun."

"Really?" his voice dripping with sarcasm, "It didn't look like it was all in fun. Your bruises also suggest otherwise." The right side of my torso is starting to turn black and blue and Gavin is staring to get a black eye from one of the punches I'd landed, but I was pretty sure I'd done more emotional damage.

"We were just sparring; I guess we got out of hand." I reply.

"I think your father will deal with you. Will, Gavin and I need to talk. Can we continue our discussion sometime tomorrow?"

Dad leads me out, as we head to the woods we attract many stares. On the way back to the cabin, he doesn't even look at me.

When we're nearly at the cabin, I break the silence. "Who was the other boy in the office? The one that called to Gavin while we were fighting?"

Dad answers rather grudgingly, "Luke, he's in the same year as Gavin. They're good friends, balance each other out. He keeps Gavin in line. Good kid." We drop back into silence.

When we reach the cabin and Dad reports to Mum about the events of the day, she doesn't comment but to say that he has to be responsible for the punishment. Before she turned away I thought I saw a mischievous glint in her gray eyes, which are the same color as mine. She probably thinks it's good that I showed those apprentices' women are strong too. Dad makes me do all the chores around the house for the rest of the day. After it's dark, I get ready for bed and go to my room, which was added onto the side of the cabin when I was born so there would be room for me as well as Dad's apprentice, who long since graduated. As I settle into my bed, Dad walks in and says, "I think you're going to be spending the night up the tree in front of the house." He says and grins, remembering a time Halt gave him the same punishment. I groan, but obey. I know I disappointed him today. I broke an apprentice's nose and bruised his ribs, hurt the confidence of two others, and gave the prince a black eye.

After climbing up the tree and settling down in the fork made by two branches, I start singing loudly.

Graybeard Halt he lives with goats,

that's what I've heard tell.

He hasn' t changed his socks for years,

but the goats don' t mind the smell.

Fare thee well, Graybeard Halt,

fare the well I say...

That's how it continues for most of the night. If he wants to reminisce in old memories, I'll help him out.

Cool emoticon!

O-/-]:

It's a skateboarder. I just learned this one! If you don't get it look sideways.