Shadowdance 01 - A Dance of Cloaks

and yanked him away from Robert. Thren watched his son, his visage not changing in the slightest. The tip of his sword still pressed against Robert’s neck, but despite it Robert smiled.
    “I see the boy lives,” he said. The movement rubbed the tip against his flesh, drawing a tiny drop of blood. “I wonder if it is you with the weight of lies around his neck, Thren?”
    “Do not mock me, old man,” Thren said. His voice seemed torn out from a deep cavern, reluctant and heavy. “Kayla told me of Gerand’s exit. You spoke with him before the attempt on my son. I want the truth, all of it. Any more lies and I will force the heavens to wait for your arrival while you rot in a cell.”
    Robert glanced at Aaron, who stood with the big man’s arms wrapped around his chest. His lip quivered, but he showed no tears, and Robert felt a strange sense of pride. That was a boy worth training, he realized. One who would defy the will of his own father, and reveal his own inappropriate spying, all to spare a life he deemed innocent.
    “Very well,” Robert said. “I speak not to save my own life, but for the sake of the boy’s trust. When you first asked me to train Aaron, I meant to say no, but Gerand’s spies discovered the proposition and went to the king. They decided I should use the opportunity to learn more about you. All we hear are half-whispers, rumors, and exaggerated tales of your amazing excellence. The chance to learn even a shred of truth about the war being waged outside the castle walls proved too alluring. I had my orders, and that was to train the boy while keeping my eyes and ears open.
    “Gerand, however, seemed to have his own plans. Troops surrounded my home after you left. When I discovered his plan, I struck him with my cane and then released Aaron. After that, I was beaten and taken to the prison, where you later found me. That is my tale. I am an old advisor doing the will of his king, and though you may call me a betrayer to your name, I was betrayed all the same. Do to me what you will.”
    Robert and Thren stared eye to eye, neither flinching. At this point Robert was too tired to care anymore what happened to him. When his role as the king’s advisor had ended, he’d thought himself free of the games, the constant backstabbing and rumormongering. He just wanted to teach. Was that so horrible?
    “While in my services, you betrayed information about me and my son,” Thren said. “I have killed men for less.”
    The words hung in the air. Robert narrowed his eyes. Something about the way Thren stood, without any anger or fury, hinted at something more. No, the guildmaster looked far too pleased with himself.
    “However,” Thren continued, “you also saved the life of my son despite knowing the punishment you would receive. So now I face a dilemma, for anyone who saves the life of my heir I reward greatly. How do I reward a man whose life is forfeit?”
    Robert sensed the opening being given and took it.
    “Let me swear what little remains of my life to you,” he said. “I shall be your slave and do whatever tasks you set before me, however difficult or demeaning.”
    “A worthy suggestion,” Thren said. “For the sake of my son, I grant your request. You will have food and lodging here in my estate, and you shall train my son when you are not aiding with various duties that Senke will set up for you.”
    Robert bowed low.
    “Thank you,” he said.
    “Follow me please,” Senke said. “I’ve got a room near Aaron’s that should do nicely. Clothing might be a bit rough, but the former occupants left a few extra outfits they couldn’t cram into their wagons, so we’ll make do. Oh, and we’ll get someone to check you over. You took a beating in that prison…”
    “Wait,” Thren said. He turned and crossed his arms, facing his son. Aaron lowered his head, then quickly raised it, as if fighting off his initial fear.
    “Yes, Father?” he asked, his voice just above a whisper.
    “You spied on our proceedings.”
    “It is what you train me for.”
    “You misdirect me with your answer,” Thren said, his eyes narrowing. “Trained or not, that does not explain your actions. Why did you listen in? Is it because of Robert? You were with him only a day. He cannot mean enough to risk my wrath.”
    Robert watched, curious that Thren would conduct something so private with others watching. Was he testing Aaron? Or perhaps making a show of the fact that no one was immune to