Page 2 of Lucie
He kept silent as he tried to find the words to respond with, whenAttycame to a sudden stop and tugged on his arm to make him face her. “I know you’re concerned about your lack of skills on the battlefield. You thinkit’s because you don’t show any outward mark that proves yourMutahheritage. But youarehalfMutah, the same as your brother and sister. You also know there are full-bloodedMutahwho don’t show any outward mark. Your grandmother, my mother, didn’t have one. And Tory’s isn’t visible for all to see, either.” She pressed a hand to his chest. “Yours is inside you. Believe me. I would never lieto you.”
He clasped her hand and held it there. He was constantly amazed by how small and fragile his mother’s hands appeared to be, when in actuality they were the exact opposite. No man or woman, or soldier, Normal orMutah, could matchAtrilanD’Jacques’ skill when it came to the bow or knife.
“Mom, I know. You’ve told me all this before.”
“But youdon’t listen,” she curtly responded with a tiny smile. “When you least expect it, your specialness will show forth. You must be patient and have faith.” She patted his chest. “You already have your father’s tenacity and bravery. My half will eventually shine through.”
“I’ll be twenty-one in three months. I have practiced daily, sometimes twice a day, with the sword, the bow, andthe knife ever since I was old enough to hold them, but I am no better than the average soldier. I certainly can’t compete against Matt or Misty.”
Attyglanced over her shoulder for a moment, then turned back to him. “Has it ever occurred to you that maybe your weapon of expertise isn’t one of those?”
“You and Dad have already suggested that, remember? I’ve also triedthe crossbow and the pike. Hell, I’ve even worked with the mace. There’s not much else I can choose from.”
Attysighed, and they resumed their walk through the compound gates. “Please try to be a bit more patient. Trust in yourself, Lucien. It’ll eventually come. I promise you.”
If only I was as certain as you are, Mom.As much as her reassurances managed to soothehis ruffled feathers, he couldn’t help the feelings of inadequacy that burned through him whenever he witnessed his brother’s skill with the sword, or his sister’s precision with knives. And yet, he believed her. His mother had that uncanny knack of knowing things that somehow managed to come true.I justgottabe patient and trust it’ll reveal itself, but it’s damn hard.
Still frowning,he opened the side door leading into the main hall and ushered her in ahead of him.
