Page 56 of Tristan
“Do I have to remain in here all day?”
“You do but not to worry. I’ll make sure you are keptoccupied.”
Of course, I thought he meant he’d make me (okay, hoped he’d make me) perform sexual acts for him all day, but after breakfast he excused himself saying he had things to get done. He handed me a fat, heavy book.
“This has been written just for you.”
“Markaytian to Elvish in three hundred days,” I read from the title. “Corrik what is this?”
“A Professor at the University, Cupper Sphir. I had him write this specially for you.”
“If he’s just written it, why does it look so old?”
“It’s old toyou. I had him write it when I first had my vision of you—it’s more than a century old.”
I huffed but accepted it. “I want you to work on that today during your confinement. Make sure you sit by the window so you can see what a lovely day you’re missing out on.”
Bastard, Elf!
That was several hours ago, now the sun is at half-mast. I didn’t dare take a break—except to eat my lunch earlier—because Corrik warned that if he came in to find me not-working, I would spend tomorrow doing this very thing on a sore arse.
I do want to learn their language, but I have never enjoyed learning from books alone. This Cupper guy, it’s like he knew me and wrote the giant tome with my learning style in mind. His instructions are efficient and engage me, I’m surprised at the headway I’ve made in the time my husband is gone.
When Corrik returns, he greets me with a simple question inElvish and despite the complicated accent, I can make out what he says. I try to answer back. Corrik understands me, but his cruel mouth twists in distaste at my poor accent.
I’m happy when I’m dismissed to see Diekin, wanting a break from the stringent taskmaster.
I run away fast before he can change his mind. I’ve thought of Diekin a time or two over the course of the day. I don’t know the reason he merited punishment in the first place, but from his nervous behavior at dinner that night, he expected it.
“Come in,” he says.
I enter to Diekin who’s pouring over books much like I was moments ago. He doesn’t look injured, just annoyed.
“Oh thank, Ylor! It is you and not Corrik. Though it would be kind if you didn’t tell him I said that.”
“What did he do to you, Diekin?” For Diekin to not want to see Corrik, Corrik must have been torturing him all daysomehow.
“This!” he says disgusted, gesturing to the mountain of books that surround him. “That sadistic maniac has suspended me from the royal guard and instead I must spend my time studying this nonsense! Every hour it seems, he shows up with another stack of books. Who knew there were so many books aboard this ship?”
I realize now how easy Corrik went on me. “What would he have you study?”
He sighs. “I suppose I should tell you now. He is angry with me—extremely angry—for the way I handled your safety or as he says, lack thereof, when the Rogue Elf attacked us. All of these books are on battle technique and battle history and when we reach Mortouge, if my mate agrees, I will return to the training fields full time.”
“That’s preposterous, Diekin. You aren’t responsible for my injuries. You were almost killed too.”
His silence tells me he disagrees with me.
“You can’t be serious, Diekin. Is this an Elven thing I’m missing?”
“You almost died because of me.”
“We all lose battles, Diekin. Even the best of us.” It’s something my father used to tell me.
“Yes, but not Elves chosen for the royal guard. Corrik said I might join the palace guard, or even the city guard when we return home, but I am not fit for the royal guard at this time as demonstrated by my lack of skill.”
“I distracted you. I should’ve listened and gone back to my chambers like you said. This isn’t your fault.” Perhaps I should start listening to what the Elves tell me to do. Now Diekin pays the price for my pig-head.
“I shouldn’t have allowed you to distract me. A better swordsman would not have. You know this, young Warlord. No. Corrik is right to punish me, and I am ashamed. Of course, I will complain over my punishment to my fellow brats, like you, but I will serve it admirably for whatever amount of time Corrik feels I owe. Though between me and you, I hope it’s sooner rather than later,” he says with a wink.
