The Novice

Fight dirty, and go for the face. Gentlemen's rules are for gentlemen.

A warrior's greatest enemy can also be his greatest teacher.

If even the false war we pretend to fight has created so much hate between our peoples, what would a real one do?

But the men and women who rise to greatness are the risk takers, the gamblers. Those who take all or nothing.

She seemed to be reading at a terrific pace, but then she was a librarian after all.

How are we supposed to win?” Fletcher took a deep breath and looked him right in the eye. “We train.

Fight dirty, and go for the face. Gentlemen’s rules are for gentlemen,

As the grip began to tighten, Fletcher closed his eyes, praying it would be quick.

After all, it had been a generous gift, and, if anything, it had been Fletcher who was in his debt and not the other way around.

Then the door slammed shut and he was alone in the world, but for the sleeping creature around his neck. A fugitive.

EVEN AS THE WORDS LEFT Didric’s

They snuffed out their own lights and ducked into one of the upper corridors.

Felid might be. Some sort of cat, perhaps? They walked on past dimly lit corridors

The men and women who rise to greatness are the risk takers, the gamblers. Those who take all or nothing.

We’re going to enter the ether.

now or never. If Fletcher didn’t make this kill, he would go hungry tonight. Dusk was fast approaching and he was already running late. He needed to make his way back to the village soon, or the gates would close. If that happened, he would either have to bribe the guards with money he didn’t have or take his chances in the woods overnight. The young elk had just finished rubbing its antlers against a tall pine, scraping the soft velvet that coated them to leave the sharp tines beneath. From its small size and stature, Fletcher could tell it was a juvenile, sporting its first set of antlers. It was a fine specimen, with glossy fur and bright, intelligent eyes. Fletcher felt almost ashamed to hunt such a majestic creature, yet he was already adding up its value in his head. The thick coat would do well when the fur traders came by, especially as it was now winter. It would probably