Abigor's kindness with the boots was not lost on Sabre and he lowered his eyes a little shyly.
"Thank you my Lord, t'is much easier this way."
Then came the offer of the armour and Sabre looked expectantly to Zenethor who shook his head.
"Once you finish the boots you can learn with the others." He said firmly.
Sabre quickly polished and polished until all the pairs were done and with a nod from Zenethor he joined the other young recruits at the area where they were looking and learning about armour.
Unseen a figure strode into the learning area, and Zenethor immediately bowed as he saw him.
"My Lord King!" He said loudly.
"You grace this humble area with your presence!"
Everyone stopped what they were doing and bowed, only one figure remained deathly still, his eyes fixed on the king. Sabre was scared, he was filthy dirty, standing with a group of soldiers, and his father's eyes cast over him slowly.
"I am looking for my son....and it seems I have found him!" He said smoothly.
"I am dining tonight with the nobles Sabre....your presence is required." He said sharply.
Sabre took a breath...it was the last thing he wanted.
"Father....if I am escorted....could I not go to see the Bonfires instead?" He asked.
The king was silent, it was unlike Sabre to contravene him. Zenethor picked up on it immediately and spoke directly and silently to his king.
"He is a young man my lord king....curious...what harm could it do....just this once....Abigor can escort him, he will be his protector one day and it is a good time to start that duty, I think Kora and Uric will be there too....you trust their Fathers highly."
The king's gaze went to Abigor.
"Are you capable of protecting my son if I allow this? You are not to lose sight of him, no-one is to touch him, he is not to drink alcohol....can you be trusted to look after him Son of Abrion?"