Children of the Fountain by Richard Murphy

visited and spent most of his time in London. The castle was set aside purely as a training facility and not many even knew of its existence. The duke was now an old man but he was still wise and sharp and he was never seen without his personal guard.
    After dinner he decided he was going to ask Mr Hardy if he had news of the duke’s next visit. He was desperate to meet his grandfather, although he had told nobody else yet of this secret under strict instructions from the master himself.
    As they ate Sophie and Harry picked up the conversation about the new arrival Mr Cook. Matthias listened but watched across the room as Mr Butler and then Mr Hardy chatted with him. Even toughened old O’Grady seemed to be a friend but the beautiful lady on the end of the table dressed in fine evening clothes was unknown to Matthias. A great blond wig over a foot high sat atop her soft and gentle face and he felt a tingle through his chest as her big dark brown eyes momentarily met his. She too seemed familiar with Mr Cook and smiled at his every word. Occasionally, with a fork, she would pick a little at her food and cast her eyes over the flame haired gentleman.
    “Her, I don’t know,” said Matthias. “Another new arrival?”
    “That’s Lady Taylor,” said Harry, with an ever so slight sigh. “She teaches etiquette and literature but doesn’t live in the castle.”
    Sophie scoffed, “Harry’s in love.”
    Harry’s eyes flashed as he turned to face Sophie. “Am not,” he said, but the damage was done and Matthias let a smile escape.
    “I think you’ve got competition Harry,” said Sophie, “she only has eyes for Mr Cook.”
    Harry’s lips closed tightly together and his cheeks went red. Matthias decided to change the subject after receiving a wink from Sophie.
    “So that’s her. I don’t understand why I am to be taught writing and manners though if I am to be a trained killer.”
    Sophie looked up from a book she had been reading; she always brought one to formal dinners which she found tiresome.
    “To blend into society, Matthias, you need to know the rules.”
    “But why?” he asked.
    “Because you’re not a soldier,” she said, closing the book with a snap. “You will have to slip into people’s homes. Their lives. Their families even, to carry out your mission. We are trained to go where others cannot go and to do what others cannot do.”
    Harry was munching on some roast chicken and nodded. “She’s right. Suppose you had to kill an earl or a duke? They’re not going to let Matthias the dung farmer in to their private chambers now are they? And even if they did you’d never escape.”
    “Our missions are about secrecy. The idea is to get in and out without anyone ever suspecting it was you,” finished Sophie, before returning to her book. She always seemed so very serious when talking about what lay on the various roads ahead.
    Matthias finished the rest of his meal with these thoughts turning in his head. He realised he was going to need more time to adjust but, as always, he took strength from his thirst for revenge. It was a force inside him he could now summon at will. He was here and he had made a choice; a commitment which he was going to see to the end.
    As they left the dinner hall he spotted Mr Hardy bidding farewell to Mr Cook and crossed the hall to enquire about his grandfather.
    The master looked intrigued. “I think when his grace next honours us with his presence you will no doubt be presented to him.”
    “Thank you,” said Matthias, unable to conceal his excitement. “That would be most - Thank you, sir!”
    Mr Hardy went on, “He has personally expressed an interest in meeting you. After all, it was a great surprise for him to learn you had decided to join us.”
    Matthias blinked, “I see”
    The master regarded him curiously, “Your uncle has not spoken to your grandfather for over twenty years. You are aware both your father and uncle didn’t want you to come