The Fog of Forgetting by G. A. Morgan Page B

“And you,” she snapped, her voice tight, almost crying. “Get dressed!”
    â€œJeez, don’t blame us—” Knox started, but the fierce expression on Evelyn’s face stopped him cold.

Chapter 8
THE FIRST LESSON
    W hat a fine bunch of Melorians you make!” Seaborne boomed, making his way toward them with Tinator.
    Knox gave up trying to tie a long leather band around his waist and grinned. Seaborne took it from him and belted it, leaving two equal ends that he crisscrossed over Knox’s chest and back and fastened onto the belt. He rocked back on his heels.
    â€œThat’ll do.” He did the same for the others and laughed when he saw Teddy, whose poncho dragged on the ground. “We’ll have to shorten that dress you’re wearing, lad; you won’t run very fast in that.” He ruffled Teddy’s hair.
    Teddy leaned heavily into his leg. Surprised, Seaborne patted his back awkwardly and mumbled, “If you give it to me now, I’ll fix it up for you myself.”
    Tinator laid down his massive crossbow to inspect them, adjusting one thing or another with firm, swift movements. When he was finished, he stepped back. Mara collected their old, discarded clothing and put it in a basket. The children studied themselves and each other in amazement. They did look like Melorians, only smaller.
    â€œAnd now, your weapons,” said Tinator.
    Knox caught Chase’s eye and mouthed, Weapons?
    Tinator motioned to one of his guards, who brought over a wadded pelt. Wrapped inside was a collection of small hunting knives and throwing axes, all made by hand, and a number of slingshots carved from a dark wood and slung with leather. He gave Evelyn and Frankie each a slingshot and a knife, the blades of which appeared to be freshly sharpened and attached by sinew to handles of worn animal bone. Evelyn curled her fingers around her knife and touched the blade with her index finger. A sliver of crimson oozed to her fingertip.
    â€œOw!” she yelped, sticking her finger in her mouth.
    Calla took the knife from her. She examined it carefully, holding it so that the bright blade caught the sun and glistened.
    â€œThis is an excellent weapon. Very light—very precise. It was mine once.”
    â€œReally?” said Evelyn, feeling proud.
    Calla gave it back, handle first. “Mind it well.”
    â€œWhat about mine?” asked Frankie, holding her weapon up.
    Calla went through the same motions, handing it back with a smile.
    â€œA blade will find its mark if your heart is true; isn’t that right, Father?”
    Tinator gave a curt nod. “A weapon is a tool; the intent of its owner wields the real power.”
    â€œYour first lesson!” said Calla, with an impish wink.
    Knox was presented with three short knives and two throwing axes. His eyes strayed longingly toward the crossbow lying on the ground, but he managed to say “Thank you.” Teddy was given a slingshot with a soft leather bag filled with perfectly round rocks. When it was Chase’s turn, Tinator moved to another basket and withdrew a long sword in a worn leather scabbard. The blade was cast in two metals, one dark, one light, and hammered in a pattern that shimmered like the skin of a reptile. Tinator handed the sword to Chase.
    â€œThis is a Metrian-forged blade. It has served its former masters well—may it do the same for you.”
    Chase’s arm sank with the weight of the sword. He didn’t dare pull it out of the scabbard, worried he might stab himself. The two younger boys eyed Chase’s sword and looked at one another. Knox’s face flushed with envy. Teddy tugged on Tinator’s sleeve.
    â€œI want that,” he whined, pointing at Chase’s weapon.
    â€œDo you now?” replied Tinator, unsmiling. He gestured to Chase. “Boy—here, let your brother have the sword.”
    â€œThat’s not fair!” cried Knox.