The Sheik and the Siren (Elemental Series) by Elizabeth Rose Page B

and the other archer take some bows and arrows and Barnabus to the other side of the island for target practice. And when you’re finished, Moose, I want to see you wield a sword as well. You’re a big man and look to be very strong, so you would be valuable with more weapons than just one.”
    “Aye, Lord Ace,” the man said, standing straighter and with a wide smile.
    “I don’t know about this,” said Barnabus, looking at the bow and arrows.
    “You can do it,” Ace urged him. “You may be missing fingers but you can still grip a bow and notch an arrow, now get going.”
    “What about me?” asked Wil lis, hobbling forward on his peg leg.
    “Do you know how to use a knife?” he asked.
    “Of course I do. Though I wasn’t a soldier, I can still hold my own in a battle. And I’m one of the best hunters here.”
    “Good. Then whittle yourself a new leg that is not as clu msy. Juturna will you see to your wound and help you secure your new leg.”
    “Of course, my lord, I would be happy to help,” Juturna said, coming forward.
    “And you two ,” Ace pointed to some of the men, collect some throwing daggers and join Willis in practice. “One doesn’t always have to be head to head with his opponent, but can also get him from a distance, just like with the bow and arrows.”
    “And what of me, my lord?” asked Sir John. “I was once leader of these men and captain of the guard.”
    “Then you shall be again. You will lead these men in practice and bring them up to par.”
    “But my sword arm is gone, my lord, in case you haven’t noticed.”
    “Then use your left arm instead. You may be broken, but you are not dead , nor are you defeated.”
    Ace chose a sword from the ground, the most ornate and expensive of them all and handed it to the man hilt first.
    “That’s a sword meant for a ruler of a castle or perhaps a king. Mayhap you should take it.”
    “Nay. I have my sword and I fancy it,” explained Ace. “This would be yours from now on, Captain of the Guard. Now, the rest of you men, grab a sword and follow me. I’m going to train you personally to defend not only yourself but also the ladies of Castle Varusa.”
    He looked over to Ebba, and she opened her eyes in surprise. “I don’t need protecting,” she spat. “I am quite capable of taking care of myself.”
    “Fine,” he said with a slight nod. “Then mayhap you can try taking care of others for a change. These men will all need new clothes. You will find fabric and the necessary tools to construct them in my chamber.”
    “I don’t sew!” She seemed appalled at the idea. He really didn’t want to order her to do anything but to warm his bed, but he had to ignore her and act like he didn’t want her, just like the old seer told him.
    “Then Juturna would teach you, as I know she has skill with a needle and thread, as I’ve seen her handiwork on many a wounded man.”
    He turned and walked away then, ignoring her and putting his attention on his men instead.
     
    “Can you believe that?” Ebba asked Juturna, crossing her arms over her chest.
    “Believe what?” Juturna asked. “That Ace sees in these men something they don’t see in themselves? That he is giving up his own life to stay here and retrain your father’s men and fix up his demolished castle? Aye, I can believe it, because I know Ace is a fine man and once he is committed he would do anything to repay his debt.”
    “His debt? What are you talking about, Juturna?”
    “You two haven’t had time to talk and get to know each other, have you?”
    “Well, not talk,” she said looking down, sure her cheeks were blushing from the thoughts in her head of last night.
    “You have coupled with him, haven’t you?” asked the old woman.
    “I don’t think I have to admit that to a seer.”
    “Yet, he acts cool toward you as if he doesn’t remember the act at all.”
    “That’s because he doesn’t,” she explained. “I went to him during the night, but