First Rule of Babysitting by Lord Holden

We approached the city walls clad in our gifts from the Queen. The fabric of the cloaks was warm and helped keep the cold breeze from the early evening at bay. The neutral fabric made my companions almost blend into the surroundings around them.

Perfect. Maybe this mission will go smoothly. We only had to pick up Sir Gavin and Sir Balor. Although I knew the former from royal events where his father put him on display, the latter I had not had the pleasure of interacting with, at least to my knowledge. If I had met him, I did not recall his name.

The captain at the gate stopped our band of matching riders. The city had slowly been emptying itself after Lord Jacobson's reception throughout the day. The last remnants of the exodus were leaving the city before us. Most of the jovial guests were dressed in finery, and not in the same garment. We definitely stood out.

"Excuse me…" the captain started, unsure of how to address me. He found his footing and straightened his shoulders before continuing. "What is your business?"

I thought about this moment since we put on our cloaks. There was no need for me to conceal my identity. Everyone knew that I came and went from the city frequently. There would be even more cause with recent events for me to have soldiers in tow, especially stealthily ones.

I flipped down my hood. It had more of a dramatic effect than I had thought it would. I heard someone nearby gasp in recognition of me. At least I think that was the reason. The captain saluted me out of respect.

"Hello Captain. No need for formalities," I offered, letting the man relax. "My business is that of Ensis. I have orders to collect Sir Gavin and Sir Balor from among your ranks."

Somehow the man seemed relieved at the prospect of me taking away the two members from the clan of Falcon. I suppose I was not commanding him to go on some mystery mission far away from his family. That would be a relief to anyone.

"Yes sir. I will collect them," he said with a wide smile on his face. He was a strange fellow indeed.

I looked back at my companions. If I had not paid attention earlier before we were cloaked on what mounts everyone rode, I might not know which companion was which. The hood of these cloaks were deep enough to fully conceal the face of those who wore them.

Suddenly I heard a commotion from the direction that the captain disappeared. It did not sound like a fight broke out in the way I was used to men fighting. Instead of hearing the sound of metal hitting metal or fists breaking bones, I heard shouting. Someone was angry.

"Why do I have to move again? If you were part of a clan where I was the Swordsman you would lose your job. How dare you order me around in such a manner? I am not your servant!" A whiny voice echoed down the spiral staircase that led to the top of the city wall.

The captain reappeared with the source of the complaining shouts at the end of his arm. The whiny adolescent had to be dragged along by the wrist.

I have never felt the urge to punch a man, or rather boy, that I had never met before. I suppose there is a first time for everything. I could see why the captain would want to discipline the man before retrieving the Falcons for me.

"He is all yours, Swordsman." The captain stood a little taller as if he completed a daunting task.

I sat for a moment in confusion. This captain must have misunderstood my orders if he thought I was there to discipline his unruly men.

Sir Gavin descended down the same stairs from which the belligerent boy appeared. Maybe I could leave before the captain asked too much from me.

"Sir Balor! I'm sure they can hear you all the way to the gnomes! This is no way to treat our hosts! Captain Harlow, my deepest apologies for my clansman," Sir Gavin seemed to be exhausted.

It hit me. The captain was relieved to get rid of this brat. My babysitting job just became so much harder. I would be exhausted too if I had to try and apologize for this child.

"Why are we even here?" Sir Balor asked toward the captain while putting his hand on his hip. He seemed like he was trying to look imposing, but the man's short stature and large frame just made him look like a grumpy schoolboy in need of a nap.

"I have orders to take you with me," I said in hope that the young man might recognize me and lose the attitude.

"You're not my Swordsman. That would be like taking orders from the Princess instead of the Queen. You have no real power over me," the chubby man retorted.

I could hear Sir John scoff from under his hood. He gave his horse some leeway before reining in the mount. He surged forward trying to scare the troublemaker into some type of remorse.

Sir Balor stumbled back a few steps. "Control yourself, peasant!"

First rule if I ever make a pamphlet on babysitting, assert dominance quickly. How dare this child try to use someone's position as an insult!

"Sir Balor, I have orders from Queen Valerie to take you to the border. I do not have any direction on how to get you there or if you ever need to return. Close your spoiled trap before I order these valiant warriors to close it for you for the duration of your time with us. And if I hear another word against Princess Alina, our future sovereign, I will personally make sure that you have trouble sitting on that fat rump for a long while."

Somehow once the words began flowing from my mouth, I could not stop them. I do not generally lash out at people, but something in me must have snapped. No way would this turd keep me from getting out of the city as soon as possible.

The stupefied faces of those standing around me told me that I might have been out of line. Balor's face turned red with anger but kept his mouth closed. Someone started clapping somewhere up on the rampart. I felt my cheeks flush. So this is how we start our mission.