REWARD
Rees stopped at the maid gate of 'the great manor'. The guard stationed there came to greet him with a bow. The man was older than Rees but now was a subordinate of him.
"Good evening, Rees."
Rees did not like when the fellow guards called him with a title. He had risen from amongst them and did not want that to affect his connection with them. Besides, keeping the comfort in their connection made him understand their demands and problems more easily.
That helped him expanse Edwin's band of trusted guards.
Rees looked at the man with a void face. "You have served 'the great manor' for years. And the O'Dell family is grateful for that."
The man's chest rose with pride. His eyes moved to the other guards as a wide smile appeared on his face.
Taking a deep breath to puff his chest some more, he broadened his shoulders and said, "I have never underestimated my duty and has always been loyal to it. I knew one day, the Lords will recognise my service and award me for my loyalty."