55k wonder if I will hit 70 this month.

Chastity said. “So you were trapped in meetings all morning that must get dull? That is a nice shade of blue for you.”

Charity said. “Thank you, I love this shade, of blue but I think you find the one I am wearing tonight better.” Father sat and the food started coming around. “I felt I would be better of leaving the meeting to Warren this time, and so went and helped in the copy house. I have got to se if I can get one of the guys in there to look at the desks. They are better then the one I use at home. I must see if he can make me one.”

Chastity shook her head. “So some things don’t change. You still make copies?”

Charity nodded. “I manage to get a bit of a name for my self and so have a few that bring old books to me during the off season. Gives me something to do when we are snowed in or work is slow.” She shook her head a bit at the food on her plate and took a bite. “All of us have hobbies to keep us busy between jobs.”

Chastity shook her head and took a bite of her salad. “You sure did go for strange things. I never did see the attraction to the ink stains myself.” They ate a bit in silence after that, Neither seeming to know what to say. They had always been so different and the years had just widened the gap.

As the dessert was coming around Mark said. “Say would it be possible for Mat and I to go around or to with your guys, just to see how we compare? Mat has a place in the knights now, and I was offered one before I took you the trade, but have kept my skills up.”

Charity said. “Sure, just know that there will be women working out in the ring as well. As long as you can handle that you are welcome to come out. If not, I am sure you will find a few willing to accept an invite to meet elsewhere for a friendly bout. If you want to go up to the filed I will walk you up there after lunch and see that our guys know you are welcome.”

Mat said. “I would appreciate that, if you are sure they won’t mind have me there. I don’t want to be a disturbance.”

Charity was wondering how to warn him. Feather said. “Just know if you go up there they have been told that their camp is their home, it is their laws and traditions that rule it not ours. As long as they are likely to be here they will need a place where they need not worry about offending us. I said the same about the wing, but doubt they will relax as much there as they likely are at the camp.”

De smiled. “I thank you for it, but it is your home and it is not right you be uncomfortable in it, so only in minor ways are we taking you up on that offer here. However the camp is indeed being treated as home. As Charity said we have no problems with the adults coming up to visit, but we will do our best to keep the children from sneaking in alone.”

Inspector Heanrick said. “That goes for our side of the camp as well, it is only normal that the boys will try and get in and likely they will make it a few times,. I am sure plots are forming already. I know mine have been making them.” That got a few laughs.

Charity said. “So now if you still want to you are welcome to. I have to run by my room first so I can meet you outside in twenty or you can just come there.”

Mark said. “That sounds good. I will just go get my blades then come find you. Likely with my oldest two along, they have been after me to let them see the camp since we got here.”

Charity smiled. “I can bet, the young ones always want to come up and see what the camps are like. I will see you in a bit then.” She stood up and so did the Jab causing her to shake her head then smile as Luke and Warren stood up as well, Mike having left a bit before her.

Mike was waiting on the small couch in the room Luke went over and sat next to him. Charity smiled and took a place across from them, Warren and Jab next to her as Cri started serving food around. “Luke, Mark at least will be by shortly, I think Mat will as well.”

Luke smiled and put his arm around Mike. “Father and Palmer as well, they asked me as the other two asked you. I told them to come here and we would walk them up. Mat and Mike really do want to know how the compare. Father just wants to know what kind of excuse you come up with. He spent a good bit of lunch talking up one of the neighbors, how Godly raised the daughter is, how she is well fit to run a house. They will be here for diner being formal I can bet I am to be placed near her. Might as will give him a stronger hint, before I just snap at him, it was bad enough when I was acting like I belonged here. Now he should know I don’t, I thought I was clear I have the life I want.”

Charity shrugged. “Fine with me, just wanted to make sure you meant to you know I never cared. They are going to be upset. I am not changing, and I will be in the ring. It will help me for them to know a dress doesn’t mean I can’t use my blades.” She turned to the food and was glad to be out from under the eyes. “I didn’t think they would still bother me so, but their headshakes are still getting to me. They are eating a bit more, normal. At least they have some food on their forks now and then. but still to many times they are just taking those almost tip covered bites.” It would help if I wouldn’t watch them, but I find I need to know if they are eating.”

Luke nodded. “I thought that would be the case. I find myself worried about pleasing them as well. It is only normal I guess, for all it is madding.”

Mark coughed. “Um,.” He stood there unsure, clearly expecting her to have changed clothes not to be eating and half looking over some papers. Then he saw Luke and Mike, and flushed.

Charity smiled. “Come on in. We find it hard to eat at the table anyplace we are the first week or so. House manners are a bit different then tail manners, and barracks lean more to trail than house therefore we always arrange to have a second meal waiting. And it is harder for me here then at other places. Watch Mother as she eats sometime, just know that is more then she was eating when I was under her eye more. That said we are all most done, and so will be ready in a bit. If you boys want more cake just tell Cri, I think Beth sent enough for everyone on the wing.” Mike entered slowly and frowned a bit

Luke smiled. “There are chairs there. Might as well sit a bit, we won’t be going until she finishes that plate. All of you come on in. Sis eat, I want to get out there and see if I can get Kaneb to go a round with me, before I go to the range and make sure they are working.”

Charity shook her head. “I am not going to starve just because I didn’t eat a forth plate of food before going into the ring. I don’t know about you.” But she took the plate and started picking at the food.

Luke said. “It to long to build you up, we are not about to let you get back down there. At least you did realize it when you started taking the pretend bites this time. I honestly don’t know how they get make it taking those almost bites, and yes, there will be a slice of cake as well. Cri I know the boys at least want one.” Cri smiled, and bowed, and soon everyone had a slice of cake. “Thank you that will help. Now Sis they are eating as well so stop fretting about it.” Charity shook her head, but did start taking full bites again. “Palmer and Father said hey wanted to come as well.”

Mat was looking at them. “I am aware of what Charity meant when she said that you were treating the camp like your home. You needn’t make yourselves uncomfortable to try and get me over the shock of it. I am aware that those in other lands sadly think love can be found in places it is not to be. I will admit it is upsetting to think of, but each must find the way to truth on their own. It can not be forced on them”

Charity said. “Don’t tell them that. I am trying to have them behave a bit. Really I didn’t even think of the relationships. I was more worried about the fact that the women will be in pants for the most part. But yes, I guess the fact that such are open could be just as shocking to you. That was the lest troubling to me. I had a far hard time getting used to wearing my weapons, and not having to hide my books any longer. Cri just a slice of cake this time. So are you wanting to try the archery range or just the ring?”

Mat said. “I am not a bowman. Just never did get the abele of it, so just the ring for me. Are all of you both? I noticed you all have bows.”

Mike said. “Most are to some degree, but each person seems to have one they like best. I can stay alive in sword fight, but that is about all you can say for my skill with one. Bows are better for me, though most times I am just with the mages.”

Charity said. “I work with either, but have always liked the sword better but found the bow faster to learn. My teaches let me carry a bow years before I was allowed a sword. Now though my blade work is starting to be better than my bow. I still put in time on both. The more weapons you can make use of the safe you will be when scouting.”

Feather said. “So you aren’t among the mages?” The tone of his voice saying he doubted she was anywhere.

Charity said. “I will take part in the scrying and set traps, but I am not normally facing the mages in the field. That said I likely will a bit more here just do the type they are. Those that steal souls are going to need more than one hand. To do any good you need to cut the souls fee, and not all can see to do so.” She finished her cake and stood up. “Cri just ring and let the maid see to the dishes. It looks like everyone is ready, so go get your weapons.”

Stive sneered. “Don’t you need to change?”

Charity said. “No, the clothes don’t make any difference. I don’t wear something I can’t fight in. Even the formals have been tried in a ring. Not that I expect you to believe me, but if you are coming you will see this dress is not hampering me any. Mike do you get your guys, or just come here?”

Mike said. “They are on the rack with yours, so we are all ready if you are Sis.”

She smiled. “In that case let’s go. I want to be sure I have enough time to make Cri work before we need worry about supper.” She stood up, but Luke reached the weapons first and started handing them out.

Stive said. “So you all have unit tags on yours as well. What are they? Didn’t think you had units.” He sneered a bit as Luke past Charity’s her and shook his head as she put them on.

Charity said. “Stiev you are going to find out part of camp uncomfortable. If you are coming it will be to your befit not to speak, given how easy you find trouble in Fright. Those with the Dragon are under De, the gold is an officer. The Olive tree, in green is Kaneb’s folks, a lot will have the black one as well, from their time in the regular army. The Black Star or the Red Star, refers to time in a different army. The Black being an elite order like the knight shield here. A Unit of them joined us for this, as there King wanted them to get some time with something different than the bandits they see. Rank is denoted by the background,”

He looked at them and shook his head Feather said. “Wait so you put in time in a regular army?”

Charity smiled. “The black star is a won placement, but yes I am a member of them., and have taken part in some patrols. I met Jab on a training exercise with them. The Olive is honorary.”

Luke said. “Mike and I were informed hat taking lessons meant we were in the service, so for that year we were am member of the army.”  Feather just shook his head and they started out.

May looked at them. “So the mercenary group using a symbol like the regular Military does. That must get confusing.”

Jabari said. “Not when you know the land, it is not that hard to work out. That said Kaneb tried for something different, but as so many kept there service badges it just didn’t work. Having a green tree looked better then the olive in armor one client tried to tag them with.” That had them all laughing.

When they got to the gate the regs had the main and didn’t even really look at them Charity was frowning but before she could commit Warren said. “They were told to relax the watch on this side, as the enemy is still so far away. I will get extra units watching the road, and hope that helps.”

Charity said. “So the idea is anyone coming from the house will be safe as the enemy in no way is going possibly sneak around the camp, and come from that way. There doesn’t need to be a unit insight for them to have operatives closer. All it takes is one person to get in and spike the food or water. We know they are moving. Why wouldn’t they have advanced units?” Inspector Heanric flushed a bit, and De hid a smile. “I know full well that you have some experience with assassins even with your borders so well guarded. Think if one of those gates was ignoring comes from a certain direction. We might not be high profile, but are clearly an army camp and therefore a target.”

Warren said. “I know, I didn’t say it made sense just let you know that they were following orders. I am sure it will get straightened out before long.”

Charity nodded. “But now they know how silly it looks and might just think a bit more the next time they are on duty.” She looked around the camp smiling. “I see they really did build it up. I am sure the guys like it. I can’t believe no one thought of needing a hospital up here last time. That is going to be a lot easier then the tents were, even with the flooring Chad had laid they were a night mare to keep clean.”

Luke nodded. “The fence helps as well, might make it a bit harder to get in.”

Charity smiled. “Oh there are still the high roads.” That had a few laughing and others looking puzzled.

Mat said. “There really isn’t that much of a spilt here. I would think that would increase problems.”

Warren said. “No, not too much. we do keep strictly separate practices areas and then bunks are by unit, but otherwise the camp is shared. There is the occasional exchange of words, but Hunt said nothing has gone beyond words so he saw no reason to further separate things.” He led them over to the ring.

Charity smiled and turned to Cri. “Run through the full ram up then see who is free to bout. I might let you go over the range a bit, if your form holds.”

Jabari said. “Love that is just mean, which is to say you are making him insanely happy. Luke I get the first round with you. Char, Gar will be here in a bit and it will be good if both of you show of some, if you would.”

Charity nodded. “That is what today is about.  After all.” She raised her voice. “We have guests with us this afternoon. I want no holding back in the ring! Let’s dance!.”

The black starts bowed, and the others there nodded. “Got it Char. I am going to go let the regs know, a few might want to join in. Be good for everyone.”

Luke laughed. “Well guys now you needed worry about anyone going easy because you are guests. A few do tend to hold back in the ring, but they won’t now. Let me warm up a bit first then we can have a go Jab.”

Charity shook her head. “I am going to get back at Gar for that bowing. Cri I said Full warm up! Get that point up!” she headed out in the felid and started her own stretches but still called out recommendations, as Luke and a few others were.

The others just stood there watching tell one guy came over to them. “Nothing wrong with watching mind you. But if you all want to try your blades then come on, you to lads,. He went into the filed and they went with him a bit amused. “Now when your practusing you always start by starching, and you do as often as you can in battle to. Keeps injuries down if you limber up. Just follow my lead if you don’t have your own set.”

Feather just stood there watching wondering how any knew what they were doing. Luke and Jab faced off and he turned to watch them. Surpised at the skill Luke showed. Still struk him as odd for a mage of that boys strength to put in time with the blade for all he was skilled with it. Not many beat Mark, yet Luke made it look easy. He shook his head and looked at the others.

Luke looked at Charity. He wanted to go joing Mike at the range, yet she hadn’t had a round yet. Charity smiled. “Go on I will get mine another day. Mat are you just watching, or you want to try? Aran you mind running Cru around the ring? You should be a fair match for him.”

A lanky red head said. “I was just going to ask you if I could. Where he is glued to you I need to know he can keep up. Now I am going to make him work.”

Charity said. “That’s what he needs. Have fun, and show off. He can match you.”

Mat looked at her. “I want to, but well.”

Charity laughed. “Come on once you start you will forget the dress.”

Laughing a bit he moved over to her. “It is just odd.”

Charity said. “I bet it is, but hardly the only thing you are going to see that breaks the laws.” They were easly exchangeing blows. “Ready to step it up?” She soon had him and was smiling. “Form up and I walk you though it. Father is going to yell at you for letting me win.”

He went on gard and let her walk him though it, amazed at hoe easy she was with it. “I will tell him the truth that you and the others out here are doing things I have seen. I do hope you will let me get a few lessons.”

Chairty nodded. “You would be better off asking Arn, his style will fit you better than mine, but just come up and ask who ever is here. If they don’t feel up to they will find some one who does. You are better than I was when I first joined De. It is just there are things that you learn better when your life is at stake. Now then lower the blade a bit there. See now I can’t get in that way.” They went on for a bit and then she steptd back. “Sorry but I promised Luke I would go a round with Gar, and I have to leave time to shower and change.”

Mat blinked. “I didn’t even know we had been at it so long. Thank you, and I do hope you will work out with me again”

She smiled. “I will be glad to, and like I said most of the others will to.” She looked around. “Guys you mind giving me the ring for a bit? Gar care to dance? Luke wants us to give them a full show if you think you can keep up this time.”

Folks had started moving to the edges when she asked, but they were now joking for place.

Mat saw Luke was back and went over to him. A little shocked to find that his arm was once again around Mike. He wondered just what that was about. Feather was there as well so he just said. “Now just what is this about?”

De said. “Charity doesn’t show off often so when she does she gets everyone’s attestation. Luke does Garstern have a chance?”

Luke said. “A bit of one, he at least makes her work.” They were all just staring at the end.

Gar smiled. “As I lost I have a request, after all they should see what he can do.”

Charity said. “I was trying not to scare everyone away, But. Luke think I have time for one more?”

Luke looked at her odd. “There is still two hours before supper so if you are not doing anything to massive you should.”

She frowned. “Well I am saving the full formal for latter on, so. All right. Cri, come on, Gar thinks they are still to worried about you. Let’s show them what your Father’s weapons teachers were trying to get Gar to do.””

Smiling Cri stepped up and bowed. “As you wish mistress. It will be a delight to spar with you.”

Gar moved over to the side and Suunser said. “Thank you for this, it will be good for them to see what he can do. If not for his road he would have the gold as well, and best they know it, Here is a drink Highness.” They had been looking before but now they realy were.

Gar took the glass. “He is almost as much of a natural as she is. Our teachers were delighted in him, even knowing he wouldn’t take the shield. It will do them good to see why they match.” The match had slowly been picking up speed and he heard a few gasps as it went further then he had been able to. “Cir had the best of teachers from when he could hold a blade. Char has shared knowledge as well as teachers more skilled in an older form. They are well paired. She has more experience, he more access to teachers.” He looked at Feather whose outrage was plan to see. “Sir nothing out there is or could possible be faked. You daughter is what you see. Yes the rites she underwent helped a bit, by letting her know more then she would otherwise. But I have the same shared knowledge gifted to me. She is just able to do more with it than I am as I lack her ability.”

Luke said. “She made me work a lot more then a number of the others in the team did that first time I bought her to the filed. Not having to hide, well you see what she is. Even with someone teaching you moves though a mind meld, which is as close as we come to the shared knowledge Gar speaks of, you still have to have the skill to make use of it. Just the same as with a mages lessons.”

Feather shook his head. “I just don’t see how. Why I didn’t see what she was. I was so sure she would be fine in spite of everything. Well everyone is entitled to a folly. At least she found a place. Now I had best go the guest should be here soon.”

He left and Luke shook his head. “Jab you have an urgent meeting tomorrow and just can’t meet us for that hunt. No way I am letting you go in the woods with him after that.  I am going to have enough with my own temper. What do I have to do to convince him I am not come back, little own interested in some nice girl? It is getting ridicules,”

Mike said. “Well Love, you could tell him of the duchess. He might accept that as a reason as it seems clear he won’t accept the truth.”

Mat looked at them Luke said. “You know that just might do it. But Charity’s idea is much more entertaining. Yes Mat I am with Mike, and have been since I went to his room our second year at school.”

Charity came up. “Cri, hand Mat a drink. Just what idea is that, dare I ask?”

Luke said. “Just a nice concert, though kissing Mike is good to. I just don’t think that would do. But a few of the songs make it clear.” Mat blinked as Cri handed him a glass,

Charity said. “I just said there were some who knew them not that they should be performed. I mean the guy has enough head ace as it is. Why not just tell him like you did Mat just now? That seemed to work fairly well.” Cri bowed and held out her glass she took it, and looked at him. “Too much for you back Boy?”

Cri smiled. “No Ma’am, it is just the shirt is a pulling a bit. I think, Ma’am that we scared the Inspector, or perhaps the conversation did?”