Page 49

FARRENDEL STOOD tothe side as Essie’s brothers let the Escarlish soldiers know that the practice fights with the elf were over for the day. It was mildly amusing to see how disappointed the soldiers were. As if getting thrown about by his magic had been entertaining.

Averett and Julien strode up to him, their shirts soaked with sweat. Farrendel had not prolonged the fight long enough to perspire, but the morning sun already beat down on the courtyard. Without the shade of the trees and being farther south, Escarland’s late summer was far warmer than Tarenhiel.

Edmund jogged to join them. He grinned. “The pond?”

Averett flapped his shirt away from his skin. “Good plan. Though...” He turned to Farrendel. “You can swim, right?”

“Yes.” Of course he could swim. It was a basic skill taught to every young one at an early age. Did humans not think it a necessary life skill?

He found himself herded down a path into the forested part of the grounds once again. It was futile to try to resist Essie’s pack of brothers.

The trees opened up to a pond with a dock jutting into it. The pond appeared to be fed by a creek that flowed out the other side to connect to the Fyne River on the other side of the tall wall. This spot was sheltered between the river and the forest, reminding him somewhat of Lethorel, the retreat for elven royalty where he had spent much of his growing up years.

Edmund gave a whoop and broke into a run, peeling off his shirt as he went. He hopped on each foot as he pulled off his boots at the edge of the pond. Julien was only steps behind him, dropping his boots next to Edmund’s.

With another undignified shout, Edmund raced the length of the dock and jumped from the end, tucking up his knees in the move Essie had called acannonball.A massive splash sent water into the air and waves across the pond.

When he popped to the surface, he gestured. “Come on, Julien! Can you do better than that?”

“Easily!” Julien sprinted the length of the dock and launched himself into the air. His cannonball came down with a tremendous splash that sent a wave over the end of the dock.

Averett dumped his boots and shirt on the pile. With a whoop, he jumped in as well.

Farrendel grimaced, slowly pulling off his boots. He had not mentally prepared for this. Would Essie’s brothers question him if he jumped in with his shirt on? It seemed Essie had been correct that swimming only half-dressed was customary for human males.

“Come on.” Julien was the one gesturing now. All three of Essie’s brothers had popped to the surface, treading water in the center of the pond.

Edmund grinned. “If you don’t jump in, we’ll go over there and throw you in.”

Somehow, Farrendel did not think they were bluffing.

He added his boots to the pile, along with his belt. Then, as quickly as he could, before he could think himself out of it, he yanked off his tunic and shirt. As he did not know how deep the pond was, he would need to emulate the human version of entering the water and attempt a cannonball of his own.

He dashed to the end of the dock and jumped outward. He gripped his knees. The moment of hanging in the air as he fell seemed longer than it did for a dive.

His back smacked into the water, then the cold closed over him. Water rushed up his nose, not something he had anticipated with this unusual method for entering the water. He blew the water out as he sank deeper into the water, not wanting to come up coughing and sputtering.

Uncurling, he shoved from the bottom and pushed to the surface. He broke into the air, shaking water and hair from his face.

Essie’s brothers cheered, though it turned into chuckles. Edmund laughed. “I have never seen someone do a cannonball so solemnly.”

“Like it was a serious endeavor.” Julien splashed Edmund.