I woke, the bed overly soft, soft light coming from the open window, the room still warmish. My bladder woke me this time, a much better awakening than the earlier nightmares. I hoped I'd exhausted them for now. It felt like they'd done the same to me.

I stood and lifted the nightshirt they'd provided me after my bath. Then remembering to remove the chamber pot lid, I peed noisily into the pottery.

There was a stirring beyond the foot of my bed. That would be Master Adrian, the eldest son of Cavalier Florin, Lord of this hall. He was sixteen and would be my squire du jour until we got to Lord Boian's keep, manor, or whatever it was. The same with twelve-year-old Master Stefan, who'd be my page, and Sir Silva, my valet. He was probably fifty and apparently was my primary handler. He didn't seem able to speak to the boys in anything below a yell, though he was quiet enough when he talked to me. I wasn't sure about the two boys, but Silva wouldn't travel past Lord Boian's estate with me. Anyone would be better than him.

I'd already sent Silva away in a huff. He yelled at the other two incessantly while they were getting the bath ready and was only slowing down the process. Once the boys had filled the tub, I sent Silva away for the night, much to his shock and consternation. I was fed up enough with him that he didn't say whatever he almost did to me. He left, and I sent the boys after food and drink so I could shed my second skin armor and be in the bath before they got back.

"I didn't mean to wake you with my peeing," I said and got a sleepy chuckle from Adrian. He seemed the least intimidated by me. I think he recognized that I was on his side against the asshole Silva.

"It's time for me to be awake, Lord Kevin."

"I'm going back to bed when I'm done."

"Your prerogative, Milord, but I'm sure Silva will be here shortly with Stefan and your food for your breaking of fast. I should ready myself for him if not for you."

"Do what you must," I said as I shook and dropped my nightshirt. "I hope I didn't keep you awake."

"Your yells and screams were like balm to my ears, Lord Kevin, but I hope you sleep more quietly for your sake."

I liked this kid more and more. I slid back into bed, noting that the throbbing of my head was lighter this morning than yesterday. I learned last night that both kids were Masters because they were sons of cavaliers. Lords' male offspring counted, too. Master Korham from the village was a craftsman, hence his earned title, coward or not.

I pulled a sheet over me and wondered briefly if Silva would be any better this morning than last night.

"Milord Kevin," Adrian intoned as I jerked awake. "Your morning repast awaits."

I rolled over and pushed myself to a sitting position, Adrian placing another pillow behind me.

"Place the tray before him gently, Stefan," came Silva's loud and grating voice. Stefan shook so badly I was afraid he'd drop the whole thing on my lap.

"You," I said sharply, pointing at Silva. "Out. They do better without your help. Get out."

Again that look of shock and indignation before he bowed and left. Stefan set the tray down on my lap. Some hot cereal with toppings, veggies of some sort, and a tall steaming cup of...something. "What do we have, Stefan?"

He'd never spoken the night before and paled at the question.

"Corn mush and—"

Adrian stopped when I held up my hand. "I asked Stefan."

I could see him shake slightly.

"What did you bring me?"

"Mi-mi-milord," he stuttered. "C-corn mush...w-w-with—"

I raised my hand again, and he stopped.

"You stutter," I said, thinking of my friend Evan. He had a stutter, though it had gotten better over the years.

He turned crimson, and tears started down his face.

"I can tell you, Milord," Adrian said.

I shook my head. "Master Stefan will tell me. I'm not in a hurry, so he can take his time and explain each food. You can pause as you need to," I continued, addressing Stefan directly. "Speak slowly and think about each word. You're going to mess up some, and that's okay. I want to hear you tell me, and I don't care if it takes a while. Please begin."

I saw Adrian give Stefan a nod, and he began in a halting way. I asked him to continue a half-dozen times before he finished. His shirt was soaked with sweat by the time he finished, and it was obvious why he had not said anything the night before.

"Thank you, Stefan. That was most informative. I appreciate the effort it took you to tell me everything. Please bring me a cup of water."

He bowed and dashed away. I had something like polenta with shaved dried meat and seasonings on top to be stirred in, plus two duck eggs, cubed crisped pork belly, and a tea of some local holly bush.

"Lord Kevin, that was kind of you to listen to him," Adrian said quietly. "It must have been troublesome for you."

"Not nearly as troublesome as it was for him. He needs training to help him with that." At that moment, I knew he'd be my page for more than just the immediate trip. He was my project. I sighed, thinking of Evan and his progress over the years. Maybe Ellie would help, but it would keep me focused on something good. I looked at Adrian. "Will you help me train him?"

His eyes grew as he contemplated my request. "If it will help Stefan, I will. He's a good kid, but...." He let that thought go, and I nodded.

"It will take time," I continued, "but if we have patience, he will progress." I saw hints of a smile play across Adrian's face. He knew that meant he'd stay my squire and Stefan my page for this to work. He bowed deeply.

"I will help, Milord. You may have to tell me how to do it best."

"Patience, Master Adrian. That's first and foremost."