Your First Shield

Set it down, Unblooded. You have been holding it up since you came through the gate. We have all seen the paint.

Turn it over. That leather is new, but the grip beneath it has been worn smooth. Whoever wrapped this had a bigger hand. Sit here and bring it closer. You can tell me what it cost while I make it fit.

Your mother paid the rest? Then she ought to have come to the seller with you. She would have turned it over before counting out what he asked. That mark there was under the new paint. He has filled it with something soft enough to lift with a nail.

The wood is sound behind it. You were lucky. Next time, bring someone who knows what to look for. Pay them with a meal if you must. It would have cost you less than the paint.

I heard the captain. A field for every fighter. You were listening so hard you let your supper go cold. There will be someone on that field already, Unblooded. He will have brought his brothers.

Keep hold of this end. Pull when I tell you.

Loosen your hand. You’re pulling before I’ve cut.

Here. Put your hand through again. Close it. Now turn your wrist.

Better. Keep it there while I pull the wrapping tight.

What work did you do at home?

Loading charcoal. Then the grain will give your shoulders a rest. Take the sacks inside the shed, beyond the wet patch at the door. Someone left them there last night and now the cook is picking through them. If he asks who sent you, tell him I did. He will find you plenty to carry. Find out the others’ names while you work. You will want them to know yours when it is dark.

Yes, you came to fight. So did I. I have spent today shifting a wagon out of a ditch and finding leather for a shield I do not own. Tomorrow I may get what I came for. Tonight I would like to eat before the pot is scraped clean.

You will hear plenty about tomorrow round that fire. Let them talk. If the broad one offers to show you how he broke a mouse line alone, keep your supper in your hand. He sat on mine while he showed me.

He did break through. There were others with him. He leaves their part out when they are too far away to object.

Lift your elbow. I want to see where the edge comes.

You will stand beside people who have heard you boasting. Remember that before you tell them where you mean to be when the fighting starts. If you promise to keep a shield against mine, I shall make room for it. When you move away, I shall still be expecting it there.

No need to promise me anything yet.

They will call you Unblooded. Some of them will enjoy it. Leave them to it until you know which ones are worth answering. When they ask your name, speak up. I could hardly hear you at the gate, and I was sitting beside it.

There. Take the shield. Let it hang a moment.

Does that edge bite now? Walk to the gate and back. I want to see it move before I put the knife away.

You can send word home when the next carts go. Tell your mother you arrived. She can hear about your field when you have somewhere to plant a post. Ask after whoever took your place at the charcoal yard. You may need work there again.

Come back here. You have left your supper.

Eat it while we walk. I will take that end of the first sack. You can carry the shield as well. There is room on your back if you loosen the strap.