At least someone is On Guard As I ride back, I hear Aonghais say, "See, the Lord Lancelos, you dogs?! That is what you should be like, men, seeking to practice at every opportunity, learning the skills of the saddle, and of the spear, then you too can kill those murderous tree stumps!"

I stiffen in my saddle. It is a crude jest at best and a rank insult at worst.

I will enjoy sparring with him. Sadly, I know I cannot truly cut strips from him. He is the war leader and must be kept in good health. I simply bow to him and survey the road ahead.

Is he so arrogant that he thinks Her safety is assured simply because he is here? I shake my head. It seems that Aonghais is in need of a lesson in humility.

I hear Her advise him that I have little sense of humor and his offer to "teach" me this skill. So far I have not been impressed with the War Lord's "gift" in this regard. The humor I am aware of is for the most part childish and unworthy of a warrior.

I shake my head sadly. The lofty humor of intellect amuses me. I wonder if Aonghais can read, is not a common skill, yet I have it.