In Search of a Master

The sun was shining as always. It was almost eleven o'clock, and the knight Clavius felt his stomach rumble. He was hungry, but it was imperative that he fulfill the orders of his lord, the kind Baron Roderik Von Shift. His destination was near, and from a distance, he could already feel the gentler air, carrying the scents of flowers and someone making a dish of tabi curá, little black seeds with a unique flavor.

The nobility generally did not eat tabi curá, as they considered it food for the poor. However, in the baron's house, it was a staple, as his scholars had discovered that, besides vitamins, tabi curá was also rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc, and was a good source of fiber and protein, which were excellent for the body's health.

Clavius reached the entrance, where a massive closed gate prevented him from proceeding. He dismounted his horse and was soon greeted by a worker who took the reins from his hands, but not before asking: — Please, sir knight, wait a moment while I take your animal to a more comfortable place with plenty of feed. I will then call the master.

Clavius observed the man, who, despite being thin and wearing tattered clothes, knew how to behave very well, seeming to understand the rules of chivalry, where the animal is taken care of first, and the owner is served afterward, except if there are more people for both services.

It didn't take more than a few minutes for an obese and clumsy man to come running, almost out of breath, to attend to him. — How can I help you, sir knight? — I need someone to guide me on this farm. I am on a reconnaissance mission. Actually, it's a mission to evaluate the planting and harvesting you do here. But who are you? — He asked curtly. — I am the owner of all this that you see. My name is Ettuards. It is a pleasure to receive one of the knights of the Silver Claw Order at my humble farm. I can accompany you if you like, with the greatest pleasure. — Thank you, Mr. Ettuards, but I'd prefer not to trouble you with your duties. Could you designate someone to accompany me, please?

Ettuards didn't much like the suggestion, but he knew that displeasing a knight of such importance would be very bad for his business. — Van Vill! Come here quickly... And quickly, a neatly dressed man with a snobbish look appeared, smiling. — Mr. Ettuards, I'd like the person who accompanies me to be the same one who took my horse to rest. — But that useless man didn't treat you as you deserved, sir knight. For this, I humbly apologize. — Let that go, Mr. Ettuards, just call that man and you can return to your duties.

Van Vill took two steps forward and, addressing Clavius, said: — Sir knight, forgive my boldness in asking, but what does this man who attended you have that I do not? Know that I have much more experience in diplomacy than a mere peasant. — Van Vill, know your place and apologize to the knight right now.

Clavius signaled Ettuards to calm down and said: — Mr. Van Vill, I am Clavius, the captain of the knights of the Silver Claw Order, and I have never used diplomacy in my battles. My sword has always spoken for me. Now, answer me one thing: did your diplomacy teach you to plant, harvest, or take care of horses perfectly like a simple peasant does? — No, Sir Clavius. Now I understand why I am not useful to you. The qualities of the people who work here are unique. Any one of them will be better company for you, sir knight, in the areas they work in than I. Thank you for the lesson, Sir Clavius. I hope to be useful to you someday.

The knight was impressed by Van Vill's quick thinking, who left as quickly as he arrived. — I'll call the man you requested, Sir Clavius — offered Ettuards in good faith, ashamed of Van Vill's pretension. — It's not necessary. Just show me where he is, and I'll go to him.

And with long strides, after the large gate was opened for him, Clavius proceeded, observing everything and everyone. He walked more than two hundred meters, and from a distance, he saw the peasant who had greeted him upon his arrival at the farm. He went up to him and said: — I need you to accompany me across Mr. Ettuards' lands. — Anything in particular, sir? — Asked the peasant. — Yes, I am looking for a man who has been evading the law for a long time, and I heard that there are many places on these lands that provide good hiding spots. So please show me these places, and you will be well rewarded.

The peasant felt a shiver inside, but his eyes gave no hint of his concern. — Can you wait just a moment, sir? I need to help my wife, as she is very sick. I'll just give her medicine and return.

The peasant didn't take long and soon was leading Clavius to the possible hiding places. — And lastly, we have this cave.

And before the knight could react, a medium-sized brown bear came out in a mad attack that would easily have torn the peasant apart. But the peasant's reaction was quick: in two movements, one to dodge the claws and the other to knock the bear down with a precise blow under its jaw.

The knight, more shocked by the peasant's reaction than by the bear's appearance, asked: — Who are you, my friend? And what is your name? — I am Dondinel, a peasant with some fighting skills.

Staring firmly at him, Clavius asked: — Are you the deserter known as El Don Din, the warrior of the north wind?

The peasant wilted, extended his hands forward, and with his head down, simply said: — You can take me prisoner. Please, don't let my wife die. And don't let my son suffer in my place. — I can do that and much more, but I need you to do me a favor — the knight replied.

And stepping over the bear's body, he called him into the cave, which, with some natural openings on its side, had some light. Preparing for the worst, Dondinel asked: — What is the favor you desire of me, sir knight?

And looking firmly into his eyes, Clavius ordered: — I want you to fight with me.