more than a few minutes. When it was all over, the boy sat on the jetty, clutching his head and glaring at the legionary, who was still whimpering.
The druid wiped his hands on a clean handkerchief and walked unhurriedly over to Einar. He gave Toinen a careful once-over, then nodded with satisfaction. After that, he merely gave the legionaries a cursory glance from a distance.
‘A clean job, as always,’ remarked the druid, nodding respectfully to Einar. The healer Berren was one of the younger members of the Stairon Circle. As far as the boy knew, the man was not yet fifty, and looked to be barely thirty. Unlike the older druids, he wore his hair cut short and sported a short goatee. He would also occasionally watch Einar’s training sessions, and had even helped out on a few occasions, tending to Toinen and his brothers after particularly gruelling combat sessions. He also very often accompanied Heres, learning the secrets of the druidic art from him.
‘As usual?’ Tahon asked in surprise.
‘Oh, it’s not the first time visitors have remarked that the youngest… Well, not the youngest anymore,’ the druid corrected himself. ‘The jarl’s son doesn’t look all that strong, and that can be used to gain a bit of publicity.’ The healer smiled wryly, glancing at the defeated legionaries. ‘So far, no one’s come along who’s fared well with that strategy.’
‘Oh, don’t exaggerate,’ said Einar, suddenly feeling embarrassed. ‘There were a few really strong ones, and a couple of times I only just managed to win.’
‘I’m not exaggerating.’ The druid folded his arms across his chest and seemed in no mood to change his mind.
‘You’re a bit of a... hmmm... fighter, aren’t you?’ The beastman’s mood lightened slightly, and he even gave a faint smile.
‘It’s in my blood and how I was brought up.’ The lad spread his hands, as if to say there was nothing to apologise for.
‘Yes, the Toinens are renowned for their fighting talent, and the Ytrens for their strength and tenacity.’ The knight nodded in agreement. ‘Oh, don’t
