The Trinity of Heroes (I Will Protect You Book 1) by Jared Mason Jr., Justin Mason Page A

to meet you, Lawrence.”
    Lawrence began to return to the table with four filled mugs in his hand. The festive atmosphere of the Silver Shield seemed to melt away the heavy feelings he carried around. The bards played a happy tune, there was more cheerful conversation than he could listen to, and it was his good friend’s birthday. For those few hours he could escape all the bothersome worries of his uncertain future, his absent father, and his sick mother that plagued him throughout the day.
    Lawrence noticed a man and a woman sitting at the way back of the crowded bar hunched over a game of chess. The man wore a cloak and Lawrence couldn’t make out his face. The woman was strikingly beautiful. Lawrence was amazed at all the activities and different characters that could be found at the Silver Shield; it really was one of the best gathering places in all of Forme.
    “Alright boys, who’s coming out with me tonight to our secret spot after this?” Lawrence asked as he handed everyone their drinks.
    Benni got a disappointed look on his face. “Lawrence, I really can’t tonight. I have to get up really early tomorrow to help my father finish that masonry job over on the other side of Haile before training.” He then turned to Razzius. “What about you, Grimm?”
    Razzius shook his head and replied, “Lawrence, I wish I could, but I’m just not feeling well. Maybe another time?”
    Lawrence got the feeling that they were dodging the opportunity on purpose, but he didn’t really mind.
    “What do you mean ‘secret spot’?” Elsie chimed in suddenly.
    “It’s nothing, it’s not important,” Lawrence said, trying to hide his excitement that she seemed intrigued by the idea.
    “Lawrence, tell me what it is!” Elsie pleaded, giving him a look he couldn’t resist for long.
    “Alright, Elsie, fine. The secret spot is where we go once in a while to watch the stars. It is believed to be one of Forme’s most beautiful sights,” Lawrence explained like he expected Elsie to not be interested. He was hoping just the opposite.
    “Well, are you going to show it to me?” Elsie questioned earnestly.
    Lawrence’s heart fluttered and even skipped a beat. He struggled to contain his excitement. Of course he would show her; this was just the opportunity he was hoping for, a respite to a quiet, serene place where he could really get to know Elsie Pyre personally.
    Just as Lawrence was about to answer Elsie’s request, however, a group of people burst through the door to the Silver Shield. Two of the men wore black hoods that hid their faces while a familiar face led them through the crowd. It was Phillip and he looked preoccupied and annoyed, as if he were hurrying to finish a last-minute errand. Suddenly, his voice erupted over the crowd, “Elsie Pyre, where are you?!”
    The sound of his voice caused Elsie to lower her head and mutter, “Is there any place where he cannot find me?”
    Phillip weaved his way through the crowd. As he came upon Elsie and the rest of the squires he said, “Elsie, I thought I might find you here, mistakenly mixed in with the local trash. It’s time to go home, my dear.” Phillip reached out aggressively and grabbed her arm and proceeded to pull her from her chair.
    Elsie turned to Phillip as he forced her to her feet. She yanked her arm away from him and said sternly, “What part of ‘leave me alone’ do you not understand, Phillip?! Stop following me around everywhere! I don’t want to go with you!”
    A dark look crossed Phillip’s face. His two associates approached from the sides to offer assistance. “Elsie, my dear,” Phillip paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing, “my father has paid very handsomely for your hand, and I will be damned if you are going to speak to me like this!” He grabbed her arm again and continued, “Three years ago your father came to mine asking for help. The trade routes west of Haile are blocked and there was no way for Haile to keep up its