Page 5 of Highland Guard
“But I only have a piece of wood. Astupidostick against someone with a sword.”
“It doesn’t matter what weapon you hold. It is how you use it. A soldier with the best sword who does not know how to wield its power is as good as dead the moment they step onto the battlefield. Remember, Goliath was defeated by a mere boy with stones and a sling.”
Naomi rolled her eyes. Trust Brother Mateo to turn everything into a biblical lesson.
Mateo took her staff from her and said, “You want to know what turns this into a lethal weapon?”
Naomi nodded.
“On its own it seems unassuming, why tis just a solid stick made of oak. Something to aid with walking and moving about. What harm can it do?” Mateo spun it around, almost whimsically.
Naomi watched him warily as he circled her and continued. “But, in the right hands, and with the right skill,” — He flicked it up into the air and held it like a spear, then hurled it at a tree several meters away where it lodged and split the trunk. — “it can maim and kill in a heartbeat.”
Naomi gasped and stared wide eyed.
Brother Mateo walked over to the staff and pulled it out of the tree. He spun it around again and, in a sequence of fast moves, hit inanimate objects in his path with ease. “Never underestimate the element of surprise, because your enemies will not know how dangerous you really are until it’s too late.”
Brother Mateo handed her the staff, and Naomi finally understood. She took a deep breath and said, “No more excuses. I am ready to learn.”
***
Chapter 2
1048 Present Day
Boarsheid Tavern, Glencoe, Scotland
Kieran MacKenzie wasnot by nature a violent man... unless provoked. Right then, he could feel his eye twitch with irritation as he tried to control his temper. But he knew it was a losing battle because if there was one thing he could not stomach, it was when someone threatened something he loved.
In a crowded tavern, the object of his affection was his cup of ale. Unfortunately, the contents now dampened the wooden floor thanks to being bumped off the table by unruly patrons brawling close by.
Kieran stood, took a deep breath then roared above the din, “Who spilled my ale?” His menacing presence and enormous form caused the men to pause mid swing before everyone pointed at the culprit closest to him and shouted, “He did!”
No sooner were those words spoken, Kieran charged forward, picked the man up and threw him out the door. He then scanned the room and growled, “Who’s next?”
The tavern quietened down, a sure sign no one was game to rile the surly Highlander any further. The effect was the crowd dispersed as everyone gave him a wide berth.
