125 The Stuttin Secret

Erom groaned and sat up. He could see he wasn't going to get any more sleep again. The truth was that they were right, but still. “But you very well know that I have been unavoidably absent. If I am not needed by the king, then I have to attend all kinds of dinners and parties and balls.” “But that's the point,” they cried. “Our own cousin is now a national star but even we who sleep in the same house with him, barely get to see him. It isn't fair.” “It's not even about getting to see him,” another protested. “I've always wanted to learn how to use a sword but there's no one who will teach me or even has my time.” Erom sighed. “Okay, but what is it about waking me up this early?” “We don't know what will happen,” they responded slyly. “You could get called away by the king at first light or something. So we have to grab you first. See, we have even cut sticks already. Isn't that what you experts ask us to do first? We should first use sticks before we move to really swords?” Th