146 The Knight of Aerithor

Everyone looked at him with a great deal of interest, even his wife. “You know I have taken a vow not to shed any more blood but to live here peacefully with my wife as a family man.” He started with the whole Stuttin clan watching him eagerly. “But I nearly broke that vow today when I had to race into the forest to get my friend out of the trouble I perceived he was in.” “But now, it turns out that my friend was always in complete control of the situation. He did not need saving after all. I was worrying for nothing. Now, I have decided that I am going to appoint him forthwith as the knight of Aerithor!” There was a loud scattering of applause. Erom snapped his head up in surprise. He did not see this coming at all. “My Lord!” He dropped to the ground. “This honour, it is too much for me.” “Stand up, Erom lad.” Lara said gently. “It is not even enough for you.” The king however was not done speaking. “As the knight of Aerithor, you will be the prime minister, second in com