However, Rue proved to be a problem. He had decided to follow Brachet and become a Protector as well. He had all the cunning and wit to be a Protector, but one thing was lacking: fighting skills. Brachet had never actually seen Rue fight, and so she could not testify to his skill in battle.
So they put him to the test.
The test proved to be Rue, wearing normal, every day clothing, and fighting against someone in full armor. He had a choice of spear, club, or sword.
Rue chose the sword. He held it easily, and a sort of grace seemed to fill him as Brachet watched.
He defeated his opponent with ease. It was almost no challenge.
Then Rue had to pass an archery test, which tested his aim.
At first Rue had some difficulty, either aiming to high or too low, but he soon gained a better footing and could even manage spear throwing with fairly accurate aim.
Rue passed the test, and he and Brachet became Protectors. Brachet could almost feel her heart get lighter and her father smiling at her with pride.
But Rue and Brachet were not placed in the same divisions. Rue was given the early morning shift, and Brachet the late afternoon. But their watches were the same, both at night, and they managed to catch each other at every available opportunity.
Brachet was happy, and so was Rue, for in their love no misfortune could make them bitter. In a month or so, when Brachet was truly a woman, she and Rue were to be handfasted, or married, and then they would be able to own their own home.
Rue and Brachet, however, could not wait to be together, and so chose a little place where they could live until they were married.
Brachet was planning the ceremony. It would be small, and their clothing would be humble, but they would be together, and that was what mattered. Perhaps Calli would be home, if they could send a messenger to find her. After they were joined, Brachet and Rue were thinking of having a little girl, whom they would love and teach the ways of the Protector.
Life was very good indeed.
What happens Next?