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again. He had
been playing with Simon like a cat playing with a mouse, but next
time he would pin him down good. He stood and looked at Robin as he
put his fist in the air to let her know he was going to win this
one.
    Once again they stood in the center and began
circling one another in the same manner as before. Merek smiled as
he praised Simon’s abilities, telling him how fast he was and how
he didn’t expect it from such a large man. Then he playfully
slapped Simon’s head a couple times to distract him.
    Simon resented his condescension and tried to
duck away each time Merek slapped him. Just at that moment, Merek
dropped down on his knees and grabbed Simon’s ankle and lifted it
up, forcing him down to the ground. The distraction had worked.
Simon grunted and lay quiet as the audience cheered. Being
distracted by the cheering, Merek didn’t see Simon pry his arm
free. He quickly twisted his body sideways and pushed Merek down,
forcing him on his back and pinning his shoulders to the
ground.
    The audience went wild. Everyone cheered. The
wrestling competition was over and Simon had won. The Freemen were
cheering and slapping one another on the back.
    Merek was exhausted. He slowly got to his feet,
shook the hand of his opponent and congratulated him. Then he
headed toward Robin.
    He shrugged his shoulders and smiled as he said,
“I guess I let a little pride get in the way, huh?”
    Robin laughed. “I’d choose you to defend me any
day, Merek.”
    He smiled. “Thanks.” Then with teasing eyes, he
said, “But I think you’d prefer that Daniel guy over me. I heard
how he came to your rescue the other day. Your father said you
really like him.”
    “What?” Robin’s mouth fell open. She turned to
her father and he just shrugged, acting innocent. “I guess the
whole town knows by now.”
    “No, not the whole town,” said Andrew with a
grin. He picked up his scabbard. “Well, I’ve got to prepare for the
sword fight. See you later.”
    Then he marched toward the arena. As he was
stretching his legs and arms, Daniel walked up and watched him with
great interest, as if trying to figure him out.
    Andrew turned toward him and smiled. “Glad to
see you here, young man.”
    “Glad to see you, too, Andrew. I was quite
surprised when I found out you were one of the contestants. I
didn’t realize you were one of Robin’s men.”
    Andrew shrugged. “It’s a cause I believe
in.”
    Daniel nodded toward Andrew’s leg as he said, “I
noticed your limp is gone. Some overnight miracle cure?”
    Andrew chuckled. “It’s best to not allow the
king’s men any suspicions. In other words, I’m a harmless old
man.”
    Daniel noticed what great shape Andrew was in as
he stretched both legs. “I understand.”
    “So, how about you? Have you joined the Freemen
or are you still deciding which group to join?”
    “Well, it depends on the competition today. If
Robin wins, I guess I’m at your disposal. If the Freemen win, then
we become one group. Right?”
    “That’s right.”
    Daniel leaned toward him and asked softly, “How
is Marie doing?”
    Andrew grinned. “She’s fine. You know she likes
you, don’t you?”
    Daniel smiled. “I sure hope so. She’s a mighty
fine looking woman, sir. And with strong convictions, too.” When he
saw Miles walk toward the center of the arena, he said, “Well, the
tournament is ready to begin. I’d better go. I wish you the best of
luck, sir. But I’m afraid you’re going to have some real
competition. Jonas is the best swordsman in the country. No one has
ever beaten him. Not only that, he’s only twenty-five. That makes a
difference.”
    Andrew laughed. “Is that so? Hmm, that makes me
twice his age. I might have to whop him with my cane.”
    Daniel chuckled. “You just might have to,
sir.”

Chapter 6
     
    The crowd cheered while others stood in
disbelief. The applause was nonstop. Had they just seen an old man
beat Jonas, the best swordsman in Cordovia? The