Jerk

"You know, Jake, Reb always was stubborn. But ever since he brought Princess Elaine back, he's been different.”

Jake Garfield was standing beside Josh, his hands in his pockets. He looked small beside the tall boy, and his red hair and brown eyes formed a vivid contrast.

Jake agreed. “That's right. He's just not the same guy we've always known and liked.”

“Oh, you two are just jealous.” Abbey sniffed. She looked over to where Reb and Princess Elaine were talking underneath a brilliant banner. They stood on the jousting field, and Reb had just toppled another of the king's ablest knights. Abbey sighed and rolled her eyes. “He's so strong. But I don't see how he stands up to those big men the way he does.”

Sarah gave her a critical glance. “I think there's a little more to it than we know,” she said. “Wash, I've never believed that you told us everything about how you two managed to get Princess Elaine back. And Reb won't say anything either. What actually went on?”

Wash wanted to tell, but Elendar had sworn him to silence. “I guess I'll have to let Reb do the talking—if he wants to,” he said finally.

Dave Cooper came up just in time to hear this. He looked over toward Reb, and there was bitterness in his eyes. He was fully as tall and even stronger than Bob Lee Jackson, but he had been cast into the background by the accomplishments of the young Southerner. “Well, I think he's going to have to be taught a lesson. He's gotten so proud he's not the same guy we once knew.”

A murmur went around the group, but Josh said, “Wait a minute. We can't lose control of this thing. I know Reb has been a little hard to get along with, but most of us would be if we'd gotten the kind of attention that he's gotten. After all, he came out of nowhere to become the king's favorite.”