ABACUS by Chris McGowan

cool. Some of the others are okay too. But I want more from life than sitting around talking with the girls and playing with children.”
    â€œMaybe you’ll meet Sir Galahad, you know, get married,” he joked, but she wasn’t amused.
    â€œLook, the last few weeks have been better than I expected. But I want to get back to our own world. I want to take a shower, text my friends, watch TV—”
    â€œLet’s try it again.” AP checked the settings. “Are you ready?” he asked, finger poised.
    Kate, dreading disappointment, nodded and grabbed his arm. AP pressed the button. Nothing. He tried again. Still nothing.
    AP tucked away the abacus and they continued walking. A dove sang a mournful song to the sky.
    â€œGuess what Arthur said on the way home?” AP began, after a long silence. “Medoc is getting frail and has only a few years left. Arthur asked if I’d take his place—he trusts me.”
    â€œLaying that on a twelve-year-old is a bit unfair.”
    â€œSo what will he do when Medoc’s gone?”
    â€œHe’ll manage. You said he makes the right decisions by himself.”
    â€œBut he thinks he needs help. Before the battle, he was so unsure. What if I hadn’t been there?”
    Kate snorted. “You’re really sold on this mystic thing! Do you want to be the power behind the throne?”
    â€œNo!” AP protested. “I just…feel sorry for him.”
    As they headed for the fort, Kate told him about the planned victory feast. She was bursting to share something else too. AP recognized the signs—Kate was hopeless at keeping secrets.
    â€œOkay,” he said. “What’s the big news?”
    â€œI can’t tell you. It’s private.”
    â€œSo what’s Gwendolyn’s secret?”
    â€œWho said anything about Gwendolyn?”
    â€œCome on—I know it’s about her!”
    Kate hesitated. “Promise not to tell anyone.”
    AP gave his word.
    Kate looked around furtively, even though nobody was in sight. “Gwendolyn’s expecting a baby!”
    â€œThat’s nice,” he said with a shrug.
    â€œIs that all you can say? I’ve just given you the most amazing news.”
    â€œWell, she is married.”
    â€œOh, why did I even bother?” Kate groaned. “I can see my secret’s safe with you.”
    * * *
    On the day of the feast, people were in a festive mood. Those not involved in the preparation—most of the men—relaxed and enjoyed themselves. Arthur spent the morning with AP, working on his swordsmanship.
    â€œI see an improvement,” said Arthur. “You’re sidestepping well, and parrying my sword. Let’s work on your attack.” Holding his own weapon upright to fend off AP’s blade, Arthur instructed him on lunging.
    AP swung the sword toward Arthur’s right shoulder. The two weapons met with a deafening clang. AP immediately raised the blade and aimed in the opposite direction.
    â€œGood!” shouted Arthur.
    They continued for several minutes, until Arthur noticed AP was tiring.
    â€œLet’s take a rest.”
    â€œNo!” AP defied, and continued lunging with renewed determination.
    â€œEnough!” bellowed Arthur. “You’ll injure yourself. We will rest.”
    Slumping to the ground beside his mentor, AP panted to catch his breath.
    â€œIf I had a son I’d want him to be like you,” Arthur declared, patting him on the shoulder. “You’ve got courage. You refuse to let your small size stop you.” He paused, “So, will you be Medoc’s successor?”
    AP thought long and hard before answering. “Kate and I may be going away,” he began uncertainly. This caught Arthur off guard. “If we stay though, I’d be honored to do so.”
    Arthur smiled, wistfully. “I can’t ask more than that.” A comfortable silence followed.
    â€œI may