Ranger's Apprentice 1 & 2 Bindup Read Online Free Page B

proper training that sort of thing represents no problem. Absolutely no problem at all, my lord.’
    The Master Scribe folded his hands together into the wide sleeves of the monk-like habit he wore as he warmed to his theme.
    â€˜I remember a boy who joined us some seven years back, rather like this one here, as a matter of fact. He had that same habit of mumbling to his shoes – but we soon showed him how to overcome it. Some of our most reluctant speakers have gone on to develop absolute eloquence, my lord, absolute eloquence.’
    The Baron drew breath to comment but Nigel continued in his discourse.
    â€˜It may even surprise you to hear that, as a boy, I myself suffered from a most terrible nervous stutter. Absolutely terrible, my lord. Could barely put two words together at a time.’
    â€˜Hardly a problem now, I see,’ the Baron managed to put in dryly, and Nigel smiled, taking the point. He bowed to the Baron.
    â€˜Exactly, my lord. We’ll soon help young George overcome his shyness. Nothing like the rough and tumble of Scribeschool for that. Absolutely.’
    The Baron smiled in spite of himself. The Scribeschool was a studious place where voices were rarely, if ever, raised and where logical, reasoned debate reigned supreme. Personally, on his visits to the place, he had found it mind-numbing in the extreme. Anything less like a rough and tumble atmosphere he could not imagine.
    â€˜I’ll take your word for it,’ he replied, then, to George,he said, ‘Very well, George, request granted. Report to Scribeschool tomorrow.’
    George shuffled his feet awkwardly. ‘Mumble-mumble-mumble,’ he said and the Baron leaned forward again, frowning as he tried to make out the low-pitched words.
    â€˜What was that?’ he asked.
    George finally looked up and managed to whisper, ‘Thank you, my lord.’ He hurriedly shuffled back to the relative anonymity of the line.
    â€˜Oh,’ said the Baron, a little taken aback. ‘Think nothing of it. Now, next is …’
    Jenny was already stepping forward. Blonde and pretty, she was also, it had to be admitted, a little on the chubby side. But the look suited her and at any of the castle’s social functions, she was a much sought-after dance partner with the boys in the castle, both her yearmates in the Ward and the sons of castle staff as well.
    â€˜Master Chubb, sir!’ she said now, stepping forward right to the edge of the Baron’s desk. The Baron looked into the round face, saw the eagerness shining there in the blue eyes and couldn’t help smiling at her.
    â€˜What about him?’ he asked gently and she hesitated, realising that, in her enthusiasm, she had breached the protocol of the Choosing.
    â€˜Oh! Your pardon, sir … my … Baron … your lordship,’ she hastily improvised, her tongue running away with her as she mangled the correct form of address.
    â€˜My lord!’ Martin prompted her. Baron Arald looked at him, eyebrows raised.
    â€˜Yes, Martin?’ he said. ‘What is it?’
    Martin had the grace to look embarrassed. He knewthat his master was intentionally misunderstanding his interruption. He took a deep breath, and said in an apologetic tone, ‘I … simply wanted to inform you that the candidate’s name is Jennifer Dalby, sir.’
    The Baron nodded at him and Martin, a devoted servant of the thickset bearded man, saw the look of approval in his lord’s eyes.
    â€˜Thank you, Martin. Now, Jennifer Dalby …’
    â€˜Jenny, sir,’ said the irrepressible girl and he shrugged resignedly.
    â€˜Jenny, then. I assume that you are applying to be apprenticed to Master Chubb?’
    â€˜Oh, yes please, sir!’ Jenny replied breathlessly, turning adoring eyes on the portly, red-haired cook. Chubb scowled thoughtfully and considered her.
    â€˜Mmmmm … could be, could be,’ he muttered, walking back and forth in