by 5kops
Areck bowed to Lord Millbert and pulled the royal courier away to a respectful distance. When he was satisfied that he was no longer impugning the crusader's honor, he lowered his eyes and waited.
After finishing with the Templars, Lord Millbert concluded his business and dismissed the lower ranking knights. "Squire Areck, why are you in the citadel and not out with Lord Silvershield monitoring traffic?" He glanced at the royal courier and back to the squire, taking stock of the situation.
"I have come from the duke, my lord," Areck said and handed over the royal writ of passage. "It is news of great importance, meant for Lord Lightbringer's ears alone, by pain of death."
The crusader read the writ of passage and looked at the squire. Areck could see a touch of alarm in Lord Millbert's eyes. Areck could not be sure, but it looked like the crusader held a degree of anger at the fact his squire was being used as a courier, even if it was for the Duke of Aresleigh.
"Areck, will you please follow me?" When both men started forward, Lord Millbert held out his hand. "This is a meeting of knights, Messenger Arawnn, and though you are welcome to take shelter with us tonight, you are not allowed to follow."
Arawnn nodded in understanding, grasped Areck's arm and whispered that they would discuss plans later.
After Arawnn had left, Lord Millbert beckoned Areck to follow him and led them to the citadel's main cathedral with a grim expression.
Areck recognized the chamber—a place where younger knights spent their evenings in communion—something that illuminated a piece of God's wisdom and lent credence to the term "faith." Because of its open forum, this usually left the main cathedral dotted with knights who did not mind praising Starsgalt in front of the public. Those who prayed in the open believed that a man could not be locked away from the world if he wished greater understanding.
This, of course, was very different than most of the elder Bre'Dmorian knights, who considered serving Starsgalt in seclusion the only way to enlightenment.
This created a minor chasm in the knighthood. The older knights wished to spend their time in their private chambers, reflecting pious doctrine, while the younger knights fervently believed that the world should know of God by setting an example to the faithful.
****
It was in the latter statement which Taryon Griffonsword, known now as Lord Taryon Lightbringer, believed. He had concluded long ago that Starsgalt had given man the means to learn about the relationship God expected and the free will to decide if that relationship was correct. He even lectured 54 HUCFOGLE
on the subject—that God had created the Voice of God, the High Lightbringer, to further extend His influence into the world.
As the High Lightbringer, Taryon believed it was his job to stay away from private prayer sessions, abstain from petty- politics, and not be swayed by trivial differences. He assumed that to exemplify faith in the All-Father, a leader must be willing to kneel in subservience to God, in front of all who would watch, unafraid of heretics who would question the One God's loving embrace.
This was why the world considered Taryon a truly great religious leader, unafraid of faith and honor, a leader who knew that through his mistakes God changed the world.
He could still remember his last days as First Crusader and the event that led to his promotion to High Lightbringer almost thirty winters ago. In those days, he had been a young man of thirty-eight years and the personal attendant to Lord Thoman Lightbringer. Taryon had served his liege for well over ten years—happy with serving and helping the elder High Lightbringer in several military campaigns. In those days he had borne the brunt of the Bre'Dmorian Knighthood's rule without actually having had the stress of the tide.
Then one day it all came to an end and a new era started: lord Thoman's heart failed and he died in his sleep. The death had been shattering to Taryon, exemplified by how hard those first ten winters had been under him. Now he was a legend himself among the elder knights
Lord Taryon recalled his first order twenty-five years prior. He had sent two legions of knights, soldiers, and men-at-arms on a holy crusade into the Great Devoid. Of those twelve thousand men, only four thousand had returned from the north, many with ruined minds and bodies. The fading memory still stung his pride. Somewhere deep inside, he knew that his forces had awoken the armies of whatever godforsaken lord ruled that place. The aftermath of the crusade was a decade that had seen the ferryll pour forth from the Devoid, destroying land, blighting mountains, and quickening the pace at which the Dead Lands advanced. It had taken the full might of Arsgoth's seven legions and the entire Bre'Dmorian Knighthood to finally push the ferryll back into the dark mists of the Swamp of Corruption, a seething bog that surrounded the Devoid.
The crusades evolved Lord Taryon into the man he was now. He became a man who believed in showing rather than talking to the world, in action rather than debate, and most of all, in spreading the glory of The One True God through the world by being open about devotion.
****
Areck felt the High Lightbringer's heavenly presence wash over him, followed by his customary nausea and shame. The place bubbled with so much raw power that even Lord Millbert seemed to notice.
Such true faith, Areck thought, trying to clear the silver streaks that blurred his vision. The pain always brought confusion. As long as he could remember, he'd had trouble with sickness in the temples of God. The greater the divine power, the more trouble he had. The clerics who taught him philosophy and theology claimed that it was a lack of faith that brought the uncomfortable feelings; Areck didn't know what to think.
One day I will be worthy, Areck thought. I can feel His warmth and love. One day soon I will understand His lesson and know faith without pain.
Areck's hands trembled as the communion ended, bringing the power in the room to a head. He clenched his teeth as a stabbing pain shot through his body.
It will be over soon, Areck tried to focus. It is another lesson in humility. I should be inspired at the sight of Lord Lightbringer kneeling in reverence to the All-Father.
As the room grew still and divine essence dissipated, the High Light-bringer rose to his feet, picked up an adamantine dagger, and laced its leather sheath in place. With finely tuned patience, Lord Taryon buckled a belt and turned to face the two men who waited for him.
"Crusader Millbert," Lord Taryon said, nodding to the elder of the men. "What brings you to our glorious cathedral this fine eventide?"
Lord Millbert gave a slight bow. "My Lord Lightbringer, I apologize for interrupting your eventide prayers. Squire Areck has a writ that is to be delivered direcdy to you. I would have brought the message myself, but he has given his word to ensure it reached you by his own person." With the briefest of smiles, Lord Millbert nodded in Areck's direction.
"Stand, Squire," Lord Taryon said, gazing at the young man. "If I am not mistaken, this is your ninth year of study?"
"Yes, my lord," Areck said meekly, knowing where this was going.
"Though this is not a reprimand, son, but I am sure you are aware that giving your word before taking the Oath of Anduin is not permitted." Lord Taryon placed his hand on Areck's shoulder and looked into the young man's eyes. "However, I do appreciate your situation and sincerity. Now, what has Duke Hawkwind deemed so important that he requests an Oath from a squire?"
Areck quickly drew the duke's note from his tunic and passed it with a shaking hand over to Lord Lightbringer. He watched as the Lord of the Bre'Dmorians pulled the dagger from his belt and with a slice opened the document.
As the head of the Bre'Dmorian Order, Lord Lightbringer did not need to dismiss himself from the two men in the room. With his head bowed, he silendy read the parchment and wandered around the chamber while both men waited for orders. When his eyes finally reached the end, the High Lightbringer's face looked ashen from shock, turned crimson from anger and righteous fury, and then setded into a hardened grimace saved for the bleakest of times.
&n
bsp; Lord Taryon mumbled something and sank into a chair near the large alter. The High Lightbringer betrayed as much emotion as he ever would; his silence was a bad sign. Areck could tell by his look of consternation that the lord commander was strategizing his next move. Areck guessed that the Lord Taryon was considering the ramifications of the duke's words and with how much haste the knighthood should respond. If push came to shove, where would the Bre'Dmorian Order stand in a Council of Lineage?
"Lord Millbert, we need messengers sent to Lord Marshal Olrith and Lord Consulate Galyrn," the High Lightbringer spoke. "Also, gather the ranking officers and have them meet in the Hall of War in two hours!"
4
"YOUR HOLINESS, is there a cause for such haste?" Lord Millbert asked, surprised by the sudden interest. When Lord Taryon looked up, his brows drawn together, the crusader added, "I do not presume to question your authority, most holy lord, but it will take several hours to get the senior officers together."
Lord Taryon frowned, and then handed the parchment to Millbert, allowing the crusader to read the note:
Lord Lightbringer,
I apologise for not coming myself in this matter of great importance. Please understand that I know what I am about to discuss demands my personal attention. However; with the arrival of Courier Arawnn, the nobles of Aresleigh will have already grown suspicions regarding the information he carries. I beg your indulgence in this situation, as it must be contained until it is announced to the people.
It is my duty to impart the sad news at hand. As of ten days ago, our lord King Roderick II died from grievous wounds suffered on his yearly hunting trip. As you know, there is no heir to the throne. In an attempt to control the situation, I wish to send Lord Arawnn back to Natilinople in hopes that the Lord Constable will call a Council of Lineage here in Aresleigh.
Though the Bre'Dmorian Order does not involve itself in the trivial matters of nobility, I think it is time to state the obvious; Aresleigh has become the second most powerful city in Arsgoth. It is try family that has bled for the crown and it is my family that should rule the kingdom. In this, I seek your approval. However, I may he overstating myself and the council may not come to pass.
I am sure you are aware of the seedy implications that the powerful noble families, including the Duke of Thames, will embrace. I also think we both wish to avoid civil war. Still, you should know that one rumor has it that Duke Valimont is the assassin.
With this information in mind, there is no one in the city outside of the knighthood whom I can trust. Please dispatch a small unit of Knights to escort the courier hack to Stormwind Keep. Once there, it would he wise to send no more than tipo through the Dragonspine Mountains and on to Natalinople, as this is a mission of utmost speed. I thank yon for your support in this matter. Edelin Hawkwind Duke ofAresleigh
Lord Millbert set the note down, his face a mask of fury.
"The duke thinks he can give an order to the knighthood and dictate our actions!" Lord Millbert said with contempt. "You are not actually planning on following through this, are you, your grace?"
"Calm yourself, Lord Millbert." Once again, Lord Lightbringer had a range of emotions written on his wizened brow. "I am sure the duke did not mean to demand anything of us, only to ask."
"My Lord Lightbringer . . .!" the crusader retorted. "I mean no disrespect to our younger men; but why would the duke send a mere squire to pass along information so important, especially when he orders us to act?"
"I do see his point, Connor," said Lord Taryon quiedy. "If the duke would have come to me personally, the criers would have spread word faster than we like. Furthermore, his words have merit. Maybe this is a sign from Starsgalt. I do not pretend to understand the precise will of God or why the duke wishes to involve us in his actions, but the man does seem confident that there is trouble brewing."
"It goes against the Anduinic Code, your holiness!" Lord Millbert burst out. "We are above this and he knows it!"
"Do not presume to decipher the Code, Crusader Millbert!" Lord Taryon said, leveling his gaze upon his subordinate. "If this situation is not handled with care, there could be civil war. And that is also against the Code."
Lord Millbert lowered his gaze and flushed. "We are going to send a small contingent of knights with the courier, then?"
Lord Taryon looked thoughtful. If he sent a detachment of men with the royal courier, Duke Hawkwind would have directly given an order to the knighthood. It might be viewed that the High Lightbringer was obeying that order, compromising the bipartisan status of the Bre'Dmorian Knighthood. However, if Lord Lightbringer refused to give assistance to the duke at such a crucial moment, the kingdom might assume that the order had lost its faith in the infrastructure that it served.
The duke is a respected man, Lord Taryon thought, strategizing options. The question is, will there be war? If the nobles start to squabble for the scraps of kingship, it will not matter, and either way the situation will escalate. This may be a way to not overtly act in our politics, but to have a say nonetheless—and it will save lives.
"Yes, Lord Millbert, I will send a detachment of men with the royal courier. Please carry out my orders and gather the men," Lord Taryon said. "God is giving us an opportunity- to silently help our kingdom with a just cause. Plus, if the kingdom falls into war . . . that can only mean anarchy and a lack of faith in Him."
"As you wish, your holiness." Lord Millbert bowed and retreated with Areck close behind him.
As Areck neared the door, the High Lightbringer noticed the young man. "Squire, I require your presence. You witnessed the royal courier giving his dissertation on King Roderick's death?"
Areck lowered his eyes. "I did, Lord Lightbringer."
"I am going to ask you some questions about the information you overheard, Areck. I wish to know the character of the man who relayed the information."
"Of course, your holiness," Areck said. He recited the day's events.
By asking Areck to explain his version of events, the High Lightbringer was indulging in risky business. Lord Taryon knew that young men often lacked the experience needed to judge character. However, he also knew that Areck was not a normal student. Each of the squire's commanders had reported amazement at the young man's resourcefulness in battle, quick study in theology, and desire to assist his brethren. They were also vocal about the boy's zealous promotion of the All-Father. It was unusual, but not unheard of, that a squire even- decade or so would shine very brightly in the eyes of God. Lord Taryon knew the young man to be honorable beyond reproach in comparison to his fellow squires. He also knew that Areck, of all the men, would remember minor details about the situation. He wondered if there was a chance that Starsgalt had sent a sign in Areck, a messenger in what could fast become uncertain times.
As Areck related the day's events, Lord Taryon contemplated his course of action. The first step was to discuss the matter with Duke Hawkwind, explaining proper etiquette for approaching a fellow seat of power. He would also announce his intentions that, for the moment, the knighthood would back the Duke of Aresleigh.
The next question was, how trustworthy was this royal courier? Areck seemed to think the man was a good-hearted soul. This did not mean Arawnn had no other ties of allegiance or his own political agenda. Since the royal courier was being sent back to Natalinople by the duke, the man could not be exchanged for a more suitable messenger, one picked by the High Lightbringer.
What kind of detachment will I send? Lord Taryon wondered, listening to Areck's description of the courier's personality. It should be a company built for speed. However, I need to set an example for the good duke.
That would be the hard part, as the High Lightbringer agreed with Duke Hawkwind on the matter at hand. Still, Lord Taryon needed to find a balance and uphold his honor. Because the duke had broken protocol in more ways than one, it would be a tough compromise.
How am I going to uphold the decree of the duke, keep my honor, and
accomplish this task? Lord Tatyon shut his eyes.
When Areck finished his story, Lord Lightbringer studied the young man standing before him. As the he stared at the squire an idea came to him, one that held little danger to his knights while accomplishing his goals. Lord Taryon considered the possibilities and decided the company should consist of three knights and nine hand-picked squires. He would create this small company of twelve men, which would be led by one of his lowest ranking knight-captains. This would allow the High Lightbringer to save face, treating the issue as a training exercise for the nine lucky squires. It also respected the duke's request of a small company of men to escort the royal courier to Stormwind Keep.
The High Lightbringer could also address another issue, a nagging inquiry several months old. Deep in thought, he pulled several folded reports from one of the many pouches strapped across his body and scanned the messages: requests from the eastern town of Brenly, asking for Bre'Dmorian aid against constant raids.
Lord Tatyon smiled. His solution illustrated his power over the situation by committing untrained forces to the duke. Thirty years as High Lightbringer had taught him patience. It also made him used to considering every angle of a situation. The theory had helped him maneuver undesirable events that tested even a highly skilled man of faith.
Lord Tatyon considered the role of such a unit. It must be able to ride with the courier to Stormwind Keep unnoticed by noble scouts. The company's armored forms would dissuade most highwaymen from attempting anything illegal.
If I plan this correctly, the company will reach Stormwind within five days, Lord Tatyon thought, satisfied with his reasoning. At that point, two knights can break away from the company and escort the courier to Natalinople.