14th Winter 512 AV 7th Bell, 25 Chimes
The morning sun cascaded from the heavens and filtered down through all the eastward windows of the sprawling city. Shafts of gold light fell upon floors, tables, empty beds, stone basins, and in the case of Ser Arkale, his shining armor and single sword pin. It had already been a few seasons, and the fact he was now a Sylrian Knight still was not any easier for him to believe. It seemed like yesterday he had left behind his family in Zeltiva, and now he was one of the honor bound Knights he had spent his childhood studying. With a boyish grin, he quickly donned his armor and made his way down and out of the barracks. After all, Knights don't get paid to gawk at their armor.
Walking with a purpose, and with his chin in the air, Arkale finally felt...accomplished. Something he had never once felt back in Zeltiva. The life of a University scholar was nowhere near this exciting, or rewarding for that matter. He halted midstep. What was he really here for? The Reward? Sure a good wage, not to mention what ever items of value were confiscated from the vicious enemies he was promised to fight, was appealing, but was really the only reason he signed up? He liked to think not, after all, a Knight does not partake from the well of avarice. Gold Rimmed Mizas simply cloud a Knight's judgement and dilute the honor the hold in such regard.
A burst of laughing and squealing broke his train of thought, and seconds later, a gaggle of children came rushing through, playing with wooden swords and wooden shields, pretending to be Knights off on some grand adventure. One of the boys Arkale knew, he was a short, sandy blonde haired lad that Arkale had seen several times sneak in and watch as the Knights sparred of did riding drills. He ever swore he saw the boy try and join as a squire, but of course he was turned away due to his young age. His spirit was admirable though, and it gave Arkale hope.
"Hail! Marius! C'mere a chime!" Arkale shouted over to the boy. The Knight chuckled, for the boy dropped his head to his shoulders as though his mother had caught him stealing sweets from her pantry.
"Yes, Ser?" The would-be squire quipped as he jogged over. "We wasn't anything doin, honest!" Guilt in his voice marked him a liar, but Arkale just ignored it. Boys will be boys and what not.
"Be careful with those swords there, I know they are wood, but even wood can break bones, trust me, I know." Arkale dropped down to a knee so he was level with the lad. Stealthily, the Knight reached a hand into his gem-purse and pulled out a pair of Gold-rimmed Mizas and pressed them into the boy's palm. "Why don't you and your friends head over to the Bazaar and buy a few sweets. But in the name of the Windoak, do not-listen to me Marius- do not, tell your mother."
Arkale had seen the woman on one occasion, when Marius had been escorted home after sneaking into the Knights quarters. She marched right up to the escort, of which Arkale was one, and thanked them for saving and protecting her son; however, as she walked away, Marius' ear caught between her forefinger and thumb, Arkale shuddered. This woman was so imposing he would wager that she could make the worst possible nightmares that crawled forth from the void feel ashamed of the wrong doings they have committed and promptly sit in the corner to think about their misdeeds.
As the money changed hands, Arakle saw a spark alight in Marius' eyes. The boy thanked him and ran off with his friends, showing them the money he just received from the Ser Knight. A smile crossed the young Knight's face as he raised back to his feet and started off towards the stables.
Flynton was easy to spot, well, Arkale thought so anyway. Most Knights claimed that all Sungolds look alike, but that was because they were used to their breed of horse, just as Arkale was used to Sungolds. Ever since he joined the Knights and chose a Sungold as his companion, he had developed a rather large attachment to his horse, as well as a love for the breed. Paladin trotted around the ring shaped enclosure, along with a few other horses. Arkale assumed it was something of a daily routine. As he approached the enclosure, he gave a sharp whistle, and Flynton instantly broke away from the rest of the horses and trotted over to the fence, where Arkale was waiting with an apple.
"Sorry I can't take you out today, Ser. Simple city patrol doesn't require a mount. Don't you worry though, I'll take you riding before you know it." He did this every day, came to visit his horse. Though a few of the other Knights have taken to teasing him about it, especially calling his horse "Ser."
The horse isn't a Knight, Arkale! You don't have to call him Ser!
Mages...I don't think I will ever understand them.
And other such things were said, but Arkale took it in stride. If nothing else, Arkale learned at a young age to be kind and caring to animals. They share this world with us, and to treat them anything less than equals is ignorant. Echoed the voice of his late Grandfather in his head.
"Right then. I have a patrol to get to. I will see you this eve, Ser." Arkale gave the Sungold a pat on his side before turning to head towards the Bazaar.
[Transaction: -2 GM (charity)] |
|