You’re walking in pitch darkness that even your elven eyes cannot disperse. It is slow, but you’re moving forward through the darkness. Suddenly and from nowhere a face is before you. You know that face; it is the face of one of the most senior Knights of the Rose in Dragonword Keep.

As he passes you by, you notice that the darkness has lifted a little. When you’re walking down the middle of the corridor you can see both walls now, though even the slightest move in either direction makes the other wall disappear in darkness. You still cannot see the floor or the ceiling.

Having walked some distance, your foot kicks something on the floor and it skitters away in the darkness. As you bend your knees and bow a little, the hewn stone floor is soon in view. You walk that way for a few yards before you find the box.

As you pick up the box you note that it clearly is of elven workmanship. You open it and note a mirror and a revolving elf, and at the same time it plays a tune that pierces your soul and embeds itself into your consciousness.

Bringing the music box with you, you now note that you can see even further. Both walls are clearly seen, no matter where in the corridor you are, and the floor is seen just as clearly.

After a little while you turn a corner and bump into a female Silvanesti elf. She coughs into her left hand, excuses herself, and passes you by. As you look back towards her, you note the white gossamer robes of a wizard of High Sorcery she's wearing and her silver white hair, a nimbus that tumbles down her bare ivory shoulders.

As you keep looking at her, you note that you can barely see the ceiling now. And you turn around and continue until you reach a door, that opens easily. You are outside on a hill illuminated only by the crimson light of Lunitari. Some distance before you, you see a temple. And you just know that this temple has been both abandoned and desecrated.

The bright white moon of Solinari begins to reveal itself and as you walk down the hill you run into a kender. He’s different than any other kender you’ve met and you conclude that he must be one of the afflicted kender that you’ve heard about. One affected by the machinations of the red dragon overlord Membakar.

As you part ways, Solinari is at its peak and you can see further than you have been able to lately. In the distance you can see a volcano. And having seen the volcano, the sun is in the skies. It is morning.

And you wake up.

You sit up in your bed, tangled in its sheets, and covered with sweat. It is the third night in a row you’ve had this dream.

Marcus rises from his bed with the swift sureness of movement of a warrior born. He quickly makes up the simple bed and dresses in the simple white tunic and trousers that are his usual clothing around the keep. He makes his way quickly to the shrine deep within the heart of the castle. He sinks to his knees and offers his prayers to Paladine, ignoring the other knights and priests doing the same. He opens his mind and feels the familiar warm connection to his god. A gentle rush of heat flows through his body, rejuvenating him more than his evenings sleep would have even without the dreams. He watched images of goodness pass through his mind, but for some reason they started to change. He started to see the images that he had witnessed in his dream. The volcano roared, the Silvanesti wizard passed before him. But more than anything the image of the abandoned temple burned itself into his mind. He felt an intense sadness at the sight, and he wondered briefly if the sorrow was his alone, or was being shared by Paladine himself. His brow furrowed at the thought, and he looked around to see if his Lord was present. Of course, he knew that he would not be. A knight as mighty as the High Clerist would not pray at the public shrine, he had his own place to pray in his quarters. Feeling his peace of mind shattering at the disturbing thoughts, he decided that he would speak to his Lord about it when he saw him later in the day. If anyone could interpret the dreams it would be Lord Eisen. Othe rthan his parent's of course. Bu this was not soemthing that he felt inclined to discuss with them, even if they were closer than their home in Palanthas. He rose and headed towards the mess hall to break his fast.

Marcus had lived in Dragonword Keep for five years now. And for the seven previous years, he had lived in a much smaller keep, much closer to his parents in Palanthus.

There he had had many arduous chores, that at times Marcus felt had come upon his plate because no one else wanted to do them and he was at the end of the line.

One of those things was eating. For while the lord and the lady, the warriors and the ladies in waiting, as well as sundry others, were eating, Marcus had to serve them. And he could eat later, when there was time. And if there wasn’t time, he just had to skip eating. It was a small keep and few pages to do what needed to be done.

As a page, he also spent time with the lady of the house, to learn the things he was supposed to know and didn’t learn from doing his chores. Things like the ways of the upper class, how to behave, the characteristics of a knight, how to read, write, and count, as well as additional languages.

His parents also took the opportunity to teach him about the gods in great detail, opening up the path of service, in ways that few others could ever experience. But any battle training he got at this time, was more on his “spare” time when he played knight with some of the other kids.

But as Marcus’ interest for religion grew and as his interest to serve Paladine became more apparent, it was decided that he would become a squire to Eisen Dragonword and be transferred to the Dragonword Keep, on the shores of Thoradin Bay and north of Kalaman, to finish his preparation.

And then things changed.

For even though he technically still was a page and he still performed many different duties, he now ate with the others, leaving that service to the younger ones, and the maids.

Now Marcus was trained in how to fight on purpose, by those that already were knights. And as there were many squires to be at Dragonword Keep, they were trained together by various knights, depending on exactly what they were learning.

Marcus was the most fortunate of all of them. As most of the pages learned directly from the High Clerist only monthly if that often, Marcus had the privilege to spend about an hour a day with the King, something that had started as soon as it was clear that Marcus was to be a champion of Paladine. Sometimes it was very late at night; sometimes it was before the sun had graced the keep with its rays.

And though Marcus had his assigned seat at the low end of the table, showing that he had little importance in the keep, he could eat mostly when he wanted to and not have to wait on others. And that was what things had been for the past five years, though His Majesty had allowed Marcus to spend some time in Qualinost to learn the ways of his elven blood.

Most of his days were now spent in martial pursuits, but he also studied the ways of the gods. And performed his duties.

The mess was large as one of the largest armies of the Solamnic Knights were stationed there, as it was the eastern border and the forces of evil had come that way before. And as he was of noble blood, he could even eat in the main hall, where those of lesser blood could eat only if invited by the King.

As the High Clerist, the King had to spend much time in the High Clerist Tower, and he always brought some of his squires and squires to be with him when he went there.

Marcus had been with him there this time, but he and a few others had been sent home early and they had arrived about a week ago. The King was expected to arrive this evening.

Marcus took his customary seat at the far end of the table in the dining hall. He gestured for a page to bring food, which turned out to be a rich soup with freshly baked bread. The young page looked curiously at Marcus as he served him, though Marcus was so used to this that he barely noticed. Half-elves were very rare, and especially so among the Knighthood. For many of the young men serving in the hall, he would be the first and possibly only elf they ever saw. He took a bite of the bread, then watched carefully as the other pages made their way around the hall. One of the duties of a squire was to help supervise the younger pages, and he earned a reputation as a stern taskmaster, though one who acknowledged when the tasks were well carried out. Marcus turned his attention to his meal, and he quickly wolfed it down. It was far coarser than the food he had grown up with. Although he ate somewhat similar food that his father preferred, his mother always ate the delicacies favoured by the elves of Qualinesti. Still, he reflected briefly, the Knighthood had taught him that one could get by on anything even remotely edible if it meant that you would survive to complete your mission. The food here was simple but filling, and the warmth in his belly would keep him going through his arduous duties of the day. On top of his normal activities, elementary estate management and use of the lance were his main lessons, he also had to ensure that everything was prepared for the arrival of the High Clerist. He knew that most of the members of the Keep were doing much the same thing today, but he also knew that he drew the personal attention of the King, and that if anything were amiss then he would be dressed down for the lapse. He reviewed his first tasks, having been taught to concentrate on one task properly done at a time, instead of doing many tasks half-heartedly. First he would ensure that the King's chambers were in a fit state for his use, and then he would check that the stables were ready to receive the large number of horses that were part of the King's retinue. As he thought through his duties, he absentmindedly started to hum the tune he had heard in his dream coming from the music box.

[OOC: There are more “manly” things for Marcus to do than prepare the King’s bedchambers, such as the King’s horse.]

Though watching over the pages actually wasn’t one of Marcus’s duties, no one had ever reprimanded him for doing so. The pages themselves recognized that he had more authority than they had, and though he was stern he was fair and complimenting when compliments were due, not that their real taskmasters always agreed with his compliments.

And why those who had authority over the pages hadn’t approached him about his extracurricular activities, they had never told him.

In the stable, where the horses needed to be taken cared of early every morning, there were pages and stable hands doing most of the work. But as a squire needs to be able to take care of his master’s needs in the field, he must be able to take care of his master’s horse. And many believed that Marcus would join the retinue of the King’s main squires who took care of all of his needs, while the other squires more closely served the other knights living in the Keep.

But where most boys spent three years in preparation of becoming a squire, Marcus had already spent five. And though he knew it was because he as a half elf matured slower, he also knew that most humans his age in the Order had already become knights.

As Marcus went about his duties in the stable, he noted the Knight of the Rose that had been in his dream, he was inspecting the horses, something Marcus had never seen him do before. And next to him was the supervisor of the stables, his King’s man through and through.

“I assume everything is in order,” the knight asked.

“Of course my lord,” the supervisor said. “We run a tight ship here and the pages do their jobs.”

“I have just received word that the His Majesty expects me to bring the horses from Khur in Lord Mathar’s stead. I’m sure he had made plans on who to bring, but I’d like to pick them myself. Will you talk to them?”

“I will speak to the squires,” the supervisor said. “Have you considered who you will take with you?”

“Some of them yes, but not all of them.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:08, Tue 26 June 2007.

Marcus found that the pages and servants had taken care of matters satisfactorily, and he headed for the stables in ordoer to ensure that the King's own horses were being properly cared for. He found them to be well, and so he pulled down one of the King's saddles. He took a rag and some oil from a table and sat down on a hay bale. He started to oil the leather to keep it supple. He knew that the King preferred this saddle for hunting, so he always took special care with it, along with his war saddle. It was while oiling the saddle that he heard the Knight he had dreamed about speaking with the Master of the Horse. He tried not to eavesdrop, but the twomen made no secret of their discussion. Marcus's ears pricked up at the news. Perhaps he would be selected to escort the horses. He had visited Khur only once, and considered it a generally lackluster town. But it would make a definite change of pace from the sedate and ordered life in the Keep. Marcus looked down at the saddle in his hands. The light shone back at him from the brown leather, though he noticed that he had spilled a little on a buckle. He used a corner of the rag to clean the buckle off. The King was the sort of man who would notice such tiny details, and had many subtle ways of expressing his displeasure at such poor work.

Marcus sighed and put the saddle back, then tossed the rag back onto the table. He walked outside and looked up at the sky. He was about due for sword drill. He ran back to his room and buckled on his sword, then ran back down again to see Sir Veldan in the courtyard. He arrived, panting from the exertion of running up and down all the stairs, just as the older knight arrived. He opened the gate for the older man to enter the fighting yard before him, then closed it after he also entered. The older knight looked at Marcus with a fathomless gaze as he stroked his moustaches, then fluidly drew his sword and barked, "On guard!" Marcus fumbled for his blade, drawing it as quickly as possible and parrying a thrust made at his head. Veldan was a capable warrior, but he had a reputation as a merciless teacher. Marcus knew that he would have to fight to the maximum of his ability to satisfy his instructor. "A knight must always be ready to fight, no matter how tired he is, and no matter how peaceful the gathering," the knight lectured. "When a knight fights, he always fights to the death. Defeat is never acceptable. Surrender is unthinkable." Marcus knew that this would be a brutal session, as Veldan seemed intent on forcing him to his very limits to ensure that Marcus would not break under pressure. With a sudden lunge both men closed and swords rang out around the courtyard. The training began in earnest.

[Private to GM: Sorry about the misunderstanding. I didn't mean that Marcus cleaned the king's bedroom, I meant that he checked to ensure thast it had been cleaned properly by the servants and pages. I am trying to remember all of the duties that a squire might have to perform.]

[Private to Marcus Valarian: Misunderstandings happen and as long as people come to an understanding in the end and there are no hurt feelings, than that is great too in my book. I think you're doing great, and about remembering what a squire does, that sounds like you've been a squire a long long time ago, or something. As we go through this introduction, I'll correct you from time to time, to bring things in line with my vision of things, and I hope you're okay with that. And hopefully we can get any further misunderstandings resolved too.]

[OOC: Khur is a nation and it's located on the other side of Ansalon, almost as far away from Solamnia as you can come.]

Running back to his room, Marcus picked up his training sword, that had the same size, weight, and handling capabilities as a real sword, but these were used in practice to keep the pages and squires safe.

On the way to the training grounds, he saw one of the King's granddaughters walking down the hall with one of her handmaidens.

"I heard that Lord Mathar wasn't making the trip to Khur," Gina told her handmaiden. "And I was able to make sure I will be on that trip too. As soon as word gets out he will be swamped by requests to join the expedition.

The handmaiden giggled, but you couldn't hear any further reply as they turned a corner and were gone.

Gina was very beautiful, and she knew it. And coupled with her name, it was expected that every bachelor of sufficient high standing had asked, or would ask, for her hand in marriage. So far this 19 year old girl hadn't paid any of her suitors that great interest. Two generations ago, Gina's maternal grandmother was the most beautiful woman in Solamnia. Many, if not all, agreed that Gina filled her late grandmother’s shoes in this regard.

But rumors had it that she, like rumors had said about her mother, was being trained in the unarmed arts in a small monastery further north. And that she was more than willing to use her talents to best others, though Marcus had never seen anything. In particular the rumors spoke of the fact that she liked arm wrestling and that she'd never lost.

Marcus came to the sword training area at about the same time as Sir Veldan and opened the door for him. All the other squires and pages were already there.

"On guard," Sir Veldan barked at Marcus and the others while slashing at his head. Fortunately Valarian was able to parry the attack. It was going to be one of those days. But with Sir Veldan, who was the King's man through and through, most days were that kind of day.

On Sir Veldan's order, they all gathered in a circle and placed their swords on the ground, with the points inward, to begin their warm up. Fingers. Hands. Forearms. Arms. Toes. Feet. Legs. Body. Neck. Stamina. All to get the body going and make sure that the knights-to-be were in the best shape they possibly could be.

And they practiced. How to stand. How to move. How to strike and strike well. They even got to practice those attacks on each other, rotating after a given number of strikes, so that they could face all of the others and make sure that various height and length of arm was something they would expect in time of war and that they would be ready for it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:29, Thu 21 June 2007.

Marcus went through the motions with more interest than even he normally did. Although dedicated at all times, the thought that squires were being selected for escort duty had him working harder than normal to gain the favourable eye of the older knights. He fought with speed as much as strength, a lesson learned from the elves, and one that often gave him the advantage against his physically stronger peers. He had much of the slender build of his mother's people, and knew that he could never match the Solamnic humans for brute strength. But he had seen the elven partisans fight, and they were lethal in battle. Their speed and precision made it difficult for an enemy to make contact, and their lumbering movements made it simple for the elves to land a killing strike. Marcus had learned some of the elven fighting techniques, though it was only now, as his fighting skills and wisdom were blossoming, that he understood some of the things he had been taught in the forests of Qualinesti. His movements were more fluid and unpredictable than the more rigid human squires used, which had allowed him to rise to become one of the finest swordsmen among the squires. He knew that he still could expect a long squirehood before being knighted, and it took all of his elven patience to stifle a surge of frustration. These boys around him were years his junior. Those he had started training with were all now either knights, or had fallen in battle. Marcus had never been permitted to take part in a real battle, excepting minor skirmishes on patrol. He knew that he lacked some of the maturity that his human peers possessed, as elves retain their childhood for far more years than humans. And he also knew that his holy studies were holding him back a little, taking precious hours each day away from time that could be spent practising more martial pursuits.

Marcus started thinking about the escort mission, which led him to concentrate on the voice that he had last heard speaking of it. Gina was the talk of the squire's groups. Every young nobleman in the castle, and not a small number of the older ones, had made a fool of himself while trying to draw her attention. Marcus himself had started to look at her differently than he had not so long ago. The girl had blossomed into a flower sofine and delicate that even the half-elven youth could not fail to notice. He had not tried to push his suit, as had so many of the more brash boys. But it also meant that he had not been rejected, as had each of them. But he took the opportunity to exchange pleasantries more frequently, and even to pause for conversation. He was not sure if it was his imagination, but she did appear to be marginally more friendly to him than the curt fashion she dealt with many others. Perhaps it was the fact that she too was related to a Godsbringer. They were a celebrated group, and even their relatives were held to be somewhat different to others, though to nowhere near so great a degree as the Godsbringers themselves.

Marcus's eyes tore back into focus as a burning sting crossed his chest. He almost dropped to the ground, struggling for breath. His inattention had allowed his opponent, Jarrad, to land a solid blow into his body. He remembered that he had handily beaten Jarrad only the previous week, and obviously the other squire had taken the opportunity to repay him. Marcus forced himself back upright and stood silently as he waited for the stinging rebuke from the instructor, who could not have failed to notice his inattention and the consequences.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:05, Thu 21 June 2007.

[OOC: You are more than welcome to post in the main thread too, we can run this one in parallel if you like. The main thread is the most important one though.]

The scolding Marcus expected, did not fail to materialize. Words of focus and honor and responsibility and death were used to drive home his point.

And then they rotated and the practice continued.

As they were coming to the close of their time, Sir Veldan gathered them in a circle again. And starting with him, each of them counted from one to ten, all of them saying the word ten together and on each number they did a certain strike. And each time the circle completed, Sir Veldan told them the strike they were going to do in the next round of the circle. This day they did four rounds and they were 11 people in the circle.

As the fourth, and last, revolution of the circle came to an end, they all counted from one to ten together, continuing in making their strikes.

As they ended, Marcus noted that the largest citizen of Dragonword Keep was watching them. He was close to 8 feet tall and weighed nearly 500 lbs. He was the minotaur Galdar, who in many human lands wouldn't have been given the time of day. But things were different here.

There was a shrine of Kiri-Jolith on the grounds and Galdar was the ranking cleric of that shrine. And though the concept of honor was just as important to the minotaurs as it was to the Solamnic Knights. And despite the revision of the Measure Gunthar and Ehre had worked on, there was still prejudice among the knights and Galdar was just as unwelcomed there as he would have been if he returned to the islands.

But things were different in Dragonword Keep, the King had his ideas that kept him on the edge of propriety, and was one of the reasons for the schism between him and his younger brother, the Grand Master and Godsbringer.

Some expected, and had expected for some time now, that Eisen Dragonword, like his father, would go too far when his wife no longer was around to ground him in tradition. Just as it had with the father.

Galdar stood there, greeted all of them by name as they passed him. Smiling as Marcus came closer. The shrine to Kiri-Jolith was the closest to Marcus’ quarters and the second largest in the Keep, only surpassed by the magnificent shrine to Paladine. It was an important role Galdar had been given and though many of the young men had given word to more or less plausible scenarios and reasons for why he was here, some even judging him before the years at Dragonword Keep kicked such notions out of them.

But Marcus had never been one of them [I hope you don't mind me saying so] and Galdar appreciated that. In the same way he appreciated those that chose to serve their god much closer than the average man.

Marcus took the berating stoically, then returned his concentration to his training. He endured the rotational training, though he had always felt quietly that training was only useful when it was against a retaliating opponent. He managed to break a sweat during the training, and decided that if his duties allowed then he would take a moment for a quick dip in the stream running not far from the keep. It wouldn't do to meet the King while smelling like a three week dead gully dwarf.

Marcus easily spotted Galdar as he started to leave the training field with the other squires. He raised his blade in salute and greeting, and a slight smile touched his lips. He detoured towards the huge priest, keeping an eye on his instructor and the other squires, in case he should eb required for further instructions or training. "Greetings, Servant of the Warrior of Heaven. It looks like a fine day. All the better if we get the chance to enjoy some active service. I overheard that they are selecting a few squires to accompany a small escort force. Hopefully they will decide to send me. It does not do one good to stay in one place for too long." He paused in his carefree discussion, and in a more hesitant tone asked, "Have you heard from my father lately? I suppose that he is checking up on me again. I thought he stopped that soon after I became a page, but now that I am a squire I suppose that he is keeping a closer eye on me again. Must be checking that I am not letting the family name down," he said, trying to keep any hint of bitterness from his voice. He looked up at the bovine features of the priest of his father's order. In many ways Galdar reminded him of his father. Stubborn but honourable, and totally devoted to both Kiri-Jolith and the good of the Knighthood. It was long discussions with Galdar over the last couple of years that had led to him renewing contact with his father. He had allowed himself to become silently distant for some time, but now they were on speaking terms, though still not terribly warm. Although he respected his father, Lucius was of such high position that it made it difficult for Marcus to be able to relate to him. He shuffled his feet in the dirt as he waited with part hope and part dread to hear if Galdar had heard from the Chosen Prophet of his god.

[Private to GM: I was meaning to post in the main thread, but have been terribly busy the last few days. I agree with how Marcus treats Galdar, it makes sense for the character. I also have no problem with you correcting me on details of Marcus's training and the knighthood. Feel free to let me know of anything I have not got quite right.]

Because of the rare colors of Galdar’s charcoal fur and crimson mane, what Marcus remembered most clearly about Sargonnas was that he appeared to the minotaurs either with charcoal or crimson fur. And he had considered how having both present in a priest of Kiri-Jolith must be a thorn in the evil god’s side.

Galdar was wearing his vestment of gold and bronze, his copper medallion of faith, a silver nose ring and two earrings in his right ear, one brass and the other platinum. And despite his own additions to his clothing, it was clear for all to see that Galdar was a Jolithan priest.

And though rumors spoke of a debt of honor between the priest and the King, Marcus had not heard the truth of the matter from either of them.

“Greetings my friend,” Galdar replied. “I have heard the same, but by the Emperor if you wait for an invitation you won’t be going. Rumors have started to go around the Keep that Lady Gina is joining the expedition and Lord Brightblade will be hounded by requests before supper. Not that you have to worry about that anyway, as you technically aren’t a squire yet, merely training to become one. Though speaking to His Majesty might rectify that little oversight.” The humor was evident in Galdar’s voice as he finished, as such things was better left for the High Clerist to bring up himself.

“I am often in contact with the Revered Son,” Galdar said. “But I did not come here to meet with you,” he finished twirling one of his two alloyed twin bladed battleaxes. “But he and your mother are doing well.”

[When Galdar is speaking of the Emperor, he is most often referring to Kiri-Jolith. A habit he picked up in his homeland where it was safe to swear an oath by the emperor, but not by Kiri-Jolith.]

[Regarding being a squire. As Galdar pointed out, most boys in Marcus’ position might call themselves squires, but until they have officially been assigned to a knight as his/her squire, they are still pages. So that might be a problem for Marcus, wanting to go, but knowing that he has to be a squire, which he cannot becom until the King makes him one, and by that time Brightblade will have had so many requests that it might seem useless to make the request, even if they hadn’t left yet. But for you, who already know Marcus will be on the expedition, you have the opportunity to rp that without fear of being left out.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:10, Tue 26 June 2007.

Marcus was a little surprised to hear that Lady Gina was accompanying the expedition. He didn't think it was the sort of trip that she would be making, just moving horses around. He shrugged slightly, his enigmatic smile touching his features. "It is not my place to ask His Majesty to make me a Squire. I have more training than most of the existing squires, with a decade of service to the Knighthood. But it is his decision as to when he thinks me ready. I have a feeling that if I even suggest it then it may actually set me back. But of course, you know that. Are you having your fun with me?" he asked in amusement.

He looked across at where the other senior pages and junior squires were milling about, then returned his gaze to the minotaur priest. I had better leave you to your axe practice. Forgive me for keeping you. I know that the Warrior demands constant training from his priests. I should get back to the others before they start planning a tournament among themselves to see who should go. I will hopefully see you at Evenfeast tonight." Marcus started to walk away, then paused and turned. When next you speak to my father, can you tell them I am thinking of them?" he asked, then turned back and quickly walked away.

He approached the group of young men who were standing around talking excitedly. They were apparently split between discussions on which of them would go, and the rumour that Lady Gina would be going.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:10, Tue 26 June 2007.

“Of course I am,” Galdar said. “I couldn’t make fun of Sir Veldan, he just wouldn’t understand.”


I had better leave you to your axe practice. Forgive me for keeping you. I know that the Warrior demands constant training from his priests.

“I don’t mind. A warrior needs to know how to be patient. Or he will quickly end up very dead.”


I will hopefully see you at Evenfeast tonight.

“I’m sure you will see me,” Galdar said. “I’m sure everyone else will see me too. It’s difficult not to be seen when you’re the tallest guy around. Besides, who can fail to admire my handsome horns?”


When next you speak to my father, can you tell them I am thinking of them?

“I will do that.”

Marcus smiled slightly. "Sir Veldan is a most admirable Knight, but indeed humour is not among his more notable talents," he said with a barely straight face. "Your horns are certainly impressive Galdar. Are they a measure of great pride or significance among your people?" he asked as he made to leave.

After rejoining the other pages and squires, he decided that nothing would be gained by standing around. Deciding to take the offensive, he made his way towards the office that Sir Veldan tended to work from. He knocked on the door and waited to be granted entrance. Hearing a grunt of acknowledgement, he walked inside and closed the door. He offered the older knight a bow, then waited until Sir Veldan looked up at him. Marcus swallowed then said, Sir, is there anything you require done before His Majesty's arrival? I have attended to my duties, and my riding practice is not until after lunch." He held his breath a moment and continued carefully, "I would like to be prepared to leave at a moment's notice should His Majesty decide that it is time for me to be squired. The other pages have talked of nothing else lately, so I assume that His Majesty is making arrangements for a new group of squires to be created." He made an effort to keep his face neutral, and tried to keep anything from his voice that may suggest that he is angling for either information or appointment.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:11, Tue 26 June 2007.

[I just noted that we’ve been using “the King” when we’ve been referring to the King, we should have been using “His Majesty” and I’ve edited the thread to that purpose as I was the one who started referring to him in that way.]

"Many claim that they were Sargas greatest gift to us," Galdar said. "And perhaps they were. But his gifts have a tendency to turn to ash. Too many place too much significance on their stature and forget what's more important."

Though Marcus could see that Galdar still kept his horns polished and shiny.

[Veldan is still in the training area.]

Sir Veldan smiled.

“So you hope to go to Khur to buy horses,” he said. It was not a question; it was a statement of fact. As if it wasn’t the horses or the trip to Khur that Marcus really was interested in.

“His Majesty doesn’t counsel with me about such things,” Sir Veldan said. “But as the High Clerist has met with the leaders of the Orders while he’s been away, they might have spoken about squires. Not necessarily any squires at this keep, but you never know.”

“If there is anything out of place or untidy, I’m sure you can take care of it.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:34, Tue 26 June 2007.

"It is fitting that Sargas's greatest gift should be shown at their best when serving Kiri-Jolith. They do your power justice." Marcus turned to Sir Veldan, who he had not at first seen. As he explains what he hoped for he coloured slightly. In answer to Sir Veldan's query he decided to be honest. "I care little for the purchase of the horses, my lord. I know that they are needed, but the real reason that I want to go with the escort is for a chance to feel responsibility. If I fail in my duty here then others will cover for my mistakes. I wish to be placed in a situation where I can test myself. If I do not know what I am capable of, then I will never make a good knight." He smiled slightly and continued, "I am sure that my mother would counsel that I simply be patient, and that one of my heritage will be serving the Knighthood for centuries. But it is still difficult to see those less skilled than myself squired and even knighted, while I am still officially nothing more than a senior page." He knew that he was letting out more than he had intended, but the words seemed to come out on their own once he had started to speak. He composed himself again. "I am certain that when His Majesty thinks me ready he will permit me to advance. I can only bend every effort to my duties and hope that I live up to his requirements."

[You said that Marcus went to talk to Veldan after he was done with Galdar, I pointed out that Veldan weren't where you thought he was, and now Marcus didn't talk to him? Didn't ask him about the trip?]

"Of course," Sir Veldan said, as if he believed that there was more to it than that.

[I thought that I would alter it so it would be more realistic. I thought he must have been approaching, so I just put in my post that Marcus "explained what he hoped for", meaning that was where he said all that he had said in the previous post. So he still asked him about the trip, as he had when I had written wrongly about them being in the office. I should have made that clearer.]


Marcus decided to be bold about the matter, "Sir Veldan, can you offer me any advice on how I might convince His Majesty that I am ready to be sent on such a mission? After all," he smiled, "You don't want to still be training me as a page when you are an old man. It is in your own best interests to get me out of here as soon as possible, is it not?" he jested.

[I get it now. Thanks]

Sir Veldan looked at Galdar with a knowing smile.

"Be ready," the knight said. "If His Majesty believes that you are not ready, you will never be a squire and you'll never get the opportunity to buy horses."

Marcus considers the older knight's words, unsure if there was a deeper meaning to them. He decides that there is little more he can learn, so he would be better served by continuing with his duties. "If I am to have any chance of being selected to become a squire I suppose that I should go and practise my riding. If you would excuse me Sir Veldan, Galdar." He turns and makes his way back into the stables. He takes a saddle and selects his favourite horse, a spirited mare named Scarlet. He saddles her carefully, checking all the connections and that she is comfortable. He leads her out of the stables, and out of the yard. He mounts her and starts to ride out towards the stream. Despite being in civilized lands, occasionally a bandit or goblin would sneak into the area, so he makes a point of keeping his sword with him with the practice padding removed, especially as he has to get used to riding while armed.

"Good luck then," Sir Veldan said.

Marcus mounted Scarlet with his real sword at his hip, instead of the practice sword he'd used during exercises.

He executed his riding exercises without anything special taking place.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:57, Thu 05 July 2007.

Marcus stops riding at the stream long enough to have a wash, then returns to the keep. He cleans down the horse, and then continues about his duties, basically justkeeping himself busy and out of the way until the King arrives.

Around supper time, the advance scouts arrived at Dragonword Keep.

They delivered orders to the leading knights in preparation of the King's return, to make sure that everything was in order.

[You can post what you're doing, if anything, in preparation for the King's return.]

As the King returned, which he did under little fanfare, he handed of his horse to one of the horse hands who led it directly to the stable. He ignored you as he entered the main keep itself.

It was a late supper that day, with finer food than normal as the King was back, but not as fine as it would have been on a celebration or festivity.

Marcus joined the other older pages and the squires to greet the King, though His Majesty did not acknowledge them. He joined the line, and watched as the small procession rode in. He vaguely hoped that the King would look his way on riding in, but knew that it would not happen. The King had a lifetime of discipline that prevented him from giving away his thoughts. Once the line broke up, Marcus continued on the rest of his duties. As the evening meal was called he entered the Great Hall. He took his place at the table furthest from His Majesty. Although he joined in with the general discussion among the pages and squires, he spent a lot of time watching the high ranking members of the Royal Household eating at the head table. He also noticed that many other squires did the same, all hoping for a gesture or look from the King that showed that he wanted to order them to go on the mission into enemy territory.

But no such orders came.

The meal ended as many similar meals had ended without any communication between the High End of His Majesty's table and the low end of the pages' table.

There were pages serving the king and others, but these were younger pages not yet old enough to begin their preparation to be a squire.

But as supper ended, the squires were hoping against hope, and knowing that they did so, that the king would send word. A hope that became more desperate and more distant with every step the moons took across the sky.

All except Marcus.

For him there was hope. For him it was neither desperate or distant. For as long as the king and he were in the same location, they more often than not visited nightly.

But as the hours past even such hope became more uncertain.

It was after midnight.

Heavy knocking thudded on Marcus's door.

Marcus dived out of bed, alert despite the slight headache from drinking a little too much with the other squires and older pages. He quickly throws on a pair of breeches, then pulls the door open. He doesn't bother grabbing a weapon, as there is no way that an enemy could have made it into the keep without making rousing the populace of the castle. He peers out into the dim light provided by the torch down the hallway. "Yes?" he asks in a thick voice. He swallows to get some moisture back into his throat.

Outside the door is a man dressed in white and gold, signifying a member of the King's personal bodyguard, all of them Knights of the Sword under the King's direct command.

"His majesty requires you in his study," the knight said.

Marcus's eyes widen at the sight of the high ranking warrior. He quickly murmers his acknowledgement, then quickly tidies himself up. Although lacking time to prepare fully for court, he makes himself presentable enough to meet the King in the middle of the night. It would be a far greater insult to arrive late than half dressed, he decides. He then hurries from his room, following the twists and turns through the keep to the highest floor, where the King's study was. Upon finding the guards on the door, he pauses and salutes. "His Majesty has summoned me." As the men allow him inside, he steps smartly into the room, stops and salutes again. He waits a moment to see if the King acknowledges him, then regardless he announces himself. "Your Majesty, Page Valarian reporting as ordered."

The knight waited outside the door until Marcus was ready to leave and accompanied him to the King's study.

As they were walking, the knight touched a ring, a band of unadorned gold, on his left hand and spoke.

"The acolyte is moving."

As you approach, the Gold Guard, as His Majesty's bodyguards mot commonly are referred by others, on station outside the study. He mirrored the other Gold Guard's move and spoke to the ring.

"His Majesty has summoned me," Marcus said.

"He will be a few moments longer," the Gold Guard said. And a few moments later, the Gold Guard opened the door so that Marcus could enter.

"Your Majesty, Page Valarian reporting as ordered." Marcus said when he had entered.

"Come here," the King said. "Sit down." He nodded to the single Gold Guard in the room, who discretely stepped outside, through another door than the one Marcus had used.

The King himself was sitting, with some reading material nearby.

"So how have things been," the King asked after Marcus sat down.

Marcus sat uncomfortably, retaining his stiff posture as he had been taught. he was caught completely by surprise by the question. "My training progresses well, your Majesty. My instructors have pointed out a few areas for me to work on, but overall they appear pleased with my progress," he says formally. He considered saying more, but decided that a page does not express his desire for advancement to a King. He holds his tongue, and with elven patience he waited to see why he had been summoned in the middle of the night.

As the two continued to converse, it seemed that Marcus had been called only for his lesson. They spoke of clerical things and of Paladine and of dutiful service.

[Anything you want to bring up or do during the "lesson"?]

Marcus considers his lessons for the evening, trying to ignore the very late timing. Something does strike him, that would both satisfy a curiosity and remind the King that he is ready for advancement. "Your Majesty, I have a question. I spoke to Galdar earlier today, and I am curious. I have known him for a long time, but have never asked him how he came among us. I did not wish to risk offending him if his story is one that he wishes kept private. But if it is not a secret, can you tell me how a minotaur came to be accepted among the Knighthood? I can understand how he came to join the servants of Kiri-Jolith, but I do not understand why he joined us here. Was it simply that he felt he had a role to carry out in the world, and went where he was needed?"

"Galdar served Kiri-Jolith long before we met," the King said. "But he's not part of the knighthood. He has never wanted to become a part of the knighthood and even if he had, our traditions would have prevented it."

"We met about 10 years after the War of the Lance. And since then, and this is a secret I haven't shared with anyone not even Galdar, he has become my 33rd. But if you want to hear the story of his past, of our past, you would have to ask him about it."

[Feel free to ask more about this, as well as other things. And I'll remind you about the dream that started this thread in case you want to ask him about it.]

"I don't really understand, Your Majesty. He became your thirty-third what? It must have taken great courage for him to walk among the Knighthood, an ancient enemy of his people. Even if he is a priest of Kiri-Jolith." He pauses and then continues, "There is something else, if you will permit me, Sire. It is a minot thing, I am sure. A dream, no more. But it has the feel of a prophesy, and I feel that I must unravel the message behind it." Marcus explains the dream, giving every detail and feeling that he can recall. "Does any of this mean anything to you, Sire? And if not, then how would you interpret it? I know that it is a trivial thing to bring to the High Clerist, but it has a powerful call to me, and I lack the wisdom to explain what I saw. Can you help me?"

The King smiled. “Don’t worry about it,” he said. “If it matters, you will understand it in time.”


“It did,” the King replied. “But Galdar has much courage, as I’m sure you’re already aware of.”



“An interesting dream indeed,” the King said.
“And more than a dream.”
“More than a minor thing.”
“More than the feel of prophecy.”
“But prophecy itself.”
“A vision of the future.”

“And its meaning is clear.”
“The message unraveled in my eyes.”
“But Paladine has spoken,” the King said with compassion. “You have to unravel the message for yourself.”

And then the King paused, before continuing.

“Are you mine?”

Marcus looked disappointed that the King could tell him no more, though he also appeared curious that Paladine Himself was ordering the High Clerist to keep the matter secret. He decided that he must rely on his elven patience to put the matter aside until the prophecy started to occur. He is shaken from his contemplation by the King's unexpected question. Trying to keep surprise from his voice, he immediately answers, "Of course, Your Majesty. My mind, body and soul belong to you, the Knighthood and to Paladine. Do you have doubts about my loyalty?" he asks in concern.

“No,” the King said. “I have no doubt. But I had to ask.”

Shortly thereafter one of the Gold Guards entered and nodded at the King.

“Our visit is over for now,” the King told Marcus. And as Marcus rose the bodyguard left and the two new guests entered. It was Galdar and the knight from Marcus’ dream. Both of them bowed to the King.

“One last thing,” the King said to the half elf page. “I grant you the level of squire.” But the King left out the part of who he was assigning Marcus to, which really only could mean one thing.

“I think the new squire will take a trip to Pashin soon,” the King told the knight.

“Of course your Majesty,” the knight said.

“We will speak more of this later Marcus, but you are excused for now. And Galdar, I have to exchange a few words with Lord Brightblade before our game. But if you escort our newest squire back to his quarters, I think he has some questions for you.”

“As you wish your Majesty.”

And Marcus and Galdar left together.

[You may add anything Marcus said before he left with Galdar to the post and we can bring that up too.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:59, Sat 25 Aug 2007.

Marcus is greatly relieved that the King has not lost trust in him. He stirs and rises as the Gold Guard ushers him away. He is so caught up in this question that he barely notices the entrance of Galdar and the knight until he nearly walks into the giant priest. He apologises,, blushing at his lack of awareness, then looks in shock at the knight accompanying Galdar. This is broken by the fated words from the King. Squire! After so many years, he had finally been accepted into the Order. He was now no longer a boy in training. To the Knighthood he was a Brother, albeit a very junior one. He bows silently, too stunned to speak, then allows himself to be guided out by Galdar's mighty hand on his shoulder. He closes the door behind them, then leans against the wall for a moment. "Who is that Knight you came in with, Galdar?  I have seen him in my dreams. And His Majesty believes that it is a true prophecy straight from Lord Paladine himself."

"That is Lord Brightblade," Galdar said. "And as one of the highest ranking Knights of the Rose here, I thought you knew who he is."

"And his Majesty said that the dream you had with Lord Brightblade in it was a prophecy from Paladine?"

Marcus blushes at not realising who the powerful knight is. "I must have seen him at times, but I never pay much attention to the more senior knights. I usually only deal with more junior knights, not Lord Knights. Of course, His Majesty teaches me when he is able, but otherwise I have never really paid much direct attention to the mighty. His Majesty would not reveal anything much about my dreams, because he said that they are a divine prophesy and that Paladine forbids him from telling me more. But the Knight I saw in the dream was definitely Lord Brightblade. I could never forget anything from the dream."

”It is still wise to know who they are,” Galdar said.

“So if your dream is a prophecy and Paladine has prohibited his Majesty from sharing its meaning with you. Does that mean that the prophecy also comes from Paladine or could it come from another source?

"I know that I should know someone as powerful as Lord Brightblade. But he is rarely in attendance at the Keep. Our paths would have crossed only rarely, and I simply did not pay attention, as every Knight is my senior. His Majesty said that the dream was more even than a prophecy. He said it is a vision of how the future will be. He understood what it meant, but said that Lord Paladine prevented him from telling me. I assume from that that Paladine himself must have sent me the dreams. If it were not, then I could not see why His Majesty would be prevented from revealing it's meaning."

"That is interesting," Galdar said. "But as I am a servant of the Emperor, I cannot claim to know why Paladine would do anything. But I do know this about his Majesty. If he hasn't specifically said something about a subject, he has said nothing about the subject. No matter what appearances might indicate."

"His Majesty knows how to use words to his advantage. So from what you have said, the dream might have come from Paladine, but on the other hand it might not. As his Majesty hasn't specifically indicated which, I cannot add to that either."

Marcus nods his head slowly in understanding. "If it is harmful then I am sure His Majesty would have told me. Otherwise I will have to just wait until it starts to happen and be sure I recognise it." He stops and smiles in quiet pride. "His Majesty just made me a Squire. I am now a member of the Order. After so many years. But he did not assign me to a Knight. I am not sure what that means. I have never heard of a Squire not being assigned a mentor. Surely he could not be intending for me to be his own squire." A thought occurs to him. "Maybe that is where Lord Brightblade comes into things. Perhaps he is my Knight, and His Majesty wants to talk to him about things first. I suppose I will just have to wait and see," he says.

“Know this about us truly faithful,” Galdar said. “We do not do anything unless we feel it is in the service of the one we serve. That is the nature of our service. But his Majesty is my friend and I trust him with my life.”

“I was there, remember? I heard his Majesty make you a squire. And all squires do have a mentor, at least I haven’t heard of any exception to that rule. But I am not of the order and have not made it a point to study its intricacies.”

“But I do know this. If a master of knights inducts a squire and does not specifically assign him to one of them, he has assigned him to himself. Or in other words, yes his Majesty has assigned you as one of his personal squires. It is a great honor. But where much is given, much is also required. Congratulations to becoming a squire.”

“Lord Brightblade is a high ranking Knight of the Rose and he was there for at least two reasons and making him your master wasn’t one of them. By the Measure you need at least two witnesses when a man becomes a squire; usually they are of the order. And from what I have seen, his Majesty’s squires move through the Order of the Crown quickly before joining the Order of the Sword and there they stay. And going on this quest with Lord Brightblade will be an important first step for you on that journey.”

Marcus blushes. "Of course you were there, Galdar. I am sorry. I was so shocked at the sudden promotion that I entirely forgot." He looks the giant minotaur up and down then adds, "So you can obviously see just how surprised I was. So I am now a personal Squire to the High Clerist. That is truly an honour, though I suspect it will also prove a heavy burden at times. I dearly hope that His Majesty selected me for my promise and talent, and not because of who my parents are. I would like to progress through the orders. It would be an honour to join the Order of the Sword, but I serve Paladine as my father serves your Lord Kiri-Jolith. I suspect that eventually I may end up petitioning for entry to the Order of the Rose. But of course, that is many years away. First I need to actually complete my Squire training so that I may be Knighted."

Marcus looks up at Galdar and says, "Incidentally, thank you for your congratulations. They are most warmly welcomed. Do you have any suggestions on what I should do until I am needed? If I am to go on this mission with Lord Brightblade then I will need to speak to someone to request duties. But my first inclination is to go to the Temple and give thanks to Paladine. But I can only do that if I am not needed for now by the Order."

”I understand,” Galdar said. ”It is perfectly alright; especially considering the cavalier way in which his Majesty chose to promote you. I have never seen it done that way before. But then again, I’ve never been privy to such a meeting before either. I expect he will declare it officially in the morning.”

“His Majesty is practical about such things. So unless he was ordered to promote you, he wouldn’t have done so unless he was sure you were ready. You can find much honor in each order. But most clerics tend to join the Order of the Sword. And as that is his Majesty’s Order, I think you will find more possibilities there than in the other Orders while you are stationed here.”

“It is not yet time to awake,” Galdar said. “The temple is most likely empty and if your first inclination is to express your gratitude, then that is what you should do. No one will need you until morning. And if his Majesty didn’t give you your new duties, I’m sure you will find out tomorrow. And when you have time, find Lord Brightblade and ask him about the journey.”

"I suppose you are right. The Rose is Paladine's order, but the Sword is the order of the priesthood. It would seem to be the most appropriate order. And as a personal squire to the High Clerist himself, it would be foolish of me to move to another order. It may be Paladine's will that I am in this position, and who am I to defy the will of my god? Thank you Galdar. You have helped to clarify these matters for me. I should go and offer my thanks to Paladine. I hope to see you before we leave, but if I don't then I will visit with you when we return," Marcus says. He leaves Galdar and makes his way to the temple. He enters and finds his regular place in a pew near the back. He kneels and offers prayers of thanks to Paladine for his promotion and assignment to the mission. He also asks for guidance about the prophecy, though he gets the impression that no clarification will be forthcoming. However he does still feel great warmth and a sense of pleasure from the great god.

“You’re welcome my friend,” Galdar said. “But his majesty ordered me to escort you to your quarters and then return to him. With this new plan of yours, I will have to contact him before we proceed.”

The large minotaur touched an unadorned golden ring that he wore on his left hand.

“Your Majesty, it’s me Galdar.” He then waited for a few moments.

“Squire Marcus has decided to go to the temple of Paladine. What are your orders?” Galdar waited again.

“Of course your Majesty,” Galdar said and removed his hand from the ring.

“His Majesty has asked that I accompany you to the temple and then escort you to your quarters. I hope this will not be an inconvenience for you?”

While Marcus took his place and prayed, Galdar remained vigilant close by, but not too close to disturb the new squire in his communion with Paladine. As he prayed, Marcus clearly felt that his assignment as squire and his place in the mission south was the will of Paladine. And as he had expected, Paladine did not explain the dream, but in the back of his mind Marcus felt the quiet reassurance that it would come to him with time.

"Of course, my friend. I would enjoy your conmpany. I did not realise that you had a Gold Guard communication ring," Marcus says, eyeing the ring. He performs his devotions, then returns to his room. Bidding Galdar good evening, he looks around the small room. He starts packing his few meagre possessions, leaving out only those items he would require in the morning. He then strips down to his underclothes and turns in, deciding that he would need all the sleep he could get. As he drifts off to sleep he wonders if the dream will be the same again tonight.

[The trip is few days away, or that was my intention anyway. So either we can do his first day as a squire, or parts of it, and then skip to the trip. Or I can summarize his first day as a squire and we can skip to Marcus’s final conversation with the King and then go on to the trip. The second will most likely be the easiest and we can pick up anything from the summary that you want to go into a little further, if there is any. Or just go on to the final conversation.]

“It isn’t really,” Galdar said. “His Majesty gave it to me and we can communicate through it, but I do not have access to the Gold Guard proprietary voices. It’s the same magic though. And I hope you’ll keep this secret for me.”

“Good night,” Galdar said and waited for Marcus to enter his quarters before he left.

That night the dream returned again. There was no variance from the previous night or the nights before that.

The next few days pass quickly. Marcus keeps Galdar's secret, and can understand the benefit to the King of having a secret agent like Galdar. He learns his new duties, and sets himself to work on them, though he is still often distracted by thoughts of the upcoming mission. He also receives the warm congratulations of the other inhabitants of the castle. Having been there for so many years he was known to almost everyone, and most were pleased to see him finally progress.

[Private to GM: Sorry about that. I thought it was set for the following day. Skipping ahead is probably easiest. ]

The next morning at breakfast, the guy that used to sit to Marcus’s left was now sitting in Marcus’s seat and when Marcus tried to bring that up, one of the pages told him that it wasn’t his seat anymore. The boy that used to sit at his right was also standing, even though his seat was empty. And from the pride on his face it was clear that he too was becoming a squire today.

And before breakfast, with suitable pomp and circumstance, the new squires were announced and inducted. The guy that had been standing nearby had the same seat he had previously had, but Marcus had to move several seats to the left and ended up near the start of the squire section at the table.

After breakfast Marcus’s new life began. He had a new combat instructor, a new horse master, a new teacher of the Oath and the Measure, as well as other knightly pursuits. And in each class he was now the only student. And something told Marcus that all of his new tutors were Gold Knights.

Most of his chores where now gone, or rather changed. He kept up his skill by taking care of his own equipment and his own horse. And sometimes, but now more rarely than before, the King’s.

Even his religious teacher had changed and Marcus suspected that he too was a Gold Knight.

The only thing that remained the same was Marcus’s visits with the King. They continued to with the same frequency as in the past. And though very little of what the two discussed had changed, there was also a feeling that everything had changed.

And so came the night before departure. Marcus had been told that they were expected to travel there, buy the horses, and then go to the High Clerist Tower where they were expected to arrive at Yule. And with that night, came the last conversation with the King. The one he had promised to have with Marcus before he left.

Most of what the King brought up was things Marcus could expect. They were things they talked about every day. But the last was something new.

“I want you to keep an eye on my granddaughter,” the King said. “I care for her deeply and would not want to lose her.”

Marcus learns his new duties quickly, always performing to the greatest of his ability. There is no way that he would allow anyone to pass a bad report to the High Clerist, as it would reflect badly on both him and his new master. He makes a point to learn all that he can from his Gold Knight instructors, consiering them to be the pinacle of knightly virtue.

The final conversation before the mission went as planned until the final sentence. Marcus is startled that the King would reveal his personal concerns. He tries to allay his fears, being completely honest, "Of course I will watch over her, Your Majesty. I will guard all those under my charge to the utmost of my ability. And Lady Gina has always struck me as highly capable. But to put your mind at ease, Your Majesty. I swear by Paladine that harm will come to Lady Gina only over my cold body."

"Good," the King said. "I will hold you to that promise. And if your honor is true, both I and Paladine will reward you for your service."

Marcus bows. "You may rely on me, Your Majesty." He stands to attention again and waits to hear if the King has more to say, or if he is dismissed. He looks at the powerful old knight, and for the first time he sees a worried grandfather, and not the High Clerist of the Knights of Solamnia. It is a revelation, but one which is quickly replaced. The man before him, for everything else he also is, is still the High Clerist and the King. He waits attentively for the King's next words.

The King dismisses Marcus.

Marcus bows and silently leaves. He stands outside the door for a short time considering the King's words. Then he shakes himself out of his revery and heads off to his next lesson, Theology with Brother Honorum in the Temple.