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.]