Elder Knights

Chapter 1: Knight Bearings

"Today you stand! Today you rise! You we honor with your ranks! Rise knights! Rise! Lift you heads and stand proud!"

I stood nervous yet excited, my plate mail like so many others bearing the scratches of training as we raised our fist together lifting our heads and voices in a mighty war cry.

"FOR THE CHEIF GODDESS! WE SHALL VANQUISH THE EVIL AND QUELL THE DARKNESS. FOR HONOR, JUSTICE, GLORY AND TRUTH! LET THE GODDESS BE PRAISED!"

We looked to the armored superiors standing in front of us on high wooden podiums. Cheif as we called him, the most honored and decorated bowed his head.

"Very good, may you all choose your specifications in knighthood with pride. And remember from the night watch to even the imperial guard, no job is too low or unworthy of praise!"

The roar of celebration was almost deafening. The long wait is over as was the choking breath I held in my chest, knighthood is finally upon me, and soon I shall raise the status of mine village tenfold.

A few hours passed and I settle into the dining hall. The smell of fresh foods and the chatter of conversation would soon be but a fond memory. With all my bags packed into their proper places and with the gear I would need for my next few weeks of journey, they were left outside at staging. To be loaded onto the transport wagons we would all soon take.

Sitting at the table I placed my tray down, the meal of the day was hearty bear steak and baked potatoes with goat cheese and a side of bacon with an ale, a hearty filling meal. The loud chatter of the hall helped to ease my nerves and calm the stupor of hunger as I picked up on bits on conversation here and there.

"Hey hey, hows the day find you friend?"

A rather tall man sits across the table. His sky blue eyes and golden hair eared him the name 'Charming' kind of fitting considering he was a noble. Heir to the estate of Boalar, a wealthy family of traders and my closest friend. Strong, confident, and though born in a family with the status to rival a noble of the church, he was very levelheaded and kind to those around him no matter their social standing. In better terms a true man amongst men, especially among the upper class.

How could a man who asked for nothing in return and yet gave so much to people kept his wealth? The understanding of his ways baffled me and others of the nobles amongst his age.

"Well met Kraft, well met and good day. I trust you made it with high scores" I spoke between bites of the buttered potato.

"Yes, particularly above in the stealth and speed categories yes. I will be enrolling into the assassination corps. Become one of the night watch and guard" He says with a warm grin, his teeth seem to sparkle in the light.

"Well Jessie, James, Jace and Byrd seem to have ready left. Our fried group is already shrinking by the moment." Kraft nods with an understanding, cutting his steak with a knife.

"But you've never told me my friend. What will you do now, surely youd want to specify you place in this order, to become something greater! Maybe a sheild and spear are your talents calling, perhaps the bow as a knack for archery buds and blossoms, perhaps the call of hammer as a martial courtsmen!" He raised his fist and slams it on the table in mock imataion of a judge.

"Well? Speak up, lift up your voice, tis no need be ashamed of thy choice my friend"

With a glance around I lean in and whisper "Eldritch Knight. I want to be part of the Black Brigade"

Kraft moves back as if a sword were swung at him, standing abruptly and knocking over his drink. He bore an expression not seen by others, a look of fright and anger from lack of understanding.