laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

Once arriving in the quickly rebuilding port town of Ashton, the templar and their paladin captains led their unit to the local church for a rest that was too long in coming. Alex carried the gear and backpacks to the room given to Sir Stephen and the rest of his glaive. Modest, the stone walls encased a private wash closet and curtained corner that housed a large wooden tub. After setting the backpacks onto the trunk at the foot of the lone bed, he began helping the paladin out of his armor.

"I've noticed that you've become good friends with several of the young men from the Frontier and Carbost. What do you think of them," the elder soldier asked.

"They've seen more than I have and seem to be well trained in military tactics. Darvin was raised in the orphanage of Soderham and is training to be a paladin also. As a whole they seem like a good group." Alexander informed as he set the breastplate to the side and began unstrapping the arm pieces.

Stephen's greying head nodded quietly and Alex wondered what was going on in his lord's mind as Sir Kenneth also doffed his armor. "They're a unique bunch, all of them. That's for sure."

"Any need for conern, my lord," Kenneth asked.

"No. No, it's just that they all come from a wide variety of backgrounds and it's been interesting traveling with them these past months, that's all. They've definitely traveled this highway a few times. I was told that a half-elven friend of theirs had been kidnapped and killed in Mellerud a year or so ago. They were the ones that found the necromancer's lab."

"Okay, I remember now," Kenneth agreed as he sat his leg pieces against his backpack, then headed towards the wash closet.

Once Stephen had bathed and changed, he combed his hair as Alexander got the chance to finally clean up.

"You can have some free time, get yourself something to eat," Stephen stated. "We're going to meet with Sir Clement and Sir Brendan in the great hall here. We'll see you later."

"Yes, sir." Alex headed out and soon met up with Artek and his companions outside the local tavern as they sat out front and smoked.

"Word has it that we're traveling to Couronne to help defend the capitol," Artek informed as a climbing white plume rose from his pipe. "Guess they couldn't hold back the tide of orcs without us."

"I've never been there," Alex stated, his heart racing at the thought of finally seeing the city that represented their empire.

"You seen one human city, you've seen them all. I just want the chance to get this over with and get back to my kegs."

Gaban chuckled. "You're not actually starting to enjoy this human water, are you?"

Artek quietly stared.

"Just wait until your brothers hear about this," Dugall added, smiling.

"Where there's a still, there's a way," Artek smiled mischievously.

"You've been holding out on us," Gaban straightened, then led the assault as the trio attacked their captain, wrestling him to the ground as Alex jumped out of the way of crashing crates and small bodies. Reddened, they finally stood as Artek's fists bruised not a few cheeks.

"In time, it still needs a bit to ferment." He glared and pointed a stubbed finger at Alex. "And not a word out of you, understand?"

Alex raised his hands in defense. "On pain of death."

"And it would be painful," Gaban added.

* * *

As they rested, the taller knight from Anderslough approached as Alex sat with his dwarven companions, then stood. "My lord."

"Alexander." Lericanin greeted, then nodded to the dwarves. "I was wondering if I could buy you a drink."

"Templar don't drink, sir. But, thank you anyway."

"We've been trying to teach him correctly, but the boy's obstinate," Artek stated.

Lericanin grinned. "Your lord, Sir Stephen has taught you well. I admire him, he's a good man."

"Thank you, sir."

Lericanin shifted his weight, arms across his broad chest. "How's your training coming?"

"Well," Alex nodded. "In a few years, I hope to be a knight."

The tall knight agreed. "You'll make a good one from what I've heard. Sir Stephen talks highly of you."

"He's been a good teacher, sir." He gazed into the blue eyes of the imposing figure before him. "I heard that you and your friends rescued Lady Nyrellia of Zariva." He noted the serious face soften at the mention of the name.

"We did. She's safe now within the walls of Bakony. They rode out the same morning that we joined up with Sir Brendan and a friend of ours." He sighed.

"I'm very glad. I wish I could've been there to help save her."

Lericanin smiled. "You had other important matters to tend to. Arhus keeps us all busy and I fear that the fight isn't over yet but, will hopefully end at the gates of Couronne."

He could tell that the knight had more to say, but left it alone as he nodded, then headed into the tavern as Alex rejoined his companions.

* * *

A long boat ride brought them soon to the long Ocu River that would carry them northward and eventually to the kingdom of Couronne. He spent most of his time reading his bible and training with Darvin and the others onboard, strengthening his bond with maturing men and ladies that were several years older than him.