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

Echoing through the forest around him, birdsong rang from various species north of Inellan. The compound dedicated to the deity of justice rested atop a fount of magical energy that filled it’s faithful and had for many generations. Sir William knelt in prayer within the meditation garden, simply adorned with stone benches here and there among the large oak. His breathing calmed, he listened to the light, cool breeze as winter was finally giving into spring.
Eventually, footsteps crunched behind him in the tall grass and stopped.

“Good morning,” William opened his hazel-green eyes and half turned to notice his faithful templar, Sir Orem. “What occasions the visit,” the paladin asked.

“Sir Frederick would like to see you, milord,” the deep, gravely voice replied. William pushed himself up and turned, long black cape flowed around a well worn suit of field plate and he nodded to his friend of over twenty years.

“Looks like Arhus has decided our vacation is over, friend.”

“It was inevitable, sir,” the knight smiled, his curly, sandy blond hair pulled back into a pony tail and fell over the matching black robe whose silver border denoted the knight and contrasted to William’s gold for a paladin.

William chuckled as he patted the templar on the broad shoulder, “Indeed”. As they walked towards the large, two-story stone building whose thin, tall windows resembled arrowslits more than avenues for daylight, he wondered what new quest had been laid at their feet.

“Has your champion given you any insights to where the Saterist enclave is, milord?”

William shook his head, brilliant red hair occasionally reflected dappled sunlight. “Not yet. Perhaps Arhus wishes us to use our own wisdom to find them.” Flashes of their recent clash with the enemies of his church and the loss of Randall, his man-at-arms returned. And not too softly as he sighed.
Grass soon gave way to flagstone as they approached the large, weathered oaken door and his gauntleted hand pulled on the wrought iron ring and pulled it open, before Orem to do it for him, then stepped inside the darker hallway beyond.
Voices echoed in the large sitting room to his right as he proceeded towards the staircase beyond.

“Was he in his office,” William inquired as Orem remained two steps behind.

“Yes, milord,” the bass voice amplified in the confines of the main foyer as they turned and began climbing. Most of his brothers of the Order were in the field which gave the compound a more subdued atmosphere, but one easier to relax in as metallic boots clanged off of stone and soon reached the second floor, then turned left and headed for the Knight-Captain’s office. He knocked once as the familiar voice beyond beckoned him in.

He pushed the door open and stepped into the more comfortably decorated room. A large rug lay between the door and large desk, embroidered with the symbol of not only their Order, but also the deity they served. Golden, crossed spears supported a full shield split in half. The top was consumed by vertical black and gold bars, the bottom a field of black. Daylight spilled from two bullet shaped windows on the right wall and onto their commander whose greying black hair and goatee framed the stern face as green eyes looked up.

“Sir William,” the captain greeted and motioned to one of the two chairs opposite him. “Have a seat.” He straightened as William complied and Sir Orem remained in the background quietly. “I’ve been fortunate that you were here instead of in the field. I hope you’ve rested, brother.”

William nodded politely, though the loss of his friend still weighed on his heart. “What does Arhus require, sir?”

Sir Frederick grinned as he clasped his hands together over a thin, leatherbound tome atop his desk. “It’s been shown to me that a great evil has been awakened recently and it will be your duty to rid the world of it. As you know, we have enough problems with invaders from the south as well as Saterists that hide in the shadows that we constantly have to root out. With your experience, I feel you’re the best man for the job,” he glanced up and beyond William. “Both of you.”

“What do we know about this creature, milord,” William asked as he leaned forward.

Green eyes returned to him. “A group was lured to the ruins of Laksay and has apparently become enchanted with the beast that’s taken on human form. You’ll know it when you near it.” He glanced towards the windows, daylight warming his face as if receiving more direction from their patron firsthand. “Two of it’s escort are reputed to be young followers of our Father,” he informed, referring to Arhus himself.

Frederick looked back at him, brow narrowed in all seriousness. “Arhus will guide you to victory over this demon, my friend. And, if at all possible, return these poor enslaved followers to His fold.”

“I’ll do all I can,” William nodded with renewed purpose. “I give you my word on that.”

Sir Frederick nodded, “I have the utmost faith in you, brother. May Arhus go with you.”