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

Warm sunlight beamed through the newly replaced windows as Howard walked down the hallway of sandstone towards his grandfather's chambers. Short brown hair framed a strong face which had been honed by months of running from the Promised, but now they had taken Zariva back and those remaining could rebuild.
As he rounded the corner into the doorway, voices echoed from the newly refurbished sitting room.

"My niece and her friends were kind enough to clean up in the churches," the duke smiled as Howard bowed, then stepped in.

"Truly taking up her grandfather's mantle," Sir Nicholas agreed as Howard's grandfather glanced to him, then grinned. "And here he is, sire."

Sir Michael turned, goblet in hand to survey the knight in his late twenties. "Ah, I've heard you have a petition of me."

Howard respectfully took a knee. "Sire, my grandfather faithfully served Milord's and I wish to do the same. Your niece has been called by Elminoir and the others to take up the mantle of the Chosen and I vow my breath and life to that cause." His heart beating fiercely, the plan he and his cousin had hatched was finally in the light.

A long quiet moment lingered and Howard feared that he would be denied. "You realize their lives are in peril daily. This quest the gods have bestowed upon them is a treacherous one," the duke stated, and Howard noticed that the noble and brave knight cut himself off short, perhaps concealing his own fears for his newly found niece.

"I know this, milord. And so does my cousin."

A light chuckle rose as the noble turned to Howard's grandfather. "Seems the city's Captain of the Guard has raised another hero. Is there no end of that bloodline?"

"Seems not, sire," Nicholas replied. "And I honor your family as does my own."

Michael thought long and hard as Howard began to feel sweat trickle down his back underneath his cloth tunic and leather vest. "This knightly order would consist of those dedicated to this same cause? You realize how religious most of the Chosen are, of course. They're not going to allow those not devoted to ride with them, though I have a feeling they would convert the lighter in heart readily." The duke chuckled to himself again, then turned his attention towards the window. "This road they travel may end with their own demise, and yours as well." Howard noted the sincerity in the noble's eyes as they returned to the knight. "You're willing to accept this?"

Howard hadn't contemplated that end to the Chosen's quest, but it was a possibility. "They will accomplish their mission with or without me, sire. In that I have no doubts. But, I wish only to ensure that those in their path are dispatched easier and quicker without much delay if I and my cousin are there to help."

Michael nodded. "Indeed. They've all been blessed," he glanced to the older warrior beside him. "or cursed in that way." He sipped again from his goblet and mused. "Let me think on this tonight and I'll send for you in the morning."

"Thank you, sire." Howard rose and stepped backwards, bowed and turned. He had been hoping for this dream to come alive and now it was a step closer to fruition. As his boots echoed off of the stone, thoughts of glorious battles and victory seemed more real as a smile arced across his face. Now to tell Adam.

* * *

Strong hands pushed open the door to the workshop as Howard stepped into the dirt floored warehouse. Smells of burning wood mixed with the stabled horses towards the back as hazel green eyes found the shorter and leaner fighter from Newcastle.

"I have news, Adam," Howard called to the knight sitting on the back of a newly built wagon as his cousin glanced to him, face lightened in anticipation of good news. "The duke's going to let us know in the morning, but I know he'll say yes."

Half excited, Adam hopped up and stood as his father glanced to the new arrival. "But, he hasn't yet which means there's still a possibility that he'll say no."

"Ever the optimist," Howard grinned as he glanced to his uncle now mired in soot from the forge.

"When are you going to tell Priscilla?" A thought that had been avoided since this idea had arisen, Howard knew that moment would be hard for him.

"As soon as I know for sure," he replied quietly. "Quit badgering me about that," he chided which prompted a playful shove from his cousin. One that received the same in return.

"You want me to? I've known her for some time now."

"No, I'll do it," Howard sighed. "Once we've been assured this new order can exist, then I'll actually have something to tell her."

Adam nodded. "I just can't wait to join them." Howard glanced to his uncle and realized that joy wasn't shared by all.