AncientAnarchist
New Member
As his eyes opened he could make out the dimly lit brothel where he’d spent the night. Outside his room he could hear the shouting of men and women. Arguments about payment and services rendered echoes through the thin walls. It did little to quell the headache he had from a night spent drinking good wine. He’d been promoted which gave him a cause to celebrate and everyone knows there is only one way to celebrate. A feast of good food and wine in addition to exotic female company.
The man slid out from between the two warm bodies of last night’s companions allowing his bare feet to hit the cold wood floor. As he stood up he froze a moment allowing himself to catch his bearings. When he was certain he had his bearings the man began donning his armor and weapons that had been scattered across the room. The women woke up just as he was finished getting himself dressed.
“Come back to us brave knight! We are in desperate need of a hero!” The two women whispered in a playful but seductive tone.
A smirk crossed the man’s face.
“I’m sorry ladies. You know I love you but I have a meeting with the Knight Commander. I’ll be back soon.”
They pouted and whined. He turned around to toss them a pouch of coin.
“There’s the payment. I threw in a little extra so you both can get yourself something from the markets.” He said shooting them a flirtatious smile.
They both giggled and blew him a kiss before he walked out the door.
The morning sun was blinding as he stepped out of the brothel into the fresh air. He took a long deep breath before beginning his trek towards the castle. He was gonna make it on time like he always did even if he was hungover. The bustling streets of the city did him no favors on account of his throbbing headache.
Eventually he arrived within the quiet sanctuary of the castle walls. In the courtyard he could see servants running to and fro. The guards were either on patrol, guarding, or training their swordsmanship. The other knights cast him jealous and judgemental glances as he passed them on his way to meet the Knight Commander.
The old wooden door creaked open and an old man in armor sat behind a wooden desk. The older man looked up as Lycidas entered and gave him a smile. The older man quickly stood up and walked over to him.
“Lycidas my boy. I see you took my advice and celebrated. Oh what I wouldn’t give to be a vigorous young man again.” He said as he shook the man's hand.
“Nonsense Master Alaric. You are still as vigorous and youthful as when I first met you.” He said as he returned the shake.
Alaric just laughed as he walked back to his desk. Lycidas followed suit only sitting once he had been instructed. Despite his arrogance he had respect for Alaric.
“I know we didn’t talk about what your promotion would entail yesterday. That was intentional as the King wanted to break the news to the Princess himself. You will be serving as her personal guard now that she is getting to the age where she will be entertaining suitors and traveling.”
Sir Lycidas was stunned to say the least. This felt less like a promotion and more like punishment. He was a Knight not a nursemaid. A Knight of his caliber would surely be wasted on this task.
However before Lycidas had a moment to protest Alaric cut him off.
“I know this seems like a waste of your talent. However myself and our liege are entrusting solely you with her protection. The trust of our king is the highest honor a knight can receive.”
The old man was right. This was a huge honor but it also meant he’d be giving away the chance for battle and glory. A sacrifice he’d have to make for both himself and Alaric.
Lycidas nodded to Alaric.
“You are making the right choice lad. Now you need to follow me as the king and queen are awaiting our arrival. They wish to introduce her to you this morning.” The old man said as he stood up and headed out the door.
Lycidas jumped up and followed the old man. This wasn’t how he imagined this day going but no turning back now. At least it would be quiet in the castle which meant a temporary relief from that headache.
The pair entered the throne room and knelt down before the king and queen of Arvendale. All that was left was to wait for the arrival of the princess.
The man slid out from between the two warm bodies of last night’s companions allowing his bare feet to hit the cold wood floor. As he stood up he froze a moment allowing himself to catch his bearings. When he was certain he had his bearings the man began donning his armor and weapons that had been scattered across the room. The women woke up just as he was finished getting himself dressed.
“Come back to us brave knight! We are in desperate need of a hero!” The two women whispered in a playful but seductive tone.
A smirk crossed the man’s face.
“I’m sorry ladies. You know I love you but I have a meeting with the Knight Commander. I’ll be back soon.”
They pouted and whined. He turned around to toss them a pouch of coin.
“There’s the payment. I threw in a little extra so you both can get yourself something from the markets.” He said shooting them a flirtatious smile.
They both giggled and blew him a kiss before he walked out the door.
The morning sun was blinding as he stepped out of the brothel into the fresh air. He took a long deep breath before beginning his trek towards the castle. He was gonna make it on time like he always did even if he was hungover. The bustling streets of the city did him no favors on account of his throbbing headache.
Eventually he arrived within the quiet sanctuary of the castle walls. In the courtyard he could see servants running to and fro. The guards were either on patrol, guarding, or training their swordsmanship. The other knights cast him jealous and judgemental glances as he passed them on his way to meet the Knight Commander.
The old wooden door creaked open and an old man in armor sat behind a wooden desk. The older man looked up as Lycidas entered and gave him a smile. The older man quickly stood up and walked over to him.
“Lycidas my boy. I see you took my advice and celebrated. Oh what I wouldn’t give to be a vigorous young man again.” He said as he shook the man's hand.
“Nonsense Master Alaric. You are still as vigorous and youthful as when I first met you.” He said as he returned the shake.
Alaric just laughed as he walked back to his desk. Lycidas followed suit only sitting once he had been instructed. Despite his arrogance he had respect for Alaric.
“I know we didn’t talk about what your promotion would entail yesterday. That was intentional as the King wanted to break the news to the Princess himself. You will be serving as her personal guard now that she is getting to the age where she will be entertaining suitors and traveling.”
Sir Lycidas was stunned to say the least. This felt less like a promotion and more like punishment. He was a Knight not a nursemaid. A Knight of his caliber would surely be wasted on this task.
However before Lycidas had a moment to protest Alaric cut him off.
“I know this seems like a waste of your talent. However myself and our liege are entrusting solely you with her protection. The trust of our king is the highest honor a knight can receive.”
The old man was right. This was a huge honor but it also meant he’d be giving away the chance for battle and glory. A sacrifice he’d have to make for both himself and Alaric.
Lycidas nodded to Alaric.
“You are making the right choice lad. Now you need to follow me as the king and queen are awaiting our arrival. They wish to introduce her to you this morning.” The old man said as he stood up and headed out the door.
Lycidas jumped up and followed the old man. This wasn’t how he imagined this day going but no turning back now. At least it would be quiet in the castle which meant a temporary relief from that headache.
The pair entered the throne room and knelt down before the king and queen of Arvendale. All that was left was to wait for the arrival of the princess.
