The Shepherd Knights of the Silver Staff

[SinVraal]

Messengers come and go often throughout the course of the day. Bearing along news concerning the Ashfiend, Zayken, and a hundred other less immediate concerns that all had a bearing upon the knighthood's future. It was not uncommon for these messengers to be youths either, this particular youth a sandy-haired, slender fellow who rode a horse far more accustomed to farm work than bearing people.

A message that was left at the keep of the chapter house, which stood in the center of the circular wooden walls manned by vigilant crossbow men who would probably shoot before asking anyone that might be the Fiend or serve the monster's interests. It is also common knowledge that his servants tend to look far more foul than this one.

A message left for one Patience Mayfield, squire to Sir Deucalios, tied in a simple length of black chord and written with a flowing, elegant hand.

"Patience,

I understand that you played something of a prominent role in laying the dead to rest following the battle at Snowstill. I think it displays a genuine sense of respect for the gifts of others, particularly the gift of life.

I also respect life. Yet I suspect that, like most, you hold no respect for that which lives while not living. Perhaps more so as you were one of the few squires present during the battle were you not?

If we have common cause in seeing the dead truly die then perhaps this conversation may continue. Seek out the bartender at the Broken Dagger Inn one of these nights and show him this letter.

Come alone."

[Sherazade]

Anger was sometimes a wonderful thing, for as it had flooded her being, force upon the change from elf to dragon, the final pieces had fallen into place. Valaeli now knew exactly what she needed to do to create the brooches, and how to tie them altogether.

A ghostly ribbon against the night sky, she flew towards the orders abode, upon swift and silent wings, and soon the buildings shadowy outlines were on the horizon and growing larger as she descended towards them.

Claws soon dug into the ground, wings folding against her sinuous body, and mind would reach out for the nearest awake and alert personage.

"come I have need of assistance." the words were those of the mind, and sinking to the ground, the pearly white dragons head, came to rest upon its forepaws, eyelids sliding downward till they were almost closed, spaded tail creating trailins through the dust, for it seemed unable to remain still

Hopefully one would come, who was capable of lopping off one of her pearly horns.

[Malaroth]

Thomas Aikman, whose farm the chapter house now stood upon, grabbed at his ears as the draconic thoughts poured into his own all too easily. His watery eyes, tired from smithing and shoeing, watered at the raw potency behind every syllable that bespoke action needed immediately. Still, he was a hearty man, who had weathered villains, disease and open conflicts and whose seed of resilience had helped birth Sir Deucalios' dream of a new knighthood.

A new knighthood that also meant new people, new duties, and exposure to stranger things then he'd ever imagined.

Indeed, as he rolled from the bed from which he dozed, not quite asleep, a thick and calloused hand grabbing the hatchet that rested beside his small bed just in case there was a true emergency afoot.

Life was never boring in the knighthood.

[Carnath-Emory]

The early morning brings with it this surprise: a breathless youth, sweated and grimy in his loose, simple garments, and with a thing clutched carefully in his urgent hand. He has made a fast and staggering approach to those wooden walls, has brandished the thing over his head, as if he feared attack --

It's a folded slip of paper.
He's gotten it a bit dirty around the edges.

Important, he'll gasp to anyone who'll listen. Patience, he'll insist, as far as recipients are concerned. *Squire, he'll explain when that's not sufficient, and it very likely won't be. But once he's made himself understood, this message will be pressed into a person's palm, and he will urge haste .. before practicing it himself, by making a quick retreat.

Should Patience Mayfield actually receive her painstakingly-penned letter, it will read like so:


[INDENT]Squire Patchens,

You will recall me from the night of the Ashfiend's attack. On that evening you made a remarkabul offer to the beast.

It would seem that we share a similar interest, and a common foe.

You may find me with some regularity at the Broken Dagger tavern, if you prefer I am glad to meet with you upon more peaceful land. I hope that we may speak very soon and with some urgency upon the matter of that foe.

In sincerity,
Ariane Emory.
[/INDENT]

[ShadowRose]

A small boy in simple clothing, now sporting a large pocket jingling with coin, held a missive meant for Sir Malaroth only-- a letter that would not be given to any other; not Patience, nor to any other squire in the Grand Master's company. The little boy had distinct orders, direction that would be carried out to the tiniest detail even if on his life. It was that important. And with good measure too. The squire Patience simply couldn't be trusted.

The missive itself was finely crafted; impeccable parchment rolled and tied with a red bow, seal of an unknown symbol pressed in crimson wax. The lettering inside was no less impressive, perfectly etched as if it were art. The color in which it was penned was odd, if not rare, as if to exemplify the author's resourcefulness.

It read:

[color=Purple]Dear Sir Malaroth Deucalios, Grand Master of the Shepherd Knights of the Silver Staff,

It is with my greatest pleasure and honor that I craft this missive in essence to exclaim my desire to join your glorious cause, and to become a squire under your guidance. It is my intention to serve you in any way you deem fit; against the Ashfiend and beyond, to the Duke of Thessilane and his approaching army.

Ask of me, and it will be done.

I await your missive in earnest,

Alessandra Demarest[/color]

[Malaroth]

Miss Alessandra Demarest,

Greetings.

I have not forgotten our meeting several nights ago at the Broken Dagger, nor your firm request to join the knighthood. With the recent arrival of several knights from other parts of His Majesty's kingdom in order to bolster our ranks and help us prepare for future expansion into neighboring territories to serve the King's subjects we have a great need for squires. However, as I am sure you understand, I cannot relax the requirements of would-be squires.

Alas I myself already have one squire and I cannot see the good in having two when other knights have none and I am barely able to keep up with Patience's instruction as is. Nevertheless there are still many positions available beneath commendable knights.

You did mention upon our meeting that you were not given overmuch to swordplay. While not required for one who would be a squire it will be taught and must be mastered, as well as rudimentary magical theory and sorcery to better combat those threats peculiar to Myrken Wood and its environs. You will also be required to live here at the chapter house and see to various menial tasks.

Although we serve the King directly we are also committed to the ideals of Courage, Honor and Wisdom.

You will have my permission to join our ranks once you have demonstrated your understanding of these three virtues in verifiable words and deeds.

I also understand that some believe you may be linked to a thief known as "The Fox." Your acceptance into the knighthood may also depend upon an investigation into such claims. I hope we shall speak again soon.

Sincerely,
Sir Malaroth Deucalios of Zachea
Grand Master of the Shepherd Knights

[ShadowRose]

Again, the return missive comes rather quickly, written the same and appearing the same.

Dear Sir Malaroth Deucalios of Zachea, Grand Master of the Shepherd Knights of the Silver Staff,

I apologize if my prior missive was deemed unclear. It is not specific that I work under your liege, however greatly that would please me, as I simply wish to join the conjunctive association of the Shepherd Knights of the Silver Staff. The organization itself follows along the lines of my personal morals.

While I mentioned, in our previous meeting, that swordplay is not my forte, I would like to take this time, while I have your eyes, to mention that I hold a pronounced prowess in the act of swordplay itself. It just simply isn't my preferred method of 'battle', so to speak, where the weaving of words most undoubtedly is. Why fight when one can has a perfectly good mouth to speak from, I always say.

In regards to the thief, named "The Fox", I welcome a thorough investigation by you, yourself, dear sir, or by the Governor High-Constable, afterwhich you both will find that I have no association with him, nor any other deemed as a criminal.

Should I become a squire of the Shepherd Knights of the Silver Staff, it certainly would not be through the relaxation of requirements, but only through hard work, dedication and, of course, style.

I wait in earnest of your word regarding any tests, or tasks, that you require of me.

Very dutifully yours,

Alessandra Demarest

[Malaroth]

Miss Alessandra Demarest,

Greetings,

It seems we have had merely a miscommunication. I shall endeavor to be more forthright and to understand more clearly what it is you wish to convey.

In order to join the ranks of the squires you need merely obtain permission from me or one of the Huioi to petition individual knights within your own means and time, and any knight may accept or reject you. My question for you, if you wish to join the ranks of the squires, is quite simply - why the knighthood? We want for little but also have little, each knight dwelling within the keep and having a room, a horse, and weapons and armor but little else. It is a hard life. Why the knighthood and not the Constabulary who are so often hailed, and I think rightly so, as the heroes of Myrken Wood? Or the Brotherhood of Janeiro where there is a far greater chance of cash and profit?

In order to join the ranks of the knights, you must prove yourself in three tasks, one for each of the virtues we hold especially dear. While we would solve as many wrongs through words as we can, in this provincial region, words often fail as has been proven by the Council's first ruling concerning the Ashfiend threat. Words first, but combat often comes second. To that end you must be willing to fight and die for the sake of others, and to live for more than yourself.

My tasks for your joining the ranks of knights are as follows:

Firstly, one of our horses has wandered westward into the forests of Myrken Wood. Find and return the creature, unharmed, to prove to us your honor for aiding another over and above personal profit.

Secondly, ride forth and assist the Derry refugees to the Myrken Border. You must assist three families in such a fashion, protecting them from bandits, beasts and other depredations. This will measure your courage.

Thirdly, you must demonstrate your wisdom by settling a dispute amongst the Derry refugees assembled just outside the keep or amongst the natives of Myrken without resorting to violence, with both parties and a constable or knight as witness to your peace-sowing.

Finally you must prove yourself an able swordswoman and be willing to continue training in both sword and spell for as long as you are a knight.

I will also be in touch with the Constable-Governor concerning the possibility of your relationship with this Fox person. I do appreciate your interest in the knighthood and welcome you to test yourself with us. It is a hard life but also a good and rewarding one.

Sincerely,

Sir Malaroth Deucalios of Zachea
Grand Master of the Shepherd Knights

[ShadowRose]

The newly-written letter read as follows..
To Sir Malaroth Deucalios of Zachea, Grand Master of the Shepherd Knights:

With this letter, you'll soon find the return of a rather beautiful creature to your stables.

I am never one, and never will be, to accept a challenge that isn't difficult; not when I can very easily reach the highest boughs of a tree that no one wishes to climb.

Very dutifully yours,

Alessandra Demarest

[Malaroth]

Miss Alessandra Demarest,

The horse was returned in fine condition and the owner thanks you for its safe return.

Yes, one must strive for the best one can do. I would, however, advise caution, as some trees are not safe for climbing.

Some can not bear the weight of pride.

Sir Malaroth Deucalios of Zachea
Grand Master of the Shepherd Knights

[Glenn]

Elliot Brown

Here was the one member of the knighthood (squire that he was) who didn't think the Brotherhood of Janeiro were all that bad. Being assigned to work with them under Sir Silent wasn't the shameful chore it seemed to be for his fellows. Certainly, he'd rather play cards with some of the younger mercenaries than go to 'magic training.' It wasn't like he was breaking any of the three tenets. Courage: you had to be brave to try your luck against them. They cheated! Honor: Doubly so since you're not going to cheat yourself! Wisdom: Elliot Brown, young teenager that he was, was very, very good at knowing when to fold, thank you very much.

Unfortunately, Sir Silent didn't quite see it the same way. Getting caught only once spelled the end of the boy's self-proclaimed role as goodwill ambassador. A real shame, that, considering there really was a need for one.

And the magic training. That was the worst. Sir Storth was making him ride back and forth to the Chapter House for it. Elliot Brown is a Myrken boy, born and bred, son of farmers, believer of the One True Faith. The less magic tossed about the better for him. And he certainly didn't like the teacher. She was just creepy, yes she was.

Still, he couldn't complain too much. His knight had DIED. If his best friend of his fellow squires hadn't been pulled back home after injuries at Snowstill he wouldn't have a knight to serve under at all. Then what? Ah well, at least Sir Silent had decided against sending him to shadow Squire Mayfield. That just didn't make any sense considering the distance, which was fine, because SHE didn't make any sense at all. Not that he didn't feel bad. The girl lost her whole family, had to deal with all that at Snowstill, and more. So yeah, maybe he'd be a LITTLE more careful who he threw a shoe at in the future. Hard to do anything else about it now. She wouldn't even LOOK at him.

Ah well. It was back to trying to decipher just what his master wanted of him... again.