Chapter 9: King's Message
After several more bedridden weeks Movan was finally able to move on his own. Lady Bernatys refused to see him after the tournament and for several days. Movan returned to Maras Castle where he resupplied his men and bided his time and planed for his taking of Swadia he dispatched his companions far and wide to tell the people of Every land of what would be if he were to rule over them.
Movan spared with two of his men in the Courtyard of Maras castle each day after a hearty breakfast this morning was no different. Movan's strength returned every day until he was back to where he was before he was injured. The Gates opened and a Page escorted by three other riders rode in carrying the banner of Harlaus. Movan wiped the sweat from his brow and walked over his muscles wet with sweat. The Page held out a scroll Movan unrolled it and read quickly then looked to the page with a serious look then to Borcha.
"Assemble the sergeants, and the rest of the Companions in the Hall we must plan for war" Movan said. "Servants see these riders are fed and their horses taken care of before they leave."
Movan ran across the courtyard, and into the wooden castle, he dressed in his bed chamber, then found a map of the world in the chart room then he went to the hall and rolled out the map on the table, then he took his seat at the head and waited for the others to enter.
The Sergeant, and Movan's companions came in and took their seats around the table, when they were all seated Movan Cleared his throat.
"One of the castles that is close to the border with the Sarranids has gone silent no messages has come in weeks the King wants us to investigate and determine what has happened. The castle in question is Rindi Castle, we will ride along the base of the mountains until we come to the ent then ride to Rindi. I will take one hundred men just in case there is any trouble with whoever took the castle. We will secure it and wait for further orders. We will take enough supplies for a siege if need be and send word if we need assistance." Movan said as he pointed to areas of the map.
"Maras will be relatively defenseless if the Rhodoks decide to cause trouble for us." Said one of the sergeants.
"Yes but I will leave enough men and supplies so that Maras can hold until we come back." Movan said reassuringly. "We march immediately how soon can we be ready?"
"We can be ready by dusk, then be there by noon tomorrow if we do not stop." The other sergeant said.
"Excellent dismissed I must ready myself council adjourned." Movan said as he stood up.
Movans companions, and sergeants stood and left the hall to bark out orders to the men. Movan went to the wooden practice dummy that had his armor on it and he put his armor on and open faced helmet ,gauntlets ,and leg armor he slid his sword into his belt as he fastened it to his waist. When he emerged from the Keep his men were assembled, mounted or ready to march the baggage train was packed and ready. A servant held Movans White Courier Horse's reins and handed them to him as he approached and mounted.
Movan spurred his horse as the gates opened the rest of the party followed swiftly behind. The Banner holders carried their banners high as they marched. The Sun and made the mountains above them look orange and red and the trees look red. They marched through the night and by the time the afternoon sun was beating down on them they came into view of Rindi Castle what awaited them was almost as Movan had predicted they would see as they looked down from the ridge that led into the valley in the distance Movan could make out the ruins of one of the surrounding villages, below the Castle was in ruins and a banner Movan had never seen flew over its walls.
