"So who are you?" Sam asked, looking up at the man. He wasn't a giant but he had to be over six foot.
"Like I said; I am Thomas" Thomas repeated, his footsteps making a soft crunching sounds as the dirt moved under foot "You want to know my past yes?"
Confused Sam simply nodded, he already trusted Thomas but it didn't hurt to know more about him.
"Well I do not own a fancy title like yours" Thomas chuckled "I am known for my strength and feats in battle"
"What do you mean?" Sam asked.
"Well you saw how fast I can use my pole-axe" Thomas chuckled "With it's reach and power I can easily cleave through lesser skilled foes"
"Oh that is true" Sam agreed.
"Now you tell me; how did those two pups give you so much trouble?" Thomas asked his head shifted slightly as if to get a better view of Sam "You are no soldier, you are a warden and a pretty well-known one at that"
Sam felt his cheeks warm slightly from the question and he looked away.
"Well no matter, I won't say a word" Thomas chuckled, slamming the pommel of his poleaxe down on the floor as if to signify he meant his word.
They continued in silence for a while, not a single word was spoken between them as they neared the city of Ashfeld.
"Hey Tom?" Sam spoke standing still so the giant had to stop to look at him.
"That's me" He chuckled.
"Thanks again" Sam continued a small smile touching his lips. "I may not be a warden for much longer after this but I will remember your help"
Tom was silence before he hefted his mighty poleaxe onto his shoulder "Why will you no longer be a warden?"
"Well my over confidence has gotten more than one hundred men killed and I failed to retake the outpost" Sam mumbled fiddling with the pommel of his sword "The high warden will not look kindly on this"
"Bah! I counted the bodies of the outlaws" Thomas suddenly growled, "You'll keep your status as a warden even if it means I have to pull a couple strings"
Thomas turned and stomped towards the city, every third step his poleaxe stomping against the floor as Sam hurried to catch up. Somewhat afraid of what Thomas would do.
Three hours later
"So let me summarize what happened" The High warden growled, the court rumbled in agreement "You lead a consort of over one hundred men to retake an outpost on our borders but you failed, got them all killed and managed to escape alive?"
"Escape?" Sam's anger grew at that "I did no-"
"Then how are you here?" The High Warden asked "I refuse to believe one of the Champions came and helped you"
"Champion?" Sam asked confused but the High Warden waved his question down.
"We do not have time to give a history lesson" He growled "I believe you know the punishment for such a failure and cowardice"
The court once again rumbled in agreement and stood up; Warden's, Lawbringers and Peacekeepers all looked down on Sam while two Conquerors came up behind Sam and held his arms while another took his longsword away.
"Samuel Lionheart, I hereby ba-" The High Warden started before he was cut off by a loud crashing sound, everyone froze and looked towards the doors as they hung meekly off their hinges, a Lawbringer standing in the middle of them silhouetted by the sunlight from outside but Sam already knew who it was.
Thomas stood stock still and looked over the room as everyone stared back.
"Lawbringer! I do not know who you are but you have no right to interrupt this meeting!" The high warden almost screeched in fury, it looked like he was reaching the end of his tether.
"You are bringing shame upon our order" Another Lawbringer shouted as the Conquerors moved to intercept Thomas.
"No Lawbringer you are" Thomas replied, moving forward and meeting the Conquerors head on. Conquerors are strong, convicted criminals but stood no chance against Thomas. He lifted them off the ground and slammed them against each other before dropping them.
"Who are you?" The High Warden looked down, a mixture of shock and anger going across his face.
"Like Samuel said" Thomas walked up and slapped Sam on the back "I am Thomas, yes I am a Champion"
There was silence for a long time before majority of the council jumped down and crowded around Thomas and Sam cheering and pushing to get closer to Thomas.
"Impossible!" The High Warden shouted covering the room in silence.
"How so?" Thomas replied, he sounded cheerful but something about his tone of voice sounded false.
"A Champion would not save a simple warden!" The High Warden sputtered.
Thomas was silent for a while before pulling out a golden cross hanging on a thick red thread and just held it out for everyone to see.
"Now give Sam his longsword back. I need a private word with you John" Thomas's voice stayed cheerful but everyone could in the room could hear the anger. Everyone started filing out slowly, one of them passed Sam's sword back as they filed out.
"Tom?" Sam started before Thomas cut him off.
"Wait for me outside. I'll tell you the real reason why I'm here after"
Sam slowly walked out and looked back before he turned the corner and saw Thomas walking up the steps toward the High Warden, removing his gauntlets and popping his knuckles as he got near.