The Plague - Chapter 1 - Brotherhood
Dresden, Prusse, November 1348
Two months after their stay in the Netherlands, the group reached Dresden. The city seemed calm, the order preserving the haven.
Pierre: Finally! My feet are killing me!
Heinrich: You argue too much, boy! You're lucky enough to have decent shoes!
Alexandre: I am truly sorry Heinrich, but we just couldn't afford some new clothes…
Heinrich: Please, I am forever in your debt for this opportunity… I'll live…
They left the city, since the order's hideout was located deep in the neighbouring woods. Upon arriving, they were halted by a member, guarding the gate.
Guard: Halt! Quo vadis?
Alexandre: Gladio est Deus…
Guard: Excellent! Come on in, we've been expecting you…
Alexandre: - to the duo - Now, if you follow me…
Inside the apparently abandoned stronghold, members were gathered in the halls, to welcome their newest arrivals. Whispers could be heard. "He's just a kid…" said a woman. " Look at him, he's a wreck!" said another.
Alexandre: My brethren! I have returned! Now these are Pierre Dunoir and Heinrich Van Bach, our new brothers.
Excited chatter filled the room, as everyone wanted to befriend the newcomers.
Member: Oh, you're from Holland? Curious…
Member nº2: Paris heh? Tis' a beautiful city…
Adam: Indeed, you come from abroad, but Alexandre, do they have what it takes?
The room silenced, as the booming voice of the order's second-in-command, Adam Henshel, was heard.
Alexandre: Adam, my friend! - they embrace - Yes, I do, Pierre, is swift as a fox, and Heinrich, single-handedly mauled one of "them", with his bare hands.
Adam: Interesting… - motioning to two men - Smiths! Leone! Get them cleaned up, and in recruit uniforms. I want them accessed as fast as possible. Master is waiting.
After showering, they got separated, Heinrich following Smiths and Pierre following Leone. The so called "recruit uniform", was just a simple white tunic, pants and boots, but far better than his former rags, Heinrich thought.
Smiths: So what is your weapon of choice?
Heinrich: None, I'm afraid I resourced to my fists, when violence was needed…
Smiths: Oh, a brawler, eh? But you must choose one, since the only way to kill one of "them", it must be stabbed in the heart with a silver blade. But let me try a different approach… Style? Precision? Power?
Heinrich: Defence. Parrying and sidestepping are my perks. I guess back alley brawls, improved my footwork. - laughs -
Smiths: Very well, a light, sabre should do the trick. Now, enough chatting, grab that wooden sword. Let's give that "footwork" a test shall we?
Meanwhile, in another training room…
Leone: So let's begin your evaluation… The order uses silver blades. Stab them in the heart, they drop dead,for good. Understood?
Pierre: Yeah, sure… Aim for the heart…
Leone: Are you familiar, with the ways of the sword?
Pierre: Not really no, my only experience, is stealing, since back then, I needed to in order to survive.
Leone: Fascinating. Then we'll do a light sparring session, to find you a weapon to suit your tastes, agreed?
Pierre: Sure, let's go.
An hour later...
Smiths: - panting - Good! Very Good! You lack the offence, but your quick thinking, and exquisite footwork make for an excellent defender.
Heinrich: Thank you! I didn't I had it in me! But, still preferring the old fist… - chuckles -
Leone: Good! - sighs - Let's stop now! We just found your talent… precision! You strike with accuracy, resourcing to thrusting over slashing. A good rapier would suit you…
Pierre: I guess? - laughs -
After their evaluation, they rejoined the main hall.
Heinrich: So, how did you fare kid?
Pierre: Pretty good… You?
Heinrich: Likewise…
They remained in the hall, small talking, but suddenly interrupted by Adam.
Adam: Excuse me, for interrupting. Your cases were examined. Please, follow me, our Master will announce the verdict…
Fear and anticipation washed over the two, as they entered a large dimly lit study.
Behind a worn, wooden desk, a figure covered by a cowl, sat.
Master: Please, come in, gentlemen, I have been expecting you. - turns towards Pierre - Pierre Dunoir… You young man, are a fine example of our society's corruption. A fine thief, and a fine striker, makes you an ideal asset to our family. Welcome.
Pierre: Thank you, it's an honour… Master?
Master: - giggles - Please call me Veronica.
The duo flinched as they found out that their master, was an ageing woman. They remained silent, dumbstruck.
Master: - chuckles quietly - Heinrich Van Bach… A wreck of a man, a poor drunkard… My deepest condolences for your past… A brawler, excellent reaction time and footwork… You're a natural. Welcome to the family.
Heinrich: But of course, Lady Veronica.
Master: Now, despite being members of our association, you are still nothing but recruits. Unripe fruit, if you would… As of tomorrow, you'll begin your 2 year formation… Do well, and you'll find yourselves a place among our ranks… Dismissed…
They left the room, smiles on their faces, their new life had begun, among the Holy Sword Brotherhood.
A/N: And there you have it! First chapter's out! Please leave me a review or some kind of feedback, I'd really appreciate it...