Finally, Chapter 4 is here, I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 4
Recruitment
Kel woke up earlier that morning than usual. She wanted to get her usual training in that morning before she met Dom and Raoul at the King's Own's training field where they would begin the recruiting process. The potential recruits would have to show their skill with various weapons as well as their knowledge of battle and tactics. After a number of pattern dances, increasing in difficulty, Kel fed the sparrows that sat on her window and Jump, who was just uncurling himself from his bed. Tobe, as usual was already awake and bringing breakfast by the time her morning routine was finished.
After eating, Kel, Tobe and a horde of animals left the townhouse and walked up to the Own's field. Dom and Raoul were already there, even though the sun had not yet risen. Dom grinned and winked while Raoul yawned and gave a sleepy wave. She stiffly walked over to the two of them; the joust had left her stiff and sore, even though she had won.
"What's the plan for the day?" She asked Dom; she had a rough idea but didn't know exactly what was going to happen.
Dom replied, "First they are paired off and show their what they can do in hand to hand combat, then daggers and swords. Then they do archery with both long bows and crossbows. They also have to show some ability in a pole arm. Finally they go inside and in groups discuss strategy and tactics in some random situations. It's a long process but we need to be sure that they can cover all of the requirements."
Kel nodded, "Sounds like we have our work cut out for us."
The three of them sat down at one end of the training yard on a low platform as the recruits filed in, some carrying equipment, others carrying padding (so that injuries stayed at a minimum). She heard some of the men muttering, asking why she was there, but she took no notice. She was used to that.
Raoul stood up and addressed the potential recruits, "Welcome, everyone." His voice boomed over the many voices, "The King's Own is not a fancy garland of beads to decorate the kings armor. We are not here for glamor or prestige. If you have come because you want to meet pretty girls and dance at pretty balls, this is not the place for you. I guarantee that whatever the tasks we are faced with, they are anything but glamorous. I have also notice a number of questions about the presence of Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan," a couple of faces looked down, "In answer to those questions, I realized that this would be an exceedingly large intake, since we have not recruited for the Own in a number of years, and I would need an extra pair of eyes. Keladry has experience not only with command but also with the workings of the Own from her time as my squire, which made her the ideal person." Some men now looked at her with grudging admiration. "I'd like you all to pair up with man next to you to spar with, firstly without weapons. We will begin with daggers and swords later." There was a sudden bustle of noise as the men began pairing off.
When the noise finally died down and the pairs of men stood in the organized line in which the training masters had put them, Raoul once again spoke, "I want you all to fight fairly and honorably while still trying your best. If Domitan, Keladry or I spot anyone fighting dirty, he will be vulnerable to punishment. If the mages sense the use of any magical enhancers, similar laws with apply. You may now begin."
Raoul and Dom climbed off the platform, shortly followed by Kel, and began walking through the ranks, making notes on each pair they passed. After a long session, the trio returned to the dais on which their chairs sat and Raoul commanded the men to stop. Kel could see healers running around and healing any major injuries. The rest of the morning proceeded similarly, with weapons of increasing size. After they had finished showing proficiency in archery and pole arms, they took a break for a welcome lunch.
Raoul sat at the table with Kel and Dom eating at the warm roasted lamb that Tobe had brought for them when Duke Baird's apprentice ran in. The boy's name was Waryn if his memory served. The boy panted as he handed the note he carried to Raoul. Baird's note was short but the messy scrawl was difficult to decipher:
Raoul,
Buri came in this morning vomiting violently and very dizzy. She was unable to stop weeping but we now know what is wrong. She is pregnant. I know you are likely very busy but please come over soon.
Congratulations
Baird
Raoul stared at the letter, rereading it three times, trying to get over the shock. He was so completely unaware of Dom and Kel's looks of curiosity that Dom had to pull the note from his hands to get him to snap out of it.
"I-I have to go," Raoul stuttered, "If I'm not back when lunch is over, start without me." He rose numbly and followed the apprentice.
Kel and Dom bent over the letter, with the same looks of shock that Raoul had had.
"I'm not sure if I can imagine Raoul as a father," Dom said to Kel as they digested the contents of the note rather than the contents of the plates.
Kel shook her head, "He'll be a great father; he was like a second one to me while I was his squire."
Lunch was soon finished and the potential recruits were all there on time (no one wanted to be seen as tardy). They were quickly split up into groups for the strategy and tactics exercises, some of which were physical activities (seeing how the unexpected causes strategy to crumble and how to adjust accordingly), and mental activities (learning how to plan for every situation).
Dom stood up from his chair and spoke to the men, "You are now going to show if you are able to understand battle strategy and tactics. You will have half an hour for each activity and the results will be judge by Kel and my self. As for the whereabouts of the Knight Commander, you will have noticed that he received a letter during lunch, which called him away. While I'm not at liberty to disclose what the note contained, I will say it was very important and Lord Raoul will try to return at some point." Kel couldn't help notice how attractive he was as he stood there and how he took on such a commanding presence, the likes of which she'd never seen from him before. "You may now proceed with the first activity."
The rest of the afternoon went similarly to the morning but after each activity, Kel and Dom had to read through the strategy plans. Raoul only returned in time for the last activity but remained very quiet, allowing Dom to speak at the end of the process.
The three of them then worked late into the night, deciding who would actually be accepted. Kel recognized a couple of names of those who were chosen, siblings and cousins to some of her friends mostly. Kel retired to her chambers at close to one in the morning and quickly fell asleep, exited for tomorrow