Chapter 3
Duty and Oath
"Our hearts are home to the Creator, and when a new believer comes, should we all rejoice"
- Brother Genitivi to the faithful
Highever
A few days later, around noon, the Teyrn retinue reached the Cousland Castle in Wysokożu. The castle looked grand and well fortified, it seemed virtually impregnable. In front of the walls there was a village, where each house had stone bases, the walls were of wood and painted white or brown or black, the roofs were triangular in shape covered with clay tiles in the middle, while there was a brick chimney. The castle was divided into three parts, which gave better protection to it residents. The first line of defense was the lower castle, surrounded by a low, solid stone wall. It had a brick casing in a spinning wheel with a wooden gate reinforced with iron. At the gate there were two stone towers with small shutters for men. There were two towers at the corners of the wall, from which it was possible to spot the enemy from many kilometers. The second line was the upper castle with a large stone wall, which stood on a rock base, which provided protection against excavation. The gate was also made of brick, with the difference that the votive offerings were a thick iron grate that could only be opened from the inside. The upper castle was difficult to cross, because every twenty meters there was a stone tower on top of which stood ballistae and manguellas. The last line of defense was the citadel or the stool in which Teyrn and his family lived. The wall was tall but short, and there was a tower at each of the four corners. The entrance was defended by massive wooden doors behind which there was a small square. On the right side, by the gate, there were stables, while on the left side of the gate there were stairs leading to the wall. Directly from the entrance to the Citadel was a wooden gate leading to the great hall. There were knight's barracks on the right and the door to the castle chapel on the left. On each of the towers and gates, the banner of the House of Couslands waved, and as the procession entered the village, all the people cheered and smiled at the return of the rulers of Highlands. Teyrn Bryce rode his horse proudly, with his head held high and the erect posture that lent him majesty, he waved the people from time to time. Each of the knights and soldiers also rode proudly emphasizing the strength and prestige of the Teyrnir army. Roland stayed close to the carriage where the Teyrn family was traveling, never ceasing to think about the events of that night and about the woman he had met with his future. Behind the retinue was a carriage with the bodies of fallen soldiers, wrapped in linen and neatly arranged. Many bowed their heads to pay tribute to the fallen, still others wondered if their relatives or friends were lying on this cart. Teyrna, on the other hand, sat in the carriage taking care of little Arthur, waving from time to time to the welcoming crowd. Fergus and Marion sat at their abilities, staring out the windows of the carriage. Marion, however, was very busy looking at her little brother who slept in Eleanor's arms. Bryce, as he rode, listening to the cheering crowd, turned and looked back, his eyes fixed on Roland thoughtfully. Then he said to one of the soldiers - Gaell, tell Sir Roland that he wants to talk to him.
- My lord's order. - the soldier replied. He bowed his head and walked towards the commander of the knights.
- Sir Roland, teyrn wants to talk to you. - Gaell announced, glaring at the knight with respect.
- Okay, thank you for letting me know. - thanked him and nods his head. Then he went to his master's side to find out why he wanted to see him.
- You called my lord? - Roland asked with interest in his voice.
- Yes, because something seems to be bothering you. - said teyrn and then asked - What's going on, is there anything that bothers you?
- No sir, just...- for a moment he broke off but after a few moments he broke. - They just don't think about that day when your son was born.
- I see. - Bryce stated understandably. - I also wonder what these creatures were and why did they attack us? - will ask Roland a little thoughtfully.
- I also know that I was thinking about it, when we rest I will send a deliberate one to a friend from the Gray Guard. - continued - If he doesn't know who these monsters are, he'll have to search all the books in the kingdom to find out.
- Reasonably my lord. - said the commander of the knights with a smile and added - Will order with your permission to increase the patrols in the teyrnir.
- It's a good idea you have my permission. - Bryce announced with a smile and a nod of his head.
Roland nodded in reply as well, then returned to his seat. The procession finally entered the Citadel, the knights and soldiers began to dismount at the behest of their Teyrn. To greet the Couslands came Seneschal, the treasurer, the marshal, the rest of the Teyrna manor, and of course the banns who came to talk to their teyrn and the clergy from the castle chapel. After dismounting from the mount, Teyrn approached the carriage to help his wife disembark. As they approached the officials greeting them, a High Seneschal named Arranz Trraenal stepped out of the ranks. The man was large, of moderate build, about forty-two years of age, with gray hair and a long beard. He was dressed in a navy blue doublet with white embroidery, sturdy leather boots, and a black belt with a long silver Ferelden sword attached to it. He went to his master and said - Welcome home, Teyrnie Cousland, good to see you and your family well. - he continued. - I also see that the family has grown, my lord, congratulations.
- Hello and thank you Arranza, I hope everything was in good order in my absence.? - Bryce said heartily as he asked for the report.
- Everything is just like you left it except for a little raider problems, but you know very well what a persistent problem it is. - the seneschal said with a serious smile.
Teyrn nodded his understanding as he stroked his chin.
- If you allow me, ladies, there are matters that require your consideration at the next council. - Arranz informed bowing.
- I understand my friend, I will put on a different garment then we can begin. - Teyrn announced calmly, looking at his seneschal.
- Of course my lord. - said Arranz, then clapped his hands and added - Serve the Teyrn bags to the castle and help them unpack.
Teyrn turned to Roland and said - Sir Roland, please take care of the burial of the fallen soldiers with Renna's mother, and after the council is gathered, wait for me in the great hall.
- As ordered, my lord. - the knight commander replied, then bowed and walked away.
After greeting, Bryce and her family entered the Great Hall. The room itself gave the impulse and prestige of the Cousland home. The ceiling was twenty meters high with a painted wall showing the history of the foundation of the Cousland family. At the top were six iron chandeliers with glass candle holders. The walls were made of brick, just like the whole castle, there was a tapestry on them depicting an event or just a symbol on the columns, while there were also hunting trophies under which there were shields with Cousland laurels. At the end of the room was a large stone hearth, and in front of it stood Teyrna's throne and chairs for his family. On the ground in the center of the hall was a long green carpet with golden edges that extended all the way to the throne. Bryce and his family headed for their chambers to change into fresh clothes and rest for a while before the welcome dinner. When they reached the second floor, the maidservants took Fergus and Marion to their rooms to help and change. Teyrn and Teyrna followed little Arthur into their chamber and only Eowyn entered their chamber. Bryce stripped off his armor, then began to dress his blue-green doublet and gray leather boots. Eleanor put the baby in the cradle and began to take off her gown with Eowyn to change into her favorite blue and white gown with a golden rose pattern. The courtly took the dresses taken off and a conversation ensued between the couple.
- You look beautiful sweetheart. - Bryce said fondly to his wife.
- Thank you dearest, but really Arranz could have waited until tomorrow with duties so that he could rest after such a hard journey. - suspended Teyrna said.
- Eleanor, you know very well that as one of the two Teyrns in Ferelden, I have a lot of responsibilities and have to take care of them first. - he announced smiling to his wife and kissed her on the forehead.
- It's understandable, because if you were a lazy and a fool, I would never look at you. - she announced to her husband with a slight joke in her voice.
- Good to know my love. - he said fondly and added with a joke - I have to go before Trraenal sends a search team.
Teyrn bowed to his wife, stroked his son's head, and went to the council meeting. Eleanor took the girls in her arms and thought, looking at the baby "May you one day grow up to be a good man like your stepfather" smiling at the same time. Then she began to cuddle the boy dosnu.
Teyrn arrived at the council meeting, sat down in his seat, on his right sat a seneschal, and on the left a treasurer named Colin Rallen with his wooden briefcase covered with leather on his lap, which contained documents on Teyrnir's finances. The deliberations lasted a long time, mainly about the rights of the composition and where to send trade caravans. Eventually the talks turned to the raiders who had become the bane of the shores of Ferelden.
- Gentlemen and ladies, I have told you more than once that we must build ships to avert the threat of these damned pirates. - Arranz said seriously, trying to convince teyrn and council.
- I agree, seneschal, but we need funds to make it happen. - said Colinsur in a tone of voice.
- Enough! - Bryce shouted, preventing a possible quarrel, then thoughtfully added - I agree that building ships is expensive, but no one makes us disgust building an entire armad.
At these words everyone began to whisper and Colin lost himself in thought, then looked to teyrn and asked - What do you want to suggest my lord?
- It's simple, we will build two ships every six months for two years and six months. - he continued - this will ensure that we will have a defense fleet for our shores and we will not strain the treasury.
Everyone began to whisper at these words and Colin lost himself in thought, then looked at Nateyrn and asked - What do you want to suggest my lord?
- It's simple, we will build two ships every six months for two years and six months. - he continued - this will ensure that we will have a defense fleet for our shores and we will not strain the treasury.
Everyone nodded in agreement. Bryce got up and said when he saw it - Since all this, I consider the proceedings completed. You can break up.
All the members of the council came out teyrn he was sitting in his seat thinking "It's good that it's all over now, really sometimes this advice turns into a bunch of blind heads which it doesn't reach, but at least I have their loyalty.". Finishing his thoughts, he got up and left the council chamber when he was outside the council room and saw Ser Roland waiting for him. He looked at the commander of the knights with a heartfelt smile and said to him - You're okay, we need to discuss a few things.
- I understand teyrnie, so drive on. - Roland said with a reciprocated smile and curiosity.
They walked into Bryc's office in silence as they reached the chamber, two guards bowed in front of the entrance and opened the door for him. Teyrn's office was not too big, but also small, it could be said that it was medium-sized. There were two bookcases in the left part of the room, a cream-colored leather sofa with a small honey gun and three goblets next to it, small portraits of Bryc's grandfather and father, three steel candlesticks and chandeliers hanging on the wall, and a fireplace on the right. There was also a glass window in front of which stood a leather-covered chair, and a desk at which Teyrn worked. Brace went to the table and poured them both some honey to talk, then he passed the goblet to his friend and sat down behind the desk, Roland waited after taking the honey until his master was seated and then sat on the right chair in front of the desk.
- Why did you want to talk to me ladies, did I do something wrong or one of my men? - Roland asked, slightly stressed.
- Take it easy my friend, I wanted to talk to you, because I want you to choose 5 trusted knights for help, whom you will initiate into Arthur's origins and with him you will guard him. - Bryce announced in a calm but serious voice.
- I understand, but what prompted you to make this decision? - the intrigued knight commander asked.
- I remembered that Uther was a globetrotter, and if his son inherited this fortune from him, he'd better have companions to protect him. - Teyrn said, laughing at the memory of his dead friend, then taking a sip from his goblet.
- As you wish, my lord. - Roland said, nodding his head.
- Not only this is to be discussed. - Bryce announced, standing up and looking out the window
The commander of the knights took a sip of honey, set the goblet on the desk, then walked over to the teyrn and stared at it curiously. Teyrn took a sip from his goblet, then turned to Roland and said - I want you to teach Arthur fencing from the age of 5 and teach him tactical and strategic knowledge.
- Of course my lord, if you think this might be of use to the boy in the future. - Roland said respectfully as he smiled slightly as it meant being given a free hand to teach Arthur the full war trade.
- Since everything is agreed, we can move on to other matters. - Bryce said calmly, then the two of them sat down in their seats and began discussing the security of the windmill and how to strengthen it. They sat there until late at night, missing the welcome dinner. Bryce returned to his quarters, stepping into the kitchen for a moment to take one snack. He entered the room and saw that his wife was already asleep, he walked over to the cradle and kissed his stepson on the forehead, saying
- Sweet Dreams, the little king. - He entered the bed, covered himself with the quilt and fell asleep.
Candidates
One week later
Roland went to the teyrn's office to present him a list of the knights he had chosen as Arthur's guardians. He was about to knock on the door when he heard the laughter and the giggles and moans accompanying intimate moments. Smiling, he shook his head and resolved to wait so as not to disturb Teyrn and his wife. As the door opened, Eleon stepped out of the room with her hair down, her face slightly fused, and on her a smile that changed to embarrassment as she saw Roland looking a little amused by the situation could heat - Hello Sir Roland.
- Hello my lady, it's really nice mom's day today. - said the commander of the knights without losing his smile.
- Indeed, the day is perfect for a stroll in the gardens. - Teyrna said, eyeing the knight with her eyes, then added with a malicious smile! - You probably have an important business for my husband so come in.
- Wait a minute Teyrn probably two or three things to do - Roland bowed his head soundly as he spoke.
Eleanor smirked as she lifted the right corner of her mouth, squinted her right eye and lifted her left eyebrow upwards, the gaze of her mother looking at the unruly rascal. Roland's eyes delayed, he swallowed, and as Teyrna walked away he took a deep breath "Maker Teyrna is truly terrible at times than a herd of great dragons, I'm not surprised why Teyrn prefers not to tease her." he thought, laughing at the same time. Then Bryc's voice rang out the door! - Roland, you can come in.
The knight commander entered the chamber, bowing to his teyrn, then looked up and said - Hello lord, I have brought the names of the knights I have chosen to protect Arthur.
- Okay, so who did you choose and are you sure they can be trusted? - Bryce asked definitely.
- By answering the second question right away, yes you can trust them - continued - I would trust them to live.
- I see. - Teyrn replied that he was calm and then asked - So who did you choose?
- First I chose Sir Richard York, the right knight sometimes seems to be dull, but when it comes to fighting he is second to none. - Roland said respectfully and appreciatively. Tern nodded, nodding and remembering how Richard had fortified their camp during the trip.
- The second coat of arms is Sir Benen Bowie, a loyal and sensible dagger master and an expert in ramp combat. - the commander of the knights said cheerfully.
- Interesting, I think I remember him. - Bryce thought thoughtfully.
- My advice would be to never play any cash game with him. - Rolandi said firmly he added - Unless your lordship wants to get rid of silver coins and sovereigns
- Hahaha, good to know. - Teyrn replied with amusement.
- Third is Sir Edan Forester, formidable in battle and unpredictable as a strategist. - said the commander of the knights with a deep breath.
- I take your word for it - Bryce said.
- The fourth knight is Sir Cedric Black, strong as a turn and just as skillful, there is no barrier through which he cannot break through. - Roland announced with a little stress.
- Remind me, is it not the knight with the paw like a bear and he is sometimes not forbidden to participate in tournaments? - Teyrn asked, stroking his chin and squinting in thought.
- Indeed my lord. - the knight commander said amused.
- Who is next? - Bryce asked with a slight smile too.
- The last of the candidates I chose is Sir Tira Mennell, in my opinion not a lesser archer and a more local commander. - Roland announced respectfully and proudly.
- I see. - Teyrn said thoughtfully, then asked firmly - Are you absolutely sure these knights will keep a secret about Arthur?
- Lord, I am more than sure of that, I would entrust them all with my life and my whole life. - Roland replied confidently and decisively.
- Okay then, but remember, if the truth about Arthur comes out too soon you'll pay for it. - warned Bryce menacingly the commander of the knights.
- I understand my lord. - said the commander of the knights slightly stresse.
Finishing his shortlist of candidates and later discussing the security of the teyrniru, Sir Roland left the Teyrn's office. He headed into the courtyard to meet with the knights he had chosen.
The beginning of an unbreakable bond
Meanwhile with Eleanor, Marion and Arthur.
Eleanor returned to her chambers to take care of her son. When she entered, she saw how her five-year-old daughter was rocking Arthur's cradle a little while he was soundly asleep. The woman smiled, considering the sight touching and comforting. She walked over to Marionpo quietly and put her right arm around her, and when the girl looked up at the woman, she smiled. Then she turned her eyes back to her younger brother who turned his left half and continued to sleep. Eleanor and her daughter smiled at the sight, then Marion stopped moving the cradle, and her mother sat down on the round table in the Teyrn's bedroom. Teyrna took a small silver bell from the table and before she shook it a little, Éowyn came in at the sound, standing by the door. She walked up to Eleanor and Marion asking - Would you like to get something to drink?
- Yes, save us both teas with raspberries and lemon. - Teyrna instructed her with a hearty smile.
- Of course my lady. - the courtier replied respectfully.
When Éowyn had gone to make the tea, Eleanor began talking to her daughter. Seeing Teyrna looking at the cradle all the time she smiled and asked - How do you like your little brother?
- He is sweet and so gentle, but there is something strange about his eyes. - the girl said hesitantly.
- Yes I know what you're talking about - said Eleanor and then explained! it is the sight of great leaders, almost every Cousland has it
- Really? - Marion asked curiously.
- Of course, just look at your father, you can see the aura of a leader in him. - Teyrna announced calmly.
- You're right mom. - the girl said cheerfully.
Mother and daughter also talked about Arthur and her father. When Éowyn came in carrying a tray of tea and cookies, the two ladies looked at her and smiled at the courtier. The servant came up to them, put the tray on the table, poured each of the ladies a tea and asked politely -Would you like anything else?
- You can't leave, Eowyn and thank you, the tea smells great. - Eleanor said, praising her courtly.
Eowyn bowed with a smile and walked out the door, waiting for another call. Marion, together with her mother, began sipping tea and helping themselves to chocolate chip cookies. Both they decided that everything is delicious, making a sound of delight, but the girl wanted to ask something - Mom, are you worried about Arthur?
- Of course it is, as is the case with each of my children. - Eleanor replied smiling warmly and tenderly at her daughter.
Marion was a little embarrassed and trying to look away replied - Okay, only Aldous is terribly demanding.
- I understand, but understand my daughter, that someday this knowledge may be useful to you. - Eleanor said with an understanding voice and added with a slightly serious tone - So try not to escape from the lesson otherwise she will ask you to send a escort of guards.
For this last sentence the girl turned pale "She knows?" she thought looking at her mother with fear.
- Why are you looking at me like that, it is obvious that I am interested in the learning progress of my children. - Teyrna announced smiling at her daughter.
- Not only...- trying to say or deny something, but finally Marion said nothing, instead she got up and walked over to Arthur's cradle and smiled at her brother who had just woken up.
The little boy rubbed his eyes, then he looked at his sister and looked curious, and when he saw the smile he laughed himself, making a joyful sound. Eleanor came to her daughter and said a joke -You see you have another admirer.
- Mom! - the girl cried out in embarrassment.
But later herself laughed. Until Eowyn came in saying - The lady supposedly teyrn got a letter saying that King Maric was coming for a visit.
Teyrna looked at the maid in surprise and said - Eowyn take care of the children and I will go to my husband.
- Of course my lady. - she said and passed teyrna bowing, and then she walked over to the children.
The first Knights of the Round Table
In an old abandoned fort near Cousland Castle, five knights waited for our commander. The fort was called Pendragon, it was slightly ruined, it had a breach in the wall and there were signs of burning somewhere. The fort was said to be two thousand years old and was built as the first seat of the lords of this land. It was captured and destroyed by the Orlesians during the Maric Rebellion as an act of trying to suppress a revolt in the north of the country. SirRyszard stood leaning against the wall, waiting silently while Sir Benen Bowie beat Sir Edan Forester and Sir Cedric Black at the dice. Benen Bowie was a man of medium stature, with an upturned nose, his eyes green and the leaves of the summer. He had dark, neck-length hair with a small braid at the back of his head, and a clean shaven face. Clad in heavy chain mail armor made of red steel by what was called the red devil, he wore two short swords at his belt that looked like long Bowie knives, forged in silver, and had double groins. The handles were made of tanned ash, an iron ring connected to an iron head to form a guard. Edan Forester had a tall but slightly muscled stature, his eyes were brown, his nose a little elongated. The knight had short, dark blond hair, had no beard, but his face was adorned with a thick mustache of the same color, which reached up to his mouth and slightly overlapped it. He was dressed in verydium chain armor, dyed black, which gave him respect and mystery. He wore a long silver Fereldan sword with a hilt wrapped in red leather, and a black dwarf shield that formed a ring cut in half and joined together along the blade, and an oval base at the bottom. The second weapon was a long triple-bladed lance forged from the veridium leaned against the wall behind him. Cedric Black was huge and very muscular, with blue eyes, an upturned nose and a crooked gaze. He had no hair because he was bald, but his stubble resembled chestnut anchors. He wore steel plate armor that gleamed in the sunlight. There was a long iron dagger at his belt, but the knight's main weapon was a two-handed silver club tinged with a dark green color.
The knights played dice, two of them were frustrated because Sir Bowie had almost plucked all of their silver coins. Edan looked at the money he lost and that made him nervous - New Bowie you play me all the time if you want to get beaten up.
- What Happened Forester Are You Softening? - Benen asked derisively.
- I've lost almost all of my monthly pay, so let it go. - Edan said irritated.
- Wait, wait, are you asking me to let you win? - Bowie asked amused, then added - Oh, oh, oh, poor Edan, you should know that in a game like this, fate is for the better.
- So it should be on my side. - Cedric announced seriously.
- And where does this supposition come from? - Bowi asked slightly irritated.
- If I remember correctly the last time, three days ago to be precise, you fell to the sand after a minute and slept for two hours. the huge knight said with a smile.
- I then yyy, - Benen tried desperately to think of something until he said - I got a little sick.
- Yeah Maferata it was. - Edan replied, laughing at the same time.
Sir Bowie was already a little nervous about the reproach of his humiliating moment by his colleagues. So he threw the dice on the table and he had six companions of annoyance again. Richard was looking at them with a smile, three playing knights then the Tira came up to him. Tira Mennell, one of the few female knights, was both beautiful and dangerous. The knight had jet-black hair, a tall and voluptuous posture, golden eyes and a slightly upturned nose. Clad in heavy silver chain mail armor, a short steel sword was pinned to her waist. On her back, however, she wore a quiver of arrows, and a long iron-wood bow on her shoulder. The woman came up with a smile and leaned against the wall next to the red-haired knight, wanting to ask about something, but she did not have time. Richard straightened and walked through the gate, squinting as he stared into the distance. Tira stood behind him, curious about what her companion had noticed.
- He came - Richard said seriously, his eyes never leaving the approaching Roland.
- Why do you think he called us here? - the curious woman asked.
- We'll find out soon. - Richard replied coldly. Tira looked at him curiously.
- Tell the rest that the commander is approaching. - the knight commanded his companion calmly.
- I see. - the knight announced and went to get the rest of her companions.
When she approached the three knights playing and arguing, she escaped - It is a pity that there are no more women who have received such generous gifts as Tira.
- Dude, maybe we'd better finish. - Benan said, noticing the knight.
- What's up, Bowie, wouldn't you want a busty cow like that in your bed every day? - Edan asked smiling.
- I believe that every woman is beautiful in her own way. - Cedric said stressed out.
- You too, come on, neither of you wants to have a busty wench in an alcove because I do. - Forester announced happily not realizing that before the danger lurked.
- Dude shut up. - Bowie ordered him desperately.
- Benan, in my opinion a woman should have a big...- the knight did not manage to say when he was hit by a strong kick of furious Tira.
- Ryszard told you to finish. The commander is approaching. - the knight said in a threatening voice.
Both knights got up from the ground, cleared the place of the game and helped Edan pick himself up from the ground, who was still stunned by the unexpected blow from Mennell. Four teaists stood in a row waiting for Roland to arrive, and after a while Ryszard joined them. The commander of the knights rode in through the prane and saw the five knights standing at attention, he rode to the horses of the knights will stand, dismounted from his hanger, then walked over to the five he chose.
- Hello Commander! - a choral greeting sounded.
- Hello friends, I'm glad you came. - Roland said gratefully as he looked around at the knights.
The knights bowed with their right hand clenched into a fist and placed over the left breast. Then they straightened up waiting for answers why are they gathered here
- Probably waiting for you to answer your questions? - Roland asked seriously.
- You're right Commander, we want to know why you gathered our five here. - Tirab announced passionately, then hit with her elbow by Richard.
- I see. - said the commander of the knights calmly, then added - Follow me, I'll explain everything to you there.
The five knights followed Roland to the stool. As they entered and walked down the corridor, they saw jagged banners with the symbols of the Couslands and the kingdom of Ferelden. Shattered doors also showed their eyes, and traces of dried blood in some places. This meant that when the Russians conquered the fort, they arranged a bloody slaughterhouse for the crew. Roland looked back and saw Edan all the way around the side of his neck and chin. The commander of the knights saw the sour face of Tira, which was following the Forester, looking clearly at me in the direction of the knight. The view was interesting enough that he couldn't help but ask - Were there any problems before I arrived?
- Not commander. - Ryszard answered calmly.
- Then why does Sir Forester have a mark on the left side of his neck and face? - Roland asked suspiciously at the knight.
- As for that, I beat Bowie and Black, and Cedric could not stand the tension and made a difference. - Edan said with a little stress.
- Strange if I remember correctly, it was every time Sir Black slapped you for two hours. - announced Roland with a smile and the others burst out laughing.
- That's not true Commander! - Forester shouted upset.
- As I remember, and I have quite a good memory, it happened several times that we had to stop for an unexpected stop because you upset Sir Cedric. - Roland announced stroking his chin with a smile as the others laughed.
- The truth is, Edan got a kick from Tira. - Benan said laughing at the same time.
- Oh, don't worry Forester, with a warrior like Mennell it's not a shame to lose. - said the commander of the knights reassuringly and added - I know what I'm saying.
Everyone was curious about Roland's words, but he held their question with a raised hand. They approached the great iron-forged door behind which the main hall was located. The knight commander pushed the door slightly to open it and stepped inside and the rest of the coats of arms followed him. The main hall looked well preserved despite the damaged furniture and paintings, broken shutters and torn banners. The ceiling had a stone vault supported by four parallel columns. Each of the columns it had a hanging torch, and directly from the front door was a chimney built into the wall. All five looked around the room and were surprised that despite the passage of time the place looked well-kept. Roland walked over to the table in front of the fireplace that was covered with cloth. The commander of the knights took the cope and in one fluid movement he removed it, throwing it. A round table appeared to the eyes of the coats of arms. Roland then said - Benan light the stove and let the rest take care of the torches and the fires around the table.
- Commander's orders. - Richard replied firmly.
Everyone got down to work, Bowie started to light the fireplace, Ryszard and Edan lit the fire in the fireplaces, and Tira and Cedric lit torches on the columns, Roland sat down at the table, pouring beer into clay mugs for everyone. The jobs assigned to them took their seats at the table waiting for an explanation.
- It's probably time to give you some answers, so let's get started - Roland said seriously, getting up a moment earlier.
- We want to know why you brought us here my friend. - Ryszard announced calmly.
- Of course, to the point. - said the commander of the knights. All five became ears.
- You have been chosen to be the secret keepers and keepers of Arthur. - Roland announced in a determined voice and also in the same tone added! But first I want you to take an oath that what you hear here you will keep a secret.
- If it's really important, I, Richard York, swear to keep secret everything I hear here. - Richard said, nodding his head confidently.
- And I swear - Tira said in a similar tone to York. Then the other three also began to take turns swearing that everything they heard from Roland here would be kept a secret.
- Well, since we have it, the time has come to reveal to you a secret that few know until now. - the commander of the knights stated firmly and mysteriously.
- So get started. - said started.
- All of you, except Tira, know the secret of Arthur's birth. - he paused to take a breath and drink a beer, then he continued. - You don't know one circumstance of his beginning.
They all held their breath, waiting for the shocking truth.
- Arthur's real father is not our teyrn, but his blood brother Uther Tarrdragon. - said the commander of the knights calmly but also seriously in his eyes.
Then everyone screamed - Cooo! How is it!
Roland raised his hand in a gesture of calming everyone down, and Richard noticed this and shouted - Silence !
- Let me explain everything to you. - said the commander of the knights, and began to narrate.
He said that Uther Tarrdragon was a descendant of the First Human Kings and heir to the throne of Dracoria. He said he used magic to take the form of their teyrna and possess Teyrna Eleonora. Everyone was whispering to each other except Richard, who sat calmly stroking his beard. Roland told them that Uther had been pursued by the wraiths who hunted the descendants of the royal Dracorian lineage. He said that before his death he came to explain everything to Teyrn and ask him to look after his child. He said that Tarrdragon saved Bryc's life, and Bryc swore that he would take care and raise Arthur and prepare him for the fate that his Maker had prepared for him. The knights were silent for a while until Sir Tira spoke up - This is not a story that is untrue. - she continued - However, if I heard it from someone else, I wouldn't believe it, but you Roland you are famous for your honesty so I'm with you.
- Me the same. - Ryszard said definitely.
- And me. - Benan spoke up.
- And I am with you. - Cedric announced.
- It will be a real challenge, but with such a company what can go wrong and let it be written here. - Edan said with a smile that later turned into a laugh.
- Thank you friends, I am eternally grateful to you. - Roland said respectfully, bowing to them.
After they put out the fire in the furnace and the fires and torches, and then gathered to go back, unaware they had been overheard by the black figure all the time.