I'm sorry it took so long for this chapter, but I had a terrible headache and suffered from a lack of inspiration. I wish you a pleasant reading and a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Chapter 8
Childhood part IV
"Friendship and fidelity are priceless things in times of constant turmoil. Not everyone can understand their essence, only a mabarian hound can comprehend friendship and fidelity in the full understanding of these words."
- Great General Gawen Lansterck on friendship and fidelity.
Morning Workout
The day after the christening, on the training ground in the Vigil's Fortress, young Artur practices a fighting technique called "Mabar" under the watchful eye of Sir Richard York. The young master was clad in brown leather training armor, gloves and boots of the same material. A wooden sword and a small wooden shield served as his armament. Nine-year-old "Cousland" assumed the starting position, left leg bent and right leg extended back at forty-five degrees ready to take a step forward, left arm bent at forty-five degrees with shield ready to deflect, blade on the side pointing to the ground. The young master's opponent was to be a young page named Roderic Gilmore, who was the nephew of Sir Roland, the commander of the knights. The boy had red hair, a straight horizontal nose, green eyes and a square face. Equipped with similar weapons as his sparring partner, except for a shield that was triangular in shape. Gilmore assumed a battering ram position, with both legs bent, the shield in front covering the warrior's torso, and the sword at the height of the stomach.
Sir Richard stood looking intently at both boys who were eyeing each other, nodded seeing that everything was fine, giving the signal - Start.
The boys rushed at each other.
Roderic tried to hit the young "Cousland" with his shield, but he miscalculated. Arthur countered the blow with his shield by going behind the opponent's back and immediately made a successful sword cut into the pageback's back. Gilmore felt a hard blow to his back and fell to his knees, a little stunned by the successful attack. "Let it be a trail, this master is strong." he thought in frustration. Then on the White-haired "Cousland" he launched an attack on the red-haired boy with a strong impetus. Roderic noticed this and quickly got up and covered himself with his shield taking the "Wall" position. Arthur first landed a right slash from above, then slammed his shield hard like a fist, then lunged with a hard push that pushed the pageback backwards, then he made a hard lower left slash that made his opponent turn his back on him, and thanks to this, he made a jumping push, hitting centrally in the sparring partner's crosses, who landed face down in the mud. Richard nodded with slight satisfaction on his face and began walking slowly towards both boys. The young master walked over to Roderick to help him up.
Once he got to him, he gave him a helping hand and said respectfully - Great defense Rodi, I had to work hard to break it.
- Thank you, my lord, for the compliment. replied Gilmore, accepting help and standing on his feet.
- It's not just a fact. Arthur announced seriously, looking the page straight in the eye.
- Then it's an honor for me. - Roderic replied with a nod to Cousland.
- Enough sweetening your puppies. - said Sir Richard, approaching both of his students, and added in a serious voice, - It was not bad for rookies, but you still have a long way to go.
- I understand, sir. - Gilmore nodded.
- You don't understand anything, young man, because if you did, you wouldn't make such basic mistakes! - the knight rose.
- So what do we have to improve? - Arthur asked matter-of-factly.
- Everything. replied Sir York sternly.
He continued firmly after a deep breath. - We'll start with the basics, which is to practice all five techniques, ten times each, so that it will get into your blood. I do not accept any objections, anyone who wants to protest will be under the wing of Cedric Black.
The boy looked at each other and swallowed at the thought that I would have to train under Black. Ryszard, seeing the nervousness of the boys, turned around and began to return to his place from where he would give commands. Meanwhile, Roderic said to Arthur - It's a good thing he didn't make us put on weights.
- Oh, and I just remembered, put weights on your legs and arms. - Richard asked, turning his head towards them and smiling.
- And what were you talking about? - "Cousland" said irritably, smacking his head with a stick.
The two boys went to the table, drank some water, took off their usual protective gloves and took on red leather gloves that had heavy metal bars sewn into them. It was the same with the greaves. Gilmore was slightly annoyed that their mentor was so harsh on them. - What's wrong with him?
- Nothing just tries to teach us endurance and that we would have fatigue for nothing. - Arthur answered him calmly.
Roderic only sighed heavily, and then he moved with the white-haired "Cousland" to the middle of the training field.
Once they were on it, Sir Ryszard gave a loud command - Okay puppies, the "Muru" technique for starters. Guard!
Both boys assumed the "Muru" position, i.e. the left leg in front, the right leg behind at an angle of thirty degrees, the shield covering the torso, and the sword aimed at the opponent but held to the face, and even resting on the upper edge of the shield. They waited calmly for the command, breathing evenly. Ryszard saw this and shouted loudly - Sequence One!
Artur and Roderic began to perform it, trying to keep their movements smooth. First there was an overhead slash, then a block, then a push and they went back to the guard
Sir York nodded and loudly gave another command - Sequence Two!
The boys made an overhead slash, a block, a right lower slash, and a shield with the sword. They did all the moves correctly, which pleased the training knight, who nodded with a slight smile.
Then another command followed - Sequence three!
Arthur and Roderic landed a shield blow, an overhead thrust, a right slash, a block, a kneeling, and a throat thrust. Page had a slight delay with the last move, but he did everything else flawlessly. Arthur, on the other hand, did everything perfectly and Sir York nodded his approval.
The next two sections performed flawlessly, now it's time for the second technique and it was the "Battering Ram". The young "Cousland" knew that this is an offensive-defensive style and it is about timing the right moment to counterattack.
Sir Richard gave a loud command - Ram! Guard! Sequence one!
Both boys took the Battering Ram Guard, shield in front, sword at hip height ready to deliver a menacing thrust. They started with a charge, then they did Shield Slams, Throws, Blocks, Slash. Everything looked good, the movements were flawless, Ryszard nodded with a smile on his face.
The knight then dictated another command in a firm voice - Sequence two!
The young disciples began to perform, three shield punches, uppercut, kick, thrust. Here too everything was impeccable "These two can be really great warriors of this age, of course if they are trained properly." Sir York thought.
Sir Richard uttered the next command, in the same tone as before - Sequence Three!
The boys started with a push, then they did a block, right side slash, push, dash. They both felt a little tired but they knew better not to complain because the knight who was training them didn't like opposition very much.
Sir York ordered another command - Sequence Four!
Artur and Roderic performed 3x blocks, lower left slash, shield punch, finisher.
However, when they finished, another command came from the mouth of the knight - Sequence five!
Both boys started with two thrusts, then a dash, three blocks, then a quick thrust to the larynx. Richard nodded smiling, suddenly joined by Sir Roland saying, "It looks pretty good that our young master is making progress."
- He's not the only one doing well. Roderic now has a lot of talent, something I feel both boys can become the best warriors in Ferelden and maybe in all of Thedas. announced the second-in-command of the knights, stroking his chin with his right hand.
- We'll see what fate has in store for us in the future.- replied Sir Buckingham impassively, staring at both boys and added, - You can give them another command.
Ryszard jeno sighed and in a loud voice said - Now the "Vipers" technique! Guard! Sequence one!
Arthur and Roderic took up position, shields in front, swords slightly angled, ready to be thrust from above. After positioning themselves, they started by taking the hit, then they did a block, push, push or weapon strike. The commander of the knights and his deputy watched the young men's movements carefully, they knew that they still had a long way to go, but they were well on their way to becoming the best warriors in Ferelden.
Ryszard issued another command - Sequence two!
Both boys started with a shield strike, followed by a block, descent, overhead slash. The kids were already feeling tired, but they knew it was part of the training.
Sir York ordered firmly - Sequence three!
Artur and Roderick made five blocks, then three diagonal cuts from different sides and finally letting the opponent pass where his comrades were waiting. The young friends felt that they were already losing their strength and their breathing was getting heavier.
- Calm your breathing Rodi, take three deep breaths but slowly. - commanded "Cousland" doing this himself.
Roland's nephew obeyed the white-haired boy and took three deep breaths. His partner was right, it did help, Gilmore's breathing calmed down.
However, a moment later they heard the command - Sequence Four!
Both boys started with a straight cut, then did a right slash, left slash, cover, push. However, they already felt tired and their pace was not so fast, but Ryszard was not going to let them go and gave another command - Sequence five!
Two friends did a block, dismount, shield slash, two slashes left and right, knockdown, finisher.
- All right, youngsters, now it's time for it was good, but now it's time for the "Leaf" technique, let's start. Guard! - said Richard in an imperious voice, Sir York, smiling, because he liked to torment his students so much, but he knew that it could save their lives in the future.
Arthur and Roderic took position, their shields in front and their swords behind the shield, the crossguard was at chest height with the blade pointing upwards ready to make cuts and both legs were bent in a slight spread. Both of them were just waiting for the order, but feeling tired. Ryszard, seeing that the boys are ready, gave the command - Sequence one!
Two of his students landed a right down slash, then cover, block, down slash, block, push back, dash away.
Without hesitation, Ryszard said another command - Sequence two!
The boys made an overhead slash, a shield strike, a dash, four diagonal cuts, two on each side, a block, a slash. When they were done, Ryszard gave the last command for this technique - Sequence Three!
Both friends did a dash first, then a drop block, uppercut, right side slash, shield jab, weapon sweep, and finisher. Arthur and Roderic felt their muscles burn, they wanted to rest, but they knew what Sir Richard would answer them, because during training he turned into a real tyrant who could rival Sir Cedric. Cousland was used to it, having trained under the knights' second-in-command for longer than the redheaded page, so he didn't feel as tired as Gilmore.
When they had caught a moment of breath, Ryszard loudly said - Now it's time for the last technique, i.e. "Mabar". Guard!
Despite the fatigue, they assumed a position, shields in front slightly tilted somewhere thirty degrees, swords in the back directed towards the ground, left legs slightly bent in front and right legs slightly bent in the back. They waited calmly for the command, breathing slowly. Ryszard looked at them, he saw fatigue on the boys' faces but decided that he would let them rest only after this technique. He took a deep breath and shouted loudly, - Sequence one!
Both boys started with a Shield Smash, followed by four shield strikes, and finally a quick stab to the larynx.
They took a deep breath and accepted, returned to the starting position, waiting for the next sequence. Sir Richard calmly but loudly and imperiously gave his next command - Sequence Two!
Artur and Roderic did a block, descent, take-off, left slash. After a while, Sir York gave another order - Sequence three!
The two friends landed an overhead slash, a right side slash, and two thrusts. Roderic felt terribly tired as did Arthur, but they both had to be tough if they wanted to be great knights. The deputy commander of the knights, seeing their fortitude, smiled respectfully at them and said - Sequence four!
Both of the knight's apprentices performed a shield blow, block, dash dodge, lower right slash, upper slash, block, strong thrust lunge. They took the guard of "Mabar" waiting for the next order, which soon followed - Sequence Five!
Artur and Roderic started with six knockdowns of the pig's attack with shields, followed by a left slash, then a right slash, shield strike, block, thrust or weapon strike, dash and leg sweep, finisher. They both took the starting position and then Sir Richard shouted, - Okay, stop! He's going to have a drink and sit down for a while, all the techniques again, but this time you'll repeat each one ten times.
The two boys looked at each other pleadingly and decided to take advantage of this moment of rest.
On the balcony above the training ground sat Marion and Delilah watching young "Cousland" and the redheaded pageboy as they practiced. Howówna said with delight in her eyes - Really Artur looks phenomenal even when he trains.
- I do not know? - Cousland asked rhetorically and added after a moment - It's true that he has talent, but as far as I know, he still has shortcomings in technique.
- Of course, but notice that he's still learning. Eleonora said with a gentle smile as she entered the balcony.
- I know, mother. Marion said confidently.
- That's good, now come on, it's time to change clothes because after training and your lessons, we're going to the mabari dog farm. said the woman calmly and gently.
The three of them left the balcony, leaving the boys to do their homework.
Conversation in the Bathhouse
When training was over, Arthur and Roderic went to the castle baths, one of the good things the Orlesians had left behind. Both boys calmly entered the changing room, took their clothes and went to the bathhouse, while the maids took their sweaty clothes to the laundry. The friends opened two, and their eyes appeared in a beautiful creamy-gray room, in which a light water mist floated. Eight columns supported the ceiling, and in the center of the bath room was a large square stone tub for relaxation on the right, and there were five wooden basins with metal bowls and small wooden balls of water beside them. Both boys first sat down on wooden stools, soaped themselves, then took their metal bowls and dipped them in the logs, then began to rinse off the suds. Once they had rinsed themselves off, they got up and got into the tub and sat quietly in it, trying to rest and relax. Arthur and Roderic felt the warm water warming their aching muscles after the hard training that Sir Richard had given them. They finally relaxed completely while sitting in the tub.
The red-haired page asked with a happy smile - This is life, isn't it, my lord?
- I have to agree with you my friend, I have to agree. "Cousland" replied, completely relaxing.
- Sir York gave us a hard time today. - Gilmore said relaxing.
- Believe me, my friend, what he gave us today is only a light training. - the white-haired boy announced with an ironic smile.
- So should I prepare myself for the fact that the next exercises will be even more difficult? - asked Roderic, a little worried.
- Yes. - Artur admitted watching his sparring partner's nervousness with a lot of amusement and added - However, he is not as dangerous as Sir Cedric, his training is a real hell.
The page listened carefully to what the young nobleman was saying.
"Cousland" recalled an incident when his elder brother Fergus was temporarily under the tutelage of Sir Black and began smiling, - I remember Fergus hiding all the time when he was supposed to go to training, as his instructor was to be Sir Cedric. If I remember correctly, he hid in the pantry, but Sir Black tracked him down anyway, put him in a sack, then took him to the training ground, and there he gave such a training that he was sore for a month.
Roderic swallowed and said, - It's a good thing we don't train with him.
- Do I know, when I trained under his tutelage for two years, I gained muscles, strength and speed. Believe it or not, he's very fast for a mountain of meat. However, I was lucky that I also trained under the supervision of Sir Tira, thanks to which I stretched my body properly. Arthur explained calmly.
- So Sir Richard is your third instructor? - Gilmore asked curiously.
- Yes, - the white-haired boy admitted.
The two friends were still talking about various topics regarding the training of the six knights. However, they also joked about various court topics and talked about tournaments. A strong bond developed between the two boys, which may bear strong fruit in the future. Arthur and Roderic got out of the tub and headed for the dressing room. Fresh clothes were waiting for them there. Everyone got dressed and went to their room. Young "Cousland" had to change into different clothes, as he was going to go with his and Howe family to the village of Grishlit, where the mabari dog kennel was located.
Mabari Dog Kennel
Both the Cousland and How families left Vigil's Keep with a small bodyguard of twenty men. At the front rode side by side two bannermen bearing the banners of the Houses of Cousland and Howe. In front of them rode four men-at-arms clad in mail mail, and behind them were the rest of the retinue. Teyrn Bryce and Arl Rendon rode behind two knights of their Houses, Sir Roland Buckingham and Sir Derren Temmerly, also known as "The Ox." . He was clad in verydium plate armor, armed with shields and a Fereldne longsword of red steel, he sat on his bay horse. And Sir Roland rode his black horse, wore his silver plate armor, and on his back his silverite meteorite sword. Teyrn Cousland, riding his gray mount behind his faithful knight commander, clad in silverite mail mail and a gray cloak strapped to it, his longsword with veridium and ipsilateral shield strapped to his left waist. Arl Howe rode to the left of the Lord of Highseas, riding a dark bay Ferelden steed. He was clad in leather studded dragon scale armor and armed with his silverite one-handed ax called "Biting Axe" and a red steel dagger. Behind them were their wives and children. Teyrna Eleonora rode a beautiful white mare, clad in a blue and purple dress with gold embroidery, and on her feet beautiful and at the same time practical black shoes. Her hair was pinned up in two raw buns. Arlessa Eline was seated on a pale bay mare, she was dressed in a gold-and-green dress with brown embroidery, and she wore black slippers. The woman had her hair down. The women were followed by their daughters Marion and Delilah. Cousland wore a black and blue dress with laurel leaves embroidered with silver thread, dark brown shoes, her hair braided halfway down her back, and she rode a beautiful mouse mare. Howówna, who was on Marion's right, was wearing a gold and white dress with green embroidered roses, she was wearing beautiful blue slippers, and she was riding a chestnut mare. Both looked dignified and majestic. Behind them were Fergus, Nathaniel, and Arthur, and behind the three were Sir Richard, Sir Benen, Sir Edan, Sir Cedric, Sir Tira, and the rest of the old adjutant. Fergus wearing the traditional everyday blue-gray doublet, dark brown trousers with high stag boots on his feet, he was riding a Sabian stallion. Armed with his longsword and a triangular shield that was strapped to the left side of his mount. Natalie rode to young Cousland's right, wearing a black and gold doublet, brown breeches and tall brown boots, a shortsword and a dagger strapped to his waist. He was riding a tobiano horse, he had a bow on his right side and a quiver full of arrows on his left. Arthur was on young How's right, wearing black breeches, a white shirt, and a black overcoat with the Cousland crest embroidered on the left breast. He also wore high black leather cavalier boots, armed with a Ferelden long steel sword and a small steel shield strapped to his back. He rode his black stallion and rode it proudly.
Nathaniel and Artur had a calm discussion about what could happen in the kennel. The white haired boy said smiling, - Don't worry Nate. You know very well that the mabari choose their owner, not the other way around.
- I know Artur, but this litter is unusual. After all, these pups are the last descendants of Galad, the heroic mabari who made his name in the war against Orles. - Rendon's eldest son explained with a slight nervousness.
- I know, but you have to be positive and hopeful. - announced "Cousland" with optimism.
- I really wonder sometimes if you're not the big brother. - Howe mused aloud.
- No, I'm not older, but certainly wiser. - Arthur replied cheerfully.
- Aren't you exaggerating a bit, brother? - Fergus asked irritably, his right eyebrow twitching.
- Do you remember this situation two years ago? - reminded the white-haired boy smiling and added - I remember that you ended up in a garbage pit.
Cousland, slightly annoyed by his younger brother's words, reminded him, - Right, but it was your antics that punished us.
- Right, but it was you who provoked my retaliation. - Arthur announced calmly and added - Although we both fell victim to our sister's intrigue anyway.
Marion heard her brothers talking and asked - And where did you get these insinuations, my dear brother.
The boy looked at her, Nathaniel smiling and her brothers worried.
- Do you deign to answer me, Arthur? - the girl asked again with a menacing smile.
The white-haired "Cousland" swallowed his saliva and carefully replied - When I talked to Fergus after we were serving the sentence ... - he hesitated for a moment, then after a deep breath continued - I connected our threads and came to the conclusion that you planned everything to wipe our noses.
The older sister just looked at the younger brother with hidden fear.
- Although I have no proof of it, so it may as well be my imagination, - said Arthur, smiling.
- Maker, if he already notices intrigue at such a young age, I'm afraid what will happen when he reaches manhood. - Marion thought. Delilah, on the other hand, was intimidated by the eloquence of ten-year-old "Cousland." The knights who rode behind them only smiled as they looked at this little theater performed by young masters and maidens.
The retinue soon reached its destination. The village of Grishlit looked the same as other villages in Arlat, that is, a few wooden houses, a mill, and right next to the market there was a temple of the Order. However, the teyrn and arl's party had no intention of entering the settlement, their goal was the breeding farm on its outskirts. The farm looked pretty neat. The house where the farmer lived had stone bases, walls were made of wood, and the roof was covered with clay tiles. Near the house there were kennels in which other mabari dogs were sitting, each of them was reborn. A few yards to the left of the house there was a barn and it was concluded that there must be little puppies there. Later, they saw a cultivated field, so it was known that the breeder did not make a living only from breeding dogs.
As the procession rode into the farmhouse and a man named Gareth came out to greet his esteemed guests - Welcome, your lordships, as well as you, my lord, my lady. It's an honor to host you in my humble home.
Teyrn Cousland and Arl Howe dismounted and approached the breeder. Bryce spoke. - Hello good man, we've come to see this famous last litter of puppies sired by the heroic mabari Galad.
- Of course, Your Lordship, please follow me. Gareth pointed out, bowing to the esteemed guests.
Puppy
Both families left their horses and a few knights to guard them and followed Gareth towards the barn. The barn looked neat, it was brown in color and had a clay tile roof, its dimensions are 20.0 x 10.0 m. Everyone went inside, the inside of the building looks neat and clean. The roof was supported by six wooden posts, three on each side, at the beginning and end of the barn, the four posts were connected by a thick beam fixed horizontally. The building was divided into two floors, with hay and crops at the top, and animal pens at the bottom. In the center of the barn there was a pen in the shape of a circle, where little puppies played under the care of their mother.
The youth immediately ran to the wooden fence looking at the little mabari. The puppies were really cute. Their coloring was rather traditional, i.e. brown, gray and black. The whole litter consisted of eight little mabari. Marion and Delilah looked at the puppies and shouted happily, - They're so cute!
Arthur saw his sister's joy and smiled seeing her like this. Then Gareth joined them saying, - You can come inside if you want to play with them.
- Really? - Marion asked.
- Yes, because how else to check if one of you will choose. - announced the breeder with a smile on his face.
He opened the door to the farm, then let the youngsters inside. Everyone started playing with the puppies, stroking their heads and bellies, and even hugging them. Their parents, on the other hand, calmly watched everything with a smile on their faces, seeing the joy on the faces of their children. Arthur stopped for a moment and saw that a puppy was hiding under a wooden water trough. This surprised him so he went to find out why the little mabari was hiding. As he approached the drinking bowl, he crouched down, stretched out his hand slowly in an inviting gesture, and said in a pleasant voice, - Don't come, little one. Come on, go ahead. (Whistling).
However, the puppy hesitated before approaching the white-haired boy. Arthur would extend his hand further, but it was a bad idea because the little mabari growled and nearly bit Cousland's finger. The boy ran away at the last moment with his hand saying - Hey, that's not how you treat people who want to be friends with you.
In response, he heard a bark from the dog's side.
Arthur calmly sat down and began to calmly stroke his chin "It seems you need to change your strategy" he thought. A moment later he crossed his arms, then fell into a reverie. Thinking so, they reached into their pocket and took out a cookie he had stolen from the castle kitchen of Vigil's Keep before he left. Then he heard the sound of sniffing and saw the pup poke his mouth slightly out of curiosity as to what the boy was eating. Arthur looked at the little mabari, then at the cookie, and an idea popped into his head. This might work, he thought. He tore off a piece of his snack, then calmly but confidently offered it to the dog, saying, - Try this little one, see how good it is.
The puppy first sniffed a piece of cake, then licked it, and finally ate it. Then the white-haired boy noticed that the young mabari was white in color, had black eyes, a black nose, had quite strong legs and sharp white teeth. When he licked his face after this sweetness, he was wagging his little tail and joy on his face. The sight brought a smile to Arthur's face and he instinctively stroked the little mabari on the head. The dog allowed himself to be stroked, until his tail wagged with joy, and even licked the hand of young "Cousland". When the white-haired boy took his hand away, the puppy came over and started fawning. Arthur knew what the little dog wanted and took out another cookie, broke off half and gave it to the dog and started gently stroking mabari on the back.
- You really are terribly delightful, - Cousland said with a smile.
And then there was a happy bark.
Gareth watched the whole scene from a distance. The breeder only nodded with a smile. - You can see that the puppy has already chosen his master he thought. Then he went to prepare everything the boy would need to train the young mabari.
Soon the playtime was over and the children's parents were begging them that it was time to go home. When Arthur was approaching the farm gate, he heard a puppy whimpering and squeaking. He turned around and saw a young white mabari sitting and looking at him with sweet eyes. Then Gareth approached the white-haired boy saying - You're not going to summon him?
- What do you mean? - Arthur asked confused.
- This pup chose you, my boy. - the farmer announced calmly.
- Really? - the boy asked incredulously.
- Yes, and you're not the only lucky one. - said Gareth and called - Young Master Nathaniel, would you like to come here.
The black-haired boy approached the man, clearly interested in why he was calling him.
The breeder put his hand on young How's shoulder, saying, - This little black pup is waiting for you to call him.
Sparks of joy appeared in Nathaniel's eyes and he immediately called out - Come on, little one (whistling).
The black puppy rushed towards the black-haired boy, when he arrived he jumped into the arms of his young master.
Arthur seeing this also did the same as his friend except that he went to the young mabari and asked - So what little one do you want to be my partner?
The white puppy barked in confirmation.
- Well, I should give you a name. - said the boy.
- Maybe I'll name you Hok. - "Cousland" suggested.
The young mabari shook his head in disgust.
- If not, let it be Fen. What do you think? - Arthur said with a smile.
The puppy whimpered not very positively.
- You don't like what? - asked the white-haired boy with a crooked smile.
The young "Cousland" thought about the name and then I remembered the story of the brave leader of the Arvars and his mabari hound named - Albion.
The white mabari approved the name, barking happily.
- Then let it be Albion. - said Artur smiling at his Mabar and took him in his arms looking at the puppy's mother saying - He will take care of him.
The mabari female dog merely nodded.
When both boys came out with their puppies from the pen attracting the attention of their parents and siblings. Everyone said they were lucky, but the main focus was on Albion. Fergus couldn't help but laugh, - Finally, a puppy got a puppy.
Albion, however, was not happy with the joke and growled menacingly, which slightly scared Fergus, who stepped back and knocked over the bucket standing behind him, landing on the backside to the ground, which made them all burst out laughing.
- Well, now you will have to teach and train this mabari, my son. - Bryce said, placing his hand on Arthur's shoulder.
- You too, Nathaniel. - Rendon announced, looking at his eldest son.
- I understand, father. - Nathaniel answered with a serious smile.
Later, when everyone left the barn, they headed towards their horses. Before leaving, the two boys received from Gareth books on how to train and raise a mabari hound. The breeder gave them a few more of his own tips on how to effectively train a hound. And so both families set off on their way back to Vigil's Keep.
Return to Highness, Prayer and Blood Brotherhood
The next day, at dawn, the entire Cousland family was getting ready to return to High. The servants collected the last belongings of Arl Howe's guests and carried them to the carriage. When everything was ready, there were farewells. Bryce walked over to Rendon and extended his hand towards him, when the arl returned the hug he said - It was good to meet again and talk frankly like old times.
- I agree, my friend. I wish you a peaceful and safe journey. - Mr. Amarantu replied with a smile.
- Thank you, I will pray to the Maker to give Tomasz a long and wonderful life. Teyrn announced, smiling back.
Teyrna Eleonora hugged Arlessom Eline, wishing her well and comfort for her children. When almost all Arthur and Nathaniel faced each other, squeezing tightly like brothers. During their stay in the arlate, a strong bond developed between the two boys that the day before they swore an oath and made a pact.
The Day Before Evening
Both families returned to Vigil's Keep and slowly sat down to supper. During dinner, Artur and Nathaniel talked to each other.
- You're right, Nathaniel. - admitted the young "Cousland" looking at his friend and added - the Creator smiled at us, making both puppies assign us.
- Well, you see, and you were afraid that we would come back empty-handed. - saying this, they start laughing.
- I'm sorry if the lord sometimes confuses me with himself. - replied the white-haired boy, lifting the left corner of his mouth upwards.
- I don't know what you are talking about. - said young Howe, lifting his head and whistling.
Then they both started laughing.
When they calmed down, Nathaniel looked at his ten-year-old friend with a brotherly smile and said, - Really thanks to you, now I know what it means to have a brother.
- You do me a great honor with these words, my friend. Arthur replied with a smile.
Supper ended and everyone returned to their chambers to sleep and dream in the Void. In the middle of the night, Arthur woke up because he had a terrible nightmare about seven black horsemen who were chasing him to kill him. Unable to fall asleep again, he decided to go to a place where he could gather his thoughts and confide his fears and fears. Walking through the castle corridors, passing tapestries, show armor and paintings, he reached the goal of his journey, i.e. the castle chapel. From his lessons with Sister Malory, he learned that if he entrusted his worries and sins to the Maker, he would feel better because he would always listen to him. The boy knelt down, then closed his eyes, praying as if he were talking to another person. "Maker, if you can hear me, please explain to me these terrible dreams that haunt me almost every night." I do not understand, do they mean something? The black riders chase me in my dreams, and I feel a menacing gaze on my back from a great dark tower. Then I see the darkness that consumes everything that is beautiful and good. Tell me Heavenly Father, is this some kind of prophecy or just a nightmare.
There was no response, but he felt a strange warmth that was very soothing, and he smiled as he thought he had been heard.
As he got up from his knees he heard the sound of approaching footsteps and turned around to see the door open by Nathaniel. He approached his friend asking - What are you doing here at this hour?
Young Howe just looked at him, then calmly replied, - I could ask the same thing. And to answer, I just couldn't sleep, so I decided to take a walk. Walking around the fortress, I heard a voice from the shrine.
- I see. - Arthur said, sitting down on the bench next to him, depressed.
Looking at the floor like that, then he lifted his head up looking at the altar, smiling sadly. This worried Nathaniel because he had never seen his friend so sad. Although they knew each other briefly, a strong bond was born between the young man and the boy. They practically understood each other without words, just a look was enough. Young Howe, worried about the boy who was like a brother to him, asked - What's going on, young one?
- Nothing but a nightmare that haunts me every night lately. - Arthur admitted, sending a sad smile in the direction of his friend.
- Why don't you tell your parents about it? - Nathaniel asked, a little concerned.
- I was taught from an early age that as a son of a teyrn, I must not reveal my weaknesses. - replied the young "Cousland" despondently.
- I know that feeling. Believe me, my nurse Adria taught me that everyone is afraid sometimes, but you can control them by saying "Enough!". - Howe said calmly.
- My master Sir Roland said fear should be loved like a brother, and nothing will surprise you. - replied Arthur in a serious voice.
- That's also wise advice. - Nathaniel admitted with a genuine smile.
- Only for wars and politics, not in real life. - the white-haired boy announced decisively.
- Who knows? - Asked the black-haired young man rhetorically and added - However, I know that you will not be able to deal with all the problems alone.
- I know, but who should I rely on? For now, I rely only on the Maker. said "Cousland" looking at the floor again.
Nathaniel looked at his friend and instinctively said - You can lean on me.
Arthur looked up at him in bewilderment. - Really?
- I will always help you, I swear. - replied young Howe.
- Do not make empty oaths. - the white-haired boy replied skeptically and added - That's what Aldous says when I'm late for class.
Nathaniel wondered what to do to make him believe him. Something suddenly occurred to him. This might work, he thought.
- I have a proposition my friend. - Howe announced with a smile.
- What do you mean? - Cousland asked curiously.
- We'll take a blood oath. - replied the black-haired young man.
- I read about it once. Arvars treat this practice quite seriously... - said Artur, stroking his chin.
- So you agree? - Howe asked.
- Yes. - The white-haired boy nodded.
The two friends sat facing each other in the center of the castle shrine and stared into each other's eyes. Nathaniel put a silver goblet of water between them and took it from the table that stood by the front door. He pulled a dagger from behind his back and placed it between them as well. Young Howe then began to explain - First, we'll run this dagger over our right hand so that the blood flows. Later we will add it to this cup, and at the end we will make a knight's embrace, say the oath and drink from this cup.
Arthur just nodded.
Before the ceremony began, the young "Cousland" convinced Nathaniel to recite the older version of the blood brotherhood oath. Once he had acquainted young How with the words of the oath, the two of them could begin the ritual.
Arthur took the dagger first and made a shallow cut in the skin of his hand, then passed the dagger to his friend. Then they dropped a few drops of their blood into a cup of water and stirred it. The time has come for the last thing of this ritual. Both Artur and Nathaniel rolled up the sleeves on their right arms to the elbow, and then performed a knightly embrace. The young "Cousland" held the cup in his left hand and began to speak - In this cup is the blood of brotherhood, which symbolizes the alliance we are making today.
- Whoever breaks this covenant and betrays this trust, may he be cursed forever and his soul be lost to the abyss. - Nathaniel announced in a sincere voice.
- We take the Maker and Andraste as witnesses that today we become brothers. - said Arthur firmly.
Then they began to speak with one voice - Taking the Father in heaven and Mother in the earth as witnesses, as well as the living and the dead, we swear to each other eternal friendship, loyalty, protection and trust. Like brother to brother with you to death and life.
Afterwards, they drank the goblet to the dregs, then embraced each other brotherly. They then returned to their rooms to sleep peacefully.
Now
Nathaniel looked at Artur saying - No matter where and when, you can always count on me. You have my bow.
- Thank you brother. And you have my sword. - "Cousland" said honestly.
Later, the Couslands' retinue made their way to Highlands, where their home was.