p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Please Glimsy! Just ten more minutes!" Cried Godric, as he swerved just in time to avoid an incoming attack from the blade held by his Sword Master./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Master Godric is to be coming inside now! Mistress Agatha says it is getting of a late hour and young sir must be going to his bed at once!" The old House Elf shouted from the doorway of the grand manor, arms crossed in indignation./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric rolled his eyes impatiently, and, hiding his smirk, feigned sighing and lowering his sword. As his instructor did the same, Godric snapped his sword-wielding hand forward and thrust his sword to the man's chest, grinning as his opponent stumbled back and stared down at the blade in disbelief./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Ha! Was it not you who told me to never lower my guard around an opponent? Shame on you!" Godric laughed as he lowered his sword and held a hand out to help the Sword Master off the ground./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The older man pretended to huff before grinning back at Godric and accepting his hand./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yes, yes, very good young Godric. You have outwitted me this once, though you would do well to remember that your opponents on the battlefield won't be as easily fooled. I daresay, though, your swordsmanship is improving nicely." The man got to his feet and brushed off his tunic, before clapping Godric on the back./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Now, better get inside before that mother of yours has my backside. I've seen your father slay 3 men at once in battle, and I daresay I would rather face his wrath than your dear mothers when she is angry." He pretended to shudder, before winking at Godric and giving him a light shove towards the Manor./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric laughed in goodbye and made his way back into the manor, red faced and covered in mud - much to Glimsy's displeasure./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Master Godric will be having a bath, yes Sir. Glimsy has filled the tub with hot water, Master will scrub himself this time and is not to be making a mess!" Glimsy tutted at Godric as she followed him up the stairs./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Just one moment, actually, Glimsy - if you don't mind." Godric heard his father's voice call from his study. "Gordric, could you join me for a moment?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yes Master Osric! Glimsy will be getting the bath ready." The house elf ushered Godric into his Father's office. "Would Master Osric like another heated wrap for his leg?" She gestured towards his father's leg, which was elevated on a small stool, and of which the bottom half was missing./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""No, thank you, Glimsy. If you could perhaps take this map to my bedroom? That will be all, you've been a great help today." His father handed a map to the elf, who bowed deeply and left the room./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alone with his father, Godric turned to face the man, taking in the warm, fire lit office, where his father sat at a desk surrounded by maps, sketches, and important looking documents. His fathers brow looked lined with worry, but his face lit up when he broke into a warm smile at the sight of his son./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Godric, my dear boy, come and sit down." His father gestured to the cosy chair in front of him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric smiled back and obediently sat down, draping his arms around the back of the chair as he had seen his father do so many times before. His father eyed him proudly for a moment, before sliding a letter over the brown desk towards him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""What is this, Father?" Godric leaned forward with interest./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""That, my dear son, is a letter seeking your services as a Squire." His fathers eyes twinkled as he took in the shocked expression on his son's face./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric stared at the letter in disbelief as he picked it up with trembling hands./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""But.. how? You said that I was to be at least 14 years of age before I would be selected?" He looked up at his father in confusion, not daring to believe his dream of knighthood was one step closer./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"His father laughed and shook his auburn hair from his face, the same hair that he had passed to Godric, as he clasped his hands in front of himself, elbows on the desk./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Apparently you have shown true craftsmanship and nerve during your practice sessions with your swordmaster. I was watching, you know, through the window just now." He gestured towards the window, which looked down upon the gardens where Godric had just finished practising. "I've always known, of course, that you would be talented. But to be made a squire at age 12! Watching you just now, it was like watching my younger self - though I daresay in time you may surpass even me in skill."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric grinned at his father, eyebrows raised in sheer disbelief. His father was his hero, and was an actual war hero. The old man may not look formidable now, with one leg which was lost in battle and an age worn face, but he was a legend in his own right and admired by many. Most of all Godric, who looked up to the man as adoringly as any child could. His father was brave and just, and therefore Godric too would be brave and just. To hear praise from the man filled his heart with pure gold./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric gripped the letter in sheer joy, excitement bubbling in his chest./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Father, this is just incredible! When do I leave? Does mother know? Who will I be to Squire for?" His words tumbled out in a hurry./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"His father laughed. "Your mother knows, and she is very proud of you, lad. You leave in one week, and you will be Squire to the Master of a great and noble family. And the best part - they are a wizarding family, so you will not need to worry about hiding your magic."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. This was the best news he had ever received. Although his family lived in a wizarding village, where they did not need to hide their magical abilities, his mother had warned him any time they left the town that muggles were afraid and he was to hide his magic as best he could. He found this rather uncomfortable, and was always glad when he was back in his little village of Crimson Hollow, where he didn't have to worry about lighting candles unassisted or blowing up Grimsby into a ball by accident./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""This is the best day of my life!" Godric cried, slumping back into his chair happily./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"His mother appeared at the doorway, greying hair pulled back from her face and her night clothes on./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Ah, you've heard the happy news then, Darling?" She grinned at the boy, who beamed back at her./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Mother! I can't believe I am to be a Squire at last!" Godric jumped from the chair and pulled her in to a tight hug as she laughed and ruffled his auburn hair./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yes, my darling. You've made us both so proud. But remember-" She pushed him to arms length so that she could look down at his face sternly. "You must also focus on your magic lessons. Your father and I have taught you more than most wizards your age know, but you must not forget you are a wizard first - and a Knight second. The lovely Master of the house has agreed that you will attend magic lessons with his daughter, who is apparently a very bright young witch. And that reminds me -" She looked at him even more sternly, causing him to shrink back under her gaze "No romancing any women, witch or otherwise, until you are at least 15. We shall see you long before then, hopefully, but you need to focus on your other talents, and I don't think I am quite ready for grandchildren just yet."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric shrunk back further in embarrassment at his mothers words, looking to his father for help, who only smirked and raised his eyebrows./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I don't even like any girls, Mother! They're all boring and don't want to play outside." He muttered./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"His father exchanged a glance with his mother and smiled knowingly "Yes well, that may change. At your age I thought I knew it all, though I think you are much smarter than I was, although that's probably thanks to you being half your mother's son. Which reminds me -" He reached under his desk and, with surprising ease for a man his age, pulled out a magnificent silver sword, with ruby jewels and an ornate hilt./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric had never seen such a weapon before, and his breath caught as he took in the polished silver. It was beautiful./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""This sword was given to me by your mother after I could no longer fight." He looked over Godric's shoulder lovingly towards his mother "It is Goblin made silver - which as we know is rare these days with the ongoing turmoil between Wizarding and Goblin folk. It's too heavy for you just now, I think, but one day, Godric, I know you will storm into battle with this sword in your hand. If you ever miss us, just know that there is a piece of both me and your mother in this sword, and we will be by your side as long as you need help, as long as you hold it in your hand."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He handed the sword delicately to Godric, who's hands shook as he cautiously gripped the handle./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric wasn't sure if he imagined it, but he could have sworn he felt a surge of magical heat flow through the handle and up his arm, settling in his heart, as he held the sword. The blade was surprisingly light, and he felt suddenly bolder, like he was always supposed to have this sword in his hand. He eyed the sword in wonder, and looked back at his parents, who smiled fondly at him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Thank you, thank you both. I won't let you down, I promise." He suddenly felt his throat close up as he stared at his parents and realised for the first time that he would miss them both dearly./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"They both seemed to understand, as they pulled him into a tight hug, before his mother ushered him away lightly./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Now, off you go to bed! Sleep well, my magical, brave little Knight."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Master Godric is to be coming inside now! Mistress Agatha says it is getting of a late hour and young sir must be going to his bed at once!" The old House Elf shouted from the doorway of the grand manor, arms crossed in indignation./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric rolled his eyes impatiently, and, hiding his smirk, feigned sighing and lowering his sword. As his instructor did the same, Godric snapped his sword-wielding hand forward and thrust his sword to the man's chest, grinning as his opponent stumbled back and stared down at the blade in disbelief./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Ha! Was it not you who told me to never lower my guard around an opponent? Shame on you!" Godric laughed as he lowered his sword and held a hand out to help the Sword Master off the ground./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The older man pretended to huff before grinning back at Godric and accepting his hand./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yes, yes, very good young Godric. You have outwitted me this once, though you would do well to remember that your opponents on the battlefield won't be as easily fooled. I daresay, though, your swordsmanship is improving nicely." The man got to his feet and brushed off his tunic, before clapping Godric on the back./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Now, better get inside before that mother of yours has my backside. I've seen your father slay 3 men at once in battle, and I daresay I would rather face his wrath than your dear mothers when she is angry." He pretended to shudder, before winking at Godric and giving him a light shove towards the Manor./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric laughed in goodbye and made his way back into the manor, red faced and covered in mud - much to Glimsy's displeasure./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Master Godric will be having a bath, yes Sir. Glimsy has filled the tub with hot water, Master will scrub himself this time and is not to be making a mess!" Glimsy tutted at Godric as she followed him up the stairs./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Just one moment, actually, Glimsy - if you don't mind." Godric heard his father's voice call from his study. "Gordric, could you join me for a moment?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yes Master Osric! Glimsy will be getting the bath ready." The house elf ushered Godric into his Father's office. "Would Master Osric like another heated wrap for his leg?" She gestured towards his father's leg, which was elevated on a small stool, and of which the bottom half was missing./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""No, thank you, Glimsy. If you could perhaps take this map to my bedroom? That will be all, you've been a great help today." His father handed a map to the elf, who bowed deeply and left the room./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Alone with his father, Godric turned to face the man, taking in the warm, fire lit office, where his father sat at a desk surrounded by maps, sketches, and important looking documents. His fathers brow looked lined with worry, but his face lit up when he broke into a warm smile at the sight of his son./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Godric, my dear boy, come and sit down." His father gestured to the cosy chair in front of him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric smiled back and obediently sat down, draping his arms around the back of the chair as he had seen his father do so many times before. His father eyed him proudly for a moment, before sliding a letter over the brown desk towards him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""What is this, Father?" Godric leaned forward with interest./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""That, my dear son, is a letter seeking your services as a Squire." His fathers eyes twinkled as he took in the shocked expression on his son's face./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric stared at the letter in disbelief as he picked it up with trembling hands./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""But.. how? You said that I was to be at least 14 years of age before I would be selected?" He looked up at his father in confusion, not daring to believe his dream of knighthood was one step closer./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"His father laughed and shook his auburn hair from his face, the same hair that he had passed to Godric, as he clasped his hands in front of himself, elbows on the desk./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Apparently you have shown true craftsmanship and nerve during your practice sessions with your swordmaster. I was watching, you know, through the window just now." He gestured towards the window, which looked down upon the gardens where Godric had just finished practising. "I've always known, of course, that you would be talented. But to be made a squire at age 12! Watching you just now, it was like watching my younger self - though I daresay in time you may surpass even me in skill."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric grinned at his father, eyebrows raised in sheer disbelief. His father was his hero, and was an actual war hero. The old man may not look formidable now, with one leg which was lost in battle and an age worn face, but he was a legend in his own right and admired by many. Most of all Godric, who looked up to the man as adoringly as any child could. His father was brave and just, and therefore Godric too would be brave and just. To hear praise from the man filled his heart with pure gold./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric gripped the letter in sheer joy, excitement bubbling in his chest./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Father, this is just incredible! When do I leave? Does mother know? Who will I be to Squire for?" His words tumbled out in a hurry./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"His father laughed. "Your mother knows, and she is very proud of you, lad. You leave in one week, and you will be Squire to the Master of a great and noble family. And the best part - they are a wizarding family, so you will not need to worry about hiding your magic."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. This was the best news he had ever received. Although his family lived in a wizarding village, where they did not need to hide their magical abilities, his mother had warned him any time they left the town that muggles were afraid and he was to hide his magic as best he could. He found this rather uncomfortable, and was always glad when he was back in his little village of Crimson Hollow, where he didn't have to worry about lighting candles unassisted or blowing up Grimsby into a ball by accident./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""This is the best day of my life!" Godric cried, slumping back into his chair happily./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"His mother appeared at the doorway, greying hair pulled back from her face and her night clothes on./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Ah, you've heard the happy news then, Darling?" She grinned at the boy, who beamed back at her./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Mother! I can't believe I am to be a Squire at last!" Godric jumped from the chair and pulled her in to a tight hug as she laughed and ruffled his auburn hair./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Yes, my darling. You've made us both so proud. But remember-" She pushed him to arms length so that she could look down at his face sternly. "You must also focus on your magic lessons. Your father and I have taught you more than most wizards your age know, but you must not forget you are a wizard first - and a Knight second. The lovely Master of the house has agreed that you will attend magic lessons with his daughter, who is apparently a very bright young witch. And that reminds me -" She looked at him even more sternly, causing him to shrink back under her gaze "No romancing any women, witch or otherwise, until you are at least 15. We shall see you long before then, hopefully, but you need to focus on your other talents, and I don't think I am quite ready for grandchildren just yet."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric shrunk back further in embarrassment at his mothers words, looking to his father for help, who only smirked and raised his eyebrows./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I don't even like any girls, Mother! They're all boring and don't want to play outside." He muttered./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"His father exchanged a glance with his mother and smiled knowingly "Yes well, that may change. At your age I thought I knew it all, though I think you are much smarter than I was, although that's probably thanks to you being half your mother's son. Which reminds me -" He reached under his desk and, with surprising ease for a man his age, pulled out a magnificent silver sword, with ruby jewels and an ornate hilt./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric had never seen such a weapon before, and his breath caught as he took in the polished silver. It was beautiful./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""This sword was given to me by your mother after I could no longer fight." He looked over Godric's shoulder lovingly towards his mother "It is Goblin made silver - which as we know is rare these days with the ongoing turmoil between Wizarding and Goblin folk. It's too heavy for you just now, I think, but one day, Godric, I know you will storm into battle with this sword in your hand. If you ever miss us, just know that there is a piece of both me and your mother in this sword, and we will be by your side as long as you need help, as long as you hold it in your hand."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He handed the sword delicately to Godric, who's hands shook as he cautiously gripped the handle./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Godric wasn't sure if he imagined it, but he could have sworn he felt a surge of magical heat flow through the handle and up his arm, settling in his heart, as he held the sword. The blade was surprisingly light, and he felt suddenly bolder, like he was always supposed to have this sword in his hand. He eyed the sword in wonder, and looked back at his parents, who smiled fondly at him./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Thank you, thank you both. I won't let you down, I promise." He suddenly felt his throat close up as he stared at his parents and realised for the first time that he would miss them both dearly./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"They both seemed to understand, as they pulled him into a tight hug, before his mother ushered him away lightly./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Now, off you go to bed! Sleep well, my magical, brave little Knight."/p