RP: Return to Sarum

[GM Craig]

You had been waiting for the muster for a week, but the blaster messenger never came. Finally, the Count's man shows up looking like he slept in a ditch and complaining of a lame horse. You are expected in Sarum with your muster in two days time. Normally, it takes a week to put that together and make the day's journey there. You scramble to put the levy together and get under way.

Way behind schedule, you worry that the heavier-than-usual spring rains would have flooded the ford at Stapleford, so you take a gamble and head north to Chitterne, planning to take the road from there to Shrewton and then south to the bridge at Amesbury Abbey. Then it's a straight shot south to Sarum. If God is with you, you might shave off much time by taking the road.

You are somewhat gratified to see Chitterne looking like a kicked anthill as they struggle to get ready when you march past.

God is with you, and you arrive at Sarum a mere day late.

Sarum, called Caer Caradduc.by the old Cymric knights, is a welcome sight. The massive outer wall of the city cannot hide the grandeur of the castle. You see the muster well under way already. Breaking off from your men, you ride up to the pavilion where the Count's flag can clearly be seen. You dismount as a waiting groom takes your mount, and head towards the tent. There you see Sir Hywel, banneret of West Lavington speaking to Sir Elad, the Count's Marshall.

You know both men from your service as the Count's squire. Both were frequent guests of the count and spent much time at court. Sir Elad is the Count's right-hand man, and is also castellan of fortress at Vagon. You know Elad to be a hard, military-minded, and unforgiving knight. Sir Hywel is a widower with an eligible daughter. Hywel has refused to remarry, which means his daughter will bring a great deal of wealth to any marriage. You recall him as a kind, generous man who loves his family and remains devoted to his deceased wife.

Sir Elad looks up as you approach, and Hywel turns to see you. Eld gets a most sour expression. "Winterbourne Stoke? You're a day late, squire! And how many men did you bring with you?" His tone clearly indicates he expects to be disappointed. Sir Hywel merely smiles his familiar smile.

[Actions?]

[Cedwyn]

[ooc: making some assumptions that I'd call in 3 of my relations plus my muster]

"God is with me, Sir Elad. I've brought my whole muster, 40 good strong men, along with my uncle and two other knights," Cedwynn replied reapectfully.

Turning to Sir Hywel, he returned the smile and added, "Well met Sir Hywel. I trust you and yours are well?"

[GM Craig]

Sir Hywel is about to answer, a smile on his face, when Sir Elad cuts him off. "Under strength, as usual." He turns his head and barks, "Aldwyn!" A soldier comes up, a commoner sergeant by the look of him. Sir Elad turns back to you. "The sergeant here will take charge of your men. The Count has been waiting for you, and your services have been missed. Get you the castle - the grooms there will look after your mounts and baggage. Report to Sir Amig. Don't dally now, Squire!"

Sir Elad turns away, clearly dismissing you.

Sir Hywel claps you on your shoulder and waves a hand towards the entrance of the pavilion. He speaks to you as he walks.

"Don't mind Sir Elad, m'boy. King Uther has called the muster of his entire army here at Sarum, so Elad has his hands full trying to find space for everything. The Pendragon arrived three days ago, and is in a hurry to take a swing at King ?lle; but there's several of his vassals have not answered the call to muster yet, including the Duke Gorlois of Cornwall. It's got everyone on edge, but the King says we march without them."

You've arrived at your horses. "It seems to me that Count Roderick has much greater need of knights than squires in this fight. I hope you brought good clothes with you." He smiles warmly, then whistles as he catches sight of the destrier. "God in heaven! I heard that horse was magnificent, but I had no idea! I don't think there's a bigger or stronger horse in all of Britain! And not a mark on him! Your father knew horseflesh, m'boy, that's for certain. Why even your charger is the equal of the Count's finest mount, let alone that beast!"

[Cedwyn]

"Won in battle Sir Hywel. With God's Hand upon my father's sword. Peredur was just to fine an animal for my father to even think about ransoming back, even if we'd consider it when it comes to the bloody Saxons," Cedwynn beamed at his father's accomplishment, "I miss him greatly. He was a good man and a good father. I hope to be half the Knight he was someday."

It was then Hywel's comment registered. Cedwynn did his best to maintain composure.

"With God's grace, we'll smite the Saxons back into the hellhole they crawled out of."

[GM Craig]

He nods. "Aye, God willing. You best get to the castle. Sir Amig will be glad to see you. I'll see you at the banquet tonight."

Sir Amig is well known to you  - an old night, and banneret with vassals knights of his own. He oversaw the training of all Count Roderick's squires these last seven years. He is a hard man, but just and fair and very experienced. He was a good teacher, and a good knight.

[Cedwyn]

"Aye, Sir. I shall be on my way; I believe I have brought appropriate garments as well."

"By your leave?" He aske of Sir Hywel before going off to find Sir Amig.

[GM Craig]

Hywell nods and heads back to the pavilion.

You ride through the Fool's gate, and enter the Eagle Market of the merchant's quarter. You are struck once again by the sheer size of castle Salisbury. The castle itself is big enough with the four spokes to split the town into quarters. The fortress on it's artificial hill dominates the town. You make your way up to the bridge and up the hill to the gate tower. Guards there recognize you, and one of them hails you.

"M'lord, Sir Amig said to keep an eye out for you. He'd be in the drill yard once you stored you're mounts!" The guards let you through without much concern.

Inside, the castle looks like a kicked anthill, and you see quickly why. The Pendragon banner hands next to the count's own. The king himself is within the castle.

You hand off your mounts and baggage to grooms, and head to the practice yard. You hear Sir Amig before you see him, drilling squires like he had done a thousand times with you. You coem up behind him without him seeing you, and you are struck by how grey his hair has gotten. The winter does not appear to have been kind to him, and he looks older than you remember.

[Actions?]

[Cedwyn]

Cedwynn waited somewhat patiently. It was very different to be on the other side, as lord of his own own manor, watching Sir Amig drill the squires, some of whom had been his comrades not but a season prior.

Cedwynn gave into habit and awaited Sir Amig's pleasure a bit before attampting to grab his attention, recalling that he was no longer Amig's squire, though (yet) his social equal.

"Well met, Sir Amig" he called after a few moments of watching and waiting.

[GM Craig]

Sir Amig glances over his shoulder, then looks back at the squires. A moment later he says, "Yer late." In a louder voice, he calls out, "That's enough. Go get changed, you'll be serving at the banquet tonight." The squires give some good natured grumbling and head towards the castle.

Sir Amig turns then to you and offers a hand. "Welcome back, but don't be too familiar yet. You're still a squire, though that will change before sunrise or I'm no judge of men. Walk with me."

You move together through the castle grounds towards the great hall.

"You're to be knighted this evening, by the kings own hand. There's won't be all the ceremony it deserves though - Uther has grown tired of waiting for vassals that are not coming, and means to march at dawn. So, it'll be a quick ceremony, and a banquet. Not what you deserve, but the needs of the crown dictate haste. I have no doubt Salisbury will gift you something to make up for the slight. There's a few of you to be knighted today. On the morrow, you will ride as knights under my command, so exercise moderation at the banquet tonight."

He stops here. "I knew your grandfather and father both. They both would be proud of the man you have become."

He starts walking again before you can respond. "There's time enough for a few hours vigil in the chapel if you wish. Or, you can report to the Count's chamberlain and put yourself to service, after you change out of your travel clothes. Either way, you must be in front of the great hall in your best by the time the sun touches the western tower."

[Cedwyn]

The King's own hand! That was indeed an honor and Cedwynn said so.

He then added, "Sir...I would not say this to Sir Elad, for he is not one to tolerate excuses, but..." Cedwynn hesistated, "Could the problem be the messengers? I'm only here because I expected the muster for a week before the messenger arrived. He appeared to have been in the drink, looking like he slept in a ditch and blaming his horse."

[GM Craig]

Sir Amig looks down his nose at you for a moment. "So that lout Mefin laid his duties aside again hmm? That would explain why Chitterne hasn't arrived yet. I'll deal with the boy. But to your question, no. The Count's younger squires were used as messengers in Salisbury, but the king uses knights for his messengers. The Duke of Cornwall not answering the muster was wilful, and the Duke of Caercolun is not here either, though no one seems too upset by that. He had the king's leave I'll wager. I'll not gossip about my betters - and neither should you - but we'll miss their knights and foot against ?lle before this is over."

[Cedwyn]

"Yes, Sir. Please forgive my impertinence. I shall be seeking out the Count's chamberlain. With battle on the horizon, there is a lot to be prepared for. As much as I wish to give time for reflection with God, the needs of tomorrow lay heavy."

"By your leave, Sir," and with that Cedwynn left to wash his travels from his face, change clothes, and seek the chamberlain."

[GM Craig]

Sir Amig waves his acceptance and you head towards the great hall, bag in hand. You are recognized by the guards as one of the Count's squires, and are let in. There is a lot of activity about the entrance, and you conclude a great number of guests are coming.

Inside, once your eyes adjust to the gloom, you see Countess Ellen there with her daughter, Lady Jenna, looking a little frazzled as she greets a seemingly endless line of guests. When spots you, and quickly calls you over.

"Cedwyn, bless you! I need your help, young man. The Pendragon decided to stay here, and there's no end of guests to greet and make welcome. Please, I need someone to find them rooms in the north wing. Please help me?"

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn made a deep bow to her ladyship, "Of course, my lady. I would be honored to assist you. If it please my lady, does the steward have a list of the personages still needing rooms?"

[ooc: doing my to convey manners befitting a squire technically still in service to the Count as part of the household]

[GM Craig]

[OOC: Give me a courtesy roll.]