In the camp, the next morning

[GM Craig]

You turn in for the night.

Next morning, both of you are up before the trumpets sound the muster. In Cedwyn's camp, as he is supervising the packing, Sir Amig arrives with a young boy in tow, complete with a rouncy, armour and a sword.

"Sir Cedwyn. As decreed by the Count, I have selected a squire to serve you for the year. This is Squire Haydn. Also at the count's decree, he comes outfitted with a horse, armour and a weapon. You may withhold his upkeep from your tribute in the fall. Next summer, his service will end unless you decide to assume responsibility for the boy. Do you accept this boy as your squire?"

You looks at Haydn. He reminds you a little of you at that age - barely 15, and full of wonder. he likely barely knows which end of the spear goes where, but he can learn that. He seems eager enough, and stands there nervously awaiting your acceptance or refusal.

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn did his best to project the same stony face that Amig did when e was a squire. He looked the boy up and down.

Nervous. Barely into his squirehoood.

"Squire Hadyn, is it?" Cedwyn finally asked, testing the boy's mettle for a reaponse when he was nervous.

"Lad, I think you'll do," he said finally, "My horse is over there," he pointed at his destrier to distract the boy and offered Amig a wink.

[GM Craig]

The boy looks at Amig. Sir Amig gives him nothing but a, "What are you looking at me for?"

The boy rushes to the horse to get it ready. He is obviously afraid of the massive animal, but grabs the saddle and makes a real attempt to get it on the back of the horse. But he simply cannot reach. Amig watches for a moment, amusement on his face.

Turning to you, he says, "Try him out for a day or two. If he works out, you can take his oath of service. I don't expect our turn int he column to be before the sun clears the trees, but the Count is eager so we may march sooner than I expect, so watch for my banner and be ready."

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn smiled in return, "He reminds me of me. I think it likely he will work out."

"Yes, Sir," Cedwyn replied but it carried a different feeling now, one of a knight taking his orders from a knight commander rather than a Squire from his Master.

More businesslike he added, "What do you know
about the forces of King ?lle?"

[GM Craig]

He shakes his head. "No sense worrying about that until we see them." He claps you on the shoulder, one knight to another.

[Cedwyn]

"But no matter what, we will break them!" Cedwyn exclaimed.

More quietly, he added, "How is the Count? I couldn't refuse the King when he administered the oath to me."

[GM Craig]

Sir Amig gives you a raised eyebrow. "Aye, he had you in a tough spot. You did fine, Sir Cedwyn. Don't worry about the Count. That's between him and the Pendragon, and best you keep your nose out of it, brother. But I'll give you the benefit of my experience, one knight to another: if the Pendragon tries to use his authority over you directly, I'd advise you to bring it to the attention of the Count straight away."

He looks you in the eye for a moment to underline his comment.

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn met his eyes and nodded solemnly. His lands were equal in importance to him and Cedwyn wanted nothing to endanger them.

However, Cedwyn was still getting used to being part of the brotherhood of knights.  It felt odd though he took a large amount of pride in being addressed as brother by Amig.

"That has the sound of wisdom, brother," Cedwyn noted, "The Prince has stated last stemmed from the incalcitrance of others; I will take him at his word but I fear I have been made a pawn in a game far larger than me. I fear for my house, my people, and my lords."

He didn't add that he doubted Wiggan and Ifan understood or cared.

[GM Craig]

Sir Amig nods in understanding. "You are an honourable knight, Sir Cedwyn. And you, perhaps more than the others, understand that sometimes the honourable path is not clear. Be open and honest with both your lords; do not engage in secrecy and deception, and you will navigate these potentially treacherous waters."

He nods, apparently satisfied on some point. "I want to check in on the others before we march. Watch for my banner. I will see you in the column."

With that he turns to go.

[Anything else you want to do before we march?]

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn raised his hand in salute.

"May God go with you, Sir Amig," he said as way of good bye. He then turned to his potential new squire.

"Here lad," Cedwyn called to him, "Let's see how we do this."

[i want to get a feel for Halyn]

[GM Craig]

The boy has acquired a bucket from somewhere and has it overturned. With it, he can just reach the huge back of your horse, and has done a fair job of getting the saddle in place. It shows he has a brain at least, and is not one to make excuses. When you call to him, he gives you a quick glance before finishing securing the girth buckle before moving quickly to stand before you.

"Yes, Sir Cedwyn?" he says and little nervously.

[Cedwyn]

"Good work, lad. I like resourcefulness. Do you have a sword?"

[GM Craig]

He nods. "Yes Sir Cedwyn. It's on my horse."

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn nodded approvingly, "Good. Have you squired in battle before?"

[GM Craig]

He shakes his head. "No Sir Cedwyn. Our manor was attacked by a saxon raid once, but I never fought."