IP: 82.19.140.112
Posted on September 17, 2014 at 06:34:47 PM by Arthur
Despite the initial evidence of the man’s walk Rohmarr seemed uncommonly humble for a man of his...trade. Arthur was unsure how far it was an actual component to his personality, or whether it was born from the simple need to create a good impression. The king would have been a fool if he had not indulged any of his suspicions. There was not too great a difference between a pirate and a con-man. The royal spies on Apeliotes Island had heard whispers on multiple occasions of plans which involved infiltrating the castle. They wanted spies of their own. Arthur was prepared to give Rohmarr a chance; he seemed genuine enough, but he was going to proceed cautiously. They had a relationship to build on rather rocky foundations, and Arthur made a point of getting to know those he allowed to work in the castle. However, any general knows that sometimes you have to take a risk in order to win any kind of substantial pay off. “I will reiterate,” Arthur said as Wilfred handed him a quill, “this agreement make you my retainer in peace and war. If I call, you come, is that understood?” Wilfred produced a pot of ink and held it up for the king to use. Arthur dipped the nib of his pen into the black liquid and signed his name, giving little artistic flourishes to the extended descenders of his letters. “We will start you in the guard, I think,” Arthur elaborated, handing the parchment back to his scribe. Wilfred scurried back to his desk and sprinkled sand onto the paper from a little silver box with a hinged lid in order to soak up any excess ink. “You will be provided with a uniform, a mail shirt and a basic helmet. You are welcome to buy and wear any other forms of armour you wish. You can supply your own weapons or borrow from the stock in the guard rooms. You will receive basic pay and are entitled to meals on the bottom table in the Great Hall; listen out for the bells.” Christ, Arthur thought to himself, he was going to need a long drink after all of this. “Room shall be found for you in the barracks, and you are welcome to make use of the guards’ mess. You are not permitted in the officers’ mess and you are directly answerable to your shift Captain who in turn is subject to the acting Lord-Marshal. Any orders you are given you assume it comes from me and act accordingly. You will obey any requests made of you by my family. At the moment the instructions of my brother Lord Mordred cannot be overruled by the Prince as he is still young. You will be informed when and if this changes.” Wilfred reappeared at Rohmarr’s side with the contract and another quill which he held out to the ex-pirate. “For now your duties will keep you away from the royal apartments, and from the stones in the Oasis. You will be asked to go out on patrols of the grounds, long patrols out into the countryside, or to stand watch at the castle or hall entrances.” The King sat back in his chair as he paused again, his fingers curving around the falcon’s head carved into the wood and for the first time his expression softened a little. “It is a lot to take in,” Arthur said with an understanding smile, “I will be keeping a close eye on you. If you prove yourself you will be promoted, reassigned and rewarded as appropriate. I am sure in time we will find a way for you to use your seafaring talents...” A call from Pendragon interrupted the conversation as the merlin took flight, leaving his flag pole behind. Arthur peered up towards the ceiling with his hand shielding his eyes from the light which poured in through the long lead-lined windows. The little falcon circled above their heads and then made a dive in the direction of the curtains. His sharp curved beak pecked at something hidden in amongst the folds of fabric with another annoyed screech. “Pen!” Arthur said in a loud voice which succeeding in retaining more authority than a shout. He slid the falconry glove out of its place on his belt and slipped it onto his hand, “to me.” The merlin begrudgingly obeyed, landing on the king’s glove where he sat glaring at the curtains, his feathers fluffed up in indignation. Arthur turned a raised eyebrow on Rohmarr.  |
Replies:
- the sea at dawn is a cathedral - By rohmarr September 17, 2014 at 11:30:31 PM
- guide him with your grace - By Arthur September 19, 2014 at 09:42:50 PM
- the sea at dawn is a cathedral - By rohmarr September 20, 2014 at 01:00:20 AM
- guide him with your grace - By Arthur September 19, 2014 at 09:42:50 PM
Post a reply:
<--
-->