The Army of the Graal
The first step to building an Army is a cause and people, In Argent Meadows we were able to find people and give them a cause. Thanks to our shrewd Mistress of the Exchequer we were able to obtain arms, armor and mounts. (But that is an earlier story)
It is a bright sunny afternoon here in Argent Meadows. A large crowd of young people have gathered. In the town square a pavilion has been erected. A table two chairs are beneath it. To one side is a large book, to the other a strong box with a guard wearing the livery of the Order of the Graal and armed with a mean looking Bill hook. Empty wagons are lined up to one side of the square. A drummer and a piper are playing.
On the edges of the crowd, Pascal rides in on his horse, watching the large crowd of young'uns gathered to try their hand at entering the Order with a smile. He's on his own right now, and looking for family.
An armored Chestnut Warhorse arrives bearing the also Armored form of The Grand Master. As he reaches the center of the square he looks out over the crowd of young faces that stand ready to take up the call to arms.
Taran rides into the village at a gentle trot, letting his horse show off its paces. Today, he's in full armor, polished to an opalescent glow; a circuit around the square before he reins in beside Harold.
Izett is within the village square. Dressed representing her station within the Barony, her men wearing the livery of the Barony and her personal ceremonial guard. Standing with the village elders she speaks softly with them until she sees the arrival of Harold and Taran. Offering a gentle curtsy in the direction of Harold as she waits till he approaches before, speaking, "Welcome Grand Master Harold, Sir Taran.."
Melina rides to the edge of the crowd near her cousin, her mouth set straight. In contrast to the brightness of the day, there is a storm gathering in her young eyes
Odette stands near her cousin, though behind and to the right out of the way. She smiles at the Knights as they draw close inclining her head with quiet respect.
Harold inclines his head "Greetings your Excellency, may I address your subjects?" he asks from the back of his war steed.
Pascal glances aside to Melina as she nears, diverting slightly toward her. "Melina," he greets. "Excited over the events today?
Taran remains a sort of living accent piece in Harold's tableau of grandeur. For the moment, he's still, letting the setting sun cast color on his armor.
Izett smiles warmly to Harold, "Yes, Grand Master Harold, you may." she offers politely. Her green eyes casting out over those gathered within the square, with the formality of her approach today.
Melina answers Pascal quietly "not in the way I think you man cousin". she patiently waits for Harold to speak.
Odette shifts where she stands, moving to speak softly with one of the city elders, nodding and smiling as he tells her a story about his grandchildren.
"People of Argent Meadow's, today you, like the people of the other Baronies of Monsalvat are being afforded an Honor unheard of in our History. Today you will be given the chance to join the Order of the Graal as infantry. Most of you will be turned away, of those chosen many will be sent home from training, those few who make it will be the toughest, best trained, best equipped Army in all Lyonesse. You will bear the symbol of the Graal into battle. Good people, Battle comes" Sir Harold points toward Albion "even now our lands, recently risen from the Sea's are beset with a hoard of the Undead. Shall we stand by and let this land fall to darkness?" he looks to the crowd "I say NAE! any who would march to war beside me" he points to the table step forth and be known to us!"
Pascal gives Melina a curious look, "Wh-" he starts to say, the word cut off as he turns to listen to Harold's speech. He holds up a finger, though, to let her know - one moment.
In answer to Harold's speech, Taran draws his sword and holds it high - open call to join battle, and affirmation of his words.
The crowd of young men and women mummer looking to one another then look to their Baroness. Soon several barely farm boy's bush to the front. "What do we need to do Sir?" they look to Sir Taran seeming nervous about looking Directly at Harold.
Izett tilts her head gently as she listens respectfully to Harold as he addresses the Barony. She stands proud and tall as she feels the gaze of her people falling upon her, very calm with her hands folded delicately in front her. Her face a neutral expression now, meeting the gaze of many of those within the crowd.
Taran raises his visor, lowering and sheathing his sword. "Men of the Order must be strong, and courageous," he says - by his tone, simply stating facts, not making judgments. "Fight with me. Let the Grand Master see your strengths and your weaknesses."
Pascal speaks quietly with Melina while all the young men run up to the table.
Harold dismounts Chessy and hands her off to a squire as he moves to take a seat in the shade. He opens the book "Pick the two largest Sir Taran, and don't hurt them, show them what we expect of our fighters." he motions to the solider guarding the pay box. The man opens it and Harold begins to count out coins.
Taran nods to this and dismounts. Piece by piece he removes his armor, setting it aside with care and reverence before standing up in just tunic and trousers. "You do not have armor," he says. "it would not be honorable to fight you wearing it. Choose weapons, or no weapon. Come at me when ready. Show the Grand Master your strength and courage."
Two big farm boys look at each other "it's a trick, we strike a nobleman then we get shipped off to a work camp." the larger one says. The smaller seem to be circling to flank Taran while the other talks.
Izett shakes her head slowly as she hears the words of the boys, still she remains silent and lets Taran and Harold handle the situation. Stepping back slightly she moves to stand next to Odette and speak softly with her.
Pascal pauses in his conversation as he hears the boys as well, turning to call over to them, "You really believe you can be a Graal Knight when afraid to strike a nobleman? Show more courage than that, boys."
Harold shakes his head "They will not be Knights, they will be infantry, they are right to ask" he looks at the boys "if you can beat Sir Taran no one will punish you." he gestures toward Taran "They are shy...Sir Taran, Lay on"
Melina is watching but has her head canted to the side in conversation with her cousin.. She shakes her head at something he has said and whispers low
Taran shakes his head. "You know I never leap into a fray, sir," he says calmly. He does relax into a ready stance, waiting for the boys to take him on. "We are men of our word. We do not play tricks, least of all upon the people we are sworn to protect. Come at me as you will. I am ready, and you will learn."
The one moving to flank moves first leaping at Taran arms out stretched. The other one charges him straight on.
Whatever else Taran might be doing, pulling punches is apparently not one of the options. It would seem the Knight has decided that a true fight is the only way to accurately judge potential. The charging man is caught by the arm, and Taran lets the man's own momentum swing him round into the path of the outstretched leaper. A minimum of movement, a maximum of damage - though neither of his opponents seems taken out by it. Taran simply settles into that ready stance, to see if they will come at him again or no.
The two boys collide and tumble. They quickly get their feet and charge Sir Taran again, one going High, the other low. Trying to take the noble knight down.
Izett nods her head slightly to Odette still watching the fight. Pascal for his comment is given a slight glance but still her gaze remains mostly upon those that are in the melee watching Taran's actions curiously.
Harold watches the fight as a scribe sets up motioning others forward. The applicants are looked at, then either paid and sent to a wagon, or sent home.
Taran nods slightly as they charge, perhaps approving their tenacity. He sidesteps the one aiming high, and lashes out with a hard sweeping kick at the one running low. "Better," is his simple comment. "This is not a bar brawl. Think of your mothers, your sisters, your daughters, your lands and your homes. What you fight to keep safe."
Pascal gives Harold a sheepish look. "Ahh, I misunderstood. Apologies, Grandmaster," he says, before speaking again to Melina.
Harold nods to Pascal, then looks to Taran "enough, they'll do, send them to the camp near the castle, I have a use for them." he smiles as the two boys crash to the ground again.
Taran laughs, and walks over to them, offering his hands to help them up. "Well done." Once they're on their feet, he eyes the next opponents.
Melina finally smiles flashing a broad grin at her brother. She is proud to busting of f him as much for his honor as his strength
Harold glances at Taran "After they are trained" he says and gestures to a seat near him. "and for the love of the Graal put your clothes back on" he jests with Taran "where your modesty running around in your underwear" he motions over a squire with some water for Taran. The two now bruised farm boys are pointed toward the wagon they need to be on.
Izett glances to Odette and nods as the two speak softly in amongst themselves. The innkeeper bringing over drinks for both Taran and Harold as they sit at the table. The village alive with soft murmurs and those speaking amongst themselves while several of the young men answer Sir Harold's call.
Taran grins and heads back to his armor, though he does pause to accept the drink with thanks before he starts to don it again. "They did not run," he says, pleased. "I was worried they might. I seem to put fear in the hearts of the villagers these days."
The wagon soon fill with recruits singled out mostly based on looks, size strength and aggressiveness.
Sir Harold looks to the scribe who nods. The Grand Master rises "I thank you for your time and interest, we have all we are going to take form Argent Meadows." he nods to Taran "get them moving?" he then looks to Izett, "Thank you your Excellency."
Taran nods, and - armored once again - goes to lead the wagon out on the road.
Izett nods her head gently to Harold, "Of course, Grand Master Harold." she looks toward the men that have been selected studying them for several moments.
Melina calls out "Sir, Harold. Is there a way those who do not take to the sword. The ones these brave men leave behind such as myself might aid the cause
Harold looks at Melina "I good question M'Lady, an Army needs food, clothes, weapons, armor....those not chosen can put themselves to the task of supporting their Son's and Daughter's now fighting for the good of all Lyonesse, work hard so they can succeed!" he calls to the assembled commoners. "Graal Protect Monsalvat, her Son's and Daughter's....The Graal SAVE Lyonesse!" he raises a gauntleted fist into the air.
The assembled villagers ring out with hoots and hollars cheering as Harold's words ring out throughout the square. The elders adding in their own voices creating a larger din as men and women seek to be heard above the rest with such a sentimental outpouring supporting their men going off to serve as infantry sending them off to the sounds of their mother's, father's, sisters, and brother's cheering them on in support.
Izett joins in with her out cheer, lending her support to the men that will be representing the barony amongst the infantry of the Graal. Her green eye'd gaze seeking to meet the gaze and smile upon each and every man that departs from the Barony to do so.
It is a bright sunny afternoon here in Argent Meadows. A large crowd of young people have gathered. In the town square a pavilion has been erected. A table two chairs are beneath it. To one side is a large book, to the other a strong box with a guard wearing the livery of the Order of the Graal and armed with a mean looking Bill hook. Empty wagons are lined up to one side of the square. A drummer and a piper are playing.
On the edges of the crowd, Pascal rides in on his horse, watching the large crowd of young'uns gathered to try their hand at entering the Order with a smile. He's on his own right now, and looking for family.
An armored Chestnut Warhorse arrives bearing the also Armored form of The Grand Master. As he reaches the center of the square he looks out over the crowd of young faces that stand ready to take up the call to arms.
Taran rides into the village at a gentle trot, letting his horse show off its paces. Today, he's in full armor, polished to an opalescent glow; a circuit around the square before he reins in beside Harold.
Izett is within the village square. Dressed representing her station within the Barony, her men wearing the livery of the Barony and her personal ceremonial guard. Standing with the village elders she speaks softly with them until she sees the arrival of Harold and Taran. Offering a gentle curtsy in the direction of Harold as she waits till he approaches before, speaking, "Welcome Grand Master Harold, Sir Taran.."
Melina rides to the edge of the crowd near her cousin, her mouth set straight. In contrast to the brightness of the day, there is a storm gathering in her young eyes
Odette stands near her cousin, though behind and to the right out of the way. She smiles at the Knights as they draw close inclining her head with quiet respect.
Harold inclines his head "Greetings your Excellency, may I address your subjects?" he asks from the back of his war steed.
Pascal glances aside to Melina as she nears, diverting slightly toward her. "Melina," he greets. "Excited over the events today?
Taran remains a sort of living accent piece in Harold's tableau of grandeur. For the moment, he's still, letting the setting sun cast color on his armor.
Izett smiles warmly to Harold, "Yes, Grand Master Harold, you may." she offers politely. Her green eyes casting out over those gathered within the square, with the formality of her approach today.
Melina answers Pascal quietly "not in the way I think you man cousin". she patiently waits for Harold to speak.
Odette shifts where she stands, moving to speak softly with one of the city elders, nodding and smiling as he tells her a story about his grandchildren.
"People of Argent Meadow's, today you, like the people of the other Baronies of Monsalvat are being afforded an Honor unheard of in our History. Today you will be given the chance to join the Order of the Graal as infantry. Most of you will be turned away, of those chosen many will be sent home from training, those few who make it will be the toughest, best trained, best equipped Army in all Lyonesse. You will bear the symbol of the Graal into battle. Good people, Battle comes" Sir Harold points toward Albion "even now our lands, recently risen from the Sea's are beset with a hoard of the Undead. Shall we stand by and let this land fall to darkness?" he looks to the crowd "I say NAE! any who would march to war beside me" he points to the table step forth and be known to us!"
Pascal gives Melina a curious look, "Wh-" he starts to say, the word cut off as he turns to listen to Harold's speech. He holds up a finger, though, to let her know - one moment.
In answer to Harold's speech, Taran draws his sword and holds it high - open call to join battle, and affirmation of his words.
The crowd of young men and women mummer looking to one another then look to their Baroness. Soon several barely farm boy's bush to the front. "What do we need to do Sir?" they look to Sir Taran seeming nervous about looking Directly at Harold.
Izett tilts her head gently as she listens respectfully to Harold as he addresses the Barony. She stands proud and tall as she feels the gaze of her people falling upon her, very calm with her hands folded delicately in front her. Her face a neutral expression now, meeting the gaze of many of those within the crowd.
Taran raises his visor, lowering and sheathing his sword. "Men of the Order must be strong, and courageous," he says - by his tone, simply stating facts, not making judgments. "Fight with me. Let the Grand Master see your strengths and your weaknesses."
Pascal speaks quietly with Melina while all the young men run up to the table.
Harold dismounts Chessy and hands her off to a squire as he moves to take a seat in the shade. He opens the book "Pick the two largest Sir Taran, and don't hurt them, show them what we expect of our fighters." he motions to the solider guarding the pay box. The man opens it and Harold begins to count out coins.
Taran nods to this and dismounts. Piece by piece he removes his armor, setting it aside with care and reverence before standing up in just tunic and trousers. "You do not have armor," he says. "it would not be honorable to fight you wearing it. Choose weapons, or no weapon. Come at me when ready. Show the Grand Master your strength and courage."
Two big farm boys look at each other "it's a trick, we strike a nobleman then we get shipped off to a work camp." the larger one says. The smaller seem to be circling to flank Taran while the other talks.
Izett shakes her head slowly as she hears the words of the boys, still she remains silent and lets Taran and Harold handle the situation. Stepping back slightly she moves to stand next to Odette and speak softly with her.
Pascal pauses in his conversation as he hears the boys as well, turning to call over to them, "You really believe you can be a Graal Knight when afraid to strike a nobleman? Show more courage than that, boys."
Harold shakes his head "They will not be Knights, they will be infantry, they are right to ask" he looks at the boys "if you can beat Sir Taran no one will punish you." he gestures toward Taran "They are shy...Sir Taran, Lay on"
Melina is watching but has her head canted to the side in conversation with her cousin.. She shakes her head at something he has said and whispers low
Taran shakes his head. "You know I never leap into a fray, sir," he says calmly. He does relax into a ready stance, waiting for the boys to take him on. "We are men of our word. We do not play tricks, least of all upon the people we are sworn to protect. Come at me as you will. I am ready, and you will learn."
The one moving to flank moves first leaping at Taran arms out stretched. The other one charges him straight on.
Whatever else Taran might be doing, pulling punches is apparently not one of the options. It would seem the Knight has decided that a true fight is the only way to accurately judge potential. The charging man is caught by the arm, and Taran lets the man's own momentum swing him round into the path of the outstretched leaper. A minimum of movement, a maximum of damage - though neither of his opponents seems taken out by it. Taran simply settles into that ready stance, to see if they will come at him again or no.
The two boys collide and tumble. They quickly get their feet and charge Sir Taran again, one going High, the other low. Trying to take the noble knight down.
Izett nods her head slightly to Odette still watching the fight. Pascal for his comment is given a slight glance but still her gaze remains mostly upon those that are in the melee watching Taran's actions curiously.
Harold watches the fight as a scribe sets up motioning others forward. The applicants are looked at, then either paid and sent to a wagon, or sent home.
Taran nods slightly as they charge, perhaps approving their tenacity. He sidesteps the one aiming high, and lashes out with a hard sweeping kick at the one running low. "Better," is his simple comment. "This is not a bar brawl. Think of your mothers, your sisters, your daughters, your lands and your homes. What you fight to keep safe."
Pascal gives Harold a sheepish look. "Ahh, I misunderstood. Apologies, Grandmaster," he says, before speaking again to Melina.
Harold nods to Pascal, then looks to Taran "enough, they'll do, send them to the camp near the castle, I have a use for them." he smiles as the two boys crash to the ground again.
Taran laughs, and walks over to them, offering his hands to help them up. "Well done." Once they're on their feet, he eyes the next opponents.
Melina finally smiles flashing a broad grin at her brother. She is proud to busting of f him as much for his honor as his strength
Harold glances at Taran "After they are trained" he says and gestures to a seat near him. "and for the love of the Graal put your clothes back on" he jests with Taran "where your modesty running around in your underwear" he motions over a squire with some water for Taran. The two now bruised farm boys are pointed toward the wagon they need to be on.
Izett glances to Odette and nods as the two speak softly in amongst themselves. The innkeeper bringing over drinks for both Taran and Harold as they sit at the table. The village alive with soft murmurs and those speaking amongst themselves while several of the young men answer Sir Harold's call.
Taran grins and heads back to his armor, though he does pause to accept the drink with thanks before he starts to don it again. "They did not run," he says, pleased. "I was worried they might. I seem to put fear in the hearts of the villagers these days."
The wagon soon fill with recruits singled out mostly based on looks, size strength and aggressiveness.
Sir Harold looks to the scribe who nods. The Grand Master rises "I thank you for your time and interest, we have all we are going to take form Argent Meadows." he nods to Taran "get them moving?" he then looks to Izett, "Thank you your Excellency."
Taran nods, and - armored once again - goes to lead the wagon out on the road.
Izett nods her head gently to Harold, "Of course, Grand Master Harold." she looks toward the men that have been selected studying them for several moments.
Melina calls out "Sir, Harold. Is there a way those who do not take to the sword. The ones these brave men leave behind such as myself might aid the cause
Harold looks at Melina "I good question M'Lady, an Army needs food, clothes, weapons, armor....those not chosen can put themselves to the task of supporting their Son's and Daughter's now fighting for the good of all Lyonesse, work hard so they can succeed!" he calls to the assembled commoners. "Graal Protect Monsalvat, her Son's and Daughter's....The Graal SAVE Lyonesse!" he raises a gauntleted fist into the air.
The assembled villagers ring out with hoots and hollars cheering as Harold's words ring out throughout the square. The elders adding in their own voices creating a larger din as men and women seek to be heard above the rest with such a sentimental outpouring supporting their men going off to serve as infantry sending them off to the sounds of their mother's, father's, sisters, and brother's cheering them on in support.
Izett joins in with her out cheer, lending her support to the men that will be representing the barony amongst the infantry of the Graal. Her green eye'd gaze seeking to meet the gaze and smile upon each and every man that departs from the Barony to do so.