Week 5&6 - The Eve of Battle

The air was thick with the scent of the foul beasts that now stood at Sanctuary’s walls. The Orcs were a mob, baying and snapping against an invisible yolk which strained to keep them from rushing the town; the pounding of their drums whipping them into a frenzy of bodies and steel. At their centre stood the Wyvern and its rider, a dread silhouette in the light of the new moon.

Thalon surveyed the assembled horde from his position on the gate tower. The Orcs were a fearsome sight, each of them a killing machine born to a life of destruction, they would attack soon and when they did they would offer no quarter to anyone in Sanctuary. Even though the men assembled below outnumbered the Orcs at least two to one Thalon knew that this would be a close fought battle, it was time to prepare his troops.

Walking from wall he made his way among the assembled defenders, he took time to speak to as many of them as he could; providing words of reassurance, inspiration and tactical insight. When he knew no more could be achieved he retired to the small traders shop near the east gate which he was using as a command post and summoned the leaders of the various units for a final briefing.

Using boxes and tins from around the shop he had created a miniature diorama of the gate and his men on the counter. As he looked down he remembered the wooden blocks and toy soldiers with which his father had taught him the lessons of battle that he would apply today. He wondered how Balen would feel about the choice he had made, to risk his survival for the good of Sanctuary. Thalon hoped he would understand… and hoped he would survive to see his son’s victory.

His father had always been a great lover of these kinds of war-games, in Thalon’s youth the pair had played them relentlessly, developing tactics and testing stratagem for reasons he was only now beginning to understand.  Thalon smiled as he remembered how often he had lost to his father in these battles of skill. Yet after each defeat the old man had made a point of explaining to his son the detail of his failing and how he could improve upon it… Now those lessons would be brought to play, this night it would be Thalon who taught the Orcs a bloody lesson in the art of war.

As the minutes passed Dwarf, Elf and Human crowded into the shop and Thalon explained his plan; “Smash the Orcs with withering volleys of gun and bow fire as they advance, hold the walls for as long as possible and hope the Orcs charge the gate. When this happens the Elves will receive the charge and lure them along the east road in a series of fall-back manoeuvres while the Dwarves will close from the rear and trap them. The guard will then hold the Orcs on either side and, with a little divine favour, the night will be ours!”  “What of the Wyvern?” Asked one of the Guard. “My companions and I, will along with a small force of men tackle the Wyvern directly” Thalon answered firmly. “Now if everyone understands your roles let us take position and prepare, pray to whatever Gods you believe in and by morning this town, this Sanctuary for so many, will stand as a testament to your bravery and skill”.

Slowly they filed out of the room and left Thalon alone, carefully he unsheathed his sword and placed it on the counter, running his hand along the inscription in the blade “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves”. In that moment he hoped with every fibre of his body that his father’s words were true.

Week 4 - Balance

The log was old, it's bark knotted and weathered by time, blood soaked into every groove from the battle that had raged in the clearing. Thalon slumped against it, breathing hard, every inch of his body ached from combat. Slowly he turned his head to survey the outcome; bodies littered the ground, he counted at least thirty including two of his own order dead, a heavy price. The caravan's stood to one side, creaking eerily in the silence, it was a blessing that the traders and their precious cargo had survived, but this had been a costly lesson and one he would not quickly forget...

...The caravan had been a week overdue when Thalon decided to act. Taking just Michael to help him, he had set off north following the route that had been agreed with the merchant. Hoping for the best, fearing the worst.

After three days trailing their friends they found the first evidence that something might have happened. Tracks suddenly began to crisscross the road where people had appeared from the trees on either side. It was an ambush, as the pair had scouted the encounter in more detail a tableaux of fights played out in the footprints captured by the dirt, spots of blood eventually leading the them to a grisly discovery; the body of young warrior, Samuel, one of the new recruits that Jonathan had taken with him. Both knew there was little they could do for the boy now, save returning for his body later.

Resolving to move quickly in an attempt to make up ground on the now encumbered thieves Micheal and Thalon had followed them north for another day before the tracks left the main road and broke off to the west on a smaller spur. It seemed that the Bandits were now slowing considerably, heavy caravans and poor roads hampering their getaway and, on the fifth day of the pursuit, Thalon sighted them in the distance.

Spurred on by the hope of rescuing their lost brothers the pair had finally caught up with the thieves in the early evening but their joy though had been short lived. As they scouted the camp they saw nearly thirty Bandits, armed and prepared. Worst still their brothers and the traders they had been sent to protect were beaten, stripped and chained together. These prisoners had been placed under constant guard and it would be difficult to get to them without causing a disturbance.

Thalon had quickly realised that given their limited equipment and time, the only option available would be for him to attack the opposite side of the camp at night' He hoped that this would cause a distraction allowing Micheal to free their brothers. If this was successful the four of them might then, just, be able to catch the rest of the Bandits at their rear and either break them or destroy them.

The attack had started well enough, Thalon had approach from the east and quickly dispatched the two guards watching the road. With surprise on his side he then charged into the camp roaring his battle cry, this turned the clearing into a maelstrom of action; arrows flew, blades clashed and bodies fell to dirt. In this frenzy of activity Micheal had been successful getting to the prisoners and freeing them. As the traders and merchants ran for the trees the other warriors joined their leader to put an end to the villains. The fighting was bloody and as the dirt settled only Thalon, Johnathon and Micheal remained...  

...Micheal walked over to Thalon and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Ready to go boss?" "Yes" said Thalon as his eyes swept across the clearing one last time. "Let's bury our fallen and get these people to Thrensen, we still have an obligation to fulfill". "Of course" replied Micheal.

Slowly Thalon pulled himself up from log, the muscles in his hands burned, carefully he removed his gauntlets and looked at them; they seemed old, the skin knotted and weathered by time, blood soaked into every groove from the battle that had raged in the clearing.

Week 3 - A Knights Code

Thalon strode into the central courtyard of the guild, his armour glistened in the moonlight, from his shoulders a dark blue cloak draped to the ground and on his left arm he bore a shield; it's field empty but for a white circle bisected by a single white 'S'.

As he reached the crowd that had gathered to hear him speak he saw not only guild members but a broad section of people from around Sanctuary, all here so that he might tell them of his vision...  He stood for a second as all eyes turned to him.

"Friends, thank you for joining me at this late hour here in our humble guild. I wish to share with you all a vision, passed to me from my father Baelen, a vision of an order of warriors spread across our plain dedicated to it's defence. Tonight we will kindle the first embers of that dream, here, in this guild I intend to forge a new group of warriors, united by a common desire to protect the innocent and defend them from the many threats our world has to offer. These brave men and women, this band of brothers will, hence forth, be known as... The Knights Of Sanctuary"

"It is no coincidence that I have chosen the symbol of our most famous heroes - The White Circle - as inspiration for our new order. Throughout recorded history not only have they devoted their lives to protecting the plain, but, I believe that they, more than any other have encompassed the virtues of knighthood; Love, Truthfulness and Courage."

"When a knight embraces love and holds it dear, they see the beauty and joy around them and truly understand what it is they are fighting for."

"It is only through the truth that a knight is able to see clearly and discover the right course for their actions."

"A knights courage comes from a strength of spirit and a determination to act for the greater good."

"These Virtues will be embodied in our Code, eight tenets which a warrior in our order must commit to follow if they wish to become a knight."

"Humility... Humility is to act and be humble. The first test of a great soul is showing humility."

"Honour... To maintain a principled uprightness of character, a personal integrity, dignity that neither strife nor hardship can waver. Honour must be infused into every action."

"Honesty... Honesty is a straightforwardness of conduct and speech. It is the freedom from fraud or guile that marks a knight as someone with a strong integrity who is sincerity in nature and word."

"Compassion... To be compassionate one must be aware of another's suffering and wish to relieve it. Might alone does not make right, it is the goodness and compassion behind the sword that makes the right."

"Valour... To be valiant in heart and deed is to seek excellence in all endeavours expected of a knight. To boldly step upon the path, grasping courage and faith in equal measures."

"Justice... A knight administers justice. They are the caretaker of justice, a bringer of judgement from the Gods. A knight must recognise that justice can be a terrible thing, so it must be tempered by humanity and mercy."

"Sacrifice... A knight forfeits everything to protect and defend the helpless. A Knight thinks only of gain in his or her service regardless of personal loss."

"Spirituality... Faith is the confident belief in the truth, value, and trustworthiness of the Gods, in ideals and in each other."

"It is through this code, through constant training, and through devotion to the Gods and their will, that we shall she build the finest order of knights the kingdoms of this plain have ever seen, and in doing so we shall ensure that wherever evil finds root... The Knights of Sanctuary will be there to eradicate it!"

"For those of you who wish to join me, kneel..."

"Be without fear in the face of your enemies.

 Hold Love in your heart and draw strength from it.

 Be brave and upright that the Gods may honour thee.

 Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death.

 Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong – that is your oath.”

Thalon walked among those that had knelt and touched each of them on the shoulder.

"Tomorrow... at the rising of the sun... our new order dawns"

    

Week 2 - A Long Day

He woke early, his quarters were a mess, littered with half open history books gathered from across the town. He was hoping for news that his men had returned from escorting the caravan north to Thrensen, but there was none. That meant they were three days overdue and late deliveries were never good for business. There was, of course, nothing he could do that would alter the outcome now, worrying would only distract him from other pressing matters; he’d sent Jonathan because he was a steady pair of hands, not particularly creative, but tenacious and reliable, if anyone could bring the group home it was him.

As he walked around the guild, the morning sun streaming through the windows, the responsibility of the situation weighed heavy on his mind… had he sent men to die? Would he have to again? Until this point in his life Thalon had only really been responsible for himself and those that he travelled with. Now it was guardsmen, guild members and the people of Sanctuary who all looked to him for answers, for strategy, for protection. He wouldn’t fail them. He would steel his mind and temper his resolve, if he was willing to do something; he had to be willing to send others to do the same. Only this way, by forging men and women who shared his vision, would he truly be able to change the world.

Lost in his thoughts he wandered into one of the training rooms, without thinking he picked up a wooden sword and began to practice movement drills… step left, slash, duck, cut, drop right, spin. The actions were fluid, without armour he almost danced around the dummy, the hulking elf showing a grace that belied his size. Effortlessly he placed strikes in positions he knew left few opportunities for an opponent to parry or return. As the sweat dripped from his body he felt his worries fall away, becoming more distant with every blow, so far away in fact that he failed to notice Thomas approach from behind until it was almost too late.

As Thomas swung his sword sharply from the right Thalon dropped to one knee and brought his wooden blade over his head to deflect strike, as the same moment he kicked out and hooked his foot around Thomas’ knee. With the young warrior already off balance from his blow it was easy for Thalon to pivot his leg and drop Thomas where he stood using the momentum to bring him back to a standing position, blade pointed squarely at Thomas’s chest.

“How in the hell’s did you hear me coming?” Said Thomas. “You should know better than to try sneaking up on an elf” said Thalon “we all have pretty sharp hearing… that, and you approached me with the sun to your back, I could see your shadow on the floor!”. Thomas laughed “well done then boss, you clean got the better of me there”. “It’s just training” Thalon said, breathing heavily “practice enough and it becomes automatic. Just like wearing armour, anyone can put on a suit of plate, but it takes years to move in it like I do, to make it a second skin with all the power and grace that affords”. Thomas grinned “So when are you showing us how to do that?”. “How about tonight?” said Thalon “I’ll also let a few of the guard know what’s going on,  some of them might like the practice too and it gives an opportunity to show off the guild at the same time, maybe attract some new members”. “Always thinking there aren’t you boss?” said Thomas “Whenever I can” grinned Thalon “but for now let’s see if I can’t teach you a thing or two about sword work… you have a real tendency to leave yourself open when you swing for a high blow”.

The two sparred for a couple of hours, Thalon pointing out the weaknesses in Thomas’ form and position, testing each guard and honing every strike until even he was impressed with the young warriors abilities. “Might make a knight out of you yet” said Thalon from across the room as the two finished training. “really?” said Thomas. “Yeah… come find me tomorrow and we can work some more on this, but next time in armour so it’s more challenging” said Thalon “for now, get this place cleaned up and ready for tonight please, I’ve got some work to do before we hold a class here”.

Thalon walked back to his quarters dabbing the sweat from his brow, slowly he dropped into his chair. “Before I can make men into knights, I need more than ideals for them to strive for; I need a code, a set of virtues that I can train them to follow, ones that will help to shape their destiny” he thought to himself. Carefully he picked up one of the books from the floor and began to read, plastered across it’s spine in gold text it read ‘A History of the White Circle’.

Week 1 - It Begins.

Thalon strode quickly down the street, his armour glinting in the late afternoon sun. About a hundred or so paces from the building he slowed, then stopped and fidgeted with the various buckles and straps that held the heavy plates together, allowing his mind a moment to drift.

Had he really come this far in the last few months...? From wanderer to lieutenant of the Town Guard and now, head of his own Guild. Slowly he allowed a smile to creep across his face. In truth he'd been surprised when Jonathan, Thomas and Michael has first approached him about taking over as Guild Master, he'd barely been in Sanctuary for more than half a year, but after all the money and effort he'd put into the place and everything he'd done since he'd arrived it seemed they reckoned him to be the best person to take the place forwards.

He allowed himself another second or two of quiet satisfaction before resuming his walk towards the Guild. The building was relatively large compared to others around it, a single storey of rooms in neat square surrounding an open courtyard. The facilities were basic but that wasn't important, the old walls had an atmosphere to them; the place ached for the clash steel, the stench of sweat and the camaraderie that only those hardened in battle could offer one and other. This was a place to turn men into knights.

The guild key was hanging around his neck, he hesitated for a second before he pulled it from beneath his armour and unlocked the heavy front door. He made is way from the entrance hall across the training rooms and into the bar, turning left he headed for the private quarters, his quarters, he corrected himself. The rooms were small but ideal for his purposed. One would function as an office and meeting room while the other he would keep as his chambers. Carefully he hung his shield and sword from hooks on the walls, removed his armour and seated himself in an the old worn leather chair. For a second he wondered how many people before him had sat here? What had their plans been for the building and it's occupants? Surely non matched his vision, an order of knights stretching across the plain protecting the world from the evils than Thalon knew lurked in the darkness waiting for their chance to strike.

That though was just a dream, first there was work to be done, repairs to make, expansions to plan, recruitment to set in motion. Thalon took a quill from the ink pot on his desk and grabbed a file of paper... but there was something even more important he needed to do first, Dear Father began the letter, I  know it has been a number of years since we last spoke but I am writing to you now as I feel that I have finally become the man you hoped I might. I humbly request the right to claim my title as a knight of the realm, to wear my heraldry and to train others in our arts. I invite you to join me here in Sanctuary to survey to work I have set in motion to learn of the man I have I become. Yours, with love Thalon. From a pouch around his waist he took a small gold ring and used it to seal the letter.

He was startled from his writing by a knock at the door, "come in" said Thalon. "His boss" said Thomas "Settling in OK? There's a merchant here to see you, said he's interested in getting someone to escort a caravan north... you interested in seeing him". "Of course, send him in, and while your at it please drop this letter over at the Trackers guild and ask that it be delivered as quickly as possible to this man". Thalon quickly jotted down the location and handed both papers to Thomas. "well" said Thalon. "What are you waiting for? Send the man in and let's see what he needs."