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Sir Warren Corbet marvelled as he rode through Beaconsfiled, a cool breeze blowing through the streets as the sun shown brightly in the cloudless sky. It had been nearly a year since the Archbishop of Duronon had sent out a call to all corners of the kingdom, to call for a crusade to convert the heathens in Myroria and drive out their Ozian overlords. And now Eric II of Prydania was nearly done forming that army. A great army drawing from all over Prydania. From the pristine fields of Lowland, to the rocky shores of Midland, to the icy forests of Upland.
Hugh kept a lookout for a specific flag. The Royal arms of the lion quartered with the crosses of Prydania and the order. He hadn't travelled nearly the length of Lowland to merely join an army. No. He was here to join the Knights of St. Tobias.
Finally he saw a tent flying the banner of the order, near the docks where ships were being prepped for voyages across the seas. He demounted his horse, approaching the knights who had congregated around it.
"Hello!" he exclaimed happily as he led his horse towards the tend.
"Who do I speak to if I wish to join?" he asked, producing a rolled up document, holding it out enthusiastically.
It was a tall, broad shouldered man with light brown hair and a grey eyed gaze who approached. He looked like he came from norther Midland, or Upland. He unfurled the document, mumbling to himself as he read it, before pocketing it.
"Warren of Corbet?" he asked in a thick, rough Upland accent, confirming Hugh's suspicions. Hugh just nodded.
The man who had taken his letter of initiation picked up what looked like a mighty battle axe, throwing it over his shoulder as he circled the Lowland knight.
"Ye think you're worthy to join the Knights of St. Tobias on this most holly of missions?" the man asked.
"I do" Hugh replied confidently. "Lord General Charles Auben himself initiated me. That letter you took..."
The imposing Uplander nodded, putting up his head. "Lord Charles' dead" he said, shaking his head solemnly. "Died in a sparrin' accident, sadly" he added.
"Oh" Hugh responded, "it was only a few months ago that we met, I'm sad to hear that he's passed. Before the great crusade can begin..." his voice trailed off, unsure what the death of the Lord General of the Order of St. Tobias meant regarding his initiation...
"Aye" the man replied, lowering his axe to his side. "He was a good, holy man. We're all lesser for his loss" before tossing his free arm around Hugh and pulling him close. "But that's why you're here, isn't it? Helpin' us build what Lord Charles knew we'd need?"
"If you'll have me" Warren responded, almost chocking on his words as the massive knight pulled him close.
"If you impressed Sir Charles you're good enough for me" the man replied, releasing him as he waved Hugh into the tent. "The attendants will tend to yer horse" he added.
Warren nodded, leaving his horse with one of the attendants wearing the Order's tabard, a white garment adorned with a stylized cross over a red barbed Prydanian cross.
"Sit" the man offered, motioning to one of two chairs in the tend, separated by a heavy wooden table.
Warren nodded, sitting down as the large and imposing man paced in the limited space for a moment before nodding.
"Canute of Estrith, Baron of Veiga" he said, identifying himself.
"Kevelia?" Warren, asked.
"Aye" Canute responded, sitting down himself. "We've got men from all over in the Knights of St. Tobias. Upland, Midland, Lowland. Don't matter. We're united by our diversity. And our faith" he added, casting an inquisitive look at Warren, who just smiled.
"As I told Sir Charles, I wish to serve. To spread God's word." He was nervous. Answers like that were common these days. He hoped he wouldn't make a fool of himself.
Canute nodded. "I've read Lord Charles' letter" he replied. "And I know doubt of your faith if he himself recommended you" he answered, with a sly smile.
"Come!" he added, shooting up to his feet. "We'll get you a tabard, and introduce you to some of the men. Need you somewhat aquatinted before we meet His Majesty."
"We're meeting the King?" Warren asked excitedly.
"That we are" Canute answered. "So we may properly prepare for the days ahead."
Warren nodded. Soon he would be marching for King, Cross, and Shield.