The Journey Begins

Simon fastened the final clasps on his saddlebags, securing the last pieces of his hardened steel plate armor. He had stowed it in the saddlebags of his steeds so as to balance the weight and make travelling easier and quicker. He had wished he could have brought a third horse with the express use of carrying his armor while he rode the other two, but his other horse had come down with a stomach issue and was currently being seen by the veterinarian of the castle.

He had his mail haulberk on, a coat of mail that was crafted with such perfection it could stop anything short of a ballista bolt...or so the blacksmith had said. He would still have his mace and shield on his person in case he met resistance in his travels.

He looked into the pool from which his stallions drank, a grimace crossing his face as he saw the tunic he had pulled over the haulberk. It was not the normal tunic he would pull over, with the deep purple and indigo colors to signify his rank and allegiances. Instead, it was a plain tan color with aged dirt spread across it. He did not enjoy wearing the inconspicuous tunic, but the mission he had been charged with demanded a certain degree of secrecy, for it would more than likely require that he cross the border between the kingdoms. This would be incredibly difficult and foolish if he was wearing the garb of a Knight of Verden.

Looking up from the reflection as he heard a rustling of chain mail, he smirked as he saw his squire standing in his haulberk with his battleaxe in his hand. Walking over to the youth, Simon placed a hand on his shoulder before speaking, "Maybe next time, Abelard. But, I need you to stay here and train. So that you can stand beside me as a knight when I return. Your exams are up in a fortnight, and I will be extremely disappointed if you fail."

Abelard lowered his head, his shaggy hair covering his eyes before speaking with disappointment dripping from the words, "But, Sir Jaeger. You've told me yourself that there is no greater teacher than experience. In fact, you've credited your early admission into the line of battle as why you are here now."

Simon shook his head and grabbed the youth by his shoulder and squeezed. Patting the same spot afterwards, he spoke in a more serious voice, "Abelard Braun, I am sensing a touch of insubordination coming from you. I don't know how well you will be able to perform in your exams if your back is flayed open by the taskmaster's whip. Now, cut it out and stand down before I am forced to have you punished."

Seeing the young man lower his axe as he noticed the change in his debtor's tone, Simon nodded and gave a small smile before speaking in a tone that made it obvious he would hear nothing else on the matter, "When you pass your exams in two week's time, I will gladly accept you at my side as a fellow knight and loyal companion. But, until then, you will train, and you will tend to your weaponry. Look at the rust on your haulberk. How do you expect it to save your life if you can't even clean it? Now, go."

Turning away from the boy, he grabbed the reins of both of his stallions and directed them out of the courtyard. They had already been bridled and saddled by his squire while he finalized with the doctor how he wanted his steed cared for. Mounting the solid black one, he held the reins of the tan and white one before tying them to the knob on the side of his saddle so that it would follow at a reasonable distance without occupying his hands.

Riding them to the gate of the outpost, he waved a hand to the guards manning the gate towers. Seeing them wave back before beginning to crank the gate open, he patted the black stallion on the neck gently before speaking softly, "Alright Maddox. I have no idea what we are getting into, but I hope you can still guide me to victory old friend."

(I hope that was alright. Sorry for a.y confusion. Oh, and I went with my initial idea lol)