The Hedge Knight. Part Ii

[Knox213 10]

The Hedge Knight Part II

 

The Hedge Knight and his squire journey through the pitch-black woods, their boots trekking through the mucky mire. Whilst walking the two converse, the squire questioned the Knight, a puzzled expression settling on his young visage. “Ser, whose Maric?” The Knight retorts as he continues marching through the sludge mud, a steely look upon his face. “Maric was my older brother. A gallant warrior, women adored him, men wanted to be him. It was never easy for me being the brother to a man of such renown. Though, he was genuinely a good man for the most part of things, and always told me after our father died that family came first, no matter what.” The squire sported a wry frown on his lips, before stammering lightly, inquiring once more, “W-will you ever see him again?” The Knight gave a ragged exhale, stiffening his upper lip as he’d clench his fists, replying. “I don’t really know, it has been many years. He probably married, had children, lives in a keep on a hill perhaps. Maric always seemed to get what he wanted, and had his methods to going about getting them.”

 

Later, in the afternoon,  the two reached a habited part of the woods. The Knight tasks his squire with setting up rabbit snares, whilst the Knight heads to the local stream to collect water.

At the stream, the old Knight seats himself on a small riverbank, pondering for a moment, lost in his thoughts. Suddenly his ears perk up at the footsteps of a beast approaching, as he ***** his head up he notices a chestnut stallion. The horse seemed tamed and disciplined, which is probably why it never made haste. Dedrick raises onto his feet and carefully paces over to the steed, sliding a hand into his pocket to pull out an apple, feeding it gracefully to the horse as he pats it’s neck. The knight proceeds then to examine the horse for any branding, to figure out if the horse has an owner. Seeing nothing but the saddle itself settled on the steed’s back, he’d shrug his shoulders, slowly making his way to sit upon the horse. The stallion did not struggle, as the old knight placed his feet into the saddle’s stirrups, delicately taking hold of the reins. The steed neighed once, patting it’s hooves on the fresh grass.

 

 

The Knight returns to his squire, who has caught three meaty hares. During the evening the duo skin and prepare the catch. As the two are eating the meat, using their hands, not carrying any cutlery, the squire darts his gaze  to the knight with a wry leer. “So how was it that you became the High Auditor?” , then biting into the thigh of the cooked hare once he had spoken. Dederick places his plate slowly to his right side, wiping his old fingers on a nearby patch of grass before placing his hands behind his head, chewing on his last bit of food as he’d think for a brief moment, clearing his throat, then pursing his lips before speaking “This goes back to the land of the Thales, I was a predominant young noble with the right second name. My brother and I fought for Oren against the snow elves, we sacked their city and razed it to the ground. The Justicar Lothar took an interest in my sense of duty and way of justice, I squired for him after that,  until he was slain. Boris Carrion then came into his seat of Justicar and appointed me the High Auditor officially.” Dederick explains, before continuing his story, taking a small swig of his goblet that rested filled with cheap wine. “My brother offered me to assist him with his Order and I refused, stating that the Empire needed me more than he did.” The squire glanced to the ground, frowning ever so slightly, blinking his orbs,  before slowly mumbling, “Those men you killed said they followed a man called Maric, and they were knights…” Dedrick slowly places his arms on his upper legs, before answering,  “Indeed, they did. These lands are far from Oren, which means they were more than likely traitors, using my brother’s name to get away with which ever crime they wished.”

 

The following morning, the two continue down the path until they come to green prairie, tired and weary after a long night. Afar,  they notice a small hamlet, slowly  approaching it. As they make their way, they discuss with the locals the where abouts of the local town. After helping the local peasantry with easy tasks, the two set for the local township.

 

Upon reaching the gates of the town, an old man, with large bags under his eyes, a scraggly beard draped on his jaw. He’d glare suspiciously at the two men, before shouting croakily down to the two, squinting his hoary orbs “Halt! Who goes there?” Dederick stands firmly, his back erected straight, lowering his hand to the hilt of his sword, his worn digits curling lightly around it, his squire standing behind him. Dedrick would then clear his throat, before exclaiming loudly, making sure the old lad would hear them, “Harys of Vekaro and my travelling companion Duncan.” The old man peers over the edge of the wooden palisade, observing the duo with his aged orbs. He briefly licks his grizzled lips, before mumbling somewhat clearly “Aye, what brings you to these parts?” Dedrick would flare his nostrils, before speaking once more, his tone kept cold and stern, “Witch-hunters looking for two beds for the evening.” The doddery gentleman grabs a pair of keys, shaking them around, the sound of metal rattling bursting through the short range. He then paces forth, his steps quiet and calm,  though he’d show a sign of a frail limp. As he’d reach the gatehouse, he’d yank down the lever, the rusty gate slowly peering open,. The aged male would mutter once more, pursing his lips, “The tavern is in the center of the town, I would advise you not to travel around the town during the night.” Dedrick would bob his head briefly, striding inside, his squire faintly dipping his head and following after Dedrick.

 

 

 

Dedrick takes a seat with his squire, ears perked up high at the loud atmosphere, cheery shanties heard about, and the giggles of drunk men and women. After taking a heavy swig from a wooden tankard, filled with dirt cheap ale, the front door grates open, the elderly lad from before  trekking inside, before slumping into a seat by Dedrick’s table, he’d then inquire slowly, clearing his throat “So, where ‘ye lads from?” Dedrick darts his eyes briefly to his squire, before turning his attention back to the aged male, stating vaguely, “We’re heartlanders, from the Empire of Oren.” before sitting upright and respectably. The gray haired man widens his orbs, before responding with, “Oren ‘ye say? I ‘eard some knight fellow plunged the empire into chaos, took most his bannermen and Knights then waged a war for independence.” Dedrick bites faintly on his upper lip,  drifting his mind once more, recalling what the Knights he slew said. “Maric.” he says in his head. Dedrick would then speak up, snapping out of his pondering, his tone clear and firm, “The war is probably still on going, I have a duty to my family but I also have a duty to the Empire…” He’d pause for a moment before inquiring with little emotion,  “Where can I buy a horse around here?” The senile chap rolls his shoulder outwards in the sign of a shrug before replying,  “There ‘ain't been a horse in old Buck’s stable for many years now.” Dedrick gives an irritated grumble, tilting his head to his squire, who seems rather shocked by Maric’s recent words. Dedrick would then proceed to order with a serious tone, wrinkling his doddering nose,  “Tomorrow you will take the horse, along with it a message to my brother.” The squire would speak up, stiffening his lower lip, before questioning Dedrick, “But Ser, what about you?” Dederick would briefly scratch his chin, bobbing his head to himself before responding, “I will follow along the road, send word to my brother then travel back along the same road. Do not stop for anybody.”

((My character isn't aware of Maric's death, these events are a build up to the return to Oren. Bare with me as fun's about to kick in, I owe all final edit credit to Axel. Also looking for a few characters for my next piece who're willing to on the off-chance meet Dedrick and his travelling squire.))

Part one: https://www.lordofthecraft.net/topic/123743-the-hedge-knight-part-i/

[Galendar 631]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5MWCnKeH2s

 

Upon hearing of a Varodyr about the lands of the descendants once more, Charles Valois would don his armor. His gaze would turn to Angren before it lowered to his sword and shield. With a single knight, the young knight marched north to face his King and brother, Maric.

 

"I'm coming home, Maric."

he would say calmly, his shoulders and head held high.

[TeaLulu 1783]

((This is very good. Might want to include a link to the previous part for those of us who havent seen.

If you want to meet a lady paladin lemme know. Also if you need any fantasy style pics as I have a ton.))

[Knox213 10]

((This is very good. Might want to include a link to the previous part for those of us who havent seen.

If you want to meet a lady paladin lemme know. Also if you need any fantasy style pics as I have a ton.))

((Added, I'll bare it in mind. Most likely i'll have the squire play a bigger role in the next chapter.))

[ARCHITECUS 4788]

((You copied me!!!))

[Knox213 10]

((You copied me!!!))

[Heero 4092]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.