The Promotion Of Jonathan Black

[TornadoWatch 364]

It is evening in Oren's city; Jonathan Black, a Sariant of the Teutonic Order, speaks to Grand Knight Uthor in the street. Jonathan had just returned from speaking with Elizabeth Silverblade, the woman he had been granted permission to court by Uthor himself, and was discussing the matter with him.

"Ser Uthor... She just seems cold, to me; she has this stare. What does it mean?"

"Aye; she's a hard one to read. I still wish ye the best o' luck." The Grand Knight paused, as if trying to remember something. "Ah, almost forgot to tell ye - follow me; we need somewhere offical." was all the Knight said before beginning to walk towards the courthouse.

Jonathan just tilts his head curiously as he follows. Uthor leads him into the Courthouse and stands in front of the throne, looking down at Jonathan from his elevated position.

"A small ceremony is to take place by the Emperor command; kneel." He says calmly. As soon as Jonathan did so, he unsheathed a blade which seemed to glow like silver in the torchlight of the courthouse. The words 'Knight Commander Uthor' are engraved on the hilt clearly to Jonathan as Uthor sinks the blade into the ground in front of him.

Uthor produces a blade, a badge, and a cloak; garments of the Holy Order of the Red Dragon. Confusion races through the Sariant's mind as Uthor speaks again. "The Emperor 'as deemed ye of worth to take the name of Knight Commander, and to become of gentry. Jonathan Black, are ye to take the offer of the Emperor and become the Knight Commander of the Chapter of the Lion, the Emperor's Guard and the protectors of Arethor?"

Jonathan looks up to Uthor, a fire in his eyes. "Yes. I do."

As he says this, several White Roses file into the Courthouse, including Grand Marshal Thomas Chivay, who stands with his arms behind his back as he watches the proceedings. "Yer the best we could think of, Jon."

Uthor continues. "The Emperor will be givin' ye a pardon from the Teutonic Order. If ye accept, then take the cloak, badge, and blade."

Jonathan's eyes take a different look; one of confusion, perhaps of anger. "Are you saying this means I'll have to leave the Order?"

Uthor sighs at him, lowering his voice so only the Sariant could hear. "Jon... I'd take it. The Emperor doesn't take kindly to his offers being refused. Trust me, this is the best way to guarantee the future for ye and yer brothers..."

Jonathan nods at the Grand Knight. "Very well. I accept." He takes the cloak, badge, and blade.

"Yer duties as Knight Commander are to protect this city, the Emperor, and the Emperor's family, and to serve them. Yer duty is also to see to your Order, keep it in place and do yer duty. From this day onward, ye will be known as Ser Jonathan Black the Faithful. Ye may rise. Now, go and rest; ye will need it... We'll talk more later."

And so it was; Sariant Jonathan Black, now Knight Commander Jonathan Black, an ambitious, intelligent man, took control of the Chapter of the Lion. He now technically had the same level of power as the leaders of the White Roses, at least before Chivay became Grand Martial, if only he had the men; it was time to get to work...

[SkyyoBee 249]

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