As the two riders came and halted in front of the tower…
…Man-at-Arms called down upon his Master.
Sir Demetrius, was studying his scrolls, as was his habit this time of the day, but once he heard Man-at-Arms calling, he went out to see Nestor.
“Who is calling upon us, Nestor?” asked Sir Demetrius.
“Two riders, my Lord!” replied Nestor. “They seem friendlies.” he added.
Sir Demetrius approached the battlement to look at his arrivals. “Who goes there?” he cried
“Lord General Arthur Lionheart, Commander of the Ceragem Army, and Sir Baldthar Commander of the Double Axe Vanguard!” replied the General in a strong voice “We come in a most important errand of seeking help by the mighty slayer of Sea Serpents.” he added.
“They are both known to me by fame alone,” said Sir Demetrius “Let them in, Nestor!” he commanded.
The young sentry came down and unlocked the heavy iron gate, and let the two guests in. “Please follow the stairs up to the main chamber, my Lords. You will find Sir Demetrius there! Your horses will be taken good care of in the meantime!”
They went up the stairs, and into the main chamber, but Sir Demetrius called them outside on the battlements. He welcomed them and asked for their forgiveness, as the weather was brilliant, the sun was warm and the cool breeze from the sea was refreshing, so it would be better to remain in the open for a little longer.
The general explained to Sir Demetrius in brief how things were progressing in the kingdom of Ceragem, the fall of King Kellanved, the Duke’s seizing of power, the imprisonment of the Queen, and the rise of the Dragons, who it was not clear yet why they were allies with the Duke.
Sir Demetrius listened to all the General had to say with great interest and felt sorry for the ills that befell on the people of Ceragem. But when the General said that they were here to ask for his aid, he was reluctant to say yes and aid them in their quest. The Sea Serpents could be back any day, and he wanted to go in battle against them as soon as they appeared.
However, he was a hospitable host, and he asked from Man-at-Arms to prepare a small meal for them. He also asked for the last bottle of finest wine he had brought with him when he came to this land.
The meal was rich, the wine divine, and the company became very tight very quickly! Soon the three men exchanged stories and experiences from long ago… Sir Demetrius described his victories over the Sea Serpents, while Sir Baldthar remembered defying his former cruel master and thus forming his Vanguard, he recalled his jousting tournaments, especially the one in Winterhaven, and then he came to talk of the Dragon Lord that appeared in the shape of men! He wished and hoped his valour was strong enough to help him defy these horrible enemies! He hoped to defeat the Dragons as well as Sir Demetrius did defeat the Sea Serpents, who were distant cousins of the Dragons… at that remark, Sir Demetrius felt a certain urge to see and fight these Dragons himself…but the hour was getting late.
The meal was over and the two men had to be on their way! Sir Baldthar commented that he’d hope to fight alongside Sir Demetrius one day…”perhaps that day will come” he ended his phrase.
“Sooner than you think, Sir!” said Sir Demetrius!
“Man-at-Arms! Saddle my horse! Prepare my armour! Bring out my Banner! I’ll ride along righteous men one more time!” and Man-at-Arms left to prepare his Master’s gear.
“I think we did well, Sir Baldthar! We have one more valuable ally on our side” said the General with a new feeling of hope!
