The year is 222. With the passing of the Great Torment
, the royal council seeks to restore the Royaume (Kingdom) to its former glory, and so the Grand Chevaliers (Great Knights) gather in the capital of Aquitane to decide the kingdoms future...
"We must strike now!", roared Guy. "Every minute we spend here
talking gives Avalon that much more time to muster its strength. We must take Eragon before they do!"
Raymond gave Guy a sly grin. "My lord...", he began, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "how do you plan on taking the walls? Even a Vexille knows how to close a gate." At this the royal guards laughed.
Raymond stood, turning his back to the council table, and walked towards the window. Looking out from the great hall, Raymond could see the buildings of the town watch. The barracks was an assorted jumble of makeshift houses, and the training yard was little more than a patch of dirt.
He sighed. "Our scouts report that Lord Baldwin has fifty, maybe sixty, knights garrisoned in Eragon.
Plus the typical rabble one can expect to be mucking about."
"We have sixty knights as well," spoke Bohemond, "and at least four hundred levies."
"
Lesser knights", added Guy, "may I remind you, brother? Barely above a commoner."
"Four hundred arms is all I need," said Guy. "Before winter ends, Baldwin will be dead."
Raymond cocked his head back and let out a guffaw. "You mean to kill him, my lord? How so, by drowning him in your blood?"
In an instant Guy was on his feet, the Meravangi blade poised at Raymond's throat. Raymond's smile was gone. The Meravangi and Tarante royal guards began to draw their swords as well, but the Roi's (King's) voice sent them all clattering to the floor. All, except for Guy's.
"Enough! I will not have my hall turned into a brawler's pit! Guy, if you feel you have been dishonoured, then issue your challenge on the jousting lists." Roi Philippe rose from his throne. "A chevalier does not allow words to guide his actions. That is the role of peasantry. A chevalier allows action to guide his words."
Guy sheathed his sword and slowly sank into his seat, his eyes never leaving Raymond's. Just then, the great doors of the hall flew open as a messenger hurried inside. He knelt before the council table, then made his way towards Raymond, who was still standing by the window. The messenger whispered something into Raymond's ear, and when he had finished, Raymond was smiling once more. "Forgive me, Roi, but there is an urgent matter that I must attend to at Chateau de Tarante. May I have your leave?"
The king nodded his consent, and Raymond left the hall. The messenger again knelt before the council table, before following his lord. Not until Raymond had left did Guy loosen the grip on his hilt.
The Last Ride of the Chevalier
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Originally Posted by toluas
