Seeking Siona (Raliric or Mod?)

[Octavius Caratacus]

OOC: This is the first post for this PC, so I have no commitments elsewhere. Please feel free to establish the Timestamp.

The caravan wheels turned a rough bend, jostling crates and barrels about, and generally creating the same ruckus Octavion had grown a sixth sense for responding to. His hand quickly barred a barrel from rolling square into his back, while his right foot gave a charleston kick, juggling an almost-opened crate back into the wagon.
"Good lookin' out son," came a reply from the wagon driver seated to Octavions left.
Octavion gave a short nod as if nothing had happened. This was his ninth cycle on the trade route, and the Garde Cross was an easy hub through the Heartlands.
Something of a break from the embarassment and dejection back home was called for. Primus Gaudeo held a neighbor's air of intrigue. Prime was filled with fresh memories of her betrayl.
Surrounded by a tunnel of trees, Octavion found sweet safety in the thick of nowhere. The brightening melody within the forest appealed to his sense of beauty, and the tranquility was a refreshing disturbance to his routine-dwelling in past pains. Trading ambition with piss and vinegar from time to time, his mood swings grew more unpredictable with the passing of each new brightening. Restlessness and anxiety about the future was anything worth gnawing your senses over, and he was no exception to the rule. Armed with writs from his father, a respectable merchant in Port Constantine, Octavion planned to ... what? Beg for a leg-up? Translations aside, he hoped the enfolding wings of a new Siona would accept him.
"How much further?" His inquisitive eyes stole a gaze from the left, wondering at his quiet-as-of-late wagon driver.

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

OOC: Well since this season is about to come to a close (two days from now) we'll just timestamp it as occurring within the whole of this season, thus allowing for yourself to have some freedom in this thread to do all that you need to do.

Timestamp: Autumn

”Not much farther, lad,” Said the caravan driver, ”once we get from under these tree tops ye'll be able to see our destination. Look to the mountains first, ye'll see the tower and fortress that mark the spot.” Sure enough, after this was said, the trees seemed to part and lightly wooded plains were sprawled before them. A road, not as large as other trade routes, but well kept and paved wound through the slow hills and light woods to lead, eventually, to what Octavion could see were granite walls. Though, as the driver had said, looking higher up into the mountains the young man could clearly see the single tower that rose from the mountains. The base of the tower was hidden behind walls that had been carved from the mountain itself; though this base was not at ground level, but rather halfway up the mountain itself, as if only a small portion of the fortress that lay there could be seen.

The plains around them contained few cattle, enough for the moment, to support the fledgling village that was situated within those granite walls at the base of the mountain. A few farmers and ranchers could be seen, all performing their individual tasks. Peace seemed to reign supreme in the countryside of Siona and it did not take long before Octavion found the very reason why that peace reigned. Up ahead, on the road, a small patrol of mounted and armoured men, and women, were moving toward them. However once they got close their column split in twain, moving off the road so that the caravan could pass between them and on to the town. The men and women all wore like uniforms with a crest embroidered in various locations; the right side of their chest, their black cloaks, some even bore a simpler and uncoloured version upon their breastplates. Though those breastplates were not as frequently seen as they have been two seasons before.

The leader of the patrol inclined his head toward the caravan driver, lifting a gloved hand to hail the peaceful travelers, before his eyes turned to the window of the caravan and should Octavious be looking out the leader would incline his head once more in greeting. The patrol had been quite multi-cultural in his make up, even consisting of two orcs. What was indeed stranger than that was the fact that dwarf rode beside orc, and orc beside elf. Races whom normally hated each other with a fierce passion were here, in Siona, almost brotherly.

It did not take long before the gates of Siona were situated above their heads. There was no line to enter the town only a few hundred people lived in the town and it did not see a great deal of trade or immigrants. At least it did not see a great deal of that yet. Once before the gates a man, similarly attired, armoured and armed, as the patrol came forward. ”Vendui!” He was an elf, though a dwarf accompanied him forward and moved up to the caravan door as if to try and look within, though he was far too short to succeed. ”Welcome to Siona, I do not recognize you and thus you must be new to our town. Once again, you are welcome. If I might impose upon you to present your Visa's for our review and logs than we can see to your entrance to the town and give directions to wherever you might wish to go.”

[Octavius Caratacus]

The time felt nigh at hand, kissed of the sun and uplifting to the spirits. Weights like iron from the past seemed to unflurrel at his feet and free his shoulders from the somber mood they were forced to carry as of late. Swift green eyes regarded the leaders glance, followed with a brotherly nod in turn. The element around him was beginning to feel right on his skin. Accustomed to people-pleasing and riding the coats of would-be elites, Octavius found comfort in these peoples apparent sincerity. The orcs would take some getting use to, but his respects were to everyone at this moment, and that included the decorated greenskins.
When the top of the dwarfs crown peeked beside his window a smile crossed his face. There would be many different people to learn from. For once he found himself not thinking about the calamatis string of events that had followed the last six years. His lungs swallowed the air -a hand already closed around his visa and some other document - proffering the papers to the elf. "Vedui`," added Octavius, without too much butchery to the accent.

"I am Octavius Suetonius Caratacus, traveling from Port Constantine to your fair hamlet." The august formalism in his poise was an air to the east, harkoning back to a time when those far-fetched ideals held real magic. "There are writs from my father, turning the remainder of my years as a contributor to my family over to the Knighthood of Aslangrad, should one of the knights find worth in me." It was a cordial way of saying that his family had no other options for helping a son they loved. His dark crown tilted in deference, casting still pools of emerald toward the earth.

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

The elf inclined his head at the acknowledgment of his racial greeting and then smiled at the rest of what the human said. The dwarf had a smile upon his bearded features also and it was he who spoke first to the youth. ”Ye be comin' 'ere ta join tha Knighthood? Well, ye'll be sure ta mention ta Barthanes that ye'll be me squire. Mah name be Sir Milaron.” A firm nod as if there was no choice in the matter before he turned around and walked back into the guard house. The elf smiled and shook his head slightly in wonder before returning the papers.

”Follow the path into the city and then, on your right, should be the Aedile's Tent. Within there is also an office for the Garrison Commander, whom is Sir Barthanes. He can assist you in joining the Knighthood and ensuring your well kept on your stay. I am Sir Nydilaba. Please, enjoy your stay.” He smiled and, if the human had no other questions, he would wave the caravan through.

As the caravan moved through the gates they would move into a wide corridor which proceeded forward for roughly fifty feet before turning sharply to the left and proceeding for twenty feet and then turning sharply again to the right. The corridor was open roofed and contained arrow slits in the walls, as well as crenelated walkways for archers to rain death from above as well as the sides. The formation of the corridor was obviously so that an attacking enemy could be funneled through the corridor, peppered with arrows before having to break through another gate to get into the town proper. The caravan was under no threat of this however, in fact no one could be seen on those walkways or through those arrow slits, even though they could feel watching eyes upon them. Once they exitted the winding corridor and finally reached the town itself the driver saw the Aedile's Tent and made for it. Eventually stopping outside. ”Well lad, here ye are.”

The tent was large, almost of military campaign tent size and upon entering he would see a counter where at a Dwarf was sitting, scrolling over parchments and deeds and such.

[Octavius Caratacus]

"Thank you for your warm welcome friend-elf. I will remember you, Sir Nydilaba." He nodded once more. There really was nothing left but to get on with it. Octavius regarded the stern bark of the dwarf as a good omen, though he knew well that with a dwarf as one of his mentors the path was bound to be bumpy. Bolting up and regarding the stout one intently, Octavius responded before the dwarf turned heel, saying, "Yes sir, no disappointments." His tone was firm. Thank you, sir. The murmured thought drowned beneath the creak of the wagon bustle. Carted through the fortified village, Octavius found himself quickened to a vibrant energy around him. It was small but industrious; one of those flowers in a desert. He felt like he might fit in. Survive. When they arrived Octavius clasped a hand with the caravan driver and offered his thanks.
"Good luck on your way to Riparia." The driver smiled at Octavions farewell then snapped the wagon team back to life. Once the dust had settled Octavions short-term friends were gone. He was alone, with very little to get by on. He didn't want to leech or ask too much. These times were hard.

He could set a leen-to outside and do work in the light hours till his keep was earned to something more suitable. Ha! It didn't sound much like Octavion- to be so humble or giving, but there was still a flicker of shock running through his heart and mind. The need to give and be calm, to be safe and find quiet, and find something to do with himself was worth the change in heart. Suddenly he felt as if he would be happy sleeping beneath the stars, even proud, if that be his hearts content.

He entered the aediles tent, searching the pavillion for activity, words, and the tell tale din of life. His ears turned to the general commerce, helping him, along with his eyes, to feel this new place and see what it was about. He scrutinized every detail he could about the people, locations, arrangement of things, and let his hearing leap from one pocket of folk to the next. His strides were slow but unbroken. He walked as if in thought, but once his gaze found the dwarf seated at the parchments, he immediately gave step to his pace, arriving in quiet formation before the desk.

"Serale, sir. I am Octavius Caratacus -- come to join your honorable knights and take up arms for the better cause." He wasn't charged with platitudes and chants. These were the cool and seamless words of a man set firmly in the zone. He felt like he was right where he needed to be. "I've been commandeered by the acting sentinel, Sir Milaron," he flashed a grin, "...and was told I am to inform a Sir Barthanes that the knight intends to make me his squire if the knighthood will have me."

He stopped and regarded the dwarf.

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

The tent was generally unadorned for the simple reason that it was a temporary house of the offices of the Aedile whilst the town grew. The tent was also reasonably quiet given that Siona did not contain a large enough population for an Aedile's Office to be constantly working. There were a few people within, two men who had come to discuss expanding the farm land they worked and a woman who was seeking a shop front in the insulae she also lived in. The matters were cleared up easily; the two men were given additional land on the proviso that they take on an apprentice to assist with the farming duties and learn the trade. The woman was given her shop front on an era long lease, the first six months of which she would not need to pay property tax for the location and after the lease was up she would be given the option of purchasing the location. Both parties were exceptionally happy with the results and walked out in a very good mood. It was then Octavius' turn with the Aedile.

The dwarf at the desk looked up and nodded slowly, it was not often that such words were uttered, that of joining the knights, but he knew what to do if they were. ”Serale, young lad. I aint a member of the Knighthood, but I am Sir Ered`Gard's Aedile and Accountant here in Siona. Ye'll be welcomed if yer heart is true. Sir Barthanes is just through that flap over there, he'll sort ye out.” the dwarf motioned toward a flag on the right side of the tent.

Through the tent flap was a smaller compartment of the tent, large enough to house a small desk, three chairs (one behind the desk and two in front of it), a small shrine to Aslan and an open chest full of books. The room's only occupant was a Diantar Dracon who knelt before the small shrine and mumbled holy words. The dracon did not wear the normal uniform of the Knights, or at least not a uniform that Octavius had seen before; this uniform was more akin to that of a priest. His uniform was the standard trousers, shirt, coat and boots, however over this he wore a white robe with the crest of the Knighthood upon its back, coupled with the Holy Trinity Symbol. The dracon knew someone had entered for he turned his head slightly, and then returned to his prayers. A few short moments later he made the holy symbol of aslan and then stood and turned to face the human.

Dracons had always brought fear to the hearts of other races, they were after all the result of mixing a Cryaxian's blood with a dragon's egg. Creating a humanoid with wings, tail and the face of a dragon, whilst also being quite tall and menacing. This dracon's 'skin' was a dark brown, appearing more like the dark bark of a tree than skin; though his eyes were a lighter shade of brown. He was tall, muscular and broad shouldered, a warrior as well as a priest then. A Paladin? Maybe...

”Serale.” His voice was deep, almost hollow sounding, though there was kindness and wisdom there that could be heard, even from so few words. ”I am Barthanes. These tent walls are but thin canvas and thus your business here has already reached my ears. Octavius Caratacus.” He said, as if testing the name upon his dragon lips and jaws. He moved to the seat behind his desk and after motioning Octavius to one of the two available seats in front of him, he sat. ”A strong name. Distinct in its origins no doubt. I sense a history there, and perhaps a story to match. That... is for another time though.” He took from a pile on his desk a piece of parchment with writing upon it already. This he turned so that Octavius could see it. He also placed an ink well and a quill next to the parchment.

”A simple form of enrollment with the Knights. We are an official Knighthood of the Empire and thus Official Documentation must be maintained.” A pause as brown eyes watched the youth. ”Tell me, why do you seek to join the Knights of the Argent Sword? Why not the Adductae Fulguru? Or another Militia... or the Imperial Legions?” He would allow Octavius to fill the form out whilst they spoke, a piece of parchment could easily be torn asunder and burnt if the meeting did not proceed with the enrollment into the Knights. He was asking the questions that his own master would ask the newcomer; it was best for the new recruits to know what they wished to say when the time came and this meeting could be called a test... or rather a prelude.

The piece of parchment read:

Name:
Race:
Age:
Current Occupation (if any):
Personal Equipment:
Skills of note:
Goals/Motivations of the Future:
Anything more of note:

[Octavius Caratacus]

"My mistake," and he smiled then glided past the dwarf and through the tent flap.
When he passed into the room he found the basic of essentials: neat books criss-crossing and stacking one of the cases full, a spray of parchments across the table, a shrine to one of his own patrons, Aslan, and lastly but surely not least, a Dianatar Dracon. Diana. He shook a distant gaze from his eyes and quietly observed the Dracons undisturbed prayer. How diverse this village was, he thought. In a manner, his heart wanted it to be real, but he wondered what the rest of the known world would think about it all. He did feel proud to be riding the wave of these experiences. Friends back in Port Constantine had no life as this to craft tales from.

The dracon is a sleek creature of forest and flesh. He normally had no love, but no hate for them either. Indifference left him unable to care about their existence, and thus it sometimes came as a difficult attempt to care about their troubles. How oft he forgot his role in the greater scheme of things. And yet, what could they possibly share with each other? He grinned to himself and silenced his inner banter. Whatever the answer, he knew he would probably be in the wrong. His ability to adjust around new faces was being tested quickly, but he felt nothing ill, just curiousity and a newfound wonder about these people so distant from what he had grown up knowing. And maybe not.

He saw the dracon rise, watching him shift in whirls of white. When he moved to take a seat Octavion followed shortly after.
"Serale, Sir Barthanes," He blinked when the dracon recited his own name, but quickly realized the source of the creatures sixth sense. He nodded when the Dracon explained the nature of the Knighthood and its Imperial affiliations. He expected new Orders to emerge in the wake of withering feudal social clubs. Enamoria was the only place to still cater to old nobiles with no real power.
"I am looking for brotherhood and comrades," he thought for a moment, knowing that both could be found in the legion or militia, or as a mercenary making money. They lacked something though-- these orders and their heirarchy of establishment lacked the virtue and essence of a knight. He still wanted to believe that was real. It was the only thing keeping him from turning his heart toward personal gain and vindication from the long years of trial and failure. Sir Barthanes would be hard-pressed to dissuade Octavius from his need to contemplate and understand the Knight and the knights role in the lives of other people.
He felt a little guarded in the company of strangers though, but with all sincerity he could say, "I do not know what the Adductae Fulguru is, but I know I have always wanted to be a knight. If there is a lust for power and wealth, and glory and gain within the hearts of man, there is also a longing to be wanted, needed, and loved-- I'd like to think a knight learns to barter with currency fashioned from the heart. Their's is an exotic and rare import, an article available to both the rich and the poor, the kind and sometimes even the cruel, and a true knight knows when and where to dispense this priceless item; an item called a moment of safety and respite. I'd like to have the chance to be in the right place at the right time for somebody who genuinely needs me there." His even tone ceased, heralded by the fold of his digits around the quill, though his green eyes searched the dracons own gaze.

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

The dracon nodded, agreeing that all military types sort brotherhood and comradeship, it was their way to be amongst like minded individuals. ”Well put. Its obvious that you have your heart set on becoming a Knight and that you may well have the characteristics and determination to see that goal achieved. I will stress one point though; we do what we do because we genuinely believe in what we wish to accomplish, what we wish to accomplish is defending the weak, upholding the law and ensuring order and justice. We do not deviate from this path. The Knights are all religious men and women, we believe in the gods, pay homage to the gods, and worship a god whom we relate to the most. Myself, I worship Aslan, though I still pay homage to Diana, Ioannos, and, even though the church may look down upon it, I even pay my respects to Jalat. He is Lord of the Dead and we shall all, one brightening, become one of the dead.” A pause as he scanned the youth's expression to see what effect his words would have; it was a momentary pause before he continued.

”As a squire, you will be tasked with a few duties; the greatest of these will be following the orders of the Knight you are squired to. If Milaron wishes for you to be his squire than so be it. He is a good Knight and one you shall no doubt learn a great deal from. However you may be the squire of a few of the Knights in this Knighthood so that your skills may flourish and you may gain more experience.” He motioned toward the application. ”Now, fill that out and we'll see about issuing you some quarters and equipment. We don't have a great deal of equipment due to a loss some months ago whilst on a quest, however we are slowly recovering our losses. You will be provided with basic necessities and even a wage. Your training will be seen to by members of this knighthood, unless none of the members contain the skills or experience to train you; in which case you will be enrolled in a local training facility at the expense of the Knighthood.” It was there he stopped to allow the youth to fill out the document in peace. Once it was filled out the Dracon would take the piece of parchment and file it away in a leather bound folder. Then he would stand and motion for the human to follow him.

[Octavius Caratacus]

To Sir Barthanes words Octavius kept an even cadence of nodding. The words impacted him with keynotes setting the pitch to sounds like gen-you-in or be-leev and of course dee-vee-a-shon. He could give belief and sincerity to the Knights, and he could pay homeage to the gods. It would be the last time, but a hope still lingered in him, burning for the greater good, and he wanted to believe he could be a part of that. Beyond the mirrored panes of cool green eyes a cold hunter dispersed the love of life. Octavius refused to relent to the gnawing pangs from the past, he wanted to banish the darkness of winter, and laying himself open to the immanent forces of the Knighthood, he planned to return to the circle of light he once came so close to touching. He was tired of the loneliness. Too many years slipping away.

He finished the parchment and slid it toward Barthanes.

Name: Octavius Suetonius Caratacus
Race: Eastern Human
Age: 24
Current Occupation (if any): Unskilled Labor
Personal Equipment: Visa, Pack, Leather Suit, Wineskin, Dagger
Skills of note: Limited Understanding of Trade & Commerce
Goals/Motivations of the Future: I hope to experience the growth that comes with participating in worthy campaigns, excelling in the martial sciences, acquiring the skills required to be of service to my community, study the realms as I travel, and to extensively see new places, and hopefully become a better person. My immediate goals are developing some useful trades and the ability to defend myself. I may look into wagon company shipping like my father, maybe in Siona or Centripax, and I hope to elevate myself to a political role when the opportunity presents itself.
Anything more of note: I give my loyalty completely and utterly. It is a curiousity of mine to see what others do with it.

"I want to give this to the knighthood," he withdrew his statchel and seperated four hundred crowns from the five and set them beside the parchment. "What's mine is my brothers," he thought to add something else but wondered if it was presumptuous of him to do that. He just gave short smile and brief nod then folded his hands together. It seemed like the right thing to do at the moment.

OOC: Deducting 400 crowns.

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Barthanes took the application from the potential squire and then raised a brow at the offered money, no one needed give up their possessions when they joined the Knighthood until they reached the rank of Knight and chose to remain of that rank or higher. The fact that this newcomer had already offered such was a testament to his dedication and perhaps longevity in the organization. He put a hand up to forestall the fellow. ”You hold onto that and use it to purchase other equipment. You will need armour and weaponry and we only have very basic elements of those two things in supply currently. That money will be better served for your own equipment.” He then looked over the application and nodded slowly.

”Well, you certainly have the right motivation and ideals that a Knight requires. Let me be the first to welcome you into our Knighthood. You will begin at the rank of Page, though you will be squired to a Knight. In this way you may rise in rank quite quickly.” A pause as he stood and began moving toward the flap that separated the tent rooms. ”Firstly we must see that you get a tour of Siona and the Arcis Firmitas Pietas,” He stopped before the door and turned to speak with Octavius still, ”that large citadel you no doubt saw on the way here. Then we shall see about taking you to one of the local cities and getting your armour and weaponry made or bought.”

He paused and then asked, ”What skills, more precisely than in the application, do you wish to advance first? We have a variety of weapons trainers in attendance and they can begin your training almost immediately.” He would wait for a reply to this question before motioning for Octavius to follow him.

[Octavius Caratacus]

Octavius nodded and returned the proffered satchel of banknotes to his belt hoop. "I understand." He nodded, seeing the logic in more practical and immediate necessities. Once the dracon was on the move, Octavius rose and began to follow Barthanes through the tent door.
"I'm familiar with a blade, but I'd like to try my hand at battle formations and group skirmishes. Maybe Phalanx, using shield and spear?" Those cool green eyes stayed fixed upon the dracon, but behind their mirrored panes Octavius wandered in the valley of memories, thinking back to his introduction to stances and guards with the longsword. They were supposed to study duel wield, a style Sir Dantris called Florentine, that had become popularized by the longsword - shortsword duel wielders from Herrozal and Hon'elgg. The training he and Dantris went through gave Octavius a chance to form a special bond with the Paladin, but he felt like he missed out on the shared experience of group formations.
"If it's possible, I'd like to learn Basic Battle Formations for Infantry. I believe some spear training is called for, unless you thought it too soon or unnecessary." Octavius gave a small smile and light shrug, searching for some modesty incase he asked more than he appeared qualified to give. He planned to give special attention to the commanding officers; it would be a springboard to the study of Battle Formation Commands.

Starting toward the door, he added, "You said I'd be getting quarters? Is there any way I could find a small patch of woods instead? Maybe if, or when the time is appropriate, just to put my two hands on some timber and build a place for myself." His expression and tone was sincere; words speaking volumes, but compliance and courtesy was evident. Octavius would be agreeable no matter the answer. With his father as a wagonmaster and small-scale shipping baron, he learned much from the carpenters on hand, and had from a young age, a small inclination toward building. His knowledge was purely here-say and lacked any hands-on experience, but he figured there was a capable architect and woodworker in the region.

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

The Dracon Templar nodded, ”Battle Formations and spear training?” He paused for a moment, there were a few Knights who could see to that training, though the youth would need to prove himself before that time came. ”I will look in to finding someone to train you in battle formation for infantry, though I will say that this is no longer an effective method of warfare in the empire. We are in a new age and this age calls for more... specialized warfare. What I would advise is training your current skills, and more practical skills, before learning other skills that will not be used. Longsword would be a good start. And perhaps coupled with a shield.” He glanced more thoroughly at the youth, extending a hand to grasp the fellow's arm and squeeze slightly to judge the muscle mass. ”And perhaps some fitness training.” He let go of Octavius' arm and motioned him to follow.

They moved out of the tent and into the sun light once more, turning to walk down the paved street toward what appeared to be a walled compound. ”There are no forests for a few miles, and thus you'll get quarters here in the city. Your quarters you will get as part and parcel of you joining the Knighthood, though you won't own the location it will be yours as long as you are with us. Should you wish to have a business or house of you own that you can own, you'll get locations assigned to you and you can either lease them from Siona or purchase them outright. It is essentially up to you. Though the Aedile will be the person to see about that.”

As they walked Octavius would see that the buildings were large and well constructed, obviously done by an engineer, or team of engineers, of some skill and knowledge. The building were, for the main, insulaes; apartment buildings with multiple floors, not to mention that each of them also consisted of six shops, one tavern and a shrine to a god. They varied in size from three floors to six. The only other types of buildings were Watch Houses, Engineer's posts, Wells, Bath Houses, Government Buildings and of course the Compound at the town's center that they were heading toward.

[Octavius Caratacus]

Fitness was surely called for. When he had returned from the isle prison of Terramarique those muscles had been taut like sailor's cord. The once proud chest looked a little labored from too much drink, and perhaps a few indulgences of leaf. The times, they had been depressing and had been filled with their fair share of dark portents the whole time he'd been in Port Constantine. Alienated from friends and family, and feeling the bonafide fool for love, Octavius had simply let himself go. It was time to revive the bull.
To Barthanes grasp on his arm, he replied, "Perhaps there is a course and field I could set myself to," in Diana the squires became adept at trench digging. Work like that had turned Octavius into a walking warhorse at one point in time. Strength and speed, he thought. The notion made his right hand clench involuntarily.

He would be well with whatever training came his way. Though he couldn't think of another weapon he'd like to learn at the moment. "Do the knights ever study to fight with their hands?" Octavius thought that maybe a good hand-to-hand trainer could be the door to learning the acrobatic secrets of the Zinn'ka fighters his father had pointed out to him years back on a wagon drive.
He noticed that where they were located, it looked as if stone work might take precedence over timber trade. He made a mental note of the matter. Walking through the city, he let wonder collide with a renewing sense of task and involvement. This place was so new, raw, and free. He had many questions about his new homeland and their neighbors, their purpose in this specific location, and their resources. He was also developing a curiosity about their enemies out here. He had heard many, many things about Centripax and its wilderness

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Barthanes made no response initially, he simple allowed a small smile to penetrate the emotionless visage as they moved toward the Compound. It did not take long, but after walking past more Insulae, parks, government buildings and even a small stone pond, they arrived at the Compound Gates. They were open and thus the Knight and Squire moved straight under the portcullis and then into a very military looking scene. The Compound was bustling with activity. There were a few buildings within the Compound which housed many of the Knights of the Argent Sword. Located in the center of the area was the Barracks which, due to its size and efficiency could house over two thousand soldiers in the four story tall stone construction; it was almost a fort in its own right with arrow holes and crenelated stone breasting which made up the fifth floor. The other buildings were as follows in clock wise order relating to the Barracks: Weapon smith, Armour smith, Commander’s Quarters, Supply Warehouse, Briefing Room, Training Hall, Archery Hall, Hospital, and the Main Stable. Because the Barracks was situated in the center of the Compound these buildings were all built around the sides, up against the walls which allowed a large clear space in the center. To one side of the Barracks, the side that Barthanes and Octavius now stood, was the parade ground, a large piece of paved ground that was used for parade maneuvers.

Barthanes allowed Octavius a few moments to take in the sight before guiding him around the large barracks and to the other side of it where rested the Training Field. There was a Training Hall which was used for a variety of different training methods, however a field was also needed for training that required more space. The Training Field was large and grassed for the main; though there was a track of glassless dirt around the outside for where people could run. The center was bare at the moment, though there were holes in the ground (currently filled with wooden corks to stop soldiers injuring themselves when they trained) which could be used to install training facilities of varying types depending on the training required. ”The Knights do indeed learn to fight with their hands, though only a few at this point in time have shown interest in doing so. We are not like a normal military organization where everyone learns the same skills. We learn what we wish to, thus allowing us to specialize in skills that we find interesting and beneficial. I believe that Zinn'ka will work nicely to not only give you some unarmed combat skills, but also to strengthen your body to eventually learn to wield your longsword better, and to wield perhaps two weapons or a shield as well later in your training. The Knights are also rather fond of dueling to learn new skills and increase their training, you will no doubt have a few of these duels in your time here.”

He motioned to everything Octavius saw around them with one large sweeping gesture. ”This is called the Knights Compound. This is where the garrison within the town proper stays and trains.” He motioned toward the fortress high in the mountains that could be seen from anywhere in and around Siona. ”That Citadel is called the Arcis Firmitas Pietas, that is Ancient Allerian for 'Citadel of Tenacity and Duty'. Some of the Knights have quarters in the Barracks here, in the Citadel, or they have their own houses in the city proper. You have the choice as they did; where would you wish for your quarters to be located?”