My first entry to the Castle Building category of the CCCXII.
LoR/CCCXII - Summons at Dawn by ~Erathor Pridenar~, on FlickrStory:
The scroll had only arrived the night before, bearing the royal seal and carried by a swift raven. Eleanor had been quick to speak her mind concerning the contents of the letter.
“Erathor, you must take this chance!” She pointed down at the ornate lettering. “You could become Hand of the Prince. Just imagine!” Erathor sighed, debating the matter in his mind. He knew that, if he was to go for the position, he would have to leave the next day for Dalmunatha. Travelling around the country was beginning to get tiresome.
“I don’t know. I really don’t. Leaving tomorrow would mean another few weeks on the road, and I’d much rather be here.” He smiled at his wife. “This is a great opportunity, though, and it could serve our House well. I will take it, or at least try to, for the realm and for Sarenhold.” Eleanor’s face lit up when she smiled, Erathor mused, as she embraced him.
“I knew you wouldn’t let it pass. After all, what better way to impose your views on the Prince?” Erathor laughed suddenly.
“I wouldn’t put it quite that strongly! Loreos is a great land, truly, but it still has its weaknesses. Thankfully they can be dealt with, and I can help that process. The Council of Loreos can help it, provided the right people are chosen.”
The morning dawned bright and clear with a certain autumnal crispness in the air. Dressed in a coat of mail and draped in his scarlet cloak, Erathor headed towards his private chambers, the one place where he and his wife could be alone and undisturbed, away from the business of castle life. Eleanor was waiting for him.
“Would you help me with my armour?” Erathor stood tall as plates were buckled at the waist, Eleanor’s slender fingers deftly working the leather straps. Just as she made to remove the breastplate from its stand there came a firm knock on the oaken door. Sir Bryke, captain of the Lion-Born and perhaps Erathor’s most trusted fighter, entered the room.
“The men are ready, my lord, as is your horse,” he said with a bow, nodding at Lady Eleanor. “We should depart soon.”
“We will. Lead the men out of the gates – I will be with you shortly.” Bryke bowed again and turned, closing the door as he left. “I won’t be any longer than I need to be, I promise you that,” Erathor said to his wife.
“Then I will see you soon.” She handed him his helmet and kissed him, then he made his way towards the gates of the city.
