Rhein emerged from his room in beautiful red and gold armor, perfect for a future dragoon, a smug expression on his face. Vince had already headed down to the conference room before him, and so all Rhein had to do was follow. He could barely hold his excitement as he walked back down the familiar marble staircase and to the left, then down a long hall lined with pictures of the royal family and paintings of Geldarm. This was his chance to meet new people and learn of many things outside of the kingdom. Plus, this was the young knight's first time receiving a personal order from the King himself. Perhaps his hard work was really paying off!
A few moments later, Rhein entered the large, circular room, Vince following him right after. "I thought you came down before me?" the young knight asked quietly as they took their seats.
Vince gave a small cough to clear his throat as he answered, "Well, I sorta ran inta dis gard'ner on me way her'." The bulky knight tried to discreetly wipe lipstick stains from his cheeks and mouth as the other held back a grin. Both knights knew that the garden itself was a several minute detour from their destination, and so Rhein guessed Vince's "chance" meeting was little more than luck.
Yet, Rhein simply shook his head slightly in reply, opting to keep his friend's dignity in tack, and looked around the room to see who else had joined them. His heart quickly sank as he recognized the three knights that were supposed to accompany them on their mission. Blaine, Arden, and Shadax, three brothers and Geldarm Dragoons, sat in the seats opposite Rhein and Vince. The brothers were the best knights in the kingdom, each being masters of their own skills. Blaine was quite the swordsman, and many said he could even prevail over the King in a fair fight. Arden, the greatest archer the land had seen, was occasionally compared to the Elven legends, while none could withstand the power and speed of Shadax's fists.
Questions began to run through Rhein's mind as he thought about what their order could be and the presence of the kingdom's finest dragoons meant. What use could he and Vince be among such brilliance? Rhein was still a trainee, and, although Vince recently obtained the honor and was quite strong and powerful, wasn't the brightest of the bunch. Rhein's brow furrowed as he continued to wonder, but his thoughts were soon interrupted by a deep, commanding voice.
"Shall we begin?" the voice asked as the room's occupants adjusted themselves in order to pay better attention. Lord Deshler, the owner of the powerful voice, was accompanied on either side by Lady Ceyx and Lord Sokaji. All three were the King's most trusted advisers and were thus in charge of the three most important aspects of the kingdom: its people, its army, and its history. Lord Deshler cleared his throat as he continued. "Well, let us discuss your assignment. As you may know, it includes much traveling and will take several weeks. Your job is to escort his highness to the kingdom of Bhelliom, where he has to take care of some political issues. Since he has to arrive there immediately, the shortest route to take is over the Yrem Mountains and through the province of Lowder."
The knights began to whisper amongst themselves at the sound of the cursed province, but the adviser of military issues simply raised his hand for silence so that he may continue, and they all obeyed immediately. "This mission has many hazards, so we, as well as the king, are counting on you five to take him to his destination alive and in one piece."
"No problem, sir!" Vince quickly replied. A mocking smile appeared on the lord's face, as well as the other two advisers, who had remained quiet so far during the briefing. Vince just looked at them curiously, wondering what was so amusing.
"Very well then," replied Lady Ceyx, guardian of the kingdom's people. "You all leave first thing tomorrow morning. I suggest you take the rest of the day off from training and spend the time with loved ones, for this journey will take a few months to complete, considering the perilous terrain that must be crossed." Everyone nodded, understanding her suggestion, and so she ended the meeting with, "Good-day, everyone."
The five Geldarm knights stood up and left the room in silence, the three advisers lingering behind to discuss personal matters. Out in the hall, Vince waited until the other three knights were out of earshot before turning his attention to Rhein, who stood solemnly by the conference door. He seemed to be trying to listen to what it was the advisers were discussing, but to no avail. "So, waddaya plan on doin' tha rest o' tha day?" the rugged knight asked, examining the confused look on Rhein's face.
His friend simply shrugged in reply, and Vince responded with a raised brow. "Well, I plan ta meet a couple o' gals at tha tavern," Vince continued. "Ya care da join me? Me thinks one has a sista." He gave Rhein a wink, a large grin appearing on his face as he shook his friend's shoulder encouragingly.
"No, it's alright. I'm going to say goodbye to my mother." Rhein's face held a dark expression, and Vince understood at once not to push the invitation.
"Well, visit tha tavern if ya need me, a'right?"
"Yea, okay," replied Rhein absently, his attention no longer on his friend but returned to the voices within the circular room. Vince simply shrugged, concluding there was nothing more to say, and left the younger knight alone with his thoughts. After much concentration, Rhein was finally able to make out the words of the three voices, and so continued to stand by the small crack in the door, listening intently.
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