Changing of the Guard
Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 9:27 pm
The Royal Guard. Magisbane Jr. had always aspired to be selected to guard the King and the leader of the Army, Chalnoth. This was his lifelong ambition.
Yet, here he was, a hardened veteran from years of fighting the forces of evil. He had seen the fall of Generals of Evil attacking Britain. He had fought off the undead invasion in Skara Brae. He had bloodied his blade on many a murderer that once plagued Felucca. He had been recognized for his feats, having been selected first as an Elder, then a Sonoma Ranger, and finally, a Royal Guard. His life dream had come true.
Yet now, years later, he stood on the balcony of the PAE Keep, staring into the sea, contemplating the emptiness years of battle had left inside. He had followed the ways of the Light, upholding the virtues to the best of his ability, always continuing his studies as a Paladin. His contemplation was interrupted by a voice from behind him, within the keep:
"My love, must you continue to stare into the sea as if it were the Abyss itself with such loathing in your eyes?"
Azaleta, his third wife, stood behind him, gently rubbing his shoulders in her quirky elven fashion. Without turning, he silently nodded, thinking of all the guards he had seen fall before his eyes. His mentor, his friends, his brothers, his comrades-in-arms. After a long silence, he finally spoke.
"I must leave the Guard."
"But you mustn't!", she replied, "There are people who rely on you to rid the lands of the murderous scum who, without honor, without prejudice, kill any who cross their paths. Scum like those who murdered my father!"
Magisbane Jr. sighed, resignedly. "I can't just quit, I have to find a willing and capable replacement. I have to train him. I have to mentor him. Then he must be approved by both the King and Sir Chalnoth, as well as obtaining a unanimous vote from the standing Guard. One thing is for sure though, I cannot continue this war. I have fought, I have led, and I have seen progress, but in the process, I have lost myself. I do not like who I have become."
Azaleta replied, "If I may ask, why must you refer to your successor as a man? Could I not go in your stead? You have taught me all that you know. I could be your replacement."
"Yes, but you do not yet know the ways of battle. Men are taught and trained, but heroes are forged from their actions on the battlefield."
"Again, I ask, why do you say 'men'? Can a woman not fight as nobly as a man?"
Magisbane Jr. lowered his head, "When I joined the guards, there were only men. There was a period of transition afterward wherein we accepted the first three women into the Guard. Women are just as capable as men, some even more so, but old habits die hard. I apologize, I meant no offense. I do feel I should still accompany you, however, because I do not want any harm to befall you. You are, after all, my wife, and the mother of my only son. And there is still the matter of you being confirmed by the King, Sir Chalnoth, and the standing Guards, none of whom have you fought alongside for years. This is a nigh impossible task, unprecedented in every way, but I shall pursue the matter at our next Guard meeting. I make no guarantees though. I tell you this now, my wife, if I cannot be replaced, you will lose me forever. I feel myself slipping every time I strike a killing blow, deeper into myself. I fear there is not much left of me now. If I go, and do not return, train our son to be a smith of sorts, so he must never endure the hardships of battle."
Azaleta replies, "I will do as you ask, my love, despite my better judgment. I patiently await your return with news from the throne."
(To be continued)
Yet, here he was, a hardened veteran from years of fighting the forces of evil. He had seen the fall of Generals of Evil attacking Britain. He had fought off the undead invasion in Skara Brae. He had bloodied his blade on many a murderer that once plagued Felucca. He had been recognized for his feats, having been selected first as an Elder, then a Sonoma Ranger, and finally, a Royal Guard. His life dream had come true.
Yet now, years later, he stood on the balcony of the PAE Keep, staring into the sea, contemplating the emptiness years of battle had left inside. He had followed the ways of the Light, upholding the virtues to the best of his ability, always continuing his studies as a Paladin. His contemplation was interrupted by a voice from behind him, within the keep:
"My love, must you continue to stare into the sea as if it were the Abyss itself with such loathing in your eyes?"
Azaleta, his third wife, stood behind him, gently rubbing his shoulders in her quirky elven fashion. Without turning, he silently nodded, thinking of all the guards he had seen fall before his eyes. His mentor, his friends, his brothers, his comrades-in-arms. After a long silence, he finally spoke.
"I must leave the Guard."
"But you mustn't!", she replied, "There are people who rely on you to rid the lands of the murderous scum who, without honor, without prejudice, kill any who cross their paths. Scum like those who murdered my father!"
Magisbane Jr. sighed, resignedly. "I can't just quit, I have to find a willing and capable replacement. I have to train him. I have to mentor him. Then he must be approved by both the King and Sir Chalnoth, as well as obtaining a unanimous vote from the standing Guard. One thing is for sure though, I cannot continue this war. I have fought, I have led, and I have seen progress, but in the process, I have lost myself. I do not like who I have become."
Azaleta replied, "If I may ask, why must you refer to your successor as a man? Could I not go in your stead? You have taught me all that you know. I could be your replacement."
"Yes, but you do not yet know the ways of battle. Men are taught and trained, but heroes are forged from their actions on the battlefield."
"Again, I ask, why do you say 'men'? Can a woman not fight as nobly as a man?"
Magisbane Jr. lowered his head, "When I joined the guards, there were only men. There was a period of transition afterward wherein we accepted the first three women into the Guard. Women are just as capable as men, some even more so, but old habits die hard. I apologize, I meant no offense. I do feel I should still accompany you, however, because I do not want any harm to befall you. You are, after all, my wife, and the mother of my only son. And there is still the matter of you being confirmed by the King, Sir Chalnoth, and the standing Guards, none of whom have you fought alongside for years. This is a nigh impossible task, unprecedented in every way, but I shall pursue the matter at our next Guard meeting. I make no guarantees though. I tell you this now, my wife, if I cannot be replaced, you will lose me forever. I feel myself slipping every time I strike a killing blow, deeper into myself. I fear there is not much left of me now. If I go, and do not return, train our son to be a smith of sorts, so he must never endure the hardships of battle."
Azaleta replies, "I will do as you ask, my love, despite my better judgment. I patiently await your return with news from the throne."
(To be continued)