For Honor: Council of Caminus

A New Name

It had been about 2 months since I agreed to Sir Reginald's deal and so far things were great. I became a trainee, I got my own room in the castle, I get to go to the great hall and eat along side the warriors of the Bulwark legion, and I get a new dad! My trainer, Mrs. Adelaide, said that I have the potential to become any kind of knight I want but recommended that I steer clear of picking a law bringer and peacekeeper.

When I asked her why she stated that "as a law bringer you'll sacrifice your affinity of speed for extra strength that you don't need in my opinion. And as for a peacekeeper? Your inclination for direct assaults would go against the training. Not to mention that few men ever see the role as an option since it's female dominated. But please don't let me stop your dreams."

That was ok though since I didn't even want to be either in the first place. My eyes were set on a different goal. Although I did like using the long sword, Mrs. Adelaide and I realized that I loved using a shield and chain mace. She then switched up her drills to train me both on using the long sword and chain mace. After a few hours of training, Mrs. Adelaide sat down next to me on a bench in the courtyard.

"My, my, boy! You sure have a lot of stamina! And it appears that you may be set on being a conquerer!" she said with labored breaths.

"Gee thanks Mrs. Adelaide. I wouldn't have been able to discover these things about myself if it wasn't for your awesome training!" I affirmed in my most optimistic voice.

"Awww, you're too sweet boy. But I can't keep calling you boy. Did your father give you a name yet?"

I slowly lowered my hard and looked at the ground.
"No."

"What's the matter with him?" she exclaimed with a shocked expression.

"It's not that bad. I mean, he calls me son now so that's cool."

"Oh my lord!"

She immediately got up and stormed out of the courtyard leaving me behind. A few minutes later she came back while pulling Dad's ear with her gauntleted hand. The way he winced in pain made me feel bad for him.

"Now why don't you explain to me why you haven't given this poor boy a name yet?" she growled at my father.

"I-I just haven't had the time to-"

"Haven't had the time MY ASS! When I was mentoring you I had 9 other pupils to look over AND I still had to do night shifts for guard duty! You'd die if you did HALF the work I did in my prime!"

At this point my father was a still as stone while he was listening to her. It seems my trainer really knew how to lecture people. His face was somber as he tried not to make eye contact with Mrs. Adelaide. After she chewed him out she ordered him to apologize and take me to their castle's library to pick out a name for me. We both eventually left the training ground and after what seemed like an endless labyrinth of hallways we had finally arrived at the castle's library. It looked surprisingly well maintained.

The library's walls were packed with books and seemingly endless rows of bookshelves were evenly spaced throughout the room. The library wasn't empty either. Groups of knights could be seen either browsing, reading, or going to the librarian. Despite the large number of knights present the library, the room maintained a low volume and carried a peaceful aura. The librarian, who was to my surprise a male conquer, was writing something in a book with his quill before he looked up and saw us. Dad was the first to greet him.

(Johnson)

"Greetings Johnson! Say, how goes your scribing!"

"Splendid! Actually this week I'm copying a book about a legendary leader called "The Leper King." I've estimated that I should be able to send the copy down to the city library by Wednesday. Perhaps you would like to borrow it later?"

"Maybe some other time but for now I need a book for baby names."

"Oh! Are you expecting? Who the lucky girl? Are you betrothed or something? And who's the boy with you?"

Sir Johnson was quite a curious fellow. I wonder if he would be considered nosy among his fellow knights.

"Can we just skip the questions and get to the part where you get me the damn book?" Dad said with a hint of irritation.

"Oh! Of course, I'm sorry." Johnson apologized.

He then closed his book and led us through the rows of bookshelves until he finally stopped at one and quickly scanned the shelf. Judging by how fast he got the book, he must've really known his way around the library. That fact in end of itself is quite a feat considering the size of the room.

After he handed us the book and left, Dad and I sat on a nearby table and started scrolling through the pages. Dad then faced me with a serious expression in his eyes.

"Now kiddo I know this is a big decision so I want you to help me pick your name."

I was ecstatic as I nodded my head and focused on the book.

All of these names from A to Z were all for the taking but I could only choose one. Where do I even begin? I know I want something unique but not something that throws people off. Something simple yet complex. A name that can spark pride in my dad and fear in my enemies. As we continued flipping through the pages I look out a window next to us and spot a huge bird perched on a branch outside the window.

(Art by Jonathan Kuo)

"Hey, uh, Dad? What's that big bird outside called?" I questioned.

"Hmm?" he said as he lifted one eyebrow. His eyes eventually also looked at the window and spotted the bird.

"That right there is a condor. Many don't know much about them but legends of Ashfeld say that they lead broken warriors to salvation. Some even suggest that they only ever show themselves to the worthy since they are seldom spotted."

"Really? Then why is this so close to the castle?"

"I don't know. This is actually pretty rare."

Hmm...

Condor...

Hmm...

A moment of realization washed over me as I had finally found something that clicked with my very being. I turn towards my dad who went back to flipping through the book.

"Dad?" I asked.
He stopped what he was doing and looked at me.

"Yes?"

"I think I have the name I want..."