To Be An Heir

Rupert Furn [3]

The sound of movement in the barracks wakes Rupert with a start. He slams his forehead into the hard wood of the bunk above him, cursing under his breath. He looks over to see his fellow knights busy getting dressed.

Rupert's bunkmate is strapping on his plate armor. The red headed knight stands up straight, pulling his helmet on. He moves to walk out of the barracks, but Rupert stops him with a limp wave of the hand.

"What's everyone up so early for..?" Rupert mumbles.

"We have to escort the lord and lady to Albright Academy, remember?" Rupert's bunkmate reminds him.

Rupert nods absentmindedly as his bunkmate walks off. The coarse blanket slips aside. Rupert yawns softly, grabbing his armor from his trunk. The thick gambeson and leggings are the easy parts. The tough part is all of the heavy plate.

It's too early for this!

The click of Rupert snapping his last piece of armor into place is accompanied by a sigh of relief. He puts on his boots, and then his helmet. The weight of it all is enough to crush lesser men. Rupert is not a lesser man.

Fresh air fills Rupert's lungs as he exits the barracks. The glow of the sun is illuminating the blue sky overhead, yet the sun has yet to reveal itself. Rupert is about to follow the others when a gloved hand grabs him by the shoulder.

"Sorry, Boy. I need you to come with me."

Rupert turns to see the commander of the order. The man releases Rupert's shoulder, stepping away. Rupert obediently follows his commander.

"What's this about, Sir?"

The commander walks at a brisk pace. They pass through a door and into the estate garden. The clank of their boots on the brick path fades into the surrounding greenery.

"You've got a very special job to do."

Walking quickly along the brick path keeps the breath out of Rupert's lungs. They pass an impressive looking fountain. Rupert glances up at the dragon statue which serves as the fountain's centerpiece.

"What kind of job, Sir?"

The commander doesn't slow down as they dart into the mansion itself. Rupert stares up at the high ceilings in awe. He gawks at the magical lighting fixtures used to illuminate the space. It all reeks of wealth.

"One that's easy enough for a newbie like you, obviously."

Rupert scowls at that. The commander suddenly comes to a halt, and Rupert nearly crashes into him. The glare the commander gives him is enough to get Rupert straight. The two armored men stand like statues outside the door before the commander finally reaches out, giving the door a careful knock.

"I've brought the boy I told you about, Your Majesty."

There's a brief pause.

"Come in."

The commander pushes open the heavy oaken doors to Duke Ashfey's study. Duke Ashfey is seated behind his massive desk. The sheer quantity of magical fixtures in the room leaves Rupert aghast.

"Thank you, commander. I'll handle him from here."

"As you wish, Your Majesty."

Rupert awkwardly enters Duke Ashfey's study. The space is stifling. Duke Ashfey glances at a document on his desk. Rupert isn't sure if he should sit in one of the chairs, so he remains standing. Duke Ashfey speaks without looking away from his work.

"So, I hear you're the green horn of the order?"

Duke Ashfey's attitude toward Rupert is made abundantly clear in that single sentence. Rupert steels himself, and opens his mouth to reply.