Legends: The Knight of Helm (#1)

Chapter 3

The bronze armor of Helm was over his body, surprisingly light, and today it felt like a feather to the young man, the captain. Cladius smiled under his helmet, he was getting promoted and with that, an unspoken raise. It wasn't about the money, in reality, it was about being noticed. He never thought himself able to become a captain, though some would think to expect it sense Nerus was his trainer, and Military adviser but Cladius knew him better.

In the corner of his eye he spotted a young lady with blue cyan hair. It was Almorah; he wondered what the damsel was doing here. There were not particularly close, he could think of no other reason than perhaps the will of her father. She was indeed along.

"Rise Captain Cladius, and repeat the oath unto your king." The blonde haired man said with a deep voice.

Cladius raised his head as he stood up looking into the blue eyes of the king. He had a long dark blonde beard, with long curly hair falling to his shoulders. He wore a golden crown with a blue gem in the center. Around his body were robes, imbued with royal colors.

Cladius began the oath, "In the service of my king, I will never fall. As knights of Helm we sing, in the giant hall. I swear loyalty till death, and chivalry to my end. All Hail the king of Helm! For on this day, I swear my life to him."

"Go Captain Cladius and learn your new duties as captain."

"Yes sir." Cladius replied walking down the red carpet through the double doors.

He had a small crowed for his ceremony, only General Nerus had attended. Almorah had seemed to come, but Cladius knew not when she entered the room, or how she got in. The ceremony room had a throne and chairs everywhere for people to watch it took five minutes just to walk to the end of the carpet. Cladius glanced to the right watching Almorah speak to Nerus.

The giant stone room made voices echo throughout the chamber, making it too easy for Cladius to engage in a private conversation between the General and the lass. He ignored what he could, catching only key words. Cladius walked slowly down the red carpet, as Nerus called to him. The young knight turned his head back as the Nerus waved him in his direction.

"Cladius, I believe you have already met the lovely young woman in front of me. However, you are now her captain, and mentor. So I suggest you now get acquainted."

"General can I talk to you about this?" Cladius commented with a brow raised, "Privately."

"Excuse us one second Miss Quail."

Cladius and Nerus walked out the room as Almorah followed a few steps. The king had already left going back to the throne room, leaving Almorah in the big empty room along. Her eyes wandered off the walls, wondering if this was about her being a woman.

Cladius stopped looking into the General's eyes, "Sir. The woman's father died ten days ago, and this is the least of my issues. Second she is a woman, which brings another handful of problems."

Nerus raised his hand stopping Cladius from speaking more, "Look, I understand. But Rigger has taught her a lot. I know one of your first thoughts, and I know your second, because they're mine as well. First she is yes, a woman, and it is not typical for her to be in such a position. And yes, she is quite old to start training. I need you to finish her training, this is something the woman has dreamed of sense her childhood. Almorah is quite gifted as well, I know only two people who are better than her, and that would be me, and you. I have evaluated his skill, and she can handle herself. She just needs some shaping up."
"You can't be serious! A woman in battle, no woman should have to see such things! War makes men ruthless, something a woman should not be, and should never have to become. Besides I'm not better a swordsmen then the next knight." Cladius finished.