Heart of a Warrior

Chapter 14: New Orders And Old Allies

The sun's influence on the world grew stronger, and it began painting the sky in shades of pink, blue, and orange. As the fauna began to stir, so too did the Huntsmen and the nobles. They went about their morning routines, eating a solid breakfast before the road ahead. Elgrim sat across Alec and Isolda, and ordered a traditional gnomish vegetarian breakfast consisting of a variety of fruits, berries, and nuts.

"Where will you go from here Elgrim?" Alec asked curiously in between bites of bacon.

"Well young Alec, I'm not sure. I came north seeking to regain my place in my village. It lies in the western portion of the Cordonian Forest, but they refused to allow me back in. In gnomish culture leaving your village is an offense to your family, even if the decision is made as an impulsive youth. So I must seek work elsewhere," he replied.

"I've noticed you're a skilled healer, do you know anything about gardening herbs?" Isolda asked.

"Do I know herbs? You do me a disservice lass. I've been planting mushrooms and herbs since before your grandparents were born." He replied with slight hints of annoyance and mischief.

Both of them were visibly shocked for a moment before Alec spoke up.

"I'm sorry Grim, but how old are you exactly?" Alec asked.

"Somewhere around one hundred and fifty summers." He said casually. "But if I agree to this, I refuse to sleep in a human bed. We gnomes live at one with nature. Sleeping on animal skins is repulsive to us. Hence why I slept on the floor."

"Wow you look good for your age." Alec replied. He and Isolda shared a good laugh.

"I'm sure we have room in our courtyard for you to build a traditional gnomish dwelling. I assume you have the necessary equipment to build a mushroom home?" Sir Arden chimed in casually.

Elgrim nodded in response.

"Wow Sir, I was actually expecting you to object." Alec said, visibly stunned.

"He saved your life multiple times, and he clearly knows herbs and healing. I'd be a fool not to accommodate him. And I think Isolda could use a peer. Are you prepared to work for your keep Elgrim? It won't be easy."

"Aye Sir. That I am." Elgrim replied.

"Then Elgrim, by the power invested in me by King Richard himself, I welcome you into the Huntsmen as an initiate, and one of our own. You will work as an herbalist and study our ways until you are dubbed an official Huntsman and knight of the realm." Sir Arden shook his hand, and the rest welcomed him into the fold with open arms.

"Hey Grim, on the bright side, we don't have to be clean shaven like the rest of the knights. So you can keep your beard. Mine's still better though." Alec said with a smile. The group shared a laugh before they rose and one by one trickled outside to saddle their horses.

The innkeeper saw them out, and posted an official notice over the door that Huntsmen were no longer allowed on the premises. He apologized once more to each of them and thanked them for their patronage as they left. Once their horses were saddled, the ever growing group rode south for what felt like an eternity until they finally arrived once more to the looming threshold of the Cordonian Forest.

...

"Sir Duncan wake up, I have a job for you." General Dunn was standing in the doorway to his tent. His face was grave, and it looked as if he hadn't slept at all the past few nights. Sir Duncan jumped out of his cot and stood at attention. "Sir Duncan, I need you to help us. I understand you are mourning but the war isn't over yet. And war waits for no man."