Jarl Svygard looked deeply at the Berskaggr men, almost as if he did not know of the words to say. Finally, after a while, Jarl Svygard looked to Jon Berskaggr and spoke. "Jon, you are my squire, and as such you have honored both of us with your strength, knowledge, observation and your quick thinking. The defense of the city would have been impossible if it were not for you. The power you added to the ritual spell was paramount, your archery skills on the wall and the ability to correct the men, without berating them was impeccable. The men told me you charged into a group of three hundred men with the axe I gave you and your magic, you dismantled that group. I hear you have learned a new element as well. Your wrath scorched men where they stood and saved the lives of your men. Jon, through hard work, great skill, quality leadership and selflessness, I would like to have you knighted."
Jon's jaw dropped immediately upon hearing these words. He had not been a squire for even a whole Winter yet, now here he was about to receive one of the highest honors attainable for someone who was born with no titles or land to his name. "My Jarl, are you sure this is what you want to do? I appreciate your kind words, however I know my time under your leadership has been short. I..." As Jon began his next sentence, Jarl Svygard put up his hand for Jon to stop talking.
"I am going to throw a tournament inviting all knights of the North in our area, hundreds of knighted men will be there. You will fight them, show your strength in all of the aspects of combat, if you do well enough or by the Gods, you win, I will knight you in front of all those you went up against. They will respect my decision and spread the stories of your triumphs. Train yourself hard for this honor Jon, do not make me look a fool for putting too much faith in you." Jarl Svygard smiled after he said this part, obviously making a joke.
"What do you think Raska? You always had good judgement, I want your opinion." Jarl Svygard asked.
"Well I have seen what he can do, I truly believe the Golden Isles does not have a man that could stand and fight against my son. He has surpassed me indefinitely in speed, accuracy and is on par with me in strength. His Berskaggr transformation is even better than mine in almost all of these aspects, he is a young protege. I think if you test him like this it will be a good idea. Men recognize strength, and he has it." Raska said in an even tone, looking Jarl Svygard in his eyes. He was immensely proud of his son and the strength he had gained.
"Then it is settled. When we get back to Brokwood, we will have a tournament for your knighthood. You need to practice unarmed combat, melee, archery, jousting and battle magic. These will be the events at the tournament, standard events really. However, the better you do, the more knights will accept your knighthood. I will train you in armed and unarmed melee, horse riding and jousting. Let your father teach you the archery, he is one of the most accomplished hunters here and could easily beat a knight. My battle mage will instruct you in tournament battle magic. Come here tomorrow and we will start with horse riding, as it is your least strong suit. Do your best, Jon, it's all we can ask of you." With that being said Jarl Svygard waved his hand and dismissed Jon and Raska.
After making it back to camp, Jon was so excited to be in a tournament for knighthood that he did not sleep at all that night, all he did was meditate, strengthening his mental, physical and spiritual energy cap grow. Jon took the heat and pain of the training all night and as he rose, he felt that he was stronger than before. As if his muscles were strengthened by his energy. Jon quickly ran to the Jarl's stable after he ate to begin his training.
Upon making it to the stables, Jon began to pet and brush his horse, talking to him as if he were a human and fully able to understand him. Jon had bonded with this animal after months of taking care of him. Jon truly loved this animal as if it was his pet and slept at his feet every night. Spot was a beautiful animal to Jon.
Finally, Jarl Svygard had showed up and very soon he tossed a wooden sword to Jon. Feeling confused, Jarl Svygard started to attack Jon, putting him on the defensive.
CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!
With each time the swords collided, Spot became fearful of the noise and wanted to run. Seeing this Jarl Svygard stopped his attack and said, "Jon, do not let your horse be so afraid. Go calm him down." Jon was confused, however he went to Spot and cooed in his ear that he was okay as he stroked his head. Jon felt the animal become relaxed and just as he turned around, Jarl Svygard was already attacking him again. Jon stepped forward, using a master stroke and parrying his opponents blade upwards, his point was quickly at the neck of Jarl Svygard.
Jarl Svygard only pushed the point away slowly and swung his sword again, still leaving Jon puzzled, as this must not be regular combat. Jon began to ask what was going on and before he could finish his sentence, Jarl Svygard said, "Jon your horse needs to be used to the sounds of combat. If he is not, he will be of no use in the tournament. I need you to spar with me and get him used to the sounds of the swords and the movements we are making. Your horse will be a war horse before this Winter has ended."
With that being said, the two men began to spar fiercely killing two birds with one stone, training in armed combat and horsemanship. Jon felt happy.