Warrior gathered in groups and littered the open campfire at the centre of the site. Around the campfire, tents of various sizes were stationed as the men's temporary residence. The chilly autumn wind blew unpleasantly as men in arms tried to complete their dinner in peace.
Men grouped around the massive campfire that was nearly the height of 2 men. The soldiers all rest near the only source of warmth in these outdoor locations. In their hands, they have a wooden bowl. And within their bowl laid a healthy dose of porridge.
The porridge, although each soldier had a good fill, was made of water mixed with hardtack. The hardtack, which is a type of dry, bland, and tasteless biscuit, is a necessity of every traveller, not only as it provides a sustainable amount of carbs, but it is also incredibly long-lasting and can go months on end without expiring.
The porridge though had other ingredients. Picked up from the nearby forestry, the porridge had small amounts of wild berries, herbs, and also fruits. Though the amount of these delicacies was few, it certainly helped to make the porridge have a much more hearty taste.
The Hestanar soldiers enjoyed their meal, for it is always a delight to have a good meal after a long day of tiresome battle. Though not all could be satisfied by the results, having a good meal also cure one of their misery.
The young lord Hestanar sat near the outer edge of the campfire, he was one of the very few that had a pre-prepared chair for him to sit on, he too was enjoying his share of fine porridge. It was certainly incomparable to the food he enjoys in his castle, where his cooks prepare the best Hestanar could offer. But Kent didn't seem to be bothered by this, in his mind, it would be a new experience for him to enjoy.
With one scoop and a forceful blow to cool down his food, Kent tasted the cuisine.
"Bland..."
Deryk's ears visible peaked upwards as he heard his lord's mumble.
"What you are eating is a virtue, milord."
The lord licked his lips as he tried to savour every taste of the porridge, trying to deduce and judge its taste.
"Surely there are more edible nourishments for a distant traveller."
The knight commander gave a soft laugh.
"This is as good as it gets."
The lord ceased his complaint, perhaps the days of luxury in the castle have made him more fussy and difficult to please. He goggled down the next few spoonfuls of porridge as it went through his stomach, mostly to make himself warm rather than to make him full.
The autumn wind blew hard against the campsite as men still shivered time and time. The lord looked at the weather, low-hanging clouds that muffled the bright moon. No light was shone upon them.
"Winter is near."
.
The lord glanced back at his men, by then most have finished their meals, and some were even gathered around doing some arm wrestling. The meal has certainly loosed the previous atmosphere.
With a shuffle of his clothes to reorganise his look, the lord stood up from his seat. His hands came together as he started clapping for his men.
His men, slowly stopped their activities as they recognised their lord. The noise quieted down as they jolted their ears to listen.
The lord stopped clapping to his men. His throat rumbled as he steadied his voice.
.
"Take this applaud with gratitude. As I wish you all the joy I can wish."
"My heart is in glee, as I witness the wits you possess, the strength you own, the grit you withhold."
"Nor victor, nor loser could sully my mood. As your dedication is my fortune... a fortune I value."
"Enjoy the food upon you, as a token of gratitude."
.
The lord took a big breath in as within his robe, he pulled out a scroll.
"Men of valour, men of strength, men of wit. I applaud those who possess such qualities. May men of such values be of my service, and be a man worthy of admiration among his peers."
The Hestanian's eyes shone brightly as they focused on their lords. Eager, dread, and anticipation all clashed simultaneously as they waited for Kent's declaration of results.
"Beale the Tenacious."
Long hazel hair that was of should length, a solider looked up in wild eyes.
"Rique the Robust."
A person with almost no hair scratched his forehead, there was a silly smile on his face that he can't quite hide.
"Redwald the Red"
The redhead only looked up for a small moment, but soon resumed savouring his porridge, paying not much heed to the matter.
"Thormond the Mammoth."
Men that were nearby the giant gave him a light pat on the back, Thors only nodded as a show of gratitude.
"Trent the Nimble Feet"
A small bloke rested in the tent, still fast asleep. Still not awake from the early concussion
"And Roland the Assiduous"
The porridge nearly choked the warrior as he wasn't quite ready for the surprise. Roland coughed a few times, hitting his chest as he tried to catch his breath. What? He was chosen? But for what?
The people sat nearby all turned their heads to stare at the bewildered Roland, various emotions popped up, but most couldn't believe their eyes.
"May these compatriots be worthy of their position."
"Those who were not named, know your power is not limited in your title, but your actions."
"Define your character through doing, not saying. And I promise you, that honour, prestige, and riches would come."
"Bear these words with the greatest of recollection, as nothing is impossible through one's commitment."
.
The commander arrived adjacent to the lord. And in his hands, he held a chest that was of modest size. With care, Deryk opened the compartment to show everyone what was within.
"For those named, here is an emblem of your status."
Kent grabbed the pin stored within the wooden chest, holding it up for the crowd to see.
"As this is the pin of the Hestanar Elite."