Leto stirred from his slumber, the gentle caress of the morning sun greeted his snow-white skin. Embracing the new day, he made his way towards the great hall, where his family had already gathered for breakfast. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the air, teasing his appetite and drawing him closer to the heart of the home.
Leto smiled "That smells delicious" Asha smiled "clara is just too good of a cook" Leto agreed with a nod, just than Samuel shoutet "com sit beside me!" Leto laughet "how can you be this ethusiastic at this hour, sorry but i have to go to Garland in order to train" he grabbed a small bred and went on his way
Leto's face lit up with a warm smile. "That smells delicious," he complimented, looking at Asha, who returned the smile with pride. "Clara is just too good of a cook," she replied.
Leto's voice trembled with concern as he asked, "Did you hear anything about father?" Asha's eyes glistened with sadness as she replied, "No, nothing. I'm sorry, my dear."
Just then, Michael, the family's elder statesman, spoke up. His voice carried a mix of frustration and curiosity, "Why are we even fighting against the Ironfury's?"
The question hung in the air, stirring the emotions of those gathered in the room. Asha took a deep breath, ready to offer an explanation that had weighed heavily on her heart. Michael and Samuel leaned in, listening intently, eager to understand the reasons behind the conflict that had entangled their family in the trials of war.
Asha's voice trembled with sadness as she began to recount the grim tale. "One of House Ironfury's knights, driven by cruelty and malice, led his ruthless household to Summerhill, one of our peaceful villages. There, they unleashed a horrifying rampage of rape, slaughter, and destruction, leaving nothing but ashes in their wake."
Her eyes moistened as she continued, "Your father, Eros, burdened by grief and a sense of justice, sought an audience with Lord Ironfury, pleading for retribution and demanding that the malevolent knight face justice. But to our dismay, Lord Ironfury coldly refused to take action, showing no remorse for the atrocities committed by his own banner."
"In the face of such callous indifference, your father had no choice but to make a fateful decision," Asha continued, her voice growing stronger. "He declared war against House Ironfury, not for the pursuit of power or territory, but to ensure that justice would be served. His primary objective was to apprehend the vile knight and bring him to trial, for the sins committed could not go unpunished."
"The declaration of war was not taken lightly," she added, her gaze filled with resolve. "It was a heart-wrenching choice, one that weighed heavily on your father's soul. But he knew that the sacrifice of war was necessary to protect the innocent and ensure that the knight would never inflict harm again."
Asha's words hung in the air, heavy with the burden of a painful truth. The room fell into an eerie silence, as Leto and Michael tried to grasp the gravity of the dark events that had sparked the long-standing war between House Ravenheart and House Ironfury. The cruel acts of a single knight had ignited a feud that would test the strength and unity of their family for generations to come.
Agreeing with a nod, Leto was about to take something to eat when Samuel's enthusiastic voice interrupted, "Come sit beside me!"
Leto laughed at his brother's eagerness. "How can you be this enthusiastic at this hour?" he playfully teased. "Sorry, but I have to head to Garland for training."
With determination in his eyes, he grabbed a small piece of bread from the table, tucking it into a pouch at his side. "I'll take this with me for the way," Leto said, ready to fuel himself during the journey to Garland's training grounds. After bidding his family farewell, he set off on his way, looking forward to the challenges and lessons that lay ahead.
He went out the door on the way to the Training area where Gerold was already waiting for him "so the fine lord has awoken at last, i hope the jounry from your bed was not too difficult" Gerold teased, Leto just laught "Try saying that after im done with you"
As Leto stepped out the door, he made his way to the training area where Gerold, his seasoned mentor, awaited him. "So the fine lord has awoken at last. I hope the journey from your bed was not too difficult," Gerold teased with a playful grin.
Leto chuckled, embracing the familiar banter. "Try saying that after I'm done with you," he retorted confidently, a glimmer of determination in his eyes.
Gerold smiled warmly, understanding Leto's eagerness. "Well, sorry to break it to you, but we won't be fighting today," he replied, his tone playful.
A flicker of surprise crossed Leto's face, unsure of what Gerold had in mind. "Oh, really? Then what's on the agenda?" he inquired, curious about the change in plans.
"We are gonna leave the castle and hunt mountain bandits" Gerold explained.
Leto's eyes widened with excitement as Gerold revealed their new mission. "We are going out? To hunt down bandits in the mountains?" he exclaimed, eager to embark on an adventure beyond the castle walls.
Gerold nodded, his expression determined. "Indeed, young lord. The guards received a report of a notorious bandit group that has been terrorizing the nearby villages. It's time to put an end to their crimes and ensure the safety of our people," he declared with unwavering resolve.
Leto's heart swelled with pride, knowing that this was a chance to prove himself as a true protector of House Ravenheart. "I'm ready, Gerold. Let's go and show them the might of House Ravenheart," he said, the fire of determination burning in his eyes.
Gerold's face turned cold, "prepare for the journy, i will call some men and we will wait for you at the South Gate.
Gerold's demeanor shifted, his face turning stern and resolute. "Prepare for the journey. I will gather a few skilled men, and we will meet you at the South Gate," he instructed, his voice firm with authority.
Leto nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Understood," he replied, his determination matching Gerold's seriousness.
When they reconvened at the South Gate, Leto was greeted not only by Gerold and the group of seasoned knights but also by his loyal personal knight and bodyguard, Sir Triston. Standing tall and imposing, Sir Triston's presence instilled confidence and a sense of security in Leto. He had rescued him in the Battle of Dakmoor River.
Seeing Sir Triston by his side, Leto's heart swelled with even greater pride. The trust and camaraderie they had developed were invaluable, and he knew he could count on Sir Triston's unwavering support in any situation.
As they set out towards the mountains, Leto felt a mix of emotions – excitement for the upcoming mission and gratitude for the loyal companions who stood beside him. He knew that with Gerold's guidance and the steadfast loyalty of Sir Triston and the other knights, they would face the challenges ahead with courage and determination.
The Patrollie was put together out of 10 knights including Gerold and Triston as well as 30 men at arms
The patrol was a formidable force, comprising a total of ten skilled knights, among them Gerold and Triston, along with thirty well-trained men-at-arms. This powerful assembly was a testament to the dedication and vigilance of House Ravenheart in protecting their realm.
As they assembled at the South Gate, Leto observed the knights, each adorned in their gleaming armor, radiating an aura of strength and determination. Gerold and Triston stood tall, a steady presence amongst their fellow knights, exemplifying the virtues of loyalty and courage that were synonymous with House Ravenheart.
The men-at-arms, though not knights, were no less vital to the group's success. Trained in the art of warfare, they were a force to be reckoned with, standing resolute in their commitment to safeguarding their homeland.
As they set out on their journey, Leto felt a sense of pride swell within him.
As Leto rode with the patrol towards the bandit camp, an unsettling realization gnawed at him. This might be the first time he would be forced to take another person's life. The weight of such a prospect settled heavily on his shoulders, making him feel the gravity of their mission even more.
He didnt know if he should feel scared or proud.