Victory was finally achieved, but it came at a high cost. The bandits lay defeated, their hopes shattered, and their reign of terror brought to an end. The patrol had emerged triumphant, but the toll on their ranks was unmistakable. The battle had been an intense struggle, and the price of victory had been almost too dear.
As the dust settled, the forest echoed with the solemn silence of loss. The patrol members gathered around Leto, their faces etched with exhaustion and grief. They mourned the fallen, the brave knights and men-at-arms who had given their lives to protect their young lord.
"Bring Gerold to me," Leto commanded, his voice firm, yet filled with concern. As if appearing from the shadows, Gerold swiftly approached Leto, acknowledging his lord with a nod. "No worries, I am already here, my lord," he replied calmly.
Leto's eyes met Gerold's, their mutual respect evident in the unspoken bond between mentor and student. "How many have we lost?" Leto asked, his voice tinged with sorrow and determination.
Gerold's gaze dropped, his weathered face showing the weight of the battle they had just faced. "Of the 40 men who set out with us, only about 13 are left standing, and of those, most are wounded," he answered gravely.
The gravity of the situation sank in for Leto, and he felt a mix of emotions. Pride for the bravery and sacrifice of his companions, grief for the fallen, and a resolute determination to honor their memory and protect those who still stood with him.
"How is Tristan?" Leto's voice trembled with concern as he inquired about his loyal bodyguard.
Gerold's face softened, recognizing the depth of Leto's worry. "He's alive, my lord," he reassured with a small nod.
With a mix of hope and anxiety, Leto nodded, placing his trust in Gerold's expertise. He knew that Tristan was in capable hands and that Gerold would do everything in his power to ensure the bodyguard's recovery.
As they tended to their wounded and honored their fallen comrades, Leto's heart remained heavy with worry for Tristan. The victory felt bittersweet, knowing that it came at such a cost. But amidst the sorrow, there was also a flicker of hope. They had faced the enemy together, and they would face the aftermath together as well.
"We have to go now!" Leto shouted urgently, his heart still racing from the intensity of the battle. But to his surprise, none of the remaining members of the patrol moved to follow his order. Instead, they dropped to their knees, their eyes fixed on Gerold with a mixture of respect and reverence.
Confused, Leto looked at Gerold, who approached him with a sense of solemnity. "Bow before me, squire," Gerold commanded, his voice carrying the weight of authority that demanded obedience.
Leto's eyes widened in astonishment and disbelief. He had known Gerold as his mentor and commander, but this request was unexpected. Nevertheless, he recognized the significance of the moment and gracefully knelt before Gerold, bowing his head in deference.
In that instant, Leto felt a profound sense of humility and honor. He had trained under Gerold's guidance, learning the ways of the sword and the art of warfare. The countless lessons and wisdom imparted by his mentor had shaped him into the leader he was becoming.
Gerold placed his hand on Leto's shoulder, a gesture that conveyed both pride and responsibility.
"You have proven your valor and leadership on this battlefield. You have shown unwavering courage in the face of danger and compassion for your comrades. Today you slayed your first enemy, a monstrous berserker. You have the right to be called a knight!"
Leto was overwhelmed with pride "I, Leto Ravenheart, do solemnly swear to uphold the code of chivalry and the tenets of knighthood. I pledge my sword and my life to defend the weak and the innocent, to protect the realm, and to serve my liege lord with unwavering loyalty. I shall show compassion to those in need and courage in the face of adversity. I vow to act with honor, truth, and integrity in all my endeavors, upholding justice and fairness in every action I undertake. So help me Atredor."
"Rise, Sir Leto," Gerold proclaimed, bestowing upon him the coveted honor of knighthood.
With this, Leto had earned the right to go to war and truly command his men. No longer a mere boy, he had risen to become a man—a knight, a respected warrior.
The remaining soldiers and knights' voices rose in unison like a powerful tide, "Ser Leto! Ser Leto! Ser Leto!" The chant reverberated through the forest, carrying with it the weight of respect and admiration for the young lord who had proven himself a true knight in the heat of battle.
Leto was overwhelmed, his heart swelling with emotion as he stood amidst the resounding cheers. Never before had he experienced such a moment—it was an honor beyond his wildest dreams. He could scarcely believe that the once timid and uncertain young boy was now hailed as a knight by his loyal companions.
A mixture of pride and humility filled Leto's being. He raised his broken sword high in the sky, a symbol of triumph and camaraderie. The cheers grew even louder, a deafening chorus that seemed to reach the heavens above.
With each cheer that reverberated through the air, Leto felt a deep sense of responsibility settling on his shoulders. He knew that the title of a knight was not just a mark of valor, but a sacred duty to protect those in need and uphold the values of justice and honor.
In the tapestry of destiny, Leto saw his future unfold like a grand epic. Someday, he would ascend to become the Lord of Ravenheart, ruling with wisdom and benevolence, a beacon of hope for his people. But for now, in this moment, he embraced his new mantle as a knight.
As the jubilant shouts finally subsided, the air was filled with a sense of triumph and camaraderie. The knights and soldiers, their spirits lifted by the momentous occasion, gathered their belongings and prepared to make their way back to the castle.
Leto, now hailed as Ser Leto, felt a mix of pride and humility as he walked amongst his fellow warriors. The weight of his new title rested firmly on his shoulders, but he embraced it with grace and determination. He knew that being a knight was not merely a title; it was a commitment to a life of service and valor.
As the group journeyed through the forest, the setting sun painted the sky in hues of gold and amber, casting a warm glow over the landscape. With the accolades still ringing in his ears, Leto had become a Knight. The path ahead was uncertain, but he was ready to face whatever challenges awaited him with courage and honor.