12 - Corwin's Big Promotion

Keep of Traldalor, One Day After the Festival

Corwin couldn't believe the luck he was having. Not only did he get to meet his lord in person, but he got a promotion. All in one night! Sir Grey, one of the highest-ranking knights in all the land, had arrived on the scene to hear about what had happened at the gate. The lone surviving guard had told the truth, expecting to get run through, but instead got promoted to be the squire of Sir Grey himself.

Most people in the kingdom considered themselves lucky if the spittle of their leaders rained on their heads during a speech or they got a chicken bone tossed from a nobleman's plate. Corwin's brother swore that he had chicken bones that were once Lord Lovantus's. However, there was no way to be sure, and he kicked himself for not asking his king during his brief chance to meet him.

Corwin had met the most famous person in the land, loved by pretty much everybody, and now he was squire to the second most famous person in the world. Sure, there was Percy, who was a Paladin from the lands of the Burning Sun and warrior of the Holy Light, but both Lovantus and Sir Grey were from Traldalor. They were local, just like him.

Now he had gone from wading around in the piss pools of the lower city to the castle itself. His mother would have been so proud if she had survived his birth. His dad would be, too, had he survived the troll attack. His sister would be thrilled if she had beaten the plague. His brother would be jealous if he hadn't choked on the chicken bone.

Now Corwin was here in a castle full of genuine Lovantus tapestries. One had a scene of Lovantus striking the final blow to the Sky Lord, sending the wizard into retreat. It was right there, on the wall, when Corwin entered the royal court for the first time.

He followed Sir Grey to a meeting about witchcraft or something. He ignored what was happening because he was too busy dropping his jaw about every tapestry in the room: Zafosaul's eternal flame ring burning the undead army of Warth, Bolt's bolt shattering the skull of the bone dragon, and even Percy bringing light to the Woods of Volunar. After much heated discussion, proclaiming, and even yelling, they decided to save Lovantus and murder everyone else. Or maybe it was kill Lovantus and save everyone else. Corwin was too star-struck to really know the outcome of the summit.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Afterwards, Sir Grey pulled Corwin to his personal quarters and began outfitting for the road ahead. His new master was going to lead the expedition to recover their lord.

"Corwin," Sir Grey said. "My armor."

"Yes, sir. Very good sir," Corwin said, and helped Sir Grey into his breastplate.

"You know," his master said, "you are quite good at this. My previous buffoon couldn't even survive a confrontation with one of the lesser races."

"Previous buffoon, sir?" Corwin asked, while he attached the other pieces of armor.

"I sent him to spy on their little meeting at the inn. Do you think I don't know that Lovantus sneaks out at night to be with those half breeds? It would be a shame if they cut his life short, flay him with necromancy by the hand of that filth Elf or that witch."

"Begging your pardon, sir," Corwin said, "but isn't Zafosaul a fire mage? And Lady Ameria, a water wizard?"

Sir Grey laughed. "Oh, my dear boy. What a simple view you have. Do you think that Lady Ameria spent all that time in the dark tower and not learn a bit of necromancy?"

"I never much thought of it, sir," Corwin said, as he latched on the last piece of armor.

"Good. A person of your station should not be concerned with matters of the court," Sir Grey said, while he examined himself in the mirror. Once he was satisfied, he ordered, "Fetch me my steed. We will hunt down those who did this to our lord. They will pay in blood for what they have done."

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