Closed The Master and the Serpent

[Markus Andres]

Permission from Chevalier to post during summer season!

37th Summer 512 Markus left the room. His back unusually straight, even for someone having been disciplined as he during his stay with the knights. His face was a odd mixture of both pride and puzzlement. The two feelings were tangled together tighter than a newly weed couple on their first night together. Markus could not explore one without the other came crashing into his mind and made everything lot harder to rationally to go over piece by piece. His heavy feet were unnecessarily loud against the floor, hard stone and unyielding metal had never had a silent partnership. Markus wore his full armour, including his two ordinary weapons, three if you counted the shield strapped to his back. Most people didn't, a mistake they only made once. Markus' steps were quick and his stride secure. He knew his destination. He was off to find the in-direct source of his pride and puzzlement. A new squire of his. Not only was the squire new, it was Markus' first squire. An honour and privilege he had not expected for another year, at best, in all honesty he had expected half a decade of hard experience before they had bestowed him the honour of a squire. Pride, and puzzling at that. Why had they chosen a fresh knight for the training of their squires... Wouldn't Markus own master, no, fellow knight, not have been a much better choice? He had experience, he had disciplined Markus into what he was today. Shyke, Markus could name more than half a dozen or more capable and battle-experienced knight-teachers than himself. But hardly as capable in the art of combat - His ego retorted fiercely, further stroking his pride. But such questions and thoughts led nowhere in particular. But it was a vote of confidence, and he particularly noted that part about this long-term assignment from his superiors. Markus made a right turn and continued in a more confident pace. The name of the squire was familiar, very familiar. He had met the man before, not long ago actually. Markus considered the man, animal, whatever he was, it hardly mattered to Markus, an outstanding person. He was more than proud to be chosen to train the young man, squire, in the arts of combat, and more importantly, the spirit of the Syliran knights. Markus' steps were drowned out by the idle chatter and clattering of hundreds of plates and young squires conversations over breakfast. Markus contemplated waiting for his new squire to finish his breakfast, he had noted that the, no, his new squire enjoyed, if not loved, to eat. Might become a problem - He thought bemused. Not the affection for eating, but the relative closeness of their age. Their previous encounter and that he had developed a friendship with the man. Markus would have to be tougher than what he was accustomed to, but in he was also looking forward to that challenge of training this new squire. What approach he should have. He had already out ruled his own masters approach. Brutal discipline enforced by a strong hand and far stronger will to carry any threat out. Markus sub consciously rubbed his jaw. How many times he had felt his master's swift discipline straighten Markus. But Savitaire was too old and too strong in body and mind for such brutal an approach. Markus wasn't certain he had the spirit for such a training method. He stepped into the dining area of the citadel. His eyes scanning the premises. Many squires eating and chatting. Some nearby turned curiously to take a look at Markus. He found the squire in question. Even with so many brawny squires, that man stood out with his sheer size. Only Akalaks matched his squire's size and Markus' squire was not purple. "Squire Savitaire, report to the main armoury in half a bell!" His authoritative voice cut through the squires eating breakfast. Some turned to look if it was anyone of interest making the command, but it was just another unranked knight. But most didn't turn to see. Such interruptions were not unusual. Markus had been given his quest in the same manner. Unceremoniously ordered to follow in the middle of eating. Markus turned and left the dining area. Himself heading for the armoury to wait for his new squire to see if they had any armour, used and battered, naturally, for the new squire. As for the weapon... Markus would encourage his squire to take a bastard sword, as it was the weapon Markus was most proficient with, but a longsword would also be acceptable. Any other weapon and Markus' ability to teach the squire beyond the basics would be crippled. Such things for the future. For now, he just had to wait for his squire.

[Savitaire]

Three days ago he had been officially signed on as a squire, those three days he had spent exploring and waiting for the one who was to train him. He had requested Markus Andres as that trainer simply because he was familiar with him. He’d been told it would take time and that providing he had no one else it was possible. Getting used to sleeping around others had been the hardest part, but he had managed. The best thing he liked was that he didn’t have to hunt for food, they just handed out three meals a day. It was a convenience he’d not had since he learned to hunt for himself, it would make the coming cold a lot easier. That was one of his main reasons for joining the Knights, he’d needed an occupation and shelter thus it was the best option for him. It was the third day since and he was enjoying a hearty breakfast watching the goings on of those around him when a familiar voice rang out above the crowd’s noise. He quickly polished off what he was eating, taking the bread to eat on the run as he abandoned his dirty dishes to chase after the man.

While he wasn’t fast enough to fully catch up to him he did spot the man disappearing through a doorway and once he reached the place he went through. He stopped on the threshold looking around with curious interest, he hadn’t visited the armory as he had had no need to do so yet. All the armor and weapons neatly arranged caught his eye and as he finished what was left of his meal he took a spot beside Markus saying nothing. Anyone intelligent knew that there was a reason for being where they were and he was content to wait to hear what was going to happen. He was dressed in the Squire’s uniform which was a long sleeved cotton shirt, brown leather pants, brown leather vest with the Syliran Knight’s emblem on the left side and knee high brown leather boots. He probably hadn’t needed to wear it, but if he wasn’t planning on going outside the city he felt that he ought to use the uniform. He noticed that people’s attitudes towards him changed versus how it had been before joining.

People also asked him for help every so often, but he’d been willing to help even before, they just seemed to single him out especially. He didn’t mind since he wanted to contribute to the city, it just amused him that now that he was part of the Knights people were willing to accept his help. It was different now standing beside the man, they were not strangers or even friends, they were now teacher and student. It didn’t bother him in the least, such things were natural given that Markus would be teaching him skills he needed to learn. He studied the man quietly thinking that perhaps the Knight was more anxious than he was.

[Markus Andres]

Markus turned to watch as his newly appointed squire stepped into the armoury. The man was early, no harm at all. Markus had had a brief second of time to contemplate what to do. Which had been boiled down to a duo of words: Wing it. "Well, you seem eager to get started." Markus noted with a smile as he measured the squire. A little taller, good reach, not as bulky, stronger though - the last was from previous experience with the squire. He was freakishly strong and he hid it well. Especially that part had Markus looking forward to their sparring sessions. But that was a long ways down the road. He looked to the equipment in the room. Take the most basic of the basics. The requirements for becoming a knight. He would have to work in some not too subtle propaganda for the bastard sword. "I hope you remember the way down here, for you will be coming here a lot. This is the armoury, whenever you any equipment is required during our training you can find it here. I will be expecting you to show up wearing full armour unless I have stated otherwise. Understood?" Markus paused. Giving the squire time to absorb the information and also to see if Savitaire understood he had to call Markus 'ser' or 'master'. But Markus would not pause for long. He walked over to a weaponstand with swords in all sizes and shapes and forms. Most, however, were some variant of a longsword. "There are many things you will have to learn before you can join our ranks as a full fledged knight. I will keep it simple. As you might have been told. You're expected to know how to wield a sword, or any other one handed weapon of your choice. I would prefer if you picked a bastard sword. For it is the most versatile of the weapons available and simply put, an all-around excellent weapon for war and you will have a hard time finding a better suited weapon." Markus explained as he picked up a sword from the stand. He spoke like a man who knew what he was talking about. He had been through a good deal of battles and never had he regretted choosing a bastard sword. The sword was sheathed, naturally, couldn't have sword lying around unsheathed. He pulled the blade out a little. Not a bastard sword, but definitely a long sword. It didn't matter. He casually flipped the scabbard in his hand and handed it to his squire. - His squire. Would take him time to fully understand and get used to that idea. "That is a longsword, similar in size to a bastard sword. Beyond the sword, I will be teaching you how to properly use a shield, how to ride, I know of your particular problem in regards to that, so it will be something we will be working with more intensely in the future. Finally, you will have to learn how to use a weapon with a longer reach than your one handed weapon. It can be anything from a lance to a siege crossbow. I chose the composite shortbow, because it is easier to wield from horseback and packs quite a punch. You will not have to choose that today. Practice today will primarily be teaching you the fundamentals of combat." Markus let it sink in again as he looked at Savitaire. "Do you have any weapon or fighting experience. I am talking both of official training and from actual combat and do you have any questions?" Markus liked to talk, but boy had he been saying a lot in a short time. He was pleased that the armoury wasn't crowded today. Most knights rarely spent much time in the armoury when they weren't either actively training their squires or needing new equipment.

[Savitaire]

He was indeed eager and flashed the ma a grin as his answer, though he didn’t think he’d been required to say anything as it sounded more rhetorical than anything else. The path to the armory had been fairly direct, but he’d ask for directions if he needed them. “Do you want me to go and get the armor? I wasn’t expecting to do anything today honestly, but it won’t take long to run back.”

One of the squires in the barracks had helped him learn how to even put the stuff on, the weight was a bit of an adjustment, but not unpleasantly so. His natural strength served him well in that regard as the man who’d showed him had said he’d struggled some till he built up the muscle to carry it, he’d been envious of him for his easier time of it. He watched Markus intently, his grey eyes wary when he touched the weapon, but he relaxed after he was handed it. “I’ll use the weapon you suggest then, might as well use whatever your experience led you to, it’ll make it easier on me in the long run.”

He studied the weapon in his hand, pulling out the blade some from the sheath and eyeing the keen edge. He could well imagine hacking someone to pieces with the weapon, even if his more baser desires said it would be a waste of fresh blood. “I’m fairly good with hand to hand combat and yes…I’ve killed with it.”

He looked at his new teacher intently, now wasn’t the time to be honest, especially as they were not in private. The idea of sparring with the man set excitement in his blood, even if he knew it wouldn’t be the time yet. It showed in his eyes, he too wanted to test the man before him, to see which of them would best the other. He personally felt Markus might best him because he had more experience than he did. It was one thing to face someone off the battlefield, but another on it and he wasn’t sure which would give the edge or not. It wouldn’t be an easy victory, even for all his strength in human form he could still be bested by a more experienced opponent.

The Dhani wasn’t aware he’d be expected to use a different way of addressing the Knight, but would also learn that soon. “Markus…we’ll need to go someplace private at some point, there’s something you need to know before we spar, if we do in the near future. As far as I know the only one I’ve told of any authority is the man who accepted me in to the order. As the one who’s to teach me you have a right to know yourself.”

It was a secret that while he’s told a few, was very careful about letting others know, even had Markus not ended up as his teacher he’d have still eventually told him. Now that they would be eventually fighting he felt it even more important to let the man know just what exactly he was getting in to.

[Markus Andres]

Markus felt relieved when his squire accepted to use the weapon he used himself. But the only outward expression was a simple nod to acknowledge his choice for a weapon. On the question of the armour, Markus did not expect him to have a suit already. Much less be able to put it on himself. "Perhaps later, for now, you will not need the armour." Markus nodded again when Savitaire said he had killed someone using unarmed combat. Markus was not surprised, it was a rough world out there. He was a bit surprised by his own indifference towards a life lost. "Good. Means you are ready to get the job done when the time comes" Markus had noted the lack of 'ser' in Savitaire's speech. He would have to remedy that part. Markus' master would have smacked Markus senseless for forgetting, but Markus was not his master and he felt treating Savitaire like that would be wrong. He would not punish him with violence, but then how could he punish him. When he called him Markus, it was very hard for him not to strike out physically. Other knights would have done it. In an instant. But Markus showed restraint. Markus nodded when he said he needed to tell him something in private. Markus voice was stern and strong as he spoke. His eyes narrow. "Before we continue: You will address me as either master or ser when you speak. You are to address all superior ranked members of the order as either ser or sera. It is disrespectful if you do not call them ser. Understood? Furthermore, if you introduce yourself, you will say: Squire Savitaire of Knight Markus Andres..." He paused briefly for Savitaire so it could sink in. "We will train outside the walls today, private enough out there. But first, we have to find a shield for you and a real bastard sword." Markus turned away and walked over to a heater shield. Matching his own in size, but this one was a wooden shield with the emblem of Syliras covering the front. He handed the shield to Savitaire and took the longsword away at the same time, for there was a hilt of a sword that had caught his attention. He grabbed the sword and true enough. It was a bastard sword. He replaced it with the longsword and handed it to Savitaire. "That will be your equipment for today. Come with me." Markus said as he turned to leave the armoury. "On top of your physical training. You will also learn of the Syliras' history and the gods favoured by our order. Can you read and write?" His pace was swift as he walked through the interconnected corridors that combined equalled the city. The main exit was not far. Markus planned on heading for the beach. Nothing like good old uneven and unsteady sand to mess up even the more carefully planned strikes. Markus had not been introduced to the sand at such an early stage, but Savitaire wanted privacy, so he would get it. But at a price.

[Savitaire]

Indeed, the Dhani was certainly not one who would hesitate if the need called for bloodshed. One might even think he was always eager to kill given the nature of his kind, but most of the time he did it in defense of himself or under no other choice. The man would see his first reaction to being expected to call him by ‘master’ an instant issue. If he hadn’t known it was a formality he’d have gone after Markus, the very idea of calling someone by that title brought up eager fury, however he reigned it under control. “Yes, Ser.”

He busied himself with the new weapons looking them over, testing the unfamiliar weight, mostly to distract himself. Calling someone other than by their name would take getting used to, but no one would ever hear him call them ‘master’ regardless of what might happen. “I can read and write yes, reading will come easier as I’ve done that fairly often, but other than my name I’ll have to get back in to the habit. I’ve not had to write more than that since I was young, it won’t be an issue.”

Having even a roof over his head had been a change, he’d not been in more civilized company since he’d been taken from his home. He preferred the stars and sky over his head above a closed in room, but wasn’t going to complain about the warmth and easy meals. His kind just didn’t leave the nest, not unless they had a reason, his young arrogance had ultimately led to his capture, but memories still burned.

In the end even in human guise he was a predator, though sometimes he tried to forget that, but holding the weapons he found he was savoring what was to come. His strength would do him well enough, even if he was unskilled, but he was sure skill would come in time, too bad he’ll have a fight with horse riding. He focused his attention back on Markus, waiting, he was eager to start, very eager. He’d spent most of his time in the city or the outlaying forest, beaches and ocean hadn’t been something he’d thought to bother with.

He knew the ocean was there, but when confronted with a city teeming with people it hadn’t been very important to him. When it was clear to him that this was where they were headed, he grinned, he almost wondered if the man knew he had little experience with such things. He was going to have a blast and most likely end up on his rump more times than he’d care to count. It was the price he paid for not being near people more, but then he was determined to make up for it. He was eager to feel more like he was living than hiding. He figured as well that his endurance would have to be trained longer.

He never usually needed more than a burst of brute strength, but swordplay would require more finesse than his body was used to. He figured he had more power for blows, but that Markus had more lasting energy than him. All it would take is putting forth effort to push himself longer and longer, he'd have to find a sparring partner once he had more fluidity to this new skill set. He took in a breath of the ocean laced air, letting it out relaxing. Going in tense would just make things harder, he'd also have to keep reminding himself that getting angry and ill-tempered over his lack of experience would only blind him. He'd prove himself, it was just that simple.
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[Markus Andres]

Savitaire was quite easy to read at times, Markus easily noticed his annoyance with having to call Markus by his title. Markus could relate to him there, it had taken Markus weeks, if not seasons before he had gotten into the habit. Now, it was automatic unless when under stress. "Good. Saves us time with your education. Both are important when you become a knight." How important, Markus couldn't tell. He had never been sent so far away that he had to get written orders. Or he simply wasn't important enough for such things, yet. He kept walking. His pace still quick. Making good ground through the castle. The duo would leave the castle. Markus nodded to the guards on duty. He motioned for Savitaire to halt as he exchanged a couple of words with the guards. Asking if they had heard of anything unusual going on in the wilderness. When he was satisfied that it wasn't unreasonably dangerous, he motioned for Savitaire to follow and left. It would be half a chime of walking before he was satisfied with the location. A good sandy beach. Fine warm summer weather. He looked around. The sand was warm. Loose. Very tiring to move around in, especially in heavy armour. Balance impossible to keep intact and the ground uneven. It made for a very interesting place to learn how to fight. Markus found an elevated spot and looked around before stepping down again. Satisfactory scouting complete. "Before we start, you had something you felt I should know. I would say this place is private enough. If it is something you wish to show me, there is a secluded area just behind the knoll where people from the sea can't even see us. Your choice." To be honest, Markus was dying of curiosity. But he couldn't let his squire know that. So he kept a mildly interested look on his face. Markus was preparing for him to explain the reason for his superhuman strength. It had been nagging at him for some time and he had pitched several theories to himself. But none had been more satisfactory than Savitaire being a kelvic and not proud of his heritage.

[Savitaire]

Savitaire tested his footing in the sand watching the waves lap at the beach. He didn’t talk for a long moment, he simply took in their surroundings and eyed the water. Eventually he drew his sword planting it in the sand, he figured he’d need to draw it later and didn’t want to fuss with the sheath. “I wasn’t kidding when I said I was old, I have lived almost two human life times. I am one hundred and fifty years old, in the prime of my life for one of my kind. I am as strong as two grown men in my human form, its just naturally that way. I am a Dhani, a constrictor to be more specific, though I am not as given to violence as the rest of my people. As for how I ended up here? Youthful arrogance. My kind don’t leave the nest unless the gods will it so and I follow none, to leave is usually considered treason and death is usually the result. I however was captured by exotic hunters, in my arrogance I allowed myself to be captured and I have no interest in returning home.”

He turned fully to face Markus his silver grey eyes glittering, a seriousness fell around him that was uncommon for he was usually very relaxed and easy to get to laugh. “I suppose I’ll live for longer, providing I don’t get killed by something somewhere or by you because I told you. You are much more skilled than I with a blade, I wouldn’t stand a chance even if I were to turn tail and run.” Yet he wouldn’t run, he’d meet his end regardless as the man before him would hunt him down if he felt so inclined. “Up till coming to this city I realized I have not truly been living. It is why I chose to become a squire, I want to do more than hunt in the forest, I want to live. I want to live my way and I want to see more of the world than what one can see from the forest. I can only hope you’ll still wish to teach me, even knowing that this form I take isn’t my natural one. I wanted…to be honest with you for I feel hiding what I am from you, my teacher, to be highly disrespectful. In fact, knowing what I am can even help you train me better as I really don’t know my limits.”

He didn’t really have much more to say, it was up to the Knight to decide what to do next. He didn’t want the man to not know and then find out sometime later and grow angry at him for saying nothing. Yet he also didn’t want the man to not trust him due to him being what he was, but didn’t see a way to keep his trust by hiding it. If he was doomed to lose the man’s friendship he’d rather him know everything and walk away than walk away because he’d been dishonest. At least this way he could use all his strength and not have to hold back, he was sure that if they sparred Markus would be just fine. Hand to hand things would be in his favor, but with a blade he knew he would need years of practice. Providing of course they didn’t part ways leaving him to look for another teacher.
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[Markus Andres]

Markus would not let himself break posture as his squire revealed his true nature to Markus. He stared hard at his new squire. His expression stern as mason. His squire had just let a djed shell be dropped and Markus had no response but a hard glare. His squire was a Dhani, a snake man of some sort, Markus guessed from the words used. Constrictor was usually applied to snakes. Nest also sounded very snake like. The seconds passed by slowly. His glare would soften and a smile cross his lips and a short chuckle escape his lips. "You will make a fine knight one day, when you learn to address superior ranking knights with ser, at least. I expect you to tell the truth if people ask what you are. For a true knight always tells the truth even if it will cost him his life." His squire had shown courage. Told the truth knowing too well that his race might bring him trouble. But Markus might have his issues with most races in terms of their physical appearance. Sometimes good, the eyes of the Vantha, the muscles of the Akalaks and so on. He absolutely loathed the appearance of the Zith. They looked like nightmarish creatures. Snakes... Markus had mixed qualms about those. Certainly fit the profile for nightmarish creatures. Long phallic bodies, some filled with nothing but poison, others, like the squire before him, capable of crushing people alive. But this man... snake... Markus trusted him. He knew the nature of the man. The quality of his spirit. Even if he was a giant snake posturing as a man. "You will not have nothing to fear from me. I will not attack you nor will I refuse to train you. It is good you told me. So... My first squire is more than five times my own age. Has twice the strength of ordinary men. And whose real form is a giant snake, I assume?." Markus listed. Well, Markus wondered if the recruitment office was having a blast assigning a full grown squire to a green knight like Markus. But on top of it, he was also a different race that Markus knew next to nothing substantial about. It was a challenge and Markus loved a good challenge. "But this changes very little. Although perhaps you could benefit from a blunt weapon more with that strength of yours. But today, it is about the sword. Whether you train with it or not, you will definitely benefit from knowing the basics of sword fighting. Should you ever face a swordsman. If I were to ask you, later today, after training perhaps, to show me your true form. Would you do so or would you prefer not to?" Markus asked. Knowing too well that he would not be able to look at his squire as a human any more after that. But he would deal with that when it came to it.

[Savitaire]

It was perhaps the longest tense moment he’d been in that he could actually remember. The Knight before him said nothing, the stern expression the only thing he saw on the man’s face. Yet the smile and chuckle that eventually fame forth immediately set him at ease. He grinned at him in return relaxing “I have two forms Marcus, but I’ll show you both, might be useful if you are ever out in the forest and come across me. I can’t have you attacking me, though I am most often in my snake form more than my true form. As for being honest, I always am, though I usually let others form their own answers first…”

It was what he had done with the man when they had first met, yet nothing he had said had been a lie, he just hadn’t given any specifics. “I like the idea of a sword, if I need something blunt to bash at things I’ll use the shield. A sharp blade with my strength will be much more effective than smashing with something else, though I’ll still get covered in blood regardless.”

Being on a battle field killing and killing someone anywhere else was much the same to him, it was all ending life regardless. Death was a natural part of life, didn’t matter who’s hand that dealt it or what situation one was to die in, if your end was coming it would find you no matter the tool used. If he was the instrument used to deal it out so be it, he was suited to provide the means even if he’d prefer peaceful measures. “Delivering death with a sword or another weapon is all similar in how things end, I won’t shy away from the things I must do. Lets start teaching me how to poke holes in things eh? I’m eager to get started, do you want me to hold back if we are able to spar?”

He wasn’t eager to do that considering he would be clumsy, but if the man felt he could take the risk so be it.
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