Hugo Negron's Blog - Posts Tagged "bartholomew"
Who are the new Knights? Excerpt from Book II
Hello again, all! I'm excited to say that Book II, Rise of the Slavekeepers is in full swing! The story is done, now its just a matter of getting it out to the editor and lulu. With the holidays coming, it will probably be out in mid-summer at some point, and then the work will center around an explosive Book III...
In the meantime, I'm sure you've been seeing some of the brief summaries on the main characters I've been showcasing in my blog from Book I. I've also been hinting at some of the new supporting characters that will be making their appearance in Book II, such as Jesepha, the knight. To add a bit more about who they are, I've added below an excerpt from Book II, as Qualtan gets that very same question answered...
“We have not been introduced. My name is Bartholomew. And you are Qualtan, son of Eucradus.” He said, extending his hand.
“I am.” Qualtan replied, returning the gesture.
“I was hoping to speak to you at some point, since your presentation to the King. Your petition was impressive. I have heard many good things about you.”
“Thank you.” Qualtan was rather surprised by his interest.
“It is good that the sword has returned home. Its presence is sorely needed.”
Qualtan smiled slightly. The knight’s interest in him was obvious. Bartholomew stared deeply, as if searching for something.
“I have had little chance to learn about the others. The past few days have been a whirlwind of activity for me.” Qualtan said, attempting to deflect Bartholomew’s attention.
“Yes. You will find it difficult to do so. So many knights come and go from the capitol. Some you may never meet, as they remain permanently stationed in the field and rarely return. Others rotate their assignments, while a few disappear on perilous voyages and secret assignments, reappearing many years later, with grayed beards, and weakened backs. Those that die are soon replaced.” He said, with a strange smile as if testing Qualtan once again.
Qualtan did not take the bait.
“I was told the Order at its largest carried 250 knights to its name.”
“Yes! Back during the many battles that led to the Great War. Now, during times of peace, are strength resides at fifty or so. Each knight during more violent times served as commanders of their own troop of soldiery. Nowadays, we sit and wait for the next Great War, and the war after that.”
“How long have you served?”
Bartholomew’s eyes seemed to twinkle. With a knowing smile, he laughed.
“Long enough, I sometimes think! Still, there are noble causes yet to pursue, such as the one we entertain today.”
“What of the other knights, then? They were introduced to me but briefly before we left Turinthia.”
“Ah!” The knight settled in beside Qualtan, pointing to each member of their team.
“You know Jesepha, of course. Powerful knight. Her skills, lethal. Her father had been a knight, and had hoped for a boy to follow in his footsteps. Instead he was blessed with a beautiful girl that did not disavow him of his intent. You are well versed now, in the arduous steps to becoming a knight.”
Qualtan nodded. The process had been made clear to him by Aurelus. To become a knight, you were either knighted by the King or a chosen delegate given those powers, such as General Mountebank, or by petition, sponsored by a knight or someone of similar or higher status, such as his uncle. Either way demanded some act of great courage, noted and witnessed, with the appropriate proofs, of course. The squires were trained for this, hoping to eventually join their knights on the battlefield and prove themselves at some point or other, for that is their eventual purpose. During the wars of the past squires were quickly promoted into the thinning ranks of knighthood. Now, however, there was no need for such numbers, and the squires’ tenure was unfortunately lengthened.
Bartholomew continued. “Jesepha’s father had led a group of soldiers to guard a councilwoman on a voyage through a treacherous path. His daughter accompanied them, despite his arguments against it, for she knew the way to his heart and he could never truly deny her. They were ambushed by orcnes and he was injured. Imagine if you will, a circle of soldiers defending a party of wagons, slowly being pushed back, and the sudden appearance of a young girl rushing into battle, barely outside of being a child, taking her father’s sword, leading the soldiers into a charge. The orcnes were repulsed, and the councilwoman, impressed with Jesepha’s courage, joined her father in presenting her to the King. She was one of the youngest to be knighted into the ranks of the Bearded Lion.” Bartholomew smiled at her. “I have know her for many years, having witnessed her blossoming into a beautiful woman and a deadly warrior. She is a true knight, none fiercer.”
“What of Euric? It was obvious to me back at the celebration of my induction that he has interest in her. He shadowed her like some irksome attendant.”
Bartholomew laughed happily. “He still does. Euric the dashing! Euric the fearless! He’s given himself many titles. He is a child that has never grown up. Boundless energy, with a never ending smile. Some of the other knights do not respect him, thinking he does not take the honor of knighthood seriously. They say he spends more time oiling his overly long moustache than he does oiling his own sword. However, do not be fooled. True, he was born to the aristocracy, his father a rich merchant lord who became a council member. Some say he bought his way into the position through many precious gifts, but who knows? Euric did not show his father’s powers for trade and debate, and showed little ability to run his father’s business dealings. However, he did show a knack for swordplay. With his father’s desire to be seen as truly worthy of his recently elevated station within the Council, he immediately searched for and hired the best swordmasters his gold could buy to train the boy to become a knight and ensconce himself within the nobility. Euric was not the best of squires, focusing more on chasing maidens and revelry than his duties. He was passed from one knight to the next, and nearly kicked out. Again it is said his father’s wealth protected his position. Regardless, his worth was proven at last. His knight was captured by the kingdom of Mezzolanke during a spying mission, one of Turinthia’s rival nations that refused entrance into the Alliance. The two countries have had numerous confrontations against each other, simmering and cooling over the years, but neither trusts the other. In fact Mezzolanke attempted to form its own Alliance with lesser kingdoms in a show of strength against our own, but failed miserably.” Bartholomew paused, as if his own mind had begun to wander.
“What happened, then?” Qualtan asked.
Bartholomew snapped back to the story. “Ah, yes! With a rag tag group of volunteer squires, Euric snuck into the lands of Mezzolanke, discovered where his knight had been taken, and freed him, returning in glory, and immediately petitioned by his grateful master for knighthood, which was granted.” The elder knight chuckled briefly. “Ah, the attempted parleys that took place in the Council chambers between both countries after that were loud and prodigious, then!”
“And the other two, then? What of them? I have not seen them before this trip. They look like brothers, with their long brown beards.”
Bartholomew frowned. “They, my new friend, are what you will now find within the halls of the Order, they and their like. Sturdy warriors both, though neither are brother to the other. But they enjoy their killing too much, I think, and value more the freedom given to them to revel in their excesses than the reasoning behind it. They are senior members, long scarred from many a battle. I know them both only through reputation and my own observances. Ulthag and Rutt they are named, and I would advise you to trust them little.”
“But if we are all knights…?”
“Just because we belong to the same Order, does not mean we are all cut from the same cloth.”
Qualtan was about to question that, when Ulthag, the leading member of their party, clapped his hands.
“Let’s be off!”
“Time to go.” Bartholomew said. “Again, welcome, Sir Knight! I am very happy you are here!” He added, patting Qualtan on his back. Both men rose and began preparing their packs for the final phase of their road.
“You are most kind Bartholomew, and I welcome your friendship. Your information, however, though helpful, has been incomplete.”
“Oh? What have I missed?”
Qualtan stretched as he tightened the buckles on his worn pack, adjusting its position on his back.
“You gave me lessons on every knight here except for one…you.”
Bartholomew laughed. “My story holds little interest. We will speak of it another time."
In the meantime, I'm sure you've been seeing some of the brief summaries on the main characters I've been showcasing in my blog from Book I. I've also been hinting at some of the new supporting characters that will be making their appearance in Book II, such as Jesepha, the knight. To add a bit more about who they are, I've added below an excerpt from Book II, as Qualtan gets that very same question answered...
“We have not been introduced. My name is Bartholomew. And you are Qualtan, son of Eucradus.” He said, extending his hand.
“I am.” Qualtan replied, returning the gesture.
“I was hoping to speak to you at some point, since your presentation to the King. Your petition was impressive. I have heard many good things about you.”
“Thank you.” Qualtan was rather surprised by his interest.
“It is good that the sword has returned home. Its presence is sorely needed.”
Qualtan smiled slightly. The knight’s interest in him was obvious. Bartholomew stared deeply, as if searching for something.
“I have had little chance to learn about the others. The past few days have been a whirlwind of activity for me.” Qualtan said, attempting to deflect Bartholomew’s attention.
“Yes. You will find it difficult to do so. So many knights come and go from the capitol. Some you may never meet, as they remain permanently stationed in the field and rarely return. Others rotate their assignments, while a few disappear on perilous voyages and secret assignments, reappearing many years later, with grayed beards, and weakened backs. Those that die are soon replaced.” He said, with a strange smile as if testing Qualtan once again.
Qualtan did not take the bait.
“I was told the Order at its largest carried 250 knights to its name.”
“Yes! Back during the many battles that led to the Great War. Now, during times of peace, are strength resides at fifty or so. Each knight during more violent times served as commanders of their own troop of soldiery. Nowadays, we sit and wait for the next Great War, and the war after that.”
“How long have you served?”
Bartholomew’s eyes seemed to twinkle. With a knowing smile, he laughed.
“Long enough, I sometimes think! Still, there are noble causes yet to pursue, such as the one we entertain today.”
“What of the other knights, then? They were introduced to me but briefly before we left Turinthia.”
“Ah!” The knight settled in beside Qualtan, pointing to each member of their team.
“You know Jesepha, of course. Powerful knight. Her skills, lethal. Her father had been a knight, and had hoped for a boy to follow in his footsteps. Instead he was blessed with a beautiful girl that did not disavow him of his intent. You are well versed now, in the arduous steps to becoming a knight.”
Qualtan nodded. The process had been made clear to him by Aurelus. To become a knight, you were either knighted by the King or a chosen delegate given those powers, such as General Mountebank, or by petition, sponsored by a knight or someone of similar or higher status, such as his uncle. Either way demanded some act of great courage, noted and witnessed, with the appropriate proofs, of course. The squires were trained for this, hoping to eventually join their knights on the battlefield and prove themselves at some point or other, for that is their eventual purpose. During the wars of the past squires were quickly promoted into the thinning ranks of knighthood. Now, however, there was no need for such numbers, and the squires’ tenure was unfortunately lengthened.
Bartholomew continued. “Jesepha’s father had led a group of soldiers to guard a councilwoman on a voyage through a treacherous path. His daughter accompanied them, despite his arguments against it, for she knew the way to his heart and he could never truly deny her. They were ambushed by orcnes and he was injured. Imagine if you will, a circle of soldiers defending a party of wagons, slowly being pushed back, and the sudden appearance of a young girl rushing into battle, barely outside of being a child, taking her father’s sword, leading the soldiers into a charge. The orcnes were repulsed, and the councilwoman, impressed with Jesepha’s courage, joined her father in presenting her to the King. She was one of the youngest to be knighted into the ranks of the Bearded Lion.” Bartholomew smiled at her. “I have know her for many years, having witnessed her blossoming into a beautiful woman and a deadly warrior. She is a true knight, none fiercer.”
“What of Euric? It was obvious to me back at the celebration of my induction that he has interest in her. He shadowed her like some irksome attendant.”
Bartholomew laughed happily. “He still does. Euric the dashing! Euric the fearless! He’s given himself many titles. He is a child that has never grown up. Boundless energy, with a never ending smile. Some of the other knights do not respect him, thinking he does not take the honor of knighthood seriously. They say he spends more time oiling his overly long moustache than he does oiling his own sword. However, do not be fooled. True, he was born to the aristocracy, his father a rich merchant lord who became a council member. Some say he bought his way into the position through many precious gifts, but who knows? Euric did not show his father’s powers for trade and debate, and showed little ability to run his father’s business dealings. However, he did show a knack for swordplay. With his father’s desire to be seen as truly worthy of his recently elevated station within the Council, he immediately searched for and hired the best swordmasters his gold could buy to train the boy to become a knight and ensconce himself within the nobility. Euric was not the best of squires, focusing more on chasing maidens and revelry than his duties. He was passed from one knight to the next, and nearly kicked out. Again it is said his father’s wealth protected his position. Regardless, his worth was proven at last. His knight was captured by the kingdom of Mezzolanke during a spying mission, one of Turinthia’s rival nations that refused entrance into the Alliance. The two countries have had numerous confrontations against each other, simmering and cooling over the years, but neither trusts the other. In fact Mezzolanke attempted to form its own Alliance with lesser kingdoms in a show of strength against our own, but failed miserably.” Bartholomew paused, as if his own mind had begun to wander.
“What happened, then?” Qualtan asked.
Bartholomew snapped back to the story. “Ah, yes! With a rag tag group of volunteer squires, Euric snuck into the lands of Mezzolanke, discovered where his knight had been taken, and freed him, returning in glory, and immediately petitioned by his grateful master for knighthood, which was granted.” The elder knight chuckled briefly. “Ah, the attempted parleys that took place in the Council chambers between both countries after that were loud and prodigious, then!”
“And the other two, then? What of them? I have not seen them before this trip. They look like brothers, with their long brown beards.”
Bartholomew frowned. “They, my new friend, are what you will now find within the halls of the Order, they and their like. Sturdy warriors both, though neither are brother to the other. But they enjoy their killing too much, I think, and value more the freedom given to them to revel in their excesses than the reasoning behind it. They are senior members, long scarred from many a battle. I know them both only through reputation and my own observances. Ulthag and Rutt they are named, and I would advise you to trust them little.”
“But if we are all knights…?”
“Just because we belong to the same Order, does not mean we are all cut from the same cloth.”
Qualtan was about to question that, when Ulthag, the leading member of their party, clapped his hands.
“Let’s be off!”
“Time to go.” Bartholomew said. “Again, welcome, Sir Knight! I am very happy you are here!” He added, patting Qualtan on his back. Both men rose and began preparing their packs for the final phase of their road.
“You are most kind Bartholomew, and I welcome your friendship. Your information, however, though helpful, has been incomplete.”
“Oh? What have I missed?”
Qualtan stretched as he tightened the buckles on his worn pack, adjusting its position on his back.
“You gave me lessons on every knight here except for one…you.”
Bartholomew laughed. “My story holds little interest. We will speak of it another time."
Jesepha and Euric
Happy holidays to one and all! With the crisp air of winter and the crackle of a fireplace log, ye ole Yuletide season is one of my two favorite times of the year. If there is magic to be had, this is certainly the time to look for it!
As the countdown to Book Two slowly progresses, I wanted to share some additional insights on two of our upcoming supporting cast members, Jesepha and Euric.
As mentioned in our last excerpt, both are knights in good standing of the Alliance's Order of the Bearded Lion, and new friends to Qualtan and Glaive. Both Jesepha and Euric are good friends with each other, having trained and grown up together within the Order. It didn't take long for Euric to develop a crush on his sister knight, with her boldness, beauty, and deadly skill with the sword.
However, Jesepha was of a different mind, fiercely independent, and Euric's awkward attempts at courtship usually ended in disaster for him. Try as he might, whether with suave words or childish schoolboy antics, nothing seemed to work. Other girls fell for his artificial charm, but not Jesepha! She had seen his routine one time too many. Besides, she was more inclined towards testing her skill in battle than being romanced, especially by a fellow knight. Still, Euric never was one to give up on such a challenge, and she became resigned to his never ending attempts. Would she ever see him differently? That's for further reading in Book Two. Here's another excerpt, as Euric tries his luck yet again:
“How could you let that rogue touch you? You’ve tumbled over many a man who dared, including me!” Euric said, taking hold of Jesepha’s shoulder.
“My business is my own!” Jesepha responded.
“Surely you are not attracted to him?! He is a brigand and a scheming profiteer! Probably has more wives in more lands that you have fingers and toes!”
“Your opinion means little to me.”
“And what of your opinion of me?”
Jesepha sighed, pausing her step. “Euric…” She began to complain. He quickly put a finger to his lips, pulling her to a quiet alcove within the ship.
“We don’t have time for this.” She argued.
“Yes we do. I play no games this time. You know how I feel about you. I have attempted to court you…”
“As you have many a maiden back home.”
“Because you deny me at every turn! I have no choice! What is it? Why will you not honor me with a favorable response? For awhile I thought you had chosen Bartholomew…”
“Bartholomew? He has looked out for me, and mentored me. I love him as I would an older brother.”
“And I?”
Jesepha allowed her usually tough exterior to slacken. Her voice became soft, and gentle.
“Euric, you are like a younger brother to me. You are kind, and despite your childish antics and annoying prattle, you are a true knight. I know your feelings for me, and I have done my best to dissuade you of them. I’m sorry.”
Euric’s eyes looked down. He frowned with sadness. He shuffled uneasily.
Jesepha could see his pain, and smiled sadly. She placed a hand on his cheek, staring into his eyes.
“Please understand, Euric. I love you as a good friend, but I cannot give you more.”
He took his hand and placed it upon hers.
“Then whose favor do you carry?”
“I carry none.”
“But surely matters of the heart have not escaped you.”
“I have not thought to concern myself with such things.”
“A horrid mistake! You cannot live by the sword alone! There is life to live, and parties to attend, and merriment to be had!”
Jesepha laughed at last. “I have enjoyed those things.”
“But alone.” Euric insisted.
This time it was Jesepha who seemed unsure of herself. “I am not closed to such matters. When the right man comes, I will know of it. Until then…”
“Until then! By that time you will be an old crone, creaking more than your armor! You aren’t getting any younger, you know…”
Jesepha’s face turned red with sudden rage.
“Not getting any younger?!” She demanded.
“You demand too much! If you continue with your ways, you will never be happy and it will be too late to show a bit of lace on your leg!”
“You insufferable, ignorant…”
“You know I speak the truth!” Euric quickly interjected.
“Argh!” Jesepha growled with frustration, quickly moving away.
Euric watched her leave. He sighed, touching the side of his face where her hand had been. “Well done, you fool!” He said to himself miserably.
As the countdown to Book Two slowly progresses, I wanted to share some additional insights on two of our upcoming supporting cast members, Jesepha and Euric.
As mentioned in our last excerpt, both are knights in good standing of the Alliance's Order of the Bearded Lion, and new friends to Qualtan and Glaive. Both Jesepha and Euric are good friends with each other, having trained and grown up together within the Order. It didn't take long for Euric to develop a crush on his sister knight, with her boldness, beauty, and deadly skill with the sword.
However, Jesepha was of a different mind, fiercely independent, and Euric's awkward attempts at courtship usually ended in disaster for him. Try as he might, whether with suave words or childish schoolboy antics, nothing seemed to work. Other girls fell for his artificial charm, but not Jesepha! She had seen his routine one time too many. Besides, she was more inclined towards testing her skill in battle than being romanced, especially by a fellow knight. Still, Euric never was one to give up on such a challenge, and she became resigned to his never ending attempts. Would she ever see him differently? That's for further reading in Book Two. Here's another excerpt, as Euric tries his luck yet again:
“How could you let that rogue touch you? You’ve tumbled over many a man who dared, including me!” Euric said, taking hold of Jesepha’s shoulder.
“My business is my own!” Jesepha responded.
“Surely you are not attracted to him?! He is a brigand and a scheming profiteer! Probably has more wives in more lands that you have fingers and toes!”
“Your opinion means little to me.”
“And what of your opinion of me?”
Jesepha sighed, pausing her step. “Euric…” She began to complain. He quickly put a finger to his lips, pulling her to a quiet alcove within the ship.
“We don’t have time for this.” She argued.
“Yes we do. I play no games this time. You know how I feel about you. I have attempted to court you…”
“As you have many a maiden back home.”
“Because you deny me at every turn! I have no choice! What is it? Why will you not honor me with a favorable response? For awhile I thought you had chosen Bartholomew…”
“Bartholomew? He has looked out for me, and mentored me. I love him as I would an older brother.”
“And I?”
Jesepha allowed her usually tough exterior to slacken. Her voice became soft, and gentle.
“Euric, you are like a younger brother to me. You are kind, and despite your childish antics and annoying prattle, you are a true knight. I know your feelings for me, and I have done my best to dissuade you of them. I’m sorry.”
Euric’s eyes looked down. He frowned with sadness. He shuffled uneasily.
Jesepha could see his pain, and smiled sadly. She placed a hand on his cheek, staring into his eyes.
“Please understand, Euric. I love you as a good friend, but I cannot give you more.”
He took his hand and placed it upon hers.
“Then whose favor do you carry?”
“I carry none.”
“But surely matters of the heart have not escaped you.”
“I have not thought to concern myself with such things.”
“A horrid mistake! You cannot live by the sword alone! There is life to live, and parties to attend, and merriment to be had!”
Jesepha laughed at last. “I have enjoyed those things.”
“But alone.” Euric insisted.
This time it was Jesepha who seemed unsure of herself. “I am not closed to such matters. When the right man comes, I will know of it. Until then…”
“Until then! By that time you will be an old crone, creaking more than your armor! You aren’t getting any younger, you know…”
Jesepha’s face turned red with sudden rage.
“Not getting any younger?!” She demanded.
“You demand too much! If you continue with your ways, you will never be happy and it will be too late to show a bit of lace on your leg!”
“You insufferable, ignorant…”
“You know I speak the truth!” Euric quickly interjected.
“Argh!” Jesepha growled with frustration, quickly moving away.
Euric watched her leave. He sighed, touching the side of his face where her hand had been. “Well done, you fool!” He said to himself miserably.
Sneak Peek from Indies Unlimited!
Here's a great sneak peek to the first book in my Forging of a Knight series from Indies Unlimited!
http://www.indiesunlimited.com/2012/1...
www.indiesunlimited.com
http://www.indiesunlimited.com/2012/1...
www.indiesunlimited.com
