Warin
Warin sat on the ancient throne of the lords of Skyhold, and once king’s of the Kingdom of Umbria which spread over the Holderness, Bloom, and anchorage sectors, and into the Furia, Brighthold, and Bastion sectors of what was now the Commonwealth of Drala, and even into the Fib Sector of Kaledon space to the north. Hundreds of star systems were once ruled by that seat, and although they remained one of the most powerful lords in Drala, their power had diminished greatly in the years since the Great Savage Host shattered the kingdom of Umbria.
“Lord, I am Taryn Fang of Bayhorn,” she said, and dropped to a single knee.
“Taryn Fang of Bayhorn, what brings you to Skyhold?” Warin asked. He had never been to the minor star system. It was one of many sworn to the Holderness system, and likely didn’t have more than a few thousand people in the whole system.
“You my lord,” Taryn said, but kept her head low.
“Me?” Warin asked curiously.
“Yes lord,” Taryn replied. “My home is but a small place, but we have heard of your reputation lord. We have heard of your deeds in dealing with outlaws, and raiders. How you brought the bones of the Fabian Hero Mason Jervis, and several relics to New Holm to establish the new Fabian Temple there, even though you yourself follow the Old Ways.” She lifted her head, and looked at Warin for a moment. “You have honor, and the reputation, and I seek a lord to serve.”
Warin looked at the young woman, she must have been only a few years younger than himself. He tried not to look around the room. He did not believe it were common knowledge that he followed the Old Ways, in fact he had done all he could in the public eye to at least show his support for the Fabian Faith.
“Why come to me?” Warin asked finally. “There are many lords with reputation. Yet if it is service you seek, there is the Commonwealth Forces, any number of planetary forces, or services that you could enlist in.
The woman scoffed, and it surprised Warin for a moment. “I do not wish to sell myself,” she said almost harshly. “Nor do I wish to join a corrupt organization that takes from the people.” The woman’s blue eyes met Warin’s. “I seek to join a person of action, a person of honor, and a person of character.”
Warin looked at the woman for a long drawn out moment. She wasn’t the first to come. Most didn’t come to the throne room for such thing, in fact most offered their service to other members that were already part of Warin’s guard, but they had become more common, and the small worlds, and minor star systems of Holderness seemed to offer an endless supply of new recruit. He could almost field a new warship of loyal followers, not that he could ensure their loyalty.
Warin rose from his father’s throne, and looked to Aslaug who stood next to him. Perhaps she was right, and it was time to enlist a squire or two into his service. He reached out, and gripped the ancient family Techno-blade of his ancestors. The blade that his own father had gifted him. He pulled the sword free of it’s sheath, and lowered the edge onto the hard stone floor imported to the star fortress of Skyhold.
“Than step forward Taryn Fang of Bayhorn, and swear the oath,” Warin said as he looked down at the woman.
Taryn stood, and raised her head, and walked forward. She placed her hand clasped over the top of the engraved hilt of the techno-blade, and warin placed both of his over hers.
“By the Ancestors,” Taryn began. “Before whom this sanctuary is seen as holy, I will be to Warin Osric Ice Aegis, true, and faithful, and love all which he loves, and shun all which he shuns, according to the laws of our Ancestors, and according to the universe's principles. Never, by will nor by action, by word nor by deed, do anything which is unpleasing to him, on condition that he will hold to me as I shall deserve it, and that he will perform everything as it was in our agreement when I submitted myself to him and chose his will.” Taryn said the ancient words of the custom of service, and bondage.
Warin nodded to Taryn as he looked into her eyes. “I accept your oath,” he said, and than gripped tight her hands under his. “Bend your knee to no other, be they noble, or king, for you service me. Stand straight, with your shoulders firm, and head held high. Do not bring dishonor to my name, nor House, and I shall bring none to yours as our fates are now linked. My deeds are yours, and yours are mine. Bring honor to your House, and bring honor to mine. Let the Ancestors judge our deeds, and punish us if we are unworthy of our oaths.”
Taryn looked at Warin, and nodded. He could see the tears welling up in her eyes that refused to fall, and he nodded in return. “Thank you lord,” she almost whispered.
“Go,” he said. “Aslaug will see to you after the rest of the petitions are heard. You will be unfitted, and given duties.”
