Hugo Barbarossa - life of devotion

[dzidek1983]

Hugo Barbarossa - life of devotion

An old man walked slowly towards the gates of the city named after Balduran. His rusted armour made funnt noises, which attracted the local peasant children. His steps slowly brought him to his goal, a big stone gate.
The guards stood proudly an their posts, while ths sun slowly vanished behind the horizon. He made a quick brake at the the big windmill, sat down at his stairs. The children lurking around the corner played their favourite game of spying the stranger.
A feint smile traveled across the newcomers face, as he remembered the old times. But right after a quick strike of sadness destroyed the brief happiness....

Sir Hugo, Sir Hugo!!! - a young voice was shouting his name from the other room.
In here - he replied.

A young man ruched into the room with fatigue written all over his face.

Welcome Master. They await you.. in the great hall.. the council - he said while trying to take qiuck grasps of air while he paused.
There, there squire. no need for such haste. Tell them i'm on my way - he replied and began to put his formal tunic on.

What a relief.. finally, they came up with the decission... - he thought, although happy his face said he's a little afraid.

After some time Hugo arrived at the great hall where the council of the Hammers of Grimjaws awaited him.
He bowed slightly.

Hail brothers, you wished to see me? - he asked altuogh he knew the answer.
Yes, sit down Sir Hugo - the eldest of the council pointed at only free chair in the hall.
We have discussed your application, and sadly have to decline - his words like ice provoked a clod chill through Hugo's spine.
Your braveness is beyond question, but we demand that our knights are also capable to fight physically - he continued.
Your days of glory have passed long time ago, at the age of 52 you are to old to join - said the other council member.
Don't interrupt me Clavius - the eldest of them rebuked his fellow member.

His sight returned after a short pause to the place where Hugo was sitting.

We will not be fooled by your planetouched skin either. Altough white and healthy it holds an old body underneath. - he continued firmly.
I understand Master Harrows. It was never my intention to fool the council. I never preserved my origins - Hugo replied.

The coucil leader understood that he might overreacted irritated by the earlier incident. He tried to calm down the situation.

But you are of course still a member of the Knights of the Merciful Sword - he said more politely this time.
Of course, thank you master. - Hugo was depressed, his eyes wandered through the table full of colorful ornaments.
May i return to my quarters? - he asked.
Yes that is all. You may return to your duties. - after a short bow Hugo returned to his room.

This night was hard for the old paladin. He tossed an turned. Could not sleep. He remembereed the days when he battled orcs to help simple villagers.
His visits to Amn, Luskan and the whole western coast. He desired to travel again, to end his life like he lived it. In fight, with devotion.
With his mind made up, happy again, Hugo sat down at his desk and started to plan his travels. He wrote a formal letter to the Order in which he explained his decissions.
Between the sentences he took some time to look through the window at the clear sky. Stars shined, some wolfs in the wilds nearby started to sing to the moon.
The atmosphere was ideal for an adventure, he missed so much.

In the morning he sat down on the bed, and started to polish the armour. Unfortunatelly it rusted badly. It has been several years since his last fight.
In the meantime a squire enteres the room.

Ah here you are. Take this letter - Hugo took the folded message and sealed it with wax.
Deliver it to the council of the Merciful Sword, you know where it is right? - he asked just in case.
Of course Sir, i'm their squire afterall - the boy smiled lightly.
Splendid, go now, i have to prepare - the squire bowed and left in a hurry.

After some hours of scrubing and waxing the stell plates, Hugo called it a day.
Altough cleaned, the armour still beared the marks of time.

After a brief visit to the Order, where he signed some papers and took a small amount of gold for the travel, Hugo joined a caravan heading to Baldurs Gate.
He traveled for several days, they passed by slowly. The Old knight has spent them on reading and studying the maps of the region.
The day was begining to end as the caravan stoped by the brigde leading to the city of Balduran.
Hugo jumped off the wagon - his armour made a loud metalic clang - paid for the ride, and turned his eyes towards the city...

Suddenly a small visitor snaped Hugo out off his reflections.
A little child, a boy to be precise stood in front of the old paladin.

U are yu mista? - asked the boy with a childish accent.
Well i'm a knight and you? - he replied with a quick smile.
U are not a knight.. knights have shiny armour and shaved faces, u'r old and dirty - the child replied.
Hahaha... you're a clever one, aren't ya - Hugo teased with the child.
You didn't answer my question boy? - he remebered.
I'm Arne, i live here with my father, near the bridge... - the boy pointed at a big house.
But papa isn't home, he hunts bad wolfies, they eat our sheep - boy seems sad about it.
So you have trouble with wild animals, i can help - Hugo stood up.
Take me to your house boy. - he took the child by the hand and they left accompanied by the other children.

to continue.....