The bronze armor of Helm was over his body, surprisingly light, and today it felt like a feather to the young man, the captain. Cladius smiled under his helmet, he was getting promoted and with that, an unspoken raise. It wasn't about the money, in reality, it was about being noticed. He never thought himself able to become a captain, though some would think to expect it sense Nerus was his trainer, and Military adviser but Cladius knew him better.

In the corner of his eye he spotted a young lady with blue cyan hair. It was Almorah; he wondered what the damsel was doing here. There were not particularly close, he could think of no other reason than perhaps the will of her father. She was indeed along.

"Rise Captain Cladius, and repeat the oath unto your king." The blonde haired man said with a deep voice.

Cladius raised his head as he stood up looking into the blue eyes of the king. He had a long dark blonde beard, with long curly hair falling to his shoulders. He wore a golden crown with a blue gem in the center. Around his body were robes, imbued with royal colors.

Cladius began the oath, "In the service of my king, I will never fall. As knights of Helm we sing, in the giant hall. I swear loyalty till death, and chivalry to my end. All Hail the king of Helm! For on this day, I swear my life to him."

"Go Captain Cladius and learn your new duties as captain."

"Yes sir." Cladius replied walking down the red carpet through the double doors.

He had a small crowed for his ceremony, only General Nerus had attended. Almorah had seemed to come, but Cladius knew not when she entered the room, or how she got in. The ceremony room had a throne and chairs everywhere for people to watch it took five minutes just to walk to the end of the carpet. Cladius glanced to the right watching Almorah speak to Nerus.

The giant stone room made voices echo throughout the chamber, making it too easy for Cladius to engage in a private conversation between the General and the lass. He ignored what he could, catching only key words. Cladius walked slowly down the red carpet, as Nerus called to him. The young knight turned his head back as the Nerus waved him in his direction.

"Cladius, I believe you have already met the lovely young woman in front of me. However, you are now her captain, and mentor. So I suggest you now get acquainted."

"General can I talk to you about this?" Cladius commented with a brow raised, "Privately."

"Excuse us one second Miss Quail."

Cladius and Nerus walked out the room as Almorah followed a few steps. The king had already left going back to the throne room, leaving Almorah in the big empty room along. Her eyes wandered off the walls, wondering if this was about her being a woman.

Cladius stopped looking into the General's eyes, "Sir. The woman's father died ten days ago, and this is the least of my issues. Second she is a woman, which brings another handful of problems."

Nerus raised his hand stopping Cladius from speaking more, "Look, I understand. But Rigger has taught her a lot. I know one of your first thoughts, and I know your second, because they're mine as well. First she is yes, a woman, and it is not typical for her to be in such a position. And yes, she is quite old to start training. I need you to finish her training, this is something the woman has dreamed of sense her childhood. Almorah is quite gifted as well, I know only two people who are better than her, and that would be me, and you. I have evaluated his skill, and she can handle herself. She just needs some shaping up."
"You can't be serious! A woman in battle, no woman should have to see such things! War makes men ruthless, something a woman should not be, and should never have to become. Besides I'm not better a swordsmen then the next knight." Cladius finished.

Nerus laughed, "You two will get along. Trust me Cladius, if you don't teach her, it will be a choice you will regret. You have so much potential, if you teach this woman she will, if you give her the right attention, surpass even me. You don't know it yet, but Cladius you are a much greater knight then I, you are my prize pupil."

"If it is your command, then I will do as you will." Cladius replied,

"It's not a command, it's a favor. I'll leave the final decision up to you. Just give her a chance is all I ask." General Nerus stated, "I would go talk to her if I were you."

Cladius watched as General Nerus walked off, leaving him along by the door way of the Ceremony room. The young captain turned looking into the door way, seeing the young woman leaning her body against the frame. He looked up at the ceiling, before meeting her gaze.

"I presume you know what we were talking about?" Cladius asked.

"I have my guess." The woman replied.

Cladius looked into her golden eyes as he thought, "How good is your arm?"

Almorah smiled. It had been the first smile she had in days. Her dream was finally a reality. She wanted to learn from the best of all the knights, and came to Nerus for such training, she didn't know, however, that Nerus considered Cladius a better swordsman then himself. It surprised her to know that a young captain and pupil of Nerus could surpass the greatest swordsman Helm has ever known.

"Follow me." Cladius replied.

Almorah had tried to hide her smile, as to not give away her excitement. Nerus had told her it was up to Cladius. She was nervous, even now, wondering if this was her ticket in, or a test to see her potential.

Cladius walked down a corridor and took a left until they walked out into a lush field. Almorah glanced back at the big wooden double doors reinforced with iron, as the two took steps down a cobble stone surface. They followed a small dirt path until Cladius opened a solid iron door.

Almorah looked around as masses of men glanced up looking at her. Some were nudging their buddies as she walked by and other were absolutely dumb founded. Some knights whispered to each other about if a woman was even allowed, others about her possible relationship with Cladius. It didn't seem to bother the young captain as he continued walking by.

Almorah stopped watching Cladius as he stepped to the side, showing Almorah the weapons and armor with an extended arm.

"I suggest you pick a sword and some armor. You'll need it." Cladius said plainly.

He was not over excited about this whole ordeal. He hoped to just see what she had and then dismiss her. Cladius knew that Rigger was a great swordsman however, and had probably taught her well. He had decided if she proved herself against a fellow knight, she would be accepted.

Cladius was already in his armor, he simple placed his helmet on. He swung his long sword in hand as he waited for Almorah to finish securing her armor. He waited patiently watching her struggle to put it on.

"New to armor", Cladius asked.

Almorah was quite not sure if to ask for help. She had gotten her shin guards strapped along with her breast plate; she now struggled with her arms.

"Do you want some help?" Cladius asked, "Armor is tricky to get on, and you not being a squire would prove it more difficult. Even great knights, however, have the pages and squires help them, there is no shame in it."

Cladius walked over helping her secure the arm straps, and then placing the pauldrons on top her shoulders.

"It's kind of heavy." Almorah replied.

Cladius smirked, "It takes some getting used to, but it is certainly worth it. I never really thought it heavy though." He paused and watched her place the metal helmet on her head, "Are you ready?"

"It feels a little loose." Almorah replied.

"It's to be expected, sense the armor is not correctly sized. Now, I'm going to spare a little bit with you to test your strength, then, I want you to beat one of the knights I call, if you win, I'll take you in. Understood?"

"Understood", Almorah replied with a nod.

Cladius escorted her to the training yard, the ground beneath them being gravel, dirt, and sand. Men were practicing archery and two where in an arena boxed off with wood. Some of the knights glanced back from their targets looking at the woman entering the training area. Wondering what a woman was doing in this area, even the Queen never came down here. Seeing a woman in these parts was peculiar, even to the men who fought unnatural forces.

Cladius pointed to the arena as he spoke, "I want you to join me in the ring. I'll excuse those men."

Almorah watched as he gently excused the men from the arena. Every moment the woman waited seemed like hours. It took only seconds for the young captain to enforce his will. Almorah watched carefully as she noticed him grab one of the men's arms, and the man gave a reinsuring nod. Cladius caught Almorah gaze waving her over to the arena.

"Are you ready?" Cladius asked placing his helmet on his head.

The helmets of Helm were barbutes with slim T shape for sight. The helmet had a simple crest as if to hold horse hair, but made only of solid steel. The bronze coloring gave it a simple yet beautiful look, even for the worn and used helmet of Cladius.

"I will follow you." Almorah replied.

Cladius smirked, the shadow of his helmet covering his face. He swung his sword in a circle, an improper thing to do, wondering if Almorah would pick up on it. She drew her sword out of her sheath holding her sword to her side. A few men surrounded the arena watching the two. Cladius raised his blade holding it in two hands.

Almorah gave a quick one-handed strike, easily parried by Cladius, and then countered with a smash into the side of her armor. The blades were dull, but the pain was still massive, the shear force demanding the armor to dent. Almorah held her side as another blow came her way, she leaned her body to the right avoided the initial attack, only to take another hit, Cladius's pommel hitting her head. Cladius followed up with a kick, forcing the woman to lose her balance, falling back first to the ground.

Within seconds she felt the crushing weight of the man on top her abdomen, forcing her on the ground and the blades point against her chest. Cladius had his sword in both hands using a half-swording, to prove his point.

"If this had been war, I would have thrust my blade through your heart." Cladius took his knee off her abdomen, reaching his hand out to help her up.

Almorah took his hand, rising to her feet, as she flinched at the blow given earlier. She adjusted her position until she was firmly standing on two feet. She had felt humiliated and like a total loss, the pain in her side a reminder of her shame.

"You did well." Cladius replied.

"But I lost."

"I never expected you to win. Jonathan, come hither." Cladius called out, as a young man came from the field.

The young man was a year or two younger then Cladius and his hair fell to his brow. He had a small beard starting to grow, and smiled at his captain. Cladius placed his hand on his shoulder and Almorah returned the smile.

"Jonathan, this is my...this is Almorah, I want to see you two in the ring together, can you do that lad?"

"Sure thing captain." the young man nodded.

Cladius turned to Almorah whispering in her ear, "I didn't get your side too badly, did I?"

Her side still throbbed, but she didn't want to give that knowledge away. She knew war would be much more ruff.

"No, I barely felt a thing." She winced.

Cladius smirked as he noticed her lie. He knew it had to hurt. If the blade had been sharp he would have sliced her in half. He was the only man known to be able to slice through the hard steel of Helm, not even their enemies had been able to. He didn't tell a soul, only Nerus and himself knew about this.

"I'll get your armor ready, when you are done sparing with Jonathan meet me at the smithy, he'll need to take your measurements. Go for a few rounds; get use to the weight of the armor." With that the Captain walked away as Jonathan's eyes widened.

"I-, um am new," Jonathan replied coughing into his hand to readjust his nervous behavior, "I haven't fought a woman before."

Almorah was slightly disgusted, how could he think her still as only a woman. Yet, she could understand, it was much more then rare to see a woman fighting with a sword, let alone sparring with a knight. She had to push such offense to the side as she was to take the challenger on. She was just happy that Cladius had taken her in.

"I'll excuse you then." Almorah replied.

Jonathan gave a small smirk, his brown eyes as if a begging dogs. He felt completely uncomfortable fighting a woman, he was afraid to even pick up his sword. However he had to follow his captain's orders. Cladius was just promoted, and he inspired Jonathan's actions, even though they were practically pears. He hesitated to draw his sword as Almorah drew hers. The thin T shape in her helmet made it impossible to see her face, only adding to his uneasy feeling.

Almorah smiled, hiding it under her helmet. It was hysterical to watch the man act with uncertainty. She placed her sword by her side, reading to attack the moment he drew his own sword. She counted to three, watching the blade move from the scabbard. She moved in quickly to get the first strike. Instinctively, Jonathan stumbled back to dodge the blow, the blade scrapping his chest plate.

Jonathan quickly slashed back at Almorah, his back on the ground. She took a leap back, not thinking to parry the panicked counter. Quickly Jonathan rolled to his side, until he could get his knees on the ground. She was better than he had expected. Almorah attacked once more, while he was on his knees, trying to knock him off balance. Jonathan ducked to get a kick to the face. The man tumbled back as the blade was pointed at his throat.

Jonathan slowly got back up, taking his helmet off, the cool breeze, refreshing his heated body.

"In a dual, it takes more than a single hand against an opponent's throat to win. In battle it would have gotten you killed." Jonathan replied.

"What do you suggest?" Almorah replied, taking her helmet off.

Jonathan smirked, hiding his surprise of the beautiful woman, "A two handed strike through his visor, or chest. When a man is in his armor he is protected enough from incoming strikes to withstand slashes. If you place your hand with the sword over his throat it will throw off your point making it easy for your potential enemy to slip away with only a scratch on his armor."

"Understood," Almorah paused, "should we go again?"

Jonathan smirked, "Why not?"

Cladius walked down the cool stone path looking at the stone and wooden houses. He brushed his glance to his side, looking for his favorite Smithy, Black Hand. Black Hand was of course, his sir name. Grant William Black Hand was the only smith he knew who could get the material's he needed. Cladius had decided he would take in Almorah as his own student, to finish her training. However, he felt a need to protect her because she was Rigger's daughter.

The newly made captain walked up stone stairs onto a giant stone surface, where Black Hand was working. There was a sign at the entrance in bold letters, BLACK HAND FORGE with a black painted hand holding the tittle. There were weapons to the side, along with common accessories such as nails, hammers, and horse shoes. Cladius reached over picking up a target shield, an uncommon shield to find in these parts.

"You have the finest workmanship I have ever seen."

"Hmmm, you are too kind to an old man such as I Cladius." Grant Black Hand replied, without the turn of his head.

Cladius waited to see if the smith would ask him his business. He stood there, as the hammer hit the anvil. Sparks flew up into the air as a soft hum came over the older gentleman.

"Have you come to buy a new blade, or perhaps the king has charged you with some new armor, hmmm?"

"I have taken in an apprentice." Cladius replied.

"Ah, so it is for conversation?"

"No, though I love the company." Cladius said politely, "I need you to fit her armor."

"Ah! A woman in armor! Can such a thing be true? What times these are, if Helm takes in woman." Black Hand said in surprise.

"I had a similar reaction at first, but she can handle herself, and it was even advised by my former master, Nerus. I'm not taking her in as a child, as knighthood should be, but rather as a lass. She needs only tuning, like a harp." Cladius replied.

"Well, certainly, if you and the general give me such confidence in the dame, I will work my finest steel!" Black Hand replied.

"She is no dame, yet, rather more a damsel." Cladius replied, "I would consider her behind, she's about the rank of a squire in his third year."

"Then why teach her? Is it simple a favor?" Black Hand asked.

"No, I see potential. I hope she can catch up." Cladius replied.

"Do you have her measurements or should I be expecting her on another day?"

"Actually she is on her way, however, I would like to make a certain request about the armor."

"Ah, you sweet on the lady I assuming? Spending extra cash to insure her safety?" The black smith teased.

Cladius smiled, "I've already explained that to you. I will give payment upfront."

"Should I write this down, or will it be a small list?"

"I would prefer you take a list."

"hmmmm, one moment."

Black Hand left walking inside his house to grab a writing utensil and paper. Cladius sat there waiting a while, spotting the blue haired woman nearly a mile off, on the slit incline of the city. The people and crowds in the city quit vibrant. He wondered if she could see him at the Black Hand forge. Cladius turned his head as Black Hand came back out, his body still covered in ash and coal.

"I will need the rarest steel; I think you know what I speak of, it is the white steel of the west. For the chain mail, I wish to be made scale mail, instead, using the scales of a dragon. For the cloth, make sure it is the thick and comfortable clothe from the north, strait from Inger. I don't want anything cheap, I want the finest line of production, if you can, even get the blessed cloth, that is said to be indestructible."

"Cladius do you even have the money for such things? Let along for my services with these items?"

Cladius grabbed the bursting bag of gold coins from his waist side tossing it on the table.

He smiled as he spoke, "There is more to come, I will cover all cost for the material, I will leave the girl with you, while I go home to retrieve the rest of the money."

"I thought you were saving that for a special someone?" Black Hand asked, confused.

"Money can always be earned again, not a life." Cladius replied, "I owe this to Rigger, I have to at least try to keep his daughter safe. I take this very seriously, this is my first apprentice."

Black Hand nodded with reassurance, having nothing left to say. Cladius left soon after for the money promised. Black Hand was looking over the list of materials he had written down, as Almorah slowly walked up the steps, with caution. She looked around to the left and to the right, as Black Hand observed her movements.

"Where is Cladius? I was told to meet him here?" The lovely voice asked the stern and frim black smith.

"Ah, young lady, your master has left to bring me the price for your armor." Black Hand smiled.

"Ah, Mr. Black Hand, were you not the one who made my sword years ago when I had come with my father?"

Black Hand grinned; Almorah was a woman now, as beautiful as ever, he chuckled before he spoke, "Yes, indeed. I'm flattered you remember me. You were but in your fourteenth summer."

"Was it that long ago? Perhaps why you look, with respect, much older," Almorah replied.

Black Hand chuckled, he knew he was an old man, yet the young lady was still polite in her speech. He loved to see that the young sweet girl he saw that day was still inside the young woman today.

"It seems that you still hold quit the spirit miss. I wish to give you my condolences on your father, He was a great man."

Almorah was taken back. The pain was still so fresh, the mention of her father like a stab to her sorrowful heart. She tried to hold back her tears, but knew it had failed, when she felt her wet cheek. She tried to smile, but it seemed beyond her ability. Black Hand's eyes widened as if he had killed a man and had not known it.

"I apologies," Black Hand stuttered.

Almorah whipped her tear from her face, "It's alright. Thank you."

"Miss Quail, if you don't mind, I think it best I start taking your measurements."

"I don't mind." Almorah replied.

Inside the woman was still weeping. Her heart was full of sadness, she had thought of how she would like to tell her father of her day. So many great things had happened. She was accepted by the greatest knight in Helm. But it seemed everything she wanted could still not fill the whole she now felt in her heart. She wondered how much longer this pain would last, or if it ever even left one's soul, if such things were possible.

Cladius came back seconds later, seeing the signs of tears in Almorah's face. He looked at Black Hand who was taking the last few measurements. Cladius was concerned but said nothing only grabbing the huge amounts of money off his horse. He took the bags and precious items off the horse. It was a fortune and then some. Almorah's mouth opened in surprise, how could such a man hold so much money?

"And done, you are free to go." Black Hand stated, writing the measurements down.

"I think we are done for the day, shall I take you home?" Cladius offered.

"No, I'm fine." Almorah replied.

"Are you sure?" Cladius questioned.

"Alright, you may take me home." Almorah said, changing her mind.

Almorah knew that it would take too long to get home form where she was, it would be over an hours walk. She had thought it over, and knew that the horse would be faster. She didn't wish to trouble the knight, but had little choice.

Cladius offered his hand, sitting Almorah in front the horse as he swung on himself. He gave a nod to Black Hand before thanking him as he took control of the horse. He sat behind Almorah as he directed the beast in the way Almorah informed.

"So follow this road?" Cladius asked.

"Yes." Almorah confirmed.

"Miss, Quail, is everything alright?"

Almorah's eyes darted down, knowing that inside she had been torn and left in sorrow, "Yes, everything is alright."

"Alright", Cladius replied, not wanting to push the young lady too far, "Well, as I have said before, if you ever need anything, I will be there."

The two sat in silence for the remainder of the ride, as Cladius continued to control the horse. The silence left Cladius to his thoughts, wondering if taking Almorah would truly be what Rigger would want, or whether he, admittedly, thought the woman to be beautiful. He left the back of the horse as he approached the damsel's house, lending his hand to the woman, as he helped her leave the beast. Almorah thanked him for the ride, as she walked to the door of her house.

Cladius mounted the horse once more, looking into its mane as he pondered. A big man came by looking at Cladius before he had time to leave. Cladius recalled from memory it being Almorah's brother, he had not been paying attention and had not seen him approach him.

"Are you courting my sister?" The man asked, with a slightly raised brow.

Cladius turned his attention to the man, "No, she simply needed a ride. And you are Agular Quail?

"Yeah, my advice, bring her a salig-ite flower. They're her favorite." Agular said with a smirk.

"Um, thank you?" Cladius replied with question of his motives.

"Look, I don't care what you consider to have with my sister, just make her happy, and I won't have any beef with you."

"I am her trainer." Cladius replied, letting the words trail off.

"Whatever you say; If Rigger trusted you, so do I."

"You seem much more stable about the subject then your sister."
"I and my father didn't get along. He always wanted me to become a knight. But I always had my eyes on farming. Don't get me wrong, he still supported me, but he could never respect the simple life like I could. I loved the man. But at the end of the day, I have to be the pillar for Almorah to lean on. I have to be stable."

"I understand."

"Good day Sir."

Cladius nodded as he turned his horse around, "If you need anything, Let me know."

"I'll take you up on that!" Agular replied with a small chuckle.

Cladius took his horse riding back to his home. It was dusk when he approached his stable, the sun haven set in the distance. There was a legend that the sun was placed in the sky for the lost son of Claydrin, but it was a simple rumor, and a story men told their children at night. Cladius recalled that men even used to say before there was no sun in the sky, and that the world was dark.

The young knight smiled to himself, wondering where he had heard these things. He starred up at the sky seeing the stars, as he led his horse into the small stable he had. He wondered about his day. Hoping he was doing right by General Nerus, and Rigger Quail.