Lockpicking: 20Perk Points Avail: 7
Maintenance: 15Perk Points Avail: 5 –

Father/Martin: “Boy, now before I train you to be a proper blacksmith, you will learn how to be a proper locksmith.”

Henry: “Locksmithing? I thought we just make swords and stuff like that.”

He sighed before correcting his son.
Father/Martin: “Only some people can afford “stuff like that” let alone use it, but everyone needs a lock. Sometimes 2. And sometimes they may lock themselves out of things they be needin to get in.”

Henry: “Why not just break the lock?”

Father/Martin: “Because, you may not have noticed, but most people aren’t exactly drowning in coin. They tend to be grateful when you can save ‘em some groschen. Now enough talk. Get to working those locks.”

Henry: “For how long?”

Father/Martin: “Until I tell you to stop! And we’ll do it again tomorrow, and the day after until I feel you’re good enough for us to move on to something else. Don’t worry, I’ll still teach you how to do some repairing and the like, but your main focus will be minding locks for the time being.”


Stealth: 20Perk Points Avail: 8 -

But learning his father’s trade wouldn’t be enough for Henry. He needed to travel and that meant he would need to know how to defend himself. Besides, how could his father expect him to be around swords but not learn anything about how to use one? Henry decided he would try to teach himself since he didn’t know anyone that knew sword fighting but first, he had to become good at sneaking in an out of the house.

It took a lot of practicing but, while he was no master of stealth, eventually Henry was able to get in and out of his home with ease. He would sneak out every so many nights to where the sheep gathered and practice as best he could for an hour or two. Henry knew he wasn’t very good or making any real progress, but he never stopped trying.


Strength: 20Perk Points Avail: 10
Agility: 20Perk Points Avail: 5
Vitality: 20Perk Points Avail: 7
Unarmed: 15Perk Points Avail: 0 -

If anyone else had happened upon Henry they likely would have thought him hopeless, but a mysterious person had observed him a few times and saw something more. As a result, they gave Henry some advice on a couple of occasions.

Hooded Figure: “You’re dropping the blade too much.”

His voice never sounded… right, and yet it carried an authority to it. It had an air of nobility in it despite the stranger’s claim that he was simply a skilled sellsword. It was like the stranger was using something to hide his real voice in addition to wearing a mask and hood to conceal his face.

Regardless, the Henry could understand him clearly and the slight adjustment made a significant difference in Henry’s stance and swing. He was excited and although this was only the third time he was given advice by this person, he felt like he had helped him more than anyone could. Surely this stranger had more knowledge he could impart to Henry.

Henry: “Why don’t you teach me?”

Hooded Figure: “I just did.”

Henry: “I meant like, really teach me.”

He scoffed before responding.
Hooded Figure: “You wouldn’t want that.”

Henry:”Pardon, but how could you know what I want?”

Hooded Figure: “You want to play at swords and I’ve given you about as much help as I’m willing for such low aspirations.”

Henry: “I assure you it’s not a game to me! This is about… I… I work the locks like my father tells me knowing one day I’ll work the hammer, hang with my friends and my girl, and I know I should be happy. I know this is a blessed life… but there is something that won’t let me be… pleased with this living. Like staying here would be settling if I don’t try to do more. To be more! So this isn’t play for me. I’m not sneaking out at night and being tired while I do choirs in the day for something that is simply play. This is everything to me!”

Hooded Figure: “And what would you do? What would you risk at a mere chance, not a promise, but only a sliver of a chance to be more, Henry?”

Henry: “Anything. Everything. I sometimes have guilt for feeling this way, but to continue like this don’t feel much like living. Not for me anyway.”

He folded his arms as he stared at Henry, then took a deep breath.
Hooded Figure: “Fine. I will teach you. I’ll give you the chance you so desire. But you will do as I say. For what you truly want, if what you claim to be in your heart is true, learning how to use a sword will not suffice.”

Henry could hardly contain his excitement and opened his mouth a few times without words escaping them, only the occasional nonsensical sound before he was finally able to make intelligible speech again.
Henry: “You have my word! I mean that, Sir!”

Hooded Figure: “And of course, I won’t be able to meet you most nights boy, but I will expect you to continue in our work and build on your progress alone whenever I am not present. Is that understood?”

Henry: “Completely!”

Hooded Figure: “If I ever get the impression you are not taking this serious, even for a seco-

Henry: “N-n-no! You won’t! You have my word!”

Hooded Figure: “Very well then. First thing, you will not touch a sword again until I say otherwise.”

Henry: “What? But why?”

Hooded Figure: “A sword is a tool, and like any tool it is only as useful as the one putting it to use. So if you truly wish to improve on your ability to use a weapon, you must improve yourself. Things like your movement and fortitude. Then we will work on your ability to fight without arms. And all the while, we work on teaching you to read.”
He noticed Henry’s confusion at the last statement and decides to address it.
“The mind controls the hands which wield the sword so it stands to reason that we should strengthen it as well, no?”

Hooded Figure: “Ah, yes. Of course, Sir.”

Hooded Figure: “Good. Now, let me show you the exercises you will be doing every day. And Henry, Do remember to tell no one of these lessons.”

Henry: “I know. You do not wish to be found out given your profession.”

Hooded Figure: “Uh… yes, that too… but also, there’s an advantage to being underestimated, my boy. If you listen to me, you’ll rival knighthood in capability, however, you must remain purely a commoner in common and noble eye alike.”

Henry: “Okay. I think I understand.”


Axe: 15Perk Points Avail: 2
Bow: 20Perk Points Avail: 0
Dagger: 2Perk Points Avail: 0
Mace: 15Perk Points Avail: 2 –

Hooded Figure: “You’re wearing those vambraces because otherwise you would surely hurt yourself. You’re learning archery because it is important to be versatile. The Emperor, God rest his eternal soul, required this knowledge of all his knights and with good reason.”

Henry: “It’s just so difficult!”
He said as he strained to aim while maintaining the bow at full draw.

Hooded Figure: “You certainly make it look like it is. But chin up. Keep at it and you’ll be less than terrible at this in no time. Maybe. Now hurry it up, there are other weapons to teach you as well. While I’m not as skilled with them as a blade, what I show you will make for a good start.”


Hunting: 3Perk Points Avail: 1


Hooded Figure: “And there’s the look I was… well, looking for.”

Henry: “What look?”

Even with his voice not sounding right, it was clear that he was now briefly changing it to mock Henry as he spoke.
Hooded Figure: “The “And why am I doing this?” look.”

Henry: “Well… why am I… doing this?”

Hooded Figure: “Because you never know. Anything could happen and even a knight may need to know how to pickpocket. What if you’re captured someday and stealing the key off one of the brigands is the only way to escape?”

Henry: “And you’re sure this is how it’s done?”

Hooded Figure: “I’m a mercenary, not some master thief… but this should be the gist of how it works… I think. Just do as you’re told.”
Henry laughed some before doing as he was told.


Alchemy: 5Perk Points Avail: 2
Herbalism: 8Perk Points Avail: 1
Reading: 20Perk Points Avail: 8
Speech: 20Perk Points Avail: 5
Sword: 20Perk Points Avail: 8 -

Henry was caught off guard by a move performed by his mentor but he recovered quickly then engaged again. His mentor then asked a question as their weapons clashed.
Hooded Figure: “What are the just causes for war?”

Henry: “Whuh?”
The question caused him to lower his guard just enough to be slapped to the ground by the training sword in his mentor’s hands.
“What are you on about?”
Henry snapped angrily as he sat up.

Hooded Figure: “The Book of Deeds of Arms and of Chivalry? You know, the book you should have finished at least close to twice by now?”

Henry: “I mean, yes, right… but why would you ask me about it while we’re sword fighting?”

The mentor assisted Henry in standing as he responded.
Hooded Figure: “A mind must be even sharper than the sword it wields and to have a truly sharp mind, it must be able to handle more than a single task at a time.”

Henry: “Well... I suppose that makes sense.”
He then took notice as to how hard he was struck due to the persistent pain.
“But the way you’re beating me, my mom is sure to notice the marks from tonight’s training session.”

Briefly, he stared off as he spoke.
Hooded Figure: “Your mother’s a remarkable woman yes, but I mainly strike where your injuries would be concealed by your garments, or in the case of your head, obscured by your hair. So, observant as she often is, I doubt even she would notice.”

Henry: “Ha! You speak almost as if you know her. But irregardless, you’re probably right.”

He swung at Henry forcing him to block, before correcting him.
Hooded Figure: “Irregardless isn’t a word Henry. It’s just regardless.”

He responded almost playfully while trying to counter attack.
Henry: “Regardless, then!”

Hooded Figure: “We’ll make a wordsmith out of you yet, Henry. And when we’re done, I’ll show you some plants that will help with your injuries. Except the ones to your pride of course.”
They both chuckle as they continue clashing.
“Now tell me, what causes serve as justification for war?”

Henry: “For the sake of law and order, to defend….”


Defence: 20Perk Points Avail: 5
Warfare: 18Perk Points Avail: 4 -
Reading :: (1 perk point spent in cartographer to reveal the whole map)

One night, instead of the usual book on something like alchemy or plants, Henry’s mentor gave him a map to study. When his mentor arrived some fortnight or two later, later, things were to go in a surprising and welcomed direction for Henry.

Hooded Figure: “Have you been studying the map I gave you?”

Henry: “Of course. It’s a map of all Bohemia. I even took the liberty of traveling to a few spots in order to scout them.”

Hooded Figure: “Excellent. One must not only know their home, but as much as that which surrounds it as well. You’d be surprised how many an army have been conquered by a poor sense of direction.”

Henry: “Understood, Sir.”

Hooded Figure: “Point to where the nearest mines are.”
Henry quickly does so.
“Good. There’s been reports of… rather, I’ve been given a job to dispatch of some bandits that may have their eye on that prize. You’re coming with me. Training can get you far, but it carries you much further only with experience. So! I won’t be splitting my pay with you, but you can take whatever loot we find, if any. However, your real payment will be that experience.”

He was so excited he could barely get out the words.
Henry: “Erm… yeah! Yes, sir! Of course! Thank you!”

Hooded Figure: “Alright, enough of that. On with you now. Lead the way.”


Horsemanship: 5Perk Points Avail: 2 -

Henry had become proficient in combat by regularly dispatching of bandits and other criminal elements. Occasionally, since these types loved to gamble, he came across a dice. Most of the time, these die were pretty normal, but on occasion he actually found one worth keeping. He was able to travel pretty far and, while there were some close calls, would manage to get back before his parents woke. One time, his adventures managed to take him as far as Neuhof where he managed to foil a horse theft. The horse he rescued was Bayard. And while initially, the he had to figure out how to handle the steed, him and the horse bonded on their ride back to the stable. The owner of the stables there was appreciative of Henry’s help and decided she would offer Henry the occasional horse riding lesson as a show of appreciation.


Main Level: 19Perk Points Avail: 9 -

Henry seemed to be almost entirely useless during the day. It seemed as though he had made no progress at all on learning locks. His father didn’t know what to do with him but something had to be done. He refused to have a layabout for a son. He thought that maybe if he let Henry help him with Sir Radzig’s sword, it might motivate him and he may start taking his would be trade seriously.

Father/Martin: “I refuse to think that you’re just incapable of work, Henry. I think it’s just motivation you be lacking in. So I’m going to let you help me finish one of the finest swords I’ve ever made so you can see and feel what it’s like to really do our craft.”

Henry was so exhausted as he had stayed out extra late the night before as he decided to take on 2 bandit camps rather than one. He also let someone named Vanyek show him a few things in regards to sword fighting. Henry thought today would be an easy day and he was about to see just how wrong he was. He could barely get out a response.
Henry: “Okay father.”

Father/Martin: “That’s it, eh? ‘Okay father’. Boy, you have some right nerve to not appreciate what I’m trying to show you!”

It was difficult for Henry to keep his eyes open. Even the light from the sun seemed to weigh enough to push his eyelids down, but he summoned as much energy as he could to reply to his father.
Henry: “I appreciate it. I promise. I’ll get the things you’re asking for and I’ll be back Sir.”

Father/Martin: “Okay. That’s more like it.”

After retrieving the cross-guard, Henry went to Kunesh, who was surprised by the eloquence of Henry’s words and decided to, instead of using them to purchase enough beer to drown his sorrows later, give him the few coins he had hidden. He was about to buy coal when Vanyek offered him one final lesson before he left. Afterwards, with the money he got from Kunesh, he paid for the coal and the ale from Bianca. While waiting for the ale, he talked his friends out of taking action against Deutsch. He was even able to convince Fritz… though the boys simply found some other mischief to get into. Bianca mistook Henry’s yawning as him being bored of what she was saying, but the rap she gave him to the arm woke him a little. He apologized and lied to her about why he was tired, as he typically had been doing as of late, so they parted amicably. He then delivered everything his father requested.

Theresa arrived to get the nails her father had requested. She chuckled to herself as Henry looked like he was going to topple over. He was about to use an excuse, but she dismissed the need for him to do so as she glanced a moment at Henry’s father. It was like she was aware of Henry trying to keep something secret, though she didn’t know what it was… but was still trying to help him keep it.

Henry: “Ah yes, here’s your nails. And uh, thank you for uh... for…”

Theresa: “Waiting?”

It wasn’t what he was going to say, but clearly he wasn’t too sharp right now or else he wouldn’t be possibly drawing attention to the fact that Theresa covered for him in some way. Thank God she was wide awake.
Henry: “Yes. For your patience. Thank you.”

Theresa: “Of course. Take care, Henry. And thank you, Master Martin.”

He nodded to her as she walked away. Then grinned at Henry as he managed to have enough strength to watch Theresa as she walked away.
Father/Martin: “Good lass that one. Alright, enough staring at her. Let’s finish this blade.”

The sword was beautiful, and it wasn’t even polished yet. His father tested it, and like a fine blade, it easily cut the wood he stuck in the ground. Radzig arrived, with a guest, and tested the sword. It was then that Radzig, against the protests of Henry’s father, asked him to try cutting the wood. Henry took the sword and initially he was about to cut the wood but remembered what his mentor had taught him about hiding one’s true capabilities. He pretended to fumble and knock the wood to the ground rather than cutting it. Expecting to see disappointment, Henry was surprised to see Radzig had an odd smile. There was something oddly familiar about it and it was strange because it wasn’t like he was amused. It was almost like he was proud for some reason.

Radzig: “No worries. Martin can teach you. I can’t imagine that this will be too difficult for you to learn. Especially with a teacher as skilled as your father.”

More pleasantries were exchanged before Radzig and his guest took their leave.

His father decided now was the time to try to have a man to man type of conversation with Henry. They weren’t long into it when it was interrupted by a massive force starting to attack their city.

Father/Martin: “You head to the castle. I’m going to get your mother.”

Henry: “But father, I can-”

Father/Martin: “You can what!? What Henry!?”

His father, in addition to what he felt given the sudden attack, was angry as he felt like Henry was being insolent. Without saying anything else, his expression was saying now was not the time for such disrespect. But Henry was just… He really could help. Should Henry push this? Could he? Or would that be defying his father?
Henry: “Nothing, Sir.”
He said submissively.

Father/Martin: “Alright! Now do as you’re told!”

And so he did. As quickly as he could, but as Henry approached the castle and saw everyone running because they had to, he looked at the sword in his hand and decided, no… he didn’t have to run. He could help others make it. But when he ran towards the inner part of the town, he stopped dead in his tracks. This was nothing at all like facing down a few bandits. This was an army. Henry had seen nothing like this before. There were so many and they were so well equipped… and cruel. The very sight was paralyzing. And that was when he noticed his parents get cut down. He wanted to avenge them right then, but his body, perhaps the wiser, wouldn’t allow him to advance on his parents’ killer.

Somehow, someway, he thought that obeying his father’s last commands would… he didn’t know. But now he had to do it. So he bolted back towards the castle but once inside, he heard someone mention Talmberg and he decided to take one of the horses and leave the castle to head to warn the town. The horse was startled by the door starting to raise and Henry was thrown from it but managed to roll and recover quick enough to run up the still rising door and jump across.

Guard: “Henry!! What the fuck are you doing!”

Henry: “I’m going to Talmberg to warn them! Don’t worry about me!”

Before the guard could respond, Henry took off towards a nearby exit that was away from most of the fighting. He figured that this army had to have some horse riders so he would be able to take one and ride to Talmberg. He could see a few horses in the distance. As he ran for them, he realized he was near Theresa’s house and then he could hear her screaming. There were 3 attackers trying to rape her. Henry had a quick flashback to being paralyzed with fear when his parents needed him and it sparked a rage in him. Perhaps this anger made it to where he felt as though he deserved to die, or maybe he needed there to be at least one person he wouldn’t fail or else what good was all that time he spent training and learning, but Henry was going to save Theresa no matter what.

Theresa’s attackers were so focused on their malicious intentions for her that they didn’t even notice Henry run up even though he was employing very little of his stealth abilities and instead was moving quick so he could ambush them. He immediately slaps off the mask and helm of one of her attackers then stabs through their throat. Then he stabbed through another attacker. Despite not being familiar with this particular armor, it was similar enough for him to know where to attack so his blade would pass right through them. Theresa, didn’t even look to see what exactly was happening. She only knew that she had a window to escape and used it. The last attacker tried to attack Henry, but he easily fended off his attacks, created an opening, and then killed him. Henry then started swinging wildly at the corpse taking out all of his fury and screaming as the sight of his parents being murdered played over and over in his mind. If not for other soldiers taking notice of him and closing in, there’s no telling how long he would have continued. Henry came to his senses just in time to mount one of the horses and flee.

The ride wasn’t as easy as he’d thought it would be as more attackers came from seemingly out of nowhere and were intent on him for some reason. While he wasn’t extremely skilled, he seemed more skilled at riding a horse than those after him, even after being struck by an arrow. He did some maneuvers and lost most of his pursuers before reaching Talmberg. It was there that the archers at the castle dealt with the remaining numbers.

Henry was taken in and, thanks to Lady Talmberg, given a proper bed to rest in… though he couldn’t really sleep. Lady Talmberg entered his room in the middle of the night, seemingly unable to sleep herself and Henry shared the story of what happened and in turn, she shared her tale of tragedy with him.

Despite being advised not to by Radzig, Divish, and Robard, Henry decided he must bury his parents after Sigismund’s army was turned away. Though she felt it wise for him not to leave, Lady Talmberg gave Henry the idea of dressing up like a Talmberg guard and escaping that way. The idea worked and he managed to leave with the horse he road in on.

He dug a plot large enough for both his parents under the linden tree near his once home, but when Henry went to move his parents, the weight of his grief was so great that it made his body ache. He felt as though his arms were as heavy as stone. That is when bandits made their presence known. The largest among them was saying something, but Henry couldn’t hear him over his own pain. He understood enough to know that he should draw the sword he was supposed to give to Radzig. The large bandit approached. It was unclear as to whether or not Henry could have one, but this definitely should have been more of a fight given Henry’s skill. Instead, he allowed himself to be almost instantly defeated. Like he saw this as a fitting punishment for his cowardice during the final moments of his parents. The giant thug beat Henry nearly to death. He then decided to kill Henry with his own weapon. Henry closed his eyes, not just accepting his fate but, wanting his life to end.

Main Level – 19 :: Perk Points – 9
Strength – 20 :: Perk Points – 10
Agility – 20 :: Perk Points – 5
Vitality – 20 :: Perk Points – 7
Speech – 20 :: Perk Points – 5

COMBAT
Defence – 20 :: Perk Points – 5
Warfare – 18 :: Perk Points – 4
Axe – 15 :: Perk Points – 2
Bow – 20 ::
Dagger – 10 ::
Mace – 15 :: Perk Points – 2
Sword – 20 :: Perk Points – 8
Unarmed – 10 ::

SKILLS
Alchemy – 5 :: Perk Points – 2
Drinking – 8 :: Perk Points – 2
Herbalism – 8 :: Perk Points – 1
Horsemanship – 5 :: Perk Points – 1
Hunting – 5 :: Perk Points – 2
Lockpicking – 20 :: Perk Points – 7
Maintenance – 15 :: Perk Points – 5
Pickpocketing – 5 :: Perk Points – 2
Reading – 20 :: Perk Points – 8 (1 pt spent in cartographer to reveal the whole map)
Stealth – 20 :: Perk Points – 8


When next his eyes opened, Henry was in a bed. He didn’t feel well enough to do anything more than open his eyes slightly and even that didn’t last long. His lids closed as a woman approached him. Henry could hear humming. It was sweet and soothing, then he felt a warm rag. The combination was enough to make him fall asleep again even though he still hadn’t fully opened his eyes.

Finally, days later, he was able to open his eyes and keep them open. Henry discovered he could sit up as well.

Theresa: “Hallelujah! I was starting to think that you’d never wake up, Henry.”
She explained to him where he was and what had happened. Henry was appreciative especially after learning that she had taken care of burying his parents.
“It was what any good Christian would have done.”

Henry: “I’m still thankful for… what you did. But why were you there? In Skalitz I mean?”

Theresa: “Waiting to die. After they slaughtered my family, I had nothing to live for.”

Henry: “Don’t say that, there’s always hope.”

She seemed to think back to something that happened before responding.
Theresa: “I suppose you’re right.”

Henry: “Of course I am. I mean you escaped those Cumans after all. There had to be some hope in the world for that to happen.”

Theresa: “That’s what I was thinking about actually. Praise be to God, of course. All definitely seemed lost just before- Wait. How do you know what happened to me?”

Henry: “Uh. Well erm, I didn’t. That’s why I was saying that escaping Skalitz was a miracle and a reason to believe in hope.”

Theresa: “No you said ‘escaped THOSE Cumans’. Did you see what happened? Were you? By Christ, that was you wasn’t it?!”

Henry: “What? Me where?”

Theresa: “You saved me! It all makes sense now.”

Henry: “Me? No. I’m just a layabout. I mean if I saw what happened I would have tried but more than likely I would have just gotten us both ki-”

Theresa: “Henry stop it! I noticed there was something different about you for some time. Before, you and your friends seemed decent enough but it was like you never grew up.”

He laughed a little.
Henry: “Gee thanks.”

She laughed as well.
Theresa: “Well it’s true. Before, I never would have… well. I was seeing you differently than I used to. I was starting to… It was a good difference in you is all. Anyway, if not for you, Henry. I shudder to think…”

Henry: “You saved my life too remember? I’d call us even.”

They smiled at each other for a few seconds before the moment was interrupted by Theresa remembering something important.
Theresa: “Also, that chest you had hidden and locked away inside another chest is now over there… in that chest.”
She smiled finding the sentence a bit humorous.

Henry: “Wait. How? I mean how did you know where the compartment was? How did you even get it open?”

Theresa: “Well, I had to write your instructions down as they were a bit odd, but yeah. I managed it. It was quite a lock you had there. I’m not even sure my Uncle would have been able to pop that one open.”

Henry: “So… I told you about my stash?”

Theresa: “I thought you might not remember, but you kept pushing everyone away when they were trying to bandage you up. You wouldn’t stop until you could tell me what to do. Then you passed out. I brought you here, to make sure you were safe of course, then I traveled back to Skalitz. You had a lot of things there, Henry. If not for your friend, I’d probably still be there loading the cart.”

Henry: “My friend?”

Theresa: “Well, he didn’t say who he was to you really, but he definitely knew you well and granted he helped me load your things, escorted me here, and also left you a horse, I assumed him to be at least a friendly acquaintance. He looked in on you briefly but was quick to leave.”

Henry: “What did he look like?”

Theresa: “Couldn’t say on the account of the mask and hood he wore. He half scared me into my grave when he first appeared as I thought him a bandit.”

Henry: “A mask? Do you remember anything else about them?”

Theresa: “They claimed to be a mercenary? Oh, and they had obviously been chewing on dandelion root.”

Henry: “Dandelion root?”

Theresa: “Yes. To change his voice.”
She got a pained look on her face while smiling at a pleasant memory.
“My brothers and I used to occasionally slip some into our father’s beer to play a joke on him.”
Some tears almost escaped but she choked them down.

Henry: “Theresa, I’m truly sorry about what happened to your family?”

Theresa: “What? No! It wasn’t your fault and besides, you… all of us that were able to survive. We grieve.”
She briefly drifted off before snapping back to the conversation.
“Oh and don’t worry, I never saw what was in the chest and I made sure that lout, didn’t either. You’ll have to talk to him by the way. My Uncle racked up quite a bill caring for you and he’s going to want that paid back. But watch your things around him. I’m thankful to him for taking us in, but he has no issue with “finding” things that belong to someone else if you get my meaning.”

He chuckled.
Henry: “Yes. I think I do. And don’t worry. I’ll pay back my debt.”

Appreciative of her extraordinary support, he decided to tell her everything while opening the chest and allowing her to also see its contents. She listened intently to everything Henry had been doing. When Henry explained that this added to his guilt of not knowing what to do and his parents dying, she comforted him as he cried in her arms. Then she did something that Henry didn’t think would be possible, especially when he was looking up at the giant bandit about to kill him. Theresa made it feel like it would be possible for him to forgive himself for what happened. Not today, but someday. Then he went back to talking about his training from reading to hunting treasure and the times he had close calls sneaking out of, or back into, the house.

Theresa: “So I was right. You were different. So the man I met was the one who taught you?”

Henry: “Yes, he made me into something. And I admit, that couldn’t have been easy.”
Henry was confused as to the contents of the chest and Theresa, now that Henry’s story seemed done, decided to ask him about this.

Theresa: “Is something wrong? Is everything there!? I swear if my Uncle took anything I’ll-”

Henry grinned at her intensity.
Henry: “No no. It isn’t that. Quite the opposite. A lot of these things are… well I don’t know how they would have gotten their hands on them. Surcoats, armor, these weapons. Incredible.”

Theresa: “Amazing, Henry.”

Henry: “Aye.”

Theresa: “Hey, what’s this? Looks like a note.”
She handed it to him and though she was briefly tempted to read over his shoulder, decided to sit in front of him.

Henry: “It’s from my mentor. There was nothing more for him to show me. He regrets not being able to tell me that in person, but such is life. It also says that they were sorry for my loss, but like a knight I must be forged by my hardships rather than crushed by them. I am to try to enter Radzig’s service. And while these is still room for improvement, I shouldn’t doubt that I’m good enough to serve him. Post Scriptum – Every proper knight needs a horse and they heard that I am familiar with this one. They also need a good weapon. God guide me and… he called me lad.”
He smiled and laughed.

Theresa: “So what will you do?”

Henry: “Well, he’s right. I can’t give up. Besides, what would it look like to tell you there’s always hope and then I stop trying to move forward?”

Theresa: “True. That would look bad. Besides, Skalitz may be gone…”
She lifted one of the Skalitz surcoats and placed it against Henry’s chest.
“But its people still need you. Sir Radzig, will need you.”

Henry: “Maybe, I don’t know. Either way, I’m going to try. First thing’s first though. I need to square things with your Uncle.”

Theresa: “Oh right. In that case, no need to look too regal. My Uncle, given the horse, is likely already going to try to hit you hard. No need to encourage his worse tendencies. Here are your clothes. I fixed and cleaned them up for you.”

Henry: “This all will do nicely. And it would likely be best if I went to Sir Radzig like this rather than prematurely wearing a Skalitz cloak.”

She laughed some.
Theresa: “True. Might be strange to see you wearing full armor and a surcoat before you’re actually accepted into his service.”

He laughed with her then smiled.
Henry: “I can’t thank you enough, Theresa.”

She leaned in and kissed Henry on the cheek before smiling warmly. Henry smiled back almost shyly.
Theresa: “I’ll leave you to it then. I have to get to work anyway. If you need anything Henry-”

Henry: “I know I can count on you.”

Theresa then went outside while Henry changed his clothing. Soon it would be time for him to serve Skalitz in a way he couldn’t before it was destroyed and when that time came, that time when Sir Radzig would accept him into his service… Henry would be ready.