Post by Maelgwyn ap Cadwgan (TOG) on Jun 23, 2018 20:06:29 GMT
At the inner courtyard of Car Kells the sound of horses and men readying for march filters through, spiralling leafs dancing through the entrance on the autumn wind accompany the clamour. In the the courtyard itself a small entourage organizes itself around an armoured form propped up on a restless steed. With an undertone of pain and frustration the Lord Militant of the Temple guides his attendants as they busy themselves girding him to his saddle. With his legs strapped to the saddle it bandages are obvious between his partial armour. His left arm from the shoulder down a bundle of salved cloth and the protruding fingers clearly heavily burned.
"That strap needs to be tighter ..no, leave the shield there ..yes, that side needs more support. You'll need to tighten it, my arm is useless, Creator help me."
Into the bustling group the Archpriest then strides after emerging from the sanctuary, the squires and laymen in attendance slowing down while casting looks at eachother.
"Will you not let your commanders lead this attempt old friend?" Maelgwyn looks at Rhydderch with a carefully maintained expression, yet slight lines of worry are visible at his eyes.
Rhydderch looking down from his mount answers only, "They are my men and women, I will not let them go forth into the horrors of the north without my guidance. We have lost many a brother and sister in this endless war, and I must guide them."
"My most trusted lieutenant and friend, we have suffered much in this struggle, that is true. But this time we must let our allies lead up north. Our Temple and our isle faces myriad threats and the Temple Militant needs your guidance here." Maelgwyn with a melancholic smile places his hand on Rhydderch and with a short prayer the pain seems to move a little from the latter's eyes.
Motioning to the knight's side he draws attention to an already reddening spot that is slowly expanding. "Our Temple needs our Lord Militant and his expertise. If you are travelling in that manner, I will accompany you."
After a long look is exchanged Rhydderch sighs wearily, "And you are needed here, so this in turn means I cannot be responsible for our absence. Very well. Culdain will lead and meet up with Dál Riada's princess."
Maelgwyn slowly nods, from the surrounding attendants a palpable feeling of relief is obvious.
"That strap needs to be tighter ..no, leave the shield there ..yes, that side needs more support. You'll need to tighten it, my arm is useless, Creator help me."
Into the bustling group the Archpriest then strides after emerging from the sanctuary, the squires and laymen in attendance slowing down while casting looks at eachother.
"Will you not let your commanders lead this attempt old friend?" Maelgwyn looks at Rhydderch with a carefully maintained expression, yet slight lines of worry are visible at his eyes.
Rhydderch looking down from his mount answers only, "They are my men and women, I will not let them go forth into the horrors of the north without my guidance. We have lost many a brother and sister in this endless war, and I must guide them."
"My most trusted lieutenant and friend, we have suffered much in this struggle, that is true. But this time we must let our allies lead up north. Our Temple and our isle faces myriad threats and the Temple Militant needs your guidance here." Maelgwyn with a melancholic smile places his hand on Rhydderch and with a short prayer the pain seems to move a little from the latter's eyes.
Motioning to the knight's side he draws attention to an already reddening spot that is slowly expanding. "Our Temple needs our Lord Militant and his expertise. If you are travelling in that manner, I will accompany you."
After a long look is exchanged Rhydderch sighs wearily, "And you are needed here, so this in turn means I cannot be responsible for our absence. Very well. Culdain will lead and meet up with Dál Riada's princess."
Maelgwyn slowly nods, from the surrounding attendants a palpable feeling of relief is obvious.