Malik had packed when he'd received the orders. There was no way that he, a somewhat unknown entity even after his many years of fine service to his king, was going to be able to stay in the capital of Windor while one of the major holds was taken over by ruffians. Or, at least that was how Archduke Cedric had said it when the king and Prince Richard were out of earshot.
If he was to prove his loyalty to his new homeland, he had to do this. He was sure that Cedric thought that he and Asbel were going off to die and that he'd then be able to send his own faction of the Knights to Lhant to put everyone down, but he was determined to prove to that weasel that he had earned his title, despite what he thought.
He looked up when he saw the redhead headed his way and watched him approach. Asbel was a fine soldier—disciplined, eager to learn new things, willing to listen to commands, loyal, and not prone to panicking—everything that Malik could want in someone following him. But he was still young and inexperienced. If something happened to the boy, Malik was pretty sure he'd never forgive himself. Just like that time. However, letting the past dictate how he handled things now would be pure foolishness. So, instead, he shook his head and hefted his pack onto his shoulder with the practiced movement of someone used to traveling.
"It's good to see that you're prompt. And that you know the importance of packing light." He turned towards the road, ready to get this over with as quickly and efficiently as possible. "Have you ever been to Duke Dalen's lands?"
no subject
If he was to prove his loyalty to his new homeland, he had to do this. He was sure that Cedric thought that he and Asbel were going off to die and that he'd then be able to send his own faction of the Knights to Lhant to put everyone down, but he was determined to prove to that weasel that he had earned his title, despite what he thought.
He looked up when he saw the redhead headed his way and watched him approach. Asbel was a fine soldier—disciplined, eager to learn new things, willing to listen to commands, loyal, and not prone to panicking—everything that Malik could want in someone following him. But he was still young and inexperienced. If something happened to the boy, Malik was pretty sure he'd never forgive himself. Just like that time. However, letting the past dictate how he handled things now would be pure foolishness. So, instead, he shook his head and hefted his pack onto his shoulder with the practiced movement of someone used to traveling.
"It's good to see that you're prompt. And that you know the importance of packing light." He turned towards the road, ready to get this over with as quickly and efficiently as possible. "Have you ever been to Duke Dalen's lands?"