Thoughts

The old knight sat against the old tree in the courtyard watching the young squires sparring. The sun felt good on his aching legs. These brief respites felt good as he paid the price of many days in the saddle and quite a few blocked blows. It didn't take long for the squires to filter over and take a seat only to be followed by some seasoned knights. Everyone had learned that the words of this old knight were to be carefully listened too and remembered. After a bit the Captain of the Guard spoke up. "Sire, might you tell us a story and provide a few pointers?" The old knight nodded and slowly started a story.

"From my experience I have found that Brotherhood is the essence of what every squire needs. You can only go so far on your own. Why even the strongest is weak when facing the Brotherhood. You see the Brotherhood provides you knowledge of life, a base of experience no one man can assemble and companionship when you feel the loneliest. I would even believe that if you avoid the Brotherhood then your days as a Knight will be counted in days and not years." The old knight paused as if to recollect his thoughts.

The Captain looked about and from what he saw he could almost pick out the ones who would succeed and those who will possibly never see their second battle.