When the prince flooded the room in light he could not help but hold in for a second to admire the scenery unfolding in front of them. He was so captivated he didn't notice the princes question immediately and only realized his fauxpas once Weber had answered already and it took another few seconds to figure out how his words related to the happenings.
Upon understanding he was intrigued by what was to come next, he knew quite a lot about the nobility and many titles they carried but an Order of the Round Table was news to him.
Whatever its purpose was, it was a good time for them to step out of the shadows -quite literally if this was their table- and do their part in saving the Kingdom, implying they were more than an ancient legend brought from Sol.
Yet no one else was in the room as far as he could tell, so presumptions may have been premature he thought, turning his attention to the prince, awaiting him to unveil whatever this orders secrets were.
As the Prince enters, the room, Nigel quickly springs up from his seat and stands to attention. His eyes follow the Prince as he enters from the smaller door and heads to the huge double doors.
The Prince's next few words catches Nigel by surprise. Of course he is aware of the many Orders within the Bretonian Aristocracy, but the Order of the Round Table was a new one on him. His mind flashes back to the legends he had heard of, as a boy, and in particular the Arthurian Legends.
He looks past the Prince, as the room lights up, and notices the large round table. He momentarily stands there confused before he hears the alleged 'spook' utter his words. Nigel is even more shocked when he hears the the question "why do you ask?'' "Does this man not know Royal Etiquette?", he thinks to himself. Then a thought flashes quickly across his mind, that this man must be one of those that never engages his brain before he opens his mouth, isn't it obvious, with a Table, 12 places and swords, that this mysterious Order must exist?
Nigel clears his throat before saying "No, I am afraid I never knew of its existence, Your Royal Highness".
'I would like to be half as clever as some people like to believe they are' Life is full of disappointments, it is how we handle them that helps to define us, as a person
James lifted the sword, feeling its weight in his hand, it's golden hilt glinting in the light of the room
Correct Director. The Order of the Round Table does have it's basis in old Earth myth, but there are differing tales. Some tell of neighbouring minor kings, some tell of his knights, one text I have seen suggests the wizard merlin was granted a place on the table! But in all cases, the Order is, indeed, fictional.
He spun the sword in his hand, feeling the way it moved in the flourish. He moved back out from the table, placing the tip of the blade on the floor, resting his hand on the pommel
My time with the Queen has taught me a great many things about being head of state. We have had many discussions, but have both come to accept one day the mantle of leadership will fall to me. However, as a Prince, I too have certain powers, such as the ability to grant Knighthoods. With the Gallic advance imminent, and their focus Queen Carina, I feel it necessary to surround myself with individuals, experts in their chosen fields to start, should the worst come to pass. Carina has agreed that an Order of the Round Table would provide me with the necessary intelligence and wisdom to complete my learning, and shape me to one day become a better King for Bretonia.
I'm sure we all hope for many more years before it comes, but I like to prepare for everything. I blame the military for that.
He winked at McIntire with the last line, referring to his past, years ago in the military, before Carina had chosen him to be her Heir.
Gentlemen, kneel before me.
He allowed them to make a line before him, the three with their heads bowed
Today, the Knights of the Round Table leap from the pages of Myth, and join us in the folds of reality. Together we walk into the light united in the defence of Bretonia, the House we all swore to protect.
He picked up the sword, moving to McIntire first. He touched the flat of the blade on each of his shoulders, before taking one step backwards
Arise, Sir Jacob, Knight of the Round Table, Defender of Bretonia. Your expertise in the military has not gone unnoticed, and I would be honoured to have your wisdom at my table.
He paused, allowing him to say a few words before nodding and moving to the side. He did the same again, touching the blade on the shoulders of Weber, before taking a step back
Arise, Sir Harry, Knight of the Round Table, Defender of Bretonia. Your due diligence in information gathering will prove invaluable to this counsel. I would be honoured to have your guidance.
He paused again, allowing Weber a moment to speak before thanking him and moving to Hutchinson. Once more, he touched the blade to his shoulders, before stepping back
Arise, Sir Nigel, Knight of the Round Table, Defender of Bretonia. You have been a stalwart defender of order and justice in Bretonia for many years. This has not gone unnoticed. I would have your counsel, to ensure I am just and fair for all our Kingdom.
He stood, shaking Nigels hand as he said his own words, before James stood before all three once more.
In this room, at this table, we sit with no titles nor creed. We work with the interests of Bretonia at our heart. You will each find a sword upon the table with your own name engraved. I had them prepared for this occasion. Take it, a symbol of your mark of office. When we convene, you will place your sword upon the table, so that we might all recognise you as a member of this order. For now, return to your posts, Bretonia needs you.
When the prince asked them to kneel McIntire could not really believe what was about to come. In fact he was a bit baffled, never expecting to be granted such honor in his life. He thought he may get one or the other medal of the Armed Forces, but that was about all he ever imagined.
When the prince allowed him to say some words he needed a second to clear his throat.
I am.... You honor me your Royal Highness. I do not know what more I could say.
He bowed before the prince before he moved onto Weber, tears in his eyes, overwhelmed by what just happened.
When the Prince asked them to return to their posts he saluted and while leaving for the ride back to the Macduff tried to get his professional look back to his face, without a lot of success.
The sword he had tied to his belt felt heavy, but he would get used to it. It will, he had to imagine, make for a great symbol for their efforts and the never ending struggles Bretonia went through, as well as the bravery every man and woman who stayed loyal posessed within them. They had held out to this day, disregarding the odds. And if the day of Bretonias end was near, if everything broke apart, one thing was for sure: They would not lay down to die but fall in battle chanting. For Bretonia was not only worth fighting for, it was worth dying for.
As the blade touched his shoulders, the awareness of what it all meant struck him like a hammer blow. It was all very well and good to be part of something bigger than himself, but knowing that his responsibilities and burdens would no doubt increase made him question if it was worth it. He dispelled the thought as quickly as it came, of course it was worth it. The whole house was in dire straights and the prince himself had recognized him as someone who could help. This realization gave him a renewed sense of duty and he stood, meeting the prince's eyes for a moment before looking away and giving a bow. ''You will not be disappointed my lord. I shall endeavor to prove myself worthy of your trust.''