“So, I’ve alluded to it several times in our conversations, but I want to touch on the state of knighthood” Aero says “Most knights are not the chivalrous heroes we heard stories about in our youth.”
“I’ve wondered why you have a negative outlook on knights, but didn’t you say you are one?” Crimson asks.
“I am, and it was a huge honor to earn it. My mentor, Ser Stephan hasn’t personally knighted but a select few of his squires over the years. For him to accept me as a brother was the proudest moment of my life. But…”
“Ser Stephan, he’s the one you keep calling ‘the Broken Sword’ right?” Crimson interrupts.
“Yes. One of the honors bestowed upon a knight is they are given a title once their deeds become known. He was a squire, about fifteen years old, which was a couple years before I was born, when an assassination attempt was made on my father. He and his Knight, Ser Duran had to hold the throne room alone because of a trap laid that sent most of the castle guard to put out a fire in a row of shops in the square. Three men entered the throne room, and Duran fell. As the last line of defense, Stephan fought and defeated two of the men, delivering surgical killing blows to each. But the third man was carrying a large two-handed sword. When their swords met, the tip of Stephan’s sword broke off. Stephan was unfazed as he faced the man and used the break in his sword to slice the man’s throat.”
“So he got the name the Broken Sword.” Crimson interrupts again.
“Well yes and no. Stephan liked how much more the sword balanced in his hand with the break, so he took it to a smith who straightened the broken edge and put a slanted point at the end of his sword instead of a center point.”
“He still uses that sword?”
“Yes, so he is known by that name.”
“What’s your title.” Crimson asks.
“There have been several that were suggested but the only one that I am called by is ‘Ser Aero the Fin.’”
“Why are you called the Fin?”
Aero, clearly annoyed by the name as he said it with contempt, answers “On the Breaker Islands, they have people known as dolphin riders. When they are in the water, they grab the dorsal fin of a spear nose dolphin and swim next to them as they hunt.”
“So they call you that because of your blond hair, your islander eyes and features. It’s as if you could pop into the ocean at any time and ‘grab a fin.’” Crimson jokes.
“Exactly. Haven’t I explained this already?”
“Maybe.” Says Crimson with a grin on his face.
“What about these knights of today?”
“I’m trying to tell you, but you keep asking a lot of questions.” Aero replies.
“I’m sorry, I’ve just grown fond of these talks, and want to learn as much as I can.”
Aero smiles. He is surprised how comfortable he has gotten with the mysterious Crimson over these conversations. “It’s fine, what else are we going to do in this cave? Today’s knights by and large don’t add up to the knights of old. A lot of knights will sell a knighthood letter to another person. This has gone on for a few generations, so basically criminals are knighting criminals for personal gain. “
“Damn.” Crimson whispers under his breath
“These knights use their titles for personal gain. Stephan and I were chasing down bounties on false knights for a while. The problem is, these knights are like a hydra; you cut off one head, and two more would pop up in its place.” Aero states
“Or the King could decree all knighthoods void, and only allow certain people to have a knighthood.”
“Maybe when David sits on the throne, my father is barely aware the problem exists.” Aero reacts. “Stephan formed a small squad to combat these knights, I was a part of it with those bounties; but the envoy to Meego takes precedence according to my father. He wants that damn sword. He doesn’t care enough about the perils of the common folk; I believe David will with Stephan as an advisor.”
“The King doesn’t care, the king wants his sword, the king is distracted by his comfort women… I can tell you where the problem lies.” Says Crimson.
“My response would be considered treason.”
Crimson laughs, Aero has grown on him in the past few days. He has found himself wondering what his reaction would be if he started sharing his history with him. But it’s worse than treason, so he knows he must keep his mouth shut… At least for now.
“The high knights of the Capital are the worst. They get their titles from other knights of highborn families and enjoy the benefits.” Aero states.
“Benefits?”
“The Royal family set aside funds for a knight fraternity house in the capital. It’s a place that was intended to allow knights to rest as they pass through, or enjoy a meal or drink while they are in. A place of honor that would report the deeds of the knights in the kingdom. A place they named after the legendary knight, Ser Patrick the Maverick. Its commonly referred to as Maverick’s. It’s devolved into a glorified bar that allows the richest, and most influential to be seated in places of honor.”
“Sounds like the world would be a better place without knights.” Crimson says.
“Maybe you’re right.” Aero responds
Relics of the Old Age 