>>6006499>>6006519>>6006738You laugh, but it’s not as confident as before. “Unfortunately, this isn’t about honor and standing for us. We do have something to lose, and no narrative can reclaim it if we don’t get a victory here and now. Tell me who else I’m up against.”
“Right, where to begin…” Alphonse gazes up, determining the best way to divulge the information. “The remaining orders. Let’s start with your opponent. The Lion’s Lineage.” Alphonse points to a figure sitting stoically at a table near the center, surrounded by knights of the same banner. Looks like you’re not the only one who can’t socialize with these nobles. “The oldest surviving noble order of Wymund. They’re strict and disciplined, and until now have never had much interest in the Knights’ Clash. They’re fearsome opponents, though, their squires may not look like it… That’s the point of contention. They’ve been at odds with every new king and queen for quite a few generations over the issue of their code. Sons of the order are squires of the order, from the age they can stand steady and hold a blade. Some say their historical significance is the only thing keeping them from being degraded entirely and outlawed. They’ve participated in two Clashes, and won both.”
“Why’s an order of such high esteem granted runts like us on round one?” You ask, not meaning any offense to your own order.
“I don’t know, and cannot say the inner workings of how the brackets are formed. Ironically, it seems both of your orders are tied up with family matters. Rumor among attendees? Sir Yvaine is looking to step down as Grandmaster soon, but the race for succession is tense.”
You nod. You’ve always heard rumblings of the Lineage, even growing up. That every son is a squire under his father. There was always something sinister about that motto.
<—>CONTINUED<—>
