Volume 1: Chapter 2: Young Blood part 2

The maw of the manor loosened its tightening grip on the right of passing. Slipping through on horse were several of the houses knights, and a man bedecked in gold, gilded armor, with red fabric worn underneath, and a full helmet.  His posture was upright, but lax, and his long, thin, brown hair slipped through the bottom of the helmet. His horse pushed forward while Hughs father jestured for him too stay put as he  tracked his leather boots through the mud. It was a somewhat odd exchange between the two. The man atop his horse plopped into the muddy earth with a forceful dismount. Hughs father made a few wild gestures with his hands, and a sorrowful look stained his stoic face. The man before him simply stood there with his hands on his waist, listening.

Shortly after, Hughs father led the horse and guided the men to the stable. The man bedecked in golden armor simply marched toward Hugh with an odd swagger about him. He took off his helmet, held it to his waist, smiled, and patted Hugh on the head with a wryful voice.

"So big man, you've upset mother."

His laughter slipped from his tongue, and Hugh responded in slight annoyance.

"Every man of the house was gone at the time, it's not as if mother could've noticed! Besides brother, how can you give counsel to father, you traitor?"

Hughs brother gave an exaggerated pose as if he'd been stabbed in the heart. His gaze fixed upon Hugh, and he leaned in close with what he believed to be words of wisdom.

"Oooh, you know absolutely nothing."

Again he chuckled.

"All matters of the house internal or otherwise are dictated by father. Mother may influence the decision, but she does not have the final say."

He then gave off a stupid smile only a fool could love when struck by cupid. 

"You're so adorable when in trouble."

Hughs eyes began to wince in anger, and tried to flex his tongue, but was cut in short order.

"You, Nicholas, and father aren't the only ones who exi..."

"Stop there before you hurt my feelings with your cruel heart, I love you brother!"

He reached for the sky with his right hand, and clasped his chest with his left. From his immediate pose the trotting of horses was heard, the fast approach gave them pause. It was their father coming back in speed with two knights of the house on horseback. He gave them forced commands from his perch.

"Hugh see to two men wasting their lives in the manor garden, you can't miss them. Your training starts there. Henry see to your charge northwest after you've had your fill, and be quick about it!"

Reflexive in nature, Henry posed while slowly walking off into the manor.

"Alright, alright it'll be done sir!"

Hugh seemingly kicked back in disgust.

"I'm of nobility as well. I should at least have some semblance of standing, and there shouldn't be a need for this."

His father simply looked away and gave off a warning while speeding off with his knights in tow. The manor gate slowly shut behind their steady pace.

"Do as commanded!"

Waddling through the mud with muttering only allowed hatred to fester slowly in the growing lad. A shout carried his grief from the heart.

" It's always me!"

Henry had stayed back behind the closed door so he could listen in interest. A face that will forever wear a smile, but in private changed; for within him grief is held to form for but a moment, with the dealings of reality quietly passing from his lips. Only for him to slip into the dark.

"You have standing brother, but that blood comes with a cost."