After Yorick finished preparing the wagon, he scanned his surroundings for any sign of Sir Chad.
Spotting a knight walking by, he turned his attention towards them.
"Sir, are you Sir Chadwick by any chance?," he asked the burly noble.
"Haha, that's funny, no, I'm not and if I know Chad he's still in bed. He wasn't at prayers this morning and missed breakfast as well. He had dinner with the King last night, so he's most likely hung over! His cell is the second one on the right as you enter the billeting area over there," it was Sir Gawain and he motioned to a doorway leading off the courtyard.
Yorick made his way through the arch that Gawain had indicated and found Sir Chad's room and going in he saw, in the dim light coming in through the balistraria, a man sprawled out naked on the pallet bed inside, his spindle greeting the morning by sticking out and up from his chiseled physique like a Maypole.
Seeing Chad's huge codpiece on a stool next to the bed and picking it up, he admired the intricate workings of the silver frame and saw that it was lined with ermine fur. Without thinking he put it up to his face and breathed heavily, sucking in the heavy musk of Chad's cods, not noticing the faint blue glow that it gave off.
Putting it down, he picked up the water bucket from near the door and upended it onto Chad's sleeping form.
"God damn, what?" Chad sputtered as the cold water drenched his frame and he sprang from the bed.
"Looking for this, knight?" Yorick said from where he stood near the door, holding Chad's sword and belt.
"Before I kill you," Chad said menacingly, "who are you and what are you doing in my cell?"
"The name is Yorick and I was told by the Baron to use any means necessary to get you on the road with me so that we get to the outer guard post before nightfall," Yorick explained, handing the sword belt to Chad, "we need to get going right away, the wagon is loaded and ready to go."
Chad accepted his sword from Yorick as he looked the man over. Sizing him up, he could see that they were the same height and roughly the same age and build. He was dressed like a vassal, but Chad could tell from the thicker bulge of his right bicep and calloused hand that he had handled a sword more often than a spear. There was also something else about him, his attitude and speech, that told Chad that he was not just a vassal.
"Grab my chest and put it on the wagon," Chad said gruffly, "I'll be down as soon as I get dressed and do my toilet."
Yorick grabbed Chad's campaign chest and slung it up onto his shoulder, "Yes, Sir!" he said mockingly and left the room.
• • •
Chad found Yorick at the wagon and threw his saddle and livery up into the back while noting a huge wooden box strapped down in the wagon bed that ate up most of the space. He figured he would ride in the wagon with the vassal and let his horse follow behind.
"So, what does the 'Dragon Fighting Tool' look like?" he asked Yorick as he swung up into the seat beside him.
"No idea, I have not seen it. When I came down this morning it was already loaded," he chittered to the team and they set off and by midmorning the two men were well on their way to the outpost.
"So how did you wind up in the service of the Baron?" Chad asked, bored with the plodding ride and curious as to what Yorick's story was. He wasn't disappointed.
"Well, that's a tale," Yorick began, "and it starts with the loss of both my heritage and my knighthood."
"Ah-hah," Chad exclaimed, "I figured you weren't 'just a vassal', your mannerisms are too polished and a vassal would never have dumped a bucket of water on a knight." Chad punched Yorick on the arm.
"Owww! I guess I deserved that," Yorick grinned, then his face went serious, "I am not of this kingdom. I grew up as the heir to Castle Trans, my father was the Duke of Trans and next in line to the Septaris throne, his brother was King Leonid."
Chad gave out a low whistle, "I've heard of that kingdom, what happened?"
"At the time I had just been knighted and my father sent me to retrieve a stallion that he had purchased from a nobleman in a nearby kingdom from ours. While I was gone, the son of the king, Prince Slepert, had his way with my sister. My father, outraged, fought the Prince and was slain. I then killed the Prince, as was my blood duty!"
"Indeed it was," Chad said consolingly, "but I can see where this is going."
"Yes," Yorick agreed, "The King put a price on my head, took our castle and lands, stripped me of my knighthood and I escaped and became a servant of the Baron, an old friend of my father, who is hiding me."
"That is a tale, condolences," Chad nodded solemnly, processing Yorick's tragic tale. "That's a heavy burden to bear, but at least you found refuge with the Baron."
Yorick grunted in agreement, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. "Aye, he's been good to me even though a bit peculiar. Though I admit, I yearn for the day I can reclaim my birthright and clear my family's name."
They rode in silence for a while, the wagon creaking as it trundled along the dusty path. The sun climbed higher in the sky, beating down on their backs. Chad wiped sweat from his brow and glanced at the mysterious wooden crate behind them.
"So, this dragon-fighting tool," Chad mused, "Any thoughts on what it could be? I've fought dragons before, and let me tell you, they're not easily felled."
"I have never seen the dragon plaguing the barony of Brun, but have heard that it is formidable. My guess is that the tool is some sort of restraint. Of course, if that is what it is," and Yorick guffawed loudly, "getting the dragon to put it on will not be a simple task!"
Chad chuckled at Yorick's jest, then grew serious.
"True enough. Dragons aren't known for their cooperation. But whatever this weapon is, I hope it's as effective as the Baron claims. When fighting dragons any advantage is welcome."
Then Yorick handed Chad a large chunk of dried meat and a wineskin saying "Sorry, this was the best I could do for lunch."
"It'll do and I've had worse on campaign, thanks," Chad said as he took the food.
As they continued their journey, the sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting long shadows across the road. The air grew cooler, and a faint mist started to gather in the lowlands they were passing through.
"We should reach the outer guard post soon," Yorick said, peering ahead, "It should be fun for us, the men stationed at that outpost are a rough lot."
Chad nodded. "Aye, I've heard tales of their brutish behavior. We'll need to keep our wits about us."
As they passed up and over a small hill the outpost came into view in the distance. The wooden palisade loomed before them, its gates firmly shut against the encroaching twilight. Smoke curled lazily from behind the walls, and the faint sounds of raucous laughter drifted on the evening breeze.
"Well, here we are," Yorick muttered, pulling back on the reins to slow the horses. "Let's hope they're in a welcoming mood."
Chad nodded in agreement, his hand unconsciously drifting to the hilt of his sword. As they approached the gate, a gruff voice called out from above.
