Chapter 20: Horace's promotion
Laurence and Jacobs watched as Cassius then thanked the men for trying their best to hold Kel down, he was ultimately proud of the men this morning for their camaraderie in how they attempted to deal with Kels drunkenness initially, the way they had tried to cover for him was admirable.
He informed them that they would have been in less trouble had they shown up with the drunk in tow, and explained the situation. Informing the men that he respected honesty over cowardice to accept one's own faults.
Afterwards, he turned to address his 'savior'.
"Horace…" He began, "Thank you for saving my life." Cassius stated simply as he clasped the boy's arm and pulled him into an embrace.
Cassius was completely prepared to have slain the man himself, but he was in no way-shape or form going to state that and take this moment away from him. Plus, it absolutely looks better on him that an eleven year old didn't draw his dagger and pierce the mans head through without any hesitation. He was sure that would not have gone over well.
Horace was stunned, and the group of men surrounding him gave him a warm look, grateful to him for preventing a tragedy from befalling the group.
After the warm display of thanks was finished, Cassius started issuing directives to the four remaining men and Carmen, telling them to wait in the lecture hall in the keep, and they remove their armour when they do, further instructing the group to first stop by the kitchen, and ask for their meals to be brought to the room by his order.
As Cassius attended to these details, Horace found himself being pulled aside by Jacobs and Laurence.
"Are you alright, Horace?" Jacobs asked, his concern evident. He understood how traumatic it could be for someone to take a life for the first time.
"I think so, Ser…" Horace replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. He honestly didn't know, considering he hadn't had time to process the entire event.
Jacobs responded with a grunt of acknowledgment, his expression showing empathy.
The two stood opposite one-another, both sat in awkward tension as they tried to find the words to express themselves.
Stepping forward to intervene as he noticed the awkwardness between the two men who were unsure how to continue, Laurence spoke up.
"What Jacobs means to say, Horace, is that we are deeply grateful for what you've done. I am personally in your debt for protecting my son."
Horace looked between Jacobs and Laurence, feeling the weight of their words. He fidgeted nervously, not used to such direct expressions of gratitude, especially not from someone as important as Margrave. "You don't have to be in my debt, Lord Margrave," he said quietly. "I was just doing my duty."
Laurence smiled, but it was a warm, understanding smile. "Duty is one thing, Horace. Putting your own safety aside for another is something else entirely. What you've displayed today was a rare and honourable quality."
Jacobs nodded in agreement, gruffly adding. "Indeed. It's not just about saving a life. It's about having the courage to act when it matters most."
Laurence placed a reassuring hand on Horace's shoulder. "Cassius is fortunate to have you with him. But remember, it's important to acknowledge what you've done, even if it's hard to accept, and move on with your head held high. I can tell Cassius will rely on you in the future, just as I rely on Captain Jacobs."
Horace took a deep breath, absorbing their words. The discomfort began to ease as he realised the significance of their acknowledgment. "Thank you, Lord Margrave. I'll do my best to live up to your trust."
Laurence's eyes twinkled with approval. "That's all anyone can ask, Horace. We all have our roles to play."
As Laurence's words hung in the air, Cassius arrived and approached his father. He and Laurence quickly stepped aside, engaging in a hushed, intense conversation that left Horace and Jacobs exchanging puzzled glances.
After a brief but private discussion, Cassius returned, his face a mix of gratitude and anticipation. Laurence turned back to Horace, his expression resolute. "Horace," he began again, "I think your bravery today deserves more than just words of thanks."
Horace glanced at Cassius, then back to Margrave, his unease palpable, unsure of what to say. "You don't have to, really. I—"
Laurence raised a hand to gently cut him off, his demeanour having turned serious and deliberate. "Horace," he began, "I have been considering a gesture that I believe reflects the gravity of your actions and the role in which you will play for my son in the future."
Horace's eyes widened, his confusion growing. "What do you mean, my lord?"
Laurence took a deep breath, his gaze steady. "Given the courage and dedication you've shown today, and the importance of your role moving forward, I believe it is fitting to grant you a significant honour. Effective immediately, I am elevating you to the Honour Guard, and granting you a Knighthood. This title will come with lands and responsibilities that reflect your new position."
Horace stood frozen, his mouth agape while Cassius wished he had a camera present to take a picture of the man. He had performed similar promotions in the past, mostly in post-mortem however when soldiers gave their lives to protect him… But this was a special moment. He truly believed in the potential that Horace had as both a friend, and protector.
Horace's stunned face honestly reminded him that the youth probably had no expectations that he was ever going to raise from the peasant class, and so he stepped forward to break the man from his shocked trance
"You've earned this Horace, continue to protect me in the future… I will be relying on you," Further adding
"Besides, with this you can ensure both your, and Carmens family are fed and clothed well from now on"
To which Horace responded with another 'O' face, now realising how much stress he could take off his father with his new found position.
The group eventually returned to the Kitchen hall, where they would part ways.
Before which however Cassius remembered an important detail now that Horace was going to be a Landed Knight in service to him as a member of the Honour Guard, his stomach sank as he turned to study Jacobs & his Father with knitted brows.
"Cassius?" Jacobs asked, becoming uncomfortable with the boys prolonged gaze.
"Since I now have an Honour Guard in my retinue now… I guess I can't receive another, can I?" A toothy smile etching itself accross his face.
Immediately, the normally stoic Jacobs broke out into a hearty laugh, startling the Margrave as he barked out his response.
"Absolutely not!"
-------------------// Authors Note //------------------
Decided to create a Discord to chat with my readers and fellow book enjoyers!
Feedback is welcome!
Divided the book more, at the recommendation of senior authors and my editor.
https://discord.gg/7pkXh7x7ze
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