Chapter 1: The Rumbles of War
Chapter 1
"The Rumbles of War"
During the winters of the years of our lords, 2026, Squire Koda deep in his studies, happened across a scroll of antiquity and within this dusty and stained parchment, laid bare the ancestral linage of knights long past and kings forgotten. Koda, poured over the winding path and branches of stained ink within titles and names of old, stumbled upon an alarming discovery; His own lineage directly tied to the first King of Belegarth, His Majesty, Arion Rightful King of Middle Earth.
Squire Koda knew that the Crown and Title of King was buried dormant, but for reasons why the claim had not been taken was unknown. With the brave and fervent heart of a Squire, he took to the city square of the capital of the realm of Rath. There he scaled upon the highest scaffolding and proclaimed to the people below that the Crown lives once again, the rightful king of Middle Earth has found their heir apparent, Squire Koda's own knight, Sir Rem.
"Hear ye, hear ye,
After digging through archives I have found that Sir Rem, (Lord of Ciderhall) has a rightful claim to the throne of Middle Earth
Sir Rem DeLavan, was knighted by Sir Kaegan Hume, who was knighted by Sir Cedric Winterbourne, who was knighted by Sir Thanos Dur Terrakhan, who was knighted by Sir Gamalon Pendragon, who was knighted by Sir Geoffrey of Bright Hills, who was knighted by King Arion the rightful king of Middle Earth.
All hail King Rem. May his reign be long and just!
Long live the king, long live King Rem!"
Immediately, the claim of Sir Rem as heir apparent to the throne was met with support and doubt. Squire Brunn and Squire Kaspian in particular both expressed the nature of Squire Koda's claim to be dubious, as their own knights also held linage to the same line as Airon, Rightful King of Middle Earth. Squire Koda, insulted by their doubts and rejection of his claim, cast off his glove and threw it down at the feet of Squire Brunn, the loudest dissenter and demanded a duel to restore his honor and reinforce the claim of Sir Rem.
Squire Brunn without hesitation accepted the duel and gave way to Squire Koda to choose the method and mode. Koda chose first to 10, sword and shield at the frosty fields of the Highlands of Chaos during Opener. It was agreed that the duel be given witness by the peasantry and lords attending. In addition, the squires agreed to have "seconds" as arbiters of parley and further agreements. Squire Kaspian, as a dissenter to the claim of Sir Rem agreed to the position of second for Squire Brunn. And Page Holt agreed the same position to Squire Koda.
It was said that the verbal sparring between Squire Kaspian and Page Holt over the agreements, sums of be wagered, and the historical rightfulness of the recent claims could be heard clearly and loudly in the many echoing halls of the Rath keep. Some speculating another duel was close to being declared...
Within a week, an agreement was made. Both squires will offer a sum from their treasury as tribute for the winner. If Squire Koda wins, his claim is true and Squire Brunn would swear fealty to Sir Rem. Is Squire Brunn wins, Squire Koda would reject his knight as the "rightful" heir and only as one of many "heir apparent."
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The day of The Highlands of Chaos Opener came, and the weather was fair for the time of the year, yet windy and overcast with clouds.
As the middle of the day approached, both Squire Koda, followed by Page Holt and Sir Rem with arms, harness and banner approached the field, where Squire Brunn waited with patience.
A crowd of the gentry and peasants alike gathered to the scene, curious and eager to witness the spectacle. Both squires presented their wagers, chests adorned in lacquer and paints with glittering jewels, gems and gold inside.
In front of the crowd, both squires declared their commitments and pledged on their honor to follow the terms laid.
A ray of sunshine, peaked through the clouds upon the field as both squires took the positions, a sign from the gods that they too were watching with intent.
The contest of martial skill was valiant and honorable. In the end, Squire Koda won the day.
A large huzzah clamored from the crowd, as Squire Koda clasped arms with Squire Brunn, an acknowledgment of each others ability. With little haste, Squire Brunn presented their wagers to Squire Koda, who then presented the chest to his knight, Sir Rem. Squire Brunn then took to their knee to Sir REM, recanted their claims, and swore to pledge fealty to Sir Rem and his claim, who accepted it graciously.
Sir Rem then addressed the crowd, declaring that both squires fought valiantly and that the days end shall be met with camaraderie in deeds of arms. Bottles of cider from the orchards of Ciderhall were opened and both Squire Koda and Squire Brunn broke bread together as sign of good will.
As the festivities winded down, a booming voice from across the field called out to Sir Rem. It was Sir Skald, in his finest regalia. The crowd hushed and festivities halted. In the quiet of the moment, Sir Skald declared his right to the crown and his lineages ties to the King of Middle Earth. With no hesitation, Sir Skald challenged Sir Rems claim to be met on the field of battle at Chaos Wars 2026.