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 squire 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."