Post by mariusdebrabant on Jan 13, 2010 16:29:06 GMT -6
He stood in the most sheltered area of the vessel, trying unsuccessfully to stay out of weather and the spray of the sea. Nothing of his is visible of the man due to a heavy cloak and hood. Sir Marius de Brabant prefers it that way. His eyes look toward the Isle of Skye and perhaps a new life. Yet his mind is set in the past and what has led him to seek such a desperate solution. He had been born the third son of a marcher baron on the edge of the Empire. It left him little. The eldest got the inheritance, and his next older brother was in line to marry another border lord's daughter. But there was no marriage for Marius; border lords were notorious uncouth and not considered fit for marriage with any proper nobility. And there were no maiden's available for this boy child. His father trained him as a warrior, and generously also had him taught the reading, writing, and figures. Perhaps someday, he could be a senescahal for a great lord. Marius's father, Conrad, was a rather cold, hard man. But it took that sort to hold the heathens in check. To young Marius, he was a most distant figure, more commander then father. Of his mother, he knew little. She died when he was just three years old, in the wake of giving birth to a daughter, Kunagunda. Even as a boy, Marius show great ability as a warrior with every weapons that he trained with. He also showed the ability to think tactically and even strategically, once making recommendations which allowed his father to catch an entire heathen war party and exterminate it, with out minor casualties to their own troop. He was a favorite with his father's warriors and not overly comfortable except in a military situation. There was none to teach him the gentler arts as they were called.
At the age of 16, his father managed to get him into the service of the Duke of Austria. For the next eight years Marius served loyally and well, even earning himself a knighthood, which did finally please his father. Still, Marius had no estates or revenues; he was poor, subsisting on the gratitude of the Duke. Like all the other knights and warriors in the service, he hoped for recognition and promotion. At last during a campaign against the Lorrainers, he was given his chance; he was given charge of the ducal banner; the Duke of Austria's personal symbol. This was an honor for such a young knight, and it held the promise of further recognition and rewards. It was not to be. Ordered to accompany the advance guard, Marius was caught in a well prepared ambush. The commander ordered Marius to retire the banner to the main body. The Duke's banner must not be captured by the enemy. Marius rode like the devil to warn the Duke and the main army. The Duke remained unimpressed and was furious. His banner had retreated and at speed. Marius had the banner taken from him. And then his liege lord banished him to the baggage train, his new post. Given no chance to explain, Marius did as he was bid. The Duke never even quickened his men's pace. By the time they had reached the advance guard, most, including its commander, were already dead or dying.
The Duke was livid at such a defeat. Marius was made the convenient scapegoat. He was summarily dismissed from the Duke's service with nothing. He did at least keep his spurs and the lord never even breathed the word coward. If he had, Marius could have challenged him to trial by combat. Duke Leopold well knew Marius's ability and feared to face his lance or blade. But the word did indeed sally forth. Marius found all avenues of honorable service were denied him. It was customary for any knight to be able to claim a night's food and lodging at any keep. Yet whenever Marius gave his name at a castle gate or drawbridge he was denied even this courtesy to his rank. For months Marius wandered about the continent trying desperately to find a position for himself. All he had was some clothing and a small tent. He never had a roof over his head for this entire time, living in the woods or beside the road.
From a single knight, who had retired from the Duke's service Marius heard of Skye and its ducal family. Still, old Sir Eric was so frightened of the Duke's power, that even though sympathetic to Marius's plight, the dishonored knight did not spend that night indoors either. But a small purse of gold did help immensely. Seeing no other option open to him, Marius made for the coast and ship to carry him to the Isle of Skye where he had been told of an independent and honorable ruler.
Marius was fearful; the voyage took almost all of his coin, but he was able to bring his horses and equipment along with him. His riding leathers, although well worn, along with his winter cloak, provided protection on the voyage. After several days he saw a smudge on the horizon, and then it came into view. This is Marius's last hope, to serve honorably. He even has hopes perhaps someday of a wife and a family. Marius is a good killer; he knows this. There has been a great lack of love and even compassion in his life. He knows he is missing something. Perhaps here on Skye he would find.
At the age of 16, his father managed to get him into the service of the Duke of Austria. For the next eight years Marius served loyally and well, even earning himself a knighthood, which did finally please his father. Still, Marius had no estates or revenues; he was poor, subsisting on the gratitude of the Duke. Like all the other knights and warriors in the service, he hoped for recognition and promotion. At last during a campaign against the Lorrainers, he was given his chance; he was given charge of the ducal banner; the Duke of Austria's personal symbol. This was an honor for such a young knight, and it held the promise of further recognition and rewards. It was not to be. Ordered to accompany the advance guard, Marius was caught in a well prepared ambush. The commander ordered Marius to retire the banner to the main body. The Duke's banner must not be captured by the enemy. Marius rode like the devil to warn the Duke and the main army. The Duke remained unimpressed and was furious. His banner had retreated and at speed. Marius had the banner taken from him. And then his liege lord banished him to the baggage train, his new post. Given no chance to explain, Marius did as he was bid. The Duke never even quickened his men's pace. By the time they had reached the advance guard, most, including its commander, were already dead or dying.
The Duke was livid at such a defeat. Marius was made the convenient scapegoat. He was summarily dismissed from the Duke's service with nothing. He did at least keep his spurs and the lord never even breathed the word coward. If he had, Marius could have challenged him to trial by combat. Duke Leopold well knew Marius's ability and feared to face his lance or blade. But the word did indeed sally forth. Marius found all avenues of honorable service were denied him. It was customary for any knight to be able to claim a night's food and lodging at any keep. Yet whenever Marius gave his name at a castle gate or drawbridge he was denied even this courtesy to his rank. For months Marius wandered about the continent trying desperately to find a position for himself. All he had was some clothing and a small tent. He never had a roof over his head for this entire time, living in the woods or beside the road.
From a single knight, who had retired from the Duke's service Marius heard of Skye and its ducal family. Still, old Sir Eric was so frightened of the Duke's power, that even though sympathetic to Marius's plight, the dishonored knight did not spend that night indoors either. But a small purse of gold did help immensely. Seeing no other option open to him, Marius made for the coast and ship to carry him to the Isle of Skye where he had been told of an independent and honorable ruler.
Marius was fearful; the voyage took almost all of his coin, but he was able to bring his horses and equipment along with him. His riding leathers, although well worn, along with his winter cloak, provided protection on the voyage. After several days he saw a smudge on the horizon, and then it came into view. This is Marius's last hope, to serve honorably. He even has hopes perhaps someday of a wife and a family. Marius is a good killer; he knows this. There has been a great lack of love and even compassion in his life. He knows he is missing something. Perhaps here on Skye he would find.