A hush falls over the crowd in Castle Kultis, as Prince Padma steps to the dais to preside over the first official function to be held there since it became the political seat of Lancre. The doors at the far end of the hall open, and in steps Shabbaman, his face almost as white as his linen tunic after his fast and nightlong vigil. At a nod from his Lord, he starts to walk slowly toward the dais.
The sudden *shring* of a sword being pulled from its scabbard draws everyones eyes back to Prince Padma. Many of the witnesses gasp in surprise, as they get their first view of the Flame of Fal Morgan, the Princes exquisite blade. The gold of the hilt shines like fire, and the gems embedded within it glitter in the light. The beautifully etched blade, with its designs of flames and calligraphy seems almost alive itself, its bluish hue in contrast to the reddish gold of the hilt.
Shabbaman stops as Padma raises the blade to point at his throat, the razor-sharp tip poking through the ties of his tunic.
Padma: Squire Shabbaman, why do you approach?
Shabbaman: I wish to offer my strong arm to your service, my lord.
Padma: I already have your service, for you are a squire of mine. Is it your desire then to be raised to full Knighthood?
Shabbaman: Yes, Sire. I can only do so much as a Squire. To lead forces into battle should be the purview of a Knight, yet while I am your General, I am but a Squire.
Padma: You are aware, Squire, of the dangers of hubris? You ask to be given a position of honor as well as leadership. Do you wish this position to bring fame and glory upon yourself?
Shabbaman: Nay, Sire. I wish only to better serve my Prince and my land.
Padma: If that is truly your wish, then step forward.
Shabbaman hesitates but an instant before striding forward. The crowd gasps, as the droplet of blood on Shabbamans neck at the point of the sword has been visible throughout this exchange. As Padma is wielder of High Justice within the lands of Lancre, it would not be unheard of for him to remove an applicants head from his shoulders if he so chose.
But the sword is withdrawn as Shabbaman steps forward. Padma turns and gives his sword to an aide, then turns back to his squire.
Padma: Squire Shabbaman, your trust in your liege lord gladdens me, and your offer of service lightens my heart. What would you have from me in return?
Shabbaman: My lord, I ask only such arms as are necessary for me to perform the duties you set out for me.
Padma: Very well, then. (to the audience): Will anyone speak for this Squire, who wishes to be Knight?
There is a rustle in the crowd, and then Grandmaster, Count of Aiger, steps forward, the Star of Lancre glittering on his Chest.
Grandmaster: I will speak for him, Sire. He is known to me as a good man, and leads his people well. He is a good soldier, and commanded the forces of Tsort during the reign of Prince Disorganizer. He also wears the Star of Lancre, given for his steadfast service to that lord.
Prince Padma, nods his head, then turns back to Shabbaman.
Padma: Kneel before me, Squire.
Shabbaman kneels on the first step of the dais before his Prince. Padma retrieves the Flame of Fal Morgan from his aide, and touches the naked blade to Shabbamans shoulder.
Padma: Do you swear on you honor and in front of these witnesses that you will uphold the laws of Chivalry? That you will defend Lancre and your Prince? That you will respect all weakness, and constitute yourself a defender of the same? That you will perform scrupulously your feudal duties? That you will never lie, and will remain faithful to your pledged word? That you will be generous, and give largess to the needy? That you will everywhere and always be the champion of that which is Right and Good against Injustice and Evil?
Shabbaman: On my life and my honor, I do so swear, my liege.
Padma lifts the sword, and touches it to Shabbamans other shoulder, then to the top of his head.
Padma: Thus do I dub thee Sir Shabbaman, Knight of Lancre.
At a slight signal, Sir Plexus, Duke of Zimt, steps forward from the crowd to stand beside Sir Grandmaster as Padma once again turns to his aide. When he turns back, he has a set of chain mail in his arms. Grandmaster and Plexus take this, and help Shabbaman into it. Grandmaster then affixes a Star of Lancre to Shabbamans chest. When they are finished, Padma hands each of them a golden spur, which they affix to Shabbamans feet. Finally, Padma takes a large white belt and fastens it around Shabbamans waist. He then takes a standard iron broadsword from his aide.
Padma: I accept you into my service, Sir Shabbaman. In token of that, I give you this sword, that you may better perform your duties. And I give you freely now the war-horse which was purchased for you during your squireship. (to the observers): People of Lancre, I give you Sir Shabbaman. And know you this: that as a token of my esteem for this worthy Knight, I have agreed to accept his lands into our Principality, and they shall henceforth be considered a part of Lancre.
A grinning Sir Shabbaman is escorted from the hall by Sir Grandmaster and Sir Plexus, to the cheers of the crowd.
