After several days on the road, the party stopped at a narrow mountain pass to rest.
The young men from The Church barely rested at all. Eagerly unloading their brand-new armor from the mules, they let their attendants help them put it on, transforming themselves into a dozen gleaming, oversized tin cans.
A dozen suits of the latest full-plate armor couldn't be acquired with money alone, especially since some of the pieces were custom-made and featured the rather unusual Beak Visor, inspired by the familiar masks worn by physicians.
The initial investment, made for practical reasons, won the new commander widespread support. The recruits soon discovered that their superior was an easygoing and generous man.
They'd received the expensive gifts back in Dunling, but the difficult mountain roads hadn't been suited to carrying extra weight. Nor had any considerate bandits in the mountains volunteered to give them a chance to put the armor to use.
Now at last the convoy had reached its destination. They needed a striking outfit to show off the Knight Order's spirit and demonstrate respect for the lord of the land. If necessary, it would also serve to intimidate anyone secretly harboring ill intentions.
Of course, they couldn't simply ride straight to the man's doorstep. That would cause plenty of unnecessary confusion and alarm.
The proper procedure was to send their steadiest, most reliable member ahead with the letter entrusted to them by The Church. He would announce the visitors' identities and purpose, giving their host ample time to prepare.
Since both parties theoretically belonged to The Church, they could dispense with some of the more cumbersome formalities. Still, they would need a proper welcome ceremony followed by a banquet.
Brother Raymond took on the task of delivering the letter. As they waited, bored, Kraft began