The entire castle area imparted a feeling of permanence to my new home that was a combination of many things; the formidable strength of the castle fortifications, the strong capable looking soldiers that manned her walls, the wholesome townspeople, who had welcomed me as their own coupled with the beauty of the natural grandeur of the castle's setting, not to mention the long standing traditions of the place had all played a part in my decision. My arena mates hadn't left my side since we had arrived. Their slavish loyalty towards me, while it could often be annoying was also heartwarming. They had insisted on having the quarters that were housed in the tall tower off to my left, which butted up against my cliffside quarters. Sinking to my knees I left my hands on the balcony railing in front of me and prayed to my Creator.
"Dear Creator help me! I've made a decision to stay, but I fear that my decision will be in vain, if I do not have Your blessing. With Your help I can do anything. Help me lead these people well in times of peace and war. Please Lord help me be Your faithful servant first and foremost and may I never fail You. All I have is Yours. Use me as You will for Your purposes. Thy will be done and thank you for all that You have richly given me, which is far above anything I could have ever asked for or even dreamed of."
I got up from the cold stones of the balcony floor and bidding the moonlit valley one last look I retired to my warm quarters to rest, even though I could have stayed out there all night looking out over the land.
I walked through the corridors of the castle headed for the hall to which I had been summoned to by my grandfather. The clothes I wore had been delivered to my quarters early this morning and had been accompanied by a note that stated that I needed to come to the chamber that I was headed toward now. As I made my way past servants and guards alike I was the recipient of overly reverent displays of respect. I had to admit that I did feel rather lordly, as I strode through the time worn halls of my forefathers.
The family crest of arms on the orange tunic I wore was trimmed on the fringes and arms with tanned deer hide. The crest of arms itself was unlike any I had ever seen before. The crest was of a doubled edged sword shining brightly thrust point down into a field of azure blue from which lighting strikes of a fiery gold color radiating out from into the surrounding azure blue sea. The crest was surrounded by a burnt orange backdrop with the words, 'Keepers of the Word' written in purple and outlined in silver across the top of the crest. My pants were of a deep purple with silver stripes going up and down them at the sides. It may have been a bit ostentatious, but I liked it.