[COR - CH1] The Vault Guard is Born

[LegacyBuilder]

Mortimer Studsbury clattered along the roads that led to the Studsbury House; his family’s old country retreat quite a ways outside Corrington’s capital. For months, he had pushed aside the anxieties of returning home to face the ledger books he knew must be in disarray after the passing of his father.

His deep thoughts briefly silenced the clanking and shuffling of boots and armor filing along behind him. He glanced to his rear to behold an armored troop in red cloaks. They were weary; few in words, likely all just as immersed in thought as he was. This troop following the heir to a large banking estate was comprised of numerous veterans of the Long War who had no home or family to return to, no jobs or prospects after so many years of fighting. When the armies were disbanded after Corrington’s defeat, so many armed men with nothing to do spelled trouble for the roads and the safety of trade and commerce.

Mortimer, with dreams of nobility on his mind, one leading his own vassal soldiers in the name of the king, vowed to his comrades that even if the crown would not support them, he would find a way. Thus was the Vault Guard established; hardened men who knew the business of fighting now joining the business of making money.

Before long, the company drew up to the front gates of the old country manor. The old guardsman on watch vanished briefly from the wall until Mortimer saw his mother, Maria, appear at the front gate, her silvery hair glinting more pronounced than last he saw her. She rushed out to meet him, with the estate chamberlain behind her.

“Mortimer! She exclaimed with a joy she likely had not experienced for some time. “It is so good to see you well. This house has been so sullen since your father…” her voice trailed off as she looked behind him. “Why in heaven is half the king’s army with you?”

Mortimer nodded a pleasant smile. “It is good to see you again, too, Mother.”  He gestured behind him from the seat of his horse. “Let me introduce you to my companions from the late war. Their help will open up opportunities for us. We may not struggle so much with debtors refusing to repay debts, for one thing.”

The chamberlain caught up with the pair and interjected. “If I may, that may be just what we need now. Without you or your father or the bold men of the country to keep the books in order, many stingy debtors are simply refusing to pay their dues.”

Mortimer dismounted approached the chamberlain. “Do not worry my friend, I will not let you or my father down. The gold will flow again like it once did, and the Vault Guard will help me be sure of it.”

With that, the men were ordered to set up camp for the time being until their first assignment was issued.