The sun shone through the stained glass windows of the great hall. A multi-colored pattern dancing over the walls, reflected from panels depicting a warrior king, clad in thick armor rushing through an enemy horde. The King, every bit as noble as his silicate image, sat upon a wooden throne at the end of a large table. Upon his person he wore a large jersey, bearing the fearsome image of a Griffon mauling a Lion. In front of him was a long oak table, around which was assembled a fearsome array of warriors. All of them were currently discussing the large leather map laid upon the table in loud voices.
From the shadows stepped a tall spindly man, wearing the garb of a French Nobleman. He leaned in close to the ear of the King and whispered. The King raised an arm with his palm outward to silence his lieges.
"I have news my brothers. The other seven kingdoms are on the march. We must prepare ourselves for conflict. I am pleased that you all sought time to train during the brief peace, but it appears that once again we must be called to war."
The King gestured to a figure wearing the garb of his chief Scout, Sir Reginald of Fleetfoot.
"Sir Reginald, go forth and recall his Lordship, The Cur and his Eagles. They must return to our lands immediately. See that my remaining Vassals are given the order to return as well. They all must be here by the start of the change of the season. Fasano, Little Greg, Malcom the Charger, Sir Christopher the Ivory White, and most importantly Duke Moeaki. All must be ready for battle upon-"
There was a sudden crash and the great wooden doors to the hall burst apart in splinters.
"GGGRRRRROOOONNNNKKK!"
The bellow roared forth from a giant of a man, who was currently beating his opponent alternatively with a chair leg and a large ham hock. In between the bellows from the giant he would take large bites from the ham hock, spewing bits of pork all over his opponent with each cry.
The giant wore a tattered red, white and blue shirt and nothing else.
His opponent was dodging every attack that was thrown at him. Ducking one particularly wild throw he raised his hands in an appeasing manner.
"Now Gronk"
He said.
"Remember last time. We don't want to have to clean up the stables again do we."
Gronk seemed about to pound the smaller man into the ground before a look of apprehension stole across his face. The giant slowly shook his head.
"That's right, now go back outside and finish your ham."
The man said.
The giant nodded, then turning slowly around he picked up one of the nearly destroyed doors and set it back against the doorjam, on the wrong side. He then slowly walked down the steps and out into the courtyard.
The King began to slowly applaud.
"That was well done Pierre. Please have a seat, we were discussing the coming season."
<To be continued>
