**_Acre _**

The clamor of the streets infiltrated through the fortress of the Templars, reaching the ears of the black robed Sargent Hadrian as he looked over the assembled men in front of him. Around 40 in all, each were garbed in padded armor, a kite shield, and gripping a spear. Hadrian sighed, truth be told he hated this, it was one thing to be left behind due to injury or disease, but to be left behind on a whim, that was next to insulting. _"Trust me Hadrian"_ Knight Emile had said with a small smile as he had prepared to venture out with the army _"Your time is coming, you are far to talented to be lying dead in a field of battle. No, you will have a hand in much more important battles."_

So far these "More important battles" have been the upkeep of various regiments within the garrison. 

Clearing his throat Hadrian stepped forward "Turn and ready!" He shouted, his voice carrying over the muted sounds of the outside world. The spearmen all turned to face one another and each lowered their spear, blunted of course, and waited. "Begin!" The word was quick and forceful, almost like Hadrian had to force it out of himself, and in some way he did. A new sound filled the grounds, the sound of sparring, training spear clattering on shield, a few grunts and wheezes from those who took a hit. That was until Hadrian saw something, something odd, something, wrong. "Hold!" He shouted and strode forward, a his gate quick "Heindfeild! What in the name of good Christ were you doing, it is a weapon, not a tree branch!" Reaching forward he grabbed the offending spear, twisting it out of the grip of the soldier and tossed it to the ground. "You see? Look how easy it was for you to lose it! Now pick it up and ready against me." At this the ranks of the spearmen pulled back a few feet, creating an impromptu ring. As Heindfeild bent to retrieve his spear, Hadrian filled his own hands with a heater shield and a training sword. When Heindfeild had retrieved his weapon and had lowered it at the Sargent, now a good length away, Hadrian couldn't help but notice the tip waver slightly. Hadrian smiled slightly "Don't worry boy, it wont hurt that much. Now, Begin!" 

The fight was over in less time than it took to set up. As soon as the Begin had been shouted, Heindfeild had tried a clumsy trust, only to be knocked aside by Hadrian's shield as he moved in, this caused the spearman to be knocked slightly off balance, only to have the pommel of the training sword to meet the side of his head. He was out before he hit the ground, but it didn't stop him from moaning. "You see? What did I tell you, move with purpose, conviction." Hadrian said, crouching over the prone, moaning, figure "You'll get it soon enough." he added with a smile. "Ok that's enough for today, take a brake." He shouted as he stood, turning he made his way inside. 

"Very good fighting, to bad they have you here training, instead of out serving in open combat." 

The voice surprised Hadrian, who had just entered into the main fortress. His one hand hand falling to his dagger, his other tightening on his shield, he slowly turned to face the new arrival. What he saw was a man in white robes, a hood pulled up near covering his face, an Asasiyun. He had heard stories about their legendary stealth, but had never really believed them until now. To say that Hadrian relaxed would be an overstatement, more like he slightly became more passive towards the new person, they were supposed to be friends right? "I would have to agree with you, but what brings you here today Asasiyun?" Hadrian responded evenly. 

The Asasiyun smiled and held out a sealed note, the symbol of the Templar order clearly emblazoned on it. Hadrian cautiously took the letter and broke the seal. As he read it, he tried to hide his excitement. "Give me a moment to retrieve my armor and weapons" was his only response before he quickly moved his his room to acquire his things and the armory to get his broadsword, as well as done his chain. It was around midday when he, reluctantly, got into the saddle of a horse and set off to answer the summons.