Carver nodded to Separ hesitantly. "I... yes. You are right. We will do what we can. Stay close behind me, Separ. When their mightiest blows fall upon my guard, that is when you must strike. My lady... do what you must, but stay safe, and keep the light displays to a minimum. Everyone else behind me. Our priority is protecting the child."

With that, he strode forward and slowly, rhythmically, began to pound the hilt of his sword against his shield. His mind wandered back to another time, when a much younger man by his name had done much the same thing.

[i]Sir Greenvale was striding in front of the line of recruits. The man was like a cliff face - huge, imposing, unyielding. He scanned the line with impassive eyes, and at length asked a question. "Does the Paladin fear pain?"

As once, the recruits beat their shields and answered. [b]Clang.[/b]"No!"

"Does the Paladin fear disgrace?"
[b]Clang.[/b] "No!"

"Does the Paladin fear death?"
[b]Clang.[/b] "No!"

"What does the Paladin fear?"
[b]Clang.[/b] "Failure!"[/i]

The hammering intensified, growing louder with every blow. Carver would not fail. "On me, friends! They draw near!"