[center][h1]Rider, Servant of Eric[/h1]
[@Dealdric][/center]

	He had been called. He had no say in the matter, no option but to charge into the world, no choice but to be restored to being by the power of the Grail. Even in the grasp of inevitability, however, there were still options: the beckoning promised power beyond his wildest dreams and a new chance at a reasonable facsimile of life. True, he would have to serve. But that he was used to that. Those who resented servitude were foolish, and wasted energy on anger that would be better used for furthering one’s aims. It would pass with time.
	Still, he wondered if this would be a master he enjoyed serving, one worthy of his service and respect. Far too few of those, in his experience. He was a Rider, it seemed, something he was proficient enough in.
	There’d be time enough for rumination later. Information about this war flowed into his mind, though far less than he’d like--he’d much prefer to know his enemies beforehand.
	Nevertheless, he was once again to be a champion. His time was at hand.
***
	The flame snuffed out, but Rider did not come forth from it. For a moment, Eric had to have doubts--perhaps he had failed in the summoning ritual? But no, the command seals blazed to life on the back of his hand, a loud, all pervading sound of hooves on stone clattered through the room, seeming to come from all corners and all doors before an entity burst through the portal behind him. A horrible whinny rang out, echoing off the stone of the chamber as the massive steed reared, then calmed--and a man garbed entirely in black armor hopped off with practiced ease. He removed his helm with his right hand, allowing well-trimmed but unruly black hair to spring free from it, dark eyes focusing in on Eric’s face. His left gripped the reins of his horse tightly, his lips spreading slightly to make a [i]click click[/i] to calm her, before he finally spoke, stroking his neat beard once and sticking his thumb in his belt. A smug grin spread across his face as he regarded Eric, though his tone was serious.
	“You are the one who summoned me from my eternal rest, I suppose. I am Rider, and ever your servant,” he said, bowing slightly to Eric as he did. “Since you have my ring, I doubt any further introduction is necessary.”
	Rider’s head tilted to the side as he regarded the other man. “I require two things of you before we begin our contract, however. The first is your name, so that I might know who I serve. The other is some sort of tribute as payment--the ring will suffice.”
	He held out his hand, palm up.