The five Princes share a little morning feast with the Innkeeper before trekking up the hill with the three black robed assailants. The guard at the gate has been expecting them since the Innkeeper sent word ahead they would be there soon. Once inside the castle walls, they are impressed to see how soldiers guard the place. The captain of the guards takes the assailants off their hands and the chief overseer beacons them to accompany them to see the Old Lord. He is awaiting them in his reception chambers. Once inside the chamber, they are at first a little shocked. The old Lord is seated in his chair and beside him is a huge lion. 'Don't be afraid of my old friend here! He won't harm any of you if you have no evil intent. He can sense any danger to me a mile away! I see he looks content with the lot of you so I will place my trust in the words you tell me today. After introductions and proper respect is paid to the Old Lord, they get down to the business of the assailants. 'I will send a few of my men out to seek those evil men and send them to their reward before this day is done.' says the Old Lord. After discussing their individual histories with him, Prince Arthur of England discovers that his grandmother was a sister to one of the Old Lord's Aunts. So, a small world after all. What an amazing discovery since no one ever mentioned it to him before. Most curious. Eventually, they get around to the story of the Old Lord's son. He points to the portrait by his chair of a handsome young man showing the love he has for the steed next to him. 'He was only 18 when he left. This portrait was done shortly before that. It has been over ten years and not one word have I heard from him. I am sick with grief and very fearful for his life. I have heard so many horrible stories of what can happen to the pilgrims in the Holy Lands.' The five Princes try to console the Old Lord, but without much success, until Prince Dhimiter from Albania has an idea. He motions to the other four and says, 'We have been looking for a quest. What better quest could we find that to see what happened to this Old gentleman's son?' They mull it over only for a moment before they all agree. With that settled, they address the old Lord and tell him of their intention. For the first time since meeting him, a smile appears on the old man's face. Even the lion seems to smile. 'I will send a few of my men with you to help with any more criminals you may meet along the way. You were lucky to overcome your adversaries last night, but the road to the Holy Land is fraught with danger. Please accept this offer as a token of my appreciation for your caring hearts!' They agree and begin making plans for the beginning of the quest. Meanwhile, the Old Lord calls his best knights and asks for volunteers to join the quest. Of course, all of them volunteer. But he has to decide which ones will serve the purpose best. Finally, he chooses ten of the best. Not all the youngest but some of his most tried and true fighters. His chief overseer tends to the details of provisioning the expedition. M4 and G2 Simon characters. Rendered in Poser 9. Post work in Photoshop 7. Thank you for taking a peek! Your support is greatly appreciated!