A man taller than André des Vaux strode into the meeting hall, his shining armor newly forged from the family blacksmith and his face a handsome replica of his father's, his noble features unblemished and more suited for a mere merchant than a Chevalier of France - only his eyes betrayed the lust of power that constantly boiled within him.

Noble lords! It is a dark time for France, and France needs all of her young men to be at arms to protect France from the enemies without. I am one such man.

I may not be from an illustrious lineage, neither am I fabulously rich, but I promise that I will protect France's interest with my heart, expending sweat, blood and even my life if the need demands it.

The noble Duchy of Lorraine has guarded France's tenuous border with the 'holy' 'Roman' 'empire' for years, even my own brother gave his life but months ago for this aim. To honor both the glory of France and my brother's memory:

The newcomer's mouth moved just a fraction, so that no-one around him could see it, towards a sneer at the mention of his brother.

I, Villain de la Salle, swear allegiance to Thomas de Saint-Amand, the Duc of Lorraine!