So with the last chapter and this one we finally can put some names to some of the characters that have been introduced beyond our small group. My goal with the start of part 2 has been to flesh out the Knightly Order. The way I see the knights is much as you'd expect paladins, royal guards and other similar ranks to behave in other settings. They have codes, honour and duty among other matters and this is partly why knights are so often leaders and high ranking here. While this is the sole update this week, and likely there will only be one update next week too, there is still much more story to tell and I intend to cover it all.

Also note this is the second time I'm not bolding speech so I am still looking for input to help me decide what to do in future chapters.

Farish was pacing back and forth in the barracks, he was alone at this time of day because most of the men in this room were part of the regular morning watch. Three men, all wearing the garb of samurais marched in, they said nothing as they stood in front of him at attention.

"What did I do to warrant a showing like this?" Farish asked.

"You did and will do nothing, they are here because I am here," a voice said behind them which Farish recognised immediately.

The knight which had taken a disliking to him walked forward as the middle samurai stepped to the side. Farish did his best to sound civil, "To what do I owe the honour of your visit sir?"

"You have been reassigned to the northern outpost effect immediately, you will be under the command of Knight-Protector Justine," the knight said, he was clearly smiling beneath his helmet.

"What are you talking about, I have a unit, why am I being reassigned?" Farish looked at the samurais as if they would have an explanation but their expressions didn't change.

"These guards are here to escort you to your new post now, collect your gear," the knight continued, he turned as if to walk away.

"You're crazy, you come in here and expect to do all this to me?"

The knight half-turned back to look at Farish, "This sounds like insubordination. Guardsman, if this man makes any attempt to resist then arrest him." The samurai nodded but said nothing.

"Arrest me, I haven't done anything wrong. I'm going to speak to the other generals about this, this is ridiculous," Farish said as he turned to leave via the other end of the barracks.

"That sounds like resistance to me," the knight said. One samurai immediately stepped forward and put a hand on Farish's shoulder.

Farish shrugged the hand off saying, "Hey it's not wrong to want to speak to a superior officer."

"I am your superior, you will report to me if you have any problems; after you have carried out your orders," as the knight said this the other two samurais stepped forward too.

"Like hell I will, you're not the only one in charge around here," Farish again made for the door and this time the samurai grabbed his arm. Farish yanked his arm away and this time found himself being grappled from behind. He struggled against the hold but then a second samurai came around the front and grabbed his arms.

As he struggled the knight walked in front of him and said, "You are under arrest for disobeying orders and insubordination."

"As you were men!" a new voice boomed from the doorway. The samurai immediately released their grab and stepped back.

"Vallaer, what are you doing here. This is none of your business," the knight said.

"I think it is Ethaniel, misuse of power is a big no-no, what if the Knight-Commander heard about this; or the inquisitors," another knight walked into view, Farish recognised the voice, the knight who'd talked to him in the mess hall not two weeks ago.

Ethaniel was silent for several moments as he considered these words, "You have no evidence to present to the commander, much less the inquisitors."

"Maybe not," Vallaer shrugged, "But if you do arrest this man I will speak in his defence, this is an injustice and is something we should be working to prevent. I heard what happened and you cannot justify either of the charges you're threatening."

Ethaniel turned and indicated his guards follow, "Perhaps, but he has his orders. If he doesn't report by the end of the day I will be back and there'll be nothing you can do about it." With that he left he barracks.

Farish let out a long sigh and then looked up at Vallaer. "Thank you sir, I don't know what I would have done if you didn't come," he said as he rubbed his arm which had started bruise from the grabs.

"I'm only sorry I didn't get here sooner, as soon as I read about the transfers I knew something was up. I had already heard the two of you didn't get along during your debriefing," Vallaer said as he indicated Farish should take a seat.

"He's doing all this because of that one comment, that man's got a screw loose," he grumbled as he sat down then mumbled, "I apologise for my bad word choice."

Vallaer gave a short laugh as he took a seat, "You're right but I'll pretend you didn't say that for your own sake. Unfortunately there are some within the order who do not approve of people like you, no offence, the fact that you are a valued and useful part of this army seems to just go over their head."

"None taken sir, it makes me feel sick," then the other thing Vallaer had said clicked, "Transfers sir?"

"Ah yes you wouldn't have heard yet," Vallaer rubbed the top of his helmet with a gauntleted hand, "The rest of your little group had been reassigned to Sir Ethaniel's elite unit, from what I hear they're going to be going after the blue Keeper the day after tomorrow."

"What, you can't be serious."

"I'm afraid so, there's nothing I can do about that, we are of similar rank and I can't countermand his orders. The commander has already approved his mission."

Farish looked down at his hands resting on the table, "And I won't be there with them."

"I am sorry, but you've trained them well, I'm sure they'll be ok."

"I hope so," his hands clenched into fists as he looked up, "I am grateful for your help sir but if you'll excuse me I have to pack for the front lines."

Vallaer nodded and stood, leaving Farish alone in the barracks to pack.