Looking around at all of the now solemn faces impatiently waiting to hear what he had to say, he began to understand the fear that the city guard had experienced when suddenly required to speak before the guests in the governorвЂ™s hall only a few minutes earlier. It has been thrust upon me by circumstances beyond my control.вЂќ I beg your pardon for this interruption in your day but I chose neither the day nor the time for this audience. Sir Gleamheart rose, sheathed his sword and responded, вЂњYour highness, I am indeed humbled in your presence. Or have you been struck dumb by being in my presence?вЂќ At this the king smiled broadly at his joke and looked around at his assembled guests who responded with light laughter. вЂњDonвЂ™t waste our time by having me repeat myself. вЂњArise, Sir Gleamheart!вЂќ commanded the king. The paladin remained silent, on one knee and head bowed. Tell me what business you have that is so urgent as to interrupt this day of festivities.вЂќ I declared this a day of open court with the purpose of meeting each of the knights before the start of the tourney. He addressed the paladin, вЂњMy wizard informs me that you wish to address the crown. King Veray, dressed in his red velvet robe with ermine collar and golden crown, was sitting on his massive golden throne. His looked resplendent with his heavy white cape draping to the floor behind him but he felt inadequately dressed, having left both helm and shield in Rockport. The paladin unsheathed his sword and, holding it point down rested its tip on the polished floor in front of him, lowered his head, shifted one foot forward and lowered his other knee to the floor. Behind the two rows of guards were knights and attendants, clerics and holy men, military and civilian authorities, land holders, and others. Under both galleries stood castle guards with shields and spears in hand. A second floor visitorвЂ™s gallery ran along both sides, crowded with gaily clad lords and ladies, all straining to see the activities below. The walls and columns were of the same gold infused marble as the hallway they had just left. Light was shining in through many large stained glass windows. The room was decorated with many colorful banners and tapestries. All eyes were on them as they proceeded forward toward the king on his throne that set atop a low dais at the far end of the huge throne room. The wizard Qewaxon and the paladin Sir Gleamheart were standing just inside the gilded entrance doors. The grand marshal announced loudly, вЂњQewaxon the Great, Grand Wizard to the court of King Athyert Veray and his guest, representing the city of Rockport, Sir Olorry Gleamheart, exalted Paladin of Heironeous, leader of the military sodality of crossbowmen, archers, swordsmen, clerics and wizards of the first order dedicated to serving the deity Heironeous!вЂќ

Paladin order hall entrance