CHAPTER ONE.
The defence of Reiksguard Chapter House. Altdorf.
To acknowledge straight away, Richard Williams “Reiksguard” book published by Black Library, from which the setting and characters are taken from.
Location.
In the book, Griesmeyer and Reinhardt arrive at the western gate of Altdorf and although this building does not appear on any official maps, it should be somewhere near the Imperial Palace, [which would make sense, given the Reiksguard guard duties]. The chapter house is described as being a separate citadel surrounded by its own walls, of which non of the surrounding building was allowed to overlook.
Story.
Tomas Hardenburg lay in a cot, the pain still great in his right leg, which was held rigid with splint and bandage. Three days prior, whilst on patrol near the Drakwald forest, they had encountered more beast men. During then engagement Harbenburg’s horse was killed from under him, resulting in a broken leg from his fall.
The door to the infirmary opened, in walked Laurentz Proktor. Still in his armour from this morning, except for the left arm which was supported in a sling. Whilst on the walls earlier another section had rotted away and fallen along with Proktor. Among his many bruises his arm was broken in several places.
The noise and smell of the city entered with him. Inhuman screams and wailing, the crackle and splintering of burning structures. The smell of disease and death. Proktor approached and sat on the edge of Hardenburg’s cot.
“We have to do something to help” said Proktor.
“ Like what ? You know we are in no fit state to ride with our brother.” Hardenburg replied.
Fight Master Talhoffer and Ott are defending the broken chapter walls with some of the sergeants, whilst those able of the squires left behind have manned the walls with their bows replied Proktor.
So what do you suggest, we drag ourselves from this cots, don armour and charge to the rescue. Hardenburg said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
With that Proktor lurched up, “That’s it my friend.” Finding a chair upon which he now stood Proktor launched into the most rousing speech Hardenburg had ever heard. After which Knights with wounds and the plague contagion , began to help each other into armour, eager for the coming fight.
Hardenburg tried to stand but his leg gave way. “ I’m not being left behind.” he said, and I have an idea.
A short time later Proktor lead Reiksguard Knights on foot to the walls of the chapter house, whilst Hardenburg with the help of some of the younger squires went in search on the items they needed from the Grand Hall and stables.