#bennas

(Inspiration music)

Theodore Bennas dismounted from Victory moments after landing in Strongheart Castle’s courtyard. Within moments, a stable-hand had taken the gryphon’s reins and led the proud beast towards the stables and to a hearty meal. The paladin, however, began to walk with purpose into the castle’s keep.

He passes through the diasarming room with a nod to the guards as he undid his sword belt, offering it to one of the guards, a dark-haired man, who took it with a smile.  Dame Morningfire, the guard captain stood before him, “Your Lord Father has plans for your sword, my lord. We will return it to you shortly.” She inclined her head in respect as Theodore returned the gesture, “Of course, Dame Morningfire.”

With a deep breath, Theodore continued up a flight of stairs and towards the great hall. Murals lined the walls of Strongheart Castle that detailed the histories of the old house and its notable members. This mural that caught Theodore’s eyes in particular told the story of House Bennas’ founder, the famed Arianne Bennas, who secured their home from kobolds many centuries ago. His eyes lingered over the details of the mural, tracing over his ancestor’s crimson hair, the blue eyes Theodore himself had inherited, and the features of her faced curled into what must have been a fearsome battle cry at the time. In her hands, she held a greatsword that seemed as tall as she. Beside the founding lady stood her three brothers:  Francois, Arayn, and the youngest, Theodore, his namesake. His eyes lingered on the mural as he slowly made his way up the stairs before opening the door to the great hall.

As expected, his father, Duke Edward Bennas, rose to greet his son. The white haired paladin stood in austere silence for a moment before offering a nod.  Edward adorned himself in plate armor colored silver, gold, and blue. In his right hand, he bore the same warhammer he had once wielded on the field of battle in the service of Stormwind.

The Duchess, Alyssa Bennas, too had dressed in plate armor for this meeting with her son. Gryphon iconography danced along her master crafted plate armor that now saw more use for ceremonial purposes than it did on grand battlefields in service of her kingdom and her house. At her side hung her blessed longsword and dagger beside it.

“Mother, Father.” Theodore inclined his head in respect to both with a small smile, “I was told that you both wishes to speak with me?”

“Indeed, we do, Theo.” His mother began, “We have heard of your deeds on the Broken Shore, and what you have been doing in Stormwind with the Stormwind Guards.” Alyssa began calmly.

Theodore smiled but looked to his father as he continued where Alyssa had left off, “And it is to my shame that injury has prevented me from fighting in the Alliance’s wars in the past several years.” Edward took a deep breath, “Our family is one founded in the blood of our own and the enemies of Stormwind. Throughout our history, a man or woman named Bennas has fought alongside his or her kinsmen without fear. Now, it is you who have done so. More than that, you have brought yourself, an outsider to the politics of Stormwind City, to a place of respect and prominence. It is for this reason that I am naming you the head of House Bennas and Duke of Summerfast.”

Theodore listened, smiling sheepishly in acceptance of the praise until the last words left his father’s mouth. His eyes widened and the paladin looked up at his father in stunned silence. After several moments of stunned silence, Theodore spoke again, “How can this be, Father?  While you still live, it is not my pla-“

Edward simply cut him off, “As the Lord of this family, it is my right to name my successor and to choose another to take command of the family should I deem it fit. And I have deemed you fit.” Edward said firmly. After a moment, however his expression softened, “My lord. While you are abroad, there are several administrators that can help manage day to day expenses and tasks in your absence. Likewise, your mother and I will be happy to offer you our advice and aid should you ever need it. Leadership may be a terrible burden but not one you are a stranger too. I have learned all too well that managing a house is very different from leading an army. I must confess, that I also wish to ensure that you have some experience in ruling while I live that I may assist you. Additionally, I have prepared you a gift for this occasion.”

At the clap of Edward’s hands, a quel’dorei smith entered the room, bearing a great two handed falchion colored in blue and gold that matched the newly named Duke’s armor. The sword itself measured a little more than sixty inches in length and boasted a single edge to cut with. Thalassian runes were carved into both sides of the sword. The elf knelt before the knight and raised the hilt for the paladin to take. After a few moments, Theodore took the hilt and marveled at his new gift.

“It is the same blade you received for your promotion. However, I believed that it could have used a bit more weight and length. Though, I am sure you do not mind. And your father agreed.’ Alyssa spoke up, “Demons are not well known for their armor and a slashing weapon such as that is ideal for cutting through massed swarms. All that it is missing is a new name and an infusion of the Light, my son.” Her lips curled into a proud grin.

Theodore let the blade rest in its newly designed sheath that now hung at his belt and took a deep breath.

“There is one more thing, I will ask of you, Theodore.” The retired Field Marshal sighed as he held forth his hammer, “I ask you to do me the honors of carrying Orcbreaker with you into the Broken Shore. If the time comes that you need a mace, I pray that it serves you well.”

Theodore took a deep breath as he took the hammer, that storied mace with which Edward had sundered the chests of orcs when he was younger than Theodore, within his own grip. His eyes shut in thought as he exhaled, “I will not let you down. Not at home nor on the field of battle.”

“I do not expect that you will, Theodore. Especially since Field Marshal Thundermar will be requiring your services in the field.” Edward chuckled, patting his son on the back, “But for now you have much work to do, Duke Bennas. For the Alliance.”

“For the Alliance.” Theodore repeated, as he made his way out of the Hall, nodding to both his father and his mother. As he made his way to the courtyard, Theodore beckoned for one of the messengers, “I need letters sent to the lords and ladies that I call friends. Tell them that Theodore Bennas now rules in Summerfast but his father and mother yet live. Tell them that what we can trade, we would be happy to. Tell them we want no part of conflicts or petty squabbles while the Burning Legion threatens our world. Tell them we are as fearsome as always.”

As the messenger left without another word, Theodore stepped out into the courtyard to an eager crowd of the duchy’s citizens, most of them from drawn from the castle itself. Whispers of what was to come had circulated through the region for days before Theodore’s return, however, the sight of the paladin with his father’s hammer had all but confirmed it. With a deep breath, Theodore raised his hammer to the air and shouted, “Death to the Burning Legion! For Stormwind! For the Alliance! And for House Bennas!”