Matthias's Promotion

[Matthias]

The knight continued to drag the struggling archer through the many halls of Ostia. Past the embroidered tapestries, past the priceless antiques. Eventually, they stood in front of the assembly hall of Ostia.
"So, public execution then?" jeered Matthias.
"I'm beginning to wonder why I agreed to do this," droned the knight, looking down at the squirming archer.
"Because they pays you da big bucks," drawled Matthias, grinning up at him. The knight gave him a little shake, and threw him into the room.

[Matthias]

Within the elaborate chambors, many of the lords of Ostia lay waiting. They watched as a scruffy peasant fell face first onto the floor of the meeting. Matthias scrambled to his feet and eyed the assembled nobility with a weary look.
"What did I do now?" he demanded.
"You are Matthias? Former Vassal to Lord Sain?" asked an impressive lord, stepping forward to stand in front of Matthias.
"Gee, I sure hope so," Matthias retorted. "It'd be really bad if you killed the wrong guy."
The lord's eyebrow shot upwards.
"Killed? Who said anything about killing you?" he asked, looking around at the assembled lords.
"No one, that's just what happened last time. Somethin' about punishin' me for what I did."
"Well, that is what we're here for," admitted the lord, beckoning for a servant to come forth.
"It has come to our attention that you were present at the assault on the Ruinz bandit base."
"Yeah, I was there."
"You were also among the last to leave the field of battle during the assault on Santaruz."
"Yup."
"Then, you were here to depose of Lord Fabis, the usurper to the throne of Ostia."
"Yeah, he's the one who wanted to kill me..."
"From there, you joined the force that went to restore Santaruz to its rightful ruler. And, we recently hear that you helped save a village on the way back."
Silence reigned for a few moments as all those present contemplated Matthias's numerous deeds. they seemed rather heroic, when listed in the manner the lord had done.

[Matthias]

"For all you have done, we are here to present you with your reward," the lord took a box from the servant, opening it up. "This signet is called the Orion's Bolt. It is given to archers worthy enough to be promoted to the rank of sniper. Generally, an archer puts away a portion of their wages for several years, someday hoping to achieve this glorious rank. As it stands, the salary that would be given to you for your numerous service shall be expressed through this generous gift."
"Matthias, archer of Pherae, former vassal to Lord Sain, and current representative of Ostia, we, the council of Lycia, present you with this Orion's Bolt, thus promoting you to the rank of Sniper."

The thunderous applause that followed hit Matthias like a shockwave...