Ulrich von Lichtenstein von Reinhardt
Years had passed since his adoptive pirate brethren had named the young kings-blood Ronald. He had hated the name ever since it was first bestowed upon him by his first captain, at the age of seven. For years he had carried his cursed name around as the identity of his pirate life. He knew that his mother had bestowed upon him a holy name, one that the Crusader Order from which he came would welcome. However, he was unaware that his father was the fabled King Reinhardt. He had occasionally wondered who his father might be, and why his mother had given him to a scruffy old sea captain, but he often expelled these thoughts quickly from his mind. When a group of disguised Crusaders approached him in port one day, Ronald was taken aback. He was perplexed as to why a group of Crusaders would be searching explicitly for him in these faraway lands. It was not until they were discussing their journey's purpose over a cup of ale that Ronald had realized that this encounter may lead to the discovery of his true identity. Perhaps these Crusaders might be able to tell him where he came from and who his father was. They spoke for several hours...
"I'm... the son of King Reinhardt?" he questioned.
"How can that be!? My mother was simply a farmer's widow in Yruma."
One of the Crusaders answered, "We were accompanying your father when he saved her from brigands outside her farm."
He continued, "Twenty men had wandered to your mother's farm, in search of plunder. Our party had noticed from a distance what was happening, and your father rode fast towards these brigands. He killed two of them before we were able to reach him, and then killed three more during the skirmish. When it was over, your mother thanked him, and soon after, you were born. Your mother sent you away before you were old enough to find out who your father really was."
There was a silence for a time, as Ronald grasped the reality of what the Crusader had said Ronald replied, "And you were sent here to find me... because I'm of royal blood?"
The Crusader responded, "In part. Good King Reinhardt is passed, and on his deathbed he chose his loyal servant Lord James to be named King, as your father knew he had no legitimate heirs. Shortly after his coronation, King James sent us on a quest to find you and return you to him, so that you may join our Order."
Ronald was still trying to digest what had been said, but was relieved to finally be told who his father was and why he was sent away. He agreed to travel with the men back to their capital city of Curaw, in order to find out more about his father, himself, and what King James was to make of him.
They reached the city gates of Curaw, a white and gold banner positioned in front of the gatehouse for all to see. Ronald was escorted to the throne room, where a man in a white and gold cloak sat, while two heavily armored guards on either side of him stood at attention. The men who had escorted him all this way kneeled, and Ronald followed. "Rise", said the King. "It is really you, is it? I'm glad to see you have come. I presume my men here told you why I sent for you?" Ronald replied, "Yes, my liege. They explained to me that I am the son of King Reinhardt." "Does this surprise you?", James asked. "It's taken us weeks to get here, and it still hasn't sank in completely.", Ronald answered. "I can only imagine... I sent for you not only because you are the son of Reinhardt, but because I have an offer for you.", James stated. "What is it you offer, my liege?" Ronald questioned. "I would like for you to join our Holy Order. You shall be a Knight of Acre, sworn in fealty to me, and take on the surname Reinhardt, as your father would have wanted.", James replied. "I would be honored, sire.", answered Ronald. "Then step forward and kneel. From this day onward, you shall be known as Knight Ulrich von Reinhardt of Acre, son of Good King Reinhardt, Knight of Acre, and Protector of the Realm.", the King said as moved his sword from Ronald's shoulder to the other. "Ulrich, sire?", Ronald blurted, confused. "Ronald was bestowed upon you illegitimately, by your old pirate brethren, I would presume. It is not a holy name, and is one that I do not enjoy hearing. Ulrich is a name from your father's birthplace, an honorable and holy name; one that Crusaders would look to you and show you respect for.", replied the King. "Thank you, my King", said the newly named Ulrich. "I shall serve thee well."
