Albert had been Sir Garrett's squire for just over six years now and it was time for him to get some experience in a longer quest. They had fought together against some kobolds and some bandits but nothing as far away or as dangerous as the dangerous as the dread swamp. A few nights on the cold hard ground with trail food would serve the lad some good in the reality of adventuring. Albert's determination would carry him through because he truly cared about fighting evil and helping out others.
Lord Albert Maxwell was the only son of an ancient noble line that had fallen on hard times due to his father's gambling problem. He was desperate when he learned of the generosity of Sir Garrett so he sought him out to ask for work so he could support his mother and two younger sisters. Sir Garrett had seen potential in the young child of ten and made him the honorable profession of squire to be trained as a knight. It had earned Sir Garrett the eternal thanks of Albert. The now sixteen old noble had repaid the kindness with hard work and diligent training.
Sir Garrett pulled Thunder in front of his squire and asked, "Are you ready to come on a quest?"
"Are you serious?" Albert's eyes lit up. "Of course I am ready. Just give me a little time to getting ready."
Albert vanished as magically as any wizard could and judging by the amount of time it took for him to get back he had planned to come along if offered. As always he was eager and filled with wonder at the world as they traveled for several days to reach the dread swamp. The cold food and rocky ground didn't even dampen his spirits.
They finally arrived at the edge of the dread swamp and Sir Garrett decided to camp for the night before exposing the youth to the full dangers of the swamp. It had been nice to have second person along to allow the proper posting of a guard. Sir Garrett had been impressed at the fine work Albert was doing at guard because he hadn't been caught dozing once on duty. However you never knew when danger would strike and this might be the night for an encounter.
