Thrust

Sir William “Thrust” Holmes was born the third son of Baron Robert Holmes of Rutland. With two hearty brothers ahead of him he was not likely to inherit any form of landed title, even though he was father’s favorite. His father’s advice was to join the king’s army as an ensign. Though his position was bought, William turned out to be well suited for the job. Being the “baby” brother of two pompous bullies he not only learned to be to be a skilled scrapper and swordsman, but more importantly he learned to outsmart a larger, stronger enemy.William served under Captain Nicolas Carew. Carew was a war hardened and insanely regimented officer. Captain Carew did not care for slackers; all of his officers would train even harder than their troops. Through this over the next four years William’s fighting skills were further honed and tempered. The problem was William’s nature had always leaned “by two sheets or more” to a more unorthodox life. “I’m to pretty to be a career soldier,” was commonly heard being muttered under his breath. The wenches at the pubs that he often snuck off to very firmly agreed with him.William’s military career ended in a heroic yet odd twist of fate. On the way back from a 5 day furlough he heard the screams of a young woman coming from a small abandoned cottage. Robert ran in to the cottage where he found a young woman tied to a bed and guarded by 6 highway men. “I drew my weapon and put my sword to work, Thrusting and parrying, parrying and thrusting. And just before the last one could cry out for mercy, I thrust home!” Well that’s the story he told the Duke (and father) of the young maiden who had been kidnapped three days prior. She referred to him as “my thrusting hero.” The Duke was so pleased that this young noble and lieutenant in service to the king had rescued his daughter; he threw a big banquet at which he knighted young William Holmes and granted him a modest stipend. With this event William, now Sir William “Thrust” Holmes was able to honorably leave the kings service and make his way in the world as a roving blade, a hero for hire.The roving blade thing did not work out financially as well as Sir “Thrust” had expected. The women and wine flowed great but despite the Duke’s largesse, the purse was running a little light. Just as desperation was about to set in, Thrust rode into a small sea town that was having some trouble with a certain pirate and his crew. The town mayor offered to pay him handsomely if he could “take care” of this problem for them…..