In Dunham's Tent

Dunham leads you to his camp, on the edge of the main site, on the opposite side to Ulfric's. His tent is a lot more impressive than Ulfrics. It's made of red and blue canvas with Dunham's penant flying regally from the tented roof.

"What do you need me to do first, sir?" you ask. "Shall I begin lowering the tent?"

"Not just now. Let's chat a while." says Dunham. You're not exactly sure what to do about the situation. It's hardly the done thing for a noble to be casually conversing with a serf such as yourself. Even Ulfric spoke to you with a degree of formality most of the time, and you two had spent weeks together.

"Sir?" you ask, a little uncertainly.

Dunham chuckles good naturedly. "Ulfric has certainly taught you your manners" he says approvingly "but you needn't be so formal with me." he heads inside his tent and you follow. Inside, you see further proof of Dunham's wealth. Rather than a bedroll, large, plush satin cushions are arranged into a sleeping area, which he falls back into.

"Phew, rest at last." says Dunham with a long sigh "Your master certainly knows how to tire a man out" he adds "but I'm sure you know that well enough". Something about his tone is suggestive. You look at your feet and shuffle uncomfortably.

"Relax, would you!" says Dunham, almost laughing "You're making me nervous". He gives you another winning smile and something about it does put you at your ease. "I'll be honest with you, Eric, I wanted to offer you an opportunity. It's obvious you're no squire, you're a ****." he begins. You feel your face redden angrily.

"It's not your fault. We're none of us to blame for what fate does to us. But we can defy fate when the opportunity arises. As you can see, money is not something I'm short of. I can purchase you from Ulfric and have you set free. I can even offer you patronage so that you can become a true squire." says Dunham.

"Ulfric said I was to old to train as a squire" you say.

"Nonsense. The truth is, Ulfric is too old to train you." replies Durham. Your face reddens further. "I don't mean to insult your master, please, don't be offended. The simple fact of the matter is, we knights have a short period of glory before age dulls our reflexes and we retire to become land owners in a quiet part of the country. Ulfric is fast approaching that time, but you needn't join him. You're still young. You can still have your freedom and your glory days". Durham's tone is sincere and enticing.

"Why me?" you ask.

"Because I like you" says Dunham. "You're young, strong....handsome." he adds, his tone becoming sultry. His expression makes it clear exactly what he means.

"I'm not sure I know what you mean" you lie.

"You needn't be coy, Eric. Knights fucking squires is a tradition as old as knighthood itself. We're away from home for months at a time. We only marry those we've been told to by our fathers and they're hardly the sort to go travelling the country with their husbands. Men have needs and we meet them with each other. I'm sure Ulfric has had you?"

Your expression gives a clear reply. You wonder: Had Ulfric just been using you to scratch an itch?

"See. My patron fucked me, he was fucked by his and on and on and on." says Dunham, matter of factly "When Ulfric retires, he'll be settling down with a wife and he won't need your services. But I would very much like to have you offer them to me. With me, you could attain a knighthood of your own. My father has the influence to have you elevated."

You contemplate the offer for a while. What he says is true. Ulfric can't have very many fighting years left and he's always been clear that you're an attendant, not a squire.

"I won't **** this on you. You're loyal, I can see that. It's one of the reasons I want you to be my squire." says Dunham "though not the main one" he adds, looking you over with a hungry look. "Perhaps it might help you to make up your mind if you see how I compare to Ulfric?" he adds, suggestively.