Knighted

'One day before'

The morning sun shined across the land that housed the kingdom and the castle of The Duke Of Stanley. Its rays bounced on the waters of the moat that rested at the front of the castle parted by a large drawbridge.

High above on a hill in the distance, three men were journeying to the castle from a return quest. Pausing for a minute they took in the serene image of the layout of the land.

One sat down and said to himself, "what an amazing place." In the distance, three caravans were seen attempting to cross the long bridge to enter the castle.

The drawbridge section was dropping for them to enter the large castle in the distance. From this distance, they looked like small animals about to wade through some water.

When the sightseer was about to stand up, his accomplice said out loud, "what is that?" In the distance, a large ball of what looked like fire was seen approaching the castle in a downward trajectory.

The caravan rider fought desperately with the reins of his horse trying to get the horse to calm down due to the approaching danger.

The rider beside him looked to the side of the caravan to see that the castle moat had now begun to bubble and then slowly evaporate as it began turning to steam. Screams were now being heard all over the kingdom.

The Duke Of Stanley walked out on the castle balcony because of all the commotion that he was hearing. To his shock and horror, a large rock of fire descended unto his kingdom.

'Dooshhh!'

The sound of the impact echoed through the hills as the three men returning from the quest were thrown backwards unto the ground from the gust of wind that blew towards the hill.

Dust blew up into the air mixed with blood as bodies flew everywhere. One of the persons who was in the caravan at the time was thrown out into the hard mud that was once the Moat. All the moisture and water had dried up. Trees were pushed back from the epicenter of the blast from the falling rock.

One of the adventurers got to his feet to look at the epicenter of the blast, which had been the castle that was no more.'

'The castle and Kingdom of the Duke Of Stanley was no more.'

'Back at the encampment'

Timea got up from her bed to look for her clothes.

When she had put on something, she turned around to face the bed. Under the covers, she could see Isabis bulky frame under the silk covers.

It was then she remembered the banquet that had taken place the night before.

She wondered if she should let him sleep or wake him up. She decided to let him sleep as she walked to the nearby stand by the bed to pick up her medallion. As she was about to reach for it, she remembered Luke's words and it occurred to her that he was able to see it even though she had an illusion spell on it.

Suddenly a voice spoke from outside her tent saying "My Lady, there is an urgent matter that requires you immediately."

Ok, she responded. I will meet you in the Main Tent, she answered.

Timea walked into the main tent to be greeted by one of her advisors, a messenger and two of her military captains. Everyone in the tent had a defeated look on their face as if they had received some ill news.

Taking her seat behind her desk, she asked her advisor why she was called here?

We some some good news and some bad news princess, which do you prefer first, asked the advisor?

I would like to hear the good news first, responded Timea.

The good news is, we received reports of the location of 'The King On The Mountain.' The bandit leader who have been organizing the raids which were plaguing the lands. He is held up in an abandon fort located near the Black Mountains. It is unknown how many aid him at this time.

That's good news, stated Timea so what's the bad news.

The advisor looked at the others in the room and then said, The Kingdom of Stanley, has been destroyed and is no more.

"What do you mean destroyed, asked Timea in a serious tone?"

Reports state that early yesterday morning a large rock fell from the sky and destroyed the castle and its surrounding environment leaving nothing but rubble.

Timea sat back in her chair and asked are their any survivors?

We do not know at this time, answered the messenger. I came here directly, when I had obtained all the information about what transpired from persons who had seen. what had taken place.

The advisor continue, with no information on the Duke, whether he is alive or not, it should be advised that our mission given from the Duke should be cancelled and we should return to King Henry immediately.

Who knows if the bandit leader would still be there if and when King Henry decides to act. We need to take this opportunity and attack now. That is my order, Timea stated. Before we prepare to move out, I made two promises to the heroes and I plan to fulfill one of them today. Have them in this tent by the next hour Timea ordered. Everyone is dismissed!

Fiora sat on the banks of the river looking at the fish as they swam upstream. As she looked on, the shadow of a person walked up next to her. It was Luke who asked, do you have a minute?

Sure, she responded.

Luke began talking to Fiora, When I was little, my parents hit a bit of a rough spot financially. My father had gotten fired from his previous job so my mom started baking bread and muffins to keep our finances afloat.

Even though I was young, I remember them putting together what extra money they had, to buy a good, strong book bag for me. One with high quality leather which would last me a long time, which it did. It was from the 'Peditore' leather line, from the Peditore Empire Company. Peditore as in Fiora Peditore.

The others may not know who you really are but you are the most valuable individual here and would definitely be missed from the world. So think about that before you rush head first into danger.

Suddenly they were approached by one of Timea's military captain who said that Timea would like to see them. They were led to the main tent where Mr. Benjamin, Melinda and Greg were already waiting.

The Black Knight stood beside, Timea and two other military captain. When all the heroes stood before Timea, she spoke.

Heroes, we were successful in dealing a significant blow to the bandit regime which is almost dismantled. We know of the location of the leader, who calls himself 'The King Of the Mountain,' and we will be heading there forthright. If you choose to assist us again, we will be forever in your debt.

As you did agree to help us with the previous mission which you did, I am fulfilling one of the two things that I have promised you. To be knighted!

Unfortunately the Duke Of Stanley may have been killed thus he cannot grant you knighthood but I can.

It is known that a King, Queen or Pope are the only ones who can knight someone. A Duke should be able to on behalf of a king.

I however on my title of Knight cannot knight anyone but on my titles granted to me by the King, I, The Blue Maiden, The Protector and Princess of Wales, Knight these heroes.

Kneel, the Black Knight instructed them causing them to go down on one knee before Timea, 'The Blue Maiden'. Timea drew a sword and approached Mr Benjamin, placing the sword on his shoulder.

Timea:

"I knight thee Sir Benjamin Breton Of Wales!"

"I knight thee Dame Fiora Peditore Of Wales!"

"I knight thee Sir Greg Samson Of Wales!"

"I knight thee Dame Melinda Vye Of Wales!"

and last but not least, I knight thee Sir Luke..... I would like to be called The Skywalker, interrupted Luke.

"I knight thee Sir Luke Samuel, The Skywalker Of Wales!"

Now rise, my heroes, knights of Wales.

If you choose not to assist in this new objective, you can wait at the camp. I have a way of finding the 'Grand Master Wizard!' I will get to it, when I return from this battle, Timea stated.

Luke looked at the others and knew what they were thinking even though no one spoke. "We will help you achieve this victory as well," he told Timea which brought a smile to her face.

That's good, she responded with a smile as she instructed her military captains to get ready, for the battle that was to come.