Chapter 4: Knight, Nyatalia, and Stars

“I must apologize for hiding the truth from you.” The king knelt before him, bowing his head with desperation coloring his face. “I beg of you. Please help me find my long-lost daughter. I would give anything to have her back.”

It was beyond unbelievable for His Highness to do such a thing in front of a commoner.

Larson took some deep breaths and offered the king a hand. “Your Highness, you shouldn’t be doing this to yourself. I would have accepted easily if you only asked.”

“I’m so sorry, my boy.”

“It wouldn’t change a thing, Your Highness. I still want to serve the kingdom as my father did.” The boy struggled to maintain his footing as King Noel shouldered his full weight on him even if he was mostly a bag of bones.

After guiding him to his throne, the king asked for his knights to come in.

“Bring him his armor, sword and shield!” King Noel ordered.

After giving Larson his equipment, the king raised his ceremonial ruby sword, “Kneel, my boy.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Larson wilfully obliged.

“From this day onward, you shall be known as Blazing Knight of the House of Wolfe. Your fellow knights shall bear witness as Luxene accepts you as her protector. May you serve your country well.” The king tapped the sword on his shoulders as he said those words. “Rise, Knight of Wolfe.”

Alcanor struck the ground with his sword. “But what about the other participants, Your Highness?”

He shot a seething glare at his Head Knight. “You need more young men in your ranks, am I right?”

“Understood, Your Highness. We will train them immediately.”

“Also, send the families of those who lost their lives in the first trial my solemn regards.” King Noel followed up.

“They should be compensated handsomely.”

“But, Your Highness—“

His strong authoritative voice stopped his sentence short. “That is all, Alcanor. You are all dismissed.”

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“So, how did it go?” As Larson came in to his room, the girl leisurely draped herself on the bed like a flat tire.

He donned his armor over plain clothes. “What are you still doing here?”

“I was keeping your bed warm.” Like a cat, she purred next to him. “Where’s my reward?”

Larson scoffed and set his blazing armor aside. “You’re a funny one. Can you at least tell me your name?”

“I’m Nyatalia.” She proceeded to put her arms around his waist as she whispered into his ear. She felt for his rounded chest and tight abs. A tingling sensation crawled under Larson’s skin.

He gently lifted her hands away from his body and returned them inside the pockets of her violet dress. “I need to rest. If you want to play with me, little kitty, we can do it tomorrow.”

“Sure, Honey. Don’t keep me waiting!” She waved him goodbye and disappeared into the darkness of the hallway.

“Yeah. See you, Nyatalia.” he whispered and jumped in his bed, placing hands under his head.

He held his silver sword and swung it in the air. Visualizing himself on the battlefield, he slid the shield onto the other arm. With his mind exhausted from the battle simulations, he drifted swiftly to sleep. He dreamed of himself sparring with his father using his new equipment.

His father, closely resembling him, smiled. “I’m so proud of you, son. I knew you would be a knight someday. I wish I was there when the king knighted you.”

Larson said nothing, content with his praise.

“The path you will take can cost your life. Take extra caution, my child,” he warned. “I hope I could see you grow up the ranks like your old man.”

Larson bowed and thanked his father. His old man gently patted his head and a bright flash of light roused him from sleep.

At the break of morning, Nyatalia went into Larson’s room. His armor and weapons vanished. She found a letter on the bed. Words in bold printed on the bottom of the page, “Don’t come looking for me. It was nice meeting you, Nyatalia.”

She snuck out of the castle, intent on finding her playmate.

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Larson procured the map from His Highness in the throne room before leaving the castle.

“Are you sure about this?” King Noel squeezed his fists. “Why don’t you consider training with the Head Knight for a month or so to hone your skills further?”

“Thank you, but the princess’ safety is of utmost priority, my king.” He explained with determined eyes.

“I see.” He nodded. “In return for saving my daughter, I shall grant you the blessing of having her hand.”

“You are too generous, my king. Only a glimpse of her beauty would suffice.” The boy’s cheeks reddened.

Larson’s raised his eyes on the portrait of the queen above the king’s head. Her golden locks circled her head like a crown, and her cherry eyes were as clear as day. She wore a flowing platinum dress, complementing her ageless glow.

“I believe she’s exactly your age now, taking a liking to her mother.” King Noel readjusted his stained crown.

“Well, we shall discuss your reward once you come back with my daughter.”

“I must be on my way, Your Highness. I promise to bring her home.” Larson bowed.

“Before you go, take this.” King Noel produced from his pocket a spherical black pendant. White dots looked like stars in the night sky. A touch of violet emphasized the reflecting spots.

Larson wore it around his neck. “What’s this, Your Highness?”

“A good luck charm I received from my late wife, Solera. May it help you find your path.” He eyed the pendant before sending him on his way.

He thanked the king and went for the exit. Wind blew behind Larson’s neck as he spun on his heels. Stars resembling Orion’s arrowhead printed on it. The king’s eyes widened upon seeing the mark.

“He… he’s the one! He truly is the one! Praise the Lunar God!” King Noel muttered to himself with surprise and excitement melding into one expression. “The oracle’s words proved true! I hope he truly succeeds in saving my daughter and bringing joy back to my people.”

“Oh, Our Blessed Lunar God. Please guide this boy’s hand,” he prayed. “Solera, my dear wife, help him see through the darkness. May he bring our daughter home safe and sound.”