Chance Meeting with a Knight

In the backdrop of the cloudy moonlit sky, Laija appeared like an ethereal being in her pale white gown. Her midnight blue locks swayed with the breeze as she closed her eyes.

When he addressed her, she opened them at once, green orbs that gleamed like precious gemstones.

She answered his questions without any reservation, revealing the secrets of her magic. He wanted to ask more, wanted to know more. But she bid him goodnight and left her balcony.

Francis raised his violet eyes upwards. The moon was still hiding behind the clouds. But no force on earth could keep concealing it's radiance for long. In a matter of times, she too will be discovered by the kingdom.

He wondered how will he act then?

-

The next day, during breakfast, their host, Mr Obenson offered, 'How about a tour of our town before lunch?'

'Yes, before you leave, you should visit our clothing store. We have the finest dresses in town.' His wife introduced.

'Isn't that right, Dahlia?' She added looking at her daughter. She was the girl who was crying that day. Her parents were really grateful for saving their daughter from further shame.

'Yes, I would love for little Anya and Miss Laija to try some of the clothes we have.' The cute face girl uttered timidly. However, her eyes shone with anticipation.

Seeing her eagerness, as well as Aniya's wish to have a dress, Laija accepted the offer.

'The ladies are having a fun day. Domi, what about us?' Francis asked. The boy knitted his brows, seemingly in deep thought. Not having an idea, he uttered looking troubled, 'I don't know.'

Mr Obenson laughed. He spoke, 'Why don't us gentlemen go visit this place that sells strange objects? I heard new goods came in.'

'That sounds even more interesting.' Francis agreed easily. Domi nodded, looking excited.

Later, Laija along with Aniya and Dahlia went to the store. She watched Aniya try one colourful dress after another. The young miss told her to do the same but Laija politely declined. She didn't need a new gown but she needed to buy a new cloak. The one she was wearing now was worn out a bit from the fight.

So, Laija left in search for a store that tailored such garments. She found one, run by a middle aged couple. She quickly picked her size and after making her payment went out the door.

All of a sudden, she bumped into somebody. It seems the person's chest was made of rock or something because she felt a numbing pain on her nose. Rubbing it, in an attempt to soothe, Laija slowly looked up.

A tall man with a muscular body, clad in shining black armor stood before her. He had a slightly tanned face, very dark hair and piercing amber eyes. He was looking down at her with an unreadable expression on his handsome face.

Laija quickly took a step back. Even though, she had never encounter one, Laija could tell he was a knight from his uniform.

Have the officials from the capital already caught up to them?

The thought suddenly made her feel uneasy.

'Ah, Pardon me, my lady.' The man said and moved out of her way. Then, he turned around and made his leave without so much of a glance back.

Laija was surprised and also relieved. It appears the official did not recognize her. Maybe he haven't even heard about her. It really was a stroke of luck.

She returned to the clothing store and saw Aniya in a yellow dress with rose patterns. She looked estactic when she twirled around, showing off.

'How do I look in this?' She asked, eyes beaming like stars.

'Very pretty.' Laija complimented.

Dahlia also gave Laija a dress she had chose. It was very nice but Laija wondered on what occasion she will get to wear such an exquisite gown.

She tried to pay for both but the timid young mistress refuted, quite strongly too.

When they returned to the manor, Domi was also back. But Francis was not present. Mr Obenson informed that he met an old friend and was going to have lunch with his friend instead.

Two hours after the meal, Francis came back. Domi latched onto the man's leg and asked, 'Why are you so late?'

'My friend kept talking forever about boring things!' He complained.

'Alright, let us get going.' Laija said. Then turning around to the Obensons, she uttered, 'Thank you for your hospitality.'

'No, no. We were quite happy to have you.' Mrs Obenson said with a smile. Taking her daughter's hand, she added, 'We will always be grateful for saving our daughter's honor.'

'Do visit us again.' Mr Obenson told them with a smile of his own.

The Obensons were really generous people. Laija thanked them again for taking care of them well.

Lately, since this trip began, she had become too involved with many people. She don't know if that will be a good thing or a bad thing later on.

'Well, then. We'll be taking our leave. Take care.' Francis said, shooking the man's hand.

During the ride, Francis was oddly silent. Even Domi and Aniya noticed, they asked,

'What happened Francis?'

'You don't look okay. Are you sick?'

Francis only smiled, a force one at that. 'Does it seem like that?'

'Yes, tell us.'

'We will help you.'

Francis pursed his lips. He put his hand in one of his pockets and took out a few marbles. He handed them to Domi and Aniya who were thrilled, their attention were now diverted on the colourful objects.

Laija was going to ignored him, whatever was on his mind after meeting his friend, was not her concern. She was not one to pry at people's privacy. But looking at his unhappy face, she decided to clear his mind off whatever problem he was having by talking about other things.

'I bumped into a knight today.' She said.

Instead of looking at ease, the man appeared even more troubled. This made her brow arched up. She continued speaking,

'But it looks like he hasn't heard rumors about me. He did not react in any way that calls for worry.'

Francis rested his chin on his right hand (Laija noticed there was gold ring studded with gems on his forefinger, since when?) and leaned her way. In a calm and collected voice, he spoke, 'Yes, I saw them too. They were there to subdue the bandits terrorizing the people.'

'I see.' She answered. So, Francis managed to find out the reason they were there.

'It's a good thing that we did not encounter them on the road. It seems they came from the west direction, straight from the capital.' He said further.

Laija nodded quietly in response. She gazed outside the window screen. The sky was a faded blue. She could also see the hills in the far distance.

Suddenly, she was not so worried about being found. She can easily disappear, keep a low profile and live the life she had been living. But it was important she become knowledgeable about this world. There were many things she needed to know. She came here years ago but she knew next to nothing. Truth be told, she was no different than a newborn. Until now, she didn't bothered to find out because she was always alone. However, it was high time she ask.

'Can you tell me more about this kingdom?' Laija took her chance with him.

The abrupt question caught him by surprise.

'Like what-t?' He almost stumbled his words.

'Um, everything that is common knowledge?'

'You indeed sound like a foreigner.'

'I mostly kept to myself.' She told him. She herself was a mystery. Maybe if she learn about this place, she will learn her own secrets too.

Francis stared at her in a quizzical manner. By now, Domi and Aniya's attention were on the new toys Francis had given them. They could have their discussion without interruption.

Francis began in a serious note, 'Well, Faivandel is like any other kingdoms on the continent, ruled by a king. The only difference is, our kingdom was blessed with magic five hundred years ago and because of this, we are envied by many.'

'So, that's how it is. King Regrandi and the Goddess Umeria, the celebrated founders of the land.' She commented. Then, her green eyes lifted to meet his, she asked, 'That time, I remember you said it was wrong. Was it something you blurted out while drunk?'

Francis put his hand and covered his mouth. Embarrassed, he said, 'Yes, I was. But what I said was the truth. The first king and the queen goddess had a union but not out of love.'

'Alright, so the goddess was the first known to have magical powers?' This was the main point she was interested in.

He replied, 'Yes, she shared her powers to the king and his descendants. The first hundred years, most inhabitants in our kingdom had magical abilities. And because of these, we were able to expand the territory, all the way to the snow capped mountains in the north to the shores of the southern seas. These years were term as the golden era of Faivandel by historians.'

He continued, 'In the second century, a descendant of Regrandi had grown haughty and spoiled from the peaceful years. He inspired his faction to revolt against his elder brother, the ruling king and won. Driven by his greed and arrogance, he committed heinous act against the people, even sullied the honor of his brother's second wife. Humilated and enraged, the woman went to seek out the Goddess Umeria, who had retired deep into the Enaviu Forest, her original home. At first, she refused to help. But the woman promised to give up her life and her own young children, if it meant defeating the tyrant king. This act somehow moved Umeria and she agreed to the request. The Purification of Mur happened.'

'The Purification of Mur?' Laija repeated.

'Yes. Umeria battled with the king, her own descendant and fought with his armies for seventy one days. She was victorious but at the price of her own immortality and power. She also took back all of the magic she had given to the people and returned it into nature. From then on, not one person in the land was known to be able to do magic. Until you, that is.' Francis finished, meeting her gaze with something akin to wonder or admiration, Laija could not tell.

'So, let me ask you now. Who are you actually? Where did you come from?' There was an immense curiosity in his voice.

But Laija was not going to answer those questions. She turned her head away, breaking contact with his eyes. She said, 'That will be a conversation for another time.'

'I look forward to it.' She heard him say.

Laija turned to face him. She cleared her throat and asked the man, 'As you were saying, is that all I need to know?'

'Yes, these are the common knowledge regarding the kingdom. I should add, in olden language, Faivandel means heaven on earth.' Francis told her further.

Laija mused. A little later, she asked him again, 'What about the current affairs?'

Francis met her furtive gaze and spoke, 'Oh, right. At the moment, King Denius Ilav Regrandi rules the land. By tradition, he took five wives. But the Queen and the third wife have already passed away. There are three princes and two princesses, the only legitimate ones in line for the throne.'

While he was explaining, he had a conflicted expression on his face. Laija remembered him saying he was a prince himself.

'You said you are a prince.' Laija said, trying to sound casual.

Francis smiled wryly. 'Like yourself, I rather not say for now.' He told her.

After that, there was no more exchange of words between the two.

-

Cavil Fordrey, the vice captain of the blue knight order was successful in rounding up the bandits who had been wrecking havoc since two months ago.

The officials guarding the town could not handle the rogues. An important official from the capital was harmed in one of the assault. So, Cavil had to come with his own men to arrest the criminals.

It was surprisingly easy that he wondered if the town guards were greatly lacking in skills. What surprised him was that the bandits rumored to be dangerous, were holed up in their hideout, recuperating from several injuries.

'Is there another new group trying to take over the area?' He asked his subordinate. It was the only plausible explanation.

The leader of the bandits heard him. 'There is no other rogues besides us. It was the doing of an enchantress who can even summon a magic beast.' The man revealed.

The black haired knight furrowed his brows. 'What nonsense are you speaking?'

The scar face man huffed. 'It is hard to believe but everyone here are witnesses.' The others nodded heir heads in unison.

'If what you say is true. Then, why the travellers who recently arrived to town by the same route said nothing about it.' Cavil's tone was skeptical.

The leader was shocked. 'Huh, how is that possible?'

'Exactly.' Cavil said and tried to move away but the man stopped him. 'Wait! It really happened! I remembered there was a blond man wearing a tacky lavender jacket in the group!'

Cavil Fordrey froze in his steps. 'What?'

'That man was with the enchantress, who wore a grey cloak, long dark hair and green eyes. A real deadly beauty!'

This comment made Cavil paused. He was reminded of the young lady he had encountered in town. She shared a similar description to what the man was saying.

It really can't be a coincidence then. He needed to go back to town and investigate on the matter.