|
The Dark Rider Employed Part II to "The Dark Rider" By Anthony It was getting well past midday as the small group began their journey upon the rode. With Sir Comain well to the front and his squire Tomas watching the rear, Lady Morion's remaining knights and squires arranged themselves about the Lady to provide the best protection possible. The two wounded squires rode just behind her leading the fallen Sir Robert's proud steed. His body had been carefully wrapped in his traveling cloak and secured well to his saddle. The First Knight is traveling next to the Lady Morion as is his place and bringing up the rear of the group is Anthony and his packhorse, trailing just behind Sir Robert's horse. All are silent as each is occupied with his or her own thoughts of the events this small party has just endured. It had seemed so innocent, a short excursion into the countryside to visit a few villages and small burgs. Rulers and nobility should, from time to time, make their presence seen and felt so that their loyal subjects do not feel so far removed from their lords and ladies. In the case of Lady Morion, her love and care for her subjects and their welfare has always been a top priority, even to the point of some gentle ridiculing from her peers. "Why do you concern yourself with the ordinary lives of the common folk who tend the fields Lady Morion, their lives pale in comparison to ours. They know so little and are of such little importance", remarked Lord Morgath upon her last visit with him. Inside, Lady Morion's anger nearly got the best of her and in her reply the smallest bit did escape."My Lord, would you take it upon yourself to tend the fields or make your dinner? Or what of your subjects that do all for you so that you may hunt all day and taste the best your cellars can provide all eve? I look at my subjects with great fondness and affection for they provide me with all that I could need and want. They work very hard so that they and I can serve each other. In return I provide protection and stability so that they may live their lives in peace, living and loving and raising their children without worrying." The rest of that conversation was soon ended as neither Lord or Lady could see fit to convince the other. Lady Morion enjoyed every excuse to leave the confines of her castle to visit the towns, villages and even the small burgs, wherever her subjects could be found. Apparently though, someone had taken advantage of this kindhearted behavior and had set an ambush. What was the real and dire purpose of the soldiers dressed as brigands? This will not soon be known as thanks to the timely appearance of the Dark Rider, now known as Anthony, the knights and squires with his aid were able to turn the tables on their ambushers, causing the attackers to flee without accomplishing their goal, whatever that may have been. Anthony is looking over the group before him, contemplating today's sharp fight and what it could mean for him in the future. While he is in thought, a knight moves his mount until he is next to Anthony. Looking over Anthony sees this is the knight who spoke hastily in regards to defiling the dead. Goodman Anthony", the knight begins,"I am Sir Biros". Anthony nods his head and the knight continues. "I too thank you for your timely assistance with those fellows earlier" and clearing his throat a bit says "and I regret my lack of patience and poor words earlier as you went to look at the bodies. It... seemed... well, I thought..." clearing his throat again Sir Biros pressed on,"I apologize Goodman Anthony, that I allowed my initial impression of you to sway me towards haste and impatience", he finally finished looking at Anthony with a truly warm and earnest expression. "Sir Biros, it takes a man of great courage and great heart to speak as you have done just now. You are worthy of your spurs Sir Knight and I thank you for your words... and please, it would do me well if you would only call me Anthony", says Anthony quietly, warmth coming from his eyes as a smile spreads across his mouth. A small sound of pent up air comes from Sir Biros, "My thanks... Anthony, I had feared more would come of my words and actions from earlier today. I have been around only a few... um... unemployed soldiers and they are usually a fairly coarse crowd. I realized after your words with the First Knight and Lady Morion that you were not the type of fellow I had assumed you to be". Smiling openly, especially at the knight's apparent discomfort at trying to describe him in the most diplomatic away as a mercenary, Anthony says,"I understand Sir Knight, unlike many of the"unemployed soldiers" you may have come in contact with, I learned early on that if I educated myself and taught myself to speak well my employers would see me with more advantageous favor. The life of a soldier for hire can be harsh but that is certainly no reason to be boorish or act like a thug." Reaching across to Anthony, Sir Biros extends his gauntleted hand and Anthony shakes it. "Well met then Anthony, I must return to my place to protect my lady but I look forward to speaking to you later about the world you have seen thus far if you have a mind to" says Sir Biros. "Of course, Sir Biros and a pleasure it will be to chat with you this eve and I believe I even have a small brandy bottle in my pack somewhere to chase this chill away too." Anthony says and with a small salute the knight returns to his place in the ring protecting his Lady. Throughout the rest of the afternoon the small group remains fairly silent with the exception of Lady Morion and her First Knight. No doubt they are discussing the meaning of the ambush earlier today and what it may portend for the realm. As if there were an enemy to the rear and safety to the front, the party remains in constant motion stopping only to water the horses as they cross a sluggish stream. Anthony sees that the intent is to arrive at the Lady Morion's castle as fast as the horses can be pushed but knows that travel will stop once night beings to draw its dark cloak over the world. Few if any travel at dark when it is the time for the creatures and spirits of the night to move about on their own mysterious errands. Allowing his mind to wonder and his horse to have its head and freely follow the others, Anthony begins to go over the events of the day, in particular the battle he entered and its outcome. The strangeness of the attackers, wearing chainmaille and armor under dirty rags to disguise their appearance and the one who pulled the crossbow from the saddle to loose that bolt, clearly it was intended to kill. Why? The possibilities, even the wildest ones came and went in his mind with the final conclusion that here there was the very real, and possibly the first outward sign of an outside power seeking the Lady Morion's realm. None of the knights nor the squires recognized any of the dead attackers nor did the Lady, also their maille and armor did not follow the pattern used by any of those in this group. So, it had to be something outside and foreign to this realm that threatened. The shadows are becoming deep as night begins to descend rapidly upon the weary party. The First Knight has been vigilant in his search for a place to camp this night and one has made itself available. A ring of stones, one of many in the land that are the long forgotten ruins of an ancient people, can be seen close by. With a command to the leading knight, the First Knight directs the march towards the ring. It will provide a reasonable defense if necessary against any attackers this eve as the area around its small rise is well cleared of trees and shrubs. Anthony quietly approves and his respect for the First Knight rises a bit more as he sees this is truly an excellent spot to camp and can also be easily defended by the small group of knights and squires. Also, Anthony feels... senses... something good from this ring of stones, it gives one the feeling of protection, almost as if there were a spell warding evil from the ring. "My First Knight, you have chosen well our camp for this eve" says Lady Morion,"I can sense the good here and I know we are well protected from any spirits or evil that will be traveling this night". "My Lady, I am pleased you will feel safe here. But speaking as a soldier I am more satisfied that this ring of stones will provide ample protection from any armed attackers. These I worry about more than spirits traveling the night, especially after today" the First Knight remarks as he surveys the area around the rings as if already planning how to cover the avenues of attack and the possible routes for a rapid escape. Lady Morion smiles fondly at her knight's attentive manner towards her safety. The horses are quickly picketed and cared for. The camp is set up, even the Lady lends aid as fuel is gathered for the campfire. It is readily apparent that all are seasoned veterans of camping as little motion is wasted as the camp is finished quickly. "Sir Knight" Anthony says to the First Knight as he takes a small bow from his gear,"I will see what the woods have to offer in the way of fresh food." "Goodman Anthony, I would ask that you take a squire along in case there is trouble" the First Knight requests,"I know you to be a fighting man but two against a foe is better than one." "Agreed Sir Knight and we will not tarry long as I would rather be back well before full dark", replies Anthony. "Squire Tomas, go with Anthony and take your sling. Hopefully the two of you will provide a good supper for us all this eve. And thank you Goodman Anthony for offering to hunt." Says the First Knight. "Please Sir Knight," and looking at the rest of the party Anthony says," I ask that you all just call me Anthony, it is simpler and no other titles are necessary." Everyone looks to the Lady and the First Knight,"As you wish Anthony and my thanks too for offering to find a better supper this night other than hard beef and journey bread", says Lady Morion. "Very well then. Squire Tomas," Anthony says turning towards the squire," let us see what the forest has to offer this eve." With a short nod, Tomas falls in step with Anthony as they leave the ring for the darkening woods. Both are quiet as they approach the woods. Tomas whispers to Anthony, Anthony I will move off a bit to the right so that we can cover more ground in the hunt." "Well and good, Tomas but let us respect the First Knight and not be too far from each other" Anthony replies, though he is more worried about watching after the young squire than himself. After a short while both have several rabbits and pheasants due to their woodsman skills and are returning to the ring. Just short of leaving the dark woods Tomas gives a small "What..." and is silent after. Anthony is instantly on guard peering about as he moves to Tomas. The young squire is standing but motionless, his mouth and eyes open but saying or seeing nothing as he stands there. "Greeting Anthony", rumbles a low voice just behind the squire. Anthony's sword is in his hand ready to strike or defend before the voice finishes its short greeting. "Your sword is not necessary Dark Rider and young Tomas is not hurt. I am holding him with a harmless spell to keep him from seeing me and disturbing the camp, my friend," the low voice says. In the gloom Anthony begins to make out the source of the voice and as he draws nearer sees that it... is a dragon!! "You will pardon me if I do not drop my guard dragon. To approach in the dark and from behind is hardly the action of a"friend", and while I do know a few dragons, I do not know you,"Anthony says as he tries to place himself between the dragon and the young squire. "You are correct, of course. It is just that the Lady Morion does not wish my presence to be that well known. So I sometimes must resort to these types of harmless actions in order to keep her wishes fulfilled." And then continues," I know your reputation from those very dragons you speak of and they have a great deal of respect for you. So I have come to offer you employment." "Employment? From a dragon? I had never thought so powerful of a beast as a dragon would need my services,"says Anthony as he moves to firmly place himself between the squire and the dragon. Smiling, and yes even dragons smile though it is unnerving with all those teeth, the dragon says, "I suppose you are right, however, it is not for me that your services are needed," and raising his head the dragon looks to the ring of stones,"it's the Lady Morion. She is... far more than what she appears to be and more than that, she is a friend. I would hire you to be her protector and guard her for the trials she and her realm are about to endure. "The Lady has her knights and squires and men-at-arms, why would she need me?" questions Anthony,"I am but one sword." Looking straight into Anthony's eyes, the dragon peers deeply and to Anthony it feels as though his mind and soul are laid bare to the dragon and closely examined, the dragons eyes glowing and filling Anthony's whole world, and just as quickly it is over. Blinking Anthony sees the dragon as if for the first time. "Yes Dark Rider, just as you sense the rightness and good intentions of me, now I am sure of you and what you are... and what you may become one day,"the dragon smiles lightly and tosses a small bag to Anthony which he catches with his left hand, not quite willing to remove his right hand from his sword. Heavy, Anthony thinks to himself. "In the bag is a small fortune in gold and gems, I believe you will be well satisfied that there is enough in there to guarantee your services for a year... if you will accept" says the dragon. "A moment dragon" replies Anthony. He searches his heart and for a few moments thinks of his past, what has occurred today, and what may come in the tomorrows ahead."Done " says Anthony,"I will be the Lady Morion's protector and guard in your behalf", and pointing his finger continues, further only you can remove me from this service. Beware though, while I feel all that we have spoken is well and good I will not be easily removed from service on your whim. It will be either at the end of the term of service or perhaps earlier if the reason for my leaving satisfies me. Also, I will keep no secrets from the Lady, I will tell her that I have become employed, who has hired me and why." "I would expect no less and I agree to your"conditions" Dark Rider known as Anthony", replied the dragon,"I cannot always be near Lady Morion whenever danger threatens and I know you will be an able protector in my absence. Now I will be on my way. Fare you well Dark Rider and I pray that we will both be good enough to keep the Lady from any harm in the trials that are ahead of us all,"and with that the dragon vanished into the darkness. Fare you well too dragon, Anthony thinks to himself. "What is amiss Anthony" Tomas suddenly says and almost falls on his face only to be quickly braced as Anthony grabs him. "Only a branch in your way and a mischievous spirit fogging your eyes my friend,"replies Anthony,"come let us leave this dark forest and find ourselves a warm spot next to the camp fire. "I agree, I am well ready to quit this place in favor of a warm fire" comments Tomas as he looks around nervously. Both are soon back in the ring of stones with rest of the group. The rabbits and pheasants are well received and are quickly spitted over the fire. The Lady Morion though is looking at Anthony. "Anthony, is all well" she says to him. Smiling Anthony answers,"Very well my Lady, and further may I have a few moments of your time. It seems I have just been employed and I am required speak to you about it." "Anthony, you will not mind if I accompany you and the Lady for your few moments" requests the First Knight. "Of course Sir Knight, what I have to say may very well be for your ears too" and with that Anthony stands to lead the lady and the First Knight to the edge of the ring."My Lady, I have been hired by a friend of yours. The conditions of my employment are that I am to be your protector and guard for the period of one year". Both the lady and the Knight look at each other as Anthony continues,"Sir Knight, I am sure the Lady's friend means no offense to you and the others as I and my employer certainly do not question your or your men's abilities. However, I have accepted the offer of service and am now honor bound to perform my duties. If it will help ease your minds, the identity of your friend, Lady Morion, is a dragon,"Anthony says. The First Knight does not appear surprised and Lady Morion says,"Oh he is such a dear, my old friend is ever thinking of me." The First Knight remarks," I do not take offense friend Anthony and further I welcome your sword in the Lady's service, however know you that I will never be far from my Lady." "Of course Sir Knight, and know you both, I have some small experience in guarding protecting. I will not be in the way so that the Lady may certainly go about her business and have her privacy. However my Lady, you need only call out and I will be at your side in an instant, to protect and to serve," and so saying so Anthony bows deeply from the waist. "While I certainly have enough protectors gallant sir, I accept you as I know it is with the best intentions from my old, dear friend,"says Lady Morion. With that, another adventure begins... To be continued... Story by Anthony © |
| The Dark Rider by Anthony |
|
|