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Chronicle III, Chapter 5, Chronicle III - Confrontation By William Black Will glanced at the dust cloud bellowing in the distance. If it was Sir David coming to greet them, then other riders were with him. A single horse wouldn't plow up that must dirt. Sure enough, five riders appeared out of the cloud with Sir David in the lead. The First Knight's brows knit furiously together, his eyes shining in challenge at the Druid. As he drew close, his voice rang out roughly, "What is the meaning of this? You were told to stay put back in Morion. I am sure my Lady will be rather displeased at your departure." Then his face grew even more severe as he came alongside Aspen. "Tell me what games you've played at with Lord Banon's troops. Tactus seems to think you sent the Lord of Damtree to his deathly reward?" Will kept silent yet held the larger knight's gaze. "Well? Answer me. Is Banon dead?" "Yes." David shook his head. "And you were forbidden to use magic. By God and Graces, you enforced the ground rules yourself! Now what hell are my men to think?" A flame of disapproval glittered in his eyes. "I used no magic. The night, Morgan, and my weapons were used to bring down Lord Banon. And as I told Tactus, I believe Morlyn had a hand in helping me." "Morlyn? You must be joking...I thought he was one of the bad guys." "He is, but he plays by his own rules. He wants Morion for himself, the realm and the woman. This I foresaw in my dream. "He's not the only one to play by his own rules." David shook his head, "This doesn't feel right. Lord Banon by all accounts was an excellent leader, a hardened warrior, and a sorcerer in his own right. How could you get in and out without being stopped?" The First knight looked accusingly at Will. "Like I said, Morlyn has a hand in this. But now is not the time to debate. I have worked to do." "Oh no you don't! You're heading back for Morion now. We can handle this! Just then Morgan, Sir Robert, and Sir Alan rode up. It was Morgan who spoke first, having heard David's comment. "Will stays, David. He is the right man for leading the falcons to their targets. He also knows Morlyn's tactics. It would be foolhardy to send him back." "My Lady, I'm afraid this is not up to discussion or vote. He goes." Sir Robert started to protest, but the First Knight cut him short, "Need I remind everyone that I'm the commander of this expedition. What I say goes. He's leaving," he said jerking a thumb at Will. Will nudged Aspen close so that only Sir David could hear, "My Lord, you can command all you want, but unless you are willing to fight me in a dual and win, I'm not going anywhere." Seeing the look of furry in David's eyes, Will continued, "But beware, lest your anger cause the men to loose faith in you." With that he urged Aspen forward and away from the little greeting party. Morgan, Robert, and his brother joined him. A smile played across his lips as he heard Sir David telling his officers with a sour edge to his voice, "They're right, he stays". *** Later David caught up to the Druid. "Don't think that I backed down from a dual with you just because of what you said. I've killed men I've not counted as enemies. You are a friend of the realm, thus a friend to me. However, you are also my rival..." He's eyes pierced into Will, "And I won't give up my claims so easily." "Claims? Are we speaking of the Lady Morion?" "You know very well my meaning, Druid!" David spat. "Yes, my Lord...I do indeed." A slight smile played across his lips. "Yet I tell you this, I've also had loves in my life...and like you, I don't give them up easily. But there is this difference: Morion is NOT a prize to be won, nor a heart to be caged. If she shares her life, her dreams, her visions with me, I'll not dishonor her by rejecting them. I accept them for the gifts they are. Nor will I not share what I am with her. I enjoy it too much to give that up." Will turned to leave, but David blocked his path. "This isn't over Druid." "No...sadly I foresee it is not. But for me it is for this day. Now let me pass." David stepped aside glaring at Will. But then a softer look suddenly entered his eyes. "Will, I've spent my life in Morion's service. I've protected her with a fervor that surprised even me. And I wasn't always in love with her. I can remember a time when I thought her too young and arrogant for the position of 'Sovereign of the Realm'. Even that was not too long ago. For God's sake, Morion isn't even her real given name. She took the name to honor the Crystal she defends and who's power she wields." Sir David looked tired, "Can you really blame me for the jealousy I feel?" The younger knight shook his head. How could he answer this man who gave so much of himself? But honesty was better than dancing around the truth. "Sir, I don't blame you for anything, though this jealousy you feel will only lead to harm. Yet I state again, Morion is not a prize to be won, or a possession to be held onto. Your love honors her, and I acknowledge the affection she returns to you. But if you wish for it to be exclusive, then I think you're going to be sorely disappointed. Unless you intend to eliminate all those on whom her favor rests." Will continued, "No, if one day the Lady graces you with herself, then praise the heavens for the blessing she is. But if the Lady does not return your affections in the manner you desire, then be happy for the abiding friendship that you both share." With this Will walked away leaving the First Knight to his own dark musings. But David had been right in his prophecy...things were far from over between them. Will shuddered at what he knew was coming. Contract or no, he could not turn off his second sight. The Master would use servants as he saw fit. William Black © Continues... 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