Heavy rain poured outside, signaling winter’s approach in the capital. Sir Barrys stirred, regaining consciousness after surviving a fatal arrow shot to the neck.
A beautifully dressed woman sat beside him. Sir Barrys tried to rise, but she gently said, “Lay still, you haven’t fully recovered.”
Sir Barrys gazed closely. “Princess Elaine?”
Elaine smiled. “Yes, Sir Barrys.”
Sir Barrys rubbed his eyes, surprised. “What brings you here, m’lady?”
“I came to see you,” Elaine replied. “This is my third day visiting. You’ve been injured for a week.”
Sir Barrys recalled, “Last I remember, I was shot in the neck.”
Elaine nodded. “I heard so.”
Sir Barrys asked, “Why would the Knight King’s daughter care for my well-being?”
Elaine smiled. “Being a princess doesn’t restrict me.”
Sir Barrys smiled gratefully. “Thank you.”
Elaine suggested, “When you recover, let’s get to know each other better.”
Sir Barrys’ cheeks flushed. “I’d love to.”
Gareth entered, exclaiming, “You’re awake!” He bowed to Elaine. “M’lady, good day.”
Elaine replied, “Hello, Gareth.”
Sir Barrys asked, “You know Gareth?”
Elaine confirmed, “Your squire, isn’t he?”
Sir Barrys nodded, “yes m’lady.”
Elaine stood. “You’ll only get better from here, Sir Barrys. Wishing you good health.”
She departed, leaving Gareth and Sir Barrys alone.
THE HIGH TABLE ASSEMBLY
An assembly of the Knights of the High Table convened, the Knight King already seated. Grand Advisor Liam announced, “The Knight King summoned this meeting to address pressing matters.”
The Knight King signaled Liam to pause. “Scouts report no signs of Reagan’s men since the Battle of the North. O’Reilly headed northwest; I sent men to investigate, but they found nothing. Likely, O’Reilly will join Reagan.”
Sir Dwayne dismissed, “He’s just one man, Your Grace. O’Reilly is insignificant.”
Sir Anfield countered, “Your Grace, winds ease in the north. Infrastructure will recover. Sending aid to regrow the base would be wise. Windsdale remains a stronghold, but Reagan may target it again.”
Sir Ryan agreed, “I concur with Sir Anfield.”
Grand Advisor Liam asked, “May I proceed, Your Grace?” The Knight King nodded.
Liam continued, “There’s the mysterious dark-cloaked knight, Knightlin, who protects citizens.”
Sir Ryan chuckled, “He saves people, easing guards’ workload. If he dies, he risks his life being a hero.”
Sir Anfield insisted, “No one is above the law. We must investigate this Knightlin.”
Sir Dwayne whispered, “Some say it’s Sir Edric, dressing up as Knightlin.”
Sir Declan noted, “From what I’ve heard, The Knightlin’s attire resembles Sir Edric’s.”
Suddenly, Sir Barrys entered, and the room fell silent as everyone stares at him. He bowed, greeting the Knight King and Knights.
Liam continued, “Crops are scarce, farms underproduce. Citizens fear the Great Snow’s return.”
Sir Barrys said, “Only ancient bloodlines can ride the mighty dragon Wesex to stop the Great Snow.”
Liam corrected, “It’s pronounced Wessex, not Wesex.”
Sir Barrys teased, “No reminders of Gareth-ding’s classes, Grand Advisor Liam.”
The Knight King asked, “What actions shall we take?”
Sir Dwayne proposed, “Reinforce the north, Sir Edric hunts down the Knightlin, and consult Sir Orton on the Great Snow.”
Sir Anfield cautioned, “Hasty judgment, Sir Dwayne.”
Sir Dwayne smiled, “I take that as a compliment.”
Sir Declan asked, “Sir Edric, our Lord Commander, why so quiet?”
Sir Ryan joked, “Wedding thoughts.”
Sir Edric stood, his expression somber. “Miley, my betrothed, was ambushed and killed.”
The atmosphere shifted. Sir Barrys exclaimed, “Miley? Dead!”
The Knight King offered condolences. Sir Dwayne vowed, “We’ll find the perpetrators.”
The Knight King concluded, “These matters demand immediate attention. Court dismissed.”
Sir Barrys followed Sir Edric, who departed with a sorrowful demeanor, while Sir Dwayne watched intently.
Sir Edric and Sir Barrys descended the castle stairs, their footsteps echoing. Sir Barrys said, “I haven’t heard from Miley since I recovered.”
Sir Edric’s expression turned somber. “That’s because my betrothed is dead.”
Sir Barrys’ eyes widened. “No! First Breaus, now Miley… Who could have done this?”
Sir Edric’s voice trembled. “I can’t say much.”
Tears rolled down Sir Edric’s cheeks. Sir Barrys vowed, “Whoever killed Miley will pay. I’ll investigate myself.”
Sir Edric’s grip on his blade tightened. “Don’t worry, every hand in Miley’s death will die. I swear on this blade.”
As they reached the bottom, Gareth passed by. Sir Barrys called out, “Gareth, come here!”
Gareth hesitated, sensing tension, but approached. Sir Barrys’ face was etched with sorrow. “Miley’s dead… murdered.”
Gareth’s expression shocked. “What? Dead?”
Sir Edric remained silent, tears streaming.
Sir Barrys’ determination grew. “Whoever did this must pay. I remember Miley curing Breaus months ago before the melee, now I can’ believe…”
Gareth sat, frustration and sadness overwhelming him. “I hadn’t heard from her in days… thought she was with Sir Edric.”
Sir Edric ordered, “Tell your friend to leave, Sir Barrys.”
Sir Barrys protested, “Why? Miley was important to both of us, she was our childhood friend under Breaus in Westwood.”
Sir Edric’s distrust deepened. “I don’t like his energy.”
Gareth’s anger boiled. “You freak! Why did Miley even choose to love someone like you?”
Sir Barrys intervened. “Gareth, stop!”
Sir Edric stood firm. “I sense evil in him. He doesn’t deserve Miley’s friendship.”
Gareth departed, angry and sorrowful. Sir Barrys sighed. “You shouldn’t have sent him away.”
Sir Edric’s conviction remained. “Evil surrounds him.”
Moments of silence passed. Sir Edric spoke, “I want to catch the masked man called Knightlin. I don’t want use a large group, it’ll alarm him. Will you join me?”
Sir Barrys agreed. “Yes, Gareth told me about this masked hero called Knightlin. I’m willing to go.”
Sir Edric instructed, “Meet me tonight at the lower ring, beside the blacksmith’s shop.”
Sir Barrys nodded. “And dress casually, we don’t want people to know we are knights.”
Sir Edric warned, “If we catch Knightlin, don’t hesitate to kill him. Let’s hope caution won’t cost you your life this time .”
Sir Barrys smiled slightly. “It won’t.”
Sir Edric stood, his sadness showing all over him.
Sir Barrys watched as Sir Edric departed
Later that night, Sir Edric and Sir Barrys met beside the blacksmith’s shop in the lower ring. As Sir Barrys arrived, Sir Edric said, “Took you long enough.”
Sir Barrys explained, “I wasn’t sure of the route, had to double-check. Wasted time.”
Sir Edric nodded. “Knightlin’s been spotted here more than anywhere. We’ll wait.”
They waited for hours into the night, but Knightlin was nowhere to be found. Sir Barrys suggested, “It’s getting late.”
Sir Edric replied, “That’s good.”
A few minutes passed before Sir Edric stood, saying, “I prepared for this. There’s a man named Reines over the next street. Knightlin’s saved him countless times. Let’s pay him a visit.”
Sir Barrys questioned, “Will he share information with us? We’re dressed as commoners.”
Sir Edric smiled. “Gold changes minds here in the lower ring. Everyone favors a tip.”
Sir Barrys nodded, and they walked under the full moonlight.
Their footsteps echoed through the deserted streets as they sought out Reines, hoping to uncover Knightlin’s secrets.
As they turned onto the next street, Sir Edric and Sir Barrys knocked on the door. A voice from the window called out, “What do you want?”
Sir Edric replied, “We seek information.”
The female voice, Emilia, retorted, “Information is expensive here in the lower ring. You don’t look like you can afford it.”
A deeper voice intervened, “Let them in, Emilia.”
The door creaked open, revealing a cozy interior. Reines, a man in his mid 30s, sat by the fire, his gaze fixed on the flames.
“What brings you here?” Reines asked.
Sir Edric explained, “We’re looking for information on Knightlin.”
Reines chuckled. “I’m Reines, and this is my wife Emilia. What do you plan to do with Knightlin?”
Sir Edric replied, “We need to see him. It’s crucial.”
Reines questioned, “Do you think Knightlin wants to see you?”
Sir Edric hesitated. “We’re not sure.”
Reines nodded toward Sir Barrys. “And who’s this?”
Sir Edric fabricated, “He’s my friend, actually deaf.”
Sir Barrys played along, despite his confusion.
Reines joked, “If you think Knightlin makes the deaf speak, you’ve got the wrong man.”
Sir Edric clarified, “No, that’s not why.”
Reines pondered, “Look into the fire, feel the spirit. Fire is life; it comes unknown.”
Sir Edric nodded in agreement.
Reines continued, “The fire is like the Knightlin – a hero to us common folks. He saves lives, brings justice, but takes the law into his own hands.”
Sir Edric acknowledged, “Undoubtedly.”
Reines shared, “Knightlin saved my life twice. I’m forever indebted. He vanished into the moonlight on many occasions, it’s like a miracle.”
Sir Edric offered, “I have gold. Tell me more.”
Reines refused, “I’m not moved by gold. That’s all I know.”
Emilia suggested, “If you want to see the knightlin so bad, Why don’t you become the Knightlin?”
Reines laughed loudly. “Emilia, that’s quite the advice.”
Sir Edric stood, tapping Sir Barrys’s shoulder to leave.
As they departed, Emilia extended her hand. “I gave you valuable advice. You must tip me.”
Sir Edric handed over the gold.
Reines observed, “You two aren’t from around here.”
Sir Edric admitted, “We’re travelers.”
Reines chuckled eerily. “Aren’t we all?”
Sir Edric and Sir Barrys exited into the moonlit night, continuing their quest.
As they walked on, continuing their nocturnal stroll through the lower ring’s streets. Suddenly, a commotion erupted nearby – a robbery in progress. A flash of steel caught their attention.
Knightlin, the masked hero, appeared, his sword slicing through the darkness with deadly precision. Two thieves fell, thwarted in their attempt to steal from an elderly man.
Guards rushed to the scene, but Knightlin vanished into the moonlight, leaving behind a trail of wonder.
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Sir Edric exclaimed, “That was him!”
Sir Barrys confirmed, “Yes, I saw it – the masked hero, Knightlin.”
Sir Edric suggested, “The hour is late, let’s rest. We can continue our search tomorrow.”
Sir Barrys yawned in agreement. “You’re right. We’ll resume our quest for Knightlin tommorow, a good night’s sleep is needed.”
The two knights returned to the castle, retiring to their respective chambers.
However, later that night, Sir Edric slipped out of the capital, still disguised as a commoner. He mounted his horse, carrying a somber burden – Miley’s corpse, wrapped in cloth and tied in a sack.
With a resolute heart, Sir Edric rode towards the west, the moon casting shadows on his determined face.
The next morning Sir Barrys rose, refreshed, and began his day. After dressing and planning on making breakfast, a knock at the door interrupted his reverie. Sir Dwayne entered, his face warm with concern.
“Sir Barrys, I see you’re recovered now,” Sir Dwayne said, his voice gentle.
Sir Barrys invited him to sit. “Yes, Sir Dwayne. Please, join me.”
Sir Dwayne settled into the chair. “I was saddened by Miley’s passing. I recall your childhood days in Westwood, when I’d visit.”
Sir Barrys’ expression turned somber. “It was a shock.”
Sir Dwayne nodded. “The perpetrators must face justice. I haven’t seen Sir Edric since yesterday’s High Table assembly.”
Sir Barrys shared, “We investigated the Knightlin situation in the lower ring yesterday night.”
Sir Dwayne’s interest piqued. “Did you uncover anything significant?”
Sir Barrys shook his head. “Nothing crucial. We returned to our chambers afterward.”
Sir Dwayne frowned. “Strange. Sir Edric’s door is locked. I thought perhaps he’d left for the morning.”
Sir Barrys offered, “Maybe he’s gathering more information.”
Sir Dwayne nodded thoughtfully. “You’re right.”
He inquired, “Any word from Sir Cole?”
Sir Barrys replied, “No. He rarely communicates during secret missions.”
Sir Dwayne acknowledged, “Yes, the Knight King sent him on a mission last week, while you were recovering.”
Sir Barrys confirmed, “I heard so.”
Sir Dwayne concluded, “All is well,” and departed.
Sir Barrys returned to the table, craving a familiar comfort food from Westwood – frumenty, a sweet porridge made with wheat, milk, and spices. He savored the taste, reminiscent of his childhood.
THE TOWN OF LIN
Sir Edric pressed on, driven by an unyielding resolve, as he traversed the desolate landscape without rest. His horse, Soul Snatcher, carried him tirelessly through the night. They passed through the town of Lin.
Suddenly, Sir Edric’s gaze fell upon a familiar-looking house. His weary body stiffened, and his mind reeled. He dismounted Soul Snatcher and approached the house, his knees buckling beneath him.
The house’s facade blurred, replaced by visions of his childhood home. Memories long buried resurfaced, and Sir Edric’s head throbbed with anguish.
In his mind’s eye, he saw his mother pleading with the thugs, her voice echoing in desperation: “Please, don’t kill our son! He’s just a little boy!”
His father’s voice, firm and resolute, followed: “Take me instead.”
Sir Edric’s vision faltered, and he collapsed onto the ground, overwhelmed. As his senses returned, he saw a young boy approaching him, concern etched on his face.
With a protective instinct, Sir Edric warned, “Don’t come here!” He scrambled backward, his eyes fixed on the boy.
The boy hesitated, saying, “But I want to help you.”
Sir Edric swiftly regained his footing, mounted Soul Snatcher, and urged the horse onward, leaving the town and the haunting memories behind.
His journey to Westwood continued, fueled by a mix of determination and torment.
IN THE CAPITAL
The Twin Duo of Sir Gregory and Sir Leon patrolled the streets when a sudden gust ravaged the lower ring. The spirit, “White god,” manifested, unleashing a devastating gust that destroyed shops and sent guards flying.
Undaunted, Sir Gregory and Sir Leon mounted their horses and charged forward. As the White god devoured a man, Sir Gregory reached it first, piercing the spirit with his sword. However, the blade had no effect, the spirit seemed immortal.
Sir Leon created a diversion, and the White god released its victim, pursuing Sir Leon instead. He led the spirit into a nearby house, which Sir Gregory promptly set ablaze.
The White god, engulfed in flames, rose up in agony, its strange voice crying out, “How dare you! I curse you both!”
Onlookers, fearful yet inspired, applauded the bravery of the two knights. Emilia’s anguished cry pierced the air: “No, Reine, wake up!”
Sir Gregory and Sir Leon approached Emilia, who stood meters behind them. Sir Leon examined the lifeless body beside her and exclaimed, “By the whiskers, he’s dead! Look at his face.”
Sir Gregory somberly added, “The White god devoured him.”
Emilia’s wails intensified as she shook her husband’s lifeless body. Sir Leon signaled a guard to approach.
“Sire?” the guard replied.
“Take this body to the capital and inform the Knight King of the situation,” Sir Leon instructed.
The guard nodded. “Yes, sire.”
Emilia pleaded, “No, you can’t take him away from me!”
Sir Gregory and Sir Leon continued their patrol, leaving the guards to attend to the body and Emilia’s grief.
IN THE ROYAL COURTROOM
The Knight King sat in his court, signing documents with practiced efficiency. A guard knocked, and he bid them enter.
“Your Grace, word from the lower ring,” the guard reported. “The White god attacked again, but Sir Leon and Gregory intervened.”
The Knight King’s expression darkened. “What did they do to stop it?”
The guard explained, “Though their blade didn’t pierce it, they set it ablaze. However, it escaped, vanishing into thin air.”
The Knight King’s face fell, and he dismissed the guard.
Grand Advisor Liam spoke up, “Sire, it’s time to act. The common folk’s unrest grows daily. Banning discussions about the White god hasn’t worked. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider allowing the old ways and make people worship the gods they desire to worship.”
The Knight King rejected the idea. “Never! The gods have brought only misery.”
Liam urged, “Your Grace, we must act swiftly.”
The Knight King countered, “I’ve received no reports of White god sightings from the north.”
Liam suggested, “Well maybe that is because people still worship the gods in secrecy in the north, hidden from Sir Windor’s notice.”
The Knight King refused to consider it.
Just then, a white crow landed on the windowsill. Liam ignored it, but the Knight King’s concern grew. He opened the window, revealing a message attached to the crow’s leg.
The white crow flew off, leaving the Knight King to read the message:
“Your Grace, I’ve found the lost city of Darlington. I’m unsure how, but I did. Sir Godwin is with me, though I don’t fully trust him. If I don’t return in three to four days, then it means I’ve been caught and most likely executed. Darlington is advanced in every possible way, they are governed by a king, and not a Knight King. I’ll report back soon hopefully your grace.
Signed: Sir Cole of Westwood”
The Knight King’s face reddened. “Yesterday was the fourth day… He must be dead.”
He rose, intent on leaving.
Liam asked, “Your Grace, as your advisor, I should know what’s happening?”
The Knight King whispered, “Sir Cole is likely dead.”
Liam’s expression remained stoic, but the Knight King’s emotions were a tumultuous mix as he exited the courtroom.
The Knight King retreated to his chambers, seeking solace in wine. He opened a box, retrieving a chain, when his daughter, Princess Elaine, entered.
“Father,” she said.
“Elaine,” he replied.
Elaine sat beside him on the bed. “Father, what’s wrong? You’ve been troubled lately.”
The Knight King forced a smile. “Running the realm doesn’t come with peace.”
Elaine saw through his facade. “You don’t have to pretend for me, Father. Tell me what’s bothering you.”
He paused, collecting his thoughts. “I’m unsure what to do. Lord Weah keeps on sending ravens, the White god attacks escalate in the west, and Liam suggests it’s because I banned worship of the gods.”
Elaine’s curiosity sparked. “Why did you ban worship, Father? I grew up with people afraid to speak of the gods, fearing your wrath.”
The Knight King sighed. “Twenty-five years ago, I needed an heir. Your mother, Lady Sharon, couldn’t conceive. Desperate, I invoked the gods, promising me a male son. She gave birth, I was so happy I forgot about the gods, but the child died two years later. The gods mocked me, and soon after, you were born. They claimed you as payment for my arrogance.”
Elaine listened, transfixed.
“Your mother died a year after your birth. I was consumed by grief and anger. I destroyed the Great Artefact, it serves as a sacred bridge between humans and the spiritual world. I banned worship, fearing the gods’ wrath.”
Tears rolled down Elaine’s face. “Why keep Mother’s secret from me? You’ve put the realm in danger. What kind of Knight King does that make you? I’m ashamed to be your daughter.”
Elaine’s words cut deep. The Knight King tried to stop her, but she departed, leaving him with the weight of his past mistakes.
It was a sunny afternoon in the capital, Sir Barrys and Gareth conversed, their tones somber.
“I still can’t believe Miley’s gone,” Gareth said.
Sir Barrys sighed. “I’m at a loss for words. Who could harm such a beautiful lady, especially on the brink of marriage?”
Gareth’s expression turned bitter. “well if you would ask me I’d prefer death over marrying Sir Edric.”
Sir Barrys shook his head. “I know you dislike Sir Edric, perhaps due to his eccentricities, but he’s genuinely kind. He’s just not sociable.”
Gareth’s eyes narrowed. “What if Sir Edric killed Miley himself?”
Sir Barrys’ brow furrowed. “Why would he? That’s absurd.”
Gareth shrugged. “Just a thought.”
Sir Barrys considered an alternative. “Or it could be the gods.”
Gareth nodded. “Yes, the White god’s attacks, I hear Westwood suffers the most as of now, the attacks there are devastating.”
Sir Barrys’ expression turned melancholic. “I feel useless, unable to help.”
Gareth offered solace. “Don’t be sad, power isn’t in your hands.”
Sir Barrys nodded. “You’re right.”
Just then, Sir Barrow called out from afar. “Sir Barrys, I’m heading to the training grounds! Join me, and we’ll spar.”
Sir Barrys glanced at Gareth, who grinned mischievously. “That’ll be great! I’d love to see your ass kicked.”
Sir Barrys smiled faintly, and together they followed Sir Barrow to the training grounds.
WESTWOOD
Sir Edric’s long journey to the west continued, unrelenting through the night. He rode without pause, no camp to rest. As morning broke, he reached Westwood, finding the gate sealed and the city shrouded in an unsettling silence.
Sir Edric shouted, his voice echoing off the walls. “Open the gate! I demand entry!”
A guard hesitated, “Are you sure, sir? It’s…the White god.”
Sir Edric’s anger flared. “Do your job and open the damned gate!”
The guards hastened to comply, swinging the gates wide before swiftly closing them behind Sir Edric. They retreated to the safety of the front tower, whispering among themselves.
“Who is this man, unafraid of the White god?”
Sir Edric strode through the deserted streets with unwavering confidence, his aura commanding attention. Villagers peeked from their windows, awed by his fearlessness.
Suddenly, a mournful cry pierced the air. The wind howled, and the White god materialized, its ethereal form racing toward Sir Edric with lightning speed.
Sir Edric’s gaze locked onto the White god, unflinching. His horse, Soul Snatcher, remained steady beneath him.
The White god loomed, its presence suffocating. Yet, Sir Edric displayed zero fear, his eyes never leaving the spirit.
The White god vanished as abruptly as it appeared.
Undeterred, Sir Edric guided Soul Snatcher through the streets, halting before a specific house. He dismounted, tying his horse to a stick.
Miley’s corpse, shrouded in a sack, lay across his horse. Sir Edric lifted it, placing it beside him as he sat on the floor, awaiting an answer to his knock.
The silence was oppressive, heavy with anticipation.
Sir Edric sat beside the door, his stomach growling with hunger, until noon fell and night began to approach. Finally, the door creaked open, and a man in his 50s emerged.
Gallagher’s eyes widened as he took in Sir Edric’s worn state and the sack beside him. “Sir Edric, is that you?”
Sir Edric struggled to stand, his face swollen from lack of sleep. “Gallagher.”
Gallagher rushed to assist him, concern etched on his face. “It is you, Sir Edric.”
Sir Edric gestured to the sack, and Gallagher helped him carry it inside. They swiftly locked the door behind them.
“How long have you been out there?” Gallagher asked.
Sir Edric’s voice barely above a whisper, “A while.”
Gallagher’s eyes narrowed. “Is Miley still in the capital?”
Sir Edric’s expression faltered. “No, your daughter is here…”
Gallagher’s eyes searched the room. “Where? And you don’t look well, what’s wrong?”
Sir Edric’s words hung heavy. “Your daughter is dead. I brought her corpse back.”
Gallagher’s face crumpled. “What…are you talking about? She died?”
Sir Edric’s voice cracked. “Murdered. Ambushed.”
Gallagher turned away, tears streaming down his face. “And you failed to protect my daughter.”
Sir Edric’s voice barely above a whisper, “Yes, I failed.”
Gallagher’s sorrowful cry echoed through the room. “She was the only one remaining for me in this accursed world.”
Through tears, Gallagher asked, “Do you know who killed her?”
Sir Edric’s jaw clenched. “He who killed her, or he who aided in her death, all will die by my blade.”
Gallagher wept, and Sir Edric reached out, offering comfort.
Gallagher’s voice trembled. “You were to be my son-in-law.”
Sir Edric’s eyes locked onto Gallagher’s. “I still am, and forever will be.”
In this moment of shared grief, the bond between Sir Edric and Gallagher strengthened immensely.
Later that night, Sir Edric watched on from the window as Lord Weah and his knights patrolled the city. Gallagher spoke, his voice laced with concern. “The city’s on lockdown. No aid from the capital. Some say the Knight King has abandoned us.”
Sir Edric’s gaze remained fixed on the patrol. “So, we can’t leave.”
Gallagher’s expression turned grim. “We can, if we’re prepared to die.”
Sir Edric’s jaw clenched. “Fear not. I failed to protect Miley, I won’t fail to protect you.”
Once Lord Weah’s patrol disappeared, Sir Edric carried Miley’s corpse, still tied in a sack, and Gallagher followed. They sneaked out, reaching a secluded spot.
Gallagher pointed. “This is where I buried Miley’s mother.”
Sir Edric nodded. “I’ll bury the woman I love beside her mother.”
As Sir Edric dug, Gallagher stood opposite, his back to the grave. Sir Edric noticed and said, “You haven’t looked at Miley’s body. You can untie the sack.”
Gallagher’s voice trembled. “Don’t worry.”
After digging a suitable grave, Sir Edric untied the sack, revealing Miley’s remarkably preserved body. Gallagher’s eyes welled up.
“At least I know my daughter was happy when she met you. She truly cared about you.”
Sir Edric’s voice softened. “As do I.”
Sir Edric gently placed Miley’s body in the grave, kissed her forehead, and whispered, “Till we meet again, my queen.”
Gallagher knelt beside her. “I’ll always love you, Miley—then, now, and forever.”
After burying Miley, Sir Edric placed a rose on her grave.
Gallagher asked, “What now?”
Sir Edric’s expression turned resolute. “Prepare for the coming years. I suggest you remarry, and secure an heir for your house.”
Gallagher hesitated. “my house? but I’m no noble or lord.”
Sir Edric’s eyes gleamed. “You will be soon.”
Gallagher’s curiosity piqued. “How?”
Sir Edric smiled. “Just watch, my father-in-law.”
Gallagher wiped his tears, smiling. “Be careful, I think of you as my son now.”
Sir Edric reassured. “I will.”
As they parted ways, Gallagher said, “Many call you a freak, unsocial.”
Sir Edric shrugged. “Not social, perhaps, but loyal to those I care about.”
Gallagher chuckled. “The people we love.”
Sir Edric smiled. “Yes, the people we love.”
With a final farewell, Sir Edric mounted Soul Snatcher and rode away from Westwood, leaving Gallagher behind. This time, the gate was opened for him to pass, allowing Sir Edric’s departure, he set back home to the capital.
The journey back to the capital was uneventful for Sir Edric until he reached a dense forest. Three groups of men, passing by, approached him.
One sneered, “What are you doing out here? Haven’t you heard of the White god?”
Another taunted, “You want to die, eh?”
The third asked, eyeing Sir Edric’s belongings, “Do you have some coin on you?”
They started pushing Sir Edric, who warned, “Let me go if you want to live.”
One laughed, “You think you can hurt us?”
The other two joined in, mocking Sir Edric. They pushed him again.
Sir Edric’s response was swift. He removed his hood, revealing his face.
One attacker’s eyes widened, and he fled.
The other two were confused. “Why are you running?”
Sir Edric drew his sword, beheading one attacker with a swift stroke. The second fell instantly, sliced by Sir Edric’s blade.
With precision, Sir Edric cleaned his sword and sheathed it. He donned his hood once more.
Soul Snatcher, his weary horse, struggled to keep pace. Sir Edric led her, his grip gentle despite his worn expression.
with a swift stroke. The second fell instantly, sliced by Sir Edric’s blade.
With precision, Sir Edric cleaned his sword and sheathed it. He donned his hood once more.
Soul Snatcher, his weary horse, struggled to keep pace. Sir Edric led her, his grip gentle despite his worn expression.
IN THE CAPITAL
Upon arriving at the capital, Sir Edric headed straight to Sir Barrys’ chamber.
Sir Barrys greeted him, “Welcome, Sir Edric! Where did you disappear to? I thought you were investigating the Knightlin. You shouldn’t have cut me off like that.”
Sir Edric’s response was brief, “Meet me at the shop beside Reine’s house by nightfall.”
He departed, leaving Sir Barrys perplexed. “Not even a word… Oh, forget it.”
That night, they met at the designated shop. Sir Edric said, “Late as always, Sir Barrys of the West.”
Sir Barrys questioned, “Why add ‘of the West’ to my name?”
Sir Edric ignored him. “We’re finally catching the Knightlin today.”
Sir Barrys’ curiosity piqued. “Why so confident this time?”
Sir Edric revealed, “I followed Emilia’s advice: to catch the Knightlin, become the Knightlin.”
Sir Barrys asked, “What do you mean?”
Sir Edric explained, “I’ll walk out there, and you’ll pretend to harm and rob me.”
Before Sir Barrys could protest, Sir Edric stepped into the street, posing as a civilian. Sir Barrys attacked him, and they convincingly played their parts.
The Knightlin emerged from the darkness, swift and precise. Sir Edric and Sir Barrys drew their blades, ambushing the Knightlin. Though initially caught off guard, the Knightlin managed to escape.
They chased him down to a dead end. The Knightlin attempted to flee again but fell to Sir Edric’s mini axe. Sir Edric unmasked him, revealing a middle-aged man.
Then suddenly a hooded figure emerged from the shadows. Sir Edric recognized him from the great joust, it was the man who came into his tents shortly before the final of the melee against Sir Leon potts.
Sir Barrys arrived, exclaiming, “We’ve finally caught the Knightlin!”
Sir Edric’s expression turned contemplative. “Yes… but…”
Sir Barrys celebrated, “You did it!”
Sir Edric looked around again and he couldn’t find the hooded figure he saw moments ago.
As they carried the Knightlin’s body back to the capital, Sir Edric’s confusion deepened.
The Knightlin’s body was presented to the Knight King in the castle. His Majesty declared, “This is what happens when one takes the law into their own hands.”
Grand Advisor Liam interjected, “Yet, Your Grace, the knightlin’s heroic actions significantly reduced crime in the lower ring and across the city.”
The Knight King acknowledged, “True, but now the Knightlin is dead.”
He turned to Sir Edric, embracing him. “Well done, Sir Edric. You’ve done exemplary work. How have you been faring lately? As I heard about Lady Miley’s tragic murder.”
Sir Edric’s voice was subdued. “Yes, Your Grace.”
The Knight King’s tone turned encouraging. “Life goes on, Sir Edric. Don’t show weakness. You are lord commander of the realm and a knight of the high table, a valuable asset to the realm.”
Sir Edric nodded, then departed.
Grand Advisor Liam spoke up, “We’ve resolved one case, Your Grace. More remain.”
The Knight King walked away, saying, “We’ll solve the others the same way we solved this.”
Grand Advisor Liam added, “Winter’s approaching, Your Grace. The Great Snow.”
The Knight King’s response was grave. “And there’s the mighty Dragon Wessex to protect us.”
SIR EDRIC’S CHAMBERS
Sir Edric sat with Sir Dwayne after the events of the knightlin, Sir Dwayne praised him, “If anyone could catch the Knightlin, it would be you. Great job!”
Sir Edric smiled, his expression masking his true emotions.
Sir Dwayne’s tone turned sympathetic. “How are you doing? Miley’s death must hurt you deeply. Those responsible must pay.”
Sir Edric’s voice was even. “They left no tracks to follow.”
Sir Dwayne nodded. “How convenient for them.”
He raised his cup, filled by Sir Edric, and toasted, “To you, Lord Commander of the Realm.”
Sir Edric lifted his cup in apparent solidarity, but instead of drinking, he poured the wine onto the table.
Sir Dwayne took a sip, unaware of the poison. As the liquid took effect, his face reddened, and he felt unbearable pain.
Sir Edric’s grip on him tightened. “This is for planning Miley’s death. Greet her for me in the afterlife.”
Sir Dwayne’s final words were a strained whisper. “How did you… know?”
With that, Sir Dwayne collapsed on the floor, lifeless.
Sir Edric’s smile revealed his calculated vengeance, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
