A quest of Heroes - S01 E14

3 years ago

A quest of Heroes - S01 E14

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 14

Continued

Thor spun, along with the others. He was surprised to see, standing a few feet away, a boy his age, who actually looked like him, except with blond hair and bright green eyes, wearing the most beautiful royal armor: chainmail covered with scarlet and black markings—another member of the King’s family.

“Impossible,” the general said. “The royal family does not partner with commoners.”

“I can do as I choose,” the boy shot back. “And I say that Thorgrin will be my partner.”

“Even if we sanctioned it,” the general said, “it does not matter. He has no knight to sponsor him.”

“I shall sponsor him,” came a voice.

Everyone turned in the other direction, and there came a muffled gasp amongst the others.

Thor turned to see a knight mounted on a horse, bedecked in the beautiful, gleaming armor and wearing all manner of weaponry on his belt. He positively shined—it was like looking at the sun. Thor could tell by his demeanor, his bearing, and by the markings on his helmet, that he was different from the others. He was a champion.

Thor recognized this knight. He had seen paintings of him, and had heard of his legend. Erec. He couldn’t believe it. He was the greatest knight in the Ring.

“But my lord, you already have a squire,” the general protested.

“Then I shall have two,” Erec answered, in a deep, confident voice.

A stunned silence pervaded the group.

“Then there is nothing left to say,” Kendrick said. “Thorgrin has a sponsor and a partner. The matter is resolved. He is now a member of the Legion.”

“But you have forgotten about me!” the King’s guard screamed, stepping forward. “None of this excuses the fact that the boy has struck a member of the King’s guard, and that he must be punished. Justice must be done!”

“Justice will be done.” Kendrick’s voice could have cut steel. “But it will be at my discretion. Not yours.”

“But my liege, he must be put in the stocks! An example must be made of him!”

“If you keep up your talk, then you shall be the one going to the stocks,” Kendrick said to the guard, glaring him down.

Finally, the guard backed down; reluctantly, he turned and walked away, red-faced, glaring at Thor.

“Then it is official,” Kendrick called out in a loud voice. “Welcome, Thorgrin, to the King’s Legion!”

The crowd of knights and boys let out a cheer and then turned away, back to their training.

Thor felt numb with shock. He could hardly believe it. He was now a member of the King’s Legion. It was like a dream.

Thor turned to Kendrick, more grateful to him than he could ever say. He had never had anyone in his life before who cared about him, who went out of his way to look out for him, to protect him. It was a funny feeling. He already felt closer to this man than to his own father.

“I don’t know how to thank you,” Thor said. “I am deeply indebted to you.”

Kendrick smiled down. “Kendrick is my name. You shall get to know it well. I am the King’s eldest son. I admire your courage. You shall be a fine addition to this lot.”

Kendrick turned and hurried off, and as he did, Elden, the huge boy Thor had fought, shuffled by.

“Watch your back,” the boy said. “We sleep in the same barracks, you know. And don’t think for a moment you’re safe.”

The boy turned and stormed off before Thor could respond; he had already made an enemy.

He was beginning to wonder what was in store for him here, when the King’s youngest son hurried over to him.

“Don’t mind him,” he said to Thor. “He’s always picking fights. I’m Reece.”

“Thank you,” Thor said, reaching out his hand, “for choosing me as your partner. I don’t know what I would have done without it.”

“I’m happy to choose anyone who stands up to that brute,” Reece said happily. “That was a nice fight.”

“Are you kidding?” Thor asked, wiping dried blood from his face and feeling his welt swell up. “He killed me.”

“But you didn’t give up,” Reece said. “Impressive. Any of the others of us would have just stayed down. And that was one hell of a spear throw. How did you learn to throw like that? We shall be partners for life!” He looked at Thor meaningfully as he shook his hand. “And friends, too. I can sense it.”

As Thor shook his hand, he couldn’t help but feel that he was making a lifelong friend.

Suddenly, he was poked from the side.

He spun and saw an older boy standing there, with pockmarked skin and a long and narrow face.

“I am Feithgold. Erec’s squire. You are now his second squire. Which means you answer to me. And we have a tournament in minutes. Are you going to just stand there when you’ve been made squire to the most famous knight in the kingdom? Follow me! Quickly!”

Reece had already turned away. Thor turned and hurried after the squire as he ran a cross the field. He had no idea where they were going—but he didn’t care. He was singing inside.

He had made it.