A/N: Sir Theodore has led an adventurous and sometimes tragic life. Yet being the type of man who keeps his own counsel, our good knight would never sit down and just tell his life's tale. He is much more likely to reveal only bits and pieces of it at a time and even then only to illustrate a lesson or when he feels it absolutely necessary (as when he told Jane and Dragon about his family's history in "The Last Dragon-Slayer"). In an attempt to stay true to his character and to maintain some of the mystery that surrounds him, I have decided that each chapter will be Sir Theodore telling just a bit of his life's story to different characters from the series, typically to teach them something. Be prepared, for certain details will be left purposefully vague and his tales will not often fall chronologically. I am a little nervous about how this will turn out. Please read and review. Thanks!


Chapter 1: It's not what's outside…

Cautiously the blacksmith made his way up the steps to the knight's quarters, a deep brown cloth draped over his arm. The old knight was known for his wisdom, his bravery and his love of privacy. Smithy had never before intruded into the older man's quarters and fought hard to keep the nervousness from showing on his face. Carefully tucking it away among all the other worries he kept hidden within.

It had been a little over a week since the morning that Sir Theodore had unexpectedly interrupted Smithy's chores. Somehow the kind knight had heard of the stable boy's dilemma and had come to offer what he could. The suit of clothes may have been old-fashioned, but Smithy had never seen their equal. The boy was still somewhat amazed that such a fine gift be loaned to him. After wearing it to the ball he felt it only right to return the outfit to its proper owner as soon as possible.

"Sir?" Smithy called upon reaching the top. Theodore turned in his chair towards the voice. "I have come to return the suit of clothes you so graciously lent me."

The boy stepped forward and held out the brown cloth. The captain of the King's Guard made no attempt to retrieve it, but rather sat for a moment and examined the lad before him. Though the boy hid it well, the knight was able to spot the tell-tale signs that he was nervous and worried. The knight guessed that it was not just the suit of clothes that brought the boy to him.

After what seemed like ages to the blacksmith, Theodore smiled and asked, "Did the young lady approve?"

Smithy nodded. "At the dance last night she nearly mistook me for a nobleman in this outfit."

The knight chuckled warmly. "With the way you kept staring at her I began to wonder if we may be hearing news of wedding bells in the near future."

"Perhaps." The smith attempted to look excited, but the grin he pasted on did not hide the worry in his eyes.

"What is it boy?" The knight asked gently.

Smithy lowered his head. "I am to meet with her parents soon. She has told them very little about me." His voice was close to a whisper as he said, "I am afraid they may not be pleased to learn that I am only a blacksmith."

"Hmm… that reminds me of when I was a lad, not much older than you." The blacksmith looked up with interest. Perhaps the older man could give him some pointers.

"I had fallen in love with the daughter of Harun al-Rashid, the ruler of Persia. Having been recently been knighted, I was overly proud of my new station in life. Certain my title and my good looks would be enough to satisfy any king, I dressed in my finest clothes, the very ones you hold there, to meet with the girl's father.

"Upon being admitted to the throne room, I immediately realized how out of place I looked in my dark woolen tunic. Harun al-Rashid's top officials were all there dressed in flowing white linen robes and imposing colorful turbans. Each man carried a fearsome curved sword at his side. Hiding all uncertainty, I strode up to Bagdad's renowned ruler and asked for the princess' hand in marriage. The other men in the room immediately burst into laughter.

"A few of the knights who also desired to win the princess' affection, noticed that the king was giving my request some consideration. They immediately spoke out against the idea. They called me a child. They said I had no respect or knowledge of their country's ways and customs. They warned the king against my unknown loyalty. After all, I was newly knighted and had not given my allegiance to anyone. For all they knew I could be in the employ of the enemy. Even if I was not, they feared I might marry the princess then take her away with me to some far off country.

"After deliberating for awhile, the king turned to me. He said, 'You must prove yourself worthy of my daughter. First you must swear allegiance to me. Then I will put you over a small band of soldiers to test your bravery, loyalty, and leadership ability. If you do well, after some time, I may consider your request.'

"For the next several years I served in the Persian army. I spent as much time as possible around the older soldiers, learning ancient battle tactics and fighting skills. I fought with all my strength against al-Rashid's enemies and once rescued a whole squadron that had been taken prisoner. Before long I had won many loyal friends among the soldiers. Eventually I worked my way up to become one of al-Rashid's generals. The king was impressed with me, but my rivals in the court convinced him to test me yet more.

"I was sent, along with the fierce fighters who had banded around me, on many perilous missions. We spied on enemy troops, overtook impenetrable cities, searched out hidden ancient relics, and brought back many dazzling treasures. Then finally the day came when my rivals had to give way. They had nothing left to say against me. I had proven my worth and my loyalty. It had taken seven years, but I had gained Harun al-Rashid's trust and admiration. He loved me like a son. When I made my request for the princess again, he gladly gave his consent."

Smithy stood from the pillar he could barely remember leaning against. The story had been a good one. It had taken him away from this place and his own cares for awhile. Somehow it had even managed to lessen his worries, too.

"You certainly went through a lot for her."

Theodore sighed quietly, "Yes, the path to love is often bumpy." He looked at Smithy meaningfully, "Remember lad, in the end it is the character you display that will win over your young lady's family. Though it may take some time, be patient. Character is also what will win your young lady's love and maintain it through whatever life may bring your way."

Smithy smiled and nodded. "Thank you Sir," He turned to leave, but suddenly remembered the original reason for this trip.

"Sir, your clothes!" He held the brown suit out to the older man again.

Theodore waved him away. "I never meant to get them back, my boy. Consider them an early wedding present."

"Thank you, Sir," the boy said again, almost reverently. As he walked back down the stairs, the blacksmith felt as though a weight had been lifted from his heart. Looking down at the cloth still draped over his arm, he smiled to himself. Smithy knew that each time he wore this fine set of clothing, he would be reminded that what is inside a man matters most.


End note: This chapter does connect slightly to my story "The Blacksmith's Girl". I promise not to do that too much. The next chapter is based more around an acutal episode. Hopefully this chapter is understandable without having read the other story. Let me know if it is not.

Thanks for reading! Reviews are always greatly appreciated. :)