CHAPTER 1
Horace dismounted Kicker and approached the rogue kneeling in front of him. The despicable man in front of the knight was a deserter of Araluen's army. He had been caught trying to sell the secrets of Araluen to the Scotti. Horace glared at the rogue with such intensity that the dirty man looked away.
"Gregory Lineman, you have been charged with high treason to the crown of Araluen, desertion, and petty theft. I hereby take you into custody. You will be taken to Castle Araluen where you will stand trial for the acts of treason against Araluen." Horace said formally, but it was just a formality. He had to say that each time he arrested someone.
Gregory was tied up then tethered to a horse. The party of Araluen knights headed back to Castle Araluen. Horace grinned at the thought of going home. He had been out for two days on a scouting mission for the king. He took with him a group of five knights. Horace was ready to go home. What waited for him there was his beautiful wife, Princess Cassandra, and their lovely daughter, Maddie.
"What's so funny Sir Horace?" Young Sir Anthony asked. He was a young knight who had just been made a full knight and was not quite used to the new title. He was around 20 and still had some of that sweet innocence that comes with being young.
"Just thinking about home." Horace answered. Sir Anthony nodded and faced ahead again. Horace had chosen Anthony, not only because he showed promise, but because he was instinctive. He had the instincts and reflexes of a mountain lion. Those instincts had saved the groups life more than once.
After around a half a day of walking, the castle finally came in sight. The group stopped for a few moments and stared at the grandeur of Castle Araluen. It was huge, and shined in the light of the sunset. The battlements had sentries that were on the alert and no one was getting past the massive portcullis and gates.
"Finally home." Horace muttered. Other than those words, Horace found himself at a loss for words.