Chapter 1: The Knight
Sir Morganjerrie, The Knight Commander, surveyed the landscape with a watchful eye. He could see the warm colors of the fading sunset enfolding the land in a peachy glow. 'Are you watching my love?' He asked mentally as he looked across the land. Everything was calm and serene; nothing was amiss, except for the shadow of darkness in the far distance to the North, the shadow that was Hadetia. The dull ache in Morganjerrie's heart seared through his being as his deep blue eyes gazed sadly into the distance."So far so good." he breathed quietly to himself. He removed his helmet and smoothed his calico colored fur as he continued on his watch.
"Evening, Sir." called Sir Pouncival as he trod past Morganjerrie keeping to his watch.
Morganjerrie nodded towards the other tom in return. There hadn't been any major commotion for nearly a year now, but that didn't mean anything. If anything, it only made him more nervous. There had only been several small, seemingly insignificant, innocent events. The most recent occurrence having been the spies found within the servant quarters. Because of his rank, he had a mindset to accompany it. In his mind each event served as a puzzle piece. He couldn't see the big picture yet and it was bothering him. But why was he nervous? After all, he'd gotten away and had been free for 15 years.
However, Morganjerrie knew what Marcality was capable of. And as far as his knowledge extended, he was the only one in Zephyr who truly grasped an understanding of how Marcality's warped mind worked. He'd been one of the main keys in the prince's plan so many years ago. And now, he wasn't even sure why he was let go. Even though the kingdom's subjects were offered a choice publicly, some weren't privately. His childhood friend, Falcon, hadn't been given a choice. So he'd left and found himself in the kingdom of Mycelia. He had stayed there for a while and became a knight. But he had needed to get away and ended up in his present place. Now,he was one of the most powerful knight-cats in the Zephyr Kingdom. While he hadn't wanted to be bound to a loyalty; he'd from all appearances, switched from the top ranks of one area to the top ranks of another. And now, he was too firmly rooted in loyalty to King Lionzo and Queen Carisandra to think of anything different.
Deep in his subconscious, he knew that it was only a matter of time before all hell broke loose. He hoped with everything he had that he'd be able to make good of his promise before it broke. What 'it' was, he didn't know. All he knew was that the hourglass was filling and precious time was slipping away through his paws with every second he waited. He was waiting for the right time, but how does one know? Some say it's a gut feeling, others say it's a sensation. And still others say a physical sign will tell the true time. He sighed sadly.
The kingdom… ruled by the great and wise King Lionzo and his stunning mate, Queen Carisandra was so different from the cold, dismal, unfriendly lands of the king's destructive brother, Prince Marcality. Zephyr was warm and friendly where Hadetia was cold and unfeeling. Although, worrying shouldn't be a problem because it was Marcality and Lionzo's father whom he had served. Mistendot, though now dead, had been one of the most feared rulers in the entire land. The lands had been dismal under Mistendot's rule, but when the country was divided, Marcality's area slipped even further into the depths of darkness; whereas Lionzo's area had blossomed under the tender care of its new King and Queen. He pulled out a piece of paper that would change his fate when he was ready: his fate and that of another's. A cat that was still dear to his heart even after all these years. The paper was one of the most valuable and comforting possessions Sir Morganjerrie owned. He always kept it on his person, so that he would have it should the time dictate its necessity.
"AHHHHH. Stupid horse!" came a voice, cutting through the palpable silence.
Morganjerrie looked up as a cloud of dust approached the gate.
"Halt! Who goes there?" called Sir Asper, instantly alert. In doing so, all the toms on the outer wall stood ready.
"Markor, from Mistress Gisella with the required tithes, milord." the reply came.
"Sir," called Asper. "Should I check the cart?"
Morganjerrie hesitated, lost in thought.
"Sir?" repeated Asper.
Morganjerrie looked up.
"Should I-"
"I heard you the first time Sir Asper." Morganjerrie replied. "And no, I'll do it. I need something to do. I need to get my mind off…" Morganjerrie trailed off as he disappeared down the watchtower steps. 'Why did the thoughts have to start now? I did this for you, my darling.' he asked sadly to himself. He thumped down the stairs and the right half the gate swing open.
Outside there was a makeshift cart pulled by a horse that had defiantly seen better days. The cart was piled with wine, cloth, and several chunks of beef. Every family was required to give a portion of their work to the king as tithes once every three months. The amounts were not large and so the cats of the kingdom gave them willingly. As Morganjerrie walked towards the cart, he shook his head and tried to focus on his duty, not the picture of a queen that had been stuck in his mind lately.
Markor bowed low, and lifted the sheet over the back and held it back for Morganjerrie's inspection.
"Rise young tom and tell me why you weren't at the fair last week with your tithes." Morganjerrie asked as the tom trembled.
"I…I'm s…s…sorry my Lord Knight Commander." Markor stammered. "Mistress Gisella was sick and I had to take care of her."
"Why didn't Exotica or Tallima come then?" Morganjerrie raised an eyebrow. 'How dare this young tom give me cheek?' he thought to himself as he watched the boy shake.
"Well…sir. There's been some loud commotion on the outskirts of town and the Mistress doesn't want the girls out."
Morganjerrie just stared. "What! What's happening in town?"
Markor stood up straight, not shaking anymore. News like this could earn him a few coppers. "Well, there have been some sightings at night of a small group of people congregating at the Meridian Grove for the past week."
"What's the Meridian Grove?" Morganjerrie asked, concerned because he hadn't heard of any 'Meridian Grove.'
"The Meridian Grove is a new tavern a ways away from ours. Near the outskirts of the realm."
Morganjerrie was shaken. According to the law, any new business establishment had to register with the royal clerk, Sir Jones. Morganjerrie knelt down to look the tom in the eyes.
The young tom was now shaking again, his brown and black fur quivering as he brought his head up to meet eyes with Morganjerrie.
"Markor. Will you be my eyes and ears out there? I can't go in uniform, so I'll need to know what's going on. It sounds to me like you've already been doing that. Also, I know how young boys like to spend money, so I'll also make it worth your while."
Markor's eyes lit up at the thought of money.
Morganjerrie noticed this. 'How much they look like your eyes, my love. If only you were here…' Morganjerrie didn't let his thoughts finish. He knew where they'd end: with him crying and the look of her, when he told her that he had to leave her, burned in his mind forever until he could right it. Oh, how much he wanted to, but he couldn't, the time just wasn't right. But back to the task at hand. Morganjerrie reached for his purse and pulled out a silver. He handed it to the boy and told him, "When you have information, come to the side gate and tell the guard that Morganjerrie sent you. The guard will then escort you to me. Understand?"
Markor nodded emphatically and pocketed the silver.
"Very well, off with you!" said Morganjerrie as Markor bowed and gathered the horse and cart back up.
Sir Asper had come down the stairs and waited until they had finished talking, then he cleared his throat and helped Morganjerrie unload the goods. Then Sir Asper left them. Nobody noticed him as he slipped silently towards what seemed to be a solid wall and disappeared behind it.
Morganjerrie heaved a sigh as he slumped against the door to his quarters. He stripped of his armor, tunic, and breeches and brushed his short calico fur before he donned his nightshirt. As he sat on the bed, the picture next to him caught his eye. He picked it up and gently ran his paw over it as if he was giving a caress. She was so beautiful back then. He hadn't seen her in years. He brought the picture to his lips and gently kissed the picture goodnight. "I love you, my darling. I will come for you." he whispered as he pulled the covers over his muscular form. The last thing he saw before sleep claimed him was her eyes, a vibrant green, staring back at him, surrounded by hair as golden as the sun.
