Chapter 13: Darkness Rising
"A true friend, is one soul in two bodies." - Aristotle.
Johan had spent the day working on his swordsmanship with Count Tremaine. His duties serving the Knight had kept him so busy he had little time for anything else.
"Well done Squire!" Count Tremaine exclaimed after catching his breath. He put his sword away and gave Johan a friendly clap on the back.
"You have come along quite well." The Count smiled, "I will have a talk with the King, and see what quest he has for you. Take heart lad, this will be your last quest as a Squire, but first one as Knight."
Johan could barely believe it. Since he was a young boy he dreamed of one day becoming a Knight. He studied diligently and earned his title as Page, then he served as Squire under Count Tremaine. The Count was good to him, and treated him as his own son after his parents died. Johan remembered he was a friend to his father, and a distant cousin to his mother. He told him stories about his father's adventures and promised him that one day, Johan would join the ranks of Knights who served the King. A day that Johan dreamed about, and now, he could not imagine it was so close.
"Do you really think so, sir?" He asked trying to hide his enthusiasm.
"Indeed I do." The Count replied. "Now go ready my belongings and saddle my horse. I will be traveling home today."
"Yes, sir." Johan said with a bow.
Johan disappeared racing through the castle, his feet hardly keeping up with his heart. "A Knight! A KNIGHT!" He thought to himself grinning like a giddy school boy.
"Whoa, where are you off to?" A voice asked, breaking through Johan's train of thoughts.
He looked down to see Peewit. The diminutive jester trotted along beside him waiting for an answer.
"I need to get Count Tremaine's belongings ready for his journey back home." Johan replied with a broad grin. "And I have wonderful news!"
"What's that?" Peewit asked as he followed Johan into the Count's quarters. He hopped onto the bed watching Johan pack the Count's trunks.
"The Count is going to recommend me to the King." Johan stated proudly, gazing fondly at the hilt of the nobleman's sword. It was a gift that all Knights received when they swore their oath of loyalty to the King. His thumb ran over the coat of arms emblazoned upon it. Then, he put the blade along with the other belongings into the trunk.
"Good for you!" Peewit replied dryly.
Johan paused and looked at his friend. "Peewit, I thought you of all people would understand, you know me."
"I do know you, and I know how much you want to become a Knight." Peewit said sitting down looking at his friend. "I just wonder if ..."
"You wonder what?" Johan returned sharply.
"I wonder if maybe, this is right." Peewit said softly. "It just seems so easy, I never thought that Knighthood was an easy thing."
Johan paused for a moment and sat down. "Peewit did have a point. It did seem easy, too easy. He was certain Count Tremaine kept his word, but he was nineteen. Many of his peers had already become Knights, and were serving other Lords and Kingdoms both near and far. Would he have to go and serve another King?" He thought as he closed the lid of the trunk and locked it.
"I guess it depends." Johan replied looking up at Peewit.
"On what?" Peewit asked.
"On the situation, most of the Squires I know are already serving as Knights. I guess it just seems obvious that when I come of age I will be given the accolade of Knighthood." Johan replied. "However, I have heard of Squires being awarded Knighthood based upon exemplary courage and bravery in battle or during times of great turmoil."
"I see." Peewit replied. "Is it not true that they are also awarded such things during certain ceremonious occasions?"
Johan noticed there was something sad about his friend's answer. "I think so." He mused.
"What's wrong Peewit?" He asked tentatively.
"Well, I don't know if you noticed, but Kate has not returned from Homnibus' cottage." Peewit replied. "It's been well over two days, nearly a week. I'm not one to worry but, I am concerned."
Johan felt like he had been hit with a bucket of cold water.
"By Jove Peewit, you are right!" He breathed. "Help me with these trunks."
Peewit gave him a withering look.
"Please."
Peewit hopped off the bed, and helped Johan with the trunks.
"Ugh! Johan, tell me he does not carry all this junk with him everywhere he goes?" Peewit grunted under the weight of the trunk.
Johan laughed. "I'm afraid so."
Peewit rolled his eyes and carried the trunk down to the courtyard where a footman waited to load them onto the carriage. Once the task was complete, Johan and Peewit went to the royal stables where Johan saddled the Count's horse. He led the horse out to the peer before stepping back to watch him depart. The sun was low in the sky by the time Johan had finished his duties. He considered the possibility of riding Bayard to Homnibus' cottage in one night. He concluded that by doing so, he would be assured of Kate's well being. Something about Peewit's tone bothered him, he realized how consumed he was by his duty that he paid little mind to his friends. How could he overlook the fact that she had been gone for this long? Was he really that oblivious, or was he so blinded by his desire to become a Knight he forgot about his charge? It was not until Peewit spoke up, that he realized he was in riding Bayard out into the Courtyard.
"I guess you're, going to be out late?" Peewit remarked, giving Biquette some fresh hay.
"Um, yes." Johan replied.
"Should I expect you by morning?" Peewit questioned with a smile.
"Maybe, I think so." Johan replied, thankful that the night hid the blush which rose to his cheeks.
"Get going then, and mind the forest, bandits are still about." Peewit said as he bit into an apple tossing one to Johan.
"I will send word if I will be gone longer." Johan answered catching the apple with a thankful grin. He saw Peewit shake his head and return to looking after Biquette.
Johan spurred Bayard onward. The dappled white percheron tossed his head with a whinny before galloping out of the castle, over the drawbridge, and onto the winding dirt road that led to Homnibus' cottage.
The night was clear, the sky full of countless stars. A full moon cast silvery light onto the forest and fields below. Kate could not rest, instead she sat huddled under blankets of skins listening to the soldiers talk, gamble, sing, and drink. Torchlight flickered and camp lights illuminated the colorful tents. Kate got up, dressed, and collected her sword. She strapped it to her waist, then slipped out of the tent stealing away into the woods. The moonlight gave her the chance to see a path through the forest and she was able to find a clearing. There, she sat down cross legged upon the dewy grass. She placed her sword across her lap, and closed her eyes. The soldier's voices from King Gerard's camp were but faint reminders of her purpose for being out in this wilderness. She listened, and heard the call of an owl, answered by another. She heard the lonely howl of a wolf, and the sweet song of the nightingale. She opened her eyes to notice her hands were glowing softly, the light felt warm, comforting. She lifted them and formed a ball which danced between her fingertips. The light flickered and glowed before her eyes, then it formed into the shape of a tiny dragon. It spread its wings and flew around between her hands. Kate smiled blowing softly into that space. She noticed that the dragon increased in size.
"I wonder." She thought to herself.
She inhaled and blew as hard as she could and the dragon grew into an enormous flaming beast which soared in the air above her. It turned and twisted before disappearing into the heavens.
"Amazing!" Kate breathed in awe.
"Impressive." A voice spoke.
Kate quickly jumped up grabbing the hilt of her sword, the scabbard in her other hand. She turned to face the source of the voice as she drew the blade.
"Easy there M'lady." The voice replied as King Gerard stepped out into the circle of moonlight.
"What are you doing this far away from camp?" Kate asked.
"I could ask the same of you." He replied.
"I just wanted some space." She replied. "To think."
"To practice your magic?"
Kate looked at him flatly. "Maybe."
"I did not know you knew this type of magic." King Gerard said as he walked around the circumference of the clearing.
"I am learning, for my quest." Kate replied.
"Your quest?"
"Yes."
"Who has sent you on this quest?" He asked stopping in front of her.
"It is a personal journey." Kate replied.
"Are not all quests, to some extent, personal?" Gerard remarked.
"I guess, but this is very important to me. I am to face an ancient evil, and if I am successful, I will earn the right to return to my home." Kate answered, stepping away from him swinging the blade of her sword. Her gaze distant as she recalled the moves Johan taught her.
King Gerard stood still watching her in the moonlight. He saw something in her, he had not noticed before. She really was telling the truth. She was from a place far away, and she wanted to go home. He felt a twinge of pain in the back of his throat. It was a familiar ache, one that he knew well. His jaw clenched tight, as he willed back the emotion which bubbled up from within.
"When I face the great dragon Malug, I will be able to step through the Dragon Gate. I will be able to go home. Gerard, I mean Your Highness, I love this country, this land, these people, but my family waits for me to return. I must do this!" Kate exclaimed, her eyes glistening. "To go home to see them again! That is my quest, my wish, my desire."
"I understand." The young King managed to say.
Did it really matter? She was going to go away, just like all the others before. Why did everything he loved have to leave? He rushed over to her and seized her arm.
"Kate, we might regret this. No I will never regret this! I fell in love with you from the moment I saw you. Which is entirely frivolous and stupid I know, but Kate why can't you see? Everything I have done, I have done for you. I would lay down my crown at your feet. Do you not see what you can have here? I know you are far from home, but can this not be your home as well? Please Kate, please consider your decision." He searched her eyes looking for some sign, some sort of answer.
Kate lowered the sword and put it away. It fell into the scabbard as her hand clasped onto Gerard's arm. She looked at him. "Your Highness, please walk with me." Then, she let go of his arm and turned to walk pulling her other arm out of his grasp. They walked along a path through the woods in silence for about half an hour.
"Your Highness, Gerard. I am honored that your feelings for me are so strong, yet I would like to know why. Of all the people you know, of all the councilors you trust, of your confidants and friends, why me? What sets me apart from them? I know much about you, yet you know very little about me. What attributes do I have that set me apart?" Kate questioned, looking over at the young King.
They walked on in silence her questions hanging in the air between them. They remained in view of the camp, but for the moment, they were alone.
"I was born to become a King, this was the inheritance I gained from my father. I try to uphold the ideals of a good King, but I am very aware that there are many who would gladly take my Crown for their own gain. It is lonely not being able to trust anyone beyond a Clockwork doll. Yet, when I met you, I saw something in you that was different. Maybe it is because you reminded me a lot of Clockwork, and all the good things in life. When I saw your face after I killed that man, I saw a reflection of myself. The pain was, acute. I do not want to turn into a monster, yet you looked at me as if I had become that very thing which I loathe."
Kate paused as they reached the outcrop of a rocky precipice. The moonlight was very bright here, and she could see the King's Royal Camp in the valley below. She saw a winding stream twist its way through the forest and out into the meadow, the moonlight gave them ample light as she sat down upon a boulder.
"I see. I will never betray your trust your Highness, but that does not mean my feelings have changed since I first met you." She replied softly.
The King sat down beside her and placed his hands on his knees. He appeared to be in deep contemplation as he observed the surrounding forest and valley below.
"I understand." He replied softly.
"Yet, it does not mean that I am not fond of you either." Kate remarked trying to uplift the crestfallen Nobleman.
She pulled her leg up resting her chin on her knee as she hugged it with her arms shivering slightly as the temperature dropped.
"You and I, we're very much alike even though we come from very different worlds. Granted, I don't have a Kingdom to call my own, heck I don't even have a house to call my own. Yet, I know what it feels like to be alone. Really alone." She said watching her words hang in the air as small vaporous clouds. She turned her head toward Gerard resting her cheek on her knee.
Gerard reached over and stroked a lock of hair from Kate's forehead tucking it behind her ear before moving closer to her. He wrapped his cloak around her and whispered. "Wise kings generally have wise counselors; and he must be a wise man himself who is capable of distinguishing one."
Kate smiled closing her eyes at his warmth. "Then, let me advise you my King, do not fall to quickly into love. Let it grow slowly like an oak. The hottest fires often burn the brightest and die quickly consumed by the passion which first ignited them."
"Then consider this Lady Kate, may I love you constantly, steadfastly, and never waver." Gerard replied.
Kate returned her gaze back to the land which spread out before them. The valley was bathed in moonlight, and below she saw the encampment. Only a few torches were lit as the soldiers milled about waiting for the dawn.
"I will not deny you that." Kate replied.
"Then let me give you something as a token of my esteem. Tomorrow, I wish to honor you, for your bravery in battle." Gerard stated solemnly.
Kate looked over at him. "You really don't have to."
"I know, but I want to." He replied.
Johan arrived at Homnibus' cottage late. The full moon was high. Johan guessed that it was near midnight. He let Bayard out into the pasture as he knocked upon the front door.
"Oh come now! Answer!" He thought as he gave another hard rap at the door.
"Coming! Coming!" A voice called from inside.
Johan started to knock again but stopped as the door slowly opened and Oliver looked out.
"Oh Johan! It's late! What brings you to my Master's house at this hour?" Oliver asked.
"I would like to know if Kate is still with Master Homnibus." Johan replied.
"Come in, come in!" Oliver said as he opened the door wider to allow the young Squire entrance.
Johan walked into the cottage. A fire crackled in the hearth, as a mug of hot cider and fresh bread sat upon the table.
"Here sir, warm yourself and eat." Oliver nodded his head to the table indicating the food set out.
Johan sat down and ate some of the bread, then drank deeply from the mug of cider. The drink warmed him as the bread filled him. He looked at the fire his eyes heavy as its heat hit his face, the alcohol from the drink started taking its effect upon him as he blinked back sleep. He fought back the weariness of the day, yet more than one yawn escaped his lips.
"Oliver, where, is Kate?" He asked drowsily.
"Kate has gone to the Kingdom of King Gerard. She was summoned by the King two days ago." Oliver replied.
"What!" Johan exclaimed jumping to his feet. "Why did she not send word? Why did you not send word?"
"I guess we expected her back sooner." Homnibus' voice spoke up from the shadowy darkness.
The wise old sage stood up and shuffled over toward the young men.
"Sit down Johan." He said firmly.
Johan sat but still did not relax. He felt irritated that he was delayed, annoyed that Homnibus did not send word of this Summons, and slightly hurt that Kate did not at least try to notify him as well. His mind turned back to his dream about the White Stag. He wondered if that was his own wish, or if it was true. Was he fascinated by her because she was so different, or was she different because he was fascinated by her. Then, he realized that even if she did send word, he had been so busy, he could have forgotten about it.
"Johan, your mind is full of questions." Homnibus stated with a small smile. "Your heart is so uncertain. Come and sit by the fire."
Johan walked over and sat upon a small stool by the fire.
"Oliver bring over that table." Homnibus instructed. As Oliver brought over the small table Homnibus took out a dark blue velvet drape. It was edged in gold with golden runes embroidered around the edge. Homnibus took out a pewter tray that showed two dragons in flight, their wings making up the flat part of the tray, their tails and heads intertwined with one another. Small precious stones were set in their eyes which sparkled in the firelight. Homnibus took out a small leather bag and untied it.
"Johan, pick five." Homnibus instructed.
Johan looked at the bag then picked out four small stones. Upon each of the stones was a sign.
"Let us begin." Homnibus said as he arranged the stones in the shape of a cross. "Before you are the past, present, and future. That which will help, and that which will hinder."
Homnibus turned over the middle stone. "Gebo, the gift. You give of yourself to all who are in need. You do not hold back, your heart is willing and strong, selfless in all of its endeavors." He turned over the left stone. "Dagaz, the bringer of dawn, awareness. In your past you have been shown a revelation which has led you to certainty and security you have come to a completion, a full circle." He looked up at Johan with a twinkle in his eye. Then he turned over the top stone. "You will find help and justice will come if you are willing to put yourself aside." Next he turned over the bottom stone, "Yet, Isa will present a challenge to you, you must stand still, turn your thoughts inward and wait for what is to come. Frustration will block your way, but if you trust the council of your friends you will overcome it." Finally, he turned over the last stone. "Wunjo, or Joy. Through your strife, Joy will come in the morning." Homnibus said as he sat back and smiled. "For every sunset, there is a sunrise. That is the promise of a new day. Do not let your heart be troubled with fear Squire Johan, there is a greater plan in motion. Right now we can not see it clearly, but one day I promise, we will."
Johan remained quiet. Homnibus' words struck home, the sage was correct in his game. He did feel the pain of Savina's engagement as the loss of something precious. He wondered if he loved Kate, or if perhaps he simply needed someone to fill the void Savina left behind. Such a thought weighed heavy upon his heart. At one time, he was so aware of how the world worked, he knew what he wanted to be and how to get there. He gave of himself and continued to give while others took. Savina took his youth, Peewit took his patience, the King took his skill, and Kate, she took his heart. How hard it is to wait! How much he longed to find joy!
"Rest Squire, tomorrow you ride out to face your future." Homnibus said softly as he draped a blanket around Johan who sat back in a chair staring into the fire lost in his thoughts.