Part 2: Final Thoughts

The sun was just beginning to come up over the hill, piercing the morning mist. The troops had been readied- or rather, had readied themselves. They were all well trained young men, these soldiers and knights- save Sir Daniel. Commander Daniel, he corrected himself. Oh blast it, he'd always think of himself as nothing more than Sir Daniel. Regardless, he would fight. It was his duty as Commander of the Royal Battalion.

It was strange though, in a way. This could very well be his last day on Earth and all he could think about was the maiden he'd left behind.

I still love you.

The last words she spoke to him still echoed in his head. Still. Still! How long had she felt that way? It had never even occurred to him that there was anything more between them than a physical relationship. She'd loved him! And I -Sir Daniel swallowed hard- used her. She'd been right to try to refuse me. But it had been different this time- and those words, those beautiful words that made him realize-

I still love you.

Sir Daniel sighed a dreamy sigh. If, by some miracle, he ever got out of this alive, he'd marry her. He wanted to scream it- just to see the look on people's faces.

Yes, Sir Daniel Fortesque wants to get married! Amazing isn't it?! It wasn't to him.

Suddenly, he was alert. He heard a distant rumbling. "Oh no." he said to himself. His heart sank with dread as he saw the first glint of steel. Zarok's evil army was advancing.

Sir Daniel took a deep breath. Alright, he thought. I don't really know how to go about this. I'd better call them to attention. He walked out in front of the men and cleared his throat. They all fell silent as every pair of eyes settled on settled on their commander. Sir Daniel felt somehow proud. It was like a rush and he smiled reassuringly at his men before putting on his own helmet.

"Atten-tion!" he called, and felt another unexplained swell of pride as every man snapped to attention in their set ranks. This was all they really needed from him. They were ready.

They'd better be, he thought. Oh but they are, he answered himself. He shook his head and turned and faced the army of monsters atop the cliff. Zarok had halted them and was making last-minute adjustments to his morbid soldiers. Presently, he turned and caught Sir Daniel's gaze. The evil wizard narrowed his eyes at the commander. Even though they were yards away, Sir Daniel could see the pure hatred in his eyes.

"Steady- steady," he called to his restless soldiers. He glared back at Zarok.

What's he doing? Isn't he going to attack? Sir Daniel wondered, but Zarok sat patiently waiting. He wants me to make the first move, does he? Alright then, we will! Sir Daniel drew his sword from his sheath and brandished it high over his head.

"Chaaaaaarrge!!" he bellowed, leading the battle cry. The Battalion quickly advanced, with Sir Daniel out in front. A second later he heard Zarok's scratchy voice cry, "Fire!" but he paid it no mind and pressed on. He didn't even see the arrow until it was too late. Sir Daniel looked up just as an arrow pierced his left eye. He was struck down as he let out a wail of pain. His soldiers fought on, but one stopped and knelt by his side. He was a young man and Sir Daniel could see the tears in his eyes.

"Commander," the boy cried. "We can't do this without you!"

"You must fight on without me," he rasped. Then, he caught the young soldier's hand and grasped it weakly. He was slipping away and things in his good eye were beginning to grow dim. The pain was excruciating and was spreading. "Find Lady Babette. T- tell her Sir Daniel Fortesque sends his endless and eternal love- and to tell the King my secret. Go with her, soldier. The King would not believe her otherwise. Please carry out my final wish."

"But, Commander- you are not merely a knight! You are a commander!"

"I am no Commander!" Sir Daniel hissed, surprising the soldier. "Tell her! Tell Lady Babette! That's an order!" Sir Daniel's eyes fluttered closed and his grip loosened on the young soldier's hand.

"No! Commander!" The young man squinted through hot tears. "Commander Fortesque," he whimpered. "My hero."