Chapter 5: The Challenge
William groaned inwardly. He hoped Allie was good enough to take on whatever the King told her to do, but there was always the possibility of failure. He looked at the King, who was deciding on how to test Allie. Finally, he spoke.
"You will fight this gentleman who is accusing you. Swords only. If you win, I will allow you to be knighted."
Allie became a little happier. This villager was very scruffy. He probably wasn't a very good fighter. Unless the King knew something. Then she might have a harder time than she though. She ran upstairs to grab her sword. She threw on a tunic and riding pants, then her light, leather shoes. She ran a cloth over her sword blade once, then put it around her waist. She was ready. She ran down the stairs back into the entry hall where the King and the rest of the knights were seated and waiting. The scruffy villager had some nicer clothes on and his sword was sort of shiny. He stepped towards her and bowed. Allie bowed back and then they began.
His face contorted with anger and he took a huge swing at her head. Allie ducked and spun away. His back was to her and she gave him a poke in the back to turn around. He rushed at her with the blade high and she moved aside. This was going to be difficult. This man was mad! He didn't care about proper fighting. All he cared about was killing her. He came at her again and this time, Allie swung up and their swords locked.
"Witch," he whispered in her ear.
She pushed against his blade and knocked him down. He lay on his back and his sword was at her feet. He jumped up right away and Allie let him get the sword. He swung up at her and their blades crossed once more. Allie tried to hit his blade aside, but he came back. They went backwards towards the main hall, diving their swords at one another. Allie began to perspire and the salty sweat was beginning to fall into her eyes. She couldn't close or scratch them because that would be giving this man an opportunity, which she certainly didn't want to do. The man danced away from her blade and ran at her blade raised, his eyes red. Allie knew it was now or never. She swung her blade up and caught his in midair. She gave a strong push backwards and he was once again on the ground. His sword was at Allie's feet and she picked it up and threw it behind her. The fight was over as she pressed the warm steel to his neck. He quivered and closed his eyes. She got up as the King approached and she walked towards him. Suddenly, the man sprung to his feet and rushed at Allie with a dagger in his hand. He made for her back and Will jumped up, but Allie already heard the man get up. She swung her sword around in a graceful arc and beheaded him. He lay there bleeding on the golden floor.
She turned back to the King and kneeled before him.
"Your Majesty, whatever your decision may be I will live with it."
He pulled her sword from her waist and held it above her head.
"I dub thee Sir Alexandra, Lady Knight of Britain. Serve honorably and well," he said as he gently touched the blade upon both her shoulders.
Tears stung Allie's eyes, because her dream had become real. The King pretended to not notice and he called out to the knights.
"Return to your sleeping quarters. We evacuate tomorrow," he said. And with that, the King left the hall.
Most of the knights followed the King and only Allie, Thomas, and Will were left.
"Excellent job, Allie!" Thomas exclaimed while giving her a huge hug before turning and running upstairs to join the others.
"Well, I guess you don't need me to look out for you anymore,"Will joked.
"No, I probably don't. But I'll always need you as my friend," she said.
Will hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Allie looked at him with wide eyes and a questioning smile.
"Good night, Sir Alexandra," he whispered.
Will stepped away from her and walked up towards the room. Allie stood there for a couple minutes taking the whole night in, before she too, headed up to the room. The scruffy man lay on the floor, never to return to whatever bed he once lay in.