Chapter 11: A Knight's Tale

That voice...he could never forget that voice.

For years he had worked from the shadows, learning all that he could about this world. There was little magic here, no wizards or sorcerers except for ancient tales long since dismissed as foolishness and ignorance. There were no monsters here, no dark creatures as he knew them, nothing in the natural world that he could command instinctively by divine right, for such things did not exist here. There were no gods, there were no demons, there was nothing except the vastness of the void beyond the world, distances so great even he could not comprehend them fully. And yet, within the ethereal realm of frequencies and waves countless amounts of information and knowledge flowed, surrounding the planet and every inch of it with a deluge if one knew how to listen.

And he had always been good at listening.

He learned of their history. He learned of their ways. He learned of their secrets. With each passing day he became more confident, more sure of himself, as he slowly regained his footing and acclimatized to the new reality he found himself in. He believed he stood on solid ground.

At least, until he had heard the voice.

When the Anathema's voice had surged through every broadcast on the planet he had felt as if he had been briefly swallowed by a tsunami. It should not have surprised him as much as it did, after all he had come to the conclusion long ago that the Anathema's return was inevitable. When it would happen was something of another matter for even he, with all his power and knowledge, could not foresee that. He had been given much time and yet not enough for he was far from ready to command the reigns of power that controlled this world. Even so, there were strings he could tug upon, connections he had made in the years since his entrapment here. And so he would continue to watch and wait, to see what his hated foe did to present himself to the world and see what they would do in response. Men were nothing if not predictable and he had watched the world of men for countless centuries. When the moment was right he would strike. But first, he would need more knowledge about his enemy and his plans.

For it was his truth that knowledge was power.

The news spread around the globe within a matter of hours. How North Korea, seemingly threatened by the arrival of the Visitor now known as Prometheus, had launched several nuclear missiles against him and by extension, the United Nations. Newscasters and pundits barely know which to cover first, the fact that North Korea had very nearly started World War Three, nearly started a war with their first alien visitor, or the spectacle of the massive city-state floating near New York, its leader an apparent divinity who had decided to walk among them as a man as well as save their lives.

"North Korea's Ministry of Information has released a statement regarding the launch several days ago. In it they state that the intended strike was a warning shot designed to show their willingness to defend their nation from what they perceived to be a possible invader. The statement went on to specify that the fission triggers within the missiles had been deactivated prior to launch on the Supreme Leader's orders and would not have resulted in a nuclear blast had they reached their targets. An independent investigation is underway to determine the facts of these statements given that two of the missiles and their inner workings were retrieved intact due to the quick actions of the Visitor known as Prometheus..."

"While such matters are beyond the wisdom of men," a priest was saying into a microphone as he stood in one of the rooms of the Vatican, "it is not impossible that another universe can have multiple gods. The Scriptures speak of the Lord having other flocks we do not know about but it is silent on other such weighty matters, such as other universes. Obviously the Visitor's statements must be examined carefully before we come to any conclusions…"

"The UN General Assembly is expected to meet with the alien visitor Prometheus today to continue their discussions which were interrupted several days ago. In other news the Russian Federation as well as many European nations and the United States have condemned the attempted missile strike by North Korea calling it a shameful and unprovoked attack on a nation with peaceful intentions. Russian President Vladimir Shoskin has stated that he hopes this recent development does not sour relations with the new arrival and has expressed interest in the possibility of trade agreements with the nation state, hoping that mutually beneficial agreements can be made on both sides."


Unknown location,

China

Jin Longwei looked upon the crowds of people arrayed before him in the abandoned warehouse where they were meeting, his eyes filled with excitement.

"Brothers and sisters!" He called out to them. "Long have we waited for this day! At last the culmination of all our work and all our prayers have been answered! You have heard the Emperor speak! He his made his wisdom plain! You have seen his power and his majesty even in the face of rejection and violence! Such acts would never have been tolerated in the past but he is great in his compassion and boundless in his understanding! This is the Emperor we have been waiting for since the day the Communists threw down the last Emperor and ground our history into the dust! This is the Emperor who will lead us to glory and restore our Empire to what it should be! He has even spoken to us directly, calling himself the Dragon Emperor, and the form he used in the sky to defeat the North Koreans proves his words! He comes from Heaven to rule with justice and mercy! He comes to throw down the shackles of the old order and usher in a golden age of peace and prosperity! These are HIS WORDS my friends!" He exclaimed. "He said that those who worship him will be given glory! Let us prove to him that we are worthy of that glory! Pray to him my friends! Let us show him that we are his true servants! Let us show him that we are his people!"

The crowd roared as they cheered and stamped their feet for several minutes until Jin raised his hands, calling for quiet, his face becoming serious.

"Over the years we have staged protests and tried to force the Committee to change but we have seen they are unwilling to do so. They will not heed our message and may even ignore the Emperor's commands. But my friends, we must show the Emperor that we are not mindless brutes and mere revolutionaries!" He said earnestly. "We must show him that we are wise! That we know when to be hard and unyielding but also when to be humble and obedient! We make our stand in the square as we did before! But this time we will not raise our hands against the Communists! We will not demand they obey us for we do not speak for the Great Master! He is here now and we are his to command! Follow me, my friends!" He insisted. "When he arrives at the UN we shall call upon him and await his coming!"

Row by row the crowd followed after him as they exited the building, heading for Tiananmen Square.


"I don't see why you need to take one of the Knights with you." Arianasa was saying as they walked through the pyramid. "It's not like you need him for protection."

Prometheus smiled at this. "He is not for protection but rather to prove a point and hopefully make them think. My using a human form may have allowed them to see me as more human but my transformation into my usual form has caused some consternation among them. It is my hope that my Knight will help to alleviate those concerns."

The silver Dragon gazed at him quizzically but did not press further as Prometheus was approached by the Dragon Knight who was to accompany him, the figure dressed in full armor but bearing no weapon.

"Are you prepared?" He asked the figure, receiving a firm nod in return.

"Good. Then let us join them." He said as he teleported himself and the Knight down to the surface, having alerted the council of his impending arrival beforehand.

Light flared in front of the UN main doors as Prometheus and his guard arrived, Prometheus once again using his new version of Ash. Prometheus and his escort strode into the entrance amidst the large crowd that had remained outside the building to either protest against his arrival or shout encouragements. Moving to the General Assembly chamber he strode down the main aisle while all conversation ceased almost immediately. The Secretary-General banged his gavel.

"The floor is yielded to our honored guest Prometheus." He stated officially before he and the other two took their seats before the podium as the duo stepped up to it, the Knight standing a bit behind him and to the side.

Looking about at the faces Prometheus smiled warmly. "Thank you, Mr. Secretary-General, for reconvening on such short notice after the cowardly attack upon my person and upon everyone here. I must also thank all who have chosen to be here today in light of recent events for it shows your courage and willingness to do your duty in the face of uncertainty. I am more than willing to answer more questions about myself and my people…"

Prometheus trailed off, his glowing eyes seemingly unfocused for a moment before he spoke again. "My apologies but it appears there is a matter that requires my personal attention. For the moment I would like to have someone else speak as I had brought him here today for just such a purpose. I shall return soon."

He gestured to the Knight next to him before stepping back and allowing the armored figure to step up to the podium. A moment later Prometheus vanished in a flash of light.


Tiananmen Square,

Beijing, China

Midnight

"You are ordered to disperse at once!" The voice shouted over the loudspeaker as riot police and soldiers stood ready nearby in case the crowd became violent. "You are creating a public disturbance and are not permitted to gather in this manner!"

"Emperor Prometheus!" Jin Longwei cried out in a loud voice, his face turned towards the star-lit sky as he held his arms out in supplication, kneeling upon the asphalt. "Your faithful servants call to you! Hear our prayer great Lord of Heaven and walk among us!"

Behind the man a crowd of hundreds knelt in orderly rows, filling the square with prostate bodies, each of them murmuring entreaties while the soldier standing before them with the loudspeaker frowned in frustration. The cultists were not offering any sort of violence or protest and it was the middle of the night so there was not as much traffic as there would be normally. Yet they refused to move even when weapons had been pointed at them. The man was quickly beginning to lose face in light of their passive resistance and was seriously considering firing either into the air to frighten them or even shooting a few to make a point when a blaze of light appeared in their midst. The soldiers shielded their eyes before staring in astonishment at the sight before them.

Sitting regally before them and the crowd was a golden dragon with chrome-edged scales easily forty feet tall, surrounded by a glowing aura of gold and silver light which illuminated the square. The soldiers instinctively brought their rifles to bear on this new potential threat but the massive creature seemingly paid them no mind, barely sparing them a glance before his aura flowed over them, making them stare in awe as their weapons clattered to the ground from nerveless fingers. Longwei's eyes grew wide at the sight of the Emperor before he prostrated himself to the ground.

"Great Lord of Heaven!" He exclaimed in relief. "You have appeared! The Emperor stands in our midst!"

"Your prayers have been heard and answered Jin Longwei." Prometheus stated with gentle gravitas. "Even before my arrival upon this world your prayer reached my ears and the supplications of you and your companions here and now I could not ignore. I bid you stand, for I would speak to you face to face."

The young man slowly rose, his posture still obedient as he gazed upwards respectfully to face Prometheus. A moment later he felt a vast and powerful presence slowly filling his mind as the Dragon sifted through his surface thoughts, learning of Jin's hopes and desires.

"You and your people believe me to be the reincarnation of the Yellow Emperor." Prometheus stated a moment later. "But as I told the assembly at the United Nations I am no god you have ever worshipped in your history. I am not the Yellow Emperor of your past, nor would I pretend to be for to do so would dishonor his memory as well as all of you. Unlike many I do not deceive my followers nor will I pretend to be what I am not. But I see into your heart Jin Longwei and I see the hearts of your companions. I see the Yellow Emperor's legend and the greatness he embodied. I see the parallels between him and myself for I too created an empire and brought many esoteric arts to a land that knew them not. You desire to see the Chinese Empire restored to its former glory where all may be free and the Emperor rules wisely and well over you. I tell you that I too rule my empire with justice, compassion, and strength."

Prometheus paused before looking over them all. "I am not the Yellow Emperor of your past. But if you are willing to serve me in truth and in spirit I will be the Golden Dragon Emperor of your future. Swear fealty to me as your Emperor and you will be the first of this world to become my people."

Jin stared up at him in awe before kneeling at his feet. "I pledge my life in service to the Golden Emperor." He said with reverence. "Let the words of my Emperor be my path and the mind of the Emperor be my own."

The men and women behind him quickly copied him, kneeling and pledging themselves to Prometheus.

Sensing the genuineness in each of them he smiled. "You honor me with your sincere devotion, each and every one of you. Knowing little of me but what you have heard you reach out in faith and accept me as your Emperor. I accept your pledges and will not forget them, nor will I fail to reward that trust which is given unto me freely. An Emperor rules with absolute authority but rules with wisdom for the benefit of all his people. An Emperor rules with compassion, with justice, with power, and with mercy. He is to be the example to which all should look to and emulate that they might be perfect as he is perfect. While many Emperors of the past ruled well and attempted to live by the Mandate of Heaven they could not do so perfectly, for they were but mortal men, born of flesh and imperfect as all men are. But I say to you that I am able to bear the Mandate of Heaven perfectly; I am immortal, unbound by the ravages of time and the corrupting influence of power and desire. Rejoice and be glad for a true Emperor has come!"

As the crowd began to cheer the soldier with the loudspeaker regained his scattered wits, glaring up at the blazing figure before him.

"How dare you!" He called out to Prometheus, much to the crowd's displeasure and the shock of his comrades who slowly began to step away from him. "You appear on our soil without invitation! You speak to these mad cultists as if they were reasonable men! They have plotted to overthrow the rightful government for decades and you heed their words?! You are no Emperor of China! And even if you held such a title the Emperor's rule no longer holds sway here! Are you in league with them?" He demanded. "Do you intend to destroy our great Republic on the words of a few anarchists?!"

Prometheus slowly turned his head to focus on the man, his gaze implacable. The man felt his body shiver on instinct as he felt the god's gaze bore into and seemingly through him before he spoke with a voice like living thunder.

"I have seen the plight of the Chinese people for I have watched what goes on here, just as I have watched other nations all over the world during my journey. Many are impoverished and the State controls all to its own benefit and continuation of power. If your government is to fall it will not be by my hand but by the people whom the government is to serve, for they are the lifeblood of a Republic or an Empire. These men before you do not desire anarchy as you seem to think, nor do they wish to destroy this nation. Rather they wish for change. You are correct that I should not merely listen to them, however. The wishes of all who dwell in this land should be taken into account. But that is a matter for another day. For the moment these men and women before you pose no threat, nor do they intend violence against you or any other. Will you murder them like animals or will you allow them to leave in peace? They have achieved their goal for I have come and that was their foremost wish in coming here."

The man wilted under the Dragon's stern gaze, carefully backing away, the soldiers and police doing the same as the crowd danced and laughed in the square.


Chambers of the General Assembly

United Nations Building

Earlier…

"I thank you all for this opportunity to speak before you today." The Knight said in a bass voice as Prometheus teleported away, his voice echoing slightly due to the closed helmet concealing his features. "And what I wish to speak of is simple. It is the story of a man and his journey through life."

The Knight paused for a moment before continuing. "He grew up under the guidance and watchful eye of his parents, a man and woman both upright and honest, both of them farmers. Under their care he became strong in his youth for in those days much manual labor was required in order to plow the fields and tend to the harvests. His parents taught him all they knew about life but more than that, they instilled in him among many other things the virtues of hard work, perseverance, and honesty. When he came into his manhood he desired to see the world beyond for the town he came from was small and unnoticed. His parents were not wealthy but they had saved some money over the years and they allowed their son to take it and travel where he wished. It was their hope that he might become successful and they trusted his judgement, having instilled much sense into him from a young age. The young man travelled to the various cities to learn more of the world and on his journey he heard of a kingdom to the east that many praised. One day he saw a regiment of that kingdom's knights marching along the road ahead of him. Curious and wanting to speak with them he caught up with them and they spoke at length as they marched. The young man asked where they were headed and they replied that they were returning home after a battle. When the young man enquired about the battle, not having heard of it, they spoke further. They told the young man about how their Lord had instructed them to go to a deep and dark forest to the west where strange and unnatural events had been taking place for the towns and villages nearby had requested aid. When the knights arrived and scoured the forest they found a large band of horrific creatures that had captured various travelers and were torturing them for their own amusement as they divided the plunder between themselves. The knights immediately moved to help the prisoners and the creatures attacked them immediately for daring to interfere. Thanks to their armor and prowess in battle the knights swiftly put down the pack of creatures despite being outnumbered by them. The travelers and their goods were escorted to the nearest town where they were given aid before the knights departed."

"Having been impressed by their valor and inspired by the selfless deeds they had performed the young man asked to march with them in order that he might have the opportunity to join their ranks once they arrived at their destination. While the knights appeared unconvinced about the young man's chances they allowed him to join them and as the days passed they spoke of other matters. The young man learned that they were not merely soldiers who fought at their Lord's command; some had been assigned to guard towns and villages that could not defend themselves from outsiders wishing to take their lands from them. Others had been tasked with guarding travelers and ensuring the roads between the cities were safe while still others performed works of charity wherever they were needed. When they arrived at the city the young man sought out the garrison Commander, requesting to be given a chance to prove himself. The garrison Commander looked hard at the young man before he spoke."

"'Those who serve our Lord as Knights do not do so to revel in their own greatness or flaunt their own glory.'" He said firmly. "'They serve so that others might be lifted up, that their glory and greatness might be realized. If you would become a Knight then you must be willing to serve all who ask of you and perform even the most menial of tasks, for there is no task too low for a servant to perform. Once you have proven that your heart is that of a servant, then, only then, may you be considered worthy of training.'"

"The young man was no stranger to hard labor and unpleasant tasks for he had done such things on his family's farm since he was a child. Accepting the Commander's words the young man was inducted into their Order as a servant. For many days and nights he toiled, performing his duties to the best of his abilities and helping those of the Order with whatever they required. Many nights he retired to his bed with his body aching and sore and yet never once did he complain for this was the life he had chosen for himself. After many months of dull or hard labor he was ordered before the Commander of the garrison once more."

"'You have done your work well and you have done all that we have asked of you without protest.' The Commander said. 'Do you still wish to become a Knight?' He asked."

"The young man confirmed that this was still his heart's desire so the Commander continued to speak. 'Before you begin your training you should know that to be a Knight is to surrender yourself and all that you hold dear in service to our Lord. This means that you must place your duties and the commands of your Lord above family, above friends, and all prior oaths you may have taken. You must be willing to kill if it is required of you and you must be willing to give your very life if it is required of you in order to fulfill your duty. Are you strong enough to give everything in his service? If not you may remain as a servant and continue on as you have been. Search your heart carefully and speak the truth that comes from it, not what your pride would have you say, for there is no shame in a servant's honest labor. Many before you have come with the same desire in their hearts and yet here they remain, serving faithfully and held in our Lord's esteem for without such servants our Knights could not serve him as they do.'"

"The young man searched his heart carefully for the truth that lay within it before he spoke. 'I love my mother and father greatly and I do not wish to die.' The young man said. 'But if my Lord requires it I will bear that burden until my life is taken from me or I die in the fullness of time.' He said."

"The garrison Commander scrutinized him again before nodding. 'You have answered truthfully and with honesty from your heart and that is all that can be asked of you.' He said. 'The journey ahead of you will be arduous and painful but should you persevere to the end you will become a Knight as you desire. Before you become a Knight, however, you must first learn how to be a soldier for that is a Knight's primary duty. You have proven you have the heart of a servant. Now you must prove you have the spirit of a warrior.'"

"The garrison Commander did not lie. Months went by and the young man toiled under the harsh training the soldiers of the realm endured. Some were men such as him while others were creatures of various kinds from far distant lands, from furred canines that stood upon two legs to Orcs with green skin, and even those that appeared like Dragons but shaped like men as well. Their bodies were tested to the limits of their endurance for they were made to endure injury and engage in all forms of combat against a multitude of different foes. Their minds were pushed further than they had ever been before as they were required to think of unique or unexpected solutions to problems depending on the circumstances in which they found themselves. They were taught how to think tactically as well as strategically, to wield weapons of all kinds and fight in all forms of combat. Yet they were not only trained for war. They were taught how to save the lives of their fellows as well as civilians whether they be human or otherwise, to stave off death and heal wounds. They learned how to counsel each other when times became hard and their minds were near to breaking from the strain, and they learned how to care for others, from the smallest of children to the oldest of ancients across a dozen different races, for they were to be more than just warriors. Finally, at the end of their Trials, only the man and a few others remained, the others having departed in exhaustion, their minds and bodies unable to cope. At last, the man stood before the Lord of the realm, his body scarred and his mind strengthened. But even this was not the final testing for even greater trials awaited him."

"'If you would serve me as a Knight,' the Lord said, 'you must relinquish your old life for once you take my Oaths it will pass away like mist on the water. You will become my hand in this world, my will shall be your will, and whatever I command you will do. In the months to come you shall become greater than you are now, but that greatness must be tempered with sacrifice and that glory bound in service to others. You will face tragedy and terror you cannot begin to imagine and endure such trials as to make your prior efforts paltry in comparison. But should you endure you will be become greatness itself. Even now you may depart from this path if you choose and remain an officer of my military for you have proven yourself worthy of that and much more. However, the choice is yours, I will not decide for you. Speak your decision from your heart, not your pride, that it might go well with you.' The Lord stated firmly, 'for I tolerate no falsity or hubris in my presence.'"

"The man considered what he had been told for several moments before he spoke. 'I do not know what horrors lie ahead.' He said. 'I can only pray that my mind and spirit is strong enough to withstand them. All that I am has been yours from the moment I became your servant, my Lord. I am yours to command, even to death if you desire it. If you find me worthy of your Oaths I will take them.'"

"The Lord nodded then. 'You speak truly and wisely and thus I find you worthy. Take my Oaths and your final training will begin.'"

"Thus the young man swore the Oaths required of him. One of the kingdom's Knights, having been summoned to the ceremony, allowed his blood to mingle with that of the man's, binding him through blood freely given alongside ancient magic used in rituals and pacts that they might become blood-brothers and family. Time passed and as he trained he become something far greater than he had ever been for the Lord was true to his word. Through the arts of his servants his body became stronger, his flesh armored against the ravages of time and wear. His senses grew sharper, his mind became powerful. He learned skills and abilities granted to only a chosen few until he could easily stand against an army and emerge victorious. But such gifts came with a price for he was forced to endure hardships unlike any he had experienced. Much of them I will not relate for they would break the minds of those who are not strengthened against such horrors. But many times he was forced to stand against impossible odds, holding back a tide of death and destruction on a scale you could not imagine. One by one he would see his comrades around him fall and bleed and die until only he stood alone to try and halt the unending tide that came against him. Knowing that he could not flee, that death was certain, still he fought on until his life was taken from him. But even this was not the end for he found himself revived by the clerics of his Lord alongside his fellows. Taken from the battlefield and healed of his physical and mental wounds he was once again sent out to do his Lord's will, whether it be to do battle against horrors out of nightmare or deliver a gift to a child across the continent. He counseled others in their pain and grief and was given counsel in return for when the weight of it all became too much. Thus in time his training ended and he found himself back in the realm of his Lord, a smile on his Lord's face, for he had endured to the end. Thus he became a Squire of the Order and served alongside the Knight who had bonded with him. In time he became a Knight in his own right, able to lead the charge against any foe that would endanger his realm and train others as he had been trained. At the same time he was to many a beacon of light, of safety, of hope, and of compassion for those who suffered. Ever and always he was willing to give his all for any who needed aid, even those that most would consider beneath them. For though he had become great, he was still a servant of all."

The Knight paused in his story, looking about the room with every eye fixed upon him. As he began to open the locks that held his helmet in place he spoke once more.

"I am that young man who became a Knight and I have never once regretted being in the service of my Lord." He said. "I tell you my tale so that you might know the heart that lies beneath this face." He said as he removed the helmet.

The crowd gasped quietly as the Knight's reptilian features were revealed for the first time, his bronze scales glistening in the bright lights of the room, as his amber slitted eyes gazed upon them.

The half-dragon observed their reactions for a moment before he spoke. "You look upon me and find me disquieting, a creature come to life from the pages of your folk myths and legends. And yet, I stand here before you, ready to defend you against those who would do evil against you. You ask yourself why I would be willing to do such a thing, to defend strangers who find me disgusting or hateful to look upon. My story is my answer. Many would call me inhuman, a monster, something worthy only of exile or death. But I ask you, and all who see and hear me, judge for yourselves and decide in your own hearts…"

"What does it mean...to be human?"