The Secret Library: The Tale of the Noble Knight
Sofia and Madeline were flying Minimus above the stables.
"Woo-hoo!" Sofia cheered.
"Yeah!" Madeline whooped.
"Whoa!" Minimus gulped.
Just then, Sofia and Madeline's amulets started to glow.
"Minimus, we have to stop!" Sofia declared.
"You're getting queasy too?" Minimus asked.
"No, it's our amulets." Madeline retorted. "We've got to get to the Secret Library!"
A short time later, Sofia and Madeline rushed into the main room of the Library.
"We're here, we're here!" Sofia told the mirror.
"Don't start without us!" Madeline added, as they both sat down.
A book flew down to them.
"'The Tale of the Noble Knight'." Sofia read.
"That sounds interesting..." Madeline mused.
The book flew up into the mirror, which showed them an image of a kingdom with dragons.
"In the far-off kingdom of Blazendell, dragons lived in the mountains, while people lived in the villages." The mirror narrated. "For as long as anyone can remember, the two had always left each other in peace. Until one day, for reasons unknown, the dragons began setting fires all over the countryside. The King of Blazendell declared that whoever could stop the dragons would be named 'First Knight, Leader of all Knights'. Sir Oliver, the strongest of the knights, vowed to defeat the dragons and become First Knight. To do this, he had to find the magical Ice Fire Shield, which had the power to freeze dragon fire. This special shield could only be found by following a trail of riddles and clues. However, a rival knight, named Sir Jackson, also wanted the Ice Fire Shield. So he set out to trap Sir Oliver."
"But Sir Oliver said he was going to use the Shield to help people!" Sofia frowned.
"I wonder what Sir Jackson's going to do with it." Madeline added.
"In order for the kingdom to be safe, it is vital that the most noble knight gets the Shield." The mirror continued. "But in the land of Blazendell, things are not always what they seem."
"It's our job as Story keepers to finish the story." Sofia declared.
"So we have to help the most noble knight find the Ice Fire Shield!" Madeline smiled. "We need to get Minimus."
Another short while later, the girls were flying Minimus to Blazendell.
"Girls, I still don't understand why we're flying towards mean, fire-breathing dragons instead of away from them!" Minimus cringed.
"Because we have to help a noble knight find a special shield." Sofia smiled.
"We might not even see any dragons." Madeline assured him.
"Uhh... then what are those up ahead!" Minimus pointed out a flock of dragons up ahead.
"Dragons!" Sofia and Madeline yelped.
"What do I do?" Minimus quivered. "Where do I go?"
"Down, Minimus!" Sofia pointed. "Hide by that rock!"
Minimus descended, hiding under a large rock. The dragons passed by.
"Hoo..." Minimus sighed with relief.
"The good news is, if we're seeing dragons, we must be in Blazendell." Madeline smiled.
"That's your idea of good news?" Minimus joked.
"I see the tower from the book!" Sofia pointed again. "Let's go!"
Minimus took off again. As he flew, he saw someone riding a regular horse below.
"Girls, look." He whispered.
"That's gotta be Sir Oliver." Madeline declared.
"How do you know?" Minimus asked.
"He looks like a noble knight to me." Sofia noted.
"Sure does." Minimus agreed. "And I don't even know what 'noble' means!"
"It means being honest, kind and brave." Madeline smiled. "Sir Oliver said he's getting the Shield to protect people from dragons."
"Will he protect flying horses too?" Minimus asked. "Because if he will, he's my new hero!"
"He won't be able to protect anyone if he gets trapped." Sofia pointed out. "We've got to warn him about Sir Jackson."
Minimus flew after the horse.
"Stop! Wait!" Madeline called. "Mr. Sir Oliver!"
"Hold on, girls." Minimus slid over the ground, blocking Sir Oliver's horse. "This may! Be! Bumpy" But! I! Owe! You!" He skidded to a halt. "Oh, the mouth..."
"Oh, now!" Sir Oliver chuckled. "Move aside, fair lasses. I have an urgent knightly matter to attend to."
"I give that landing two stars." Sir Oliver's horse told Minimus.
"Out of five?" Minimus asked.
"Out of ten." The horse snorted.
"Okay." Minimus cringed.
"You're Sir Oliver, right?" Sofia asked.
"What gave it away?" Sir Oliver smirked. "My brawny physique? My rugged good looks? I know! My can-do smile!"
"Actually, we saw your picture in a book in a library." Madeline admitted.
"So there is a book about me?" Sir Oliver grinned. "I knew it! I am a legend in my own time!" He cleared his throat. "And you are?"
"Princess Sofia." Sofia declared.
"And Princess Madeline." Madeline added. "And we're here to help the noble knight of Blazendell get the Ice Fire Shield."
"Well, there is no nobler knight than I." Sir Oliver bragged. "But you? Help me? Hold on a moment." He burst out laughing. "...Okay, done. I appreciate the offer, Princesses. But I do not think a brave knight such as I needs the help of two wee little girls like you."
Sofia and Madeline frowned.
All across this fair kingdom
I'm known as the strongest knight
But I'm also quite famous
for being the bravest
And looking good whenever I fight
Haha
So if you want to assist me
You can cheer me on as I go
To fetch the shield from the tower
with magical power
To freeze dragon fire like snow
Oh what a thrill it must be
To be called the greatness of me
Oh lass is not everyday
That a knight such as I comes your way
Sir Oliver walked towards a trap.
"Please, just stop!" Sofia called.
"It looks like there's a trap right there!" Madeline tried to pull him back.
"I think you are mistaken." Sir Oliver smirked. "A knight such as I would spot a trap from a hundred miles away!"
Now once I get rid of those dragons
I'll prove my courage and might
They'll be no debating
My super high grading
The king will surely make me First Knight
Oh what a thrill it will be
To preclaim the greatness of me
No help will be needed today
For a knight such as I
Will succeed in one tribe
When a knight such as I leads the way
Sir Oliver stood on the trap, which activated, enclosing him and throwing up into the air, and into the tower.
"Sir Oliver!" Sofia gasped.
"He should have listened..." Madeline sighed, as they flew up on Minimus.
"Help us in!" Sofia told Minimus.
"Good luck, girls!" Minimus lined up with the window, allowing them to jump in.
The girls saw Sir Oliver, still trapped.
"Don't just stand there!" He growled. "Get me out of this contraption!"
Sofia and Madeline flipped the trap over, and unraveled the net.
"This blasted net is clearly the work of Sir Jackson." Sir Oliver growled. "That rapscallion!"
"If you're going to call me names, say them to my face, Sir Oliver." Another knight said from across the room.
"Sir Jackson?" Madeline frowned.
"It is he." Sir Oliver drew his sword. "In the flesh."
"Looks like someone's miffed that I trapped him." Sir Jackson smirked.
"Miffed? Pshaw!" Sir Oliver snarled. "I am here to find the Ice Fire Shield, you desperado! Leave at once, or face my sword!"
"Ah, well, I pick the second one." Sir Jackson declared. "I cannot let you get the Shield, Ollie." He drew his sword. "En guarde!"
"Stop, please!" Sofia called.
"You don't have to fight!" Madeline added.
"You heard the Princesses." Sir Oliver yelled. "Surrender? Methinks not!" He parried Sir Oliver's swings. "This ends now!"
"Does it?" Sir Oliver sneered. "Or does it end... now!" He pushed Sir Jackson back.
"No, now!" Sir Jackson dodged his next swing.
"Forsooth, you are a mighty adversary!" Sir Oliver smiled. "But let us see how well you fight without a sword!"
Sir Oliver knocked Sir Jackson's sword out of his hands, sending it flying up and embedding itself in a wooden beam.
"Well played, sir." Sir Jackson smiled. "However, a true knight needs no sword."
Sir Jackson dodged Sir Oliver's sword thrust.
"Stand still, you slippery snake!" Sir Oliver jabbed again, but Sir Jackson dodged once again.
"You will have to be quicker than that, Sir slowcoach!" Sir Jackson jeered.
"You would do well to curb that wagging tongue of yours, varlet!" Sir Oliver snarled.
"And you would do well to pay more attention to what you are doing!" Sir Jackson leapt on top of a crate. "I learned that move in Knight School."
"And I shall see to it that it is the last move you ever make!" Sir Oliver swung again.
Sir Jackson jumped the swing, did a handstand on Sir Oliver's head, and leapt back down to the floor.
"Please, both of you put your swords down!" Sofia urged.
"Not possible, milady." Sir Oliver answered. "This knight must be stopped from trying to stop me stopping the dragons!"
Sir Jackson leapt up, swung over on the chandelier, and grabbed his stuck sword, retrieving it.
"And you must be stopped from making awful speeches like that!" He chided, slapping Sir Oliver in the back with his sword as he swung by. He grabbed a portrait, using it as a makeshift shield, and kept fighting. "You know those dragons aren't dangerous."
"Ha! You fool!" Sir Oliver sneered, grabbing a portrait of his own. "They are starting fires all over the kingdom!"
"I don't know who to believe." Madeline frowned.
"Me neither..." Sofia sighed.
Sir Jackson used his sword to scratch a moustache onto Sir Oliver's painting.
"I learned that move in art school!" He laughed.
"Is that so?" Sir Oliver growled. "Well, X marks the spot for a big liar!" He carved an X into Sir Jackson's painting. "Ha-ha!"
"Why would I lie?" Jackson asked.
"Why would you not lie?" Sir Oliver retorted.
"You didn't answer my question!" Sir Jackson growled, as they continued fighting, their swords poking through the paintings.
"You did not answer my question!" Sir Oliver snarled.
Sir Jackson suddenly pulled away Sir Oliver's sword and painting, and held him at bay with his own blade.
"Stop, please!" Madeline urged, as she and Sofia rushed over.
"Can't you both just put your swords down so we can talk this out?" Sofia asked.
"Yes, the ladies have a point." Sir Oliver smiled. "Let us have a truce. No more fighting, I promise."
Sir Jackson was unsure for a moment, then put aside his blade.
"Alright, truce." He shook Sir Oliver's hand.
"Good." Madeline sighed with relief.
"That wasn't so hard, was it?" Sofia asked.
"Not at all." Sir Oliver grinned. "It was all too easy."
Sir Oliver suddenly pushed Sir Jackson back. He then grabbed his sword, and forced into a small room.
"Ah-ha!" He closed the door. "I've got you now!"
Sir Oliver stacked several objects in front of the door, trapping Sir Jackson.
"That was a dirty trick!" Sir Jackson growled.
"He's right." Madeline agreed. "That was a dirty trick."
"You said you were putting down your sword." Sofia pointed out.
"I would say anything to protect you from that ruffian." Sir Oliver declared. "For I am a noble knight who always helps others... except when they are scoundrels." He sneered. "Now, legend has it the Shield is hidden somewhere in this room. But where?"
"I couldn't find it." Sir Jackson revealed. "And neither will you."
"Quiet, you scoundrel!" Sir Oliver scowled. "Come now, fair lasses. We mustn't let him distract us from our task."
Sir Oliver looked around.
"Hmm, nothing under here." He lifted up one foot, then looked in a crate. "Not here."
He continued searching.
"Not here, nothing in the teapot..." He stopped to think for a moment. "How befuddling!" He then caught sight of himself in a mirror. "But oh!" He whistled and posed.
"Oh, boy..." Madeline groaned.
Sofia and Madeline looked around themselves. As they checked behind portraits, Sofia revealed a gleaming stained glass window with a purple gem in the shape of a shield, and gasped.
"What-ho, a gasp?" Sir Oliver rushed over. "Is it the Ice Fire Shield?"
"Well, it's a Shield..." Sofia mused.
"Well, I see I shall have to use my finely-honed sword-wielding skill to extract it." Sir Oliver picked at it with his blade, finally sending it flying out. "Ah-ha, sword-wielding skill!" He caught the gem. "'Tis a lot smaller than I expected... But mayhap, it just looks that way next to my enormous muscles! How, pray tell, is this tiny thing supposed to stop dragon fire?"
"There's something written on the glass." Madeline pointed out. "'If the Shield you want to hold, look through here to find a rock of gold'."
"This is a clue to help us find the real Shield!" Sofia smiled.
"But where are we supposed to find a golden rock?" Sir Oliver asked.
"Maybe it's the rock between your ears, where your brain should be!" Sir Jackson laughed.
"Why, you..." Sir Oliver drew his sword and walked over. "Stop laughing at once!"
"Sir Oliver, the clue!" Madeline pulled on his tunic. "It said to look through here!" She peered to the hole where the purple gem once was. "There's a gold rock on that hill!"
Sir Oliver took a look, seeing the rock.
"Huzzah!" He declared. "I've found it! We must go at once!"
"Excuse me!" Sir Jackson called. "There's still a knight trapped in here!"
"You aren't going to leave Sir Jackson trapped in there, are you?" Sofia asked Sir Oliver.
"You don't expect me to let him go free, so he can trap me again?" Sir Oliver frowned. "I think not, silly girl!"
"But I don't-" Madeline started.
"He will find a way out... eventually." Sir Oliver declared. "He is quite resourceful, you know. As am I!"
Sir Oliver leapt out the window, sprang off a board, landed on the grass below, then flipped onto his horse.
"Highly impressive, yes?" He smirked.
"Girls, are you okay?" Minimus flew over. "I heard a lot of banging around in there."
"We're okay." Sofia sighed, as she and Madeline mounted Minimus.
"But after we find the Shield, we have to let Sir Jackson out." Madeline added.
"Come, Princesses." Sir Oliver called. "Our quest awaits!"
"Take us down." Sofia sighed.
"Let's head to the Golden Boulder!" Madeline declared.
"Righty-o." Sir Oliver nodded, as their horses carried them away. "Follow my lead, everyone! This way!"
"Uh... Sir Oliver." Sofia frowned, as Minimus flew down. "It's that way."
Sir Oliver pulled his horse's reins, forcing him to stop.
"Precisely!" He declared. He had his horse turn around, then gallop off. "Follow me!"
Once they reached the hill, they started looking around.
"Now, where is it?" Sir Oliver mused.
"That's the golden-" Madeline started.
"Rock, right there!" Sir Oliver pointed. "You're welcome for pointing it out for you!"
"Huh?" Madeline gaped.
"But Madeline-" Sofia frowned.
"Now, search high and low for the Ice Fire Shield." Sir Oliver ordered. "Leave no stone unturned."
As Sofia and Madeline disembarked, Minimus glanced at the Golden Boulder, then tried to move it with his head.
"Does that include this one?" He asked.
"Step aside, winged steed." Sir Oliver walked over. He picked up Minimus and carried him aside. "Important noble knight business, you know."
"I don't think I like that guy." Minimus frowned.
"Me neither." Madeline nodded.
"Well, he's a noble knight." Sofia pointed out, and the book says we should help him."
"Look at that!" Madeline pointed at a symbol of a snowflake on top of a flame, with writing below. "There's something carved on the side of the rock."
"Sir Oliver, we found another-" Sofia started.
"Clue! Yes!" Sir Oliver leapt over. "My keen eyes have spotted a clue! What pray tell does it say?"
"If you wish to find the Shield, look through the hole this one does wield." Madeline read.
"Utterly confounding!" Sir Oliver frowned. "Even the wisest of the wise could not decipher such a riddle."
Sofia pushed a circular indent in the rock, which moved aside to reveal a hole.
"Found it!" She smiled, peeking through the hole. "There's a cave shaped like a shield. It's across the valley."
Sir Oliver took a look.
"The Ice Fire Shield must be in there!" He declared. "We must go at once!"
As Sir Oliver made to leave, he stopped.
"Odds bodkins!" He gasped. "That dastardly Sir Jackson has returned!"
Sir Jackson was indeed walking towards the valley.
"He must have escaped from the tower." Madeline noted.
"He is resourceful." Sofia smiled.
"I shall not let that troublemaker get anywhere near that Shield!" Sir Oliver flipped onto his horse and rode off.
"Sir Oliver, what are you going to do?" Madeline asked, as she and Sofia followed on Minimus.
"I do hope Sir Jackson is wearing his waterproof armor." Sir Oliver smirked.
"Wait... are you going to open that dam?" Sofia gazed at the dam in the distance.
"What if there's a village nearby?" Madeline frowned.
"Fear not, Princesses." Sir Oliver declared. "The nearest village is miles from here. The water could never reach it."
"But what about Sir Jackson?" Sofia asked. "If you open the dam, he could drown!"
"Oh, tish-tosh!" Sir Oliver chuckled. "He'll have a brisk swim, but he'll be fine!"
"Sir Oliver, wait!" Madeline yelled.
"Ho, my noble steed!" Sir Oliver stopped his horse as they reached the dam. "That's far enough, Sir Jackson!"
"Don't you dare do it, Ollie!" Sir Jackson yelled.
"A noble knight must do what it takes to accomplish his deed!" Sir Oliver declared. "With the Ice Fire Shield at my side, I can protect the innocent folk from those dreadful dragons!"
"It is the dragons who need protecting, from the likes of you!" Sir Jackson shot back.
"Enough of this foolish banter!" Sir Oliver snarled. "Farewell, Sir Jackson!"
"No!" Sofia yelled.
"Wait!" Madeline added.
Sir Oliver opened the dam, causing the water to gush out.
"May this water wash away your cowardly presence from Blazendell!" He sneered.
Sir Jackson ran for his life.
"That's it, run away!" Sir Oliver jeered, he and his horse both laughing. He stopped when some water hit his boot. "Oh, bother. I've splashed myself. Come, Princesses. To the cave, we go!"
"But Sir Jackson's in trouble!" Sofia pointed out.
"Quite." Sir Oliver smirked.
"Well, we're going to help him." Madeline declared.
"Suit thyself." Sir Oliver shrugged.
"Zero stars for a bad decision." His horse sneered.
Sir Oliver and his horse galloped away.
"Come on, Minimus!" Sofia urged. "There's no time to lose!"
"Sir Jackson's going to be swept away!" Madeline added.
Minimus flew towards Sir Jackson.
"Get down close to him!" Sofia instructed.
Minimus did as instructed.
"Grab our hands!" Madeline told Sir Jackson, as they reached for him.
Sir Jackson took their hands.
"Up, Minimus!" Sofia urged.
Minimus lifted them all away from the water.
"Let's set him down over there!" Madeline declared.
They landed by a gnarled tree on a ridge.
"My ladies, I am in your debt." Sir Jackson smiled. "Thank you. Now, I need your flying horse so I can stop that weasel, Sir Oliver!"
"No!" Sofia frowned, as Minimus flew up. "We saved you from the flood, but we can't let you stop Sir Oliver from getting the Shield. He needs it to protect people from-"
"Dragons!" Madeline yelped, as a group of dragons appeared.
"Do not be frightened, my ladies." Sir Jackson declared. "There is no reason to fear them."
"Except they might roast us!" Minimus trembled. "That's one reason!"
Minimus tried to fly the girls away, but was stopped by descending dragons.
"They're all around us!" Sofia gasped.
"We're surrounded!" Minimus gulped.
"They won't hurt us." Madeline declared. "I won't let them."
"Hurt you?" An orange female dragon frowned. "Why would we do that, love? We saw the floodgates open, and thought you might need some help."
"You want to help us?" Sofia asked.
"Ooh, who are your new little friends, Sir Jackson?" The female asked. "They're just darling!" She picked up Sofia and Madeline and embraced. "I just want to wrap you both up and give you a great big hug!"
"That tickles!" Madeline giggled as the dragon stroked her chin with her claw.
"Come, come, Willawing." Sir Jackson grinned. "Leave the Princesses alone."
"You know these dragons?" Sofia asked, as Willawing set her and Madeline down.
"Most certainly." Sir Jackson stroked Willawing's neck. "We are dear old friends."
"He's the only person in Blazendell who thought to pay us a visit." Willawing declared, nuzzling against Sir Jackson. "And we're talking dragons, so we welcome the chit-chat."
"But... we read in a book that you were setting fires all over the kingdom." Madeline declared.
"They only breathe fire to protect themselves, miladies." Sir Jackson revealed.
"Normally, we'd never hurt a fly." Willawing declared. "But that Sr Oliver kept trying to drive us off, and we had no choice but to defend ourselves with fire."
"Why would Sir Oliver want you to start fires?" Sofia asked.
"Sir Oliver wants to make the dragons appear dangerous so he can stop them and look like a big hero." Sir Jackson scowled. "He wants the King to name him First Knight."
"When it's really Sir Jackson who's the best knight around!" Willawing hugged him. "And the sweetest!"
"Oh, well... that's a little too tight." Sir Jackson groaned.
"So the noble knight the book we're supposed to help isn't Sir Oliver." Madeline declared, as Willawing set him down. "It's you, Sir Jackson."
"You should get the Ice Fire Shield!" Sofia added.
"So he should." Willawing smiled.
"All I know is, if Sir Oliver gets it, he'll the dragons away for good." Sir Jackson sighed.
"We've got to stop him!" Madeline pointed out.
"So you'll let me ride your flying horse?" Sir Jackson asked.
"Sir Jackson, I have a better idea." Willawing smiled. "Maybe it's time you took your first dragon ride."
"Most assuredly." Sir Jackson agreed, climbing on Willawing's back. "Talley-ho!"
Willawing took off, the other dragons and Minimus following.
"This way!" Sofia pointed.
"Come on!" Madeline urged.
The winged creatures and their passengers flew towards the cave.
"Can you believe it?" Minimus smiled. "A few minutes ago, I was scared of giant dragons, and now look at me! I'm flying with 'em!"
As the dragon flew by, one bumped Minimus, sending him rolling in the air.
"Scared again!" He yelped.
"There's the cave with the Shield!" Sofia pointed.
"I've done it!" Sir Oliver emerged, carrying the Shield. "This quest is at an end! I have retrieved my quarry!"
"Just as I feared." Sir Jackson frowned. "Sir Oliver found it first!"
They landed on a ridge ahead of Sir Oliver.
"You are too late, Sir Jackson!" Sir Oliver taunted. "Behold: the Ice Fire Shield!" He laughed. "Now nothing can stop me from vanquishing these beastly dragons!"
"You're not vanquishing anything, Oliver!" Sir Jackson glared.
"We shall see about that, rogue!" Sir Oliver drew his sword.
Willawing breathed fire at Sir Oliver.
"I hope this thing works!" Sir Oliver hid behind the Shield.
As the flames touched the Shield, they turned to ice, and shattered.
"Ha-hah!" It does!" Sir Oliver cheered. "Surrender, foul beasts!"
"We've got to get that Shield away from him!" Madeline declared.
"Do not waste your dragon breath!" Sir Oliver used the Shield to neutralize the dragons' attacks. "Victory! Victory! Victory! And more victory! Victory once again!"
Sir Jackson leapt off the ridge, landing by the pile of shattered ice.
"Ah-ha!" He declared, grabbing some chunks of ice. "Oh-ho!" He threw them at Sir Oliver.
"Fool!" Sir Oliver blocked and sliced the ice. "Mere snowballs cannot penetrate the Ice Fire Shield!"
"No, but they may be enough to distract you from this!" Sir Jackson threw a large piece of ice, knocking Sir Oliver's sword out of his hand. He then slid across the icy ground, catching the sword.
"Now's our chance to get the Shield." Sofia declared.
"Go, Minimus!" Madeline urged.
"Blast!" Sir Oliver snarled, as Sir Jackson slid past him. "Return my sword!"
Minimus flew down close enough for Sofia and Madeline to grab the Shield, at the same time causing Sir Oliver to fall off his steed.
"Got it!" Sofia smiled.
Sir Oliver tried to stand up, but slipped on the ice.
"Ten out of ten, girls!" Minimus cheered.
As Sir Oliver tried to move, he was forced back by dragon fire. The dragons closed in on him.
"Get back, you fouled creatures!" Sir Oliver hid behind his horse.
Just then, the King of Blazendell arrived by horseback, followed by several others.
"What goes on here?" The King asked.
"My King." Sir Jackson knelt before him.
"We saw the dragon fire all the way from the castle." The King declared. "Sir Jackson, what trouble are you causing now?"
"Your majesty." Madeline declared, as she and Sofia brought over the Shield. "I'm Princess Madeline."
"And I'm Princess Sofia." Sofia added. "And we have something to tell you Sir Oliver is the only one causing trouble."
"But he is my bravest and strongest knight." The King frowned.
"Sir Oliver has been starting fights with the dragons, even though they never did anything to him." Madeline revealed. "That's why they were setting fires."
"The dragons are friendly, your majesty." Sir Jackson stroked Willowing's chin.
"Sir Oliver, why would you do such a thing?" The King asked.
"Because those dragons are a menace, sire!" Sir Oliver stepped out from behind his horse.
"They are not!" Sir Jackson said angrily. "Sir Oliver goaded them into breathing fire so he could defeat them with the Ice Fire Shield, and look like a big hero!"
"And then, you would make me First Knight!" Sir Oliver smirked... before realizing what he'd just said. "Uh, did I say that out loud?"
Both the King and Willawing glared at him.
"I see." The King got off his horse. "The Shield, if you please?"
Sofia and Madeline held up the Shield. One of the King's attendants picked it up and followed him over to the two knights.
"The Ice Fire Shield should belong to the most noble knight in the land." The King declared. "And that is you, Sir Jackson. You did your best to help these innocent dragons, even when it made life harder for yourself. Therefore, I hereby declare you First Knight of the realm." He placed the Shield at Sir Jackson's feet.
"I am honored, your majesty." Sir Jackson smiled.
"And as for you, Sir Oliver, not only have you lied, but you risked the lives of both creature and countrymen." The King frowned. "I hereby banish you from this land."
"Banish me?" Sir Oliver gasped. "This is an outrage!" He walked over to his horse. "I demand a recount! I promise you, you have not heard the last of Sir Oliver" He walked away, leading his horse by the reins.
"I promise only to use this Shield for the protection of others!" Sir Jackson held up the Ice Fire Shield.
Human and dragon alike cheered, Willawing even breathing a little fire. Sir Jackson shook Sofia and Madeline's hands.
"Girls, I could not have done it without you." He declared.
"And that is how the Ice Fire Shield was given to the truly noble Knight of Blazendell." The mirror declared.
Back in the Secret Library, Sofia and Madeline closed the book, and it returned to its rightful place, the story having been given its happy ending.