Masquerade
Some Days Later
Lois caressed the reddish strangulation marks on her neck in a looking glass. Lois grimaced as she put her arm in the sling and turned around to face him. She wore a red dress with golden laces.
"I wish you would allow me to sleep in my own chamber." She saw Kal-El's reflection. He still slept on the hearth and he still had nightmares.
"No. What happened, that was not you." Lois said and he lowered his head. She took his hand. "Dreams pass in time. If I can wait ten years to see you again, then I can wait until you are no longer plagued by these nightmares, my love. We just have to be more careful." She brought his hand to her lips and kissed his knuckles.
"Now you know exactly what to say." Kal-El said and caressed her face. She grinned.
"Now, let us go and make you a knight." Lois said. She went and opened her wardrobe. With one hand, she grabbed a beautifully crafted box. She set it down on the table. She undid the clasp and opened the box. It was her jewelry box.
He picked up his victory ring among her sets of rings. "I was able to get a few things out of Kandor. And I thought we may need that some day." He put the ring away in a pouch on his belt.
Lois picked a silver choker with engraved floral designs. Kal-El helped her put it on in front of the looking glass. It covered the reddish marks perfectly and that saddened him. He gently rubbed her tense shoulders. "This is pretty. Where did you get it?"
She hesitated before answering. "Bruce never forgot my birthday despite the war." Lois said. He heard her heart racing when she answered his question. She is lying. Why? We have no secrets. We had no secrets. "Now get dressed. You are being knighted today." She pecked his lips.
Joseph Kent waited outside the Great Hall. He wore a black wool doublet, trousers, and black boots. "They are ready for you." A page said and the doors opened.
The remnants of the knights of the Red Shard filled the throne room. They now numbered no more than 100. He walked down the red carpet to the two wooden thrones with red cushions sitting upon the dias. Lois sat on the throne to the left as the king's right hand. His throne was empty.
A young man stood at her right hand. He wore a blue doublet with black trousers, boots, and a sword belt. Kal-El immediately recognized the blue and silver hilt of his sword. Christopher. He is a man now. He had short curly hair and a dark thin stubble. His face was older and expressionless. He and Christopher locked eyes for a moment.
Kal-El kneeled before the dias. "Joseph Kent, now that you have a few days to heal, we must see how we can make use your skills. General Kara Fine has asked that you be knighted and put under her command. And you have said that you wish to serve the House of El. But I fear this will be a waste of your skills. Captain Kent has served the general faithfully and shall continue to do so… What I ask if you are willing to take the oath as a knight of the Red Shard and become one of my personal guards?"
Murmuring filled the hall but the knights of the Red Shard were silent. "My queen, is that wise?" Councilor Durkin stepped forward. "What do we even know about this man?"
"I know that he alone defeated 11 Zoners of Zod's own personal guard and lived. I know that the House of Zod took everything he held dear from him. And I know that he was once a loyal friend and subject of my husband, King Kal-El." Lois said. "The Red Shard agree with me and the choice is not yours, Councilor, but his." Joseph Kent raised his head. "What say you?"
"I am humbled by your faith in me, my queen, and it would be a great honor to take the sacred oath of the Red Shard to serve in your personal guard." Joseph said and Lois grinned. She motioned for Durkin to step back and he went to stand back next to Councilors Wren-Za and Qin.
Lois stood. Christopher kneeled and held up her sword. She drew her sword effortlessly one-handed and Joseph lowered his head. "Joseph Kent, do you swear to safeguard this kingdom and its peoples from all enemies whether they be foreign or Kryptonian. And do you swear to honor the knight's code by doing no wrong?"
"I pledge my sword and body to the safeguard of this kingdom and its peoples from all enemies foreign or Kryptonian. And I swear to honor the knight's code by doing no wrong." Lois then tapped both his shoulders with the tip of her blade. A page then stepped forward with a roll of parchment bearing the oath of the Red Shard.
"I, Joseph Kent, made a knight of the sacred Order of the Red Shard on this day swear to protect and serve Lois, my true and rightful queen; and to protect her life and her honor as my own until my dying day." Sir Joseph said.
"The oath you take is dear to me and shall not be taken lightly. Ever since the Order of the Red Shard was formed by King Seyg-El, they have loyally served the House of El and their loyalty has never wavered. They are the bravest and strongest of knights who are all bonded by brotherhood. Now rise a knight, Sir Joseph." Lois said.
Sir Joseph stood. Christopher then handed him a leather scabbard containing a Red Shard sword. He put it on his then put a knight's chain on him made up of silver circular links and a silver pendant shaped like a heater shield. Clapping filled the air.
An insignia ring of the House of El rested on Lois's middle finger but it was gold, not silver like his was. She held up her hand and he kissed the ring. "Knights of the Red Shard, welcome your newest brother." Lois said. She handed her sword to Christopher, who sheathed it.
One by one, a Red Shard knight approached Sir Joseph. They would grip forearms and say, "Brother." When they were done, Sir Joseph stepped off to the side with his fellow Red Shard brethren.
"And now to affairs of state, my lords." Lois sat back down on her throne. "Our ambush was not as fruitful as we hoped but Luthor and Zod may now be on the brink of war. Is there no way we can use this to our advantage?" Lois asked.
"I see not, my lady. We suffered great losses last fall with Zod's siege of the town." Durkin said.
"I agree with Durkin. We are still rebuilding our army. If Zod attacks again, we cannot expect aid from Genesis once again. They have their own war against Davis Zod. And we cannot know for certain if we can hold the town if he bring more cannons and catapults from Luthor." Kara Fine said.
"And if Luthor were to declare war against Zod? Are we to fight the victor or wait for their armies to decimate each other? Or they could just renew their ten year alliance and then defeat may be certain." Lois said.
"Perhaps if we were to make contact with the Justice League once again…" Qin said and coughed. He was rather pale and was bald on the top of his head. And he now walked with a cane.
"The League shall not abandon Commander Sullivan whilst she still fights Zod's bastard. And time can be our ally or our enemy." Lois sighed. "What news from Granville?"
"Commander Reyes said that Luthor halted his pursuit of you once you crossed the border into Kansas." Kara Fine said.
"And did he actually see Luthor?" Lois asked.
"Only his banner and his armor. He wore his helm." Kara Fine said. "They have gone back to work of rebuilding defenses around the castle."
"All we can do for the moment is replenish our forces and supplies. And pray to the gods that Zod and Luthor remain at each other's throats." Lois stood and everyone kneeled. "Sir Christopher, Sir Joseph, come." She looked around the room for someone who was obviously not there. "And send for Sir Connor Kent. Tell him to come to my chambers at once." Christopher and Sir Joseph followed her out of the Great Hall.
Connor entered Lois's chamber. He wore a black wool doublet with all its laces untied; his clothing and boots were mud stained, and a sword belt. His hair was unkempt and he had a fresh black eye. Lois sighed when she saw him. "Connor, you will be more presentable the next time you are in my presence." Lois said.
"Yes, mother." Connor said and quickly tied all the laces of his doublet. "Who is he?"
"You would know if you were here in the castle this morning." Lois said.
"Sir Joseph Kent. Just knighted this morning and made a knight of the Red Shard." Christopher said.
"I thought all the Kents, the true Kents were wiped out." Connor said.
"So did I... Why have you summoned us both here, mother?" Christopher asked.
"You do not recognize me, Chris? You were my little knights, after all." Sir Joseph said.
"Only the king called us…" Christopher froze. Kal-El put his hands on Christopher's shoulders and they locked eyes. Christopher recognized those eyes from anywhere. "Father?" He whispered.
Kal-El grinned. "My little knights are now true knights." He said with pride. He and Christopher embraced tightly. Connor was frozen in shock. Kal-El patted Christopher's cheek and then embraced Connor. "Oh, Con." Connor then tightly embraced him.
They parted. "You are dead." Connor said somberly.
"No. I never was. Just banished. Now where is little Kara?" Kal-El asked.
"In Gotham. She left to help their army regroup after the siege." Lois said.
"What? She should be here leading our people. That is her duty." Kal-El said.
Lois sighed. "Kara does not want the throne." She said.
"What? She is my heir. It is her destiny to rule." Kal-El said sternly.
"He does not know?" Connor whispered to Christopher.
"Know what?" Kal-El asked, catching them off guard. "What do I not know?"
"Leave us." Lois said. Christopher and Connor bowed. Connor left but Christopher stayed behind.
"Father, find me later in the gardens. I wish for you to meet my family." Christopher said.
"Family?" Kal-El asked. Christopher smiled and nodded. He then left the chamber. "Now what do I not know?"
"Kara wishes to marry Prince Bruce of Gotham. They are in love. He has already asked for her hand and she has accepted." Lois said.
"What? She cannot. He is heir to his own throne." Kal-El said.
"I know. Bruce and I were discussing what should be done about this when he was captured." Lois said. "I have been calling for a summit on what is left of the League but none will come without Bruce."
He sighed. "What shall we do?" Kal-El asked.
"I was planning on going to Gotham. We need Bruce. Not only does he know where the crystal is but only he can bring the League back together since you are believed dead. Connor has met with the resistance in Genesis again but they cannot aid us in this. They are planning their own attack against the occupation there." Lois said.
"Then you will stay here and I shall go to Gotham." Kal-El said.
"It is too late. Prince Bruce and Queen Diana await news of my departure. Do not worry; I shall not leave until my arm is healed. And until then, I shall be sending you and Connor to Kryptonopolis to get any information you can from Zod's court. Zod will no doubt be angry over our ambush. He was meeting Alexander hoping to trade Connor for…for something of great value." Lois said.
Kal-El got the sense she was keeping something from him but he thought it best not to pry just yet. "Is that wise? Connor is only 19 years." He said.
"He is of age and he has done this many times. J'onn J'onzz trained him well. You should be proud… You two will leave when Connor is able. No go and meet your grandson." Lois said.
"My grandson?" Lois smiled and nodded.
Christopher was in the castle gardens chasing a 3-year-old boy with dark hair. Christopher caught the little boy and spun him around. A smiling young woman watched them. Christopher saw him first. "Papa wants you to meet someone." He said to the little boy. "Sir Joseph, this is my wife, Thara, and this is my son…Kal Kent."
Sir Joseph bowed his head to Thara and kneeled down to little Kal Kent. "Hello."
"Hello." Kal Kent said. "Papa, is Uncle Jo back yet?"
Christopher cut his eyes to Sir Joseph and then back to his son. "Not yet but soon." Some other children were playing in the gardens and Kal kept cutting his eyes to them. "Go on." Christopher said and affectionately rumpled his son's hair. Kal smiled and ran off to play with the other children. "Sir Joseph happens to be a distant cousin of mine, my love."
"Oh, that is nice. Shall we be seeing you at supper?" Thara asked.
"I hope so, my lady. May I speak with you, Chris?" Sir Joseph asked. Christopher nodded and then kissed Thara on the cheek. She gave him a look and then he kissed her tenderly. They grinned at each other and he walked off with Sir Joseph. "You married Thara Ak-Var?"
Christopher smiled. "Yes. Five winters ago. And I named our son after you. Does that please you?"
Kal-El put a hand on Christopher's shoulder as they walked. "It pleases me greatly. Now I wish to speak to you on another matter… How often does Connor make these trips to Kryptonopolis?" He asked.
"Often but he had always been with J'onn… Connor was captured and taken to Kryptonopolis. J'onn tried to get him back but he was gravely wounded. He made it back here to tell us of the trade before he died some weeks ago. Do not tell mother but Connor had just come from the tavern when she had sent for him. J'onn trained him and watched over him after you…left." Christopher said.
Kal-El sighed. "Now it is your turn to watch over your brother and watch him carefully. I do not care if you have to drag him out but keep him out of the taverns." He said.
"Yes. I have sent word of this to someone who can get through to Connor. She will speak with him." Christopher said.
"She?" Kal-El asked.
"We are no longer boys, father." Christopher said and then they stopped walking. Kal-El put his hands on Chris's shoulders.
"I know that. And do not call me father in public. Not just yet." Kal-El said and Christopher nodded. He patted Christopher's shoulder. "I always knew I could expect great things from you and Connor." Christopher grinned and they continued walking.
Connor knocked on the door to Lois's chamber. "Come." She said within. He entered the chamber, bowed, and put his left hand around his sword grip as he stood erect. Lois glanced up at him. "Better." She said regarding to his appearance. She signed a document in front of her and the royal seal was stamped onto it. "That will be all, Durkin."
Durkin bowed, gathered up the parchments, and walked out of the chamber. "You asked for a private audience. What is the matter?" She asked. She stood and walked around the table. Connor approached her and tore the choker off her neck. The reddish marks were now brown bruises but he could make out the handprints.
Lois tried to cover them but it was too late. "Did he do that to you? Did he?" Connor said fierily.
"He has nightmares of the Zone; that is all." Lois said softly. Connor took an angry step back from her and ran his hands down his face. "It is not his fault, Con. His scars go deeper than flesh."
"Is that why you have not told him the whole truth? The ambush was not just to rescue me and you know it! He must be told!" Connor said.
"And he will be told. I shall tell him before we leave for Gotham but until then hold your tongue and tell your brother to do the same… Now, Sir Joseph and you shall leave for Kryptonopolis when you are able. Gather what information you can and return here with all haste. We need to be prepared to invade Krypton if Ghul falls. And stay out of the tavern. I will know if you disobey me, Sir Connor." Lois said.
Connor sighed and crossed his arms. "He will be angry." He said.
"Yes. But I can handle him. Now, off to supper." Lois said. Connor bowed and left her chamber.
Kal-El sat next to Thara and Kal Kent in the Great Hall. In just a day, little Kal Kent had grown to like Sir Joseph. "May we speak, brother?" Connor whispered to Christopher. Christopher nodded, kissed Thara's cheek, and then walked off with Connor.
"Uncle Jo." Little Kal said.
"What?" Kal-El asked.
"Papa and Uncle Connor speak like this when they are speaking of Uncle Jo. Papa says he will be home soon." Little Kal said in his high, soft voice.
"You must miss him." Sir Joseph said and little Kal nodded.
"He always plays with me. And he takes me riding and he was showing me how to use a sword." Little Kal said. Sir Joseph then rumpled the boy's hair making him giggle.
He saw Chris and Connor speaking in a corner and he used his super hearing to listen in on them. "If mother says to hold our tongues, then we hold our tongues." Christopher said.
"He needs to know. He has the right to know. This is his blood we are speaking of. He will be furious if he told by someone else." Connor said.
"I know but he will not learn of this from us." Christopher said and put a finger on Connor's chest.
"He tried to kill our mother the other night." Connor said.
"What?" Christopher said and lowered his finger.
"She has the marks on her skin from when he tried to choke her. She told me that it was an accident; that her scars go deeper than flesh. The Zone has changed him, surly you can see that. What do you think he will do to her when he learns the truth?" Connor asked.
"We can only hope he will do nothing to harm her. But if he does try, we will be there to protect her. And mother can take care of herself. Now let this be the end of it." Christopher said and that is when Kal-El stopped listening.
Some Days Later
Sir Joseph walked on the battlements examining every scorpio, cannon, and trebuchet. There was an assortment of single and triple-barreled cannons on the battlements. On the ground below, there were several trebuchets.
He walked up to one of the scorpios and touched the tip of its loaded harpoon. He did not even wince when he felt the tip prick his finger. He pulled his hand back and saw the blood on his index finger.
"Kryptium." The man at the scorpio said. Well, Lois said that the captains of Zod's personal guards were blessed with powers as a reward for their loyalty. "First time in Smallville?"
"I have not been here for many years. Sir Joseph Kent." He held out his arm. He and the scorpio wielder gripped forearms.
"I know who you are. The whole town knows. You have made quite the reputation, Sir Joseph. Sir Nathan Hardy, a commander under General Fine. But you can call me Nate." Nate said. Commander Hardy wore a red brigandine over his black haubergeon. His sword belt held his Kryptonian steel longsword, a dagger, and a dirk on the back of his belt.
"I mean no offense but why is a commander and an anointed knight manning a scorpio, may I ask?" Sir Joseph asked.
"Well, it is simple really. I am the best shot with a scorpio in the army." Nate said and smirked. Sir Joseph smirked as well. "We would not have been knighted if we were not skilled with weapons of war."
"I guess not." Sir Joseph saw riders on the horizon. He subtly used his super vision to get a good look at them.
"The patrol is returning!" Nate called down below. A dozen or so archers stood ready. They notched their arrows and aim for the gate. The gates opened when they approached and the riders slowed to a halt when they entered the town. Connor lowered his hood. "It is Sir Connor!" The archers lowered their longbows and Connor dismounted. He threw back the flaps of his cloak and cracked his neck.
Christopher approached Connor. "Well?" He asked.
"The woods are clear of all Zoners. Looks like Sir Joseph killed the last patrol." Connor took a slip from his skin. Chris took the skin and subtly sniffed it.
Chris sighed. "Wine… Enough of this, Con. J'onn was like a father to me as well." He said.
"But you did not get him killed." Connor snatched back the skin. "The hunting parties and farmers can go out in the morrow." He mounted his horse and took off for the castle. Chris sighed.
Chris walked to the battlements. "The hunting parties and famers can go out in the morrow. The woods are clear. Care to join the hunt, Sir Joseph?" Chris asked.
"Any good with a bow?" Nate asked.
"Good enough." Sir Joseph said.
"Well then meet us here at daybreak." Nate said.
Durkin sat in the castle reading a leather-bound book of names. Samuel Kent. Silas Kent. Brian Kent. Ethan Kent. Eben Kent. Hiram Kent. Jonathan Kent. Henry Kent. "No Joseph Kent. Curious."
Sir Joseph walked in the halls of the castle alone. He had gotten a bow from the armory for the hunt in the morning. "Sir Joseph Kent." Durkin appeared around the corner. Sir Joseph gave him a quick bow.
"Is there something I can help you with, my lord?" Sir Joseph asked.
"I do not know what game you are playing but I will not allow you to cloud the queen's judgment." Durkin said coldly.
"I believe the only one here clouding her judgment is you, politician." Sir Joseph said.
"How dare you speak to me like that? I will destroy you, you…" Durkin said.
"Allow me to offer you some wise counsel: A man who has lost anything is capable of unspeakable things." Sir Joseph said.
"I have lost. My son. The only good thing to come from my marriage. And yet, his death has only brought me and my wife closer… What have you lost?" Durkin hissed.
"When this war began, I had a wife and three children. I have lost far more than you. Good night, councilor." Sir Joseph hissed. He bowed his head and walked off.
In the morrow, Kal-El dressed in a brown doublet, trousers, a dark cloak, and his sword belt. He swung a quiver of arrows over his shoulder and grabbed his bow. He left his bedchamber.
He walked out of the castle and went into the stables. He founded a painted horse. He stroked his muzzle and carefully saddled him. He knew this horse's rider was killed in the ambush Lois was wounded in. His wife said he could have him. This horse needed a rider.
He mounted the horse and trotted into the courtyard. He nodded once to the Red Shard knights and they raised the portcullis enough for him to get through. He dug his knees into the horse for a light gallop and made his way for the town gates.
Quite a large group was already gathered at the gates. He slowed to a trot and the people parted when they saw who it was. "Ah…good morrow, Sir Joseph." Sir Nathan said.
"Good morrow." Sir Joseph said.
Lois then appeared next to Sir Nathan. "I am disappointed, Sir Joseph. I believed you to be a much earlier riser." She said and smirked.
Sir Joseph grinned. "Forgive me, my lady. Shall you be joining us on the hunt today?" He asked.
"I never missed the hunt. My people need food. Sir Connor's patrol reported a large number of deer, rabbits, squirrels, and much more game in the east and the west. We shall split into two groups. Have you chosen what men go and protect the farmers?" Lois asked Sir Nathan.
"Yes, my lady. A little over two dozen knights, twice that in men-at-arms, and some archers as well. There are still plenty of men left to defend the town if need be." Sir Nathan answered.
"Good. Sir Christopher, you take the east." Chris nodded. "We shall take the west of Burham Woods. Sir Joseph, you are with me." Lois said. The gates opened. "I hope you can keep up, Sir Joseph!" Lois dug her knees into her mare and rode out of the town. Sir Joseph smirked and they all rode after her.