A Forgotten Destiny (Merlin)

Chapter Thirteen: Knight of Malkos

"Do you swear to uphold the virtue and valour of your predecessors?"

"I do."

"Shall your blade defend the helpless and your might uphold the weak?"

"It shall."

"Your words speak of truth and your knowledge defeat the ignorance."

"I will speak the truth with my dying breath."

"Will you show mercy and kindness in all duties?"

"I will."

"Do you swear to devote and if need be lay your life down for your King, kingdom and it's people?"

"I do so solemnly swear."

"Then arise..."

The ceremonial sword gracefully tapped on both of the man's shoulders who was dressed in silver chainmail and a blue cloak.

"...Sir Caden, Knight of Malkos."

Caden rose from his knees and turned around to face the crowd of cheers. James and Rani now stood behind him clapping along. The now-knight smiled at his friends who stood cheering him on in the audience.

Getting fired as the king's manservant has its perks.

That night a feat was held in the Caden's honour, there was laughing, drinking, dancing and celebrations. Not a single person was without a smile.

Around 3 days later is when Caden could officially start his training, his arm had healed enough for him to begin knightly duties. He was a quick study and very skilled at sword fighting, and even more so in hand to hand combat.

The boy began to change, not in personality but in his looks and speech. His shoulders were much more broad, his pecks easily defined through a tunic,  his stomach muscles toned to an inch of there life and his arms showed great strength. As for his voice: it was deeper, more commanding and knightly - it suited him.

The dreams continued plaguing his mind at night, the voice nor faces any more clearer then before.

Caden was awarded a seat on the king's council, not long after his appointment as knight, he helped get Malkos back to a position of strength and and prosperity.

A month passed by and the raven had been on many missions, all successful in their own right. His next mission was one he was going to be leading himself, Max, Thomas, Arron and Noah would be there as subordinates and around 3 other lower ranking knights would be accompanying too.

James had gone to see the boy off on his first leadership mission, making sure to tell him to be careful and wish him luck. Caden, dressed in his silver chainmail and royal blue Malkos cloak, climbed onto his horse and with the knights rode away from the palace.

Not 30 seconds after he had left, Alec came running towards the King.
"James there's something you must see." He spoke urgently, his eyes frantic.

"What is it?" The royal asked in concern.

"Not here" Alec looked around the busying courtyard "come with me."

And so the pair took off at fast pace towards James' chambers where Alaunus and another man awaited their arrival.

As the two men arrived, Alaunus and the other man stood from the seats they had taken.
"What is the meaning of this?" James demanded, Alec closed the door to ensure no prying ears could listen in.

"This is Dagen, he is a knight here in Malkos. He and another knight called Henry were sent to spy in Camelot." Alec provided.

The royal's face was one of confusion, "on who's order?"