The Swordswoman of Arden

The Knighthood

The palm of my hand was slick with sweat against the jewelled sword hilt, and I nervously glanced at my father as Lex knelt before me. She bowed her head, and my father nodded to signal me to do my part. I had knighted many noblemen before, but none in front of such a large crowd, I felt as if everyone knew mine and Lex's secret, even though that was obviously ludicrous.

I touched the tip of the sword to each of her armoured shoulders, and tried to speak with as much authority as I could muster.

"I dub thee Dame Lex, protector of myself and the Kingdom of Pâllais."

Usually father handled these ceremonies, I did them from time to time, but as Lex was being dubbed as my personal protector as well as a knight of Pâllais, the circumstances were different and I had to appoint the knighthood.

"Arise," I stated, and she obeyed, her colossal self standing over me. I swallowed, and took the Pâllais-crested cloak from Quince. I passed it to her, and then handed over the shield with the same royal crest. She bowed once more, and turned to the silent crowd. There was a feeling of tension present in the air, but she appeared unbothered as usual.

"I am honoured to be a knight of your kingdom, and a protector of the royal highness herself," she turned to me and beamed gratefully, eyes bright. She raised her shield to the people, and her voice resonated through the castle forecourt.

"Long live the Princess!" I couldn't help but smile as the crowd erupted into a chant. The other knights from Pâllais and Arden stood on the platform alongside my father, King Maudred and Mattheus, they were all cheering particularly avidly. I waved to my subjects, and my father placed his hand on Lex's shoulder, speaking only to her in the open space full of townsfolk.

"I knew you were perfect for this title the moment you nobly put your own life before my daughters without a second thought on that fateful night. Without you, I'm unsure my daughter would have been safe from that boar. Welcome to the Kingdom."

"I'm honoured, King Creon, truly honoured," she replied appreciatively, lowering her shield.

My father faced the roaring crowd, and a hush fell upon them as he lifted a silencing hand. 

"The feast will commence at sundown, go and prepare for tonight!" he bellowed, and more cheering followed as everyone on the platform stepped down. I was one of the last off the platform, and Mattheus helped me down kindly, offering his arm to me. I took it, automatically stealing a glance at Lex as I did so. She was staring, but with a knowing smirk, and I looked away, fearful that I might start blushing.

"Don't forget I have a surprise planned for you tonight Princess," he reminded merrily, as we walked side by side behind our fathers.

"You're too kind, but really, I don't mind that you didn't escort me home last night, truly I'm just glad you're ok," I answered kindly, hoping he didn't feel too bad about not being there.

"Oh but you should never be treated like that princess, I will make it up to you for being so selfish."

"Well again, you needn't worry, but I'm excited about your plans all the same," I answered truthfully, and he seemed satisfied with my response. He leaned in for a kiss, and I sheepishly returned it. Luckily it was just a small peck, so I didn't feel the need to awkwardly pull away thank goodness.

"I would spend today with you Morgana, but I'm afraid I must help the Kings' with tonight's feast preparation."

"That's ok Mattheus," I answered, relief washing through me. "I wanted to ride Raven today, and he normally doesn't do well riding alongside other horses, he has quite an ill temper," I lied.

Mattheus said his farewell and I watched him walk through the castle doors wistfully.

"No he doesn't"

A hand landed on my upper back and the familiar smell of sandalwood reached my nostrils. I rolled my eyes and turned around to face her.

"Sometimes, he does, I was only half lying."

She responded simply with a skeptical look and I folded my arms.

"Shouldn't you be attending to your new knightly duties or something?" I huffed, walking in the direction of the stables.

"My new knightly duties insist I keep you safe, so no solo riding for you today princess," she teased, and I groaned in response.

"Will you always be attached to my hip or may I have some free time without you?" I scoffed, and she chuckled in response, shaking her head.

"You don't like my company?" she questioned. "It's a beautiful day, I was hoping you would be excited for a ride together, but if you don't want me to come I'm sure I can find something else to do."

I heard her turn on her heel and step away from me, but who was I fooling, of course I wanted to spend time with her.

"Wait."

I could perfectly picture her triumphant grin even though she was facing away from me.

"My lady?" She replied, a challenging undertone woven into her voice.

"It's nearly midday, ask Pat in the kitchen to make us some lunch to take with us, I know a lovely spot in the forest to visit."

She nodded slowly, seemingly surprised at my sudden change of heart.

"I will be back as soon as I can Princess."

She headed off towards the kitchens, and I continued to the stables. I would stick to my word and ride Raven today, Lex could ride Hera. Both horses appeared to be in good spirits, poking their heads out the stable doors as I approached, ears pointed forward. I offered them both some forehead rubs before giving them a quick brush down and tacking them up. 

I wasn't waiting too long for Lex, I hoped I hadn't put any extra pressure on Pat, she had a whole feast to organise for tonight after all.

"Did Pat mind making this up?" I asked Lex, as she hooked the basket onto Hera's saddle.

"No, she seemed very happy when I asked, I suppose she wanted a break from all the preparation for tonight."

"Good point, ready to go?"

She nodded in response, mounting Hera with ease and gathering up her reins. As usual, I had to lead Raven over to a fence to mount, and I pulled my dress up slightly as I swung my leg over her hindquarters.

"Pipsqueak," Lex poked, and I scowled, urging Raven into a brisk walk.

I could hear her mirth beside me, but I ignored it, enjoying the beautiful noon sunshine instead. The sound of the horses hooves accompanying our easy chatter was blissful, and the castle soon disappeared out of view behind us as we tracked into the forest.

The warmth from the sunlight was somewhat cosy, and I loved the brilliant colours it cast upon the wildlife. Even Lex was lucent underneath the natural light, and I concluded everything was more vibrant to me when she was around. The knight breathed life into her surroundings, I'd never met anyone who could do that before.

Soon, the hidden bridlepath came into view, the one I usually took to visit the lake. I urged Raven towards it, Lex in tow with Hera down the narrow and overgrown trail.