Knight's Quest

Chapter I: The Start

The kingdom of Glenwood, in the land of Palaedom: a peaceful country filled with rolling hills and lush forests. It is not notable for anything particular. It has a king, King Josiah. It has some large cities like Costarine, Antrol, and Glenwood castle. It also has a decent army with plenty of knights, you are one of them. You, Sir Nathaniel, and you're currently on a very important quest. The green fields stretch far beyond your view. You have been riding on your horse for hours and hours, but that is what you must do. It is your job to ride, to ride to the mountain in the neighboring northern country of Thridley, where the dragon lay. To kill the beast that terrorizes the poor peasants, and save them from his reign of cruelty. Then you will return to your king, the almighty king Josiah, and he will reward you with great honor and treasures.

That sounds pretty good, I've been thinking that one up all day. I wonder if I should write that down? No, I'm not a writer, I'm a knight, the most heroic knight of Glenwood. Sir Nathaniel the brave, the noble, the dragon slayers. At least, that's what I'll be called after this quest if over.

Speaking of writing reminds you of that weird cult thing that the old man told you of a few days ago, the Writer. You had thought about it for a while, but now, after riding and thinking, it just seems plain crazy. The thought that someone or something was in charge of everything and knew about all of history, it was just too much for you to handle. Although you did like the twist it had. The idea that there was one person who could make their own choices and be free from the Writer's control, it was a very good hook. But in general, the cult or religion or whatever it was, just didn't make sense to you.

Back to work, I need to focus on my quest. I have almost arrived at the Dark Forest, where I shall stay the night. Then tomorrow I will head for the mountain and slay the dragon. A beautiful plan if I do say so myself.

Well would you look now, there's the Dark Forest right ahead. You couldn't have hoped for better timing, and it's not even noon yet. What great timing!

I could have sworn it was at least a couple more hours ahead according to the map. Oh well, I'm not complaining.

Your valiant steed, Ferd, strides into the trees. You can sense in the trees the darkness that lurks there. It's a heavy feel that seeps into your bones like a chill.

I keep moving forward. No evil forces can stop me from completing my quest. I will not let my king down. He is a good and noble king, I mean that's what everyone else says, but I don't think they really mean it. I think he's a good king but, then again, I haven't really seen him do much other than sit on his throne. What else should a king be doing anyway? At least he's nice... well, he hasn't done anything cruel. Wait, he did kill off all of the wizards in the kingdom. Does that count as cruel? He said it had something to do with magic being evil or dangerous. That sounds reasonable. I guess I've never really thought about it before. I'll just say that he's an okay king.

But you know in your heart that you actually think he is the greatest king you've ever had, and see no fault in him.

I suppose he could be. I've only had one king, so I don't really have anything to compare him to.

You decide to make him your favorite person ever and worship him for all of the great things he's done.

What? No, that is a silly idea. Where is my mind going? Why am I second guessing myself so much today? I must be anxious about killing this dragon. I've been thinking so much about it lately. I do a lot of thinking now that I think about it. Why don't I think more about thinking? No, stop, I am not going to think about that. The concept is way too abstract and ridiculous.

As you were thinking, you forgot to notice your surroundings. The trees have gotten much thicker and taller. Their leaves have blotted out the sun. Even though it is only noon, it feels like the sun has already set, and the moon and stars have all burned out. Cold breezes blow past your shoulder, or were they spirits of the lost dead travelers who have also tried to cross this forsaken forest? The trees look less and less like trees, and more like black pillars, holding up an unforgiving sky. Then you hear a rumble, like a dying bear or wild dog. No wait, that's only your empty stomach, pleading for some sustenance.