Henry—twenty seven years earlier
"We've been the best soldiers we can be, all day," I say, dragging Richard up to the porch, as he clutched his wooden sword. Mine was jammed in my belt. Happy, sweaty, and sticky with leaves and mud, from running around among the trees all day.
"Yes, and we'd like to be knights," Richard says, bending his head a little so his soft gold hair falls into his sweaty face. His shoulders twitch a bit.
"Would you now?" Our grandfather smiled, clearly amused, "You're sure?"
We nod.
"You have to be very, very brave. And swear loyalty, to this earth, this realm, and most importantly to one another. Do you think you can do that?"
We both look at each other an nod.
"All right, go on, kneel," he says, standing up over us, and sorting for a long enough knife on the table where he was sharpening them.
We both kneel in the leaf litter and dust of the yard, very solemnly.
"Richard Bordeaux," he taps the knife on both of and Richard's shoulders, then on mine, "And Henry Bolingbroke. Do you swear fealty to your land and to one another? Do you vow to uphold what is right and true, and remain loyal to your family and one another, forsaking all else?"
"We so swear," we say, in unison.
"Very good, now rise. I now pronounce you the newest members, of the Order of the Garter. Evil on him that thinks ill of it," he touches the black band tattooed around his fore arm, and then the words which are written above it.
"Are we knights forever?" Richard asks, hopefully, "Even when we grow up?"
"Forever."
Richard—twenty seven years earlier
"We'll rule this land forever," Harry spun around in the trees, wooden sword outstretched.
"Here," I said, holding out our wooden crown, "It's your turn. To protect from invaders."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I am. We have to share, forever. It's part of being knights."
"I'll rule in your stead," he says, taking it seriously.
"Come, to the southern front—someone could be coming after us."
"Let's go!"
YOU ARE READING
Two Kings (History Plays, Book 4)
Mystery / ThrillerChildhood playmates, turned partners in crime, turned bitter enemies recount their falling out in dueling narratives. Told in opposing order, each man tells his side of what is turning out to be a deadly disagreement. A monderized retelling of Shak...
