The Royal Knight Academy

Chapter 7: The Plan

I was filled with anger at what seemed like everyone in the world. My best friend felt like the only person in my life that understood me. I wished my dad could see me for me. In my bedroom, I leaned the stunning sword up against my closet. I stared at it, and started to feel regret, regret for yelling at my dad, regret for disobeying him, knowing he was just trying to protect me.

I turned back towards the door, wanting to see my dad again and to tell him how sorry I was. I cracked the door open and peered outside, trying to see if there was anyone still there, but there wasn't. Determined to apologize, I opened the door wider, faintly calling, "Dad? Are you there?" I looked down the tall staircase, my heart beating hard against my chest. There was still no one there, just darkness and silence. At that moment, I gave up and realized that my dad must have gone to bed. I didn't want to disturb him when he was already upset, so I went back into my room and shut the door, feeling bad for what I did. I tried to think of something to do because I wasn't feeling tired. Everything that had happened during the day was running through my mind.

I walked over to my bookshelf, and picked out my favorite book called, "The Phantom Knight."  It was about the highest ranking royal knight. There is only one knight with this honor bestowed upon them in a kingdom, each dressed in steel armor and wearing a purple velvet cape. To earn the highest honor, a knight must save an entire kingdom from powerful evil and harmful forces. I adored reading this book so much, because I admired the Phantom Knight's heroism and courage, and I wanted to be just as great as him someday.

I walked over to my bed and sat down with the large book tightly grasped in my hand. I ran my hand over the cover which was blue velvet with silver letters embroidered onto it. Near the end, there was a small bookmark, marking where I had left off the last time I read. Reading this book usually would cheer me up when I was feeling down, so I opened the book to the page where the bookmark was, hoping it would help.

The Final Chapter

"I, The Phantom Knight roamed the woods with bravery and courage. Tonight everything was silent. A little too silent. Suddenly, A fearsome dragon crossed my path. The beast roared and let out a breath of fire in my direction. It almost hit me, but I quickly leapt out of the way when the burning flame was only inches away from me. The terrifying creature had a beautiful maiden in distress held tightly in its grip. As the highest ranking a royal knight can have, it is my job to save a young maiden in trouble- Even if it costs me my life."

"I drew my sword and pointed the shiny and sharp tip towards the dragon's body. With valor and confidence, I threw the sword right at its chest. The dragon quickly fell with the maiden in hand. I had slayed the dragon, and as the beast fell to the ground, I caught the fair lady in my arms. We made our way back to the kingdom, and she thanked me for my heroism. The people of the kingdom were cheering as we walked down the streets. She was so grateful that I had saved her life that we decided to be married at once and lived happily ever after."

As I read that final chapter, I didn't feel that joyful happiness that I would usually feel after finishing a book. I felt nothing but pain in my heart. The way that the story described girls as being weak and needing to be saved all of the time, made me feel hurt. It felt like being betrayed by a close friend. I closed the book and threw it on the ground with frustration. There was a loud, "THUD!" as the big and heavy book hit the floor and echoed in the room. I looked down at the ground, gave a deep sigh, and wondered to myself, "Why is the world like this? Why do I feel like I am being controlled? Why am I trapped to live a life that doesn't let me be me?"

Sulking in the darkness, I looked up again and saw the sword out of the corner of my eye. Suddenly a feeling of curiosity overcame me. I stared at the sword and then glanced at the book lying on the ground. All of a sudden I remembered the coin in my pocket that I hadn't spent earlier in the day. I took it out of my pocket and held it tight, an idea starting to form in my head. The idea was growing bigger and bigger the more I thought. I looked down at my mom's ring with its dazzling jewel sitting on my finger. It made me think of her and reminded me of who she was and what she believed in. Looking at those items made me realize something, and when I realized it, I had the most risky, crazy, and unbelievable idea I have ever had. I thought to myself, "I will do anything it takes to become a royal knight for you mom."