Knight's Quest

Chapter IX: The Knight

You sit by the warm light of the campfire. It's a nice place to sit and rest after your crazy adventure yesterday. The fresh air, the green grass, they are all so relaxing. The horse continues to stand there, chewing on his breakfast. The man who has been sleeping next to you begins to stir. He sits up on his blanket. "Well good morning," he yawns. You hadn't taken much notice to this man before. He looks like a tough fellow, very rugged, yet smooth. A small sandy blonde beard grows on his face to match his sandy blonde hair. His tall figure and strong body make him look like a warrior, but he doesn't appear cruel. His bright blue eyes match that of the sky, peaceful and calm."Who do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

"I am the old Writer."

"You were the Writer? Right, and I'm the son of a genie. Ha!" he laughs "That's funny, but seriously, what's your name? I'm Paul, a knight of Glenwood, or I was one before my home was destroyed." A glimmer of sadness sparkles in his eye, for just a moment, then he smiles again.

"I have no name. I was the Writer until King Nathaniel used a genie to dethrone me and make himself Writer."

"Okay the joke is old."

"It's no joke."

"If you don't want to tell me your name, that's understandable. We just met, so how can you trust me? I would like to call you something though, so just make up a name if you don't trust me."

"Fine... Call me Drake Austen."

"Well it's nice to meet you Drake. So what brings you to my humble little camp?"

"It's a long story."

"Fine by me, can I get you something to eat?"

"Sure. I haven't eaten for thousands of years."

"Ha ha, I know that feeling. You really are quite a joker. I'll make something quick for you. I feel like I haven't eaten for thousands of years either." He stands up and walks over to his horse.

"No, I really haven't eaten for thousands of years. Oh, forget it. What do you have to eat?"

Paul looks through the bag on his horse. "I've got bread, some ham, and a little water. A feast for kings."

"Kings indeed."

"Sorry that I don't have much, I was in a rush." Paul takes some ham and puts it on a tin plate. He sets the plate next to the fire to warm it up.

"Where are you heading Paul?"

"Well, when the fire started falling from the sky, I fled the city. I packed up some supplies, grabbed my family and we left... They didn't make it." He pauses, staring at the fire. "After I gave them a proper burial outside the city I set up camp right here. I was one of the few men left to guard the city after the dragon incident. Now I have no purpose," he says while covering his face with his hands. "I have failed my city and my family." A moment passes, where only the wind and the sizzling ham can be heard. "Hey, maybe I can go with you. Where are you headed Drake?"

"I'm on my way back to the city to kill Drakkar. Same ol' same ol'."

"Who's Drakkar?"

"He's the evil sorcerer who caused the fire to fall from the sky. He's the one who destroyed the city and is now wreaking havoc upon the inhabitants. I have a few people I need to save as well."

"He killed my family?"

"Yes, I suppose he did."

"I must avenge their death. I'm coming with you."