Author Games: A Knight's Valor

A Knight's Valor: Teaser #1

The throne room of Lemaria was filled with the sounds of a hundred of Elusia's finest nobility, waiting patiently on the court of King Artheur. The wise king sat on his throne, dressed in a magnificent green tunic that bore the crest of his family proudly emblazoned in gold. He sat straight forward, listening intently to the concerns of his people with interest and kindness. At his left side, sat Her Majesty the Queen, his second wife-a young, radiant being from the far eastern shores, whom glowed with beauty and never left her love. Both rulers watched with great anticipation for the selection process to begin.

The Trials of Valor were a grand celebration, beloved by all the lesser kingdoms of Elusia. Per tradition, three kingdoms would compete in tests of strength, honor, integrity, and loyalty for the chance to become a member of the king's own Royal Guard. But this year, as the king listened to the babble of merchants and peasants, stroking his chin and wisely guiding the country, his Highness had something different in mind.

At last, the time came-the royal adviser to the crown strolled into the courtroom, followed on either side by previous winners of the Tournament. Sir Thomas the Merciful, the champion of the prior year's competition and his own mentor, Sir Adeline the Brave, bowed before his Majesty. Their armor had been polished to perfection, he noted. The two Guardsmen had been charged with the task of organizing the event-something they had excelled at.

"Majesties," the royal adviser said at last, with a low sweeping bow, "I hope the day has found you well. These fine knights and I have completed the list of candidates for this tournament." He pulled a scroll out from the folds of his robes, waiting for the king's permission before continuing. With a clear voice, he read off the names of the cities offered, "Valden, Alian, Tanad, Raleith, and Belmoor."

The King sighed his tired sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers. "Is this the best list you have compiled?" he asked, his voice full of an almost bored disappointment. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed them, "Just-send the invitations to Valden and Alian. Gods know we do every year."

It was Sir Adeline who spoke next, "Is his Majesty displeased with our choices?" Her eyes glittered with a humorous and secret knowledge. King Artheur liked her; she was a good and loyal knight-with a sense of adventure and a taste for life, just like himself.

He smiled at his Guardsmen, "Was it not you who said that the competition was simply too easy with such slim choices? Too weak, I recall you saying. It was a stroll through the gardens for Sir Thomas, was it not?" The young knight, eager to please, nodded in affirmation of the King's claims, and Sir Adeline smiled knowingly.

"Does his Majesty have something else in mind?" the royal advisor pressed gently, tucking away the scroll back into the folds of his robe.

King Artheur stroked his beard, trying to mask the mischievous smile that hid behind it. "My friends, I have been thinking of this tournament for many days now. As our kingdom grows older, I feel as if our competition must be harder. Let us test all the attributes of a knight. Let us test their loyalty, their mercy, their bravery and sense of justice. Let us truly be confident in saying that our champion will be the greatest knight in all of Elusia."

Queen Melinda, who had been quiet all this time, stirred at last in her seat. She faced the king with her golden hair falling around her shoulders, and a concerned frown on the curves of her lips. "What do you have in mind, my love? I see that look on your face- you've already got something brewing in that inconsistent mind of yours. While you may be wise, my dearest king, I do not think this is an affair you would be wise to meddle in." He scoffed at her warning, waving it away with little more than a thought.

Adeline stepped forward towards the thrones, "Majesties," she began, "I know little on the royal businesses of the crown, but if I may offer some humble advice?" Both rulers turned back to their guests, and the King nodded for her to continue. Sir Adeline stood tall, keeping her eyes trained on her beloved rulers, "We have been out of war for little over a year now-with this tournament now commencing in the first time of peace our citizens have seen in ages. Why not show them that the crown has not forgotten them, even those in the farthest corners of Eludia?"

"What are you suggesting exactly, my dear?" the Queen inquired, leaning closer to the bold knight. But it was the king who answered.

"Why not invite them all?"

The air hung in suspended silence. Then, a great and jovial laughter filled the throne room. King Artheur, in his delight at the idea, had thrown back his head and begun to laugh.

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