The Tale of the Heraldic Knights

Part 1

   The Tale of the Heraldic Knights

By Zachary Gralinski

1,000 years ago

      "It...it's over," Solomon said, as he fell to his knees. He just couldn't take it anymore. "Why Edwin? Why did it come to this? What did I do wrong? What...could I have done differently?" He shook his head as he looked at his dead friend once more, then tore his eyes away. He then threw off his armor, and tossed his blade across the room. "Damn it...damn it all!" he yelled, falling back to his knees. "I just don't get it," he said, a tear falling from his eye. "Why?"

And then, another's sword was shoved through his chest.

Chapter 1

1,000 years later

      Cameron is certainly deserving to be among us, but I am beginning to see his flaw: he can be very judgmental of others, especially the rest of us. I can understand that has to do with his Regalia. I'm sure if I had his, then I would be the same. I just wish he would not make his opinions so well known, especially when he calls the others out directly. It can only lead to tension. I will speak to him about it later. –Solomon

       Kallen woke up, shaking his head as he began dispelling the dream he'd had that night. Another strange dream, he thought. The dreams like that one left his head foggy, forcing him to sit for a few minutes before he could finally get on his feet. Any sooner, and he'd fall over in dizziness. He took some deep breaths, looking around his room. Simple, with only his bed, a carpet, two bookcases, a dresser, and a small night table, he preferred to not get too extravagant with his decorating.

       He shook his head, his silver hair moving with it. He rubbed his eyes one final time, then forced himself out of bed with a deep grunt. He walked into the next room of his small abode, a room that functioned as a living room, dining room, and kitchen. Besides a small table with four wooden chairs and a small, rather cheap couch made of animal fur, this room was also quite barren. He looked around, making sure everything was still in order, then went into his third and final room, the bathroom.

       There, he looked at himself, then took a quick shower. The water was cold, as usual, but it invigorated Kallen, acting as a final and fast wake-up call for him. After he was done, he ran back into his bedroom, where he found a new set of clothes for himself. He only had three sets, but that was a lot for someone in his social and economic position. He quickly changed, then went into the larger main room.

      There, he poured himself a bowl of cereal with some toast for a quick breakfast. He sat down at his wooden table, eating slowly as he sat quietly with his thoughts. That makes it the third dream like this, he thought. Why did they start coming to me? And why are they like journal entries? He shook his head, having no idea what the answer was to his questions. After he was done, he looked up at the singular clock in his home, which showed him it was nearing the time he should leave.

      Kallen washed his plates, leaving them in the sink to dry, then went towards the door that went outside. Laying on the ground near him was his most prized and valuable possession: his guardian sash. Black with a light blue streak down the middle, he hung it over his shoulder, then checked to make sure he had his key. He then unlocked his door, triple-bolted, then after walking outside, he turned around, re-locking it before he headed out.

     It was a sunny day, but there were many clouds in the sky, keeping the light of day to a minimum, which was the usual weather in Alsim. Kallen looked up and down the small side street he lived on. It was empty, as it usually was this time this morning. In Alsim, only the guardians would be up this early. Kallen walked down into the main street, then followed it north. He passed by the town's modest plaza, with a fountain and benches, but it was rarely used; the fountain no longer ran, and the benches were covered in debris, no one bothering to clean them up.