An Epic of a Knight and Valkyrie

Chapter 3

I sighed as I brushed Reggie’s brown coat slowly, not able to put heart into the pampering. It was likely going to be my last time seeing the horse for a long time, but all I could do was worry. As an esquire, I was used to move around at the whim of the king or Roy especially, going on adventures that took days, week, and even months. But that had all been within England. Leaving and going to the continent in search of a priest would take far longer. Defending our country was our duty—even with the king’s leave, it felt strange.

“Sebastian?”

 I turned to see Falk enter the stables with a bucket and brush in his hands—he was here to clean the horse of the knight he served. Falk was younger than me, by not many years, and a competent esquire. He served Sir Laurence, a famed jouster who was praised for his skills horseback. “Fancy seeing you here.”

 “Good day, Falk.” I greeted as he set the bucket and brush down. “Did Sir Laurence have another good game today?”

 “He’s terribly hurt, I’m afraid. He’s broken an arm and bruised his ribs.”

“Pity. At least he kept his life though. He can always try again once he recovers.”

 “Oh no, he one.” Falk snickered. “Paid the price for it, though.”

Stubborn, as a knight should be, I thought to myself as I stroked Reggie’s black mane.

“You look preoccupied, brother.” Falk only called me brother when we were alone and speaking as close friends. “I expect it has to do with Roy?”

“It has everything to do with him.” I sighed. “And a woman who could not be less lady-like.”

 “How so?”

I told him about how we found Wendy by the ocean and what his majesty had told me. There were secrets within the court, after all. I had no reason to hide it.

“So we’ll have to leave the country.” I finished at last, shaking my head. “Soon, if Roy consents—”

“'If' is a word for the uncertain.” The grinning Falk interrupted. “Roy is not such a creature.”

“He has doubts about going with a mythical creature from another religion. You know of how he takes his religion.”

 “Regardless of what he thinks, why do you frown then, brother? Do you share Roy’s thoughts? Or do you hesitate to leave England, your home?”

 Sharp as always, Falk. His sharp intuition and instincts made him a great hunter in the wild, hence his preference for the bow.

“I do not like leaving England.” I conceded. “I do not see why my fate should bring me from my home.”

“Then you’d best open your eyes, or you’ll walk right into the wall of madness before long. You should be grateful to fate! You’ve been given the chance to leave the same dreary landscape and experience a whole world of new interests and adventures!”

 “You say England is dreary?”

 “It is! It’s dreary, boring, and repetitive! I know it like the back of my hand and grow weary of it! I would be overjoyed if I could escape to the continent and experience the world for myself. I’ve heard many stories about creature that exist outside our realm, but I have never seen it with my own eyes, have I?”

 “Then why don’t you go in my place?” I sighed. “And I take your place waiting on Sir Laurence as he recovers?”

 Falk folded his arms over his chest as he glared at me. “I will live my own life as it is, thank you very much. You can shoulder your problems without whining—as a man should. If you really wish to remain behind so much, then stay. If you recognize yourself as a knight, there is nothing binding you to have you accompany Roy and this Valkyrie.”