Dark Knight

Chapter 6

"What are you doing out here all alone princess?" A familiar voice whispered in her ear. It was the man who had paid for her room at the inn. "If you promise not to scream, I might just let you talk."

    Nicole shook her head in agreement and he slowly peeled his hands away from her mouth. She proceed to scream, but he clamped her mouth again with his hand.

    "Tsk, tsk. Do you want the palace guards to find you?" He said, "I can certainly hand you over right now if you'd like. I on the otherhand, would must rather have you explain your situation. Shall we start over again?"

    She shook her head again and he once again let her talk.

    "I-I...," Nicole gulped for air, "I can't go back. That's all you need to know."

    "Oh really? Has the royal princess decided to become a farmer now?" He sarcasticaly replied.

    "It's not like that," If she could spit on him, she would. How dare he knock her off her horse if he knew about her all along, "It's not safe at the palace."

    "Hmm...Now that's a problem."

    "Release me!" Nicole began to struggle again. The man gripped on her harder causing her a bit of dizziness.

    "Sorry lady, but its not safe right now. Let a knight do his job ok?"

    Nicole was going to say something but he turned her around so fast she almost fell to her knees if he hadn't grabbed her by the arms. She looked up at him to cuss him out, but could think of nothing as she stared into his eyes on hers.

    A voice boomed from behind, "What the hells going on here?"

    Nicole jumped in her skin, but the man's grip on her held her still. A man who was part of the patrol from the inn stepped closer with a lantern.

    "Mind your own busniess and get your own girl!" her armored man yelled. If it had been daylight, Nicole's face would have been bright red.

    The man laughed and turned around mumbling, "Younglings."

    Once he was out of the sight, Nicole ran out of her capture's grip, but he caught her again.

    "Let me go you pervert!" Nicole whispered loudly.

    "Princess, you are in need of help. If you need help, who's more better to help than me?" He asked.

    "I don't know but I'll find someone other than you!" She spat.

    "I did pay for your room at the inn," He countered. That part was true. He let his grip on her go. "I even saved you just now."

    Nicole stood in front of him lamely for a second. She couldn't deny that he did in fact save her, but what he did just now could have been dealt with in a different manner. She took a step back and studied him. She couldn't see much in the moonlight, but he was still in the armor he was in from the other night.

    "What is your name oh noble knight?" She asked as she crossed her arms looking at him.He straighten to his full height and saluted at her with a fist to his heart. " I am Asher of Steinster at your service my lady. My late father was once a faithful ambassador to your father during his reign."

    Nicole was impressed. A royal ambassador's son was a knight. Usually they took roles within the political seats at the palace.

    "How long have you been knighted Sir Asher?" Nicole asked.

    "I am proud to say it will be my 6th year soon."

    "For a knight with such long service, why is it that I've never heard or seen of you?"

    "It is mainly because I patrol along the southern borders. The area needs as many men as possible. I've been fortunate to have these past few months off to see my family. I am in fact on my way back to the south."

    "How convient!" Nicole exclaimed, "You shall escort me down with you."

    Asher was taken back in surprise, "My lady, why ever should I escort you?"

    Nicole looked at him in all seriousness, "The kingdom may be in great danger and I need your help. I need the help of my people. You are my one way of escaping from the evil that is lurking at the palace until I can rid of whatever that is happening before its too late. Will you help me Sir Asher?"

    Asher stared at the princess in silence contemplating his options. He couldn't really refuse her yet he could be in a huge hole he dug himself if he took the princess with him.

    "I don't know what you are up to, but you must promise me that if any reason the Queen may want my head because of escorting you down south, you will personally relieve me from that position and blame full responisbility upon yourself," Asher cautiously replied. Asher stuck his hand forward and Nicole shook it in agreement.

    "You have my word, Nicole promised. It was of great relief that she had someone on her side. All that was left was to have a plan, if she could come up with any.