One More Chance

Chapter 1

This is the first time I am writing a story. So please do comment and give your feedback. It is much appreciated. Thanks alot!

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Chapter 1

"One, two....forty-nine, fifty," Sir Christian Ashford, commandeer of his royal majesty, King Stephen's army and his most trusted and loyal knight chanted and his sword was on the neck of his opponent ready for a killing blow. It was what he would have done if this wasn't a training session and his opponent, Sir Frederick Woodworth was an enemy and not his best friend. Fred looked up and grinned, "That is 4 counts more than the last time! Are you losing your touch, my friend or am I getting better? "

"I decided to salvage a bit of your pride," Christian retorted with a smile lurking near the corner of his mouth. "My pride? I already have a fair share of it, thanks to you! " Fred responded with great cheer for someone who was defeated not a moment ago. Indeed, he had much to feel proud about. There was no one in the whole Kingdom of Shaila who could face Christian with a sword and defeat him as far as he knew. In fact, the other knights on average could only last twenty seconds and unless they were good and could make it to thirty. Fred was actually very proud of his achievement to hold Christian off for a full fifty counts. Christian' agility, speed and strength was unmatched in the battlefield and in his opinion, surpassed that of a mortal human being's capability. He could hold off three with his sword at any one time. He could throw the dagger and hit the bully's eye whatever the situation.

His physical strength was matched with a sharp and acute mind and this rare and potent combination made him the right hand man for the King. On top of it all, Christian had the looks that others could kill for. His arresting azure blue eyes and devilishly handsome face was the reason many girls swooned at his feet. For all that, no fair maiden had managed to hold Christian's attention long enough and he was often bored with their mindless chatter and spineless nature. The only ladies he whole heartedly accepted and respected was Queen Andromeda and her daughter, Princess Georgina. If there was anything that indicated any level of mortality in him, it was his brooding nature and short-temper that prevented others from getting too close to him. However, Fred and a few others who knew him from childhood could understand that his past was marred by a dark shadow. It was his past that made him train harder and harder to a level that he was almost invincible now. God knows, he still blamed himself for the death of his parents.

They were interrupted by Christian's squire, young Kenneth. "Sir Ashford, the king requests an audience with you immediately." Christian threw Fred a glance before removing his sword from his friend's neck. "Takeover with the training," Christian ordered to his first in command and walked away amidst the clanking sounds of swords hitting swords where other knights were practicing.

Christian picked up his shirt and tossed it over his head before following his squire. He didn't feel the need to change and look more presentable in front of his king. The king would understand. Just outside the throne room, the knight standing guard announced him in. Christian was soon facing King Stephen and Queen Andromeda. He executed a formal bow, "Your majesties."

"Christian," King Stephen welcomed with a booming voice. He was a man in his mid forties with medium stature and built. However, he had a commanding presence due to his intelligence and the charisma he exuded. He was well respected in the kingdom and ruled with a fair hand. Queen Andromeda, was an attractive lady. She was not beautiful in the conventional sense, but she had a pair of green eyes that always seemed to penetrate the opposite person and look deep into his soul. She was further complimented with a flawless skin and cream colored complexion. She was the best queen that King Stephen could have in Christian's opinion. He loved both of them like the parents he never had, or rather lost at a young age. He was glad that he had grown up to be a man they could be proud off.

Indeed, King Stephen and Queen Andromeda were very proud of him. Christian was the best and most loyal knight in the entire kingdom. He had led hundreds of battles from the front and with him on the side, losing was never an option and the casualties of the battles were always minimized. He was well respected by other nobles and the people at the court and he had achieved all of this at such a young age of twenty and eight. He was the youngest commandeer that the kingdom had ever seen. For all this, pride never got into his head and if it could be said, he continued working harder for the next battle with a greater ferocity. If there was any regrets they had, it was Christian's dark nature that did not allow him to trust anyone or be close to anyone easily.

"How did the training go?" King Stephen inquired.

"Good, Stephen, but I don't think you called me to ask about that," Christian smiled.

"Sharp, my boy, but I always knew you were," King Stephen chuckled. Then his face sobered.

"Trouble is brewing in the East border, Christian. Our position there is vulnerable. A messenger came in yesterday"

"East border? Haven't the lords there sworn their fealty to you?"

"They have. But one of the key lords, Duke of Newbridge is ill. His lands are in a key location at the East Border. If it is not protected well, we could be infiltrated easily. Rebels are said to be surrounding the area"

"Who is standing in his stead?"

"His wife, the Duchess of Newbridge and the commandeer of his army, Sir Kingford. Nothing has happened, no attacks yet. But I am told, if it happens, they can't hold off too long."

"When do we leave, Stephen? How big should the army be?"

"It's not that simple Christian. Any reinforcements would only be temporary. It is a very important border. The Duke's chances of recovery are minimal. We need someone to takeover..."

"His son?"

"None, only daughters"

"How about getting them married to someone whom you can trust enough to take control of the situation?"

"Yes, that is the plan"

"Who Stephen?"

There was an eerie hush momentarily.

"You" the Queen said in a soft voice, speaking for the first time since Christian entered the throne room.

The silence that fell over the room following the single word was deafening.

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Comment please. Do you like the beginning?