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Rock-bound Blade Forces Unlikely Truce Among Warring Knights
Calibur's Outcrop, Borderlands - They came looking for kingship. They came looking for a fight. Sixteen grizzled knights descended on the village of Calibur's Outcrop last week to decide, once and for all, who would take the crown of the contested region.
"I thought this would be smash and bash diplomacy," says Sir Lancer. "Brought my best armour, but it's all been for show. We've gotten on splendidly, actually."
What has turned the rival knights into unlikely friends?
"It all began when this wizard showed up," explains Summer Casks, owner of The Round Table--the village's lone pub. "He had a magic sword and wanted to stick it in the big rock out front. Well, I told him no 'cause I use that rock as a table sometimes when we're busy, but he promised it would bring in more customers. So, I said fine, and he goes and sure enough, you can see it right over there, stuck in the stone."
The mysterious wizard has vanished from town, leaving only an inscription on the rock, which claims the knight who removes the sword will be the region's true king.
"We all took a turn," says Sir Lancer. "I swear it moved an inch or two when I pulled it, but nobody's got it out so far. At this point, I'd be happy for anyone to get it, honestly."
Removing the sword has provided the knights with a common goal, allowing them to put past grievances aside and work as a unit. "This morning we tied a rope to the hilt and all tugged together. Didn't work, but it was good fun," says Sir Percy the Valiant, the youngest of the knights. "So, we've just been sitting in The Round Table enjoying some refreshment as we bounce ideas around. You know, I was always so busy trying to dash these fellows' helmets in, I never really got to know them. They're not all bad. Boris plays a mean flute and Lancer just bought the whole tavern a round of mead. Here, take some!"
The situation has brought booming business to Summer Casks and her pub. "I guess the wizard was right. We're busier than ever. I see this place becoming a real hot spot for tourists! This'll put Calibur's Outcrop on the map. You just watch."
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Inspired by the Legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.
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