The Swordswoman of Arden

Pâllais

Smoothing out my intricately handmade dress, I sat next to my father, waiting. He was a well respected and kind man, and although I was feeling nervous about today, I knew he had my best interests at heart.

The guards started to open the large hall entrance doors, as finally, they were here. Swathed in a red robe, King Maudred entered with his son Mattheus, my planned soon to be husband. He was handsome, my father had chosen well, but I truly didn't want to be married. Not yet.

"Welcome to Pâllais, Maudred of Arden," My father Creon stated, rising from his throne and powerfully striding towards the centre of the room. I also rose and followed behind him, realising this was the first time I had ever seen Mattheus in real life. He had shiny black hair, a muscular physique and a genuine smile. 

Yes... I could find myself liking... perhaps maybe falling in love with him eventually? I'm just not sure. I'd never been in love before, I was sheltered from most kinds of contact as a princess, and was only 18 years of age.

"I trust your journey was comfortable?" My father asked, and bowed his head to the other king in good nature. Maudred returned his respectful nod, and gestured to his son beside him.

"Quite comfortable, thank you. Mattheus has been eager to visit Pâllais for a while."

His son stepped forward, flashing his brilliant brown eyes at me as I offered my hand to him. He placed a tender kiss upon the back as I curtseyed politely. 

"Delighted to meet you, Princess Morgana, I hope we didn't keep you waiting."

I smiled, clasping my hands in front of my waist before replying.

"Of course not, I am most happy to see you."

He seemed pleased with my response, and retreated next to his father's side once more.

"I am sorry to hear about Lady Morgana's last protector, I was informed he was an honoured knight who served with valour."

King Maudred was referring to Lancelot, I missed him terribly. He had been my protector and swordsmanship instructor for 6 years until he passed away just 2 months ago from a battle wound. The pain of losing him was still fresh, so when his name was uttered, I swallowed, holding back my emotions.

"He was my finest, we were all overwhelmed by his passing. I thank you for understanding that I must find a new protector for my daughter," my father stated gratefully. 

Of course, the true reason for their visit was to wed Mattheus and I, but father had also asked Maudred to bring along his finest knights to compete for the title as my protector.

"I have selected 3 of my best, they will not disappoint," Maudred stated, gesturing towards the entrance door. His knights walked in a uniform manner, kneeling before my father and I respectively. 

"Arise," my father announced, and allowed Maudred to introduce them. They were well equipped and their armour shone, I had no doubt that at least one of them would pass my father's battle trials.

"This is Sir Biron, he has been a trusted knight of mine for many years now. As my most skilled archer, his reaction time and accuracy are impeccable.

Sir Biron was a lithe man, but I knew better than to be fooled by his size. It would be interesting to be as well taught in archery as I was in sword fighting, so he was more than suitable for me. Maudred turned to his next knight, who was quite the contrast to Lord Biron. He almost looked as if he would burst out of his armour, he clearly valued strength.

"I know you praise sword fighting above all, but Sir Percival is the best at wielding spears in the Empire. He excels in battlefield training and would be an asset to Pâllais." 

Maudred spoke well about his knights, he was clearly proud to share them with his fellow King Creon. I think I preferred Sir Biron so far, the idea of learning archery interested me a great deal.

"Lastly, I present Dame Lex, my most skilled swordfighter, and only female knight."

I took a quiet breath in, my eyes widening as my father went silent. A female knight in Pâllais? Father frowned upon them ever since... well ever since Mother died really.

Mother was attacked by a female knight under the instruction of King Renor from Trugon when I was only 11, an enemy kingdom just south of Pâllais. We are now at truce with them, but my father never fully recovered. That was the entire reason he hired a protector and sword fighting instructor for me in the first place, he was scared that what happened to mother might happen to me.

I regarded the female knight cautiously. She definitely wasn't any smaller than Biron, who was barely standing taller than me. I suppose she could have been just shy of six feet? It was impossible to tell the gender of a knight when they had their helmets on unless you focused on their chest plates. Women's armour was obviously sculpted to fit comfortable against breasts and hips, I'm surprised I didn't notice the tell-tale curves on Lex's armour when she walked in.

My father had said nothing since the word "Dame" had echoed rogue around the hall, and I touched him on the arm affectionally. I understood his grief, but he had double standards, and I wanted Lex to be given a fair trial. If Maudred said she was as skilled as he described, she deserved a chance at least. I noticed I was very curious about the idea of a female protector. Maybe we could even become friends? I hadn't had any new friends since father became more protective, and my curiosity was slowly turning into enthusiasm.

"She has never lost a battle Creon. Not one." Maudred convinced, and I turned to my father.

"At least give her a trial father, if she is skilled, it will show. King Maudred only selects the best knights after all." I encouraged, and he looked down at me, smiling weakly. He knew I was right, it was time to put the past behind him.

"If neither Sir Biron or Sir Percival succeed, you will be considered," he boomed. His voice was immense, he was so powerful, but Lex didn't seem intimidated in the slightest. She bowed once more and spoke with appreciation towards my fathers decision.

"It has been my dream to fight for Pâllais, for I knew Lancelot. He taught me in Arden before he moved to Pâllais, and I will fight with valour and honour in his name, you have my word."

I raised my eyebrows slightly. She was so confident and noble, I think even father was taken aback. He nodded in approval as she stood up once more, and directed King Maudred to follow him to the dining hall for tonight's feast.