The Blue Knight

He paused for a moment and gazed heavenward. There was barely a sliver of moon this night, but the stars… it was as though the gods had tossed all the world’s diamonds across the sky rather than encase them deep in the earth. The sight dazzled him for a moment. He blinked a few times, and then returned his gaze to the road. Nearly there. He could barely see the weak lights of the small city ahead. The gates were barred this late, but he was hopeful that his uniform would inspire the guards to allow him access before dawn. The thought of one more night curled on the hard ground was less that appealing. The journey to Harkeen had taken longer than he expected. But he was grateful to have been sent here alone rather than share his Captain’s fate…

Soren approached the gates and heard a voice call from the tower. “Gates are closed until dawn!” and then, after a pause, “Wait. Are you one of them? You ARE! One moment!!!”

The gates swung clumsily open to allow him entrance. The disheveled guard met him as he made his way through. “Wow. I heard we had a Blue Knight coming. But I never thought I would really see you come through our gates. Greetings. My name is Brockin. Welcome to Harkeen. I’ll show you to your quarters.” Brockin hastily led the way through the silent streets to a small stone home. The knight noted how tall he was. A head taller than most of the small population in this corner of the world. And burly – like he’d spent his life working hard, but eating surprisingly well. His head was covered with dark hair that continued down his arms and even onto the backs of his hands. But his eyes were cheerful and friendly, and he clearly loved to talk. “You’ve been granted private housing. It’s not the nicest area, but it is quiet. And it’s yours.”

Soren finally spoke, “Thank you, Brockin, for your assistance this evening. Do forgive me, but I have had a terribly long journey, and I am looking forward to some rest. If you don’t mind?”

“Of course, Sir! I will check in on you when I am off duty in the morning, and make sure you find your way to the manor tomorrow.”

“I do appreciate that. See you then.” He shut the door firmly before collapsing in the next room and dissolving into a dreamless sleep.

**************************************************************

Soren awoke the next morning slightly disoriented. A soft pillow cushioned his head for the first time in weeks. And warm blankets encased him in comfort. He may never move from this spot, he thought. But no. A new life awaited him this morning. A new commander – this should be interesting.

He rinsed his face in the freezing water left for him on the bedside table and headed for the door. He was steps away when the door rumbled with a solid knocking. Brockin. That’s right. He’d forgotten the man had promised to accompany him and handle the introductions to the lord of the city this morning. Well, it would be nice to have an escort. And… a witness? He was hoping the meeting would go well, but in these small cities, one just never knew what to expect.

He opened the door to a clearly anxious guard. Brockin was almost bouncing on his toes with excitement.  

“Good morning, Sir! Are you ready to go?”

“Good morning, Brockin. Yes, I believe I am as ready as one may be for this introduction. Let’s head that way.”

The two headed out the door and into the streets. The city looked and sounded much different in the morning light than it had when he arrived. Market stalls had sprouted seemingly from nowhere overnight and the people shuffling between them seemed to increase steadily as they neared the city’s center. Harkeen appeared to be thriving. Soren noted guards dispersed throughout the areas of commerce with some regularity. However, he spotted no blue coats. Not a single Blue Knight to be seen. After years surrounded by others of his order, it was odd to be alone.

He pulled his eyes back to Brockin, who had surged ahead of him as the streets grew more crowded. He lengthened his stride in a surge to catch up, and a sudden flash of color caught his eye. He glanced that way, and the woman attached to the rippling colored fabric stumbled just in front of him and fell to her knees with a yelp of pain. Soren rushed to catch her, and as his arms wrapped around her waist and he raised her to her feet, he was momentarily stunned. Her long auburn hair brushed his face and he breathed in an intoxicating medley of confectioners sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon mixed together with honey. So delicious it made his mouth water. Her skin was smooth and milky white. She turned her head and her dark eyes flashed with curiosity and intelligence. Oh yes. She had his attention.

“Oh dear. I am so very sorry, Sir. Please forgive me,” she stammered, as she squirmed to regain her footing in his arms.

He fought the urge to hold her closer, and managed to convince his arms to release her instead. Having regained her balance, she turned and looked him full in the face.

“Thank you, Sir. I am so sorry for stumbling into you in such a fashion… oh…” he could see the shock in her face when she realized who, and what, he was.

“Not a problem, My Lady,” he replied with a small bow. “It was my privilege to assist you. I only wish I could have caught your fall before you landed. Are you quite alright?”

“Yes. Yes I am fine, thank you, again.” She paused for a moment. Considering. And then plunged ahead to ask, “Are you really one of them? You are truly a Blue Knight? Come to live here in Harkeen?”

“Yes. A Blue Knight is what I am. Or was. I’m not rightly sure anymore. But as I am wearing the coat, I suppose the answer is still yes. And I am here to live and serve in whatever way I can. Hopefully, our next meeting will be less painful from your perspective.”

“I do hope we meet again soon. I am very pleased to make your acquaintance this day.”

As she turned to walk away, he started and brushed her arm. “Your name, my Lady? May I hear it, please?”

She glanced back at him. “Arween,” she said with the slightest smile, and disappeared into the ever growing crowd.

**************************************************************

“Sir Knight!” he heard the voice calling from up ahead of him. Oh, Brockin. Right. He was supposed to be following him to the lord’s manor in the center of the city. And he supposed he should properly introduce himself to the man as well. Someone in this city should know his name.

“Brockin!” he answered. “Over here!” He waved his hand over his head to grab the man’s attention as he headed in his direction. When they met up in the middle of the now crowded street, Soren apologized for falling behind. “I apologize, Brockin. I was delayed by a young lady that was having some difficulties in the street. But we got her sorted and on her way. I am sorry you had to come back for me.”

“No problem, Sir. I panicked when I glanced back and had lost you. Just glad to have relocated you. On we go…”

As they walked on, they moved closer as the streets packed with townspeople doing their morning shopping. Soren decided he should take this opportunity to get to know his escort a little better.

“I’d like to introduce myself before we arrive. The name’s Soren. I should have spoken up last night, but after such a journey, my head simply was not functioning as it should.”

“It is good to know your name, Soren. Think no more of last night. I knew you were exhausted and time for introductions and pleasantries would arrive soon enough.”

“Indeed. I was definitely exhausted! I do appreciate your patience. So – tell me a little about yourself?”  

“I am no one of import, Sir. Just a guard, doing his duty and trying to take care of my family in my little corner of the world. If I may ask, though? How did you – a Blue Knight – end up HERE? In our city?”

“Oh Brockin. Now… that is quite the tale. And one I will gladly share with you. Just – not this morning! Perhaps over a pint and a fire one evening? Would that be agreeable?”

“Absolutely! That sounds quite nice! Let us do that soon! As it is, Sir, we are approaching the manor house now. You can see it just ahead.”

Soren raised his eyes and saw they were approaching a modest manor home. It was nothing spectacular in comparison to some of the sprawling homes he had seen in larger cities, but it was impressive next to the small homes they had passed through the rest of the city. And it had two carriages to the east and what appeared to be a large stable.

“Anything I should know before we approach?”

“Well, Sir. Lord Crolly is a good man. Fair to his subjects. And generous. He rules the city and the surrounding areas well. He has one daughter and a younger son. But the son is sickly and no one knows exactly what ails him. Chances are, you will never see him, but Crolly speaks of him often. He is a man that loves his family.”

“And what of his wife?”

“Lady Crolly, sadly, disappeared shortly after Rallin was born. No one knows what happened. The rumors say she was in bed when the maid served her morning meal, and an hour later, there was no trace of her. Just… disappeared. Lord Crolly has not been the same since. He mourns her absence deeply, but he loves his children well and has not neglected his duties or his people.”

“And how many years ago was this?”

“Well, let me think. Rallin was born when my own children were still very small. He should be around 9 or 10 now. So close to 10 years ago. He was not even walking yet when she disappeared.”

“What a devastating loss he must feel without her. And what a strange thing to happen. To just vanish that way.”

“Indeed. The manor was searched so many times over the years. No one can discover how or where she disappeared to. It is a mystery that has lasted many years and we may never know the answer.”

The men reached the front doors of the manor and Brockin raised his hand to pull the bell. As the sound of the bell echoed through the home, the door was opened by an exceedingly small child. He appeared to be only 4 or 5 years old, but when he spoke, his voice was much older.

“Good morning, gentlemen.” He greeted them formally. “Step into the parlor, and Father will be with you momentarily.”

The small child closed the door carefully and, despite a slight limp, led them into the comfortable parlor designed for greeting guests. He paused for a moment in the doorway and after allowing them to enter and seat themselves, ambled away towards the stairs across the hall.

Soren raised his left eyebrow slightly in question at Brockin.

“Yes. That would be Rallin. I doubt his father realizes he has assumed the butler’s responsibilities,” he answered with a laugh. “Not many guests are allowed to see him – much less be greeted by him at the door.”

The men sat quietly for a few moments before a stately man appeared at the parlor door. Of average height, the lord of the land radiated authority. His thick grey hair was speckled with a few black strands and he kept his beard trimmed close. Brockin and Soren stood as he entered.                                 

“Ahhhh. Lord Crolly. Allow me to introduce our very own Blue Knight – Soren. He arrived in the wee hours of the night and we came as soon as was reasonable.”

Lord Crolly’s deep green eyes locked onto the knight and his deep, serious voice rumbled, “Welcome to my home, Soren. We are so pleased to have you amongst us. I understand the circumstances that brought you to our city and I trust you will be faithful and just to protect our lands and our people while you are here.”

“Absolutely, your lordship. I am at your service.”

A young maid entered with beverages for the men, and they each took a seat. As they settled in, all three jumped in unison at a sudden bang, a rush of air, and the front door swung wildly open. In a moment, the room was filled with laughter and Soren could swear he smelled sugar and nutmeg…

Arween swirled into the room in a fit of giggles. “Father! Father you will NEVER believe what just happened! In the middle of the market I just - OHHHHH…” she stopped short. Out of breath and startled into silence. Her dark eyes met his curious hazel gaze and the world ceased to exist.

“Yes, Arween? What is it? What just happened?” her father interrupted the silent exchange.

“Oh. Um. I was just going to tell you that the Blue Knight has arrived. But it seems you are aware of that. So, I will just excuse myself and my interruption and leave you gentlemen to it.”

Arween turned to exit the room and Soren sighed audibly. Of course. Of course she would be his daughter. Three months ago, he could have easily entered negotiations with the lord to court her. But now? With his history? There was no chance. She was out of his reach. No matter how he served the rest of his days, she would forever be unattainable. He would have to be satisfied with admiring her from afar. Perhaps they could be friendly. But nothing more.

After Arween’s departure, the men spent the morning discussing Soren’s new post and his duties in the city. He would be the primary patrol around the city walls and would eventually be given command of a small force he would choose from the guards. Although this post was a punishment of sorts, he had the distinct impression, as they wrapped up the conversation, that he really was going to like living and serving Harkeen.

**************************************************************

“But Father. Who is he? Really?” Arween demanded at dinner that evening. Lord Crolly had been dodging her curiosity all afternoon, but now that they were sitting at the dinner table, he could put her off no longer.

“He is a Blue Knight, sent to us from the fields of Kamalary. It is said he aided his captain in delivering secrets to King Chasson during the last great war. His captain was executed for treason. But Soren was stripped of his titles and moved here, to serve the rest his days as our protector.”

“Accused of treason, but they let him live?”

“Yes. The courts ruled in favor of leniency with him as a reward for his valor during the war. His efforts really won the war against King Chasson. They struggled to condemn him to death as a result.”

“So truly, Father, he is a war hero? He surely doesn’t seem the type to commit treason.”

“Well, my dear. I suppose we shall see more of his true character as we get to know him. We have nothing but time.”

“Father?”

“No, Arween. I see that look in your eye. Absolutely not. He is not even remotely a fit suitor for you and I refuse to even entertain the notion. And he knows it. I saw the look that passed between you in the parlor this morning. But he knew as soon as he realized you were my daughter that it could never be. I don’t want to hear another word about it.”

“But Father. I see it in his eyes. He’s the one.”

“Arween. I’m sorry. No. And that’s the end of it.”

Arween stood and stormed from the room. She had seen it in Soren’s beautiful hazel eyes, and felt a magic pass in the air between them. Even his scent captured her. She could smell it even now – a salty smell, almost like the sea. And yeasty, reminding her of a loaf of bread just before it goes into the oven to bake. This mingled with a gentle woodsy smell and the slightest hint of pine. She could drown in the smell of him. She knew… she knew he was hers.

She readied herself for bed, throwing things around the room in frustration. She snapped at Elise, her maid, and sent her away. Elise scuttled for the door and slipped out, relieved to be safely freed from her lady’s anger. Arween finally stood at the open window, staring out at the night sky. She stepped onto the balcony and gazed into the starry heavens. She had heard the scholars claim that the past, present, and even future was written in the pattern and movement of the stars. If only one knew how to read them. Perhaps… perhaps the skies would align just right in her lifetime to make Soren her own. She knew in her heart that she was already his. Just as she turned to head for the bed, she glanced one last time toward the stars and gasped as the bright flash of a shooting star grazed the sky. She was unsure exactly what that was supposed to mean. But as she closed her eyes to sleep, her heart was filled with hope.