laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

Atop the woven fence the rooster announced a new day, a call that echoed across the field and through the forest that bordered it on three sides. Alex awoke at the sound and suddenly jumped back as he was greeted with the panting breath and face of the pet dog that perked up.

"Berj, get down," the young girl said as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled the shepherd back.

"Well, our young hero is awake," Sir Kenneth smiled from his seat at the table. "How do you fare this fine day?"

"Fine, sir." Alex pushed himself out of the bed and quickly got dressed, trying to remain modest in front of everyone as the elderly woman stooped over the pot within the hearth and her husband carried in a handful of wood. The hardpacked dirt floor was cold and prompted him to wrap his feet and pull on his boots as Sir Stephen strolled out in the yard.

"How long have I slept," he asked.

"The night. You took quite a shot to the ribs from that thing, how are you feeling now?"

Tanned hands rubbed his sides gingerly and he found only a small ache within both, but nothing a few pushups wouldn't take care of, he grinned. "Fine. We'll be leaving soon," he asked as he rose to begin preparing the horses.

"After breakfast, yes. You have some time to get things together. We'll call you."

Nodding, Alex headed out into the brisk morning air to notice all four horses had not escaped after all and were standing to his left, tied to the short wooden fence, blankets draped over each.

"Alexander," Stephen called as he neared his squire.

"Sir, good morning."

The veteran knight nodded quietly. "You did well yesterday, I'm proud of your bravery. Most would've run at the sight of that abomination," a full smile beamed from between the salt and pepper van dyke.

"Thank you, sir," Alex knew that he would have run if his legs had allowed the escape. He bowed and began saddling the horses for their imminent departure.

After breakfast, they filed out into the daylight and Alexander held the reins as both knights mounted up and turned to head to his own. In his path, the young girl handed him a round sack which he accepted.

"Arhus go with you," the normally quiet hostess stated.

He smiled and finally noticed her bright hazel eyes sparkle. "Thank you but, I can't accept anything. We do these things for you and your family," he reached out to hand it back.

"Alexander," Stephen interrupted, gaining his attention. "This is how He keeps us going, offerings from those that we assist isn't considered unnecessary gifts or wealth." He looked back to the farmer as Alex backed to his horse. "Robert, we thank you and your family again for your hospitality, He will protect you, I promise." As Alex climbed into his saddle, he noticed the knight offer a silent prayer and motion towards the farmer and the females at his side, then rose and waved as they turned their horses and rode down the narrow path to the main road. He still had a lot to learn about this new life he had chosen. Spinning his backpack around to the front, he placed the bag of fruit and cheese into it and stole one last glance as the little girl watched him ride away.

"Saving damsels in distress is all part of the job, my young friend," Kenneth smiled.

Alex sheepishly nodded and turned his eyes back to the road that returned them to the gate and walls of Thetford. "My Lord," he called as they passed the smithy whose resounding clamor of banging steel echoed within the covered awning.

"What is it?"

"Have you ever heard voices before a battle or when you pray?"

Stephen turned to eye him and nodded. "You heard a voice before it attacked yesterday?"

"Yes, sir. She told me that I had the weapons and knowledge that I needed and that if I didn't stand, it would've killed the farmer and his family."

He watched as the knight turned back and mused while they meandered through the traffic, some of whom recognized the status of their obstacle a bit late. As they rode into the marketplace, Alex began to wonder if something else had been talking to him, trying to get him killed - a thought that sent a shiver down his spine. Soon, they exited the bustling farming community and headed south again.
As evening fell, they found a tavern and livery that serviced several mills and farms near a river and stopped for the night. Alex took the reins and led their steeds around to the livery as two older boys sat throwing small pebbles at the chicken coop. They quickly hopped up as he approached and walked the horses into the cover of the stable.

"How long will you be staying," a tall, lanky boy asked, his freckle dotted face thin and centered with a hawk-like nose.

"Just tonight," Alex informed as he grabbed the saddlebags and packs from the three riding horses, shouldering them as he began walking out.

"Hey," the redhead called. "You heard anything about the gate that they found near Thetford?"

Alex stopped and turned. "What gate?"

"I heard three riders talking about a magical gate that the orcs used two years ago to ferry their army through. Your lord and you just came from that way, right?"

He nodded, realizing that this information might be important. "Any idea where this gate was?"

"They said it was near the west gate, outside the town in the woods somewhere," he shrugged.

"Thanks," Alex quickly headed inside the front door and scanned through the crowd of men in various attire to find Sir Kenneth heading upstairs and hurried to catch him. Meandering through barmaids and customers, he reached the wooden staircase and climbed them to finally reach the templar at the door to his room.

"Sir, here's your gear," he handed the knight the saddlebag and pack. "Which room is Sir Stephen's?"

"Thanks," he motioned to the door across the hallway, then headed inside his own room, closing his door behind him as Alex knocked and stepped in.

"Sir," he began as he hung the packs over the rear bedpost. "I heard two boys in the stables talking about a magical gate west of Thetford a moment ago."

The knight sat down in the modest wooden chair and nodded. "The wraith you fought came through it. After healing you, Sir Kenneth and I closed it. We're heading back to Kecel to alert the bishop and hopefully send someone who can destroy it before the enemy knows it's been deactivated. We'll be leaving here early and probably ride through tomorrow night, so get your rest."

Alex nodded as he helped the knight out of his armor, then began cleaning and polishing the metal peices as the knight headed to a hot bath. After he got a meal and rested within his blanket on the floor, he was being awoken again as his eyes caught the silhouette of his master's form, highlighted by the moon.

"Rise, Alexander. We'll be to Kecel now."

"Yes, sir."

They geared up and headed downstairs, grabbing some fruit from a bowl on the long table that fronted the base of the staircase, then headed out to the stables. Once mounted, they rode through the early morning and into the following until reaching the large gates of Kecel. While the city still slept, their horses clopped down flagstoned streets, quiet from traffic and interrupted by the occasional bark of a dog as they soon reached the cathedral and compound while the sun began peeking over the horizon. After they stopped and dismounted, Stephen turned to Kenneth.

"Take Alex to our apartment and get some rest, I'll inform the bishop of our news and join you shortly."

"Yes, sir. Come Alex, let's put the horses to bed first."

Tiredly, the squire climbed down, sore from the long ride and stretched as he wrestled with the saddles and gear, then led the horses into the stalls and closed the gate. Trying desperately to keep his eyes open, he stumbled to the entry and then down the long hallway, passed his old classroom and beyond, taking a left and entering the private quarters of the resident paladins and templar. Once inside the modestly furnished room, Kenneth turned to him.

"Just set those things here in the corner, we'll deal with those later."

Gladly, Alex unloaded the packs and other equipment and followed passed a small table through a doorway where Kenneth lifted him up onto the top bunk which he collapsed on and soon fell asleep.

Sunlight woke him to another morning, or was it evening? He couldn't tell any more and sat up as voices through the door prompted him to hop down and open it to see both knights sitting across from one another. The simple, thickly padded chairs had been covered in a dull tan colored material, embroidered in floral patterns on the armrests.
Sir Stephen turned and grinned. "Rested, I trust?"

"Yes, sir. How long have I slept?" He neared them to stand beside the small desk against the wall behind him.

"Some time, we just rose ourselves." Alex soon noticed the second door which led to the paladin's room as well as the bookshelves that covered the rear wall between their rooms. Tapestries displaying various scenes from stories that he had read in class of heroes and their exploits.

"We'll be staying here at the cathedral for some time. You'll be attending more classes and training while we're here which begin tomorrow. It won't be for long however for I never know when I'll be called for another task."

Alex nodded as Stephen took a sip from his wooden mug and set it on the end table beside him. "How long have you been hearing these voices that you mentioned?"

"For two years or so. Not all the time, just in certain moments."

He nodded. "Are they always the same female voice, or various?"

Alexander thought for a moment. "Usually the same one."

Stephen smiled. "Do you know who that is?"

Shrugging, the squire wasn't totally positive. "I used to think it was my mother guiding me but, I'm not sure."

"Your mother," his brow furrowed. "You've met her?"

"Yes, sir. Her name's Charlotte and she works at the Dark Stallion."

Nodding, the knight grinned. "Well, it's not her, I assure you. Arhus guides his faithful with champions who are messengers for him. She's been assigned to you and will be there for you as long as you remain faithful or until he calls you home to Ghevond."

Alex stood dumbfounded for a moment. Why me, he asked himself. "You have champions also?" His blue eyes went from paladin to templar, knowing the answer even before they both nodded.

"They help us deal with the powerful enemies that plague our world who also have evil champions that assist them," Stephen continued. "This war is much more than the physical that you see every day. It goes on in the remote parts of the world as well as in throne rooms. That's our sole purpose, to eradicate the enemy before they destroy the good that's all around us so people like Robert and his family can live in peace, grow old and have children of their own. That's why Kenneth and I chose to do this and I hope that's why you choose to be a templar also."

Flashes of his mother, of the Lady Nyrellia and her family flashed in his mind. "Yes, sir."