Following Orders: Chapter Five

Chapter Five

I felt the weight of the branch I held in my hand, testing its balance. Seeing as nature had made this weapon and not man, it was fairly unwieldy and oddly shaped. I shrugged and held it ready just as Ronald had shown me.

Through the cape of darkness, I could see the outline of a sturdy tree trunk. I struck at it violently, breaking my so-called “sword.” The break revealed rotten wood and an army of ants scrambled about. I dropped the defective weapon and searched for a new one.

I kicked aside pine needles and thought back to my very much one sided conversation with the princess earlier. She had decided that I needed to learn French like her and was so gracious as to volunteer the unwanted lessons as we traveled. I hadn’t dared to spurn her teaching as Sir Manchmal was right there and had very specific thoughts on how I was to treat royalty. He was already unhappy that I was interacting with her at all. It wouldn’t do any good to taunt the angry bear.

My foot hit something heavy on the forest floor and I tripped. Rubbing my knee, I examined the culprit and found it to be the perfect weapon for practicing my strikes. This time though, I tested it for rottenness first.

As my body pushed into a rhythm, my mind wandered away from the task at hand.

“You said your father taught you German. Where did he learn it?” I was back riding beside the coach, listening to the princess’ mindless chatter only to realize that the last question had been directed at me.

“Um, he learned it in Germany.”

She shook her head. “Of course. But why was he in Germany? Was he saving your mother from an evil lord who kept her locked in a tower high above the small village surrounding the castle?”

I glanced at Sir Manchmal and bit back the response to her question about my mother that was rising in my throat. “He was studying. At a school.”

“Why was he studying? I thought he was a knight. Don’t knights study by being squires?”

“A knight?!” A deep voice interrupted from behind. “You’re telling the princess your father was a knight?” Sir Manchmal rode up beside me. He glared down at me. “Stop telling lies.”

“So he wasn’t a knight?” Princess Elaine looked both shocked and disappointed at the same time. I licked my lips. How to fix this?

I turned to my master rather than the princess and swallowed. “Sir, you said you would train me to be the best knight in the land, just like my father.”

He narrowed his eyes. He couldn’t deny having said it. “You know very well what I meant by those words.”

Princess Elaine leaned forward eagerly. “You knew his father? Was he really a knight or not?” She looked doubtful. “It was so exciting when Will told me his father was a knight in shining armor.”

Sir Manchmal hesitated. “Yes, Your Highness, I knew Will’s father. But he was only a great…knight.” The princess’ face brightened. Sir Manchmal leaned down and whispered to me, “I’ll give you this one for her sake. Don’t you dare let me catch you telling another lie.”

I nodded gravely, oddly grateful to the man. I hadn’t felt that way toward him for years. He fell back to his spot and I realized the princess was once again chattering away gaily and I scrambled to keep up with what she was saying lest another question be proffered.

Back in the darkened woods, I mulled over Sir Manchmal’s protection from earlier. Had it been for me or for Elaine? Was he really only trying to protect her fantasy or was he trying to preserve mine as well?

I yawned suddenly and missed my mark, my momentum carrying me through to crashing into the tree. Sleep. That was what my body was begging for. I turned reluctantly back toward the campsite, dropping my stick. The practice session was over for the night, much as I wanted it to continue.

“What’s your mother like my lady?” I was once again riding by the carriage, wasting away as I listened to dull talk about court. The princess had been silent for a rare moment though and I leaped at the chance to learn something that had been occupying my curiosity for a few days. King Arthur absolutely doted on his daughter, but what about his wife?

She pursed her lips and glared at me. “You are never to ask about the queen again. Do you understand me?”

I was confused. “But surely Queen Guinevere is as benevolent as they say. Why can’t I –“

“I said don’t! Do you understand me?”

I made a face. “Yes my lady.”

“Good.” She sighed heavily but then her face brightened immediately. “How much longer until we reach the castle?”

She had stopped referring to our destination as wretched and base some days ago when she realized the discomfort that accompanied traveling. Now it was hospitable and generous.

“Only a few more days my lady. We enter King Baldwin’s domain tomorrow and his castle two days after.”

Her countenance fell a little at the mention of her foreign fiancé. Silence reigned as she brooded and I abstained from asking any more questions that might result in upsetting someone with power.

The driver on the coach suddenly began soothing the horses. They were flicking their tails and looking around in agitation. Their ears perked intently, listening for whatever it was they thought they were hearing. My horse began to prance nervously and I struggled to control it.

“Whoa! Whoa, boy.” He calmed, but only a little. I glanced around for a snake or something else to cause our mounts to become upset. I glanced back to see Sir Manchmal’s trained battle horse listening carefully, but behaving perfectly. My master, mounted atop, was peering with narrowed eyes into the surrounding woods.

Everything was silent. No birds, no squirrels, no wind even touched the tree tops.

“Who’s there?” Sir Manchmal called. There was no answer. We continued riding, but Sir Manchmal kept a careful eye on our surroundings. The driver also looked as nervous as I felt.

“What was it?” The eager question greeted my listening ears.

“It was nothing, my lady. Don’t worry about it.” I never looked at her.

She sighed in exasperation. “I am not some child to be told when to keep quiet. What was it? If it was bandits I should know. Sir Manchmal could take care of them anyway.”

I finally turned to look at her. “I don’t know what it was Your Highness but I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about.” At least I hoped. We were close to the point where we would enter Morestia which also meant we were close to the border of Alonway. It was doubtful that their king had not heard of the arrangements between King Arthur and King Baldwin. My eyes darted to the left as a squirrel chattered in the branches of an old oak tree.

“If it’s nothing then why are you so uptight? You look absolutely terrified!”

I hadn’t realized my fear was showing in my face and rushed to hide it. “I’m sure it’s fine Your Highness.”

She nodded reluctantly, decidedly subdued.

I struck at the tree once again, wishing for my sword of the previous night. The moon was full but the trees were thick and only allowed selective beams admittance. Despite the chill of the night, I discarded my jacket in order to move more freely.

Strike. Pause. Strike. Pause. The idea to practice at night had come a few days prior but I had easily mastered the first move and was eager to move on to more advanced. I thought back to when I had seen Sir Gawain sparring with a squire and strained my ears to hear the conversation.

The red headed hero had reached out and adjusted the boy’s shoulder. “Now,” his deep voice resonated, “when you strike at an enemy’s head or neck, I want it to be in an arc, like this.” He had demonstrated and I clearly remembered the picture.

I attempted the cut, but instead threw myself off balance. I tried again, going through the simple movement more slowly and letting my muscles adjust. After a while, it felt reasonably natural and I kept at it for some time.

The whispers were what caught my ear first. Not whispers of voices, but rather whispers of feet. I stopped my practice and went completely still. Silence greeted my ears. A chill rushed up my spine, bringing fear along with it. Anyone or anything could be in these woods. Wolves, bandits, thieves. I didn’t want to repeat the altercation of the first night. It was time to go back.

I crept between the trees, still trying to keep quiet for some reason unknown to my conscious mind. The sudden flicker of firelight filled me with relief. I could see the lumps that were Sir Manchmal and Princess Elaine sleeping peacefully by the fire. The driver appeared to be on watch but as I neared, I saw that his mouth hung open and his snore rumbled.

My foot was about to step into the ring of firelight when a cry rang out. A dozen men ran into the clearing as Sir Manchmal leaped to his feet, sword in hand. The driver was startled awake only a moment before his throat was cut.

I hesitated, watching and unsure of what to do. I glanced down, suddenly feeling the weight of my makeshift practice stick still clutched between my fingers.

Sir Manchmal was heavily engaged with three men, his sword flashing wickedly fast. I realized in that moment that I had never seen him use it before. The old hand wound, however, did not appear to be hindering him any as the first of his enemies fell before him. The place was immediately filled by another.

An insignia on the armband of one of the men caught my eye. It was a blazing sun with spears sticking out of it. The seal of Aronway.

The horses were pulling at their reigns which were tied to trees, shying away from the men reaching to untie and claim their prizes.

A shriek grasped at my attention, catching hold. Princess Elaine was awake. A man grabbed at her and she barely dodged his reach, running as fast as she could into the forest not twenty feet from me. Her golden hair flowed behind her as her bare feet searched out a path through the trees. The soldier who had reached for her and one of his comrades pursued. She had not yes disappeared from my sight when they caught up and stopped her flight. Each of them grabbed one arm, dragging her back toward the campsite. She struggled and kicked, screaming, but it made little difference.

Sir Manchmal caught sight of her. “Elaine!” The distraction proved to be just what his enemies were looking for. A sword plunged through his heart and he gasped. Staggering, he hit the ground, all signs of life draining from his dead eyes.

I took one last look at my branch and raised it in the air. It made swift contact with the back of one of the soldier’s heads. He stumbled a little, but a helmet protected from any real damage. One of his comrades saw me. “A boy!” he yelled.

A few of the nearer men turned on me. I gulped and raised my now real weapon higher in the air. I heard a few snorts and chuckles and swung once again. My piece of wood met with a sword and was flung from my hand. Two more soldiers grabbed me and dragged me over to a man I had not noticed before. I kicked at their legs and they laughed again.

The man was sitting astride a huge horse, glaring cruelly down at me. His hair and beard were thick and black, reminding me of a bear when combined with small beady eyes. He was dressed like a knight, the difference being that his armor was black. I instinctively shied away from the dominating figure but a rough shove to my back sent me sprawling forward instead.

Elaine was a few feet away, gaping openly at me. Terror filled her eyes as tears streaked her face. I nodded to her, as if in encouragement.

Scrambling to my feet, I faced the huge knight. I licked my lips and clenched my fists by my side. “What do you want with us?” The question sounded weak the first time so I repeated it.

“I heard you the first time boy.” His voice was deep and his accent one I didn’t recognize. The words seemed to roll through his throat and then flip off of his tongue as he spoke.

“He was hiding in the woods with a stick, sir.” The same accent in a different voice spoke from behind me. “He hit Leo in the back of the head.”

“Did you now?” He looked slightly amused. “I suppose it’s always good to know what I’m up against – a young man and his stick.” He laughed heartily and was joined by lesser enthusiastic chuckles from his men. He stopped abruptly and the rest went silent.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the princess watching me. I cleared my throat. “I said, what do you want with us?”

“Now that is an interesting question, persistent one.” He stroked his thick beard. “You see, I heard that there was a princess traveling through here. A princess of Camelot. Do you know anything of this?”

“No.” I gulped and tried to avoid glancing at Elaine. “You – you think they would let me go on a trip with a princess? Who are you?”

He laughed again. “Well if you don’t know anything, maybe your little friend does.” He turned toward Elaine. “Tell me, my dear, have you heard anything of this princess?”

The princess looked over his shoulder at me. I shook my head ever so slightly, hoping that she would understand.

“No.” Her voice was oddly soft in the middle of a rough night.

“I see. That is unfortunate.” He looked at his men. “Kill them.”

“Wait, no!” I tried to lunge at him but was held back. “You can’t do that!”

“And why is that?” His gaze was ice.

“Because…because….” I thought desperately for a good reason.

“Because I am the princess.” Now Elaine’s voice was perfectly clear. I looked at her in incredulity. She stood up straight, pride gleaming in her eyes.

“No! No, she’s not!”

But the knight was already smiling. “There now. Isn’t that better? Take the girl.”

“What do you want us to do with this one?”

The knight regarded me with mild interest. “Bring him here.” A shove from behind brought me even closer to the tall man. He surveyed me disinterestedly. Suddenly, his eye caught on something and his mouth opened a bit. “What is that on your belt boy?”

I tried to cover my father’s dagger with my hand. “Nothing.”

“You lie. Give it to me.” He stretched out his hand for the knife to be placed in it.

“No. It’s mine.”

The man raised his eyebrows as I took a defensive step back. “I don’t think you understand how this works my boy. I have rightfully captured you and anything of yours is now rightfully mine. And I can do anything I want to you if you don’t obey me. So give me the blade. Now.”

I took another step away, right into one of the soldiers crowding near. The man grabbed my arms while one of his friends pulled the knife from its sheath. I struggled against them with little result.

The man who had taken my father’s dagger walked over and handed it to the knight, who snatched it away quickly. He brought the blade closer to his face and examined it carefully. I watched warily, wondering how my dagger could prove to be so interesting to such an important looking man. He turned on his horse and tucked it carefully into a saddle bag then looked back to me.

“Take him too. He might prove more interesting than I had initially thought.”

 He took one last wary look at me and rode a few feet away and began speaking to one of the men.

A rough sack was shoved over my head and tightened a little at the neck. Just before my vision was stolen, I saw the same done to Elaine. I was dragged a few yards and hoisted into some type of vehicle. I heard another person thrown in as well followed by someone else climbing in before the door slammed shut.

Following Orders: Chapter Four

Chapter Four          

  “Boy!” My head snapped in the direction of the call. It was Sir Manchmal. “Go collect firewood – I want enough to burn all night. And make some dinner too.”

            “Yes sir.” I scurried off to do as he bid. It wasn’t hard to find enough wood with branches covering the ground laden with pine needles and sticks in abundance. The job was quick, but not quick enough for my master.

            “What took you so long? The princess is half starved! Make dinner.”

            “I bet she’s never been half starved in her life,” I muttered under my breath. I wasn’t quiet enough. A clout on the back of my head put me in my place and I silently scurried out of reach to build a fire. My master followed, lecturing me loudly.

            “You useless swine! You had better learn how to respect your betters if you plan on keeping your position as my squire! I’ll not hear another word out of you for the rest of the night or you’ll regret it!” He stomped off to care for his horse.

 I sat hunched over my work, keeping an eye open for a second approach of Sir Manchmal and made myself busy.

The stew was passable and it didn’t take long to clean up the dishes afterward. I was just settling down under my blanket when another order came.

“You didn’t get enough wood. Go get some more.”

Every stiff muscle in my body protested as I dragged myself to a sitting, then standing, position. I stretched painfully and began walking into the woods. It was more of a trudge than a walk though. I kicked at every rock or stick in my path, sending it flying as far as I could.

“’Useless swine’ indeed. If it wasn’t for me, no one would have eaten anything tonight and there’d be no fire. I’d like to see that Ungeheuer cook anything edible.”

“Why do you call Sir Manchmal a monster?”

I whirled around to see the Princess Elaine behind me. She was standing by a tree, her hand resting on its bark. She had braided her hair and changed into a nightgown. I was too shocked to speak.

“It seems terribly ungrateful after all he’s done for you, don’t you think? And why in German?”

“I’m not being ungrateful Your Highness, I’m being honest. You followed me?”

“Hm. I would disagree. But why in German?”

I made a face. “Because no one knows German and they can’t know that it’s an insult. I can’t be punished if they don’t know I’m insulting anyone. Except that you apparently do know German. Why did you follow me?”

She pushed off the tree and took a few steps forward. Dry pine needle crunched beneath her feet. “I was curious. Of course I know German. Who doesn’t? I’ve known French since I was eight, German since I was nine, and Irish since I was thirteen.”

My eyes widened. I tried to cover the shock, not wanting to appear naïve. “I only know German Your Highness and that only because my mother taught me. Most commoners do not know any language other than English.”

“Why, I had no idea. I thought everyone knew French at least. Why don’t they?”

“Really?” Her expression did not betray any sarcasm or joking. “They don’t have time. Everyone’s too busy working to stay alive.” I shook my head and turned to pick up a large piece of wood. “You should really go back to the campsite, Your Highness. It’s safer there.”

She stuck her nose in the air. “I believe I can take care of myself, thank you. And if I would be safer there, wouldn’t you be too?”

I began walking further into the woods. “Doesn’t matter, my lady. Nothing to steal from me and no one to pay a ransom for me if I’m take hostage. I’m as safe here as anywhere. Besides, someone has to do the work.” I stood from picking up a branch. “All due respect Your Highness, but you should be getting back to camp now. I’ll walk with you.”

She scoffed. “I’ll not have a servant telling me what I should and should not be doing. I can come or go whenever I please and I don’t need you to tell me when that is. I’ll have you know –“ Her barrage of words stopped suddenly. A look of terror crept over the royal princess’ face. She was staring straight behind me.

“What is it Your Highness? Is everything alright?” I took a step toward her.

She lifted a shaking arm to point silently to where I had just been standing. I turned to see what it was and a yell greeted my ears.

The firewood I had collected dropped from my hands as a dark figure slammed into me. In less than a moment, I was tumbling on the ground, blindly wrestling my attacker away. He wasn’t very big, only a few inches taller than me with narrow shoulders. But that certainly didn’t mean that he was a poor fighter. The man was obviously skilled and had done this many times before.

He swung at my face and the blow clattered inside my head. I tried to return the favor, without success. He did it again and blocked an even weaker strike of my own. I felt like my eyes were going crossed and my brain was getting untangled and my head was spinning like a top.

I kicked at his stomach and caught him by surprise. He rolled off of me and I scrambled to my feet. I regretted the movement almost immediately, grabbing a tree for support. Gasping for breath, I took a better look at the man I was fighting as he rolled to his feet. Like I said before, he was small. He was also dressed all in black, head to toe. As he rose, he pulled something from his belt. My eyes widened. A blade was glinting in the sliver of moonlight piercing the trees.

He raised it and started running. I stepped out of the way at the last possible second and he slammed hard into the tree I had only a moment earlier been grasping.

My breath was back and my head throbbed a little less. I darted out behind the man in black. He would not fall for the same trick again. A tree branch lay on the ground, about three feet long and quite thick. I hoisted it up and quickly swung it toward the armed figure.

He dodged easily and ducked to my left. Before I could tell what was happening, something hit my branch near my hand with a force that caused me to drop it. It lay on the ground, a black leather handle all that showed.

I backed up a few steps, trying to buy a minute. He followed. I didn’t dare look behind me and take my eye off of the advancing fighter. I eyed him carefully, trying to figure out his next move. It took me too long though.

With the speed of a battle horse and the step of a deer, the man in black darted toward me. He slammed into my chest with all of his weight, pinning me against a tree a few feet behind me. I punched at him, to no effect. He may have been small, but his strength was great.

A smile touched his lips, ever so slight, and he released one of my arms to reach down for something. Princess Elaine screamed before I could even see what he was doing. Another knife was slowly raised to my throat.

I pushed back against the tree but the blade followed. I swallowed dryly, trying to see the weapon in the gloved hand.

“Who are you?” I whispered hoarsely. “What do you want?”

He smiled cruelly and I looked up to meet his hard eyes. “What do you think? I want all of your money and supplies.”

“I – I don’t have anything.” The knife pushed a little harder.

He shook his head, as if amused by a small child. “You don’t really expect me to believe that do you? I saw that woman – she is not a peasant. So here are your options. I can kill you and then loot your campsite. Or you can show me your campsite and then I kill you. I really don’t care which you choose. Take your time.”

“Is there another option? I’m not fond of either of those.”

The man laughed. “It’s so nice to get a funny one every once in a while. Makes the job more interesting. You know what, I’m in a good mood so I will give you a third choice. You show me your campsite and I let you live.” I was about to leap at that one when he finished his offer. “And I kill your pretty little friend there instead.”

“Why – why do you have to kill someone? Can’t we all just be friends?” My voice was raspy and weak. I only needed to keep him talking long enough to come up with a solution.

“You’re cute but I know what stalling is. Give me your decision boy. Now.”

I gulped. “Please, I’ll show you where the campsite is if you’ll only let the both of us live. I am begging you!”

“I know you are. The thing you should know about me though is that I detest whining and begging. Choose now or you both die.”

“He chooses neither.” A deep voice was followed by the knife falling away from my throat. The man fell to his knees, clutching at his middle. Something liquid glinted in the moonlight. A few feet away, Sir Manchmal cleaned off his sword. The thief’s body stiffened and my master reached out and pushed him over.

I sank into the tree, awash with relief.

“Don’t you dare let anything like that happen again Will!” Sir Manchmal lit into me with full force. “You could have gotten Princess Elaine killed! What were you thinking?”

I looked up at him in wonder. “What?”

“You heard me! You ever do anything like this again and you’ll regret it!”

“You think it was my fault?” But he was already walking away. “Anyone with eyes can see that it wasn’t my fault. Es ist nicht fair! Warum muss ich mit diesem Monster leben?!” I slipped back into the familiar German as Elaine was gently guided away, back to the campsite. The driver of the coach was left staring at me in my outburst of foreign words. He held a branch which I could only assume was meant to be used as a club. Slowly, he moved toward the clearing as well, always keeping a wary eye on me.

I sighed. A pile of dropped logs and wood came into my view. I trudged toward my forgotten task and slowly bent to pick them up.

The princess was asleep when I returned, curled up by Sir Manchmal’s feet. A coarse blanket was wrapped tightly around her shoulders and she shivered in her sleep. I dropped the wood heavily by the fire and nestled between the roots of a large oak tree, determined not to sleep.

My body, however, had different plans.

I awoke to a hard shaking of my shoulder. I whipped my head around, looking to see what was wrong.

Sir Manchmal stood before me. “Make breakfast. You’ll need more wood.” He walked back to where he had been sharpening his sword. I rolled my neck, stretching it out. Despite it being the middle of June, the early mornings were still chilly, and early it was. The world was balanced halfway between night and day, black and blue battling for the sky. Only the faintest rays of light could be seen on the horizon.

I wrapped my cloak tighter around me in an effort to stay warm and went to collect a few logs. Breakfast was easy and ready within the hour.

A movement in the corner of my eye caught my attention. Princess Elaine had pushed herself up on one elbow and was watching me cook.

“Good morning my lady.” I nodded a greeting.

She nodded back and yawned, stretching. After another minute of blinking the sleep away, she seemed to realize that it was still a touch cold and sat up, pulling the blanket closer around her. “What’s for breakfast?”

“We have bacon and bread. There’s coffee in that pot. Want some?”

“Yes. That’s not very much for breakfast.” I handed her a tin cup, deciding to ignore the comment about breakfast.

“Careful, it’s hot.”

“Thank you.” She wrapped her fingers around the warm drink and pulled it close, sucking in the heat. “When do we leave?”

I handed her a plate of food. “I’d imagine we’ll leave as soon as the campsite’s packed up and we’ve eaten.”

“And how far will we go today?”

“I don’t know. Maybe thirty miles? It depends.”

She chewed on a piece of bread quietly for a moment. I stoked the fire and got my own plate. Sir Manchmal and the driver had already eaten and were packing up.

“Do you know how to fight?” Her question surprised me a bit.

“Um, no.”

The princess cocked her head. “Why not? I thought all squires were training to become knights.”

I pursed my lips. She had hit a sore spot. “My master won’t teach me. I was just starting to learn when we left the castle.”

“Oh.” She contemplated my answer. “You see, I asked because last night, even though you had a dagger, you didn’t pull it out. I was just wondering if you knew how to use it.”

“Of course I know how to use it!” I snapped, reddening. I hadn’t even thought to use my father’s dagger. “I just didn’t want to.”

“Why not? It seems an awfully foolish choice. Couldn’t you have beaten him if you used it?”

“Yes. I don’t know. Maybe.” I stood abruptly. “I need to help with the packing if you’ll excuse me Your Highness.”

She raised her brow and nodded. “Of course.”

I stoked the fire one last time and then went to gather up the few things I had taken out the night before. A rough blanket, a wad of clothes for a pillow. Nothing more. It all fit easily into my bag which I attached to my horse. The cooking supplies were easily stowed away and I was soon left with nothing to do. All that was left was to wait for the princess to be ready, so I walked off into the woods.

Once I was out of sight, I slid the dagger from its sheath and sat against a tree. The sun was higher and it lit up my prized possession like a star. The worn ivory handle was still smooth, still beautiful. Why hadn’t I used it last night? Was I really fit to become a knight of the Round Table if I couldn’t even think to pull out a blade when I was attacked?

I jammed the knife as hard as I could into the soft ground, burying it up to its hilt. Immediately regretting this, I pulled it back out and carefully wiped the dirt off on my jacket. I slid it back into the sheath and sighed.

I wanted so badly to make my father proud and I couldn’t even win one measly fight with a bandit. I couldn’t even talk to the princess without looking like a fool! That was partly her fault though.

“Will!” My name echoed through the trees. I imagined Sir Manchmal muttering about that “good for nothing boy” who was “always taking the lazy rout.” I smiled a little in spite of myself and rose to my feet. We had a long journey today and it wouldn’t do any good to keep my master waiting.

Following Orders: Chapter Three

           Chapter Three

 I clung to the leather reigns resting between my fingers, trying not to let my nervousness show through. The horse beneath me was a dark brown, tense and strong. Its muscles rippled and its coat shone in the barely broken morning. The beast held its head high and appeared to almost be overseeing preparations.

            The first tangible rays of sun pushed over the castle wall, penetrating the cool air and being stopped from reaching the ground by my figure. It glinted in my eyes, determined to blind me. I tugged ever so gently on the horse’s reigns, turning to face the plain carriage by the gate.

            The simple vehicle was neither rich nor beautiful. It was a wooden frame with wooden walls on wooden wheels. There was a bench for the driver and open windows. Only heavy curtains shielded occupants from the view of the world.

            In stark contrast to the coach was the girl climbing into it. Her blonde hair had been carefully braided and twisted for the journey. She wore a simple traveling dress – by a royal’s standards that is. The brown garment was still decorated with embroidery and sequins, catching up bits of light and throwing them back out into the world. The toe of a brand new boot peeked out from beneath these sequined skirts, showing its sturdiness and shine.

            It was the work of a moment to climb into the carriage and when she had, the Princess Elaine seated herself and then leaned forward to peer out of the open door. Her grey eyes flitted about nervously underneath a creased brow. Red lips were pursed and fingers twitched in a lap of embroidery.

            Those lips parted and a musical voice descended upon all within earshot. “Why do I have to do this Papa? I want to stay here not go off to some other kingdom like cattle! It’s not fair!” Her brow furrowed and she looked at her father with irritation on her face.

            The king sighed. He stooped as if a great weight had fallen to rest upon his shoulders in the night, one that was not lifted by the morning. He took a step toward his daughter and took her hands in his. Arthur had to look upwards to speak to her, though she leaned toward him.

            “Because, my dear, it is the only way to save Camelot. Without your marriage, this country is doomed.”

            She pulled her hands away. “What about saving me from a life I don’t want? If you just want me to get married, I could marry someone here! I would even put up with that servant boy if I could stay!” She nodded toward me.

            “I know darling. I’m sorry. You must know that I would never send you away if it could be prevented, but, unfortunately, this is the only way. I love you beyond words pumpkin and I wish you could stay here forever.” He looked like a small child begging his mother to understand why he had to give the bread to a stray dog.

            “If I have to go, wouldn’t I at least have a more comfortable journey? This box is hardly fit for a slave and the journey is two weeks! I’ll never make it!”

            “There are a few pillows beneath the seats and blankets in your trunk. I’m sorry you cannot be more comfortable, but you must not be known to be traveling. If you were to be taken by men of Aronway, I could never live with myself!”

            “But Papa!” She whimpered.

            “I’m sorry Elaine. We will come to the official wedding when this war is quenched and there shall be many visits after that, I promise! You must leave now though, time is short. I love you, dearest! Farewell!”

            He closed the door gently and leaned up against it for a moment. Then he stepped away and the driver climbed up onto his bench. Sir Manchmal put a hand on his king’s shoulder. “I’ll take care of her sire. Don’t you worry about that.” Arthur nodded but that worry did not appear to leave his face.

            “I know you will.”

            My master climbed onto his mount which dwarfed my own and signaled the driver of the coach. The placid horses began walking forward gently, as if they knew they pulled precious cargo. Sir Manchmal’s horse fell into step on one side of the coach and I eased mine as gently as possible in behind him.

            The gates lay open before us and the few people populating the courtyard were silent as our procession traveled through them. As my mount stepped beyond the walls, I took one glance back. A weighed down king gazed lovingly after the coach. He was the last person I saw as we left that cool June morning.

            It was an hour in. The sun had pushed its way higher into the clear sky and was now raining down golden beams of light. They were intercepted by the layer of leaves and came out shadowy and green. All was quiet. Well, that’s not quite true – what I meant is that no one was talking.

            A myriad of bird calls spotted the forest on top of the chatter of squirrels and other small rodents. Wind blew through the trees, making the lighter branches sway in a hypnotic dance. The horses breathed heavily under their burdens and let their solid hooves beat down the dirt path with many thuds. The wooden wheels of the coach generally clattered and jangled. Sir Manchmal’s armor clinked as he rode.

            But besides all of those noises, all was quiet.

            It was a peaceful cacophony which greeted the ears and gave pleasure to the hearer. I smiled contentedly.

            A few years prior, when I was about twelve years old, I had broken a glass. I had been carrying it to Sir Manchmal when it slipped out of my fingers and made contact with the floor. The perfect glass had instantly turned to smithereens with a huge crash. The whole atmosphere seemed to break along with the glass.

            And that’s what it felt like when the princess spoke. Or, rather, yelled.

            “Boy! Serving boy! Come here!” The carriage rumbled to a reluctant halt. “No, no. Keep going. Serving boy! Come ride beside this wooden monstrosity.”

            I urged my horse forward, wondering what Princess Elaine could possibly want from me. The thick curtain blocking her window had been drawn back. When I peered into the gloomy darkness (for all of the other windows were still covered), I saw the same beauty that had climbed inside only that morning. Her hair and dress were a little mussed and she looked perturbed, but other than that, she seemed to be quite alright.

            “Yes, Your Highness?”

            “My father said that you would make good conversation. I don’t really believe him, seeing as you’re only a servant –“

            “A squire, Your Highness.” I could only take so much.

            She scowled at me. “I do not care what type of servant you are. Do not interrupt me.” She paused to see if I dared speak up again. I did not. “Like I was saying, my father said that you could entertain me on this dreadful trip and I’m bored. So entertain me.”

            I was speechless.

            She huffed. “I said, entertain me! You’re not any good for conversation, are you? I tried to tell my father that but he wouldn’t listen and he always listens to me.” I believed it. “Why, you probably never held a proper conversation in your life! If my father were here –“

            “At least you have a father,” I mumbled.

            “What was that?” She had perked up like a dog while a pig was being butchered.

            “Nothing Your Highness. I’m sorry.”

            She shook her head. “No, what did you say?”

            I bit my lip. “I said, ‘at least you have a father.’” Would she think me impertinent? I didn’t really care what her opinion of me was, but I didn’t want to listen to a lecture on the finer points of etiquette at the moment.

            She cocked her pretty blonde head. “You mean to say, you don’t have a father?”

            “No, Your Highness.”

            “Is he dead?” She sounded almost lighthearted.

            “Yes, Your Highness.”

            Her eyebrows shot up. Doubtless this sheltered girl had never thought about children without parents, having two perfectly good ones of her own. “How did he die?”

            I sucked in my breath as if I had been punched in the gut. “He was fighting.”

            “In a bar? Was he a thief? A murderer?!” A glint of excitement touched the Princess Elaine’s dull grey eyes.

            “No!” I bit my tongue to keep from lashing out. “He was in a war.”

            “Oh.” She pondered that for a moment. “Well I suppose it’s still interesting if he was a knight. Was he?”

            I licked my lips. Sir Manchmal’s words traversed the years to come into my head. I’ll train you up to be the best knight that ever lived, just like your father. I set my jaw and nodded firmly. “Yes.”

            That fire of eagerness rekindled. “Was your mother a damsel in distress? Did your father rescue her from a cruel black knight and then marry her? Was there a dragon?”

            “Dragons don’t exist,” I said bluntly. I didn’t want to think about my mother either, so of course she pressed on.

            “Where is your mother now? Is she living off at a castle somewhere and you were rebellious and left to make your own way in the world and she’s at home worrying about her baby boy?”

            “First off, I’m no one’s baby boy. Second off, my mother’s dead too.”

            “You’re an orphan!”

            “Is that a surprise to you Your Highness?” I scowled. How dare she take such personal things from me!

            “Well, a little bit. I’ve never met an orphan before.”

            “You probably have and you just don’t know it. You think all of your servants have parents? Most of them are probably either too poor not to work or have nowhere else to go. Maybe some of them have siblings to support.”

            “Hm.” She settled back against the bouncing coach bench to think about that. I noticed a fluffy pillow behind her straight back and wished for one of my own. “Do you have any siblings?”

            Her question caught me off guard and I told her what happened. “I was supposed to. My mother was pregnant when she died. It was going to be a girl.”

            “So it’s just you then? All of your family members are dead? That’s quite an accomplishment.”

            I turned on her as much as I could with the traveling constraints. “Are you serious? I lost my whole family! That’s not an accomplishment, that’s a tragedy! How could you say such a thing?!”

            She reached out the window and tugged on one of the dark curls that had fallen over my forehead. “There, I suppose you can be entertaining.”

            My jaw dropped and I yanked my head out of her reach. I ground my teeth together and looked dead ahead, trying to focus on the road to keep from reacting. She was the princess after all, and anything I did could hold dire consequences.

            “So tell me more about your father the knight. It’s too dark to read in here, so I haven’t been able to read The Song of Roland and I’m dying for a courtly tale!”

            My ears perked up in spite of the rest of me at the name of the poem. “I know that story,” I said grudgingly. “I could tell it.”

            “Oh, please do. I am so bored.”

            I dove into the tale with energy, pushing unwanted thoughts and memories out of my mind and focusing wholly on the story of a brave and courageous knight who embodied everything I wanted to be.

            We traveled many miles as I spoke and the sun journeyed higher and higher into the sky. I let the words unfold as they came, my favorite story coming out simply and definitely not in poetic form. When I had finished, the princess nodded appreciatively.

            “That was surprisingly good for a servant. It wasn’t a poem though.”

            I clenched my jaw so as not to bite back. “I’m sorry Your Highness, I do not have the poem memorized.”

            She sighed dramatically. “I suppose that shall have to suffice for now.” She pushed her head out of the window and looked all around, taking in details with her sharp gaze. “Where are we?” The question was directed at Sir Manchmal.

            “We are about twenty miles from Camelot. We are about to stop for a midday meal. Are you hungry, my lady?”

            Her eyes widened and she nodded enthusiastically. “Extremely so. How much farther to King Baldwin’s dreadful castle?”

            “About two hundred miles my lady. Seeing as it is now Tuesday, we should arrive next Friday.”

            The princess groaned and fell back into the carriage. She pulled the drape closed without another word and I took that as a queue to fall back into place behind my master.

            The midday meal was good but not anything special. Her Highness the princess complained about its blandness and lack of beauty for an hour afterward, clearly demonstrating the nature of all of the previous meals in her life. She did not ask me to come speak to her again that day so I continued to be silent until we made camp at sunset.