The White Knight

468

A meeting between a Knight and a Hunter.

 

Especially for Karen who can’t get enough of the White Knight.

---

The solitary figure that strode quietly along the forest path was plainly dressed, but moved with all the grace and skill of a seasoned hunter. His weapons, though simple, caused the watching hidden figure to pause before giving the signal to attack.

From the protective colouration of the forest brush came six roaring, bellowing ruffians intent on scaring their prey to death if nothing else; and their skill at swordsmanship left little doubt as to which was their better weapon.

The hunter had reduced the opposition to three when help arrived on the scene. It was a good thing too, as he was beginning to tire and had taken several blows that where making themselves felt.

At the appearance of the silent warrior, the remaining thieves, obviously thinking the odds had changed somewhat, took off for parts unknown. A parting arrow defiantly fired back at the hunter amazingly found its mark in his lower back and he stumbled forward into arms that prevented his fall, and then gently lowered him to the ground. Before his eyes closed under the mounting darkness overtaking him, he thought he was seeing an angel. The blurry figure kneeling beside him was all white, and he thanked God for sending him a guide to heaven.

When he next opened his eyes, he quickly closed them again. It seemed that heaven was not much different than the world he had just left, but then the aroma of roasting meat overtook his senses and he made an attempt to rise only to fall back as pain overrode his hunger.

“Well, it’s about time you woke up.” Said a soft cultured voice. “I had doubts we would be able to leave here before tomorrow’s eve. Are you hungry?”

A more calculated, slow rise got him to his knees without much discomfort.

“Stay seated, I will bring you a cup.” Said the same voice.

A steaming cup was presented to him and the rising warmth enticed him. His raised brow brought a quick assurance.

“It is only broth with some healing herbs I carry. It will aid in the regaining of your strength.”

His eyes searched the face before him and saw no deceit. The broth was quickly downed and then his eyes went longingly to the spit.

A wonderful, soothing laugh issued from his protector.

“A hearty meal will obviously aid in your recovery as well. Let me help you sit and we will eat.”

After both had been sated, he sat back against the tree that was his support and eyed his saviour.

The man before him was tall, well built and with blond hair and blue eyes. He didn’t often see such as him, but had heard stories of a nation of such blond, blue-eyed peoples who were said to be savages. He had removed his long white cloak and was dressed in shirt and breeches of the finest quality. His sword, which lay on his cloak, seemed to reflect fire and sparkle with colour. His saddle, boots and other accoutrements were of the finest craftsmanship and the quality and breeding of his horse were equally obvious. Here was a knight of great wealth, someone who could possibly be of use to him.

“May I ask the name of the knight who has come to my rescue.”

“Certainly, I am Kenneth of Duluth, at your service sir.”

“I am no ‘sir’ sir.” He laughed. “David Michael, lowly servant, now a free man.”

“Well David Michael, how came you to be a free man?” Sir Kenneth asked.

A cloud momentarily crossed David Michael’s face and darkened his eyes.

“A familiar story sir. I was in service to Harold of Dobey, but after an injury that required much time to heal, he released me and granted me my freedom.”

“Yes, I could see many scars on your body as I tended you. Would you tell me the story to pass the time?”

With a shrug David Michael told a brief story.

“It was an ambush. They thought I was carrying secret documents for my master that would cause trouble all the way to the throne.”

“Were they wrong?”

“Not really, although I had no idea at the time what I was carrying.”

“Did they get the documents?”

David Michael straightened in pride and defiance.

“No sir. I had them strapped to my inner thigh and they missed them. My master later informed me that indeed they were of the greatest import to the security of the nation, and gave me my freedom as a reward.”

“You seem well recovered of your injuries.”

“It took a while, but I am almost fully as I was.”

After long minutes spent gazing into the fire, David Michael turned the questions on his companion.

“And you sir, whom do you serve?”

Sir Kenneth snorted. “At the moment, only myself. I am also a free man, wandering the land doing service where I may.”

“For what do you search?”

A sharp glance at the insightful question was followed by a deep sigh.

“I see you are a student of man David Michael so I will make no attempt to hide from you.”

Almost sorrowfully he went on. “For many years I offered my sword in the service of the Lady Karen and her family, but there came a time she no longer required such service, so I moved on.”

David Michael interrupted. “You are married then?”

“No, no. In my youth I was married to the daughter of one of our wealthiest merchants. He had hoped to make good of the connections my family had in court, but failed to realize my ambitions lay elsewhere and that my father would eventually disown me. I left my home in disfavour, not only with my family, but also my wife’s and the church. It did not take much in bribery to have our marriage declared invalid. I heard much later that she had died a horrible death due to her involvement in a conspiracy to defraud the king.”

David Michael wondered at the secrecy, lies and false lives the aristocracy lived, and was glad he was a lowly free man.

“But what of Lady Karen?” he asked.

“Ah, Lady Karen. When I first came to this country, I was able to perform a small service for a gentleman whose carriage was accosted by highwaymen. In gratitude he offered me a place in his household, where I served him and his family in many ways. He rose in esteem and became quite powerful and conscious of his new place. He betrothed his daughter to a Lord of the realm, and thus she became Lady Karen.”

David Michael knew there was a lot more to the story, but did not press.

“And for what do you seek now?” he asked again.

The dreamy, forlorn look left Sir Kenneth’s face to be replaced by one of hopelessness and longing.

“An impossible quest perhaps. I seek peace, a place to call my own, and a companion to share it with.”

His look at David Michael then was one of amusement and mild embarrassment, but changed to surprise at the understanding nod and grave acceptance he saw in his eyes.

“A worthy quest Sir Kenneth. Worthy indeed.”

“Well”, said Sir Kenneth “let us get some rest now and hopefully we can be on our way come morning.”

For the next three days they made slow, lazy progress alternately riding and walking, getting better acquainted, becoming friends. On the fourth day they came upon a reasonably large town and stayed to enjoy some civilized comforts. They welcomed the feeling of safety and fun the town offered, and lingered, seemingly unable to part.

Sir Kenneth drew admiring glances from all, and they sought out his company, showing only mild surprise when he insisted on including David Michael in any invitation. His almost regal priest-like bearing and his civil knowledgeable speech won him offers of employment and knowing glances from the ladies.

David Michael mostly declined invitations to accompany Sir Kenneth to the long dreary meals in the homes or castles of the nobility. More often than not he could be found in the company of squires, pages and minor officials of the town. Everyone assumed he was in service to the knight as he generally tended to the care of the equipment, horse, clothing etc., although it puzzled many how they seemed to interact as friends and equals.

At the passing of the third holy day since their arrival, Sir Kenneth spoke of moving on.

David Michael was stunned. He had welcomed the change that being in one place meant. He had the beginning of a life he had been accustomed to; respect was building, friends made, and opportunities for good honest work. But he could see that for his friend it was only more of the same.

“David Michael, I must continue on. I have heard of an island that is lush with green grass and forest; where men are allowed to roam freely without servitude or masters; where land is free to those who can hold it, and no one asks your lineage. I hope to find my peace there, and a place of my own.”

Swallowing hard in fear, David Michael asked. “And your companion as well?”

Sir Kenneth turned gentle, compelling eyes on him.

“I had hoped I had found a companion worthy of my trust, loyalty and friendship. Am I in error?”

David Michael couldn’t contain his joyous smile, or the small skip and a leap that had Sir Kenneth’s forearm strongly grasped in a seal of friendship.

“Shall we David Michael?”

“We shall Sir Kenneth!” said David Michael as they linked arms and stepped boldly into the future.