Knights Promise - Part 1

"William! Behind you!" William turned around and parried a blow just in time. The soldier attacked violently, but William saw an opening and brought his sword down hard on his enemy.

"William," a different voice called over the clashing of steel. "King Malcolm needs you in the throne room!" William leaned over the castle walls and gave the ladder leaning against it a hard push. The enemy soldiers still climbing it screamed as they fell into the moat. William ran for the keep.

When he entered the throne room, he King Malcolm rushed toward him and frantically said, "Sir William! Thanks goodness you are here! You must leave with Gerald immediately!"

William was stunned at the news. Gerald simply stood by the throne sadly with the baby prince in his arms. "Leave? But the battle is not over. We can still win!"

The king ignored what he said and pointed at the wall where Gerald stood. "There is a secret passage here. You must get as far away from here as possible. Have Gerald hide Matthias among a peasant family and you must become a knight in the service of another king. When you have found favor in his eyes, ask him to give you command of an army. Use it to retake this kingdom!"

William could barely believe what the king was saying. "My king, I cannot leave you here..."

"Promise me you will protect my son and do your best to see that he becomes king of this land."

William could not believe what he was hearing. But he could see the pleading in his king's eyes. "I promise."

"Then go!" King Malcolm kicked the wall twice, and it opened. Gerald went first, then William. William waited until the wall closed again then pulled a cork from the wall. He looked through the hole and saw Sir Fenris enter the throne room.

"Sir Fenris," the king said. "What has happened?"

"More than you know," he replied. "You're reign is over, King Malcolm. I am king now."

"I knew you couldn't be trusted. I should have had cut off your ugly head long ago."

"You shall pay for that mistake with your life!"

William could not believe his eyes. Three men in black hooded cloaks materialized and drew their swords. The swords seemed to be made of some kind of dark steel. William replaced the cork in the wall just as the hooded men advanced King Malcolm.

May Be Continued...