The Dragon's Champion

by Sam Ferguson

  Lord Lokton laughed knowingly and squished Erik in a great hug. “Go and eat,” he said. “Oranges alone will not sustain you on the hunt.”

  Erik nodded and rushed off to the dining hall.

  *****

  “Erik, come forward and kneel before me,” Lord Lokton boomed for all to hear.

  Erik glanced around at all of the people. He knew most of the servants, at least their faces if not their names. He also knew a couple of the children that lived in the cottages near the manor, but most of the faces that now smiled at him he had never seen before. He tried to look confident as he walked toward his father, but on the inside he was nervous. Don’t trip…don’t trip, Erik kept telling himself. He wanted to run, or perhaps have rain drive most of the people away so he didn’t feel so awkward and exposed with everyone watching him. Yet, his discomfort disappeared as he knelt before Lord Lokton, his adopted father.

  “Today, my son becomes a man,” Lord Lokton announced. He placed his right hand on Erik’s head and his face beamed with pride as he looked out to the crowd. “Yesterday, my son was proved by several challenges. First, he dueled several Apprentices of the Sword, defeating each foe that challenged him. Then he accompanied Lady Dimwater to confront a Shadowfiend and bring the demon to justice. During this assignment, Erik bested a full-grown man in combat with live steel, but he honorably spared the man’s life. These feats exemplify Erik’s courage, strength, honor, and mercy. Some may say that it is unusual to present Erik with his first Boar Sword at such a young age, but to them I would say, show me a sixteen year old who better exemplifies the qualities of a Lokton noble.”

  The crowd cheered and applauded. Many shouted accolades to Erik and others invoked the blessings of the Gods on House Lokton. Lord Lokton surveyed the festive crowd, but his smile diminished as three individuals pushed through.

  “Lord Lokton, I cannot allow this,” the tallest individual said. The crowd ceased cheering, but a few whispered and murmured among themselves. “This orphan-child of yours has dishonored my family. Look at Timon’s hand,” Lord Cedreau pushed Timon forward and the boy lifted his broken hand, wrapped in a cast. “The law demands that restitution be made. So, to repay my son, your cast-away shall not receive his hunting sword today.”

  Erik turned and saw Lord Cedreau for the first time. He was taller than Timon, but had the same dark, wavy hair accented by gray eyes that were narrow-set. The noble’s nose was prominent, with a slight upturn at the end. Though the man had grown to be rounder in shape than his sons, it was obvious to Erik that he still possessed great physical strength. His arms and legs were large, and his shoulders broad. The blue and gold tunic was secured in place by a large sword-belt, from which hung a silver-handled long sword. Lord Cedreau then caught Erik’s gaze with his own steely stare. At first, Erik wanted to look away, but he did not. He met Lord Cedreau’s stare and narrowed his eyes on the man.

  “You twist the law, Lord Cedreau,” Lord Lokton countered. “The law does not demand restitution, it allows it. Furthermore, today’s festival is a rite of passage. In this ceremony Erik becomes a man. The payment you ask for is not equal with the offense against your son that you claim.”

  “It is fair payment,” Lord Cedreau countered.

  “No,” Lord Lokton replied. “My son broke Timon’s hand. Erik would’ve had to break something else to justify denying this ceremony.”

  Chuckles rippled through the crowd.

  “How dare you?” Lord Cedreau roared. “My son is noble-born, yours is a cast-away, an orphan! He is not worthy of the ceremony you are throwing for him now.”

  “How dare I?” Lord Lokton echoed. “No, sir, how dare you? How dare you crash Erik’s Konn Deta! How dare you call my son a cast-away, and how dare you demand more than a fair restitution before my entire household and all of these witnesses. Your offense today is far worse than any offense Erik gave. You have insulted my son, me, all of my house, and the law that you profess to uphold.”

  “Watch your words, Trenton Lokton, or we may be forced to end this feud by blood,” Lord Cedreau growled.

  “Is that a challenge?” Lord Lokton hissed. “I don’t recall you ever coming close to beating me in a duel at Kuldiga Academy, so perhaps you should choose your words carefully.”

  “I will summon the magistrate, and he will settle this,” Lord Cedreau promised. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he granted me a portion of your holdings for denying restitution to my family.”

  Another man pushed through the crowd, followed by a large man with a hood drawn over his head. The first man had gray hair and a full, gray beard. His skin was tanned and leathery. He wore a simple, blue tunic with green trim and black trousers. Over his shoulders he wore a long, flowing black cloak, clasped across the front with a brooch in the shape of a golden eye. Erik knew at once who the man was.

  “I am already here, Lord Cedreau,” the magistrate announced.

  Lord Cedreau stiffened and clenched his fists. “I see your wit is still sharp, Lord Lokton,” Lord Cedreau said under his breath.

  “Sharp enough for the likes of you,” Lord Lokton replied sourly.

  “As of right now I see no cause for this intrusion, Lord Cedreau,” the magistrate said. “As you know, Kuldiga Academy reports all incidents of injury directly to me.”

  “I did not think you would hear of this until Monday,” Lord Cedreau replied with the slightest of bows.

  “That was your first error,” the magistrate replied. “Your second was to demand restitution without the support of the local magistrate behind you.”

  “The law allows me to seek restitution without speaking with you,” Lord Cedreau replied bitterly.

  “True, but tradition begs that you act prudently, first seeking the support of the magistrate. If you had done that, this whole mess could have been avoided.”

  “Who spoke to you of the incident?” Lord Cedreau asked. “I have a right to know, so that I may challenge the account the witness gave.”

  “There are two professors from Kuldiga Academy,” the magistrate replied. “The first is your brother in law, Master Orres.” The magister pointed across the crowd and Master Orres stepped out. He was in simple clothing, without sword or armor, but his massive arms and stone-cold expression drew a gasp from the crowd.

  “I gave my account of the event last night. As I said then, I find Erik innocent of any offense. It was a training accident, nothing more.”

  “Lest you question Master Orres’ opinion,” the magistrate began, “remember that Timon is his nephew as well as your son.”

  Lord Cedreau scowled at Lord Lokton. The two locked eyes and seemed to be dueling with their stares until the next witness came forward.

  “I am the second witness.” The hooded man behind the magistrate stepped forward. Erik knew the strong, confident voice. It was Master Lepkin. As the hood was pulled back to reveal Lepkin’s face, Lord Cedreau cheeks turned scarlet.

  “I suppose I should thank Mr. Stilwell for this.” Lord Cedreau spat on the ground near Lord Lokton’s feet.

  “Are you insinuating that the magistrate would fail to be objective?” Lord Lokton asked.

  “Mr. Stilwell is the magistrate’s cousin,” Lord Cedreau replied.

  “But he does not control me,” the magistrate countered. “I say again, I find that no offense was given to House Cedreau, and therefore your claims to restitution are erroneous. Furthermore, considering the timing and manner of your demands, House Cedreau has insulted House Lokton most grievously, and is hereby found liable for damages to Lord Lokton’s honor.”

  “This is an outrage!” Lord Cedreau shouted.

  “Watch yourself, Lord Cedreau,” the magistrate warned. “Remember that the power of the court is with me at all times. Wherever I am is therefore a court of the kingdom and you must respect me and my proclamations. If you challenge me, or have one more outburst, there are knights present who are more than capable of arresting you.”

  Master Lepkin took a co
uple steps forward and pushed the side of his cloak back to reveal his famous, black sword. Erik also watched Mr. Stilwell, Master Orres, and a handful of others step forward, effectively surrounding Lord Cedreau and his two sons. Erik watched the standoff nervously, but it only lasted a second or two before Lord Cedreau gave a great, sweeping bow to the magistrate.

  “I am always at the service of the kingdom,” Lord Cedreau announced. Erik was sure he detected sarcasm in the statement.

  “Then stand firm and receive what is coming to you,” the magistrate ordered. “Lord Lokton, as we are on your land, and the offense by House Cedreau is of such a personal nature, I will allow you to decide the appropriate restitution from the following choices that I find reasonable.”

  Lord Lokton bowed his head and waited, while Lord Cedreau stood up straight, face red and jaw clenched.

  “You may ask for one of the following: fourteen horses of good stock, seven acres of grassland from House Cedreau’s holdings that border House Lokton’s lands on the east, or a one time payment of fourteen thousand gold pieces, plus seven steel ingots to be used as you see fit.”

  The crowd was quiet as Lord Lokton mulled the decision in his mind. The options were fair, but he knew that Lord Cedreau would never understand that. Any one of the options would likely push Lord Cedreau into a deeper wrath than Lord Lokton had ever seen. On the other hand, he could not allow House Cedreau to insult his son, his only heir, without consequence. He had to hold Lord Cedreau accountable.

  “If it will please the magistrate, may I propose a slight alteration?” Lord Lokton asked.

  “What is it you wish to propose?” the magistrate asked.

  “Perhaps we could allow Erik to choose one horse out of House Cedreau’s herds. My son does not yet have a horse, and we all know that House Cedreau breeds the finest war horses in the entire realm. This would be payment enough. Then after the restitution is paid, I would invite Lord Cedreau, and his elder son to participate in the boar hunt this afternoon.”

  “If that is all that House Lokton requires, then it is well with me. What say you, Lord Cedreau?” the magistrate asked.

  Erik could see the indignation all over Lord Cedreau’s face. The man’s fists were curled tight and the veins in his forehead pulsed. He turned back to face Erik’s adopted father, but he was silent for a long time. Finally, Lord Cedreau uncurled his fists and stuck out his hand.

  “I will return home and prepare the horses,” he said bitterly.

  “Then it is settled,” the magistrate declared. “Lord Cedreau will go immediately and prepare all of his horses to show to Erik. After the Konn Deta is finished, I will accompany Lord Lokton and verify that restitution has been made.”

  Lord Cedreau turned on his heel and stormed away through the quick-parting crowd. His sons almost had to run to keep pace with him.

  Lord Lokton calmly walked back to stand next to Erik. “Now,” Lord Lokton said loudly. “Where was I?” Instantly the tension in the air was gone and the crowd laughed together. “Demetrius, bring me the sword.” Lord Lokton placed his right hand back on Erik’s head.

  Erik watched Demetrius approach. He wore a new, clean smith’s apron over his brown tunic and trousers. On his feet he wore leather boots with beads sewn onto the sides in the shape of a hammer. It was the only time Erik had ever seen the blacksmith without soot on him. Even his hands were clean.

  Then Erik saw what Demetrius held.

  Erik couldn’t see the sword because it was wrapped in a green cloth. Erik knew that it was customary to wrap the Boar Sword in a cloak bearing the family colors and coat of arms or sigil on it. Erik understood the significance and was almost too excited to wait for his adopted father to give it to him. He was almost a man of House Lokton. A nobleman as sure as if he had been born to Lord and Lady Lokton.

  “Erik Lokton,” Lord Lokton began as he took the bundle in his left hand. “As you knelt, you were a boy, but now it is time for you to stand with men. I give you your cloak, so that you may officiate in the affairs of House Lokton. All who look upon you will now know who you are.” Lord Lokton paused. Raisa came forward, unwrapped the cloak, and placed it on Erik’s shoulders.

  The crowd cheered. Lady Lokton took Erik’s right hand and slid a gold ring with a large emerald onto his finger. “I give you this ring, so you may remember your place in House Lokton. The emerald in the middle of the gold band represents you, just as you are between those who came before, and those who are yet to come. If you look through the gem, you will see a golden lion. This symbolizes the nobility within you, and serves as a reminder of your duties.” Raisa then bent down and kissed Erik’s hand. She backed away as the crowd sucked in a breath.

  “As a man of house Lokton,” Lord Lokton began. “Your duties are to your family, your holdings, and your king. You will learn your responsibilities in that order. Therefore it is fitting that as you become a man, you will receive your first Boar Sword. This symbolizes that you will take it upon yourself to care for your family. You will provide food, shelter, and clothing. The cloak and ring symbolize your duties to your holdings. Care for the people on your land. Defend them and preside over them.” Lord Lokton took his hand from Erik’s head. He grabbed the hilt of the Boar Sword and thrust the point into the dirt in front of Erik. “Rise,” Lord Lokton instructed.

  “I cannot,” Erik said, concentrating hard to remember his scripted part. “My cloak hangs loose, and without a brooch it will fall.”

  Lord Lokton pulled a brooch from his pocket and held it briefly for all to see. “As the cloak can not stay in place on your shoulders without a brooch, House Lokton can not stand in its place without fulfilling its duty to the kingdom. Uphold the law, and House Lokton will flourish. Forsake the law, and House Lokton will fall as an unclasped cloak in the wind.”

  Lord Lokton bent down and connected the cloak with the brooch. “This brooch represents your pledge to complete your training at Kuldiga Academy, and to one day become a knight in the Order of Kelteshteg, willing to serve and protect the kingdom.” Lord Lokton rose to his feet and backed away three steps. “Rise,” he instructed. “Rise and pull your sword.”

  Erik stood and reached for his sword. As his hand went out, the brooch snapped and the cloak fell to the ground. The crowd gasped. Erik reached back with his left hand and caught the left corner of his cloak. He looked back to Lord Lokton, who stood still as stone. Erik could hear the crowd murmuring behind him.

  “This is an ill omen,” Demetrius whispered.

  CHAPTER 4

  Erik stood peering through the slightly open door, listening intently to his father and others as they discussed the Konn Deta.

  “The cape fell before the boy even grabbed his sword. I tell you, it’s a bad omen!” Demetrius shouted.

  “Sometimes things just fall, Demetrius,” Lord Lokton replied. “It doesn’t always have to be a sign or an omen.”

  “Still, it is unusual that the brooch snapped in two,” Mr. Stilwell added. “Things like that do not just happen.”

  “Especially not during Konn Deta ceremonies,” Demetrius agreed.

  “If this is an omen, Lord Lokton, you know it can only mean one thing,” Master Orres said.

  “House Lokton makes its own destiny,” Lord Lokton replied. “I will not tuck my tail because a piece of cloth fell.” Lord Lokton waved everyone away.

  Erik backed away from the door just as Demetrius shoved it open. The large, muscular blacksmith looked down at Erik contemptuously. Erik locked stares with him, unsure what to say or do. Then Mr. Stilwell came up from behind and pushed Demetrius onward.

  “Come on, we have duties to tend to,” Mr. Stilwell said.

  Demetrius pushed Erik aside with a sweep of his massive arm and then walked by. Mr. Stilwell raised a curious eyebrow at Erik for a moment, and then he followed after Demetrius. Next, Master Orres exited the room and walked past Erik without so much as a glance in his direction. He was followed by Sir Duvall, another one of the knights in Lor
d Lokton’s service. Finally, Lord Lokton came out. He smiled at Erik, but Erik could see the concern in his adopted father’s eyes.

  “I didn’t mean for the cloak to fall,” Erik said.

  “Never mind about that,” Lord Lokton replied. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

  “The bad omen that Demetrius spoke of, it’s me isn’t it?”

  Lord Lokton rustled Erik’s hair and then grabbed the boy’s shoulder. “Demetrius takes things too seriously. Don’t you pay any mind to his talk of omens.” Lord Lokton turned Erik around and gently pushed him as he began to walk down the hall. “Besides, we have bigger fish to fry today. There will be a hunt, and you do not yet have a horse to ride.”

  “I do have a horse,” Erik replied without thinking. “You gave me the paint named Sky, remember?”

  Lord Lokton chuckled softly. “Yes, you do own the paint horse, but now you are a man. You should have a man’s horse. Lord Cedreau has the finest stock of warhorses in the kingdom. House Cedreau has worked for generations to perfect their breeding program. They use only the best bloodlines to produce warhorses without equal. The horses are strong and without fear. They are also so loyal to their master that if the master is unhorsed in battle, the horse will fight and protect its fallen master.”

  “Wow, I don’t think Sky would do that for me,” Erik said.

  “No,” Lord Lokton agreed, “but Sky was bred for other purposes.”

  “How will I know which horse to choose?” Erik asked.

  “That is something you will have to feel inside you,” Lord Lokton replied. “Come, we should be on our way.”

  *****

  “House Cedreau wishes to welcome House Lokton, and other distinguished guests,” Lord Cedreau greeted as he exited the manor.

  “Lord Cedreau, we thank you for your hospitality,” Lord Lokton replied.

  Erik noted that both men seemed to be merely going through the motions. There was no sincerity in either’s words.