Knight Spirits

by David Kuminski

  "I've spotted another green light! It's at the top! God has given us two knights!" Sir Private Van Dyke exclaimed.

  "Two knights in a single day! God stands with us even stronger this year!"

  Kaither stepped over beside Cheetan while the remaining applicants tried the last two suits. Unfortunately, no more succeeded. The proctors escorted the applicants out while Lee and Van Dyke escorted Cheetan and Kaither to their new quarters.

  "You have one last command to learn. Most of us find it difficult to sleep inside a suit. Use the magic command word of deactivate instead of activate,and your suit will open for you," Van Dyke said.

  "Deactivate Lieutenant Gonzales suit," Kaither said. Instantly, his suit opened so that he could slip it off. "Do I give it to you now?"

  "No, it's yours to guard for the rest of your life or until you retire. Get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning. By the way, welcome to the Order."

  "Thank you," Kaither said.

  "No, thank god. I haven't given you anything."

  Chapter 2

  "Why the rope?" Cheetan asked.

  Her new black robe given her by the Order removed the last vestige of newness from her appearance so that she resembled the other Knights of the Star. Similarly, Kaither resembled a veteran knight for the same reason. Only the rope tied around their waists broke the illusion.

  "So you won't fly off and get lost before you're sworn in. Besides, you still have much to learn about your armored suits," Sir Private Van Dyke replied, as he looped the center of the rope around himself.

  Kaither asked, "What if one of us takes off before the others?"

  "That's why we're using a long rope. For now, just give the same magic spells that I use. Do exactly as I say, as quickly as possible and you'll be all right. Five up!"

  Sir Private Van Dyke rose almost to the limits of the rope that led from him to Cheetan and Kaither. Within moments, both followed up into the air to find themselves a few airish steps away from him. Kaither gave some thought to the presence of the rope and felt some small relief. If the magic in his suit failed, then he wouldn't fall too far. He would just have to hope that he wouldn't drag down Sir Private Van Dyke to his own death.

  "Forward."

  Cheetan and Kaither immediately repeated the command. They soon realized that they were flying over the cliffs holding up the castle and over the ocean. Several flying shore birds dipped down out of the way.

  "There's nothing but water below us. Where are we going?" Cheetan asked.

  "Can't swim, huh?" Sir Private Van Dyke said.

  "I can swim. I just want to know where we're going."

  "We're going to an island some distance away."

  The trio cruised at an altitude that gradually reduced until they were just as high above the water as they were above the ground when they started out. The height equaled that of the lowest wall around Castle High Crag, though they were unaware that the suits were following the overall topography. As it was, the nearness of the water gave Kaither less reason to fear what would happen if he fell. He had jumped feet first into water from tree branches that were half as high as he was flying. Sometimes the plunge stung, but there was little danger. He then realized they were flying considerably faster than the best the rope pullers had ever managed. He couldn't help but look around just to make certain there were no walls to avoid, as a collision at that great speed surely would have more serious consequences.

  "I hope now is a good time to ask. What are all these lights I see inside my helmet?" Cheetan asked.

  "We don't know what they all mean. We do know that a green light comes on every time a new knight is selected by a suit. We also know a yellow light comes on whenever a knight takes his armor off. The green returns when the suit is placed back on."

  "What about the red light that just came on?" Kaither asked.

  "No, dear god, no!" Sir Private Van Dyke exclaimed.

  "What's wrong?" Cheetan asked.

  "One of our brethren just died," Van Dyke sobbed. "The red light is god's notice of death. Sir Private Cardin has just met our maker. Royal, Wong, Jones, find out what happened to Sir Private Cardin."

  Three knights' voices responded over what Kaither had learned was the god voice that permitted the knights to communicate even though they weren't in sight of each other. Looking in the two tiny god visions his helmet possessed showed Kaither that none of those other knights were behind him. It had taken some getting used to having two little spots to the sides of his eyes that reflected what was behind him as clearly as the reflection off a calm lake or a highly polished bronze sword like the ones each knight carried. It was said among the people that no one could sneak up on a knight who was fully awake. Now he knew why, even though he didn't understand how it was possible. Certainly, the god visions weren't made of polished bronze. They certainly weren't made of tiny pools of water, either, for those would have drained away because of the angle those were held.

  "Will we have to fight?" Cheetan asked.

  "Our duty at present is to swear you both into the Order and then proceed with your training. Once you learn how, you might be called upon to fight. Until then, your brethren will deal with whatever has taken place."

  Kaither was unsure what the blinking lights reflected inside his visor meant, but certain patterns had repeated twice. Then he spotted the first sign of land just after the strong glint of sunlight flashed in his eyes. The flash was larger and brighter than the frequent flickers among the waves he passed over.

  "We're almost there. Be ready to quickly repeat the magic spells I use. I don't want the two of you dragging me across the rocks."

  "What is that strange bright object?" Cheetan asked.

  "That is Castle Staten Island, our destination."

  Kaither asked, "Are those the graves of the fallen just beyond the toppled tower?"

  "Yes, that's where we bury our dead. Whenever one of us dies, most of the active knights gather here out of respect and honor. Though you're here to be sworn in, you'll remain here until we receive Sir Private Cardin's body and give her a proper burial."

  A figure walked out of a gash in Castle Staten Island. He looked up and waved at the trio of flying knights, as Sir Private Van Dyke gave his instruction loud enough for the two initiates to hear and repeat quickly.

  "Land!"

  "Welcome, Sir Private Van Dyke and honored knights-to-be," the man said, as the trio found their footing after their long flight.

  "Thank you, Sir Corporal Smith. I guess it won't be quiet here for much longer. Besides swearing in these two new knights, Cardin just died," Van Dyke replied, as he reached out to steady both of the initiates.

  "He's a knight?" Cheetan asked, upon noticing that the man wore no armor.

  "He's retired because of his injuries. Now he's conducting research into the mysteries of our Order. Perhaps you're unaware, but some of the proctors at Castle High Crag are retired knights," Van Dyke said.

  "Cardin's dead? That's a pity. She was a good knight, just as I once was. Old habits are hard to break. Some still address me by my old title instead of Proctor. When we're too old to chase evil, some of us train the new knights or do our feeble best to learn more. There are so many mysteries inside Castle Staten Island that it's almost impossible to determine what is useful knowledge. Sir Private Malidor spoke to the first knights of what he saw here. However, few of those things can be found, such as the other rooms and the artifacts within them. We just don't know what to look for or how to open any of the doors. Regardless, some of us still make the attempt. We must, or we would be failing our god who sent us these tools to better the lives of our people," Smith said.

  Kaither could already see that large portions of Castle Staten Island were black like his suit. He squinted against the glaring sunlight that reflected off the shiny surfaces to peer inside the gash that Proctor Smith entered. Just inside, Kaither felt positive that he could see small colored lights similar to some of the lights he could see just insi
de his visor.

  "We might as well get on with the swearing in ceremony. Go ahead and take the ropes off first. Then follow Sir, I mean, Proctor Smith into Castle Staten Island. Be careful not to incant any of your spells while you're inside. There's no room for flying and you could be injured easily," Van Dyke said, as he worked at the two ropes attached to him.

  Kaither followed Smith inside the jagged opening to stand in what was more brightly illuminated than he imagined it could be without any windows. Colored lights seemed to flit about on some parts of the wall. Cheetan followed behind him to stand by his side a moment later.

  Smith said, "Sir Private Van Dyke, please proceed with the oath."

  "Cheetan, approach the wall before you and place your hand on the image of the Knights of the Star," Van Dyke said.

  Cheetan stepped over to the wall and placed her hand so that the palm was flat against the wall. She pulled her hand away when she felt the slight vibration.

  "It won't harm you. Please put your hand back in place," Van Dyke said.

  Cheetan placed her hand once more on the image.

  "Repeat after me. On my honor, I will uphold the law and obey the orders of those appointed over me. Whenever possible, I will do my utmost to assist my fellow beings and improve conditions for all, be they friend or foe. I will remember that all life is sacred and should not be taken except when only absolutely necessary. I will always champion the cause of justice, no matter what personal consequences I might suffer. All this, I do swear before all I hold dear."

  Cheetan carefully repeated the oath, much of which had been coached to her along the way out to the island.

  "From this day forward, you will be known as Sir Sergeant Waleski, the name of your patron knight spirit. Perform your duties faithfully and know that you will receive burial with honor, and one day serve at the hand of god in heaven. You are no longer known to us as Cheetan. Any sins belonging to Cheetan are now absolved with her oath to god. Kaither, please approach the wall when Sir Sergeant Waleski moves out of the way."

  Kaither stepped aside for Sir Sergeant Waleski and then stepped over to the wall. He placed his right hand immediately upon the image.

  "Your orders, sir?" the room intoned.

  "What was that?" Waleski asked, as she glanced around for the source of the voice.

  "God? Is that you speaking?" Smith asked in a surprised voice.

  The men and woman glanced around in hopes of seeing what more would happen, but nothing else changed and they couldn't understand the few words that came from within one wall. After a few more moments of uneasiness, Sir Private Van Dyke administered the oath, which Kaither faithfully repeated.

  "From this day henceforth, you will be known as Sir Lieutenant Gonzales, the name of your patron knight spirit. Perform your duties faithfully and know now that you will receive burial with honor, and one day serve at the hand of god in heaven. You are no longer known to us as Kaither. Any sins belonging to Kaither are now absolved with his oath to god."

  ***

  Duke Plesso entered his office within Castle Verata, noticed Sir Tacchon waiting, and turned to close the door. As usual, his son wore his red velvet shirt over white leggings, both indicative of his status. It didn't matter that he hadn't been actually blooded in battle yet. As a Royal Knight he was entitled to wear the red of combat and the white of nobility.

  "How did it go, Father?"

  "He refuses to disenfranchise the Knights of the Star. Nor will he elevate the Royal Knights to their rightful position in the defense of the land," Plesso said.

  He turned and headed for his desk. The desk was equal in size to those used by the kings and queens of the Allied Kingdoms. However, none of the governing royalty knew of that.

  "We should be the ones responsible for determining tactics when raiders appear. Did you propose the test?"

  "Not this time. Grand King Vimma fears the people more than all the nobles of the Allied Kingdoms."

  "You didn't? Surely, he can't fear the people that much."

  "I'm afraid that he does. He notes their numbers on the roads to High Crag each year and compares that with the number of Dukes and Squires. If this gets much worse, we might as well admit that the people rule instead of us."

  "They're incapable," Tacchon said. "Doesn't he see that? Of all the Knights of the Star, only one is literate. All of the Royal Knights can read and write!"

  "Will the Royal Knights support me if I can engineer a change?"

  "Will we return to our place of honor as is proper for the sons of Dukes and Squires?"

  "I can think of no other place where they could properly support my efforts."

  "Then I will convince the others. They're fatigued by this false continuance of superiority."

  Chapter 3

  The procession was small, though unique for it was the only flying funeral procession on all of Caerna. Because circumstances permitted, nearly every active knight within the Order was present. Only two could not attend as they guarded the suits still held within the Sacred Hall at Castle High Crag. If circumstances necessitated, one or both of them would fly away with the empty suits rather than risk their capture by anyone else. After all, two knights could not be expected to defeat an army even though the castle they held had never been taken. Wise men had long ago decreed that the knights should never feel themselves to be invincible. Events had proven the wise men correct more than once. The funeral provided ample proof once more that they weren't invincible, even though their godlike powers were limited enough that they often needed no reminder that they could fail.

  As it was, two columns of seven Knights of the Star flew in close order while suspending a solitary body among them within a tightly-bound shroud, as a precaution. There had been times when such was necessary to prevent the loss of body parts. At other times, the precaution had been for the purpose of preventing the loss of suit parts.

  ***

  Upon learning that a grave needed to be dug, Gonzales and Waleski volunteered to dig the pit. When the funeral party arrived, a neat three-foot deep open grave waited for Sir Private Cardin. Gonzales and Waleski had learned that the shallow burial in loose soil, sand in their case, made removal of the suit easier, as the body would decompose quicker. Until the suit could be removed and carried back to Castle High Crag, one of the knights would remain on the island.

  "This is how Sir Private Malidor first buried god's knights who were sent to show us the way to enlightenment. We honor god's wishes by following those instructions diligently for each follower within the Order. Each of us may now silently send out thoughts to god reminding him that here lies a servant who did her best as a Knight of the Star."

  Gonzales remained to cover the body. He was startled moments after he started moving the sand to cover the enshrouded body of Sir Private Cardin when another stood beside him and tossed more sand with another shovel.

  "Two of you in one night. We're fortunate to have you both even though we've now lost a fine knight. I'm Sir Private Wong."

  "Kait...I mean, Sir Lieutenant Gonzales."

  Wong flashed a brief smile. "You'll get used to your new name. We often shorten our names to just the last part since that's usually the part that's different. Your name, though, is the truly unique name among all the knights, though none of us know why."

  "How's that?"

  "Well, of all the suits, most begin with the magic spell word of Private. Three begin with Corporal, and two with Sergeant. Only yours uses Lieutenant."

  "How come you know that?"

  "During your training, you're required to learn every other name in case you have to restart the Order should we ever meet with a catastrophe. It almost happened twice while the Order was being established. Had we lost Sir Private Malidor when he was seriously wounded, there'd probably be only four or five knights in the Order now. Fortunately, he recovered and heeded advice from others about expanding the Order to as many knights as possible. With their counsel, he convinced King Teeno that the
Order could become a very good service. King Teeno lived to see Malidor's words come true when the Kron Empire attempted to later invade. The King's forces were all positioned in the best places. They cut down the Kron army only because Knights of the Star were on alert and communicated with each other to send our forces to where they were truly needed."

  Gonzales paused. "Yes, I know about that war. It's still sung about in my village how smaller forces won the day."

  "It's sung about in nearly every village. I'm just telling you why they won. The people fought hard and their efforts counted, because we directed them to the right places. The soldiers in those battles deserve all the recognition given them. It doesn't matter that our part wasn't mentioned."

  "But why not?"

  "Why not? Well, because we're here to do what we can according to our oath. I didn't take an oath stating that I'd do good only if people cheered me."

  "Um, no, I didn't, either. However, I've heard much good about the Order. I just didn't know that it was involved then."

  "More might have been said about our participation then. However, King Teeno was still uncertain in his heart about Sir Private Malidor considering that he used to be Malidor the Ruthless, a troop leader in the Kron military."

  "I was taught that Malidor the Ruthless died in a battle at sea."

  "Malidor the Ruthless lost a battle at sea not far from here. He survived and washed up on the beach facing Castle Staten Island. It was here that he met the only survivor sent by god to enlighten our people. It was here that he was tested and sworn into service as a knight. From that day on, he worked fearlessly to do only good for the Allied Kingdoms. We're finished now. Let's put these shovels back where they were stored. One of these very shovels was actually used by Malidor to bury the original Knights of the Star sent down by god."

  Gonzales stared down at the shovel in his hand. "I've never seen metal like this before. It seems harder than our swords."