"Actually, I was more interested in viewing the panels showing some of the battles involving the Knights of the Star, so I'd know a bit more about what to expect," Gonzales said.
"A lot of boredom, just like us," Eusis said.
"Can't dispute that. This has to be one of the worst jobs in the kingdom. There might be a lot of marching and drilling in the Red and Blacks, but at least it was usually for the purpose of going somewhere to fight. That is, if the raiders possessed enough backbone to land on our shores," Osongh said, as he returned to his seat.
"Tell him some more about the Duke," Eusis said.
"Such a wonderful soul, he is. If the Queen wasn't so thoroughly insulated from the people, she'd learn just how wonderful he truly is. Be careful around him. He doesn't like the Knights because the people do. He'll use you anyway he can get away with."
"I'll keep that in mind," Gonzales said.
"You should get out and meet some of the people, too. They'd appreciate getting to know you and find out they can depend upon you should the raiders attack High Crag, again," Eusis said.
"I agree with that," Osongh said.
Chapter 11
The guard at the gate stared for a moment at Sir Lieutenant Gonzales as he walked out of the castle. Usually a knight flew over the high walls. However, he was used to seeing Gonzales walk about within the castle grounds more than any other knight. As well, he'd seen Gonzales at the guardhouse on several occasions, though he hadn't yet met him. At least, the guard knew that Gonzales was a friendly sort, who didn't mind conversing with some of his friends and comrades.
Gonzales considered flying down the same winding path that he'd traveled up before becoming a knight. Along its length outside the castle stood numerous applicants, all similar in size, who hoped to qualify. A hush befell them upon his exit through the gate as they stared at him in his black armor suit.
"It's all right. The tests are still going on within. I just felt like going for a stroll."
Smiles greeted his message, along with, "Blessings be upon you, brave knight!"
Gonzales returned their smiles. He couldn't help noticing that a number of hands sought to touch him as he passed by. Rather than admonish them for touching the suit, he let them get away with it. He knew that it would be the closest that many of them could manage. Besides, as the other knights had stated before, there was no telling which of them might be a fighting companion later on. It was best not to antagonize anyone without a strong reason.
"Thank you for your blessings. Thank you," Gonzales repeated several times, until he finally reached the end of the line.
"Fly for us! Please show us you can fly."
"Five up," Gonzales said.
The crowd grew silent as they gained confirmation that a knight designated by god had actually walked beside them. A few clenched hands to their chests as if those were now possessed of magic for having touched a true knight.
"Land," Gonzales commanded. Then he walked once more down the path.
Townsfolk stopped in their tracks upon spotting Gonzales entering the town. With no particular goal in mind, he'd just followed the main road, even though that would eventually lead to the docks where some of the people earned their living fishing. As well, a small contingent of Red and Blacks remained stationed near the docks to defend those against invasion. Larger units stood positioned outside the town where they could maneuver. Gonzales gave little thought to the military as he entered the town. Instead, he nodded in a friendly manner to the people who gawked at the sight of him mostly because he was walking.
"Are you hurt?" one man asked, while hurrying to Gonzales.
"Not at all. It just seemed like a nice day to walk," Gonzales said.
"But you can fly?"
"Five up. Land."
"Then you just want to walk?" the man asked.
"I just decided to walk. It seemed like the right thing to do today."
"You're not in Cragless for anything in particular?"
"It was suggested to me that I take time to meet some of the friendliest people in the Allied Kingdoms, as well as let them meet me."
"Except for some occasional raiders, we are a friendly town of people. I'm Aboc, Fish Salter and Exporter by trade."
"Sir Lieutenant Gonzales…"
"You're our new knight in charge of coordinating defense? We've heard of you. People! Gather round! This is Sir Lieutenant Gonzales," Aboc called out.
More than a few men stepped forward to meet Gonzales. A few women moved closer to get a better view of him. After a few minutes of introductions, Gonzales found himself escorted down the street by the group. Older men pointed out key locations where raiders had been stopped or trapped in past skirmishes. Younger men wanted to know if he could really knock out an entire boat of raiders on his own. When, at last, lunchtime approached, Gonzales found himself asked to eat at more than one establishment.
"I'm not looking for anything fancy to eat. Frankly, I'm still a simple man from Copra…"
"A knight in our service is entitled to better than merely adequate rations," Aboc said.
"He should eat and rest at the Storm Watch!"
"No, he should visit the Black Kettle!"
"Where do the sailors eat when they come into port?" Gonzales asked. "If there are any to be found, I might learn more from them."
Aboc exclaimed, "The Thieving Seabird! He'll meet sailors there. Come along with us, Sir Gonzales."
Gonzales walked among the men as they led the way to the restaurant. The group rounded a corner and headed for the docks. As they set foot upon the wooden boardwalk, a commotion broke out somewhat ahead. A woman screamed, causing everyone to halt and stare ahead.
"Five up, forward...hover, four down, land," Gonzales said, as he flew the short distance to investigate.
"God's knight! Sir, what can we do for you?" a man gasped, even as the woman who had screamed struggled against him.
"Tell me what's going on, please," Gonzales said.
"He's a raider!" the woman said.
"I'm not a raider. I operate the Thieving Seabird. This woman ordered food without any money to pay when I brought the service. I'm just tossing her out," the man said.
"You have no money?" Gonzales asked.
"No, sir."
"What about letting her earn a meal? Perhaps she could work for you? Wouldn't that benefit both of you?" Gonzales asked.
"Are you willing to work?"
"Will you let me eat first?"
"How do I know you'll work if I feed you?"
"Even I was trusted before I earned the right to be a Knight of the Star. If she fails, then call the Squire and lodge a complaint," Gonzales said.
"Yes, she'd make a nice addition to the Squire's women."
"I won't fail you," the woman said, knowing fully what fate would befall her if she fell legally into the Squire's hands.
The proprietor released his grip on the woman. "Very well, go eat your meal. When you finish, seek me out and I'll provide work for you. Does this meet with your approval, Sir?"
"It's not my approval you should seek. God is the only one who can judge our actions in light of our inner feelings," Gonzales said.
"Paysha! Sir Lieutenant Gonzales chose your restaurant to eat at today!" Aboc gasped, as he and the rest of the escorting group caught up. "Is everything all right?"
"This is the knight with the new power we've heard about?" Paysha exclaimed.
"Yes, he's the one!" Aboc gasped, as he caught his breath.
"Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Please, come into my establishment!"
"Thank you, I will. I asked where the sailors eat. Your restaurant was recommended."
"Yes, we do have lots of sailors. In fact, one of them gave me the name for my restaurant. He said he knew the food had to be good if the seabirds were swooping down to steal from the plates. That was before we had any walls in place. I'll empty a table just for you."
"No thanks, I don't mind having company to talk with
. That's partly why I'm here. Just seat me with anyone who doesn't mind sharing a table," Gonzales said.
The proprietor glanced around. "Any preferences as to who?"
"None at all."
"This way, please." Paysha led the way to a table with one empty chair. "Gentlemen, do you mind sharing your table with Sir Gonzales?"
The three men stood immediately. "He's welcome," one answered.
"Thank you, gentlemen. Please return to your meals," Gonzales said, as he pulled out the one unused chair that turned out to have a wobbly leg.
"Take mine, Sir Gonzales."
Gonzales shook his head. "This chair is fine. It reminds me of home."
***
"I see. So you've never actually seen a sea monster?" Gonzales asked.
"Would you be wanting anything else?" a familiar female voice asked.
"Well, I thought I saw a sea monster one time."
Gonzales turned to see that the woman he'd assisted earlier was wearing an old worn apron over her clothes. "I could use a bit more water in my cup."
"Yes, sir. I'll fetch it immediately."
"Describe it, please. I'd really like to know what you saw," Gonzales said.
"Well, it was big; bigger than our ship. However, it didn't have any tentacles like I'd heard. If it did, it kept those hidden under the water. Anyway, it slid past us in the water and didn't seem to care about us in the least. Then it was gone just as fast as it appeared. I thought others saw it, but no one admitted to seeing it at all. Of course, I couldn't just go around hollering about something that wasn't in sight anymore. Still, I feel certain that I saw a sea monster."
"Your water, Sir." The woman reached over and took his mug before dipping it into the bucket of water she carried. "Will there be anything else, Sir?"
Gonzales turned to her. "No, thank you. This is fine." He turned back to his conversation.
***
"How was your visit to Cragless?" the guard at the gate, asked.
Gonzales stopped. "Quite informative, Eusis. I could have learned a lot more, but I knew that it was nearly time for the tests. Maybe we'll receive more knights today."
"We can only hope so. You're welcome to stop by tonight."
"Thank you. I probably will after the final tests."
Gonzales entered through the gate without paying any more attention to the dozens of people setting up camp outside the walls in anticipation of trying out for knighthood the following day. Even as he disappeared from sight, more applicants were arriving and approaching the guard. Eusis turned to one of the proctors and accepted a pressed leaf, which he then handed to the next applicant.
"Return along the line of shelters until you see one bearing this symbol. Sleep in it for tonight. When you wake in the morning, get into line behind the person whose shelter is ahead of yours. Keep this with you to return to the guard when you reach the gate."
"Was that a real knight who walked past just now?"
Eusis nodded. "He's a good fellow, too. Doesn't lord it over anyone that he can fly. Doesn't mind walking among us or eating his meals with us, either."
Chapter 12
"See me when Jones relieves you," Proctor Smith whispered to Gonzales, as he stood guard over the Sacred Hall.
"Certainly. Is there a problem?"
"Not a serious one, but one that you can resolve, I believe."
"I will certainly seek you out when I'm relieved."
***
Gonzales hovered over the castle for a few moments before he caught sight of Smith in the courtyard. He then moved into position and landed a few paces away.
"Ah, I'm glad you remembered."
"Yes, sir. What's the problem?" Gonzales asked.
"There's a woman in town asking for a knight's mercy. Yours in particular."
"Mine?"
"By name. Proctor Gly of Cragless hustled up here to inform me of that. The Squire of Cragless is waiting upon word from you as to whether you intend to administer mercy or leave her to him. I can tell Proctor Gly to return and deliver her to the Squire if you've no desire to become involved."
"That won't be necessary. I'll visit Cragless and find out what's going on before I say anything more on this."
Upon reaching the town church, Gonzales wasn't surprised to discover the woman to be the same one he'd assisted the day before. "If you expect me to rescue you from whatever new trouble you've managed to fall within…"
"No, only to rescue me from the hands of Paysha! I beg a knight's mercy. He wants me to work all of today, as well, for just the one meal he gave!"
Gonzales glanced at the proctor. "Is this true?"
"Paysha is known to be somewhat miserly, even though he serves a good meal," the proctor said.
Gonzales thought for a moment. "More than a day's work for a single meal? She'd never pay her debt off at that rate. Yes, I'll grant her a knight's mercy."
"Blessings be upon you!" the woman cried.
"You'd best fly off with her now. People will understand if they see proof of your mercy. I'll explain to Paysha that you've granted Deliah your mercy," the proctor said.
Gonzales would have to do just that. He'd learned that in his initial lessons, something that Jones and some proctors were teaching the new knights. At the time it seemed noble and unlikely to ever happen to him, even though he'd imagined how it might feel. Now he realized it was more serious than he'd ever imagined.
"Yes, of course. Follow me outside." Deliah followed Gonzales outside the town church to where he stopped. "Come around to my front and reach around me." He reached around Deliah as her arms grasped together around his neck. "Five up, five up, forward, five left."
Her head pressed against his helmet as Deliah struggled to hold on tight. "Please don't drop me!"
"I won't. Five left."
"Where are we going?"
"I'm taking you to High Crag for now."
"What will happen there?"
"Nothing. When we reach the castle, I'll release you to go on your way. It would be best if you avoid Cragless when you do."
"Actually, I was on my way to Castle High Crag to apply for knighthood."
"In that case, you won't have any farther to walk. Hover, four down, four down, land."
Gonzales felt his feet touch the ground and released his hold on Deliah. She continued to hold on tightly.
"We're here. You can let go now."
Deliah glanced down. Upon seeing the ground beneath her toes, she finally released her hold around his neck. "Thank you for your mercy."
"See the guard for instructions."
"I know what to expect from here. I learned that much already from applicants who tried and failed."
Gonzales watched as she approached the guard to accept a waiting list leaf. He was soon satisfied that she no longer needed any assistance.
"Five up, five up, forward, down, five up! Land." Blessings, he thought, that was a close one.
Chapter 13
"Blessings upon you, brave knight. May I pass?" Deliah asked.
Jones glanced at the knotted cord the woman carried clenched in her fist. Nodding slightly, he stepped aside so she could enter the Sacred Hall. She entered and took a seat upon the stone floor where she stared at the hollow suits for a moment before closing her eyes. Jones was already back into position blocking the entrance so that no one could enter without his permission. A proctor's bell rang announcing the hour. Moments afterward, Klaus alit on the ground before him.
"I'm here to relieve you."
"Very well. How's Gonzales doing?"
"He's still feeling awful. He finally got out of his suit, though. Gwinn is taking him his lunch soon. Maybe he'll hold his food down."
"That's good. It's bad enough getting a cold. Even worse when you find yourself giving spells that you don't understand."
"I still don't know what he said. Whatever it was, I'm fairly certain that he caused my god lights to flicker all about."
"Same here. Sir Private Van Dyk
e sent word that we're to keep him in bed until he's better and not to let him get near the other knights. He's already moving the two knights at the next castle to keep them from experiencing whatever spells we're under. They're the only other knights affected, it seems. He's hoping that distance will have the same effect on these strange manifestations as it does on the god voice."
"Just one applicant so far?" Klaus asked.
"Just her. Still, the day is young. More will probably qualify before time for the final test."
"We can only hope that god is still working through Sir Lieutenant Gonzales to give us the tools we need for helping our people."
"I'm sure he must be. So much was lost when his namesake died before passing on all the knowledge god meant to send us through Sir Private Malidor." Jones glanced at the hollow suits. "Some of them are still flashing. Whatever he said is still in effect."
Klaus turned to glance inside. "Even the Sir Private Ashen suit is blinking, though it appears feeble beside the others. There must still be magic within it."
"Gonzales was right to refuse that suit to Duke Sabbo."
***
Gwinn and Jones landed at almost the same instant as bells announced the end of the day for the proctors and laborers who ushered out their charges. They stepped toward Klaus who stood aside.
"Still only one?" Jones asked.
"She's the only one to be tested," Klaus said, as several senior proctors approached.
The proctors showed no surprise at seeing only one person within the Sacred Hall. They had even experienced days when no one qualified for the final test. Still, those days were few and there were nearly as few with only one applicant. As with any other test, two proctors bracketed the applicant and led her from suit to suit. The remainder stood and observed. When Deliah finished with the last suit without succeeding, she turned to the knights.
"I'm sorry. I really tried. Isn't Sir Gonzales here? I wanted to thank him for believing in me, even though I failed."
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