Knight Spirits

by David Kuminski

"This sounds to me like god has already appointed you as a leader whether you have the title or not," Proctor Stravinsky said, while energetically waving his stump of a right arm. "If you're nominated, I intend to support you. You have good intentions, not that the others don't, and you're fresh. You're not set in our ways, which might need reviving. This sonic power you unexpectedly found is proof of that. God wanted you to return us to our less barbaric ways. Look what constant fighting did for me, not that I regret losing an arm for my people. I'd gladly give them the limbs I have remaining if it would protect them. Regardless, we should have sought more merciful ways of fighting off the raiders from our shores. Some of us paid the price for not succeeding. In fact, I might even nominate you myself."

  "He's a good man," Jones said.

  "Ah, Jones! I heard you managed to get yourself hurt. You don't look too bad," Stravinsky said.

  "I'm almost healed, though I initially believed the wounds were worse. To tell you the truth, I'm planning on supporting Gonzales, as well, if he's nominated. Did you hear how he faced down Duke Sabbo?"

  "That's already been passed around to every knight and proctor in the Allied Kingdoms. It's not often that a former commoner can face off a nobleman and win. Knight of the Star or not, he's still from common stock like most of us," Stravinsky said.

  "True, but…" Jones said.

  "There's no 'but' to it. You know, as well as I, that we fall under the church for our direct orders. The church reports to the Grand King only in regards to us. Otherwise, god is our boss. Even so, we're still a separate branch-bastards if you must-that the governments begrudgingly acknowledge only because we can fly. They don't want us on any other side, and you know why. Our suits protect our vital organs better than any armor their soldiers ever wore. They don't want to see us trounce their soldiers like we do the raiders," Stravinsky said.

  "But what about Deliah? God permitted her to retain her name. Isn't that a sign?" Jones asked.

  "Did he, or did god act through Gonzales? I've heard about what was going on when she gained her knighthood. If you ask me, god wanted us to see that Gonzales was the man he wanted in charge. To do that, he gave us a third miracle. He gave Gonzales the suit that wouldn't respond. That was a miracle. Then he gave him the additional power. That was another miracle. We just couldn't see those while Van Dyke was in charge. Now we can," Stravinsky said.

  "I hadn't thought of it in that way, but I suppose you could be right," Jones said.

  Gonzales turned at feeling a tap on his shoulder. "Proctor Smith?"

  "We need to talk in private. I've some distressing news for you."

  Gonzales followed Smith outside the church and stopped as Smith turned around. "What's wrong that I should know about?"

  "Duke Sabbo will be coming here soon to arrest you. Whoever the spy is, he's taken your sword and killed Van Dyke. The Duke asked me if I recognized the sword they found. I told him I couldn't remember whose it was. I know you have to be innocent. You haven't left the room recently for anything, have you?"

  Gonzales nodded. "I had to use the facility for a few moments, but that was the only place I went."

  "You better get your suit and flee. The Duke will probably use this as an excuse to get even with you for embarrassing him before Queen Neesha."

  "I can't do that. I'm innocent."

  "If you're accused and arrested, your chances amount to nothing. You'll be found guilty. You and I both know how the courts work, particularly for anyone who was a commoner."

  "But I'm innocent."

  "Your sword in Van Dyke's body says otherwise. I believe in your innocence. The Duke won't. You should fly to Castle Staten Island where he can't arrest you. Claim sanctuary. The rest of the knights will respect that. While you're there, pray to god to reveal the true killer. Now, hurry. You don't have much time. Go back inside. Try to remain natural and get your suit before the Duke gets here. Then leave. I'll attempt to delay the Duke's men."

  Gonzales entered the church once more. He glanced toward where the suits rested and spotted his suit minus his sword. Gonzales scanned the room only to see that everyone was still discussing the merits of the people believed worth nominating. Without much thought, Gonzales walked over to his suit. He shook his head slowly as he stared down at it.

  "What's wrong?" Deliah asked.

  "I just heard from Proctor Smith that someone murdered Sir Private Van Dyke with my sword. See? It's missing," Gonzales said.

  "Van Dyke is dead?" Lee suddenly turned, and asked.

  "Yes, according to Proctor Smith. He said that I should fly away. I know that I can't. Even if I'm wrongly found guilty, I can't violate my oath. I swore that I'd suffer in order to further the cause of justice," Gonzales said.

  "But Smith is right. It's not justice to allow yourself to be found guilty if you're not," Deliah exclaimed.

  Several knights and proctors turned their heads on hearing Deliah's raised voice.

  "Who's not guilty? If you're talking about Van Dyke, I know he's innocent," Moto said.

  "Van Dyke is dead," Lee said. "Gonzales informed us that Van Dyke was murdered in his cell."

  Moto staggered back. "No! This can't be! He didn't even receive a trial yet. If it is, then Duke Sabbo must pay for his incompetence."

  "I'd rather we found the real killer. I don't think it could be the Duke despite his apparent flaws," Gonzales said. "Besides, what motive could he have for harming Van Dyke?"

  "Then who?" Moto shouted.

  "I don't know, but it has to be one of us, because we're the only people who've had access to the murder weapon. Whoever killed Van Dyke used my sword. The killer had to take it from this church after we removed our suits and arms," Gonzales said.

  "Your sword? How do we know that you didn't kill Van Dyke?" Moto shouted.

  "I don't know. Regardless of what happens, I'm not flying off as Proctor Smith suggested," Gonzales said.

  "That's got to count for something," Deliah said. "Would the real killer be so willing to take his chances with a trial?"

  "All of us would do so. I don't think that counts at all. The real killer would try his best not to appear guilty," Moto said.

  Proctor Stravinsky strode between Deliah and Moto. He pointed his stubby right arm at Moto. "More to the point, we should find out more concerning the circumstances and verify that Van Dyke is actually dead. If he is truly dead, then we should consider who among us is capable. After all, some of our members are notoriously awful with a sword. Ubu, for one, is very poor with a blade. I understand that some of our newest knights are similarly poor. If a sword was the weapon as I've heard shouted, then that would eliminate some knights among us. Van Dyke could easily disarm a poor swordsman, even without a sword of his own."

  "Without his suit?" Royal asked.

  "Why didn't the jailers hear him being murdered?" Ubu asked.

  "Now you're asking the right questions. Let's find out the known facts before we accuse anyone." Stravinsky strode toward the door. "If you want to learn the truth, then follow me!" he exclaimed, without looking back.

  ***

  Stravinsky walked out of the Duke's office.

  "What did you learn?" Lee asked.

  "It's not good news at all. They believe that Van Dyke was murdered in his sleep. Anyone, even the worst swordsman, could have committed the foul deed," Stravinsky said.

  "I had my sword with me this morning. How could it have been used during the night?" Gonzales asked.

  "Duke Sabbo doesn't even know how anyone could bypass his guards. He's questioning them. I can tell you that he fears this was a conspiracy involving some of his guards and at least one knight," Stravinsky said.

  "I do know some of the guards, but we haven't conspired against anyone," Gonzales said.

  Stravinsky stared at Gonzales. "They could say that I know some of the guards, as well, though I believe those guards no longer work here because of age and infirmity. I dare say that I'm equally a suspect since I can still, at least, st
ab a man in his sleep with my shield hand. Like others, I've had to become proficient with what I have left. There are probably others who also know some guards. For now, I suggest that you not go around pointing more suspicion at yourself. As well, we should all return to the church to continue our meeting. Like it or not, the Order remains in need of a leader."

  ***

  Duke Sabbo entered the church and strode down the center aisle without comment. He stopped before Proctor Smith and leaned close. "I'm here to arrest Sir Lieutenant Gonzales for murder."

  "I understand, Duke Sabbo. Will you permit us to finish our meeting? I swear that he'll be turned over to you."

  "I've no wish to disturb the sanctity of the church. Conclude your meeting. Then turn him over."

  "Thank you, Duke Sabbo. We will conclude our meeting by sunset. Had it not been for the murder of Sir Private Van Dyke, we would have concluded already. Will you permit Sir Lieutenant Gonzales to participate in Sir Private Van Dyke's funeral?"

  "I will give it strong consideration. I'm already of the opinion that my cells are not safe for prisoners any longer."

  "Meaning that Queen Neesha is upset over Van Dyke's murder?" Smith asked.

  "Most upset. As it is, I shall have to apprise her of the delay in arresting Sir Lieutenant Gonzales. She does believe strongly in the church, so she might not take this badly."

  "I'm willing to speak with her on your behalf. And for Gonzales, too."

  "That won't be necessary. I'll see myself out."

  Smith nodded. "Are there any further nominations?"

  Gonzales stood. "If Duke Sabbo just visited to announce my arrest, then I withdraw my name. I do not want the Order arguing over whether I should be part of this election."

  "Are you certain that you want your name removed from consideration?" Smith asked.

  "Was that an arrest notification?" Gonzales asked. Smith nodded. "Then I'm not going to accept a nomination. I'll not be considered for the leadership with charges against me." He then sat back down and allowed his chin to sag against his chest.

  "You're innocent, aren't you?" Deliah whispered.

  Gonzales nodded.

  ***

  Sir Private Moto stood with a smile, as he accepted the warm congratulations from his comrades. His smile disappeared when Gonzales approached.

  "Strangely enough, I believe that you didn't kill Van Dyke. I still don't see how you could possibly gain anything by murdering him. After all, the odds of him securing an innocent verdict were already stacked against him. Even you knew that. All you had to do was wait. The court would have removed him for you. I intend to mention that to the court."

  "Thank you, Sir Private Moto. I swear by god's blessings that I did not kill Sir Private Van Dyke. I would have died for him," Gonzales said.

  "I believe that, too. If you wish, I'll walk with you to meet Duke Sabbo."

  "Thank you. That won't be necessary. I'm sure you have much to arrange that needs your attention first," Gonzales said.

  "I'll walk him out," Proctor Smith said.

  "I'm ready. Let's get this over with," Gonzales said.

  "Blessings be upon you," Moto said, as Gonzales walked toward the exit.

  ***

  Osongh and Eusis both stood up when the guards escorted Gonzales into the cell area. "We told the Duke that we hadn't conspired, but no one believes us," Osongh said.

  "I've always been assigned to the gate. Osongh was always assigned to the Court entrance. We couldn't have had anything to do with killing any prisoners," Eusis said.

  "Save it for the trials," the guard beside Gonzales said.

  Gonzales entered the cell and sat down without comment.

  "Aren't you going to even plead your innocence?" the guard asked, as he clanged the door shut.

  "God will reveal my innocence," Gonzales replied.

  "In that case, I guess that means you can fly without your suit, and everything else," the guard said, referring to the usual verdict outcome in trials at Castle High Crag.

  Guilty parties were stripped of all possessions and shoved off the parapet overhanging the cliffs. It was effective and disposed of the body all in one action. A vital lesson had been learned once when a prisoner's clothing snagged on the cliffs making it possible for him to not only cheat death, but also to escape, since it was assumed that he'd died. No one had glanced down for his corpse. His later appearance and capture, along with only a modest amount of torture, had revealed the flaw. When he was finally executed, he became the only person to ever be sent over the wall twice, and the first to go without anything on. Since then, it had also become traditional for the dead in Cragland to be buried with as much of their personal clothing upon their persons as was possible. Full dress provided a clear sign that they'd succeeded in accomplishing something during their lifetime. To die totally naked meant that nothing since birth had been achieved.

  "I fly only when god wills it, and I obey the orders of the officers appointed over me. If I must die, then so be it," Gonzales said.

  "You might be willing to die, but I'm not. I didn't do anything," Eusis said.

  ***

  Deliah paused at the gate to the Duke's cells. "Are you certain that I can't visit?"

  "Duke Sabbo's orders. No one visits any prisoners. We'll not have any more murdered. He specifically stated there would be no exceptions for anyone ranking below the Council of Kings," the guard said.

  Chapter 19

  Duke Sabbo's face remained grim as Gonzales removed his black robe at the foot of the steps leading to the parapet. "You're taking this better than most."

  "It's god's will. He gave me knighthood to accomplish certain tasks. My death is proof that I must have completed those. I will leave this life knowing that I did not murder Sir Private Van Dyke. God will accept me into his arms regardless of where my body lies," Gonzales said, as the last of his clothing fell to the ground.

  "If you become too frightened to jump, don't worry about it. The guards know how to stick you just enough to dislodge you for the fall. They won't act cruelly in how they use their spears."

  "Thank you, Duke Sabbo, but I'll not disappoint the court. I'm glad that the court found your guards innocent of their charges."

  Gonzales slowly ascended toward the parapet that would end his life. He nodded wearily at the guards who stood ready to prevent him from attempting to escape. Duke Sabbo kept pace behind him out of formality. Were Gonzales to attempt an escape, he'd step aside to let the guards deal with him. His responsibility was solely to officiate the proceeding. He reached the top just a moment behind Gonzales. When Gonzales reached the opening in the battlement and halted, Sabbo drew out a black cloth.

  "Queen Neesha granted permission for you to use a blindfold in light of your performance as a Knight of the Star."

  "I appreciate that. Did you know that I've always been afraid of flying? Even when I fought the raiders, I was always more afraid of falling than of them killing me. I guess I'm still afraid of that, so yes, I accept your offer. Please thank our queen for me."

  Sabbo stepped forward and adjusted the blindfold around Gonzales' head. "If you have anything to say, please feel free to speak, so long as you keep it brief. If you'd rather, you can stand there for a minute before you jump."

  "I've already stated that I'm innocent. All I can add is that I wish god's blessings upon the Allied Kingdoms. Goodbye, everyone."

  Sabbo watched as Gonzales stepped backward, fumbled for a step that wasn't there, and fell back flailing his arms and legs wildly. He glanced over the edge for a moment and then turned to his guards.

  "The execution has been carried out. Return to your posts."

  ***

  "Oh, god, thank you."

  "Quiet! We don't want anyone to hear you."

  "Proctor Coffin? What's going on?" Gonzales asked, stunned to find something to grab in the darkness that enveloped him.

  "Forward, forward, forward, forward, forward."

  "Not so fast! I do
n't have any clothes on and I'm freezing!" Gonzales chattered.

  Coffin reached up with the remaining fingers of her left hand to pry away the blindfold. "Can you see the cliffs at all? I can't see behind me. Your hands are in the way."

  "Not any more. Those are far behind us."

  "Good, then it's safe to talk. You're innocent. Enough of us know that for a fact. Duke Sabbo knows, as well. He couldn't help but notice how much Van Dyke trusted you. Whoever killed Van Dyke probably figured to get rid of you, as well, with false evidence. Fortunately for you, Duke Sabbo isn't an idiot when it comes to investigation. His stupidity approaches the level of concern only when it comes to defensive tactics."

  "But I was found guilty."

  "Hover! A deception engineered by the Duke with the Queen's permission, when he realized what was happening. You don't need to know all the facts. Just be glad that the Duke had access to all of the secret testimony and evidence before it was presented to the court. He pointed out the inconsistencies when the Queen heard your case. The court then decided that you could be instrumental in finding the real murderer."

  "Why did Duke Sabbo trust you? We know that the murderer has to be one of the knights."

  "Maybe because I have nothing to gain. Maybe because I can't even stab someone with a sword. Maybe because I was once Lady Taashira. Maybe because I'm Duke Sabbo's sister. Take your choice. What matters is that we know you're not guilty. Now quietly accept our assistance in clearing your name and finding the real murderer."

  "What if we can't find the murderer? The moment I put my suit back on, the other knights will know I'm still alive."

  "Do you think they don't know that I'm back in my suit? I'm not worried about the other knights finding out. Duke Sabbo is hoping that the one responsible for the murder will reveal himself when you emerge unscathed to announce that you know who the murderer is."

  "And then what?" Gonzales asked.

  "Duke Sabbo expects the real murderer will try to kill you. All you have to do is stop him from doing that. Then capture or kill him, as you deem necessary."