by Tracey Alley
occurred since he left. Both High King and Crown Prince listened with rapt attention to Wulfstan’s tale. At the end of his story High King Erich had politely asked if he could see the sword Wulfstan had brought back from the temple.
“This is a mighty blade indeed,” High King Erich eventually said after examining the sword carefully, “it was once owned by one of the bravest Knights of Ilmater I ever knew, though how it came to be here I have no idea.”
“You know who owned the blade,” Slade asked in surprise.
“Aye, I recognize the pattern on the hilt. This sword once belonged to your grandfather, my own father, Vidar.”
“Then you must have possession of it again,” Wulfstan said quickly as High King Erich went to hand the sword back.
“No,” Erich said, smiling, “I believe it far more fitting that you should possess this blade. All I ask is that you use it well and wisely.”
“But...” Wulfstan began but Erich cut him off.
“No Wulfstan, the sword belongs to you. Trust me on this. Now, let us make our way to Duke Stefan’s palace. With this blade among us we need have no fear of the undead and while the walk may be long I feel certain that the young Duke will have better accommodations for us than this shack. Oh, and Wulfstan when we return to Vestland I will speak with your superiors, I think you will be better suited to a position among my own royal bodyguards, if such would suit you?”
Wulfstan barely knew how to respond, the royal bodyguards were the most elite fighters in all of Vestland. He felt totally unworthy of the huge honor that High King Erich was paying him, yet Wulfstan knew he would not, could not turn down the opportunity.
“I will try to fulfill your expectations,” Wulfstan said finally.
“Wulfstan, you have already surpassed my expectations. Simply continue to be yourself, that is all I ask,” Erich answered with a smile.
With the ranks of the nearby undead considerably thinned through Wulfstan's efforts they all felt secure in continuing their journey to Duke Stefan's palace. With the primary danger now behind them they set off into the night, Wulfstan and the blessed blade in the lead. What had started as a simple trade mission had become an incredible and terrifying night that none of them would ever forget. King Erich could only thank all the gods of Vestland that his poor judgment had not cost all of them their lives and that Wulfstan’s bravery and determination had saved them all.