Ch.1: A Monster In The Hills
Humming to the steady beating of hooves on this fresh spring day, a noble knight sat aboard his valiant steed, trotting his way through the green countryside.
Clad in shiny, metal armor, the knight held the reins of his horse tightly in his fists, as he guided the white stallion to the nearby village of Locksmer. It was here, the knight hoped, where his next great adventure would lie.
Roaming from kingdom to kingdom, and never staying for more than a week, the roaming knight continued his endless crusade, in hope that one day, he would find the place where he truly belonged.
Finally, arriving in the village, the knight whoaed his horse, and slowly got off of the animal's back.
"Rest now Brave Water" said the knight, patting the horse's head " I'll go see if there is a place for us to spend the night,"
Locating a nearby inn, the knight went over to ask for room and board when the chatter of two strangers suddenly caught his ear.
"I'm telling you that kingdom is cursed!" said the voice of an old man, probably in his sixties " There's a demon hanging around those parts,"
"Aye" said the second man, sounding a little younger " They say it has skin like fire, and its eyes are as bright as stars. A thief and devil to all it comes across,"
"I feel sorry for Solan" said the first man " the King has offered a big reward to whoever is brave enough to slay that beast,"
"To bad no man is dumb enough to take the job," said the second man.
With that last statement, both men laughed out loud and moved on.
"Can I help you Sir?" asked a femine voice, dragging the knight's attention from the men's conversation.
"Oh yes" said the knight to the innkeeper " room and board for the night please. It would seem like I have a new quest to follow tomorrow morning,"
"I'll sign you in right away Mr.?" started the innkeeper.
"Aaron" said the knight " Sir Aaron,"
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By early the next day, Sir Aaron once again found himself mounting his horse for a ride, but this time, he had a clean view to where he was going.
To the Kingdom of Solan, and kill the beast that was plaguing the town.
The promise of a big reward never bothered Sir Aaron. The code of a knight was to protect the people, not to gather wealth.
Three hours of riding later, Sir Aaron gazed upward on the beautiful Kingdom of Solan.
Built entirely out of precious white stones, and garlanded by beautiful wreaths of flowers and gold, Sir Aaron had to admit to himself, that this was the richest looking kingdom he had ever seen.
Squezzing his knees, Sir Aaron prodded Brave Water forward through the gate, and guided the horse to head for the big, white castle standing directly in Solan's center.
When they finally arrived at the palace door, Sir Aaron told the guards of his reason for coming, and was allowed to go in and speak to the King. His horse, Brave Water, had to wait outside.
The inside of the castle was just as beautiful as the out. Priceless paintings hung from the walls, while glittering jewels and statues decorated the bends of the corridors.
The throne room was equally wonderful. With a large, orante chair standing at the center, crusted with gold and jewels.
Two suits of armor stood on either side of the throne, with bowls of fire cupped in their hands.
A tall, thin man, clad in black robes, sat in the center of the ornate chair, with a crown of rubies circled around his head. His cold, amber gaze immediately locked on Sir Aaron once the knight entered the room.
Fear gripped at Sir Aaron's heart the moment he saw the imposing figure on the throne. Swallowing his courage, the knight forced himself down on one knee, and bowed before the King.
"Your Majesty" greeted the knight " I am Sir Aaron,"
"You may call me Luther Sir Knight" said the King "What business brings you to my kingdom?"
"I have heard tell of a monster in these fair hills," said the knight.
"Ah yes the beast" said the King " He has been a plague this kingdom has yet to cure. Even my humble Sheriff fails to do away with this horror,"
"Then perhaps I may assist?" said Sir Aaron, hoping that the King would grant his request.
" Hah!" said the Sheriff, walking into the room " you wouldn't last an hour against that beast,"
"Quiet Romo!" shouted the King.
Sir Aaron raised his eyes ever so slightly so he could look at the Sheriff closely.
The Sheriff was a stern-looking, brown-haired man that wore his red uniform with pride. Two sharp-looking daggers stood attached to the belt on his waist, indicating that he was not a man you would want to mess with.
" The beast is fast" said Romo, turning to the knight " you really think you can handle it?"
"I do," said Sir Aaron, looking straight in the Sheriff’s cold, blue eyes.
"Very well then Sir Knight " said the King " the mission is yours. Slay the beast and bring back a token of your valor. Your reward shall be a place in my kingdom, where you can forever stay,"
"Thank you," said Sir Aaron, with a bow, and then walked back outside to gather his horse.
The guards of the castle had tethered Brave Water over by the edge of the Royal Gardens. Where the white stallion stood tenderly trying to get a nibble out of the rose bush beside him.
Sir Aaron quickly made his way other to untie Brave Water's rope and lead him away from the hedge, when a soft and melodious sound suddenly caught the knight's ear.
Curious to see what the sound was, Sir Aaron peeked his head over the rose bush to see the most beautiful sight his eyes had ever gazed. Even all of the splendor of Solan couldn't compare with this find.
There, standing in the middle of the garden, a beautiful woman stood, hair shimmering in the wind. A strange feeling gripped Sir Aaron’s heart as he stared at the majestic being before him.
Everything about her was perfect. From the way her shined in the sun, to the sparkle of her blues. But the most pleasant thing about her was the way she smiled as she sang.
Sir Aaron would have kept staring away at this gorgeous creature, had not the huff of his horse’s impatience caused him to glance away.
Focusing his attention back on untying Brave Water, and the quest, Sir Aaron mounted upon his regal steed and rode out of Solan. His mind poised and determined to face the monster of the hills.
The faint scent of the evening wind touched Sir Aaron’s nose as he and Brave Water approached the foreboding hills outside of Solan.
The fading twilight painted the sky with its fiery hue, as the silver sentry of the night rose up from the East.
Darkness was upon the land. The time for the hunt had come.
Stepping down from his horse’s brave shoulders, Sir Aaron stood up and drew his sword, courageously trodding into the unknown.
From a distance, Brave Water watched as his master’s silhouette disappeared into the shadows of the night, a small whinny escaping his lips.
“Please Master” thought the horse “ please come back alive,”