Chapter Three ~ Adventure is Out There!

Irvin led the knight through the halls, even though she knew exactly where she was going. He gently pushed open the doors to the king’s study, where the man spent a lot of his time. The royal looked up from his desk, smile forming upon seeing the arrivals. With a quick nod, the butler was on his way, leaving the two alone. “Your majesty.” Hazel greeted with a bow. “You know you don’t need to refer to me that way.” he said with a chuckle. “But I must. You are my king, and I your knight.” she stated dutifully, slight tension in the air. “Someone has threatened you.” “Oh, really?” he asked, eyebrows rising. “The enemy has retreated to Dragonspire Keep, where we are to go by the end of the month. Otherwise, they will come and kill us all. We are leaving by sunrise.” the knight stated in a monotone voice. “Hazel, we can send soldiers over instead-” he began but she raised a hand and replied, “Nonsense. As your personal guards, it’s our job to keep you alive, and this is how it must be.” Tired of the awkward atmosphere, Hazel nodded her head and walked out the door, leaving the royal staring after her while letting out a sigh.

After packing her bag, the knight quickly made her way back to the stables. As she saddled up her horse and tied on her luggage, commotion could be heard outside. Upon walking outside, she nearly burst into laughter. Jack was clinging on to the donkey for dear life while it kicked about, as Eva shouted commands from the sidelines. “No no no! You’re doing it all wrong!” she exclaimed, crossing her arms in frustration. Seeing her friend on the side, she called out, “Your newbie has no chance on donkey-back, let alone horseback! He can’t come.” Just as Hazel was about to respond, a loud sound rung in the distance. “Literally saved by the bell. Come on rookie, time for dinner.” she laughed, turning back the way she came.

While it wasn’t the royal hall, the knight’s hall was able to accommodate them just fine. Sitting between Tyrell and Emily, Jack happily ate his meal. Bruno may be grumpy, but he certainly knows how to cook! A few seats away, Hazel rose from her seat, clapping her hands together. “Attention, all of you!” Every pair of eyes immediately fell on her. Clearing her throat, she began, “As everyone knows, today the king was threatened by the Black Knight. According to the note left behind, the enemy is located at Dragonspire Keep.” “If she was SO smart, why’d she tell us her location?” Emily asked. “Even more proof that this is a trap!” Panda exclaimed, slamming her fist down on the table. An uproar began to rise but was immediately silenced as Hazel spoke once more. “I know that it’s most likely a trap. But what if it’s true? What if we ignore it and we all die anyways?” “Or we send everyone and are sitting ducks at the castle. Should work out JUST fine.” Kylie retorted. With slight irritation, she continued, “I am aware of the castle situation. That’s why I’m leaving some knights here: a few will come with me.” The speaker nearly laughed as everyone seemed to lean closer, eager to hear the list. “The people coming with me are Emily, Wen, Kylie, Ryne, Rowena, Bruno, and Eva. Everyone else will stay here and keep watch over the castle. Be ready by sunrise.” With that, Hazel walked out the room.

Jack frowned in disappointment. Why can’t I go on the journey? Not caring if it would hurt him later, the apprentice got out of his seat and pursued his trainer. “Hazel!” he exclaimed, causing her to stop. As if she read his mind, she stated, “No, you aren’t coming with us.” “Why not?” he asked, instantly regretting it. “You’ve been here a day, and you think I’m going to send you on a trip across numerous kingdoms to take out a threat to the king? I don’t think so.” Rolling her eyes and shaking head, the knight walked away. Jack stared after her, still processing her outburst. Behind him, he heard loud laughter as Robyn and Emily fell to the floor. “You walked right into that one!” Robyn said, still cracking up. The newbie shook his head and headed to his dorm, face burning red.

Emily paced about impatiently in the moonlight. Where is she? “Hey! Sorry I took so long.” said a girl who walked out of the nearby bushes. “It’s alright Iza.” the knight greeted her friend. “So what did you want to tell me?” the visitor asked. “I’m not gonna be at the castle for a few weeks. Going on a trip across the kingdoms. We won’t be able to stay in touch.” Emily stated. “Of course we can!” Iza exclaimed, then whistled. A raven flew from a nearby tree and landed on her shoulder. She pulled out a small metal object from out of her pocket and handed it to her friend. “We can write letters. Just blow this whistle when you have a note to send, and Crescent will come take it.” she explained. “How will he hear it if I’m far away?” the knight questioned. Iza smiled. “Magic. Well, I’ll see you in a while!” With the bird still perched on her shoulder, the visitor disappeared back into the tree. Tucking the whistle into a pocket, Emily headed back towards the castle to get rest for the journey to come.

Hazel stifled a yawn as she watched the sun rise. She had already been up for an hour, and could barely sleep the night before. Sitting astride her horse, the knight waited for the rest of her crew. Sticking true to the setoff time, they arrived not long after. With a nod, Hazel rode forward, heading to the next kingdom. Before they could get far, however, Bruno said, “Can you guys hear that?” Everyone came to a halt. Indeed, there was a sound from in the distance. It sounded like… hooves… “Wait up!” called a familiar voice. “Is that who I think it is?” Eva asked, eyes widening. Sure enough, riding his donkey, came Jack. He soon caught up, bright smile on his face. “There was no way I wasn’t going on this trip! I spent all night learning how to ride my donkey, so that can’t stop me!” he stated. Then he looked to the one who could stop him, who was currently staring at him with her arms crossed. After a second, she sighed. “Fine. This will be a learning experience, which might be just what you need.” Hazel turned back around and continued on, leaving everyone else in slightly shocked silence.