Chapter Four ~ The Lighting of Literature

After an hour of riding, they had crossed into the next kingdom. “Through every kingdom, we will be visiting the royals.” Hazel announced nonchalantly. “Why?” Jack inquired. “It’s been a while since our kingdom has made contact with the rest. We need to reestablish good connections so there are no wars.” she replied. The group had entered the main town. The apprentice scanned the buildings, noticing a particularly large one. Catching his gaze, Emily commented, “This kingdom prides itself with its novel collection. Every town has a library.” Something was off about the atmosphere. As they passed the library, he gasped upon seeing the charred wreckage. The others saw too, and Hazel said, “Something tells me the Queen needs help.”

With a new sense of worry, the knights approached the doors of the castle. While Eva stayed outside with the horses, the rest went inside. As they made their way through the halls, Hazel explained. “This kingdom is ruled by Queen Erin. She is a large fan of literature, and has the most extensive collection of books I’ve ever seen! That’s why the burned library was so troubling.” Upon seeing the queen’s throne room, all those facts were confirmed. It was a smaller room, but the walls were lined with books. All shapes, sizes, and colors, there was surely one of everything! Nestled in a corner with book in hand, sat the queen. “Your highness.” greeted Hazel as she bowed. The rest followed her action. “Hm?” she looked up, slightly startled by the sudden noise. Seeing the party of knights, Queen Erin stood up. “Forgive me. Knight Hazel, why are you here?” she asked. “We were passing through, and wondered if you were in need of assistance.” she answered, rising from her kneel. With a sad look to the papers on the wall, the queen sighed. “I try to do what’s best for my people, but not all are happy with my actions. There have been rebels who have been burning the libraries in town.” Jack had to contain his look of surprise as she actually shed a tear. “Why would they do that? Who would want to destroy knowledge?” In a calm voice, Hazel replied, “I don’t know, but we will catch them.” The queen’s eyes lit up. “You will?” The knight ignored the surprised looks from her companions and nodded. “Thank you. Thank you so much!” With a reassuring smile, Hazel nodded and signaled to her comrades. It was time to find the vandalizers.

“Do we NOT have time for this?” Eva questioned after they had filled her in. “It shouldn’t take us too long. We’ve done missions like this before. And once we find one, we all know interrogation is easy…” Hazel laughed and everyone stared towards Rowena, who was currently humming to herself. They head off to another town, hoping to catch the rioters before they acted. Sure enough, they arrived to a scene of fresh flames. Wen spotted two escaping figures disappearing into the nearby woods. While villagers began to splash water on the blaze, the knights rode into the forest, quickly gaining on the criminals. One was looking back at his pursuers and collided with a tree. The knights surrounded the blunderer as the other got away. Hazel demounted and raised her sword level with his face. “Where’s your friend going?” she asked. He spat at her and back up against a tree. With a dangerous smirk, she said, “I suggest you tell me, or I’ll sic the crazy one on you.” “Hm?” Rowena looked up from where she was sharpening her knives, deranged spark in her eyes. The threat worked. He practically burst out, saying, “He’s going to the next town! I can show you where he’s staying! Just don’t let her anywhere near me…” Knowing they could catch him at anytime, the rebel led them to the next town and ratted out his accomplice. With a wary eye on Rowena, they both agreed to go to the castle.

On the steps of the castle, Queen Erin stood waiting. She smiled upon seeing the captives. “You did it!” she exclaimed with joy. Two guards came to escort the insurgents to the prison hold. “Thank you knights. Are you sure there isn’t anything I can do for you?” Hazel replied, “Nothing other than keeping peace!” The queen chuckled and replied, “Of course. King Maximus is a wise leader, and has done nothing to cause war. Farewell!” The knights bowed one last time and were on their way once more.